Endi Thinks

Novel Novel Novel.

2011-11-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

I'm going to finish my novel this month. It won't be a brand new one like Nanowhatever is supposed to be, but I'm going to push myself harder than ever before. Look for it when I'm done?

A letter.

2011-09-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Fall,

Welcome back to the northwest. We've missed you with you sudden blustering storms, cold temperatures and the constant threat of a downpour. We don't like seeing the sun or feeling the warmth of its light washing over us. We don't like wearing shorts.

Also thanks for getting kids back into school and out of our parks, streets and hair. We just don't like seeing them play and grow. They should have their noses in books not high kicking on soccer fields.

And thanks again for reminding us to get some blankets and sweaters out of our closets. It's nice to be stuck in the house like a hobbit.

Why is this Recession so strange?

2011-08-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

I finally realized what it is about this latest recession that is so different from any of the other ones I've lived through, people have lost confidence. Actually, people are hopeless, but they need not be.

There is a lack of stability that has entered our lives that no amount of pundits talking about end of recessions and recovery can replace. For many of us for the first time we go to work unsure if that job will be with us the next day. We haven't changed or lost our skills or anything like that. We are just unsure if those jobs will be there for us a week from now or a year from now.

I talk to people everyday who are quaking in fear about their future. People are not sure what will happen to them and that is making them seize up, doubt themselves and become so unconfident that they cannot stand up for themselves. They've lost that sense that things will be alright. It's unknown.

It used to be that if you worked hard, paid your dues and did your duty you would have a successful career. It was always an unsaid given that good workers would be safe and secure. Unfortunately, someone left the back door open.

The difference is of course that no amount of hard work is a guarantee of continued employment. Companies even when making record profits are still laying people off or not hiring. The overall mindset of business has changed to a solely bottom line driven miasma that is always out for that extra half of a percent of profit on the backs of workers. People can sense that they are no longer the heart of a company, but finance is.

So we work and we fret. We think about the problems and what if's more than the have's and how it is. We are looking over our shoulder, reading too much into emails and worried. We're afraid, but we need to buck up.

Confidence has nothing to do with circumstance. It is an emotion that is separate from rational thought and reality. We have to have it first before a cause. The cause is ourselves and we cannot fail. We can get through this latest challenge if we start to demand that companies start putting more thought into more than the bottom line.

Companies that put the need of their employees as part of the formula of their business's success not only make profits, but they secure a loyal workforce. That workforce is the company in the flesh and if they stay true the company will prosper.

We want so much to be connected to something that is bigger than ourselves and if we can get that idea back into the heads of CEOs and managers, maybe they will see the benefit of having a workforce that is proud to say where they work, proud to clock in, and proud to wear that name badge.

My Follow Friday List of Terminally Tubular Tweeps.

2011-08-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

This list is a mixture of just good people and progressives who broaden my mind every day. No particular order; I love em all!

1. @mamawantsthis     Cracks me up.
2. @donutsmama          Mommy blogger extraordinaire.
3. @nwprogressive       NW based progressive think tank.
4. @richardkoett           Interesting guy who wants to learn.
5. @amirightesounow Left wing liberal progressive, so great.
6. @robertasaithat        Progressive
7. @babe_chilla           Mommy blogger
8. @womanvote           Feminist Progressive
9. @rustilyn                 One of the funniest and nicest "mommy bloggers" around.
10. @muhajabah          Progressive, dedicated lefty
11. @brookejarvis         Progressive, writer affiliated with Yes! Magazine.
12. @kelleysbreakrm   Lifts my day with her cracked sense of humor. Hilarious!

Stream of Consciousness Post

2011-08-03T21:03:00.000-07:00

One of the things that makes me stop in the middle of whatever I'm doing and just pause, think and tear up is when I see unjust activity. I've been following so many things around the world and locally and it is getting to the point when I need to take a step.

We need to reconnect with each other and stop this silliness that we are separate. We can't continue to walk past the obviously hurting people, but we need to be more empathetic to those who are hiding their pain. Everyone you know has a problem that they are keeping to themselves. Everybody hurts.

Let's be more understanding and patient with each other. Let's give each other a break now and then. And let's see ourselves for who we really are.

A sketch I did for July 23 Progressive Congress Event

2011-07-21T15:06:00.000-07:00

Social Security? Hell no you can't!

2011-07-07T18:39:00.000-07:00

I'm so angry right now that the president is considering putting Social Security and Medicare on the table in order to make a "deal" with the most radicalized republicans I have ever had the misfortune to see. We cannot afford to give up our responsibilities just to get a few crumbs from the "we-voted-four times-to-raise-the-debt-ceiling-under-Bush-with-no-problems-at-all-but-if-a-Democratic president-wants-it-we-say-hell-no-you-can't!"

I've been following the tweets of Speaker Boehner and his laughable reasons behind the job crises can be summed up as follows: Tax cuts, tax cuts, give my buddies more money! It is quite sad that the actual facts of tax cuts to wealthy millionaires and billionaires does nothing notable to job growth. Didn't we learn this lesson with the so called "Trickle Down" economics of the Reagan era? It's like we all have brain damage.

The president of course is dealing with the hand dealt him. We failed to make good budget decisions when we had the political clout of 2008. We could have repealed the Bush tax cuts and solved the problem then. Instead we diddled around feeling happy that we had elected a good person as president. The president can't do everything on his own.

The problem is that we got used to a cowboy shooting from the hip in the oval office. As much as many of us disagreed with his policies, decisions and motivation, we did get use to seeing that six shooter twirling about. When you keep stepping on thorns eventually your feet get calloused.

The president actually leads like a president is supposed to. He cajoles and influences with a manner that changes law and gives us longer security. But sometimes I wish he used a club.

Thanks Michelle Bachmann

2011-07-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

Michelle Bachmann is probably the best thing to happen to US politics in the last two years. She is a viable presidential candidate and she is polling neck and neck with the very well known Mitt Romney. It's too bad she's a nutjob.

I'm happy that she is running because in the last two presidential elections we have had women be serious candidates. The "glass ceiling" has been broken and the fact that Bachmann is being taken seirously without the fact that she is a woman being THE REASON is progress.

Too many people are attacking her based on her gender just like what happened with Palin and that is ridiculous. She has so many areas that are open to attack just from her political views that attacking her based on her gender is not only wrong, but quite stupid. She is not a victim and attacking her gender is a sure way to make her into one. Stick to her laughable political philosophy, religious mania and absolute disregard for facts instead. There's plenty to see here.

American politics has finally grown up in one aspect. We are starting to see the edge of sexism being blunted and for that I want to say thank you to Michelle Bachmann. Now let's see what happens when people actually find out about her beliefs and world view.

23rd and Jackson

2011-06-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've been to 23rd and Jackson. It's one of my favorite intersections in Seattle and this morning it is living up to my imagination.

I'm at the Starbucks and the place is packed with a rainbow of people. There are older men with golf caps and khakis talking about the derivatives market. There is a guy with a blue tooth trying to hustle another man clad in basketball shorts and flip flops into a get rich quick pyramid scheme. Two men are reading newspapers and reminiscing about the good ol days and a large group of mostly women have pushed together tables to have a large scale confab mostly talking about grandkids and family.

This area is in the 98118 zip code one of the most diverse in the United States. with more languages spoken in this radius than in any other in the country. It's vibrant, loud, fast and touched with tradition that makes you feel welcomed even amongst strangers. I'm calm.

Later today I'm working, well technically I'm early to work right now. We're doing another action against Chase Bank and as per usual I'm an hour early just to make sure I'm there on time. BPT is a curse I can only purify when it is work related. My personal life? BPT rules the day.

Jazz is playing in the store but it is barely audible over the babble brook of human conversation. One guy to my left is talking about hands only CPR to his friend and is demonstrating to the table that is obviously not breathing. Uh oh, the guy who is trying to sell a pyramid scheme is working it. The victim has a pen in his hand and is scratching away his money. So sad.

Questions from Pam Stucky

2011-06-05T12:48:00.000-07:00

Pam Stucky is amazing. She is an accomplished author, blogger and all around fun person. Check out her stuff at pamstucky.com or follow her on twitter @pamstucky. She asked me to answer some questions and I think ya'll will enjoy my answers. Okay bye. :P

Q: Three adjectives that describe you?
funny, compassionate, curious
Q: What are your passions in life?
> reading, writing, people, gaming, making a difference
>
> Q: You do work with Sustainable Seattle [correct name?]. What is that, what is your involvement with it, and why?
> I am a board member of Sustainable Seattle because I believe that the only way to move forward is to focus on the needs and desires of people. Sustainability has an automatic connection to environmental concerns, but it misses the most important part of meeting our needs, meeting the needs of the people. We are an organization dedicated to collaboration, stewardship and social justice.

>
> Q: Part of the Sustainable Seattle project is the Seattle Area Happiness Initiative. How is did happiness get bundled up with a sustainable city project?

Happiness is not just a feeling; it is a sense of wellness and true contentment. We as a society have never really looked at contentment and wellness as real goals. We are too concerned with material goods and "keeping up with the Jones's." This is why we have such a huge disparity between the rich and the poor. The rich think that if they got their next million they would finally be happy, but with that next million they are still unsatisfied.

Only through looking at happiness as a collection of different domains: psychological well being, material well being, community vitality, cultural vitality, health, governance, environmental quality, time balance and education can we get to a place that leads to real contentment.

Q: What are the elements of a happy life? What makes you happy? What can other people do to make themselves happier?
> A happy life is one that is first and foremost about building and maintaining healthy relationships. Relationship with others, our environment and the most neglected relationship, with ourselves.

What makes me happy is helping others live up to their potential. What makes me happy is knowing that I have been a part of something that helped others. What makes me happy is dancing, music, spending time doing nothing with people I care about.

First step in becoming happy is to choose to make your own happiness a priority in your life. Happiness is not a feeling, but a state of being.
>
> Q: You are also an author. Tell us about your works, past, present, future. What are you working on most right now?
> I wouldn't call myself an author since I do not follow the number one rule of every writer I've ever read, "Not a day without writing." I am working on mostly a novel about a group of high school teens in a very atypical neighborhood based on my hometown. It is a story about what real friendship is all about and an experiment in writing without editing.

I'm only editing grammar, spelling and consistency. I'm letting the chapters and story flow in whatever shape it wants. I have chapters that involve gaming, love, homelessness, education reform, evil PTA's and a founding of a town. It is really fun and I'm writing it to prove to myself that a novel is something I can complete. I'm actually really enjoying the process and the characters are so much fun to write.

I'm at the point where I cannot just throw them around anymore. I have to sometimes stop myself from making a character say something that would not come out of their mouth, or if it does I write the reactions from the others to reflect the strangeness of what they just said. I'm having fun and that really is what writing is all about.
>
> Q: Where do you get the inspiration for your stories?
My stories come from my reading, my life, and my imagination. I've been making up stories and characters all my life. My brother and I used to play "choose your own adventure" stories when I was younger. He was the game master and their were no rules and most of the time I ended up getting squished by Grimlok the Transformer T-Rex.
>
>
> Q: What one book do you wish you'd written, and why?
The one book that I wish I had written would most likely be "The Outsiders." The book is timeless because it deals with the fundamental question of humanity "What am I worth? Where do I belong? What really matters?" I must have read that book 30 times.
>
>
> Q: Describe a favorite childhood memory.
> One day I was climbing a tree and I must have been 20 feet up easily. My mother was upset because I hadn't cleaned my room before I went outside. She was at the bottom of the tree yelling at me to come down right now. "Right now?" I said. "Now!" she said. So I jumped out of the tree.

Q: Music you're listening to these days?
Coheed and Cambria, Lapfox, Muse, Lady Gaga

Q: Hobbies, secret talents, goals, dreams?
Hobbies: gaming, reading, cooking,drawing, dancing and singing.
Secret talent? I can understand where almost anyone is coming from. I can see their intent even when I disagree with their actions.

Goal: To live a life worth living.

Dream: To live a life day to day that is meaningful, fun and never looking forward, but being fully present at this very moment.

Flow Issue 12

2011-05-28T23:38:00.000-07:00

Flow is based on Sustainable Seattle's Happiness Initiative and is inspired by Vinyasa, which means one leading to another. Flow gives small, but important steps that can improve one's contentment amongst all nine domains of happiness. Flow is a weekly jolt of inspiration, pragmatism and a collection of local events that will raise our happiness. Psychological Well Being Issue 12 On our last week talking about psychological wellbeing I would be remiss to mention one of the most important techniques for being more mentally balance: making time for your hobbies. Firstly, any hobby that does not cause harm to another creature or you is a good hobby. There are not hobbies that are “wastes of time” if the hobby brings pleasure while at the same time not causing harm. Hobbies are what we would do if all other responsibilities were taken away. We should focus on these activities as we were meant to enjoy ourselves while we are here. I can already hear the “Yeah, I would love to have a hobby, but who has the time?” argument. The answer really is simple; your time is yours to use as you see fit. You choose how to live and you need to make enjoyment a priority. Enjoyment is a valuable use of time. Make the choice to enjoy a hobby. There are many ways to carve out time, but I say that you should put the relationships with your loved ones and yourself as priority one. Do not let your job be the first thought in the morning or your compelling thoughts in your head as you toss and turn unable to go to sleep. Yes, jobs are important, very much so, but your time is your most precious object you have. Choose to value it. Hobbies allow you to relax or work out some tension by channeling it through a non-life threatening activity. It is okay if the hobby or hobbies frustrate you or make you put in effort because they can be great ways to expel the built up tension from other areas of your life. Funny thing about tension and stress they don’t stay in separate places in our head. Stress from work, home or family life all goes to the same place. The sad thing is that this stress, anger, sadness or tension comes out in unrelated ways unless we can figure out a way to release it. One of the best ways to relive that stress and tension is to do activities that you enjoy. Every hobby is worthwhile as long as it has two main components: it does not cause harm to self or others, and it is active. Watching TV is not a hobby, but starting a TV discussion groups with friends or colleagues can be. Find something or some things that are active, engaging and fun. Try something different, but start small. And always remember that what is a hobby for another person is true to them. Hobbies tell us about a person and what that person values. Never judge a person’s hobby as long as it follows the two rules mentioned earlier. We choose our hobbies and one of the worst ways to insult someone is to insult their hobby. It is hurtful and is one of the easiest ways to kill a relationship. Nathan Jackson Recommendations This week’s website recommendation is: www.ted.com This week’s book recommendation is: World Changing: a user’s guide for the 21^st Century Sign up for the weekly newsletter. Support Flow		Flow Suggests: 5/29-6/4 2011 Six Solutions for a Sustainable Business Education, Community, Environmental http://sustainableseattle.org/calendar/shared Thursday, June 2, 2011 8:30am Companies that prosper in the future will be more sustainable, with new products and processes. This seminar was designed to provide an answer to three questions. “What does being sustainable mean?” “Why does it matter?” “What must we do to become sustainable?” Parental Teleseminar in Non Violent Communication Education, Psychological Well Being, Community, http://lifefocusedcommunication.com Friday, June 3, 2011 12:30-2pm This teleseminar will explore how understanding the role that emotions play in how we connect to each other can help us to have loving, enduring, and meaningful relationships with others, and most especially with our children.

Flow Issue 11

2011-05-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

Flow is based on Sustainable Seattle's Happiness Initiative and is inspired by Vinyasa, which means one leading to another. Flow gives small, but important steps that can improve one's contentment amongst all nine domains of happiness. Flow is a weekly jolt of inspiration, pragmatism and a collection of local events that will raise our happiness. This month of May we are taking a look at some simple actions we can take to get our mental health on a better path. First before we get started, this month is not meant to replace professional psychological advice nor should it be used as a substitute for seeking assistance for serious problems such as depression. Psychological Well Being Issue 11 One of the most important aspects of happiness is squeezing every bit out of our experiences why we are here. We have the opportunity to be awake and conscience and this week we are going to talk about two key concepts: living in the moment and looking at every event as useful. Living in the moment is easier said than done for a large portion of people. Thoughts and concerns about the future, safety and security sometimes become so overpowering that we forget to exist in the moment we are experiencing. One of the ways to experience the here and now ironically is to think about what has come before. Nostalgia is a good teacher here that allows you to look back on experiences in a pleasant frame of mind. It’s important to think on pleasant times, but it is even more important to realize that right now in this moment you are building memories, building your life with everyone around you. The pleasant feeling of Nostalgia can be translated to the life you are living right now by noticing similarities to that nostalgic event or circumstance. You can notice how your home faces a lake just like the apartment you used to live in back in the day. You can notice that you still have the friends you had from your college days. You can notice a song. The other way that Nostalgia can help us live in the present moment is by examining the contrasts that exist from where we are now and where we were. Focus on the details that have improved. Brush away the pleasant dust that Nostalgia can sometimes blow in our eyes and remember the challenges. You have overcome those challenges. You’ve beaten them. Right now those complications have ceased. Taking advantage of every experience takes practice. It takes discipline to see a flat tire as a positive experience, but it can be if you choose it to be. I was driving with my friend home from college. We were cruising along I-90 at seventy miles per hour when I heard a loud popping snap like a M-80 and the wheel pulled hard to my right. I pulled over and with cars, motorcycles and semis racing by within a foot or two of me I verified what I already knew; I had a flat tire. I thought that a flat on the side of a highway where there was little shoulder and a drop off about three feet away from the passenger’s side of the car was not a pleasant situation. I knew that my friend was going to be worried and upset so I decided to make it a game. I jumped back into the seat and with a smile on my face that I did not feel at all in my heart I starting bragging about how good I am at changing tires. I talked about how I must have been in Nascar in my past life because I was gonna go for the world record today. I jumped out and fixed that tire as fast as I could when I wasn’t jumping behind my car to avoid the semis who did not change lanes and nearly knocked me over from the wind. My car shook and shook as I spun my tire iron faster than I ever had before. I ended up changing the tire in three minutes. We drove to the nearest town and pulled into a tire store the entire time I was talking about how fantastic I was and how “exhilarating” it was to have to risk my life to change a tire and after about fifteen minutes of boasting, she finally cracked a smile and then a laugh. We ended up coloring and telling each other stories about the children’s coloring books that the tire store had set up for waiting customers. The other workers and customers joined us and were laughing and hollering as we got more and more ridiculous. It honestly is one of my favorite days I’ve ever had on this planet and it happened because I chose to see the flat tire as an opportunity. Yes I had to fake it at first, but the funny thing about faking it is that if you do it long enough it becomes real. Nathan Jackson Recommendations This week’s website recommendation is: Chaotic Ripple This week’s book recommendation is: Walk On: the spiritual journey of U2 Sign up for the weekly newsletter. Support Flow		Flow Suggests: 5/22-5/28 2011 The Conscious Partnering Conference Education, Community, Psychological Well Being http://my.compassionateactionnetwork.com/ Monday, May 23, 2011 Online Event True partnerships are essential to success. CD Forum: An Evening of Spoken Word Education, Psychological Well Being, Community, Cultural www.townhallseattle.org Tuesday, May 24, 2011 7-9pm Central District poets and thinkers Raising Environmentally Conscious Kids Environmental, Community Thursday, May 26, 2011 5:30pm www.sustainableseattle.org This dynamic and interactive workshop is designed to empower parents, teachers, and guardians to help children embrace their connection to the Earth and make choices that are compassionate, sustainable, and respectful.

Flow Issue 10

2011-05-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

Flow is based on Sustainable Seattle's Happiness Initiative and is inspired by Vinyasa, which means one leading to another. Flow gives small, but important steps that can improve one's contentment amongst all nine domains of happiness. Flow is a weekly jolt of inspiration, pragmatism and a collection of local events that will raise our happiness. This month of May we are taking a look at some simple actions we can take to get our mental health on a better path. First before we get started, this month is not meant to replace professional psychological advice nor should it be used as a substitute for seeking assistance for serious problems such as depression. Psychological Well Being Issue 10 Sitting on the bus from Renton to Seattle is an experience that should be, well, experienced. The total lack of responsibility that is apparent when someone else is driving is freeing and an opportunity to do something without distractions. What is the ultimate motivation of responsibility? Besides children and loved ones it would have to be material wellbeing. Almost nothing else causes as much mental stress as money issues. Let’s look at some simple steps we can take to get more of our material needs met, or to get more out of what we already have. The most important aspect of getting our material needs in order that we can control is to reevaluate what makes us happy. We need to look at where we got those ideas in the first place. We constructed our ideas about material goods bringing us happiness due to the massive amounts of advertising we consume both passively and on purpose. Here is an experiment to try sometime. Turn on the TV and watch a half hour of one show or event. Make a note of the amount of commercials and the general type of commercials shown. To make this more scientific you can watch at various times of the day to see different types. Out of all the commercials you watch how many do you think will say something to the effect of “You are great; your stuff is great; you don’t need to change one thing about your life.” That will never happen unless you count public service announcements, which do not have the punch or budget to be as flashy as the newest advertising campaign for a new type of exercise chair or “revolutionary” diet plan. We need to create our own measurement of happiness that comes from our own ideas not from manufactured, re-purposed, edited and approved by board members for a for profit organization. The intent is important and if making you less satisfied with yourself or your life is the goal then you cannot trust that source. Mindset is the most important part of changing our material security. We need to make new habits, new motivations and choose to gain pleasure in saving and being frugal. We can’t buy our way to happiness and it’s time we started to save again. Choose to be satisfied with your materials. Choose to build more happiness by focusing on experiences and relationships with your family, friends and colleagues. Build equity in your heart. Nathan Jackson Recommendations This week’s website recommendation is: http://motherjones.com/ This week’s book recommendation is: Young, Fabulous and Broke by Suze Orman Sign up for the weekly newsletter. Support Flow		Flow Suggests: 5/15-5/21 2011 Gordon Lafer: Labor in the House Education, Community, Material http://depts.washington.edu Tuesday, May 17, 2011 3pm Making a case for a Labor Movement revitalization Marc Kaufman: Extraterrestrial Life Education, Psychological Well Being www.townhallseattle.org Wednesday, May 18, 2011 7-9pm Science re-examines our assumptions about building blocks of life. Carbon Pricing Symposium for Washington State Environmental Friday, May 20, 2011 12pm www.sustainableballard.org A diverse coalition of concerned citizens discussing and planning carbon pricing as a means to slow down greenhouse gas emissions.

Flow 5/8/2011 Issue 9

2011-05-07T18:32:00.000-07:00

Flow is based on Sustainable Seattle's Happiness Initiative and is inspired by Vinyasa, which means one leading to another. Flow gives small, but important steps that can improve one's contentment amongst all nine domains of happiness. Flow is a weekly jolt of inspiration, pragmatism and a collection of local events that will raise our happiness. This month of May we are taking a look at some simple actions we can take to get our mental health on a better path. First before we get started, this month is not meant to replace professional psychological advice nor should it be used as a substitute for seeking assistance for serious problems such as depression. Psychological Well Being Issue 9 This week we are going to look at two techniques to help our mental health. They could not be further apart if I tried, but they both get to the same place, calmness amongst our chosen stress filled lives. One of the best ways to bring peace to one’s own mind is to help another better their own situation. I’m talking about volunteering and how giving of yourself and bringing happiness or sustenance to another gives you the same sense of contentment. Some of the best ways to find a volunteer opportunity is to make a list of your skills, interests and passions. There is a great need for skilled volunteers in numerous non profits that includes: bookkeeping, administration, phone banking, grant writing as well as the best type of volunteers—the do what needs to be done folks. Secondly, we still spend most of our waking time at the workplace so let’s look at a few more things we can do on the job to be productive and still be happy. One of the most underestimated way to unplug at work is to use your lunch breaks and other breaks to get away from your desk or place of work. Making a healthy lunch the night before and then eating it away from your work area will really give you some separation and a chance to think of other things besides work for the duration of the lunch. Another quick tip is to make sure to talk to your co-workers when good things are happening at the workplace. It gets very easy to just turn to coworkers in a crisis or when you need something. By spending time talking about successes and triumphs you can spread some happiness and build up those relationships. Nathan Jackson Recommendations This week’s website recommendation is: Humanosphere.kplu.org This week’s book recommendation is: PLAN B 4.0 by Lester R. Brown Sign up for the weekly newsletter. Support Flow		Flow Suggests: 5/8-5/14 2011 KBCS: Michael Eric Dyson Psychological Well Being, Community, Cultural Vitality www.townhallseattle.org Tuesday, May 10, 2011 7-8:30pm Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources Environmental Thursday, May 12, 2011 9am-5pm www.sustainableseattle.org Be the Spark with Desmond Tutu Cultural, Material, Community Friday, May 13, 2011 \| 7:30 – 9:30pm www.compassionateactionnetwork.com

Flow 5/1/2011 Issue 8

2011-04-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

Flow is based on Sustainable Seattle's Happiness Initiative and is inspired by Vinyasa, which means one leading to another. Flow gives small, but important steps that can improve one's contentment amongst all nine domains of happiness. Flow is a weekly jolt of inspiration, pragmatism and a collection of local events that will raise our happiness. This month of May we are taking a look at some simple actions we can take to get our mental health on a better path. First before we get started, this month is not meant to replace professional psychological advice nor should it be used as a substitute for seeking assistance for serious problems such as depression. Psychological Well Being Issue 8 I’m a huge believer in taking actions to affect our attitude. We sometimes get so caught up in our minds that we do not make significant changes, but wallow in our emotional problems. We are going to be looking at actions that can help change our emotional states from the outside in. Use the mornings as a time for yourself. Set the alarm fifteen minutes early and enjoy the silence of the home while eating a healthy breakfast, exercising or meditating. Make lunch for the next day in the evening and when eating said lunch get out of the workplace whenever possible. Find a place of beauty and calm, or a place filled with people whichever makes you happier. Never cram food in your mouth while you sit at your desk. Make connecting with friends a priority. Nothing beats face to face interactions no matter how “busy” we claim to be. We need to make that choice to spend time with people we care about. Choose to read, write, draw, or dance as a way to not only be creative, but also to be active. Active minds are more resilient. This week slow things down and take time to appreciate all the things in your life that are going quite well. Health, employment, love of family or friends, safety, all these things we take for granted. Choose this week to pay attention. Lastly, and I can’t recommend this enough, is to keep a very safe, secure journal. Journaling allows us to get things out of our heads, explore ideas, and reconnect with ourselves. There are only three rules to journaling: never let anyone else see it, write consistently about whatever pops into your head, and NEVER let anyone else see it. Journaling is raw thoughts that do not need to go through our usual filters of society. It is extremely important that others do not see these thoughts as we are nowhere close to that amount of honesty in our relationships. This journal is for us to reflect and think and organize, not to show and tell. I would also recommend not to do this online or in the form of a blog. Once something is out in the ether of the internet, it cannot be withdrawn. Nathan Jackson Recommendations This week’s website recommendation is: The #happiness Daily This week’s book recommendation is: Pocket Sudoku by Will Shortz Sign up for the weekly newsletter. Support Flow		Flow Suggests: 5/1-5/7 2011 Climate Change and Grass Roots Organizing Environmental, Psychological Well Being, Community www.sustainableballard.org Monday, May 2, 2011 4:45-7pm Visualization Tools for Sustainability Environmental, Community Tuesday, May 3, 2011 9am-5pm www.sustainableseattle.org Susan Freinkel: Plastic, Plastic Everywhere Environmental, Cultural, Material www.townhallseattle.org Wednesday, May 4, 2011 \| 7:30 – 9pm

Stand Against Racism Day

2011-04-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

This is the article I wrote for Sustainable Seattle for YWCA's Stand Against Racism Day. It is a call to action to green people to widen their cause to include and feature social justice.

Environmentalism and Social Justice

by Nathan Jackson

The environmental movement is at a crossroads. The message of protection and stewardship of the environment has penetrated most levels of society with recycling bins in every corner of the nation from the Emerald City to the great state of the Hoosiers. The message of human caused climate change with a few exceptions is generally believed and most people accept at least the concept of climate change. At this time in history environmentalists need to overcome the next and biggest change in their approach to protecting the planet, protecting the people.

Social justice, a sense of equal treatment throughout society, is the biggest challenge and opportunity for environmentalists and other caring people.

Climate change, though scientifically proven, is still for most people an idea of future change and damage to the natural environment. However, the effects of climate change are being felt right now by the people that society has forgotten or tried to ignore, minorities, the poor and the working poor.

The disadvantages many people face is a product of what is called institutional racism. Institutional racism is the past unfairness of laws and rules that have made many minorities have a harder time building and maintaining wealth and opportunity. When people are stopped from buying homes, entering higher education or gaining access to good paying jobs because of federal, state or city wide laws they cannot in large numbers be a success. Individuals through extraordinary effort, luck and circumstances may become a success, but if you look at minorities as a group you get a better view of the extra challenges they have to defeat.

So what does this have to do with environmental groups? Environmentalists are missing an opportunity to focus the attention of climate change on the effects to humanity. The same people who face the additional challenges to a successful life are the same people who living everyday with the toxic effects of harmful business practices, pollution, illegal dumping, and industrial waste. Those who live with the effects are the ones with the most to lose and the most to immediately gain. The chance to combat two major problems, inequality and climate change is a chance that environmental groups need to seize in order to make the lasting change necessary to protect the environment and humanity.

Environmentalists should be walking the neighborhoods that are polluted not only to observe but to reach out to the people who have little or no choice in living there. They should be seeking out the neighborhood councils and breathing the air that many people have to breathe every day. They would see that the movement to fight for the planet needs to start with stopping the more local pollution and damage that hurts people right now.

In Seattle, one can predict with surprising accuracy how long someone will live, what they will do for a living and how they will die based on their zip code. In historic Central District across the board those living there have shorter life spans, and more breathing related problems due to air pollution and industrial waste. The rate of asthma amongst children is much higher and adults who live in areas stricken with poverty are twice as likely to have breathing problems.

When it comes to other environmental problems associated with human causes one can do no better than looking at the poisoning and pollution of the Duwamish River that has been going on for a hundred years. Industrial waste and dumpage that includes PCB’s, arsenic, and dioxins have made the river one of the most polluted sites in the United States. The fact that the Environmental Protection Agency made it a Superfund recipient proves that the damage has been intensive as only the most damaged areas received federal funding. Fortunately some environmental groups have shown some forward thinking and have partnered with local populations and minority groups affected by the pollution to work towards solutions.

The Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition is an organization made up of environmentalists, local Native American tribes, business leaders, and local populations to finally bring about a sustainable change to the river that will allow it be clean for human use, safe for salmon and other animals and be an example of rethinking industrial choices to include environmental and human considerations. The group is reaching out for public comment, meeting groups where they are and listening to ideas from the people most affected by the problem.

Environmental Justice is the term that focuses on the immediate damage that people face if they are in areas where laws and tradition place factories, garbage dumps, toxic waste disposal sites and electrical lines. The idea behind Environmental Justice is that new laws and rules should “even out” environmental damage by making companies and organizations move their factories and dump sites in a regulated way. The idea is that if everyone gets the “benefits” of these services then everyone should “pay the price.” The problem with Environmental Justice is that it does not get to the root problem of inequality. Without those hard fought regulations that sometimes take years of court battles to enforce, the factories and dump sites will move right back into the “poorer” neighborhoods where they will stay until another dynamic leader fights again.

The environmental movement has an opportunity to broaden their message and gain valuable allies in their fight to protect the environment from human caused problems and restore the natural habitat. The groups need to reach out a group of people that they have historically ignored and fight by their side to lessen the damage that they are suffering from industrial choices made by the rich and enforced by institutions and instead give real actions to real problems from which they suffer. Health concerns, fewer choices in jobs and careers, lack of quality education, crime and equality are all causes that social justice is concerned about and the environmental movement should broaden its concerns to include the more human side to climate change.

Until the story changes from “Save Mother Earth” to “Save your fellow man” the environmentalists will be fighting a wave against strong and wealthy opponents and many people who simply do not care. By redefining environmentalism in human terms, people will see that they have real here and now reasons to get involved with the environmental movement. People will connect their son and daughter suffering from asthma to our bad business practices. People will see that their cousin’s diabetes and heart disease stems from a lack of walkable, breathable neighborhoods and a steady diet of cheap, yet unhealthy fast food. People will see the benefit of clean rivers and streams when the water that comes out of their tap is not poisoned.

Make the fight to save the planet practical and connected to lives here and now and we will have a nearly endless stream of supporters and activists who can make real, life affirming differences in their neighborhood and beyond. We will have a group of dedicated, passionate people who can when their own backyard is stable and safe can broaden their boundaries and their views to include a wider spectrum of challenges.

Flow Issue 7

2011-04-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

Flow is based on Sustainable Seattle's Happiness Initiative and is inspired by Vinyasa, which means one leading to another. Flow gives small, but important steps that can improve one's contentment amongst all nine domains of happiness. Flow is a weekly jolt of inspiration, pragmatism and a collection of local events that will raise our happiness. Psychological Well Being Issue 7 This week we are taking a look at some simple actions we can take to get our mental health on a better path. First before we get started, this week is obviously not meant to replace professional psychological advice nor should it be used as a substitute for seeking assistance for serious problems such as depression. Please consult professional counselors as they will have the tools and experience to help with the individual needs of their clients. Why are we not happy even when to the outside world we look as if we have the dream alive and well? Many times it is simply that we have bought into the idea that material wealth is the same as mental health. We know this is not true in our hearts. Firstly, diet is one of the best indicators of psychological well being. Eating a balanced diet and getting the nutrients we need on a daily basis sets up our minds to function properly. First step to feeling better mentally is to check on your physical nutritional needs. Secondly, our body and our mind are connected. Lack of adequate exercise is a major cause and contributor to mental malaise. Simple exercises such as walking for fifteen to twenty minutes a day can be a good place to start. Our minds need to be used in order to feel good. One of the best ways to occupy our minds is through games. Puzzles such as Sudoko, crosswords, word finds, video games, and card games have been shown to not only stave off mental erosion, but also to heighten brain function. Lastly for this week is the power of healthy relationships. We as a social animal need connection. Healthy relationships are based on: mutual respect, affection, trust, shared goals, or other positive attributes are hugely important to our overall mental health. Interestingly enough, relationships can be meaningful whether they originate in workplaces, families, or friendships. Recommendations This week’s website recommendation is: Seattle Counselors Association This week’s book recommendation is: The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama and Dr. Howard Cutler Sign up for the weekly newsletter. Support The Flow Campaign		Flow Suggests: 4/24-4/30 2011 Backyard Habitat class--Water Features for Wildlife Environmental, Psychological Well Being www.sustainableballard.org Tuesday, April 26, 2011 7-9pm Tim Flannery: Here On Earth Cultural, Environmental www.townhallseattle.org Wednesday, April 27, 2011 \| 7:30 – 9pm The Agony and The Ecstasy of Steve Jobs Cultural, Material Well Being http://www.seattlerep.org/ Thursday, April 28, 2011 7:30pm

A break from the norm

2011-04-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

Today must have been the first time in quite a while that I was out of the house for the beginning of the day until after business hours. I pretty much work from home most of the time in my capacity as a Communications Director, but the mighty Meetings had me tied to downtown and Ballard all day.

I was a committee connoisseur today bouncing from one administrative engagement to another. Decisions, discussions, defensiveness, diatribes and difficulties all wrapped up in a pretty, crinkly paper package tied with a bow of good intentions.

I had a break when I went for lunch and broke down and bought a sandwich (which always reminds me of one of my favorite jokes. Why are deserts so popular? Because of the sand which is there.) and after making sure to go light on the sauce, but keeping all the guacamole, I scarfed it down while waiting for the bus OUTSIDE IN THE SUN...FOR REALS.

Meetings tend to be fun affairs for me because i like watching other people stop paying attention. I can predict with a fair sense of accuracy what time the meeting will move from effective to antagonizing with pen's point accuracy. Yes, I meant pen's point because before any meeting starts I write down how long I think it will take for the majority of people to mentally check out. I then watch how the meeting is going to see if I was correct.

Some of you may be saying I should be paying attention to the meeting itself and to that I say "tsst." I keep extensive notes and refer to them from time to time to really commit them to something or other. I'm one of the best meeting goers ever as I really do help people express themselves even if that expression is detrimental to the stated goals of the meeting.

Pretty much that last paragraph was just for my own amusement. I actually do really well in meetings, especially picking up the unsaid portions. Body language of course is the number one way we really communicate and I am a student of the shrug, eyebrow perch and the crossed arms head bob. I love meetings especially if there is food involved.

Pro-Tip for meetings. Always have food even if it is the simplest carbohydrates one can find. Human interactions that have meaning ALWAYS have food involved. Nothing sends a message that a meeting is a waste of time if their are no vittles available. If people aren't chawing on something their hearts are in another place. Feed them and they will not only come back to the next meeting, but they will have a pleasant association with everyone involved with that meeting, of course all bets are off if you serve Spam.

Flow 4/17/2011 Issue 6

2011-04-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

Flow is based on Sustainable Seattle's Happiness Initiative and is inspired by Vinyasa, which means one leading to another. Flow gives small, but important steps that can improve one's contentment amongst all nine domains of happiness. Flow is a weekly jolt of inspiration, pragmatism and a collection of local events that will raise our happiness. Health 4/17/2011-4/23/2011 Issue 6 This week we are focusing on Health and more specifically physical health habits. We are going to learn some basic steps someone can take to give their body a better chance at getting the nutrients and exercise it needs to ease our minds and raise our happiness. The most important step when taking on a change in habit is to start small. Habit change takes time and it takes small victories to achieve lasting change. So, the first step I recommend is a small one, but vastly important, eat breakfast. A balanced breakfast will have some sort of whole grain, fruit, and calcium source. Examples of simple, yet effective breakfasts are: 1. Whole wheat bagel with jam, glass of milk and a banana. 2. Whole grain cereal with milk, yogurt and a few apple slices. 3. Fruit smoothie and whole grain toast. 4. Morning Sandwich with whole grain bread, tomato, lettuce or spinach, lean protein and a glass of milk. Breakfast can be premade at night in case any of you are thinking: who has time for breakfast? I plan out my breakfasts before I go to bed and have the ingredients ready to go for the morning. Once again it is not about huge changes, but smaller important changes. Studies have shown that a healthy breakfast has many benefits such as: better concentration and mood, more strength and endurance, and weight control. People who eat breakfasts have fewer cravings before lunchtime, healthier metabolism and energy to get their day started without a eleven o’clock crash that coffee and high caloric foods for breakfast can induce. An additional tip for this week is to get rid of your snooze button alarm clock or disable your snooze function on your phone or computer. Getting up just ten minutes earlier will give you the time to eat breakfast and gather your thoughts before the start of the day. If you have planned out your breakfast the night before, you can use the extra time to have a pleasant beginning to your day instead of a harried, hurried rush. Recommendations This week’s website recommendation is: Nutrition.gov This week’s book recommendation is: Good Food, Great Medicine by Miles Hassell M.D, Mea Hassell Sign up for the weekly newsletter. Support The Flow Campaign		Flow Suggests: Peter Kahn: Technology as a Poor Surrogate for Nature Community, Cultural, Environmental www.townhallseattle.org Wednesday, April 20, 2011 \| 7:30 – 9pm Beyond Empire: Peace and Sustainability Community, Governance, Psychological Health www.compassionateactionnetwork.com Thursday, April 21, 2011 7PM - 9PM Earth Day Dance Community, Culture, Health, Environmental www.sustainableseattle.org Friday, April 22, 2011 7:30 PM

Choosin' not excusin'

2011-04-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

I've been writing so much lately, but for other people that I haven't chosen to write for my own damn self in a while. I hate going more than a few days between blog posts so dear reader, I apologize.

I've been in a few heady conversations lately in the past few days and I must say the intellectual stimulation is like licking a battery. I feel refreshed, charged up and ready to keep on keeping on. Oh, by the way if you hadn't read my latest post for Sustainable Seattle, ya really should. It's one of my better ones and you can check that out right hee-ah.

Ya see, this week has been all about the benjamins both locally, and nationally. The president gave a speech that outlined his budget plan that is a middle of the road approach to fiscal responsibility and I've been trying to craft my own middle of the road approach to rent and bills. I figure if I give them the middle of the bill, they should be happy with that. I mean after all I could easily skip out on payment at all right? So what's wrong with a little few dollars hee-ah few dollas dare?

Okay I will speak English for the rest of this post. I'm just in a goofball mood I guess. The president had a few good lines in his speech about how we cannot afford to give the wealthiest 1% more tax cuts when it would take 33 seniors to pay for every one rich person's tax cut. When it comes to our tax code we really have slid from the progressive tax code that has been the basis for our continued economic success for the past 100 years. It is like we've forgotten that we are not self reliant no matter how much we adhere to the lone cowboy Marlboro Man grilling his freshly caught rabbit over an open flame in the middle of rattlesnake country out on the ol range.

We are dependent on each other and the best security we have is the security of mutually assured construction. We need the engineers, architects, teachers, policemen, farmers, and shop owners because none of us has the entire skill set in order to survive. Let's stop pretending that what happens to our neighbor doesn't affect us. Let's choose compassion and community.

The Flow Campaign 4/10/2011 Issue 5

2011-04-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

4/10/2011-4/16/2011 Issue 5

Community Vitality This week we are focusing on Community Vitality which is the idea that true happiness comes from the connections and relationships we build with the people around us in our homes, our neighborhoods and our work places. Most working adults spend the vast majority of their waking time at the workplace. People who work forty hours a week spend more time with their coworkers than they do with their family and much more time than with their friends. Therefore, it is essential for us to make our work environment community a more pleasant, meaningful place. So what are some actions we can take to make our work places more pleasant and more enjoyable? Here are a few ideas that can transform the experience we have at our workplaces. Firstly, eating is fundamental to the human experience and many people working at full time jobs do not either eat properly or eat with others. Eating with your coworkers is one of the first steps to take to establish and grow a more pleasant work environment. When eating with coworkers I would first start by eating on the work campus when appropriate as this will tie the experience with the workplace. Secondly, get rid of your headphones or other personal devices that separate you from your surroundings. Audio clues are so important to relationships, but body language is even more so. The act of putting on isolating devices sends a strong signal to others that you do not care to interact and that you don’t value the ambient discussions and hubbub of office life. Thirdly, come In to work early. When you are relaxed and rested the day at work is a more pleasant experience as you do not need to be running around and catching up with duties or actions that need to be done. When you have plenty of time every other action becomes easier and with less effort. Also, when you come in early you can spend that time chatting with coworkers, getting the best coffee and of course impressing the boss. Lastly, listen more. Coworkers are starving for attention and if you are a person whom they can talk to about small, and the most important, things they will pay you back in favors, friendship and respect. Recommendations This week’s website recommendation is: Sustainable Industries This week’s book recommendation is: Not On Our Watch by Don Cheadle, John Prendergast Sign up for the weekly newsletter.		Brian Kahn: Getting Back to Our Founding Values Community, Governance, Cultural www.townhallseattle.org Monday, April 11, 2011 \| 7:30 – 9pm Seattle for Japan Benefit Community, Material www.seattlegreendrinks.org April 12, 2011 5:30PM - 9PM Jane Fonda, Inspirational Luncheon Community, Culture, Health www.ywcaworks.org April 14, 2011 Noon-1:30PM

Just a quickee

2011-04-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

Just a stream of thoughts today I'm afraid. I've been so busy lately and when you are working as basically your own boss, sorta, the time really does start to become the most valuable commodity you have. It reminds me of why my work with the Flow Campaign is so important. I have really taken the lessons I've been learning from this work to heart. Time is the premium.

Yesterday I did some initial shooting of a site visit for the Sustainable Rain project for Sustainable Seattle. The location was on the corner of MLK and Union in a formerly vacant lot that was overrun by blackberries, brambles and broken furniture. Across the street is a Grocery Outlet, a cafe espresso stand, and a series of houses with no fences, dogs and comic book readers who flip through superhero hijinks while taking drags off of early morning cigarettes.

The neighbors are all behind the new project that is being lead by a fiscal sponsoree of Sustainable Seattle, Green Plate Special. The project is all about teaching youth about healthy eating, cooking and urban agriculture. It takes youth who have not had the training and examples of a well rounded diet or even the baseline knowledge of where food comes from or what it takes to bring that food from farm to table.

The Flow Campaign 4/3/2011 Issue 4

2011-04-01T12:56:00.000-07:00

4/3/2011-4/9/2011 Issue 4

Environmental Quality The truth of the matter is that we cannot wait any longer for our leaders to make the tough decisions in regards to environmental quality. Elected officials can only follow what their constituents are already taking steps to address. Our individual actions can have a huge positive impact on our surroundings. This week we will focus on some small steps that we can take as individuals to improve our own environmental quality in the form of energy use reduction. First the things we can do around the house that are simple, but practical to both reduce our energy use and reduce our energy bills. 1. Turn off lights and electronic equipment when not in use. 2. When a light bulb burns out replace it with a Compact Fluorescent Bulb. 3. Turn your heat down to 55 degrees or less at night or when you are not home. 4. If you have access to your water heater, turn it down to 120 degrees. 5. Shut down computers when not in use. 6. Always wash full loads of dishes and clothing. Next let’s talk about the main problem which is over-consumption. We cannot completely rule out buying material goods as we do have legitimate needs and desires when not overindulged are a good thing. Let’s focus on a few ways we can reduce our consumption or make some fundamental changes that are practical. 1. Wait 24 hours before buying something you see in a store that was unplanned. 2. Do not buy “Green” products when the materials you have are still perfectly functional. Only buy new products to replace defective or broken items. 3. We cannot buy our way out of climate problems; we need to reduce our material accumulation. 4. When purchasing materials try to purchase in bulk or purchase items with less packaging. 5. Buy local products when you can to reduce amount of travel for the item. 6. Make a shopping list and stick to it. If you see an item that you really want add the item to your shopping list for your next trip. Recommendations This week’s website recommendation is: Seattle Public Library Events This week’s book recommendation is: The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget by Josh Dorfman Sign up for the weekly newsletter.		Steve Koonin: America’s Energy Challenge Environmental, Governance www.townhallseattle.org Monday, April 4, 2011 \| 7:30 – 9pm Disaster Preparedness Training Community, Material www.sustainablewestseattle.org April 7, 2011 6PM - 7 PM Plate of Nations Community, Culture www.plateofnations.com Through April 9,2011

Sustainable Seattle Receives $60,000 Grant From Russell Family Foundation

2011-03-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

March 30, 2011

SUSTAINABLE SEATTLE RECEIVES $60,000 FROM RUSSELL FAMILY FOUNDATION FOR RAIN GARDENS CONSTRUCTION IN FIVE SEATTLE NEIGHBORHOODS

Sustainable Seattle

Phone: +1.206.622.3522 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +1.206.622.3522 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Email: laura@sustainableseattle.org, amy@sustainableseattle.org, nathan@sustainableseattle.org

SEATTLE—Sustainable Seattle, in collaboration with Creatives 4 Community, Home Grown Organics and Stewardship Partners has received a $60,000 grant from the Russell Family Foundation for a project called “Sustainable Rain.” The project includes the construction of rain gardens, storm water training and green infrastructure demonstrations in five Seattle neighborhoods. The project is looking for participation from local businesses, residences and other publicly visible sites in West Seattle, Central District, Beacon Hill, Duwamish and White Center.

The Russell Family Foundation has a long history of funding innovative, local projects and programs and was a natural choice for Sustainable Seattle according to Amy Waterman Project Manager with Sustainable Seattle.

“Russell Family Foundation has been a great supporter of projects in our region that lead to sustainable communities. And they have provided support to Sustainable Seattle in the past. They have also specifically supported rain garden projects in our region, including some with our partner, Stewardship Partners.”

Sustainable Rain's goal is to create demonstration rain gardens and create educational opportunities around sustainable business in each neighborhood that will benefit the business owner, youth in the area, the broader community, and the Puget Sound. One business or organization in each neighborhood will be selected for free installation of a rain garden as well as a free Whole Environment Building (WEB) assessment, a tool for local businesses to assess their sustainability efforts and operate more cost effectively, while managing their “nine domains of happiness.”

“Rain gardens are one of the easiest ways we can make the built landscape function more like the natural systems that preceded it, reducing the risk of floods and the amount of pollution washed into Puget Sound and our lakes,” says Eldan Goldenberg Director of Operations at Sustainable Seattle.

Sustainable Rain will also be having community meetings in each of the five neighborhoods providing training on storm water management, rain gardens, and other sustainable business practices. There will also be funds available on a competitive basis for members of the community to design and install their own rain gardens towards the end of the one-year project.

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Sustainable Seattle

Founded in 1991, Sustainable Seattle is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainability in the Central Puget Sound, nationally and internationally. Sustainable Seattle’s mission is to be a positive catalyst and resource for positive change. We accomplish this mission by working with diverse individuals, communities, businesses and government agencies to build awareness, assess progress, and take action on collective sustainability goals.

The culinary clout

2011-03-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update tonight. I've been cooking a ton lately and I just wanted to share some of the yummy ones that I've thrown together in the past few days.

I will just list a few photos here so you can see the process. I am a Vegetarian so all the food you see is Vegetarian as well. Any resemblance to meat products is soy or tofu. Without execption these dishes took about 20-30 minutes to prepare.

I'll give a few cooking tips here that I've learned from watching my mother as a child, experimenting in college (no not that type of experimening) and absorbing every cooking trick I can from various adults, parents, girlfriend's parents, friends etc.

First and most importantly is to get a good quality knife set. The best sets that I've used that have lasted through thick and thin are Wusthof Knives. A good set of all purpose knives will run you about $150 and they are worth every penny.

Secondly, always use fresh ingredients. Cooking when you know how to shop is actually always less expensive than eating out. If you buy fresh vegetables and fruits your cooking experience will be much better. Avoid canned like the plague. Always go for fresh or if you cannot do fresh then frozen. Canned is for stewing or surviving a Nuclear Holocaust only.

Thirdly, always cook with music playing in the background. The reason for this is three fold. One, it is fun. Two, TV is distracting and leads to more burns and mishaps when preparing food and three the music dampens the chit chat that could throw you off of your culinary game. I'm just kidding about that last one. Cooking should be a social venture. It is always more fun with an audience or unwilling kitchen helpers.

The final tip I'll give for this way too long "quick update" is to experiment with different flavors frequently. Always add in new spices, ingredients or touches to meals you have already explored. If you can isolate and experience different flavors into already mastered dishes you will gain valuable information about the different elements those flavors bring about. The best way to create new dishes is to experiment with your tried and true ones first.