http://www.greenbin.com/rss/GreenBin Blogs http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_42/ http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_42/ Can someone tell me where to buy 25# bags of brown rice in Phoenix? Thu, 7 Aug 2008 01:08:10 -0500 http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_41/ http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_41/ This will be my first attempt at blogging, so I will start with a brief introduction: I live in a small town in Missouri with my fiancee, our cat and our two turtles. I just began graduate school this January, continuing my life as a poor college student. My research involves working on a project to use renewable energy to power a mobile water filtration unit. Well that's not a great introduction, but it's at least a start. Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:02:16 -0600 http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_40/ http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_40/ In 2007 the Environmental Justice Foundation had a huge impact on the ability of impoverished communities around the world protect their local environment and defend their basic human rights. EJF has given an international voice to the plight of these people.Now we need your help to make 2008 an even greater success.Simply by becoming an EJF supporter by giving a monthly gift you can be part of the search for solutions to environmental problems and make a real difference. Regular donations help EJF plan our activities better delivering lasting solutions to environmental problems and making a real difference to people's lives around the world. Donate now by clicking on this link http://www.ejfoundation.org/page482.html Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:12:00 -0600 http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_39/ http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_39/ First crack at real blogging. First blog was a failure because I was rarely around a computer while travelling in Europe. Thu, 22 Nov 2007 18:11:55 -0600 http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_38/ http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_38/ Al Gore won the Noble Piece Prize today, a perfect reward for making green something that the everyday people understand.  Before Al Gore came out and showed us why global warning mattered, the average person thought being green was for granola eating tree huggers and was something that really did not affect them.   Well all of that has changed we all have heard the argument about conserving energy and lowering emissions. While working on greenstew I have been asking most of the people I know about there impressions on global warming and living green.  To my surprise some of them discount the global warming effects; however these same people have put CFL’s in there home because it saves them money and they don’t have to bother changing a light bulb for years.  Some of my friends have done some of the small things like making sure that the right recyclable products got in the right trash bin.  Some of my friends are really concerned about global warming and are doing what they can to make their footprint smaller.   Right now my family is focusing on the three R’s. I feel if we can master recycling, reducing and reusing our carbon footprint will take care of it’s self.  I really can not say that we are doing a lot more than the average American family, but we are learning and doing more every week.  Fri, 19 Oct 2007 11:10:28 -0500 http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_36/ http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_36/ So well into my Cans and Bottles experiment, which is going fabulous, Inga was over at my house.  Let me start with explaining who Inga is.  Inga has known my husband since they were teenagers, in the last few years Inga has become my partner in crime as the saying goes.    So anyway Inga was over at the house, and I was telling her how frustrated I was about the green movement.  I was not feeling like a lot of the information I needed was in an easy place to find.  So we along with my webmaster husband decided to form GREENSTEW, right now we are at the hunting and gathering stages.  We have found so very good info, and we have found some very strange products.  Our goal is to try to bring to you what choices you can make in turning your lifestyle greener without giving anything up.    Inga and I will be updating this website almost everyday, so please check back often.   www.greenstew.com  Thu, 11 Oct 2007 11:10:37 -0500 http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_35/ http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_35/ Hello,  I'm going to catalog our quest to be green.  It started  this weekend with our trip to the green festival in Wash. DC.  Wow!  There was so much to see, but I'm now energized to finally make the plunge to be green.  We saw some great products and listened to great speakers.  I will highlight the high points for my daughter and I.  I'll start with the best book of the show for us.  Best Book Gaia Girls Book Series, www.gaiagirls.com, were the best books we found.  We have each read the first and the second book.  My daughter started with Book I: Enter the Earth and I read Book II: Way of Water.  They both can be read out of order.  Our concensus was WOW... these books are just great.  We are hooked we are callign ourselves Gaia Girls now as we try to live a more sustainable lifestyle.  Please everyone check out the series.  Here are couple of links we found o the books. Lee Welles - Author www.gaiagirls.com/blog   or   gaiagirls (@) leewelles (dot) com Publisher - Printed on 100% Recycled Paper www.chelseagreen.com  Quick reviews.. Gaia Girls Enter the Earthhttp://www.curledupkids.com/ggentere.htm Gaia Girls Way of Waterhttp://www.curledupkids.com/ggwwater.htm   Signed, New Gaia Girls on a Gaia Quest Thu, 11 Oct 2007 09:10:42 -0500 http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_34/ http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_34/ So this is how it started: In the last year I have become more aware of what green is. I am a mother of three, two sons 6 &13 and an 11 year old daughter. About six months ago my two older children and I were watching a show about being green. My 11 year old turned to me and asked what “green” means, so I went on to tell them what little I know about being green. I really did not know that much. At that moment I decided we were going to start living green. I also decided that I was going to show my family that “green” does not mean expensive. So we started with what we know to do, cans and bottles. My husband set up two trash cans for cans and bottles and with that we took our first baby step to being greener. Even writing all of that I know what most of you are thinking, how cute cans and bottles. I totally agree….however I am here to say we are the average American family, my friends are the average American friends. We do not have any idea on what it really means to be “green”. So I am going on the adventure to learn how to be green, and what green products are. I am also going to be taking a long some of my friends and family; however they don’t know it yet. Thu, 4 Oct 2007 09:10:27 -0500 http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_33/ http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_33/  First off this is my first blog ever.  I'm behind the times when it comes to social networking, etc. Greenbin is my first venture.  I'm also new to the green movement.  I've always been environmentally conscious, but it wasn't until doing research for a writing project that my passion for environmental action sparked.  There's so much doom and gloom embedded in the topic of global warming, that it scares a lot of people engaging. I was one of them.  Now that I am engaged, I feel so lucky to be part of a wonderful movement.   It's inspiring to see so many people using their creative energies in such a productive and socially relevant manner.  I think a lot of people in our generation, whether they know it or not, are missing that spark in their soul that truly fulfills them.  There's a sense of vitality that comes from overcoming an enormous obstacle for a greater good. Never throughout human history has there been such a wonderful opportunity to unite over a cause where everyone wins. We are lucky to be alive.  I look forward to getting to know you all.    Mon, 1 Oct 2007 23:10:41 -0500 http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_32/ http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_32/ One of my most important hobbies is knitting. I knit on the bus, in meetings, in class, while watching DVDs. As part of making my lifestyle more sustainable, I've been considering the different aspects of my knitting arsenal in order to make conscious choices when replenishing/expanding them. The items I've been thinking about the last couple of days are the needles. The initial push on this front is actually pretty easy. While there are plastic needles, both aluminum and organically processed bamboo are also widely available (and preferred by most knitters). The sticking point is the circular needles. These are two metal/bamboo needles connected by a nylon cord. They're used for knitting in the round (making a tube rather than a flat piece) and for really big flat pieces. A case in point, one of my upcoming projects is a lace shawl which will have a final row length of 116". I won't need a needle quite that long (lace is very squishable), but I will need more than straight needles can handle (they usually top out at 14"). Part of me says I'm being silly. There's only a small amount of nylon in each needle and they last for years. Another part of me, though, points out that I'm selecting a petroleum-derived product as a luxury purchase. Well, I've still got some time to think about it. I wonder if there's any place at all in time that might carry second-hand needles . . . Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:09:37 -0500 http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_31/ http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_31/ I just joined Greenbin today and I notice that one of the first things it encourages you to do is invite your friends. I find this noteworthy because it misses the point of *why* I joined Greenbin. My friends and family are great people - trustworthy, reliable, fun, supportive - but none of them are particularly green. I love them dearly, but there's a growing part of my life they can't relate to. I'm hoping that by reaching out to communities like Greenbin I can make connections with more like-minded folks and not feel so alone in my efforts to live a greener life. Mon, 24 Sep 2007 14:09:43 -0500 http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_30/ http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_30/ http://www.greenfestivals.org Mon, 24 Sep 2007 11:09:00 -0500 http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_29/ http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_29/ Tucson Cooperative Warehouse was established in 1974 in Tucson, Arizona. They currently service 7 states with their own fleet. With over 1,000 earth-friendly products, ranging from organic foods to natural cleaning supplies and bulk items, it is my favorite place to shop. I personally use TCW for the bulk... and I DO mean bulk. 10lbs of Whole Wheat Spaghetti may be more than we can eat in a year, but if you consider that it costs me $20 through TCW and compare that with the $45 I would spend on 12 1lb packages... it's a HUGE savings! Also, organic dog food at Whole Foods can be up to $36 for a 20lb bag, but it's $23.82 through TCW. My doggy and I have never been so happy! I promote them because they are great to work with. The customer service is fabulous. We lived in a remote part of northern New Mexico, and rather than drive 70 miles to pick up our order, the truck driver would deliver to our home (which was along his route anyway) in exchange for a shower and a hot meal. How awesome is that?Please visit their site if you are interested in joining a cooperative worthy of continued success. http://www.shopnatural.com/ Mon, 10 Sep 2007 21:09:16 -0500 http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_28/ http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_28/ how the hell are others getting flashing zingers things on their home page?  the one dude's looks kinda scary - what did you do that in the middle of the night?  i was thinking i needed something "happy" like strawberry shortcake or something... Sun, 9 Sep 2007 17:09:15 -0500 http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_27/ http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_27/ hello everyone,  it has been WAY to long since I posted a blog.  I first want to thank all of you that have signed up and are actively visiting the site.  It is great to see the member base growing.  As a heads up we just passed the 100 member mark.  To me this is very exciting as I have not done much to promote the site and word or mouth has really helped out.  Be sure to invite your friends today via our invite  center Why no posts in such a long time.  Well as early members can see the site is significantly different from the initial launch in July.  I have put a lot of work into improving the navigation and layout.  This week I will finally be able to upload the new logo and that will be the final touch to our current GreenBin.com site design.  What is on tap for the next few weeks for GreenBin.  Well A LOT!  There will be a major push to communicate out to the green/progressive online community that GreenBin is alive and a community they should consider checking out.  Look for the member base to grow and be sure to start up your groups and forum discussions. As we begin to get new members they will be looking to sync up with our existing community. Also, you will see a dramatic improvement with our Video, News and Blogging tools on the site.  These are currently in development and I really think the new functionality will allow not only GreenBin to communicate new information to our members but will also allow you to start up your own info channel and promote them via your profile and within the different section.  Look for these new improvements soon.  Finally, We all have amazing ideas to share and thoughts to communicate so speak freely and lets ramp up the dialog. You are all owners of the site.  If you need something, looking for something or want to know how to use something ping me and I can help. Geoff Sun, 9 Sep 2007 15:09:56 -0500 http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_26/ http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_26/ My vacation has come and gone, but a new chapter in my life has begun. I was anxious for months as my trip approached. I would day-dream of what it might be like in the land of my ancestors. I have seen pictures and heard stories and songs of Scotland but it has always been someone elses recanting. I have read fiction and some history of the place but my imagination only reveals so much. What IS Scotland? It is romance and struggle, hills and rain, green and blue. It is fresh food and beautiful, rough accents. It is industry and neglect, wealth and poverty. It is flowers and dead poets, freedom and adventure; home. I arrived early Saturday morning at the Glasgow airport. It was fairly deserted and I wondered if David would even be there yet. It was like waking from a dream, disoriented and unfamiliar as I meandered through empty corridors, alone. I recognized the tall, nervous man waiting just beyond the glass paned doors as the person I had been talking to on the computer for the past six months, but reality had not quite set in that this was the man that I claimed to be so in love with. Our first kiss was awkward, but somehow comforting. While we waited for the bus to take us to the ferry, we had a very traditional cup of Starbucks Coffee. It was cloudy and drizzling rain on that morning as the bus took us through little towns where David pointed out various sights and buildings. I had never been on a ferry before and was excited to see the open water as we went across the Clyde to Dunoon. Alas, it was misty and I could not see much at all, but the water was calm, the air was crisp and cool and smelt of the salty sea. It was still early in the morning as we walked to Davids flat. I jumped into a puddle and soaked my pant legs; just pleased to be there. Once home, and introduced to the dogs, Beinn and Kyle, David showed me around and where to find things if I needed them. I wanted to write down my feelings right away before I forgot them so I walked down the stairs to a large window looking out the back and up into the hills. I had a smoke and wrote about all the new sights and smells and sounds. I then realized that it was about 2 am my time and I had not really slept on the plane, so I decided to take a nap. David used that time to get some last minute groceries and begin a late lunch. When I woke up, David and I talked about our feelings of actually meeting each other. It was then that I acknowledged that I had indeed made the right decision in giving my heart to him. I have never known a more genuine person in my life. He is honest and vulnerable; somewhat frightened by loving someone so much. He can have an attitude and can be stubborn as hell, but I relate to all of that and I feel like I have met my exact equal. He is proud and protective, sincere and faithful; all things that I have not experienced in a partner before and I know now what I have been missing. A lot of things make sense now and I do not fear the future because even if David and I never see each other again, I have known he existed and was part of my life. That brings me so much peace. On Sunday morning, after David made me porridge for breakfast, we walked into town and went up castle hill to the Highland Mary Statue. She was Robert Burns' mistress. Talk about romantic! We then went to meet Davids mother, Ann. She greeted me with a kiss on the cheek. I could tell that David was nervous and uncomfortable; he must not talk to his mother about love or women for that matter and I think he was afraid that she might ask me if I was going to marry him and take care of him and finally give her grandbabies! True to Scottish hospitality, she served tea and cookies instead and showered me with gifts. Like mothers do, she also brought out the pictures of David and his sister as children; happier times when their father was around. It was a great afternoon. I rented a car on Monday morning. One can drive in the United Kingdom on an American driver's license, but let us set the record straight, it is NOT easy. I know that I am being a spoiled American here, but who ever thought of driving on the left side of the street and on the right side of the car? It just is not natural! It is hard to gauge the distance on the left side and I curb checked the damn thing right off the bat. But, I had places to see, so we picked up the dogs and went for a drive to Benmore Gardens. I wish I had taken a picture of this roadway. It was engulfed in a massive forest on both sides of the road. It was dark and magical. I have never seen trees so immensely packed together, it was truly an old growth forest. Speaking of the road, many of the country roads are only one lane. I do mean ONLY one lane, so if someone is approaching from the opposite direction, the paranoid American has to swerve off to the left and into the ditch. Ok, so that did not actually happen, but it could have. I know our American roads are wide enough to land a fighter jet in case of invasion (oh wait, thats just the interstate) but I like wide! Oh, and there is so much water in Scotland that when it rains, it doesn't soak into the ground, rather it pools on the surface and appears to be raining from both directions; not cool to drive in! Benmore Gardens was brilliant; so many trees and flowers and plants. It was as though walking through a painting by Monet. Afterwards, we went for a picnic at Lock Eck (David packed lunch) and got some amazing pictures, but the midgies drove us to eat in the car. Midgies are tiny biting knats and are called The curse of Scotland. It is true, they are horrible. After lunch, we drove to Ardentinny, a lovely little community with a warm and isolated beach where we let the dogs run free. On Tuesday, we left the dogs home and drove to Loch Lomand, a famous lake lamented in a song from my youth -You'll tak the high road and I'll tak the low. And I'll be in Scotland afore ye. For me and my true love will never meet again, on the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomand. - It is a sad song, but a beautiful story of sacrifice for honor. To get to Loch Lomand, one must drive over a small mountain pass called the Rest and Be Thankful. It is indicative of the days of herding the cattle to market in Glasgow. The herdsmen would stop there and refresh themselves, marking the last leg of a difficult cattle drive. It was absolutely breathtaking. David was freezing cold, but I could have stayed there forever. Later that afternoon, we visited Inveraray; a quaint tourist town but well worth it. It was raining pretty steadily, but we toured the town anyway. We had lunch at the George, and old hotel where sailors no doubt drank and paid for women. It was very romantic. We shopped for gifts most of the afternoon and I got David inside a church. A Catholic church at that! He was christened a Protestant and he made such a fuss about it. Neither of us are god-fearing people so it did not make a difference to me. It was an old building, beautiful and dry. And no, we did not do anything naughty, though the thought did cross my mind.. We also went to Inveraray Castle where the Duke of Argyle lives. You had to pay to go inside, so instead we walked around the grounds and saw Highland cattle. It was interesting, and wet. Arriving back in Dunoon, we had dinner at Anns. She made chicken with broccoli and mashed carrots, potatoes and turnips. It was wonderful. We took the car back on Wednesday morning and then stopped in at Davids grandmothers house. Margaret is the sweetest lady. She helped raise David and his sister and was just a darling to be around. I needed David to translate a few times as she speaks in traditional terms, such as, Was yer flight light? Meaning was it ok, but you can see how I would be confused. Wednesday evening it was my turn to cook dinner for Ann. I had carted enchilada sauce and corn tortillas in my suitcase, so I made green-chili chicken enchiladas, rice pudding and a lovely fruit desert. Considering the oven temperature settings are different in the US, dinner was not bad at all. I think David and Ann really appreciated a taste of my home. David and I spent most of Thursday in bed. We talked and experimented with each other to our hearts content. I will only say that I have seen a side of David that makes me weak in the knees when I think about it. Later that evening, we went to meet his friends Greg and Ronnie. Ronnie is from Ireland and the little witch got me three sheets to the wind drunk. We had wine but she was drinking from a dainty little cup and I had the customary guest goblet. Also, I was drinking at sea level; not good combinations. However, the more I drank, the more I could understand the rest of them and I probably started speaking in an accent too. David took me on a date on Friday. We went into town and had fish and chips (also called a Chippy) in the community rose garden where we met an elderly gentleman who reminisced the times he and his sweetheart did the same thing over 40 years prior. We then saw a movie at the local cinema and had dinner at a really good Indian place. It was so special and I hope to do the same thing every year on our anniversary. That night, we made passionate, amazing, beautiful and memorable love. It was like falling in love all over again, only instantaneous. He makes me feel beautiful everyday, but that night I was worshiped. Ann and Margaret treated us to lunch on Saturday afternoon. It was such a treat to get everyone together like that. I wish Davids sister could have been there, but she was on vacation with her husband. After lunch, David and I took one final walk through Dunoon and to Morags Fairy Glen, a manicured trail up a stream and under a waterfall. There is an old lookout tower on a hill overlooking the sea, where we made love in nature. He will never forget that, I am positive. On our way home, we stopped to say good bye to Ann and Margaret. It was bitter sweet because we all knew that I was leaving and we had to get back to reality, but all of us had hope that I would return to Scotland one day and complete this romantic notion of true love. Sadly, on Sunday I did leave. David went with me to the airport, this time bustling with people. Mostly Americans and I was quite perturbed about it because I did not feel like a tourist at all. My boarding time was 11am on my tickets, but they told me 10am at the ticketing counter; it was 9:30. So, once I got my luggage checked, David and I only had minutes together. Saying good bye was something that I was not prepared to do and once through the doors to security, I cried and cried. Then, at the gate, I waited for an hour to board! I was SO mad. My flight home was horrendous. I slept as much as possible, but the midgie bites were itching like mad. I tried reading, could not pay attention, writing, I had nothing to say, daydreaming, I kept seeing Davids face. I was a complete wreck. Once back in the states, I had to hurry up and wait. Wait for luggage, wait for customs, wait for other travelers, wait for the plane, wait for the captain, wait for the weather, wait for the tower, we were in the plane grounded on the tarmac for 4 hours. We had witnessed the first of the rains that have sense flooded Pittsburgh. I arrived in Phoenix at 12am and my luggage was nowhere to be found. I had personally checked it through customs, so I knew it was somewhere in the states, but I was too tired to wait any longer. Vince picked me up from the airport and I went straight to bed when I finally arrived home at 2:30 am. I had been awake for over 24 hours. It was back to work at 7:30 that morning. Since I have been back, I have been completely preoccupied with work and figuring out how I am going to get back to David. It is amazing how much one thing can change a person. I told David tonight that I realize that I have never trusted someone so much as I trust him. I am completely open to him and that is kind of scary. But the best bit about it, is that we can talk about it. Thats what we do, we talk to each other and in doing so, we better ourselves and our relationship grows in leaps and bounds.. I have found the man that I will spend the rest of time with; my warrior, my protector, my love, my God, my David. Sun, 9 Sep 2007 13:09:07 -0500 http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_25/ http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_25/ During the years of my rebellion, I attended a private High School located just north of Durango, Colorado inaptly named Colorado Timberline Academy. It was nowhere near the timberline and though it boarded rich kids from around the world, it was far from an academy. It hosted some of the most eclectic people Ive met in life and I wish to share the experience now with all of you who actually read my blogs. I dedicate this to Vik, who so graciously shared her boarding school experience with me. My daunting grandmother had, all my life, put $20/month away in a savings account for my future. I lived with my mother in the early 90s while she attended Ft. Lewis College. Her school schedule and kidney transplant had affected my ability to complete an entire year at any public school and I was suffering from consistently transferring from one school to another. A close family friend, who also lived in Durango, saw great potential in me and referred me to CTA. She was on the board of directors and could assist with their scholarship program. So, after a lengthy application process and the annihilation of my meager savings account, I attended CTA with stars in my eyes. The first task after orientation was a week long hiking trip in the mountains surrounding Silverton. This was intended to be a skills test get us down to bare bones work and exhaustion and evaluate how we would perform under the pressures of the coming school year. A few students turned back and were then kicked out of CTA. I, however, managed the 98 mile hike, thanks in large part to my father for trekking me all over southwestern Colorado as a youngling. The experience was exactly as predicted, difficult. Each student joined one of 8 groups depending on their experience level. I chose a moderately difficult hike. There were 4 other students in my group, and 2 staff members. With all of my equipment (tent, cookware, food, water, sleeping gear, rain gear and a few changes of clothing) my backpack weighed in at just over 60lbs. One of the students in my group was Sasha from Russia. He had been adopted by an American couple from California, but had a difficult time adjusting to life in America. A year younger than I, Sasha became my fast friend. He had never hiked before in his life and all of his equipment was brand new; he suffered a great deal with blisters and sunburn. I helped him as much as possible, taking some of his gear to ease the load, lagging behind the rest to keep him company and encouraging him through the tears of frustration. Upon passing the inspection of my physical abilities, school began. CTA uses a block system of education. Basically, that means that they cram 3 semesters into a 2 semester time period. Our routine included 3 classes per day, for 1 1/2 hours at a time with an hour break in-between classes. During these breaks we were assigned basic chores in order to keep the campus in tip-top shape, after which it was mandatory study hall. I took the required courses Algebra, Geometry, Literature, US History & Government, World History, Biology I, II & III, English, Creative Writing, and Physical Education (Rock Climbing and Weigh Training) as well as some fun electives, Japanese I VI, Photography, Classic Films of the 70s, Cooking, Drama, etc. My GPA went through the roof at CTA. It was possible to earn a 5.0 (normal public school caps at 4.0) and should I transfer to public school again, I would qualify for all honors classes College Prepatory indeed. The total school population toped out at 68 students, but people left throughout the year for various reasons and some people came late in the year. I made several friends, Dorothy, Bianca, Jeremy, Sasha, Daisuki, Koh, Ryan, Ken, Dave, Dillon, Adelle, Martin, Matt, Shennon, and Yuko. I also made a few enemies who I wont name here The interesting thing about the dynamics of our school is that it was possible to see which attributes each of us brought to the whole. We all knew each other on that intimate level that you just dont achieve at a public school. We were family. We took 2-3 more camping/hiking trips throughout the year. I chose to go to Lake Powell both times. I remember being on the lake for Spring Break, completely out of touch with the world and when I returned, everyone was talking about the FBI building that had been bombed in Oklahoma City. It had happened days before, but we were oblivious. My Grandmother died that year too she was young and it hit me hard. Selling her stuff was one of the worst experiences Ive ever been through, because I just couldnt grasp that she wasnt coming back and I thought, Wait! Shes going to need that stuff! Her funeral was unreal and the first night that we stayed in her home without her, I had flashbacks to when I was an infant in that house perhaps the only time Ive come close to seeing God was during that grieving process. I took Sasha home with me one weekend. He needed to get off campus and we had a total blast. My parents loved him as much as I did. He was the little brother that I wanted! I took another friend, Ken, home with me for Thanksgiving. Kens family lived in Japan, and they couldnt afford to send him home for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, so he hung out with us gypsies in Silver City, New Mexico. We had a vegetarian celebration that year. Ken didnt know what to make of our bunch, but Im sure that he fondly remembers that holiday to this day. Academically, I did very well at CTA. The overall experience was one that I will cherish forever. My parents felt differently however, and decided that I need not return to CTA for another year. Along with the good that I achieved at CTA, I also became involved with drugs and sex; a lot of both, to be sure. In defense of my choices, I have to say that it was not the people at CTA that led me to such unruly behavior. My parents, against their best intentions, had sheltered me from the ways of the world. I know now that they did so in a completely relaxed and natural way, not because they were fundamental Christians or freaky alien abductees or anything. They just chose not to deal with the social bull-??? that people encounter in mainstream America. I cant say that I blame them, though it did me a disadvantage in coping with reality in many ways Ahh, the memories linger... Sun, 9 Sep 2007 12:09:44 -0500 http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_24/ http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_24/ Some Random Questions When was the last time you cried? Sunday - listening to Lamb Have you ever danced in the rain? Yes, as often as possible, which isn't often here. Have you ever been rejected by a crush? Yeah, but it was his loss and he knows it. What is your favourite sport to play? Volleyball Do you believe in god? Gods... in a sense. Do you believe in love at first sight? Absolutly What are you afraid of? Lightning and Praying Mantises Are you religious? Spiritual What is your perfect pizza? Mom's homemade veggie on an oatmeal crust... Mmmm! What is your first thought when waking up in the morning? Noooooooooo! What college do you want to go to? Graduate School @ Rutgers University How many piercings do you have? At the moment, none... but I must say that my most origional one was in my hand. Who would you want to be tied to for 24 hours? Sounds kinda painful, tbh. Have you ever seen a dead body? Yes I have, in cadaver lab, I recomend it. Do you have a celebrity crush? Benicio Del Toro, baby! What happens after you die? We rot and become food for plants. Do you watch or read the news? I listen to NPR Have you ever gone skinny dipping? Yes, with Art at the Montezuma hot springs. Have you ever played strip poker? Yes, with lesbians... I lost. They So Cheated! When's your birthday? Friday, 13 April 1979 Have you ever been disowned from your family? Yes actually... but I think I'm back in good standing. Have you ever had a nightmare? Yes.... stupid Cujo. Have you ever attempted suicide? No, but I've thought about it. Do you usually prefer books or movies? Movies of books that I've already read. Who is your favourite person to talk to? Split between Michelle and my mother. Who is always able to cheer you up when you're sad? My brother, Lugh How do you vent your anger? I listen to angry music. What's a rumor someone has spread about you? I once heard that I was a member of a gang... ROFL Have you ever had a crush on a best friend? I wouldn't say it was a crush... but more of erotic admiration. What is your favourite book? Just ONE???? Do you have a collection of anything? I collect trilogies What do you see yourself as being in 5 years from now? A home owner Sun, 9 Sep 2007 12:09:43 -0500 http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_23/ http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_23/ I spent my final years of High School in northern New Mexico; Farmington to be precise. Its where I became pregnant, had my daughter and worked for 3 years. I enrolled in the local Community College (San Juan College), but couldnt decide what I wanted to focus my education on. Because it was a Community College, they partnered with Universities in the area, to provide the students with a transfer program. I looked at Eastern New Mexico University, which has a great elementary education program, but teaching wasnt my first choice. UNM and NMSU were too big and I knew that I would get distracted by the social aspects of college. After much deliberation, I decided to major in Social Work and attend New Mexico Highlands University. I started the program at San Juan College and completed the first 2 years, but grew tired of the community and decided to move to Las Vegas, New Mexico and attend NMHU full-time. In August of 2002, Isabel and I packed up our belongings and hit the open road in search of a better life and the adventure that comes with that change. I enrolled Isabel in the NMHU Child Care Center and began my then junior year as a COWBOY. My course load, that first semester, was intense as I decided to take all of the outstanding undergraduate requirements as well as the full level SW classes. I was in class from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm every day. But it was fun! Isabel and I adjusted so fast and started making friends right away. We lived in the Gregg House - Family Housing, a small two bedroom apartment that had at one time been dorms. The kitchen was in an old closet, it was that small. The receptionist at the Child Care Center introduced me to another single mother from Farmington, whose daughter Tiana, was in Isabels class. I didnt know Michelle from Farmington, but we became very good friends. Michelle was like no woman Id ever known. At first, she was shy and reserved and a little tense about my flamboyant behavior. I worked so hard to break her out of her shell. I did ridiculous things like flash my titties at her in the middle of Walmart. I'd get out of the shower and prance around the house stark naked, dripping wet and shake like a dog just to get a reaction out of her. It worked too, I've never laughed as hard as I did with Michelle. Las Vegas is home to the Montezuma Castle/Hot Springs and one day I decided to take my girls for a soak. We choose the lower pools because they are slightly less hot than the upper pools and we felt it better for the girls. We left my Pathfinder at the parking lot and headed down the hill. Some High School aged kids were leaving as we approached and it pleased me that wed have the place to ourselves. I had just jumped into the pool and reached for the first kid to lower her into the water when the High School kids started shouting, BEAR!!! GET OUT OF THE WATER!!! BEAR COMING YOUR WAY!!! I looked to where they were pointing and didnt see anything, but when I looked back to Michelle, she was already mile upstream (opposite direction of my truck) booking it as fast as she could with 45 pounds of child under each arm. I laughed SO hard at that sight! We ended up hanging out at the upper pools, near other people, where a bear was less likely to come investigate. After an hour or so of fun in the water and no sight of the bear, we thought it safe to head back to the truck. Once loaded in the truck, Michelle asked if we could go to the castle as she had never seen it up close. By then the sun had just set and visibility was not the greatest, but we headed across the river and up to the castle. As we rounded the last corner, a bear appeared out of nowhere and darted across the road right in front of us. We screamed and veered and probably scared the bear more than it scared us. Unfortunately, the bear made it to the woods before the girls could see it, but Michelle and I got up close and personal with its rear end. By January, Michelle and Tiana had moved in with Isabel and I; we spent every waking hour together anyway. Also in January, we met a new neighbor of mine, Randy Hayes. He was a young, hip, single father and not bad looking either. After bombarding him with our cunning female ways, we decided that hed make a better friend than sex object. I think that decision came after he got butt naked, tucked his wenis in-between his legs and ran screaming down the walkway in front of out apartments. Something I NEVER want to see again. Randy proved to be a great friend despite his referendum to porn at every opportunity. He was a big fan of Reggae. Randy and I shared so much; music and conversation and mops (dont ask). He loved Tiana and Isabel to death and would do anything for them. Randy also introduced us to Chris and Melissa Wolford. Melissa, Michelle and I became very close. It really was magical. When we'd get together and make dinner, it was like the world stood still and only our little family existed. Melissa and I shared so many spiritual moments, both sober and assisted. To this day, she holds my heart and speaks pure poetry in every instance. On the event of my 23rd Birthday, Melissa pland a big to-do at her aunt's condo in Rociada (15 miles or so in the mounians, north-west of Las Vegas). Melissa's brother, Mike and 5 of his friends from Santa Fe had planed to "camp" there that weekend, so we all joind them. Mike worked for BoarHead Meats and brought a ton of various items for the BBQ. The rest of us pitched in on items such as pancake mix, side dishes, drinks and cake. Michelle made THE BEST pineapple upside-down cake for me! Michelle and I also used our EBT cards at the local liquor store to purchase beverages (wink-wink). We spent $90 of the governments money on booze...LOL. Randy, being the clown that he is, attempted to catch fire to his farts, and I assisted him by squirting lighter fluid down his shorts... luckily he didn't catch fire, but the chemicals burnt his balls. Rightly so in my opinion! Oh, the fun we had that night! Lot's and lots of illegal activities went on; even the security officer in his little golf cart with the blue light couldn't stop us from wrecking havock! It was the best Birthday Party I've ever attended.... By the end of our second semester in Las Vegas, I had come to the conclusion that Social Work was not my forte. I also was dealt a great blow when my then fiance, Jerry, decided that he didnt love me. The combined effect led to the disbandment of the Las Vegas clan and I feel responsible for the loss of love between us all. It's been years now and I know it is pointless to harbor resentment, but I do regret leaving Las Vegas. The place, the people; it will always be home to me. Sun, 9 Sep 2007 12:09:40 -0500 http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_22/ http://www.greenbin.com/rss/link_blogs/id_22/ I find myself fond of you, I yearn for your caress. Yet something is missing, Yes, something is amiss. I can not bring myself to love you; I've done my best to try. But if I keep pretending, Surely I will die. Perhaps not in the physical sense For death from love is a tragedy. I can not break a promise so easily To love me, you must set me free. I am but my own vessel, Voyaging through and ocean of time. I have so much to experience... Why should you accomplish these dreams I call mine? Friendship would be nice, Acquaintances best. You have to go your way, For I have my own cloud to catch. -Heidi '01 Fri, 7 Sep 2007 22:09:27 -0500