I got my 15 seconds of fame tonight on the Washington Abc news affiliate, WJLA. That's the modern standard for limelight time now. Oh well, it was fun!
Check out the video at the WJLA website: How much trash do you create?
Update: Part 2
My memorable quote: "That brown stuff is bean dip." So inspirational, so green.
It's also funny that they aired the shot of "my trash" that I had to steal from my coworker, who sips on slim fast all day long! Haha.
(The story behind that is: I left the real trash bag on the metro because I kinda forgot about it, it being early in the morning (the bag still weighed 0.0 pounds) -- so I had to "recreate" it when I got to work.)
Third weird connection to this story: My very first AOL screename was 'Garbegegrl,' after my favorite femme-fronted band Garbage, so in a way, I guess I've come full circle. Or as my cousin "The Pool Guy" says, I am the true garbage girl.
27.2.08
23.2.08
Change and habit
The benefits of habit and regularity don't usually present themselves to me in a favorable light, but in the past few days, the ideas have snuck in and refused to budge.
Theoretical. In The Relaxation Response, Herbert Benson (M.D.) defines stress, in the context of hypertension, to be any necessary change in one's behaviors. So when subject to stress-inducing changes, a person becomes more likely to become ill: widows 12 times more likely to die than others their age. That's the old romantic (!) story about the remaining spouse dying of a broken heart - but now there's scientific proof?
So if change is a health risk, what's invigorating? Or is "vigor" dependent on the heart's ability to withstand an exciting strain - a little like the breathlessness of living to tell the story, be it from getting by in a new city, succeeding in a new job role, or completing a century on your road bike?
Personal. The women on my Mom's side of the family seem to regard themselves as doomed to repeat mistakes and unhealthy behavior - while admitting guilt (and sometimes even declaring it!). Have they capitulated to some concept of habit? Or does it have real sway? How to understand this without more years under my belt? Sometimes, I wonder about how much predilection for martyrdom the Catholic upbringing might have left behind to make it possible to condemn oneself knowingly, but this idea that a person isn't able to change seems simply ridiculous.
I believe: We are all capable of learning, and at any age. I appreciate more and more the continuing education centers run by colleges nationwide, and hope I'll be able to avail myself of them eventually.
New Year's resolutions are a common form of condoned change - so is habit why we often fail?
Honestly, I find an arbitrary date like Jan 1 to be a stupid one to choose for making a change that you're convinced is appropriate for you. If a person wants to make a change, they'll think about it and then take the plunge then. Waiting seems to increase disingenuousness - and hence failure. At least at ritualized attempts at change is a step toward taking life into your own hands, but I'd like to see people find a way to be successful instead of simply following a January fad and forgetting by Valentine's Day, when exercise plans are easily abandoned for some gourmet chocolates.
Back to habit again - should life be the alignment of one's normal activities with one's ideals until sufficiently satisfied .. and then bring on the calcification?
Life to me seems like an abundant buffet, expanding at [someone else's] will. The moment I choose a habit, do I deny that myriad of fragrant choices? I can't easily imagine turning a blind and forgetful eye to the multitude of interesting ideas, people, hobbies, etc. But neither can I imagine joy without discovery. Even if that discovery lies in appreciating what is already here to stay.
I can't draw a conclusion yet.
I'm suspicious that my self-imposed definitions are muddled - and that habit may not be exclusive of newness. In my own case, it seems a fusion may be called for. Maybe I'll be victim to my own ancestry eventually - so this may all be for naught! But, I'd like to think not.
Theoretical. In The Relaxation Response, Herbert Benson (M.D.) defines stress, in the context of hypertension, to be any necessary change in one's behaviors. So when subject to stress-inducing changes, a person becomes more likely to become ill: widows 12 times more likely to die than others their age. That's the old romantic (!) story about the remaining spouse dying of a broken heart - but now there's scientific proof?
So if change is a health risk, what's invigorating? Or is "vigor" dependent on the heart's ability to withstand an exciting strain - a little like the breathlessness of living to tell the story, be it from getting by in a new city, succeeding in a new job role, or completing a century on your road bike?
Personal. The women on my Mom's side of the family seem to regard themselves as doomed to repeat mistakes and unhealthy behavior - while admitting guilt (and sometimes even declaring it!). Have they capitulated to some concept of habit? Or does it have real sway? How to understand this without more years under my belt? Sometimes, I wonder about how much predilection for martyrdom the Catholic upbringing might have left behind to make it possible to condemn oneself knowingly, but this idea that a person isn't able to change seems simply ridiculous.
I believe: We are all capable of learning, and at any age. I appreciate more and more the continuing education centers run by colleges nationwide, and hope I'll be able to avail myself of them eventually.
New Year's resolutions are a common form of condoned change - so is habit why we often fail?
Honestly, I find an arbitrary date like Jan 1 to be a stupid one to choose for making a change that you're convinced is appropriate for you. If a person wants to make a change, they'll think about it and then take the plunge then. Waiting seems to increase disingenuousness - and hence failure. At least at ritualized attempts at change is a step toward taking life into your own hands, but I'd like to see people find a way to be successful instead of simply following a January fad and forgetting by Valentine's Day, when exercise plans are easily abandoned for some gourmet chocolates.
Back to habit again - should life be the alignment of one's normal activities with one's ideals until sufficiently satisfied .. and then bring on the calcification?
Life to me seems like an abundant buffet, expanding at [someone else's] will. The moment I choose a habit, do I deny that myriad of fragrant choices? I can't easily imagine turning a blind and forgetful eye to the multitude of interesting ideas, people, hobbies, etc. But neither can I imagine joy without discovery. Even if that discovery lies in appreciating what is already here to stay.
I can't draw a conclusion yet.
I'm suspicious that my self-imposed definitions are muddled - and that habit may not be exclusive of newness. In my own case, it seems a fusion may be called for. Maybe I'll be victim to my own ancestry eventually - so this may all be for naught! But, I'd like to think not.
22.2.08
Treasure hunting in the woods
Having just finished The Omnivore's Dilemma and recalling the excitement of the early days of garden-grown baby greens from The United States of Arugula, I have to say I find mushroom foraging pretty intriguing! Mushrooms have mysterious biology, but they're also the culinary version of treasure - highly valued, hidden and sought-after, and seemingly free for the taking.
Here's a website I want to check out more about foraging food for free (when I have the time! My reading to-do list is towering high above me at the moment): Wild Man Wild Food
Here's a website I want to check out more about foraging food for free (when I have the time! My reading to-do list is towering high above me at the moment): Wild Man Wild Food
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)