As the layers of the onion are peeled back, new insights are revealed.
First: I am a screw up...
...and by the grace of God, my weakness and inconsistencies don't have to define me. I can readily admit that others DO seem to do a better job of loving people- their actions speak SO loudly.
Second: So what?
Does that mean I shouldn't try?
It can be very intimidating when trying to make a positive change. Aside from the effort and personal challenge it poses, there is always the threat of hypocrisy.
Take making the choice to become a vegetarian, for instance. Sure, there is the initial discomfort of trying to figure out what to eat, and I can admit that some things (like junkfood meats: chicken nuggets, salami, bacon) smell SO good, but what is more unsettling is where does one stop? What about leather, dairy, eggs, seafood? It's a contradiction to be a vegetarian who wears leather and drinks milk from huge milk farms with exactly the same conditions as feed-lots.
...And so the well-meaning vegetarian is either criticized for being a hypocrite or they're sent running for the hills.
Third:It's a journey
Any choice to live more ethically is AMAZING. Period. I hate how positive action is cheapened by all the things you're "not doing"
If it was really that easy to have no inconsistencies then we'd all be saints.
...and while it is tempting to point a finger and say "while at least I don't ---" what does that achieve?
The well-meaning vegetarian is not choosing to be a vegetarian for all those angry meat eaters who are so bothered that they don't eat meat: well-meaning vegetarian is doing it for the environment and/or the animals.
I take renewed comfort in Mother Teresa's quote: "We can do no great things, only small things with great love."
I don't care if you're a vegetarian who wears leather or a meat eater who refuses to have dairy- what matters is that you're trying: you're putting one foot in front of the other...
Monday, November 24, 2008
It's On
They're going on tour!!!
I'd better start collecting pop cans so I can go! I nearly hyperventilated at Gwen's concert June '07... I plan on completely passing out at the No Doubt concert.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Merry Mix*mas
Christmas is just over one month away. I plan on getting into my decorations tomorrow, but before I deck any halls, I need music.
I've spent the better half of the afternoon rearranging my itunes library so that I have Christmas music for every mood. I downloaded Sufjan Stevens' Christmas album for something a little different.
This year I plan on doing Christmas a little differently. I plan to try really hard not to get sucked into all the consumerism and excess that often characterizes our North American holiday.
I know that it will be easier said than done as my love languages are quality time and gifts, but I have been feeling that Christmas has gotten a little out of hand over these past few years. Besides, whether I like it or not, it'll be a hard-candy Christmas with Scotty's return to school... so I might as well embrace it.
And who says rockin' around the Christmas tree (click here) is for the rich?
Creativity and dressing like a pirate aside…
...there are other bonuses to upcyling. One of them being that it’s one of those hobbies that SAVES you money (hmmm… more money in my pocket AND entertainment? … Dang).
I’ve saved a lot of money, which is good because we have less than we’ve ever had (I've chosen to embrace the "going-without" lifestyle, I believe it tends to make the good things in life that much sweeter). I have done a lot of mending too. Normally I would’ve just tossed inexpensive items, and replaced them, but instead, I have got good mileage out of my sewing kit.
Mending ain’t so bad if you can do it with your favourite movie on in the background.
Recently, it came to my attention that I am actually wearing-out some of my clothes. I have this cream racer-back tank top that I love, and I’ve worn it a ton of times as a camisole. The seams just started to go because it has been washed so much. In the past I would’ve just tossed it. I think it was $8 brand new, and would’ve only cost $15 to replace; however, I am not allowed to buy “new.” So I was forced to mend it. It saved me $15 bucks and took 20 mins from start to finish. I realize that those simple mending jobs all tallied up have saved me a nice little stash of cash over these past 9 mos.
And that’s just money saved on replacing what you had. Most people shop to find new looks, or to update what they already have. Even if I find great deals, I never walk out of a mall with less than $50 worth of goods. Say I only hit the mall once a month- even so, I have saved $450 on the new stuff.
I have, however, been shopping. I have hit Value village a total of 3 times, and each time I have come out with an oversized bag-full of clothes to the tune of $60 a pop.
So I have spent $180 on clothes rather than $450 (and that doesn't include all the meding I've done).
And lets just say… even though I am a bargain hunter at heart, I definately spent more than $50 a month on clothes.
I’ve saved a lot of money, which is good because we have less than we’ve ever had (I've chosen to embrace the "going-without" lifestyle, I believe it tends to make the good things in life that much sweeter). I have done a lot of mending too. Normally I would’ve just tossed inexpensive items, and replaced them, but instead, I have got good mileage out of my sewing kit.
Mending ain’t so bad if you can do it with your favourite movie on in the background.
Recently, it came to my attention that I am actually wearing-out some of my clothes. I have this cream racer-back tank top that I love, and I’ve worn it a ton of times as a camisole. The seams just started to go because it has been washed so much. In the past I would’ve just tossed it. I think it was $8 brand new, and would’ve only cost $15 to replace; however, I am not allowed to buy “new.” So I was forced to mend it. It saved me $15 bucks and took 20 mins from start to finish. I realize that those simple mending jobs all tallied up have saved me a nice little stash of cash over these past 9 mos.
And that’s just money saved on replacing what you had. Most people shop to find new looks, or to update what they already have. Even if I find great deals, I never walk out of a mall with less than $50 worth of goods. Say I only hit the mall once a month- even so, I have saved $450 on the new stuff.
I have, however, been shopping. I have hit Value village a total of 3 times, and each time I have come out with an oversized bag-full of clothes to the tune of $60 a pop.
So I have spent $180 on clothes rather than $450 (and that doesn't include all the meding I've done).
And lets just say… even though I am a bargain hunter at heart, I definately spent more than $50 a month on clothes.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Oh Beppi
“Tough Times Cheap Wines”- Beppi Crosariol
Beppi has been thinking about building a recession cellar of wines costing $15 or less.
According to Beppi, the place you can get the most bang for your buck is the unoaked (oak meaning that toasty vanilla character) whites (no time in the barrel means savings).
*Leaping Horse Chardonnay. California. $12
“Compltely unoaked, it still manages to deliver the big tropica fruit flavour and buttery opulence of many oaked, warm weather counterparts, but with a fressness that makes a versatile food partner.”
*Jacques & Francois Lurton Les Fumees Blanches Sauvignon Blanc, France. $11
*Rene Barbier Classic White. Northern Spain. $10
*Blue Nun Riesling, 2007. Germany. $10
Be sure to look for Riesling on the lable or you will end up buying “the generic kitchen-sink Blue Nun blend that served as a sweet gateway drink for North American pop drinkers of the 1970’s… this is made from higher quality grapes… it’s not only an eye-opening value, but its off-dry character makes it a nice partner for spicy Thai dishes.”
There are cheap (recession-friendly) reds too.
*Roodenberg. South Africa. $15
“some readers may recall it… At one point, before the apartheid sanctions pulled it from the shelves, it was among the bestselling reds wines in the country… it is a full bodies, round, chunky wine.”
*Zuccardi Fuzion Shiraz Malbec. Argentina. $7.45
“I’ve raved about this before. It is a runaway bestseller in Quebec and Ontairo. And it remains a standout in price-quality ratio.”
*Santa Julia Malbec, 2008. Argentina. $9
This one is from the same winery as the above. Made the Wine Access “Killer Values” list.
*Argento Reserva Malbec. Argentina. $13
Also made the “Killer Values” list.
And the there’s even Bubbly to be recommended by Beppi.
Apparently if you don’t have tins of cash to throw down on a bottle of bubbly, your best bet is to go with something from Spain. “No country produces such consistently balanced, impressively complex sparkling wines.”
*Segura Viudas Brut Reserva. Spain. $14.95
Beppi has been thinking about building a recession cellar of wines costing $15 or less.
According to Beppi, the place you can get the most bang for your buck is the unoaked (oak meaning that toasty vanilla character) whites (no time in the barrel means savings).
*Leaping Horse Chardonnay. California. $12
“Compltely unoaked, it still manages to deliver the big tropica fruit flavour and buttery opulence of many oaked, warm weather counterparts, but with a fressness that makes a versatile food partner.”
*Jacques & Francois Lurton Les Fumees Blanches Sauvignon Blanc, France. $11
*Rene Barbier Classic White. Northern Spain. $10
*Blue Nun Riesling, 2007. Germany. $10
Be sure to look for Riesling on the lable or you will end up buying “the generic kitchen-sink Blue Nun blend that served as a sweet gateway drink for North American pop drinkers of the 1970’s… this is made from higher quality grapes… it’s not only an eye-opening value, but its off-dry character makes it a nice partner for spicy Thai dishes.”
There are cheap (recession-friendly) reds too.
*Roodenberg. South Africa. $15
“some readers may recall it… At one point, before the apartheid sanctions pulled it from the shelves, it was among the bestselling reds wines in the country… it is a full bodies, round, chunky wine.”
*Zuccardi Fuzion Shiraz Malbec. Argentina. $7.45
“I’ve raved about this before. It is a runaway bestseller in Quebec and Ontairo. And it remains a standout in price-quality ratio.”
*Santa Julia Malbec, 2008. Argentina. $9
This one is from the same winery as the above. Made the Wine Access “Killer Values” list.
*Argento Reserva Malbec. Argentina. $13
Also made the “Killer Values” list.
And the there’s even Bubbly to be recommended by Beppi.
Apparently if you don’t have tins of cash to throw down on a bottle of bubbly, your best bet is to go with something from Spain. “No country produces such consistently balanced, impressively complex sparkling wines.”
*Segura Viudas Brut Reserva. Spain. $14.95
Monday, November 10, 2008
Mother Teresa's Shoes
On Saturday evening some of my family hopped into my mom's minivan to make the trek out to Abbotsford to hear Shane Claiborne speak.
I was so excited to have my mom, brother and sister-in-law accompany us because Shane Claiborne's example had instilled sense of hope in me that I had never really felt before, and I was thrilled to share that.
Truth is, it's not Shane Claiborne that I am so enamoured with, it's his Jesus.
As I said before, I needed that spiritual smack upside my head that Shane's words gave me two years ago and he didn't dissappoint.
Luckily I brought my notebook.
While he spoke, I scribbled down points I wanted to think further on, to mull over, pray through and try to apply to my own life.
There were a few moments that I had to swallow hard. Partly because I felt so convicted, that looking at my own life and choices objectively leaves so many loose ends, so much unfinished, and much of my life falling so short of what God desires of me. The other part of me had to stop from breaking down because I caught glimpses of this God that I take for granted. This God that changes people so drastically if they are only willing to submit to Him. This God that loves me despite all my messiness, and more importantly, can use me even though I often feel so hugely inadequate.
One story that hit me like a ton of brick was from some of the time Shane spent in Calcutta working alonside Mother Teresa.
When entering the church to worship, it was customary for everyone to remove their shoes, and it was during these times that Shane noticed that Mother Teresa's feet were very deformed. So deformed, in fact, that Shane thought that it was perhaps due to leprosy.
He didn't dare ask.
One day, while talking to one of the other sisters, the subject came up. The sister asked if Shane had noticed Mother Teresa's feet. She went on to tell him that they get donations of shoes only once and a while, and there are only just enough for each person to get one pair. When the shipments come in, mother Teresa would sort through all the shoes. She would look for the worst for wear pair, and then she would claim them for herself.
Mother Teresa never wanted anyone to wear a pair of shoes that were in worse shape than her own.
It gives new light to being the hands and feet of Jesus.
As I sat listening to that story, much of my life began to swirl in my head.
I've never let her Jesus go that deep into my life. I make selfish choices all the time, and what's worse is that I rarely even realize I am doing it.
While I left feeling as though I fall so short...
...But I also left knowing that my God can use even me.
I was so excited to have my mom, brother and sister-in-law accompany us because Shane Claiborne's example had instilled sense of hope in me that I had never really felt before, and I was thrilled to share that.
Truth is, it's not Shane Claiborne that I am so enamoured with, it's his Jesus.
As I said before, I needed that spiritual smack upside my head that Shane's words gave me two years ago and he didn't dissappoint.
Luckily I brought my notebook.
While he spoke, I scribbled down points I wanted to think further on, to mull over, pray through and try to apply to my own life.
There were a few moments that I had to swallow hard. Partly because I felt so convicted, that looking at my own life and choices objectively leaves so many loose ends, so much unfinished, and much of my life falling so short of what God desires of me. The other part of me had to stop from breaking down because I caught glimpses of this God that I take for granted. This God that changes people so drastically if they are only willing to submit to Him. This God that loves me despite all my messiness, and more importantly, can use me even though I often feel so hugely inadequate.
One story that hit me like a ton of brick was from some of the time Shane spent in Calcutta working alonside Mother Teresa.
When entering the church to worship, it was customary for everyone to remove their shoes, and it was during these times that Shane noticed that Mother Teresa's feet were very deformed. So deformed, in fact, that Shane thought that it was perhaps due to leprosy.
He didn't dare ask.
One day, while talking to one of the other sisters, the subject came up. The sister asked if Shane had noticed Mother Teresa's feet. She went on to tell him that they get donations of shoes only once and a while, and there are only just enough for each person to get one pair. When the shipments come in, mother Teresa would sort through all the shoes. She would look for the worst for wear pair, and then she would claim them for herself.
Mother Teresa never wanted anyone to wear a pair of shoes that were in worse shape than her own.
It gives new light to being the hands and feet of Jesus.
As I sat listening to that story, much of my life began to swirl in my head.
I've never let her Jesus go that deep into my life. I make selfish choices all the time, and what's worse is that I rarely even realize I am doing it.
While I left feeling as though I fall so short...
...But I also left knowing that my God can use even me.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Upcycling
Until today, I didn’t realize that I have been part of a movement for the past 8 months.
It’s the refashion movement, or upcycling.
Back in February, I finally gave in to my heart and gave up purchasing new clothing for the period of one year.
I have bought the odd hat or pair of earrings- oh, and I did buy a new pair of workout tights because I do the gym thing a running thing quite a bit and couldn’t survive on my one pair (and those are of a rather “intimate” nature in my opinion), but I haven’t bought a stitch of new clothing other than that.
I’ve forgone shoes, shirts, dresses, jeans and purses.
New ones, that is.
I have found many “treasures” a the thrift shop and in my own closet that, with a few alterations, make for truly killer “worn agains.” I love that it tests and develops my creativity. My closet is beginning to look less “commercial”- which reflects my preferences elsewhere (none of my dishes match, and my home décor is eclectic), and I have not had as much fun with my clothes since the days of MC Hammer pants and slouch socks (the other day I dressed like a pirate- not in a costume, just the combo of my clothes made me think of a pirate… I thought it was hilarious. Who doesn’t have a good day when they’re dressed like a pirate?).
Nicola Prested, an Australian “refashionista,” created the Wardrobe Refashion Pledge:
Apparently her Nikki Shell website has a huge following. Her collaborative blog and flickr group have gained 1000 devout refashinistas around the globe.
At this month’s fashion week in Paris, big-name designer Vivienne Westwood had advice for people who enjoy fashion but lack the funds, DO IT YOURSELF. Even the design world is seeing a trend in “upcycling” in which discards are made into high-end fashion. And even more in the refashionista’s favour is the fact that top designers are favouring frayed edges and obvious stitching over laborious French seams and perfect structure.
Aside from the opportunity to be creative and have fun with your clothes- upcycling is also the eco-friendly choice as the most earth-friendly clothing/materials are those that already exist.
It’s the refashion movement, or upcycling.
Back in February, I finally gave in to my heart and gave up purchasing new clothing for the period of one year.
I have bought the odd hat or pair of earrings- oh, and I did buy a new pair of workout tights because I do the gym thing a running thing quite a bit and couldn’t survive on my one pair (and those are of a rather “intimate” nature in my opinion), but I haven’t bought a stitch of new clothing other than that.
I’ve forgone shoes, shirts, dresses, jeans and purses.
New ones, that is.
I have found many “treasures” a the thrift shop and in my own closet that, with a few alterations, make for truly killer “worn agains.” I love that it tests and develops my creativity. My closet is beginning to look less “commercial”- which reflects my preferences elsewhere (none of my dishes match, and my home décor is eclectic), and I have not had as much fun with my clothes since the days of MC Hammer pants and slouch socks (the other day I dressed like a pirate- not in a costume, just the combo of my clothes made me think of a pirate… I thought it was hilarious. Who doesn’t have a good day when they’re dressed like a pirate?).
Nicola Prested, an Australian “refashionista,” created the Wardrobe Refashion Pledge:
I pledge that I shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself for the term of my contract [abstain from the purchase of ‘new’ manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 2/4/6 months], I pledge that I shall create and craft items of clothing for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract.
Apparently her Nikki Shell website has a huge following. Her collaborative blog and flickr group have gained 1000 devout refashinistas around the globe.
At this month’s fashion week in Paris, big-name designer Vivienne Westwood had advice for people who enjoy fashion but lack the funds, DO IT YOURSELF. Even the design world is seeing a trend in “upcycling” in which discards are made into high-end fashion. And even more in the refashionista’s favour is the fact that top designers are favouring frayed edges and obvious stitching over laborious French seams and perfect structure.
Aside from the opportunity to be creative and have fun with your clothes- upcycling is also the eco-friendly choice as the most earth-friendly clothing/materials are those that already exist.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I'm Melting
I've noticed my friend Andrew's status on facebook praising Ray LaMontagne's latest album.
Being a little bored with my IPOD library, I went with his suggestion and bought his album, "Gossip in the Grain"
I listened to it three times this afternoon.
"Let it be Me" brought tears to my eyes each time, and his voice makes me melt. I have heard a couple of his songs off the Grey's Anatomy and the "Last Kiss" soundtracks, but an entire album of him is sweet toffee.
I am in love.
Being a little bored with my IPOD library, I went with his suggestion and bought his album, "Gossip in the Grain"
I listened to it three times this afternoon.
"Let it be Me" brought tears to my eyes each time, and his voice makes me melt. I have heard a couple of his songs off the Grey's Anatomy and the "Last Kiss" soundtracks, but an entire album of him is sweet toffee.
I am in love.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Fire Starter
This weekend was weird.
It was such a mix of highs and lows. Some moments were so fun and exciting and others made me break down in tears.
I came out of it last night feeing as if I had been in a cloud.
It is in those "lows" that there is great opportunity for growth, for change, an opportunity to re-assess. On Saturday I had an epiphany moment.
I won't go into detail, but on Saturday night as I tried to talk something through to Scotty, using him as a sound-board for something upsetting that had just happened, my voice started to quiver, and I broke into tears.
As I sat and felt sorry for myself- I was faced with a choice: I could play the victim, and spend the rest of the weekend moping around, or I could choose to act on the things I have control over and let go of those things I don't.
In that moment, I chose the latter.
I took a deep breath, and in my head I assessed what I needed to "shake off" and let be.
So often are the times where someone's words crush a spirit. There's a reason why the tongue is called a sword. It has the capacity to do great damage.
Something was said that totally crushed me...
...until I decided to use them to my advantage.
I chose to gleen what good I could from them. I decided that there are things I DO need to change... and that painful conversation could be used to ignite that.
I used it as a fire-starter, and threw the rest away.
I chose to not be the victim.
And thanks to you, there's a fire burning- what may have been intended to cut (or may not have... of that I am not certain, and don't really care) has opened a door. It has forced me from my comfort, and has pushed me to grow.
It was such a mix of highs and lows. Some moments were so fun and exciting and others made me break down in tears.
I came out of it last night feeing as if I had been in a cloud.
It is in those "lows" that there is great opportunity for growth, for change, an opportunity to re-assess. On Saturday I had an epiphany moment.
I won't go into detail, but on Saturday night as I tried to talk something through to Scotty, using him as a sound-board for something upsetting that had just happened, my voice started to quiver, and I broke into tears.
As I sat and felt sorry for myself- I was faced with a choice: I could play the victim, and spend the rest of the weekend moping around, or I could choose to act on the things I have control over and let go of those things I don't.
In that moment, I chose the latter.
I took a deep breath, and in my head I assessed what I needed to "shake off" and let be.
So often are the times where someone's words crush a spirit. There's a reason why the tongue is called a sword. It has the capacity to do great damage.
Something was said that totally crushed me...
...until I decided to use them to my advantage.
I chose to gleen what good I could from them. I decided that there are things I DO need to change... and that painful conversation could be used to ignite that.
I used it as a fire-starter, and threw the rest away.
I chose to not be the victim.
And thanks to you, there's a fire burning- what may have been intended to cut (or may not have... of that I am not certain, and don't really care) has opened a door. It has forced me from my comfort, and has pushed me to grow.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Happy Day of the Dead.
Or el Dia de los Muertos.
Have some Mexican food this weekend in honour of the Spanish holiday celebrating deceased loved ones.
On November 1 and 2nd, the streets in Mexico and Brazil become crowded with people carrying baskets stuffed with chocolate skulls, orange-anise buns complete with cross-bones on top and tequila. People carry garlands and wreaths made of marigolds to place on alters that line the sidewalks.
Picnic blankets are spread out in the cemetaries, as people feast on the favourite foods of those who have passed on. Tequila shots are lined up on tombstones and friends and family listen to music and celebrate in honour of the dead.
To be honest, I wouldn't mind gathering together with friends and family and spending the weekend remembering people in my own life (my grandma, grandpa and uncle) who have passed on- listening to their favourite music, remembering them and celebrating their lives.
Have some Mexican food this weekend in honour of the Spanish holiday celebrating deceased loved ones.
On November 1 and 2nd, the streets in Mexico and Brazil become crowded with people carrying baskets stuffed with chocolate skulls, orange-anise buns complete with cross-bones on top and tequila. People carry garlands and wreaths made of marigolds to place on alters that line the sidewalks.
Picnic blankets are spread out in the cemetaries, as people feast on the favourite foods of those who have passed on. Tequila shots are lined up on tombstones and friends and family listen to music and celebrate in honour of the dead.
To be honest, I wouldn't mind gathering together with friends and family and spending the weekend remembering people in my own life (my grandma, grandpa and uncle) who have passed on- listening to their favourite music, remembering them and celebrating their lives.
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