Week 10--Saturday Night

Upon reflection of my behavior this past week, I am humbled to say I would not want the "next generation" to behave in a similar manner for the most part.  What does that mean?  It means this past week consisted of more lows than highs--but not all was lost.  I certainly would not encourage younger generations to sleep as little, worry as much, or ride the roller coaster of emotion I experienced this past week.  Living weeks like his past one are wrinkle-makers. One thing I do want the "next generation" to understand...learn to forgive yourself...

Week 10--Sunday Morning--"The Next Generation"

Before beginning this week's make a difference task, let me take a moment to say that much did not occur last week with my task to "buy recycled."  I did shop last week, but what I had to purchase could not have been accomplished with buying recycled goods.  For example, undergarments--an absolute "No" buying recycled.  Makeup to reduce redness on the cheeks--again, no can do with recycled foundation.  Oh, and fruit--heck no...not a recycled item.  I did, however, turn down the lady at V.S. when she offered me a shiny paper bag to carry my unmentionables.  I told her I would use the free bag I had just earned.  It was only one shiny, stripey paper bag; but it's one less stored in my closet collecting dust.

This week's card displays two smiling adolescents.  The card reads, "The Next Generation."  "Whether you know it or not, you are teaching every day.  What would a young onlooker learn from your example?  Does your behavior reflect the values you would want to instill in kids today?  Through your actions, by volunteering, talking to kids, or reaching out in some other way, communicate the values and beliefs you would want the next generation to possess."

Oh Dear...let's look at this...essentially it comes down to behaving maturely and lovingly.  Honestly, I'm afraid my behavior the last few weeks has not always been what I would want "the next generation" to express.  Looks like I will need to be on my best behavior this week--and really mean it too.

Week 9--Thursday Early Morning

I haven't purchased anything except food this past week...and buying recycled food is not an option.  I must confess, I don't buy recycled all that often in my daily life if I really think about it.  I do make efforts to be responsible about using items most efficiently and buying only when absolutely necessary.  With the exception of clothing; however, does purchasing items off eBay count as recycling?  If so, then I have made my contributions to Mother Earth. 

Since I don't have much to write about this week since I don't buy recycled, how about those Oscar fashions?  I love fashionable dresses; here are a few of my favorites from last Sunday:

Amy Adams-sequins and blue are a fair girl's best friends!


Only Halle can pull off a "barely buff" dress like this:


Beautiful red


I cant' help but think of him as "Mr. Darcy."

Week 9--Sunday Night--"Buy Recycled"

Mother Earth, treehugger, "going green"...all words to explain what I am not consistently--conscientious about the planet.  However, I have been attempting to recycle when I see an opportunity.  In fact, I took a load of aluminum cans and a box of fashion magazines to the recycling center today--before this week's card was drawn. Go me.

Buy recycled; "So sometimes it's a little browner and sometimes it's a little grayer or sometimes it's a little rougher and often times it costs a little bit more, but buy recycled whenever possible anyway."

This week it looks as though I am to "make a difference" for Earth. I recycle; I use plastic bags from weekly shopping trips to super-mega marts as trash bags around the house.  I also put into use the re-usable grocery bags--now what I need to be better at doing is using those recyclable green fabric bags so I don't end up with a mountain of generic plastic bags.  Duh me.

One thing I don't do is buy loads of bottled water; I re-use plastic bottles--which, as I found out, is not a bad thing if you clean the bottles after every use.  Found this recycling symbol.  I like it; it's a cross between modern and art deco with a bit of African textile look to it.  Go Earth!

Week 8--Friday Night

What a week!  Contending with a migraine flareup starting Monday, a night class, two sleepless nights, one twelve hour sleep fest and a co-worker party last night made for a week that threw my entire sleep/wake cycle off!  I did, however, re-watch in the wee hours of the morning two very good movies:  The Young Victoria and Jane Austen's Persuasion (2008 BBC Version).

As to how I fared the last three days not walking away angry...I do remember walking away from my desk frustrated with customer service...but I simmered down with a nice walk around the office later that day.  I've spent the remainder of the last two days hence sleeping or working on projects.

Week 8--Tuesday Evening

I apologized quite a bit today; not, however, the apologizing for no reason but honest requests for taking up people's valuable time to hear me complain or vent.  I simply felt a pressing urge to do so. 

Do you ever get tired of hearing yourself speak?  Sometimes I need a break from me; no anger today--except a brief flood of frustration for the current medical billing situation in our country, of which I am one of millions paying too much for necessary medical care.  Nite.

Week 8--Tuesday Early AM

I'm happy to report that I did not walk away angry on Monday, and from a certain perspective, several events occurred that normally would have pushed me off balance.  From a bird's eye view these events included two sessions of constructive criticism--always exhausting.  A frustrating phone call, and finally, news that I would have one more hoop to jump through to meet a short-term goal.

It's not to say that I'm not discouraged a bit by today's events--the wind in my sails has died down a bit--but I was not as passionately reactive as I may have been a few weeks earlier.  In truth there are very few reasons to be angry--it's such an exhausting emotion--it sucks the energy out of every cell.  Speaking of energy, I'm wiped out!