Cold Spring

It has been a cold spring around here.  I don't recall having such a cold spring since I've been in France. Ok, North of France is pretty cold compare to the rest of the country.  I don't believe we'll be in May in a few days and we are heating the house.  

Besides the cold weather, France has governmental problems.  And now, France is voting a new law for gay mariage.  Most of us would consider this as a small issue but minority of people (extremists) are in the streets to protest against this new law.  In Canada, it is legal since 2005 throughout the country.  It's been legal in Spain since 2005 as well, a country way more catholic.  You can see here on the map which european countries have legalized gay marriage : http://www.touteleurope.eu/index.php?id=5560

If you have read my blog before, you would know that I am very critical of France, which is one of the reasons why I choose to express my opinions in English.  I am amazed how this country can be so conservative.  It's all about tradition, family.  The anti gay marriage people want to protect the families : i.e. a family is one dad and a mom, period.   Lately, there is a rise of violence towards gay people because of the protests. I'm appalled that they call it : le printemps français (french Spring).  Comparing this to the Arab Spring.  Some right wings politicians were in the anti-gay marriage parades.  It's like they were agreeing that it was O.K. to be openly homophobic.

These people should calm down, it's official France will legalize Gay Marriage today. Here's to Equality!

New Food

If you have read my previous posts, I'm constantly obsessing with my weight.  I eat less junk food and try to eat healthy most of the time.

I cut down on ice cream and potatoe chips, but last weekend I lost it : bought a huge bag of chips and ate the Häagen-Dazs bucket in one evening (ok only 1/3 but my husband ate most of it).  I felt terrible, my stomach can't process that anymore.  Anyways, it felt good to let it go a little.

The next evening we ate homemade sushis and edamame beans.  It's the new food trend now, edamame.  They are addictive.  You can find them at Picard, if you live in France. In Canada it is easier to find  them at L.o.b.l.a.w.s or C.o.s.t.c.o. They sold them already peeled. I found out about the beans 2 years ago in Canada.  I asked my friend what is this hairy bean? She was shocked that I had never had edamame beans before.

If you haven't tried them already,  you can use those beans in an Asian style salad or any recipes you like or as a snack.