tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64426274548956410872024-02-19T03:13:13.850-05:00A LITTLE GREEN LIFEAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-26384228656074706402017-09-19T10:44:00.001-04:002017-09-19T10:57:40.655-04:00R&R<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The weeks since my knee surgery</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"> have passed both surprisingly quickly and painfully slow. Sparing details, the procedure corrected a misalignment of my patella and removed some degraded bone, likely the result of a cyst at some time. My surgeon seems happy, so I'm trying to catch his enthusiasm for my recovery. Realistically, I can get through every day with only mild pain. The things I still cannot do, however, are numerous and near to my heart. My knee isn't ready for the intense exercise, long miles, and simple yoga practice that keeps me feeling like myself. In taking care of my body, I feel as though I'm being forced to neglect it.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I've moved on</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"> from being sad and hopeless to being bitter and angry; an
inward transition and a skilled outward front. NOBO's are touching Canada, and my SOBO counterparts are entering the Sierra. Every photo of their triumph leaves me feeling like my heart now resides in my stomach. I'm no longer celebrating with them, missing them, or longing to be a part of the community. I take each mention of the PCT as a personal attack, as if they are punishment for my defeat.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I've had to resist tearing down my own resupply plan, afraid that I might be too jaded to put it back up when it's time to prepare for next year. </span><b> </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I feel like a big, fat, failure. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">These days, </span><span style="font-size: small;">I live a fairly ordinary life. I go to work in the morning,
do my PT in the evening, and pray for the time to pass quickly. I
challenge myself each day by reviewing the events of my short time on
trail; could I have made another decision? The answer, every time, is
no. Even if thru-hiking wasn't important to me, I would have needed that
surgery to maintain my lifestyle.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Last week<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: small;">my physical therapist asked me </span><span style="font-size: small;">how much, from 0-100%, I felt my knee was healed. "What kind of question is that?" I said, taken aback and slightly angry with him for asking. Until then, the word <i>healed</i> had never even entered my mind. <i>Recovery</i>,<i> rehab</i>,<i> improvement</i>- these are the words I would use to describe what's happening inside my knee. The <i>healing </i>will happen over time, I'm sure of it, but it will be happening in my head and in my heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Of course, I'm grateful for the opportunity this winter to meet my financial goals, spend time with family, and continue to learn more about myself. Just imagine how happy I'll be this time next year, when my feet are flying and my soul is free! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-59892478721241780302017-08-03T13:55:00.000-04:002017-08-03T14:04:19.335-04:00Life is a Thru Hike<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I don't want to share this with you.</span></b> </div>
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I don't want to let you in, to be vulnerable, to try and explain how I am feeling. I don't want to, but I've put myself in a position to be obligated to you. So please, forgive me, as I write this from a place of sadness. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">On July 23rd,</span> I left the PCT and boarded a plane in Seattle.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span>The day was cloudy, but as we gained altitude and soared into the sunshine I saw her- Rainier. I've seen the mountain many times, but never like this. It felt like I could reach out and touch the summit if I really wanted to. Suddenly, three more peaks appeared. Hood, Shasta, and Whitney I thought, although maybe I was reaching. All I knew is I was looking south along the pacific crest, upon which my feet should be walking. Instead, I was leaving my friends and my footsteps behind in a cloud of jet fuel. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've always taken injuries seriously,</span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b>even as a young child. Every cut, scrape, or bruise required thorough analysis and proper treatment; I guess that's what I get for being the youngest woman in a family full of nurses. After my shoulder surgery last year, I've become even more sensitive to my body's cues. But my knee injury didn't require sensitivity to notice; it was crying out for help with every step. By the time I knew I had to seek serious medical care, it was devastating. I had been on and off trail 3 times, each time soliciting more advice from physical therapists, friends, hikers, family. No one gave me what I was looking for: an answer. Was I being weak? Should I continue to hike through the pain and uncertainty? Was it something more serious? How many times do I try before I <i>stop</i> trying? I can't even count the sleepless nights I spent battling myself to make the right decision. Finally, it was unavoidable. My insurance wouldn't cover me out of state, and I needed to see a doctor. So for the second time in just over a year, I flew home and began the grieving process.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Oz5yellx8v1oBGbBrC9WFEdaCVgAAt1sCU6TXTvmvxC1AG5nxvN_vstZINgNfUlWNUpYMqlpmpobe0b1jgibi-mVNBnr-Z-V_QF6tpv7Da0-UkmnZBwiTRMD8RkbWFIJP5AUJHespMGT/s1600/FullSizeRender2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="960" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Oz5yellx8v1oBGbBrC9WFEdaCVgAAt1sCU6TXTvmvxC1AG5nxvN_vstZINgNfUlWNUpYMqlpmpobe0b1jgibi-mVNBnr-Z-V_QF6tpv7Da0-UkmnZBwiTRMD8RkbWFIJP5AUJHespMGT/s200/FullSizeRender2.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">It's been about a week since I landed in Michigan</span><span style="font-size: large;">. </span>I haven't been sleeping well, my appetite is minimal, my muscles are tied in knots, my friends want to see me but I've refused them every time. Some mornings I feel pretty good- but several hours into a day devoid of activity, I find myself crying or raging or desperately seeking attention. I am frustrated, angry, sad, relieved, confused, annoyed, discouraged, bored, ashamed, envious, and heartbroken. I have been planning this hike for so long that it has become the only part of me I believe in. But here I sit, out of time, out of money, and out of patience. </div>
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The upside is that I'm already established with a doctor I know and trust. Radiographs and an MRI show a deformity in my kneecap, likely from an injury last summer. Next week, I'll have an exploratory arthroscopic scope. The recovery period from this surgery is relatively short (about 4 weeks), but having spent all of my time and money seeking treatment, my thru-hike is over for this year. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is impossible to hide from your weaknesses on the PCT;</span> what else is the trail for but to show them to you? If I learned anything, it is that those 2,650 miles are not going anywhere. I will try again next year, and the year after that; as long as it takes until I feel I've succeeded. I will listen to my body above all else, I will embrace all hikers as friends, and I will NOT bring a stove because Lord knows I can't cook so why try. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is all part of the journey; life is a thru-hike, and I am still walking. </span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-45360802060494270622017-07-18T18:30:00.000-04:002017-07-18T18:54:18.145-04:00The First Few<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I've been on trail for 6 days</b></span>, off for 3. Intense knee pain began on day one, but I kept going for 110 more miles. As it turns out, limping and sobbing down trail isn't really a good look for me, so I decided to take a few days off to rest. With the advice of physical therapists and athlete friends, I'll be rejoining my trail family tomorrow to give it another go. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">I'll admit to you though</span></b>, I didn't even think I'd make it this far. Outside of the physical pain that was its own hell, the first few days had my mind on a downward spiral into the flames. The first day, following a hectic morning, I said goodbye to my dad and started speed walking towards the Canadian border. A few steps down the trail, after convincing Roo not to follow me, my heart was already breaking. The desire to get to Mexico left me completely; all I could think, all day long, was how badly I didn't want to be on the PCT. I chose my camp for the night, set up my tent, and burst into tears. I was all alone, with at least a night's sleep between me and the next miles that would be my distraction. Several hikers rolled into camp shortly after, and although I enjoyed their company, my mood didn't improve. I packed up the next morning and with no emotion, touched the Canadian border that afternoon. The third day would lead me back to Hart's Pass, where I desperately wished to see my dad and dog waiting for me. They weren't.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Luckily, a few other hikers were there, so I latched on to a partner and told myself I'd give it another couple of days. Although the knee pain continued to worsen, my spirits began to lift. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now, even though I am skipping a section to rest, I have more than my own thoughts to look forward to when I get back to the trail. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's hard to be vulnerable</b></span> when you are giving a first impression to several people a day. I tried to talk to a few other hikers about the way I was feeling; to be as candid as possible in a desperate attempt at some peace of mind. What I got in return was so very unpleasant. I never could put my finger on an explanation of how I was feeling, but it didn't matter. Every single hiker I confided in said the same thing: "I know it's hard, but just keep going!!", "You're going to love it, I promise!!", "It gets better!!". Although this advice is positive, and more than likely correct, I felt so annoyed. No one was<i> listening</i> to me. No one said "It's ok to stop whenever you want; it's ok not to like thru hiking; it's ok, it's OK". So, for those of you reading who may be feeling this way, I want to tell you: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Being part of the thru hiking community comes with so much pressure to actually complete your thru hike, but there are no rules, and there is no point if you are miserable. I'm sure there will be more unpleasant days ahead, but in one short week I've already learned to be true to myself, not to the trail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With that, onward I go, for now. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-72878269804336920892017-06-20T16:00:00.000-04:002017-06-26T14:44:55.625-04:00GEAR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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PACK: Gossamer Gear Mariposa, trash compactor liner bag</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJGo_YJGUDSGg9yJXrnSZfvHRFIXk9LMYxdtsydg6QYZRdBHgOJBJKyaNwm7JVVHylOsxXKyY7FWDKRlM5ij5WZ0yfK80tT_jV7v5-ahYTydep62_ZI4LAWrgdNp1bZs0xK_6u0915Xar/s1600/tent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="750" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJGo_YJGUDSGg9yJXrnSZfvHRFIXk9LMYxdtsydg6QYZRdBHgOJBJKyaNwm7JVVHylOsxXKyY7FWDKRlM5ij5WZ0yfK80tT_jV7v5-ahYTydep62_ZI4LAWrgdNp1bZs0xK_6u0915Xar/s320/tent.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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SLEEP SYSTEM: </div>
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YAMA Mountain Gear Swiftline 1P tent,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tyvek groundcloth, Vargo titanium
stakes (8)</div>
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Thermarest NeoAir xTherm</div>
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Enlightened Equipment Enigma (20deg)</div>
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CLOTHING WORN:</div>
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Patagonia sunshirt, Purple Rain hiking skirt/poly leggings, Icebreaker wool bra, Ex Officio underwear, Point 6 wool socks, Altra Lone Peak 3.0, Casio ProTrek watch, Zeal Cascade sunglasses, ball cap</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfreBx2qyQYtT4tG8ZNe3RwDMGs1Nqm_DdMSqJCnymP0P3bXl78yK-nZ8a8NPuwu2fJN_IDuCwRA7jDXakhUvhyPsIgdTFcquk2s_qL6sTPSnw1m4XhJXh-UBvm0vbSUttAhDGPAZBT_3N/s1600/coat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfreBx2qyQYtT4tG8ZNe3RwDMGs1Nqm_DdMSqJCnymP0P3bXl78yK-nZ8a8NPuwu2fJN_IDuCwRA7jDXakhUvhyPsIgdTFcquk2s_qL6sTPSnw1m4XhJXh-UBvm0vbSUttAhDGPAZBT_3N/s320/coat.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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CLOTHING PACKED:</div>
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Patagonia Capilene hooded long sleeve (sleep), Smartwool 250 bottoms (sleep), Darn Tough socks (1, sleep), Point 6 wool socks<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(1), Injinji socks (1), Patagonia Houdini jacket, Arctery’x puffy (stuffed inside an Eagle Creek Specter Tech
cube, this will also serve as my pillow), YAMA rain skirt, YAMA pogies, OR gloves, buff, bandana, Bedrock sandals, Ex Officio underwear (1), Bug net</div>
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KITCHEN:</div>
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MSR Pocket Rocket, Vargo titanium pot, Sawyer Squeeze mini, MSR Aquatabs, Snow Peak spork, Platypus 3L, Smart Water bottles (2), lighter, Loksak (2, large), empty peanut butter container</div>
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ELECTRONICS:</div>
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iPhone 6, lifeproof case (extra battery), headphones, phone charger, external phone storage, headlamp, SPOT device</div>
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FIRST AID/TOILETRIES:</div>
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Sawed off toothbrush, toothpaste dots, bite splint, floss, floss picks, sawed off comb, birth control, benadryl, ibuprofen, hairties, leukotape (wrapped around journaling pen), Vagisil, sunscreen, lip balm, fire starter, safety pins, 1/2 bandana, Deuce of Spades trowel, TP, backcountry bidet, soap leaves, nail trimmers, wallet, journal, Locksak (small), P-cord</div>
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EXTRAS:</div>
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OR Crocodile Gaiters, Kahtoola Microspikes, ice axe (borrowed), bear
canister (borrowed), Leki Ladie’s MicroVario DSS trekking poles,
Euroschirm umbrella, OR stamina gaiters</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-90673661122591363252017-05-16T14:13:00.001-04:002017-05-16T14:25:19.232-04:00Preparation<br /><span style="font-size: large;">Resupply</span> is a word I've come to despise over the last month. It conjures up imagery of my poor hiker self, alone in the woods and starving because I didn't pack enough food; of stumbling through town on a rainy day to discover the post office is closed; of certain misery because of my inability to count calories properly. <br />
<br />Even though I don't start my hike until July, I've been feeling extra crunched to get my resupply strategy down. Tomorrow, I'm headed back to Colorado to spend my final weeks before trail at a remote field camp for work. There won't be time or resources to continue packing, so it needs to get done <i>now</i>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The plan is <span style="font-size: large;">to send seven resupplies</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b>through Washington and Oregon, then regroup to analyze my hiking style and strategy. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lkJxHrvoiHTlDSr2ML21jruhHSYhLrNpNLLx7IzoppO-vKGFR7oSpx2lOX4BvUfZkXUYTz6R2znUhkdUWlmah3kt-GQ9eYSDZcOnYCPMD0gVgRwCWDykaDSJG6cZWHtqZ23Gououbn9y/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lkJxHrvoiHTlDSr2ML21jruhHSYhLrNpNLLx7IzoppO-vKGFR7oSpx2lOX4BvUfZkXUYTz6R2znUhkdUWlmah3kt-GQ9eYSDZcOnYCPMD0gVgRwCWDykaDSJG6cZWHtqZ23Gououbn9y/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Food has been the main focus area of A Little Green Hike so far. It's been a challenge to find light, calorie dense foods with minimal
packaging and a low price tag, and I'll admit I've been pretty stressed
about it. After making my own (disgusting) protein bars, spending countless hours searching for recipes online, and keeping myself awake with ways I could afford this project, I decided it was time for a priority change. I had to remind myself this is about the amount of waste an average hiker <i>does</i> create, not about forcing myself to have a zero waste hike. Accordingly, I chose food that is convenient, tasty, and high in calories.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJ2zzRCk1ajeVTQDOWOO4w-tQNjqUEeYDw30QvHG_zsiB3ClL92NDH8CHa54Q4sKHlCQw2unSN27g-nrSIcboAp2-aPeeCamVP04pHzb8mZ7sqWMp68r88KiNeCEShNvnD0g1HOvGlNei/s1600/IMG_0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJ2zzRCk1ajeVTQDOWOO4w-tQNjqUEeYDw30QvHG_zsiB3ClL92NDH8CHa54Q4sKHlCQw2unSN27g-nrSIcboAp2-aPeeCamVP04pHzb8mZ7sqWMp68r88KiNeCEShNvnD0g1HOvGlNei/s320/IMG_0934.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
That being said, I have made considerations for repackaging food, repurposing items, and even preparing for bodily functions:<br />
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<i>Repackaging:</i> It's common to buy certain products in bulk, then repackage into smaller containers to split into resupply boxes, a strategy that saves money and weight. Although I tried not to do much of this, it was difficult to avoid. I repackaged things like cous cous, chia seeds, and powdered peanut butter. All but SIX of the plastic bags I used were fished out of the recycling. For example, that M&Ms bag in the picture above? It's filled with freeze dried fruits from <a href="http://www.harmonyhousefoods.com/">Harmony House</a>. <br />
<i><br />Repurposing: </i>Mostly applicable to gear and intended for weight savings, repurposing items just makes sense. My bandana will be used to wash dishes and protect my neck from the sun, my <a href="https://www.leki.com/us/trekking/poles/2655/micro-vario-carbon-lady-dss/?c=708">Leki</a> trekking poles are the foundation for my tent, and my journaling pen doubles as a <a href="http://www.bsnmedical.com/products/orthopaedics/category-product-search-o/physiotherapy-bandages/physiotherapy/leukotaper-k.html">Leukotape</a> spool. Another tip I picked up from triple-triple-crown hiker <a href="http://www.linthikes.com/">Lint</a>: using an empty peanut butter jar as a cold soak container. Soaking my food through the day means less time, effort, and fuel consumption when I get to camp. I may end up ditching my stove altogether, but Mom isn't a fan of that idea, so it stays for now. <br />
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<i>Eliminating:</i> Human waste is a HUGE problem on long, popular trails like the PCT. Proper <a href="https://lnt.org/learn/seven-principles-overview">Leave No Trace</a> principle dictates you should pack out your used toilet paper when you can, but I'm hoping to barely use any at all. For urinating, I'll use a 'pee rag'; half of a bandana that ensures I don't have to drip-dry or use TP every time I've gotta go. It will be designated as such and hung from my pack to dry as I walk. For poop, it has to be the backcountry bidet! I have an empty eye-wash saline bottle to keep me fresh and clean after my morning ritual. I'll use TP to polish up and pack it out with me. Since I'm not sure the US Postal Service would appreciate the smell of 5 months worth of toilet paper, it won't be going in the traveling trash box. I'll document the size of each bag and throw it away when I can. <br />
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<i>Monthly:</i> I just want to take a moment here to say that women hikers have it WAY harder than men. Fortunately for me, a monthly period isn't something I'll have to deal with. My birth control journey has led me to a place where as long as I'm taking my pill, I'm free from worry. That freedom comes with a price, but for a period-less thru-hike, I'm willing to endure it. I considered going sans-hormone (and may still do some thinking on that), for which I would have purchased a <a href="http://divacup.com/">Diva Cup</a>. Reusable time after time, it means virtually no waste. Compare that to carrying loads of pads or tampons that you then have to pack out? Easy answer. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUeRtYtu6aqcjqP0x1X0LqnCzr5UmJdzI3XZcIVdITXmWYwHaMNma5V9Lz16MKp4G0yeFP3u11-yzOM7bE4zxWPcJofYdGpbjqkezOB6ZfX9cmuxdy5Vu91U8EeWJ_M60w_yknU8HZfmw/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUeRtYtu6aqcjqP0x1X0LqnCzr5UmJdzI3XZcIVdITXmWYwHaMNma5V9Lz16MKp4G0yeFP3u11-yzOM7bE4zxWPcJofYdGpbjqkezOB6ZfX9cmuxdy5Vu91U8EeWJ_M60w_yknU8HZfmw/s200/image1.JPG" width="150" /></a><i>General hygiene: </i>Gotta be honest- I'm not a big fan of it. So, I don't anticipate bathing to be an issue for me on trail, but when I do wash, I'll be using biodegradable soap and that bandana I mentioned earlier (although when I'm lucky, I'll be bathing in a hotel). Toothbrushing, on the other hand, is something I do care about. I love my teeth and don't have insurance for them right now, so it's important to me to keep up my brushing ritual while hiking. To avoid hundreds of those travel size toothpaste tubes, I've made <a href="http://www.itstactical.com/gearcom/load-bearing/trimming-weight-with-toothpaste-dots-for-lightweight-backpacking/">toothpaste dots</a>. For an estimated 5 months of hiking, I only used ~5oz of toothpaste. The dots took about 2 weeks to dry, after which I packaged them with baking soda to keep them from sticking. This method cuts down on waste and weight; all I have to do is pop one in my mouth and start brushing! <br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-size: large;">In reality</span>, the project itself comes with very few specifics. I'll hike my own hike and consider my waste as another resupply:<br />
<ul>
<li>Trash will be stored in an odor-proof <a href="https://loksak.com/">LokSak</a> while hiking</li>
<li>When the bag is full, it will be emptied into a USPS priority box and bounced to a southern location (courtesy of <span id="goog_1905927645"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/">Michigan Recycling Coalition<span id="goog_1905927646"></span></a>). I'll determine the location each time based on how fast I'm accumulating waste and how many miles I'm covering in that time</li>
<li>When the box is full, I'll ship it to Michigan and start a new one. At the end of my hike, I'll be returning home to get my bearings and take a look at the results.</li>
<li>Empty resupply boxes will hopefully be recycled at the post office they are shipped to. It's unrealistic for me to carry these until I reach a recycling center myself, so I'm hoping for the best here. I'll keep track of any boxes that have to be thrown away. </li>
</ul>
Remember to follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/itsfuntobepolish/">Instagram</a>, and leave any suggestions you have for A Little Green Hike in the comments! With that, I'm happily off to the mountains again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>"Be moderate in order to taste the joys of life in abundance"</i><br />
<b>Epicurus</b><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-51273959135992987582017-04-26T17:47:00.000-04:002017-05-16T14:13:28.795-04:00Inspiration<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">OK, YOU </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">GOT ME</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">...I read </span><i><a href="http://www.cherylstrayed.com/wild_108676.htm"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wild</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">by Cheryl Strayed (and if you haven't, I strongly recommend that you do). A powerful story that planted the first PCT seed in my brain, I'll admit it was part of what led me to decide on a thru-hike. I often choose books based on their cover, and picked up </span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wild</span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> because of it's simplicity; the single Danner boot was remarkably similar to the work boots I had just purchased in preparation for a month long term with </span><a href="http://www.wiscorps.org/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">WisCorps</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. I was embarking on my first real solo adventure, where the book kept me in good company. Still, reading Cheryl's story was the least of the insights I was about to unearth. I was finding myself- something I didn't think was possible at the hearty age of 23- but I was fresh out of a break up, and the world was new. I discovered a raw passion for hard work, the outdoors, and a certain male co-worker. I felt brave, inspired, and loved. I was unstoppable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That was 2014. When the idea of a PCT thru-hike entered my head that summer, I couldn't get rid of it. I spent the next years silently planning, but it wasn't until moving to California in 2016 that I really started to understand what I had committed to. The trail was no longer a vision, but a real place that my feet had already touched. Over the last few months the pressure has been building, especially with several other commitments and my sudden decision to hike </span><a href="https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/thru-hiking-long-distance-hiking/southbound-thru-hike/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">SOBO</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. But still now, I am unstoppable. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">IF YOU KNOW ME</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, you know </span><a href="http://alittlegreenlife.blogspot.com/2013/11/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the way I can get about waste</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Last summer while living </span><a href="http://www.lakealmanorarea.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">near the PCT</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, the hiker herd came and went in the span of about 10 days. They left town to be on their way, but also left behind trash- lots of it. Don't get me wrong, they took pretty good care of the place, but my eyes picked out the overflowing cans in a rush of irritation. I was shocked that people I likened to myself could create such a massive amount of waste. I told myself I would do it differently.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, you can probably guess what's coming next- another waste oriented challenge I've dubbed 'A Little Green Hike'. This time, as opposed to the </span><a href="http://alittlegreenlife.blogspot.com/2015/01/new-year-new-bag.html"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2014 in-home project</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, I won't be setting a maximum waste goal. Instead, my aim is to measure just the amount of waste I DO create on trail. The general idea is to box my trash and send it ahead of me as I walk, but details on that will come in a later post. My planning and resupply will involve as many low-waste options as possible, and at the end of my hike I'll have a visual representation of the impact that even a conscious thru-hiker can make.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">BECAUSE OF THIS PROJECT</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and my enthusiasm for sustainability, I've garnered quite a bit of sponsorship and support from several companies, who deserve some serious love. Let me shamelessly introduce you to the following...</span></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.yamamountaingear.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">YAMA Mountain Gear</span></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm participating in </span><a href="http://myamadventure.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">mYAMAdventure</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, an annual sponsorship/mentorship program organized by YAMA and partnering with several other companies: </span><a href="http://gossamergear.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gossamer Gear</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.purplerainskirts.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Purple Rain Skirts</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><a href="https://bedrocksandals.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bedrock Sandals</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><a href="https://www.vargooutdoors.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Vargo</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><a href="https://point6.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Point6</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://euroschirm.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Euroschirm</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.harmonyhousefoods.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Harmony House</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. The sponsors provide us with some free or discounted gear, and YAMA has gathered mentors in the form of previous PCT thru-hikers to offer advice. My part of the program involves awareness for the above companies and fundraising for the </span><a href="https://www.pcta.org/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pacific Crest Trail Association</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. If you've already donated to my campaign- thank you!! If you're interested in supporting the mission of the PCTA, </span><a href="https://www.razoo.com/story/Alittlegreenhike"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">click here</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> to make a donation. </span></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.pcta.org/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pacific Crest Trail Association</span></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In addition to the fundraising campaign for PCTA through mYAMAdventure, I have been selected to work directly with the association as part of their </span><a href="https://www.pcta.org/2017/introducing-p3-ten-hikers-helping-promote-responsible-use-pacific-crest-trail-46812/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">P3 program</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. In it's first year, myself and 9 others will be advocating best-care practices and encouraging hikers to preserve, protect, and promote a healthy trail experience for everyone. PCTA has generously partnered with </span><a href="https://www.leki.com/us/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Leki</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><a href="https://www.ospreypacks.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Osprey</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, and </span><a href="http://www.eaglecreek.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eagle Creek</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> to provide P3 hikers with some additional gear. </span></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.redfoxoutfitters.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Red Fox Outfitters</span></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An incredible outdoor outfitter in my hometown, owned by two of my classmates. RFO has been kind enough to provide me with discounted gear, and although I don't think they are expecting anything in return, I'd like to encourage everyone to check out their super-hip </span><a href="http://www.redfoxoutfitters.com/#map"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fenton, MI store</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> (and bring your dog!). </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://michiganrecycles.org/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Michigan Recycling Coalition</span></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was working for MRC in 2014 when I started to wander away from my conventional lifestyle to find new passions. Not only was it a fantastic place to work, but </span><a href="http://michiganrecycles.org/index.php/green-color/top-menu"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kerrin</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and the </span><a href="http://michiganrecycles.org/index.php/green-color/violet-color"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">board of directors</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> were fully supportive of me moving on in search of my dreams. After reaching out with the A Little Green Hike project in mind, MRC has kindly agreed to sponsor the postage cost of my trail-traveling-trash-box.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">ALL OF THIS BEING SAID</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, I hope it is clear how touched and grateful I am for the support of my sponsors, family, and friends. However, I have a reciprocal part to play, and it is a bit of a sacrifice. I am now committed to maintaining social media and blog posts during my hike, something I had not anticipated previously. As my </span><a href="https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/thru-hiking-long-distance-hiking/northbound-vs-southbound/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">NOBO</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> counterparts are beginning their hikes and posting beautiful pictures daily, I find myself resisting the urge to pull away from the community. I need to maintain some of the mystery of the trail, both before and during my hike. Still, I'll do my best to keep regular and reasonable updates, which you can look for by following me on </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/itsfuntobepolish/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Instagram</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/anna.machowicz.23"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Facebook</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, and here on my blog. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“It had nothing to do with gear or footwear or the backpacking fads or
philosophies of any particular era or even with getting from point A to
point B. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It had to do with how it felt to be in the wild. With
what it was like to walk for miles with no reason other than to witness
the accumulation of trees and meadows, mountains and deserts, streams
and rocks, rivers and grasses, sunrises and sunsets."</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cheryl Strayed</span></b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-31269541036813091312017-03-31T17:37:00.002-04:002017-03-31T17:37:39.377-04:00Sincerity; to be or not to be?<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
About this time last year, my grandmother had a stroke. It was the first of what would be many trips to the hospital over the coming year, and happened around the same time I flew home for shoulder surgery. We were both down in the dumps, my mother running back and forth between the two of us for weeks, caring for and loving us as much as she possibly could. </div>
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After my surgery, I'd visit with Grandma where ever she was- this hospital, that hospital, dark rooms filled with the smell of medicine. On a particularly upsetting day, I decided to read to her as a distraction. We chose <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/05/09/three-short-moments-in-a-long-life-by-john-lheureux">Three Short Moments in a Long Life</a>, a small series by John L'Heureux, out of The New Yorker magazine. She was captivated; soaking in every word. At one point, she interrupted me to tell me how proud she was that I had written these stories. I reminded her that someone else had written them, I was only reading. It was then I knew I would lose her. </div>
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We only read 2/3 of those short stories. I promised her I would call from California and read to her over the phone, but I never did. I saw her once more before she died. Today, without her, I decided to read the third story. My tears overflow as the author fittingly describes his own year of suffering, his own death. </div>
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On that same day in the hospital, Grandma talked and talked, more than I had ever heard. She told me her life story, her fears, and how confused she was. She wished she could write down all her thoughts; to gather them, analyze them. I said I would write for her, if she just told me what she wanted to remember. We started planning a book, and though she entitled it "Sincerity; to be or not to be?", I'm not sure my grandmother ever struggled with this question. Her life, love, faith and devotion were always undoubtedly sincere. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIc8wHEQhVl5XOsoZKrRPRM22u87FIXmCbqCJ0nLLYz84j9sKPugy4m1rOT2jyBaLEC2GkrEHQVkVGnHTnowoA0h6cEnUh1npIY1bWouDB0BUVdhk33KROHqELOc4rOPOaDUksHBexHdX/s1600/17358741_10154810954180617_3661007035031750901_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIc8wHEQhVl5XOsoZKrRPRM22u87FIXmCbqCJ0nLLYz84j9sKPugy4m1rOT2jyBaLEC2GkrEHQVkVGnHTnowoA0h6cEnUh1npIY1bWouDB0BUVdhk33KROHqELOc4rOPOaDUksHBexHdX/s320/17358741_10154810954180617_3661007035031750901_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I remember all this today because it is time for another transition in my life; my winter job is over, my belongings are packed in the car again and the future is uncertain. I'm finding the time to reflect on the last year of both our lives- how, coincidentally or through resolution, I have been my sincerest self to date. I'll credit a little of that to California sunshine, the mountains of Colorado, and the wisdom that comes with age; but Grandma gets most of the acclaim. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here's to you Grandma; and to sincerity, in all it's forms.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-62889146553064293712016-10-22T15:09:00.000-04:002016-10-22T17:30:04.147-04:00Functional Movements<style>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Sitting still is not my forte. I’m not sure if I run away
from my fears or just can’t get to the next adventure fast enough…either way, I
should've figured it out a long time ago. I’m a mover. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Coast to Coast</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I write this from a rainy beach campground near Cape Cod,
Massachusetts. A month ago, I was in Arizona. Before that, I lived in the
California Cascades. My car is my home and my vessel- I pay rent in gas and oil
changes, I sleep uncomfortably close to my few belongings, I wake up to a new
view almost every day, and I <i>love</i> my
life on the road. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is quite the change from where I was a year ago, at the
beginning of a financial and emotional tailspin. I’m happy to say it didn’t
last long. The day after my last post in January, I packed my shit and moved back
to my parent’s. My heart was breaking in Minneapolis, and I just needed
somewhere safe to take a breath. In February, I packed up yet again and hit the
road for Colorado, Nevada, Oregon.
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFYOPCL7ZK0UfpYGVoizoahsJRYokseKV6LmkcuK2w_6-yRZbIoZzAj8pA-5H_Y0hwI8KgL1ErNZdeXBv4FGurXO6bHeDOzyZUwD8ahKibHcigGNk-jM_vG5Fnh_V3Ai8rWYoGeX0mfAD/s1600/IMG_5790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFYOPCL7ZK0UfpYGVoizoahsJRYokseKV6LmkcuK2w_6-yRZbIoZzAj8pA-5H_Y0hwI8KgL1ErNZdeXBv4FGurXO6bHeDOzyZUwD8ahKibHcigGNk-jM_vG5Fnh_V3Ai8rWYoGeX0mfAD/s320/IMG_5790.JPG" width="240" /></a>The reason I left this time was for my dream job, which quickly
became my worst nightmare. Working with <a href="http://www.finditdetectiondogs.com/">Find It Detection Dogs</a> involved a lot
of hiking, a bit of running, and some occasional tripping. It was not supposed
to involve a shoulder dislocation, but it did- my third one. Horrendous,
excruciating, crippling pain I wouldn’t even wish upon Donald Trump himself. The
news that followed was almost as painful: my right shoulder was toast. Burnt
toast. Surgery was the only option my lifestyle allowed for, so I flew back to
Michigan and straight into my mother’s open arms. It was a new low I had never
experienced before. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Adaptation</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I managed to keep my head up through the pain and the
prognosis, and somehow I landed another job (what?!). The vibes were on my side
and, to be honest, it was terrifying. I ended up in beautiful northern
California, working with Spotted Owls and recovering from the blows of the
previous months. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSo4dPXoVAWzfU_-TIOEVet6lCrfDznocVHwN3FXS45W61jT4aTpxtqA48DxFqauxSA4_HdguvJyTx59zV1fFhJRivMUE9fhqOUlmW9jQ4B3RwjBzXeohSClv3DkjULMM2cWYOCtIlPK3K/s1600/IMG_6129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSo4dPXoVAWzfU_-TIOEVet6lCrfDznocVHwN3FXS45W61jT4aTpxtqA48DxFqauxSA4_HdguvJyTx59zV1fFhJRivMUE9fhqOUlmW9jQ4B3RwjBzXeohSClv3DkjULMM2cWYOCtIlPK3K/s320/IMG_6129.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Recover I did! Holy hell. What an amazing summer. Roo and I
lived in our tent by the river, hanging out in the sun all day and chasing owls
at night. I made ridiculously cool friends, road tripped to places I never
thought I’d see, and even met a handsome man to share my adventures with. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I adapted. What choice did I have? I couldn’t just sit
around and wait for my life to heal itself. I learned to keep my backpack
straps tight, take strategic steps through the woods, and ask for help when I
needed it. I taught myself to be vulnerable, logical, and selfish. I loved myself.
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Preparation</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Being actively on the move means each day is spent preparing
for the next one to arrive. It’s a fast paced way of living, but keeps you in check so you never miss a moment. These days, my focus is shifting to prepare for the most solid goal I have ever set for myself: in 2017, <b><span style="font-size: large;">I will thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail.</span> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5xGtoJyEQx7Rsf1ONOXBOIahyphenhyphenLtkHGZ24bhi9yHjcI7PM0U2c4UHNXf0J-Y5xkJWxl6DaeAJJUylWHEDhM-8NRgnS8MuLVv-WVDLccmZpFfkt2GBDnZl804oDvISE1E7aGoAL73HlQQI/s1600/image1-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5xGtoJyEQx7Rsf1ONOXBOIahyphenhyphenLtkHGZ24bhi9yHjcI7PM0U2c4UHNXf0J-Y5xkJWxl6DaeAJJUylWHEDhM-8NRgnS8MuLVv-WVDLccmZpFfkt2GBDnZl804oDvISE1E7aGoAL73HlQQI/s320/image1-1.JPG" width="207" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I made my decision to hike the trail in 2014, but had
never been to the west coast. Until this year, it seemed unrealistically far away. As luck
(or fate, or odds) would have it, Chester CA is the first town after the midway
point on the PCT. I was able to
work, play, and become immersed in hiker culture. I met my boyfriend and on
weekends, I followed him up the trail as he walked what felt like my future. I
was, and am, beyond inspired. I am affirmed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Schedule, timeline, gear, food, money, patience, and
persistence. They are all things I will need for this hike, and the next 5
months will be spent largely in preparation for it. I will not be held back by
heartbreak or hardship anymore. I will move my feet, one after the other, on
every inch of that trail and through every moment of this life. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-23649365339403066352016-01-18T19:51:00.000-05:002016-01-18T21:10:00.223-05:00Deep, dark and dirtyA 2005 Subaru Legacy Wagon isn't cheap. I know this because in July of 2015, I bought one.<br>
A few days after an incredible vacation exploring several National Parks in the west with my friends, my Toyota Camry decided to take it's final breath. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Horror.</b></span> Suddenly Minnesota felt an unattainable world away from what I needed most- my dad. I had never purchased my own car before, which was the only solution I could see to the problem I now faced. Alone. I called my dad repeatedly, sent him links to every vehicle I looked at, even had him on the phone with the salesman at the dealership. Leave it to the real world to make a full grown adult feel like a child.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7K3ODBum8IhDQCWezo_lkb0s6y1RF5YFAhJlttPVyzzn5AzBds2vLFceP_r5JTQ1jo7B_3kFKO6M46Zu2GPyHW3hwDoIfmzj95Cf3EUKEWxLHRxXX_IuiKJxUv_PXaTfFHXHHkCYf6nn7/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7K3ODBum8IhDQCWezo_lkb0s6y1RF5YFAhJlttPVyzzn5AzBds2vLFceP_r5JTQ1jo7B_3kFKO6M46Zu2GPyHW3hwDoIfmzj95Cf3EUKEWxLHRxXX_IuiKJxUv_PXaTfFHXHHkCYf6nn7/s400/Picture+2.png" width="400"></a></div>
<i>New car dance with my saleswoman, Emma</i><br>
<br>
After taking out a loan and bringing home the Subaru of my dreams, it hit me. <b>Oh, shit</b>. I owe my credit union <i>eight thousand dollars</i>. In reality, not that much money. On the corps stipend of just over $6.00/hr, double or triple the impact of that debt. "Ok, Anna, pull it together, get yourself a second job".<br>
<br>
So, I did. And a third job. I worked 10, 12, 14 hour days, 7 days a week. I stopped going to crossfit, stopped going out with my friends. I thought I had it all under control, until one afternoon I decided to take Roo to the park with a friend and his dog. We walked until well after dark, exploring rocks and inlets along the Mississippi river. Bored with our shenanigans, the dogs ran off into the woods. When we called for them, only one came back- and it wasn't Roo. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Horror. Again.</b></span> Blue heelers are endearingly referred to as "velcro dogs", known for never leaving their owner's side, and Roo is the embodiment of this expression. <i>Where was my dog</i>? My search finally ended in her painful emergence from the woods, holding up an all-too-obviously broken leg.<br>
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<i>Before </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ55WGpnF71bd0fo-mbxJm3ilX4_yYW9RL6bt1S3Cdk3uWmRWIcsO-53VhhogY5KEkF06-ErLgQiMLrniOdEXnUdyiHeTBX0Ck2yjj2dZkagZDwYrOm5CB921dAcxH1Xvh-9HsYfaBcog7/s1600/image4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ55WGpnF71bd0fo-mbxJm3ilX4_yYW9RL6bt1S3Cdk3uWmRWIcsO-53VhhogY5KEkF06-ErLgQiMLrniOdEXnUdyiHeTBX0Ck2yjj2dZkagZDwYrOm5CB921dAcxH1Xvh-9HsYfaBcog7/s320/image4.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
<i>After</i><br>
<br>
<br>
I wasn't prepared for what the Vet at the emergency hospital was about to say. With both bones in her front leg completely broken and displaced, surgery would be the best option. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Surgery.</b></span> Best case scenario: $3,000 and eight weeks of bed rest. So, that's what we did. We had no choice. <br>
<br>
Meanwhile, work with the Conservation Corps was defeating me. Intense physical labor and nominal pay, lacking the satisfaction it brought earlier in the year. Each day it was a struggle to care. Finally, after months of anticipation to join the "real world" again, the end came. A retreat, a party, a hangover, and.....now what? Here I am, world! I have amazing new skills and knowledge! You know you want to hire me!<br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Not. </b></span><br>
Winter isn't hiring season in the field of natural resources. I left the corps feeling disappointed, useless, bored and broke.<br>
<br>
I am not telling you this for your money, your advice or your pity; save it. I am telling you this as it speaks to my state of mind, which I can only describe as<b> <span style="font-size: large;">apathetic</span></b>. A difficult feeling to understand, especially while experiencing it, as it is the lack of feeling at all. My bank account has suffered, friendships and romantic relationships have failed. I only emerge from the shell my mind has created to do the minimum necessary- go to work, eat food, walk dog, smile halfheartedly. Then, I go back inside to contemplate the proverbial questions 'who am I', 'what is life', and 'who cares'. <br>
<br>
It is not sadness, despair, or depression. I envision a bright, successful future for myself and plan on attaining it. The only problem is, that future is being made by an Anna who is outgoing, constructive, positive, and comfortable (she also has great hair and a nice ass). Getting from now-Anna to future-Anna is the challenging part, when everything in between feels like filler. Now is boring, now is unproductive, now is not what I want. <br>
<br>
During the car fiasco, my dad said something to me that stuck. <i><b>Everything that has happened to me is a consequence of my choices</b></i>. I couldn't believe he was being so mean- how could it be my fault that my car broke down and I had no money for a new one! How could that be?!?! But- he was right. I chose to take a job that paid next to nothing, and I chose to buy a new car instead of coming up with a different solution. My choices don't determine what happens to me, but they do determine how well I am equipped to handle it. I don't always make the 'right' choice. In fact, I often knowingly make the 'wrong' choice (because, tbh, life is more fun that way).<br>
Until the majority of my choices are 'right', I feel I may be stuck here in neutral. Feeling, not feeling, or not feeling any feelings, whatever.<br>
<br>
This obligatory attempt at expression is to help myself, my friends, my family, and my followers understand what has kept me away from blogging for so long.<br>
<br>
This is where I am.<br>
<br>
<br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-70874729302770640982015-06-02T15:04:00.001-04:002015-06-02T15:06:11.341-04:00NBD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've spent many of the recent gorgeous spring evenings laying in my yard, watching the clouds roll by. On one such occasion, this word invaded my head: <i><b>Insignificant</b>.</i> Before I could stop them, my thoughts were spiraling out of control and into anxiety as I realized the magnitude of the world around me; that I am one small life out of billions. What can any of us possibly have to offer?</div>
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My roommate working from his home office, my ex boyfriend salmon fishing in Alaska, my best friend caring for wolves at the Detroit Zoo, my brother fighting wildfire in Nevada. These four as examples are all aware of each other, and would probably tell you they don't have much in common; would never choose to do what the others are doing. Yet, their significance is so intense, it is almost easier to ignore than to acknowledge. As a few of the most important people in my life, this is simple for me to say about them, but it is true for every single life on the planet. </div>
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When my parents tell me they love me, when my coach says he's proud of me, when my dog (literally) jumps for joy at the sight of me- these are all times I feel significant. So, what am I getting at here? We all want to live in a world full of things that make us happy. Consumerism, conservation, crossfit...whatever it is, we all make conscious decisions to keep these things in our lives. It is not the government, or big business, or terrorism that changes the world. It is every single choice made by every single person to keep themselves feeling significant. This is what we each have to offer. </div>
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My goal, to keep my little green life growing, is to make choices that are not only right for me, but make sense. A global, social and environmental responsibility to do "the right thing". I stress this because I know, even as just one life out of billions, everything I do is important. I'd like to live in a world where everyone feels this way.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"The choices we make about the lives we live determine the kinds of legacies we leave"</i></span></b></div>
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-Tavis Smiley</span></span></i><br />
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P.S.</div>
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'Project' update:</div>
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Two days ago, I planted a vegetable garden! Whoa, impressive, right? Good thing we've planted more trees and plants than I can even begin to count over the last 4 months at work- at least I had a slight idea of what I was doing. Broccoli, cucumber, eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, etc...can't wait!</div>
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Both composts are doing better than expected, although we add to the food bin so often that it isn't ready for the garden...I have a second bin laying around and may stagger them so the first has time to cook. My trash can is nowhere near full, consisting of mostly protein bar wrappers, bandaids and pet hair. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Exciting things lay ahead of me in the near future...I don't want to give anything away, but I'll be posting as they happen. Don't forget to follow <a href="https://instagram.com/alittlegreenlife/">@alittlegreenlife on Instagram</a>, and keep up with my monthly <a href="http://www.conservationcorps.org/crewblog/">Conservation Corps blog</a>! Happy trails!</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-76959188660256694062015-02-15T20:13:00.001-05:002015-02-15T20:25:19.480-05:00Switchbacks<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Everyone has one little life. Every day and every action is a chance to make a <b>big</b> impact; on yourself, on others, on the future. </div>
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As my <a href="http://www.alittlegreenlife.blogspot.com/">Little Green Life</a> grows, I think it is time to transition this blog to reflect the bigger picture. Last year, I was one bag of trash. This year, I will be <i>so much more</i>. I picture 2015 and beyond as a steep mountain, the trail full of switchbacks:</div>
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<b>Solitude.</b></div>
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Something I constantly crave and never really achieve. I was grateful to be able to spend a few days alone at my cabin- which I kept at a balmy 35 degrees fahrenheit. Frozen food and lack of wood forced me out a bit earlier than I would have liked, so I've decided I will have to find simple, daily ways to seek solitude and look inward. </div>
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<b>Strength. </b></div>
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I thought I was already strong- phew, was I wrong. I started training at <a href="http://crossfitkingfield.com/">Crossfit Kingfield</a> and unpleasantly discovered all the hidden muscles my body is composed of. It may be an addiction for some; for me it is <i>hard work</i>. I'm committed and determined to use this outlet to physically and mentally challenge myself. I've made some friends, too- bonus!</div>
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<b>Health.</b></div>
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Being a vegetarian crossfit-er is interesting. I used to be able to get the protein I needed from a PB&J, then snack the rest of the day because, who cares? I'm trying to be more aware of what my body is asking for and answering with some sort of appropriately packaged sustenance.</div>
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<b>Action.</b> </div>
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This is my favorite, and what I'll focus on when writing from now on. I've joined the <a href="http://www.conservationcorps.org/">Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa</a>. Tomorrow, I start a 10-month term working on conservation projects around MN. Yes, <i>yes,</i> <i>YES</i>! Just the thought of doing something every day that makes a significant and visible impact shoots adrenaline through my veins. </div>
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Of course, I have to make sure my growing life still makes a little footprint. None of the specs of last year's project have changed- one of the 2015 goals is to create as little waste as possible- but this year I'm not going to work as hard to quantify it. I know I can do it; now I get to encourage others to do the same. Or <i>force</i> them, if you happen to be one of my roommates. </div>
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Since I left you abruptly in 2014, a quick update on the project, as it is ongoing. Our recycling is constantly overflowing, and both composters are steaming! I've put another bag in my garbage bin, and continue to keep it separate from the boys'- mostly because this means I don't have any responsibility for taking out their smelly stuff. I'm not sure when it's safe to plant a garden in Minnesota, since snow and frost occasionally happen well into May, but we'll be doing that as soon as we can. </div>
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That's it for now! I'm off to learn how to cook tofu...s<i>igh</i>.</div>
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<i><b>"Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it."</b></i></div>
<b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>-Andy Rooney</i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-40191179863830881132015-01-01T17:33:00.001-05:002015-01-01T18:04:49.731-05:00New Year, New Bag<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Three hundred and sixty five. Such a small number of days in which so many things have changed in my life. A year ago, my new year's resolution was to complete this challenge- to create only <span style="font-size: large;"><b>one 13 gallon bag of landfill waste </b></span>during 2014. Today I can say I've succeeded! Here's what I have to show for the last year...</div>
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13 gallons of trash, 2 hot composters, and full recycling bins. What more could a girl ask for? </div>
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There is much I can say now to make this a lengthy and meaningful post, but I'll keep it short and sweet. I'm happy and humbled by the outcome of this project, as it quickly became about much more than my garbage. The last 12 months taught me many lessons about strength, about love, about myself.</div>
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Most of all, I've learned that a little green life can have a <b><span style="font-size: large;">big</span></b> impact!</div>
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<b><i>Celebrate what you want to see more of!</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>-Tom Peters </i></b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-92032340344245218472014-10-03T13:43:00.001-04:002014-10-03T13:58:13.600-04:00One Small Step for Man...<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
OK, somehow, I made it! Last Friday my brother, cat, dog, Toyota Camry,
U-Haul trailer and myself took off to begin my newest adventure. With a
short detour in Wisconsin for camping and Costa Rican rum consumption (<i>"but why is the rum gone?!"</i>),
we made it to Minneapolis Saturday afternoon. Each day since then has
consisted mostly of socializing, room decorating, dog walking, and
getting lost trying to make it into the cities (thanks for nothing,
Siri).</div>
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I won't bore you with more details about my somehow incredibly smooth
transition from country roads to city sidewalks, but I do need to get
mushy here for a sec and send out some heartfelt thanks. To my parents
and family, for their remarkable and unwavering support through every
chapter of my life. To Kerrin O'Brien and the <a href="http://michiganrecycles.org/">MRC</a>,
for making this last year of opportunities and self-discovery possible
for me. To my friends, because I can still feel their love from here. To
my new roommates, who took me in no questions asked. And finally to my
brother, for being my courage and my pride when I can't seem to find
any. </div>
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Alright, ew. Now we can get to the exciting stuff. First of all, this
city is amazing. Pedestrian friendly, dog friendly, earth friendly. The
only things I miss about Michigan are Kroger, Meijer, and the bottle
deposit law. I guess Target, Trader Joe's and awesome recycling will
have to do. When I say awesome recycling, I mean it. I have a single
stream recycling cart sitting in the alleyway behind me that was emptied
by the city on Tuesday; today is Friday and it's already full again. My
roommates already recycled, and have been 100% receptive and supportive
of doing more. We now have 6 bins for recycling in the kitchen, and
compost in the works. </div>
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My personal trash can suffered minimally from the move, additions mostly
consisting of 3M Command strips. I'm keeping it in my room for now to
avoid confusion and chaos. </div>
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Brother and I spent some quality time with tools this week, making new compost bins:<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">And here we have Tommy Mac, modeling this season's latest trend in poop composters</span></i></div>
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This was SO easy. I don't know why I bothered with making them from
pallets before. I picked up two 32-gallon "trash cans" from the store,
about 20 bucks each. For the food scrap composter, we drilled aeration
holes around the sides and the bottom, and I placed it next to the
vegetable garden today. The poop composter used the same concept, but we
cut off the bottom of the container, as demonstrated in the last
picture (don't worry, he's actually wearing pants). Assuming it doesn't
rain tomorrow, I'll be digging a hole in the yard
to sink this into. Keeping it underground should control odors and aid
in the composting process...but I've never done this before so it should
be a fun experiment. </div>
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Well, there you have it. Of course I'll continue my regular update here,
but follow me on Instagram for picture updates from around the cities! <b><span style="font-size: x-small;">@alittlegreenlife</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>And so begins the rise of my many suns</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">...</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-65526631333765943332014-09-19T10:11:00.000-04:002014-09-19T11:15:41.407-04:00Captain's Log<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time is such an incredible thing. I've been training myself to enjoy the hours in a day; to fill and explore them instead of count them. Empty time feels like a burden. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time is on my mind. There are 7 days left until I uproot to Minnesota, which feels like an eternity, but is actually less than 175 hours. Not that I'm counting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've packed, unpacked, and repacked multiple times already. Inventorying my belongings is such a struggle...I imagine those cute little devil-angel duos as I argue with myself:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">"Aww, notes from my middle school boyfriend professing his love for me. Too bad we were 12. Toss."</span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span><span style="color: #e06666;">"...but what if you bump into each other in 5 years and rekindle your love?? You can show these to your kids!!" </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">"I haven't worn this in over 3 years, time to give it away."</span> <span style="color: #e06666;">"...but what if you make a lot of fancy friends and they invite you to fancy parties and you <i>need</i> something fancy to wear?!?"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes I let the irrational/sentimental side win, but I think I've done a decent job of convincing myself that if I get rid of things, I have a really good excuse to go shopping later.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I have been able to part with has caused some issues. Most of it goes in the give away box or the recycling bin (yes, I did get rid of those middle school love notes)...but the moldy bow from a flower arrangement at my Nana's funeral in 1998? The stack of Oregon Trail and American Girl CD-ROM games; the various cosmetics given to me as gifts by people who hadn't noticed I clearly have no idea how to use them; the plethora of Backstreet Boys and N*Sync albums?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most of this random, #throwbackthursday-worthy crap went in the trash, or is sitting around in the basement because I can't decide what to do with it. Seven days to figure it out, right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, speaking of trash, it's about half-way full:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Like the pics? Follow me on instagram for more! @alittlegreenlife</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been slightly more liberal lately about the products I use and toss, since it's not as full as I thought it would be by now. I know that's probably not the right attitude to have about this project, but to be honest I'm mildly overwhelmed by the current happenings of my life and some days I just need a f*%#ing individually wrapped protein bar, okay?!? Phew, sorry for the aggressive escalation...but you see what I mean. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've done some digging into recycling services offered in Minneapolis. As you can guess if you've heard anything about the progressive nature of the city, they offer both <a href="http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/solid-waste/recycling/solid-waste_recycling">recycling</a> and <a href="http://www.hennepin.us/residents/recycling-hazardous-waste/organics-recycling">composting</a> at the curb...<i>score</i>!! I'm so used to dragging all my recyclables to the nearest drop off center that the thought of only having to roll a cart to the curb is especially exciting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We may do some backyard composting too if I can get the roommates on board, since they already have a vegetable garden going. Pet waste will be a challenge again...I'm certainly not dragging the outhouse-composter all the way to Minneapolis. I've researched some other methods, so we'll see what will work when I get there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Alrighty then...that's it for now. Stay tuned for an update from MPLS!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there. </i></b></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-56987850119659374622014-08-21T20:41:00.001-04:002014-08-21T20:41:56.381-04:00Pura Vida!Somehow it feels like I've been back from Costa Rica for much longer than a week and a half. It was a 10 day whirlwind of long bus rides, bathroom breaks, early mornings, posing for photographs, anxiety, and too many people. Hmm...does that make it sound like I didn't have any fun? I think I left out the part about hiking, kayaking, zip lining, horseback riding, white water rafting, swimming in the ocean, seeing a whale, touching a crocodile, planting trees, close encounters with monkeys/sloths/iguanas/birds, learning new things, making new friends...and getting an awesome tan.<br />
So, despite my aversion towards humans in general, I actually had a pretty good time with some pretty cool people.<br />
The best part? <i>Recycling!</i> Almost everywhere we went had a convenient recycling and/or composting station- hotels, restaurants, street corners...even the beach!<br />
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As you can guess, I was overly and outwardly thrilled every time I saw a new recycling container, and had to take pictures of them all. I got plenty of "must be another tourist" looks from the locals...<i>and</i> from my American counterparts. As far as waste goes, we didn't directly accumulate much because we ate out for <b>every single meal</b>. I'm still struggling with how to make a meal on my own now that I'm back home...</div>
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What I wasn't able to discern was where the recycling goes when it is hauled away. My limited research (typing "Costa Rica recycling" into Google) gave me many different answers- but it seems as though there are some recovery facilities, thanks to efforts from organizations that value the role recycling plays in keeping the country sustainable. This little country accounts for about 0.03% of the Earth's landmass, and 3-5% of the biodiversity. In other words, sustainability is a big deal in Costa Rica. I can dig it. </div>
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As I've witnessed regularly over these last few months, literally <i>nothing</i> in life ever goes to plan. 5 year old me planned on being a rich, world renowned, supermodel veterinarian by now. 20 year old me planned on being a financially stable, has-it-all-together wife and mother by now. 24 year old me wonders <b>what the in the hell</b> those other Anna's were thinking. </div>
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I've learned a lot about myself and about life in the last months: <i>Life is hard!!</i> It's OK to get to know people, and maybe-possibly-if-they-continuously-annoy-you-until-you-give-in, let them get to know you too. Taking risks is fun. Shovels make the best therapists. Happy memories will <i>always be</i> happy<i> </i>memories. <b>Sweat is <i>sexy</i>.</b> I am strong, smart, confident...hell, I'm even kind of cool.<br />
You're wondering: why am I babbling on, sharing my infinite wisdom, when I'm supposed to be talking about recycling? Well, this project is about more than recycling. If you recall in my first entry, I explicitly stated that this project is about my life.<br />
So, here we are again, the part where I make an important announcement about a change in "the plan". After learning all of the above about myself, I've discovered I'm constantly craving these changes. My brain tricks me into incessantly planning everything, but what I really need now is a challenge, a chance to be brave. In order to satisfy this craving, I'm moving to Minneapolis, MN (I know, I know, I made it seem like a really dramatic announcement was coming...sorry). I do have a few friends there and a place to live, but no job lined up, and no idea what is coming for me once I'm settled. The uncertainty is what scares and excites me. Anyone can slip on a harness and bungee jump...but this will be harder for me than putting trust in a rope. I have to put trust in myself.<br />
Hopefully this will be the first step on the path that gets me to wherever it is I'm going!<br />
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<b><i>I'm on the hunt for who I've not yet become.</i></b><br />
<i>-Sara Bareilles</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-8626378506932120582014-07-16T20:56:00.000-04:002014-07-16T20:56:28.341-04:00Life Block<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Life Block: </b><i>With distracting tendencies similar to writer's block, this disorder seems to be a surreal form of nostalgia that occurs sporadically during daytime hours, peaking in severity around 9 pm. Sufferers first report symptoms after an extended and particularly enjoyable time spent away from real life. Indications of the disorder include daydreaming, erratic episodes of happiness or sadness, continual rambling about the experience, and the repeated phrase "I want to go back". Treatments have limited effectiveness. No cure at this time.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">OK, so I made all that up. It's still a pretty accurate medical description of what I am experiencing at the moment. If you hadn't already gathered, I had a wonderful, amazing, unforgettable time working with <a href="http://wiscorps.org/">WisCorps</a>. Disclaimer: this entry will contain many photos. Sorry, not sorry. If you want to see more, catch up on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WisCorps">WisCorps Facebook</a> page. Here's our good-looking crew on the first day:</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After this was taken, we all got much darker, stronger, and more badass. As if you weren't impressed already.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A brief synopsis so as not to bore you with all the awesome things we did...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Week 1: spent in Bayfield, WI building two boardwalks for <a href="http://www.wildernessinquiry.org/">Wilderness Inquiry</a>. Deet in excess. Beautiful sunsets over Lake Superior almost every night. Power tripping with power tools. Finished products:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Week 2: Two days in Eau Claire, WI. Planted 300 Elm trees with the US Army Corps of Engineers. Cut down an outrageous amount of Box Elder yearlings. Moved to LaCrosse, WI (WisCorps HQ). Set up camp on a bluff with this view: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The rest of Week 2, 3 and 4 were all spent there working on various projects. Learned about and moved <a href="http://news.uwlax.edu/another-way-students-invest-in-sustainability/">UW-L's vermicomposting system</a>. Helped finish a HoopHouse for <a href="http://growyourbrainlax.org/thank-you-wiscorps/">Grow Your Brain</a>. Worked with <a href="http://www.lacrossehtf.org/garden.html">Kane Street Community Garden</a>, <a href="http://www.washburnneighborhood.org/5.html">Washburn Community Garden</a>, and <a href="http://clearwaterfarm.org/">Clearwater Farm</a>. Did household and neighborhood projects for elderly citizens. Toured Western Technical College's <a href="http://www.westerntc.edu/swipht/">passive house</a>. Made friendship bracelets. Ate A LOT of cheese. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't worry, it wasn't all work and no play. Evenings and weekends were filled with music, laughter, fun, food, and even wine:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Four weeks of living, working and playing with 6 other people definitely gives you time to get sick of each other, but in the end I wish it had been much, much longer. I made great memories with lifetime friends, learned a lot about myself, and developed biceps that have shadows. I couldn't have asked for anything better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know, I know, you're on the edge of your seat waiting to hear about the most important part of the trip- recycling! It didn't turn out as challenging as I had expected. Wilderness Inquiry had a recycling bin provided on site, so we didn't have to pack anything out. The WisCorps offices have recycling as well, so every few days we would stop by to empty our "trash can" (a 5 gallon bucket) and separate out the recyclables. We also kept a bucket for compost, which we added to the pile at the office. With 7 of us sharing food, etc, there was no good way for me to keep track of what I was contributing. Overall, we didn't accumulate that much waste, so I think my impact was minimal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The City of LaCrosse also has recycling bins next to almost every garbage container, so recycling while we were "out and about" was easy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The hardest thing for me to get over was the lack of a bottle bill in Wisconsin. I panicked the first few times I watched someone crush an aluminum can, and was in pain seeing valuable bottles get thrown away. I worked hard to suppress my trash picking urges on every street corner. Instead, I hope I inspired the members of my crew to make small changes to reduce their waste. Our crew leaders should be getting plenty of practice at that right now, since they left this week with another crew for a 5 week session in Isle Royale. You're in my state now guys- don't mess it up!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Experience is the teacher of all things.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>-Julius Caesar</i></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not to mention gauze, blister packs, gloves, and all the other stuff my mom is making me take in my first aid kit to Wisconsin. It takes up half of my backpack! Here's to hoping I won't need to use any of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever regret a purchase 30 seconds after making it? That happened to me the other day when I bought mosquito spray out of desperation, and then realized it was in an aerosol can. I used it all in 2 days, and now have to take special consideration for recycling the can. I've chosen a regular spritz bottle loaded with deet for my trip. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I'll be gone over Father's Day, we celebrated last weekend. My dad isn't really a golf gear and ties kind of guy. His requests usually involve kayaking, going for a walk, planting trees or "just having his family together". This time, it was "I want that concrete patio torn out...by hand".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enter my brother, Tom, and me. I call us the "concrete heroes". Those blocks we're sitting on are only the bits from others that were too cracked to save. We hauled and stacked about 90 whole blocks in a pile in the woods, where my dad is "saving them for future projects". So in other words, he'll have a really cool concrete Jenga game for years to come. Anyway, we had multiple discussions about what to do with the extra bits. Renting a dumpster and putting them in the landfill? Not in this family. Having a concrete company haul them away for aggregate? Sounds like a lot of work. Dad came up with the brilliant idea to use them as erosion control under the bridge he built when they bought the house. Genius! He gets to do that part by himself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that I'm physically prepped, I'm ready for a month of isolation in the woods. Heck, I'm always ready for anything in the woods. See you in July!!</span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"What the country needs is dirtier fingernails and cleaner minds"</span></b></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> -Will Rogers</span></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-87028512363887190222014-05-22T17:58:00.000-04:002014-05-23T08:41:18.638-04:00Without Fear<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow, I've been putting off writing this entry for so long! People are starting to whine at me about it, so I figured I couldn't procrastinate any longer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll start with a (brief) recap of the conference...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was pretty awesome. Even though I didn't get to attend a single session, I learned some valuable lessons:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cute shoes are not worth having 10 blisters and blood everywhere (...or are they...?)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remembering to eat is important to survival</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My natural instinct to shower and go to bed instead of staying up socializing can actually pay off</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That "how is it possible to feel like I can't stay awake when vital information is being given" feeling does not go away after college</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People are not so bad...not this group of people anyway</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plus an array of work related lessons to take away for planning next year's conference, but let's not talk about that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As far as accumulating trash, that isn't really happening. I did get food poisoning and thought Goldfish crackers sounded good during recovery, so I bought them without thinking...the bag is paper/foil, so that had to be thrown away. Other than that, not much. I changed my oil the other day and thankfully was able to use part of a shop rag instead of repeating the paper towel fiasco. I've also cut way down on my "out and about" purchases, so the materials accumulating in the car are pretty minimal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple things I'm doing that I forgot to mention previously...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <b>Dryer lint</b>. Didn't think about that, did you?? Turns out if you fill empty toilet paper/paper towel rolls with lint, they make great fire starters. Bring it on, summer!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <b>Cloth napkins</b>. My mom is an RN, so she's very germ conscious. I finally convinced her that it would be ok for me to reuse a cloth napkin with my meals for a week...(I do this with my bath towels too, she hates it). I've also started yelling at her if she gives me food on a paper plate...I think she might just stop giving me food.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are some other things that have been brought to my attention I am not dealing with due to circumstances:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <b>Household crap</b>. Meaning: I don't own a house. So furnace filters, paint, drywall, garage accessories, etc, are not my concern. I'm totally ok with this, but I realize it makes this project unrealistic to those that do own a house. However, I would like to point out that there are outlets for recycling or re-purposing those items I listed above, so the project is actually not impossible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <b>Feminine hygiene</b>. Ewwwwww. I'm really not interested in handing out TMI here, but I'm on a certain medication that rids me of the need to think about use or disposal of these products...<i>thank you, science</i>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <b>Restricted space</b>. Even before I moved back in with my parents, I had plenty of space for recycling and composting...but not everyone has that freedom (and I hear some people don't want it...crazies). I'm a firm believer that you can recycle, compost, and grow gardens even if you live<i><b> in a van down by the river</b>.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aaaaanyywhoo, I do have an announcement that may or may not throw a wrench in the plan for this project, again. I'm headed to Wisconsin from June to July to serve with a <a href="http://wiscorps.org/">WisCorps </a>conservation crew. This potentially makes my project difficult for a month because I will be backcountry camping the entire time. Pack in-pack out is the general policy; I'll have to be careful about what I pack in. I don't want my bag to be full of Clif bar wrappers on the way home, but I also don't know what kind of recycling is available in Wisconsin...so we'll just see what happens. The trip is, of course, technology free, so I won't be able to update you until I get back. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple weeks after that, I'll be headed to Costa Rica for 10 days- just for fun. I have no idea if recycling even exists in Costa Rica...but most likely I'll be eating out for all my meals so hopefully I won't directly generate too much waste. Otherwise, I'll be explaining to US customs that I don't intend to make bombs or transport drugs with all the empty plastic containers inside my bag on the way back into the country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll update before I leave and when I return from my adventures! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>"The purpose of life is to live, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience."</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> - Eleanor Roosevelt</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-53151731258502088282014-04-22T20:26:00.000-04:002014-04-22T20:32:58.460-04:00Talkin' Trash<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Earth Day! </b></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm celebrating by giving you a look inside my trash can. Sounds like fun, right? This is the approximate volume of stuff:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhnSg1Y3XYqdlFJmyZu2Wo1utPrA0LVTcssPtiK2C1buB3aPnfQsGvOM6-3wgoQTosuCSNL4r_-YNPQ-9r61Vgws1S6lEY-BgZ2M5JpFAD6s_AAMy49GcSDQT4MP0C7JaF2hwkuY72fu0/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhnSg1Y3XYqdlFJmyZu2Wo1utPrA0LVTcssPtiK2C1buB3aPnfQsGvOM6-3wgoQTosuCSNL4r_-YNPQ-9r61Vgws1S6lEY-BgZ2M5JpFAD6s_AAMy49GcSDQT4MP0C7JaF2hwkuY72fu0/s1600/index.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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I just eye-balled it, really, but I think it's pretty close to accurate.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VDCZgaMRmvn8A7Wd8yGAfxb3mgCj2fVfyqW9z_mibL7y7mk2YubVHPInFPw4ZB_PHdFkPZXjZjnybEVePbfvqi4eTsuRjjHhyphenhyphenNWCPhqCzUSgr1xlDno6SOYYepfRSjsxcd_mLPTp20aS/s1600/IMG_2948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VDCZgaMRmvn8A7Wd8yGAfxb3mgCj2fVfyqW9z_mibL7y7mk2YubVHPInFPw4ZB_PHdFkPZXjZjnybEVePbfvqi4eTsuRjjHhyphenhyphenNWCPhqCzUSgr1xlDno6SOYYepfRSjsxcd_mLPTp20aS/s1600/IMG_2948.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>This is what's inside!</b></div>
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So far, it's mostly packaging. Paper-lined foil, foil-lined paper, and other silly combinations of materials that can't be separated. Hot cocoa packets, lint roller sheets, casing from heartworm medications, etc etc etc. I've limited my use of these things to avoid putting them in here, but sometimes you just <i>have</i> to have some hot cocoa! </div>
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I've been able to feel less guilty about eating snacks like chips and protein bars because we've started collecting them to send to Terracycle. However, I still consider the crappy packaging as a reminder not to eat that stuff anyway, so it's working out in my favor twice. </div>
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I think there are probably some small things I can pull out to be recycled or reused, but I'm going to wait until I have more exciting trash. </div>
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The cats have successfully been transitioned to 100% corn litter, which is super cheap and breaks down easily in that poop pile we have going. I'm pleasantly surprised Sabian is actually using it...he's usually very particular about what touches his paws (I'm rolling my eyes as I type).</div>
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As far as updates go, that's about it. Once you get into a routine, things flow pretty easily. </div>
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I do, however, have to plug the conference while I can...it's next week!! If you or anyone you know want to go, check out the program and registration on our <a href="http://michiganrecycles.org/index.php/events/left-innerleft-center">website</a>. Even if you don't have any fun or learn anything new (doubtful that you won't), you'll at least have a good time watching me awkwardly interact with crowds of people.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On Earth Day, and most every other day, I'm so glad I was an agriculture and natural science student. Sometimes, understanding and appreciation make all the difference. I hope you got outside for a little while today before you sat down to read this. If not; stop reading and get out there </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">now</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the
world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide
what kind of difference you want to make.”</i><i><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></i> </i></b></span></div>
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<i> -Jane Goodall</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-15384128084883219782014-03-10T20:39:00.000-04:002014-03-10T20:45:39.214-04:00Situation Normal....<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Everything is so much fun! I'm in a particularly good mood today, so this post may be a bit more enjoyable to read. Maybe it's all this sunshine and warmth at 7:30pm...</div>
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I was going to say I've run into a couple of SNAFU's, but when you break down that acronym I'm not sure it's entirely accurate. It's pretty vulgar, and my life isn't <i>that </i>bad. </div>
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Firstly: I cleaned my car. Ugh. I've been trying not to generate much in there- it was mostly tissues and crumbs, but there was the occasional candy or protein bar wrapper I had to decide what to do with. Seems easy; just throw it away like normal. However, I got into a lonely debate with myself about whether or not I had to. What I mean is, I'm measuring the amount of waste I generate at home, in my kitchen trash. When I cleaned my car before this project, all that stuff went into the garage or gas station trash bin...so where does it belong now? I decided I will count it as "home" waste and try to minimize it in the future. </div>
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The real challenge came when I changed my oil. It's easy and fun until it's time to clean up. Usually I wipe up the funnel and drip pan with an old absorbent t-shirt or some type of rag, and then that gets thrown away. There were none of those laying around this time, so I had to use multiple paper towels. My hands were kind of tied here...I couldn't compost, burn, or throw them away in the house because used oil is just bad for everything, so I had to put them in the garage trash. I'm not quite sure how to remedy this situation...insert guilty conscience here. </div>
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Another problem: I'm addicted to dog toys. Well, I'm addicted to buying them, for my dog. She just gets so happy when there's something new to chew on! The issue here? She literally chews up everything...so in the trash it goes. Maybe one day I'll catch on. </div>
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The <a href="http://www.michiganrecycles.org/">MRC</a> puts on all kinds of cool events (yep, I'm plugging a little here), and last week we had our first <a href="http://michiganrecycles.org/index.php/events/main-content-only#1-materials-recycling-management-training">Materials and Recycling Management</a> training session, which I attended. Since I clearly radiate confidence and a love of public speaking, our trainer made me get up and talk about this very project. During my spiel, I admitted I was thrilled that individually wrapped candy had been provided, because I'm not allowed to eat it at home (can't recycle the wrappers). This begged the question from one of the attendees: "so you're allowed to throw things away when you're out and about?", which stopped me a little. I save recyclables and take them home, but I haven't thought about saving my trash to take home and throw away. Mostly because, well, that's gross, but also because it's not fair. Sometimes it's not possible for me to decide what I can throw away and what I can recycle. Sometimes recycling bins aren't even provided. Sometimes my drink is served to me in a really stupid, half foam/half paper cup, and there's nothing I can do. So, I've decided that bringing home anything recyclable and making smarter decisions about what I purchase while I'm "out and about" are just part of the project. Yes, I'm generating waste outside of my home, but I had no way to measure that waste before this project and the same problem exists now. Maybe next year I'll have this dilemma solved and perfected, but for now, "it is what it is". </div>
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The last thing I'd like to say is that I have the most wonderful, supportive, amazing parents. Anything that is important to me becomes important to them. Of course, they recycled as much as possible before I invaded their home a month ago, but they are striving to do even more now that I'm here. My dad is looking into ordering multiple <a href="http://www.terracycle.com/">Terracycle</a> boxes, and my mom put a really heavy plant on top of my garbage bin. I'm not sure if it was on purpose or if it's her compulsive need to cover every flat surface, but either way the thought of having to lift the plant just to throw something away horrifies me. Anyway, they are just awesome, and I wouldn't be where I am today without them, and I just thought they deserved some recognition and love on here. You guys rock!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ok then, until next time!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-6519358279877466662014-02-11T19:05:00.000-05:002014-02-11T19:05:29.285-05:00Challenges.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This entry is about new challenges, and I'm thinking as I sit here that it will probably be a challenge to write, so bear with me.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kyle and I decided a few weeks ago that it was time to separate. Nothing terrible happened, it was just time. So about a week ago we made the decision final, and since I'm having so much trouble finding a place to rent that's safe, has enough room for the dog, and is in my price range, I'm staying with my parents.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, mental and emotional challenges aside (because that's not what this blog is about), here are some of the other challenges I am facing regarding my waste project:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. THE CAT. He's always a damn problem. He used the recycled paper litter just fine, by the way, until we came here. My parents have a very old cat that uses regular clumping clay litter, and Sabian is ignoring his own litterbox for hers. Although it seems like this doesn't pose a problem because <i>technically</i> I'm not doing the throwing away of the litter, my cat's bathroom habits are starting to make me feel very guilty. I think I'll replace the old cat's litter with the recycled paper once my parents have run out of the regular stuff, but she might die before that happens. Who knows.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. The dog. Not as big of a deal. My parents live on quite a bit of property and the dogs run off leash. Basically all this means is I have no idea where Roo poops to go and pick it up, but it also means that it doesn't really matter where she poops. If I can find it, we just throw it in a big pile out back anyway.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Meals. I still buy my own groceries, which means I can still do my "green scan" at the store (The other day I found a HUGE package of store brand, pre-sliced cheese that <i>wasn't</i> individually packaged! Win). However, more often than not, my mom makes dinner for all of us. This is wonderful and she's awesome, but it also means I don't know what ingredients she used and where all the packaging ended up. My parents recycle almost everything anyway, so I'm not too worried about it, but I hate to think that some of the waste generated is indirectly mine. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Waste. At first I didn't know how I would continue to measure my own waste but it turned out pretty simple. I have my old trash can and keep it separate from my parent's trash can. Anything I use that needs to be thrown away is put in my own can. Composting has been easy too since my parents also compost whatever they can. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far these are the only challenges I've run into, but I've only been here for a week. I don't plan on being here for very long...but let's be honest, things haven't exactly gone according to plan. Hopefully I'll be on my own soon and this project can get back on track!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some good news is I think I effectively altered Kyle and Dane's behavior. Kyle asked to keep the recycling containers and says he is going to continue recycling as much as he can. I'm not sure how he'll do it though, without me constantly pointing out what goes where... =P</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-20084404635838828382014-01-27T17:54:00.000-05:002014-01-27T17:54:46.609-05:00Shenanigans<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Still surviving.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week we had an incident where I didn't think I would, though. 8 AM: making my lunch in the kitchen. Boyfriend flushes toilet upstairs. Kitchen sink <i>fills with sewage</i>, and it starts spewing all over the laundry room...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Needless to say, I let the landlord deal with that one. Unfortunately, the landlord and the plumber don't quite know about this project of mine. I came home after work to holes in the wall and yard...and drywall dust in our trash can.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After some research, I found that drywall can be composted, and some people till it directly into their gardens. Since I'm not sure what type this was, I decided to put it in the poop composter just to be safe. Do you have any idea how hard it is to move drywall dust with your bare hands, in blasting winds? Turns out it's not easy. It stuck to everything that was already in the trash can. Eventually I got out a satisfactory amount and gave up on the rest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also had a rug casualty due to this incident. Our laundry room carpet suffered serious complications from it's exposure to raw sewage, and had to be removed permanently. Kyle rolled it up and took it to a dumpster. I'm not sure if that counts as cheating or not, since the rug was at least twice the size of a 13-gallon trash can. I'm going to count it as an emergency disposal, and continue on with the rest of the project. Fair?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, this happened:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>6 years old!!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This little guy turned 6 years old this past Saturday. For those who don't already know- Dane is Kyle's son, and I met him when he was 15 months old, wearing only a diaper. Now he doesn't even let me in the room when he's changing his clothes...(sigh). Anyway, we accidentally "planned" a party to take place on Saturday. My shopping for party supplies went pretty well- everything had an afterlife recycling or composting plan. Most everyone who came reads my blog, so they also knew to ask before they threw anything away. When it came time for dessert, I pulled out the cupcakes Grandma brought and realized <b>a.</b> these are going to be delicious and <b>b.</b> they have wax paper wrappers. I'm not aware of a recycling facility in the area that takes waxed paper covered in chocolate, and I'm getting mixed answers in my research about composting them. Anybody have a good solution for me?? They are still sitting around the house waiting for a proper resting place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rest of the party went smoothly. I was able to save all the tissue paper and bags from presents, and will be reusing the wrapping paper somewhere, somehow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My dad also came up with a good idea for that ceramic plate in the trash- crushing it up and using it to fill holes in the driveway. I'll probably do that when the driveway isn't covered in snow. (Isn't it awesome that I'm taking more stuff out of the trash while hardly adding to it?!?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, unexpected trauma aside, January is still going well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" </i></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-81329410768510224482014-01-12T20:47:00.001-05:002014-01-12T20:47:15.553-05:0012 down, 353 to go...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time seems to fly until I think about how much more there is to go...BUT I think we're doing pretty well!</span><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The recycling bin is spewing stuff all over the kitchen! Unfortunately, "Snowpocalypse 2014" kept me far, far away from the recycling drop off center...even though it's only 5 minutes away. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, the garbage bin is sitting nice and quietly, keeping it's lid shut for the most part. The biggest contributor so far has been a broken ceramic plate- no way to recycle that. I might pull it out in a few months when I'm feeling crafty and want to make garden stones or something. Yes...I've been pulling things out of the trash. Not only am I used to it from being on the <a href="http://www.bespartangreen.msu.edu/greenvolunteers.html">Be Spartan Green Team</a>, but it's habit to toss things in (even I do it)- and someone has to get them out. Guess who the only volunteer is for that job...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Oh, that's me!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's been pretty easy to convince Dane, who is 5, that paper towels and tissues could go into the compost; I even got him to start using a handkerchief! His neighbor friend was a bit more difficult though...his family doesn't even recycle. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The compost seems to be doing well. Although I can't really tell what's happening in the poop bin since it's well, full of poop, it's wonderful not to have to throw plastic bags full of kitty litter into the trash every week. The food compost is still taking it's sweet time. I'm sure the sub-arctic temperatures didn't help generate any heat, either. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So far, we haven't had to alter our behavior all that much. Since we already recycled before, we just put a little more thought into what goes where and it all works out. The biggest difference I'm noticing in myself is my thought process- before I even pick an item up off the shelf my brain does a little "green scan"- what is it made of, what is it packaged in, and what will I have to deal with when I'm done with it? I find this little trick helps me save the earth and save money too, since almost everything is unsatisfactory after I force myself to think about it. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having my goal in mind keeps me on my toes, but what really forces me to be conscious about my actions is YOU! I have no idea who my readers are outside of my friends and family, but the thought of disappointing any of you keeps me from slipping up when I'm having a bad day. So I suppose, I should <b><i>thank you</i></b>!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>If you want grown-ups to recycle, just tell their kids the importance of recycling, and they'll be all over it.</i> -Bill Nye</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-32204910074504330262014-01-01T19:02:00.001-05:002014-01-01T20:50:02.870-05:00New Year, New Life!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>January 1st!</b> It seems like the older I get, the faster time goes...<i>ugh</i>.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't anticipate getting ready for this project and the holidays at the same time, so I'm feeling a bit behind. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think everything is ready overall though..</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's a bit of what I've done so far:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Compost</b>! I built my food composter in late November and have been adding to it since then. It ended up being bigger than I pictured, so our waste in a month hasn't even begun to compost that I can tell. I invited the neighbor to put hers in as well- I like to share. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UrFq_CTLxJpnwQvQK69T2BHDIBY82F4f3zSqRvAfcCqPmdx6QZaXY0p3J73T8LhhSWSu1_5FEwkDa8wg7P42NgOJ2sd77AIa1U7ywpKlTZPXYTn9Bh_yF06mafk4lyq8lSLnczk8DVPg/s1600/IMG_1662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UrFq_CTLxJpnwQvQK69T2BHDIBY82F4f3zSqRvAfcCqPmdx6QZaXY0p3J73T8LhhSWSu1_5FEwkDa8wg7P42NgOJ2sd77AIa1U7ywpKlTZPXYTn9Bh_yF06mafk4lyq8lSLnczk8DVPg/s200/IMG_1662.jpg" width="147" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMXUQnYIQplhCZzsHL9GcurVFGDytcSx-d9ZCp0aAKwhfB5wtmvFsSTFJ9EVYJh2ubo1PjXGWZjksSkLYKpsM0KE1xc1reWFAaunQauVUfVA9IZAhBhQT3IIFG5GcmF_ZeqcARckpHWxE/s1600/IMG_1665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMXUQnYIQplhCZzsHL9GcurVFGDytcSx-d9ZCp0aAKwhfB5wtmvFsSTFJ9EVYJh2ubo1PjXGWZjksSkLYKpsM0KE1xc1reWFAaunQauVUfVA9IZAhBhQT3IIFG5GcmF_ZeqcARckpHWxE/s200/IMG_1665.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKo4eWSn4YSOQT_mKe67ab66RcLgQgUvTyYqWYapSWMuWPDspkr3EajOseQ9Qe1LvB5ZEuLJweG3P0wYGh7uuJYNRi5inN_plQ62bwCPJT1ArPXU-5od0PbOT-neihTbUjxXgHIczZy4Fu/s1600/IMG_1667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKo4eWSn4YSOQT_mKe67ab66RcLgQgUvTyYqWYapSWMuWPDspkr3EajOseQ9Qe1LvB5ZEuLJweG3P0wYGh7uuJYNRi5inN_plQ62bwCPJT1ArPXU-5od0PbOT-neihTbUjxXgHIczZy4Fu/s200/IMG_1667.jpg" width="147" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The pet waste composter was built a little later....and by that I mean we did it today. So, it doesn't look very pretty yet but the idea is that it will eventually be painted like an outhouse...just for fun.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8UDFlIVj39dsfLrIc2COcF9gq18NvnRUktsKUnj7HWbyV9hK-uzV5ST_d-d5Y0dq0Mm04ANY8lszYNLbF1JH3z0JQNRz6Fe4jBBNd6iOJ2Jqr8TIsDMs0AdlMZd7WQhDcEiHpaJKuv9h/s1600/IMG_1875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8UDFlIVj39dsfLrIc2COcF9gq18NvnRUktsKUnj7HWbyV9hK-uzV5ST_d-d5Y0dq0Mm04ANY8lszYNLbF1JH3z0JQNRz6Fe4jBBNd6iOJ2Jqr8TIsDMs0AdlMZd7WQhDcEiHpaJKuv9h/s320/IMG_1875.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Doesn't she look excited?!</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What I'm struggling with the most here is <b>kitty litter</b>. There are all kinds of awesome natural and compostable products on the market now. The issue is my cat- he won't use anything that isn't in small granule form. I stood in the litter aisle for so long I think people were starting to think I was "that" lady...but I eventually decided on <a href="http://catspride.com/products/">Cat's Pride Light and Fresh 100% recycled paper litter</a>. It may or may not be satisfactory for him...we shall see.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I bought all kinds of <b>fun stuff</b>:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIF3ugiQXf2EAjNuO6oZNOPWyqnvXp7Pj2h2n9NQhQzu2Ng9XLv6c-fPxwwqXM7v_dyoOax8Umsoexcv7GS49DuBbDfMib19HPagEOYvsXeV-w5DsH1sVkkq9hUkLxCFW8rtamrlXyJLhK/s1600/IMG_1758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIF3ugiQXf2EAjNuO6oZNOPWyqnvXp7Pj2h2n9NQhQzu2Ng9XLv6c-fPxwwqXM7v_dyoOax8Umsoexcv7GS49DuBbDfMib19HPagEOYvsXeV-w5DsH1sVkkq9hUkLxCFW8rtamrlXyJLhK/s320/IMG_1758.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIF3ugiQXf2EAjNuO6oZNOPWyqnvXp7Pj2h2n9NQhQzu2Ng9XLv6c-fPxwwqXM7v_dyoOax8Umsoexcv7GS49DuBbDfMib19HPagEOYvsXeV-w5DsH1sVkkq9hUkLxCFW8rtamrlXyJLhK/s1600/IMG_1758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The green containers in the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><a href="http://www.preserveproducts.com/">preserve</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"> box are little tupperware made from 100% recycled #5 plastic. They are working out great for putting applesauce and yogurt into single serve portions for lunch. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The little brown box is especially exciting for me- <a href="http://www.earthrated.com/">earth rated</a> poop bags! I don't take the dog out on a leash much anymore, but when we do go for walks near other people's yards, these poop bags are completely compostable. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The white ceramic container is my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Gallon-Ceramic-Compost-Keeper/dp/B000K76CPK/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1388618802&sr=8-5&keywords=kitchen+composter">kitchen composter</a>. Cute right? It matches my appliances.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I bought 2 of those <a href="http://www.smartplanethome.com/collections/meal-kits">collapsible food containers</a> and have already used them- the waitress looked a bit confused but eventually took her evil styrofoam containers away from me...</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have some <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Skoy-Paper-Towel-Replacement-White/dp/B005QNIO4U/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1388619156&sr=8-8&keywords=paper+towel+alternative">paper towel alternatives</a> on order from Amazon- we still have a few regular rolls left from the last purchase so I'm saving them for especially yucky stuff in hopes of composting them.</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I realize that I didn't really include Recycling in my last entry- "the plan". We recycle everything we can already, so I didn't think about it- but I assure you, that is one of the biggest components of the plan! I just took the recycling back today so we're starting fresh.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's it for now! Since this just started, I don't have many results to share. I'll keep updating as we go, and am completely open to suggestions if you have any. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ps-</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">GO GREEN! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise, what is there to defend?</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-Robert Redford</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442627454895641087.post-13322202903958312982013-12-02T19:48:00.000-05:002013-12-02T19:48:41.974-05:00Plan: A detailed proposal for achieving something...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Here we go!</em> I've formulated a plan and done some loose research about how to achieve my goal. If you remember, that goal is to create only <span style="font-size: large;">one 13-gallon bag of landfill waste in 2014.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I say "loose" research because, believe it or not, I haven't had to grocery shop since my last post. Thank you, Thanksgiving leftovers! Not having to go to the store means I haven't been looking at new products, but I have been coming up with some solutions that will work for the way we currently shop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, here it is- </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>The Plan:</strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <strong><u>Smart Shopping</u></strong> (this one is long, sorry)</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Bulk containers</em>: my biggest concern lies with the individually wrapped items. Sure, they're super cute, and totally recyclable, but why do we need them? We don't. Solution: Buying foods like applesauce and yogurt in large containers, and then dividing them up into smaller Tupperware to take for lunch during the week. Sliced cheese is another pain in the neck- what the heck is up with those wrappers?? Solution: slice our own damn cheese! Sheesh, that was easy.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Less packaging</em>: this is sort of the same as above, but here I mean seriously, less packaging. Example: farmer's markets. <a href="http://www.lansingcitymarket.com/">The Lansing City Market</a> in particular. I can buy my produce and meat there instead of at Kroger. It's fresh, it's local, and it's usually not wrapped in a bunch of plastic or styrofoam.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Recycled content</em>: for those of us in the recycling world, this is known as "closing the loop". Recycling is great! But how much good are you really doing if you continue to buy products made from raw materials? Buying stuff with some sort of post consumer product is a must if I really want to feel good about this project; a good example being toilet paper!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Mail in recycling</em>: I recently found this awesome website called <a href="http://www.terracycle.com/en-US/">Terracycle</a>. They take all kinds of waste that isn't normally recyclable like Clif Bar and ZBar wrappers (a staple in our house) and turn it into cool new products. Since I will get into a lot of trouble if I stop bringing these things home from the store, they will be sent to Terracycle.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Used/secondhand</em>: Ok, I'm actually pretty cheap. I hate spending money if I don't have to, so this is something we already do. <a href="http://www.goodwill.org/">Goodwill</a> is one of my favorite places to buy clothes, and most of our house is furnished courtesy of <a href="http://lansing.craigslist.org/">Craigslist</a>. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <strong><u>Eliminating wasteful practices</u></strong></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Takeout containers</em>: what in the heck are we doing?? Multiple styrofoam containers to take home the rest of that meal you didn't even like, just to be thrown out tomorrow? Nope. I'll be investing in collapsible containers that will live in my purse and be available for those nights my boyfriend surprises me with dinner at a nice restaurant...pff.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Paper towels</em>: How lazy can we be? Yep, a child and pets live in this house. Paper towel is great- nasty pukey things go right in the trash and I don't have to deal with it. I've decided there is really no reason why a regular, cloth towel won't work for this purpose too. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>On that note- diapers</em>. No, there isn't anyone here who wears them, but babies are part of "the plan". I refuse to use disposable diapers when the time comes. I was raised in cloth diapers and turned out fine. In fact, my dad still uses them as nostalgic shop rags.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <strong><u>Composting</u></strong> (oh oh! so excited about this one!)</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Less waste</em>: OMG. So much of what we put in the garbage can be composted. Food scraps, tissues, you name it (unfortunately, we do have to keep disposable tissues in the house so sneezy mcsneezalot doesn't cover everything in snot...yes, that's me).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Indoor compost</em>: I will be ordering an indoor composter to sit on my kitchen counter and look pretty. When it's full, the materials will be taken to the:</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Outdoor compost</em>: which I will build myself out of pallets. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Pet waste</em>: We have it. Lots. Turns out dirty cat litter takes up a lot of space in the garbage can. I will be building another, smaller, outdoor pet waste composter that will be kept far away from the "clean" compost. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. <u><strong>Growing our own food</strong></u></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Vegetable garden</em>: this one is kind of a no brainer. Less money and food wasted. Fun hobby to keep the boyfriend and I doing things together. Use for all that compost. Since we live in Michigan, this will have to wait until the spring. Plenty of time to build a garden fence out of pallets :)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Phew. There are a ton of other details I am trying to incorporate into these 4 categories, but those will probably be fun experiments and surprises along the way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I realized that after we make all these changes in 2014, what are the odds that we are going to go back to the way we are living right now? Slim to none. That means these changes are even bigger than I thought, and I'm pretty excited about that!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>"Modern society will find no solution to the ecological problem unless it takes a serious look at its lifestyle."</em></span> -<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pope John Paul II</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02057319197321118977noreply@blogger.com0