Natch!

You do what you can.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:47:00 +0000

Philanthropy etymologically means "the love of humanity", in the sense of "what it is to be human", the essence of our humanity. In modern practical terms, it is "private initiatives for public good, focusing on quality of life"—balancing the social-scientific aspect emphasized in the twentieth century, with the long-traditional and original humanistic core of the word's ancient coinage.

Put simply, philanthropy is the pursuit of excellence in every facet of human life, for every human life, by imagining and implementing new systems, to bring that philosophy to fruition.

An important distinction should be made, that whilst admirable, charity is not the same as philanthropy. Simply argued by the concept that an implemented philanthropic idea may make its owner rich, if he or she so wishes. Compare this to the singular act of giving money away, associated with charity, the two concepts almost oppose each other. (Source: Wikipedia)

As someone with limited time and relatively limited finances*, I have to get creative (literally) with my philanthropy and charity. While I might not have the time to devote to helping out at an event, I will likely be able to donate a tray of cookies or cupcakes, and just because I can’t afford to write you a cheque for $150, I can probably give you a piece of art or a pretty scarf for your raffle.

I am sure that as I get older and wiser and wealthier (that’ll happen, right?), I’ll be able to contribute more, but for now, I'll be keeping my eyes open for opportunities to give.

I do what I can.

It’s not easy drinking green.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:24:00 +0000

Spirulina powder doesn’t really have a taste or a smell, but what it lacks in both of those, it makes up for in colour. To call it “green” would be an understatement. It’s Green with a capital G. It’s green with an attitude. It’s green on steroids. It’s so green that it is impossible to hide.

I started out by putting it in chocolate protein powder. It looked like whatever the Creature from the Black Swamp crawled out of.

I mixed a teaspoon with my vanilla protein powder, added water and shook well. It was greener than Kermit the Frog’s…well…let’s just say it was greener than Kermit.

I tried it in blueberry juice. It was frightening. Really frightening.

But, here’s the thing: as bad as all three concoctions *looked*...they all tasted great. Like, really great. It was just the fact that they looked gross that I either had to deal with or get over.

And, it’s not like I have anything against green stuff. I love green stuff. I eat a pillowcase-sized bag of spinach a week. I just don’t like to drink creamy, sweet green stuff first thing in the morning.

So, you know what I did? I bought a green bottle for my protein shakes/smoothies. I’m apparently very easy to fool because…you know what?...it worked.

The Green Monster

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 14:52:00 +0000

Last week, while I was on a nutrition website ordering a vat of chocolate protein powder, I noticed that they were having a sale on organic spirulina. I had heard good things about it in the past, (and far be it for me to pass up a sale), so I clicked "add to cart" and set out to do some more research.

What I found out was that spirulina is actually quite amazing.

- Considered a "super-food", this nutrient dense blue-green algae is a complete protein and the highest source of plant-based protein, with a whopping 60% protein content.

- Spirulina is high in anti-oxidants and contains: vitamin A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, folate, vitamin K, biotin, pantothenic acid, beta carotene (source of vitamin A), inositol, calcium, manganese, iron, chromium, phosphorus, molybdenum, iodine, chloride, magnesium, sodium, zinc, potassium, selenium, germanium, copper, boron, phycocyanin, chlorophyll, carotenoids, myxoxanthophyll, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, echinenone and other xanthophylls, gamma linolenic acid, glycolipids, sulfolipids, polysaccharides, isoleucine, phenylalanine, leucine, threonine, lysine, tryptophan, methionine, valine, alanine, glycine, arginine, histidine, aspartic acid, proline, cystine, serine, glutamic acid, tyrosine.

Not bad for a single-celled organism measuring .0196850394 inches in length!

Although it was the high-protein content that had originally piqued my interest, through my research I discovered that Spirulina is thought to reduce cholesterol and support cardiovascular health, improve eyesight, stimulate the immune system, improve digestion, promote detoxification, and aid in athletic endurance and recovery. Three words: sign me up!

So far, I have only taken my Spirulina once, but as I continue to take it, I plan to (hopefully) report back on its effectiveness. I would love to hear from others who are using it, as well, so please feel free to share your experiences!

The lucky one.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:12:00 +0000

Last night, the mascot and I went for a late dinner with my mom on Corydon. After we said our goodbyes to Mumji, we walked hand-in-hand back to our car.

While we were cutting through the 7-11 parking lot, a guy in a truck leaned out his window and yelled "LUCKY!!" This, of course, made us both burst out in a fit of giggles. After we regained our composure, the mascot said, "Wow. That guy thinks I'm lucky to be holding hands with you!"

As flattering (ha!) as being hollered at is, I couldn't help but think that I am the lucky one. As far as kids go, I think I really lucked out by ending up with that one. He's smart, funny, sensitive and cool (but not too cool to hold hands with his mom once in a while). He gives me strength and a reason to be strong. I know that as long as we stick together, everything is going to be a-ok. Yup, lady-luck was definitely smiling down on me 12 years and 10 months ago.

We spent the next couple minutes in silence. I looked over at the mascot's freckled face and wondered what he was so deep in thought about.

He looked back at me, eyes sparkling, and said:
"You know who *is* lucky? Babies. They get to look at boobies."

:sigh:

Tomato, tomato!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:29:00 +0000

I checked on the garden this morning and discovered a tomato in a very preliminary stage of redness. Considering the fact that my tomato crop was a bust last year, this is very exciting news. I could be eating a caprese salad by this time next week!

In other horticulture news, the basil is doing very well (despite its numerous attempts to bolt), the strawberries have been surprisingly abundant (if you consider a dozen off one plant "abundant"), and there is a gigantic butternut squash blossom lighting up the garden. I am concerned that the squash won't have enough time to grow, but then again, I'm not completely against eating babies.
Baby squashes, that is.

(x-posted to Relish!)

Map My Run...and tell the world.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:03:00 +0000

What’s as much fun as running? Mapping it and seeing how far I’ve gone, of course.

I am a huge fan of Voomaxer to keep track of my running logs and post them to Facebook (& Twitter), but lately their routing function has been on the fritz. I don’t want to stop using Voomaxer, though, because the more people you tell about your run, the more calories you burn. Trust me…it’s scientific.

Now I’m using Map My Run to calculate my milage and I am loving it. Other than the general ease-of-use, the really cool thing about the mapping function is that it lets you “bend” your lines. This means less clicking and more accuracy…especially when charting runs down bendy streets. Try it yourself: Map My Run

* Yes, it’s a little goofy to have to use two sites, but I’m already goofy for never running the same route twice…and for mapping it after the fact. So, shush.

Dig!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 22:03:00 +0000

This past weekend, the mascot and I finally got the chance to plant our herbs, veggies and annuals. With the exception of the rock garden (RIP), which didn't have enough of a snow-cover to protect it, all of our perennials came up beautifully. The only thing that was missing was a little colour and a little flavour.

We added crazy-coloured Coleus to the front and back perennial beds, planted the pots on the front steps with petunias (thanks to our friends Em and Jason!), and brightened up the garden along the back of the house with a riot of annuals. That garden is also home to 7 or 8 tomato plants (early girl, tiny tim, yellow, sweet 100...), a new blueberry bush (what?), strawberries, and one, lone butternut squash (the mascot's addition). There are also random herbs, here and there; a rosemary in the old rock garden, thyme in a planter, and basil beside the tomatoes.

I can't wait to see everything fill-in and bloom!

Today's Meditation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 28 May 2010 21:19:00 +0000

Have I posted this one before? I don't think so, but if I have, it bears repeating.

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. ~ Buddha

...and breathe...

Today's Meditation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:53:00 +0000

Love is patient.

(Or, the way I see it - “to love is to be patient”.)

me & my boy

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 07 May 2010 18:21:00 +0000

me & my boy
Originally uploaded by zenbecca

“Everybody wants to save the earth; nobody wants to help Mom with the dishes.” ~ P.J. O'Rourke

Ah, but Mr O’Rourke didn’t know my kid. You see, in our house there is a well-balanced system of “I’ll load, you un-load” that a) keeps me sane and b) lets the boy earn his keep.

It’s not without its faults (90% of the items make it back to their correct spots and don’t make me mention the state of the Tupperware drawer) but, hey, it beats having to do it myself.

So, with Mother’s Day two short sleeps away, I would like to give a quick shout-out to the mascot; I wouldn’t be a mother without him, after all!

Today's Meditation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 04 May 2010 19:35:00 +0000

Let your love flow outward through the universe, to its height, its depth, its broad extent; a limitless love, without hatred or enmity. ~ Sutta Nipata

I think everything that I know about love, I have learned in the last 6 weeks. It all comes down to this: in the presence of real love, nothing is insurmountable or impossible to overcome. Give as much as you expect to get back and you'll have your bases covered.

Today's Meditation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 03 May 2010 14:00:00 +0000

The light at the end of the tunnel will continue to grow brighter as long as you stay on track.

Good lord, I hope so.

Today's Meditation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:52:00 +0000

Just as the highest and the lowest notes are equally inaudible, so perhaps, is the greatest sense and the greatest nonsense equally unintelligible. ~ Alan Watts

Oh, I am going to have to spend some time wrapping my head around that one...

holly go-lightly

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:39:00 +0000

holly go-lightly
Originally uploaded by zenbecca

This past Sunday, R and I were planning to go to a movie, but decided at the last minute to go for a bike ride instead. It was such a nice day; it would have been a crime to waste it by sitting in the dark. Even the promise of popcorn, Milk Duds and a soda the size of my head wasn’t enough to lure us away from the sunshine. After a quick detour to pick up my bike (the lovely Holly go-lightly, pictured above) and then back to R's to put a little air in our tires, we were on our way to the Forks.

I was so happy to see that the rest of Winnipeg was on the same wave-length - people were out in droves! Besides the sunshine and good-karma, it felt so nice to be on a bike that was actually going somewhere for a change. In 3 months of spinning classes, I have probably logged hundreds of (theoretical) kilometres. Sure the bikes at the gym have brought me closer to my goal of better fitness…but they don’t take me to the yummy rum punch that R and I had on the patio by the river.

Today's Meditation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:41:00 +0000

The most important things are beyond language.

Today's Meditation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:33:00 +0000

It's more important to acknowledge things as they are and not as you want them to be.

Today's Meditation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:59:00 +0000

You can make your day-to-day existence easier by accepting the futility of resistance.

...and breathe...

Flowing Gracefully

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:56:00 +0000

Have I mentioned how good my new yoga class is? So good.

There are a lot of vinyasas; but there’s plenty of time to really sink into the asanas, too, which is what I’m all about. I was worried that I would be a little rusty after my 18 month hiatus, but that wasn’t an issue at all - I’ve still got it! Whatever “it” is. (I think in my case, "it" is surprisingly good balance, better-than-average flexibility and freakishly-long arms, which are a huge help.)

My personal goal for the next 9 weeks is to concentrate on “graceful flow”. I know, right?

25 things we can live without…or can we?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:46:00 +0000

I found this list on the Planet Green website and thought it would be fun to post...with my comments, natch.

Plastic wrap -- Instead, use a container with a lid.
Agreed. I haven’t bought plastic wrap in, like, forever. I do heart ziplocks, though…and I reuse them to death, so it's ok. Ish.
Tin foil – Use an oven-safe pot or dish with a lid.
Disagreed. I heart foil. Used judiciously, it's a big help in the kitchen. It makes clean-up a snap…and it’s recyclable, too.
Disposable cleaning cloths, dusters, etc. – Use a microfiber cloth that can be washed.
OMG! Was there life before the Swiffer?!?! (Yes, yes there was. When I was a kid we would cut up my dad’s old t-shirts for dusting.)
Paper towels – Use a tea towel, instead.
Ermmmm…guilty as charged.
Disposable pens – Buy a good pen that only needs the ink well changed.
Ok, yeah no. I’m not there yet. I do, however, try to buy better pens so that I’m not constantly chucking out duds.
Paper plates – Washing dishes may be an effort, but it’s worth it.
Yup. And, really, if you have a 12-year old kitchen slave, it's no effort at all.
Plastic cutlery – Use the metal stuff.
Ditto. (Although I will admit that I have a secret fetish for plastic spoons.)
Disposable razors – Invest in a razor that only needs the blades changed.
I have a bone to pick with the razor companies – their constant “innovating” has left me with a box of obsolete razor handles!
Packaged fruits and vegetables – Produce does not need to be packaged.
Yes and no. I buy a lot of bagged/boxed produce that I wouldn’t buy if it was sold “loose”…like snap peas and baby spinach. Some stores (I’m looking at you T&T) go beyond silly with their saran-wrapped styrofoam trays of, well, everything.
Individually wrapped snacks – Snacks travel better anyway in a hard container.
Yes…and the same goes for individual yogurts.
Juice boxes – Put juice in a reusable container (not plastic).
Juice? Apples and oranges are full of juice. Eat one.
Electric pencil sharpeners -- Use the hand-crank version of days gone by.
Oooh...now I want a hand-crank sharpener. (Although, I guess my sharpening needs aren't that great...I've been getting by with one of those little hand-held ones.)
Disposable diapers -- Cloth diapers aren't that much more difficult to use.
(Says the person who has never washed a bucket of dirty diapers or traveled with a baby.)
Disposable cloths – Fabric cloths can be washed regularly to avoid bacterial or viral build-up.
Key words – wash regularly.
Paper or plastic single-use grocery bags – Get a few reusable bags.
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Bottled water -- Install a water filter on your tap or pick up a water jug with a filter.
We have broken ourselves of the bottled water habit. It helps that Winnipeg tap water is good.
Non-rechargeable batteries – Make the investment for rechargeable batteries and you’ll save money in the long run.
Will do…just as soon as I get through this case of IKEA AAs.
Electric can openers – Use a little muscle.
Lol. Again, is this an issue?
Single-serving pudding or yogurt cups – Buy a large container of yogurt or make your own pudding, and send it in a reusable container.
Oh, I spoke too soon. BTW...the big yogurts are cheaper, too!
Plastic cups – Stick to reusable cups.
I’ll see that...and raise you a coffee cup!
Disposable table cloths – Spills are a reality of life; just clean them up as they happen.
Better yet – wipeable placemats.
Antibacterial wipes – If you must, use a gel hand sanitizer.
I disagree, but for a different reason. I'm not big on anti-bacterial products. Just use soap and water.
Facial tissues -- Unless you have a bad cold, a handkerchief will work just fine.
Ermmmm…or a sleeve, if you’re 12.
Paper billing -- Switch to e-billing for your bank statement, credit card bill, utility bill, etc.
Or, better yet, pre-authorized payments. I have a problem with the “out of sight, out of mind” thing. I like to stay on top of my bills, but emails are SO easy to ignore.
Plasticized sticky notes -- Use the original paper sticky notes; they can be recycled when you're done with them
What? Is there such a thing? Are they for leaving notes in the shower?

Parting Words

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 21:14:00 +0000

Every morning, as I'm flying out the back door (literally), I tell the mascot "Ok, I'm outty...don't forget your lunch, your key, your bus pass...turn out the lights...lock up...set the alarm...have a great day...be good to people...I love you...bye!"

Today after "be good to people", I tacked on "...don't take any crap..."

I think we'll keep that one in there for a while.

You had me at free.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:38:00 +0000

Don’t forget – it’s free coffee day at Starbucks!

Take your reusable cup to any participating Starbucks location and have it filled for free! The offer applies only to brewed coffee, up to 20oz., on Thursday, April 15th only.

Yoga, girl!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:20:00 +0000

Who’s nutty enough to go to the gym twice in 1 day? Oh, that be me. Due to some bizarre scheduling (on my part), for the next 8 Wednesdays I will be book-ending my workday with an early-morning weightlifting class and a pre-dinner yoga class. It means that I have to be extra-prepared (packing breakfast, lunch, an outfit for the office and 2 sets of workout clothes), but it should* be worth it…

* I say should because I am not sure about this yoga class. I signed up for it based on time-slot, but I am feeling a little trepidation…it’s called “yoga for athletes” and I’m not sure I qualify. Tonight is my first one, so we’ll see how it goes. I might just surprise myself.

After this one, my next yogic adventure will combine a 45 minute spin-class with a 45 minute ashtanga class. That one I *know* I can do.

Garbage of NYC

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 20:21:00 +0000

Oh, we've all heard the saying "One man's trash is another man's treasure". This project by NYC artist Justin Gignac is making me ask, "Can one man's treasure be another man's art?"

"What is art?" Ask 100 people and you will get 100 answers. Some people have their mind's made up on the topic and are unwavering in their opinions; others, like me, have yet to figure it out yet, or are unwilling to commit to an answer. As I write this, I am leaning towards the notion of "art is in the eye of the beholder". How's that for vague? My one caveat, though, is that in order for it to be art it has to evoke a reaction in the viewer. And something more than "oh, that's a pencil".

That's why the "Garbage of New York City" project had me scratching my head; is it art or is it just, well...garbage? On one hand, you could say "oh, that's a beer can". On the other hand, however, you start to see the beauty in the presentation. Removed from it's environment and placed in a protective casing, it becomes a charming little tableau; intreguing in its simplicity, really.

Or, maybe I'm overthinking it. Either way, if you can get people to pay $50 for a beer can and a plastic spoon, you are an artist. Con or otherwise. ;-)

x-posted to Everything is Ticketyboo

Ag in the City

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:40:00 +0000

Here in Winnipeg (and throughout the prairies), we are completely surrounded by farmland and yet many of us forget the impact that farming has on our lives. Agriculture in the City is looking to change that.

"Ag in the City" is a family-friendly event on now at the Forks that celebrates agriculture and allows us "city folk" to reconnect with the people who grow our food through activities, displays, cooking demos and more. Like any event worth its salt, they've got lots of "big stuff", too - from a giant yellow combine to a mammoth bowl of oatmeal. You definitely don't want to miss that!

"Ag in the City" runs all weekend and all are invited.

From the Ag in the City website:
Once upon a time most Canadians lived on farms. But now, we buy most of our food from the store. You can narrow the gap between the farm and your fork … at the Forks!
Kids can spy on a live honey factory, see where milk comes from, and check out the big yellow combine. Adults can meet local farmers, find new recipes or learn about food safety.
Agriculture isn’t only about food. Crayons, toothpaste and linoleum all have links to the farm. Find out what innovations are happening now, and how much we depend on a clean, healthy environment for our future.
Canada’s most vibrant industry is open for you to discover, March 19-21 at the Forks Market. See, touch and taste what’s new in agriculture. There’s nothing else like it!

Project: mascot

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:33:00 +0000

The mascot has been working on a project for school and needed a backboard to display it on, but the idea of forking over $15 for one at Michaels sent me into a cold sweat.

a) When I was in school, we always made our own out of scrap wood or cardboard boxes.
b) fifteen bucks? Seriously?

I gave him the option of either spending his allowance on a backboard (as if) or looking for something suitable in the house. Doubtful that he would find anything, he went downstairs...and returned 5 minutes later with a huge grin on his face the box from our flat-screen tv. I was happy that his search was a success, but even happier when he said, "Mom, can I upcycle this for my project?"

5 minutes and some clever Xacto-ing later, the boy had a project that cost $0 and made him feel a whole lot prouder than if he had just grabbed one off the shelf. Looks like we can put that $15 in our trip-jar!

Pics of the project to follow!