I know that you're not going to believe what I have to say here, but I swear it's true.
The smell of rain in upstate New York smells unique to any other place I've ever been. I don't know why, but that pungent earthy smell is so distinct that when it rains in Avon (NY) I am immediately transported back to my childhood. It isn't any one experience I remember, just a feeling of childhood, a freeness of spirit, and, with only a few drops of rain, it's like magic.
It's been cold enough to snow here, but last week it must have warmed to 35 degrees or so, because there was a slow but constant drizzle blanketing the yard. If you could look outside you'd see something more wet than fog, but no more solid than a cloud. Mystical and murky, the rain was a balm on the chaos inside.
I'm so grateful that it rained.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Two Weeks, Four Weeks, Six Weeks
We've known for a while that my grandfather has a terminal illness. He's got pulmonary fibrosis and there isn't a cure, so he's moved into hospice care. Things have been going pretty well. He's comfortable (or as comfortable as an 84 year old can be) and enjoying his time playing games and doing the daily crossword.
But we've been told all that's about to change. We've probably got two weeks before the nurse will need to increase his medications enough that he won't be able to hold meaningful conversations. He won't be here enough to enjoy the things he loves to do, but he also won't feel himself slowly dying.
In four to six weeks he will most likely die. And if the hospice workers have done their best, it should be a peaceful passing. We thought he had another six months, but everything had been going pretty quickly. I can't help but think he's tired and ready. I hope he's not scared.
My other grandparents both died suddenly. It was a shock, but life went on hold as the family gathered to mourn and give them a last goodbye. This slow dying, and knowing a time line, is very different.
I'm supposed to go on a ski trip this weekend, one that's been planned for a full year. I've gone back and forth on if I go or not. Should I take four days of those two weeks for skiing? Should I head out to see him immediately and stay the entire time? And that's the smallest of things affected. We close on our house tomorrow. I was planning to go to New Mexico in February, exactly in six weeks.
So I've decided to go on the ski trip anyway and go out to Rochester during the week. My aunt wants to go sometime during the week as well, but doesn't want to go alone. If she hadn't asked me I would have left over the weekend, but she has, so I'll plan to go with her. I'll leave on Wednesday and come back the following week. My mother is out there now and will stay until the end.
Fortunately our tickets to New Mexico are from Southwest. We bought them from Southwest specifically so they could be changed at any time, not because of Grandpa, but out of concern for weather. I was going to clear out my storage unit there. That can wait, as can many other things like doctors appointments and tutoring sessions. Everything is pretty much on hold and I'm in a holding pattern.
I don't think there's an easy way to let someone go. On one hand we have time to say goodbye, on the other hand a slow cut seems so painful. It is how is it is, and we all must go. But nothing, really, makes death easy.
But we've been told all that's about to change. We've probably got two weeks before the nurse will need to increase his medications enough that he won't be able to hold meaningful conversations. He won't be here enough to enjoy the things he loves to do, but he also won't feel himself slowly dying.
In four to six weeks he will most likely die. And if the hospice workers have done their best, it should be a peaceful passing. We thought he had another six months, but everything had been going pretty quickly. I can't help but think he's tired and ready. I hope he's not scared.
My other grandparents both died suddenly. It was a shock, but life went on hold as the family gathered to mourn and give them a last goodbye. This slow dying, and knowing a time line, is very different.
I'm supposed to go on a ski trip this weekend, one that's been planned for a full year. I've gone back and forth on if I go or not. Should I take four days of those two weeks for skiing? Should I head out to see him immediately and stay the entire time? And that's the smallest of things affected. We close on our house tomorrow. I was planning to go to New Mexico in February, exactly in six weeks.
So I've decided to go on the ski trip anyway and go out to Rochester during the week. My aunt wants to go sometime during the week as well, but doesn't want to go alone. If she hadn't asked me I would have left over the weekend, but she has, so I'll plan to go with her. I'll leave on Wednesday and come back the following week. My mother is out there now and will stay until the end.
Fortunately our tickets to New Mexico are from Southwest. We bought them from Southwest specifically so they could be changed at any time, not because of Grandpa, but out of concern for weather. I was going to clear out my storage unit there. That can wait, as can many other things like doctors appointments and tutoring sessions. Everything is pretty much on hold and I'm in a holding pattern.
I don't think there's an easy way to let someone go. On one hand we have time to say goodbye, on the other hand a slow cut seems so painful. It is how is it is, and we all must go. But nothing, really, makes death easy.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Not Great News
If you're conservative you're probably thrilled that Scott Brown won in Massachusetts. The whole nation, it seems, has been fixed to the TV waiting on the results of the special election. On Facebook I've seen comments from people living in OTHER states who say "we showed them". Um, no, you don't live here.
So what does it mean that one of the most liberal states in the U.S. elected a Republican representative?
Well, first off it means the wrong person won in the primaries. Most people who voted for Coakley were really just voting against Brown. I have to admit, I didn't make it to the primaries, didn't know the candidates well enough to care at the time (I'm just going to vote Democrat anyway, right), and couldn't have voted for the democratic nominee anyway because I'm registered as a Green Party member. Most liberal/progressives I know were actually shocked by the primary results and couldn't have imagined Coakley winning.
But this really isn't anything new for Democrats. It seems like they choose weak candidates often. Perfect example: Kerry vs. Bush. I don't know why the Democrats have such difficulty finding a decent candidate and sticking with him/her. People more tuned into politics than I have mentioned there were some very good choices in the primaries.
And lets not forget what people were voting FOR when the voted for Scott Brown. First, he wanted to win, which never came across clearly with Coakley (she just seemed to think she WOULD win). Second, nobody, liberals, progressives, conservatives, etc., are happy with the health care bill. It isn't what anybody really wants so it isn't a big enough pull to decide votes for people in the middle. Sure, people want health care change, they're just not sure about how it's going down now.
Which, by the way, is a shame. Because no health care measure can pass that anyone likes. There are too many players, too much spin out there, and too much money riding on the issue. Imperfect or not if we pass one bill and then make adjustments from there at least we'd be making some sort of progress. It might be a step back for a while before we see actual progress (who knows) but status quo is not working. Even my conservative (Texas conservative) father is willing to let people buy into medicare if they need to. That's HUGE and exactly what most progressives against current reform want.
But I think a big element of this election is money. Coakley had to spend so much money in the primaries that she reportedly (NPR) had only $300,000 left after primary race. That meant that she had to rely entirely on Democratic Party funds and their help as well. She became a party puppet, and frankly people had enough of that under W.
And can we say that the most liberal state just suddenly turned conservative? I don't think so. But there was a large turnout, so it wasn't that liberals just didn't show up. I think people made their decision who NOT to vote for. This is particularly key for middle of the road folks who don't really care if it's Democrat or Republican, just that their way of life continues and we get out of this recession. If I didn't care so much about health care I could have been one of them.
To the idea that Massachusetts was voting against Obama, I think that's a bit of a stretch. Sure, his approval rating is low. He hasn't really accomplished anything has he? But I don't think anyone else would have been able to do better. Republicans would have done just about the same things with bailouts and military, so in my mind they don't have a high ground here.
We should be looking at his failure like this. If Obama, who was elected en masse, with a majority of Democratic seats in congress, was unable to create meaningful change, despite the nation's desire for change, then something is systematically wrong. We've got a Democratic party that can't seem to put forth a strong candidate, people further divided about the issue of health care reform, money as a key factor in election, a polarized electorate, and for me, very little faith left in the system.
And with all this hubbub of political power our problems don't go away. I'm even more convinced today that it isn't what government does that matters, it's how the individual person lives that makes a difference. So I'm going to go right on living the way I believe is good for me, my family, my nation, and my world. I think that's probably the only hope that we've ever really had. To be the change we want to see in the world.
So what does it mean that one of the most liberal states in the U.S. elected a Republican representative?
Well, first off it means the wrong person won in the primaries. Most people who voted for Coakley were really just voting against Brown. I have to admit, I didn't make it to the primaries, didn't know the candidates well enough to care at the time (I'm just going to vote Democrat anyway, right), and couldn't have voted for the democratic nominee anyway because I'm registered as a Green Party member. Most liberal/progressives I know were actually shocked by the primary results and couldn't have imagined Coakley winning.
But this really isn't anything new for Democrats. It seems like they choose weak candidates often. Perfect example: Kerry vs. Bush. I don't know why the Democrats have such difficulty finding a decent candidate and sticking with him/her. People more tuned into politics than I have mentioned there were some very good choices in the primaries.
And lets not forget what people were voting FOR when the voted for Scott Brown. First, he wanted to win, which never came across clearly with Coakley (she just seemed to think she WOULD win). Second, nobody, liberals, progressives, conservatives, etc., are happy with the health care bill. It isn't what anybody really wants so it isn't a big enough pull to decide votes for people in the middle. Sure, people want health care change, they're just not sure about how it's going down now.
Which, by the way, is a shame. Because no health care measure can pass that anyone likes. There are too many players, too much spin out there, and too much money riding on the issue. Imperfect or not if we pass one bill and then make adjustments from there at least we'd be making some sort of progress. It might be a step back for a while before we see actual progress (who knows) but status quo is not working. Even my conservative (Texas conservative) father is willing to let people buy into medicare if they need to. That's HUGE and exactly what most progressives against current reform want.
But I think a big element of this election is money. Coakley had to spend so much money in the primaries that she reportedly (NPR) had only $300,000 left after primary race. That meant that she had to rely entirely on Democratic Party funds and their help as well. She became a party puppet, and frankly people had enough of that under W.
And can we say that the most liberal state just suddenly turned conservative? I don't think so. But there was a large turnout, so it wasn't that liberals just didn't show up. I think people made their decision who NOT to vote for. This is particularly key for middle of the road folks who don't really care if it's Democrat or Republican, just that their way of life continues and we get out of this recession. If I didn't care so much about health care I could have been one of them.
To the idea that Massachusetts was voting against Obama, I think that's a bit of a stretch. Sure, his approval rating is low. He hasn't really accomplished anything has he? But I don't think anyone else would have been able to do better. Republicans would have done just about the same things with bailouts and military, so in my mind they don't have a high ground here.
We should be looking at his failure like this. If Obama, who was elected en masse, with a majority of Democratic seats in congress, was unable to create meaningful change, despite the nation's desire for change, then something is systematically wrong. We've got a Democratic party that can't seem to put forth a strong candidate, people further divided about the issue of health care reform, money as a key factor in election, a polarized electorate, and for me, very little faith left in the system.
And with all this hubbub of political power our problems don't go away. I'm even more convinced today that it isn't what government does that matters, it's how the individual person lives that makes a difference. So I'm going to go right on living the way I believe is good for me, my family, my nation, and my world. I think that's probably the only hope that we've ever really had. To be the change we want to see in the world.
Monday, January 18, 2010
A Sense of Urgency
I recently went to go see HomeGrown a movie put together on the Durveas family who have an urban homestead in Pasadena California (in the heart of the city on 1/8 acre of land). I didn't really learn much from the movie, although I did learn tidbits that I wouldn't have known without watching it, but I loved the panel discussion held after the movie screening.
The movie was hosted by Slow Foods Boston, but also co-hosted by the Urban Homesteader's League, which I hadn't heard of before but now love. What was so nice to me was to find a room of about 100 people who all seemed to be on the same page. We live in a time when resources are becoming more limited, little action seems to be made to reduce our need for non-renewable resources, and we're facing an environmental crisis of unknown proportion. Everyone who was in that room, pretty much, knows that we need to act in some way.
We know all of the pieces of intelligence. We know what's causing damage (some natural, some not). We know what damages will be done. We know what we can do to prevent catastrophe (80% reduction in CO2 output) and we know how to set up a system that can operate even if catastrophe occurs (rainwater harvesting, permaculture, local food distribution, reduced energy consumption and alternative energy sources).
So why isn't the government acting? Why aren't worldwide organizations able to coordinate environmental initiatives to prevent future problems?
I have to remember that our government isn't doing a great job of piecing intelligence together. A guy gets on a plane with suicide pants and the warning signs were already there. Intelligence agencies either weren't taking reports seriously or weren't sharing information right? Coordination didn't occur (unless of course it's a conspiracy, in which case we're far worse off than I would have thought).
And that's dealing with "intelligence". Climate change isn't being treated as a security issue. We don't have investigators out there sniffing out the facts. Instead we have advisory positions that are vulnerable to "special interest" groups. We think terrorism is the worst threat to our way of life, but in reality WE are our worst threat.
So that's why I'm so thankful to find organizations who are trying to do something. We might not have it all right, and sometimes our efforts to improve matters actually make things worse (don't throw away those compact florescent lightbulbs they pollute) but overall, trial and error there are people moving down the road to a more considerate, earth friendly way of life. So even if the worst of the worst happens, there are going to be people who know how to built a sustainable society. The structure is already in place.
And if you don't already know the structure, here are my thoughts on building a sustainable household. I believe that if everyone changes the way they look at our basic necessities change sponsored by our government isn't necessary. We, as a community, will have corrected our own mistakes.
#1: Food/Water/Shelter are the basic needs of humankind. They should, therefore, remain your priority. Forget about the increased cost of food, it is a basic necessity of life. I'm not ignoring the importance of energy consumption, transportation, health care, or human rights, etc., just focusing on what we physically need in order to survive. Everything else is important too, but not the focus of this post.
#2: Food should be local and organic. At times local food that isn't labeled as organic is organic enough to count (sometimes cost prohibits them from getting certified or nearby neighbors cause problems). Get to know your local farmers and their food practices. Ideally all food would be local and organic. If you have to choose, ORGANIC comes first. Don't let local farmers throw chemicals on your food.
#3: Know your food. Best if you grow your own, but if you can't, find a CSA. This is often a radical change for people because it means you don't just get to go to the grocery store. It means you aren't eating conventional food. This is way harder than it seems and due to our current food set up, at times impossible. I mean, have you ever thought about where baking powder comes from?
#4: Eat in season. Sure, Julie (from Julie and Julia) says there's beauty in creating gourmet dishes and that the wealthy have always eaten out of season. But I think it's a bit of a generalization to say that gourmet dishes need out of season foods to be good. And, sometimes we can splurge (I know I'll never willingly eliminate chocolate from my diet) but overall in season foods mean we reduce transportation costs of foods and eliminate shady farming techniques.
#5: Respect water. Water is becoming scarce. It doesn't seem like it when it rains all the time but we're depleting our aquifers. I could probably write 10 rules for water alone but the key is simply to use less. Before indoor plumbing households used what, maybe 10 gallons of water a day? We use that much just flushing our toilets. Keep track of how much you use and try to reduce the number of gallons each month/year/etc.
#6: Own your house (shelter) free and clear. If you don't own it ensure that a local bank holds your mortgage. Um, so, buying a house with a huge mortgage right now, so I'm a bit of a hypocrite on this one. In our case we went with USAA and a VA loan because we could get a low fixed rate and local banks could only offer us a variable rate loan. I hope that we can refinance in a few years and get a fixed rate with our credit union. Local loans helps with #7, being part of a community.
#7: Community is a form of shelter. It doesn't matter if it's a religious group or a group of friends, your community provides shelter in times of need. Who would help you in a time of need? Who would you be willing to help? Ensure that your nourish these relationships because they make us human.
The movie was hosted by Slow Foods Boston, but also co-hosted by the Urban Homesteader's League, which I hadn't heard of before but now love. What was so nice to me was to find a room of about 100 people who all seemed to be on the same page. We live in a time when resources are becoming more limited, little action seems to be made to reduce our need for non-renewable resources, and we're facing an environmental crisis of unknown proportion. Everyone who was in that room, pretty much, knows that we need to act in some way.
We know all of the pieces of intelligence. We know what's causing damage (some natural, some not). We know what damages will be done. We know what we can do to prevent catastrophe (80% reduction in CO2 output) and we know how to set up a system that can operate even if catastrophe occurs (rainwater harvesting, permaculture, local food distribution, reduced energy consumption and alternative energy sources).
So why isn't the government acting? Why aren't worldwide organizations able to coordinate environmental initiatives to prevent future problems?
I have to remember that our government isn't doing a great job of piecing intelligence together. A guy gets on a plane with suicide pants and the warning signs were already there. Intelligence agencies either weren't taking reports seriously or weren't sharing information right? Coordination didn't occur (unless of course it's a conspiracy, in which case we're far worse off than I would have thought).
And that's dealing with "intelligence". Climate change isn't being treated as a security issue. We don't have investigators out there sniffing out the facts. Instead we have advisory positions that are vulnerable to "special interest" groups. We think terrorism is the worst threat to our way of life, but in reality WE are our worst threat.
So that's why I'm so thankful to find organizations who are trying to do something. We might not have it all right, and sometimes our efforts to improve matters actually make things worse (don't throw away those compact florescent lightbulbs they pollute) but overall, trial and error there are people moving down the road to a more considerate, earth friendly way of life. So even if the worst of the worst happens, there are going to be people who know how to built a sustainable society. The structure is already in place.
And if you don't already know the structure, here are my thoughts on building a sustainable household. I believe that if everyone changes the way they look at our basic necessities change sponsored by our government isn't necessary. We, as a community, will have corrected our own mistakes.
#1: Food/Water/Shelter are the basic needs of humankind. They should, therefore, remain your priority. Forget about the increased cost of food, it is a basic necessity of life. I'm not ignoring the importance of energy consumption, transportation, health care, or human rights, etc., just focusing on what we physically need in order to survive. Everything else is important too, but not the focus of this post.
#2: Food should be local and organic. At times local food that isn't labeled as organic is organic enough to count (sometimes cost prohibits them from getting certified or nearby neighbors cause problems). Get to know your local farmers and their food practices. Ideally all food would be local and organic. If you have to choose, ORGANIC comes first. Don't let local farmers throw chemicals on your food.
#3: Know your food. Best if you grow your own, but if you can't, find a CSA. This is often a radical change for people because it means you don't just get to go to the grocery store. It means you aren't eating conventional food. This is way harder than it seems and due to our current food set up, at times impossible. I mean, have you ever thought about where baking powder comes from?
#4: Eat in season. Sure, Julie (from Julie and Julia) says there's beauty in creating gourmet dishes and that the wealthy have always eaten out of season. But I think it's a bit of a generalization to say that gourmet dishes need out of season foods to be good. And, sometimes we can splurge (I know I'll never willingly eliminate chocolate from my diet) but overall in season foods mean we reduce transportation costs of foods and eliminate shady farming techniques.
#5: Respect water. Water is becoming scarce. It doesn't seem like it when it rains all the time but we're depleting our aquifers. I could probably write 10 rules for water alone but the key is simply to use less. Before indoor plumbing households used what, maybe 10 gallons of water a day? We use that much just flushing our toilets. Keep track of how much you use and try to reduce the number of gallons each month/year/etc.
#6: Own your house (shelter) free and clear. If you don't own it ensure that a local bank holds your mortgage. Um, so, buying a house with a huge mortgage right now, so I'm a bit of a hypocrite on this one. In our case we went with USAA and a VA loan because we could get a low fixed rate and local banks could only offer us a variable rate loan. I hope that we can refinance in a few years and get a fixed rate with our credit union. Local loans helps with #7, being part of a community.
#7: Community is a form of shelter. It doesn't matter if it's a religious group or a group of friends, your community provides shelter in times of need. Who would help you in a time of need? Who would you be willing to help? Ensure that your nourish these relationships because they make us human.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A Fine Line
A friend from high school commented on Facebook that one of her "friends" removed her from their friend list because of a status update that she posted. I read the update and wouldn't have removed her over it, even though I disagreed with her viewpoint. But I have to admit, I've thought before about either unfriending her or at least hiding her updates. She's not the only one, some of my old acquaintances from high school have such different viewpoints (and at times offensive to me viewpoints) than I get a bit irritated when I read some of them. Gay bashing, Liberal bashing, Vote: Is Obama Evil?, Violent, Militant, etc.
And the thing is, I know I'm exactly the same way. I make snap judgments about issues and see things from my own perspective. I 've tried over the years to tune down my outrage, but sometimes I'm successful and sometimes I'm not. I'd like to get to a place where I can express my views in a way that shows the world that there are people who hold this view that I have, but that also demonstrates that I am accepting enough to listen to someone else's opinions. The world would be a better place if we could just accept each other's views and work together to affect positive change. There are plenty of changes needed out there.
But how do you do that? Especially on polarized issues?
Take, for instance, gay marriage. I am strictly pro gay marriage. I base this on the following:
a) The constitution says we are all entitled to equal protection under law. If marriage entitles a person to certain legal privaleges I think any couple that wants to marry should be allowed to do so.
b) I think the government should not reach into people's personal lives. Why should government dictate a private contract between two people? There is no physical or mental danger for either party entering into marriage. People observing other gay married couples are not forced to enter into marriage with that person and there's not a lot of difference between a gay married couple or a gay domestic partnership.
c) I think the issue of morality is unfair. Religious teachings say that homosexuality is sinful, but they also say that divorce and not keeping your body as a temple is sinful. Why should we focus on this one issue? If the government enforces this act of morality where is separation of church and state? Plus, I think there are a lot of bad moral choices made around us everyday and we don't ask the government to act on them.
I have heard the following arguments against gay marriage
a) Seeing gay married couples together makes it difficult for religious families to explain to their children that homosexuality is a sin. Happy gay married couples make homosexuality look like it isn't a sin. Schools will be forced to teach children that homosexuality is okay.
b) Gay couples statistically don't stay together as long as their straight counterparts. "Only 5% of them stay together anyway". This leads to more divorce, more custody issues, more problems.
c) Government will have to pay social security benefits to gay partners of the deceased.
Seriously, nobody is going to convince me against gay marriage. I can argue each one of these points and won't give an inch. And I know that I'm not going to convince someone that the morality of homosexuality is irrelevant to the issue at hand. In the end it will come down to a vote and the majority will win. Which means we're constantly trying to convince each other that our views are right or better. So how do I have firm beliefs and yet continue a productive discussion on this issue? How do I state my opinions and still not offend?
Abortion, gay rights, labor laws, immigration, environmental action, death penalty, war, globalism, and resources. They're all issues that aren't just going to go away. Two sides are just going to pick at each side of the other until the issue is all chipped away and they're chipping at each other. And I'm not writing this to try to solve any of these issues, obviously they're way too big for this blog. But I'm really struggling thinking about how I view the world and how I can be in this world without being judgmental.
And the thing is, I know I'm exactly the same way. I make snap judgments about issues and see things from my own perspective. I 've tried over the years to tune down my outrage, but sometimes I'm successful and sometimes I'm not. I'd like to get to a place where I can express my views in a way that shows the world that there are people who hold this view that I have, but that also demonstrates that I am accepting enough to listen to someone else's opinions. The world would be a better place if we could just accept each other's views and work together to affect positive change. There are plenty of changes needed out there.
But how do you do that? Especially on polarized issues?
Take, for instance, gay marriage. I am strictly pro gay marriage. I base this on the following:
a) The constitution says we are all entitled to equal protection under law. If marriage entitles a person to certain legal privaleges I think any couple that wants to marry should be allowed to do so.
b) I think the government should not reach into people's personal lives. Why should government dictate a private contract between two people? There is no physical or mental danger for either party entering into marriage. People observing other gay married couples are not forced to enter into marriage with that person and there's not a lot of difference between a gay married couple or a gay domestic partnership.
c) I think the issue of morality is unfair. Religious teachings say that homosexuality is sinful, but they also say that divorce and not keeping your body as a temple is sinful. Why should we focus on this one issue? If the government enforces this act of morality where is separation of church and state? Plus, I think there are a lot of bad moral choices made around us everyday and we don't ask the government to act on them.
I have heard the following arguments against gay marriage
a) Seeing gay married couples together makes it difficult for religious families to explain to their children that homosexuality is a sin. Happy gay married couples make homosexuality look like it isn't a sin. Schools will be forced to teach children that homosexuality is okay.
b) Gay couples statistically don't stay together as long as their straight counterparts. "Only 5% of them stay together anyway". This leads to more divorce, more custody issues, more problems.
c) Government will have to pay social security benefits to gay partners of the deceased.
Seriously, nobody is going to convince me against gay marriage. I can argue each one of these points and won't give an inch. And I know that I'm not going to convince someone that the morality of homosexuality is irrelevant to the issue at hand. In the end it will come down to a vote and the majority will win. Which means we're constantly trying to convince each other that our views are right or better. So how do I have firm beliefs and yet continue a productive discussion on this issue? How do I state my opinions and still not offend?
Abortion, gay rights, labor laws, immigration, environmental action, death penalty, war, globalism, and resources. They're all issues that aren't just going to go away. Two sides are just going to pick at each side of the other until the issue is all chipped away and they're chipping at each other. And I'm not writing this to try to solve any of these issues, obviously they're way too big for this blog. But I'm really struggling thinking about how I view the world and how I can be in this world without being judgmental.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
U.S. Cotton
I've been looking for fabric made in the U.S. I knew it would be difficult, but I didn't realize how difficult it would be. I mean, shouldn't there be an artisan out there who specializes in this?
According to the National Cotton Council only 5% of fabric in the U.S. was domestic in 2007. That was down 10% from 2005. There are no statistics for 2008-2009. I wonder if ANY fabric is produced in the U.S. anymore.
Now, our cotton industry was built around slavery so I have somewhat mixed feelings about cotton in the states. On one hand cotton was a major contributor to the growth of our nation. On the other hand cotton fell apart a long time ago. After the Civil War the south was already having problems with their economy due to the international drop in cotton prices, so the problem with cotton isn't really a new problem. But still, isn't it a bit odd that we have almost no domestic fabric anymore?
According to the National Cotton Council only 5% of fabric in the U.S. was domestic in 2007. That was down 10% from 2005. There are no statistics for 2008-2009. I wonder if ANY fabric is produced in the U.S. anymore.
Now, our cotton industry was built around slavery so I have somewhat mixed feelings about cotton in the states. On one hand cotton was a major contributor to the growth of our nation. On the other hand cotton fell apart a long time ago. After the Civil War the south was already having problems with their economy due to the international drop in cotton prices, so the problem with cotton isn't really a new problem. But still, isn't it a bit odd that we have almost no domestic fabric anymore?
Early Round-Up
I was looking at another blog in which the author is doing the 100 mile diet. I've never aimed for a 100 mile diet (New Mexico was way, way to spread out for that) but I did aim for 500 miles. Reading Gavin's post, I found it interesting that he's including % of local in his weekly accounts. So, even if you're not particularly interested in my local percentage rates, I am, and I think keeping myself accountable by putting the figures online will help me figure out where I am with staying on track. I'd like to get to about 90% local.
Saturday 1/9
Breakfast: N/A
Lunch: I don't remember, scavenged from refrigerator
Dinner: Lasagna. Noodles (not local). Sauce (home canned :) the last :( of my tomatoes this year) veggies (all Boston organics), three types of cheese (all not local) Cost, about $30 for 4 meals.
Total: 70%
Sunday 1/10
Breakfast: Eggs (scrambled with cheese and milk) Eggs from the farm stand (Natick Farm where I work) cheese (semi-local) and milk (local, organic) and sourdough waffles. Starter, flour, eggs, milk (all local), powdered milk, (not local, but organic) sugar (not local, but organic, baking soda (not local)
Dinner: Lamb pot pie (From Earth to Table cookbook). Lamb (From U.S. but possibly conventionally grown, bought at Foodies) Veggies (local and bought at a farm stand) broth (non-local but organic) pie crust (organic but not local, bought from Whole Foods). Cost: $15 for two meals.
Total: 60%
Monday 1/11
Breakfast: N/A
Lunch: Leftover Lasagna
Snack: Fruit (Boston Organics, semi-local)
Dinner: More leftover Lasagna
Total: 70%
Tuesday 1/12
Breakfast: Boiled eggs (at the farm, from the chicken practically) Salt (Should I count this?)
Lunch: Made at the farm, all from the farm, yum.
Dinner: Broccoli Cheese soup (this one didn't come out as well as last time :( Broccoli (Boston organics) Cheese, (non-local, non-organic, Husband picked it up for me) broth (salvaged from pot pies and pork roast) $5 for 1 1/2 meals (would have been 2 but my husband liked it enough to eat two bowls).
Total: 90%
Wednesday 1/13
Brunch: eggs from the farm and leftover soup
Dinner: Out, going to Stammtisch so we'll eat at the restaurant.
Total: 40%
Thursday (as planned)
Breakfast: Picked up on the way to the farm, non-local.
Lunch: Farm fare, 90% local and organic (sometimes they throw in noodles or rice)
Dinner: Leftover lamb pot pie.
Total expected: 50%
Total Cost: Approximately $100
Total Local: 60%
While I realize this is a somewhat guestimated calculation, it's as close as I can get to realistic without becoming too anal retentive. No idea yet what I'll do about Friday. I'm possibly make another loaf of bread and buy some local cheeses. I still have to use up a brassica, carrots, turnip, and some lettuce.
Saturday 1/9
Breakfast: N/A
Lunch: I don't remember, scavenged from refrigerator
Dinner: Lasagna. Noodles (not local). Sauce (home canned :) the last :( of my tomatoes this year) veggies (all Boston organics), three types of cheese (all not local) Cost, about $30 for 4 meals.
Total: 70%
Sunday 1/10
Breakfast: Eggs (scrambled with cheese and milk) Eggs from the farm stand (Natick Farm where I work) cheese (semi-local) and milk (local, organic) and sourdough waffles. Starter, flour, eggs, milk (all local), powdered milk, (not local, but organic) sugar (not local, but organic, baking soda (not local)
Dinner: Lamb pot pie (From Earth to Table cookbook). Lamb (From U.S. but possibly conventionally grown, bought at Foodies) Veggies (local and bought at a farm stand) broth (non-local but organic) pie crust (organic but not local, bought from Whole Foods). Cost: $15 for two meals.
Total: 60%
Monday 1/11
Breakfast: N/A
Lunch: Leftover Lasagna
Snack: Fruit (Boston Organics, semi-local)
Dinner: More leftover Lasagna
Total: 70%
Tuesday 1/12
Breakfast: Boiled eggs (at the farm, from the chicken practically) Salt (Should I count this?)
Lunch: Made at the farm, all from the farm, yum.
Dinner: Broccoli Cheese soup (this one didn't come out as well as last time :( Broccoli (Boston organics) Cheese, (non-local, non-organic, Husband picked it up for me) broth (salvaged from pot pies and pork roast) $5 for 1 1/2 meals (would have been 2 but my husband liked it enough to eat two bowls).
Total: 90%
Wednesday 1/13
Brunch: eggs from the farm and leftover soup
Dinner: Out, going to Stammtisch so we'll eat at the restaurant.
Total: 40%
Thursday (as planned)
Breakfast: Picked up on the way to the farm, non-local.
Lunch: Farm fare, 90% local and organic (sometimes they throw in noodles or rice)
Dinner: Leftover lamb pot pie.
Total expected: 50%
Total Cost: Approximately $100
Total Local: 60%
While I realize this is a somewhat guestimated calculation, it's as close as I can get to realistic without becoming too anal retentive. No idea yet what I'll do about Friday. I'm possibly make another loaf of bread and buy some local cheeses. I still have to use up a brassica, carrots, turnip, and some lettuce.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Back to Food
Waffles. Sourdough waffles.
I wasn't quite sure what to do with my growing sourdough started. I've been cooking more, which means fewer bread/cheese/salami nights. Gerd doesn't seem to mind yet, but I'm sure he'll want a German dinner sooner or later. So I'm keeping that starter going, but I hate to throw away extra dough.
I ran across a blog that had a link to sourdough recipes. I made the blender waffles, and although I consider adding a bit of baking soda to the mix cheating, they were sooo good (and quick)! I can't wait to try out more recipes.
Meanwhile my Nature Mill composter is grinding away. It's a bit louder, at times, than I expected. Usually there's just a little electric hum in the background, but when it mixes stuff up there are cranks and clunks and who knows what coming from the box. I dared to open it yesterday (a no no, it's only been 24 hours instead of the required 48) and whew did it smell. But after closing the lid I couldn't smell anything after a few minutes. Today I get to add more compost to the mix and get a better look. It was already starting to look like soil before (albeit stinky soil) so I'm hoping for the best. It definitely does make composting more convenient.
By the way, I wasn't paid for talking about Nature Mill, but if they wanted to give me a job I wouldn't mind. Baking is great, but I need something real to do with my time.
I wasn't quite sure what to do with my growing sourdough started. I've been cooking more, which means fewer bread/cheese/salami nights. Gerd doesn't seem to mind yet, but I'm sure he'll want a German dinner sooner or later. So I'm keeping that starter going, but I hate to throw away extra dough.
I ran across a blog that had a link to sourdough recipes. I made the blender waffles, and although I consider adding a bit of baking soda to the mix cheating, they were sooo good (and quick)! I can't wait to try out more recipes.
Meanwhile my Nature Mill composter is grinding away. It's a bit louder, at times, than I expected. Usually there's just a little electric hum in the background, but when it mixes stuff up there are cranks and clunks and who knows what coming from the box. I dared to open it yesterday (a no no, it's only been 24 hours instead of the required 48) and whew did it smell. But after closing the lid I couldn't smell anything after a few minutes. Today I get to add more compost to the mix and get a better look. It was already starting to look like soil before (albeit stinky soil) so I'm hoping for the best. It definitely does make composting more convenient.
By the way, I wasn't paid for talking about Nature Mill, but if they wanted to give me a job I wouldn't mind. Baking is great, but I need something real to do with my time.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Grandiose Ideas
It all started with a few checks found on the ground. At the farm where we work there's an honor system that has previously worked pretty well. People leave cash in the locked box and grab their food from the stand. Another box holds small denominations for change and everyone writes down their purchases on a clipboard hanging from the table. One of the staff members clears the lock box out daily so large denominations aren't left out long to tempt anyone.
But one day when a staff worker went out to check on the stand there were a bunch of checks laying on the ground. Someone had managed to pry open the box (which is also locked to the table) and left it open. Nobody knows if they stole a bunch of cash, just wanted their cash back, or were just being jerks. Money was still in the box, but we'll never know if MORE money had been in the box earlier.
So I brought up the idea of a local currency. If we had a local currency someone might be tempted to steal it, but most people working towards building the local economy probably (hopefully) wouldn't be the type to steal. Plus we could control who was buying into our currency. Other farms in the region could accept the cash as well, bringing the farm community tighter together.
And the farm manager likes the idea. There are lots of local currencies starting up throughout the US (and world) and economists believe that it does work to reinforce local jobs and businesses. BerkShares in the Berkshires are well known around this area because of their gaining popularity and commitment to keeping local businesses alive.
In my head I started forming all kinds of alliances and companies, putting people to work, bringing manufacturing to the area, building a community center. We could have people make clothes instead of importing them from China. We could have people build electronics, instead of importing them from China. We could have people produce cookware, dinnerware, fabrics, furniture, all without importing items from China. People would have jobs! Our community would remain strong! Our future would remain positive!
Fortunately my farm manager isn't prone to grandiose ideas. She thinks small and hopes it gets big. There are all kinds of things that would need to happen to make something so large scale work and that kind of progress needs time. But our farmer's market is a much more containable project. She's got me researching how local currencies have been implemented and who acts as the bank. With a little bit more research and a presentation we might just pull of a currency for our local market. And then, if it takes off, maybe we can invite local businesses to participate. And if we can get the local community bank on board, maybe eventually we can help local citizens start a local business.
There I go again, thinking big thoughts. But that's my part of the deal, dreaming.
But one day when a staff worker went out to check on the stand there were a bunch of checks laying on the ground. Someone had managed to pry open the box (which is also locked to the table) and left it open. Nobody knows if they stole a bunch of cash, just wanted their cash back, or were just being jerks. Money was still in the box, but we'll never know if MORE money had been in the box earlier.
So I brought up the idea of a local currency. If we had a local currency someone might be tempted to steal it, but most people working towards building the local economy probably (hopefully) wouldn't be the type to steal. Plus we could control who was buying into our currency. Other farms in the region could accept the cash as well, bringing the farm community tighter together.
And the farm manager likes the idea. There are lots of local currencies starting up throughout the US (and world) and economists believe that it does work to reinforce local jobs and businesses. BerkShares in the Berkshires are well known around this area because of their gaining popularity and commitment to keeping local businesses alive.
In my head I started forming all kinds of alliances and companies, putting people to work, bringing manufacturing to the area, building a community center. We could have people make clothes instead of importing them from China. We could have people build electronics, instead of importing them from China. We could have people produce cookware, dinnerware, fabrics, furniture, all without importing items from China. People would have jobs! Our community would remain strong! Our future would remain positive!
Fortunately my farm manager isn't prone to grandiose ideas. She thinks small and hopes it gets big. There are all kinds of things that would need to happen to make something so large scale work and that kind of progress needs time. But our farmer's market is a much more containable project. She's got me researching how local currencies have been implemented and who acts as the bank. With a little bit more research and a presentation we might just pull of a currency for our local market. And then, if it takes off, maybe we can invite local businesses to participate. And if we can get the local community bank on board, maybe eventually we can help local citizens start a local business.
There I go again, thinking big thoughts. But that's my part of the deal, dreaming.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Frugal or Not
I've been doing a lot of research about sustainable living lately and I've found that there are many different ways that people are learning to change their lifestyles. Some people want to cut back on commercial crap, usually in conjunction with frugal living. Others want to foster community while focusing on a spiritual connection. Some (like me) are interested in local living including foods and reducing driving distances/areas.
Sometimes the way people aim to be sustainable don't always mesh with one another. The person focusing more on paying off debt and living with fewer belongings doesn't entirely go with purchasing local foods. Sure, you can be frugal and be local, but changing from mass consumer meats and non-organic bulk items could create sticker shock. You have to be willing to spend a bit (okay, a LOT) more on meats if you want to continue to eat in the same lifestyle.
You can keep costs low if you buy in season, can or freeze bulk local, organic stuff, and give up some items, especially if you make foods from scratch. Problem is, if you're already making stuff from scratch and living as frugally as you can, you'll probably see your costs rise. Well, you'll see an increase in visible costs, but in my mind, and in the minds of many other like-minded localvores, you're actually just paying the entire visible and invisible costs. Buying out of season, or buying prepackaged foods, has a huge hidden cost that we don't see when we buy stuff in stores.
But I still consider myself frugal, at least mostly frugal, even though I occasionally splurge. This is on my mind today because of a trip I made to the antique store in Cambridge. I found a $2.50 flour sieve and a $10 apple corer/peeler, but put the apple thing back in trade for a couple of scarfs I really liked. One I plan to make into pillow covers and the other I just want to wear. I guiltily also picked up a $4 set of beautiful salt and pepper shakers.
So while I bought items used, and relatively inexpensively, I did end up buying things I don't *really* need. In fact, I traded something useful for something decorative. So I guess that makes me more on the side of local/reduced energy costs (buying used stuff means fewer environmental costs to create more things) as opposed to frugal in the strict sense. And while it would be great to be frugal, community minded, spiritual, local, organic, energy efficient minded, there has to be a way to really enjoy life.
And I think that's the key. When you're doing what you believe in you enjoy life most. And obviously, since I'm still writing about the subject, I feel like I should be a bit more frugal, or at least forgive myself for what I consider living a little. Perhaps one day I won't want that scarf, but right now I do. And for now I just keep telling myself one thing at a time, Bethany, one thing at a time.
Sometimes the way people aim to be sustainable don't always mesh with one another. The person focusing more on paying off debt and living with fewer belongings doesn't entirely go with purchasing local foods. Sure, you can be frugal and be local, but changing from mass consumer meats and non-organic bulk items could create sticker shock. You have to be willing to spend a bit (okay, a LOT) more on meats if you want to continue to eat in the same lifestyle.
You can keep costs low if you buy in season, can or freeze bulk local, organic stuff, and give up some items, especially if you make foods from scratch. Problem is, if you're already making stuff from scratch and living as frugally as you can, you'll probably see your costs rise. Well, you'll see an increase in visible costs, but in my mind, and in the minds of many other like-minded localvores, you're actually just paying the entire visible and invisible costs. Buying out of season, or buying prepackaged foods, has a huge hidden cost that we don't see when we buy stuff in stores.
But I still consider myself frugal, at least mostly frugal, even though I occasionally splurge. This is on my mind today because of a trip I made to the antique store in Cambridge. I found a $2.50 flour sieve and a $10 apple corer/peeler, but put the apple thing back in trade for a couple of scarfs I really liked. One I plan to make into pillow covers and the other I just want to wear. I guiltily also picked up a $4 set of beautiful salt and pepper shakers.
So while I bought items used, and relatively inexpensively, I did end up buying things I don't *really* need. In fact, I traded something useful for something decorative. So I guess that makes me more on the side of local/reduced energy costs (buying used stuff means fewer environmental costs to create more things) as opposed to frugal in the strict sense. And while it would be great to be frugal, community minded, spiritual, local, organic, energy efficient minded, there has to be a way to really enjoy life.
And I think that's the key. When you're doing what you believe in you enjoy life most. And obviously, since I'm still writing about the subject, I feel like I should be a bit more frugal, or at least forgive myself for what I consider living a little. Perhaps one day I won't want that scarf, but right now I do. And for now I just keep telling myself one thing at a time, Bethany, one thing at a time.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Resolutions
I didn't so much as make resolutions this year as I made goals. I'd like to either loose a little weight or gain a baby. That in itself is a difficult quandary. I want to eat healthy and get all the vitamins I need, be biologically ready for a kid, and yet loose weight. My answer to this is to cut out the sugar and alcohol and add exercise.
So what's the first thing I'm doing? Canceling my gym membership. I don't go, even though I pay for it, and we're moving. The L Street Beach House is a community center and gym a few blocks from the new house that charges only $90/year. They have aerobics, weights, pilates, and stationary exercise equipment, more than enough for what I need. They don't, unfortunately have a pool, instead there's the ocean if I'm up for it. And I'm definitely not up for it in the winter. We'll see how warm it gets in summer.
But in the mean time I've been doing a pretty good job at least doing some crunches and push-ups every day. Not a bunch, but just enough to remind me that I need to do something active. And I've started cooking more without as many carbs. I'm pretty pleased with my efforts so far. Of course I did just bake bread, a staple in our house, but I haven't eaten more than a piece so far. And I really need to make more sourdough something, my starter is about to overflow.
Friday I made quiche. Finally used the leftover spinach I didn't know what else to do with. YUM, and Gerd really liked it (a surprise considering he doesn't like eggs at that much and is ambivalent about spinach).
Saturday I made broccoli cheese soup on the spur of the moment. Who knew it was that easy? Seriously, probably 15 minutes, the length of time it takes to cook broccoli. Soup and bread, great dinner. And it used up my broccoli I didn't know what to do with. I think soup is the only form of broccoli my husband will willingly (and eagerly) eat.
Sunday I put a pork roast with carrots and onions into the crockpot. We had russet potatoes (I know, carbs) and salad as sides. It's the most traditional meal I've cooked in a long time, but entirely local and seasonal. I got the recipe from one of my Christmas presents "The Farm to Table Cookbook: The art of eating locally."
Tonight? Apples with peanut butter and cheese and crackers for me (one of my favorite meals). Gerd's finishing up the pork, potatoes, and leftover soup. Hopefully he eats some bread too!
And that's where my list ends. Tuesday I get new veggies in my box so I'll have to see what's on the agenda.
So what's the first thing I'm doing? Canceling my gym membership. I don't go, even though I pay for it, and we're moving. The L Street Beach House is a community center and gym a few blocks from the new house that charges only $90/year. They have aerobics, weights, pilates, and stationary exercise equipment, more than enough for what I need. They don't, unfortunately have a pool, instead there's the ocean if I'm up for it. And I'm definitely not up for it in the winter. We'll see how warm it gets in summer.
But in the mean time I've been doing a pretty good job at least doing some crunches and push-ups every day. Not a bunch, but just enough to remind me that I need to do something active. And I've started cooking more without as many carbs. I'm pretty pleased with my efforts so far. Of course I did just bake bread, a staple in our house, but I haven't eaten more than a piece so far. And I really need to make more sourdough something, my starter is about to overflow.
Friday I made quiche. Finally used the leftover spinach I didn't know what else to do with. YUM, and Gerd really liked it (a surprise considering he doesn't like eggs at that much and is ambivalent about spinach).
Saturday I made broccoli cheese soup on the spur of the moment. Who knew it was that easy? Seriously, probably 15 minutes, the length of time it takes to cook broccoli. Soup and bread, great dinner. And it used up my broccoli I didn't know what to do with. I think soup is the only form of broccoli my husband will willingly (and eagerly) eat.
Sunday I put a pork roast with carrots and onions into the crockpot. We had russet potatoes (I know, carbs) and salad as sides. It's the most traditional meal I've cooked in a long time, but entirely local and seasonal. I got the recipe from one of my Christmas presents "The Farm to Table Cookbook: The art of eating locally."
Tonight? Apples with peanut butter and cheese and crackers for me (one of my favorite meals). Gerd's finishing up the pork, potatoes, and leftover soup. Hopefully he eats some bread too!
And that's where my list ends. Tuesday I get new veggies in my box so I'll have to see what's on the agenda.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Think I Found It
Well, I finally found a church (I think) if you can tell after one visit. I'm really pretty spoiled because I liked my church in New Mexico so much. We went to Southie, near where our new place will be, and tried the Presbyterian Church there. Thank goodness I liked it, I think it's the only non-Catholic choice in the neighborhood.
Not, mind you, that I have any problem with Catholicism, just that I disagree with natural sin and sainthood. Come to think of it I don't agree with all of the facets of Presbyterianism either, predestination and all that, but it's at least a bit more similar to my background. And the people were extremely friendly. The minister is in a musical group and downright jams to music in the service. He's really fun to watch. But his prayers were also right on the money and his sermon was good too.
The congregation lost a young but long time member recently, so the entire service was somewhat of a memorial service, despite the apparent funeral the night before. But it was nice to see how connected the whole church was. And the sermon, while focused on someone I didn't know, talked about looking for God in every man. God is light, he said, and light refracted can be seen as a prism of color, and sometimes you can see God through the beauty and color of people's lives, if we only look for it.
I've been a bit distant feeling lately. I don't know if it's New Years and all the thoughts that go with beginnings and endings, but I haven't been entirely myself. Not even fresh baked bread (that took 10 hours) or a trip to the bookstore seemed to right me. I still can't claim to be completely cheerful, but I think I needed that sermon today. I needed something uplifting after three days of wind and snow. And I feel better for having been in church.
Not, mind you, that I have any problem with Catholicism, just that I disagree with natural sin and sainthood. Come to think of it I don't agree with all of the facets of Presbyterianism either, predestination and all that, but it's at least a bit more similar to my background. And the people were extremely friendly. The minister is in a musical group and downright jams to music in the service. He's really fun to watch. But his prayers were also right on the money and his sermon was good too.
The congregation lost a young but long time member recently, so the entire service was somewhat of a memorial service, despite the apparent funeral the night before. But it was nice to see how connected the whole church was. And the sermon, while focused on someone I didn't know, talked about looking for God in every man. God is light, he said, and light refracted can be seen as a prism of color, and sometimes you can see God through the beauty and color of people's lives, if we only look for it.
I've been a bit distant feeling lately. I don't know if it's New Years and all the thoughts that go with beginnings and endings, but I haven't been entirely myself. Not even fresh baked bread (that took 10 hours) or a trip to the bookstore seemed to right me. I still can't claim to be completely cheerful, but I think I needed that sermon today. I needed something uplifting after three days of wind and snow. And I feel better for having been in church.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)