My city is considering changing its waste management contract that expires next year, and no shock that there is a ridiculous amount of commentary. The concept is this:
Currently, we have weekly garbage pick-up, alternating recycling pick-up (1 week black box, 1 week blue box, etc) and seasonal green bin pick-up (every week in the warm months, every 2 weeks in the cold months).
The proposed change would be:
Garbage pick-up every other week, weekly full recycling pick-up (both blue and black boxes each week) and weekly green bin pick-up.
I am all for the proposed change. Why? Because less frequent garbage pick-up will (theoretically and logically) deter people from using their garbage bins as much and cause them to look into other methods of disposal. The green bin has been a pretty big bad guy around here (for a reason I honestly can't fathom) and people tend to avoid recycling because it's hard (or their lazy, take your pick). They will either figure out how to sort their refuse to minimize overflow, have an overflowing garbage bin and whine about it, or stop buying so much crap.
I'm hoping for option #3 on that list, personally. The less junk people buy, the less they will have to throw away. There just won't be as much garbage to worry about. There will be less 'demand' for poorly made products, and people will be able to save more money because they won't be spending it on junk.
Recycling is really not that complicated. Just want to throw that in there. It's really not. Cardboard and paper goes in the black bin. Plastics (hard plastics only) go in the blue bin. Metal goes in the blue bin. Glass (unbroken) goes in the blue bin. You do have to separate mixed materials (paper with plastic glued to it) but it doesn't take that much effort. Really, I promise! Crush your paper and aluminum cans to save even more space.
I hope that the city government decides to go with the proposed changes, I would like to see more frequent pick-up of the more sustainable disposal options. They should also increase garbage bin cost, to prevent people who don't want to recycle from just buying more garbage bins, but I don't think that will happen.
I'll keep crossing my fingers that more people will think of their surroundings when they buy, and when they dispose of their garbage. I'll keep trying to show people that it really isn't that hard. The rest is up to them.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Showing posts with label change. Show all posts
Showing posts with label change. Show all posts
Looking back on 2010
This past year has been an interesting one. Full of new knowledge, and new friends. Eye-opening things have happened, and I have been learning and adapting as best I can.
Accomplishments:
There have been a few things that did not go according to plan, but it turns out that they weren’t even that important. I look forward to the next year where I will be expanding on what I’ve learned and experienced, and becoming even more of an awakened person than this past year.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Accomplishments:
- Got married. August 31, 2010 was the first day of my married life, and despite having ups and downs things have been quite fantastic.
- Rediscovered my love of writing. As you can see by the fact that I have been writing regularly, and I’m writing longer and more in-depth pieces, this is very true. Not to mention that I have been dabbling slightly in creative and fictional writing.
- Began on the path of conscious living. Who knew that this would be a goal of mine? I guess you never know how unconsciously you’re living until your eyes are opened. No looking back now!
- Got a new job. Working at a desk has allowed me the financial freedom to relax about bills, and also to look deeper into what we’re paying for and why. It also provides me the time to do quite a bit of reading and writing, much to my benefit (and hopefully yours as well)
- Became vegetarian (again). Much to the majority of my family’s chagrin, I’ve gone back to eating vegetarian. Despite arguments that I don’t get enough protein (ha!) and that I have no energy, I feel fresh and energetic. I can also feel it immediately when I need to refuel with some real sources of energy.
- Discovered compassionate parenting and attachment parenting. If only I had found these sooner, perhaps some issues would not have escalated so much. Hindsight is 20/20, and I intend to look forward and make each day worth it for myself, my wife, and my daughter.
- Began forgiving those who have hurt me. It’s a hard path, but it’s worth it.
- Treat others, including my family, as real people who deserve to be treated as such. For many years, I treated most of the people around me how others were treating me, which usually wasn’t very well. I was mean to my mother, ignored my brother, was rude to my friends, the list goes on. Forgiveness goes both ways, and I have forgiven those who wronged me, as well as forgiven myself for acting like such a jerk. Moving forwards is the only way left.
- Gained more confidence in myself. I feel more empowered and that the words I say have real meaning. When I say no to someone, I really mean it. I am still occasionally bullied into doing things I don’t want to, but am becoming more aware of it each time.
- Relaxed. Life had been so stressful for so long and mostly because I let it be that way. I have learned to relax, and take things as they are. Learning that there are some things that I can not change has been helpful, as is learning that I don’t have to be in control of everything to enjoy life.
There have been a few things that did not go according to plan, but it turns out that they weren’t even that important. I look forward to the next year where I will be expanding on what I’ve learned and experienced, and becoming even more of an awakened person than this past year.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
No more ads!
Upon a brief thought and realization that I'm not in this to make a few cents in ads click, I decided to get rid of the AdSense advertisements.
They're ugly and I don't get to choose with any great detail what's being shown. Not to mention that the links are always to sign up for or buy something that seems kind of scammish.
So the only ads you'll see here are for affiliate programs for products or services that I truly believe in.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
They're ugly and I don't get to choose with any great detail what's being shown. Not to mention that the links are always to sign up for or buy something that seems kind of scammish.
So the only ads you'll see here are for affiliate programs for products or services that I truly believe in.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Monday Musing: Work
Having worked in a variety of fields, I can say with some meaning that having to work for a living doing something that is not fulfilling kind of sucks. It doesn't make you feel better, especially when you work in an industry that is knowingly poisoning the population, either by the food being served, or the ideas being portrayed. Where I currently work is a bit like that, it feels like every meeting and event I go to, I'm being told how wonderful this company is. But when I look around and see the corruption and the sadness that is all around, it really makes me think.
It makes me think about why money is so important. Who decided that the world was to revolve around money? All money is worth is what the corporations and the government leaders say it's worth. A piece of paper that is worth five dollars doesn't mean anything. Five dollars can't even get you a nutritious meal nowadays. Why not put value in something valuable, like commodities?
Make it worth your time to get the things you want. Barter and trade with family and friends. I have a system in my family where we share things. We exchange recipes and we exchange ideas. If anyone needs help putting something together, they call a sibling, aunt, uncle or cousin. There is no money exchange, only time and attention. That is what's worth the most.
Going to work, especially if it's a job you don't like, is ridiculous. How can we ever evolve as a society when all we do is what we're expected? Personally, I'm working towards pursuing my passions in my spare time. Maybe I will be able to make money off of it, and maybe not. I am willing to alter my lifestyle to fit into what I want my life to be. I can't just quit my job off the bat, but I can work towards getting out of it. Every day that I pursue my passions, I work towards finding my future. Not just a future, because the future will come whether I want it to or not. But my future, where I'm content in the work I put into the world.
Where do you want your future to be when the future comes? Do you want to be sitting in an office doing unfulfilling work just to go home and be miserable? Or do you want to do something with your life? Make the change, follow your passion. Live your life to the fullest. You are worth it.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Monday Musing series? Here's the rest of the posts:
Gardens
Happy thoughts
Automatic negative reactions
Thanksgiving
Sustainable eating
Contentment
Crutch or reason?
It makes me think about why money is so important. Who decided that the world was to revolve around money? All money is worth is what the corporations and the government leaders say it's worth. A piece of paper that is worth five dollars doesn't mean anything. Five dollars can't even get you a nutritious meal nowadays. Why not put value in something valuable, like commodities?
Make it worth your time to get the things you want. Barter and trade with family and friends. I have a system in my family where we share things. We exchange recipes and we exchange ideas. If anyone needs help putting something together, they call a sibling, aunt, uncle or cousin. There is no money exchange, only time and attention. That is what's worth the most.
Going to work, especially if it's a job you don't like, is ridiculous. How can we ever evolve as a society when all we do is what we're expected? Personally, I'm working towards pursuing my passions in my spare time. Maybe I will be able to make money off of it, and maybe not. I am willing to alter my lifestyle to fit into what I want my life to be. I can't just quit my job off the bat, but I can work towards getting out of it. Every day that I pursue my passions, I work towards finding my future. Not just a future, because the future will come whether I want it to or not. But my future, where I'm content in the work I put into the world.
Where do you want your future to be when the future comes? Do you want to be sitting in an office doing unfulfilling work just to go home and be miserable? Or do you want to do something with your life? Make the change, follow your passion. Live your life to the fullest. You are worth it.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Monday Musing series? Here's the rest of the posts:
Gardens
Happy thoughts
Automatic negative reactions
Thanksgiving
Sustainable eating
Contentment
Crutch or reason?
Compassionate Parenting: Meeting needs - Part 1
All people (that includes you and your kids) are always doing their best to meet their needs.
Think of an incident with your child that didn't go well. What did your child do? What need was s/he trying to meet? What did you do? What need were you trying to meet by doing what you did?
Quote is from my e-mail subscription to NonViolentCommunication.com
This week focuses on meeting needs. Misbehaviour in children is oftentimes just a way for them to express themselves. They don't understand societal or personal rules because they just haven't experienced them often enough. Not to mention that people often do not take the time to explain any rules to children, they just say "because I said so" and call it good.
Because I said so is the WORST excuse you can use to get your child to respect your rules and decisions. It shows that you don't have a valid reason, or that you don't respect them enough to explain anything to them. Children are "why" machines. They need to know why something is important. How can they make their own assumptions and inflections on rules and pressures if they don't actually understand them?
Not meeting needs and expecting others to fall to their feet to meet yours is something that people learn and do right into adulthood. Is it fair to others to not listen to their own needs while expecting yours to be fulfilled? Can you think of a poor experience recently with another person that ended badly? I'm sure it has happened, no matter how compassionate you are, everyone makes mistakes.
Remember that others have needs to, so try to meet in the middle.
Here is something that happened the other day with my family. My wife (W), daughter (Em), and a kid we babysit (Z).
W and I were heading out the door to pick up the kids and grab some groceries we needed for dinner. It was an emergency grocery run, as we hadn't made it to the store earlier in the week to pick up our usual fruits and vegetables. W asked me if I wanted to get dropped off at the daycare then walk home, and she would go to the store and get the groceries. I decided that we should all go along, in hindsight a poor decision. Em and Z were very excited and energetic, and were not listening at all. They were hitting the price signs and running all over, nearly running into other shoppers all the while. I tried many times to explain to them that what they were doing was unacceptable, and they needed to calm down. They didn't. We finally made it to the cashier and finished our shopping. On our way out the door, W snapped at the kids because she had enough, they were being disrespectful to both W and I, and it was enough. Harsh words were said, and the behaviour did not change all that much. We finally made it home, and W decided that she had a long enough day (she had a very rough day at work) and that she was going to lie down for a bit.
So, what needs was Em trying to meet (and Z, for that matter)?
Do you have an example of an incident (either with another adult or a child) that didn't go well? Analyze it. Break it down. Figure out what possible sources of issues were, and see if you can create a compromise. Just because that one situation has passed doesn't mean that there won't be more that may arise. Deal with it ahead of time, and predict issues.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
(this post is a part of November's blog carnival against child abuse)
Enjoy the Compassionate Parenting series? Click the link for a full list from the series.
Think of an incident with your child that didn't go well. What did your child do? What need was s/he trying to meet? What did you do? What need were you trying to meet by doing what you did?
Quote is from my e-mail subscription to NonViolentCommunication.com
This week focuses on meeting needs. Misbehaviour in children is oftentimes just a way for them to express themselves. They don't understand societal or personal rules because they just haven't experienced them often enough. Not to mention that people often do not take the time to explain any rules to children, they just say "because I said so" and call it good.
Because I said so is the WORST excuse you can use to get your child to respect your rules and decisions. It shows that you don't have a valid reason, or that you don't respect them enough to explain anything to them. Children are "why" machines. They need to know why something is important. How can they make their own assumptions and inflections on rules and pressures if they don't actually understand them?
Not meeting needs and expecting others to fall to their feet to meet yours is something that people learn and do right into adulthood. Is it fair to others to not listen to their own needs while expecting yours to be fulfilled? Can you think of a poor experience recently with another person that ended badly? I'm sure it has happened, no matter how compassionate you are, everyone makes mistakes.
Remember that others have needs to, so try to meet in the middle.
Here is something that happened the other day with my family. My wife (W), daughter (Em), and a kid we babysit (Z).
W and I were heading out the door to pick up the kids and grab some groceries we needed for dinner. It was an emergency grocery run, as we hadn't made it to the store earlier in the week to pick up our usual fruits and vegetables. W asked me if I wanted to get dropped off at the daycare then walk home, and she would go to the store and get the groceries. I decided that we should all go along, in hindsight a poor decision. Em and Z were very excited and energetic, and were not listening at all. They were hitting the price signs and running all over, nearly running into other shoppers all the while. I tried many times to explain to them that what they were doing was unacceptable, and they needed to calm down. They didn't. We finally made it to the cashier and finished our shopping. On our way out the door, W snapped at the kids because she had enough, they were being disrespectful to both W and I, and it was enough. Harsh words were said, and the behaviour did not change all that much. We finally made it home, and W decided that she had a long enough day (she had a very rough day at work) and that she was going to lie down for a bit.
So, what needs was Em trying to meet (and Z, for that matter)?
- She had just gotten picked up from daycare, and so was excited to go home and play. Instead of being able to go play (as we usually did) she was dragged along to the grocery store where she wasn't allowed to do anything. This did not match her needs.
- She also wanted to be moving and expressing herself through her actions, and probably felt that she was being held back and contrained. She wasn't given enough time to understand what was going on and why her routine was being thrown out of whack, she was just thrust into the situation and expected to handle it.
- I wanted some interdependance, and wanted to be able to get responsibilities done (grocery shopping) and still spend time with W and Em
- I wanted to get the shopping done quickly so that we could go home, and didn't give the kids enough time to process the change in routine.
- I wanted the kids to listen to me when I explained things to them, and respect me.
- I particularly want to ensure that my daughter knows that she is loved and respected, and that she can express her feelings and needs to me whenever she may need it. I want her to forgive me even though she doesn't act as though she remembers what happened.
Do you have an example of an incident (either with another adult or a child) that didn't go well? Analyze it. Break it down. Figure out what possible sources of issues were, and see if you can create a compromise. Just because that one situation has passed doesn't mean that there won't be more that may arise. Deal with it ahead of time, and predict issues.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
(this post is a part of November's blog carnival against child abuse)
Enjoy the Compassionate Parenting series? Click the link for a full list from the series.
Speechless
Maybe it's the weather, and maybe it's just me, but it seems like it's getting harder to express yourself. Walls are closing in and looks are given for the smallest of variances from the norm.
But what is the norm? And why can't it change?
Should those with creativity be forced to live in a world and mindset that does not permit use of their talents? Sometimes it seems like dreaming of becoming something or someone that doesn't bring in a huge salary is looked down on. Why should everything be about making lots of money? Is it so hard to believe that you can be satisfied with your life without being a millionaire?
It boggles my brain, as I find my consciousness awakening from within my own mind, that people are so distracted that they don't realize they're being herded.
Each and every person has the capability to help make the world less stressful, more satisfying and more relaxing than before.
To do so is unbelievably simple, yet unbelivably challenging at the same time. Each person, if/when they awaken to themselves, needs only to stop talking. Stop talking without thinking about what you're saying. You don't need to be in contact with hundreds of people at the same time, because doing so only perpetrates the image that you need to be in contact with people to be successful and feel content.
It's a hard fact, but you don't. To be content with your life and the people around you, you first need to be content with yourself.
This is why I am advocating and repeating and underlining the fact that you need to do things for yourself, and you need to do them consciously. Because your subconscious mind, normally, just wants to go with the flow. Well, right now the river is flowing in such a way that will not improve the quality of life for anyone.
So don't be afraid to push against the crowd, you may discover more about yourself than you ever thought possible.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
But what is the norm? And why can't it change?
Should those with creativity be forced to live in a world and mindset that does not permit use of their talents? Sometimes it seems like dreaming of becoming something or someone that doesn't bring in a huge salary is looked down on. Why should everything be about making lots of money? Is it so hard to believe that you can be satisfied with your life without being a millionaire?
It boggles my brain, as I find my consciousness awakening from within my own mind, that people are so distracted that they don't realize they're being herded.
Each and every person has the capability to help make the world less stressful, more satisfying and more relaxing than before.
To do so is unbelievably simple, yet unbelivably challenging at the same time. Each person, if/when they awaken to themselves, needs only to stop talking. Stop talking without thinking about what you're saying. You don't need to be in contact with hundreds of people at the same time, because doing so only perpetrates the image that you need to be in contact with people to be successful and feel content.
It's a hard fact, but you don't. To be content with your life and the people around you, you first need to be content with yourself.
This is why I am advocating and repeating and underlining the fact that you need to do things for yourself, and you need to do them consciously. Because your subconscious mind, normally, just wants to go with the flow. Well, right now the river is flowing in such a way that will not improve the quality of life for anyone.
So don't be afraid to push against the crowd, you may discover more about yourself than you ever thought possible.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Wednesday's Small Step: Smile at strangers
When you feel sad, or lonely, doesn't it always pick you up when you see someone smiles at you? It could be the guy sweeping the sidewalk downtown, or the friendly cashier at the coffee shop. Or your child when you wake them up in the mornig. But it always makes you feel that little bit better.
Can't you be that for somebody? Pay it forward, and share the happiness you feel.
It will feel so good. And it doesn't take any extra effort. Just throw a smile on your face, and watch people light up when they pass you.
Love is all you need. Love can change the world. One smile at a time.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.
Cancelled my cable? Why yes I did!
After much deliberation, and discussions with the wife, we decided to cancel the cable subscription.
What? I hear some people cry in outrage, How can you LIVE without cable?
I'll tell you, it's simple. There are so many things in the world that I want to do, that she wants to do, and that our daughter wants to do. Why should we pay for a service that is a detriment to our lives? Without the cable subscription, there is no pull towards sitting on the couch watching television all day.
We are given only a limited number of hours per day.
Eight hours are spent sleeping (on average)
One and a half hours spent commuting to and from work
Eight hours spent working
One hour spent getting everything ready to go to and from work
You're left with seven and a half hours. Seven and a half hours in one day to do something great, something inspirational, or just something that will make you feel content. In those seven and a half hours, you also have to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, take care of your pets, spend time with your children and spouse, tidy the house, wash the dishes, etc.
How can you do that if you are watching television?
Not to mention the advertisements that are non-stop. I won't miss those, let me tell you.
Do you have a cable or satellite television subscription? Why or why not?
If you don't, do you try to convince others to cancel theirs?
If you do, do you think people without televisions or cable are odd?
Peace (in the home, at last) and serenity,
Simply Me
What? I hear some people cry in outrage, How can you LIVE without cable?
I'll tell you, it's simple. There are so many things in the world that I want to do, that she wants to do, and that our daughter wants to do. Why should we pay for a service that is a detriment to our lives? Without the cable subscription, there is no pull towards sitting on the couch watching television all day.
We are given only a limited number of hours per day.
Eight hours are spent sleeping (on average)
One and a half hours spent commuting to and from work
Eight hours spent working
One hour spent getting everything ready to go to and from work
You're left with seven and a half hours. Seven and a half hours in one day to do something great, something inspirational, or just something that will make you feel content. In those seven and a half hours, you also have to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, take care of your pets, spend time with your children and spouse, tidy the house, wash the dishes, etc.
How can you do that if you are watching television?
Not to mention the advertisements that are non-stop. I won't miss those, let me tell you.
Do you have a cable or satellite television subscription? Why or why not?
If you don't, do you try to convince others to cancel theirs?
If you do, do you think people without televisions or cable are odd?
Peace (in the home, at last) and serenity,
Simply Me
Thinking or doing?
There are some things that you may come across that make you think. Like, really make you think.
Lately, I've been reading a lot on personal development as well as simplicity. Primarily from those two sites, but they cross link to others, and I find myself thinking a lot more.
But thinking and doing are two different things.
There are a lot of things in life that I want to do. I think about them, I plan possibilities, I imagine what I would do, what I would think. I often spend so much time thinking, that there's no time left to do.
You can do things without thinking but the consequences might be negative. (Ever said something you didn't mean just because it flew out of your mouth before you thought of it? Yeah.)
You can think things without doing but then you won't ever actually get anything that you want done. You'll just be dreaming. Or at worst, lazy.
To be productive, and not destructive, you need balance.
A balance of thinking and doing will not only get you up and moving, but make sure you're processing it effectively beforehand.
Think about what's important. Important to you, important to do, important to feel. Whatever you deem as important, is important. It needs to be taken care of, because you need for it to be taken care of.
So pick one thing. One thing each day that you want to get done. Then do it. Just do it. Plan it, make sure you understand all the angles.
Then do it.
You'll thank yourself.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Lately, I've been reading a lot on personal development as well as simplicity. Primarily from those two sites, but they cross link to others, and I find myself thinking a lot more.
But thinking and doing are two different things.
There are a lot of things in life that I want to do. I think about them, I plan possibilities, I imagine what I would do, what I would think. I often spend so much time thinking, that there's no time left to do.
You can do things without thinking but the consequences might be negative. (Ever said something you didn't mean just because it flew out of your mouth before you thought of it? Yeah.)
You can think things without doing but then you won't ever actually get anything that you want done. You'll just be dreaming. Or at worst, lazy.
To be productive, and not destructive, you need balance.
A balance of thinking and doing will not only get you up and moving, but make sure you're processing it effectively beforehand.
Think about what's important. Important to you, important to do, important to feel. Whatever you deem as important, is important. It needs to be taken care of, because you need for it to be taken care of.
So pick one thing. One thing each day that you want to get done. Then do it. Just do it. Plan it, make sure you understand all the angles.
Then do it.
You'll thank yourself.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Adopting Simplicity: Step 1
In the spirit of keeping things simple, as my blog name says, I figured I would share some backstory.
In case you haven't read the archives of years past, this blog used to be under a different name (same domain). It was called Frugal Nuts are Green.
Silly name, but it was what I had originally been writing about. Living frugally while adopting a green lifestyle.
Eventually, my life got hectic all at once, and I decided to stop blogging for a while and focus on my life for a while.
Life got back on track, and so I decided to log back into my Blogger account and see if my blog was still there. Lo-and-behold, it was! But reading through the archives myself, I realized that my life had changed drastically, and so my blog should too.
I decided to simplify. The name Simply Green seemed appropriate for what I was aiming for in life, and what I was working towards on a daily basis.
Simplicity is something that I believe each person in this world should work towards.
Look around as you head to work, or walk down the street. You are surrounded by people who have something to do. They may not even know what they have to do, but they have to rush to it.
Take a step back in life and look at things that are important to you.
Do you multitask?
Do you fill all of your spare time with something?
Do you have no free time to do anything?
I was there. I took a step back, and looked at what I was spending my time doing.
Multitasking : Thinking I was being more productive, I tried to manage several tasks all at once. I confess, I still do. But it's not as satisfying.
Filling time with something : Doing nothing is "unproductive" so I sought out anything to fill time. Still do, again. Life is a series of steps in the direction you aim for. Perfection is not necessary. Now I look at what I fill my time with, and try to opt for enjoyable pastimes and hobbies.
No free time : There is always free time, if you stop filling your days with something.
In light of this, I am taking steps back everyday to reanalyze the choices I have made, and choices I'm going to make. Every day is a chance to take multiple steps.
Which direction are you aiming?
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy my Adopting Simplicity series? Here is a list of the other posts from this series:
Ask yourself this...
Be Here Now
I could never...
Three important things per day
Simplify your holidays by adding depth
In case you haven't read the archives of years past, this blog used to be under a different name (same domain). It was called Frugal Nuts are Green.
Silly name, but it was what I had originally been writing about. Living frugally while adopting a green lifestyle.
Eventually, my life got hectic all at once, and I decided to stop blogging for a while and focus on my life for a while.
Life got back on track, and so I decided to log back into my Blogger account and see if my blog was still there. Lo-and-behold, it was! But reading through the archives myself, I realized that my life had changed drastically, and so my blog should too.
I decided to simplify. The name Simply Green seemed appropriate for what I was aiming for in life, and what I was working towards on a daily basis.
Simplicity is something that I believe each person in this world should work towards.
Look around as you head to work, or walk down the street. You are surrounded by people who have something to do. They may not even know what they have to do, but they have to rush to it.
Take a step back in life and look at things that are important to you.
Do you multitask?
Do you fill all of your spare time with something?
Do you have no free time to do anything?
I was there. I took a step back, and looked at what I was spending my time doing.
Multitasking : Thinking I was being more productive, I tried to manage several tasks all at once. I confess, I still do. But it's not as satisfying.
Filling time with something : Doing nothing is "unproductive" so I sought out anything to fill time. Still do, again. Life is a series of steps in the direction you aim for. Perfection is not necessary. Now I look at what I fill my time with, and try to opt for enjoyable pastimes and hobbies.
No free time : There is always free time, if you stop filling your days with something.
In light of this, I am taking steps back everyday to reanalyze the choices I have made, and choices I'm going to make. Every day is a chance to take multiple steps.
Which direction are you aiming?
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy my Adopting Simplicity series? Here is a list of the other posts from this series:
Ask yourself this...
Be Here Now
I could never...
Three important things per day
Simplify your holidays by adding depth
Wednesday's Small Steps: Buy one thing per grocery trip organic or local
One small step towards sustainability, sometimes they are very small.
This week, our small step is:
When you go to the grocery store, buy one thing that is either local or organic instead of the regular one you usually get. That doesn't mean just to grab something that is organic/local that you normally wouldn't get. It means to replace something that you buy regularly with an organic or local counterpart.
This week, after I had already bought my butter, I found organic butter. Next time I need some, I'm getting that. I also have replaced regular peanut butter with the organic version (actually tastes better!) and strawberry jam, until I learn to make my own, has been replaced with organic as well. Just this past shopping trip, I got organic yogurt, since I haven't gotten around to making my own (I only just got a thermometer, throw me a bone!)
Give it a try, help your local agriculture and economy, and improve your health too!
Let me know what you try to replace, and keep me posted. Maybe you'll find something that I don't know of yet, or maybe you can learn from the other comments!
Health and vitality,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.
This week, our small step is:
When you go to the grocery store, buy one thing that is either local or organic instead of the regular one you usually get. That doesn't mean just to grab something that is organic/local that you normally wouldn't get. It means to replace something that you buy regularly with an organic or local counterpart.
This week, after I had already bought my butter, I found organic butter. Next time I need some, I'm getting that. I also have replaced regular peanut butter with the organic version (actually tastes better!) and strawberry jam, until I learn to make my own, has been replaced with organic as well. Just this past shopping trip, I got organic yogurt, since I haven't gotten around to making my own (I only just got a thermometer, throw me a bone!)
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| My jam-y goodness! So tasty |
Give it a try, help your local agriculture and economy, and improve your health too!
Let me know what you try to replace, and keep me posted. Maybe you'll find something that I don't know of yet, or maybe you can learn from the other comments!
Health and vitality,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.
Change starts from within
In a world full of opinions and differences, showing those around you the benefits of stepping lightly on the planet without coming across as pushy or over-bearing can be a challenge.
The first, and easiest, way to try to get friends and family to adopt your lifestyle, or one similarly eco-friendly, is to lead by example. If they see you acting one way, they will start thinking, even if it's only subconsciously.
Your friends and family will appreciate you more if you step back and let them come to their own conclusions about their actions. Let them see how you live and the alternatives you take, and they will see that you do not live a deprived lifestyle.
Because being conscious and proactive is not about going without. It's about enlightening your own life and taking the time to see what is around you. It's about deciding what's important to you, and reaching for it.
If you feel that you're better than others because of the choices you make, you may come across as self-important. I don't know about you, but I have a hard time paying attention to people who come across as high and mighty.
Your personal actions can speak volumes. Don't be ashamed of the choices you make, carry that stainless steel water bottle with pride. Bring out the beading/knitting/macrame project your working on into an easily viewed area. You might get some funny looks, but who cares? You should be proud of what you do.
Plus, maybe if you open the lines of communication, you'll find new information and learn new things. You may have a friend who was ashamed to show they're handiwork off until you showed your own pride. Be the change you want to see in the world.
Pride and peace,
Simply Me
The first, and easiest, way to try to get friends and family to adopt your lifestyle, or one similarly eco-friendly, is to lead by example. If they see you acting one way, they will start thinking, even if it's only subconsciously.
Your friends and family will appreciate you more if you step back and let them come to their own conclusions about their actions. Let them see how you live and the alternatives you take, and they will see that you do not live a deprived lifestyle.
Because being conscious and proactive is not about going without. It's about enlightening your own life and taking the time to see what is around you. It's about deciding what's important to you, and reaching for it.
If you feel that you're better than others because of the choices you make, you may come across as self-important. I don't know about you, but I have a hard time paying attention to people who come across as high and mighty.
Your personal actions can speak volumes. Don't be ashamed of the choices you make, carry that stainless steel water bottle with pride. Bring out the beading/knitting/macrame project your working on into an easily viewed area. You might get some funny looks, but who cares? You should be proud of what you do.
Plus, maybe if you open the lines of communication, you'll find new information and learn new things. You may have a friend who was ashamed to show they're handiwork off until you showed your own pride. Be the change you want to see in the world.
Pride and peace,
Simply Me
Wednesday's small step: Recipe sharing
Making your own food, as opposed to eating take-out, is not only better for your health, and your wallet. It's also better for the environment. But sometimes, you need something different. Checking recipe books can be helpful, but if you're just starting out, or you're not sure what to try next, ask a friend!
By asking a person, not only are you opening and improving that relationship, but you are also talking to a real person who has made whatever dish they're telling you about. You'll have someone you can ask questions to, or inquire about alternative ingredients. Portion sizes and what order to cook/prepare everything in.
So once a week, call up someone you have been meaning to get ahold of, and ask them what recipe they'd like to share. And don't make it a one-way street, offer to share your recipes as well.
Creating a network of people you can count on for advice, ideas, suggestions, is always a great way to lessen your footprint.
Friends make life more fun, as well.
So pick up that phone, and call.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.
By asking a person, not only are you opening and improving that relationship, but you are also talking to a real person who has made whatever dish they're telling you about. You'll have someone you can ask questions to, or inquire about alternative ingredients. Portion sizes and what order to cook/prepare everything in.
So once a week, call up someone you have been meaning to get ahold of, and ask them what recipe they'd like to share. And don't make it a one-way street, offer to share your recipes as well.
Creating a network of people you can count on for advice, ideas, suggestions, is always a great way to lessen your footprint.
Friends make life more fun, as well.
So pick up that phone, and call.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.
Monday Musing: Automatic negative reactions
Changes in perspective are a necessary part of growing up and maturing. Understanding your own reaction to other people's comments and attitudes is essential.
I don't like being wrong. I hate it when someone points out something I've either done wrong or forgotten. It makes me feel inadequate, inferior, and useless. But I have no reason to take out my anger and denial on those I love. My wife was getting the anger because I didn't want to admit that my behaviour may have been wrong.
Now that I have acknowledged and validated that thought process within myself, I can stop myself when I feel it happening. I can notice it and stop myself to pay attention to what is causing this reaction.
Paying attention to negative reactions within yourself can save you future headaches and stress.
What is there that triggers you into a defensive position, and what do you do to keep yourself from taking out your anger/frustration/fear on those around you?
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Monday Musing series? Here are the rest of the posts from this series:
Gardens
Happy thoughts
Thanksgiving
Sustainable eating
Contentment
Crutch or reason?
I don't like being wrong. I hate it when someone points out something I've either done wrong or forgotten. It makes me feel inadequate, inferior, and useless. But I have no reason to take out my anger and denial on those I love. My wife was getting the anger because I didn't want to admit that my behaviour may have been wrong.
Now that I have acknowledged and validated that thought process within myself, I can stop myself when I feel it happening. I can notice it and stop myself to pay attention to what is causing this reaction.
Paying attention to negative reactions within yourself can save you future headaches and stress.
What is there that triggers you into a defensive position, and what do you do to keep yourself from taking out your anger/frustration/fear on those around you?
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Monday Musing series? Here are the rest of the posts from this series:
Gardens
Happy thoughts
Thanksgiving
Sustainable eating
Contentment
Crutch or reason?
Day 28 — someone that changed your life
Well, it must get frustrating to keep hearing this, but I'm sorry I've been so neglectful! Starting a new job proved to be more overwhelming than I had bargained for, and now I think I've got it pretty well good for now.
So, I'm going to try (again!) to finish this 30 days (which is taking close to 2 months!) tweeting challenge!
Someone that changed my life. I'm going to try to go back into earlier life memories and pick someone from that approximate time period.
@Alexine We were friends for years til you dumped me to become popular. I know now sometimes things change for noreason. I'm still mad about it tho
Yes, I know, I'm lame for holding on to grudges. Not like this happened in the 8th grade or anything. Anyways, it hurt, and it still does. She just randomly up and stopped talking to me. Sigh.
Ah well, that's life, right? It certainly changed my life, having had something like that happen. I never was a part of the in-crowd, so maybe that's why the hurt dug a little deeper.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
So, I'm going to try (again!) to finish this 30 days (which is taking close to 2 months!) tweeting challenge!
Someone that changed my life. I'm going to try to go back into earlier life memories and pick someone from that approximate time period.
@Alexine We were friends for years til you dumped me to become popular. I know now sometimes things change for noreason. I'm still mad about it tho
Yes, I know, I'm lame for holding on to grudges. Not like this happened in the 8th grade or anything. Anyways, it hurt, and it still does. She just randomly up and stopped talking to me. Sigh.
Ah well, that's life, right? It certainly changed my life, having had something like that happen. I never was a part of the in-crowd, so maybe that's why the hurt dug a little deeper.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Day 22 — Someone I want to give a second chance to
Wow, 8 days left. Or 8 tweets, since I'm getting really bad at posting every day.
I'm thinking that wanting to give a second chance to is probably someone that doesn't deserve it. I don't know anyone that I haven't given a second chance to that deserved it. I like to be fair, but I don't like to get screwed. It's not a preferred pastime of mine. It has happened too much in my life, and I do not and will not let it happen anymore.
On the other hand, maybe someone I'd like to give a second chance to can be someone that deserved a second chance, but that I don't speak to anymore (for whatever reason).
That makes it a little bit easier, since at least they would deserve the second chance, and I may be able to give it to them, if ever they happened upon this blog.
@Kelly I talk to your sister more than you. I try to get a hold of you and nothing. We were friends so long, and now you bail on my wedding and say nothing. What is going on?
I'm thinking that wanting to give a second chance to is probably someone that doesn't deserve it. I don't know anyone that I haven't given a second chance to that deserved it. I like to be fair, but I don't like to get screwed. It's not a preferred pastime of mine. It has happened too much in my life, and I do not and will not let it happen anymore.
On the other hand, maybe someone I'd like to give a second chance to can be someone that deserved a second chance, but that I don't speak to anymore (for whatever reason).
That makes it a little bit easier, since at least they would deserve the second chance, and I may be able to give it to them, if ever they happened upon this blog.
@Kelly I talk to your sister more than you. I try to get a hold of you and nothing. We were friends so long, and now you bail on my wedding and say nothing. What is going on?
Saving the world during back to school? Why not?
Inspired by The EcoDiva's 16 green back to school tips, I am going to share the green back to school things I did this year for my daughter (who is starting grade 1 in September), as well as the things I plan to do throughout the school year.
Green things I did:
How about you, other lovely people? If you have children, what things have to done to lessen the impact of the dreaded back to school shopping without busting either your wallet or the environment?
And those of you without kids, do you take advantage of back to school shopping season to stock up while the awesome sales are going on? Buy up your favourite clothes, stationary, backpacks, etc?
Any new ways of taking advantage of the sales that are out there are always appreciated and will be spread to friends and family.
Love and serenity,
Simply Me
**Post Consumer Recycled Materials
Green things I did:
- Bought pencils in bulk
- Purchased a fabric pencil case, even though the list said to get a hard plastic one (no way!)
- Only got one box of freezer bags, and will send them as needed, instead of blinding sending 2 full boxes as requested
- Reusing previously purchased scissors/crayons/markers from her art collection and last year
- Picked the paper duotangs instead of plastic
- Got a paper 2-pocket folder, instead of plastic
- Avoided purchasing a pack of pencils wrapped in plastic, in favour of a box slightly more expensive packaged in cardboard with no plastic window
- Continuing to reuse her stainless steel water bottle, she loves it, it's covered in monkeys
- Not bought pre-cut tennis balls (turns out it was a waste of money, and they're useless for anything aside from putting on chair legs)
- Shopped around for PCRM** in her duotangs/folders/pencils/etc
- Not done any shopping at Walmart (damn the convenience of that hated store!)
- Look around for good deals on stationary and school supplies at all stores, including second hand stores
- Check the internet for any deals at any of my favourite green shopping websites, and look for new favourites
- When she needs clothes, head to the 2nd hand store up the street for clothes instead of Walmart/Childrens Place/etc
- Repurpose her smaller clothes with long sleeves/pants that still fit around into t-shirts/tank tops and shorts (done once already this year)
- Educate her on the perils and concerns with using hand sanitizer (especially since I'm sure the school has them ALL OVER THE PLACE!)
- Keep talking to her about advertising, since she seems to be a royal sucker for TV ads ("you need to get Bounce dryer bars, they're the best! The TV said so!" Oysh, thankfully we are watching more movies lately)
How about you, other lovely people? If you have children, what things have to done to lessen the impact of the dreaded back to school shopping without busting either your wallet or the environment?
And those of you without kids, do you take advantage of back to school shopping season to stock up while the awesome sales are going on? Buy up your favourite clothes, stationary, backpacks, etc?
Any new ways of taking advantage of the sales that are out there are always appreciated and will be spread to friends and family.
Love and serenity,
Simply Me
**Post Consumer Recycled Materials
7 different ways to use salt
So, like I said, I love finding fun new information on the internet.
Found on AboutMyPlanet.com, a list of new ways to use salt. Regular table salt.
Check out the full list here.
I love that these tips and ideas are actually practical, and use an everyday household item.
Let me know if you have tried any of these, and how they work! I am interested in seeing different peoples opinions of these uses.
Lots of love,
Simply Me
Found on AboutMyPlanet.com, a list of new ways to use salt. Regular table salt.
Fantastic!
Check out the full list here.
I love that these tips and ideas are actually practical, and use an everyday household item.
Let me know if you have tried any of these, and how they work! I am interested in seeing different peoples opinions of these uses.
Lots of love,
Simply Me
Wednesday's small step: New pastimes
Passing the time, beating boredom, is one of the easiest ways to fall into a trap. A trap where you feel like all you can do is sit on the couch, watch garbage TV, and eat junk food. You fall into the cycle, because you're tired, because you're lazy, but you're also bored.
One thing I've found, boredom can be beaten with minimal effort. Television, computer, or any type of technology is, is not needed for breaking through inertia. All you need to do is think a little bit outside of the box. Remember things that you liked doing when you were younger.
Me, personally, I love being artsy, being creative, and spending time outside. So my 'new' pastimes include knitting (right now, working on a curly scarf kind of like this one) or crocheting (which I'm not so good at, haha). I also enjoy thinking of new ways to use things that I have around the house. Such as a ripped pillowcase. Which I still haven't actually decided what I'm doing with yet, but I'm working on it.
And, on my weekends, when I have all day to do (pretty much) whatever I want, I love to do this. With my closest beach a 10 minute drive away, it's a great way to spend the day, and my daughter loves to swim. The water may not be the cleanest (we tend to get no-swim advisories every other week) but that's what showers were made for. And soap. So we go anyways. Still haven't caught E.coli, so I think we're good.
I also read. Fantasy, murder mystery, romance, non-fiction, anything you put in front of me, I'll read it.
What kinds of things do you do to disconnect yourself from technology, and from boredom, when the TV is calling your name?
Do you try to change it up, and be creative, or do you have tried and true pastimes that have stayed through the years?
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.
One thing I've found, boredom can be beaten with minimal effort. Television, computer, or any type of technology is, is not needed for breaking through inertia. All you need to do is think a little bit outside of the box. Remember things that you liked doing when you were younger.
Me, personally, I love being artsy, being creative, and spending time outside. So my 'new' pastimes include knitting (right now, working on a curly scarf kind of like this one) or crocheting (which I'm not so good at, haha). I also enjoy thinking of new ways to use things that I have around the house. Such as a ripped pillowcase. Which I still haven't actually decided what I'm doing with yet, but I'm working on it.
And, on my weekends, when I have all day to do (pretty much) whatever I want, I love to do this. With my closest beach a 10 minute drive away, it's a great way to spend the day, and my daughter loves to swim. The water may not be the cleanest (we tend to get no-swim advisories every other week) but that's what showers were made for. And soap. So we go anyways. Still haven't caught E.coli, so I think we're good.
I also read. Fantasy, murder mystery, romance, non-fiction, anything you put in front of me, I'll read it.
What kinds of things do you do to disconnect yourself from technology, and from boredom, when the TV is calling your name?
Do you try to change it up, and be creative, or do you have tried and true pastimes that have stayed through the years?
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| I love Microsoft Paint! My first handmade blog photo :) |
Simply Me
Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.
Computerlessness breeds innovation... or something
Well, as of today, I can say that I have been without home internet, or even a computer, for 2 weeks. The only time I get on the net is on my Wednesday job, where I man a desk. It was hard at first, being without my computer. You become accustomed to having it there, and it becomes part of your routine. I would spend 2-3 hours on the computer each day, and doing what? Mostly playing games on Facebook. Seems ridiculous now. In light of this, I am currently removing all games from Facebook.
Family Bonuses:
In these two weeks, however, I have been spending more face time with my daughter, and my fiancee. The television is sometimes on, but it's less attention sucking than the computer ever was. Emily (my daughter) has loved the extra attention she's been getting, and she is getting much more confident with reading to me. Mel has also been enjoying it. Since I have some measure of mood disorder, the computer was an easy way for me to subconsciously recede into my own mind. Since there's no computer, I am staying more alert and more "in the now" than ever.
Personal Bonuses:
I have also been spending more time focusing on my own personal artsy type projects. I actually managed to complete a card for my mother for mother's day, complete with little cutouts of a flower, and a heart. I also started a new knitting project, which I am hoping will turn out nicely. Emily has also taken a liking to this new attention focus, as just this morning she asked if I was going to do any knitting before taking her to daycare.
In Conclusion:
So, in my 15 odd years as an avid computer and internet addict, I can say with all honesty that I now know what life is like without a computer. And it's not that bad. I do still need my occasional touch with the e-universe, but it's not a daily necessity. I think that when the computer is back up and running, I will see it more as an asset than a personal need for day to day life. If this computerlessness remains, I will definitely need to dig out the old library card for some good old fashioned research using books. Hopefully it won't NEED to get to that point, but maybe a trip to the library would be a good idea.
Anyone else have any epiphanies while I've been offline? Let me know :)
Family Bonuses:
In these two weeks, however, I have been spending more face time with my daughter, and my fiancee. The television is sometimes on, but it's less attention sucking than the computer ever was. Emily (my daughter) has loved the extra attention she's been getting, and she is getting much more confident with reading to me. Mel has also been enjoying it. Since I have some measure of mood disorder, the computer was an easy way for me to subconsciously recede into my own mind. Since there's no computer, I am staying more alert and more "in the now" than ever.
Personal Bonuses:
I have also been spending more time focusing on my own personal artsy type projects. I actually managed to complete a card for my mother for mother's day, complete with little cutouts of a flower, and a heart. I also started a new knitting project, which I am hoping will turn out nicely. Emily has also taken a liking to this new attention focus, as just this morning she asked if I was going to do any knitting before taking her to daycare.
In Conclusion:
So, in my 15 odd years as an avid computer and internet addict, I can say with all honesty that I now know what life is like without a computer. And it's not that bad. I do still need my occasional touch with the e-universe, but it's not a daily necessity. I think that when the computer is back up and running, I will see it more as an asset than a personal need for day to day life. If this computerlessness remains, I will definitely need to dig out the old library card for some good old fashioned research using books. Hopefully it won't NEED to get to that point, but maybe a trip to the library would be a good idea.
Anyone else have any epiphanies while I've been offline? Let me know :)
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