Wednesday Wrap-Up

Well, all I can say is that I'm trying really hard to keep up my blog. I'm trying...that's worth something, right??! I don't know if it's my inability to do anything productive when I get home from work lately, my boring life that doesn't require updating the blog, or me being too "busy" but I'm working on it! Enough already, here's the latest installment - in keeping with the list thing (ala Bridget Jones' Diary sans the dating drama)

1) I'm officially in my 30's. I subscribe to Sunset magazine - which I love but it always makes me wish I had more money and time to do all the fun things they suggest - renovate the kitchen! grow your own veggies! get away this weekend! Oh well...one day when I'm retired...

2) Oh yeah, and I'm really in my 30's when I tell you this one: I bought a new vacuum yesterday and I LOVE it (see previous post)! I told John that I didn't know how much I could love one appliance. He's scared. I bought it from this cute little crippled man that runs the only vacuum store here in Astoria, I surprised him by buying it right then and there (I did come prepared to purchase). The Panasonic MC-UG471 is my new love. It sucks up everything - even in the corners - effortlessly! It has all the HEPA filters, and as Jim the vacuum guy said "metal parts where metal should be". Yay for things that are well-built and will last (and not made in China!). I think I might go re-vacuum...

3) I'm finally working on my scrapbook of travels through Europe in 2006. 4 years later ain't too bad is it? It's actually kinda fun to go through all the photos and stories and remember how great it was...although there are some photos and receipts, tickets, etc that I cannot for the life of me remember what they were from!

4) I was down in Santa Cruz, CA all last week attending meetings on salmon ocean ecology. Kinda ironic since I'm most definitely not a salmon-person. But I'm learning! I was there with my supervisor representing the birds-as-salmon-predators group. It's actually a fun group and I met a lot of great people (and got to see my old stomping grounds at the same time). Even jumped in the water for some very beginner-style surfing...

5) Speaking of surfing...and being in my 30's...I've noticed more creaks, pains, and aches nowadays. And I'm so bummed because my usual solution - Yoga Power Hour with Ute - is getting cancelled! I'm actually at the point in my yoga career where I kinda need it now. I'm not sure what to do, I better consult Ute (a German yogi - yes, German accent and strict demeanor combined with relaxation...makes for fun classes! Power Hour = "Powa Ouwa)

6) Last weekend, Poor John. Well, he should've known. We rented "The Cove" - the movie about the dolphin slaughter in Japan. A must see - by the way! I was reluctant to see it because I wasn't sure if this was a cultural thing, in which case I may not be opposed to it. However, it's pretty clear that this is not the case. Pretty alarming actually, especially the information about mercury contamination in all seafood. Jill has called me twice after she watched it to discuss! I'm very glad the message is reaching beyond marine scientists like me. Anyhoo, we watched The Cove which got me all fired up, then caught a matinee of Avatar on Sunday. This one I also wasn't really into seeing, but John was so off we went. And OMG - I loved it! I see why it's so hugely popular. I especially loved the depiction of the natural world and the serious environmental undertones and non-violent messages. Pretty cool. But poor John, because when I get fired up about an issue - especially the environment and the oceans - there's no stopping me! I'm glad he's patient and a good listener :)

Ten Things Tuesday...ish

I know, I've been so neglectful of my favorite blog. And the thing is, I really like my blog! I guess I have just been busy...or something. But now is not the time for excuses! It's a new year, and I'm starting anew. I am starting Ten Things Tuesday (sorta) - the idea was stolen from my friend's blog. But since it's Wednesday, I'm calling it The Wednesday Weekly. For now. I'll get more creative soon. Anyhoo, I will attempt to update my blog at least once a week with some interesting tidbits about what I've been up to, my random thoughts and what-nots. Here goes!

1) Spring has sprung! Well, we have had quite the cold snap this week (I went on an early morning walk on Tuesday and found wet snow falling on me - it melted before it hit the ground) but in general the flowers are out, the sun is coming up earlier... Speaking of early morning - I can actually go out in the morning at 6:30 and see! Yay for longer days.

2) I stumbled upon this woman's website: 10 in 10 Diet the other day. Not that I'm on a diet, but her story intrigued me. She is saving a lot of money and eating simply, which thankyouverymuch I would like to do, too! Mostly it includes meals that can be made big and have lots of leftovers - easy peasy veggies, soups etc. So far, I'm really into it!

3) I went out on a limb last weekend and bought a pair of sandals that I never would have looked at twice. But my sister and I were at my cousin's shoe store - Mi Shoes - and most of the shoes she had weren't in my size. So I decided to try on some sandals and surprised myself with this pair:

Nicole "Peace" in Power

They're definitely funky! A little hippie, which I love. I'm a little concerned about the fat ankle factor, but I don't care. I'm committed. When John saw them he started hisssing - okay, there is a fake snakeskin look to them. But I'm kinda digging them and excited for summer.

4) My cutest niece - Frankie - has taken to naming all of her toys. There's "Chooch" - the train, "Slippery" the snake, "Chili" the penguin, "Slimey" the alligator, and "Neigh-na" the horse (almost named TrotTrot but switched at the last minute). How cute (and creative) is she?

5) As I was gleefully vacuuming tonight, I actually thought "This vacuum has lasted me so long, it's great!" It was so cheap when I got it, and really designed for a small studio not my massive house, but it kept on ticking. Well, until about a minute after my fateful thought. It made a horrible gagging noise and the motor slowly died...letting off a burnt rubber smell. Hmmm. Now I need a new vacuum - or perhaps a repair. But since this one cost about $89 I have a feeling a new one is in order. Probably a little sturdier model...any suggestions?

"Selfish" Giving...is there such a thing?

So today on NPR there was a thought-provoking story titled:

'Selfish' Giving: Does It Count If You Get In Return?

(Click link to read story)...

This story caught my attention because I've grappled with the same notion. When is "giving" - gifts, money, time - truly altruistic. Is it ever? Or is it always? The story deals mostly with giving money for a cause - donations in the name of a company, person, etc. But they touch on volunteering as well. I guess maybe since I'm currently looking at my devastated budget and wrapping Christmas gifts for my niece and nephew that this hits home (the money one at least!)

In my humble opinion, the act of "giving" - even if it is for selfish reasons - is still good (and counts). Maybe it's because I was raised Catholic and went to Jesuit schools, where community service was important. I clearly remember spending one Christmas Day morning during high school at a soup kitchen in Tacoma, ladling out food and laughs to all the people who showed up. Did I choose to be there? Not really. I was kinda forced to go because of my mom, and kinda guilted into it by my peers. But I feel like the benefits of that experience - I still remember it 15 years on! - outnumber any selfish reasons that may have motivated me back then. The life lesson that everyone - even a homeless, alcoholic, down on their luck, person - has a story to tell. They weren't born that way. They may have never lived the life I had growing up, but they certainly deserve respect and support just like anyone else.

But there are some interesting points in the NPR story. Take for example all the "Pink Ribbon Crap" as I like to call it. You know, buy a product with a pink ribbon and support the fight against breast cancer. This one (of all the colored ribbon fundraisers) in particular hits home since my mom fought breast cancer for 17 years before dying due to complications from treatment (that's a whole other story!). One of the most egregious examples I've seen was pink cream cheese - in a pink plastic container. Really?! I appreciate the notion of supporting a cause, even if it's pennies on the dollar that probably goes to overhead to run a non-profit, rather than actual research. I know, I sound a little angry. I'm not, but it does irk me that an issue that is so personal, but yet affects so many families, has turned into a pink parade. What happened to a focus on prevention of cancer? Studying links between pollution, diet, lifestyle? And what about when links are made (chemicals) - what's happening to change our ways? I don't like the focus being completely on the fight and the cure. It's such an aggressive word. I guess it's easier than focusing on the "why" of how we got to this point. Which brings me back to buying stuff that supports this cause. It's easy to buy the pink tote, hat, pin. But I purposely choose not to. I'd rather see my money go more directly to the group that I want to support.

That said, I see where large corporations can get into a little trouble. By making it clear they support a certain cause, donate a little money, etc. they clearly are using marketing to attract certain customers. Is this bad? I guess it depends again on the intent. But even if the intent is to sell more stuff, doesn't some group somewhere benefit? All I'm saying is that the smallest actions - volunteering your time, buying a pink tote, donating to a cause - creates a tiny little change in your thinking - even within the biggest companies. You chose to do something, support a certain cause, help someone out, and therefore your actions reflect something you care about - no matter who else takes notice. And that can be called selfish, I suppose. But I think it's more accurate to call it being an engaged, thoughtful person.

Cosmic Panther Land Band...

Blog Action Day 2009: Climate Change

Blog Action Day 2009

I found out about this event through a couple of environmental groups I am a member of. Today is a day of global activism, virtually! Should I say e-activism? Essentially the idea is that today, Oct. 15, 2009, bloggers around the world, from all walks of life and with completely different topics and passions, will all blog about the exact same thing. This year's topic is particularly appealing to me, both as a marine biologist who's job is impacted by climate change, and as an engaged global citizen. So, while I'm being an e-activist, I thought I'd add my two cents to the topic of climate change.

First off, there's debate as to the term "Climate Change". Some argue that this phrase is a watered down version of "Global Warming", which was replaced by those who are still not on the bandwagon (there's still people out there?!?). Some people want to use the word "Global Warming" instead, as it tends to pique people's interests and fear of impending doom more than the more PG-rated "Climate Change". As for me, well, I prefer climate change. I suppose that's because I'm a scientist, and therefore trained to thoroughly consider hypotheses and theories, conduct rigorous analysis, and when I make a conclusion, continue to maintain a level-head. No running around waving my hands and screaming "the world is ending, everyone run!!!". Plus, that's just not my personality anyways. Anyone who knows me knows I'm pretty much on the mellow yellow side of life.

But seriously - global warming, climate change, whatever you want to call it - it's a reality we all need to own up to. I don't need to give any examples, as we are all aware of major catastrophes like Hurricane Katrina. For me, it's just weird to sit back and look around and know that I am living during a time of major change in the world. When my parents were born there were millions and millions (dare I say billions?) fewer people living on Mother Earth. The worries of their daily lives were so simple, looking back. I often wish I could go back to when I was a kid, when I could only watch TV for 1 hour on Sunday night (The Muppets). I read a lot of books, was curious about the natural world in my neighborhood (ants, trees, slugs) and that Jacques Cousteau talked of. A time when I wrote with a pen in my diary that had a little lock on it (protect it from my sister's eyes). I played outside and talked a lot to my sister, brother, and parents. I mean, talked in person, on the couch, at the table, at the beach, in the yard. There was no internet, Xbox360, iPhone, DVD's, Prius...

I know I am over-simplifying things, but sometimes it just seems that as I've gotten older life has gotten more and more hectic. There are more distractions, more work, more worries, just more. Some of this "more" is the cause of climate change. More development, more driving, more production of stuff, more people, more packaging...I am not telling anyone what to do, but I'm personally trying to focus on "less". Less stuff, less waste, less buying, less money...so then I can focus on the important "mores" - family time, reading, relaxing...I think that if everyone just stopped once and thought about "less" we'd all be a little more...

Do you blog? Get involved! (and check back here on October 15...)

Get involved!

C'mon C'mon!