Its Here!!!

The weather is finally cooler! I have been anticipating this for weeks and weeks. I think its partly because I want the cooler weather, and partly because I enjoy the season...Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc...

My goal is to enjoy the feel of Fall, live in the moment, and not complain in a month or two that "It's Too Cold"!!!!!!!

Anticipating Fall

Fall is right around the corner. I can't wait! I can see some leaves starting to fall, and I know it won't be long. Its still amazing to me how Mother Nature transitions us so well. By the time we're getting enough of the summer heat, a new season approaches.

How awesome! New season, new beginnings, new anticipation!!!

Progress?

There has been a surprising and welcomed change in my community! Our local trash pick-up service now offers a recycling service as well! WOW!!! This is great progress for the area that I live in. There's hope yet! Some of my skeptics are even on board with this.

Even though the service only picks up plastic bottles and paper products, that's still progress in my eyes. Surely the rest will come.

Just Dance

I, like many others, watched the wedding entrance dance of a couple that just got married. It was funny, uplifting, and wonderful to watch. Too often life is just too serious!!! It was good to watch a couple (as well as the wedding party) enjoy life, and the start of 2 lives together!!

If you haven't seen the video, view it on my blog.

1 Small Step!

I'm noticing that more and more stores and markets are making recycling more convenient for its customers. One local supermarket is finally taking plastic bags, and although it's a small step for them, it's still remarkable because I live in a small town. I am holding out hope that more and more places will encourage people to recycle. I still believe that every step counts, and no effort is wasted. I even saw an interesting report on the news recently where this student is working to invent a paper/part-plastic bottle, which, if usable, could eventually replace the traditional plastic bottle. Innovative! Small steps can be remarkable!!!

Earth Day continues...

April 22nd has come and gone, but hopefully the concept behind Earth Day will remain. There are so many ways that being environmentally friendly saves money also. Maybe the economy will make converts of some who might still be reluctant to take the plunge!

For example, shopping at Farmers Markets helps the environment while at the same time, saves money....Turning off the water while brushing does the same...Buying in bulk...ditto...Carpooling also saves money while protecting the planet...Buying perforated paper towels, or none at all also saves tremendously...unplugging cell phone chargers from the wall as soon as the phone is charged does the same. The list is endless.

I still think knowledge is power, and more would do it if they only knew how very important it is. "Saving money" might just be the door to open the communication about reducing our carbon footprint.

Economic Times

During this touch economy, it seems that all we see on television is more and more doom and gloom. It's especially important to focus on things that we can control, such as our relationships and time with family and those close to us. Controlling and focusing on our day to day household finances as opposed to the overall national economy also helps to ground us, and hopefully reduce stress.

Eco-Friendly Tip

Did you know that when you charge your cell phone, and unplug it from the charger, you are still using energy if you keep the charger plugged into the outlet? We can all use less energy by simply unplugging the charger from the outlet when we're done charging our cell phone, laptop etc... just another way to protect the environment.

Champions!!!

Our new President has challenged each of us to make a difference...make change happen...do our part to make the world a better place. Champions are everyday people, like you and me, who take this challenge and do "seemingly" small things to impact society. It might be in the form of running errands for someone in need, volunteering our time, mentoring a child, donating some goods to a food bank, recycling instead of trashing, or cooking a meal for someone who's struggling to make ends meet. This list goes on and on. It doesn't matter how large or small the effort is because every part counts, and every good deed leads to another.

Champions do seemingly small things that have LARGE impacts!

Just "being"

Today I came home from a long day at work, and did absolutely nothing! Boy, I didn't realize how relaxing just "being" actually is. Can't do it every day, but today sure was good!

2009!!!

WOW! Another year! I wish prosperity, love, and abundance to everyone. If all of our positive energy is released, 2009 is bound to be better than 08.

Hope

Once again, I heard an inspiring news report. It featured a clip from a CBS affiliate station about getting rid of things in 2008 that we don't want to take into 2009. People were literally lined up to shred things (in this super huge shredder) that they don't want to take along into the New Year....everything from school grades to bills. It was a light-hearted feature, but the reality of it is that people are ready to move on, and look for better things in 2009. Are they optimistic??? I don't know...Are they ready to give 2009 a try??? It looks that way. The message that I got from this feature was that, despite the challenges and struggles that might have defined much of 2008, many are still looking to greater things, and ready to look ahead.

That's what I call 'HOPE'...HOPE in spite of the past. Light-hearted feature-yes. Light-hearted message-No.

Home Recycling Centers-go figure!

I ran across an interesting show that focused on home recycling centers. Builders and home-buyers were installing these in new home. I thought...WOW...this is innovative...not because of the overall idea, because a home recycling center can simply consist of bins placed in the garage or kitchen to hold these items. What WOW'd me though was the fact that builders were finally grasping the concept, and home-buyers were actually embracing it. This gives hope. My optimism just jumped a notch! (This show was on HGTV).

Finding Purpose

As the year comes to a close, many of us will enter 2009 with resolutions for the new year. Resolutions are sometimes about finding purpose to life, and committing to following that purpose, whatever it may be.

When and if you make a New Year's Resolution, remember that treating yourself better than you did in 2008 should be first on your list of "must do-s". Being good to yourself, nurturing yourself, and valuing yourself, will assure success on any other resolutions that follow!

Prevent Holiday Stress

The Holidays are a wonderful time to enjoy family and friends, but holiday stress and burnout are things that all too often accompany this time of year. Here are a few tips to keep in mind during this busy season:

Make holiday meals less stressful by keeping meals simple. Consider even buying some dishes already prepared, even if you still cook your absolute favorites.

Combine tasks, and consider shopping at only 1 or 2 stores if possible. Keep in mind my previous blog on holiday gift-giving.

Don't take on more than you can handle. Say 'No'.

Rest. When your body tells you it's tired, stop and relax. This is so-o-o important!!!

Lastly, keep the meaning of the season in perspective. When all else fails, this should ground you!