It isn't easy bein' Green...

In honor of Earth Day, a lot of my friends have been talking about Green living, the Ecological Footprint test and whatnot. I took the test and found my lifestyle to be very taxing on the environment.

CATEGORY ACRES FOOD 6.9 MOBILITY 6.4 SHELTER 4.7 GOODS/SERVICES 10.1 TOTAL FOOTPRINT 28

	IN COMPARISON, THE AVERAGE ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT IN YOUR COUNTRY IS 24 ACRES PER PERSON. WORLDWIDE, THERE EXIST 4.5 BIOLOGICALLY PRODUCTIVE ACRES PER PERSON.
	IF EVERYONE LIVED LIKE YOU, WE WOULD NEED 6.3 PLANETS.

While I find this to be more than alarming, I do have to accept the fact that there are things I can not change... right now. I live in a townhouse where the association does not recycle. This infuriates me. But I know it is a money game with them and that they are not interested in change, unless it brings them more of a profit. Again, because of the fact that it is a rental property and not something that we own, there are things that we are not able to do, like replacing the windows and appliances and whatnot. This would help in terms of efficiency, but they are not changes for a non-owner to make. So I have to let them go.
My car likes gas. This is sad, but I cannot afford a new car, especially since I just paid off this one. So I will keep it running as efficiently as I can and look at something more eco-friendly when the time comes.
My new job causes me to travel considerably more miles to get to work, but again, I can't obsess over that. Hopefully when I move, I will be able to find something that is perhaps a better distance from work. Taking public transportation to my job is next to impossible, considering my job has me in different locations every day, including two days a week in which I am traveling from place to place during the day. In terms of local errands, I am happy to use my bike or walk if it is possible, but I do have to factor in distances, of course.
I do keep bags in my car for the supermarket. This confuses the cashiers at the market I go to, but that's just part of the fun. If I had my own place, I would love to try gardening as a source for veggies. I am certainly not opposed to learning how to prepare more vegetarian dishes, and in terms of "meat," I eat beef very rarely - but that is really more for health reasons. I eat at home and bring my lunch to work more often than not, so that helps reduce waste and garbage associated with eating out/fast food.
I like energy efficient lightbulbs (Ikea has a lot of them!), and we try to remember to turn as many lights off as possible when we can. We use a water economical shower head, which is pretty darn cool, especially since it came with a bunch of energy-saving ideas and a few other helpful things. Unfortunately, our home is poorly insulated so we tend to freeze in the winter, even with the heat on. But I am a fan of lots of blankets and heating blankets/bags, with the microwavable bags being a favorite in that they are infinitely reusable, (both as hot and cold packs) and retain their heat over a fairly long period of time.
So, I am not as environmentally friendly as I want to be. But I would like to know what I can do in my current situation, and then do things as I am able and as my life changes. I have met people who power their home completely by solar power and I think it is amazing - they actually sell power back to the power company! If I am ever able to afford to build a house, I would totally pursue the opportunity of doing things like that.

Water Water Everywhere...

The Flood Stage for the river in my town is 5 feet. It crested at 12.2 feet during the Nor'easter this week. So many people in my town are still trying to dry out and clean up. It's heartbreaking. More of my pictures are here.

Chocolatey goodness

I love chocolate... but that's no big shock! One of my favorites is only available at this time of year... Cadbury Mini Eggs. I wait for them every year!! But what a surprise it was to find these in the Easter sale bin! They are fantastic... the dark chocolate is so smooth and velvety. They are now my new favorite!

...good thing I only bought one bag.

Never trust a fellow with a helmet on his head!

On Saturday, Matt and I had one of our "rambustifications" - an excursion into the City.

We took the train in and then picked a destination from a list of places we want to go. We chose the Lincoln Center tour. I highly recommend it! We didn't get the full tour (it's a Saturday afternoon and there are matinees galore!) but there were only four of us on the tour and we got a great tour guide who let us listen in on quite a bit of a concert at Avery Fisher Hall! :) We toured Avery Fisher Hall and the State Theatre, (peeking in on the aforementioned concert and and a City Opera performance!) and walked through the front lobby of the Met. (no peeking there, though.)



Next, it was time for lunch. Matt suggested the Jeckyll and Hyde Club. It was great fun. I'd never been there before, and we had a spooky time, getting seated right away, and eating in the grand salon. One of the entertainers at the club tried to get me to sing when he found out I was a musician, but I refused. I would have if he came back as he said he would, but he disappeared. Hmmm..... maybe he disappeared into the spooky attic. ;)

When we got outside, Matt started walking with a purpose and then hailed a cab. I started to wonder what was up his sleeve when he had us directed towards Macy's on 34th. Although he said he had nothing planned there, my guess was he had tickets to the circus, right down the street from Macy's. We've often talked about running away and joining the circus!
Boy was I surprised to discover that he did have tickets - for us to go and see Great Big Sea at the Hammerstein Theatre!!!




The show was amazing - two full sets of a mix of all of their current stuff and two new songs that will be on their next CD! They played many of my personal favorites, too, so I was especially excited! It was such fun to sing and dance and jump around. The crowd was an interesting mix of people, mostly 20's/30's, but kids and older adults as well. People were all really cool, too, considering that everyone wanted to know how the people around them found out about the group, being as they are not too well known here in the states, but are huge in their native Canada! The only crazies at the concert decided to push themselves in front of us during the second set, and it was quite obvious that they had more than something from the bar in their systems. That's not cool, and not typical at all for this type of show. Matt and the guy behind us had to keep "helping" the man in front of us maintain his balance and not fall on top of us all! But I won't let that be a damper on the great music we heard. If you've never heard them before, check out their site! It's a cool blend of traditional songs of Newfoundland and original music influenced by their Canadian history. It's contagious, let me tell you!
Yesterday's pictures are here!

Sewing Class Project

A few weeks ago, my mom and I decided to take a sewing class at a local store. It was a lot of fun! We learned how to use a felting machine (so much easier than the technique by hand!), saw the embroidery machine at work, and crafted a small purse. The top picture shows the detail of my mom's felting with the overlaying flower, the second picture shows the unfinished purse (two pieces of felt and two zippers makes a purse with three pockets, if done properly!). The bottom is the detail on my purse, and the final one is the finished project. It is conveniently the exact size for a passport, making it a great choice for a lightweight travel bag! It was slated as a "beginner" class, but that was a stretch. I am a real beginner - I can sew a straight hem and that's about it - and it was hard! But I did it, and am proud of the result!

Knock, knock... Who's there? Uncle Sam!

First, a disclaimer. I am an honest, tax paying citizen. I don't try to cheat the IRS.

But I hate taxes. At least preparing them. It is amazingly frustrating.

But one good thing... if you don't make a whole lot (like me, especially last year!) then you can FreeFile with the IRS through a huge list of online providers. I went with H&R Block. The form was tedious but very straight forward and calculated a much better refund than what I'd gotten doing it the paper way. (we're talking over $100 difference!) Thanks, Matt. You're so Handy! :)

I couldn't get it to cooperate with the state filing (which is NOT free, fyi), but that's ok. I had done both federal and state on paper first, so I am just mailing in my state and online submitting the federal. And the fact that they do direct deposit rocks my socks... trust me, it is way faster. I used to work in a bank, so I know. :)

Easter Unexpected

(to the tune of "Frere Jacques")

Stinky dead mouse, Stinky dead mouse,


In Matt's room, Where are you?


Searched for you all over,


But we didn't find you,


When you died, why'd you hide?

Miss President A to Z...

Age: 27
Beer of choice: Raspberry Lambic Beer (quite girly)
Career: music teacher extraordinaire
Dog's name: I guess Matt's dog counts... Keto
Essential item you use everyday: cell phone
Favorite TV show: Gilmore Girls
Game (favorite): I guess Monopoly
Hometown: a small town in Bergen County, NJ
Instruments: voice and piano, but I am quite out of "real" practice.
Juice: orange juice with pulp!
Kick (as in "Whose butt do you want to..."): there's a short list.
Last thing you ate: Key lime yogurt
Marriage: Soon. We're planning. :)
Name: Miss President!
Overnight hospital stays: two nights this January
People I was with today: (in order) parents, work people and students, Matt
Quote: "I was thinking that from here, you smell like cheese." (from Boston Legal, last night)
Regret, biggest: I don't know. I have regrets I'm sure, but none that particularly come to mind.
Status: Engaged :)
Time you woke up: 6:30ish
Underwear you have on now: I have some on. That's all you need to know.
Vegetable you love: carrots
Worst habit: clenching and grinding my teeth.
X-rays you've had: several chest x-rays.
Yummy food you ate today: chocolate
Zodiac sign: Gemini

Another update... a travel one!

When we went down to Florida for my grandfather's funeral, we had to drive due to the short notice and astronomical plane fares. One of the big things we all see on Route 95 south are the unending parade of signs for South of the Border. Being that neither of us have ever been there, Matt and I decided to stop there for breakfast! (This was after staying at a frightening place that looked charming but was a bit of a nightmare! Too bad they don't have a website!)

I think I've gotten my fill of SOTB now. But it was an experience we both had to have. What a strange place! It was kind of like a ghost town. But that might be different in the summertime, at the height of roadtrip season. But you can see the pictures here!

one of my delayed updates.

On St. Patrick's Day, Matt and I decided to go do something... but being that we hadn't planned anything, we scrambled to find something interesting to do.

After looking through the paper, we decided to go to Opus Entertainment in the Palisades Mall to listen to some live music (and eat dinner). It's really a cool concept, but a little awkward to be chowing down on a sandwich right in front of live musicians.

Two bands were playing that night - a punk band (i forget their name!) and a ska band - Third Wave Bandits. (also found here.) I must say that I enjoyed myself! As I said, it was unusual to be eating at a concert like that - it would have been cool to get up and dance, but there weren't many people there and it would have been a little strange! But hey - live music is always cool and exploring new genres is a good thing. :)

POTD... flashback!

Elementary Holiday Concert, circa 1987. I'm in the back row center, directly under the green "P" of "HAPPY, " wearing pink (what else was new?)

My two best friends at the time, Nadia and Lauren, are each holding candles... Nadia has the red one and Lauren is to the left, with the red shoes.
I'm sure I was just a little jealous of their candle-holding... and fabulous footwear. ;)

blogging query

I've been a neglectful blogger lately. I have pictures I should post, events I should have mentioned and the like. But other things have been occupying my time and brain. Some good, some not-so-good, some practical, some disturbing and perhaps necessary.

But anyway, I'm not posting today in order to complain. I'm actually posting with a question which maybe someone can answer. I do want to change to a new template. I was really just making myself crazy by going on and on as I was (really an offshoot of the above paragraph) and I realize it was just silly. My one concern is this:

I've been using a non-Blogger comment service (from before Blogger offered the service, I think) and want to keep my comments from the past. I know that the posts will be saved, and I'm glad for that. But there are comments that I want to keep... and that is what worries me.

Does anyone know how I can keep those? Or is this another needless worry and it will just stay there as is?

Cainotophobia?

I am thinking about changing my layout. I've had the same layout (minus a few color tweaks) since the beginning of this blog and think it is time for something new and a little different. But being a person who is cainotophobic, that is a hard thing. Especially since I am also kakorrhaphiophobic! Leave me your comments on the matter, if you wish...

(It explains a lot about me, doesn't it? At least you know for sure that I am not afraid of the dictionary!)

Sheep in A Jeep...

My dear Sheep-in-a-Jeep has been a constant companion since we met in the late spring of 2003. We've been on a lot of adventures together - thousands of miles of road - and some dirt and gravel too! It unfortunately has been converted into a traveling office since I started at my new job, but still manages to maintain some fun, too - including toting around a book which inspired its name!



Well, the big reason that I am posting about my Jeep is not because I am infatuated with my car. It's beacuse I am less than three payments away from owning it outright! Woo hoo! It will be completely paid off over a year before the last scheduled payment is due. It sounds a little silly, but I am very proud of myself - when I signed all of that paperwork, it seemed like it would be forever until I was done making payments. And the end is now in sight! Now I can take that money and save it... Oh, joy! :) :)

(Well... most of it. I might actually invest a little of it back into Sheep... and buy skid plates and tow hooks so I can really go and play in the dirt! I want to go to one of these, but I'm not outfitted to do it... yet!)

Pic from World Wide Photography

Mmmmmm....... Coffee.

"The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one cup of coffee. Short, tall, light, dark, caf, decaf, low-fat, non-fat, etc. So people who don't know what the hell they're doing or who on earth they are can, for only $2.95, get not just a cup of coffee but an absolutely defining sense of self: Tall. Decaf. Cappuccino."
-You've Got Mail




(and you do realize that my customization is correct in its opposites... I'll get skim milk, but still request whipped cream. I think that subconsciously I think they will cancel each other out, or at least be equal to 2% milk.)

We looked and we saw him step in off the mat...

On March 2nd, it was Dr. Seuss' birthday and NEA Read Across America Day.

This year is the Cat in the Hat's 50th birthday. If you click here, you can create a birthday card (either a snail-mail card or an e-card) for the Cat. For every card they get, Random House will give a book to First Book!

Go and do something good for a kid! :)

suggested reading/review list

Mickey Mouse and Wedding Gowns?

First of all, let's lay it out on the table. I like Disney. I own stock. I've been to Walt Disney World numerous times, the most recent being last May. It's a lot of fun. I enjoy the movies. I've been to see Beauty and the Beast on Broadway and as a kid I would beg to go to Disney On Ice.

And two. I like weddings. Heck, I'm trying to plan one of my own!

But this is really a little bizarre. Maybe the dresses will be really pretty. The sketches seem nice enough. But if they are more like these, then it's just too much.

Snowflakes

Is my school the only one that doesn't have school today? It seems that everyone else has delayed openings. I feel a little guilty about it... but not so guilty that I won't enjoy it! :)

From Miscellaneous

From Miscellaneous

Woo Hoo! I'm Famous!

One of the blogs I enjoy checking in on is FunkyPancake. He takes lots of interesting pictures accross the pond in England, and I am a fan. One theme that comes up often on his blog are "Bollards" (orange traffic cones, for those of us in the US), and since then, Matt and I see them everywhere!

I took two pictures of a sad looking bollard near Matt's house a while back, and emailed it to FunkyPancake. He posted them! Go and see! (posted on 2/24) :)

Six Bits of Wierdness

I was tagged by Becky to post 6 wierd things about myself. Here goes!

1. Besides being able to roll my tongue, I can fold it in four.

2. I can't stand it when people pee on the public restroom seats and don't clean up after themselves.

3. I didn't get my ears pierced until I was 18.

4. There is a television producer with the same name as me. (Too bad I don't have her bank account!)

5. In college, I lived in an apartment with a girl who has the exact same birthday as I do. (not just the date, but the exact day!)

6. When I was four or five, I spent a few weeks claiming to be "Annie," to the point that I would not respond to my real name! I even referred to my dad as Daddy Warbucks and my mom as Miss Grace!

I will tag the following six people.... Kate, Jenn, Marisa, Jenny, Courtney and Matt.

Bittersweet.

From Valentine's D...

This Valentine's Day was bittersweet... unfortunately, my Grandfather passed away that night. He lived a long, good life and was an amazingly strong person. I'll miss him, of course, but I know that he is happier and peaceful now. I'll be gone for a few days and am not sure if I'll post or not while I'm in Florida, but I'd appreciate any prayers and good thoughts for our family, especially for my Grandma. Thanks.

Valentine's Day Celebration

Valentine's Day 2007

For Valentine's Day, I made Matt his "February Cookie of the Month" - Carrot Cake Cupcakes (He got a homemade "C.O.M. Club" from me for Christmas, which included cake and brownies and the like.). With the snow day, I was able to take time to make the frosting and do some decorating. They turned out pretty well, I think!

We ended up having a very quiet V-Day celebration. We got takeout from the really great local Italian place and had a picnic on my floor and just hung out, which was good.

Today, a FedEx truck brought a box for me at school... with beautiful roses and chocolates! :) They were delayed a day due to the school being closed - but that doesn't matter in the least, as they are very lovely!

Bon Voyage, Mrs. Binder!

Jenny's Bon Voyage Party

My friend Jenny had a memorable Valentine's Day this year - not only was it the first V-Day of her married life, but also the day she got on a plane and moved to Italy to be with Will! These are pics from her going-away party this past Sunday.

I'll miss you, Jenny! Keep in touch and be sure to call me when you're visiting in April!!! :) You rock my socks!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!
(or as the kids call it, Valentimes Day!)

I even got a Valentine from work... No school today! Yippee! Hope you all have a wonderful day... for most of us, it's a crummy day outside - be sure to snuggle inside with your sweetie!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Road Trip?

Round trip drive to one school I work in - 32 miles.

Round trip drive to another school I work in - 40 miles.

Driving forth and back to each place in one day - 72 miles.

At $2.039/gallon, considering the mileage my car gets... (whir, whir, click, whir)... $8.64

Plus tolls on the Garden State Parkway for both trips... $2.90

Total, $11.54 and about 2 hours of time.

Isn't work fun?

POTD

From Miscellaneous

Aren't we just a couple of hotties? Woo hoo!

Procrastination

You Are 40% Normal

While some of your behavior is quite normal... Other things you do are downright strange You've got a little of your freak going on But you mostly keep your weirdness to yourself

How Normal Are You?

Arty Kid

Whether you were a drama freak or an emo poet, you definitely were expressive and unique. You're probably a little less weird these days - but even more talented!

Who Were You In High School?

You Should Go to Grad School

Grad school definitely isn't for everyone, but it looks like it's for you. You have a pretty good idea of what you want to study - and how it will further your career. So go ahead and go for it! You're ready to be a PhD.

Should You Go To Grad School?

People are dumbheads.

You tell me one thing to do, which you say my collegues are doing as well, then everyone gets up-in-arms, so I wait for everyone to confrence with you and other superiors to decide what I need to do. Then you tell me that I need to ask the other people what I should do. Yet you are in a higher position then them. And you also tell me that my collegues are not all doing the first thing... some are, and some are not.
So now I am in a very particularly tricky place. And I have no idea what to do, since you, the person who I am supposed to refer to when I have a question, is passing the buck.


GGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As if my day has not been crappy enough.

Classic Film Afternoon

In the town of West Orange, New Jersey, they have a Classic Film Festival. We went to see Psycho last year (sponsored by Wierd NJ) and it was fantastic - Hitchcock was made for the big screen - it was much scarier when it was big and in the dark!

Today was the only showing of Rear Window, a favorite. Grace Kelly, James Stewart - it's a classic, and so suspenseful. It, too, was amazing on the big screen! It is even more exciting. There was an intro and post-film discussion led by a film professor from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. The added aspect of the intellectual discussion made the afternoon more enjoyable - and there was a gentleman there who owns the Mark Cross overnight case Grace Kelly uses in the movie!

It was a wonderful afternoon. For those of you who live in the area, you should check out the other movies and try to go! Let me know if you do - I might want to tag along! :)