Looking back through my blog, the 5 good things list was easily one of the best things to re-read. It was good to come up with the list when the day didn't seem particularly lovely.
1. Sun!
2. A ball of yarn waiting to be used.
3. A text from my brother
4. Laughing with a co-worker across the country.
5. Flat fortune cookies.
Wednesday, November 30
Monday, November 21
Sunday, November 20
The end of an era
Mature trees within the city can be an enormous benefit to the atmosphere of a neighborhood. If they are well cared for and happen to be in a happy location, they can thrive and provide benefits of shade, beauty, stormwater reduction and a habitat for animals (just to name a few). However, there is always the threat of property damage when you have large trees in a city.
We have a great view from our back porch - we can see our yard, our landlady/neighbors yard, and the houses beyond. In my landlady's yard, a huge beautiful Live Oak tree was set right at the back half of her yard. Then one night I heard a crack, and half the tree came down into her yard. Luckily, it was the half that was reaching out over her yard.
She tried to just take off the part that was on the ground. If this had happened out in a field you could probably get away with it. Unfortunately - because of the way the tree became "unbalanced" the other half of the tree had to come down as well.
The landlady actually had to have someone from the city to come out to inspect the tree to make sure it had to come down. Oak trees are protected in our city, so she had to have a permit. She told me that the City arborist said her tree had included bark at the split point and it did indeed have to come down. I wish I had photos of the tree removal process, but my camera had run out of space. It was quite the interesting endeavor, with the workers swinging around on a rope with chainsaws. Whoa.
So the arborist said that the tree had included bark. What happened, is that the tree broke at its weakest point. When branches grow at a very narrow angle, bark becomes an increasingly large part of the connection between the branch and the trunk. Bark isn't an attachment structure of a tree. So as the weight increases on the branch, the small amount of actual connective tissue comes under increasing stress and inevitably gives way.
Ideally in city trees, when they are young, you prune them to try to mitigate the threat of potential property damage.
To the right is a preferable branch arrangement with the lovely 45-degree angle. On the left is an example of a narrow attachment that will most likely form with included bark. Photos from Urban Tree Foundation
So once the first part came off, the second part of the tree was more likely to come down as well. Who knows when it would have happened, but it would definitely have been way more of an issue than the first part, and including other property owners. Not pretty!
So - I know all this because I just finished a Citizen Arborist class conducted by Friends of the Urban Forest in San Francisco. It was amazing! We touched on everything from planting, to pruning, to identifying trees. I just wanted to share this perfect example that happened in the middle of the class, so I knew exactly what was going on, and why they had to take down the entire tree.
Hopefully in the next few weeks I can talk more about taking care of urban trees as I'm actually out doing it in the city! First assignment: Assessing the condition of newly planted trees.
EDIT: The after picture.
We have a great view from our back porch - we can see our yard, our landlady/neighbors yard, and the houses beyond. In my landlady's yard, a huge beautiful Live Oak tree was set right at the back half of her yard. Then one night I heard a crack, and half the tree came down into her yard. Luckily, it was the half that was reaching out over her yard.
She tried to just take off the part that was on the ground. If this had happened out in a field you could probably get away with it. Unfortunately - because of the way the tree became "unbalanced" the other half of the tree had to come down as well.The landlady actually had to have someone from the city to come out to inspect the tree to make sure it had to come down. Oak trees are protected in our city, so she had to have a permit. She told me that the City arborist said her tree had included bark at the split point and it did indeed have to come down. I wish I had photos of the tree removal process, but my camera had run out of space. It was quite the interesting endeavor, with the workers swinging around on a rope with chainsaws. Whoa.
So the arborist said that the tree had included bark. What happened, is that the tree broke at its weakest point. When branches grow at a very narrow angle, bark becomes an increasingly large part of the connection between the branch and the trunk. Bark isn't an attachment structure of a tree. So as the weight increases on the branch, the small amount of actual connective tissue comes under increasing stress and inevitably gives way.
Ideally in city trees, when they are young, you prune them to try to mitigate the threat of potential property damage.
To the right is a preferable branch arrangement with the lovely 45-degree angle. On the left is an example of a narrow attachment that will most likely form with included bark. Photos from Urban Tree Foundation
So once the first part came off, the second part of the tree was more likely to come down as well. Who knows when it would have happened, but it would definitely have been way more of an issue than the first part, and including other property owners. Not pretty!
So - I know all this because I just finished a Citizen Arborist class conducted by Friends of the Urban Forest in San Francisco. It was amazing! We touched on everything from planting, to pruning, to identifying trees. I just wanted to share this perfect example that happened in the middle of the class, so I knew exactly what was going on, and why they had to take down the entire tree.
Hopefully in the next few weeks I can talk more about taking care of urban trees as I'm actually out doing it in the city! First assignment: Assessing the condition of newly planted trees.
EDIT: The after picture.
Saturday, November 19
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Boy took me here for my birthday two weeks ago. We went the day after my actual birthday because it was Veterans Day and he had the day off! Um, so did everyone else. Still, despite the noise and the traffic, it was still a GREAT place to go.
This was a shot of part of the migrating salmon exhibit...turned out looking so surreal!
Thar she blows! There were otters out there :o)
And then the otters in the exhibit! I think combined, we spent 30-40 mins just watching these ladies. They are so amazing.
Jellies!
And seahorses! This one is a baby - they had a bunch in an exhibit with magnifying glass so you could see them well!
Today was a nice quiet day. Tested this caramel creams "cow tales" recipe from another blog. Didn't really work out for me...some of the caramel was overdone and some was soft enough to roll into the cow tales shape. I made 8 little ones though! The rest I broke up...now I have to figure out what to do with it! I thought maybe I could use it to sweeten my coffee. BF decided that we just have to eat it. Slowly. Over time. :o) Though I did make caramel for the first time, so I'm glad I took that first step! I'm going to try again for xmas gifts.
Monday, August 15
Aquarium of the Bay
This was a great place....very serene and lovely. I would definitely go back more often if the tickets weren't almost 20 bucks for an "adult" like me.
Friday, August 12
Days of Nature...uh...
Okay. I totally understand the goal. To get you doing something for 30 days to make it a habit, or to really get into the feel of things. 30 straight days of nature is a perfectly lovely idea. That being said: I live in a city. Yes, I do happen to live in an area where nature is coveted and coerced to come out of every nook and cranny of window boxes and sidewalk utility strips. But I'm not going to kid myself and call sitting on the sidewalk communing with hand planted greenery "nature." I guess I could stretch it my saying "human-nature" or "human-created nature," but this is for me. And that's not what I meant.
Despite the fact that I practically live in one of the largest cities on the west coast, there is plenty to do. And there is also the fact that I have and awful, terrible, no-good memory. So when things happen that I want to remember or to relate - I'll try to put it here. Starting today, because, psh. I've been here for 4 months? I don't remember ANYTHING (that's an utter lie. It's been perfectly lovely, but I've been a grump because I'm sorta lonely. So lets just try and forget that whole bit and learn to be lonely and appreciate it, right?)
Today, instead of struggling to focus on doing work in my house, or slurping down excesses of coffee to make up for my lengthy work stays in cafes, I went to the library. Duh, right? The library near me is far too small and well used (how cool is that?!) for me to focus on work. So I went to the San Francisco one. I'm currently shaking my head in disbelief that I haven't done that before.
It's a large library - I settled on the 4th floor, 2nd being the children's library, the third being too crowded, and I hadn't gotten to the 5th or 6th levels yet. I was instantly more productive. Of course that was once I figured out that I had to be close to a hot spot to get good enough wifi for all my work connections. I was there a good 3 hours before I took a quick snack break in the cafe at the lower level. Headed back upstairs because I figured, what the heck. If can pound out more work, it's worth it. I'm there for another...oh, 2 hours before a gentleman with a laptop came wandering by with some mumbles and eventually sat down across from me at the communal work tables. I don't think much of it.
Until he REALLY starts mumbling. Like. Focusing on stuff and talking in that direction. It got to the point where it would distract me. So, like I usually do, I start saying bits and pieces of the things I'm working on to keep me focused. ...and it actually quiets him down for a bit. I stop, because he's become quiet. A short while later though, he starts up again: "Your HOLE is OPEN. That's the reason..bladity..blah...mummble do." So, I start my bit up again. Thankfully, I was pretty tired of work by this point, so I finish up and pack up to the sound of this fellow, outraged that the holes are still open. Good luck with that buddy.
I did get a library card for there though! I'm excited, they let you PICK which decoration you want on your card!
So there are my city experiences for the day. As I walked to the BART, I pulled out my headphones and was content to pretend I didn't hear the city for the rest of the way home.
Despite the fact that I practically live in one of the largest cities on the west coast, there is plenty to do. And there is also the fact that I have and awful, terrible, no-good memory. So when things happen that I want to remember or to relate - I'll try to put it here. Starting today, because, psh. I've been here for 4 months? I don't remember ANYTHING (that's an utter lie. It's been perfectly lovely, but I've been a grump because I'm sorta lonely. So lets just try and forget that whole bit and learn to be lonely and appreciate it, right?)
Today, instead of struggling to focus on doing work in my house, or slurping down excesses of coffee to make up for my lengthy work stays in cafes, I went to the library. Duh, right? The library near me is far too small and well used (how cool is that?!) for me to focus on work. So I went to the San Francisco one. I'm currently shaking my head in disbelief that I haven't done that before.
It's a large library - I settled on the 4th floor, 2nd being the children's library, the third being too crowded, and I hadn't gotten to the 5th or 6th levels yet. I was instantly more productive. Of course that was once I figured out that I had to be close to a hot spot to get good enough wifi for all my work connections. I was there a good 3 hours before I took a quick snack break in the cafe at the lower level. Headed back upstairs because I figured, what the heck. If can pound out more work, it's worth it. I'm there for another...oh, 2 hours before a gentleman with a laptop came wandering by with some mumbles and eventually sat down across from me at the communal work tables. I don't think much of it.
Until he REALLY starts mumbling. Like. Focusing on stuff and talking in that direction. It got to the point where it would distract me. So, like I usually do, I start saying bits and pieces of the things I'm working on to keep me focused. ...and it actually quiets him down for a bit. I stop, because he's become quiet. A short while later though, he starts up again: "Your HOLE is OPEN. That's the reason..bladity..blah...mummble do." So, I start my bit up again. Thankfully, I was pretty tired of work by this point, so I finish up and pack up to the sound of this fellow, outraged that the holes are still open. Good luck with that buddy.
I did get a library card for there though! I'm excited, they let you PICK which decoration you want on your card!
So there are my city experiences for the day. As I walked to the BART, I pulled out my headphones and was content to pretend I didn't hear the city for the rest of the way home.
Sunday, August 7
Day 2 - Redwood Regional Forest
This visit was such a renewing experience. The past few weeks have been emotionally hard on me for some reason, yet as I walked up the first path, barely out of sight from the parking lot, this is what I saw:
And yes, I got all teary. True, these redwoods are not the monsters that can be in other regions where conditions favor their growth. However, they still had that quiet majesty that I imagined Redwoods have. The eternal hum of the nearby highway near our house and the ruckus from construction a block away was hardly a memory here. I could hear voices and the happy shrieks from nearby summer day campers and yet there was that underlying stillness that you only find when you are amidst great amount of biomass to damper the background static of modern life.
So here I wandered for a good portion of an afternoon. A lot of it did happen to be aimless wondering (I had no map!) but it didn't matter. If you have no destination, then it can be incredibly relaxing.
Once I finally located a map, I decided to hike to the top of the noted Redwood Peak. It wasn't a very hard climb at all. At the top was several boulders and a United States Geological Survey (USGS) marker officially marking the highest point of the peak.
USGS Marker:
I attempted to continue on a path identified as the Redwood Peak trail. However, as I discovered why my initial hike to the peak was easy - I had parked in a location that was already elevated. The Redwood Peak trail heading north away from the peak turned out to be a downhill hike to the nearby Redwood Creek. The map I had indicated that the trail to the creek was "only" bit over a half mile, so I figured I could take it without much effort.
Yeah. I think I got about halfway down the trail before realizing, I would have to come back UP that way. The trail spanned a 700 foot elevation change within that short half mile, so as I forgot to factor in, it was pretty steep. And seeing as I already used a lot of my energy by wandering aimlessly, I decided to try it again another day.
Here is a link to the map of the Redwood Regional Park. You can see the trail I took is just to the north of the area named Redwood Bowl.
So here I wandered for a good portion of an afternoon. A lot of it did happen to be aimless wondering (I had no map!) but it didn't matter. If you have no destination, then it can be incredibly relaxing.
Once I finally located a map, I decided to hike to the top of the noted Redwood Peak. It wasn't a very hard climb at all. At the top was several boulders and a United States Geological Survey (USGS) marker officially marking the highest point of the peak.
View of the peak:
USGS Marker:
I attempted to continue on a path identified as the Redwood Peak trail. However, as I discovered why my initial hike to the peak was easy - I had parked in a location that was already elevated. The Redwood Peak trail heading north away from the peak turned out to be a downhill hike to the nearby Redwood Creek. The map I had indicated that the trail to the creek was "only" bit over a half mile, so I figured I could take it without much effort.
Yeah. I think I got about halfway down the trail before realizing, I would have to come back UP that way. The trail spanned a 700 foot elevation change within that short half mile, so as I forgot to factor in, it was pretty steep. And seeing as I already used a lot of my energy by wandering aimlessly, I decided to try it again another day.
Here is a link to the map of the Redwood Regional Park. You can see the trail I took is just to the north of the area named Redwood Bowl.
Wednesday, August 3
30 Days of Nature
Since there is so much to explore here in the Bay area, that I figure I would give myself a place to start. This 30 day thing is a recent trend. Mightygirl.com is currently in the midst of 30 Days of Fun. While that does sound great, I find reading a book fun - so that wouldn't be all that interesting to get me writing about (currently reading The Baroque Cycle by Neil Stephenson...it's a tad challenging). Instead, to get me out of the house, I'll be trying to experience some sort of nature every day for at least 30 days. Here is where I'll write about it and hopefully post pictures (though I have misplaced my camera battery charger and won't have "real" photos until I do...). Anyway.
Day 1
Marina Park. Okay, So I started off "small." It's less of a park and more of a parking lot near the Bay. It's at the very tip of a curved peninsula off to the west side of Emeryville. It appears to connect to a large running/walking/biking/non-vehicular use trail that is along the eastern side of the Bay.
Day 1
Marina Park. Okay, So I started off "small." It's less of a park and more of a parking lot near the Bay. It's at the very tip of a curved peninsula off to the west side of Emeryville. It appears to connect to a large running/walking/biking/non-vehicular use trail that is along the eastern side of the Bay.
Looking north on the Bay:
Also: squirrels? that live in the ground? These need some investigating:
Also: squirrels? that live in the ground? These need some investigating:
Aww...cute little feller! Especially seeing as he didn't try to attack me! And whatdda know, they are actually called California Ground Squirrels! Man, that's awesome. I didn't even have to do any digging.
Well, there. Now there are two things that I didn't know previously existed. Tomorrow: Redwoods. Things I did know previously existed, and may have gotten emotional being in their presence. Yes, I mean presence of trees. I was not kidding about the tree hugger bit!
Well, there. Now there are two things that I didn't know previously existed. Tomorrow: Redwoods. Things I did know previously existed, and may have gotten emotional being in their presence. Yes, I mean presence of trees. I was not kidding about the tree hugger bit!
Monday, August 1
Experiment in California Housewifery
Frustrating: Folding a fitting sheet.
Humiliating: The number of times I had to watch youTube videos to get it right. (when one woman said "one of the most challenging things you will have to do in your life is folding a fitted sheet" I wanted to reach in there and shoulder punch her. Lady. Rock climbing is challenging, relationships are challenging. This is just stupid.)
Frustrating: The amount of laundry I do in a week.
Humiliating: The excitement I had puling out that stupid pourer thing in the laundry bottle so I could get the remaining soap out for one more load. And cleaning it so I could recycle it.
When I worked I could care less about this stuff. Now that I'm home most of the day, I have time to contemplate it and spend the extra 10 stupid minutes to figure it out.
But now I'm off to explore the Redwood Regional Park(!).
...still trying to decide if the benefits outweigh the frustrations.
Humiliating: The number of times I had to watch youTube videos to get it right. (when one woman said "one of the most challenging things you will have to do in your life is folding a fitted sheet" I wanted to reach in there and shoulder punch her. Lady. Rock climbing is challenging, relationships are challenging. This is just stupid.)
Frustrating: The amount of laundry I do in a week.
Humiliating: The excitement I had puling out that stupid pourer thing in the laundry bottle so I could get the remaining soap out for one more load. And cleaning it so I could recycle it.
When I worked I could care less about this stuff. Now that I'm home most of the day, I have time to contemplate it and spend the extra 10 stupid minutes to figure it out.
But now I'm off to explore the Redwood Regional Park(!).
...still trying to decide if the benefits outweigh the frustrations.
Sunday, June 20
The CSA - Week one!
We finally got it!! Several anxious weeks after signing up for a share of the Windy Meadow Farms 2010 growing season, we went out to the farm and gathered our first weekly harvest.
We had been able to pick up our share since Wednesday, but the Boy and I went on Friday evening after work and rehearsal. As we pulled up, it looked pretty deserted, no people around, no doors open, no signs saying "enter here!" So I took a wild guess and opened the door to the metal framed garage.
Bingo.
I did the audible, 5-year old "WOOOW!!" It was just a little room portioned off from the rest of the building with canvas tarps. Yet....it was such a cool set up to display everything you were getting for the week. Three tables and a refrigerator formed a kind-of "CSA Buffet." The first table, right as you walk in, has the sign-in sheet so the farmers know you had been there to gather your things. Also displayed was the list of things you would be taking from the following two tables:
Romaine - 1 bunch
Carrots - 5-7
Onions - 5-6 medium
1 Bunch - Red or Green lettuce
1 pint Strawberries
Spinach - 1 Bunch.
Also - you can buy a dozen farm-fresh eggs, FOR A DOLLAR!! Not even Wegmans sells them that cheap (ok, they sell them for $1.09. But still, not farm-fresh!). The produce was set up in wooden bushels on the other two tables.
So the Boy and I gathered our tasty tasty loot (and me whining about how I neglected to bring a measly DOLLAR) and headed out of the garage/barn. We met another woman, her name was Dawn I believe...and she had the same reservations as we did upon first arriving: "Hi! This is my first time here! I wasn't sure it was open...do we just go right in?" Yep. We were the same way. Go right in and make sure you sign in and there's a sign to tell you what to gather.
As soon as I got home I set up everything and took a photo. Amazing:
I divvied everything up except for the romaine (which I did today) and brought the rest to my aunt. She told me the first thing she did was eat all the strawberries. I don't blame her.
(Saturday morning I was up early because I was dancing in a concert at 10:30 am. So, my breakfast was some sauteed spinach with egg and some strawberries to top it off. So simple, yet - it was a revelation. I CAN eat a good breakfast without feeling like a glutton and following my diet....if all the food is pre-prepared!)
I am realizing this experience will be a TON of work. Yet, I can't be more excited. It seems that this farm does not use pesticides. However, it does come right from a farm (aka" dirt) . I spent the bulk of my time preparing by separating and washing the lettuce and spinach leaves. I have them stored rolled between damp paper towels and placing them in a baggie in the crisper drawer. We have a full week of salad. Additionally, I cut up the celery that had been sitting in my fridge for a few days, chopped up the carrots, cut up the last head of broccoli from the last shopping trip, made a pinto bean dip for me for the veggies, prepared a pasta salad for a meal later this week, and rounded out the day by shopping for odds and ends for the meals. *phew* And I couldn't be more pleased.
But really, THIS is how things should be done. I am not a mother of 4 who works full time and has to put dinner on the table by 5. But my job is one where I am devoid of energy by 6 pm, and do not have the energy to prep, cook, eat, and clean up after a meal. One full day of prep and a good meal plan for the week is my new goal. Staying healthy and eating well is about the planning. Some people can think of great meals and whip them up on the fly. I have been thinking I was one of those people for the past....oh, 3 years or so. Man, I am sorry to say, that I am not. But it's okay that I am not. I just have to recognize that I need to plan ahead.
Later this week I hope to write about what we are doing for dinners this week and what we are using from our CSA share, and what we purchased. I am so excited for what else is to come and the creative meals I'm sure will be formed from the produce we get this summer (radishes? I can't say for certain that I have ever eaten them..). Unfortunately, this probably means that the summer will fly by. But, if it means tasty local food and habit forming planning, then bring it on.
We had been able to pick up our share since Wednesday, but the Boy and I went on Friday evening after work and rehearsal. As we pulled up, it looked pretty deserted, no people around, no doors open, no signs saying "enter here!" So I took a wild guess and opened the door to the metal framed garage.
Bingo.
I did the audible, 5-year old "WOOOW!!" It was just a little room portioned off from the rest of the building with canvas tarps. Yet....it was such a cool set up to display everything you were getting for the week. Three tables and a refrigerator formed a kind-of "CSA Buffet." The first table, right as you walk in, has the sign-in sheet so the farmers know you had been there to gather your things. Also displayed was the list of things you would be taking from the following two tables:
Romaine - 1 bunch
Carrots - 5-7
Onions - 5-6 medium
1 Bunch - Red or Green lettuce
1 pint Strawberries
Spinach - 1 Bunch.
Also - you can buy a dozen farm-fresh eggs, FOR A DOLLAR!! Not even Wegmans sells them that cheap (ok, they sell them for $1.09. But still, not farm-fresh!). The produce was set up in wooden bushels on the other two tables.
So the Boy and I gathered our tasty tasty loot (and me whining about how I neglected to bring a measly DOLLAR) and headed out of the garage/barn. We met another woman, her name was Dawn I believe...and she had the same reservations as we did upon first arriving: "Hi! This is my first time here! I wasn't sure it was open...do we just go right in?" Yep. We were the same way. Go right in and make sure you sign in and there's a sign to tell you what to gather.
As soon as I got home I set up everything and took a photo. Amazing:
I divvied everything up except for the romaine (which I did today) and brought the rest to my aunt. She told me the first thing she did was eat all the strawberries. I don't blame her.
(Saturday morning I was up early because I was dancing in a concert at 10:30 am. So, my breakfast was some sauteed spinach with egg and some strawberries to top it off. So simple, yet - it was a revelation. I CAN eat a good breakfast without feeling like a glutton and following my diet....if all the food is pre-prepared!)
I am realizing this experience will be a TON of work. Yet, I can't be more excited. It seems that this farm does not use pesticides. However, it does come right from a farm (aka" dirt) . I spent the bulk of my time preparing by separating and washing the lettuce and spinach leaves. I have them stored rolled between damp paper towels and placing them in a baggie in the crisper drawer. We have a full week of salad. Additionally, I cut up the celery that had been sitting in my fridge for a few days, chopped up the carrots, cut up the last head of broccoli from the last shopping trip, made a pinto bean dip for me for the veggies, prepared a pasta salad for a meal later this week, and rounded out the day by shopping for odds and ends for the meals. *phew* And I couldn't be more pleased.
But really, THIS is how things should be done. I am not a mother of 4 who works full time and has to put dinner on the table by 5. But my job is one where I am devoid of energy by 6 pm, and do not have the energy to prep, cook, eat, and clean up after a meal. One full day of prep and a good meal plan for the week is my new goal. Staying healthy and eating well is about the planning. Some people can think of great meals and whip them up on the fly. I have been thinking I was one of those people for the past....oh, 3 years or so. Man, I am sorry to say, that I am not. But it's okay that I am not. I just have to recognize that I need to plan ahead.
Later this week I hope to write about what we are doing for dinners this week and what we are using from our CSA share, and what we purchased. I am so excited for what else is to come and the creative meals I'm sure will be formed from the produce we get this summer (radishes? I can't say for certain that I have ever eaten them..). Unfortunately, this probably means that the summer will fly by. But, if it means tasty local food and habit forming planning, then bring it on.
Tuesday, June 15
Our CSA
Hooray! I received an e-mail from our CSA Farm that our boxes were ready tomorrow!
So we will be going to pick up our Windy Meadow Farms produce on Thursday or Friday. Perhaps Saturday morning if the week doesn't work out.
I'm so pumped for veggies! :oD
So we will be going to pick up our Windy Meadow Farms produce on Thursday or Friday. Perhaps Saturday morning if the week doesn't work out.
I'm so pumped for veggies! :oD
Thursday, June 3
Snooping
Took this photo through a broken window in the building next door to one of the sites I am working on.....Can't be sure if they are full or not. But still, pretty intimidating.
Sunday, May 23
Here fishy fishy....
For the health of myself, I am trying to eat more proteins.
This is tough for a few reasons:
1. I LOVE BREAD. Unfortunately breads are carbs which are high on the glycemic index. Damn.
2. I like being a "vegetarian." Sure I'd eat chicken once in awhile, but I always pick the vegetarian plates out at restaurants over anything meat.
3. I'm lazy. I gotta admit it. I dig convenience foods - cuz I'm lazy.
4. I really really don't like the texture of red meat. Sure a fillet mignon might taste all melty and buttery and good, but its weird (um, and expensive).
So, exploring other options for animal proteins, I come to fish. After my envi education, I know that a lot of fishing practices are unsustainable and are slowly killing off some varieties of fish. The one that comes to mind first is Orange Roughy. It takes up to 30 years for the fish to mature enough to breed and thus replenish lost population from catches. Tilapia is one kid of fish that can be sustainable. You can raise many in a small area and are quick to reproduce.
Other than those two fish, I wasn't aware of what other kinds of fish I should lean toward. Until I located this Blue Ocean Institute guide to sustainable fish species. How handy....you can even do a search and it will tell you how the species are raised/caught or if there is a risk for elevated mercury contaminants.
Thinking before you eat is so much easier. And of course, that appeals to my lazy side. :o)
This is tough for a few reasons:
1. I LOVE BREAD. Unfortunately breads are carbs which are high on the glycemic index. Damn.
2. I like being a "vegetarian." Sure I'd eat chicken once in awhile, but I always pick the vegetarian plates out at restaurants over anything meat.
3. I'm lazy. I gotta admit it. I dig convenience foods - cuz I'm lazy.
4. I really really don't like the texture of red meat. Sure a fillet mignon might taste all melty and buttery and good, but its weird (um, and expensive).
So, exploring other options for animal proteins, I come to fish. After my envi education, I know that a lot of fishing practices are unsustainable and are slowly killing off some varieties of fish. The one that comes to mind first is Orange Roughy. It takes up to 30 years for the fish to mature enough to breed and thus replenish lost population from catches. Tilapia is one kid of fish that can be sustainable. You can raise many in a small area and are quick to reproduce.
Other than those two fish, I wasn't aware of what other kinds of fish I should lean toward. Until I located this Blue Ocean Institute guide to sustainable fish species. How handy....you can even do a search and it will tell you how the species are raised/caught or if there is a risk for elevated mercury contaminants.
Thinking before you eat is so much easier. And of course, that appeals to my lazy side. :o)
Anger on a Sunday
And here I am again.
I was up early and of course hopped online. FOr some reason, compelled to check some news outlets covering environmental issues. Deepwater Oil spill in the Gulf is still making headlines....because they still haven't made any headway into stopping the flow of oil.
Found a documentary where even the TRAILER pissed me off:
Chevron Rep: "..no evidence contamination is causing these cancers, it is due to poor sanitation."
...you don't get cancer from crapping in a pit lady. Plus, they have been around as a culture long enough to work out sanitation issues before YOUR culture was even created. CRUDE
Also for some gruesome photos (don't we all love those..) : Discovery Photos of the Spill
And finally some words of wisdom from a seasoned worker for and with the oceans:
"Constantly being surprised by catastrophe is stupid because unpredictable events in nature are totally predictable." --Jean-Michel Cousteau
I was up early and of course hopped online. FOr some reason, compelled to check some news outlets covering environmental issues. Deepwater Oil spill in the Gulf is still making headlines....because they still haven't made any headway into stopping the flow of oil.
Found a documentary where even the TRAILER pissed me off:
Chevron Rep: "..no evidence contamination is causing these cancers, it is due to poor sanitation."
...you don't get cancer from crapping in a pit lady. Plus, they have been around as a culture long enough to work out sanitation issues before YOUR culture was even created. CRUDE
Also for some gruesome photos (don't we all love those..) : Discovery Photos of the Spill
And finally some words of wisdom from a seasoned worker for and with the oceans:
"Constantly being surprised by catastrophe is stupid because unpredictable events in nature are totally predictable." --Jean-Michel Cousteau
Wednesday, May 19
DIO
Oh man, I am so excited. I just started downloading Back Sabbath: the Dio Years. I listened to a few and it just happened to be just what I wanted to listen to today.
It's gunna be a good nite.
It's gunna be a good nite.
Things to come...
Many...many things to come. So much in fact that it's all I'm thinking about.
-Beach trip to Delaware in less than 2 weeks!
-Golfing. Anytime.
-Seattle in August.
-Philadelphia in September.
-CSA box in June.
I'm thinking that it would be pretty neat to document what I get with the CSA box and what I end up making with the vegetables. The Boy and I are splitting it with my aunt. Perhaps even photos of the farm where it comes from!
Not an original thought by any means, but it's something positive to post. :o)
-Beach trip to Delaware in less than 2 weeks!
-Golfing. Anytime.
-Seattle in August.
-Philadelphia in September.
-CSA box in June.
I'm thinking that it would be pretty neat to document what I get with the CSA box and what I end up making with the vegetables. The Boy and I are splitting it with my aunt. Perhaps even photos of the farm where it comes from!
Not an original thought by any means, but it's something positive to post. :o)
Tuesday, May 11
Deepwater
This morning I heard on the news that the "oil spill" in the Gulf of Mexico- associated with the busted oil rig- is "leaking" at least 200,000 gallons of oil a DAY.
Here's one link. Then there's this link. ::sigh:: THIS is why we need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
Recovery is a risky game. This scale of release is pretty unimaginable seeing as in my line of work, a spill of a few thousand gallons on land is a big event. This spill is hundreds of thousands of gallons PER DAY in a medium that readily allows for movement of contaminants. It's pretty intimidating. And it's more intimidating that no one really knows what to do. As of the date of these articles, decisions on what to do to staunch the bleed still haven't been solidified.
This the biggest reason I am opposed to expanding the natural gas drilling. Accidents. So far, I've been told that NYS is digging in their heels and denying the natural gas drillers rights to "pour billions of dollars into the economy." However PA is accepting drilling with open arms. Yes, I'm sure that this money will be good in the short term. But what happens in the "rare event" that groundwater aquifer is contaminated or a collapse would occur? I have a feeling this is a built-in cost for these companies, and the amount of money for compensation is much less than what they can make from natural gas recovery. Meanwhile, the local residents who were already struggling and accepted this drilling with the promise of money have to deal with the unsightly, unfortunate, and devastating consequences of an accident.
I worry for that area of the Gulf. Hopefully they WILL be on top of it all like they say. Right now though, all we can do is hope.
Here's one link. Then there's this link. ::sigh:: THIS is why we need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
Recovery is a risky game. This scale of release is pretty unimaginable seeing as in my line of work, a spill of a few thousand gallons on land is a big event. This spill is hundreds of thousands of gallons PER DAY in a medium that readily allows for movement of contaminants. It's pretty intimidating. And it's more intimidating that no one really knows what to do. As of the date of these articles, decisions on what to do to staunch the bleed still haven't been solidified.
This the biggest reason I am opposed to expanding the natural gas drilling. Accidents. So far, I've been told that NYS is digging in their heels and denying the natural gas drillers rights to "pour billions of dollars into the economy." However PA is accepting drilling with open arms. Yes, I'm sure that this money will be good in the short term. But what happens in the "rare event" that groundwater aquifer is contaminated or a collapse would occur? I have a feeling this is a built-in cost for these companies, and the amount of money for compensation is much less than what they can make from natural gas recovery. Meanwhile, the local residents who were already struggling and accepted this drilling with the promise of money have to deal with the unsightly, unfortunate, and devastating consequences of an accident.
I worry for that area of the Gulf. Hopefully they WILL be on top of it all like they say. Right now though, all we can do is hope.
Monday, May 10
Thursday, January 21
A Meme, New Year, Old Year
1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Joined a dance company, put a cat to sleep, went to the southwest
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I think I made a "resolution" to dance more. and dance I did.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Kind of, my cousin and his wife had a baby
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Just my kitty..
5. What countries did you visit?
No new countries...
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
energy
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
October 10, Molly and Aric's wedding.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being asked to join a dance company!
9. What was your biggest failure?
Traveling for fun.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I got my wisdom teeth out, had food poisoning/stomach issues for about 2 months
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A mattress for the guest bedroom. now people don't have to sleep on the floor!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Mark, being a crazy grown up adult oficially making my little brother more mature than I.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled?
Politicians? well, that never changes, so I'm not sure if that counts.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Food. I love pricy food apparently.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Arizona... Molly's wedding
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Single ladies...wedding thing.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- i. happier or sadder? um, happier I think. I'm just pretty content with my life in general
- ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner? I think?
- iii. richer or poorer? richer. got muh raise.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Vacation. I had a whole 5 days to use up at the end of the year. Oh and going to the gym. That membership finally expires this year tho.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
whining.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Well, spent it with my family. The boy's mother didn't want to see us. So, yeah.
22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
Even more with life, with my guy.
23. How many one-night stands?
I'm sorry, what?
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Hm, this was another good thing about this year. Hardly any tv.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't hate anyone. If I dislike someone I leave them out of my life.
26. What was the best book you read?
I spent most of the year reading the Wheel of Time series.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Neko Case
28. What did you want and get?
I don't really have severe wants. The Boy did get me a sweet cast iron teapot. (which I still have to use!)
29. What did you want and not get?
::shrug:: A even holiday?
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
I have no idea, but we did watch more movies.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I worked. I turned 25. Getting old suuucks. But The Boy took me out for cajun BBQ :o)
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Vacations to look back on, not being to tired all the time.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Things I will still wear when I'm 40.
34. What kept you sane?
Dance.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
?
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Prop 8 being defeated and in NY and in Maine...so disappointing.
37. Who did you miss?
Family. And Leo. Stupid old kitty...*
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Um, a co-worker. we don't hang out really, but she's cool and not so anal.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:
You. Are. Getting. Older.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
honestly....don't want to attempt this task!
41. How will you be spending New Years?
Spent it in the company of only 4 people. calm and relaxing.
Joined a dance company, put a cat to sleep, went to the southwest
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I think I made a "resolution" to dance more. and dance I did.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Kind of, my cousin and his wife had a baby
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Just my kitty..
5. What countries did you visit?
No new countries...
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
energy
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
October 10, Molly and Aric's wedding.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being asked to join a dance company!
9. What was your biggest failure?
Traveling for fun.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I got my wisdom teeth out, had food poisoning/stomach issues for about 2 months
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A mattress for the guest bedroom. now people don't have to sleep on the floor!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Mark, being a crazy grown up adult oficially making my little brother more mature than I.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled?
Politicians? well, that never changes, so I'm not sure if that counts.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Food. I love pricy food apparently.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Arizona... Molly's wedding
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Single ladies...wedding thing.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- i. happier or sadder? um, happier I think. I'm just pretty content with my life in general
- ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner? I think?
- iii. richer or poorer? richer. got muh raise.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Vacation. I had a whole 5 days to use up at the end of the year. Oh and going to the gym. That membership finally expires this year tho.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
whining.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Well, spent it with my family. The boy's mother didn't want to see us. So, yeah.
22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
Even more with life, with my guy.
23. How many one-night stands?
I'm sorry, what?
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Hm, this was another good thing about this year. Hardly any tv.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't hate anyone. If I dislike someone I leave them out of my life.
26. What was the best book you read?
I spent most of the year reading the Wheel of Time series.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Neko Case
28. What did you want and get?
I don't really have severe wants. The Boy did get me a sweet cast iron teapot. (which I still have to use!)
29. What did you want and not get?
::shrug:: A even holiday?
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
I have no idea, but we did watch more movies.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I worked. I turned 25. Getting old suuucks. But The Boy took me out for cajun BBQ :o)
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Vacations to look back on, not being to tired all the time.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Things I will still wear when I'm 40.
34. What kept you sane?
Dance.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
?
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Prop 8 being defeated and in NY and in Maine...so disappointing.
37. Who did you miss?
Family. And Leo. Stupid old kitty...*
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Um, a co-worker. we don't hang out really, but she's cool and not so anal.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:
You. Are. Getting. Older.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
honestly....don't want to attempt this task!
41. How will you be spending New Years?
Spent it in the company of only 4 people. calm and relaxing.
Monday, January 4
I am writing here because I forgot my notebook. It's a pretty big annoyance because I use it to write down what pops into my head. If I don't it becomes a sticking point for my brain and then I can't focus on work until I get it down. Ya know, so I won't forget. HA.
The salliemae thing is still an interesting turn of events. Signing me up for some forbearance even though I didn't request it. Strange. So they are sending me a request form that "I" sent in. I'm interested to see what this supposed signature looks like. Seeing as I haven't done crap with them other than pay my bills on time and more than the minimum amount. Tsk. Nothing has changed for me financially, why would I be suddenly lazy and say, "oh, I don't want to pay for a year, but, yeah, sure, stack up all that interest in the meantime." dumb. So instead of putting more money in my savings, I will be again paying bills. It feels I will NEVER get ahead. bastards.
Anyway...really really looking forward to my massage on Friday - even though it's at 10 am. on a work day. I'm really suffering right now - my back feels like it has two twisted towels bunched up right beside my spine on either side. lovely. It's snowing out, my hands are cold, and gee, you would have no idea it's the first day back in about 2 weeks, huh? haha...I'm such a baby.
I am looking forward to being home tonight. I am making beef stew, and perhaps I will go to the gym. Not sure. But if not, there will be plenty of tea and blankets and Magic playing. That game makes me SO frustrated. The Boy thinks so quickly, and apparently there is this insane new way of doing combat...you can pick more than one blocker to defend an attacker. So technically, more creatures can die if you don't pay attention. OI.
I just finished reading Brian Sanderson's Elantris. Its a really really good story. This guy took over writing the Wheel of Time series when Robert Jordan, the original author died. I would highly reccomend the Elantris book to fantasy/sci fi readers. I think I want to mail it to my brother. I think he would like it too (he was also reading the Wheel of Time series).
I forgot a bunch of stuff at my parents house whil I was down there for the holidays. My organic sugar (it was for a recipe), the detachable fur lining to my coat, and the space heater. Augh, how I want that space heater for work. See? It all comes back to work.
The salliemae thing is still an interesting turn of events. Signing me up for some forbearance even though I didn't request it. Strange. So they are sending me a request form that "I" sent in. I'm interested to see what this supposed signature looks like. Seeing as I haven't done crap with them other than pay my bills on time and more than the minimum amount. Tsk. Nothing has changed for me financially, why would I be suddenly lazy and say, "oh, I don't want to pay for a year, but, yeah, sure, stack up all that interest in the meantime." dumb. So instead of putting more money in my savings, I will be again paying bills. It feels I will NEVER get ahead. bastards.
Anyway...really really looking forward to my massage on Friday - even though it's at 10 am. on a work day. I'm really suffering right now - my back feels like it has two twisted towels bunched up right beside my spine on either side. lovely. It's snowing out, my hands are cold, and gee, you would have no idea it's the first day back in about 2 weeks, huh? haha...I'm such a baby.
I am looking forward to being home tonight. I am making beef stew, and perhaps I will go to the gym. Not sure. But if not, there will be plenty of tea and blankets and Magic playing. That game makes me SO frustrated. The Boy thinks so quickly, and apparently there is this insane new way of doing combat...you can pick more than one blocker to defend an attacker. So technically, more creatures can die if you don't pay attention. OI.
I just finished reading Brian Sanderson's Elantris. Its a really really good story. This guy took over writing the Wheel of Time series when Robert Jordan, the original author died. I would highly reccomend the Elantris book to fantasy/sci fi readers. I think I want to mail it to my brother. I think he would like it too (he was also reading the Wheel of Time series).
I forgot a bunch of stuff at my parents house whil I was down there for the holidays. My organic sugar (it was for a recipe), the detachable fur lining to my coat, and the space heater. Augh, how I want that space heater for work. See? It all comes back to work.
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