Why I Can’t Sell Girl Scout Cookies
This is my first year as a Girl Scouts leader and my second year as cookie mom. Each year, beginning in December, the Girl Scouts organization readies and rallies for cookie sale. The cookies pretty much sell themselves. We had a booth this year in our local mall and weren’t able to solicit sales, by that I mean we couldn’t ask someone if he/she wanted to buy (mall rule). We didn’t have to. Passersby caught a glimpse of those colorful little boxes and walked right over, money in hand.
While I had been whole-food, plant-strong during last year’s sale, my brain never made the jump that what I was doing directly conflicted with my beliefs. I knew I was pushing an unhealthy product, but I think I brushed it off and placed the accountability on the customers -- they can choose whether or not to buy. We’re not forcing anyone.
This year, it felt different to me -- maybe it was the new cookie, Mango Crème, marketed as nutritious by the organization (it was everything but) that pushed me over the edge, or maybe now I was a leader and felt a strong obligation to practice what I preached to my girls or maybe it was simply that my knowledge had deepened over the year. I knew now that sugar and processed food were addicting, making it difficult for those fully immersed in the Standard American Diet to walk passed something they know tastes good -- like a box of Thin Mints. Sugar is as addictive as alcohol. And I certainly wouldn’t bring a recovering alcoholic to a bar or ask him point black if he’d like a brew.
Organizations like the Girl Scouts are missing an opportunity to affect change in a long-term, meaningful way. If I can be frank, the organization is trading health for profit, much like the big players in the food industry. I simply can't be a part of it anymore.
Some may respond that anything in moderation is OK. Really? Would a moderate intake of alcohol be acceptable for an alcoholic? Did you know that a moderate intake of any unhealthful food could finally push the man with two stents into full blown open heart surgery or worse? If moderation were really practiced in this country, we wouldn’t be facing the biggest health crisis of our time. And if we’re honest, the Girl Scouts organization isn’t banking on moderation. Like any food product pusher, it’s aiming for "overindulgence."
Others may suggest that cookie selling is about building interpersonal and business skills in the girls. That may certainly be an outcome for some (though in my experience, maybe because of the young ages of my Brownies, the parents push the cookies not the girls), but with an approximate $700M in annual sales, I’m skeptical that’s really the driving force; to say nothing of the inflexibility of the organization on when you can sell, where you can sell, etc.
Adding to my skepticism is that this year the organization chose to take 15 percent of every troop’s initial order less than one month after the sale began. This caused immense stress on “volunteer” troop leaders to generate funds to cover the amount in such a short period of time. Some had to ask parents to “front” money. Does this sound like a fundraiser where the primary concern is building interpersonal and business skills in little girls? I think the fundraiser may have started off that way but when the dollars began flowing in it changed, and increasing sales year-over-year became the ultimate goal.
But let’s give the organization the benefit of the doubt. It’s all about building life skills. Could those same skills not be learned selling more healthful products? Or by hosting community health expos across the country where whole-food is sampled and messages about nutrition and alternatives to the Standard American Diet are prepared and communicated by the girls? Aren’t these stronger life skills to impart on our daughters than anything that could be gained from selling a case of Caramel Delights? Shouldn’t the organization’s primary goal be teaching the girls through words and deedsGandhi’s, "Be the change you want to see in the world," rather than asking these future leaders to help it profit on sickness and contribute to rising healthcare costs?
Someone “reminded” me that the Brownie Journey book has a chapter on health and nutrition and that as a leader I can teach the girls about both. She’s correct. But when I teach that and immediately turn around and put boxes of cookies to sell in those little girls’ hands, isn’t that the same as teaching them not to smoke while blowing smoke in their faces?
I have no doubt that the Girl Scouts organization will go on to see another banner cookie year. They’ll simply do so without my involvement or my daughter’s. I have and will continue to support the Girl Scouts monetarily and through volunteer hours.
I’m prepared for the negative responses my post may elicit. To those volunteers and parents who spend hours working to make each cookie sale a success, I stand not in judgment of you. I admire your dedication to your troops and to your daughters. Just as I have a right to disengage from the sale, you have a right to stay engaged. I simply want to share my point of view and state my truth.
For our 2013/2014 Brownie year, I'd like coordinate our own little health expo, where the girls will introduce our community to the benefits of a whole-food lifestyle. Having our younger voices learn about and speak to the long-term dangers and consequences of processed food is one of the greatest life lessons we could ever pass on to these beautiful minds.
To the Girl Scouts organization, I ask you to put health above profit. Your leadership in this area could inspire other companies to follow. I implore you to stand by your mission of “Building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.” With that could come a tagline change, “Be a Smart Cookie, Raise a Health Nut.”
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Gramma24
4:01 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
I am not here to condemn you but to praise you. You decided to visibly walk the walk to go along with the talk. If you don't eat them, or would not consider eating them, why would you want to sell them. And besides not being good for you, I have personal knowledge of someone who nearly died eating girl scout cookies.......he had a really bad reaction that rendered him comotose. When all the blood work came back, it was traced to an allergic reaction to the preservatives used in the cookies he consumed, cookies he bought from a little uniformed girl at his door step. Does anyone stop and think how far in advance those little cookies are made and how long they sit in warehouses and council offices waiting to be sold......those little cookies are filled with chemicals to retain color, flavor and shape and to resist spoilage.....at what cost to our systems. Ever since almost losing my friend, I do not buy girl scout cookies. I agree, there are other ways to teach salesmanship and entrepreneurship.
Kellie Walenciak
8:57 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
@Gramma24: I am very sorry to learn of your friend's medical struggles. I do hope he is feeling 100 percent.
You make an excellent point. The length of time those little cookies spend in boxes -- tucked away in warehouses and council offices -- is especially disconcerting. It reminds me of a quote I read very recently, "The longer the shelf life, the shorter yours."
I thank you for reading the blog and for taking the time to share your thoughts. Have a wonderful weekend. Cheers ... Kellie
Keri Cwiak
12:16 pm on Saturday, March 9, 2013
I am going to go out on a limb and say that whatever he had an allergic reaction to is not solely in GS cookies.
On another note, no one is required to buy them, eat them or sell them.
Angie Drake
11:08 am on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
You are so right on this issue Kellie. There is way too much pressure and commerialism in the sale of these cookies and they are full of fat and sugar not to mention all the preservatives. I have kept boxes for months accidentally in past years and found them to still seem fresh; that is wrong and is a clue to how much crap is in them to keep them "fresh"! I was a cookie mom when my daughter was small but that was long ago and I am much more thoughtful on what is good to eat and what is right to teach our children.... And yes, as we eat this crappy food it does have real impact on our health. We Can eat healthy and still eat tasty food. We don't have to settle for fast food and cookies made of mostly sugar and fat. Girl Scouts need to wake up and change this cookie thing into something healthier and still great for teaching life lessons to little girls.
. . .
Gerry Kranz
1:38 pm on Saturday, March 9, 2013
What a misleading headline: It makes the situation sound like you are being restrained from something you would like to do for your organization, when in reality your restraint is self-imposed. you are just another one of those homeopathic quack-jobs who feels the need to change the world, one snack at a time. Good luck with your bran and sawdust muffin fundraiser.
Kellie Walenciak
4:49 pm on Saturday, March 9, 2013
Your e-mail made me smile, Gerry, because just a few years ago I would have thought the same thing about someone like me.
But in 2010, I observed a trend -- as people I loved started to hit their 50s and 60s (some were in their 40s, believe it or not), many were being diagnosed with illness or succumbing to disease. Also, the vast majority were being placed on medication to regulate virtually everything (blood pressure, cholesterol, et al). It’s not how I wanted my future to be. To that end, I began to educate myself on nutrition. I learned that by making healthier dietary choices today I didn't have to fall victim to my genetics tomorrow. That's really what drives me.
I'm not looking to change the world. I simply want to influence my children and those with whom I come in contact to learn more about alternatives to the Standard American Diet so that they can add years to their life and life to their years.
And I'll have you know, I have only eaten a bran and sawdust muffin once and it wasn't as bad as you think. : ) Though, I stumbled upon one that was much tastier. I encourage you to try it. It's simple to make and the end result tastes great. If you don't have spelt flour on hand, feel free to use what's in your pantry as a substitute. http://mywholefoodlife.com/2013/01/22/peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-donuts/
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Cheers ... K
Scott J Corley
3:34 pm on Saturday, March 9, 2013
Thanks for having the courage to speak out Kellie.
Kellie Walenciak
4:51 pm on Saturday, March 9, 2013
You are very kind, Scott. Thank YOU for taking the time to write!
Chuck Hennet
4:04 pm on Saturday, March 9, 2013
Yes. Thanks for taking the time to express your thoughts. We should be teaching our kids to think about all sides of an issue and this is an excellent example. People should certainly be allowed to buy and enjoy Girl Scout Cookies if they wish. But to pretend that refined sugars and fats don't play a huge part in the obesity epidemic is just putting your head in the sand. It is also interesting to think about the culture and politics of the Girl Scout organization as it relates to the cookie sales. I think it is disconcerting when an organization places so much emphasis on an event like the annual cookie sale, as if the Girl Scout organization would perish without it.
Kellie Walenciak
4:52 pm on Saturday, March 9, 2013
I couldn't agree with you more, Chuck! Thank you very much for taking the time to write. Cheers ... K
Pan Dora
10:36 am on Sunday, March 10, 2013
Only liberals would find something wrong about girl scouts selling cookies. ONLY gays and liberals and/or someone with their OWN agenda. WHO cares if YOU (the writer) likes or doesn't like cookies? Don't want them? DON'T EAT THEM! But PLEASE do your whining elsewhere! Do you doomsday warning some other place, and - keep your sugar addiction well under wrap -I, for one do NOT wish to hear about it. Go find a zombianized liberal forum and shout away.
Pan Dora
10:40 am on Sunday, March 10, 2013
This whole article is sooo disgusting! It shows an obvious agenda, GAYS do NOT like the scouts, do they? They love to bash them (their best alternative to anyone who disagrees with their lifestyle). Just another bashing against an organization that has only done GOOD for the whole community - The Boy and Girl Scouts of America!
Pan Dora
10:42 am on Sunday, March 10, 2013
Yeah for the Girl Scouts, yeah for all their hard work and all the good the scouts have done for America, BOO for the article's writer, boo for bashing the scouts. They need to go get a life and leave other people alone.
Rosemary B
8:22 am on Monday, March 11, 2013
Pan Dora, I think you are way off base bringing the Liberals and gay agenda to this discussion on nutrition and standing up for ones beliefs. And you are uninformed. Gays DO have a problem with the BOY scouts because of their promise to be "morally straight" but generally DO NOT have any problems with the GIRL scouts who, I believe, have let cross dressing little boys in their organization and promote other more liberal beliefs. I think Kellie is very brave to stand on her principles and not follow the organization like an ignorant little sheeple. That is the independent type of thinking and action that should be encouraged and respected by all of us.
Kellie Walenciak
11:07 am on Sunday, March 10, 2013
@Pan Dora: I'm not trying to create a "nanny state." You are free to purchase and eat all the cookies you want. As I wrote in my article, the Girl Scout organization is free to and will surely go on to have another banner cookie year in 2014. I simply choose not to be a direct part of the sale. There's a difference.
I am a volunteer Girl Scout leader. I plan to retain my leader status in 2013/2014 so that there are fewer girls on Girl Scout waiting lists. I am well aware of the good that volunteer troops do for their communities. It is gratifying to know there are so many people out there like you who champion and also recognize the hard work and dedication of the volunteers affiliated with both the Girl and Boy Scouts of America.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Enjoy this beautiful Sunday. Cheers ... K
Joy Full
1:11 pm on Sunday, March 10, 2013
Kellie, you make a very good point! Healthy dietary choices is what it is all about!!! In mid-life I am learning that myself - before it is too late. I really hate to turn down kids who come to the door selling candy, but my first priority is the health of myself and my family. So instead (if it is for a very good cause that I support) I just contribute a buck or two without buying anything that I will later regret. So it's a win-win!
Kellie Walenciak
6:13 pm on Sunday, March 10, 2013
Hi, Joy -- Your suggestion is wonderful for those who wish to support the Girl Scouts without purchasing the actual cookies -- make a monetary donation.
For many of us, mid-life is when our wake-up call hits. For me, it was very shortly after I turned 40.
I wish you luck on your journey to continued health. Cheers ... K
Joy Full
1:13 pm on Sunday, March 10, 2013
LOL @ Phillyboy
Girl Scout Dad
1:12 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
Kellie you are a coward. Instead of bringing up your issues to Girls Scouts or your service unit to make a change or to teach the girls you decide to write a blog post and preach about the "Standard American Diet." You are everything that is wrong with the new Internet culture. We no longer try to improve our society but instead go to the Internet to preach our elitist opinions.
Kellie Walenciak
1:31 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
You make an excellent point and I fully intend to put my money where my mouth is, which is why I wrote of our plan to coordinate a community health expo. for my troop in the new Brownie year, which begins in September. I invite you and your daughter to be a part of it as well. Our intention has always been to extend the invite to all of the troops in the area.
I appreciate you taking the time to write and for sharing your thoughts. Cheers ... K
Roman
4:52 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
Ironic that you're calling teh author a coward when you're on here under the name girl scout dad.
Jill
2:22 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
Kellie, I need to stop reading your posts. Although I find useful information there is too much drama and exaggeration. It doesn't help your point when you continue to compare cookies in moderation to giving an alcoholic a drink. What a stretch. Everyone isn't the man with a stint and heart problems either. There are people who can have an occasional drink and cookie and still be healthy. I guess Alex from Alex's lemonade stand was wrong to sell that sugary drink for cancer research! Maybe we should close all the bakeries across the nation. It just sounds like crazy talk. Can't you just promote your special diet and the benefits of it without all the drama and extreme points you make? Whether you realize it or not, you are passive aggressive. You go on an all out assault on the Girl Scouts and cookie sales and then tell other parents that you admire their dedication to the cookie drive. Really?
Kellie Walenciak
3:26 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
Hi, Jill -- I remember you from an earlier post. Thank you for taking the time to comment a second time.
I do see a distinction between the Girl Scout organization and the parental volunteers. The former profits extraordinarily well from marketing cookies that lack any sort of nutritional benefit. It is also the "organization" who cleverly (and disingenuously) marketed a new cookie this year as nutritious when it was anything but. Why did it do that? For profit. The parents that I know have no ulterior motives. They are driven in support of their daughters and the troops in which they serve.
I highly recommend the movie "Forks Over Knives." I believe it will shed light on where I am coming from when I talk about the dangers of moderation (who knows, it may even make me seem "a little" less nutty! : ) You can watch the trailer here: http://www.forksoverknives.com/
I do have a copy of it on hand, which I would be more than happy to mail to you. E-mail me at plantstrong5@gmail.com, if you're interested. You can also stream it via Netflix or iTunes.
I honestly welcome and encourage all points of view here so I am sorry to see you go. I wish you luck on your journey, Jill! Cheers ... K
careless fills
3:19 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
You might have heard about the 2nd grader who was suspended in school for nibbling his pop-tart into the shape of a handgun. Ironically, the zero-tolerance policy he violated was for bringing the fructose laden treat into the building.
Roman
5:00 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
Might want to check yer facts. The suspension was because he made the pop tart into a gun. Had nothing to do with the product.
Rosemary B
6:11 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
I just assumed careless fills was joking... I laughed! And that whole incident was ridicules.
careless fills
9:10 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
just trying to inject a little humour - first sentence true, second sentence is frivolity
Roman
4:58 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
Good blog. It does what it's suppose to do and sparks conversation, vanilla is boring. I like the cookies and will continue to buy them, but I support your right to back out of the sale. Heck I admire that you are walking your own talk.
Keri Cwiak
5:26 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
Either way, the "pop tart" incident is ridiculous. The child should be able to eat a pop tart AND shape it into whatever he wants! This world is becoming insane.
WILFREDO G. SALCEDO, Sr.
6:12 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
Don't forget...Next week is Daffodils time...This, too, is for a good cause, specifically for cancer, sponsored by the American Cancer Society...My family is personally involved in this project...Please help.
Kellie Walenciak
7:40 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
Whew! Mystery solved! @Wilfredo: Let me know where I can make a donation. E-mail me at plantstrong5@gmail.com. Thanks!
WILFREDO G. SALCEDO, Sr.
6:42 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Ms Kellie...When you are up and about town, you'll see stands manned by volunteers selling the Spring flowers...Sellers could be one of us...Please grab a bunch for cancer sake...Thank you.
Jill
8:49 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Kellie, You never addressed my point in regard to your over exaggeration. I agree the cookies shouldn't be advertised as healthy, although I don't know anyone who really believes cookies are healthy! Your response doesn't address my concern with your need to use horrible fear mongering analogies. Last time you said you shouldn't have done that and yet you went ahead and did the same thing in this article. Very disappointing.
Kellie Walenciak
9:24 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Actually, Jill, the mistake I made was thinking that you and I had a prior exchange. We didn't. I had a similar conversation with a girl named Kim. Here is my response:
"Hi, Kim -- Thanks for writing. What I meant (and I regret that I didn't communicate my thought better) is that I wouldn't do or consume anything else I believed to be bad for my health or addicting "once in a while." I would simply avoid it."
This was in response to a comment she posted about me making the comparison between smoking and cheese. Nowhere did I apologize or take back what I said.
I have answered your question and I have even offered you a "free" way to get additional information on the subject on how processed food and excess animal protein cause diseases such as cancer, type II diabetes, heart disease, etc. It isn't any different from smoking or alcohol consumption. I consider all equally as bad for my health and there is decades worth of scientific and clinical research to support that statement.
Sometimes the answers aren't what we want to hear. Oftentimes they aren't sexy or convenient. But facts are facts. Sooner or later we will all come to the realization that what we eat is directly responsible for our health. My goal with this blog is to help as many people realize it sooner rather than later.
Cheers ... K
Kellie Walenciak
9:49 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
@Jill: Below are resources that should help you see the seriousness of the Standard American Diet and how it is the direct contributor of death and disease in this country.
http://www.forksoverknives.com/
http://www.foodmatters.tv/
http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com/
http://www.takepart.com/foodinc
http://www.hungryforchange.tv/
You could also do a year with IIN and learn directly from the medial experts: http://www.integrativenutrition.com/program/speakers
Jill
10:02 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Kellie, Thank you for your offer, but I am able to obtain information from books or other resources on my own. I'm sorry, I thought this was a discussion sight. You obviously get annoyed when people question you. You didn't answer my question. I will no longer read your articles. I'm sorry I was just trying to help you realize that you are turning a lot of people off to a healthy alternative because of your heavy handed approach. You catch more bees with honey. Cheers!
WILFREDO G. SALCEDO, Sr.
7:05 am on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Kellie, if you are new to the Patch, I must warn you that there are predators prowling around who have no purpose than diminish anyone who have ideas opposed to theirs...They'll tell you off in no uncertain terms...You have to have a thick skin to survive this outlet...I developed mine...I used to be sensitive to insults but not anymore...I strike back...They get their kicks this way.
As far as the cookies, I tried some and there are others that taste much better...I like the Girl Scouts but there are other ways that I can help their cause...Their cookies are not my favorite...Let your naysayers eat them if they wish...It's a free country after all.
Long Live, Girl Scouts...(Boy Scouts?..I have my doubts).
Kellie Walenciak
4:46 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Thank you for your support, Wilfredo. I will keep my eyes out for the Daffodils. I hope you and your family have great success with the fundraiser. Cheers ... K
Keri Cwiak
8:33 am on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Mr. Salcedo, I must disagree with you to some degree. Yes, there are people out there that just want to cut someone down for their opinions, however, what about the ones who just have an opposing view? Should they not express it in fear of someone just dismissing them as "predators prowling"? I know Kellie personally and she has a good heart and wants to help people. I know you do not doubt that. However, sometimes the analogies she uses can get to people. I personally think the "cheese and smoking" analogy was ridiculous but that is my opinion. it doesnt make me a bad person for expressing that nor does it change how I feel about her as a person. Kellie is passionate about her lifestyle but people do not always perceive it this way. They are allowed to feel and express as well.
Lastly, I do disagree with this particular blog and the ensuing comments/responses. For many reasons that I will not go into publicly. I do have the right to feel that way without worrying I am a predator.
WILFREDO G. SALCEDO, Sr.
4:15 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
The predators referred to are those who respond with acetic/insulting comments...I prefer a more subdued, thoughtful responses than ones laced with put downs...Of course, anyone can post whatever they want civilly.
Tiffany Nolder
9:24 am on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Why i may not sell girl scout cookies next year. I have been selling girl scout cookies for my daughter for 3 years. Always sold between 500-1000 boxes. I purchase them and sell them at my work. They sit on the counter and I do not ask people to buy them they just do. My concern this year is the fact that my entire family are out of york and wilkes barre areas and there cookies were only 3.50 and ours was 4.00. I have been questioned on it! As if I were trying to make a profit from it. I live in pa and they are only 1 hour - 2 hours apart. Next year I may just donate money to my daughters girl scouts. They will probably get more out of that since they only get .50-.80 cents per box.
Kellie Walenciak
1:23 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
You raise an excellent point, Tiffany. I recall my sister (who lives in New Jersey) having to field the question last year "Why are the cookies $3.50 in PA?" many times (they were $4 by her). A donation would go so much further in helping the troop.
What I love most about my whole experience as a volunteer are the interactions with the girls. They are so much fun and I learn tons through their observations and inquisitive natures every time we're together. That's what Girl Scouts is all about.
Cheers ... K
WILFREDO G. SALCEDO, Sr.
4:21 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Money donations are always welcome...This way we do not have to suffer those sandy, cardboard consistency of some of the cookies.
Don't forget Daffodils for cancer R & D...Thank you.
ron
1:04 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
@ Kellie. I admire your diet choices, there just not for me. I do enjoy a balanced diet. I love a good salad and veggies and eat fruit almost every day. I also love a thick juicy steak every once in a while. And i just can't watch a ball game without enjoying a hot dog. And those caramel delights are to die for! I know your thinking yes literaly to die for! But heck many fun enjoyable things in life are unhealthy or dangerous. But doing the things you love equal a happy life whether its sledding, riding a motorcycle, eating healthy or eating pie for dinner. Kellie you look healthy, beautiful and happy so good for you, live life your way. I dont think your nutty at all. As for me i may be nutty but im also happy even when scarfing down an occasional big mac. I know your thinking of a big mac heart attack joke righ now, so just stop it haha. I workout a lot so maybe i can even out the scale a little bit. So lets make a deal, if my not quite so healthy diet causes my early dimise, if you promise not to stand on my grave and say i told you so, i promise not to come back and haunt you. haha.
Kellie Walenciak
1:17 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
@Ron: This is the most enjoyable comment I have ever read! I insist that you come back and haunt me on every post!!
My husband and I asked one another recently if we could eat meat one last time what we would choose. Matt immediately guessed for me filet mignon (that was my go-to entree when we would go out to eat). He was shocked when I replied, "A baseball game or Five Guys hot dog!" LOL
As I have said in multiple posts, any step towards a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle is a positive one. You are absolutely wonderful, Ron! I am beaming from ear to ear. Good luck to you. And please, please, please don't be a stranger! XO Cheers ...K
ron
4:04 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
@ Kellie. Thanks for the compliment. You made my day ! I always consider it a good day if i can make at least one person smile. As for your comment " if we could eat meat one last time" heck they have not passed a law against it yet so you could eat that hot dog if you wanted to. they are Mmmm Mmmm good. Sorry but i feel as a occasional glutton its my duty to tempt you to fall off the wagon. Mainly because your awsome will power and strength make my will power and strength seem pathetic and weak and you slipping would boost my ego. haha. Plus i know i can get away with saying it without having to worry about making you slip because LOL woman never listen to me anyway. I thought wow you must be a super woman to have such will power. So it was nice to read your other articals and find out it was hard at first to achieve your goals so i guess your human after all, now i dont feel so weak and pathetic haha. I read you where training for a marathon. Thats cool, good luck. If you ever run in a relay marathon with 25 other people i would be willing to do the first mile. im sure i could lull your opponents into a false sense of security! Oh i would love to show your reply to my wife especially the part about me being absolutely wonderful, do you think you could send a signed affidavit saying i did not pay you to write it lol. I still think your kind of a super woman so while you might think im strange i promise i wont be a stranger. Have a great night!!!!
Kellie Walenciak
4:26 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
@ron: You read my previous posts and I read many of your older comments. How about that! I even shared with my editor here that I love your independent voice. I like when I can't predict where someone is going to land on an issue. It shows you have a very open mind, which I admire. I also like your tone -- if someone disagrees with you, you stand your ground respectfully and with facts, and you don't use labels or call names. It would be my pleasure to agree AND disagree with you! I have a feeling I would learn much more with the latter (I already have -- I read your comments on gun control).
I always say change is difficult because it was for me! My first attempt at whole-food veganism I failed 5 minutes in (first Starbucks sighting). It gets easier with time. In my favor are a supportive husband (he's also a whole-food vegan) and the fact that I'm a terrific vegan cook. Believe me, that's critical! And I'll have you know I make a killer vegan (and would you believe HEALTHFUL) caramel delite!
You have a great night too. I have a feeling we'll be seeing each other a lot more on The Patch -- at least I hope so! Cheers ... K
Kellie Walenciak
4:30 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
PS: If I can gather up those 25 people, I'll have you run the last mile. It's a wonderful feeling to cross a finish line -- whether it's a mile, 5K, 10K, half or full. I would love for everyone to experience that at least once. ; )
Janet Persing
5:40 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Hi, Kellie! Congrats on another well-written, thought-provoking article. I agree with your opinion, to which you are entitled. If you'd like to have your troup learn about organic garden to table food, just let me know. Oh, did I mention that we irrigate exclusively with harvested rainwater? An added benefit!
Kellie Walenciak
8:35 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
@Janet: Thank you very much for your generous comments. I would absolutely love to take you up on your offer to teach our troop about organic gardening to table food. The timing couldn't be more perfect either. At our next meeting, we're planning to create food pyramids and discuss nutrtition. Let's take this offline. Please e-mail me at plantstrong5@gmail.com and we can discuss when might be a good time for you. Thanks again. Cheers ... K
Renata
10:21 pm on Friday, March 22, 2013
This is my first, and last, year as a cookie mom. The training session was geared toward tenured sellers and not informational at all, my PSC has not been able to answer a single question, and the Product Program Manager is rude. My initial order was wrong (acknowledged error by the warehouse) and the changes to the program where parents have to pay in advance and guess at sales puts undue duress on those that don't have the funds to front. The whole experience has been disappointing, more complex than it needs to be, and although I will support future sales for my daughter, I will not volunteer any more of my time to a program that is no longer about the Girl Scout experience.
WILFREDO G. SALCEDO, Sr.
11:10 am on Saturday, March 23, 2013
What a shame...This is another blight on a supposedly virtuous organization...I admire your resolve in going against such rude treatment from the program manager...Hopefully, he/she doesn't represent the personnel of the Girl Scouts.