Starting Your Dreams Later In Life and Embracing the Detour

Jenee Darden speaking at Creative Mornings I know it's been a while since I've posted anything but that's because of my job. I'm working as a reporter covering Oakland and I host an arts segment on the radio where I get to interview amazing artists from around the Bay Area. Plus I'm publicizing my book  and building my speaking career!  You know what's funny? I thought this would all happen by the time I was 27-30.  Nope. That wasn't God's plan for me. I'm finally beginning to do the things I've wanted to do and I'm almost 40 years old. Some people reading this who are 40 will say 40 is still young. But some younger people reading may think 40 is nearly ancient. But I'm writing this post for those who like me, thought their career and personal dreams would come true much early in life. I'm here to tell you not to give up.  You know, death inspires life. A number of my relatives and friends have passed away, ranging in

Pigging Out at the Orange County Fair

I know, I know...Cocoa Fly knows better. And Michelle Obama would be very disappointed. But while the First Lady was away in Spain I thought this was the perfect time to cheat. Sorry Lady O, but the BBQ was calling me. Hey, it's summer time, I was at the Orange County Fair and I wanted some JUNK. I've been good all year with exercising and incorporating flax seed into my diet. But eating half of a barbecued chicken like I was a king from the Medieval era wasn't too bad, right? And it's not like I ate a fried Twinkie or anything. Ok, I'm lying I ate a fried Twinkie. I hate to admit it but that Twinkie was hella good. The only reason why I didn't take a picture was because I was too busy munching on it. My friend and I split it so we didn't feel to guilty. But boy did we have fun. And boy did our stomachs pay for the price later that night. Back to flax seed for me.
Enjoy my food journey at the Orange County Fair which ends this weekend.




The fair organizers are smart because the food was very close to the entrance gates. The instant I walked into the fair, the barbecue aroma danced right into my nose. There were about six cooks lined against the walkway over enormous pits grilling chicken, ribs and shish kabobs. I've been in LA six years and that was probably the best barbecue I've had since living here.







My friend ordered shish kabob because she wanted some veggies. You know, to make herself feel better about how we were eating. I even took a few bites of her veggies. But look at those huge pieces of chicken. LOL












I can't believe people were buying deep fried butter. Check out the "Widow Maker" garlic butter fries special at the bottom of the photo. It says, "Fried in oil with bacon drippings & drenched in garlic butter." One Cocoa Fly reader asked me if there was anything not fried at the fair. I told her the paper napkins.







This little guy ate much healthier than everyone at the fair. For once, I should have been eating like a pig. I'm sure hay and grass is better for you than fried Twinkies. Oh, but he doesn't know what he's missing with those Twinkies. And out of respect to him, I didn't eat the chocolate covered bacon. FYI that little piggy is three months old.








This ride is crazy. At the other end of the beam is another cluster of seats. The beam goes around in a circle really fast. And as it's moving, the cluster of seats at the end is rocking back and forth and spinning upside down. This ride was one of the tallest at the fair.
I must say that the fair has gotten really expensive. That funnel cake at the top of this post was $8.50 and my BBQ with fries was $11. Plus admission is $1o. Maybe that's just how it is in California. If you're going to the fair on the weekend, expect to spend about $50/person, especially if you plan on hitting the rides and playing carnival games.









So I may have redeemed myself with this chocolate dipped, peanut-coated frozen banana. This frozen treat was probably the healthiest thing I ate all day. And it was good.



How did Cocoa Fly end her long day at the fair? A shot of cherry flavored Mylanta with a few, "What was I thinking groans?" and a smile on my face.

Now that I've shared some of my junk food favorites tell me yours. What are some of the MUST HAVE treats you eat when going to the fair? And if you've had the fried butter, chocolate bacon, etc. do tell how they taste.

Comments

  1. Girl.. I tried the deep fried Oreos at the San Diego Fair.. and I have to say.. they were the BOMB!! I was hesitant but my friend bought them and I had to try them. They were d-lish!
    Now we were curious about the deep fried butter and we waited around for someone to buy and eat one. My friend approached the men and she tried a tiny bit. She was dying. It was GROSS!! Her stomach was hurting instantly after trying it!!

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  2. @ Kathia--oooh I love Oreos. I'm hearing good things about the deep-fried sweets. Someone told me deep-fried Snickers are the bomb too. But that deep fried butter sounds gross. Props to your friend for even tasting it. You know something is really bad for you when your stomach hurts from one bite. Ugh. Fried butter= a lot of toilet time.

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