In His Steps

I was walking to my car at the metro and I walked by a jeep with the above bumper sticker. I thought it was so funny that I had to take a picture. As I was laughing about the bumper sticker, I started thinking about a book I read years ago titled, In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon. This book is a fictional tale of a minister and his congregation who take up the challenge to ask, ‘What would Jesus do?’ before they act for an entire year.

In the first part of the book the minister gives this sermon, “What I am going to propose now is something which ought not to appear unusual or at all impossible of execution. Yet I am aware that it will be so regarded by a large number, perhaps, of the members of this church. But in order that we may have a thorough understanding of what we are considering, I will put my proposition very plainly, perhaps bluntly. I want volunteers from the First Church who will pledge themselves, earnestly and honestly for an entire year, not to do anything without first asking the questions, ‘What would Jesus do?’ And after asking that question, each one will follow Jesus as exactly as he knows how, no matter what the results may be. . . Our motto will be, ‘What would Jesus do?’ Our aim will be to act just as He would if He was in our places, regardless of immediate results. In other words, we propose to follow Jesus’ steps as closely and as literally as we believe He taught His disciples to do. And those who volunteer to do this will pledge themselves for an entire year, beginning with today, so to act. ”

This book is short and a very easy read. If you are looking for a good, quick summer read, this is a good choice. In the fall I am teaching the New Testament for Early Morning Seminary and I am looking forward teaching about Jesus’ life on a daily basis. My favorite quote is by President Ezra Taft Benson. It says, “Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strength their muscles, life their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace.”

I think the book and the quote all sum up the idea of moving closer to Jesus in every way. As funny as the bumper sticker is, I think that this is a question that should be asked daily and not just when driving too close to a red jeep.

Crash Bang BOOM

I don’t have super powers. I know this seems like an obvious statement but it is sad to me that I don’t have any super powers, not a one. I was thinking that I would love a Lasso of Truth like Wonder Women. Single life would be must easier with such a golden lasso. Here are a few ways I would use it, “Do I really need that air filter you are trying to sell me, Mr. Oil Change Man?”, “Does it really cost that much money to redo a few loose tiles, Mr. Handyman?”, “Hey, First Date Guy, are you really planning to call?”. You see my point. Life would be a lot simpler. I also would like powers like Samantha on Bewitched. Now I know she is not a super hero but seriously who wouldn’t want to pop in and out of places at no charge and make an elegant meal for 12 within seconds. A girl can only wish but really this post isn’t about me, it is about my car.

You see, my car does have super powers and not in a good way-my car can go invisible. For some reason at the most inopportune times, my car goes into invisible mode. No warning, just undetectable. It hasn’t happened for a few years and maybe it was all the premium gas I was giving it but once the premium well dried up (thanks to $4+ gas), it started doing it again. Invisible.

Last night as I was driving to the gym I had to cross over two lanes of traffic and then merge with two lanes of traffic going the opposite way. I made it half way when my car must have done its thing because CRASH! I got hit. Some kid home from college named Julian decided to join me in the middle of the four lanes and hit me quite hard on the passenger side. Then he started yelling at me to move. I was wondering where he wanted me to go because I wasn’t planning on moving into oncoming traffic to be hit again. Once we pulled over I asked him, oh not so nicely, why he thought he could yell at me after HE hit me. He was nice enough to tell me that I had plenty of chances to move and I reminded him nicely that I had just been hit by his car. Once my adrenaline settled down I apologized for yelling and made small talk. The car is a little scratch up with a dent here and there (with an estimate of over $2000 worth of damage). I am not scratched up but I must have been bumped pretty hard because I am a bit sore today. I am very grateful that it wasn’t worse. I do have to say that in the middle of dealing with everything, I was a bit bummed out that I didn't have my camera to record the event for my blog. I am not sure if that is just dedication or obsession. Let's just go with dedication.

As for my car, well I hope this teaches the car that I can’t do anything about $4.00/ gallon gas but I will try and feed it and clean it on a more regular basis. Maybe with this new paint job, it will want to use to powers for good- like going stealth around speed cameras.

Book Group: YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!

My brother John gave me the Omnivore’s Dilemma to read while we were traveling in Italy. Let me tell you that this is not a book that you want to read when you are eating your way through a country. However, this book really changed the way I think about food and my relationship to the food chain. I have looked at labels for years but I now felt that I had some science and some insight on how to make future food choices. So, we flew home from Italy and I told everyone about my fantastic and glorious trip and then said, “Oh, but you have to read this book. You will never eat the same again.” I was so enthralled with the book that I started giving it to friends to read and then I pushed to have it be one of our book group books.
However, after a few days of trying to eat more like the book, I found that I still had a dilemma. I felt that the Omnivore’s Dilemma explained the dilemma perfectly but the ‘now what’ was missing from the book.

Michael Pollan answered the ‘now what’ question with his new book, In Defense of Food, An Eater’s Manifesto.

I highly recommend these books. If nothing else, they start a dialogue on what you eat and why.

Here is what Ruth Reichl, editor in chief of Gourmet magazine said about The Omnivore’s Dilemma. “Every time you go into a grocery store you are voting with your dollars, and what goes into your cart has real repercussions on the future of the earth. But although we have choices, few of us are aware of exactly what they are. Michael Pollan’s beautifully written book could change that. He tears down the walls that separate us from what we eat, and forces us to be more responsible eaters. Reading this book is a wonderful, life-changing experience.”

Here is a link for sustainable eating from Michael Pollan’s website.

Bon Appetit.

FOR SALE BY OWNER

My cute Dutch colonial did not sell with a realtor so now I am trying to sell it on my own. I love my house but it is time for it to sell. I can't tell you the amount of work that has go into this house. My incredible friends Blaine & Cindy flew out on their own dime to spend a weekend helping me get my house ready. Blaine put up closet doors, built a mantle, and did most the heavy lifting. Cindy helped decorate and paint 5 rooms. Besides Blaine & Cindy, I have had friends come to paint, clean, organize, put up doors, change locks, make repairs, decorated, moved boxes, and basically supported me through this process. I have AMAZING friends!!! Keep praying that the house sells so I can move in with Jill (just kidding, Jill). The realtor called it, "Pottery Barn Perfect" and I have to agree.

Who wants to buy my house?

Oh, who are the people in your neighborhood?

I grew up in the 70’s and 80’s which means I love Sesame Street. I loved following the storyline, singing along with the songs, and wondering if anyone would ever believe Big Bird that there was really a Snuffleupagus. Sometimes I will be out and about and a Sesame Street song will pop into my mind. (Yes, a weird, crazy confession on my part) Probably the most frequent song that pops into my head is the song, “People In Your Neighborhood” sung by Bob McGrath.

For those of you already singing the song, here are the lyrics.

Oh, who are the people in your neighborhood?

In your neighborhood?

In your neighborhood?

Say, who are the people in your neighborhood?

The people that you meet each day

[Bob: Oh, hi there, little fella.]

[Anything Muppet #1: Hello.]

[Bob: Hey, listen, know who you could be if I gave you this little hat and this bag to go over your shoulder?]

[Anything Muppet #1: I could be a laundry man.]

[Bob: No, not a laundry man.]

[Anything Muppet #1: How about Santa Claus?]

[Bob: No no no, not Santa Claus.]

[Anything Muppet #1: What's wrong with Santa Claus?]

[Bob: There's nothing wrong with Santa Claus, but...]

[Anything Muppet #1: Don't you like Christmas?]

[Bob: Oh, I love Christmas. But you could be the postman.]

[Anything Muppet #1: A postman, hmmmm ...]

Oh, the postman always brings the mail

Through rain or snow or sleet or hail

I'll work and work the whole day through

To get your letters safe to you

I think this song is on my mind’s frequent playlist because I am always wondering about the people who play a role in my life’s neighborhood. So, for the next few weeks, hopefully you can meet some of my people.

Have a seat.

Drab to Fab- Week 3

Here are a few of my Goodwill finds over the years. Each of these styles are so different but they really do work all together. Some of these chairs still need to be recovered but I am just getting to them one at a time!

Retro: $14.00

Utilitarian:
$40 for four, four for free (garbage find)

Lazy: $45

Formal: $30

Comfy: $90

Good finds! Thank you Goodwill.

Batter up!

I should have titled this post, Mid-Single Activity #1. Let’s just say that being single is um, interesting. I really love to go to baseball games so it was not hard for me to convince myself to say yes to this activity. I mean seriously how weird or awkward could a Saturday night at the ballpark be? (Don’t answer that!)

I probably spoke to soon regarding the strangeness of single activities but I have decided that each activity or mix n’ mingle is just some sort of learning experience. I might as well go, grab a metaphoric hot dog, and enjoy the game. One thing that I did learn is something that I think is applicable no matter your age or situation which is, meeting new people is hard and it takes a while to feel comfortable in a new group. For any of you that know me, I am not shy. In fact, I would say that most the time I am outgoing but I have to say that lately when put into these “single” situations I become a bit reserved and quiet. If you don’t believe me I will tell you that on my first date (pd) I could hardly form words and I knew my date (It was a bit pathetic). I would try and think of something to say but nothing came out. Needless to say, that when meeting new people now, I resort to “interviewing” techniques that I use a work. I can keep the person talking and at least moving the conversation forward. Hopefully with time I will get more comfortable but I digress.

Saturday night I went to the Nationals vs. Texas Rangers game in the National's new ballpark. The stadium is big, open, and awesome. They designed the seats in such a way that you really feel that you can see the field and be apart of the action. There was lots of action on the field but unfortunately, it was all the Rangers. The final score of the game was Nationals 3- Rangers 13. (ouch!) For the most part it was a fun night with only one very strange and very awkward conversation. To tell you how bizarre, the guy I started talking to remembered playing volleyball in a swimming pool with me 11 years ago. Then he joked that his invitation to my wedding must have gotten lost. I am serious! Oh, and he couldn’t understand why I didn’t remember this interaction of ours. So funny and soooo odd.

Here are some pictures from the night.

See me in the corner?

Ben’s Chili Bowl (a D.C. institution)


See the white obelisk in the background? That is the Washington Monument.

Emma's 23rd Birthday!

My friend Emma deserves a post- even if this is late and now on her unbirthday. Emma is 10 years younger than me but it really doesn't matter because we have a great time together. I got invited to dinner with her family to celebrate her birthday and her family is great. I always have a great time just hanging out with them. Here are some pictures from the evening.

I walked from my office to the restaurant and walked past the White House....

Walked past the protesters...they are always there.

Hannah and Molly (Emma's sisters) drinking a hibiscus drink.
The color was beautiful but the flavor was really strong.

Molly and Emma (the birthday girl). Sorry for the fuzzy picture.

The Rents! Two of my favorite people.

Happy Birthday Emma!

JUST A DOLLAR--NO, SERIOUSLY!

I had to wait to post this until my make-up arrived. My sister-in-law Ellen called me about three weeks ago to tell me of a website that was offers $1 cosmetics. The company is called E.L.F cosmetics (Eyes, Lips, and Face). I was a bit leery of this claim but I went to the site and found some cute things.

Before she called I had just gone to a department store and bought new make-up and spent quite a bit of money. So I was extremely happy when I only spent around significantly less which included free shipping. My favorite purchase of last night was these little Candy Shop Lip Tins. I thought I would wrap up a few in cellophane and give them to my seminary girls. So cute.

I also bought two 12 piece brush sets. Brushes are so expensive so I bought one for me and one for a gift. My advice: #1 Don't order unless you have about 3 weeks to wait for the make-up. #2 Send the package to someone who is going to be home. (My box sat out in the heatwave all day).

There are coupon codes on the web...just look for them and be patient. If you don't want to wait, I heard that Target carries some of the E.L.F line.

Storytime

The Library of Congress started a project called StoryCorps. “StoryCorps is an independent nonprofit project whose mission is to honor and celebrate one another’s lives through listening. By recording the stories of our lives with the people we care about, we experience our history, hopes, and humanity. StoryCorps is one of the largest oral history projects of its kind, creating a growing portrait of who we really are as Americans.”

I first heard about this project on NPR and every Friday, I look forward to hearing another story. There have been several mornings that I will be driving and listening to the stories on NPR either laughing or crying or both. A year before my Grandpa Todd died, a professor from BYU interviewed him for a World War II project. Those recorded interviews are priceless to me and my family because I can hear my Grandpa in his own word describing his life. I think this is why I like blogging. I feel a bit of my history, my hopes, and my humanity can be recorded in my own words.

The story NPR played yesterday was a story of a man named Ray Martinez and how he was adopted. As I was crying, driving to the metro (I know, not that safe) I was thinking of the difference one person can make and in this example how two people could change the life of a five year old forever. At the end of Ray’s story the NPR, the announcer said something like, “Ray Martinez visited a StoryCorps mobile booth in Ft. Collins, Colorado where he was mayor from 1999 to 2005.” How cool is that! This little boy who felt rejected grew up and became a mayor. What an example of what acceptance and love can do.

A picture of Ray Martinez

I hope you enjoy Ray’s story as much as I did. Here is a challenge, record or write something to share. You will be surprised years from now how much it means to you.

Why Not NOW?

I am sorry that I didn’t finish the post yesterday. I found some other things to do. OK…Just kidding. I really do want to admit I have a problem. You see, I am a bit of a procrastinator. Now before you judge, Joseph Ferrari, a DePaul University psychology professor said that “Everyone procrastinates. They don’t RSVP on time; they wait until the gas is on empty; they don’t go to the doctor when they’re suppose to.” So if everyone procrastinates, how can I get better? However, the first question is, why do people procrastinate? Some psychologists think that it is a response to fear; fear of failure, fear of success, and fear of receiving more to do. Elyse Goldstein, a psychologist said, “To be safe, they put it off.” Bill Knaus who wrote a book about procrastination said that “It’s almost a knee-jerk reaction to discomfort. You don’t want to feel uncomfortable, fearful, uncertain, bored, or whatever else the negative feeling is. So, you needlessly avoid a timely relevant activity until another day or time and then when that day comes, there is a probability you’ll put it off again.” According to the article, Why Not Now? in the Washington Post, there are two types of procrastinators. There are the hard-core procrastinators (20% of the people) who are not easily fixed by time management and organizational tools and then the other 80% (I would guess most of us), “who only procrastinate some of the time, simple measures can greatly decrease the tendency to put off things.”

At the beginning of the year, my friend was picking a word/ phrase that would be her theme for the year. I loved this idea and so I picked the phrase DO IT NOW! President Spencer W. Kimball said, “We must lengthen our stride and must do it now”. Nike says, “Just Do It”. For me I find that there are two ways for me to conquer my problem. One, as silly as this sounds, every time I want to put something off, I say the phrase, DO IT NOW! and usually I cannot come up with an excuse of why not now, so I do it. The second thing I do is that I write many many to do lists. Apparently, the thrill of crossing things off my list out weighs my need to put them off (thanks Dad & Mom!). Still it is a daily battle between the things I need to do verses the things that I want to do. Benjamin Franklin said, “You may delay, but time will not.”

So, are you a procrastinator and if so, have you found trick to help you stop procrastinating and start doing?

Someday is not a day of the week.

I have a problem and they say that the first step is to admit that you have a problem so here it goes…

A tale of Drab to Fab.

There was once a fair maiden (more pale than fair) who wanted a kitchen table but look as she might, she could never find one to call her own. In her distress and sometimes obsession, she looked at mall and outlet until one day she found the perfect table. Old, rustic, and perfect. Not everyone agreed with her decision but she loved her new table.

Once she gave a home to the first table, other tables wanted to join the fair maiden and so she obliged. She took home a small nook table from Goodwill, painted it white and gave it 5 coats of polyurethane for easy cleaning.

Then out of the blue she stumbled on old black, a farm table from the 1800's that feed the farm hands of a family in Oregon (true story). The table is a bit wobbly but it feels like comfort.
(She also got it for FREE!)

Now, everywhere the maiden goes it seems as if she could buy another table but alas she is practical and leaves the tables be so that other fair maidens may rescue them.

The End

"You got peanut butter on my chocolate!"

“You got chocolate in my peanut butter! ... Two great tastes that taste great together, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups." or

Peanut Butter Balls

My sister-in-law Shonna told me about this great blog called Cast Sugar. Nemmie (the owner of the blog) makes all sorts of recipes and then photographs her work. The blog is incredible. I needed something to take with me to the mix n’ mingle and Shonna suggested Nemmie’s Peanut Butter Balls. They taste like Reese Peanut Butter Cups, only so much better. I put the peanut butter mixture into a 9 x13, chill it, and then covered it with melted semi-sweet chocolate chips. The bars are very hard to cut and make pretty so if you are concerned about pretty, roll balls. Oh, and I mixed everything in my food processor which made the process quite simple. After it mixed in the food processor it only took a few minutes to form it into dough.

The Peanut Butter Bars were a HUGE success- as Nemmie says, “Try keeping this recipe to yourself.”

Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:
2 c. crushed graham crackers*
2 c. powdered sugar
2 c. peanut butter (creamy or chunky, your choice)**
1/4 c. butter (barely melted in the microwave)
Dipping chocolate

Mix together the first 4 ingredients as you would a pie crust. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

Melt the dipping chocolate. Roll peanut butter mixture into small balls, and dip into the chocolate. Allow to set on wax paper. Chill until served.

My helpful hints.
*I also put the graham crackers in the food processor and made them very fine. You don’t want chunky bits of cracker.
**I used all natural peanut butter-who needs the extra junk they put in peanut butter?

My little thank you note.

I have had many experiences in my life where someone has done something nice for me that deserved a thank you note but sending a thank you note would be hard, if not impossible to do.

So, here are a few of my thank yous (there are many, many more).

I want to thank the good looking man on the metro who sweetly winked at me when I was having a bad hair, everything day. Thank you for giving me something to smile about the rest of the day.

Thank you to the two customers at Nordstrom Rack who let me model boots and shoes for them and told me that the knee-high red leather boots were a good purchase! Thank you Ladies! You were right I love the boots!

Thank you to the old man in Provo who gave me a thumbs up when I was running up a very steep hill. Thank you for that little push that push me up and over.

Thank you to the man at Whole Foods who is always so willing to take my groceries to my car even if I tell him that I can do it on my own.

Thank you to the off-duty fireman who was the first to stop after my car accident. Thank you for getting to me so quickly and for comforting me.

Thank you to my first line-up after my divorce. Looking back I was a complete mess but you made it a fun and memorable night. I apologize if I seemed a bit stalkerish, I was really new to the whole dating thing. Thanks!

Thank you to the woman who stopped on I-270 after I had run out of gas and I was walking in the rain on the shoulder. I know you said that you stopped because I tripped and fell and didn’t have a purse but I really just appreciate you stopping at all. Thank you for taking a small chance and assuming that such a klutz must be harmless.

Thank you to all the people who have listened, smiled, encouraged, comforted, and helped me on my journey. Send me your address and I will send you a thank you note!

Back in the saddle again. . .

. . .or at least getting closer to the horse.

In the last 6 months or so, many well meaning friends and family members have tried to urge, push, and persuade my rebirth into the single scene. Even though I drag my feet, I really do appreciate everyone’s encouragement.

I think my Bishop even picked up on the vibe because he asked me if I would be the liaison between my ward and the mid 30’s single’s group. (We only have 3 mid 30's singles in my ward counting me!) There have been a couple of meetings and activities that I could not attend but I finally ran out of excuses. So today I went to church in the designated ward for mid 30’s singles. To explain they took a family ward (Chevy Chase Ward) and they designated it the mid 30’s single’s ward too. Everyone meets together for Sacrament Meeting and then they split off- one Sunday school for the singles and one for the marrieds and then everyone meets back together for Elder’s Quorum or Relief Society.

It is a bit nerve racking to meet new people (seriously!). It is also very early. My family ward is about 1 mile away and starts at 1 p.m. The Chevy Chase Ward is 16 miles away and starts at 9 a.m. This really should be a no brainer.

Accomplishments:
1. I saw Senator Harry Reid (it is his ward) and his buzz-cut secret service agents. I also sat next to his wife in Relief Society.
2. I reconnected with some old friends.
3. I sat in a Sunday School class just for single people. (I haven’t done that since I was in college)
4. Signed up to go to a Nationals Baseball game with the singles this coming Saturday.
5. I met a lot of nice people.
6. Stayed for the Linger Longer/Mix n’ Mingle (my peanut butter bars were a huge success!)
7. Got home in enough time to take a Sunday nap

Yes, you should all be proud.

One Word

TAG!
You are all it.

Answer the following with only one word.

1. Where is your cell phone? ....................downstairs
2. Your significant other?.......................missing
3. Your hair?....................................wet
4. Your mother? .................................writer
5. Your father?..................................lawyer
6. Your favorite thing?..........................friends
7. Your dream last night?........................confusing
8. Your favorite drink...........................lemonade
9. Your dream/goal?..............................masters
10. The room you're in?..........................bedroom
11. Your children?...............................patient
12. Your fear?...................................failure
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years..........stronger
14. Where were you last night?..................home
15. What you're not?................................tall
16. Muffins......................................chocolate
17. One of your wish list items?.................buyer
18. Where you grew up?...........................Utah
19. What you read last...........................Persuasion
20. What are you wearing?........................Pajamas
21. Your TV?.....................................Tivo
22. Your pets?...................................imaginary
23. Your computer? ..............................Mac
24. Your life?...................................full
25. Your mood?...................................content
26. Missing someone?.............................partner
27. Your car?....................................Outback
28. Something you're not wearing?................shoes
29. Favorite Store?..............................Container
30. Your summer?.................................humid
31. Like someone?................................wishing
32. Your favorite color?.........................black
33. Last time you laughed........................today
34. Last time you cried?.........................yesterday
    

Recognition Dinner

Before I was an early morning seminary teacher, I was on the Stake Young Womens Board and I was lucky enough to work with some amazing women. Our Stake Young Womens President has worked extremely hard on spotlighting the Young Woman Personal Progress Program in our Stake. Last year was the first year that the presidency put on a formal stake-wide recognition dinner for the award recipients. Here are some pictures for the second annual dinner. I love spending time with these women so I went and was kitchen help for the night.

Here is the invitation that I did for the evening.

The tables were beautiful and as luck would have it, a woman in the stake had an event on Saturday and donated the centerpieces.

Dinner was chicken/mushroom crepes, roasted carrots, and a summer salad. For dessert, they had a cake table. Doesn’t it look awesome?! The whole evening revolved around the theme of the song from Wicked, “For Good”. A former Broadway star even showed up to sing the song.

I hope this is a tradition that keeps going to the Stake because the Young Women and their parents were so pleased at the attention.

(I wish I had taken a picture of our servers. We had some of the young men from the Stake come and serve the young women. I could see that both sides thought this was a good idea)

Keep Moving Forward. . .

Lewis: I don't even know what I'm doing.

Wilbur: Keep moving forward.

Lewis: I mean, this stuff is way too advanced for me.

Wilbur: Keep moving forward.

Lewis: And what if I can't fix this, what are we going to do?

Wilbur: Keep moving forward.

Lewis: Why do you keep saying that? And don't just say keep moving forward!

Wilbur: It's my dad's motto.

Lewis: Why would his motto be keep moving forward?

Wilbur: It's what he does.

"Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things… and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

Walt Disney

I spoke in church last Sunday and this was my inspiration! I promised a lot of people more of my talk. So please be patient, I am getting around to it!

June 12th

When I was blogstalking (thanks Emilie!), I found this idea that I think is awesome. It is called 12 of 12. You take 12 pictures of your life on the 12th day of each month. It is a way to record the simple things in your life. Just think how cool it will be to have one for each month of the year. Check out this blogger's (Cathy) take on the 12 of 12.

I think that this would be fun for everyone to try.

Thanks to Emilie again for being my tech support!
Go here and it will create a single image mosaic for you.

Would you like paper, plastic, or . . .

A reusable bag?

I love using reusable shopping bags when I go shopping. Now you may think that this is a strange love but I like to think of myself as a tree huggin’ sort of gal. I don’t litter, I don’t drive a SUV (yet, I am still waiting for an affordable hybrid), I am exchanging all of the light bulbs in my house to florescent bulbs, I try and recycle, and I say no to plastic and paper when I can.

I love my reusable bags so much that I have a bit of a collection. I also like to give them away as gifts to try and encourage people to use them. (Seriously, I am fun!)

FACTS ON DISPOSABLE BAGS (from Roots & Shoots)

• Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide.
  Hundreds of thousands of sea turtles, whales and other marine mammals die every year from eating discarded plastic bags mistaken for food.


• On land, many cows, goats and other animals suffer a similar fate to marine life when they accidentally ingest plastic bags while foraging for food.


• Plastic bags don't biodegrade, they photodegrade—breaking down into smaller and smaller toxic bits contaminating soil and waterways.


• In 1999, 14 million trees were cut to produce the 10 billion paper grocery bags used by Americans that year alone.


• When retailers give away free bags, their costs are passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.


• Each high-quality reusable bag you use has the potential to eliminate an average of 1,000 plastic bags over its lifetime. The bag will pay for itself if your grocery store offers a $.05 or $.10 (USD) credit per bag for bringing your own bags.


• Only one to three percent of plastic bags are recycled.

So, if you don’t have your own set of reusable bags, send me a comment on the ways you would use a set. On Monday, I will pick a winner and mail them a set. By the way, there are very few people who read my blog so your chances are really good!

Drab to Fab!

Favorite Find or Fix-up!
(a tag for everyone)

Thank you Jennifer for the awesome idea! A few years ago I really wanted side tables for my living room so I looked and I looked until I found. . .

two tables at Goodwill.

I loved the shape and they were just the right size.

I paid about $40 for both and I painted them green,

then cream, and then I crackled them.

It sounds like a lot of work but
it was really quick and I loved the results.

Such a perfect fit.

To my dearest treadmill. . .

Dear Treadmill,

I know that we had a slow start and for years you thought that we would be nothing more than occasional friends. However, I thought things had turned around and we were moving forward together. We have seen each other almost everyday for the pass four months and I thought we had some level of trust. I don’t know what I did but I could only workout for 35 minutes on Wednesday night and I don’t see how this is cause for you not to work on Thursday.

Please forgive whatever I may have done and please start working again.

Your walking friend.

Hot and Humid-it must mean Shaved Ice!

For almost the last 9 years, I have looked forward to the return of the Styer brother's CLAYBOYS Authentic Hawaiian Shave Ice pushcart. (Wow, that is a mouthful) One of the brothers teaches Physical Ed. to disabled students during the school year and in the summer he hands out icy goodness.

Clayboy's is mainstay of life in downtown Bethesda and you can find his cart on the corner of Woodmont and Bethesda Avenues right outside Barnes & Noble.

Lots of great flavors.

Great service.

My favorite combination is Tiger’s Blood (strawberry & coconut) and Lemonade. At the end of your shaved ice there is even a surprise.

A frozen Swedish fish! A small is $2.00 and it is so worth it!