Shoestrings

Chalkboards

2012-01-23T05:03:00.000-08:00

This is an idea I've been thinking about for a while, partly stolen from friends and, of course, the intarweb. Regardless, I find it worth sharing:
Recipe for Chalkboard Paint:
1 cup latex house paint or acrylic craft paint
1 tbsp non-sanded tile grout

Mix together until there are no lumps. Paint surface with mixture using a small roller. Allow to dry completely. If the surface is rough when dried, sand the surface lightly with a fine grit sand paper, then, using the side of a piece of chalk, rub it across the entire surface of the board. Wipe off the chalk afterwards.
Recipe courtesy of Salt Tree.

Then, get creative.

Chalk headboards look creative, but I think this would work on any wall, really. Go at it!

Winter Days

2012-01-18T19:36:00.000-08:00

Days are short this time of year, but somehow seem to drag on and fly by at the same time. Certain pleasures are required to stay grounded in the moment and maintain sanity...here are a few of my momentary pleasures:

Music...I've recently been enjoying the work of the Soil & the Sun, a native Michigan band with a bit of Fleet Foxes in their voice. Good for studying or active listening. Songs are available for a listen here.

Yoga...I bought a groupon for 20 yoga classes and need to make good on all of them! Wish I had as beautiful a setting as this...

Tea...cold Michigan chill calls for a bit of warmth. My current favorite is a loose-leaf bergamot sage that I picked up at a local tea shop. mmmmm.

Hope you're enjoying your winter chills similarly!

Pilgrimage

2012-01-09T18:44:00.000-08:00

I recently read about (and soon thereafter, bought) Pilgrimage, a book by Annie Leibovitz, chronicling her search for renewal through exploring the past. She traveled with her camera around the US, and a little outside, taking pictures of places in which important events occurred, national monuments, and most inspirationally, places where people lived their lives. I have long been a fan of Annie's portrait photography, but this book is compelling in a different way. Her shots of landscapes are breathtaking, but it is pictures such as Georgia O'keefe's handmade pastels or Emily Dickinson's only surviving dress that really move.

All photos by Annie Leibovitz.

Been a while

2011-12-12T18:05:00.001-08:00

It's been a while since I posted...I guess that's what the last year of grad school will do to a person! Life has been busy, but full and good. I recently landed a job that will cover my tuition for my final semester, which will be a wonderful blessing. Now on to figuring out what to do next! If anyone has any job leads in public health, I am very open to suggestions...

Beyond us-versus-them

2011-10-30T18:45:00.000-07:00

I have long been a proponent of greater use of mulitdisciplinary studies, translational research, and bridging gaps between us-versus-them camps, both in science and outside of it. Basically, we don't work together enough and it becomes too easy to retain ideologies of exclusion and maintain status quo. This occurs in many different spheres, but I believe it is especially problematic in the realm of health. When certain groups are profit-driven and others non-, the ability to problem solve deteriorates rapidly. Thus, I was very excited to read about the work being done by Melinda Moree and her group Bio Ventures for Global Health. Essentially, they are launching a new collaborative effort with pharmaceutical industries aimed at increasing access to intellectual property and giving scientists working on neglected diseases access to archives of compounds and incomplete trials. This will potentially (and likely) accelerate the discovery and development of new drugs aimed at diseases affecting billions of people. This type of collaboration between the academic and industrial is essentially uprecedented by drug companies and is an exciting look at what future changes could be possible. As Moree states, the problem does not need to rest solely on ideology - the problem is that poor people are not getting the drugs they need. "The global health and humanitarian community, like some religious communities, can suffer a bit from closed-mindedness, adherence to dogma, and simplistic notions of us-versus-them,"she states. By breaking these barriers and increasing communication between polarized groups, the potential for increased rate of change is astounding. More people actively crossing cultures between such groups would be a welcome change, in health and many other spheres.

[A rather long but interesting press release can be found here]

Breather

2011-10-22T06:03:00.000-07:00

A terribly busy week was followed by a bit of a breather last weekend when we were given fall break. A group of friends and I headed up to Bruce Peninsula, Ontario for a bit of R&R. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate entirely, but we still had a wonderful time and came back feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. It might have a little to do with the magnificent scenery...my take on the Great Lakes region is expanding...

Fly Away

2011-10-02T17:15:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I dream of just picking everything up and flying off on another adventure. It would be really helpful to have a pilot's license. Since that may not happen anytime soon, I have instead been thinking a lot about getting a sport license and buying (or building) an ultralight. How cool would that be?! This is one of the models I'm looking at...

I think pontoon floats are a good idea for water landings, but I'm thinking versatility might be nice. Any leads on a dual-landing gear/float ultralight? This would be ideal.

Unfortunately, one component of any pilot's license is being able to navigate. My navigational skills are a bit notorious, so we'll see how that goes. Maybe this is where I will begin.

So much to do, so little time

2011-09-23T09:33:00.001-07:00

Over the summer, I made great plans of all of the wonderful creative things I was going to do upon my return to the US. Unfortunately, I have been busier than I would like in recent weeks, and so few of those things have come to reality. Maybe sharing a few of them here will help encourage me...
1. Make wine bottle lamps from leftover bottles using this kit:

2. Re-purpose clear light bulbs to make plant hangers/terrariums:

(Check out this website for great terrarium distractions)

3. Paint.

Here's hoping I will find a few moments to make some of these dreams reality.

Home again

2011-08-30T20:27:00.000-07:00

It's been a while, but I have been home for almost 2 weeks and have needed the time to adjust! First, here are a few of my favorite pictures from Europe:
It was great to travel and see even more new places, but it was wonderful to come home. Four days after my return my whole extended family gathered together to remember my grandmother and celebrate her life - to be surrounded by so many people I love was a great experience after spending so much of the summer alone. We had a wonderful time sharing and celebrating in my grandmother's life, just as she would have wanted. I think the experience of being abroad for the summer made the gathering that much more poignant. I am now settling back into a routine here in Ann Arbor, so soon this blog will switch back from its journal-like entry style to its original roots in thoughts on life and simplicity. Thanks to everyone who has followed me on this journey, your support is truly appreciated.

A Whirlwind

2011-08-13T09:56:00.000-07:00

I am back in Morocco after a whirlwind trip to 4 countries in Europe (pictures to follow)...it was amazing! I can't believe I haven't been before now, there is so much to see and discover. I felt like I was learning the whole time and continuously in a state of disbelief. I will definitely be going back in the near future. I am still amazed at the ability of people to move from one language to the next, and have come to believe that this is a very important piece of education missing from our society. I did my best to follow along, but to be bi- or tri-lingual would be amazing! I need to start studying...

Preemptive Nostalgia

2011-07-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

I am almost finished with my time in Morocco - even though I will not be home for 3 more weeks, 2 weeks of that will be spent travelling through Europe and visiting friends. With only 8 days left in-country, I've been reflecting on my experience here, about the things I will and will not miss. Here is a list in brief:
Things I will not miss:
-sweating profusely in my layers of clothing
-sink laundry
-stupid men
-lack of exercise opportunities
-holding my flexi-showerhead up while showering since there is no bracket on the wall for it
Things I will miss:
-beautiful blue-sky days - every day
-the smell of spices in the souk
-tagines/couscous/pastilla/kefta/fat bread - the food here is amazing
-the juice stand on my way to work
-the laid-back, slow-moving days
I'm sure I will look back at this time once the rush of fall semester begins again and wish to sit for hours with a pot of sweet mint tea as people do so often here. But for now, I am excited to come home and see all of the friends and family that I have missed all summer! First, on to Europe...

I miss feminism

2011-07-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

It's easy in this very male-dominated society in which I find myself living to start accepting the way women are treated as normal. After a while, it becomes natural to avoid all eye contact while you walk, it feels wrong to go outside in short sleeves, and forget having a normal conversation with a man. It becomes easy to feel ashamed when men call out to you in the streets and that quick manuever to avoid a stray hand becomes natural. After a while, women in jellabas, hijabs, and burqas become a part of the scenery and you forget that there is a living, breathing, individual person under all of that fabric.

And yet I realize that it is SO IMPORTANT to remember that this is not normal. Women are not second class citizens, no matter in what culture you find yourself living. I recently read an article on BBC about harrassment in North Africa, and I think this is one of the most important unaddressed global issues in our world today. Harrassment of this sort may seem relatively harmless on the outside, but it serves the purpose of keeping a woman constrained. As long as she is not safe in the clothes she chooses or in the times she chooses to be outside her home, she cannot be an equally functioning member of society. As long as men are able to keep a woman ashamed to be a woman, they serve their own domineering agenda. In my opinion, all of the political revolutions in the world won't save North Africa, it must begin by empowering the half of society that lives as second class citizens.

I have never before been so grateful of the freedoms I have as a woman in America; despite the continued need for gender equality, I realize the progess we have made. I hope the future will bring equal hope to Arab women.

Here and There

2011-07-15T09:17:00.001-07:00

Life has settled into a somewhat normal pace recently, although it still involves a lot of moving around. Maybe I am just getting used to hotel life :). This last week was a mix of really relaxing and really stressful, starting off over the weekend hanging out in the seaside town of Essaouira and ending with long workdays digging through piles of medical records. But things are starting to look up for the study, we might actually get something out of this.

I am headed back to Marrakech this next week to hopefully wrap things up there, then only one week left to finish up in Casa before I am off on vacation! I get almost 2 weeks of vacation the beginning of August, and am planning a leisurely trip up into Europe that will hopefully include some visits to friends. Any suggestions of places to visit are appreciated! It seems strange that I only have a month left, but I am also looking forward to coming home.

Here are a few pictures from my weekend in Essa:

As Promised...

2011-07-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

A few photos from my adventures in Egypt...

Egypt

2011-06-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

I flew into Cairo on Tuesday to meet with the doctor I am working for and to tour several study sites here in Egypt. Cairo is the largest, most crowded, busiest city I have ever been in. Today, we took a wrong turn and ended up driving three extra hours because of the lack of exits and the traffic. Craziness. I have been impressed, however, with the organization of the medical system and the access to care, it seems much more developed here than in Morocco. In some places, it even rivals that of the US (which unfortunately isn't saying much). It will be interesting to follow the current governmental changes to see how they influence and shape medical care in this country. The revolution is still on everyone's minds, it is the only topic of conversation. Yesterday there were more protests and clashes in Tahrir Square. It feels unreal to be this close to the action, to experience this moment in history. Egypt is a beautiful country with a potentially bright future, I wish I had more time to spend here and engage the culture. Tomorrow we are taking a break from work to visit the pyramids, pictures to follow :).

Language and Poetry

2011-06-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago, when I was in Fez, I met a woman sitting next to me in a cafe. Her name is Fatiha, and she is both a pediatrician and a writer. We had a good conversation over lunch, and left with each other's contact information - travelling always encourages new friendships. Today we met again for lunch, this time at her house in Casablanca, where we spoke about many things, including the experience of being a student in our respective countries. She talked a lot about the importance of language (she is trying to learn English, even though she already speaks French, Arabic, and some Spanish, like most Moroccans). An idea that kept repeating itself was that of the richness of language and its unique ability to control thought and restrict a person's mind within its bounds. It therefore is an interesting thing to have to freedom of multiple languages, being able to express certain ideas in one that would be limited in another. I think this is an important point that we do not see in the mono-lingual society in which most of us live. To be able to express one's self in four languages would be a beautiful thing. Fatiha writes poetry, and travels around the world to give recitations. She gave me a copy of one of her books, Unspoken, in which the poems are written in both English and Arabic. I have always loved poetry and in the past have read books of it in a similar English/Spanish format, finding that some pieces can only really be read in one language or another. I have been working on my French and Arabic vocabularies, but it is nice to stop and remember why language is valuable and the creativity it can bring to our lives. Here is one of her poems, untitled.

A seagull

I hold memories of ships

And like a shell

I carry the mystery of salt,

Harbors keep tossing me about

Whenever the glimmer from a lighthouse

Leaks through the artery

-Fatiha Morchid

Old Friends and New Friends

2011-06-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

I've been travelling a lot for work and fun the last few weeks, heading first north to Rabat and Meknes and then south to Marrakesh. My friend Morgan, whom I met in Taiwan in 2007, came to visit as part of a tour of North Africa and the Middle East. She was here for 4 days, in which time we fit in lots of exploration. It was great to see a familiar face and to catch up with an old friend. She also introduced me to a new friend, Rachel, who lives in Rabat. Rachel first moved here to study abroad and then eventually moved back and has lived here for 3 years. It is good to know someone who knows their way around!This last week in Marrakesh I was working to start our study at a pathology lab there. I stayed through Saturday so that I would have a chance to explore around. Marrakesh is definitely a lot more touristy than Casa, reflected in both the people you see walking around and the prices of everything. While exploring the medina, I met another woman, Maria, who was wandering on her own. It is very unusual to see female travellers by themselves here, so we struck up a conversation. She is a travel journalist, originally from Argentina, who now works out of Spain. We had a great morning exploring together and sharing past travel stories, along with the difficulties of travelling alone as a woman in North Africa. It was great to have good conversation around shared experiences. We parted ways with the idea that we might meet again, somewhere in the world...

Hanna's International Travel Workout

2011-06-17T14:41:00.000-07:00

Travelling and staying in shape don't really go together, unless your destination is somewhere with mountains and outdoor sports. I love running and anything outdoors, as many of you know, so it is always a drag to get out of shape while working overseas. Thus, over the years, I have devised ways of staying relatively active, even when abroad. In the past, I have been able to run at least a little, but here in Morocco, I am largely confined to working out in hotel rooms. Here, I share a few of my international travel workout ideas:

1. Yoga videos! These are absolutely priceless as they allow you to get a halfway decent workout in a very small space. Upside: they're not as boring as some of the other ideas, as usually there are scenes of exotic locations and the instructor's soothing voice. Downside: they usually require you to spend a good amount of time on the floor, which may not be great, depending on location.

2. Jumprope! This has been the best option for cardio in a small space. It is surprising how much coordination this takes, but once you get the hang of it, you can really work up a sweat. Also, I have found on coordination-less days, jumping with the motions of jumproping gives you the same workout without the tangles. Upside: one of the few options for cardio in a small space. Downside: the people in the room below may hate your guts.

3. Nalgene-lifting! An average-sized Nalgene holds 1L of water, equivalent to 1kg or 2.2lbs plus the weight of the average Nalgene bottle, 0.15kg =0.33lbs for a total of 2.53lbs. While this may not seem like much, enough reps of bicep curls or any other free-weight workouts will do the trick. Upside: If you hate push-ups, like me, this is a good option. Downside: the more water you drink, the lighter your weights get.

4. Body-weight resistance! There are lots of exercises you can do with no equipment: push ups, let downs, planks, etc. Upside: these can be really challenging for muscles you don't often use. Downside: push-ups suck.

5. 8 minute abs! This classic ab workout video (here on youtube) is another life-saver. It burns the first few times, but it definitely works. There is also an 8 minute buns video, which features lots of great encouragement such as "picture what you want your buttocks to look like." A personal favorite. Upside: Abs of steel. Downside: it hurts.
In the end, there is no substitute for enjoying the outdoors and definitely nothing like a good run, but in the meantime, travel doesn't have to get you out of shape!

All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone

2011-06-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

Work had been picking up a bit this week, I finally feel that we are making some progress. This is partially due to the fact that the resident's strike is finally over and everyone is back to work - we should be able to start interviewing patients soon, for which I am excited. I was able to spend this past weekend in Fes, one of the imperial cities, as some of the doctors I work with had a conference there and had room in their car for a ride up. I spent my time exploring the city, walking through the ancient medina, which was constructed in the 13th century and has changed little since. It was a beautiful place, with so many sights and smells that is was overwhelming. Around every turn was another merchant selling spices, herbs, leather, meat, fruit, carpets, or any number of other goods. I have really been enjoying exploring, but wish I had more people to share the experiences with! The title of this blog is a reference both to an album I have been listening to a lot lately and to the idea that exploration just isn't as much fun without people to enjoy it with. I am hoping to use my time wisely to learn and grow more into myself, but I am also realizing the great blessing it is to have family and friends involved in daily life. Hopefully I will learn to take it a little less for granted :)

Medina, Marche, Sqala

2011-05-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

I spent another weekend exploring and getting to know the city better, walking around downtown, the major shopping district, the old Medina, and the central market. One thing that has really struck me about Morocco is the contrasts of wealth and poverty. I have seen a lot of poverty in countries such as Indonesia and Peru, but I have never experienced this vast of differences between the upper and lower classes. In the shopping district, you find designer labels, SUVs, and upscale restaurants; in the old medina, there are cheap shops, apartments stacked on apartments, and beggars lying in the streets. It is a stark contrast. I have also spent some time speaking with the doctors here about the healthcare system. This is one of the few countries in the world that has little to no public healthcare, and the results of that are easily seen in the crowds outside of the emergency room, the people begging at the hospital gates, and the fact that all of the medical residents in the country are on strike because even they do not have healthcare. It is interesting to be in the midst of a country considered "developing" and to watch the contrasts and inequalities that this development and push toward capitalism bring. I am continually reminded of the inequalities in our own country, the growing gap between rich and poor, and how other countries following our example may be led into similarly dichotomous populations.

Global Health, Local Work

2011-05-25T07:56:00.001-07:00

I've had a lot of downtime over the past week, so I've had some time to finally research some topics I'm interested and spend time relaxing and enriching myself. Obviously one of my main interests is global health - I introduced you before to the blog Humanosphere, my new go-to for global health news. Also newly added to my daily blog list are Blog 4 Global Health and [EpiAnalysis]. Both present interesting articles and varied opinions on relevant global health topics. The former is kept by the Global Health Council, and the latter by a doctor from UCSF. One topic that has been repeatedly brought to the forefront of attention in writings from these sites is the necessity to have any projects and/or movements for change in health come from people native to the country in which work is being done. Only in this way is there assurance of culturally appropriate and sustainable change. I am seeing this first hand in Morocco, as a need for more preventative care is understood by the doctors I am working with, and the study I am working in is really only being facilitated by me - the majority of the work is being carried out by people for whom Morocco is home. I am definitely learning more than I am teaching, even though there are no epidemiologists here. The movement for understanding root causes is coming from Moroccans, and I am encouraged to see their capacity for research.
A friend recently introduced me to a new group seeking to address some of the needs of projects in locally-led NGOs worldwide. Kushiri.org seeks to link volunteer consultants who have a professional knowledge of global health with groups in developing countries who are in need of consultation. In this way, projects can have the support of someone with expertise in the area of work and yet can still be lead and maintained by the local population. I hope to see more of this collaboration in the future - real expertise being linked with real need. There is a time and a place for foreigners travelling to learn and help, but real change will only emerge from the efforts of people deeply rooted in their society.

Casa Update

2011-05-23T14:31:00.000-07:00

Update: My luggage has been found (yay!), I've started working at the hospital, I feel fairly comfortable finding my way around, and I went exploring in a taxi for the first time today! I had limited my travel to the area around my hotel due to a fear of getting lost and not being able to explain to someone where I needed to go. This was compounded by the fact that on one of my first ventures, I made the mistake of choosing a minaret as a landmark. Turns out, there are many minarets in this Islamic country and they all look about the same. Note for future travelers. Thankfully, I feel like my French is improving already, and I am really starting to learn my way around. Work went well today, although not much happened, as I am still just meeting colleagues and describing my project. After only 3 hours on the job, the doctor I am working with told me it was a shame I hadn't been to the beach yet and sent me on my way. Hence my trip by taxi. I ended up walking near the beach for several hours, ending up at Hassan II, the third largest mosque in the world and one of the only ones open for non-Islamic visitors. It was truly a beautiful place. Here are the first of the pictures of my explorations, more to follow:

Turns out you get relatively few pictures of yourself when you travel alone...

Casablanca

2011-05-21T02:39:00.000-07:00

I arrived the night before last in Casablanca, the city that will be home for the next 3 months. My main realization thus far is that I need to learn French. Fast. I know minimal Arabic, but can only pick up bits and pieces. However, since I look Western, everyone assumes I speak French instead and will speak to me as such. This has made the most simple things very difficult. I packed a French/English dictionary, but unfortunately, it is in my luggage and is still lost somewhere in Europe or Africa. Thank goodness for google translate. I used it to learn some French phrases that allowed me to explain to the hotel director the situation with my luggage, so hopefully that will be resolved soon. I am out of clean clothes and sink laundry using body wash has commenced. Today I am meeting with one of the doctors I will be working with...he speaks English! I am quite excited to speak to another person. I'm missing home already, but I think things will be fine as soon as I settle in a little and become more comfortable with the language. I start work on Monday...hopefully I will have clothes by then!

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2011-05-18T06:03:00.001-07:00

I'm off again on another adventure - this time to the opposite side of the world! I have flown 4 times across the Pacific, but have never been east of Vermont, so this trip is a significant landmark. I'm excited for the new culture I will be able to experience, the learning opportunity, and the chance to finally delve into the world of international health. I'm hoping my language skills rise quickly to match my excitement! My next post will be from the great kingdom of Morocco...

Kate MacDowell - Part II

2011-05-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

I first blogged about artist Kate Macdowell over a year ago (original post here), and I continually find myself drawn to her style and work. She recently exhibited her work in Chicago and is currently in Paris, showing a new portfolio of pieces. Her work juxtaposes the idea of union with the natural world with contemporary human impact on the environment. Each piece is wonderfully creative and a beautiful reminder of our shared history with nature as well as the damage we continue to inflict as a society. Take a moment to enjoy her work and let it be a reminder of our continuing impact, the changes we can make to our lifestyles, and the myriad ways to enjoy nature every day.

"Crave" in porcelain by Kate MacDowell

On Roots and Cell Phones

2011-05-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

I recently read this article on the blog/news source Humanosphere, a site dedicated to "charting global health and the fight against poverty," based out of Seattle. The article is written about Kentaro Toyama, former co-founder and managing director of Microsoft Research India. Toyama eventually left Microsoft after realizing that technology could not solve the problem of poverty, in order to look for more promising solutions. "Technology is just an amplifier of human intent and capacity," Toyama says, indicating that the root causes of poverty remain, regardless if technology is introduced. If the groundwork of education has not been laid, "no amount of technology makes up for the deficiencies" and technology can even serve to increase the divide between those who are impoverished and those who are not. Toyama sites many examples of laptop and cellphone use in education, healthcare, and microfinance, and indicates that alone, technology cannot solve complex social problems. Technology must therefore be "applied within a broader context that simultaneously works to improve the community's ability to make the best use of it."
It is always important to consider the root of a problem and seek to understand prevention, instead of merely treating the outcome. It may be that technology increasingly can fulfill our Western ideals of rapid fixes to surface problems, while exacerbating root inequalities.
I encourage you to watch Toyama's TED talk here to hear what he has to say about responsible use of technology in global development.

A Secret

2011-05-06T10:45:00.000-07:00

Relatively few people know that I have a slight obsession with fashion and design. Little do you all know that I eat up Vogue like an addict when it comes each month, search out fashion blogs, especially on-the-street photographers, and love browsing vintage stores for creative ideas. This really came about with the realization that fashion is so much more than materialism, although the industry often makes it feel that way. What really changed my views was the understanding of fashion as another art form, one with so many media and possibilities that even an average person with a love of the creative can come aboard. I've found it really can make a difference in your day to wake up and think about a creative solution to the problem of what to wear, treating it like a chance to paint a blank canvas instead of a chore. It's the little things in life. Adding to that the ability to reuse by buying vintage/used clothing and finding creative ways to repurpose items can make fashion a responsible choice of art form. Thus, I bring you two newly discovered design blogs: The Selby and Jak & Jil. Both have beautiful photography and promise to yield many good ideas and inspirations. Enjoy!

Morocco-bound

2011-04-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

I have finally completed my first year of graduate school and am on to the next stage - my summer internship! I will be working this summer in Morocco and possibly Egypt, looking at a health condition called chronic mastitis that is a particular problem in these regions and which may be leading to increased rates of breast cancer. I am so excited to travel again and to apply everything I've been learning this past year! From studying French and Arabic to finishing my IRB, I have a lot of preparation left for my travels. I will be blogging my trip on this site, so stay tuned!

Here are some of my mental images of Morocco...we'll see how accurate they really are...

Cell imaging

2011-03-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

There have been many amazing scientific advances in the year since I started this blog, but I have not yet been inspired enough to make you all suffer through a post about it...until now. This month, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute published results (found here in Nature Methods) from the use of their new microscope, which allows visualization of live cells in real time using incredibly thin sheets of light. The technique, called Bessel beam plane illumination microscopy, can capture 200 image planes per second and therefore noninvasively acquire 3D images from live cells, down to membrane ruffles, intracellular vesicles, and chromosomes. Due to a relative lack of technological savvy, I couldn't figure out how to post the videos here, so follow this link to see them for yourself. I promise, it's worth it.

Image taken from Planchon TA, et al. Rapid three-dimensional isotropic imaging of living cells using Bessel beam plane illumination. Nature Methods 2011.

I am continually amazed by the beauty found in everything, down to the smallest detail.

Emerging

2011-03-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

This quote from David Brooks has been playing over and over in my head in the past week: "We are not individuals who form relationships. We are social animals, deeply interpenetrated with one another, who emerge out of relationships." I have thought a lot in the past year about the salience of my time spent in different locations and the current transitory pattern in which I find myself living. This has previously been a cause for concern and I have done a lot of questioning regarding the value of community, especially long-term community. While I still consider this a valuable part of life, I have begun to realize that transition and change constantly allow for the development of new relationships. Since we grow, learn, and change largely through our interactions with other people, this allows for a constant process of emergence. I am continually learning valuable ideas from the people that surround me, realizing new things about myself, and engaging in a process of change and development. One day, I hope to be a part of a stable, long-term community, but until then, I plan to fully engage in my dynamic process of emerging.

"Emerging," Painting in oil by Henry Asencio, Currently showing in Portland, OR

Happy International Women's Day!

2011-03-08T09:53:00.000-08:00

Today is International Women's Day, a day to look back on the progress made thus far along the road to equality and to look forward to goals still yet to be met. Today, more women are working than ever, and according to some statistics, the gender gap is closing. But worldwide, the status of women is often dismal. Laws in many countries still deprive women of basic rights and prevent them from leading independent, fulfilling lives. Women still own far less land, earn less money, and hold lower positions in the workplace and in societal roles. Many organizations are working specifically to uplift women by giving them the skills and resources they need for sustainable life. Highlighted here are a few of these.

Women for Women International: provides women survivors of war, civil strife, and other conflicts with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency.

Global Fund for Women: A publicly supported grantmaking foundation that advances human rights by investing in women-led organizations worldwide.

Family Care International: FCI pursues a world where no woman suffers preventable injury or death from pregnancy or childbirth-related causes and in which all people are able to enjoy their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Take the time to appreciate the work that has been done, to educate yourself on the current problems, and to share in the vision of a future of greater equality.

Memory

2011-02-21T07:21:00.001-08:00

After reading this incredible article (seriously - read it) yesterday in the NYT, I have been thinking a lot about memory. As I am currently trying to speed-learn two languages in order to prepare for my internship abroad this summer, I am wondering if any similar research has been done to develop techniques improve recall of foreign-language vocabulary. I'm planning on looking further into it, but until then, I could really use a memory coach...

Vintage Science

2011-01-20T09:14:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been obsessed with the idea of collecting vintage science books with hand-drawn illustrations. Why? I'm not quite sure, but I think it has something to do with a longing for creativity in my science-heavy life. I am waxing nostalgic for something which I never experienced. Imagine that at one point great scientists needed also to be great artists. Much time was spent in accurate drawings and the pieces produced are truly beautiful.

I also spotted [this article] in the NYT this morning, discussing early naturalists...

Exploration

2011-01-18T10:34:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, my roommate Joanne and I packed our bags and took a rather spontaneous trip to Chicago. We had an amazing time sightseeing, walking the streets, and trying the culinary delights of this surprisingly ethnic city. I was reminded during this time of the months I lived in Taiwan. Knowing my time was short in that country, I filled it with exploration and trying new things. Sometimes here, it is so easy to fall into routines that we forget to continually explore our world. There are so many opportunities to get out and try new things and the resulting experiences are always rewarding in one way or another. Coming back from the weekend, I felt rested and rejuvinated and have a new appreciation for the Midwest. I encourage everyone to get out and try something new in the weeks to come, be it visiting a new place, trying a new type of food, or even a new genre of reading. Exploration always leads to new ideas and reflections that can be useful for moving forward. Go explore!

Ngram Viewer

2011-01-09T17:58:00.000-08:00

Google's new tool, ngram viewer, is my newest time sink. It is so interesting to type in combinations of words and see how they have been used across decades! Although these are not perfect experiments, due to multiple definitions of words, changes in definitions over time, and the fact that the tool is case sensitive, (to name a few problems), typing in similar phrases or trying both upper and lower case can give interesting pictures. My favorite so far:

I realize this is too small to read, but essentially, red = class, blue = race, and green = gender, with a timeline of 1800-2000. Lower case was used. The possibilities are endless!

For Granted

2010-12-22T22:26:00.000-08:00

Coming home, I have been realizing just how much I take for granted. I grew up in a beautiful area of the country, only a 10 minute drive from a ski resort, surrounded by gorgeous country and access to all sorts of outdoor adventures. I did not realize how rare of an opportunity it was to be raised in such a setting before I moved so far outside of this place. I have a complete new idea of the blessing it was to live and grow up here. I wonder how many other areas of my life are taken for granted without a real realization of my opportunity. During this season of reflection and thought of the future, recognize those many things you daily take for granted.

A piece of home:

Collaborative Consumption

2010-12-20T09:42:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed listening to this TED talk about a shift that could be happening in our consumption patterns away from individualized "stuff" accumulation, toward networks of sharing enabled by technology. I have long thought that communal purchasing was a great idea to reduce consumerism, but some of the sites mentioned in the talk enable communal purchasing without actually knowing your community. While I think this does lend a level of impersonality and loss of other important communal factors, I also think it represents a more realistic picture of a model for American consumers. Yet another way to simplify!
Check out these sites:
http://www.swap.com/
http://www.rentmycar.com/

Agnoula

2010-11-20T08:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, a friend of a friend died. My coworker Annette lost her good friend Agnoula to cancer. In her grief, she shared with us Agnoula's artwork, which was created during - and inspired by- her chemotherapy and stem cell treatments. I was touched by the pain and confusion in the pieces, but also by the peace. Agnoula was surely a beautiful person in life and continues to touch people in her death. I am inspired by her willingness to create and to love even through the hardest of times.

Art credit: Agnoula Peters

Giving Slums a Human Face

2010-10-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

The 2010 recipient of the TED award, a French artist known only as JR, creates some of the most beautiful and pragmatic art I have seen. His work is based off of the idea of giving a human face to slums, which he fulfills by pasting huge photographs of faces in waterproof vinyl in various locations around poverty-stricken areas. This idea of philanthropic art is an exciting movement toward creative solutions to complex problems. Read more here. See more of his work at this link or at his site.

understand?

2010-10-09T18:52:00.001-07:00

Seeing something from another person's point of view. It's a lot harder than it sounds. This week I have been challenging myself to really think through alternate ideas and things people say that I would normally disregard as ridiculous. I think this is especially important as I realize just how different the environment is here in the Midwest compared with that of the PNW. It started with the simple fact that everyone here loves football. As in American football, not soccer. I have never really cared for the sport and never understood why people would plan their lives around these games, when there are obviously better things to do. But here, it is cultural, and there is no point even asking what someone's plan is on Saturday, because Saturday is game day. And so this morning, I found myself up early, at a tailgate before noon, and then sitting through an incredibly long game with my uncle, who patiently tried to explain all of the rules (I finally figured out that you get 6 points for crossing the line, not 5 like in rugby). Here are the conclusions that I came to: 1. games really can be community events, bringing people together who may have otherwise not come together, and giving them something in common, a starting place. 2. There really can be creativity in football. For someone who knows the plays and understands all of the movements, there must be a certain grace and beauty when an idea is constructed and executed particularly well. That is creativity, something I can understand being excited about. Not that I am a football fan now...I just understand a little more.

But this can lead in to other things. Like on the way home, when my uncle, who is a physician, started talking about the state of our healthcare system. Although we have different views on the subject, I really tried to listen. Now I have some new questions to ask my policy professors this week in class and I understand a little more about a conservative viewpoint of the topic. Because how can I expect to make significant changes in anything if I can't understand the mindset of multiple perspectives? It is only through a sincere attempt to understand, and showing people we are really listening that they will likewise take our perspectives seriously. As politics seem to become more polarized every day, we need a few more people who are really listening.

sticks and stones

2010-10-07T16:46:00.001-07:00

I was inspired this morning by the beautiful work of sculptor-architect Patrick Dougherty, featured this morning in this New York Times article...
.

His use of natural objects has such a peaceful, homey effect. Lately I have been finding my rest by spending a lot of time trail running and enjoying what nature I can find. I would love to have some of Patrick's art to remind me of that calming order that is nature even when I am indoors.

War, Human Rights, and Public Health

2010-10-04T19:12:00.000-07:00

For a while now, I have been interested in the topic of war and human rights. From Paul Farmer's descriptions of human rights violations in his book Pathologies of Power to the fact that Afghanistan has the highest 0-5 infant mortality rate, it is clear that armed conflict, human rights, and public health impact and influence one another on complex levels. I am taking a comparative health policies class and have chosen the topic of my first policy brief to be on emergency health policies in countries emerging from armed conflict, furthering my interest and understanding of the topic. Then today, we spent the majority of the day in a health and human rights symposium. One of the speakers, Eric Stover, is a human rights activist who is involved in first-response studies in emergency and conflict situations, using empirical research methods in emerging issues in human rights. I was so enraptured by his talk, spanning everything from genocide in Rwanda to prisons in New York, that after the talk, I walked up to him, put out my hand and said "Hi, my name is Hanna, and I want your job." We'll see if he gives it to me :)

Pragmatism

2010-09-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

One idea I have really been appreciating lately is pragmatism. In a discipline that can easily be so hugely idealistic, we have spent a great deal of time talking about what is practical and what we can expect to actually work. I think the lack of honest talk like this was one of my major frustrations with sociology, so it is good to finally find educated people of a like mind speaking about real changes. There is hope! Thus far, a lot of my ideas have centered around international health and health problems in developing countries, but I am realizing more and more how many health problems the US has, as a developed country. We are so far behind other developed nations and even some developing. While this is a tragdey, it also creates a great niche for those of us choosing to work in health. There is great work to be done. I think one of the major problems is how politically driven our healthcare system is, as voters who are largely uneducated about the state of the health system decide its course. Between voters and lobbyists, it seems as if changes will never be made. But by learning from other country models and tackling major structural issues, we too can live healthier lives.
As discussions continue surrounding the Millenium Development Goals, we can only hope that change will move in a positive direction, with our country following suit.

And so it begins

2010-09-08T16:36:00.000-07:00

I have successfully completed my first week of graduate school! Although I am not quite into it enough to have completed any homework (of course, I saved it all for the weekend). It has been quite an eventful week, which included me getting a job! I will be working as a research assistant on a pediatric diabetes study. Essentially I get to sit in clinic waiting rooms and interview patients. It sounds like it will be interesting and a good exposure for more clinic time.
Thus far, I have had many lectures on academic integrity and syllabi overview, but some ideas are starting to come through. My survey of international health systems class promises to be very interesting. We looked this week at just how poorly the US compares to other nations in terms of healthcare (of course). But I think it will be a great exposure to ideas that exist for health systems. I will keep you posted on my favorites :)
On a side note, there is nothing like graduate school to keep one living simply. Realizing that all of my income is coming from loans has checked my spending in ways I didn't think could happen. I have been eating almost entirely vegetarian (except when there is free food!) and haven't bought a single item of clothing in a month! Hopefully I will develop good habits to be continued...

Diversity

2010-09-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

One of my main concerns in choosing the University of Michigan for graduate study was the lack of diversity I experienced when visiting. Turns out looks can be deceiving. So far this has been a much more diversity-rich experience than living in Seattle! Other than my previous work place, where I interacted with people from all over the world, the neighborhood I lived in and the school I went to were largely white. Here, 30% of our class is not just from another ethnic background but from another country. My roommates are Taiwanese and African American. Then there is my African American neighbor, KP, (which he tells me stands for cajun pepper) who thinks I am his girl. I met a woman yesterday, whose name I can spell but not pronounce, who moved here this week from India for the program. Today, I met an amazing girl who left Burundi 4 years ago for undergraduate study at the University of Kansas and hasn't been home to see her parents since. What a rich environment for learning. Already, I have been so fascinated by people's backgrounds and stories, and I think it is only going to become more enriching as we pursue this educational experience together. This has left me thinking a lot about segregation in Seattle and the neighborhoods in which I will choose to live in the future. As cliche as it sounds, diversity really is a beautiful thing.

Here at last

2010-08-23T20:02:00.001-07:00

I have spent the last few days settling in to my new home in Ann Arbor and visiting with relatives in Ohio. Here are some of my first impressions: 1. Ann Arbor is very different from what else I have seen of the midwest. From a great farmers market and People's food co-op to the people in linen and chacos walking the streets, this is a pretty hippy town. Which should be fun.
2. It is really nice to be living closer to extended family. Sometimes I forget how cool it is to have relatives outside of your immediate family that still share some of the same history.
3. Even as "all-American" as the Midwest feels, there really is a lot of diversity. It simply exists in pockets of people-groups that are not well integrated.
This brings its own set of problems. I had a really interesting discussion with my aunt, who is currently serving on a board of people working to integrate the local Somali community into the health system. Due to lack of insurance and preventive care, these people use the ER as their only medical help, which isn't working out very well for them or for hospitals in the area. The group she meets with is trying to match the needs of the community with medical services to locally provide innovative solutions to the problems. This seemed like a great idea to me, however, without systemic change of our healthcare system and funding from somewhere, it seems this might not go anywhere fast. Their approach of speaking with both doctors and Somali community leaders is admirable, nonetheless. I recommended to her the book "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down" by Anne Fadiman, which explores a similar dilemna. I think this is a fascinating area of work and am constantly seeing how we need people trained in international public health here in America to deal with problems of this scope. Maybe I will be able to work with her further on this. At least it is an exciting prospect. The Midwest may have some great lessons to teach me yet...

Ann Arbor or bust

2010-08-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

I just updated my profile to indicate Ann Arbor, Michigan as my new hometown. It feels very odd, to say the least. Tomorrow morning I leave bright and early to start my trek across the country to my new home. Things feel very indefinite right now, as I have not even seen my house there and have no idea when I will return to the great PNW. Good news though! Everything fits in my car! It feels great to have downsized enough that I can drive everything that I own. Hopefully I will be able to keep it that way. That being said, I can't wait to set up my new house in Michigan. I am excited for the Midwestern relatives that, up to this point, I have not gotten to know very well. I am terribly excited to go back to school. And in the end, this will be another great chapter, regardless of the details. See you in Ann Arbor!

Rest

2010-08-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Times of rest are so refreshing. I have had almost two weeks back in Seattle to regroup from my trip and say goodbye to friends and family. At this point I'm not sure how I'm going to transition back into a busy work schedule. It had been more than two years since a break this long and I know that people go for much longer without one. But there's something in the feeling of not having anything pressing for days at a time. At least for me, good thinking time and an agenda do not go together. I've heard though, that people can go years without vacations just by being intentional resters in their daily lives. Maybe this is something I need to work on. How do you practice rest?

Another place

2010-08-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

Travelling is wonderful for so many reasons. But one of my favorites is always how much there is to learn from people in a different place. When I travel I am regularly struck by how much smarter people in other countries seem to be. Whether in Taiwan or Peru, people just seem to understand life a little bit more than we do in the US. This may or may not be true, but it makes it easy to learn. New Zealand is like the land of conservation. People know nature. They understand that our lives our bound together through it. And they act accordingly. From large tracts of untouched forest to sustainable farming and local food everywhere, they seem decades ahead of us in a cultural mindset of conservation. These people live more simply than I have seen in any other developed country. I mean, no one heats their bathroom. In the winter. And not because they can't afford it, because it is not necessary. What a challenge for those of us who put our comfort before environmental concern. To have a culture of simplicity and conservation seems so far off here at home, but we can all work a little bit more at it. Here is a list of ideas I compiled while travelling:
1. Heat only the central room of your house
2. Research the products you buy to see how far they travel to get to you, then try to buy more local
3. Unplug unused appliances and try to decrease overall energy use
4. Think of your favorite outdoor place, then support conservation in that area
5. Buy less
6. Appreciate nature and learn more about how important environmental concern should be to all of us

Shortly after coming home, I watched the movie 180degrees South. I would strongly recommend it to anyone interested in travel, conservation, and our beautiful relationship with this earth.
Happy travels!

Hiatus

2010-07-31T23:30:00.001-07:00

I am back from my rather long hiatus as I traveled around New Zealand and Australia, and am ready to get back into summer! Although snow made the scenery beautiful, I'm not sure I want to give up any more long summer evenings. Overall, the trip was great, I truly enjoyed sightseeing, meeting new people, and getting into a new culture. That of New Zealand was very refreshing and gave me a lot to think about. More on that later. Below is a picture from my favorite place, Milford Sound. I guess it says a thousand words. And that's the ocean, not a lake.

Summer love

2010-06-18T17:59:00.000-07:00

As I'm sure you are aware, there are many things to love about summer. Currently these are my favorites:

Fresh berries

Summer dresses

Sandals

Birthdays!

Change

2010-06-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

Up to this point, I have been enjoying the transitions, for the most part. Cleaning, purging, simplifying. But now the time has come to actually leave my house and the friends with whom I have been living. Suddenly the positive sides of this change seem not as great. But I trust that with change always comes growth, and somewhere down the road I will see that this was good. I just thought of a quote from a book that I want to include, but then remembered it is packed away and sealed in a box. When I get to Michigan and unpack it, I will let you all know :) In the meantime, I will have to use pictures instead...

Pudding Cups

2010-06-08T10:51:00.000-07:00

This lovely idea was found on the blog Simplesong, originally from Bakerella (which happens to be a really cool baking site):

Pudding Cups = best idea ever. Seriously. Essentially, you make a batch of this delicious pudding, then make your own chocolate bowls using balloons. Brilliant.

This looks fun. I say make extras just in case there is some ice cream in the freezer...

Ta Da! And it's as simple as that :)

Family

2010-06-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

I spent some time home this weekend, celebrating my brother's graduation from high school. It is so wonderful to be able to relax so completely at home, to enjoy good company, good food, and the beautiful outdoors. I am so thankful for family and the encouragement and support that they lend to life. Take a moment to consider yours and remember the good qualities, because heaven knows we all have problems. Yet without the relationships of family, this would be a much more dim world. Today, I am thankful for mine.

Camping

2010-06-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

Life has been busy lately, but finally I was able to get away for a weekend and enjoy the outdoors. My sister, a friend, and I went camping in the mountains near Leavenworth, pitching our tent, hiking to a beautiful lake, then coming back to camp to enjoy a fire and the sound of the creek nearby. It is so refreshing to be in nature. What a great opportunity we have to relax and become refreshed just by simplifying for a weekend outdoors. I think I actually sleep better in my sleeping bag, listening to a creek, than I do in my bed at home. The ability to leave normal life cares and material things behind is so wonderfully freeing. Take some time to enjoy nature and the wonderful refreshment that it brings.

{My brother pitching a tent on the Wonderland trail}

Baking

2010-05-20T22:58:00.001-07:00

This evening I made lemon sour cream muffins while the rain came down outside. There is something so refreshing about baking from scratch, and the sound of rain on the window made it that much better. The recipe I used was from my favorite bakery, Holly B's, which is on Lopez Island. I changed the recipe a bit to lighten it up, and they came out delicious. I often have to make some substitutions, as her cookbook is called "With Love and Butter" :).

Below is the recipe I used:

Lemon Sour Cream Muffins

1/2 cup sour cream

1 cup nonfat yogurt (plain or vanilla)

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup melted butter

1 egg plus 1 egg yolk

Grated zest of 1 1/2 lemons

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons flour

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 1/8 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

Lemon Glaze:

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/4 cup sugar

Whip the sour cream, milk, melted butter, egg and egg yolk, zest, and lemon juice with a whisk until frothy. Dump in flour, sugar, baking powder and soda, and salt, mix gently with fingers before folding into wet ingredients. Mix just until combined. Oil muffin cups and fill 2/3 full. Bake at 375 F in the middle of the oven for 12-15 minutes, turning once, just until barely browning. Check with a toothpick.

Dissolve sugar in lemon juice for the glaze by heating in the microwave. Dip the top of each muffin into the warm glaze. Let stand to absorb the glaze.

Note: I was lazy and used bottled lemon juice for the glaze because it takes time to juice 1/4 cup worth of lemons. I think it would be worth tbe time to go for fresh.

Enjoy!

Fresh Starts and Spring Cleaning

2010-05-17T23:19:00.000-07:00

It really is wonderful to have a fresh start sometimes. To purge all those unecessary things that tie us down, to pare down to the essentials (or at least close to that), and to start new. It's like spring cleaning your life. This is a time for new habits, new ideas, new people. Sometimes the best learning comes when you finally free yourself of the familiar. At least this is what I am telling myself to ease the transition. Even if you aren't making a similar life transition that requires a purge, take a moment to think about the weight of what you own. I once saw an artist's representation of consumerism, a woman made a video of herself putting on every single item of clothing that she owned. By the end she couldn't even breathe. This was a very powerful image and is something on which I often reflect.

Bicycles

2010-05-10T21:42:00.001-07:00

The only thing I have had on my mind lately is a new (and by new I mean used) bike. With my big move coming up and a repossession of my old bike by its rightful owner, I have been obsessed with finding the perfect replacement. Who wouldn't be with the weather we've been having? I am determined to use my bike more than my car in Michigan, as it appears that there will be fewer hills :)

Also, I love this blog I found in the picture search: Chic Cyclists

See how bicycles are making a difference and how you can help: World Bicycle Relief

Rawganique

2010-04-28T19:20:00.000-07:00

Here is a great website supporting simple living and selling cool organic/sustainable products. Rawganique has everything from an Eco Couture collection to hemp shower curtains and sheets. I love their hemp napkins, wish are machine washable and could save us from a great deal of paper napkins...

Their products are well thought out and could even be incorporated into a non-hippie style home :)

On Ethics

2010-04-22T17:42:00.001-07:00

I really enjoyed reading this article this morning, and have been thinking about it all day. Normally I am pretty pro-science when there are debates regarding the rights for use of information. But this disagreement brought in some cultural aspects that I found really interesting. In case you didn't take the time to read it, the article basically talks about how a researcher from Arizona took blood samples from an Indian tribe living in the Grand Canyon, the Havasupai, with the idea of studying their increased risk for diabetes. As it turns out, the samples were also used to study mental illness within the tribe, along with tribal origins. To outsiders of science, this would seem like a deliberate misuse. However, genetic studies are not so cut-and-dried. It is possible to find many mutations in DNA at once when comparing with a known sequence, and the data that comes from this can point to diabetes, but can also show genetic risk factors for other diseases. Thus, while studying one disease, there are often simple connections to others. To ask a researcher to ignore these finds seems wrong and not in the spirit of science. However, the point that really interested me was the tribe's contention with the origin studies. In tribal oral tradition, they tell a story of the people originating from the Canyon itself. The genetic studies pointed to Asia. Science is clashing with a foundational part of this people's culture, especially since it is the tribe's claim that they originated in the canyon that allows them to continue to live within it. The people are upset with the lack of disclosure, but again, this seems to me like a pretty logical use of data. At what point should people be consulted regarding the use of information coming from their samples? I would normally say unencumbered research trumps individual control, but in this case, there is undeniably an added layer. There is something to be said for cultural sensitivity and the disclosure of information in science.

Mother's Day

2010-04-20T23:29:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is coming up fast...Sunday May 9th. If you need ideas for a great gift for your mom, check out the following sites:

GreenGiftGuide.com

Reusablebags.com

Gaiam.com

Give her something beautiful and help her go green all at the same time! Here are some of my favorites:

Flip-flop doormats, made from recycled flip flops

Sea-glass earrings, made from scavenged sea glass
Organic cotton giftwrap, washable and reusable

Coffee coffee coffee

2010-04-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

It's Monday morning and I'm thinking about coffee...mmm. As any good Seattlite, I drink a decent amount of coffee and also am pretty picky about the kind I drink, often leading me to buy it from coffee shops instead of, heaven forbid, drinking it out of the pot at work. I have been realizing lately just how many disposable coffee cups I go through. My new simplification goal is to remember my reusable mug when I go to coffee shops. Many of them also have the perk of a few cents off your drink each time you use one. If you're like me, that will add up fast:)

The Ties that Bind

2010-04-17T21:23:00.001-07:00

I just finished watching Up In the Air with my roommies. I enjoyed the movie and the message was like a breath of fresh air. Cutting ties with things can be such a relief, but sometimes cutting ties with people isn't as great. This idea often leaves me stuck in a connundrum...packing everything you own in a suitcase can be simplifying and freeing, but often the travels that ensue disrupt community and relationships. I am so excited to adventure and explore but sometimes I forget the impact of leaving people behind. How does one balance the desire to live freely and adventurously with the desire to be close to family and friends? I think this is an issue I will continually need to explore and balance in order to have the life I desire. But it is always worth considering how we can simplify.

Michigan

2010-04-14T22:59:00.001-07:00

I case you don't already know, I am attending the University of Michigan this fall for my MPH. Unfortunately, Ann Arbor seems like a far less glamorous place to live than Seattle. Thus, I will highlight three really good reasons to live in Ann Arbor:

1. The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair. Every summer, hundreds of thousands of people come to see the art displayed along the streets of Ann Arbor

2. The Microbreweries. There are six craft brewing establishments within Ann Arbor

3. Cross-country skiing. There are nine x-c ski areas within 10 miles of Ann Arbor

This is what I've found so far. Hopefully the list will grow longer with time...let me know if you have any experience in Michigan!

Individualism

2010-04-08T20:12:00.001-07:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about individualism and our culture. Americans are some of the most individual-minded people in the world, and you can see it reflected in everything from advertisements to the way our lives are structured. We constantly think about things as they relate to ourselves and not to the greater population. I found a great example of this through Contexts.org, a website/blog collection/quarterly publication presenting sociological thoughts on cultural findings. This picture was an ad for the Vancouver aquarium, speaking to animal extinction:

The author points out that the reason this strikes us is because we could be affected individually by the experience of extinction. There is no thought of the effects on the community or greater populations, only on our individual lives. Maybe this is why we have such a hard time passing legislation as a country that will be favorable for large populations over long periods, we are too busy thinking of ourselves in the present. The ironic thing is, I have been mainly thinking on this due to my own very individualistic decision to leave my community here in Seattle for graduate school. In so many cultures, this would be completely unheard of, someone going so far from family and friends. But here it is recognized, accepted, and even encouraged. And so we continue in our individualism. But we do it as a community.

Climate

2010-03-31T08:12:00.000-07:00

Today news came of the first major decision from our president with which I have disagreed. Find the story here. Our world is such a beautiful but delicate place and we all need to do more to protect it. Structural changes will do the most good, but we can all help. Here are three commitments I'm making for spring and a healthier world:

1. Walk more often. Especially to the grocery store.

2. Plant something - every bit of green helps :)

3. No big spring shopping trip this year :( Consuming less means less fossil fuels used in making and transporting goods. Some sacrifices aren't as fun.

On a positive note, I can now say that I use re-usable grocery bags ~95% of the time! Turns out that even if you forget at first, it will become habit over time.

Picture found here.

Far and Away

2010-03-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

I am still out and about travelling the US, but I come home today! I am so excited to get back into a bit of a routine and figure everything out. I promise I will come back to blogging soon :) On a side note, Boston is really beautiful. You should probably check it out.

Ethnocentrism vs. Reality?

2010-03-22T16:24:00.001-07:00

With all of my recent travelling (even if it is within the US) I have encountered many different cultural ideas and habits. Normally, this is something I love about travel, and I am fascinated by the beliefs and practices of others. However, since this is in fact America, the romanticism of foreign is gone and I am left comparing everything to my own cultural beliefs. Whereas if I were outside of our borders, I would consider this a very ethnocentric attitude, it comes naturally to me within our country. I am less likely to listen to other's beliefs, more likely to think my own culture has it right, and overall more judgmental of the places and people I see, thinking in terms of politics and not culture. Why is this? The first thought that comes to mind is that I know the language and think I understand the mindset. When I see a lack of recycling, unhealthy eating habits, or sedentary lifestyles, I think of the place I live and consider it better. I know this is unhealthy, but where can one draw the line between ethnocentrism and reality? The only foreign idea that is similar enough to what I am struggling with right now is oppression of women as a cultural practice. Whereas I think oppression of women is wrong in any circumstance, I am willing to understand a person by seeing their environment, the culture in which they were raised, and their opinions (however wrong) of women as a group to be subjugated. When I see a similar situation in my own country, for example, someone who eats off a paper plate and drinks out of a plastic bottle, and then throws everything into a trash can, I immediately judge. However, it is also true that this person has been socialized in a particular place and culture that understands resources as dispensable and our responsibility for the earth minimal. Where I would probably be much more understanding of the person in the previous situation, I would be much more judgmental of the person in the latter. Where can one draw the line(or is it a spectrum?)? Please share if you have had similar experiences or thought about this question in excess…

A Bird Decision

2010-03-14T22:47:00.000-07:00

How to make a decision...

If you know me, you know that one of the hardest things for me to do is make a decision. From choosing what to order at a restaurant to getting dressed in the morning, it's not my forte. I was always a big fan of uniforms. I generally try to avoid large life-decisions at all costs and usually give myself only a few options that will work themselves out over times and require no part by me. Unfortunately, I have reached a moment in life where this will not do. I have tried everything from a matrix of pros and cons to in-depth research to talking with family and friends. The best suggestion so far has been a 12-sided die. And yet creativity prevails. I have decided there are other options...

Georgia and Pennsylvania just lost some points...

Reading

2010-03-09T23:09:00.001-08:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about the power of reading in informing our daily lives and as a means to continual education. Literacy is such an interesting concept. I have recently been tearing through books, knowing the time for pleasure reading in the near future could be short. My appreciation for literature as a window to other worlds grew immensely after reading "Reading Lolita in Tehran," a book which explores literature both as an escape and means of education. There are many organizations dedicated to improving literacy levels, esepcially those of women and children. Check out Global Literacy Project or one of the many other organizations devoted to increasing literacy rates. Share if you know a great one!

New Uses for Old Things

2010-03-07T17:11:00.000-08:00

I was exploring the website of the magazine Real Simple, when I came across the section entitled "new uses for old things." They provide lots of handy ideas for reuse of random things we all have around. Here are two of my favorites:

Repurpose an old frame for a vanity tray by placing a piece of colored paper or fabric inside:

Prevent painting mistakes by covering doorknobs and hardware with aluminum foil:

Explore the other ideas! There are some good ones. It is always great to find creative ideas like this. Do you have any to share?

Daylight

2010-03-03T20:36:00.001-08:00

I am so excited for daylight savings time to begin again, March 14^th! Longer days, sunshine after work…which inevitably leads to barbeques and other such fun sunshine events. Call it vitamin D, but my energy levels go way up when I don't have to go running in the dark. The 1 hour loss of sleep seems inconsequential. More time for strolling outside, fewer creepy walks to the bus stop, and good old-fashioned evenings on the porch. This is a great time of year, there's still snow in the mountains for skiing, hiking trails are opening up, and kayaking season will soon begin. Vernal equinox is right around the corner. How are you going to celebrate the increase of sunshine?

Picture found here.

Pieces of Spring

2010-03-01T22:40:00.001-08:00

I am very ready for spring...here are some of the thoughts that come with it...

Dress and earings found here. Vintage sandals.

A Rocha

2010-02-27T22:04:00.001-08:00

I am continually surprised how often the agendas of faith-based organizations and environmentalists differ. It seems if one believed so strongly in an earth that was created by supernatural powers, it would follow that it may also be important to protect and care for that special creation. Yet this does not often seem to be a great concern of many ascribing to religion, in fact, many seem less concerned about the state of the natural world than those who choose no religion. I was surprised, therefore, by this organization, A Rocha. They are an overtly Christian organization dedicated to conservation and nature restoration. Here is a quote from their website: "We understand all our activities as an integral part of our response to God. They range from conservation initiatives based on scientific research, to environmental education and advocacy at all levels of national and transnational society. Each is regarded as a normal element of Christian living. We intend our work to give practical expression to authentic Christian hope in a fragmented world." What a breath of fresh air.

Climbing

2010-02-25T22:00:00.001-08:00

I have recently taken up going to the rock climbing gym with my roommates. While I am obviously not skilled at this sport, I find it a fascinating study in mindfulness. Performance can change so much if one simply loses focus of their center. Strength is certainly a big part of the sport, but so are balance, calm, and focus. I learned several years ago about the discipline of mindfulness, focus on one thing at a time with attention to breathing and meditation. Participants are encouraged to clear their heads and just breathe, then focus on the moment and what is at hand. I think this picture of the balance and thought required to scale a wall is a beautiful picture of how much focus we should aim to have at each moment. To think not of the past or future, but of the present. Too often I am distracted my so many things, that I lose the moment. I think it would be more simple and beneficial to remember the here and now.

Image found here

The Alchemist

2010-02-23T22:51:00.001-08:00

I am currently reading "The Alchemist," by Paulo Coelho. I have previously read "The Witch of Portobello" by the same author and was intrigued by his writing, which dabbles in spirituality, the arts, and legends. The Alchemist is filled with poetic language and depictions, and largely explores the concept of finding one's personal calling, or "Personal Legend," as it is referred to throughout the book. This is always a subject of interest for me, as it seems I am facing many crossroads in life. This particular passage stuck out to me:

Once we have accepted that love is a stimulus, we come up against the third obstacle: fear of the defeats we will meet on the path. We who fight for our dream suffer far more when it doesn't work out, because we cannot fall back on the old excuse: "Oh, well, I didn't really want it anyway." We do want it and know that we have staked everything on it and that the path of the personal calling is no easier than any other path, except that our whole heart is in this journey…The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.

Places I Like

2010-02-21T23:00:00.001-08:00

There are lots of places I love in Seattle, but here are two of my favorites, which I was reminded of this weekend.

A) Buffalo Exchange

B) Top Banana

(A) is a consignment store that offers high-label clothing at wonderfully low prices. (B) is a produce stand that sells local and mostly organic foods…their produce is always the best. Both support environmentally friendly organizations. It feels good to pay attention to where I shop and thus where my money goes after. Do you have any favorite places that support good work and the community? I love new ideas :)

The Day of Ashes

2010-02-17T22:51:00.001-08:00

This is the time of tension between dying and birth

The place of solitude where three dreams cross

Between blue rocks

But when the voices shaken from the yew-tree drift away

Let the other yew be shaken and reply.

Blessèd sister, holy mother, spirit of the fountain, spirit

of the garden,

Suffer us not to mock ourselves with falsehood

Teach us to care and not to care

Teach us to sit still

Even among these rocks,

Our peace in His will

And even among these rocks

Sister, mother

And spirit of the river, spirit of the sea,

Suffer me not to be separated

And let my cry come unto Thee.

From T.S. Elliot's "Ash Wednesday"

Voluntary Simplicity II

2010-02-15T20:54:00.001-08:00

I have enjoyed reading many of the blogs on this site, regarding voluntary simplicity. Here are some of my favorite posts: Some thoughts about voluntary simplicity, Learning to slow down, How to be happy in a mostly unhappy world, and Green living and our simpler life.

I was reminded and corrected by this post: Rethinking multitasking & the myth of quality time.

And here is a good quote from the author: "Voluntary simplicity is not a limiting lifestyle. Actually, choosing to live "consciously and deliberately" will give you freedom… more quality time… more discretionary money… and more appreciation and enjoyment of every aspect of your life."

Worldchanging

2010-02-11T22:28:00.001-08:00

I heard about this site on NPR today…Worldchanging is a "nonprofit media organization headquartered in Seattle, WA, that comprises a global network of independent journalists, designers and thinkers. We cover the world's most innovative solutions to the planet's problems, and inspire readers around the world with stories of new tools, models and ideas for building a bright green future. We have brought awareness to issues like refugee aid, renewable energy and innovative solutions for improving building, transportation, communication and quality of life." The articles include everything from reducing chemical waste to a company sending solar panels to Haiti to begin rebuilding in a green fashion. Interesting and sometimes radical ideas for what it will take to stop the downward environmental spiral of our planet…check it out.

On Dijon

2010-02-09T20:22:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago, I tried a Dijon honey mustard salad dressing with which I promptly fell in love. The only problem was, I couldn't find it anywhere. After checking the salad dressing isles in four different stores, I finally stumbled across it at QFC. Brianna's Home style Dijon Honey Mustard makes a good spinach salad great. However, weighing in at just under $5 a bottle, this doesn't exactly meet my simple living ideal. When checking out, and without me mentioning any of this, the grocer asked if I had ever tried making my own salad dressing. He suggested that the ingredients listed on the back should be relatively easy to follow and that I should give it a go. I guess life lessons can come from anyone. I am now on the lookout for a superb Dijon dressing recipe and will clue you all in when I perfect itJ

Humanitarian Crises

2010-02-08T20:59:00.001-08:00

I was reading an article about the humanitarian aid work in Haiti done by MSF (also known as Doctors Without Borders) when I noticed a link to the "Top 10 Humanitarian Crises of 2009."

While I recognized many of the countries as having been in the media a lot in the past year (Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, Pakistan), this set of articles highlighted the medical/humanitarian plights of civilians in each of the countries, stories that don't make media headlines. Have you taken the time to think about how difficult it must be to get healthcare in Afghanistan if a warzone separates you from a hospital? I know I hadn't.

We hear so much about politics without ever really seeing a day in the life of the citizen. By paying attention to articles like these, hopefully we can realize the effects of our political choices on real people around the world and try to empathize. My goal is to know before this list is released next year which countries are on it, because I have paid enough attention to know which areas of the world are crises zones and I have already acted in support of policies and aid.

Gardening

2010-02-06T17:13:00.001-08:00

The sun has made me want to start gardening so badly! Gardens are one of the greatest things ever – sustainable, organic food that's cheap! How could it get better than this? I pulled out some big planters onto the patio in preparation for planting. Even though I am so gung-ho about this, I am not an exceptional gardener. What is the earliest you can start planting in Western Washington? I hope it's soon…

This is my dream vegetable garden. But what I will really have will probably look more like this:

What are some of your favorite things to grow? Please share any tips...

Flowers & Spring

2010-02-03T21:50:00.001-08:00

I am so excited for spring! It feels like that time of year already. I've been lying on my couch sick for the last few days (hence the lack of posts) so it's wonderful to have little joys to distract. I love it when landscaping comes alive with vibrant colors. The sight of flowers can brighten my day in a way few other things can. Hopefully your day is bright and cheery, even as we wait for spring...

Women & Corporations

2010-01-31T19:07:00.001-08:00

I'm sure you all have heard of the recent overturn of campaign finance laws, allowing unlimited spending on elections by corporations. I was originally quite upset by the idea of corporate spending, which far surpasses individual spending, steering future elections. Many people have raised concerns on how this will impact environmental legislation, as often corporations face losses when forced to comply with new environmental standards. It wasn't until reading this article about new laws in Europe regarding the percentage of women board members that I realized another huge pitfall of this legislation. Only slightly over 15% of corporate board members in the United States are women, a statistic I have not heard cited in relation to this new law. This is quickly becoming not only an issue of corporate vs. citizen, but increasingly a women's rights issue. This is essentially taking the power from the people and giving it to an oligarchy, one that has even less gender equality than the general public.

Kate MacDowell

2010-01-29T22:27:00.001-08:00

I stumbled across Kate MacDowell's artwork when it was recently used in a New York Times article. I love her depiction of humanity, inextricably intertwined with nature: common life, common death. This quote taken from her site aptly describes her work: We do not want merely to see beauty, though, God knows, even that is bounty enough. We want something else which can hardly be put into words--to be united with the beauty we see, to pass into it, to receive it into ourselves, to bathe in it, to become part of it. – C.S. Lewis.

Congress

2010-01-28T22:12:00.000-08:00

While watching the State of the Union address, one visual image stuck out to me in particular. When studying the seating pattern of congress, half looks incredibly homogenous, the other quite diverse...

Either we are so divided that a democrat and a republican can be spotted on sight, or there are some deeper concepts to learn about who becomes a part of what party. What do you think? Let's stretch our sociological imaginations...

The Arctic Circle

2010-01-26T18:26:00.000-08:00

This project, called the Arctic Circle (first seen here), is a beautiful clash of the outdoors, science, and art, a combination that all too rarely comes together. The interdisciplinary nature of the project is not something usually seen on this magnitude and is a very creative idea for activism.

I am inspired by this picture of climate change activism. There are so many issues and areas of work that would benefit from similar interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving.

The Burnt Toast Post

2010-01-25T17:35:00.000-08:00

So yesterday afternoon, I started a late lunch, throwing two tortillas and some cheese on a skillet, in a very modern-fusion take on the quesadilla, and walking back to my room to browse the New York Times. I soon became engrossed in this article, which takes a look at working women and their decreased role as homemakers and housewives. I spent some time reflecting on the issue, especially the author's idea that co-homemaking is inefficient. I happen to think that co-homemaking is a great idea, and was encouraged to read about the increased number of women earning more than their domestic partners. As for decreased skill in homemaking, I wasn't so sure...until I smelled something burning in the kitchen. Yep, while reading about this hot topic, I managed to burn my quesadilla to a crisp :)

{image found here}

Current Music

2010-01-24T20:18:00.000-08:00

I have recently been looking into artists from the Northwest, as it seems to me that they should have a great deal to sing about (and it's easier to see them live). I have somewhat stumbled across these two singers/songwriters, my new favorites:

Kaylee Cole currently lives in Spokane, Washington. I love her combination of piano and vocals. Listen to some of her music here.

{visit her here}

Laura Veirs is an amazing songwriter, combining her love of the outdoors with her experiences in the Northwest. July Flame, the title track on her new album also happens to be this week's free single on itunes. Act fast, they change the song in 2 days!

Joys

2010-01-23T23:01:00.001-08:00

I have previously mentioned some of my great joys: traveling, the outdoors, music, art, and science, to name a few that cover a very broad range.

Each time I travel, I am inspired in new ways to live in community. I love the learning that comes along with experiencing a new culture.

Community

2010-01-21T01:18:00.001-08:00

I love communal living. In addition to company, shared expenses, and accountability, communal living is a constant joy. For example, after arriving home late from a night out skiing, I find my two roommates home, one back from a nursing clinical and the other back from a night out on the town with a friend. After making a pot of tea, our conversation somehow turns to past pets. "One time, my bird's head fell off," starts Angela on another tragic pet death story. Soon we are rolling in laughter and watching YouTube videos on talking dogs. My housemates add a whole dimension to my life that would be missing if I were to live alone. Additionally, we are able to share more resources such as appliances, cleaning products, and food, making a smaller earthly impact than we would have as individuals. This is yet another great way to simplify life. Even those readers who live alone or with a family can benefit from communal living.

share little used tools and appliances between families

host a community dinner

volunteer together

create/participate in a community garden

What a beautiful way to bring joy to everyday life.

Afford?

2010-01-17T23:25:00.001-08:00

I have had lots of conversations recently about our role to aid in Haiti both in disaster relief and long term development. Lots of questions have come up regarding the source of funding for long-term development in other countries. We are often greatly moved when we see dire circumstances in the wake of a natural disaster, not thinking about the circumstances faced daily prior to or in the long months following the disaster. I think this should be a huge area of focus as we consider the use of our money as a nation. Development isn't only reaching out to save others, it is offering opportunities for fully capable people who do not have access to resources. It is defense as more people are educated at a higher level, no longer resorting to radical education. It is increased innovation and development as more brilliant minds are put to use. And it is in line with basic human rights, providing resources deserved by deprived populations, often populations that our country had/has a role in exploiting. According to Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, "Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing, and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age, or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control." How many people are able to live up to this standard? If we recognize that we are in the marginal number of people with these rights, we should also recognize that we have enough to afford to give them to others. In fact, how can we not afford it?

Haiti Part II

2010-01-15T23:06:00.001-08:00

I think David Brooks had it exactly right when he stated in his recent opinion article, "This is not a natural disaster story. This is a poverty story." Since the World Health Organization acknowledges that poverty is the world's greatest killer, this should not come as a surprise. Haiti has long been the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, with mass poverty continuing despite changes in government and foreign aid. There is much speculation as to why Haiti continues in such an undeveloped state, especially when compared to other countries that historically experienced similar colonialism and slavery. In the end, socioeconomic poverty is an "infrastructural expression of the process of oppression." Our memory as a nation in this situation of continued oppression, before a natural disaster ever struck Haiti, must be historically deep. As Paul Farmer writes in Pathologies of Power, our analysis must be "deep enough to recall that modern-day Haitians are the descendants of a people kidnapped from Africa in order to provide our forebears with sugar, coffee, and cotton." This poem by Nicaraguan poet Claribel Alegria speaks especially strongly in this moment:

At night I listen to their phantoms

Shouting in my ear

Shaking me out of lethargy

Issuing me commands

I think of their tattered lives

Of their feverish hands

Reaching out to ours.

It's not that they're begging

They're demanding

They've earned the right to order us

To break up our sleep

To come awake

To shake off once for all

This lassitude.

Haiti

2010-01-14T08:59:00.001-08:00

I know most everyone has heard about the disaster in Haiti a few days ago. Here is an article with some background on Haiti, written by a great author, Tracy Kidder. For more background on Haiti, its tumultuous past, and some of the work being done in the country, read Mountains Beyond Mountains, also by Tracy Kidder.

The organization described in this book, Partners in Health, does great sustainable work in Haiti. Here is another link describing the disaster relief they are providing now. Donate to Partners in Health and disaster relief by clicking the link in the list on the left.

On Simplicity

2010-01-12T22:51:00.001-08:00

Simplicity is a word I feel is used quite often now to describe an almost faddish style of living. Specialty foods, household products, even furniture is sold under this label that just makes it another consumer item. What is simple living? This should be a question we ask very often, as we look at our lives and what areas we can pare in order to allow more resources for others. Simple living is about living an examined life, full of consciousness of the needs of others and the effects our choices have on them, as far-reaching as they may be. This could be manifested in many forms. I try to take lessons from the people around me to integrate new ways of simple living. For example, my vegetarian friends are living a simple diet by eating low on the food chain. Even though it may be impractical to give up meat all together, I can choose to limit my intake to once a week. In this way, I can make practical choices that have far-reaching effects on resources. There are many ways to simplify.

Walk/bike/carpool/bus to work

Eliminate as much plastic waste as possible

Recycle and compost

Substitute vegetable protein for animal protein

Exercise outdoors instead of in a gym

Make a food budget

Volunteer

Cook from scratch

Be conscious of your daily choices. As Ronald Sider says in one of my favorite books on this subject, Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger, "Move toward a personal lifestyle that could be sustained over a long period of time if it were shared by everyone in the world." And the extra meat money? Giving is such a wonderful way to share resources and live fully. I have posted links to some of my favorite organizations at left. Where can you cut back in your living to allow room for others?

Outdoors for All

2010-01-10T17:08:00.001-08:00

In light of my previous posts on learning new ways of giving, combined with this last one on the environment, I thought I would share a little bit about my most recent volunteer experience with a wonderful organization, Outdoors for all. This non-profit specializes in using volunteers and adaptive equipment to teach people with physical and developmental disabilities to enjoy outdoor recreation. I am currently volunteering as an alpine ski instructor for two little girls, one with Down's Syndrome, and the other with an undiagnosed developmental disability. At first I was hesitant to give up my Saturdays (especially sleeping in), but this opportunity has given me such joy that I wouldn't trade it back. As my roommate Angela says, "I think some people with 'disabilities' really have it right when it comes to loving others." The pure joy an innocent mind can experience when playing in the outdoors is a beautiful thing. This week, I encourage you all to get out and play outside…and to pursue a volunteer activity to give of yourself in a new way. Look for opportunities in your area by visiting idealist.org or a similar networking site. Let me know of any great volunteer experiences you have had J

Environment

2010-01-08T22:53:00.001-08:00

Speaking of the environment…here are some of my favorite pictures from my own photo collections of the outdoors:

A picture can never capture the joy of the present. Enjoy every minute you spend in nature.

Resolution

2010-01-06T21:10:00.001-08:00

In the past, I have not been one to make resolutions, but this year I thought I might try a small lifestyle change. In this time of great concern over the environment, we can all make changes. So my resolution is to develop the habit of using only reusable grocery bags, eliminating the waste of plastic from my daily life. The problem is, they seem to be very easily forgotten. Does anyone have ideas on how to remember?

The reason I have chosen this? Going back to shoestrings…material resources are in fact limited and environmental destruction is not something we should be prepared to afford. So I am, in this small way, choosing to live as if I am limited, even though the resources (plastic/paper bags) seem to be readily available.

Below is my favorite option thus far for a reusable bag. These bags (called "bazura bags") are made in the Philippines by a co-op of women who buy used juice boxes from schoolchildren, then sanitize them and sew them into totes, saving thousands of non-biodegradable juice boxes from landfills.

See the link called "reusable bags" at left.