Verdict

I try not to get addicted to television. It's a lousy waste of time.

Unfortunately, there are some shows that I just can't seem to shake . . .

. . . and Verdict with Dan Abrams is one of these such shows! I'm not that great at staying abreast of current events, especially dealing with politics. Dan Abrams, who you might know best from his coverage of the OJ Simpson trials, discusses current issues with much sarcasm and wit. His show is on MSNBC, Monday-Friday 9pm ET.

My least favorite part of shows where multiple professionals are invited to talk about a subject is when one or two decide to talk and never shut up. Well, Dan handles this much to my liking. A week ago, an idiot "professional" was asked his opinion about the newest findings in the FLDS "polygamist" story. He seriously would NOT shut up - even after Dan asked him repeatedly to do so. So, Dan said, "Turn his sound off. Just shut him up. If he won't shut up, I'll shut him up." HA!!! Go, Dan!

If you're looking for a fun way to stay up on current events and political topics, check out Verdict with Dan Abrams. If you don't laugh at least once, I'll give you a full refund. :-)

Awesome Waffles

Check out this amazing chef and his "Awesome Waffles!" He's probably the best chef I know . . . even though I'm a little biased . . .

Those Fat Cows . . .

While sitting in the parking lot of a Wisconsin grocery store, my friend observed that almost every woman walking into the store was at least 30 lbs. overweight. A sad realization, for sure . . . but it's what came out of her mouth next that was more intriguing.

"The reason for obesity in Wisconsin is . . ."

FISH FRY FRIDAY!

And, oh man, do I agree with that statement. Once you've experienced a tasty, greasy, fried lake perch with a side of fries, bread & butter, and some creamy coleslaw, your every Friday will be forever changed. *sigh*

It's not that easy being green . . .

Before April comes to a close, I want to put my two cents in about "going green."

Kermit may be right that it's not easy, but that will not stop me - and nor should it stop you! Since when do the best things come to us easily?

After reading several sites' suggestions about being eco-friendly, I compiled a list of tips that are useful to house-owners and renters alike!

At the store:
*bring reusable bags to the grocery store & Target (use these bags to hold your produce while you're shopping instead of those little plastic bags)
*buy bulk pack of towels to use instead of paper towels/napkins
*support farmers' markets (fresh & all money goes to the farmers, cuts down on shipments)
*eco-friendly cleaning supplies (or just mix vinegar or baking soda with warm water for a legitimate cleaner)
*buy less meat (even one day/week) & eat more organic foods

At home:
*recycle (wish it were as easy here as Baltimore!)
*turn off lights when not in use
*use a power strip for electronics & turn it off when not in use
*plant a tree (one site suggested doing this with a child . . . whatever . . .)
*buy plants for your home
*replace light bulbs with energy-saving bulbs as old ones burn out
*in the colder months, wear more clothes instead of turning up the heat
*have a "shoes off at the door" policy to save on vacuuming, work, energy, and cleaning chemicals

With water:
*if washing dishes, plug sink & use dirty dishwater to water plants
*create a rain barrel outside to use for watering plants
*wash clothes in cold water & hang clothes instead of drying, when possible
*less bottled water - use PUR/Brita filters or tap water
*lower temperature of water heater to 120-degrees & insulate

On the go/Work:
*walk/ride a bike/carpool to work
*reusable containers/bag for lunches - bring your lunch
*use recycled paper
*use sleep modes or turn off when not using computer to reduce CO2
*dispose of old paint, oil, batteries, chemicals, and medicines properly

My fav:
*use iTunes!!! (less driving to the store/gasoline/emissions, and less non-recyclable jewel cases)

Take 'em or leave 'em, but I'm with Kermit here . . . "I am green and it'll do fine, it's beautiful/And I think it's what I want to be!"

It's a comedy-really!

In my family, we affectionately refer to the movie shown above as a "comedy," and often times we go so far as to call it a "romantic comedy." I guess that's just how we like it - throwing boulders, incredibly bloody fight scenes, decapitations . . . and orations that give you goosebumps!

Braveheart is a movie that has a speech or line for anytime in one's life. Today, I ended another chapter of my life. For starting out dark, it has quite a happy ending. Mostly, though, I am overwhelmed with one feeling.

I feel . . . well, let's let William Wallace tell you. Aye!

Organized Creative Dreamer

Inspiration is a funny thing.

One can be inspired by a story, a movie, a song . . . Maybe someone is inspired by a friend (like the one who suggested I start this blog), a relative, a child. Perhaps inspiration comes from a moment, a sunset, or the way the sunlight hits the water. We are inspired by occurrences of all sizes and shapes.

Regardless of how it comes, I'm eager to be inspired! Not only do I crave inspiration, but I am willing to follow it as far down the road as it takes me.

In case you haven't read The Alchemist . . . DO! I was appalled at a recent Scripture Study I attended that no one in the room had read this book! It's applicable at anytime in one's life. I feel that it is extremely applicable to my life right now. I desire to be inspired to find my dreams, but watch out when I do, because I'll be flying 100 mph to achieve them!