Today I received this in my email inbox. I have been wanting to post about these issues, but hope that this email will make it easier to link directly to information and action.
Action Alert: Get Toxic Chemicals Out of Children's Products
Dear "Simply Authentic,"
Baby bottles contain a hidden danger. The chemical bisphenol A (BPA) is a developmental, neural and reproductive toxicant and is found in the majority of baby bottles on the market, not to mention many hard plastic water bottles and infant formula containers. Last week, the Canadian and U.S. governments issued warnings on the safety of BPA. Canada is now on the path to get BPA out of baby bottles and a recent report by the U.S. National Toxicology Program, found that BPA may play a role in a host of common health problems, including prostate cancer, breast cancer, and early puberty. Decades of research show that exposure to even small amounts of estrogenic chemicals (synthetic hormones that mimic estrogen) like BPA can affect babies at critical windows of development.
In the Oregon Environmental Council’s recent report, Pollution in People, we found bisphenol A in eight of the ten Oregonians tested for the presence of unwanted chemicals in their body. This coming legislative session we plan to introduce legislation that will reduce the use of toxins in products made for children. We also have a safer plastics wallet guide to help you to avoid potentially harmful plastics.
In the mean time, it is urgent that we capitalize on government's new interest in BPA and hold manufacturers accountable for safe products. Please tell baby bottle manufacturers that bisphenol A does not belong in baby bottles!
This petition will be delivered to the CEOs of leading baby bottle companies, along with a letter from several US environmental health organizations.
For more information about BPA and how you can reduce your exposure, visit our site and read this recent Washington Post article.
Thanks for all that you do!
Sincerely,
Program Director
Oregon Environmental Council
Monday, April 28, 2008
Tea Time
La Tea Dah over at Gracious Hospitality has been having a tea themed blog-a-thon about different tea subjects. This week has been about the types of tea that we enjoy drinking on a regular basis. Tea is great for us for many reasons. The health benefits (especially for green tea) have been shown to reduce risks for cancer, bad cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Tea has been found to enhance immunity and to aid in digestion as well. Plus I would argue that taking time for a relaxing cup of tea decreases stress and can increase social networks when indulged in amongst a group (as historically was the case).
In my family we have an on-going joke in regards to my father and his tea drinking habits. Not only does Dad drink the strongest, cheapest, and in my opinion, most awful flavored green tea (although its probably truer to the source of the actual tea leaf), he also has a habit of steeping his tea for an enormous amount of time. He believes that tea should be left to steep for 10 minutes and often forgets about his cup as it steeps/cools. This causes him to have to reheat the tea whenever he discovers it again in the kitchen and always causes us to have a good laugh.
I feel lucky to have in the Pacific Northwest several major tea companies and thus feel even more glad to be able to purchase my tea from local sources. Portland is the headquarters for both Tazo and Stash tea companies. Another favorite brand of tea is that of Yogi Tea, which is headquartered in Eugene, Oregon and often uses organic ingredients. Primarily I enjoy a good cup of English breakfast tea or chai tea mixed with a spoonful of brown sugar and a glunk of soy milk. I usually enjoy tea at least once or twice throughout the afternoon and evening. When I am desiring tea but am worried about sleep being inhibited due to caffeine, I drink a cup of decaffeinated regular Good Earth tea (via Santa Cruz, CA) with or without the added sugar/milk combo dependent upon mood.
One brand of tea that I found while studying abroad several years back in London is that of The London Cuppa. I was lucky to have two friends who went there the subsequent summer and picked up more boxes of it for me, however friends on recent trips have been unable to find it in many of the stores there. This tea, while definitely not local, is probably the best English breakfast tea I have ever had the pleasure of drinking. Although it is probably a good thing that I have had to ration supplies as the strength of this tea and the manner in which it coats both my cup and my teeth, leads me to wonder just how good it is for my body.
One additional thing that I love about both Good Earth and the Yogi tea brands are the quotes that they imprint on the tag connected to the tea bag. Often inspirational these quotes brighten my day almost as much as the tea does itself. Today's Yogi tea quote for your enjoyment and one that applies to postings on this blog, "Compassion has no limit. Kindness has no enemy."
In my family we have an on-going joke in regards to my father and his tea drinking habits. Not only does Dad drink the strongest, cheapest, and in my opinion, most awful flavored green tea (although its probably truer to the source of the actual tea leaf), he also has a habit of steeping his tea for an enormous amount of time. He believes that tea should be left to steep for 10 minutes and often forgets about his cup as it steeps/cools. This causes him to have to reheat the tea whenever he discovers it again in the kitchen and always causes us to have a good laugh.
I feel lucky to have in the Pacific Northwest several major tea companies and thus feel even more glad to be able to purchase my tea from local sources. Portland is the headquarters for both Tazo and Stash tea companies. Another favorite brand of tea is that of Yogi Tea, which is headquartered in Eugene, Oregon and often uses organic ingredients. Primarily I enjoy a good cup of English breakfast tea or chai tea mixed with a spoonful of brown sugar and a glunk of soy milk. I usually enjoy tea at least once or twice throughout the afternoon and evening. When I am desiring tea but am worried about sleep being inhibited due to caffeine, I drink a cup of decaffeinated regular Good Earth tea (via Santa Cruz, CA) with or without the added sugar/milk combo dependent upon mood.
One brand of tea that I found while studying abroad several years back in London is that of The London Cuppa. I was lucky to have two friends who went there the subsequent summer and picked up more boxes of it for me, however friends on recent trips have been unable to find it in many of the stores there. This tea, while definitely not local, is probably the best English breakfast tea I have ever had the pleasure of drinking. Although it is probably a good thing that I have had to ration supplies as the strength of this tea and the manner in which it coats both my cup and my teeth, leads me to wonder just how good it is for my body.
One additional thing that I love about both Good Earth and the Yogi tea brands are the quotes that they imprint on the tag connected to the tea bag. Often inspirational these quotes brighten my day almost as much as the tea does itself. Today's Yogi tea quote for your enjoyment and one that applies to postings on this blog, "Compassion has no limit. Kindness has no enemy."
Friday, April 25, 2008
Organizing for Filter Change!
Dear Readers,
Do you use Brita water filters to purify your tap water or know someone who does? Have you ever wondered what happens to all the used plastic filter cartridges at the end of their lives?
If you lived in Europe, you could take that filter to a drop-off location where it would be sent back to Brita for recycling. Unfortunately, here in North America, we have no options for recycling our Brita cartridges at all. Each plastic cartridge is either landfilled or incinerated, adding to the toxic waste that is already choking our planet.
That's why I have signed on to the Take Back The Filter campaign (http://www.takebackthefilter.org) to urge The Clorox Company, which owns Brita in North America, to redesign their filters and provide a way for us to recycle them, as is done in Europe. I urge you to join me!
Here's how you can help: Sign the Petition (http://www.gopetition.com/online/18444.html)
Send in your used filter cartridges: (http://takebackthefilter.org/2008/04/send-us-your-used-filters.html)
Read more about the issue: (http://www.takebackthefilter.org)
Forward this email to as many people as you know. This is a grassroots movement. If we don't speak up, who will?
Sincerely,
Simply Authentic
Do you use Brita water filters to purify your tap water or know someone who does? Have you ever wondered what happens to all the used plastic filter cartridges at the end of their lives?
If you lived in Europe, you could take that filter to a drop-off location where it would be sent back to Brita for recycling. Unfortunately, here in North America, we have no options for recycling our Brita cartridges at all. Each plastic cartridge is either landfilled or incinerated, adding to the toxic waste that is already choking our planet.
That's why I have signed on to the Take Back The Filter campaign (http://www.takebackthefilter.org) to urge The Clorox Company, which owns Brita in North America, to redesign their filters and provide a way for us to recycle them, as is done in Europe. I urge you to join me!
Here's how you can help: Sign the Petition (http://www.gopetition.com/online/18444.html)
Send in your used filter cartridges: (http://takebackthefilter.org/2008/04/send-us-your-used-filters.html)
Read more about the issue: (http://www.takebackthefilter.org)
Forward this email to as many people as you know. This is a grassroots movement. If we don't speak up, who will?
Sincerely,
Simply Authentic
Clutter Reduction
During April, Chile's been having a De-cluttering challenge. An interesting experience-primarily because I've realized what a de-cluttered life I try to live. One goal was getting rid of 3 cans of paint in my trunk, although I'm still deciding whether or not to get rid of them. An interesting component of the challenge have been Chile's thoughts about whether or not some stuff should really be turned away. This is especially relevant in our current times. The best way to have a de-cluttered life is to NOT bring more home and/or to have organizational systems for using it or passing it on. One of my pet peeves with organizational/decluttering/remodeling shows is the amount of stuff thrown out. Instead of throwing stuff away we should be finding ways to incorporate it into new uses or give it to someone who needs it. (Which this whole concept also ties into issues with our current industry that manufacture junk that no one actually needs and/or without any life years in them.)
In trying to figure out why clutter has not been as difficult for me, I have realized it's in part due to a) personality (I'm a closet control freak) b) upbringing (from 10 on my organized retired military father influenced me the most) and c) the organizational systems I have created. A week or two ago my sister and I had a conversation on this very topic. She mentioned wanting better organizational routine in her house, and she discovered just how anal-retentive I am about my own space. ;-)
Since I was a kid, I remember keeping all similar objects together and organizing my notebooks by subject. These traits have carried over into my adult life. I have always weeded out my closet every so often in order to pass on clothes that no longer fit and to use all objects that I have in there. But just how anally organized am I?
-Upon coming home I hang my coat up and put my shoes in the closet, change into slippers (warm & quieter for neighbors), drop my bag on "the bench," and empty my pockets onto the tray established for that purpose.
-At the end of each term, I go through my one organized 5 subject spiral notebook (now on grad term #10), recycle what is not needed, clip together materials by subject, and notes & books are placed in my wood chest. (This is until comprehensive exams are over, then 80% will be recycled and most books will be sold back.)
-All mail is opened the day it arrives. If it's junk, it's recycled in the lobby w/o coming upstairs. Bills are paid on the spot, put in the next day's mail, and statements are filed in the appropriate folder (w/ paid date, amount, & check #) in my financial file box. Personal mail is recycled or put for shredding. The 10x/yr magazine/newsletter each are put in a specific location to read later.
-My calendar is organized at the beginning of every year with family & friends bdays and anniversaries. Each term it's organized with every assignment, social event, and lecture. When something new comes up it's added to the wall and phone calendars. Bills not automatically deducted are circled on the calendar in case they arrive late.
-Before bed each night, I walk around my apartment and put things back where they belong. I wash all dishes for overnight drying, get coffee ready for the morning, and put out what needs to be worked on the next day.
-I routinely go through my email sent and inboxes to make sure what I hang onto is actually needed or is still current. My computer has established folders for different types of documents (ex school by term and subject, professional documents, pictures, music).
-When it comes to items, generally I only have items with an actual purpose. I try not to have multiples of the same item and to keep what I DO have at a minimum. I will stockpile some items like soap or TP, as these get used more frequently. Most items have a location where they belong and are grouped with other like items. When I get done using something, it goes back where it belongs OR it gets put back at night.
Since joining Chile's challenge I have gotten rid of a couple of things. I finally dropped off clothes for a friend of mine and I gave some art paint to my new artist neighbor. I will give some other art supplies to a friend's child and a couple other items will go to the church rummage sale. Still not sure about the wall paint.....
One additional reason that I am this organized goes back to a comment from an old coworker. He wanted to be a cop and had noticed that frequently cops pull over vehicles that are not well maintained-the reason being that the car can be a symbol of the state of the individual. In that moment I realized that for me, my surroundings and my being are an expression of myself to others. I want to have a home that is comfy and organized so that other people feel comfortable and can relax here. (Although I may seem overly anal, that's just me and doesn't adhere to others in my home. I still LIVE here-especially since the organization makes it easier to just live rather than to worry about it all. :-)) And since then I've also recognized that I feel calmer and more organized as a person when my surroundings are that way as well.
Just some insights....to each their own. Although I can't help but wonder how other people live? We all have our own routines....:-)
In trying to figure out why clutter has not been as difficult for me, I have realized it's in part due to a) personality (I'm a closet control freak) b) upbringing (from 10 on my organized retired military father influenced me the most) and c) the organizational systems I have created. A week or two ago my sister and I had a conversation on this very topic. She mentioned wanting better organizational routine in her house, and she discovered just how anal-retentive I am about my own space. ;-)
Since I was a kid, I remember keeping all similar objects together and organizing my notebooks by subject. These traits have carried over into my adult life. I have always weeded out my closet every so often in order to pass on clothes that no longer fit and to use all objects that I have in there. But just how anally organized am I?
-Upon coming home I hang my coat up and put my shoes in the closet, change into slippers (warm & quieter for neighbors), drop my bag on "the bench," and empty my pockets onto the tray established for that purpose.
-At the end of each term, I go through my one organized 5 subject spiral notebook (now on grad term #10), recycle what is not needed, clip together materials by subject, and notes & books are placed in my wood chest. (This is until comprehensive exams are over, then 80% will be recycled and most books will be sold back.)
-All mail is opened the day it arrives. If it's junk, it's recycled in the lobby w/o coming upstairs. Bills are paid on the spot, put in the next day's mail, and statements are filed in the appropriate folder (w/ paid date, amount, & check #) in my financial file box. Personal mail is recycled or put for shredding. The 10x/yr magazine/newsletter each are put in a specific location to read later.
-My calendar is organized at the beginning of every year with family & friends bdays and anniversaries. Each term it's organized with every assignment, social event, and lecture. When something new comes up it's added to the wall and phone calendars. Bills not automatically deducted are circled on the calendar in case they arrive late.
-Before bed each night, I walk around my apartment and put things back where they belong. I wash all dishes for overnight drying, get coffee ready for the morning, and put out what needs to be worked on the next day.
-I routinely go through my email sent and inboxes to make sure what I hang onto is actually needed or is still current. My computer has established folders for different types of documents (ex school by term and subject, professional documents, pictures, music).
-When it comes to items, generally I only have items with an actual purpose. I try not to have multiples of the same item and to keep what I DO have at a minimum. I will stockpile some items like soap or TP, as these get used more frequently. Most items have a location where they belong and are grouped with other like items. When I get done using something, it goes back where it belongs OR it gets put back at night.
Since joining Chile's challenge I have gotten rid of a couple of things. I finally dropped off clothes for a friend of mine and I gave some art paint to my new artist neighbor. I will give some other art supplies to a friend's child and a couple other items will go to the church rummage sale. Still not sure about the wall paint.....
One additional reason that I am this organized goes back to a comment from an old coworker. He wanted to be a cop and had noticed that frequently cops pull over vehicles that are not well maintained-the reason being that the car can be a symbol of the state of the individual. In that moment I realized that for me, my surroundings and my being are an expression of myself to others. I want to have a home that is comfy and organized so that other people feel comfortable and can relax here. (Although I may seem overly anal, that's just me and doesn't adhere to others in my home. I still LIVE here-especially since the organization makes it easier to just live rather than to worry about it all. :-)) And since then I've also recognized that I feel calmer and more organized as a person when my surroundings are that way as well.
Just some insights....to each their own. Although I can't help but wonder how other people live? We all have our own routines....:-)
Monday, April 21, 2008
A Thoughtful Post
http://noimpactman.typepad.com/blog/2008/04/its-not-just-a.html
No Impact Man couldn't have said it better. Thus for a wonderful post about the state of affairs and what needs to change...please spend part of your day reading what he had to say.
Hope you have a wonderful day!
P.S. I'm getting pretty tired of Obama and Clinton bashing each other. If they can't prove to society that they can get along in tough situations then I'm beginning to wonder if I really want either one of them to be my elected official...
No Impact Man couldn't have said it better. Thus for a wonderful post about the state of affairs and what needs to change...please spend part of your day reading what he had to say.
Hope you have a wonderful day!
P.S. I'm getting pretty tired of Obama and Clinton bashing each other. If they can't prove to society that they can get along in tough situations then I'm beginning to wonder if I really want either one of them to be my elected official...
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Community Building
Something I have written about before and am taking a class on this term is community. I went to a fantastic conference on Friday about health disparities in this region and one of the outcomes of the conference was the desire and ability to create community amongst diverse groups in order to reduce the health disparities found within many subgroups of our population. A recurring theme was that if one of us is unhealthy then we ALL are unhealthy. Community can be a descriptor for a variety of different groups based upon location, issues, or a defining characteristic. Yet how often do we daily engage in activities to build community?
This is a concept that was discussed Friday evening with a good friend of mine. I tend to view many of the current global, societal, and individual problems that we are all facing as a break down of community. When we began to focus more on individualism and being the one to get ahead, we also turned our backs on many of the pertinent values that kept us in a better check and balance system. We've stopped raising our children via a community. We've stopped working and helping others for the good of the community. We drive around in our isolated cars, work in our isolated cubicles, and live in our isolated houses for the most part. Often times we become so exhausted from the moments when we do work with others that we need a reprieve. Yet has living in a state of isolation really benefited the majority of individuals in our nation?
This weekend I have tried to take some steps toward living in better community. I met two other individuals in my apartment building--one of whom is my next door neighbor. I chatted with the newer neighbor down the hall. And what I discovered is that I live right next door to some pretty cool people. We may be very different individuals, but I feel much safer knowing the people in my wing while also having made two new friends. While talking to my sister yesterday, I stated that I felt like I hadn't done anything yesterday as all I'd really done was socialize with other people. She in response said, "Isn't that what matters in the end anyway?" Good point sister!
So even though I'm just now opening my books for the week, I have come to realize yet again how important community is for all of us in this nation and in this world. If we get to know others, we're able to give and receive help when needed. We're able to borrow cups of sugar, to carry a heavy box, or give a quick lift to someone in need. We're able to support those that are pregnant, be a shoulder to those who need one, and share in a moment of gut wrenching laughter. We're able to educate and validate one another. And we're able to create change at a time when it is so badly needed.
While we might not get along with everyone, the best way to make a difference for everyone is to make a difference for someone. Won't you get to know your neighbor? After all, it all comes down to the opening message from Friday by Professor Gibbs of Harvard, "It's about what's in your heart." So what IS in your heart?
This is a concept that was discussed Friday evening with a good friend of mine. I tend to view many of the current global, societal, and individual problems that we are all facing as a break down of community. When we began to focus more on individualism and being the one to get ahead, we also turned our backs on many of the pertinent values that kept us in a better check and balance system. We've stopped raising our children via a community. We've stopped working and helping others for the good of the community. We drive around in our isolated cars, work in our isolated cubicles, and live in our isolated houses for the most part. Often times we become so exhausted from the moments when we do work with others that we need a reprieve. Yet has living in a state of isolation really benefited the majority of individuals in our nation?
This weekend I have tried to take some steps toward living in better community. I met two other individuals in my apartment building--one of whom is my next door neighbor. I chatted with the newer neighbor down the hall. And what I discovered is that I live right next door to some pretty cool people. We may be very different individuals, but I feel much safer knowing the people in my wing while also having made two new friends. While talking to my sister yesterday, I stated that I felt like I hadn't done anything yesterday as all I'd really done was socialize with other people. She in response said, "Isn't that what matters in the end anyway?" Good point sister!
So even though I'm just now opening my books for the week, I have come to realize yet again how important community is for all of us in this nation and in this world. If we get to know others, we're able to give and receive help when needed. We're able to borrow cups of sugar, to carry a heavy box, or give a quick lift to someone in need. We're able to support those that are pregnant, be a shoulder to those who need one, and share in a moment of gut wrenching laughter. We're able to educate and validate one another. And we're able to create change at a time when it is so badly needed.
While we might not get along with everyone, the best way to make a difference for everyone is to make a difference for someone. Won't you get to know your neighbor? After all, it all comes down to the opening message from Friday by Professor Gibbs of Harvard, "It's about what's in your heart." So what IS in your heart?
Spinach Pie Recipe
Spinach Pie (Serves 8) 1 pie crust
2 & 1/2 cups spinach (frozen or fresh)
1 & 1/2 cups onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup oil
3 cups soy cheese or tofu, crumbled
1 Tbs lemon juice
salt & pepper for taste
Cook spinach. Saute onions and garlic in oil. Add spinach, lemon juice, and cheese/tofu. Cook 5 minutes. Pour into pie crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 mins or until crust is brown.
*Now anyone who has seen me cook knows that I sort of fudge on directions. I usually use both tofu and soy cheese and less onions. This time I added artichokes because I had some open in the fridge. I also didn't have lemon juice so I used o.j. And the recipe could benefit from additional seasonings. I also had a lot of water in the spinach/tofu mixture thus had to simmer it out for much longer than 5 mins. And it never fails that I have to cook things for longer than the stated time. Thus this recipe is just sort of a ball park figure. I also got this recipe from somewhere so credit deserves to go elsewhere, although I have no clue anymore where I got it from originally....
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
A (Non Campus) Day in the Life
I've been itching to be more creative lately, hence a visual representation of life....as I experience it.
Coffee, breakfast sandwich, morning news/emails/blog check. Open all the blinds and water the starts in the boxes. Finish part 2 of my book for fun.
Trying to figure out what to wear-revert back to this after studying. 
After this, loop back to the studying on the love seat, eating dinner, making a phone call to family, revert back to this picture, add in a shower--and that's a photo journey through a non-campus day in the life of....yours truly. Simple and satisfying---if only I could transmit sounds and smells as well. :-)
Coffee, breakfast sandwich, morning news/emails/blog check. Open all the blinds and water the starts in the boxes. Finish part 2 of my book for fun. Trying to figure out what to wear-revert back to this after studying. Have I mentioned lately I hate taking out the trash & recycling? This is two weeks worth-pretty good, huh? After this imagine stopping to meet & chat with the new apartment manager. 
From scratch, a vegan spinach pie. Imagine washing dishes and a phone call to the Financial Aid office and taking care of some business online. Repeat the below picture for several hours (although add in several tea making excursions).
From scratch, a vegan spinach pie. Imagine washing dishes and a phone call to the Financial Aid office and taking care of some business online. Repeat the below picture for several hours (although add in several tea making excursions).This is my brain deciding I need a break...begin walking excursion.
The view from the park up the street.
Add in a trip down the dirty slide and walking through the mud. But you're never to old to revisit the fun of childhood.
This is me trying to explore different photo techniques. Multiply this fountain from different views by about 15. Add a walk on the ledge around it, washing my shoes off w/in it, and an appreciation of the Sacajawea statute in the background.
The city that I've come to love. This is from the bridge I spied down the street all of the sudden. I'd been wondering how to get it....(P.S. See the MAX?)
And this is where it started messing up on uploading pictures, add in a walk home over the gorgeous old bridge, admiring old brick architecture, and meeting a squirrel. Oh yea and the random sand dollar I discovered against a statue (remember how I said sand-dollars seem to appear as a sign that life is in order when I'm at the beach...?).
The view from the park up the street. Add in a trip down the dirty slide and walking through the mud. But you're never to old to revisit the fun of childhood. This is me trying to explore different photo techniques. Multiply this fountain from different views by about 15. Add a walk on the ledge around it, washing my shoes off w/in it, and an appreciation of the Sacajawea statute in the background. The city that I've come to love. This is from the bridge I spied down the street all of the sudden. I'd been wondering how to get it....(P.S. See the MAX?) And this is where it started messing up on uploading pictures, add in a walk home over the gorgeous old bridge, admiring old brick architecture, and meeting a squirrel. Oh yea and the random sand dollar I discovered against a statue (remember how I said sand-dollars seem to appear as a sign that life is in order when I'm at the beach...?).After this, loop back to the studying on the love seat, eating dinner, making a phone call to family, revert back to this picture, add in a shower--and that's a photo journey through a non-campus day in the life of....yours truly. Simple and satisfying---if only I could transmit sounds and smells as well. :-)
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Motivation Vs Trust
I am on campus early this morning, as the campus club I am a part of was hosting a panel discussion for "Careers in Aging" week. One of the things I took away from the panelists was the fact that life sort of has a way of unfolding in its own way. Each of the panelists came to the field of gerontology through very different yet similar paths. Each panelist discussed her idea of blending all of the interests of her life into one general employment opportunity. But each panelist also believes in the fluidity of life that is currently present within the world of employment.
This is something that I have thought of frequently and have written about before in terms of the broad questions about what one is "planning" to do with one's life. In fact, I was asked the question this morning of "what I plan to do after graduation." It always seems to surprise people when I saw that I'm not entirely sure and that I believe the right door will open. With such broad interests and experiences, I feel that through multiple open doors I will be able to eventually rise to the challenge.
....Which I feel is sort of ironic because it's very infrequently that I feel as motivated as I did as an undergrad. Upon graduation from my undergrad I felt I could do anything to change the world. I won't get into the two things that made that change, but in many ways I feel much happier to not feel quite as pressured. Although all the while, I wonder which is the better way to operate in the world. I'm beginning to believe though that there are periods of ebb and flow in one's life. Sometimes we need time to rejuvenate and to observe from more of a distance so that when the right opportunity arises we have the strength and vitality to rise to the occasion. I do not doubt my abilities-just sometimes I feel that I do not desire in this moment to use them to their full potential. However I often wonder...is that right or wrong?
When I so strongly believe that we all should be doing as much as we can for the benefit of each other and the world, is it right for me to continue to take a mini-reprieve? Sometimes I find it ironic that I consider grad school in many ways to be just that--a reprieve from the realities of the world. Although when called, I feel I will be capable of stepping up. And it never fails to amuse me that each time I attempt to get more deeply into the rat race of participation--something blocks that same participation. So I suppose for me it's trust.....
Just as in this exact moment, I am feeling an immense sense of just that..trust. That I am where I am supposed to be...doing what I am supposed to be doing. And that I just need to continue to search, seek guidance, and trust as the doors become open....even amongst the periods of doubt.
May you all be blessed with a remarkable day!
This is something that I have thought of frequently and have written about before in terms of the broad questions about what one is "planning" to do with one's life. In fact, I was asked the question this morning of "what I plan to do after graduation." It always seems to surprise people when I saw that I'm not entirely sure and that I believe the right door will open. With such broad interests and experiences, I feel that through multiple open doors I will be able to eventually rise to the challenge.
....Which I feel is sort of ironic because it's very infrequently that I feel as motivated as I did as an undergrad. Upon graduation from my undergrad I felt I could do anything to change the world. I won't get into the two things that made that change, but in many ways I feel much happier to not feel quite as pressured. Although all the while, I wonder which is the better way to operate in the world. I'm beginning to believe though that there are periods of ebb and flow in one's life. Sometimes we need time to rejuvenate and to observe from more of a distance so that when the right opportunity arises we have the strength and vitality to rise to the occasion. I do not doubt my abilities-just sometimes I feel that I do not desire in this moment to use them to their full potential. However I often wonder...is that right or wrong?
When I so strongly believe that we all should be doing as much as we can for the benefit of each other and the world, is it right for me to continue to take a mini-reprieve? Sometimes I find it ironic that I consider grad school in many ways to be just that--a reprieve from the realities of the world. Although when called, I feel I will be capable of stepping up. And it never fails to amuse me that each time I attempt to get more deeply into the rat race of participation--something blocks that same participation. So I suppose for me it's trust.....
Just as in this exact moment, I am feeling an immense sense of just that..trust. That I am where I am supposed to be...doing what I am supposed to be doing. And that I just need to continue to search, seek guidance, and trust as the doors become open....even amongst the periods of doubt.
May you all be blessed with a remarkable day!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Changes....
Beautiful weather on Saturday. The city came out of the woodwork and it only made me realize how packed my neighborhood and downtown will be in the heat of summer. I had the best of intentions to focus on school work and other things over the weekend, but spent most of it connecting to other people. I love hearing other people's stories as you get to know them.
Had a bit of an apprehensive week as we waited for some test results from a family member, but instead were blessed with good news in two different forms. Needless to say some of the apprehension of the week transferred over to my thoughts during the weekend. Along with conversation from one of my newer friends who is great at getting me to be even more pensive. ;-) We talked about truly living our values, and that if every individual would truly live by what they believe in the world would be a much better place. For example if everyone who believes in compassion lived every single moment acting by it, think of how incredible that would be!
This conversation occurred in conjunction with many thoughts about how much I've changed in the past six six months. We are always changing as people, but sometimes I feel it can be exhausting. Especially when I'm consistently questioning whether or not these changes measure up to my values and at times I'm not so sure.....something I need to be working on. But in periods of confusion I often think of how lucky I am to have the freedom to even think about these things. I am so blessed in my life and instead I should focus on that and work on ways to benefit the lives of others.
So today I'm going to list a few of the things I feel blessed by:
-the bird that shared it's song with me at the crack of dawn
-pretty decent new neighbors
-green spaces in the city
-the gorgeous weather of the weekend
-the rain that occurred today
-good news about my father
-good news about my brother
-new supportive friendships
-forgiveness from old friends
-supportive best friends
-smiles
-time
-starts in my window boxes
-walking all around the city
-healing of blisters
-patience
I will continue to work toward a better future although sometimes that requires re-alignment. And you might notice a few physical changes to the blog as I find things that I think currently more authentically represent me.
Had a bit of an apprehensive week as we waited for some test results from a family member, but instead were blessed with good news in two different forms. Needless to say some of the apprehension of the week transferred over to my thoughts during the weekend. Along with conversation from one of my newer friends who is great at getting me to be even more pensive. ;-) We talked about truly living our values, and that if every individual would truly live by what they believe in the world would be a much better place. For example if everyone who believes in compassion lived every single moment acting by it, think of how incredible that would be!
This conversation occurred in conjunction with many thoughts about how much I've changed in the past six six months. We are always changing as people, but sometimes I feel it can be exhausting. Especially when I'm consistently questioning whether or not these changes measure up to my values and at times I'm not so sure.....something I need to be working on. But in periods of confusion I often think of how lucky I am to have the freedom to even think about these things. I am so blessed in my life and instead I should focus on that and work on ways to benefit the lives of others.
So today I'm going to list a few of the things I feel blessed by:
-the bird that shared it's song with me at the crack of dawn
-pretty decent new neighbors
-green spaces in the city
-the gorgeous weather of the weekend
-the rain that occurred today
-good news about my father
-good news about my brother
-new supportive friendships
-forgiveness from old friends
-supportive best friends
-smiles
-time
-starts in my window boxes
-walking all around the city
-healing of blisters
-patience
I will continue to work toward a better future although sometimes that requires re-alignment. And you might notice a few physical changes to the blog as I find things that I think currently more authentically represent me.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Drive Time Realizations
On my drive back north today I experienced three events worthy of note.
1) I realized for the zillionth time that people forget to turn their headlights on when it's raining and/or overcast. Now, being an Oregonian, I realize that we feel pretty comfortable in rain. We walk, run, play in it, and we drive the regular speed limit too. However if there's one pet peeve I've begun to have it's the fact that half the cars I drive by or behind on the highway/freeway do not turn their lights on in the rain. It inhibits passing, decreases driver safety, and it also decreases visibility of the cars up ahead when the rain gets heavier. Is it really that difficult to turn the headlights on along with the wipers? I counted 25 cars without lights on in the rain in about 40 miles. Then I realized it was futile to continue counting....
2) It's sad when so many negative events have caused us to lose faith in humanity. There were two young, fairly clean shaven guys about my age at the rest stop where I stopped on the interstate who were trying to catch a ride up to Portland. I responded honestly that yes I was going to end up there, but that no I wouldn't take them. They were completely fine about it and really seemed like decent guys, but being a fairly young, somewhat attractive, single female--I wasn't going to take the chance. Too many horror stories. As I got back on the freeway I kept trying to imagine how it would have been possible to have taken them along--after all it is more environmentally friendly to share my car trip and I'm sure they would have had some entertaining stories. But beyond making them empty out their hiking packs, pockets, and strip--I really couldn't come up with any other options. But how sad that faith in humanity is so low that we are inhibited to take care of others...although I have a feeling someone else probably got them to where they needed to go. And besides....who doesn't buy a bus or plane ticket these days?
3) There were TONS of sheep in the fields along both the highway and the interstate that I drove along. Made me rethink whether there would even be a need for me to have sheep some day! But the thing I noticed the most was that in one stretch of hundreds of sheep, the fields were located directly next to a mill. I could smell in the air a funky unhealthy smell as I drove past this stretch and could only feel for the poor little sheep that are breathing this in all day. And then it dawned on me---so these sheep breath in these chemicals-many of which probably can be deposited within the cells of the sheep which in turn are eaten through meat or milk by humans or passed on to cute baby sheep. Bioaccumulation before my very eyes......hmmm.....
P.S. One of my favorite artists is India.Arie and this song from her album Testimony, Vol 1., just like almost every other time I've heard it, stuck out at me today and definitely adheres to so much of what I talk about here on this blog. The lyrics came from http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/indiaarie/thereshope.html:
INDIA.ARIE LYRICS"There's Hope"
[Verse 1:]Back when I had a little
I thought that I needed a lot
A little was over rated,
but a lot was a little too complicated
You see-Zero didn't satisfy me
A million didn't make me happy
That's when I learned a lesson
That it's all about your perception
Hey-are you a pauper or a superstar
So you act, so you feel, so you are
It ain't about the size of your car
It's about the size of the faith in your heart
[Chorus:]There's hope
It doesn't cost a thing to smile
You don't have to pay to laugh
You better thank God for that[repeat]
There's hope
[Verse 2:]Off in the back country of Brazil
I met a young brother that made me feel
That I could accomplish anything.
You see just like me he wanted to sing
He had no windows and no doors
He lived a simple life and was extremely poor
On top of all of that he had no eye sight,
but that didn't keep him from seein' the light
He said, what's it like in the USA, and all I did was complain
He said-livin' here is paradise
He taught me paradise is in your mind
You know that
[Chorus]
[Bridge:]Every time I turn on the T.V. (There's Hope)
Somebody's acting crazy (There's Hope)
If you let it, it will drive you crazy (There's Hope)
but I'm takin' back my power today (There's Hope)
Gas prices they just keep on rising (There's Hope)
The government they keep on lying
but we gotta keep on surviving
Keep living our truth and do the best we can do
[Chorus]
Stand up for your rights [echo]
Keep shining your light [echo]
And show the world your smile [echo]
[Chorus]
1) I realized for the zillionth time that people forget to turn their headlights on when it's raining and/or overcast. Now, being an Oregonian, I realize that we feel pretty comfortable in rain. We walk, run, play in it, and we drive the regular speed limit too. However if there's one pet peeve I've begun to have it's the fact that half the cars I drive by or behind on the highway/freeway do not turn their lights on in the rain. It inhibits passing, decreases driver safety, and it also decreases visibility of the cars up ahead when the rain gets heavier. Is it really that difficult to turn the headlights on along with the wipers? I counted 25 cars without lights on in the rain in about 40 miles. Then I realized it was futile to continue counting....
2) It's sad when so many negative events have caused us to lose faith in humanity. There were two young, fairly clean shaven guys about my age at the rest stop where I stopped on the interstate who were trying to catch a ride up to Portland. I responded honestly that yes I was going to end up there, but that no I wouldn't take them. They were completely fine about it and really seemed like decent guys, but being a fairly young, somewhat attractive, single female--I wasn't going to take the chance. Too many horror stories. As I got back on the freeway I kept trying to imagine how it would have been possible to have taken them along--after all it is more environmentally friendly to share my car trip and I'm sure they would have had some entertaining stories. But beyond making them empty out their hiking packs, pockets, and strip--I really couldn't come up with any other options. But how sad that faith in humanity is so low that we are inhibited to take care of others...although I have a feeling someone else probably got them to where they needed to go. And besides....who doesn't buy a bus or plane ticket these days?
3) There were TONS of sheep in the fields along both the highway and the interstate that I drove along. Made me rethink whether there would even be a need for me to have sheep some day! But the thing I noticed the most was that in one stretch of hundreds of sheep, the fields were located directly next to a mill. I could smell in the air a funky unhealthy smell as I drove past this stretch and could only feel for the poor little sheep that are breathing this in all day. And then it dawned on me---so these sheep breath in these chemicals-many of which probably can be deposited within the cells of the sheep which in turn are eaten through meat or milk by humans or passed on to cute baby sheep. Bioaccumulation before my very eyes......hmmm.....
P.S. One of my favorite artists is India.Arie and this song from her album Testimony, Vol 1., just like almost every other time I've heard it, stuck out at me today and definitely adheres to so much of what I talk about here on this blog. The lyrics came from http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/indiaarie/thereshope.html:
INDIA.ARIE LYRICS"There's Hope"
[Verse 1:]Back when I had a little
I thought that I needed a lot
A little was over rated,
but a lot was a little too complicated
You see-Zero didn't satisfy me
A million didn't make me happy
That's when I learned a lesson
That it's all about your perception
Hey-are you a pauper or a superstar
So you act, so you feel, so you are
It ain't about the size of your car
It's about the size of the faith in your heart
[Chorus:]There's hope
It doesn't cost a thing to smile
You don't have to pay to laugh
You better thank God for that[repeat]
There's hope
[Verse 2:]Off in the back country of Brazil
I met a young brother that made me feel
That I could accomplish anything.
You see just like me he wanted to sing
He had no windows and no doors
He lived a simple life and was extremely poor
On top of all of that he had no eye sight,
but that didn't keep him from seein' the light
He said, what's it like in the USA, and all I did was complain
He said-livin' here is paradise
He taught me paradise is in your mind
You know that
[Chorus]
[Bridge:]Every time I turn on the T.V. (There's Hope)
Somebody's acting crazy (There's Hope)
If you let it, it will drive you crazy (There's Hope)
but I'm takin' back my power today (There's Hope)
Gas prices they just keep on rising (There's Hope)
The government they keep on lying
but we gotta keep on surviving
Keep living our truth and do the best we can do
[Chorus]
Stand up for your rights [echo]
Keep shining your light [echo]
And show the world your smile [echo]
[Chorus]
Saturday, April 5, 2008
A Lil' Weekend Back at "Home"
It's my mother's birthday today so I wanted to come spend the weekend with my parents on the coast. I had not made the trip since the month I was here in December and had multiple mixed thoughts about coming back down. However once I smelled the first bits of the salty air and walked through the front door to my father's exclamation of my "finally being home," I felt the trip was worth it. It's incredible how much that salt air relaxs me!
Some of the highlights from the trip thus far have been:
-doing laundry in the parent's new energy saving washer
-hanging my sheets on the line to dry (they still smell fabulous!)
-watching baseball games on TV with my father
-dad's "home cooked" meals
-lap swimming in the community pool w/ my former students as my life guards
-incredibly deep sleep under mounds of covers (again a product of that fabulous salt air)
-the feeling of time being slow even though it moves so quickly
-watching the birds on the feeders in the backyard
-having mom alter my shirts/tanks so that they fit better (no need to buy new!)
-tea time w/ dad
-watching dad's enjoyment in being able to use my car again
-going out to dinner for mom's bday to our favorite chinese restaurant
-making healthy apple cobbler for mom for her bday treat (she's suffering from being pre-diabetic)
-and pretty much just having them put up with my same old doomsday greeny lectures and insights! (although dad is saying that I have a point)
Hope you all have been enjoying a wonderful weekend!
Some of the highlights from the trip thus far have been:
-doing laundry in the parent's new energy saving washer
-hanging my sheets on the line to dry (they still smell fabulous!)
-watching baseball games on TV with my father
-dad's "home cooked" meals
-lap swimming in the community pool w/ my former students as my life guards
-incredibly deep sleep under mounds of covers (again a product of that fabulous salt air)
-the feeling of time being slow even though it moves so quickly
-watching the birds on the feeders in the backyard
-having mom alter my shirts/tanks so that they fit better (no need to buy new!)
-tea time w/ dad
-watching dad's enjoyment in being able to use my car again
-going out to dinner for mom's bday to our favorite chinese restaurant
-making healthy apple cobbler for mom for her bday treat (she's suffering from being pre-diabetic)
-and pretty much just having them put up with my same old doomsday greeny lectures and insights! (although dad is saying that I have a point)
Hope you all have been enjoying a wonderful weekend!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Bleeding Hearts
Yesterday I had one of those moments when my soul jumped into my heart and it took everything I could do not to let my eyes tear up. On my walk to campus, I almost always take the same route that takes me toward the heart of downtown before walking up to campus through the park blocks. However a couple blocks shy of the park blocks, I noticed a gathering of men in suits hovering outside the door of an artistic, non-profit agency. It was then that I noticed the man clutching his side, laying on the ground in the entry way with his back to the building. He was wearing a flimsy T-shirt, jeans, and high-top shoes. He was unshaven and unwashed. And he was clutching a carry-out box of spaghetti, the contents of which had spilled upon him-presumably as he fell to the ground. And amongst all of this, the only words coming out of his mouth were "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." He repeated this statement over and over, while the men in suits radio-ed to try to get somebody to help this man.
It was this scene and those words that punctured my heart. Everyone falls, everyone has needs, everyone has moments when they've hit rock bottom. To me it doesn't matter if this man was on drugs or potentially an alcoholic, I feel that we are all responsible for each other regardless of the multiple independent behavioral choices we make. You are human, I am human-thus we have much in common. As I continued my walk, I wondered if I could have done anything in that moment to help that man. I had cash, but that wouldn't have helped. He had food. He had "help" on the way. The men in suits started offering words of assurance to the gentleman once they saw the look of compassion upon my face. The only thing I could do I felt was offer a prayer for the gentleman laying in desperation.
I couldn't help but wonder what may have the led the man to this point in his life. (These are the things I do-I ponder, analyze, and wonder pretty much all the time.) Could he have been a veteran? He looked about the right age and many of our men and women in need are veterans whom the current system is unable to support. Could he be a sufferer of a mental illness stuck in a cycle of no insurance, unemployment, and a broken mental health system? Could he have been a "survivor" of childhood emotional, physical, or sexual abuse who escaped to the streets at a young age and had never left?
While I will probably never know the answers to my questions, this gentleman will remain on my mind and my heart for years to come. I will never forget many of the homeless individuals who I have encountered over the years on these streets, who work their way into my heart, and who make me recognize how easily any of us could be in similiar shoes. These are the individuals who make me hope so strongly in the power of human compassion and in the ability for change to be implemented eventually within our nation and within the world.
If we would stop looking at each other as "other" and instead recognize that we are all the same---what a world of difference we could create. Sometimes it starts in the simple things and gratitude can be given for the tiniest of things. While I couldn't do anything for the man yesterday, today when I was stopped by a gentleman sitting on the street, I was reminded to look him directly in the eye, smile, and tell him that although I didn't have cash I definitely hoped he had a good day. His double take, smile, and thanks in return are all that I needed to know that the smallest of steps really do matter. May we all be reminded of the interrelatedness of humanity and take the smallest and largest of steps to demonstrate human compassion. I hope you all and the gentleman from yesterday are especially blessed today....
It was this scene and those words that punctured my heart. Everyone falls, everyone has needs, everyone has moments when they've hit rock bottom. To me it doesn't matter if this man was on drugs or potentially an alcoholic, I feel that we are all responsible for each other regardless of the multiple independent behavioral choices we make. You are human, I am human-thus we have much in common. As I continued my walk, I wondered if I could have done anything in that moment to help that man. I had cash, but that wouldn't have helped. He had food. He had "help" on the way. The men in suits started offering words of assurance to the gentleman once they saw the look of compassion upon my face. The only thing I could do I felt was offer a prayer for the gentleman laying in desperation.
I couldn't help but wonder what may have the led the man to this point in his life. (These are the things I do-I ponder, analyze, and wonder pretty much all the time.) Could he have been a veteran? He looked about the right age and many of our men and women in need are veterans whom the current system is unable to support. Could he be a sufferer of a mental illness stuck in a cycle of no insurance, unemployment, and a broken mental health system? Could he have been a "survivor" of childhood emotional, physical, or sexual abuse who escaped to the streets at a young age and had never left?
While I will probably never know the answers to my questions, this gentleman will remain on my mind and my heart for years to come. I will never forget many of the homeless individuals who I have encountered over the years on these streets, who work their way into my heart, and who make me recognize how easily any of us could be in similiar shoes. These are the individuals who make me hope so strongly in the power of human compassion and in the ability for change to be implemented eventually within our nation and within the world.
If we would stop looking at each other as "other" and instead recognize that we are all the same---what a world of difference we could create. Sometimes it starts in the simple things and gratitude can be given for the tiniest of things. While I couldn't do anything for the man yesterday, today when I was stopped by a gentleman sitting on the street, I was reminded to look him directly in the eye, smile, and tell him that although I didn't have cash I definitely hoped he had a good day. His double take, smile, and thanks in return are all that I needed to know that the smallest of steps really do matter. May we all be reminded of the interrelatedness of humanity and take the smallest and largest of steps to demonstrate human compassion. I hope you all and the gentleman from yesterday are especially blessed today....
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