Santa’s come and gone. 2008 is winding down. Here comes the New Year, are you ready? Resolutions. New beginnings. Quitting said resolutions. Ending the beginnings, and on the cycle goes until we approach the next December, etc etc. Whatever your MidNight plans may be, and whether you’re feeling Frisky, Feisty, Sassy or Spunky, I sure hope your door closes well on 2008 and opens to a wonderful 2009.
I considered going all out for an end-of-the-year blog entry. Offering some "best-of-2008" lists and top-whatever countdowns of my fave from this year. But instead I choose to leave you with a brief "well-wish" for the New Year. I hope ALL the best for ALL of you, and I think simply saying that eliminates any need for lists, stories, or expectations of the upcoming year.
Tip the glass at the stroke of midNight, sip the champagne, snag that kiss and on we go. Isn’t life just a beautiful thing?
Should all acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind
Should all acquaintance be forgot for the sake of auld lang syne
Santa Says RECYCLE!!!
I'm turning into a recycle nut. I made a box at work for paper recycling I take to local bins. It sits near my 6 inch stack of scrap I use to avoid new paper. As I mailed out my christmas cards I got to thinking, "I hope all this paper doesn't get thrown away, maybe I should put a reminder note to recycle the paper" (dork). I recycle at home, have little grocery totes I drag everywhere, and take my overstock of plastic grocery bags to the recycle bins at the stores. I smash cans for recycling. I even talked my boyfriend into bringing home the plastic bag he carries his lunch in to use more than once! Today I stumbled upon the following article that included useful information I thought you might find interesting, and make you put your christmas cards in a recylce bin instead of the trash.
Happy Reduce/Reuse/Recycling!!!
The holidays are here and you want to do it all! And with all that overindulgence comes a lot of waste. In fact, Americans throw away about 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve than the rest of the year. This year, you can enjoy the holidays — and be kinder to the environment at the same time — just by following these easy tips.
Holiday Cards
Every year, 2.65 billion holiday cards are sold in the U.S. When choosing cards this year, make sure they contain recycled content or are made from recycled material. And when the season is over, don’t throw away the cards you receive. Be sure to toss them in the recycle bin.
Catalogs
Everyone’s mailbox is stuffed with mail-order catalogs this time of year. Call the companies and ask to be removed from their mailing lists. (If each household canceled ten mail-order catalogs, it would reduce their trash by 3.5 pounds per year!) And be sure to recycle any you do wish to receive.
Shopping Bags
Don’t you hate being bogged down by armfuls of bags after a day of shopping? Then why not take your own tote bags? Unlike store bags, they’re easier to carry and can hold a lot more items.
Gifts
Keep the environment in mind when choosing holiday gifts. Instead of buying trinkets that will end up in a landfill one day, select gifts that won’t create waste, such as homemade cookies, a plant, concert or movie tickets, candles, soaps or a donation to a charity.
Wrapping Paper
While a package wrapped in shiny paper may look festive, just think how wasteful it really is to use the paper once and then throw it away. Try to buy wrapping paper made of recycled paper. Or get really creative and use old maps or the Sunday comics to wrap your gifts. Avoid paper all together by using reusable decorative tins, baskets or boxes.
Decorations
If you put up a Christmas tree, be sure to purchase one that can be planted or mulched after the holiday. Or use an artificial tree instead. Make ornaments and other decorations out of things you find around the house or outside. Use outdoor light strands that are wired in parallel. (This means if one bulb goes out, you only have to replace it and not the whole strand.) Also remember the smaller the bulbs, the lower the wattage. Low wattage consumes less energy and gives off less heat, making your lights safer.
Food
After a holiday meal, don’t throw away the leftovers. Wrap them up and send them home with your guests, or donate them to a local food bank. You can also compost your food waste. Fruits and vegetables and their peels, pits and seeds all make a great natural fertilizer once composted.
Happy Reduce/Reuse/Recycling!!!
The holidays are here and you want to do it all! And with all that overindulgence comes a lot of waste. In fact, Americans throw away about 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve than the rest of the year. This year, you can enjoy the holidays — and be kinder to the environment at the same time — just by following these easy tips.
Holiday Cards
Every year, 2.65 billion holiday cards are sold in the U.S. When choosing cards this year, make sure they contain recycled content or are made from recycled material. And when the season is over, don’t throw away the cards you receive. Be sure to toss them in the recycle bin.
Catalogs
Everyone’s mailbox is stuffed with mail-order catalogs this time of year. Call the companies and ask to be removed from their mailing lists. (If each household canceled ten mail-order catalogs, it would reduce their trash by 3.5 pounds per year!) And be sure to recycle any you do wish to receive.
Shopping Bags
Don’t you hate being bogged down by armfuls of bags after a day of shopping? Then why not take your own tote bags? Unlike store bags, they’re easier to carry and can hold a lot more items.
Gifts
Keep the environment in mind when choosing holiday gifts. Instead of buying trinkets that will end up in a landfill one day, select gifts that won’t create waste, such as homemade cookies, a plant, concert or movie tickets, candles, soaps or a donation to a charity.
Wrapping Paper
While a package wrapped in shiny paper may look festive, just think how wasteful it really is to use the paper once and then throw it away. Try to buy wrapping paper made of recycled paper. Or get really creative and use old maps or the Sunday comics to wrap your gifts. Avoid paper all together by using reusable decorative tins, baskets or boxes.
Decorations
If you put up a Christmas tree, be sure to purchase one that can be planted or mulched after the holiday. Or use an artificial tree instead. Make ornaments and other decorations out of things you find around the house or outside. Use outdoor light strands that are wired in parallel. (This means if one bulb goes out, you only have to replace it and not the whole strand.) Also remember the smaller the bulbs, the lower the wattage. Low wattage consumes less energy and gives off less heat, making your lights safer.
Food
After a holiday meal, don’t throw away the leftovers. Wrap them up and send them home with your guests, or donate them to a local food bank. You can also compost your food waste. Fruits and vegetables and their peels, pits and seeds all make a great natural fertilizer once composted.
And So This is Christmas...
This past Monday (Dec.8) marked 28th anniversary of the shooting of John Lennon. Looking back, much seems different than 28 years ago. I recently caught a documentary on the time he spent "in bed for peace" with Yoko, and it reminded me – certain things are no different from back then. Here I am a mere 26, wondering what the world woud be like today if he were still in it. Things he said in interviews, and the ideals he wanted to spread are still very needed in the world today. We are in the same positions, just with different elements of the equation. It amazed me as I watched him in bed, people asking questions of why. Why are you doing this? Why is this what you believe? It made me recollect the issues in my life, the things that weigh me down, even tho in 28 years they probably won’t matter. And there’s John Lennon in bed for PEACE, something that still is in play after all this time. And even tho I might not say he’s my favorite "Beatle" or that I’m even a super die hard fan (eh – that’s debatable) credit is due to how amazing he was on his own. The Beatles were such a wonderful package of one another, and yes John was quite a package with Yoko Ono, but still he shook the world as an individual.
"You May Say I’m a Dreamer, But I’m Not the Only One…
I Hope Someday You Will Join Us, & the World Will Live as One"
I don’t know what it was about that show, whether the coincidence of its timing or simply the state of mind I was in while viewing…but I felt a sort of inner comfort afterwards. A sort of – don’t let things factor in, they might not be an issue down the road. Who knows. The holidays are here as well as the end of the calendar year, bringing a time for looking back and forward all at once. A time for coming together with friends, family, loved ones. A time to remember it is YOU who makes a difference in your life, and there’s no better time than now to find your balance.
Happy Christmas Everyone
So this is Christmas
AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young
"You May Say I’m a Dreamer, But I’m Not the Only One…
I Hope Someday You Will Join Us, & the World Will Live as One"
I don’t know what it was about that show, whether the coincidence of its timing or simply the state of mind I was in while viewing…but I felt a sort of inner comfort afterwards. A sort of – don’t let things factor in, they might not be an issue down the road. Who knows. The holidays are here as well as the end of the calendar year, bringing a time for looking back and forward all at once. A time for coming together with friends, family, loved ones. A time to remember it is YOU who makes a difference in your life, and there’s no better time than now to find your balance.
Happy Christmas Everyone
So this is Christmas
AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young
U Can't Get Ahead While UR Getting Even
When someone asks: what are your strengths and weaknesses? The answers often mold to the type of atmosphere the question comes from. Interviewers are told the strengths of a person’s communication skills, etc etc. For a while now my answer has always been the same, regardless. I feel my biggest strength is, at times, one of my biggest weaknesses: my versatility. I have been both complimented and criticized for this trait, and do my best to learn from the bad and take from the good.
It might look like my strength-weakness is an oxymoron, or maybe that I’m just simply a moron, eh? But I promise you, it is a big part of who I am. And as much as I’m grateful to balance out my perspective, and attempt to represent a sort of "karma" I sometimes wonder if my perspective would change, given a different well, perspective.
I'm sure none of this makes sense to you. And that’s ok. Potentially that’s what I’m going for with this blog. Take this moment to re-read its title. I feel like it represents a part of what I’m trying to express as I type-vomit all over this keyboard. Basically it pulls me like Stretch-Armstrong (remember that guy?). I "go with the flow" but then wonder if the "flow" really pushes me forward. I can’t grasp it sometimes, but isn’t that the spice of life? No wait, they say "variety" is the spice. Grr, I’m so confused.
As my confusion sets in, and you realize I’m going nowhere with this blog. I think I’ll quit my attempt to figure out life, and balance, and right versus wrong, and strength versus weakness. I think I’ll just keep on truckin’ with hopes that you also see some beauty in that quote of a title that inspired me to blog about nothing. I hope that as we all get sucked into the expectations of the holiday season we realize we don't have to compete to win, (beyond the Bengals and their TIE, come on WHO DEY!!) And we remember to avoid spite or vengeance. Because the base of those qualities contradict versatility and understanding of one another. And without that we won’t have the ability to move forward.
It might look like my strength-weakness is an oxymoron, or maybe that I’m just simply a moron, eh? But I promise you, it is a big part of who I am. And as much as I’m grateful to balance out my perspective, and attempt to represent a sort of "karma" I sometimes wonder if my perspective would change, given a different well, perspective.
I'm sure none of this makes sense to you. And that’s ok. Potentially that’s what I’m going for with this blog. Take this moment to re-read its title. I feel like it represents a part of what I’m trying to express as I type-vomit all over this keyboard. Basically it pulls me like Stretch-Armstrong (remember that guy?). I "go with the flow" but then wonder if the "flow" really pushes me forward. I can’t grasp it sometimes, but isn’t that the spice of life? No wait, they say "variety" is the spice. Grr, I’m so confused.
As my confusion sets in, and you realize I’m going nowhere with this blog. I think I’ll quit my attempt to figure out life, and balance, and right versus wrong, and strength versus weakness. I think I’ll just keep on truckin’ with hopes that you also see some beauty in that quote of a title that inspired me to blog about nothing. I hope that as we all get sucked into the expectations of the holiday season we realize we don't have to compete to win, (beyond the Bengals and their TIE, come on WHO DEY!!) And we remember to avoid spite or vengeance. Because the base of those qualities contradict versatility and understanding of one another. And without that we won’t have the ability to move forward.
My Party on Pancake Mountain
I can't seem to figure out how to put the youTube video directly on my blog here, but just click the link below and watch the video....its classic adorable.
Kings of Leon played a 2-song set on a kids show called Pancake Mountain. I guess when they were doing their sound check some kids didn't like the loud noise, and some even started crying. But once they started playing they loooooved it and were dancing around the whole time. The boy in green is great! The sound on this video seems awful.....The band seems almost awkward.
I found all of this amusing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMGEt_k643Q
Kings of Leon played a 2-song set on a kids show called Pancake Mountain. I guess when they were doing their sound check some kids didn't like the loud noise, and some even started crying. But once they started playing they loooooved it and were dancing around the whole time. The boy in green is great! The sound on this video seems awful.....The band seems almost awkward.
I found all of this amusing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMGEt_k643Q
Just plain OFFENSIVE
We had over 300 pieces of candy, carved pumpkins, and were all ready for ghouls and goblins to knock on the door. Well, THAT didn't happen so instead we ran around all dressed up on our own trick or treat adventure. Turns out we were on a "pub crawl" where the costume contest theme was Most OFFENSIVE. Although none from our group were all too offensive, we did happen to know the guy who won the black diamond grand prize....The dark knight Joker, frothing at the mouth with an apology note from Heath Ledger. He was up against TheWHO concert victim, and special olympics guy, among others.
It was a great time, packed in those tiny village bars like sardines, all determined to chase around the Naked CowBoy and the radio station guy. I dressed up as a "Deviled Egg" in case you were wondering from the picture. Creative, yes. But most didn't know until I explained to them that the yellow dot on my belly was NOT part of a Twister Game Board.
So next year maybe a young'un will come knocking for some candy, who knows. I suppose even tho we were upset we didn't get any treaters, I guess its good we didn't get any "tricks" either. Cuz our pumpkins are still sitting on our porch (pretty much rotted might I add). But they didn't get smashed against the side of our house like I thought maybe they would.
It was a great time, packed in those tiny village bars like sardines, all determined to chase around the Naked CowBoy and the radio station guy. I dressed up as a "Deviled Egg" in case you were wondering from the picture. Creative, yes. But most didn't know until I explained to them that the yellow dot on my belly was NOT part of a Twister Game Board.
So next year maybe a young'un will come knocking for some candy, who knows. I suppose even tho we were upset we didn't get any treaters, I guess its good we didn't get any "tricks" either. Cuz our pumpkins are still sitting on our porch (pretty much rotted might I add). But they didn't get smashed against the side of our house like I thought maybe they would.
Who Dey? Ebay!
Anyone else wondering which family member's gonna be on local news next??
http://www.local12.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=35286@video.wkrc.com
http://www.local12.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=35286@video.wkrc.com
Wicked Dragster Force Power
Ever been to Cedar Point?
If you’re a fan of RollerCoasters, I highly recommend going. Went this past weekend, for their Halloween Festivities. Even tho temperatures were cold and the wind blew off the lake…it was a wonderful time. And there was plenty of hot coffee to go around. We sped 120mph, shot up 240 feet, twisted like crazy, and dropped 300 feet down. I’m ready for next time, maybe once the weather warms back up…
If you’re a fan of RollerCoasters, I highly recommend going. Went this past weekend, for their Halloween Festivities. Even tho temperatures were cold and the wind blew off the lake…it was a wonderful time. And there was plenty of hot coffee to go around. We sped 120mph, shot up 240 feet, twisted like crazy, and dropped 300 feet down. I’m ready for next time, maybe once the weather warms back up…
No Boil? No Way.
So, I don't cook. I don't really even go to the grocery. Altho this new roomie of mine has me attempting otherwise. Somehow from somewhere (I think we saw a commercial and it looked delicious) I decided to snag my mom's lasagna recipe and attempt homemade lasagna.
Then I heard about these magical No-Boil Lasagna Noodles that you simply add uncooked and out comes wonderful layers of yummy lasagna. WELL at my house that was NOT the case. Thankfully no one showed up for the dinner party, so the poor guests weren't forced to tell me how good it was out of respect for my Suzie-Homemaker efforts in the kitchen.
Add-in the wine, ceasar salad, and the boyfriend who was extremely nice about eating my overly garlic and very very stiff lasagna, and it turned out an enjoyable, worthwhile event. And yes, our friends eventually showed up as we finished off 4 bottles of wine and hung around the firepit on a wonderful fall night....I think they all knew better than to let me cook for them.
So I might be the only person who has unsuccessfully used the no-boil noodles, since everyone I tell explains their love for the simplicity of them. I however, found a way to mess them up! What it really "boils" down to tho, is that it was a fun night and I'm not worried about lacking the skills in the kitchen. That's what the wine's for right?
Then I heard about these magical No-Boil Lasagna Noodles that you simply add uncooked and out comes wonderful layers of yummy lasagna. WELL at my house that was NOT the case. Thankfully no one showed up for the dinner party, so the poor guests weren't forced to tell me how good it was out of respect for my Suzie-Homemaker efforts in the kitchen.
Add-in the wine, ceasar salad, and the boyfriend who was extremely nice about eating my overly garlic and very very stiff lasagna, and it turned out an enjoyable, worthwhile event. And yes, our friends eventually showed up as we finished off 4 bottles of wine and hung around the firepit on a wonderful fall night....I think they all knew better than to let me cook for them.
So I might be the only person who has unsuccessfully used the no-boil noodles, since everyone I tell explains their love for the simplicity of them. I however, found a way to mess them up! What it really "boils" down to tho, is that it was a fun night and I'm not worried about lacking the skills in the kitchen. That's what the wine's for right?
a NATIONAL issue
I live across the river from Ohio, one of the most important states in this oh-so-important election. We’re seeing more political ads on tv than probably anywhere in the country, and the candidates are visiting this area like my uncle Aaron visits Las Vegas (those who know him are smiling EAR TO EAR)
Yesterday there was a rally downtown Cincinnati to promote the ability to vote early in Ohio, they were bussing voters to polls, etc etc. Among many other things, such as talking up a certain someone from Illinois. Altho I am a "Kentuckian" I attended the rally, but solely for the sake of the music in my ears. A band called THE NATIONAL was there, little did I know they are from Cincy. So I hopped on my bike and rolled over the bridge to see what it was about.
Low and behold Natalie Portman was there, and of course her biggest fan (one of my best friends) told me of this. She gave a tid-bit of a speech, basically she announced The National onto the stage. The band came on, played some great songs, and respectfully had little to say about their choice for the election. Which I felt was amazing, many props to them….
They stated that "Yes – we are partial to the candidate we like. But we really just want to emphasize the importance of voting, we don’t have much to say, we just came here with our songs."
So to you, THE NATIONAL: thank you for coming to your hometown and letting us gather to see how different this election year is than any other. Not just to repeat again and again who it is you think we should vote for.
Because it is my decision, and I’ll figure that one out on my own.
Turn the light out say goodnight
No thinking for a little while
Lets not try to figure out everything at once
It’s hard to keep track of you falling through the sky
We’re half-awake in a fake empire
Yesterday there was a rally downtown Cincinnati to promote the ability to vote early in Ohio, they were bussing voters to polls, etc etc. Among many other things, such as talking up a certain someone from Illinois. Altho I am a "Kentuckian" I attended the rally, but solely for the sake of the music in my ears. A band called THE NATIONAL was there, little did I know they are from Cincy. So I hopped on my bike and rolled over the bridge to see what it was about.
Low and behold Natalie Portman was there, and of course her biggest fan (one of my best friends) told me of this. She gave a tid-bit of a speech, basically she announced The National onto the stage. The band came on, played some great songs, and respectfully had little to say about their choice for the election. Which I felt was amazing, many props to them….
They stated that "Yes – we are partial to the candidate we like. But we really just want to emphasize the importance of voting, we don’t have much to say, we just came here with our songs."
So to you, THE NATIONAL: thank you for coming to your hometown and letting us gather to see how different this election year is than any other. Not just to repeat again and again who it is you think we should vote for.
Because it is my decision, and I’ll figure that one out on my own.
Turn the light out say goodnight
No thinking for a little while
Lets not try to figure out everything at once
It’s hard to keep track of you falling through the sky
We’re half-awake in a fake empire
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