Daphne's California Greek Grill: Review

Today I went with my mom to try out a dining place we've been dying to try out for a little while now. I never really have had much interest in Greek food before, even though I would consider myself a rather adventurous person as far as food goes. But, I was willing to give Daphne's a shot. As soon as you walk in to order, it's a wonderful, friendly atmosphere to be in. After several minutes of contemplating, I decided on the Rustic Greek Flatbread. Although  it's on the Starter portion of the menu, it's more than enough to feed a single person. After my mother ordered a Mix-and-Match option, with the grilled chicken kabob, a salad, and rice, we headed to a table outside to dine. Our food was made speedily, and we had our plates served to us in less than ten minutes. The quick service definitely deserves brownie points in my mind. The Rustic Greek Flatbread is heavenly. Ingredients included on top are: tomatoes, cucumbers, tabouli, mozzarella, feta, green peppers, red onions, and kalamata olives. It was like a Greek version of an everything pizza. Delicious. I was pleasantly surprised that although it's flatbread and is very thin, even with all the other ingredients to top the meal off, it's a very filling meal and I'll definitely be getting this again. I also had a taste of my mom's dish. It was absolutely scrumptious as well. The grilled chicken kabob was seasoned well enough to my liking, and the rice was the best I'd ever tasted. Whatever they did to it, it was absolutely excellent. I also stole all her pita bread slices, which were divine as well. And not only is Daphne's delicious, it's also very affordable, healthy, and nutritious as well, so that you can go out for lunch or dinner guilt-free. Oh, and the plus is that if you get a drink along with your meal, they have flavor shots that can go with you drink! I got Dr. Pepper with vanilla flavor shot in it. But anyways, it was a fantastic eating experience. I'd highly recommend Daphne's for those of you who are looking to try something new, to explore something other than the age old, classic burger, along with the benefit of still eating something pretty healthy. 6/5 stars for me, because yes, that's just how much I loved it.

My Ethnicity/Culture Struggle

So here's the thing. I feel like any other culture, or ethnicity, has so much interesting background. I mean, in terms of dating, I'm a sucker for Indian, Latino, Middle Eastern, and some African individuals. That's just me, and I find that even just these groups of people have such fascinating stories behind who they are. And then there's white people, like me. I know I descend from people who were German, Swedish, Armenian, Russian, Greece, Switzerland, the like. But in the US, I feel like white people just get all their culture from other people's culture. And I just want to feel, for once, that white people actually have something to contribute to society, as for culture. I don't know. I mean, some have told me I'm a "Nazi". And that's just for the blue eyes, fair skin, and blonde-brown hair. Does that count? I'm not so sure it does. But anyways, I still do love who I am and perhaps someday I'll be able to visit Europe, pay homage to my ancestors. I love travel, and I especially look forward to going to Greece and Turkey. But anyways, I don't know, I guess I just think that the world is full of such beautiful people, inside and out. And that makes me happy, but also melancholy that I have nothing to contribute. I want to do something to change things for everybody, in the most positive way. So, whatever you look like, whatever your skin, whatever your culture, be proud of who you are, because I'm still learning to do the same. We can make this journey together. ;)

Anxiety: The Truth

Having anxiety is like drowning at all times, your head just below the churning, dark waters with no way of pushing your way up to the surface. The slightest change in anything can set you off, like an antelope leaping away to safety, away from the cheetah bounding after him. And your heart races, and you can't breathe, and there's tears and the ever-present fear of rejection, of failure, of anything really, that holds you back is something you never get used to. Anxiety can hinder you from meeting new people and tasking risks that could ultimately help you in life. It plain sucks to have to deal with every single day, but we're strong and we can kick anxiety's butt. Yeah, that's right. We can get through it together. Love anybody struggling right now. If I could, I would reach out and embrace you, but for now all I can say is virtual hugs for all!

JustServe.org

If you're looking to do some good in the world, if you're feeling like doing some service, then I definitely recommend JustServe.org! As soon as you sign up, it allows you to see all services that you can help out with in your general area. It's a great way to get involved with your community and to make others smile! 5/5 stars for me. There's something for everybody, from helping senior citizens, participating in blood drives, cleaning up land, making murals, helping in festivals, churches, volunteering at and schools, and, my personal favorite, giving back to people, like pregnant teens and women, and raising awareness about child abuse. I especially love helping children and young girls, anything to help and inspire. It's definitely a treat to see people's faces light up at all the good things you've done. I absolutely love it. ;) Oh, and for those of you who are in high school, it looks good on a college application, so that's always a plus.

Supporting Muslims

Right now, I just feel the need to stand up for Muslims. There's extremists in just about every single religion out there, so I feel that there is no need to generalize and oppress every single Muslim person out there. Not only that, but I don't get how people can reduce Muslims, especially Muslim women, into a piece of clothing, that they're only worth their hijab. Sure, they stand out for it. But that's what's considered modest for them, and I don't think it's a problem AT ALL to stand out. It truly is a great thing. Muslims are absolutely beautiful people, and every time I see one, I just want to go up to them and give them a huge bear hug. The Islam religion is beautiful as well, and I see no reason to disrespect someone for their religious beliefs and practices. Honestly, we might as well all join hands around the world and sing kumbaya. Why not? It could do a world of good for us all.

Distractions from your Depression!

Techniques That Have Helped Me:
-Exercise!!!
-Spend time in a social atmosphere
-Watch a funny show, movie, favorite video, etc.
-Cut out inspirational photos and quotes from magazines
-Make an "achievement box" of all the things you've done well to remember these accomplishments by
-go through old photos
-make art: paint, draw, use stamps
-Take a relaxing, warm bath, with a magazine and perhaps a Lush bath bomb or bubble bar (this is good for anxiety as well)
-Go to the library or a local coffee shop
-Talk to a friend for support
-Make a nice meal for yourself
-Spend time with a pet
-Play an instrument
-Do a crossword personal or (my personal favorite) Mad Libs!
-Listen to some upbeat, happy music and dance around your room
-Journal about what you're currently feeling to get it all out in the open
-Take a nap
-Organize your desk, shelf, or closet
-Do some volunteer work
-Sew, crochet, or make a quilt
-Cuddle with somebody :)
-Count and organize your money
-Read the book "How to Be Totally Miserable"

Book SNEAK PEAK

It's no secret that I'm absolutely ecstatic about writing this current book of mine. My aim is to write it about a girl struggling with mental issues, based off of real events that I have seen in lives around me.  Enjoy!
1. Ghosting away from the faded gaggle of chatty girls, the ones who never saw her. She seeped into the gray of the concrete, slugging along in the cracks, a statue of stone etched out of milky white bone. Crumbs made a trail after her, the entrails of chicken nugget bits and chocolate chips. She imagined she were a goddess, a bronze tiger brushing through the reeds. Tiger stripes, a map of angry red lines leading to nowhere. Her feet pressed upon the hot white tiles, all her secrets stored within  the haunted, echoing walls. A rusty mirror cracked at her ragged figure, stony eyes sunken in, an ever-prescent ghost of a smile about her thin, cracked lips. Red glowing beads peered into her head, thoughts threatening to break into two. She brushed a hand against the sinks, the water pooling at her feet, cloudy mists lingering in the musty old air. Fairy's dust sprinkled in the ground, a golden luster leading into a stall confining the the shouting and frantic numbers. Mechanical, glint of silver to her milk white pallor. Screw groaned as she bent over, her plain volcano face drowned by toilet water. A quartet of wriggling worms, eager to slide down her throat. Creamed corn, still warm as a hearth, launched a farewell dance into the air. Then, PLOP! flushed into the deep indigo oblivion. Color stained her fingers and mouth crimson with both guilt and pleasure. An angry red shriek sounded, and she waltzed out into the wilderness, slipping into a bubbly crowd of feigned innocence. Oh, Lenny.