Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Brad Lancaster on Water Harvesting on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iQ-FBAmvBw&feature=related
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
CSA target audience? Invitation for a guest poster
My friend wrote about her experiences with an intro meeting to the concept... I'd like to invite Amethyst to post her piece on my blog... May I post it here? It's right on target. I'd also like to hear about anyone else's experiences with Community Supported Agriculture.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Go Local: A model for a new economy
Check this out as a model for a new way to interact to offer our services and products and find what we need.
GoLocal's mission is to reclaim our local economic power by . . .
- Educating the community on the benefits of supporting a resilient, thriving local economy
- Engaging all community stakeholders by providing ownership in the cooperative and process
- Formalizing and strengthening community relationships
- Sustaining well-being through community reinvestment and enterprise incubation
Jonathan Harris, TED Talk: Our individual and collective stories
I've been taking some time for rest and personal exploration: reading Jung, watching movies on Netflix, watching and enjoying TED Talks, and sleeping in the middle of the day.
Please take some time to go to TED to investigate the amazing thinking that is presented.
I am moved to share one particular TED talk, which is a bit arbitrary because of all the other worthy ones I've seen lately. I suppose it's the nature of his work that makes me want to share it on the Blog.
This talk by Jonathan Harris, about our individual and collective stories, will serve as a fantastic introduction if you aren't familiar with TED. http://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_harris_tells_the_web_s_secret_stories.html
Here are some links to some of the projects he mentions:
We Feel Fine: http://www.wefeelfine.org/mission.html
Universe: http://universe.daylife.com/
Jonathan Harris's website: http://www.number27.org/, which is where I'll leave off because all of his projects are linked there.
Enjoy.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know
[This is cross-posted on my Facebook page; some of you may encounter it twice. I welcome comments, questions, etc.]
We’ve all seen the list ‘20 things about me’ and ‘50 thing about me you didn’t know’. They can actually be interesting if you want to get to know the person better! Well, we’ve got one I haven’t seen anywhere yet, ‘30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know.’
Just copy and paste it below and put it up on your blog, send it to your friends, paste in on Facebook (if it’s too long, put it in your ‘notes’ section.)
Let’s spread the word about Invisible Illness Week this way. It’s a wonderful way to share a little bit about your life. And don’t forget to add the last paragraph so people know where to find us!
30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know
by Heather Severson
1. The illness I live with is: Arachnoiditis (see a good explanation of this condition. It’s right on target for what I endure.)
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 2007
3. But I had symptoms since: 2003
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: Losing custody of my children.
5. Most people assume: I can’t begin to guess what “most people” assume about me and this illness. Why don’t you tell me what your assumptions are?
6. The hardest part about mornings is: Waking up from dreams where I was active and moving and free, to find out I’m still in this pained body.
7. My favorite medical TV show is: Oh, I don’t watch tv so I guess the only one I know about at all is ER.
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: My TENS unit. (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
9. The hardest part about nights is: Insomnia due to pain.
10. Each day I take this many pills and vitamins: 10 prescription pills & occasionally a handful of vitamins.
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: Appreciate acupuncture and wish I could pay for more regular treatments. I wish things like that were covered under health insurance because I think they help keep other health-related costs down.
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: Neither. I would choose to be healthy. I would like it if I didn’t have to put up with indignant glances and even comments when I need to use my handicap parking placard. On the days I don’t need it, I don’t use it. But when I need it, I really need it. I don’t want the pity or lack of understanding from complete strangers who might judge me if my condition were more obvious, either. I’m still just as much of a human being now as I was before I got sick. You can still look me in the eye even if I’m in a wheelchair or bedbound.
13. Regarding working and career: I feel bereft and robbed of my intentions and efforts to follow my calling and make a significant contribution to my profession. But I’m going to try to do something, anyway. My goal is to support myself and my family (and evidently, whether I want to or not, my ex-husband) with my own work and income, and begin contributing to social security instead of depending on my small disability benefit. It’s not nearly enough to live on, even with the most reduced quality of life or lifestyle. Believe me, it’s not living the high life to have to accept that monthly payment. I really doubt that anyone who accepts this kind of assistance is lazy and content to “live off the government” or whatever it was that a certain person might accuse me of… or that I worried about in the months I put off applying because of a strange sense of pride or guilt or Puritan work ethic. I’m willing to bet that an enormous percentage of people who receive disability benefits would be back at work instantly if they could leave behind the condition that led to their disability in the first place. Part of our purpose as human beings is to do important, meaningful work. It is extremely depressing to feel that one can’t make a positive contribution.
14. People would be surprised to know: Again, I can’t begin to know what other people think. What surprises you?
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: Besides losing custody of the children, I’m bitter about not being able to teach SCUBA diving, go hiking and camping, take care of the regular household and garden tasks that I could do when I was healthy and strong. I miss teaching. The list goes on. Nothing about this is easy.
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: Survive 8 surgeries and countless hospitalizations, with the associated trauma that is meant to help heal, but that hurts and causes lasting physical pain and emotional upset. If I explained it, you would probably feel like throwing up, so I’ll spare you the details of spinal taps, central line installation and failure, IV bruises, side effects of anesthesia, spinal headaches and the rest.
17. The commercials about my illness: Don’t seem to exist. At least I’ve never seen a television, print or online ad about it. Of course, in terms of media, I don’t get out much.
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: Rock climbing, SCUBA diving, hiking, camping, climbing up on to my roof to clean the rain gutters, driving long distances, traveling, you name it. I still miss all of it.
19. It was really hard to have to give up: Custody of the kids. I can’t accept it. It’s hard to give up my old active life. I can’t stand being dependent. I was always the one to depend on, the one who could get things done.
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: Facebook, evidently. ☹
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: Go SCUBA diving or backpacking. Pick up my kids and dance around with them. Run around chasing them and piling on the ground in a fit of little boy giggles.
22. My illness has taught me: Compassion. Appreciation for health. Not to judge others because I never really know what suffering they may endure that I cannot see or be aware of. People are resilient and strong. Unfortunately, some people, in their own pain or lack of experience, can be really mean and insensitive.
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: “It’s all for the best” type comments or “I know how you feel,” or “Get over it,” or “It’s not that bad.”
24. But I love it when people: Treat me as they ever did, as a friend. I really appreciate it when I can do something to help my friends. I’m not helpless in all ways, I just can’t do much physically.
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: This too shall pass, or Everything is temporary.
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: Cry whenever you can. Don’t let yourself become emotionally numb. Be prepared for depression, which is an inevitable companion to chronic pain and probably a result of the lost opportunities and capabilities that are consequences of this condition and whatever led up to it. Be strong. Take your pain medicines without apology. Do a good deal of research so you can learn what questions to ask of your medical team. Ask those questions until you get satisfactory answers. If a medication makes you feel weird in any way, ask the doctor or pharmacist about it. There are alternatives that might not make you suffer strange and debilitating side effects. Try alternative therapies. Ask for help. Accept help. Read the Chronic Pain Patient’s Basic Rights . The one I like best and try to take to heart is, “Do less than you are humanly capable of doing.”
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: It is still possible to be happy.
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: I can’t count the specific kindnesses I have received during this ordeal from friends, family, work colleagues, health professionals and utter strangers. One thing that comes to mind is that Cathy came from Ohio to spend a week or so taking care of me after one of my early surgeries. I’ll never forget the comfort that came from knowing my household was in her capable hands. I mean, NEVER. I summon up the feeling as a self-soothing device when I need it. I survive on gratitude. Thank you to all of you who continue to be here for me.
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: It’s very frightening to put all this out there, even in the limited scope of publishing on Facebook. I’ll take up the challenge to speak for others who may not be able to do so. I’ve learned that what is true for me is often true for many others. If I can articulate some idea or concept that leads to compassionate treatment of someone else in my circumstances, this will have been worth the effort and exposure.
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: Appreciative. Time is precious and if you have read this I’m grateful for your time and attention. If you have learned anything, pass it on. If you have questions, please feel free to ask me anything.
Find out more about National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week and the 5-day free virtual conference with 20 speakers Sept 14-18, 2009 at http://invisibleillnessweek.com
* 6 Reasons I Support Invisible Illness Week
1. Knowledge is Power.
2. Ignorance is not bliss for the people who suffer from the consequences of ignorance.
3. Compassion can be contagious.
4. It hurts to be sick on so many levels that someone who has never suffered like this may gain appreciation for his or her own relative good health, and may practice more nuanced compassion by learning about illness.
5. It is likely that everyone will encounter a severe illness in his or her life, whether personally or in someone he or she loves. It’s good to know there are resources for support standing at the ready when that crisis occurs.
6. I would like to provide more opportunities and excuses for kindness in this world.
We’ve all seen the list ‘20 things about me’ and ‘50 thing about me you didn’t know’. They can actually be interesting if you want to get to know the person better! Well, we’ve got one I haven’t seen anywhere yet, ‘30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know.’
Just copy and paste it below and put it up on your blog, send it to your friends, paste in on Facebook (if it’s too long, put it in your ‘notes’ section.)
Let’s spread the word about Invisible Illness Week this way. It’s a wonderful way to share a little bit about your life. And don’t forget to add the last paragraph so people know where to find us!
30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know
by Heather Severson
1. The illness I live with is: Arachnoiditis (see a good explanation of this condition. It’s right on target for what I endure.)
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 2007
3. But I had symptoms since: 2003
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: Losing custody of my children.
5. Most people assume: I can’t begin to guess what “most people” assume about me and this illness. Why don’t you tell me what your assumptions are?
6. The hardest part about mornings is: Waking up from dreams where I was active and moving and free, to find out I’m still in this pained body.
7. My favorite medical TV show is: Oh, I don’t watch tv so I guess the only one I know about at all is ER.
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: My TENS unit. (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
9. The hardest part about nights is: Insomnia due to pain.
10. Each day I take this many pills and vitamins: 10 prescription pills & occasionally a handful of vitamins.
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: Appreciate acupuncture and wish I could pay for more regular treatments. I wish things like that were covered under health insurance because I think they help keep other health-related costs down.
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: Neither. I would choose to be healthy. I would like it if I didn’t have to put up with indignant glances and even comments when I need to use my handicap parking placard. On the days I don’t need it, I don’t use it. But when I need it, I really need it. I don’t want the pity or lack of understanding from complete strangers who might judge me if my condition were more obvious, either. I’m still just as much of a human being now as I was before I got sick. You can still look me in the eye even if I’m in a wheelchair or bedbound.
13. Regarding working and career: I feel bereft and robbed of my intentions and efforts to follow my calling and make a significant contribution to my profession. But I’m going to try to do something, anyway. My goal is to support myself and my family (and evidently, whether I want to or not, my ex-husband) with my own work and income, and begin contributing to social security instead of depending on my small disability benefit. It’s not nearly enough to live on, even with the most reduced quality of life or lifestyle. Believe me, it’s not living the high life to have to accept that monthly payment. I really doubt that anyone who accepts this kind of assistance is lazy and content to “live off the government” or whatever it was that a certain person might accuse me of… or that I worried about in the months I put off applying because of a strange sense of pride or guilt or Puritan work ethic. I’m willing to bet that an enormous percentage of people who receive disability benefits would be back at work instantly if they could leave behind the condition that led to their disability in the first place. Part of our purpose as human beings is to do important, meaningful work. It is extremely depressing to feel that one can’t make a positive contribution.
14. People would be surprised to know: Again, I can’t begin to know what other people think. What surprises you?
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: Besides losing custody of the children, I’m bitter about not being able to teach SCUBA diving, go hiking and camping, take care of the regular household and garden tasks that I could do when I was healthy and strong. I miss teaching. The list goes on. Nothing about this is easy.
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: Survive 8 surgeries and countless hospitalizations, with the associated trauma that is meant to help heal, but that hurts and causes lasting physical pain and emotional upset. If I explained it, you would probably feel like throwing up, so I’ll spare you the details of spinal taps, central line installation and failure, IV bruises, side effects of anesthesia, spinal headaches and the rest.
17. The commercials about my illness: Don’t seem to exist. At least I’ve never seen a television, print or online ad about it. Of course, in terms of media, I don’t get out much.
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: Rock climbing, SCUBA diving, hiking, camping, climbing up on to my roof to clean the rain gutters, driving long distances, traveling, you name it. I still miss all of it.
19. It was really hard to have to give up: Custody of the kids. I can’t accept it. It’s hard to give up my old active life. I can’t stand being dependent. I was always the one to depend on, the one who could get things done.
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: Facebook, evidently. ☹
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: Go SCUBA diving or backpacking. Pick up my kids and dance around with them. Run around chasing them and piling on the ground in a fit of little boy giggles.
22. My illness has taught me: Compassion. Appreciation for health. Not to judge others because I never really know what suffering they may endure that I cannot see or be aware of. People are resilient and strong. Unfortunately, some people, in their own pain or lack of experience, can be really mean and insensitive.
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: “It’s all for the best” type comments or “I know how you feel,” or “Get over it,” or “It’s not that bad.”
24. But I love it when people: Treat me as they ever did, as a friend. I really appreciate it when I can do something to help my friends. I’m not helpless in all ways, I just can’t do much physically.
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: This too shall pass, or Everything is temporary.
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: Cry whenever you can. Don’t let yourself become emotionally numb. Be prepared for depression, which is an inevitable companion to chronic pain and probably a result of the lost opportunities and capabilities that are consequences of this condition and whatever led up to it. Be strong. Take your pain medicines without apology. Do a good deal of research so you can learn what questions to ask of your medical team. Ask those questions until you get satisfactory answers. If a medication makes you feel weird in any way, ask the doctor or pharmacist about it. There are alternatives that might not make you suffer strange and debilitating side effects. Try alternative therapies. Ask for help. Accept help. Read the Chronic Pain Patient’s Basic Rights . The one I like best and try to take to heart is, “Do less than you are humanly capable of doing.”
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: It is still possible to be happy.
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: I can’t count the specific kindnesses I have received during this ordeal from friends, family, work colleagues, health professionals and utter strangers. One thing that comes to mind is that Cathy came from Ohio to spend a week or so taking care of me after one of my early surgeries. I’ll never forget the comfort that came from knowing my household was in her capable hands. I mean, NEVER. I summon up the feeling as a self-soothing device when I need it. I survive on gratitude. Thank you to all of you who continue to be here for me.
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: It’s very frightening to put all this out there, even in the limited scope of publishing on Facebook. I’ll take up the challenge to speak for others who may not be able to do so. I’ve learned that what is true for me is often true for many others. If I can articulate some idea or concept that leads to compassionate treatment of someone else in my circumstances, this will have been worth the effort and exposure.
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: Appreciative. Time is precious and if you have read this I’m grateful for your time and attention. If you have learned anything, pass it on. If you have questions, please feel free to ask me anything.
Find out more about National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week and the 5-day free virtual conference with 20 speakers Sept 14-18, 2009 at http://invisibleillnessweek.com
* 6 Reasons I Support Invisible Illness Week
1. Knowledge is Power.
2. Ignorance is not bliss for the people who suffer from the consequences of ignorance.
3. Compassion can be contagious.
4. It hurts to be sick on so many levels that someone who has never suffered like this may gain appreciation for his or her own relative good health, and may practice more nuanced compassion by learning about illness.
5. It is likely that everyone will encounter a severe illness in his or her life, whether personally or in someone he or she loves. It’s good to know there are resources for support standing at the ready when that crisis occurs.
6. I would like to provide more opportunities and excuses for kindness in this world.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Tucson Organic Gardeners Provides Composting Info and More
http://www.tucsonorganicgardeners.org/compostinginformation.htm
Tucson Organic Gardeners provides lectures, demonstrations, and informative documents about composting and all kinds of other cool gardening information. Check 'em out!
Composting in the Desert
From Technicians for Sustainability
http://tfssolar.com/1767/composting-in-the-desert/
Composting in the Desert: (and plant sale)
Oct. 24, 2009, time TBA
St Marks Presbyterian Church View Larger Map 3809 E 3rd Street The garden is actually on 2nd Street, so park in the lot off 2nd.
Tucson Organic Gardeners is explaining all you need to know to get started in composting, to maintain your compost, use your compost and even help your neighbors. Bring all your questions too. They'll have a plant sale at the same time.
Cost: $10 TOG members $15 non-members
Call TOGs info line, 670-9158 and leave a message if you will be attending
http://tfssolar.com/1767/composting-in-the-desert/
Composting in the Desert: (and plant sale)
Oct. 24, 2009, time TBA
St Marks Presbyterian Church View Larger Map 3809 E 3rd Street The garden is actually on 2nd Street, so park in the lot off 2nd.
Tucson Organic Gardeners is explaining all you need to know to get started in composting, to maintain your compost, use your compost and even help your neighbors. Bring all your questions too. They'll have a plant sale at the same time.
Cost: $10 TOG members $15 non-members
Call TOGs info line, 670-9158 and leave a message if you will be attending
Edible Desert Plants and a cool blog to boot...
http://tucsoncitizen.com/wryheat/2009/08/01/edible-desert-plants-barrel-cactus-fruit/
I'm always interested in learning more about edible plants, particularly those native to our desert southwest. If you know any good sources of information, can tell some good stories, or have a recipe or two, chime in!
(I know I'm neglecting this Blog but I want to keep throwing out some tidbits of information that support my theme until I can "sustain" the Blog in a more substantial way. I don't even know who reads this stuff, so it's hard to stay motivated to write about it when I'm so busy practicing LivingInSyn. If there's anyone out there, send me a peep... or contribute to the dialogue... a readership is mighty motivating.)
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Questions about energy-efficient heater/air conditioning system
I had to have my air conditioner serviced last week; I'd gone as far as I could poking around in there without causing potential damage, so I called for help. As we settled our business at the end of the service, we chatted about newer, far more efficient models of heaters/air conditioners. They are pricey but there are often rebates available, and the service guy (what's the right job title? I dunno) said they pay for themselves very quickly. I want to quantify "very." So here's the third in a series of questions that don't yet have answers. Feedback, anecdotes and suggestions welcome!
Questions about water- and energy-efficient washers and dryers
Another friend is looking into purchasing a water-and energy-efficient washer and dryer set. She's conflicted about getting rid of a perfectly good washer and dryer in the interests of efficiency. Is it worth it? How much energy and water savings result from the exchange? What are the downsides? Are there any unexpected benefits?
I'll post this in the interest of gaining feedback, and like the com-"post" I'll revisit the blog when I have some answers.
I'll post this in the interest of gaining feedback, and like the com-"post" I'll revisit the blog when I have some answers.
Questions about desert composting
My friend just started composting at her new place... I'm going to add her questions to my own blog, since composting is my "thing" and see if I can address them, answering her inquiries and maybe informing others as well.
Questions Specific to Composting in the Desert/ Tucson:
1. Has anyone figured out if this is really worthwhile, considering that I am having to water my compost pile with precious ground water every other day or so?
2. How do I know if I am keeping the pile moist enough? In general, how do I know if I am tending my compost pile correctly for maximum results?
3. Any tricks for keeping the pile moist enough?
4. What kinds of bugs and critters are normal to expect around a compost pile? I know I should be on the lookout for neighborhood cats, but is there anything else I should worry about? I've got lots of ants and other miscellaneous little bugs. I also noticed some weird chrysalises (sp?) They were about 1 1/2" in diameter, white with a red tip on one end, curled into a circle and looked nasty-- some kind of beetle or something? Hopefully not cockroaches? Ew.
If any readers have suggestions, feel free to chime in!
Stay tuned for more information!
In the meantime, I addressed composting in a previous post: Compost Happens. There are some links to composting in that post, though I haven't checked them for link rot. I'll surely find more information in the quest for answers to these questions.
Questions Specific to Composting in the Desert/ Tucson:
1. Has anyone figured out if this is really worthwhile, considering that I am having to water my compost pile with precious ground water every other day or so?
2. How do I know if I am keeping the pile moist enough? In general, how do I know if I am tending my compost pile correctly for maximum results?
3. Any tricks for keeping the pile moist enough?
4. What kinds of bugs and critters are normal to expect around a compost pile? I know I should be on the lookout for neighborhood cats, but is there anything else I should worry about? I've got lots of ants and other miscellaneous little bugs. I also noticed some weird chrysalises (sp?) They were about 1 1/2" in diameter, white with a red tip on one end, curled into a circle and looked nasty-- some kind of beetle or something? Hopefully not cockroaches? Ew.
If any readers have suggestions, feel free to chime in!
Stay tuned for more information!
In the meantime, I addressed composting in a previous post: Compost Happens. There are some links to composting in that post, though I haven't checked them for link rot. I'll surely find more information in the quest for answers to these questions.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Thank you for your donation
Thank you for your contribution. It will go to good use in building our sustainable lifestyle... My children and I thank you. (Happy Dance of Appreciation)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Parenting Resources, Disability Research
I've just finished reading The Self-Esteem Trap: Raising Confident Kids in an Age of Self-Importance, by Polly Young-Eisendrath. (2008) Little, Brown & Co.
Perusing the bibliography and notes, I looked into the Arkansas Center for Effective Parenting (http://parenting-ed.org/default.asp). This website led me down a long path, exploring various handouts about parenting.
I also found The National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research, which has all kinds of information on just what it describes.
I am beginning to take part in a Mind-Body Skills Group presented by the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Department of Psychology. It's all part of my self-improvement, self-educating efforts, which may help me find some worthwhile distraction from all my woes of the past few years. Perhaps it will help me reestablish some sense of purpose, so that I can get anchored into "real life" at some point.
In calm, idle moments, I have finally begun to ponder the significance of my experiences with illness and single parenting and disability and custody battles and failure and all that, hoping to get my words around these things to preserve some insight for myself, and perhaps for others. Perhaps I'll get around to posting some of these thoughts on the blog.
Sometimes I think about this blog and my purposes for starting it, and I realize it goes neglected far too long if I am to make it into a relevant outlet for my insights and inquiries. But it takes its place among the lowest items on my priority list.
In talking with the physiologist at my physical therapist's office, I realized that I've been immersed in day-to-day survival more than what I once enjoyed as authentic, if sometimes frantic, living. I don't have anything to look forward to, and I've been set adrift in my life in a way I never was before when I was busy busy busy doing my work and scholarship and recreation, then parenting and householding. Perhaps it's time to get out the paper and write about short term, long term and life goals.
Anyway, maybe I'm back online, but maybe not. In the meantime, happy February... we're already well on our way into 2009. Astounding.
Perusing the bibliography and notes, I looked into the Arkansas Center for Effective Parenting (http://parenting-ed.org/default.asp). This website led me down a long path, exploring various handouts about parenting.
I also found The National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research, which has all kinds of information on just what it describes.
I am beginning to take part in a Mind-Body Skills Group presented by the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Department of Psychology. It's all part of my self-improvement, self-educating efforts, which may help me find some worthwhile distraction from all my woes of the past few years. Perhaps it will help me reestablish some sense of purpose, so that I can get anchored into "real life" at some point.
In calm, idle moments, I have finally begun to ponder the significance of my experiences with illness and single parenting and disability and custody battles and failure and all that, hoping to get my words around these things to preserve some insight for myself, and perhaps for others. Perhaps I'll get around to posting some of these thoughts on the blog.
Sometimes I think about this blog and my purposes for starting it, and I realize it goes neglected far too long if I am to make it into a relevant outlet for my insights and inquiries. But it takes its place among the lowest items on my priority list.
In talking with the physiologist at my physical therapist's office, I realized that I've been immersed in day-to-day survival more than what I once enjoyed as authentic, if sometimes frantic, living. I don't have anything to look forward to, and I've been set adrift in my life in a way I never was before when I was busy busy busy doing my work and scholarship and recreation, then parenting and householding. Perhaps it's time to get out the paper and write about short term, long term and life goals.
Anyway, maybe I'm back online, but maybe not. In the meantime, happy February... we're already well on our way into 2009. Astounding.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Parenting Resource and Shout Out to Marla
A shout out to Marla, featured in an interesting blog that bears further investigation:
http://happyhealthyhip.blogspot.com/2008/12/what-makes-marla-happy-healthy-hip.html
The blog is Hip Heathy Parenting, at http://www.happyhealthyhip.com/index.php
I know I need all the help I can get in the parenting department.
http://happyhealthyhip.blogspot.com/2008/12/what-makes-marla-happy-healthy-hip.html
The blog is Hip Heathy Parenting, at http://www.happyhealthyhip.com/index.php
I know I need all the help I can get in the parenting department.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Low-water use landscaping, here and there
Here's another information resource about landscape water conservation in Pima County: http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/smartscape/
If you have similar resources for your location, if distant from the desert southwest, please share in the comments section. What kind of water conservation efforts exist in more moist climates? For example, the Portland Water Bureau provides information for its customers at http://www.portlandonline.com/WATER/index.cfm?c=29334
If you have similar resources for your location, if distant from the desert southwest, please share in the comments section. What kind of water conservation efforts exist in more moist climates? For example, the Portland Water Bureau provides information for its customers at http://www.portlandonline.com/WATER/index.cfm?c=29334
Tucson Water Home Toilet Rebate and Toilet Information for All!
I installed my water efficient toilets in October 2006, so I can't make use of this, but maybe you can. Tucson Water is offering rebates to help qualifying customers replace old, inefficient pre-1991 toilets with new, high-performance, water-efficient toilet fixtures. See this website for a list of over 200 USEPA-approved toilets. (Readers who don't live in Tucson can check this out, too.) http://www.epa.gov/watersense/pp/find_het.htm
If any of you, my readers, make use of information on this Blog, will you let me know in the comments section? I'd like to hear if any of this makes any practical difference. Thanks!
If any of you, my readers, make use of information on this Blog, will you let me know in the comments section? I'd like to hear if any of this makes any practical difference. Thanks!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Resources regarding electronic recycling and environmental solutions
I've been looking for work, and giving some of these social/professional networking sites a try. I got this tidbit from a Sustainability Professionals group discussion on LinkedIn. Take note of the disclaimer, but see if any of this information helps you make decisions about what to do with electronic waste.
SmartEE Consulting: smart e-recycling and environmental solutions
http://www.smarteeconsulting.com/resources/
SmartEE Consulting: smart e-recycling and environmental solutions
http://www.smarteeconsulting.com/resources/
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
NaNoWriMo loves HeatherHeather
Well, I did it. You can track my progress and goofy communiqués at the NaNoWriMo Website. Wouldn't it be cool if I could sell the results of this effort to pay child support? (Wait until I tell you THAT story. Stay tuned.)
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