TOP TEN

For the past few months, I have been making a list of all the foods available in America that I cannot get here in the Land Down Under.

It is my plan that on my trip back to the US, to eat every food on this list. I am up to about 45 foodbits from cheesecake to apple butter to bright orange cheddar cheese.

Without further ado, here is my Top Ten Foods I Must Eat Whilst In The US:

10. A bowl of Golden Grahams cereal.

The funny part about this one, is that I never really ate Golden Grahams when I was growing up, however I am having mad cravings for it.

09. Peach Flavoured Hostess Fruit Pies

I know that there is nothing healthy or real about these sugar coated pie pockets, but every day after school I would ride my bike over to the convenient store and steal one.

08. Ben and Jerry's ice cream Chubby Hubby flavour

07. One of those garlic/butter/cheese biscuits from Red Lobster.


I can feel my arteries harden just writing about those.


06. Pumpkin Pie

The local specialty shops no longer import the canned pumpkin, and they don't sell those Halloween pumpkins here... which is really just an excuse for me being too lazy to make pumpkin pie the old fashioned way.


05. Arby's Curly Fries.

There is something fun about eating fries that are bouncy.

04. Enchiladas

Or any fantastic Mexican food which doesn't taste like it was made from freeze dried beans.


03. A big, bumpy, golden, greasy egg roll



02. A patty melt


Preferably from Melrose Diner in Chicago.

AND THE NUMBER ONE MUST HAVE CRAVING:

01. A giant CRUNCHY kosher dill pickle.

Now that We have all gone for coronary bipass surgery, let's wash it all down with my most craved beverage...

Dr Pepper

Musical Monday (DELAYED)

One of the reasons I love musicals is for the inspiration the music brings to me. I would like to share with you the top musical numbers that make me feel good, remind me who I am, follow my heart and never let go of my dreams.

Light the lights! Let's take a look at my:

TOP TEN INSPIRATIONAL SONGS FROM MUSICALS

10. Oh! What a Beautiful Morning (Oklahoma!) - I hate mornings. Listening to the song I am almost convinced that "Yes! Mornings are beautiful! Let's get out and enjoy this wonderful day!" This song makes number 10 because its inspiration wears off after your first cup of coffee.

9. Defying Gravity (Wicked) - So totally a song about the effects of being scorned. But like the great Chicago Fire, once burned we build ourselves up even better and stronger than before.

8. We Need a Little Christmas (Mame) - Who doesn't need a little Christmas? Does that make me a bad Jew? When feeling down, do something that makes you happy. In this case, it is celebrating Christmas early... I get the same effect by a new pair of Prada shoes.

7. Some People (Gypsy) - One of the greatest songs from one of the greatest musicals. Mama Rose reminds us that if we want something from life, then we need to get out and do it.

6. Put on Your Sunday Clothes (Hello, Dolly!) - Get dressed and get out (in that order, please).

5. Climb Ev'ry Mountain (Sound of Music) - Honestly, this song does nothing for me. I felt that I had to put it on the list or reap the wrath of Julie Andrews-ites.

4. Being Alive (Company) - I really do not want anyone to sit in my chair, but the point is to experience life and to live see the whole picture of being in love and being alive.

3. Don't Rain on My Parade (Funny Girl) - We only have one life to live so follow your dreams. If you fail, at least you tried. No regrets.

2. That Day After That (Kiss of the Spider Woman) - One of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. It is difficult to free yourself from the grips of a depressive episode or an undesired situation. We are reminded that you have to keep faith because one day you will be free. In the words of a legend far greater than me, This too shall pass.

1. I Am What I Am (La Cage aux Folles) - In this age of mass media, fingertip marketing and idolization, it is easy for us to become engulfed in living in a mimicked version of what a public relations executive considers ideal. We need to allow ourselves to be who we are. Stand up proud and walk in confidence that we are all created exactly as we were meant to be.