Just A Little Thing We Took Care Of In The Middle Of The Night

It was 6 degrees out...2am...yeah, good times.

Keeping It Honest

Here are my totals for utility and fuel consumption so far:

Auto Fuel
January $214 (estimated 73 gallons)
I am tracking miles driven and actual gallons in February. 73 gallons seems like an awful lot! Need to watch this!

Electricity
December 2007 420 KWH
January 2008 332 KWH
Here I did well. I've dropped my electrical usage by almost 1/4th. I've switched to CFLs for the lights I'm leaving on. I freecycled the deep freeze. Not using the dryer...even though it is a gas dryer it plugs into the wall so it uses some electricity. I need to still deal with rechargeables and things like the VCR, microwave and other items that don't need to be plugged in all the time.

Water
December 2007 3 CCF (2250 Gallons)
January 2008 4 CCF (3000 Gallons)
The January bill says that the January reading is estimated. This may be related to the water main break we had a few weeks ago...We'll see if it changes in Feb.

Natural Gas
December 2007 10.3 MCF
January 2008 11.2 MCF
This one has me puzzled? I guess it was VERY cold in January. And they did replace my meter this month...we'll see if Feb gets better...

It is interesting that this is something I've NEVER even paid attention to before.

This darling's resemblance to my Rescue is interesting.

FireHawks 2007-8

We had our last basketball game today. Kindergarten. Oy ya....they are so cute it's painful. Or maybe it's just painful...could go either way. I thought maybe you'd like to see what it looks like from their coach's perspective.Yep...that's about how much I get, too. (we're in blue...I think)Oh, wait...I might even recognize one of them... See, even when they aren't moving they are still blurry...cute though.

Oh Yeah...The Food...

The food has been VERY interesting...

I have thrown NO food away. Eaten all my leftovers and shopped, really, for nothing.

I've had:

• Left over Popeyes buscuits, brought to the Saturday gathering and put in the freezer.


• I just put left over chicken in some packaged (purchased before the greeness) black beans and rice.


• Made fish tacos with only things I had on hand!


• Eaten heart healthy oatmeal for breakfast most mornings.


• Taken a box of stuffing to the station for dinner (with the baked chicken).


• Had wild rice (in the cupboard) and brocolli (leftover from the cheese fondue) for dinner two nights.


• Frozen salsa, avocado, pecan chicken, califlower, brocolli and bread to be used later. AND put a list of those things on the freezer so I wouldn't forget.


• I've eaten my weight in homemade oatmeal cookies.

And here's the craziest thing....I've lost 4 pounds.

And there has been A LOT of laying on the futon.

(and yes...I am now reusing tinfoil. I am slowly becoming my Grandma Erma)

Week One of the Spending Freeze

So all in all not too bad.

Our weekly lunch was cancelled due to too much snow for the Mom's to travel.

I went the grocery for milk and and an unexpected purchase of...well, let's just say...ummm...a 'monthly need'.

There were CFL's on sale, 6 in all cardboard packaging. As I'm leaving some lights on for Rescue I thought replacing the bulbs in a few places made good enviornmental sense...$14 and some change.

Dinner at the station didn't cost me anything as we had the baked chicken that was planned for the day we had the big recycling fire. And the guys paid $4 a piece so I was in the black $8.

I spent $22ish on some hardware to complete the boat racks on the shed. I used all recycled lumber and only purchased some joist hangers and really long deck screws.

I have limped along on 1 tank of gas since last Wednesday. It's really empty so today I will fill up.

I have spent $16 at the chiropracter this week. My right hand is numb every morning and this chronic neck issue needed some attention. It's better now.

I paid $75 for the software to do my taxes but I'll be getting $950 back so I consider that a wash.

Today I'm headed to the grocery for a few things. I'll buy cheese from the deli and have them put it in a container I'll bring along. I'll also be purchasing the things I'll need to make some bread. I'm buying in bulk and using my own bags.
I need some OJ and cat food. And I may buy some fruit...apples and bananas.

Things I would have purchased this week but did not:

• Hair Color - Grey is 'in' right?
• Printer Cartridge
• A hair cut - So it's hanging in my eyes...I'll deal

15 Minutes Better

My guess is that New Year's resolutions often take on a life of their own.

Now, we have all mumbled at 11:55pm on January 31st "I'm (not)going to...whatever". And then had another drink, yelled Happy New Year, hugged someone and gone about our merry way...and the only thing different, the date you write on your checks.

Sometimes it changes your life. Unexpectedly.

Here were the goals I had for 2008. Posted on this blog for the world (or the 6 of you) to see.
Living a greener life. Decreasing my carbon footprint.
Living healthier. Diet, exercise...yada, yada, yada.
Continuing to improve my financial position and reach my financial goals.
Being more positive with my self and others.

Most of you know that I've unplugged my dryer, bring my own bags, am freezing my buns off, trimmed the fat and turned all the lights off until my lovie got lost in the dark.

What you don't know is how it's changed me. I mean really changed me.

Rhonda Jean at Down To Earth posts about the simple things in life. Taking pride in your home and loving the little things you do to make your home...a true home. I've thought a lot about this as I've hung my clothes in the basement, dried and put away my dishes, cuddled under a blanket with my cats in my cold house, cleaned and uncluttered my home...and my mind.

My mind is clearer and less muddled with 'I wants'. I appreciate the quiet moments when I can hear the dogs breathing. I love the way my house looks when I drive up to it at night. I enjoy a simple dinner cooked in my tiny kitchen.

The Trimming the Fat challenge has rerouted my brain. I am now thinking about time not things.

I'll grow something to eat this year. I'll be putting in a clothes line and sleeping in fresh sunny sheets. I'm going to compost and create my own earth.

I'm obsessed with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) a great movement that connects farnmers and the community. Bringing fresh, locally grown produce into our homes. The local CSA's are full for the year but I'm on a waiting list and will be a regular at the farmer's market and hope to share the bounty grown by my parents in Lawrence.

I remember years saying 'no thank you' to my mother as she tried to give me 14oo yellow squash or 400 apples. 'I live alone!" I'd say. This year I'll take anything she offers. I'll freeze, I'll eat, I'll share, I'll create. Who knows....you might get some.

So...my footprint is smaller. I'm healthier and this will continue as I eat local and (gasp) ride my bike to work. My financial position can only continue to improve as I keep my tush (and my debit card) out of Target. I'm getting to know myself. Having more quiet time.

Today I will put up a dream board. A place to think and plan what my life will be.

And a mailbox near the door to leave my worry and struggles in before I come into my home.

And starting today I will try to find a way to make each day...15 minutes better (thanks
OwlHaven!).

It's good. Really good.

Super Dave....Are You Out There??

Oh my...I really want one of these!

Okay, it doesn't have to be this one but maybe a recycled barrel I can make into one of these...hmmmm.

Sounds like something I'll need Super Dave to help with (Dave, you do know that's what they call you...and YES, I know you are reading)

Sleepy Day

This boy and I were very green today. Conserving energy and sharing heat...napping on the futon

Misc

(I don't know why this layout is so scrambled...I've tried fixing it but...)

This is how I spent the lovely 70 degree day yesterday. All of the lumber is reused but I purchased $20 worth of joist hangers and hardware. Today...4-6 inches of snow...crazy!

Here are some pics of Rescue that I tried to find for the last post.

This is her favorite place in the yard.

I think she was watching the men repair the water main break a few weeks ago. They were making a lot of noise!

This is yesterday. She kept me company all day.

Choices

This is my beautiful girl. She's 13 and full of spunk. And going blind.

Her sight hasn't been great for a couple of years and in the last two weeks she's lost most of it.

I expect that it won't be long until she is completly sightless.

Now, before I get all kinds of questions about vets and treatments...here is my position on pets and their health.

When I take an animal into my home I accept responsibility for that animal. For the duration of their life. I provide nutritional food, clean water, appropriate shelter, preventative medical care, emergent medical care if nececssary, love and attention. (and treats and toys, comfort during scary thunderstorms, trips to the dog park and cuddles on the couch)

If one of my critters has an accident or a medical condition that is treatable, not going to result in a chronic medical issue, can be treated with little or no pain and discomfort to them and they can be 100% after treatment I will do everything in my power to provide for that.

I will not subject an old dog to medical treatments that only prolong an issue or choose chemotherapy for cancer knowing that a cure is relativly impossible.

Rescue has cataracts in both eyes. She's 13. She hates to go to the vet. She will function just fine without her eyesight. Eventually.

I think the transition is going to be hard. For both of us.

I have been walking around in the dark. You know...saving the whales and all.

My girl is having a hard time in very low light. She gets turned around in dark rooms. Won't walk into a room unless it is lit. While I know that soon her whole world will be dark right now she needs some light. It will be the last light she ever sees.

So we'll be leaving the lights on.

I'm sure the whales will understand.

Ain't I Cute

Here I am driving the Big Red truck at the recycling center fire.

Yep...that person you can't really see...that's me.

That crap the bobcat is moving...yeah...that's my junk mail.

Seems like I've signed up for another challenge. Chile over at Chile Chews is challenging us to a spending freeze for the month of February. And since I'm already Freezin' My Buns off it's kind of a theme.

While the basics need to be handled (food, shelter, transportation) I can make cuts in many areas and cut many things out all together. (except chocolate)

The first place I'd like to start is to begin working my way through all the food already in my house. I will need to buy cat and dog food, coffee (can't, don't ask me!), milk, oj and maybe bread. But I have enough rice, canned foods and miscellaneous crap in this house to feed myself for....well, a long time. (yea and the chocolate...won't be givin' up the chocolate)

The next is the obvious one. No shopping. I don't need anything. I have shampoo in the cupboard. I don't like it but I already own it. Tooth paste again, don't like it but I can use it. Enough cleaning and personal care items. I don't need any clothes. Or more crap for my house. (did I mention that I will still be purchasing chocolate...and maybe ingredients for those oatmeal cookies...)

I'm going to be building some boat rack for the back yard and I will scavage the lumber necessary.

I will allow myself $10 per week to eat out. I have lunch with the Petty Girls (Mom, Aunt Sue, Kimmy, Carrie and Janet) once a week and it is essential to my sanity and important for our relationships.

I will have some expenditures for a gathering on Saturday but as it was planned before my decision to join this challenge those expenditures will be grandfathered in.

So....anyone want to join in?

I'll allow all the chocolate and homemade oatmeal cookies you need.

What Goes Around....

God always has a way of knocking me right off my high horse.

Today it came at about 2:30 in the form of a railcar full of, yep, recycled paper.

On fire.

60 bales at about 2000 pounds a piece. Soaking wet, partially burned, pulled out of the box car and carted off to the landfill. With my help, of course. I know that was my junk mail in there!

God's way of telling me to lay off about the thermostat. That or someone had a cigarette.

And to make it EVEN sweeter. We weren't sure the bay door closed when we left, so I was imagining heating all of western Wyandotte county. Set at....80 degrees! For 2 hours.

And it was too late to start our baked chicken for dinner so we headed to our favorite takeout I-Hot (get it...mexican restaurant in an old I-Hop...I-Hot).

My food came in STYROFOAM!!!!!

So I'm pulling my sweatpants off the clothes line, putting them in the dryer until they are dry and nice and warm, putting them on and crawling into my bunk. Don't call 911 in my territory until tomorrow at 8am...I'm done.

Warning...There May Be A Bit Of Bored Blogging Ahead

I don't need a nap, I've finished my book, there are some other rowing things I could be attending to but frankly I'm just not interested.

I'm bored.

You know, 'greening' up my life has really been pretty easy. There isn't anything at home that I'm struggling with. I don't miss the dryer. I like the way my clothes smell when they are dried on the line (even in the basement). Recycling has been pretty easy. The drop off place is close and I've almost got all of the cardboard out of the basement. This new awareness has sparked cleaning and organization like you wouldn't believe! Being more conscious of my driving habits has resulted in more time at home which has allowed me to read more...not to mention the great napping!

Life at the fire station...well, that is another world all together.

Both the rig and the ambulance were crazy dirty this morning and needed to be washed. The spray nozzel for the hose leaks so bad that you can't use it with out getting soaked. This means the hose runs most of the time we are washing the rig...makes me crazy but I can't figure a real way around it short of talking one of the guys into standing in the back of the bay, turning it on and off for us. (not gonna happen!)

The apparatus bay is the big garage where we park the rigs. Why it needs a big industrial heater is beyond me and why, in God's name, why are firefighters given access to the thermostat?? It should be set at a temp that will allow the rigs to start, the water in the pump not to freeze and to keep the back of the ambulance at a temperature that allows it to be warmed quickly for a patient...I think 60 degrees is plenty and I think we could do with 50 degrees.

I need to leave the bay thermostat alone or someone's gonna slug me...

Then there is the recycling issue. I try to get a hold of recyclable items before they are put in the trash. (I WILL NOT dig in the trash for stuff). In a few weeks, after the thermostat issue has died down I plan to quietly bring in a container for recyclables. My guys will probably use it with much eye rolling and humphing. But the other two shifts...forget it!

But I will press on....

And lastly I will answer a few of MUD's questions:

• I believe it is better to eat what you buy. Buying what you don't need is the ultimate in wasteful consumerism.
• The producer that maximizes his effort and minimizes his costs does a better job for his bottom line.
• Yes, I paid $5.99 for two beautiful heirloom tomatoes. I will not eat the waxy winter tomatoes. These were 1-local, 2-fresh and 3-soooo yummy! I would imagine that this farmer does not have a large carbon footprint.
• Oatmeal cookies are great if you use a lot of cinnamon, real butter, dark chocolate chips and don't over cook them. They should be soft.

and no, I don't even want to talk about it...so don't even start.

(K-State played a very good game. There has been a lot of talk about Beasly being the only player they have. I disagree...)

Quick, Just Look Away

Really...just how warm does a parked fire truck need to be?? (parked inside!)

We are having a thermostat war.

They turn the heat in the apparatus bay up to 75 degrees and I turn it down to 60 degrees. We might have an average temp out there about 68.

I think I'm out numbered.

A Quick Grocery Store Follow Up

The Organic peanut butter is good but it is not the sugary goodness of Jiff...not even close.

The heirloom tomatoes on the other hand are most fabulouso!

And the cookies still rock.

I Miss My Creamy Jiff

I've been shopping closer to home in an effort to use less fuel. I like my regular grocery store much better and it seems that there are more 'green' options there. But it is quite a ways from my house. So the local grocery has been getting more of my business.

Today I shopped in the crazy snow. Nuts but I was already out and need to do some restocking. The cupboards were mighty bare.

I bought apples from Washington because I couldn't find any from anywhere closer...so when I went to look at pears...also from Washington...I bought some thinking, maybe, just maybe they all came on the same truck (smiles, knowing that she's full of s*%t).

I was hungry for some cookies and was not happy with the packaging of any of the cookie choices so I purchased oatmeal (in cardboard) and made my own cookies when I got home. I had everything else I needed and boy are they better than anything I can buy! (MUD, they are pretty close to Uncle Chuck's Chocolate Chip cookies).

I did purchase some hydroponic heirloom tomatoes grown here in Kansas. They are beautiful but $5.99 a pound!

The peanut butter options had me very disappointed. My favorite Creamy Jiff only comes in plastic as do really all the other major brands. I purchased an organic peanut butter for $3.99 when my Jiff was on sale for $1.89.

I'd like to explore some fair trade coffee. But I ended up with a local coffee (Roasterie) which I like but is probably responsible for the death of the song birds. At least it's local company. (this paragraph has been edited for errors, thanks GB)

I did forget my bags so I chose paper and it was interesting watching the checker as she tried to keep my dirty potatoes from touching my Washington apples and then having to remind the sacker that I didn't need the veggies in a plastic bag...crazy!

I bought less than normal to keep from wasting things I buy but don't get around to eating but I spent a bit more because the greener options are often more expensive. I hope it will maybe all even out.

DIsh Towels, Doggie Blood and Going Green

I'm going green. Yeah, yeah...I know, you know. But sometimes this has created funny moments.

I've been paying attention to the laundry I create.

I can wear a pair of jeans three times on average unless I'm doing something really grungy. I can sleep in PJ's (and I sleep in PJ's cause I'm freezing my buns off ) at least 2 nights, etc, etc.

I have tried not to wash so many dish towels. If I'm cleaning or dealing with something yucky I try to contain it to only one towel. I use another to wipe up water, dry my hands, dry dishes, etc. Hanging it to dry in between.

I'm also bringing dish towels to the station to cut down on our use of paper towels. The guys are really good sports.

Steve washed his hands in the kitchen while I was making some yummy pizzas for dinner. He asked if I had a towel for him to dry his hands. I handed him one and he looked at me quizzically.

"Is this blood?" He asked, showing me a brownish stain on the towel.

"Don't think so." I replied.

"Looks like blood to me.' This paramedic with 32 years of experience said.

Then it dawned on me. This weekend, my lovies weren't so lovie with each other leaving Maggie with a good cut on her face. I held some pressure on it to control a small bit of bleeding. With a old kitchen towel. The same old kitchen towels I usually bring to the station.

I'm guessing that it was on the table and didn't look dirty so I tossed it back in the towel basket.

I guess that is maybe something I need to pay closer attention to......

(Maggie is fine by the way. Just another scar to solidify her junkyard dog mystic)

(Steve is fine too)

Didn't Work

I cleaned the garage. It was 10 degrees out.

(I did finish my book before the crazy cleaning bug took hold of me yet again)

Internal Negotiations

Did I do enough yesterday to deserve to lie on the futon reading this afternoon?

Do you do this to yourself? Geesh, I sure do.

Seems I hold myself to such higher standards (I guess that's okay). I had to mentally make a list of all the productive things I've done in the last 24 hours.

1. Laundry.
2. Swept and mopped.
3. Blogged (I did that yesterday didn't I?)
4. Lunched with the Petty girls and had meaningful conversation.
5. Hung shelves in the kitchen.
6. Picked up the library book that had been waiting for me.
7. Dropped an entire carload full of stuff at the salvation army.
8. Watched American Idol, SuperNanny and Project Runway.
9. Began cleaning out the freezer.
10. Took an entire carload of recycling to the recycling center.

Why, oh why, do I feel guilty about staying on the futon under many blankets on a 10 degree day....screw it...I'll be on the futon if anyone needs me. Guilt free!

Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Rethink is obvious...at least by now, I sure hope so.
I freakin think about EVERYTHING!! (except that styrofoam cup of coffee I had this morning after a itty bitty house fire at 6am)

Reduce is next. Reduce what we purchase, reduce what we throw away, reduce how much food we prepare (which often gets thrown away), reduce how much we rely on the car for our transportation (or at least be more mindful of our travels). Below is my trash for 1 whole week! (prior to the manic basement cleaning)















Reuse creates opportunity for creativity. I am now using my paper towel holder to dry ziplock bags. (yes, I have become the crazy lady who washes plastic bags...I have not, however, began reusing tinfoil...there are limits)
















Recycle well...duh. If you haven't got that yet, you've not been paying attention!

(and just a ps...there is a water main break on my street so my water is turned off and now the gas company is here to replace my gas meter and they will be turning my gas off...I'm almost living utility free right now!!)

Things I Cannot Change

Oye...ambulances are NOT very green...I have to just look away.

Happy MLK Day

Okay, I get why this holiday is important. I admire MLK and all that he did for all of us. I do, really.

But right now I'm mostly just annoyed.

See, in the world of the BIG RED TRUCKS we don't get regular holidays like so many of you. Mind you, I'm not complaining. I get more time off than most unemployed people I know. It does not suck!

So that makes this day pretty much like any other.

Except...
No trash pickup.
The recycling center is closed.
The Salvation Army is closed.
The library is closed.
The bank is closed.

I spent all day yesterday (and I mean ALL DAY) cleaning the basement. I have piles of stuff to got to the recycling center. I have several boxes for the Salvation Army. I have created twice as much trash in one day as I have in the last two weeks. But it will all have to wait.

So...I thought to myself..."self, why don't you go to the library and pick up that book you requested that is waiting to be picked up. You can spend the day on the futon reading".

But, no...dang library is closed.

And the bank. Which was something else I need to do.

So I'm just annoyed.

Breaking The Light Switch Habit

Do you turn on the light every time you enter a room? Even during the day? Even when it's perfectly lit with natural light from the windows?

There are lights in my house that I've not turned on in over 2 weeks. Yet today I turned the kitchen light on 8 times with out thinking about it. Every time I'd catch myself and turn it off, continue with what I was doing and then...all of a sudden the light was back on. I know I don't have a ghost so I know I was turning it on, without any conscious thought.

How many other things do we do without thinking that are wasteful and/or bad for us or the earth.

Do you idle your car at the bank?

If the shower is too hot do you turn the hot water down or the cold water up?

Do you let the dryer continue to run on that 'wrinkle free' setting while listening to it buzz?

Do you leave the frig door open while you pour a glass of milk?

Do you buy your CFL bulbs in the bad for the environment plastic clamshell packaging?

Do you put plastic wrap over things you're putting in the frig instead of using recyclable tinfoil?

Do you drive around in a parking lot looking for the 'best' spot instead of taking the first one you see and maybe walking a bit?

All of these are things I've done and things I'm working to change.

What are some things you do without thinking that you'd like to change?

You know....to save those whales.

Let's Talk About Bags

Everywhere you look a different store is offering it's own reusable shopping bags. In some cases it's just an advertising scheme...hey, look at us we care about the environment...now go buy some of those yummy artichokes from Peru. Some are actually very inexpensive bags often made from...recycled water bottles or something. These are usually about $1.00 and are offered in many areas of the store.

A local grocery store has a nice green (color not statement) bag for $4.99. And you get a whole $.05 discount when you remember to bring it with you. I think that is too much to spend on a bag and I'm not sure they really 'get' the idea.

I bought some nice bags at a specialty grocery (think Whole Foods but smaller and more expensive) near my house for $2.99. I think these will be the bags I take on non grocery trips. They are a solid color with a catchy logo on the front.

I also purchased some produce bags that I think maybe I can do with out. Is it really a big deal if my apple touches my potatoes which are touching my Triscuits....I mean, really.... These are in my grocery bags but I find that they are kinda cumbersome. You put the produce in the bag, then you take it out so it can be weighed and rung up, them back in the bag...see, too much trouble. Just put the apple in the big bag.

The bags I like the best are the very colorful bags I bought at Whole Foods for $.99. They are big enough to hold several plastic bags worth of groceries and sturdy enough to carry without worry that they will break. They stand up on their own which alleviates my big pet peeve....plastic bags that slouch and all your stuff falls out either on the car floor or on the counter when you get home.

Apparently Walmart has bags now. Also $.99. They look nice and are cheap. I'm not sure how I feel about Walmart. I think they may be hurting the small business and they probably have company policies that I really hate but I'm not quite ready to jump on the 'I Hate Walmart Bandwagon'. They are a great place to get staples and they are the only place in town I can get Ben and Jerry's Coffee Heath Bar Crunch.

Make sure you keep the bags in your car. It doesn't help you if the bags are home in the closet when you go to the store.

So I guess what I'm saying is give the reusable bag thing a try. It's fun to see the confused look on the sackers's face and you might save $.10 and maybe a whale.

So, How Am I Doing??

Well there are two ways to answer that question.

Green is kinda fun. Green is much harder than I thought.


Here is a small list of my current 'green' thoughts.

1. Recycling is going to be easier than I thought. The recycle place is on my way home from work and it just takes me a few minutes to put the stuff in the car when I leave for work and stop on my way home the next morning. The sorting and storage at home seem to be working as well. I am floored by the amount of paperboard (cereal boxes and the like) and paper I generate. The next step is to see if I can drastically cut the amount of crap that comes in the mail.
   
2. Not purchasing non recyclable items is (excuse the french) a real bitch! Hanging out with Austin and Andrew seems to be the biggest challenge. Andrew knows I'm an easy mark and always needs a snack.
3. I still don't get the whole 'only #1 and #2 plastic with a neck'. What is that all about...


4. Cutting my energy and water use has so far been fun. Trying to see how long each day I can go with out turning on a light, using water I boiled potatoes in to water the plants. planning a clothesline for the back yard and hanging laundry in the basement (I already had this system set up from when my dryer died).


5. There are paper towel issues at the station. I can't seem to figure out how to clean the bathroom here without paper towels. At home I use Clorox wipes (I know but I'm NOT giving them up). The guys are so gross...it's an issue.


6. I love taking my grocery bags to the store...and watching Steve carry them back to the fire truck!
7. This little project of mine has generated so many great conversations with my friends and families. Many already do a lot...some are doing more.
8. I'm anxious for Farmer's Market season. I'd really like to explore eating local. I have been making my purchases at the grocery with more thought to 'where' my food is coming from.
9. Not only have I not added any more crap to my overstuffed house, I have made one trip to the goodwill and have another pile ready to go tomorrow.

And on another note it's getting close to rowing season....just a little over 4 weeks until the kids start back for the spring!

Andrew vs The Enviornment Part 2

I was on the phone with Kimmy last night while she was putting Andrew to bed.

He's a chatty little guy and I heard him say "We need to see Cousin Stephen all the time. I can talk to him about recycling.

Maybe it's like a carbon offset. I buy him the chocolate doughnut in the plastic bag and he talks to other little kids about recycling....

Keeping Me Honest

I thought it might be helpful, for me and maybe for some of you, if I talked about and tracked some of my energy usage.

I plan to put a link on the side to track my electric, natural gas, water and fuel consumption.

The electric and water will be easy. The billing date was January 8 so I hope to see some changes in my next bill.

Last month I used 420 KWH (electricity) and 3 CCF (water).

Now before anyone freaks it was Christmas and there was the tree and some outdoor lights and it's an old house and I was a complete energy hog.

I'm doing better now. I expect to see a drop for my January bill.

How many KWHs did you guys use in December?

Check Out My Favorite Green Blogs

I've added a link on the side of my favorite blogs.

Look around a little. But be aware...it can make you crazy.

Andrew vs The Environment

Andrew and I spend a lot of time together and I thought why not involve him in some of my new 'green' activities. It's important to teach him about the environment and set a good example.

We've talked about why we won't go to McDonald's (we'll bring snacks in the car). About why it's important to turn the water off when you are brushing your teeth. I remind him to turn lights off when he leaves a room. We even have reusable cups in the car now for soda stops.

Today he helped me with the recycling. We gathered it from around the house. Talked about the difference between paperboard and cardboard. He read the number on the bottom of the plastic so we were sure we only took the right kind. He helped me put all the items in their correct bin at the recycling center.

On our way home from Lawrence this afternoon, where we freecycled a cartop carrier and lunched with my Mom using cloth napkins brought from home and our reusable cups, he fell asleep. Not wanting to wake him up and hoping he'd get a small nap I drove around for 45 minutes. Polluting the environment.

So far it's a draw.

What's A Girl To Do??

Have any of you purchased those little 100 calorie packs of...well, just about everything. I have.

For me they are nothing but a convenience, I'll admit. Nice for taking my lunch to work, carrying in my purse or the car.

I know, I know. They are more expensive and create a great deal of packaging waste per item.

So here is my dilemma.

I can't buy the individual packages of Cheezits because they create too much packaging waste.

I can't use ziplock bags to portion out the big boxes because ziplock bags are evil.

Little plastic containers are...well...plastic.

If I buy a big box I rarely finish it before they are stale. Thus creating waste when I toss uneaten food.

Do I have to give up cheezits to save the planet?

Where will the madness end!!!

Saving The World One Fire Truck At A Time

Today, instead of letting our rig idle while we shopped for tonight's dinner, I turned it off.

Now...normally my captain doesn't come into the grocery store with us. He waits in the truck. The running truck. When I turned it off he looked at me and I cheerfully said "Saving the world one fire truck at a time."

Then I hopped down and headed into the store, canvas grocery bags in hand.

He thinks I'm nuts.

Going Green Day 5

I've found some great blogs and websites (I'll be linking these soon) and done probably too much reading. All of this information is making my head spin!

I took dish towels and cloth napkins to the station on Monday and we used very few paper towels. I didn't use any and the guys were good sports but I'm sure they think I'm crazy.

Dinner at a friend's house on Sunday night had me drinking out of a plastic cup and it bugged me. I don't want to be one of those people who annoys everyone but I can't get it out of my mind.

I've only filled 1/4 of a trash bag this week. Interesting...

It will be interesting to see how my energy use changes. I'll track my bills and keep you posted.

How many times can you wear a pair of jeans before you wash them? Unless they have actual dirt on them or smell...I'm on day 3. Bonus-they are comfortably stretched out.

This morning before I had any coffee I left the kitchen with the lights on and the TV on AND put a yogurt cup in the trash not the recycling. Horror! (Just kidding) But it does illustrate how difficult it is to change behavior.

I have discovered that at night I will need to leave a few well placed lights on so I don't break my neck walking around in a pitch dark house. Or get a good flashlight!

What are you doing that is 'Green'?

The Green Plan-Step One

So this resolution to go green(er) is in full swing.

This weekend I did a lot of reading and established my home recycling project.

My house is small and space is limited but I was able to carve out some space under the sink for two containers (already had them...they are cat litter containers...environmentally friendly cat litter is on the list) and a space in the garage for an unused laundry basket to serve as a cardboard keeper. I will also be adding a box upstairs in the office to catch all the paper to recycle.

I had no idea that schools get money for recyclable paper they collect in the recycle containers. And that one of those is at the school right across the street from my house!

Did you know that landfills are air sealed and that even produce does not decompose as there is no air flow? Yuck! The answer is a compost but I'm not quite ready to go there yet. What I will do is try not to waste food. Prepare only what I'll eat. Not buy more than I can consume before it goes bad, etc.

The one thing I'm struggling with today is my crazy ziplock bag habit. Not sure how to address that but I will at least reuse them as I wean myself off and begin to use other environmentally friendly storage items.

Going Green

1. No more paper towels. Or paper napkins. I have dish towels and cloth napkins.

2. Lights off unless needed. Same with the water when brushing my teeth, washing dishes and the big one...washing my fire truck.

3. Replace all light bulbs with those weird looking ones.

4. Begin to recycle. This one is going to take a little work. We don't yet have curbside recycling and I need to create a space in the garage to put recyclables. If you've been to my house you know that space is at a premium. And the recyclables will need to be out of dog's reach.

5. No more bottled water. I have a water bottle. And I'm going to try to wean the rowing club off as well.

6. I will ride my bike to work at least once when the weather gets warmer. If it's workable to ride regularly I will do so.

7. I will do my best to be aware of and try to buy local and/or organic. But not to the point it gets nutty. When I have the option and it's not a huge cost.

8. I will unplug things that don't need to be plugged in all the time.

9. I will not shop for unneeded crap. See
A Year Off. She inspires me!

10. I will carpool with my sister to Lawrence even when it means driving to her house and adding 20 minutes to my trip.

Orange Was Already My Favorite Color!

(Rock Chalk!)

Feliz Ano Nuevo!!

And Happy New Year, Too.

Adios 2007

These are the people (and dogs) I enjoyed most in 2007. Along with the rest of my friends and family.

2007 was a year of new experiences, new friends and new challenges...but really, isn't every year!

My goals for 2008:

• Living a greener life. Decreasing my carbon footprint.
• Living healthier. Diet, exercise...yada, yada, yada.
• Continuing to improve my financial position and reach my financial goals.
• Being more positive with my self and others.

I hope you have had a great 2007 and I wish for you in 2008.... all the things on your list!

Busted!

It's hard to deny your guilt when you accidentally shut yourself in the bathroom while digging in the trash...

I Hope Yours Was As Joyous As Ours

Girl Power Part Two

Yesterday my Mother's side of the family gathered for our annual Petty Christmas. (Petty is my mother's maiden name not a description of our gathering)

I remember as a small child spending Christmas eve at Grandma and Grandpa Petty's house with all my aunts, uncles, cousins and various and assorted cats and dogs.

The house was small and not fancy but it was one of my favorite places on earth. Full of laughter, smiles, hugs, funny stories and long heated debates on everything from religion and politics to the color of the sky.

Kids running through the house, the women in the kitchen talking and cooking, the men in the front room or outside talking and probably watching some game on TV.

Yesterday we all came together at my mother's house in Lawrence. Despite the crazy snow storm almost everyone was there. We missed Bec, Kristy, Ric and their families from Tulsa and David and Barb from Topeka.

As I was enjoying the hubbub it occurred to me that I left an incredibly important group of women out of my Girl Power post.

My Aunts Sue and Barbara, my cousins Janet, Carrie and Kristy, the young gals in the family Amy, Amanda, Melanie and Kristin.

These ladies are the essence of my being. My past, my present, my future. We are all so connected.

No matter how long it's been since we've seen one another or how far apart we move. When we all are together....we're home.

How'd It Get To Be Friday Already...Wasn't It Just September??

I logged on this morning and realized that my last post was on Monday and now it's Friday.

Yikes!

Andrew informed me that it is now only 5 days until Christmas. I don't even remember September or October!

Most of the presents are wrapped. Most of the shopping is done. The folks are in town and the rest of the family arrives tomorrow.

Little Stephen has never seen snow and we have a good chance of some tomorrow afternoon. Hope he has a coat!

I can't promise a post in the next few days so...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Girl Power

There are some ladies in my life for whom I am so grateful!

Kimmy, my little sis. The first one I call. The one I need when it's really scary.

My Wonderful Mom. She holds the story of where I come from. Essential to help me interpret the world around me, to guide and protect me.

Barb my stepmom extraordinaire. Not only do I love her...I also like her very much. She has pulled two families together and made one.

Gina, my other sister. Funny, sassy, smart. How lucky am I....

Donna, my BFF. The one who knows too much. She reads me like a book. Tells me when I'm wrong and loves me anyway.

Jody, my friend forever. She will always know me. We were children together, we were teenagers together, we were young women together, we will grow old together.

Bec, the sister of my heart. You amaze me.

Virginia and Mary Jane. How lucky am I to have both of my grandmothers! I love you both so much.

Kelli, my fire girl. She gets it. In a way no one else ever can.

Tina and Stacy, my soul sisters. When they get a break from being mommies we pick right up where we left off.

Junie B. My dear friend in the fight of her life. Hang in there girl! I've got your back.

Cindy, Beth and Kathy. The gals of team June. Oh boy...who knew. Thank god for all of you!

And last but in no way least....my lovies Maggie and Rescue. To the rest of the world you are just dogs but to me you are my breath and life. Thank you for loving me and making me laugh.

Some Days Are Harder Than Others

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;

That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.

Amen.

I Know We're Kinda Past The KU/MU Thing...But This Was Too Funny

Four football fans go rock climbing one afternoon,
a Nebraska fan, an Oklahoma fan, a Kansas fan, and a Mizzou fan.

They had been arguing all the way up the mountain about who among them was the most die-hardfan.

Upon reaching the top of the mountain, the Nebraska fan proclaimed to the other three, "THIS IS FOR THE HUSKERS!" and promptly threw himself off the mountain as a form of sacrifice, screaming "GO BIG RED!" as he fell to his death.

Not to be outdone, the Oklahoma fan jumped up and shouted, "THIS IS FOR THE SOONERS!" and threw himself off the mountain.

Refusing to be outdone by the Nebraska and Oklahoma fans, the Kansas fan rose to his feet and yelled at the top of his lungs, "THIS IS FOR THE KANSAS JAYHAWKS!" and without hesitation pushed the Mizzou fan off the mountain.

We've Been Elfing...

This is the kind of ridiculous thing my family emails around this time of year.
Instead of emailing it I'll let you click on the link if you'd like. It takes it a minute to load.

If you like it let me know and I'll send you the link to the Bates family...now that one's funny! Or maybe my folks...something about Dad dancing in an elf suit...

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1315543643

Spunky Bastard

My good friend June had brain surgery yesterday.

It's such a powerful sentence. Surgery. On her brain. Your brain is what makes you...you. It's where we store our memories, our beliefs, our likes, dislikes, everything.

8 hour surgery.

When I walked into the ICU this morning she was sitting in a chair, drinking coffee and reading the newspaper.

Crazy.

She's not fixed. She won't live forever...but then none of us will, will we?
But she was reading and drinking coffee. I was so tired I didn't even make any coffee and I couldn't focus enough to read the paper. Crazy.

You know, after the surgery. When everyone was so relieved and so tired and so sad about the things that the neurosurgeon told us. There was a lot of hugging. And some crying. I wanted so badly to hug and say "she's gonna be okay", "it's gonna be okay". And it will be. Really. Actually. But I just hugged.

And then there she was. With the paper.

What ever the coming months bring I know she will continue to amaze me.

Some of you know that I have a good friend who will be having surgery tomorrow...just wanted to ask for a few extra prayers from those of you who are the praying kind.

That the surgeon's hands will be steady and accurate.

That she will not lose anything that makes her...her.

That we will have a clear picture of the situation post surgery.

That her family will find comfort during this very scary time.

That her friends will be the kind of friends she needs.

That she will come through the surgery without complication, recover quickly and not have a long hospital stay.

I feel like I could go on and on and on....Please just say an extra prayer.

Jenn and the Jackson....Three

We started kindergarten basketball yesterday, oye!

Poor little guys, they had absolutely no idea what was happening and just between you and me...neither did I.

We have an hour and they introduce a skill to the four teams all practicing in the gym. Then we practice for about 25 minutes and then they play a little 'game'.

Yes...we played a GAME on the first day...with five year olds.

It was not pretty.

I will just look forward to the end of our little season when we can marvel at how much they've learned. Please lord, let them learn...

I have nine little guys on my team...I have a Brian, a Grant, a Parker, an Austin, of course my Andrew, a Jack...and THREE Jacksons! When in doubt yell "Jackson"...bound to get someone's attention!

Speaking of attention I was very pleased with their ability to pay attention and follow instructions. Most of my eighth grade boys had difficulty with that. It's a nice change.

'Tis the season...

26,088 done.

173,912 to go.

January 19, 2008. 7pm Next...

(Kimmy sent me this...he he...GO HAWKS!!!)

It's very fragile...this life we have.
Cherish it and never take it for granted.
Spend time with those you love and tell them often.
Don't waste time on the things you have no control over.
Live, Laugh, Love...just like all those sappy signs say.

(and pray a little for a good friend of mine who is facing something life changing and also for my fire brother Mike and his family. Mike died suddenly Wednesday morning.)

Happy Turkey Day!!

Realize how lucky we are and be thankful for our friends, families and this amazing beautiful world we live in.

(recycle a little tomorrow)

China Free?

So, I started the Christmas shopping yesterday. Just a few hours.

I have these crazy, wonderful, little people in my life and most of my efforts seem to be to find something great for them.

And we all know that every day they are recalling some new toy, made in China, that does some awful, harmful thing to kids.

So I thought, 'okay, no toys...I'll get 'em books. Books are good...educational, yada, yada, yada.'

Every book I picked up WAS MADE IN CHINA!!!!!!

Now what do I do?

('nuff said)

Happy Veteran's Day

To all the men and women who have served in our military, keeping us safe, here at home and overseas.

All of my grandfathers, the ones I knew and the ones I didn't, GGpa's Johnson and Bradley, Gpa's Johnson and Petty.

And to Mud and Ed and Glenn and Chad and Janet and Kris W and Charlie and Steve H and the other Steve H and to all the others I missed.

And especially Tim who is over there now. Come home safe.

So What Exactly Do I Do?

(This is not a picture of me but a picture of the guys I work with. The FF in the red helmet is a captain and the FF in the yellow helmet is a driver or a firefighter. Note that his helmet is a dirty yellow not bright yellow. This tells us that he is not a brand new FF)

Mud has requested an explanation of what exactly it is that I do...

On our department there are three grades of FF in the station and several grades of chiefs in administration.

Firefighter-in the first year (or longer if you annoy someone) you are referred to as a 'rookie'. After that you are called a 'backend guy'. This grade is the FF who rides on the back of the fire truck, is responsible for catching the plug (hooking the hose up to the fire hydrant) and then going in to attack the fire with the Captain. On average one will spend 6-8 years in this position however there are FF who choose not to promote and will spend an entire career on the backend. Often you will hear this grade referred to as 'the best grade on the job'. You have no real responsibilities, the chiefs don't yell at you and you get to see a lot of fire. Experienced backend guys will 'ride out of title' meaning if the driver or captain is off they will fill that job for the shift.

Driver-some departments call this grade an 'engineer' or a 'lieutenant'. It is just what it sounds like. As a driver this FF responsibilities are to get the crew to the call safely and maintain and operate anything on the firetruck and in the captain's absence fill the role of captain.

Captain-this grade is the highest ranking grade in the station. He is ultimately responsible for everything his crew does. Some captains will move up and fill the Battalion chiefs position when needed.

I am a driver. I spent 10 years as a backend firefighter and really wasn't sure I wanted to move up. I loved my station. I was the highest seniority backend 'guy' so I very rarely rode the backend as there is always a need for an experience FF to ride out of title.

I tested almost two years ago and was promoted to driver about 4 months ago. I spent the last 4 months 'roving', not assigned anywhere and just filling in where needed.

I have just been assigned to station #20. 78th and Kansas Ave. Just south of I-70 on 78th. It is a very small station with guys I enjoy working with. My goal is to return to Station #10 in about a year when the driver of pumper #10 retires. It will be a job I will have to bid and there is not a guarantee that I'll be able to return but...only time will tell.

A Five Star Day

Really...that's what it said today.

So...I've been pooped on, insulted by a rowing club member (who, at one point, I thought was a friend), finally received a station assignment (yeah!), had a maintenance guy expect us to fix the hardwired alarm system in his 4 plex (can you say "get an electrician!"), been sniped at by the same guy I had trouble with last shift, gotten into it with the dispatcher just because I can't understand her...and to top it off just taken care of a young man whose family is completely and totally nuts. (Mom used more foul language trying to explain to us what a great Mom she's been and when grandma tripped over a stick in the yard and fell down...she yelled at her! Sometimes you run these calls and think "Geesh, my family is so sane")

Hope you had a five star day too....

Firestation #20

I have a home!

Ramblings From A Happy and Amazed (or maybe dazed) Jayhawk

so...seriously...9-0?

In football!

Ummm. I'd be pretty psyched if it wasn't so totally,

completely un freaking believable!

Go HAWKS!!!

I'm pretty sure that my entire circle of friends, athletes and coworkers is sick. Including me. Tis the season I guess. Get well my peeps!

I'm going to work backwards through the last week or so.

1. This morning after a struggle over whether or not to call in sick to work (I got my snotty nosed self dressed and came in) we got a call for a car accident.

The accident was very minor with no injuries and we headed south down the highway, turned around and were headed back north towards the station. A car pulls up next to us and begins honking. Looking in the side mirrors we see 3000 (yes 3000) feet of hose laid nicely out on the highway.

The strong north wind had caught the edge of the hose and it just laid out.

Nice.

45 minutes later with the help of an off duty guy from OP Fire (thanks OP Fire guy!) and some snarling between me and one of my guys we were loaded up and again headed north on the highway.

You guessed it...north wind, no hose bed cover, highway speed...this time we caught it before we laid the whole hose bed out.

We now have a very torn and tattered hose bed cover held on to the hose bed with bungee cords we bought at the hardware store. The cover wasn't staying on because of it's condition so the other shift removed it.

We 'un' removed it.

It wasn't even 9am....

2. KCRC traveled to the Frostbite Regatta this past weekend in Wichita Kansas. Contrary to the name the weather was glorious, the racing fun and competitive, the parents, juniors and masters fab as always!

I'll have pics later this week.

3. My good friend Major Ed (Hubby of the Ronneblogger) won a Heart of Health Care nursing award. What a neat event and a great celebration of the nurses that work so hard and take such good care of us.

4. On my birthday (Wednesday) I flew to LA to attend the promotional ceremony for my good friend Glenn as he was promoted to Colonel in the Air Force.

Wow.

As I sat and listened to the introductory speech I realized that my very unassuming, low key buddy was a total Air Force stud. He has held some very important jobs in some areas that are critical to keep us and our military safe. And he will continue to work hard as he commands 'his' units and I expect he will continue to surprise me.

Thanks to Glenn, Becky and the Martin and O'Connor families who welcomed me into their celebration and made me feel like I was part of the family.

Again, pics to come...