Making the Shift: inside and out

Knit, Purl, Knit, Purl...

2009-02-25T22:32:00.000-08:00

Well I have been taking my knitting classes and while I understand the basics of how to knit and purl, I still struggle. I am one of the frequent people who show up outside of class to show the instructor what I have done. Often this is in an attempt to help me figure out where I have once again gone wrong. Despite this struggle and frustration, I am really liking knitting, to the point of staying up late so I can finish one more row. As many of my friends would point out...it is a sickness. I'm off to indulge....

Challenges

2009-01-11T19:00:00.000-08:00

Out in my neck of the woods we have finally finished with snow, and it appears the rain is also finally subsiding. There are a few places that are still under flood watch, and parts of Chilliwack are flooded, but thankfully no loss of human life. Still it is cold, and I have signed up for Crunchy Chicken's "Freeze Yer Buns Challenge". I've been spending a lot of time under the blankets in an effort to keep warm. And because I am under the blankets, there has been a lot of time reading, or surfing the net.

I have signed up for another challenge, a science reading challenge. I already belong to a local book club. I joined a club not only for the social aspect, but also to challenge myself to read books that I might not normally choose to read. With this in mind, I decided that I would not review books for the science challenge, that I have already read or would normally read. In other words no books about sustainability, climate change, peak oil, etc. I want to read about aspects of science that I might not otherwise have chosen. I think a starting place might be female scientists. I done a bit of looking, but I have not decided which books I am going to choose. I do hope lots of people sign up for the Science Book Challenge 2009. Hopefully this link works out (I admit I still have not been able to figure out what I am doing wrong when it comes to linking), however if it does not please google them.

On the home front I have indeed signed up for the knitting classes. When I first inquired about the classes I explained that I am a complete novice, I know nothing. I believe I said something to the effect of... "see all this stuff, to me it is a bunch of yarn and some pointy sticks." I showed up and signed up. The lovely woman then informs me that for this class, which again is for beginners, I have to know how to knit and purl. I then shoot her one of my 'are you kidding me' looks and once again explain that I am looking for the "I have no idea how to knit class" as I do not know how to knit. After a bit of an Abbott and Costello routine, she, thankfully offers to teach me how to knit and purl (by the way, these are two very basic stitches). So I have pre-classes if you will.

Hope all is well with everyone.

Resolutions for the new year

2009-01-03T18:00:00.000-08:00

It is the new year and that usually means resolutions. Yes, I said it...resolutions. Many of the blogs I read, note their resolutions for the year. In a number of cases these are the same resolutions that many make, weight loss, exercising more, saving money, etc., however there are a few that are less than popular, these include expanding the garden, preparing for life change, building an addition to the home, and getting a pet. These resolutions are meant to bring about positive change, which is a good thing. Except that, it seems many do not keep their resolutions. Statistics seem to vary as to exactly how many people achieve their stated goal(s), the vast majority do not seem to make it. I wish I could remember where I read it, but it was 92% of North Americans did not keep their resolutions. This number increases as time progresses.

For myself I tend not to make resolutions, but as I am getting older there are a number of things that I wish to accomplish and unless I have a deadline or some level of accountability, it will not get done. I can procrastinate with the best of them. I am guessing that I am not the only one. So here it goes, what I hope to accomplish this year. I will keep everyone updated (really this is just a handful of people who actually read this blog).

1. Like a number of people I wish to lose some excess weight. I have a specific number, but I am not ready to divulge that right now. Suffice it to say it is a reasonable amount. My main reason for losing weight, I am getting older and I am noticing a number of changes in my body that are aging me prematurely. I want to be healthier, I want to get off of my blood pressure medication, I want to increase my energy. In short as we say in the biz..."I want to live to bleed the pension dry." Although I am not prepared to let you know the numbers I will let you know how I am doing with this goal.

2. Continuing on with my health, I wish to increase my exercise. By the end of the year I want to be consistently walking at least 1 hour five time per week. Right now I tend to be a bit of a couch potato and part of my achieving goal number 1, will have to include an increase in exercise for me. This is not something I enjoy doing, but it must be done. Why am I focusing on walking versus another type of exercise...simple, it is something that I can do any time and does not require special equipment. Also when I was in university I used to walk with a walkman for hours at night while I composed my essays in my head prior to writing/typing them out. I really enjoyed this; it was nothing for me to walk for 2 to 3 hours just listening to music. I no longer have a walkman, but I do have an MP3 Player, thus I figure that I am set. No excuses.

3. Another common goal is to work on my finances. A few years ago I bought my place (condo) and this dramatically increased my monthly shelter payment. I have gone through my savings and really need to reorganize my finances, especially if I am to weather this recession. Thus my financial goal is to start saving money. I am going to start with a very small amount, $50 per pay cheque. Hopefully this will increase my chances of success. If I find that this is something that I find is not an issue, I may increase the amount, but for now it is $50.

4. And yet another common goal is to organize myself; at least somewhat. I have never been the most organized person on the planet, and quite frankly I am not going to pretend that I am now going to be organized. However I would like to compliment goal number 3 and organize my bills and financial correspondence.

5. I spent a lot of time last year working on canning and food preservation and I wish to continue this. This year, in addition to canning and freezing food, I am going to attempt dehydration. Not only does this activity ensure that I have food throughout the winter and early spring, it also works with my DIY attitude for life.

6. Speaking of DIY, I also plan to learn how to knit and/or crochet. I have been trying to learn on my own with books from the library without much success. I have found a knitting class in town and on Monday I will give them my money for the classes. It is 28 weeks and is $175 for the instruction only. There is a book that I will also have to purchase and of course my wool/yarn and needles. By the end of the course I hope that I can at least knit a cute little hat or something.

7. Finally, I wish to consistently post on this blog as this will provide some measure of accountability. It is my hope that I will post at least once per week.

Although fairly standard, these are a few of the things I hope to accomplish this year. This does not mean that I plan on doing nothing else, just that I want to ensure that I maintain a focus on these issues. Hopefully all of us will be able to maintain the resolutions or goals we are aspiring to.

Let her eat cake

2008-12-27T13:36:00.000-08:00

I like to make things, especially my own food. I believe that it is quickly becoming a lost art. Also making my own food is a lot cheaper than eating out all the time, and in these times frugality is the new black.

As anyone who reads this knows I can, freeze or otherwise preserve food during the summer and fall, with varying degrees of success. Part of this is because I am new to this skill, but the other part is because I try to preserve things in small quantities. For example my friend who cans tomatoes, does so in 1 litre jars, my tomatoes are canned in 500 ml jars. I tend not to need a litre of canned tomatoes. This need to make things smaller extends to most of my food.

Most recipes are far too much for one person, thus I am usually on the look for good recipes that are for 1 or 2 people. I have found some cookbooks that I regularly use and through trial and error (usually a lot of error) I have modified a number of my favorite recipes. Most meal type recipes tend to make 4 servings. In general I find that these are the easiest recipes to half. Yes there are some recipes that I make the entire amount, chili is one, but this is because I freeze the unused portions and later have them for lunch at work.

However I find making a couple of cookies or one portion of cake, or even just a bit of bread to be much more difficult. I have found that you cannot just half baking recipes. The few times I have done this have not been pretty or tasty. So when I want a cookie or two, or some cake I usually go to the baker and buy something. Really this can get expensive and while individual cookies are easy enough to get, but 1 piece of cake can present some problems. Yes I could go to Safeway, but then what do I do with the plastic clam shell. As to making a normal sized cake, again it is only me and I do not like having the leftovers in the house. Far too tempting.

However I have found a cookbook that is looking promising. Small Batch Baking by Debby Maugans Nakos. I am not sure how things will turn out, but perhaps there is cake in my future. I'll let you know the results.

It's Snowing Again...

2008-12-26T16:28:00.000-08:00

Again, I am such a bad blogger.

As I type it is once again snowing outside of my apartment. Yes it is picturesque, beautiful, serene, Christmasy if you will. But I am tired of it. I know I should not complain, I am Canadian and snow is a part of being Canadian. Furthermore, I do not have to shovel it anymore. I am sure most Canadian kids, and some adults, would agree that the person driving the snow plow dumping even more snow on the driveway is not the favorite. Thankfully I no longer have to shovel snow. I live in an apartment and this is taken care of strata.

Forecasts indicate that this will continue with the possibility of rain for a day or two, changing again to snow. In other words it is gonna get ugly. Thankfully, I have the next week off, and of course I have enough food to last me many months, let alone a week. There is entertainment, I do have the Internet, cable, books, and a thousand other things. But...I live alone, well not alone, there is George and Sweetie Pie, but they tend to sleep a lot, as cats do. I may be starting to feel some cabin fever. It has only been a few days, but I am missing just being around other people. Of course if you talk to me after having company for a week, I am sure my thoughts and feelings will be quite different.

Shocking the Other Person

2008-11-30T11:58:00.000-08:00

No, this post is not about me torturing someone, it is about perceptions. Last night I was chit chatting with a couple of friends, about the usual: books music, etc.. I do not remember exactly how we ended up taking about Black Flag and Henry Rollins, but we did. When I mentioned that I happened to like Henry Rollins and much of his work, one of my friends was stunned. He kept staring at me in utter disbelief, like somehow his understanding of basic logic was shattered. In response I kept asking why he was so shocked. Finally he admitted he was unable to reconcile his perception of me as a hippie environmentalist with this new information (these are my words not his...).

My friend's description of me as a "hippie environmentalist", is not something I disagree with. I think it describes a dominate aspect of my personality, I do not think that it describes my entire personality. Like everyone else I have many layers to my self and life, some of which may seem contradictory.

This is not to say that I have not experienced the exact same thing as my friend. I too have been surprised by a close friends, and in each case my surprise was due to my beliefs or perceptions. It is this perception of others that got me thinking, is it possible to have a relationship where you are not surprised by the other person because you know them so well. Personally, I'm not convinced that you can know a person that well, at least I do not seem to know anyone that well.

BTW- Sorry about the link not working. I'll keep working on this one.

Plodding along...

2008-11-08T20:53:00.000-08:00

I figured that I would do a bit of an update about my little corner of the world.

In a few days once again I will be going to the polls, his time it is for a municipal election. Unlike the Federal election, I have no idea what any of the candidates are campaigning on or about. I do need to get my butt in gear and find out about everyone so that I can at least vote intelligently.

Work has been exceeding busy and while I am always grateful that I have steady and interesting employment, I am fearful that I am losing the work-life balance. This balance is something that is almost sacred to me. I do not wish to become an individual who either cannot or will not retire because they have nothing outside of work. Hence I ensure that my free time is spent on activities and thoughts that have nothing to do with work. Right now I am hopeful that soon work will go back to normal and I will again be able to get a decent night's sleep without the nagging worry about things that need to be done.

I signed out a couple of books from the library, in an effort to learn how to crochet and knit. This has not worked out so well and I am now looking for a class. Hopefully I will find one soon.

Not all is doom and gloom in my life. I had to take one of my kitties to the vet and after some dental work she is now in good health. There was some concern regarding a lump in her mouth, however the lump has been removed and she is back to her feisty self.

I have also been inspired by a friend of mine, and I am once again beginning to sew. So far I have started a simple nightshirt. I figure if it does not turn out exactly as I want no one need see it.

Congratulations President Obama

2008-11-05T17:52:00.000-08:00

Last night I, like many, spent my evening glued to the television watching the results pour in. When the media finally declared Barack Obama as the next US President, I felt a sense of elation, and I was speechless. As trite as it sounds, I could not help thinking, this is history and I am a part of it. I was not sure that I would see this in my lifetime. For me, a Canadian, Barack Obama is a symbol of change and hope, even though he is not my leader. His speeches and actions were inclusionary, something I have hoped that our politicians would be. Perhaps for Canada's next election we will have our Obama.

President-Elect Obama has a tough job ahead of him. I believe that he will do a great job and I wish him and all of America the best.

Halloween memories

2008-10-26T21:43:00.001-07:00

Ohhh I've been a bad blogger. Lashings for me. I could talk about how busy I am and the like, but really that is just an excuse. However, onwards....

Halloween is quickly approaching. Although it is my favorite time of year, nowadays I find it a little depressing. While I love to dress up and as an adult I enjoy watching the trick or treaters, I do not get to do as much of it as I used to. I think that I have mentioned that live in a condo and while I initially thought that would mean hoards of children (as a kid I loved apartments, you got to get to more places, which meant more candy) but in the past I have not had any. I still buy a couple of bags of goodies, just in case, but I have always ended out bringing them to work for everyone.

My memories of Halloween are less sinister than I what I see as today's version. For me the bad house was the person who gave out apples or if you went to the dentist's house who gave out the toothbrush. As a kid it really was all about the candy, and for me apples and toothbrushes never cut it. I loved figuring out what I was going to be, designing the costume, making it. I was thrilling. The fun did stop for a while when I was a teenager (the too cool for life stage) but when I was a younger adult, once again the costumes came out and instead of going door to door it was either a house party or the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Now, if Halloween falls on a work night, I stay in usually watching a movie, hoping that one or two children will knock on my door, if it is on a weekend then I meet up with a few friends. However, it is not the same, perhaps because I am older and do not have children. No need to get depressed, I still have fun and my house is decorated but it is much quieter. Then again I seem to enjoy quiet more often.

Happy Halloween everyone.

Try, try again...

2008-08-26T22:21:00.000-07:00

I love to learn and have decided that I am going to explore some of my interests that I had when I was younger, things like art and design. I am under no illusions that I am somehow the next DaVinci. Even the stuff I do well is not to the level of some masters, but for me it is fine. In other words I can cook well enough to feed myself and guests without having to ensure that the ambulance is on standby, but Iron Chef Feenie I am not. I have decided to learn how to knit and crochet. I figure that this will nurture my creative side without taking away from my practical side. When I get really good I might be able to make sweaters...I do live in Canada and despite global warming it still gets very chilly (read darn tootin cold).

Prior to my deciding to learn these skills, I should note that I can crochet a single line for as long as I would care to, but really that is about it. As for knitting, somehow that is a process that has long had an air of mystery for me. I know and have known extremely talented people who are able to create wonderful items through knitting and/or crocheting, but alas not me. In fact my grandmother was an amazing knitter; I'm not actually sure I remember seeing her sit down to watch television without knitting something. She made sweaters, blankets, toques, and a number of other things. I also have a really good friend who is very artistically talented. When we were housemates for a bit she crocheted these amazing sweaters, not lacy ones, but gorgeous sweaters that fashionable type people wore. Both of these people make it all seem so easy.

My grandmother did attempt to teach me to knit, but for whatever reason, I was never able to get it. As for crocheting, my good friend was able to explain crocheting things other than a really long chain. I remember being able to crochet a square, but really it has been a very long time and honestly I just cannot remember what she was teaching me. Previously I have borrowed from the library (and once in a while bought) in an effort to learn how to do both. Thus far, I have not been successful. Once again I have signed out a book from the library, in the hopes of changing my track record. This time however, I have borrowed a book from the children's section. Perhaps this time Ill have more success.

For the love of pets

2008-08-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

Shhh....don't tell my strata, but I share my humble abode with two (yes, I said two) cats. With the exception of the balcony, they are indoors. Mostly they sleep and shed. It is only occasionally they have fits of energy and rip through the apartment like they are on fire. They each have their own very distinct personality and for me they are like children. Love me, love my cats. I am a pet person. You might say that if you are not a pet lover, I'm not the person for you. It is a deal breaker for me. Anyone who knows me will confirm this.

I was talking to one of the women I work with and she mentioned that she is not a pet person. However she also mentioned that her children are really excited to move to a house because they will be getting a dog. She went on to explain that she has already told her husband that she wants no part of a dog, that the dog will not under any circumstances be allowed in the house and that if anything happens the dog will have to leave. She has had bad experiences with pets in the past and has no desire to get one. As for her husband, he works long hours and her children are way too young to assume the full responsibility of a dog. And yet, it would appear that that they will be getting a dog. My prediction is that this dog will not last long in this household. While I do not think ill towards this person, I am hopeful that they do not get this pet, only because this is not a pet who will be allowed to be a part of the family, and when (not if) the dog becomes a hassle or does something irritating, the dog will be forced to leave.

I take my responsibility for my pets very seriously. I got the first kitty (Sweetie Pie) while I was still renting after I asked the property manager if I could get a house cat. Although the place had a 'no pets' policy, I decided to ask anyways. In my mind I had decided that if the property manager was not willing or able to allow me a cat, I would be moving as soon as I could find a place that would allow a pet. At the time I realized that I needed to have some sort of pet for my emotional and mental state of mind. As a child we always had cats and for me they make a home. That and I was tired of coming back to a place where the only sound was the radio or television.

Years later when I was buying my own place, one of the deal breakers was a no pets policy. The place I currently live in allows for one small pet (either a dog or a cat). After a while I found that others in the complex had more than the single pet. In each case it was two indoor cats. So I put out the feelers for another cat as a companion for Sweetie Pie. Enter George. Like Sweetie Pie, George is a rescue.

I recognize that having a pet or two is a big responsibility, but there are also wonderful rewards. Financially, the vet bills can add up. Kitty food and litter are not free either. When I go on vacation I need to ensure that someone takes care of them. There are really nice things about having a pet (they both make for wonderful footsie warmers in the winter and great companions while watching a movie) and some not so nice things (changing the litter box). But for me, the good really does outweigh the not so good.

Having a pet is a long term commitment. I believe it is unfair to bring an animal into a home that is not entirely keen on having it, or is unwilling or unable to make the commitment needed for the life of the animal. No matter what kind of pet, inevitably the pet will get into something, destroy something or behave in a manner that makes you want to scream. I could talk about the first day I got Sweetie Pie and how she bit through my hand after she became extremely terrified. Or I could talk about how when I am sick, both of them refuse to leave my side, and to this day when I am on the computer, at least one of them is on the back of the chair guarding me from any potential intruder. It is the latter that I chose to focus on.

Finally I believe that each of us needs to be honest with ourselves and others. As I said at the beginning of this post, I am a pet person. I love my pets and recognize that my decisions affect the quality of all of our lives. Even when I live with others, I still crave (need?) the affection of animals. Others are not the same. Some like my workmate have no desire for pets, but are being pulled into pet ownership. Perhaps I am being too harsh on my workmate, and should pretend that it is not a big deal, but then I would not be honest with myself or for that matter others.

Frugal tips

2008-08-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

Previously I mentioned that I was going to talk a bit about frugality, without focusing on food, most of what I have is what I refer to as the "what momma always told you". It is stuff that my mom did to make ends meet.

1. Stop shopping. Do you really need the item or are you caught up in the latest must have craze?

2. Eat in, and make it yourself. I am old enough to remember a time when going out for dinner was a special treat. Of course making it yourself means no frozen or ready made meals. You take basic ingredients out of the cupboard or fridge, and make a meal.

3. Eat leftovers. I actually know people who don't eat leftovers because they "don't like them". I agree that turkey surprise is not most favorite meal (especially after I have eaten turkey for the last four days straight), but you can always freeze some for later use.

4. Make a list (and stick to it). In other words don't get distracted by all of the marketing hype.

5. Combine trips. Gas is expensive, so I plan the route.

6. See if you can share the cost with another person. I share the cost of a discount shopping membership with one of my friends.

7. Drink water from the tap. I fill a pitcher and put it in the fridge and I find that the taste goes away.

8. Turn down the thermostat in the winter. If you are cold, put on a sweater. Conversely in the summer, try not to use the A/C, unless really needed.

9. Try eating vegetarian once or twice per week. Meat is expensive.
10. Turn off the lights that you are not using.

11. Line dry your clothes. Even in an apartment I manage to dry my clothes on an fold out dryer.

12. Wash your clothes in cold water. Saves money and energy.

13. If you need something, is it possible to borrow it (from a library or a friend). This is good especially if you are using the item only once or twice or if you are starting a new hobby and are not sure if it is something you are going to stick with.

14. If you have credit card debt, pay more than the minimum. This is a long term savings thing.
15. Buy generic, if you do not notice the difference. For somethings I can easily tell, others I have no idea.

16. Save money. Start a savings plan and have something that you are saving for. Remember to pay yourself first.
17. Keep your car in good condition.
18. If possible take transportation. When I head into the big city (Vancouver) I take transit. Who can afford to park? This also allows me the opportunity to relax and catch up on my reading.
19. Go to the bank once per pay period and take out an 'allowance'. Then pay cash for everything. I believe that my mom used to call this the envelope method of finance. Also track your spending. This gives you a good idea of where your money is going.
20. Go online and see who has the best deal. This is especially good for grocery shopping as I have 3 major grocery stores within blocks of each other.
21. If you are in the market to buy a place, do not buy at the top of what your pre-approved loan is. Do you really need to live in the mansion? Or will a more modest house (or townhouse/condo) do? Remember it is not only the cost of buying, but also the future cost of maintaining (upgrading?) that will affect your finances.
22. Learn to complete simple home repairs yourself. This also includes learning how to maintain your home.
23. Hold a garage sale or at least get rid of your excess clutter. By keeping the clutter down there is less of a tendency to misplace or lose things which means that you don't have to unnecessarily replace things.
24. Use cloth napkins.
25. Maintain your health. This means make sure you eat healthy foods, get enough exercise and sleep, etc. Basically all the things your doctor keeps telling you to do.

the high cost of food

2008-07-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

With the cost of living rising, and really there being no end in sight, I got to wondering if it is possible to be frugal while still being environmentally conscious. As little as six months ago everyone was talking about what they were doing to save the environment and how we had to take action. Now all I seem to hear is how expensive it is to live and how the price of everything is going up. With the cost of living continually rising and there really being no end in sight, I wonder if it is possible to be environmentally sensitive while still being kind to your bank balance.

For me, it depends on the situation and how you look at it. I figure for today I am just going to focus on how food. Later I will talk about the other stuff (housing, shopping, etc)

In general, my food choices tend to cost more. Almost everything I buy is local, organic and/or fair trade. This food does tend to cost more. I buy local organic milk in glass bottles and my eggs are local, organic and SPCA certified. When I compare the price of something as simple as a dozen eggs I pay $4.98, whereas the factory farmed eggs come in at $2.41. It is the same sort of thing for milk, $2.89 per litre versus $3.38 for 4 litres, $2.61 for 2 litres and $1.55 for a single litre. As much as possible I buy my fruits and veggies from local farmers, usually this is cheaper, if only because what I am buying is in season and when you buy a ton of it (usually for canning, freezing, or some other form of preservation) the farmer tends to take a little pity on you and gives you a bit of a discount. But even without the discount it still tends to be cheaper.

Before anyone starts to think that all I eat is good for you, healthy types of foods, I will confess to a potato chip/popcorn addiction. Again before anyone starts to say, "well popcorn isn't that bad." Popcorn is only edible with butter and salt, without said butter and salt...it is packing material that is biodegradable. While the popcorn might be organic (usually it is not), the potato chips do not even come close to healthy. It is an addiction, what can I say.

I also tend not to eat out very much anymore, in fact if I am eating out it is usually because of a celebration, and it is usually work related. Before I started on my eating local/organic mode, I usually ate out at least twice a week. Now it is down to once maybe twice per month, and that includes the work celebrations.

When you look at my whole food budget, it is relatively the same (eating out is expensive). However if I am compared to a person who buys the factory farmed eggs and milk and does not care where their produce comes from, I probably spend more. However I also choose to look at my food purchases (again with the exception of junk food) as an investment in my personal overall health and the health of my community.

I have yet to meet (or read) the dietitian or nutritionist that does not sing the benefits of fresh food for both the body and the mind. Truthfully I just feel better when I eat healthier. As for how this benefits my community, I figure happy farmers (read farmers with repeat customers) means that they will continue to farm, which in turn contributes to the rich diversity of the community. Finally on a selfish notes, when my local farmers continue to farm, I will continue to get fresh fruits and veggies even after we can no longer afford to ship our food from far far away.

Ultimately, it is a matter of choice, and right now I am very fortunate that I am able to make these kinds of choices (I have a decent paying job that is relatively secure). Everytime I buy something I decide who I wish to support, the local farmer, or the big factory farm. For now I am going with the farmer.

Adventures with the CSA

2008-07-02T21:18:00.000-07:00

This year I joined a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). I wanted to make sure that I was supporting the local economy, that I was getting the freshest local food available, and I was expanding my produce horizons.

I have not lived on a farm and really most of my exposure to plants is limited to say the least. The CSA I am a part of sends out an e-mail list of available produce on Monday, by Wednesday I choose what I would like and then on Saturday I pick up my produce. My first trip to the farm involved me driving around this very small farming community desperately trying to figure out which farm I was supposed to pick up my order. Now before anyone starts to wonder why I just did not look at the address. The farms did not seem to have addresses, and when they did, the numbers were either partially or completely obscured by some sort of plants. Finally I found the one I was looking for and after a few wrong steps made my way to the fridge where my produce was waiting for me. When I go home and unpacked my bounty, there were a few things that I did not recognize. I quickly figured out what the majority of it was, but I was still left with what look like green onions on steroids. After checking my order, and the Internet I found my garlic. Who knew out of the ground garlic looks like it does (other than my farmer friends).

I must say I am looking forward to this weeks' selection and am really glad I have started this. Whoo hoo, and bring on the fruits and veggies.

Happy Birthday Canada

2008-07-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Canada. Today our country turns 141 and everywhere there were celebrations. In my community there was a parade and general festivities including parties in the park and later tonight, fireworks.

Today is also the day of the new Carbon Tax here in BC. Basically it will cost you an extra 2.5 cents per litre. The news has been reporting that we in BC are fed up and opposed to the tax. To listen to the news or read a newspaper, gas prices are first and foremost on everyone's mind. The opposition party is demonstrating against the tax, and people are crying 'unfair' (actually they are using much stronger language).

Let me just say that in general I am not opposed to the tax. I know that this is an unpopular stand. Don't get me wrong, this along with the increase in food prices, and everything else, is quite frankly, killing my budget and I am being forced to make changes. Some of the changes I was planning to make, others I wasn't, but financially I have no choice but to make some changes. When I talk to other people, financial considerations are a big part of their decision when making positive changes for the environment. One of the women in my book club has recently started hanging her clothes to dry, rather than using the dryer after I pointed out to her not only the environmental benefits, but also the financial benefits. I made similar arguments to another woman when I found out that she left her cell phone charger plugged in, whether she was charging her cell or not. In both cases, it was the financial benefits that prompted and has thus sustained the change. It seems that while we may wish to do things for the environment, if there is a financial incentive to making the change, either the change will happen, or it will happen quicker. Basically, it is my hope that this tax will spur people to conserving, if not for the environment, then for their pocketbooks.

summer is almost here

2008-06-18T17:43:00.000-07:00

Well summer is about to arrive. Here on the west coast it has been seasonally cool, and I for one have been having mixed feelings about this. Yes I want summer and the sun, especially for the farmers, of which I am happily surrounded by. But on a personal, physical level...I have to admit that summer is not my favorite time of the year. I do not do well in the heat, I get crabby and snarky. I just cannot get cool or comfortable. Really there are only so many pieces of clothing that I can take off before others begin to complain and long ago I decided that I would not buy or use an airconditioner at my place. Additionally, I am naturally pale, actually I like a ghost I am so white. I do not tan, I burn. I am either ghosty white or bright read. There is no happy medium. While people nowadays are careful to slather on the sunscreen, it has always been a part of my life, with the exception of a couple of summers during my teenage years when I attempted to tan.

I have been trying to spend more time outdoors; not only do I want to spend more time with nature, but I also want to ensure that I spend less time in front of the computer. So far it has been pretty good. Again with the cooler weather, I feel much more comfortable and more inclined to be outside, even to do something as inactive as reading a book. As it gets warmer I am going to have to suck it up and go outside, and hopefully I will be able to find a shady spot.

I wonder what your favorite or least favorite season is?

Rhubarb...part two

2008-06-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

Rhubarb is still in season where I am and I have found out that all one needs to do to freeze the stuff is to put it in the freezer. No prepping required; if I want I can chop it up into pieces. This is wonderful, and I have even found a number of rhubarb recipes. In addition to finding a few recipes for pies and cobblers, I have found rhubarb sauce, rhubarb jam, and even a chutney. Whoo hoo.

Soon even more fruits and veggies will be sprouting. I froze a number of things last year and have almost finished everything. I just enough blackberries for a crisp this weekend. mmmmmmm. Once again it is my intention to freeze a number of items, but I also want to learn how to can, not just tomatoes or jams, but carrots, corn, peas, and a host of other garden items. I want to make ketchup, salsa, soups, chili, and the rest of it.

Here's hoping that this season will be busy and bountiful.

Blogging questions from Fake Plastic Fish

2008-05-30T21:22:00.000-07:00

I tend to read a lot of blogs and recently Crunchy Chicken announced that she's taking a break to focus on her family. When I read this announcement I have to confess that my immediate thought was very selfish; "nooooo, I love reading your blog". Having said this I understand and support her decision, but at the same time I was really excited to see her post today. Judging by the number of reader comments regarding her announcement that she was taking a break, I am not the only person who felt this way.

Later I read another one of my favorite blogs, Beth Terry's Fake Plastic Fish. Beth had originally one topic in mind for a post, however with Crunchy's post another one took shape. If I am reading her correctly Crunchy's decision to take a break from blogging in combination with the process and pressures of blogging prompted her to ask a number of questions. I started to reply to Beth's questions on her site and then realized that it would take me a long time to respond to her (what I believe to be) important and thought provoking questions.

1. Do you feel pressured to write a minimum number of posts per week?

I do feel pressured to write a minimum number of posts, but I do not write as many as I would like.

2. If so, where does the pressure come from? If not why the heck not? What's your secret?

For me the pressure is self imposed. I started my blog partly in an attempt to document and learn how to reduce my carbon footprint. Given that I work full time and have a number of other activities, the pressure I place on myself is limited by the other good pressures in my life,like my family and friends. As not many people read this blog, I do not feel that I am disappointing them.

3. How do you manage your computer time in general? Is it easy for you to get on, do what you have to do and get off? Or do you get sucked in for hours and lose track of time?

In general, my computer time is managed for me, but when I do get on the computer I can stay on for a very long time. Because I tend to lose track of time when I get on the computer I make sure that I have other commitments that require me to leave cyberland. These other commitments are usually with people (live ones) and as I do not wish to disappoint them, I make sure that I am where I say I am going to be.

4. Do you have significant others who resent the time you spend on line? How do you negotiate computer time vs. personal real-life time?

As far as I know none of my family resents the time I spend on the computer, however I live alone and when I am with people I am not generally on the computer. As I mentioned, to make sure I do not spend too much time on the computer I schedule myself.

5. Do you ever find yourself walking down the street in the real world and realize that your head is still totally stuck in the Blogosphere?

Not yet, but I have only started blogging.

6. Has your body suffered in any way from spending too much time sitting and staring at a computer screen rather than exercising? Has your diet suffered?

In addition to using the computer for fun, I also use one for work. I spend a lot of time in front of a computer and it has negatively impacted my food choices and my activity level. Slowly I have been working to make positive changes.

7. Have you resorted to alcohol or other chemicals to wind down and take your mind off of cyberland? If so, is that a problem for you?

I do not resort to alcohol or other chemicals to relax or take my mind off of cyberland. In some ways cyberland is my form of relaxation.

8. How do you manage your e-mail?

I do not find it difficult to manage my e-mail. At work I prefer it to the telephone (so I find many people e-mail now rather than phone me) and at home I only give a limited number of people my home e-mail.

9. Does blogging ever make you feel lonely? It is, after all, a solitary act while you're composing your posts. I suppose it's no different from being any other kind of writer in that regard.

Sometimes I feel lonely when I blog, but when a friend of mine connected with me via the blog I no longer felt the isolation. Knowing that someone was actually reading my thoughts made the difference for me.

10. What kind of support can we, as bloggers and blog readers, give to each other besides nice comments on the blogs? Is there a way that we can work together and give each other a break? Sure, we could create a Forum to vent our frustrations and give each other feedback. But that would just add another task to our online "to do" lists?

For me, it is the comments and knowing that someone else is reading provides a great deal of support. I suspect that if a number of people read my blog and some people left not so nice comments, I might feel less than appreciated or possibly attacked even and would need to focus on the positive things that people say and feel about me.

11. How do you read blogs? Do you subscribe in a reader and if so, how many blogs are you subscribed to? How many feeds do you read each day? Do you feel pressured to keep up with your blog reading in addition to your blog writing?

I am a bit of a computer wimp, so I have my fave blogs listed in my favorites and check them daily or weekly depending upon how often the writer blogs.

Rhubarb is in the market

2008-05-19T19:49:00.000-07:00

Right now I am deep into rhubarb season. I have to admit that this is a vegetable that I have not normally eaten, other than in the occasional pie. However, in my quest to eat as locally as possible, it is now something that I am working to further incorporate into my diet, because let's face it, there are only so many pies that I can eat.
There are other foods that are in season such as potatoes, radishes and white turnips, and like rhubarb I am trying to learn recipes that incorporate locally available, in season foods. For me this means the Internet, library, and my local farmer for recipes and hints. Most of the recipes that I have tried and continue to use, come from cookbooks that I have either bought or usually borrowed from the library.
Right now I am desperately trying to figure out if it is possible to can rhubarb or if I should just freeze some; if I do freeze some, what preparations should I do first. I have found some recipes for conserves, chutney and jam, but I would like to save some rhubarb for a crumble in the winter or possibly a sauce for turkey or something. Also the recipes that I have found contain a number of ingredients that are not even close to local for me (pineapple does not even approach being local for me), and I would like to try and keep as many of the ingredients as local as possible. The whole preserving thing for me has been and continues to be quite the learning process. For now it is off to other sites for further information about rhubarb and other food.

Mother's Day

2008-05-10T22:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day.

Today is Mother's Day and later when I am much more likely to reach her on the telephone, I will get a chance to talk to her. I have a lot of wonderful memories of the both of us. Throughout my life she has sacrificed a lot, so that I might have a better life. As a child we went camping, not because my mother enjoys camping, but because I love to camp, and I think my brother also enjoyed the activity. I have to admit that my mother's version of roughing it is a hotel room without 24 hour room service, the concept of a tent and a small fire to keep warm by is completely unimaginable to her now. This is but one example of her love and sacrifice.

She also tried to teach me a lot of things. I say tried, only because I was (and am) a stubborn individual who usually has to learn things on her own. At various points in my life she taught me a number of skills, such as canning and sewing, however as I got older these skills faded or in some cases completely disappeared. Nowadays, as I further develop my canning, sewing and other skills, I am reminded that these are the same things she did. At the time her main purpose was to save money, not to reduce her carbon foot print. Regardless of her primary motivation, she was 'being green' long before anyone I knew did that kind of thing. As I get older I appreciate everything she managed to teach me and continues to teach me today.

Happy Mother's Day. I love you and I thank you for everything.

wishing for better public transit

2008-05-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

Today is Sunday, yesterday I managed to get a bunch of my running around completed. Something that I very much appreciate a recently I had to get my car repaired.

On Monday after work I stopped off at the library to pick up and return a few books. When I returned to my car, all I got was rrrrrrrrhhhhhh, rrrrrrhhhhh. You know that feeling...not now, I've got too much, I cannot afford this, argh. And then the begging begins...please, please start, just one more time. Finally there is resignation. When I finally reached the resignation, I walked home, taking me over 90 minutes. This is not exactly my idea of a great time given that not only was I walking but I was also carrying a number of heavy bags (my purse - light, my work bag- heavy because I had brought a number of things home to review, and my bag of books from the library- heavy because, well it was filled with books).

Thankfully I have absolutely wonderful friends, until I was able to get my car fixed, my friends brought me to and from work, to my book club meeting and finally to rescue and fix my car. Being car less, I noticed the absolutely dreadful state of public transit where I live. I have no issues with taking public transit and when I lived in Vancouver, that and walking were my preferred methods. However, even though I live downtown in my community, there really is no public transit. If I wish to take the bus to work, in addition to having to walk a very considerable distance from the nearest bus stop, the earliest the bus stops at this stop is 8:30am. Which is at least a half an hour before I am supposed to be at my desk working away. No way around it, I'd be late for work.

Even if I were to rely upon a work mate who works the same hours as me for a ride to and from work, I found I was still faced with how I was going to get where I needed to go. I belong to a book club. Once a month we meet to discuss the book. These meetings take place at each of the members' houses. I found that none of the bus routes came even close to my book club members' houses. This past month I lucked out as one of the members graciously picked me up and drove me home after the meeting. Unfortunately I cannot always rely upon this.

I guess all of this ranting is to say that I wish my local government would take a greater interest in public transit and improve the service. I have always maintained that I would give up my car if I could at least rely upon public transit for the majority of my activities. In the past 6 months I have greatly curtailed my use of the car, but I have found that as much as I wish it were different, for now at least I am tied to the car.

Hair to dye for

2008-04-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

I have been dying my hair forever. I have not gone au natural, since grade seven. Given that I am going to be 40 this year, that's a long time. Over the years I have had almost every hair color under the rainbow, in addition to the more moderate colours, I have gone pretty extreme, at one point I have platinum blond hair only to be replaced with the blackest of black hair. Obviously some of these colors have required more effort and upkeep than others.

I am getting older and my color choices are not nearly as dramatic as they used to be, nowadays I color more to cover the grey than anything else. I have no issues stating my age, but I am not a fan of my grey hairs. However I also wish to minimize my impact on the environment. As I have not found a truly sustainable, earth friendly hair dye that covers my grey, I have decided that I will not be using hair dye any more. This is big for me and I am not sure if I will be able to keep it up. But at least for now, I'm going grey.

Happy Earth Day

2008-04-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day to everyone. I hope that you were able to spend some time with Mother Nature. If, but for a brief moment, today in North America we celebrated the beauty the earth has to offer. While the celebrations allow for the inclusion of a number of persons, they also allowed for the inclusion of product sales. I certainly happy that more people are becoming aware of the issues related to climate change and the steps that individually and collectively we can take to minimize our footprint, however I do not believe that this is an issue that we can buy our way out of. I believe that the only way we are going to make the difference is by changing our habits and our actions. It is when we stop carelessly wasting resources in search of the latest and greatest and start thoughtfully preserving our resources we will be able to make the changes we imagine and desire.

I'm sick

2008-04-19T11:26:00.001-07:00

Once again I am sick. As usual I have the latest cold/chest infection. I'm coughing, stuffed up, head achy, exhausted, in short I feel like cr*p. While I certainly do not enjoy getting sick, at least some of the time, it is a fact of life. I have to confess, I am a pathetic sick person. It is day three of me hacking up my lungs, I have run out of handkerchiefs and started on the toilet paper (I do not have any tissues), and while I would normally be doing my laundry, I am just too tired.

Initially, I was using the chicken noodle soup remedy, but I kept coughing so hard that I was unable to sleep so I bought some cough syrup. I doubt the cough syrup I bought is 'green', but at least I am able to sleep, which will hopefully lead me to health again. I know I could have gotten some herbal medicine, which I guess would have been better. I'm just not sure.

I'm sorry, but in the end I have not been very green for the last few days. When I am better I need to look into remedies that are less harmful to environment. For now I off to bed again.

Big and Small Changes

2008-04-15T18:21:00.000-07:00

I started this blog to document my progress as I live a more sustainable life. My theory is that if I can do, really anyone in North America can. At this point I have made a number of small changes. These include simple things like carrying a hankerchief (or two or three) with me at all times, vastly limiting my spending (which of course has the added benefit of making my bank balance happier), and buying as much local food as possible directly from the farmer. I have also participated in what some may consider more daring challenges. For example, with the exception of a few times, there was no heat in my place for the entire winter, and while I do live in Southwest BC where the weather is relatively moderate, it is still Canada.

This got me thinking about what I should be focusing on, big or small changes. Both have benefits and drawbacks and it is not always easy to determine which change is going to be big or small.

When I first start a big challenge, there is an amazing amount of excitement and before the actual change anticipation. Like deciding to eat nothing but food grown within a 100 mile radius of my place (I have modified this slightly since then), not turning on the heat during the winter, or perhaps even giving up the car. When I talk about either what I plan to do or how it is progressing, I get a variety of responses. They range from genuine amazement, a belief that I am going or gone to far, or that I am showing off and looking down on others. It might seem logical that through trial and error I would only tell those who look at the changes in a positive manner. But it is difficult to figure out how someone is going to respond prior to my telling them I have to admit that usually the htere are a number the plan or how it is going, people look at me as though I am forging new ground, even though I explain that what I am doing is something that many These types of changes are not always easy to do, often require a degree of planning, and or skills, may not be socially acceptable or trendy, and usually there is no 'corporate support'.

For example eating only food that is grown within a 100 mile radius, can at times present as challenging. I am fortunate that I live in an area that has a number of farms, however choosing to eat local food required me to learn new skills (canning and preserving foods) and to work on Nature's schedule not mine. When the corn was ready, I had to buy lots and learn very quickly how to preserve it for later because once the corn was gone, I was not going to buy anymore. This is certainly very rewarding in that I discovered foods that I did not know that I liked. However, with the exception of a couple of my friends, no one was willing to make this sort of change, so I learned how to can foods on my own (not everything worked out), and because growning seasons can be quite short, there were a number of social engagments that I could not attend.

In contrast when I first decide to take on a smaller change, like using a non plastic water bottle, using cloth grocery bags or using a hankerchief rather than a tissue, at times it almost seems anti-climatic. I know I am making a change, and that this change has an effect, but it is not nearly as exciting as a big change. There is no sort of drum roll if you will. Usually the changes are easy, do not demand too much from myself and others, are socially acceptable, and may even have 'corporate support'.

Using the cloth shopping bag is relatively easy, many stores sell cloth them, so you do not even have to make one, and if you forget your bag at home, you can always buy another one at the store. It is easy, and right now quite trendy. Friends and aquaintences see celebs (and me) carrying the bag and now they have one too. The good news is that there are a few less plastic bags, but the bad news is that this becomes another thing to buy and our continual consumption habit does not change. It is a change, and it is a change that people are easily able to incorporate into their lives.

The more small changes I make the more likely I am to have my community come along with me, making this journey a less lonely one. However it is the larger, more life altering changes that make me feel as though I am making a difference.

Hanging out with the cool kids

2008-04-12T17:48:00.000-07:00

Her Crunchiness has set up a fund raiser stating that she will shave her head if $10 000 is raised for the Muliple Myelona Research Foundation. Unfortunately her husband has been diagnosed with this incurrable cancer. Many of her readers are donating and I certainly encourage people to do so. One of her readers, Sharon Astyk from Casabon's Book spoke about her postive feelings towards Crunchy Chicken and Shasha Cedar and other bloggers. She also admitted that after thinking, of course I will help Crunchy and what can I do to, she thought that while Crunchy may still be prettier than she is, "baldness will definately close the gap a little."

I read and look at Crunchy Chicken and I am in awe of the changes and challenges she has accomplished. She is a beautiful woman who is smart talented and very funny (when you read her blog you will know exactly what I am talking about). Sharon's blog while not usually what I would consider funny is a constant source of information and inspiration. I confess that when I read Crunchy, or Sharon's or some other bloggers, I feel at times (not a lot and mainly when I am struggling with my own blog) like I am the dork waiting for an invite.

I grew up with the perfect brother: he's smart, funny, athletic, good looking, and tall, in short perfect. Really, I am none of these things. Please do not get me wrong, I have a number of other talents and gifts if you will that I would not trade, and I really do love my brother. In fact, I believe that we have a great relationship. When I was in high school there were the cool girls, who were athletic, beautiful and very popular; trust me, I was not part of their crowd. By time I had move onto college and university, it was the artisic and very intellectual girls who I wanted to be a part of but, was not. Before anyone starts thinking that I am in a funk and really down on myself, I'm not. I have a wonderful family, amazing friends, and in general a life that I would not change.

I think that as we progress throughout our lives, our definitions of who is cool and who is not changes. Maturation seems to bring about a recognition and appreciation of our own talents and beauty, and the talents and beauty of others. However, occassionally, my inner dorky wannabe rears its ugly head. Sharon's post reminds me that not only am I not alone, but the cool kids also have the same kinds of feelings I have.

Buy Nothing confession

2008-04-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned previously I am participating in Crunchy Chicken's Buy Nothing Challenge. This week I have managed to buy nothing. Before anyone thinks that I am too virtuous, I purposely avoided all stores yesterday so that I would not be tempted and as I did not buy some groceries yesterday, I will need to do this today. Here's hoping that I am able to avoid the magazine rack.

The other thing that I will need to purchase this month is a nail clipping (or as I keep calling it a mani and pedi) for both cats. I have one cat who despite many scratching post options, chooses the couch. I cannot clip her myself; the last time I tried that I had to go to emergency. She is cute, but at times a little vicious. I suppose that I could try to clip the other cat, but I've been kinda nervous ever since the other cat took a few chunks out of me when I tried to clip her. So I guess that this is my pre-confession. In an effort to save the couch both will be getting the mani and pedi. I think that I will try to set up the appointment this week.

Home Cooking

2008-04-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

A few of my friends have asked why I am doing this. I have to admit that I have also asked that question. I've never been one to keep a diary or journal and while lightening my impact on the environment is of importance to me, there are a number of great blogs that deal with this subject. Some of which I read on a regular basis. These blogs have inspired me and given me a number of tips and ideas. Many of which I have adopted to varying degrees of success.

One of the changes I made, which I did not think I was going to be able to do, was limiting my consumption of heavily processed or convenience foods. I have focused on making my own food. Rather than buying a frozen dinner, or box of macaroni and cheese, frozen chicken fillets, I make the meal myself. So if I want macaroni and cheese, I cook the macaroni, make the cheese sauce, put them together with a sprinkling of cheese on top for good measure, and in the oven it goes. When I make my own foods I control everything, so if the recipe calls for something I do not like, it never makes it into the pot so to speak. On the other hand, if there is something I really like, then there may be extra.

Most recipes feed three or four and as I am only one, I usually have enough for dinner, lunch the next day at work and dinner again if I can deal with having the same thing three times in a row. However some times I will put the leftovers into the freezer for later use, usually when I am feeling especially lazy, or if I have scheduled myself too much. Extra meals in the freezer have turned into a real bonus and time saver.

All of this is to say that while I thought giving up convenience and processed food would be difficult if not impossible for me, thus far it has proven to be relatively painless. I still go out for meals once in a while with friends, but no longer is this routine and if I have more than two days of meals out, I start to miss home cooked food and the process of cooking.

Crunchy Chicken's Buy Nothing Challenge.

2008-04-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

Myself and many others have accepted Crunchy Chicken's challenge to buy nothing for the month of April. This means with the exception of groceries and other necessities, I will not be shopping. While I do not normally do a lot of shopping, I expect that this challenge will force me to really examine my spending habits and how they do or do not reflect my values.

This said...I think it will be a challenge. I love to read, and have what I am sure, is an addiction to books. To me one of the great pleasures of life is to curl up in the winter and stretch out in the summer with a book. Somehow I suspect, that for the month of April I will be using my public library much more than I have previously as I am unwilling to give up my addiction.

I've always supported public libraries, and when I was a poor university student, pretty much lived in them. I believe libraries provide so much more than books. For me, the library was (and is) a place to meet people and to make discoveries, in essence become connected with my community. When I started working I stopped going to the library all the time, convincing myself that I just did not have the time. Later when I started to make some money, I began to buy books rather than borrowing them. While I do not intend to stop buying books all together, for this month at least, there will be no new books on my shelf. In future months, I will have to be more judicious about which books I buy. In the meantime, I'd better get going...the library closes in less than two hours.

I have to apologize to Crunchy Chicken for not posting a link, but not only am I new to the blogging thing, I still have problems figuring out technology.

Hello, I've finally started

2008-04-02T21:10:00.000-07:00

I decided to start a blog as a way to record my efforts to reduce my impact on the earth. To live a more sustainable life, while still maintaining some level of sanity.

Thank you for visiting.