Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Goals! Recent Reads and WoW's!!!!!!!

What better to discuss on New Year’s Eve than goals for the New Year? I know it is a tedious thing to read about and let me tell you sometimes it is even more tedious for the person making the list. However, I’m taking a new outlook this year. I’m choosing to be positive about the coming year. If I remember correctly, at this time last year I posted something on my Myspace page about goals for 2008, hold on let me go take a look if I did….. Never mind I’m having issues with the computer.

Anyways I remember not looking forward to the new year and I remember loathing the idea of my birthday only being 5 months away. I wasn’t happy about turning 20 and my life still being at a standstill, you could say. Nothing has changed really, but I want to be more positive. You could say that turning 21 in 5 months could only make me happy because I can finally drink!!!! While I’m excited about that I’m also strongly convinced this year has things in store just waiting for me snatch them up.

Goals for the New Year:

  1. Read between 150 and 200 books. The majority of which I hope come from my own shelves. I tend to buy, buy, buy like crazy, check out even more books from the library, and only read the ones I get from the library. If my tagging on LibraryThing is correct I have well over 350 books to be read. YIKES!

  1. Finish and Enter 21 projects for the quilt show I participate in every August. My grandmother thinks this is too tall of an order for me, but why ever so do you ask? I inherited….yes you guessed it the procrastination gene from my mother and my grandmother. I like, no I choose, to wait a month sometimes less before the event to finish the projects. Not this year I’m starting tomorrow, actually that sounds like a good idea. At least 2 of the quilts are basically finished!

  1. Get down to business about opening a bookstore. This has long been a deep desire for as well as my sister. The more I swap books online at PaperBackSwap the more I realize this goal is attainable. I’m praying the Lord will show me how I can do this. I need to know where I can get inventory from, large quantities of used books. Eventually I’d liked to branch out to selling new books too, but at first I want to focus on used books.

  1. Try harder to write more. I really want to finish a book. There is just too much self doubt evolved. I wish I had a good friend that was a writer that could read my stuff and tell me ‘you stink’ or ‘this is good keep going’. Alas I don’t and I’m just going to try to work on writing. Write from the heart and not be worried about what others will think of it….until later when it becomes important.

  1. Journal more.

  1. A better relationship with the Lord. More than ever my relationship with the Lord has really been slack. The year has had its ups and downs. I back think to all of the blessings the Lord has gave me and think shame on me for not striving for a better relationship with Christ. However, I also shouldn’t only want a better relationship with Him just because of His blessings. I need to be in His word everyday, praying, and worshiping Him because I’m told to do so in His word, its obedience. I want to read my Bible more and truly seek the Lord’s wisdom.

Goals aside I have book reviews to post!!!!!!!

The Sinner’s Tale by Will Davenport (4 stars)

I love books that weave the past with the present. This novel is no different. The author did a great job of slowly drawing me in by starting in the 1300s with a knight. I was eager to know more about this righteous knight who thought himself so lowly and sinful. The book also made me more curious about Catholics and their beliefs. It had just enough mystery to it, to keep me picking it back up. I also want to know more about the time period now. Davenport cleverly had Chaucer as one of the characters and I kept thinking throughout the book that it was him. I was happy with the modern day setting, but didn't enjoy it as much as the past. Beth (modern day main character) was kind of annoying and mean. I kept wanting to take her by the shoulders and give her a good shake. The author does give a little background history from World War 2 as well. The ending message about war is particularly good. I'd recommend this book to people who like historical fiction, mystery, twists, and the movie A Knight's Tale!

A Certain Slant of Light by Laura (2 stars)

Before reading this book I had never read a book with ghosts as the main characters. I was intrigued by the author’s view of life, for some people, after death. Her style of writing was very poetic and it is obvious she has a love for literature and poetry. The story progressed well and was cause for curiosity. I thought it out of place for a young adult book to have such vividly described sex scenes. Usually I base a books worth on whether I feel right about placing it on my shelf someday for my children to read. I would never want them to read this for the pure and simple fact that I don't think it age appropriate, nor content anyone should be filling their minds with. Also it has to be said, I didn't like the portrayal of Christians in the book. It is not because I am a Christian that I say this, but because I don't like it in books or movies when people deem it right to make their audience feel that all Christians are that way. We all are hypocrites at one time or another, myself not excluded. I can understand writing about a Christian who is fake, but portraying us all as perfect little robots who never do anything wrong, don't tolerate sin ever, and pretend to lead a life of righteousness is wrong in my opinion. Sin is wrong, we are to hate the sin, but love the sinner, not to ostracize and create an outcast of ourselves.
I was happy with the ending, in that it gave you hope for the future. I will be interested to see what the author's future stories have in store.

Green Rider by Kristen Britain (4 stars)

Karigan, a young woman, finds herself kicked out of school and running away to get home. Little did she know that running away would bring her so much adventure. It starts with her meeting a dying messenger bound to deliver a message to the king, whose lasts words employ Karigan to take the message to the king. Along the way she meets up with strange creatures, people who speak of magic, traitors, and the mysterious ‘Gray One’.
I purchased this book a while ago based on the recommendation from a friend who knows my taste in books well. When I started reading, I will admit I was a bit put off by the slowness of the story and a lack of any sort of love interest for the main character. Once I told myself to get over no love intrigue in the book and to enjoy the story, that’s exactly what happened. I enjoyed the book! The author’s attention to a fantasy world was done very well and to its history. Many scenes I thought were reminiscent of Lord of the Rings, only with her own style. Karigan, the main character, was convincing as a young woman unsure of where life will lead her. The many trials she faced and the courage she showed in persevering made the story even more enjoyable. At times the story got a bit too predictable; however, in a way it helped to keep me reading more to see if all my predication were correct. There was a very slit hint at a developing love interest toward the end (so don’t give up on it completely). I look forward to the author’s sequel. I’m sure it will be even better.


And then if that’s not enough I have 2 Waiting on Wednesday’s.

I’m very excited that the publishers have decided to bring out another of Eva Ibbotson’s old books. Magic Flutes was originally published in 1982 and is now very hard to find. I’ve found copies before, but they are upwards of $25.00 or more. The book comes out May 2009 and the American title is The Reluctant Heiress. Please someone tell me why American copies of British author’s books have different titles???

Summary for The Reluctant Heiress (found on Amazon.com)

Being an heiress in 1920s Austria with nothing but a broken-down castle to your name and nary a penny in your purse could be frustrating for anyone but the Princess Theresa-Maria of Pfaffenstein. “Tessa,” however, is thrilled with her situation, as it allows her to concentrate on her love of the arts—and no one in the Viennese opera company need know that their delightful and charming under-wardrobe mistress is really a princess. But when the dashing self-made millionaire Guy Farne arrives at the opera in search of suitable entertainment for his high society guests, Tessa realizes that there may be more to life—and love—than just music. But while the attraction between them in undeniable, Guy’s insufferable snob of a fiancĂ©e only solidifies Tessa’s determination to keep her true identity a secret. Yet, after a chance meeting with the handsome Englishman, Tessa’s reserve begins to melt, and she starts to wonder if it’s not too late for a fairytale ending…

Why I’m waiting? Eva Ibbotson has been one of my favorite authors ever since I read The Secret of Platform 13 years ago. Many of her stories take place in Austria and she has a wonderful ability of describing it perfectly. I’m sure if I went there today it would be just as she describes it. It is obvious she loves her home country. Her characters I always feel like I know after I read the books. Oh I can’t wait; I’m squirming in my chair with anticipation!!!!

Allegiance by Cayla Kluver

If you want to read a prologue to her new book coming out 2009, head on over to Cayla Kluver's blog. She hasn’t come out with the release date, but I’m sure it will be soon.
Her first book, Legacy, was a good read. There were times when you could tell she is a new young author, but for the most part it was good and worth the read. I’m eager to read Allegiance because I want to see how the characters lives will turn out and sequels sometimes are better than their predecessors.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Thankfulness, WoW: Bone Crossed, and Life

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

As always on Thanksgiving we tell others the things we are thankful for. I’d love to hear what you’re thankful for too!

1. I’m thankful for the Lord’s mercy and his protection. A little background to this thanks. Last Thursday on my way home from work I slide off the road into a ditch, over a side road, and then into another ditch where I hit a stop sign. In the second ditch I missed hitting a telephone pole by mere inches. If you could see where my car, no longer drivable and totaled, ended up you would see that the Lord just placed my car right where it was to keep me from hitting the pole and dying.

2. I’m thankful for my friends whose encouragement to me is more than they realize.

3. My job. Even though I don’t really like my job and it is not what I want to do the rest of my life, I’m thankful for it. I see that I am extremely blessed to have this job, especially during a time like this in our country.

4. My parent’s relationship. They’re marriage is such an awesome testimony to my siblings and I. I don’t ever want to take that for granted.

5. My family. Last, but certainly not the least. These wonderful people are the haven I go home to everyday and they are the people who know me best. I don’t think I could ever make it through a day without their wisdom, encouragement, love, jokes, and the occasional fight.

Thank you Lord for all you do for me and my family!



Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S. Sorry I haven’t posted my review of The Hunger Games, I will soon! I’m currently reading a good historical fiction book called The Sinner’s Tale by Will Davenport.

Also I’m mimicking another blog, yet again, for “Waiting on” Wednesday (borrowed from The Magic of Ink Blog). The book I’m waiting on is Patricia Briggs latest installment from her Mercy Thompson series, Bone Crossed. (Yes guilty as charged, I really like werewolf books.) It comes out this coming February.




Book Synopsis courtesy of http://www.bn.com/:



In a world where "witches, vampires, werewolves, and shape-shifters live beside ordinary people" (Booklist), it takes a very unusual woman to call it home. By day, Mercy Thompson is a car mechanic in Eastern Washington. By night, she explores her preternatural side. As a shape-shifter with some unusual talents, Mercy's found herself maintaining a tenuous harmony between the human and the not-so- human on more than one occasion. This time she may get more than she bargained for.



Quote of the Day:

All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Come My Way



I got today's blog from a blog I follow, The Magic of Ink posted by Ink Mage. It's fun and makes for a good laugh. Read, enjoy, and then post one of your own!



1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, Winamp, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.
4. Put the artist after a dash following the song name.
5. Put any comments in brackets.
6. Tag some lucky people to spread the disease.





How would you describe yourself?
From Underneath – Hawk Nelson

How do you feel today?
She Will Be Loved – Maroon 5

What is your life’s purpose?
Somebody’s Eyes – Karla Bonoff

What is your motto?
Stay – Emmy Rossum

What do you think about very often?
Dear Prudence (Across the Universe Soundtrack) – Across the Universe Cast
[I don’t know anybody named Prudence, but gosh I guess this is proof that I think of her often :)...kidding]

What is your life story?
I Can’t Let You Go – Matchbox Twenty
[Isn’t that the truth?]

What do you want to be when you grow up?
The Middle – Jimmy Eat World

What will you dance to at your wedding?
High Times, Hard Times (The Newsies Soundtrack) – Newsies
[That makes for a good laugh, but no. This song may have been more appropriate for the next question]

What will they play at your funeral?
Rock What You Got – Superchick
[Too funny]

What is your hobby/interest?
Lip Gloss – Lil’Mama
[Oh my gosh like where is my like Lip Gloss?!]

If you could do anything right now, what would it be?
Someone Else Before – Hawk Nelson

What do you want most of all?
The Uruk-Hai (The Lord of Rings Two Towers Soundtrack) – London Philharmonic Orchestra and London Voices
[I knew my secret would come out sooner or later… I love the Uruk-Hai!]

What is your greatest fear?
Don’t Get Lost In The Crowd (Center Stage Soundtrack) – Ashley Ballard

What is your darkest secret?
You Led Me - BarlowGirl

What is your favorite thing in the world?
Shy Boy – Jordin Sparks

If you could have one wish, what would you wish for?
Song For the Broken – BarlowGirl

What is your theme song?
Ready and Waiting To Fall – Mae
[Oh that’s depressing]

The next time you hear this song (aside from now, that is), you must dance:
Flashdance…What A Feeling (Flashdance soundtrack) – Irene Cara

What will you post this as?
Come My Way - Skillet



Let me tell you the only frustrating thing about this shuffle. This is the most diverse shuffle my iPod has every played. Usually I get songs from the same album playing all in a row. :) Tomorrow I'll post my review of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins which I loved! (Picture taken on my cell phone on the way to work. Beautiful sunrise!)

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Giving up reading what a joke!

I haven’t posted in a while. I’ve been busy trying to finish up my reading goal for October. I didn’t make it. I got so burnt out only reading books that were fast reads and not really what I wanted to read that in the end I’m happy it is over. I never thought I would say I was happy to not be reading, I think someone needs to check my forehead for a fever…maybe. The week following October 31st I didn’t read any books. I had meant to fast from reading for a month or so, but that was a lost cause. I managed a week and it was torturous. I did pack magazines when I went to Ohio and I tried reading them, but the magazines I took I really only like to look at for funky fashion stuff in it. Otherwise reading it is like listening to a bunch of prattling teenage girls talking about the latest gossip…darn near disgusting. I could feel brain cells dying off from lack of nutrient valued reading. My finished books for the month of October are below, now it is time for normal paced reading.

1. The Last of the High Kings By Kate Thompson
2. Looking For Alaska By John Green
3. 84 Charing Cross Road By Helene Hanff
4. Mind’s Eye By Paul Fleischman
5. Wolf Story By William McCleery
6. The Facts of Life and Other Lessons My Father Taught Me By Lisa Whelchel
7. An Abundance of Katherines By John Green
8. Savvy By Ingrid Law
9. The Gift of Sarah Barker By Jane Yolen
10. Let the Hurricane Roar By Rose Wilder Lane
11. Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles (The Nixie’s Song) B.1 By T Diterlizzi & Holly Black
12. Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles (A Giant Problem) B.2 By T Diterlizzi & Holly Black

Not the total I was hoping for, but I did try. I really liked 1, 3, 6, and 8. I could have done without John Green’s books. I read the summary for his newest book Paper Towns and thought it sounded interesting. I decided to read his other books first and yuck I didn’t like them. However, I will give him one more chance and then 3 strikes your out buddy!

I’m currently reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I loved her other stuff and I am loving this book. I have about 3 chapters left that I hope to finish up tonight. Although, after finishing the book, I’ll probably be left with that hopeless feeling of oh no what to read next. That is just how good it is.

Tomorrow I have a fun blog to write! I got to get home though, cuz it’s quitting time for the day.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Quick Blurb

Last night I was up until 11:30, which is way past my bedtime. I know that is not very late, but because I get up early sleep unfortunately is precious. I was up late finishing the last book for the month of September. Did I make it to 15 books? Sadly no I did not, however I was close. I read 4 more books since the last list I posted, making for a total 12 books read for the month! This means next month I have to read 18 instead of only 15. Any quick good reads you want to recommend are very welcome. Last 4 books for the month listed below.

9. Better Than Life by Daniel Pennac
10. The Night Dance by Suzanne Weyn
11. Before Midnight by Cameron Dokey
12. Beauty Sleep by Cameron Dokey

The book Better Than Life was a great read for book lovers. It might even inspire a love of books where there was none before. I want to read it again, but I need to buy it first.

I can’t say the same for 10-12. I didn’t really like any of them. It may have had to do with the fact my mind was so set on finishing them fast that I didn’t take time to really enjoy reading them. I’m not sure. These 3 books were also part of the Once Upon A Time Series I mentioned previously.

How is this for a short post?


No quote of the day, instead scripture that was encouraging to me today.

Scripture of the day:

2 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)
That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Goals, Sharing, and Spiders

One of my favorite parts of my posts is coming up with corky titles. I guess I’m just weird that way.

I believe in my last post I mentioned a goal of reading 15 books by the end of the month. While I may still have 5 more reading days (including today) I think I’ll post what I have finished for the month. I’m still crossing my fingers that I can finish 15 for the month. However, unless my parents are willing not to see me for the entire weekend I doubt this is a goal I can accomplish. I know what you’re thinking; I need to be a positive thinker. I tend to be the person that is less positive; it helps in not being disappointment with the outcome. My mother hates this. (I’m chuckling to myself. I can just picture what she would be saying.) Anyways below is the list of books finished for September that I might be able to add to.

1. Legacy by Cayla Kluver
2. The Crimson Thread by Suzanne Weyn
3. Snow by Tracy Lynn
4. The Storyteller’s Daughter by Cameron Dokey
5. Midnight Pearls by Debbie Viguie
6. Scarlet Moon by Debbie Viguie
7. Sunlight and Shadow by Cameron Dokey
8. The Rose Bride by Nancy Holder (I only have pages left of this to read.)

As you noticed 2 through 8 are from the Once Upon A Time series. My sister loves these books and said I should read them. I’ve liked all of them except Sunlight and Shadow. It didn’t really grip my attention like the others. I know you might consider it cheating that I read all these books. I should have read books more my style. The truth is I was motivated to read these books because I figured they’d be quick reads. Guilty as charged.

I will post if I manage to read more books.


What do dust and spiders have in common? They both love my house. Especially since I live in an old house, it was built around 1860. Why am I mentioning spiders? I have 2 cool pictures to share with you. While I don’t love spiders I think they’re cool to look at, as long as they are outside. The picture below is a picture of a wolf spider; at least my mother thinks it is a wolf spider. However, when I googled wolf spider none of the pictures that came up looked quite like this spider. It lives on one of our windows . . . on the outside. The second picture (above) is a beautiful picture my sister had me take of a web that just outside our door last night.











Cool, huh?


A friend at work shared an article with me. I thought I would post for you to take a look at. The article is called 10 Books Not To Read Before You Die. While I don’t agree with some things said in the article it made for a good chuckle.
Another long post sorry.

No quote of the day today, but I do have a poem for you. I receive a poem everyday in my email by a different classic poet. Last week I received one by William Blake. The poem doesn't seem to want to leave my head and he is my favorite poet so below is the poem.


Poem of the day:


A Poison Tree

By William Blake
I was angry with my friend:
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe;
I told it not, my wrath did grow.
And I water'd it in fears,
Night & morning with my tears;
And I sunned it with my smiles
And with soft deceitful wiles.

And it grew both day and night,
Till it bore an apple bright;
And my foe beheld it shine,
And he knew that it was mine,
And into my garden stole
When the night had veil'd the pole:
In the morning glad I see
My foe outstretch'd beneath the tree

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Blue Flu and The Blue Book

Today I didn’t want to come to work. Oh wait, it is that way everyday! I wish I had a profession that would allow me to work from home, but no such option has arisen yet. I opted for a blue flu day, but I couldn’t come up with a good excuse. My brother played on my conscience that I really needed to be honest about it and not come up with some nickel novel excuse for not going to work today. Ok little brother since when do you act as my conscience J? Although, I abandoned the idea of a blue flu day this morning, I am still contemplating leaving work early. We’ll see.
The past few weeks my free time at home has been spent canning. When I tell most people this they say luck you. However, I love preserving our gardens harvest. It makes me homey and old-fashion (is homey a word?). Monday night a friend of our family stopped at our house with presents for my mom, sister, and I. She purchased for each us the sacred canning book, which is a must for all canners (according to my grandmother), The Blue Book. I was browsing its pages last night and it does have many recipes, canning tips, a trouble-shooting section, and more. I see why it is consider very important to canners.
I finally finished Fitcher’s Brides by Gregory Frost. Thank goodness it is over. I’ve also finished 2 historical fiction books by Katherine Sturtevant, At The Sign of the Star and A True and Faithful Narrative. I enjoyed reading them. I hope to purchase both in the future. I felt the author had a good gripe on her facts and an understanding of the time period, 17th-century London.
I managed to finish another book recently, The Wood Wife by Terri Windling. I thought I had struck out again in choosing an author unknown to me to read, but I stuck with it. In the end I came to really like the book, it just took a while for it to build up. Once it did I couldn’t put it down. After reading her book, I think I would like to visit the desert.
I’m currently reading Legacy by Cayla Kluver. I don’t have a general opinion of it yet. I’ll have to let you know though as soon as I’m finished.
My goal for the month is to finish a total of 15 more books. I think if I put my brain into a comma in the process I should be able to do this. Of course my goal for next month is 15 books as well. I hope I can do it!



No quote of the day this time. However, take the time to read the poem, The Spires of Oxford by Winifred M. Letts. She is one of my favorite poets.





A last note: I think I need to learn to write shorter blogs.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Boredom, Lately Late, and Making a Labor Day Live Up To Its Name

Isn't it ironic how on the days you find yourself reaching out from under your pillow, where your head is buried from the sun, to repeatedly push the snooze button that your not late to work? However, on the days that you force yourself to refrain from pushing that blessed snooze button over and over again that you are late. Why does this happen to me? This morning I didn't wake up until 7 am. I have to be at work by 8:30 and it takes about a half hour drive to get to work. Wouldn't know, I was on time this morning. The day before I woke up, no I dragged myself from blissful slumber :), at 6:30 am and I was late to work. I need to work how to get this getting to work on time thing down to a science.
Did you ever go to your mother when you were young and say, "I'm bored"? Then you found yourself with more than enough chores to last a lifetime. This somehow doesn't fit into the workplace world. All week I've had to search for things to do at work. I tell people "I'm bored. Is there anything I can help you with?” I even asked my boss. No one has things for me to help with and let me tell you being bored at work makes the day trail along like a snail leaving behind slim on the hot ground. Not fun. My day has picked up some today and I'm hoping I have anything, but a slow Friday tomorrow.
I'm in the midst of torturing myself with a book. I never thought I'd mention the two words in the same sentence, but there it is. It goes against the grain for me to not finish books. I've done it maybe twice and I haven't allowed myself to live it down quite yet. The book I'm reading is Fitcher's Brides by Gregory Frost. The end cannot come soon enough. I'm sure I am the only one who has felt this way about the book, at least I think. It just goes on and on. To be quite honest I don't enjoy the main plot subject of a religious movement during the mid 1800s. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth. The book WILL be finished before the end of the week that is a must.
My parents have informed me that the 3-day weekend holds much in store for the family. Much being chores. I know for sure there is a large fence with my name on it, to be painted. The house will probably need cleaning, as well as my bathroom. I hate bathrooms, at least having to clean them. I am crossing my fingers that this weekend will hold a few hours of relaxing peace.

Quote of the Day

Hope is that thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops... at all.
~Emily Dickinson

Friday, July 18, 2008

Staying Up Past My Bedtime . . . :)

This morning or last night however you prefer to say it I went to the midnight showing of Batman The Dark Knight. Wow! Amazing! It was great! Well 2 of my younger siblings decided to paint their faces like the new Joker and it ended up in on our local newspaper. The picture is not great quality, but I thought it would be fun to post it.


A Couple Of Jokers

Reece and Elyza wore Joker makeup for the midnight showing of ‘The Dark Knight’ this morning at North Pointe Cinemas. Photo by David Slone, Times-Union


Sunday, June 1, 2008

Going Green Seems Unattainable Maybe

I've recently desired more and more the need to become 'Green'. No not the color. I feel this is important and not merely a phase. Of course when I look at the big picture it seems darn near impossible for a small town, low income girl like me. I read an article in an old magazine I brought home from work, at the end of the article was a list, 'Going Green Checklist 101 Ways To Get Started'. Some of these are easily put into action while others, well you'll see. I will only list part of the list today and the rest later.


- Recycle the magazine (Easy I can do that)
- Bring your own bags to the grocery store (I have canvas bags)
- Support your local economy and curb excess fossil-fuel consumption by shopping close to home. (This isn't easy for me, I live 20 minutes from the nearest grocery store, round trip about 40 miles)
- Install Energy Star-qualified double-pane windows for better insulation (Our house is over a 100 years old and we kind of like the old look)
- Buy energy-efficient appliances, look for the Energy Star Label
- Go for bamboo: flooring, cutting boards, towels, sheets, and so on (I've got a bamboo cutting board!)
- Clean the fridge coils for better productivity
- Turn off the lights when you leave the room (This also helps keeps our house cooler)
- Install low-floor showerheads and take shorter showers (Me: Whistling)
- Eat more veggies
- Get a library card (I would be the last person to live without one of these)
- Ride your bike (I love riding my bike)
- Don't let the sink faucet run when you wash dishes and brush your teeth.
- Leave only footprints when you travel
- Unplug your electronics when you're not using them
- Use greener cleaners. Baking soda will clean just about anything!
- Wash clothes in cold water
- Cover pots on the stove to avoid losing excess heat--and wasting energy
- Line dry your clothes when possible (I love hanging clothes outside, it makes me feel old fashion :))
- Find a green dry cleaner, and bring your own garment bag (This doesn't really apply to me, not many of my clothes require dry cleaning)
- Turn off dishwasher's drying cycle (Hmm there are 4 dishwashers in my house, sometimes 6 :))
- Shut your computer down when you leave work especially on Fridays
- Vote for change
- Drive a hybrid (Unless I win the lotto, this will never happen, unfortunately)
- Join a food co-op
- Swap paperbacks with paperbackswap.com (Oh no my books I don't part with sorry)
- B.Y.O.B. of water (Call me stupid, but I don't know what this means)
- Get off junk-mail lists by registering at dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailinglist
- Shred old paper for packing instead of using Styrofoam peanuts (yuk Styrofoam!)
- Skip the elevator and take the stairs
- Check the air pressure in your tires since under inflated tires reduce fuel efficiency
- Buy recycled toilet paper
- Print on both sides of the paper
- After you finish baking, turn off the oven and leave the door open to heat your home (Do they expect us to do this during hot 90 degree days :P )
- Eat only sustainably harvested fish to help protect the health of the ocean visit oceansalive.org (I like some seafood, but fish is not one of them)
- Go carbon-neutral
- To save gas, drive under 60 mph or don't drive as much (But it is so much fun . . . .)
- Don't use pesticides on your lawn
- Find new uses for old things
- Compact your nonrecycable trash and use fewer bags
- Give your car a tune-up so it drives more efficiently
- Buy things that will last
- Invest in environmentally conscious mutual funds find them at socialinvest.org (I rarely have extra funds)
- Buy shade-grown coffee (Accomplished . . . I don't drink coffee!)
- Unload your trunk; the lighter the load, the less gas your car consumes (Darn gotta get rid of that body, joking)
- Seal up your house
- Switch to as reusable coffee filter
- Go toxin-free at home
- Eat what's in season

As you can see I commented on some of them. I suppose if I'm making an excuse for why I won't and can't accomplish one it means I am unwilling to try. However, some people I believe can and will be able to be 125% Green, while others like me may only be able to attain less. The best I can do is try and it won't happen over night.

Quote of the day (By the way I'm a quote person, I just can't get enough of them) :


As if we could kill time without injuring eternity! - Henry David Thoreau
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