This past week I brought my jewelry collection to work at the request from women I work with. I was expecting to sell, you know, a few items or so, but wasn't getting my hopes up too much. Well.... it went WONDERFUL! Thank you, Thank you to all of you!
Selling jewelry feels sooo good! I'm not going to stop making it, and I can only make so much for myself. And it makes me happy to give special women a unique piece- which will never be duplicated- that they can treasure. I hope they enjoy it very much!
And of course it's fun to have people oogling over my stuff telling me how talented I am....
(*Note to self: Modesty, Jen! Learn Modesty!)
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Garage Sale!
Joel and I had a garage sale this morning. It went really well- we came out of it with almost $200, which is pretty sweet for stuff we don't want anymore! But somehow we still have soooo much stuff. I really don't want to move it, nor do I want to store it. We're wanting to move into a bachelor, or a one bedroom suite. I've had enough of having space. Space just equals stuff. No more.
I was surprised with the garage sale. First of all, our ad said 9am. While we were setting up just after 8, people were already showing up! Seriously people! And when I go garage sale-ing, I look at books. But no one really touched ours! Are people not interested in fantasy series? We purged about half our books, seeing as that the last time we moved we had something like 15 liquor boxes of books. That's just silly. And I don't really re-read many books. Therefore I don't want to move them. And I had my bike out there, and no one really looked at it. Granted, the majority of people who showed up were older, out of shape, collector types. But I really thought I could sell it. I want a newer, speedier, commuting bike.
So all in all, it was a great morning. I love making $, while sitting in the sun chatting with people. It works well with me.
Except now I'm sunburned. But I'm sure that's no surprise to anyone one.
I was surprised with the garage sale. First of all, our ad said 9am. While we were setting up just after 8, people were already showing up! Seriously people! And when I go garage sale-ing, I look at books. But no one really touched ours! Are people not interested in fantasy series? We purged about half our books, seeing as that the last time we moved we had something like 15 liquor boxes of books. That's just silly. And I don't really re-read many books. Therefore I don't want to move them. And I had my bike out there, and no one really looked at it. Granted, the majority of people who showed up were older, out of shape, collector types. But I really thought I could sell it. I want a newer, speedier, commuting bike.
So all in all, it was a great morning. I love making $, while sitting in the sun chatting with people. It works well with me.
Except now I'm sunburned. But I'm sure that's no surprise to anyone one.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Going Green!
Want some inspiration and other ideas?? I just came across a news report by CBC called 'Shades of Green' and at the bottom people are posting their ways of going green. So many people out there with Simple Solutions, and some pretty Substantial Solutions too!!
I wrote in my 'Shade of Green' was, here's what I said:
This is great reading everyones 'green ideas', good work!! Collectively we can change!!
However, I feel we're missing a big piece.
'Going Green' means reconnecting with the earth, with our neighbours, and ourselves. I don't mean it in a weird hippie way, just simply, we have forgotten that humans are just another piece of the ecosystem. We can't keep building concrete cities and suburbs, excluding ourselves from nature. Why do you think people are so happy and easy going when they're camping, but so uptight and rude when in the city?? Get Outside!!
Next, how many people don't know their neighbour?? I don't know most of mine. We need to reform those community groups, build strong connections with each other, and remember what it's like to call on a friend for a favour. It's not rude- everyone likes to feel wanted!! And what if your neighbour knows how to fix your bike, and you can make yummy treats, why not trade?? Save money, save the environment...save your sanity!!
Going Green to me means living a balanced life, where I know my place, and it's just one small part of the whole ecosystem.
I wrote in my 'Shade of Green' was, here's what I said:
This is great reading everyones 'green ideas', good work!! Collectively we can change!!
However, I feel we're missing a big piece.
'Going Green' means reconnecting with the earth, with our neighbours, and ourselves. I don't mean it in a weird hippie way, just simply, we have forgotten that humans are just another piece of the ecosystem. We can't keep building concrete cities and suburbs, excluding ourselves from nature. Why do you think people are so happy and easy going when they're camping, but so uptight and rude when in the city?? Get Outside!!
Next, how many people don't know their neighbour?? I don't know most of mine. We need to reform those community groups, build strong connections with each other, and remember what it's like to call on a friend for a favour. It's not rude- everyone likes to feel wanted!! And what if your neighbour knows how to fix your bike, and you can make yummy treats, why not trade?? Save money, save the environment...save your sanity!!
Going Green to me means living a balanced life, where I know my place, and it's just one small part of the whole ecosystem.
Simple Solutions...
I'm starting a Simple Solutions post, full of well- simple things you can do in life that will make the earth happier. I'm going to focus on the small ideas that can make a big difference... you guys give them a try, and collectively we can bring change.
I'll start with two things I know are easy, because I've been using these Simple Solution for a couple of years now.
SS # ONE: Coffee (or Tea) Mugs.
This was a pretty easy one, especially for a coffee connoisseur (aka: addict) such as myself. All I do is carry around a travel mug with me all the time. Simple, eh? I bring a coffee in a mug from home to work when I'm on the bus, and use it at work. When I'm in school I just chuck it in my backpack, because a class is always better with a cup of java.
I've estimated it out too, I usually have one, sometimes two, coffees a day. If I was using paper or Styrofoam cups, that upwards of 700 cups a YEAR!! I think my simple solution has made an impact, I mean, less of an impact!!
SS # Two: Reusable Grocery Bags.
I love reusable grocery bags. I simply love them. They can hold at least 4 plastic bags worth of goods, don't rip, pack nicely with yummy food in them, usable for many things besides groceries. And it's SIMPLE! I'm organized enough to know what days I'll be stopping by the grocery store after work, so I'll just chuck the bags in my purse. Or when I'm going shopping on the weekends, I just grab them with my grocery list. It's really not hard at all!
I dare you to buy the bags the next time you go shopping. You won't go back to platic. I promise.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Rant that comes along with...
Disposable coffee cups and plastic bags drive me crazy. I can't walk down any street without seeing a plastic bag or a take out cup littering the sidewalk or stuck in storm drain! It was also ridiculous the number of bags I had stashed from grocery shopping under my sink--and they aren't even useful for putting garbage in because they usually had holes in the bottom!! And I've read they can take upwards of 500 years to decompose!! Just imagine all the people who use them, how many they use in a lifetime, and the number's uncomprehendingly gargantuan.
But there is a SOLUTION.
Now- what are you waiting for! I dare you, buy reusable grocery bags on your next trip (it will only cost an extra $4 or so) and you'll never go back.
Ooooh, I have another note... (sorry my SS post is getting so long, I just have so many thoughts!) The town of Leaf Rapids in Manitoba is the first in Canada to place a bylaw against plastic bags! Hurray! Go Leaf Rapids Go! Check out the story!
I don't know if NO bags is the answer for all towns, because weeny people would put up a fuss. But what could be done is creating bylaws saying only biodegradable bags (usually made from corn oil) can be used, and if the businesses want, they should be able to charge people for the bags. I think this would highly encourage people to use reusable bags.
So that's it. The first of many Simple Solutions to come your way. Please keep me posted if any of you try them, and let me know how it worked for you. And let me know what your Simple Solutions are!
Happy Earth!
I'll start with two things I know are easy, because I've been using these Simple Solution for a couple of years now.
SS # ONE: Coffee (or Tea) Mugs.
This was a pretty easy one, especially for a coffee connoisseur (aka: addict) such as myself. All I do is carry around a travel mug with me all the time. Simple, eh? I bring a coffee in a mug from home to work when I'm on the bus, and use it at work. When I'm in school I just chuck it in my backpack, because a class is always better with a cup of java.
I've estimated it out too, I usually have one, sometimes two, coffees a day. If I was using paper or Styrofoam cups, that upwards of 700 cups a YEAR!! I think my simple solution has made an impact, I mean, less of an impact!!
SS # Two: Reusable Grocery Bags.
I love reusable grocery bags. I simply love them. They can hold at least 4 plastic bags worth of goods, don't rip, pack nicely with yummy food in them, usable for many things besides groceries. And it's SIMPLE! I'm organized enough to know what days I'll be stopping by the grocery store after work, so I'll just chuck the bags in my purse. Or when I'm going shopping on the weekends, I just grab them with my grocery list. It's really not hard at all!
I dare you to buy the bags the next time you go shopping. You won't go back to platic. I promise.
The Rant that comes along with...
Disposable coffee cups and plastic bags drive me crazy. I can't walk down any street without seeing a plastic bag or a take out cup littering the sidewalk or stuck in storm drain! It was also ridiculous the number of bags I had stashed from grocery shopping under my sink--and they aren't even useful for putting garbage in because they usually had holes in the bottom!! And I've read they can take upwards of 500 years to decompose!! Just imagine all the people who use them, how many they use in a lifetime, and the number's uncomprehendingly gargantuan.
But there is a SOLUTION.
Now- what are you waiting for! I dare you, buy reusable grocery bags on your next trip (it will only cost an extra $4 or so) and you'll never go back.
Ooooh, I have another note... (sorry my SS post is getting so long, I just have so many thoughts!) The town of Leaf Rapids in Manitoba is the first in Canada to place a bylaw against plastic bags! Hurray! Go Leaf Rapids Go! Check out the story!
I don't know if NO bags is the answer for all towns, because weeny people would put up a fuss. But what could be done is creating bylaws saying only biodegradable bags (usually made from corn oil) can be used, and if the businesses want, they should be able to charge people for the bags. I think this would highly encourage people to use reusable bags.
So that's it. The first of many Simple Solutions to come your way. Please keep me posted if any of you try them, and let me know how it worked for you. And let me know what your Simple Solutions are!
Happy Earth!
Friday, July 13, 2007
Record Breaking
Anyone paying attention to the weather happening on the West Coast this last week knows it hasn't been 'normal'. Wednesday was ridiculous- it hit 37 degrees (98.6 for you Americans). Too Hot. Wikipedia claims that it only hits above 30 here once or twice a year. And the previous hottest temperature recorded was 35.3 degrees in July of 2004. Whew.
You know what?? There have been multiple records broken since J and I moved to Van Isle. Early Spring of 2006 rain records were broken- it rained everyday for over a month. It sucked. And we were living in a crappy apartment with a deck that flooded. Boo.
AND...It has snowed every winter for the last 3 years. I've been pretty stoked about that. The whole city shuts down when more than an inch falls, we've had classes canceled every year because of snow. Hurray!
Wait a minute...is there weird weather happening anywhere else?? Hmmm, tornadoes in the East Kootenays, 8 tornadoes in one week in Manitoba? Huge hurricanes. Drought. You get my point.
Oh Climate Change. It's going to be a wild ride for the next century.
You know what?? There have been multiple records broken since J and I moved to Van Isle. Early Spring of 2006 rain records were broken- it rained everyday for over a month. It sucked. And we were living in a crappy apartment with a deck that flooded. Boo.
AND...It has snowed every winter for the last 3 years. I've been pretty stoked about that. The whole city shuts down when more than an inch falls, we've had classes canceled every year because of snow. Hurray!
Wait a minute...is there weird weather happening anywhere else?? Hmmm, tornadoes in the East Kootenays, 8 tornadoes in one week in Manitoba? Huge hurricanes. Drought. You get my point.
Oh Climate Change. It's going to be a wild ride for the next century.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Xavier Rudd!!
So Guys, You really need to experience this. This is the man himself, Xavier Rudd. Prepared to be amazed.
This is a live clip of 'Yirra Curl'...
And this is his video for the song 'Messages' (which is my Favourite!)
The show was 2 hours of awesomeness! We were only 5 rows back, center. Straight line view of him! I don't understand how one person can move every limb of their body-independently, playing multiple instruments, and sing - all at the same time!
Besides being an unbelievable musician, his lyrics also set him apart,
A clip from 'Messages'
For this sacred land
It has seen many hands
It has wealth and gold
Yet it is fragile and old
And all the greedy souls
Just don't care to know
Of the changes it will confront
Good times. People like him give me hope that collective change is possible.
This is a live clip of 'Yirra Curl'...
And this is his video for the song 'Messages' (which is my Favourite!)
The show was 2 hours of awesomeness! We were only 5 rows back, center. Straight line view of him! I don't understand how one person can move every limb of their body-independently, playing multiple instruments, and sing - all at the same time!
Besides being an unbelievable musician, his lyrics also set him apart,
A clip from 'Messages'
For this sacred land
It has seen many hands
It has wealth and gold
Yet it is fragile and old
And all the greedy souls
Just don't care to know
Of the changes it will confront
Good times. People like him give me hope that collective change is possible.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Tofino Pics...Finally!
Sorry for the delay on the photo's guys... I was waiting until our waterproof camera was developed, but most of the pictures on it sucked anyways... I guess that's what happens after one's used to a nice digital camera. And I need to wait and use my roommates computer to scan the pics. So enjoy these ones first!
We had a great time, I'm completely sold on surfing. It is by far the best work out I've had in my life. Every muscle was tense trying to hold myself against the pounding waves. Fantastic. It is amazing being in the ocean, feeling all the energy stored and released when waves break. (The 'roar' of the surf is just the extra energy being released as sound. One of my prof's told me that. Cool, eh?)
Clams and Seaweed. Yum!
Oh Joel... doesn't he make you smile :p
Tent City! Okay, the rain was insane!
We had 3 giant tarps covering our site, and we still ended up soaked.
This is MacKenzie Beach at Bella Pacifica Campground, which is where our campsite was.
Jim & Val took us there last year, and we couldn't wait to return!
That is all for now.
I really want to blog more... I have so many thoughts running around in my head all the time that I want to share. Now, if only they made a computer that would write my thoughts....
Joel & I are going to Xavier Rudd tonight!! Ahhh!! I've been waiting for so long! Well, since last year when we saw him last. Check out his music. Listen to the words. You will love him.
We had a great time, I'm completely sold on surfing. It is by far the best work out I've had in my life. Every muscle was tense trying to hold myself against the pounding waves. Fantastic. It is amazing being in the ocean, feeling all the energy stored and released when waves break. (The 'roar' of the surf is just the extra energy being released as sound. One of my prof's told me that. Cool, eh?)
Some delightful sea anemones!
Clams and Seaweed. Yum!
Oh Joel... doesn't he make you smile :p
Tent City! Okay, the rain was insane!
We had 3 giant tarps covering our site, and we still ended up soaked.
This is MacKenzie Beach at Bella Pacifica Campground, which is where our campsite was.
Jim & Val took us there last year, and we couldn't wait to return!
That is all for now.
I really want to blog more... I have so many thoughts running around in my head all the time that I want to share. Now, if only they made a computer that would write my thoughts....
Joel & I are going to Xavier Rudd tonight!! Ahhh!! I've been waiting for so long! Well, since last year when we saw him last. Check out his music. Listen to the words. You will love him.
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