be a{countable} people

this post is alternately titled {just show up}.

this post has been a long time coming. the consumerism that is my existence is starting to weigh heavily on my mind{, body, bank account, closets, soul}.

part 1. sister told me about a documentary she recently watched called No Impact Man {all you netfickers should check it out} about a man, his wife and baby daughter in NYC who decide to try and live a year of their lives without making any negative impact on our planet. they ate locally from farmer's markets, composted, reused, rode bikes, gave away their tv, took the stairs, even gave up electricity half way through.

it has come at the perfect time for me. i recycle and reuse when it's convenient, but still produce my share of useless waste and wasted energy. i have succumb to the cliche notion that my small person's efforts could never mean anything. i know. lame. but while i have no intention of going a year without electricity or toilet paper {this guy is hard. core.}, i have every intention of introducing some nature nurturing practices into my life. i was born on earth day, for crying out loud. if that's not a sign...

so. want to join? because if i did a couple things and you did a couple things then maybe the good could spread?

{some ideas}
:: use those great reusable bags all the grocery stores are selling now.
:: carry an aluminum water bottle around and refill.
:: use cloth instead of paper napkins. if you need some, i elect krista to make you some. she's really good at it.
:: make your own household cleaners - super easy and non toxic. that's a win-win. win.
:: avoid foods with excess packaging and or buy in bulk.
:: opt out of junk mail. tips here.
:: don't leave your oven preheated and turn off immediately after use.
:: buy from local farmer's markets.


Love and good company, the chance to be of service and to matter, connection to something bigger, the use of our most prized talents—these things make most people happier than stuff. -- colin beavan {no impact man}

part 2. having lived in this downtown los angeles city for a year now, i have learned a lot about myself. my desires, my behavior. i am approached at least a dozen times a day for spare change; sometimes just a quarter or nickel. it was overwhelming at first. i didn't know who was most deserving; who i was supposed to help when i knew i couldn't help everyone. so guess what i did? i helped no one. it's disturbing to me. regretful and discouraging.

but.

the bright spot? realizing that in every stage of my life i have always been blessed with excess; even if it's only been a little. that's all it really is, right? if we have what we need, the rest is just gravy. this core of my attitude is starting to break and crumble. the part that tries to convince me that "of course i'll give when i have {enough?}" what does that even mean? how much is enough?

normally i wouldn't be so public about a topic like this, but if these feelings i have now begin to fade tomorrow or next month, they will just be gone and no one would be the wiser. i could retreat to my wantings and go about my days saving my quarters for laundry instead of lightening someone's burden. but then, when will the change come? how will my hours be measured and who will hold me accountable?

this is my pledge :: to find a balance between {wanting, giving, acquiring and sharing}

::because people can change, yes? my 28th year is going to make a difference, dammit!

and then these. my favorite of all. will {hopefully} have a better place.