I've been thinking about happiness lately, and making an effort to choose it. I think that most of my choices in life ultimately lead to my happiness - like being vegetarian, trying to live green, etc. They may be more difficult paths at times, but knowing that I'm trying makes me feel fulfilled and content.
Lately, in this military life, I find that I have to try much harder to pay attention to my choices, to not let negativity drag me down, and to generally choose to be happy. I feel so empowered when I decide to turn negative thoughts away. Those bad feelings start welling up, my words start to bite, and then I flip the switch and say, "No way. Not Today. I'm not gonna let it take my happy away." And it makes such a difference!
Our life is so easily consumed by the Navy. But I'm going to let it be. I'll take the good with the bad, and be happy that I've got an amazing husband who loves me so much, who serves for his country on a tin can under the sea, and then always comes home to me. I choose to be happy. :)
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
An Email about Shopping & China
I got a forward today from bestie, and I thought I'd share, since it ties right in to my blog topics. I don't know how legit the math is, and I can't say I totally agree with the politics, but regardless, I like the idea! I bolded the parts that I feel especially strong about. Here it is:
THE CAN FROM CHINA
I WAS BUYING FOOD THE OTHER DAY AT THE COUNTRY MARKET. ON THE LABEL OF SOME PRODUCTS IT SAID 'FROM CHINA'. FOR EXAMPLE THE "OUR FAMILY" BRAND OF THE MANDARIN ORANGES SAYS RIGHT ON THE CAN 'FROM CHINA'. I WAS SHOCKED!!
SO FOR A FEW MORE CENTS I BOUGHT THE LIBERTY GOLD BRAND OR THE DOLE SINCE IT'S FROM CALIF.
Are we North Americans as dumb as we appear --- or --- is it that we just do not think???
While the Chinese, knowingly and intentionally, export inferior and even toxic products and dangerous toys and goods to be sold in American markets, the media wrings its hands and criticizes the ex-Bush Administration for perceived errors.
Yet 70% of Americans believe that the trading privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended.
Well, duh. Why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges?
SIMPLY DO IT YOURSELF, AMERICA AND CANADA !!
Simply look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says 'Made in China' or 'PRC' (and that now includes Hong Kong ), simply choose another product, or none at all. You will be amazed at how dependent you are on Chinese products, and you will be equally amazed at what you can do without.
Who needs plastic eggs to celebrate Easter? If you must have eggs, use real ones and benefit some North American farmer. Easter is just an example, the point is do not wait for the government to act.
Just go ahead and assume control on your own.
THINK ABOUT THIS: If 200 million North Americans refuse to buy just $20 each of Chinese goods, that's a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favor... fast!!
The downside? Some American businesses will feel a temporary pinch from having foreign stockpiles of inventory. Wahhhhhhhhhhhh!!! And they deserve it for buying foreign!!!
The solution?
Let's give them fair warning and send our own message. Most of the people who have been reading about this matter are planning on implementing this on June 4, and continue it until July 4. That is only one month of trading losses, but it will hit the Chinese for 1/12th of the total, or 8%, of their North American exports. Then they will at least have to ask themselves if the benefits of their arrogance and lawlessness were worth it.
Remember, June 4th to July 4th.
EVEN BETTER. . . START NOW.
Send this to everybody you know. Let's show them that we are North Americans and NOBODY can take us for granted. If we can't live without cheap Chinese goods for one month out of our lives, WE DESERVE WHAT WE GET AND WE CAN'T BLAME THE GOVERNMENT!
Pass it on, America/Canada !
THE CAN FROM CHINA
I WAS BUYING FOOD THE OTHER DAY AT THE COUNTRY MARKET. ON THE LABEL OF SOME PRODUCTS IT SAID 'FROM CHINA'. FOR EXAMPLE THE "OUR FAMILY" BRAND OF THE MANDARIN ORANGES SAYS RIGHT ON THE CAN 'FROM CHINA'. I WAS SHOCKED!!
SO FOR A FEW MORE CENTS I BOUGHT THE LIBERTY GOLD BRAND OR THE DOLE SINCE IT'S FROM CALIF.
Are we North Americans as dumb as we appear --- or --- is it that we just do not think???
While the Chinese, knowingly and intentionally, export inferior and even toxic products and dangerous toys and goods to be sold in American markets, the media wrings its hands and criticizes the ex-Bush Administration for perceived errors.
Yet 70% of Americans believe that the trading privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended.
Well, duh. Why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges?
SIMPLY DO IT YOURSELF, AMERICA AND CANADA !!
Simply look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says 'Made in China' or 'PRC' (and that now includes Hong Kong ), simply choose another product, or none at all. You will be amazed at how dependent you are on Chinese products, and you will be equally amazed at what you can do without.
Who needs plastic eggs to celebrate Easter? If you must have eggs, use real ones and benefit some North American farmer. Easter is just an example, the point is do not wait for the government to act.
Just go ahead and assume control on your own.
THINK ABOUT THIS: If 200 million North Americans refuse to buy just $20 each of Chinese goods, that's a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favor... fast!!
The downside? Some American businesses will feel a temporary pinch from having foreign stockpiles of inventory. Wahhhhhhhhhhhh!!! And they deserve it for buying foreign!!!
The solution?
Let's give them fair warning and send our own message. Most of the people who have been reading about this matter are planning on implementing this on June 4, and continue it until July 4. That is only one month of trading losses, but it will hit the Chinese for 1/12th of the total, or 8%, of their North American exports. Then they will at least have to ask themselves if the benefits of their arrogance and lawlessness were worth it.
Remember, June 4th to July 4th.
EVEN BETTER. . . START NOW.
Send this to everybody you know. Let's show them that we are North Americans and NOBODY can take us for granted. If we can't live without cheap Chinese goods for one month out of our lives, WE DESERVE WHAT WE GET AND WE CAN'T BLAME THE GOVERNMENT!
Pass it on, America/Canada !
Work Out Gear Success!
Today I went with my bestie to grab some lunch, and we stopped in Ross to check it out. I've been going to yoga, zumba, and the gym, so I'm in need of more workout gear. I hit the jackpot today!
First, a sports bra / tank that was made in the USA, donated profits to Ovarian Cancer Research, and was a steal at $12.99.
Second, a yoga skort, not made in China, for only $5.99.
Third, another sport bra / tank not made in China, and also for only $5.99.
Absolutely amazing! I got things I need, did it in a frugal way, supported the US, continued my boycott of products made in China, and even supported a charitable cause in the process! I am thrilled!
First, a sports bra / tank that was made in the USA, donated profits to Ovarian Cancer Research, and was a steal at $12.99.
Second, a yoga skort, not made in China, for only $5.99.
Third, another sport bra / tank not made in China, and also for only $5.99.
Absolutely amazing! I got things I need, did it in a frugal way, supported the US, continued my boycott of products made in China, and even supported a charitable cause in the process! I am thrilled!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
I love local stores!
Ok, I know it's not a big shocker, but I love stores that sell local products! Thanks to Kay over at http://menmyhouseblog.blogspot.com/, I have a new favorite boutique - Plantation Home in Kapolei. (You can check them out at http://plantationhomedecor.blogspot.com/.) Walking in was overwhelming because I loved everything, including Kay's beautiful furniture pieces. And so much of it is made right here on the Islands! I was good today - just bought a few tea towels and some beachy accents for the house. But I've got my eye on some other things!!! And I'm already forming a Christmas shopping list in my head. There's a pineapple shaped pillow that's got Mom's name all over it.
I was also excited to hear that they are trying to move out their more standard items to make room for more local kine. (Did I pull that lingo off? I'm not sure!) That's an exciting prospect, and I'll be sure to go back and check it out soon!
I was also excited to hear that they are trying to move out their more standard items to make room for more local kine. (Did I pull that lingo off? I'm not sure!) That's an exciting prospect, and I'll be sure to go back and check it out soon!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Yoga?
In our never ending string of moves, my career has gotten lost. I've been a High School Spanish Teacher, a Cosmetologist, an Administrative Assistant for the Army, a Customer Service Rep for an airline, a Project Assistant for a luxury homebuilder... the list goes on and on.
So we're in Hawaii now. I'm vegetarian. Trying to live green. And needing to take the next step on my curvy career path. I'm thinking yoga teacher. What could be better? Sure, it won't rake in the bucks, but that's not what I'm really after anyway.
I've been practicing yoga for about 7 years now, on and off. Today I recommited, and I think I'm going to sign up for a teacher certification class in August. I think it fits with everything else going on in my life, and the way I want to live. And most importantly - it's portable!
So we're in Hawaii now. I'm vegetarian. Trying to live green. And needing to take the next step on my curvy career path. I'm thinking yoga teacher. What could be better? Sure, it won't rake in the bucks, but that's not what I'm really after anyway.
I've been practicing yoga for about 7 years now, on and off. Today I recommited, and I think I'm going to sign up for a teacher certification class in August. I think it fits with everything else going on in my life, and the way I want to live. And most importantly - it's portable!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
After a long hiatus...
I'm back to trying to blog. Now I'm doing it from Hawaii! What could be more inspiring?
With the never-ending move under my belt, I can refocus. Now I'm trying to live green, be frugal, support homemade products and those made in the USA, follow a vegetarian lifestyle, and do it all in paradise! I'm trying to be craftier too - making more and purchasing less.
Moving put a serious crunch on all of these goals. I had to get rid of a lot before we packed out, and then of course I had to buy a lot once we arrived and moved in. Thank goodness for yard sales and craigslist! Shipping all of my household goods certainly wasn't green, but I tried to minimize my impact by getting rid of extra clutter. Now shopping local is presenting a new challenge - even things that are made in the US are usually sent on a big, environment-gobbling cargo ship. Luckily, there is a lot of Aloha pride here, and I'm starting to find products made in Hawaii. On the vegetarian front, fish sauce seems to have it in for me. It's everywhere! And last but not least, craft stores are EXPENSIVE! Oh wait! What about the coupons??? It's like the Sunday circulars are non-existent here.
But fear not! I can do this! I can make it work! I will make it work! (And it will be cute while I'm doing it too!)
With the never-ending move under my belt, I can refocus. Now I'm trying to live green, be frugal, support homemade products and those made in the USA, follow a vegetarian lifestyle, and do it all in paradise! I'm trying to be craftier too - making more and purchasing less.
Moving put a serious crunch on all of these goals. I had to get rid of a lot before we packed out, and then of course I had to buy a lot once we arrived and moved in. Thank goodness for yard sales and craigslist! Shipping all of my household goods certainly wasn't green, but I tried to minimize my impact by getting rid of extra clutter. Now shopping local is presenting a new challenge - even things that are made in the US are usually sent on a big, environment-gobbling cargo ship. Luckily, there is a lot of Aloha pride here, and I'm starting to find products made in Hawaii. On the vegetarian front, fish sauce seems to have it in for me. It's everywhere! And last but not least, craft stores are EXPENSIVE! Oh wait! What about the coupons??? It's like the Sunday circulars are non-existent here.
But fear not! I can do this! I can make it work! I will make it work! (And it will be cute while I'm doing it too!)
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