The World According to Gem

A Midsummer Night's Dream

2007-06-21T09:40:00.000-05:00

I've never been the type of person to give a whole lot of credit to my dreams. While I know many people spend countless hours contemplating the odd events that occur in the brain in the wee hours of the night, this pursuit has always seemed to me a bit futile by nature.

I recently dreamt, for instance, that I fell off a roof feet first, grappled frantically with a handkerchief to use as a parachute, and at the very last moment when I was certain I was going to die I landed softly in a body of water. My rationale tells me that this set of events is indicative of a whole range of internal issues I regularly face starting with insecurity and ending with resourcefulness. But then how do you explain the dream I had shortly thereafter in which (please excuse my inability to say this in a more genteel manner) I pooped out a pair of mismatched shoes and a rotisserie chicken? I simply can't come up with a good explanation for that.

Over the course of the last week however, some rather compelling dreams have led me to rethink my approach to the workings of the sleeping subconscious. I had a series of three dreams each in a different setting with completely normal yet varying circumstances, and all three as equally uneventful...except for one thing. In each one of the dreams I was happily married to a person I have never seen in my life. And I stress that in each of the dreams it was the same exact person, looking and acting in precisely the same way he had in the preceding dreams. Who is this mystery man and why did he suddenly appear?

As you well know there are many great philosophers, theorists, poets and artists that have weighed in on this issue from Aristotle to Dali. After having brushed up on a few of their various opinions in order to find my answer, I felt even more confused than I did when I started.

If Sigmund Freud is right, for example, then our dreams are simply a means for wish-fulfillment. But Christopher Riche Evans and Edgar Arthur Newman theorized that dreams are our brains way of tidying the mind, moving short term memory into the long term file, and has nothing to do with our desires. Then Francis Crick and Graeme Mitchison came along and countered that while dreams are a way of cleaning house it’s actually our brain’s way of completely erasing unnecessary memories that clog our neocortex (don’t even get me started on my neocortex).

I have a friend who believes in reincarnation that once told me that recurring dreams are visions of things that have already happened. And while I have yet to reach a decision about the particular subject of reincarnation, my optimism leaves me hoping that my dream is instead an omen of happy things to come (which happens to be the least discussed option).

I told one of my sisters about all this last night and she exclaimed that it must be the week of dreams. Not only had she had some vivid and strange dreams, but her friends had too [I often remember my dreams, but she noted that she rarely does so this was a departure from the norm]. It was then that my internal ancestral pagan nudged me in the ribs and I casually noted that perhaps it had something to do with the summer solstice.

Whether or not my happy dreams have anything to do with what already happened, or things to come, whether they’re a reflection of a romantic wish I carry or simply my mind in the process of defragmenting, I have reached my own lovely conclusion that leaves me feeling settled on the matter. The weather is warm, there is a lovely breeze, the waxing crescent moon will rise tonight to compliment the bright gleam of Venus in the western sky, and summer is embracing us once more – I believe I simply had midsummer night’s dreams.

BACK IN BLACKLE

2007-05-10T11:49:00.000-05:00

Now that energy conservation has become a more mainstream topic of conversation, I truly believe people are beginning to make a concerted effort to reduce, re-use and recycle. However, it has come to my attention that constant reminders of this cause seem to be the main motivators and I fear that if any of this green frenzy wanes, many people will forget that this is a group effort that does not end with good intentions. I've encouraged you to go out and buy a water bottle, halogen bulbs, reusable shopping bags, etc., but have you done that? And do you make use of these purchases in your daily lives?

It is nice to see that I'm not the only person who believes that constant reinforcement of these goals is the key to success. Just a few weeks back Google launched Blackle, an eco-friendly search engine that claims to save energy because the screen is black, thus requiring less monitor power to display. And whether or not you are a subscriber to this theory (the argument being that LCD screens don't use varying amounts of energy based on the color of the page displayed), every time we load Blackle "it reminds us that we need to keep taking small steps to save energy". So what better way to add a small reminder to your day than to make Blackle your main search engine?! Go ahead and try it -- it feels mysterious and exciting, not to mention gratifying.

I've also found a couple other sites that help me out in my day to day eco-friendly endeavors:

Are you an urban socialite who wants to make a difference but doesn't want get dirty hugging a tree to do it? Try out Ideal Bite, a great online source of clever ideas that are good for both people and the planet. It's a sassier shade of green!

Getting rid of stuff and not sure what to do with it? How about Freecycle, a nonprofit group that is open to all who want to "recycle" that special something rather than throw it away. Check out your local group for more information.

Can't afford the gas to get to the more desirable trail anymore? Make your local trail beautiful on National Trails Day on June 2nd. The American Hiking Society has a list of local groups that are getting together to get dirty and clean up those trails we're going to use all summer. This is a great chance to get to know your neighbors, and your local trail once more!

Did you know that conventional cotton farming is one of agriculture's most environmentally destructive activities? Or that the production of synthetic materials generates huge amounts of oil consumption? Starting to feel a bit guilty about the origin of your apparel? Check out organic clothing companies that promote a healthy-sustainable ecosystem. Try Apparel of the Earth, Gaiam, patagonia, Lotus Organics, or Mission Playground on for size. These particular companies not only carry guilt-free clothing, but they're fashion conscious and practical as well. Heck, I just found out I'm wearing underwear made from recycled materials!

If nothing else, let your fingers do the walking. You can search Blackle for all the information you need on how to become a greener, more eco-friendly consumer. Good luck!

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

2007-04-22T08:03:00.000-05:00

Well, Earth Day is here and this is the third time I've addressed the issue of showing our love for Pace Mama in my blog. This week, I have written a lovely haiku to catch you up on my most recent life changes that will shrink my "footprint" even more:

Earth Day has arrived
This week I changed four light bulbs
Halogen is neat

So I'd like to know, what have you done this year to lessen your energy consumption, or step up your recycling, or reduce waste, etc., etc.? I'd like to post it on my blog! But here's the catch: it must be in the form of a haiku (5,7,5 just in case you're drawing a blank). Let's celebrate dear Pace Mama -- after all, she's all we've got.

Want more info about this beautiful day? Go to the official Earth Day website! Want to be even more inspired to love this planet? Read this poem by 5th grader Crystal in Tucson, Arizona.

Earth Day

Earth is where people live.

As the desert is for the animals.

As the sun is to brightness.

As the wind is to the Earth.

Isn't this a lovely place? We are so lucky. :)

SPRING IS LIKE A PERHAPS HAND...

2007-03-20T17:51:00.000-05:00

Oh spring! You arrive when we are most vulnerable, afraid even to open our arms to you because we still instinctively protect ourselves against the cold of winter. The rays of light that you so boldly cast our direction are both a painful reminder of light's absence on our eyes, and a welcome source of warmth upon our frozen faces.

As we celebrate the Vernal Equinox this lovely day we are left with the reminders of a brief but harsh winter that's bitter assault on our bodies and minds has left us begging for a sign of change. Piles of salt lay like huge anthills on the roads, shovels still occupy their rightful posts by the front door, and jackets whose arms are stuffed with scarves and pockets bursting with gloves hang still warm on the railings ready to go at a moment's notice.

Like any sensible person, I rationalize the urge to pack away my comfy ski boots by convincing myself that March is almost over and I will have no need to treck once more over a messy mix of sleet and snow to fetch the mail or de-ice the car. However, with winter so close in my memory, I have not yet let down my guard enough to be convinced that the sun is here to stay.

Emily Dickinson wrote "A light exists in spring not present on the year at any other period." Perhaps it is because it is a light that by definition is hope, is optimism. These cold hands will warm. That window will remain open so that the breeze can pass gently over my face. The seemingly endless darkness of winter will become a distant memory.

Spring is not only birth but rebirth. We find ourselves stepping outside into the warmth, leaving the hibernation of the last season behind. I welcome the change of spring; it brings life to the very soul of me.

Happy Vernal Equinox!

AND THE OSCAR GOES TO...

2007-02-18T09:42:00.000-05:00

Well, it's Oscar week and once again I find myself scrambling to see all the films I missed throughout the past year. This Sunday night at 8pm EST the 79th Annual Academy Awards can be seen on ABC. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to one of my favorite weeks of the year!

What do I love about it, you ask? I love the glamour and the stars, I love the good movies that play all week on TV, I absolutely love that it gives me something to think about other than my own life, but most of all I love that it really is a dysfunctional celebration of the art of film. Sometimes it's exactly right and other times it's like a train wreck, and in both cases we all stop to watch in amazement.

Each February I find myself thinking back to years past when I've completely disagreed with the winners (Russell Crowe for best actor, are you kidding?), when the right actors have triumphed (Marcia Gay Harden), when I've been left in a state of total shock (Gladiator over Traffic?!) -- actually the 73rd year was the year that seems to have left me slightly disenchanted about the Academy so perhaps I better stop there for now.

Anyhow, what particularly interests me about this year is that I'm not completely decided about any one person or film quite yet. For example, I love The Departed (and of course I love Leo just as much as Scorsese appears to) but Little Miss Sunshine was a damn fine film. This weekend I'll be seeing The Queen and Babel and I hope then I will see an obvious choice, but the choices are really tough this year because they all deal with such convoluted subject matter. Why haven't I mentioned Letters From Iwo Jima? Because as much as I love Clint Eastwood and what he's attempted to do with this film, I feel like he came up just short. I went home thinking less about the timeliness of the film given our present day situation, and more about certain scenes that I felt could have been left out. And I'm always worried about a movie during which I look at my watch. When I go to see a film I want to lose myself in it, like I did with Sunshine and Departed, not feel like I'm losing time in my life.

[And speaking of Scorsese, I'll be really surprised if he doesn't get anything this year. He's been nominated seven times and each time went home empty handed. Clint's got five, give Marty a chance.]

Well, this is the first in a series of Oscar ramblings that you will see this week out of me. And yes, I might go all Perez Hilton or Fug on y'all the day after and talk about the fashion (or lack thereof) on the red carpet.

In the mean time, if you haven't seen Half Nelson yet, check it out for both Ryan Gosling (nominated for Best Actor in the role of Dan Dunne) and Shareeka Epps (Drey). Despite the painfully sad storyline, those two make the film and really give two of the most solid performances I've seen in a while.

SUDDENLY NOTHING HAPPENED

2007-02-17T11:00:00.000-05:00

I was recently told that I need to update my blog more often because (and I quote) "it's my main source of entertainment". Now, while it would be tough to convince me that this is actually any one's main source of entertainment (and if it is I would be happy to compile of list of more interesting things to do), this certainly puts pressure on me that I didn't feel before. This is welcomed pressure but pressure nonetheless, and perhaps it would not have made such an impact on me if I could get the sentence to stop invading my thoughts like a persistent pop-up ad.

The truth of the matter is, there are some days when I just don't feel like I have something interesting (or entirely appropriate) enough to put out there in the cyber world. And as much as I like to make people laugh, I fear I might disappoint some of you by revealing the fact that many of the things I have to say are really not funny at all. But as much as I talk up a blue streak when I get home from work every day, using my blog as my sounding board may be the best way for me to get it all out (and perhaps a welcome change for my roommate from time to time).

Anyhow, I'll tell you what's on my mind this fine winter morning; I feel like my life is in an excruciating hold pattern. I wake up and do the same thing day in and day out, knowing that somewhere down the road my life will change drastically, propelled forward so fast that I'll have to beware of whiplash. It's gonna happen soon, soon, oh so very soon...

I know that my Gemini longings will eventually be fulfilled by starting over again (and again, and again) and my Aquarius moon sign's impatience will be appeased by this realization, but this holding pattern is simply bringing me down folks. I don't feel challenged, I don't feel inspired and I don't have complete control over the situation -- I don't feel comfortable in this life I'm living right now, and it's driving me to distraction.

I know I'm not the only person who has ever felt this way. For example, Colin Hay must have felt this way at some point because he wrote an anthem to the very dilemma. If you haven't heard the song I've included the lyrics below for your reading pleasure. My friends, wanna know what I'm up to these days? I'm...

"Waiting For My Real Life To Begin"
by Colin Hay

Any minute now, my ship is coming in
I'll keep checking the horizon
I'll stand on the bow, feel the waves come crashing
Come crashing down, down, down, on me

And you say, be still my love
Open up your heart
Let the light shine in
But don't you understand I already have a plan
I'm waiting for my real life to begin

When I awoke today, suddenly nothing happened
But in my dreams, I slew the dragon
And down this beaten path, and up this cobbled lane
I'm walking in my old footsteps, once again
And you say, just be here now
Forget about the past, your mask is wearing thin
Let me throw one more dice
I know that I can win
I'm waiting for my real life to begin

Any minute now, my ship is coming in
I'll keep checking the horizon
And I'll check my machine, there's sure to be that call
It's gonna happen soon, soon, soon
It's just that times are lean

And you say, be still my love
Open up your heart, let the light shine in
Don't you understand I already have a plan
I'm waiting for my real life to begin

L-O-V-E

2007-02-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning wondering what one says on their blog on Valentine's Day when they don't have a valentine. This is not a fact of my life that I lament, but nonetheless it is a fact the defines who I am right now. Do I dedicate a lovely piece to my family? My friends? My loved ones that are no longer here to celebrate with me? To ex-boyfriends? To friends I've lost contact with?

I do not suffer from a lack of people who love me; in fact, I consider myself one of the luckiest people on this planet to have an unusually large number of people who love me very much. It occurs to me that my project for so many years now has been to learn to love myself unconditionally, and that has been the biggest challenge of all.

In searching for a poem that might best describe this particular "voyage" in my life, I came upon a lovely poem by Rainer Maria Rilke entitled A Walk. I read it because I love to walk alone or with friends, and have spent a great deal of time doing so in the last few years. In fact, the miles and miles that I have walked have brought me back in touch with so many things I had lost sight of and so they have become the symbol of change for me.

Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the poem speaks of hope, of moving forward and accepting what lies ahead -- it even speaks of the wind! (I really love the wind, maybe because I'm an air sign...)

Happy Valentine's Day to all! I hope that you all can find love for yourselves that matches that which is bestowed upon you by those in you life who love you most...

A WALK

by Rainer Maria Rilke

My eyes already touch the sunny hill.

going far ahead of the road I have begun.

So we are grasped by what we cannot grasp;

it has inner light, even from a distance-

and charges us, even if we do not reach it,
into something else, which, hardly sensing it,
we already are; a gesture waves us on

answering our own wave...

but what we feel is the wind in our faces.

Introducing The Windy Spot

2007-02-03T11:25:00.000-05:00

As my lovely little laptop slowly recovers from her serious illness (thanks primarily to Rob and Ben's help!), I find myself exploring more adventuresome endeavors such as posting videos.

As many of you already know, I have been an artist my whole life. I have studied illustration, painting, printmaking, pottery, photography, film, writing, computer graphics, etc., etc. And while I haven't always consistently exercised my love and talent to it's fullest, it's creative influence is a constant presence in my everyday life.

In recent years I have focused primarily on the digital image, not only because it is is my most accessible means of expression when short on time, but also because I feel it allows others a most accurate view of how I see the world, how I perceive the events that take place around me. I think one of the most beautiful things about photography and video is that you can incorporate your loved ones so very nicely into your creative expression, which has always been an underlying theme in my work over the years.

I'm so happy that I have discovered the world of blogging, because it finally affords me the opportunity to share with all of you that which I love most. If you have not already noticed the link on this blog, I would like to invite you to visit my virtual gallery The Windy Spot.

Each month at The Windy Spot there will be a new "exhibit". For the launch of the site in January I put together "While I'm Thinking Of It: Memories Of 2006 Through The Lens", a look at some of my most cherished photos from the year that the majority of you have not seen. For the month of February I am happy to announce my first digital video exhibit "Meg's 3x5's". This is a short film I put together that is a chronological musical review of my year in photos. Many of you have already seen this film, but as it has been fraught with loading and viewing problems, I think you will find that I have achieved a much more pleasant way to view it. [As long as you give it a minute or two to load, you should be able to watch it without a hitch!]

Please check back each month for new postings at The Windy Spot. My hope for this site is that it will afford me an accessible path back to plenty of creative projects that I'm always eager to share with you all. In addition, I hope you will use it as a forum to critique what you see and perhaps comment on how the work effected you. Enjoy!

I've Lost My Mind!...I Mean My Memory!

2007-01-15T18:45:00.000-05:00

Okay, I know some of you saw that coming...ha ha ha.

Actually, what I'm referring to is my poor little laptop; she is out of memory. And for now that translates to no blogging for the next few days, and no progress on fun photo/video projects. What's a girl to do?

This weekend I'll be purchasing an external hard drive with massive amounts of memory so that I can blog, photograph, edit video, upload and download to my little heart's content. Until then, I believe I will use good ol' paper and pen and write down all these little ideas floating around in my head. Oh, and I'll continue to devour my Su Doku book (yes!).

By the way, I know that I promised to review and give a brief synopsis of Art and Fear, but the book has suddenly disappeared. Does anyone know where it got to? In the mean time, you can look forward to at least a few posts on it once I get my hands on another copy.

Peace!

Extreme Makeover: Blog Edition

2007-01-06T11:40:00.000-05:00

Oh Thank Heaven for 2007!

As I sit here battling an allergy headache while basking at the open window in the January sun, I cannot help thinking forward to this the seventh year of the third millennium. It's the year of the pig, the year of Pisces, the international polar year, the international heliophysical year...I know, I know. I need not say more. It is quite obvious that this is going to be a great year!

And what better than to welcome it in with cherry blossoms in January and the faint whispers of such '06 sayings as "there's no such thing as global warming" still ringing in my head. The only thing that would make this even better would be a makeover!

My dear friends (there are three of you, right?), I am pleased to announce the passing of the Minima era; the customized Rounders template is here to stay! It reflects more of who I am, it speaks to my rounded edges, it's green!

In addition to the new look, in 2007 I am going to be more dedicated to my blog. This year you can look forward to adventure, humor, love, travel and a new blog that will showcase some of my other talents (yes, other than rambling incessantly to myself). In the coming weeks, you will get to hear all about the mystery in my life that is Kali the Hindu God, the Jester, and the Siamese Fighting Fish.

Stay tuned for all the excitement that '07 will bestow upon us...

Vegetarians are smart. S-M-R-T

2007-01-05T20:17:00.000-05:00

Oh happy day! According to a recent article published by the BBC I am so very smart because I don't eat meat. [Proven also by the fact that I have linked the BBC article to the title of this posting, so just click on it to read all about how veggies are so good!]

As I'm sure you can understand, I'm happy to finally have an inkling of proof that my little pea brain might actually function from time to time. Thank goodness I read news articles every once in a while to reassure me of such things.

So, in celebration of my brain's promotion, I would like to exercise the huge muscle-that's-not-a-muscle-but-actually-an-organ by pointing out the amusing irony of the statement made in this article by Dr Frankie Phillips. There seems to be considerable debate when it comes to determining whether high IQ is achieved by vegetarianism, or if vegetarianism is a side effect of being blessed with a high IQ. As Dr. Phillips so wisely notes, "It is like the chicken and the egg."

Soy vey, Dr. Phillips! Didn't you mean it is like the Chik'n Nugget and the Egg Substitute? Alas, Dr. Phillips must not be a vegetarian, because he did not have the proper brain function to recognize a very obvious opportunity to make a very bad joke.

Thank you, and good night.

Smoof in Haiku

2007-01-03T22:45:00.000-05:00

The smoof is stretchy

It's green tunnel like the woods

But much more fuzzy

Fall Fun

2006-12-01T10:02:00.000-05:00

Erin on the phone with Carol in Chile

(she's still figuring out this technomoligcal doohiky...)

Sweet Lola at the window

Ann, Brando and Erin's first model shoot

(that it appears they may have rehearsed once or twice before)

The whole fam with Sister Elizabeth during PA Thanksgiving Trip

(you'll notice that the newest member of the family has fallen asleep waiting for me to take the picture)

ONE SMALL LEAP FOR THE KIDS, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR DAD.

(Immediately following this picture Dad's rear and giant dome sent that folding chair there to the left of Erin flying across the room, hitting a speaker and a glass sculpture, which subsequently came dangerously close to flying straight through the window). I haven't laughed this hard in years. Neither Dad nor the house suffered any damage.

Great Falls Foliage

Me, myself and I on a hike.

SO LONG SWEET CREDIT CARD DEBT...........(I stumbled upon you and unwittingly basked in your radioactive rays)

2006-12-01T08:11:00.000-05:00

Well folks, I never thought this day would come. I can finally say that I am completely rid of all credit card debt in my life! It has been a very long road, fraught with constant frustration and disappointment, but the end result of my tireless efforts feels so very sweet.

I do think that it's ironic that I find myself celebrating such a huge accomplishment in my life while the majority of United States citizens are racking up more debt this month than any other this year. I've been saying this for years, but I continue to reinforce the idea that the credit card companies' practices border on (if not illegal) at the very least immoral.

In the very darkest hour of my financial troubles, for example, I just happened to find out that one of my creditors had taken me to court without a summons and there was a judgment filed against me. This all transpired totally unbeknownst to me! Of course this was all reversed and resolved, but only because I had the smarts to know that what they had done was not legal AND I had access to pro bono legal services by a family member. If I had not had that help, I would have found myself in an impossible predicament.

My point in all this is simply that people need to stay away from credit cards as much as they can (especially young people whom are not yet settled in life). If you aren't going to pay that balance every month then don't get the credit card. You cannot afford the consequences.

Keeping that in mind, the easiest way to accrue less debt is to spend less (and sometimes that's the hardest problem to tackle). When I first got a credit card in college, I immediately started off on the wrong foot. Groceries here, beer there, a pair a shoes or a new purse occasionally, books, more beer, $4 coffee...the list goes on. In retrospect, while the main problem was that I did not have the income to support my spending, an almost equally detrimental issue was that I was making totally unnecessary purchases. If you are living off Work Study and babysitting, you cannot afford to go to Starbucks every day! Oh, and Guinness and Sierra Nevada are definitely off limits (hey, there's nothin' wrong with Natty Bo)!

So folks, coming from a 29-year-old that's just starting her financial life over again, just be careful out there.

Every time you make a purchase ask yourself the following:

Do I really need this?
Can I get this cheaper somewhere else?
Do I actually have the money for this? (so, if I'm using a credit card, will I be able to pay this off when my payment is due?)

As you immerse yourself in the shopping mayhem of the holiday season, keep three simple things in mind and you will find your bank account a little more manageable. Oh, and you might even be able to relax a little, too!

HAPPY HOLIDAY SAVING!

Boo!

2006-10-31T20:03:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween! Here are a few pics from the festivities that have occured over the last few days. First, here's the pumpkin I carved in less that 20 minutes flat for the neightborhood kids' viewing pleasure. I'm home alone on this spooky evening, and it's the first time I've realized how much work this holiday is!

Here's a view of my attempt to make the front stoop look fun and festive. Also thrown together last minute...

This is me and my boss (a.k.a. Super Girl and Batwoman) at the annual Sugarloaf Halloween party in Somerset!

This is my favorite picture of the evening. This is Dustin, one of the exhibitors, as Super Sized guy. I think we look very menacing...

MY NEW BANGS

2006-10-31T19:44:00.000-05:00

Well, these are the new bangs. It's amazing the reaction such a small change ends up getting. I'm still trying to work out the more "Rory Gilmore" length, but I'm so afraid I'm gonna do the ol' Erin close-crop that now I just go without seeing. I didn't need to see that car or that traffic light anyway...

Ahh, vacation!

2006-08-16T20:56:00.000-05:00

There's a Bad Apple (iPod) Amongst Us!

2006-07-16T21:18:00.000-05:00

Alright, I admit it. While I like to think of myself as a free spirit who is able to avoid the temptations of the "it" fad of the moment, this time I have been swept off my feet and unceremoniously dumped back down flat on my face. OUCH!

Have you heard of this neat little invention called the iPod? It's a wonder of a machine that will change your life! You will be cool with those white headphones, you will be so happy to rid yourself of that ball and chain called the compact disc, your friends will join in a chorus of "ohs" and "ahs" when they see your extravagant purchase...you will be the most amazing person you can be!

Just wait until all your family and friends get one. Then you will have iPod swaps and iPod discussions. You will all bring your iPods to parties and display your amazing DJ talents while dancing to your iTunes. You will sing the praises of your growing music library by saying things that you never thought you could like "I listened to my iPod for 17 days straight without hearing the same thing twice!" Life will be so good.

And then one day, while you're secretly listening to "Please Don't Go Girl" by New Kids on the Block the song will stop. OH HORROR! And then you will look down at the screen, the world moving in slow motion around you, and you will see a little dead iPod icon staring back at you. "What's this? I didn't even get to hear Joey Joe sing!" you exclaim. Welcome to the club. You MUST really be the new kid on the block.

I am the proud owner of a non-functioning 20gb black and white iPod that lasted only two-and-a-half months. What a sad representative of its generation -- it's two predecessors lasted at least four! It's probably not news to you that I'm about the 4 bazillionth person who has had a less that favorable experience with their iPod. But I'm constantly taken aback by how the numbers of complaints don't seem to diminish as Apple continues to "update" its product.

Will somebody tell me why Apple being permitted to get away with this?! Just search the Internet for yourself. It's completely amazing that people continue to buy these things at all. This seems to be one of the only cases in recent consumer history that a product has continuously delivered poor reviews and its company poor service, and yet it continues to dominate over 75% of the market! Maybe Steve Jobs has got us all figured out -- maybe we are buffoons!

The good news is that Microsoft will be coming out with a device this Christmas that will supposedly give Apple a run for its money. The bad news is that I'm still stuck with a useless MP3 player in the mean time (oh, and I'm really depressed by the lack of music in my life right now). I have joined the ranks of hundreds of thousands of unsuspecting consumers just eagerly awaiting the moment when we can all give the "royal salute" to the Apple corporation.

To wrap up this rather unstructured rambling, I would like everyone to know that I have written directly to Steve Jobs himself about this matter. I wanted him to be aware that this little lady's not going to sit by and be hoodwinked out of $300 THAT easily! They called me twice last week from Apple headquarters. I'll let you all know how Apple plans to make good.

What are you doing to solve the climate crisis?

2006-06-30T11:11:00.000-05:00

A close friend of mine met Laurie David, one of the producers of "An Incovenient Truth", at a party recently and told me a great little story. When she told Ms. David that she has seen the movie, instead of asking what she had thought of it, Ms. David asked her what changes the movie had inspired her to make.

Ever since she told me this story, I find myself asking, "What changes have I made in my own life?"

I have a Nalgene bottle. Why don't I use it all the time? Why don't I walk to the grocery store that's less than a mile from my house? Why don't I bring my own resusable bags when shopping? Why do I leave paper in my trash can at work when we have a recycling bin? Do I really need to drive all the way to Great Falls to exercise? Why don't I automatically turn off the lights when I'm leaving a room? Why don't I turn off the water while I'm brushing my teeth?

I think the answers are simple, and believe they are the core reasons why most Americans don't do as much as they can:

Awareness - people are simply not aware of the impact just one person can have
Habit - we are used to doing things a certain way
Education - we have trouble understanding exactly how we can instigate change
Politics - many people in positions of power do not consider this an immediate issue

Did you know that while the United States makes up only about 5% of the world's population, we pump out over 25% of global greenhouse gas emmissions every year? My fellow Americans, this is cause for concern.

I propose that in keeping with our nation's history of always wanting to be the first and the best and the most advanced (and in most cases accomplishing exactly that), let's reduce those greenhouse gas emmissions, let's reduce our waste, let's reduce our dependancy on energy and fuel, and let's do it one person at a time!

We have the potential to make major and immediate change by revaluating our own personal habits. We have the power to make simple things like recycling and reduction of energy use not only a priority, but the law. And we each have the voice to educate those around us and make each other aware that this is not a political issue, this is a global issue.

We have a responsibilty to make change. This is an opportunity for the United States to go from being the most wasteful nation, to the most ecologically friendly. Let's take on that challenge and prove those doubting Thomas' wrong!

As I step down off this (recycled) soapbox of mine, I would like to tell you what I am now doing to change things.

First, I am fortunate enough to live in Montgomery County, Maryland, where business recylcing has recently become a law and they are enforcing it. As the self-appointed Recycling Manager of my office, I have really started to lay it on thick at work.

All bins have been labelled as to exactly what can and cannot be put in them.
I have engaged in conversation with each co-worker about the issue, making them aware that not only are we required to recycle but that I am watching each and every one of them (guilt is an amazing force when it comes to these things).
I have posted flyers that the SORRT (Smart Organizations Reduce and Recycle Tons) program sends out, including the "There's Always Time for Recycling - Recycling Checklist".
I also make sure that all recyclables from my trash can and the others' in my department have been put in the appropriate receptical at the end of the day.

Becuase I have met with some resistance (apparently some people think that recylcing is not only stupid, but that it's a waste of time and it's hard to do), I am weaning them into this. There are more office change to come, but it will take some time.

In my own personal life I have tried to become more aware of my actions.

Junk mail always goes in the recycling now (why didn't I do that before?)
I only use warm water to wash towels and underwear, all the rest get cold water (it's better for the life of the clothes anyhow)
I turn off lights in all rooms that we are not in
On my outdoors exercise days during the week, I stay in the neighborhood to conserve gas. I save my destination hiking days for the weekends!
I use my Nalgene bottle any time I need to take water with me

I know that these things are only the tip of the iceberg (ha ha ha), but I also know that each one is a step in the right direction. I don't even feel inconvenienced by these things. I thought I would be sad not to go to Great Falls four times a week, but I just look forward to going on the weekends that much more.

Well, in parting, I ask you all to consider how easy it is make change. After all, it doesn't hurt to reduce, reuse and recycle, but it's sure going to hurt us if we don't.

An Inconvenient Truth

2006-06-26T13:12:00.000-05:00

"The era of procrastination, of half-measures, of soothing and baffling expedients, of delays, is coming to a close. In its place we are entering a period of consequence." -Winston Churchill

Well folks, I've seen the future and it's bleak. The good news is WE CAN HELP OURSELVES! I went to see An Inconvenient Truth last night, and regardless of your politics you should go and see this movie immediately. Global warming is a fact, not a matter of opinion, policy or politics.

All the scientific evidence is there for us, and now is the time for us to act. Go to http://www.climatecrisis.net/pdf/10things.pdf to view a list of Ten Things To Do to help stop global warming. They're easy, and it's our responsibility. Please check future posts for further thoughts and revelations regarding this pressing matter.

Meet Carol and Robby

2006-06-19T08:38:00.000-05:00

This is my best friend Carol, and she recently published her first book. Robby the Lion Doesn't Eat Meat is a lovely story about a lion returning home from a long journey during which he learned to love his "greens", and fears facing his carnivorous family and friends. The book is written in rhyme, and is illustrated by the author as well.

One of the great things about Carol's story is that it's enjoyable for both children and adults. And Robby is not just about vegetarianism, it's about facing your fears, about going through changes in your life and sharing them with the people you love.

The story is so very touching, but what makes it even more special are the absolutely amazing and endearing illustrations.

I have been lucky enough to see Carol's creative genius flourish since the time she was four. We have been telling her for years that she should put all these wonderful thoughts and ideas together with her art and publish them. So now that she has, I want to shout it to the world!

I promise that you will enjoy this book. Check out my links to go to the website where you can buy it. Get one for your kids, twenty for your store...heck! buy a copy for your self. And make sure you check back for updates on Carol's upcoming books. I know that she has plenty of ideas just waiting to be put on paper, and there's already a second book in the works about Robby's little sister.

A Case of the Mondays

2006-06-19T07:02:00.000-05:00

This is how I felt when I woke up this morning. I think I turned my alarm off for about an hour. After three days of weeding, watering, mowing, planting, scraping paint, and various lifting and moving chores I'm totally exhausted. Not to mention, I've acquired a nice crispy sunburn on my back.

But back to the matter at hand...I often wonder would it be easier for me to go to work on Monday if I was head-over-heels in love with my job? Or, does everyone feel like this on the first day of the work week?

Maybe if I just crawled out quietly, no one would even realize I had left. Then I could go on a lovely hike at Great Falls and find some peace of mind.

Fish are jumpin' and the river is high...

2006-06-17T15:18:00.000-05:00

Well, summer has unofficially begun and I've already made one trip up to the good ol' Susqy for a trip down from the falls. As always, Uncle Arthur led the way. I was a bit nervous as I recalled the last time when the river was so low that we had to get out and walk!

But I had nothing to fear, and this time the water was high enough that we were able to make it around the island. Not only that, but we were lucky enough to see two bald eagles on the way! It was so very pleasant, and it's days like these that make me wish I could relax like this every morning.
I'm hoping to make it back up there soon, and this time I'm looking forward to a hike up Campbell's Ledge and a refreshing peanut butter chocolate single scoop sugar cone at the Blue Ribbon.

My First Blog

2006-06-02T14:19:00.000-05:00

Testing, testing...ehm! ehm! Can anyone hear me?