Discipline and the 4 Tasks

Last week I met a woman who talked about her anxiety regarding entering the college program of her choice.  She took an exam and expected to hear the results in a week or two.  While we were talking, I remembered a commitment I made to myself when I was laid off from a job.  It was a difficult period of waiting.  I wondered each day whether I should continue to strive for a job that utilized my skills and education or work for work sake.  I had to find a way to keep the faith and my spirits up. 

So I devised a plan to maintain my sanity.  It involved doing 4 things faithfully daily.  The days I kept this promise to myself I felt a sense of control and purpose. 

Here is my list:
1.  Do something related to finding employment
2.  Do some form of exercise (walking, Insanity, weight training etc.)
3.  Reach out to a friend (call, email, write letters)
4.  Organize something (a drawer, the spice rack, the pantry, etc.)

Looking back, it was a good time.  I put many things in order and made decisions about priorities--spent  time with my kids and worked to simplify my life. 

So now I find myself thinking of my next 4 disciplines.  Not because I am out of sorts or in a time of crisis, but because I recognize it is healthy to practice discipline.  Promises to oneself are sometimes the most precious. 

Here is my new list:
Each day....
1.  Do some form of exercise
2.  Meditate (eat mindfully, pray, body work etc.)
3.  Lean into my vision and goals (create vision board, ponder with focus)
4.  Connect authentically with another (with patience, attention, intention)

Quite a different list.  Speaks to my desire for depth lately.  

Facebook Wisdom--Thanks Roopa!

My friend Roopa Ravi shared this on her Facebook page:

"Life is too short to wake up with regrets.

So love the people who treat you right.

Forget about the ones who don't.

Believe everything happens for a reason.

If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.

If it changes your life, let it.

God never said life would be easy, He just promised it would be worth it."

These words hit me as true and as sage advice. Let's look at each of the phrases.

Life is too short to wake up with regrets. As each day passes I realize this more and more. Time is precious. Every moment I spend on regrets or negative energy I end up wasting.

So love the people who treat you right.
Forget about the ones who don't. I have struggled with this one at times. I have this sickness where I think I can work through issues and help difficult people realize that I am a wonderful human. I say this tongue and cheek, but there is some truth to my need to feel acceptance. As I get older and wiser, I realize that I am wonderful and I have a lot to offer this world. If a person or persons can't see the wonderfulness--I may not be their cup of tea and that is ok. It does not change the fact that I have value and worth. Only I can judge this and I choose to believe it. I also to choose to hang out with people who are capable of love and expression of said love.

Believe everything happens for a reason. One of my bosses told me that "sh*t" happens and not all things happen for a reason. This explains cancer, or a child getting hurt or numerous other things. I must admit that this rocked my boat a bit when I thought about this. How do we know when things are meant to happen and others that are just happenstance? I tend to put this thought aside and just concentrate on the belief that it is really about what we do with our circumstances. If we run into a bump in the road, do we see the gift within? Do we handle the situation with grace and love? Do we become stronger in the process? I often screw up in this department, but I strive to learn and grow with each opportunity.

If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. As I read these words a tear came. I am one of the most fortunate people. Grace has knocked on my door many times. I hope that I recognize when a second chance comes and that I have the courage to grab with both hands.

If it changes your life, let it. Letting go--opening up, trying something new, taking the risk--all takes bravery. It is a power/decision within us. We have the chance to become anew and more of our genuine self in the process.

God never said life would be easy, He just promised it would be worth it. Amen!

My Aching Back! and Legs, and Arms!

Worked out the day before Thanksgiving and zealously participated in the festivities. Too much I am afraid. I have not been able to climb stairs or walk normally since. Who would have thought that a gazillion lunge/squats would do such a thing?

WAKE UP CALL!

For the first time I have a window into what it would be like to be in constant pain. Aching while moving, aching while staying still. Not my idea of fun or fulfilling. So, as my witness here, I pledge to make an effort in training my body toward peak function. I want to be as mobile and flexible as possible throughout my life. I think the key is using your body in many ways, stretching, playing, walking etc.

Today I have taken things easy--enjoyed a great Thanksgiving meal, put up the tree and played games (Twister was one of them). I was grateful when I toppled over, so I could rest the bones.

Tomorrow is a new day, may it be a day of motion.

DeStress

I am going to try to be more attentive to my blog. I went through a writer's block and life intervened.

Lately I have been scanning my life to determine where stress is originating. I then try to think of ways to eliminate the stress. This has made a significant difference in the quality of my life-- and surprisingly, it has been small changes that have had the most impact.

Here are some examples:

Sock sorting and matching:

I realized a few days ago that in the morning rush, that I am really stressed when it is time to find matching socks for all of us. We have so many different but similar socks, it drives me crazy! So I decided that this was a project worth investing in. We washed all dirty clothes and sat in front of the TV matching as many as possible.

We are sock rich! This little investment has yielded great results. Pure bliss I tell you! If sock sorting sounds like fun, you can play this game here.

Bath Tub Stop Up:

Another area of stress came from my bathtub being stopped up. I knew from experience that the drain was clogged with hair but the stopper would not unscrew to let me in there to pull the hair out. I was frustrated at my inability to fix the problem and avoided the situation -- for two months or so-- it seemed easier to take quick showers. But, each time I would take a shower, I felt a nagging about it. I would slosh through the water (knee deep) feeling a soap film remain on my legs as I left the tub. Ugh.

Recently, I decided that with all the tenacity I could muster, I would fix the problem --even if that meant I would break the stopper. Isn't it ironic that sometimes solving a problem requires us being willing to break something in the process. Anyway, using my trusty pliers, I used brute force and undid the stopper. This made it possible to remove that drain clogging hair.

At that moment, I experienced pure joy as I watched the water flow down the drain. I set about cleaning the tub, shower curtain and tiles and took a celebratory shower (even though I did not need one). Another stress gone. Yay! I celebrated for a week with glee on my face. It just doesn't take much.

I use these examples only to demonstrate the process I have decided to employ. I realize that there are many stressors little and big that I endure each day--some that I am not even be totally cognizant. So, I have made a commitment to myself to pay more attention and to take a stressor at a time and do something about it.

What is stressing you? Don't overlook the nagging little things. Ask yourself how you can take steps to change these. Sometimes I get stuck in auto pilot mode and lose sight of goals or lose awareness of stressors. These recent lessons have awakened me some and have gently guided me to pay attention.

He that lives in hope danceth without music.
- George Herbert

I read this quote recently and I realized there could be a couple of interpretations of this statement.

1. Those who hope(and are not content with what they have)are somehow missing music as they dance. How many times have we sat in hope for some other circumstance when right around us we have much to be joyful for?

And/or,

2. Those who hope, don't need music to dance--the music is in them.

I love to dance. I love music. I am holding out for it all but in the meantime, I will enjoy right here, right now.

I am sure George meant the second option, but this reminds me that a lot of what we experience is based on how we choose to see things and what hopes we hold.

Yes, your very own Erin Sprouse (not Sprouss) was on TV yesterday. This interview gives a snippet of what we are trying to do at the Ohio Benefit Bank.

Would it have killed me to wear a little color? Well, I guess we live and learn. I was soooo tired yesterday and surprised when the TV crew showed up.

Note to self:

1. Get some sleep!

2. Wear color!

3. Smile more!

Watching the Needle Go In

I was talking to a friend the other day about how knowing what to expect or how having information is helpful to me when facing challenges.

An example of this is when I get a shot at the doctors. Many nurses/doctors will recommend that you turn you head so you don't get wigged out by seeing the needle go in.

For me I tend to wig out if I don't face the action. If I am not looking, I jump and jerk. One time, I actually ended up pulling the needle out of my arm-nearly giving the doctor a heart attack in the process. (It was an automatic reaction.)

So, I have learned to watch the needle, anticipate the pain, breathe through it. The effect is one of calming my fears, encouraging bravery and affirming my choices. In this "knowing" I can be my own best friend and talk myself through it. Doubt or unknowing, breed insecurity, fear and anxiety for me.

It is a lot less scary for me to know what is up- I feel empowered to make decisions and cope with circumstances. I think this is true for most situations we encounter.

The Concept of Should

There are days when I say I should do this or that and I just get depressed. I have this theory that if you say, "I should do that," it means you are not gonna do it. This communication style nudges me into a passive place. I also use this method when I need to beat myself up -- keeping me in a guilt cycle.

I have decided not to use that word while communication with myself. Luckily, I have a lick of sense and already learned not to use it with others :-)

Kye has Limits

The other day, Kye was on the phone with a friend named Max. In the middle of the conversation he hung up and ran to me saying, "I have to call Max very soon!" I said, "But, weren't you just on the phone with him?" "Yeah but I needed a break-- I get tired!" Two minutes later, "Mom, I need to call Max now."

Today as we were eating ice cream, relishing in the wonderfulness of it, Kye leans over to me and says, "I have tongue freeze!" He set his ice cream down and gave it a break.

There is something to be said for knowing when to take breaks, how to pay attention to our needs and consequently communicate them. I think this kid is onto something.

Some lessons from the dentist:

1. Not going to the dentist means you probably will need a deep cleaning. Deep cleaning costs about $450 (give or take).

2. All the cavities I have in my mouth could have been avoided through flossing (daily).

3. Bone loss happens when you have gum disease and the bone erodes over time. Bone loss is not reversible and the basic premise is that you eventually can lose enough bone that your teeth won't have a place to be rooted. So they fall out.

Having grown up in poverty, I really did not have much exposure to the dentist and it was not a part of our families' routine. My mom had dentures ever since I could remember and we were concerned about other things like having enough food or dealing with issues -- dental health was on the way back burner.

I did not think of it much in college. I have relatively straight teeth and I did not have any sensitively so I just rolled with it. Years later when I announced I was getting married, my aerobics instructor (a.k.a. dental hygienist), gave me a good clean as a wedding present. I was surprised to find out that I did not have any cavities.

At age 31, pregnant, I had my first cavity. Since then, it has been hit or miss. I have been getting to know my dentist quite well these past two weeks as I try to use up all my benefits before the lay off takes place. He is a nice guy, but I wish we could have met under different circumstances.

Thing is, flossing, brushing and visiting the dentist are not hard things. I am not sure how I missed the relevance of the good dental health lectures in school. I am certain they shared these things. Now as I reach into my pocketbook, I grimace and cry (just a bit) as I realize all of this could have been avoided!

Don't you want to love your teeth? Group hug!

Poem to Help Muster Courage

Figure it out for yourself, my lad,

You've all that the greatest of men have had;

Two arms, two hands, two legs, two eyes,

And a brain to use if you would be wise,

With this equipment they all began.

So start from the top and say, "I can."

Look them over, the wise and the great,

They take their food from a common plate,

And similar knives and forks they use,

With similar laces they tie their shoes,

The world considers them brave and smart,

But you've all they had when they made their start.

You can triumph and come to skill,

You can be great if you only will.

You're well equipped for what fight you choose;

You have arms and legs and a brain to use,

And the man who has risen great deeds to do

Began his life with no more than you.

YOU are the handicap you must face,

You are the one who must choose your place.

You must say where you want to go,

How much you will study the truth to know;

God has equipped you for life, but He

Lets you decide what you want to be.

Courage must come from the soul within

The man must furnish the will to win.

So figure it out for yourself, my lad,

You were born with all that the great have had,

With your equipment they all began,

Get hold of yourself and say: "I can."

Anonymous

I am trying to muster up the courage to start fresh, begin again and realize that I am equipped to do so. I remind myself that the world is a big place, with many mysteries, many opportunities and they are there for the taking. Energy is the key. Where you place your energy, how you spend your time, what thoughts you allow into your conscious-- these are the keys to moving forward. I choose to believe that I have a world to offer-- now to find the place where my gifts are best received.

The Fall

As I was driving today in my car that looks like a toaster on wheels, I saw leaves blustering and littering the streets. The sun was shining and the air was crisp. The kids were talking and singing as we bopped down the road.

As I used the word littering to describe the leaves, I realized that so much in our life is about how we choose to see our circumstances.

Fall is my favorite time of year. Leaves everywhere is a welcome happening to me. I am sure for some others, leaves falling represents more to pick up, a bit of messiness, the passing of summer. This concept gave me pause for thought.

Preferences exist for each of us and there are definitely situations that don't jive with who we are or speak to us. But, in general, we have the great power to choose our perspective- and the opportunity to appreciate what we have and what we experience.

I realize that I sometimes lose sight of this power, choosing to complain or allow discontentment to creep in. The fact is that most folks I run into these days are somewhat discontent. I have come to the fact that it may not be so much about circumstances but choices in perspective, day to day, that really determine true happiness. Often I just need to reroute my thinking to get to a better place- remind myself of the hidden chances; see the beauty of the moment and be open to all possibilities that exist.

The other action on the path to true happiness is that of letting go, but I will save that topic for another post.......

Fear of Transformation

I happened to find this writing buried in a box amongst my past bills, kid's poetry, tax information and various other peices of paper. I thought it was more than a coincidence that this particular exerpt fell in my lap. I share this with you knowing that each of us have had moments of hanging in uncomfortable spaces.

From The Essene Book of Days by Danaan Parry http://www.earthstewards.org/

"Sometimes I feel that my life is a series of trapeze swings. I'm either hanging on to a trapeze bar swinging along or, for a few moments in my life, I'm hurtling across space in between trapeze bars.

Most of the time, I spend my life hanging on for dear life to my trapeze-bar-of-the-moment. It carries me along a certain steady rate of swing and I have the feeling that I'm in control of my life. I know most of the right questions and even some of the right answers.

But once in a while, as I'm merrily (or not so merrily) swinging along, I look ahead of me into the distance, and what do I see? I see another trapeze bar swinging toward me. It's empty, and I know, in that place that knows, that this new trapeze bar has my name on it. It is my next step, my growth, my aliveness going to get me. In my heart-of-hearts I know that for me to grow, I must release my grip on the present, well known bar to move to the new one.

Each time it happens to me, I hope (no, I pray) that I won't have to grab the new one. But in my knowing place I know that I must totally release my grasp on my old bar, and for some moment in time hurtle across space before I can grab onto the new bar. Each time I am filled with terror. It doesn't matter that in all my previous hurtles across the void of unknowing, I have always made it. Each time I am afraid I will miss, that I will be crushed on the unseen rocks in the bottomless chasm between the bars. But I do it anyway.

Perhaps this is the essence of what the mystics call the faith experience. No guarantees, no net, no insurance policy, but you do it anyway because somehow, to keep hanging onto that old bar is no longer on the list of alternatives. And so for an eternity that can last a microsecond or a thousand lifetimes, I soar across the dark void of "the past is gone, the future is not yet here."

It's called transition. I have come to believe that it is the only place that real change occurs. I mean real change, not the pseudo-change that only lasts until the next time my old buttons get punched.

I have noticed that, in our culture, this transition zone is looked upon as a "no-thing", a no-place between places. Sure the old trapeze-bar was real, and that new one coming towards me, I hope that's real too. But the void in between? That's just a scary, confusing, disorienting "nowhere" that must be gotten through as fast as unconsciously as possible.

What a waste! I have a sneaking suspicion that the transition zone is the only real thing, and the bars are illusions we dream up to avoid, where the real change, the real growth occurs for us. Whether or not my hunch is true, it remains that the transition zones in our lives are incredibly rich places. They should be honored, even savored. Yes, with all the pain and fear and feelings of being out-of-control that can (but not necessarily) accompany transitions, they are still the most alive, most growth-filled, passionate, expansive moments in our lives.

And so, transformation of fear may have nothing to do with making fear go away, but rather with giving ourselves permission to "hang- out" in the transition between trapeze bars. Transforming our need to grab that new bar, any bar, is allowing ourselves to dwell in the only place where change really happens. It can be terrifying. It can also be enlightening, in the true sense of the word. Hurtling through the void, we just may learn how to fly."

So, I reach for the trapeze bar; take risks and bravely head into the void. Wanna join me?

Outage

Well there are a few things that I am learning as I sit in the dark in the evenings here in Columbus, Ohio during the outage from hurricane Ike.

1. After not having tea for 3 days, it seems that I am officially addicted to caffeine as evidenced by the splitting headaches. I have pledged to curb this habit. It is hard mainly due to the fact that enjoying tea feels like a part of my heritage- being Irish and all. Nothing better than a good "cuppa" as my Aunt Bridie used to say.

2. It is good to think of the outage as an extended camping trip. Afterall, we have paid for such experiences. The difference is that I generally plan to the hilt for a camping trip- note to self- do a little more planning for such circumstances in the future.

3. When you don't have lights, place things in very predictable places things like phones, keys, matches etc.

4. Games are really fun. The kids pulled out a few this week and it was clear that they had a great time. Forcing the issue helped since computer games and tv often get first billing when lights are on. With this new found knowledge, I am planning on declaring game nights in the future (I actually know games are fun, I just needed to be reminded).

5. Dead limbs coming off trees is a good thing--especially if they don't hit houses or cars. Some of my neighbors were not as fortunate as I but all in all- everyone was safe and now has fire wood. I learned from a neighbor how to prune an apple tree in my back yard (yes I have apples!) and I plan to study up on this. Cleaning up clutter, or getting rid of dead fall is a good metaphor in many parts of my life.

We still don't have power and the electric company is saying it may not be turned on until Sunday at midnight (between Sunday and Monday). The main issue for us is figuring out what to eat. The grill and fresh foods have come in handy this week.

By the way, I went to our local Kroger's store and they were throwing away frozen foods by the shopping cart. It gave me a taste of what it must be like if we were in the eye of the storm so to speak. Can you imagine no food, water or other essentials? And, we think we have it bad as we ponder in the dark.

It has been interesting thinking about what it must have been like in the pioneer days. The biggest thing I have missed has been reading and blogging. I would have been bored out of my skull in the winter as it gets dark at 6:00, or maybe they found ways to amuse themselves otherwise.

Feel Good

I find myself bubbling with project ideas and tasks that need to be dealt with over this weekend. The tasks float around in my consciousness vying for attention as my body and spirit hesitate- not knowing which to do first. I can get immobilized by these daunting thoughts and get stuck not accomplishing anything- even with the greatest intentions. And being an idealist I can set unrealistic goals and get exasperated in the end.

But today is different. It began with a pivotal moment where I stopped and asked myself a question.

I started my day with an errand for a friend and set about thinking about getting other things done as well. I headed for the car and I paused, with chagrin, as I realized that I forgot to load the car up with the recyclables. I was tempted to just keep the momentum going and forget about it, but it is then that I asked myself a question, "Erin, right now what would feel good to you, if you did it?". A simple question really.

It was at that moment that I realized that I want to feel good today and I want my actions of the day to reflect that. So, I turned the car off and got the recyclables and grabbed some wipes to wipe off my dash at stop lights (that will make me feel good- do that!). So I did. Recycle bin empty, dash clean- no longer sticky with this gosh awful stuff that Quinn tried out- spray candy. In travel, the spray candy ended up sticking to the dash, while my hair brush deposited a few hairs into the mix - gross!

After finishing my errand, I asked the question again: "Erin, what can you do right now, to feel good?" I did an inventory and realized I had a pie in the fridge at work that was gifted to me and should be taken home and a proposal that is mostly done but needs a few finishing touches. That would feel good to have that done as I walk in on Monday morning. So, I did. Pie for tonight (with vanilla ice cream) and proposal on boss' chair. Yeah!

Seems like a super simple concept - not sure why it has taken me so long to employ. I suppose this is where the Just Do It campaign came from. But for me, it began with the question, then quick analysis to discern which thing to do and then the immediate move to take action.

Leaving the shoulds behind and moving to action is one of the keys to my happiness.

Sign on Forehead

Each day I live on this Earth, I realize that I am one of the luckiest people. I don't say this for dramatic reasons, just to acknowledge how there is a consistent flow of good stuff coming my way. I often joke that I have a sign on my forehead that says "Give me stuff". In addition to tangible gifts (used or otherwise), I have unique experiences and people interactions that seem to be strategically placed when I need them.

I thought I would share a few of the gifts I have received lately:
1. My friend Lou gave me earrings and a bracelet
2. I got free tickets to COSI and when we were there, we received more tickets for family night 3. My friend Krista gave me a red dress (wore it this past Thursday)
4. My dad and step mom gave me a flag mount for the house and mounted it
5. The guy who fixed my wheel barrow tires, offered me a taste of his Somalian food (goat). I have been afraid to try the restaurant at the end of my street, thinking I would not like it and now I know I will like it.
6. I received Harry and David fudge from the local food bank (shared it around)
7. My friend Linda gave me a HandiVac machine that locks in freshness of food
8. I got a cake brought to me today- delicious (with ice cream!)
9. Chris E. gave me, (how do I explain this?) stuffed toys in the replica of the Three Stoogies that when bounced say funny things So, as a reflect, there are more of these occurrences.

I guess the point is that a lot of good comes my way and I am truly blessed. At work, I brought a wellness inventory for us to work on as we are on a journey out of poverty. The inventory helps to recognize where you are currently and helps to develop goals.

There are 7 sections to the inventory and each section has 10-14 questions; each question is rated from 0 (not at all) to 4 (yes, always, or usually). And, as I read the question below I remembered the spirit behind this post: "I am aware of experiencing "miracles" in my daily life." I had to rate this one a 4 all the way.

So thank you to all you miracle workers in my life. You seem to give me gifts or treasures just when I need them. It is not the material thing, but the fact that you thought of me. I have been sad of late and your gifts remind me to be grateful and to keep my eye on the prize.

Humor at the Expense of Others

I was chatting with some good friends Lee and Dawn the other night as we gathered in my kitchen- we were having "kitchen talk" (love it!). Many topics flowed and ideas abounded. One topic was about the fact that some people really enjoy making fun of others, and of those who do, some will often criticize the person they are making fun of for not taking themselves lightly enough. A response of "lighten up buddy" can come with the territory- sometimes complete with a rolling of the eyes. After all, it's just a joke. But when it is a joke at the expense of you, it can feel isolating and unkind.

Lee and Dawn talked about a clown school they had attended and both of them said the experience changed their lives and was transformational. It was during this training that they learned that humor can come in forms that either give energy or take energy away.

They went to clown school in order to do service with folks within the hospital setting. It was shared during the training that there is really no reason to derive humor from putting someone down. You can imagine that would be true especially if you are performing for those who are terminally ill, or even those who are just plain sick. But when you think about it, if you had the choice, why wouldn't you give energy rather than take it away. Both are in your power to do.

An example that was provided in the training was that of a clown bringing a flower to someone to take a whiff. When the person smells it, the flower wilts from his bad breath. This is an example of the negative humor. Dawn explained that the alternative is to bring a wilted flower over to the person and the flower perks up because the person breathed life into it. Then the clown could urgently bring things over for the person to revive...... done right, this could be funny stuff and the person doing the "breathing" would or could be left feeling esteem rather than try to overcome the negative energy from the first example.

Think about the energy it takes to be a good sport about negative humor. You need to shield your self, get tougher skin so to speak and have to either discount what the person says or take it in as some kind of feedback. That takes energy.

Now, this does not mean that playful jabs are never welcome, and sometimes humor can say things that words cannot express. But, overall, I want to make a positive contribution with others and build them up rather than chink away at them over time.

My mom would say things like, "your pretty, if you like that sort of thing". I knew she was joking, but there was always a shade of doubt there. Negative humor is like that in a way, it has the ability to leave you with a doubt. You can override it, you can rise above it, you can ignore it, you can stuff it-- but it leaves you needing to do something with it where positive humor for the most part just flows.

Future Fading

Letting go of your hopes and dreams may be the only way to experience what is here and real and sometimes you may be surprised by what welcomes you in your openness to it.

Thing is, almost nothing happens the way you expect it to or unfolds the way you plan it. And, almost always, it turns out better than you thought it would- if you choose to see it that way.

Getting stuck on "what is supposed to be" is a sure recipe for disappointment. Regret, doubt, and what ifs can make a miserable today.

Many people I have known have been stuck in their past- remembering the glory days. My particular affliction is living in the future. So, I seek to find the balance between looking forward to things in the future while fully experiencing the present. Reaching for goals, dreaming dreams and cultivating hopes in concert with living now, feeling now and breathing now.

I remind myself to let go to receive.

Earth Day is Coming!!

Well, I have been pondering the little things and not so little things I have learned about how to be a steward of this environment we have been given. I tend to believe that the Earth is a precious resource that has an amazing ability to heal itself, renew itself and bring forth wonderful things to eat, see and experience. But, I realize that our ability to pollute and defecate this gift has and continues to be complicating things at a rate that both the Earth and our bodies cannot keep up with or create enough coping mechanisms for.

So, as I ponder, I thought I would share some learnings I have had over the years. I cannot prove that my logic is fail safe, but I believe that if we all do at least some of these things, we will be doing a service to this said earth and our bodies.


Take what rings true for you, throw the rest out the window (but only if they are biodegradable, of course).

1. Recycle. It is no longer difficult to do this, yes it takes an extra step or two, but gosh darn it, it feels good. In Columbus, most anything is recyclable and there is a handy dandy guide here. A large item of note is that all plastic bottles are recyclable. No longer to we need to identify the triangle on the bottom of the container, just throw it in. As I drive past my neighbor's houses, I see there multi trash cans on trash day as I carry my 1/2 can or less out to the curb. My neighbor right next door usually has 2 cans each week and they only have 2 people living there. We have 5 people contributing in our household and guests.

2. Buy organic milk, peanut butter and ketchup. In this day in age, it is difficult to define which things to go organic with and organics are more expensive- hands down. It is my belief it is good to do as much organic as possible. But, if your budget is a concern, I think these items are good places to start.

3. Organic fruit is a healthy contender for buying organic as well. The issue with this is the pesticides placed on the fruits. Peaches have the highest number of pesticides per item (average of 9). See this website for more information.

4. Start a compost pile. This is not hard to do and it makes really nutritious soil for gardens and flower beds. Go to this site to learn the ins and outs for composting. Anyone with a small patch of land can do this and you can reduce your waste tremendously.

5. Replace your regular light bulbs with the curly-q fluorescents. There is some controversy about this since they are a bear to clean up if broken. Precaution should be taken since they have mercury in them. But, by far, they are most energy efficient- by a long shot.

6. Use your dishwasher- if you can fill it and as long as you can go without rinsing each dish prior to use. This has been proven to be more water efficient. If however, you have to rinse, it may be better to just wash them by hand. There are supposed to be new dishwashers with garbage disposals in the bottom.

7. Speaking of appliances, buy Energy Star ones if you can. I bought a washer dryer set that was the cheapest Energy Star I could get and I am hoping for long term results.

These are just a few of the ideas bopping around in my head. If you have thoughts that you have pondered in this area, please add them on.

Last Lecture

I watched a neat video on You Tube which may be considered lengthy but I really like this guy's concept. He is a professor from Carnegie Mellon University and has found out that he has pancreatic cancer. He decided to give one last lecture to enlighten his students. The lecture has been rolling around the internet and has been affecting a much larger audience than the one in the lecture hall. His name is Randy Pausch and it makes me ponder what would my last lecture be. This video came into my awareness (thanks Chelahnnhe!) after my beloved sister Alanna lost her battle with cancer and this concept of a last lecture is synergistic with an epiphany I had on my way to the hospital to visit her before she died.

A song came on the radio as I was driving Alanna's car in New Mexico. The song was upbeat, and very insightful. I instantly thought of Alanna and could hear her saying many or all of these things- in essence her last lecture. It became apparent that this song would be a good one to share with others while we remember Alanna at the memorial next Saturday. Funny thing is that all I could remember about the lyrics were the words: kiss husband, take chances. Lord knows she lived these lyrics in many ways:

Point Of Grace - How You LiveFrom the album How You Live

Wake up to the sunlight with your windows open

Don't hold in your anger or leave things unspoken

Wear your red dress, use your good dishes

Make a big mess and make lots of wishes

And have what you want, but want what you have

And don't spend your life looking back

Turn up the music

Turn it up loud

Take a few chances and let it all out

'Cause you won't regret it

Looking back from where you have been

'Cause it's not who you knew

And it's not what you did

It's how you live

So go to the ballgames and go to the ballet

And go see your folks more than just on the holidays

Kiss all your children, dance with your wife

Tell your husband you love him every night

Don't run from the truth 'cause you can't get away, no

Face it and you'll be okay

(Chorus)

Oh, wherever you are and wherever you've been

Now is the time to begin

So give to the needy, and pray for the grieving

Even when you don't think that you can

'Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you

So think of your fellow man

And make peace with God, and make peace with yourself

'Cause in the end, there's nobody else

(Chorus)

Lastly, if you think of things that you would consider saying in your "last lecture" I would like to hear them. Leave a comment if you care to. I think there is a lot of wisdom, humor and stories we can benefit from- while we are living. It doesn't have to be fancy; whatever comes to mind will do.