One Sweet World

I accidentally came across this new design tonight…and I’m really digging it.  I wasn’t planning on changing until April, but I figure it’s close enough.  It’s fresh and clean for Spring!   

I’ve been meaning to post about the BIG construction site outside of my window for sometime now.  But today just seems fitting since it’s all I can literally think about or hear for that matter (besides the tunes I have blasting in my ears right now trying to drown out all of the racket).

Since sometime during last fall, the warehouses across the street from our apartment (directly outside of our window) have been under demolition.  Piece by piece half of the block has been torn down.  We have awaken to the sounds of jack hammers, dump trucks, bulldozers and - worst of all - screaming construction workers and “reggaeton” blasting from their trucks.  I was beginning to lose my mind. 

Winter came and the noise came to a halt.  We had peace and sanity for a small period of time.  Then, a few weeks ago, Victor and I were talking to the owner of a new cafe (one of several) that has just opened in the ‘hood…and it seems that this demolition was making way for a 130 unit luxury condominium building.  [Translation: Definitely won't be able to afford to live here much longer!]  But it gets better.  The building is being constructed by none other than Magic Johnson.  Pretty cool, I thought.  He’s invested $12.4 million of the $50 million into this project.  And since the announcement of his involvement, literally overnight, you could see the development take off at warp-speed. 

First, there was a real fence installed with very tall poles that now house 10 security/surveillance cameras.  The foundation was cleared and digging ensued.  Now they have begun the fun part…pounding HUGE wooden beams into the earth with this large crane like machine.  Over and over.  Starting at 7 am.  Each beam requires about 2 minutes of pounding, which feels like an eternity when you are trying to sleep in on your day off.  So much for that idea.  Work actually seems more appealing at this moment in time.  So, I do the next best thing…take out the camera and begin to document the process from my window.  And as luck would have it, it’s a beautiful Spring day; therefore, making opening the window (aside from the abnoxious noise) much more enjoyable.  Because how could I ever begin to explain the sort of torturous hullabaloo that we are living through.  Thought I would share with you just a snippet of what we endured for 8 hours today!  Not exaggerating.  From 7 am to 3 pm.

This is something cool I just came across tonight while doing my nightly reading/research.  GoodSearch is a search engine that donates 50% of it’s revenues to charities and organizations.  All you have to do is choose which charity (which you can change as often as you like) you want to raise money for and then continue searching the internet using GoodSearch - which is backed by Yahoo! - so you are going to get the same awesome search results.  Why not begin making a difference (every little bit counts) doing something that you do anyway.  [In short, this is Google or Yahoo! with a good cause.]  I urge you to check out the site, make this your search engine, download the search toolbar and then let all of your friends and family know about it.  We might as well direct the billions of $$$ spent on advertising towards something worthy!

First of all, I apologize for the time lapse between posts.  My life has somehow managed to go from 0 to 60 in about a nanosecond.  Seriously, yesterday was the first day I have had off in over 2 weeks (not to sound like I’m complaining), it’s just that the days just seem to be getting away from me.  Learning to juggle everything that I have on my plate at the moment has been quite challenging…exciting, but challenging. 

My new position as a private trainer is extremely involved.  If I’m not actually at the Sports Club, then I’m at home designing programs and preparing for my clients, which I’m still trying to build a base of.  Which leads to making calls trying to sell my services, and in turn designing more programs and more homework.  

Then, there is my other life as a baker, which is taking on a new life of it’s own.  I’m pleased to announce that Amai will soon have a new home (I hope that wasn’t premature for me to say).  Kelli has found a lovely space in Gramercy to open up shop.  So, Victor and I will be helping her and Andrew with the design and layout of the new space…anxiously awaiting the move from Queens to our very own kitchen.  I’m so excited for her!  Stay tuned…there will be many more updates on the progress.

And because I was unaware that my life would become so exciting and busy, I decided to take on this ambitious running endeavor and blog.  Both of which I’m not giving enough attention to at the moment.  However, I have managed to get in a couple of more runs than blog posts (as you can see in the above photo).  Running only makes my brain work overtime, which is ridiculous seeing that it is already constantly spinning with ideas and such that I want to write about, especially with the “green living” theme.  Yet, everytime I sit down to write…I pretty much lose focus and fall asleep. 

Yesterday I spent most of the day vegging in my pjs, catching up on blogs that I love, discussing the design of Amai with Victor, continuing my education on sustainable living (seriously, this has almost become an obsession since deciding to blog about it) and starting to write this post (with no avail).  Once again as I sat down to write, my eyes grew heavy and tired, thoughts of work began to take over and soon I found myself passed out in bed.  Only to begin the madness back over today.  And here we are again…11:15 on Sunday night…still trying to get a post up.  (You would almost start to believe that I really didn’t have anything to say, but it’s actually the exact opposite…too much and too little time.) 

I planned to write more about “green” issues; however, I’m going to start a new post for that…I have so much stuff that I want to share that it makes my head spin…but it’s exciting stuff!  I pretty much just wanted to give you a brief run down on where I’ve been this past week and to let you know that I haven’t abandoned One Sweet World.  I promise that there will not be such a delay in between the next post. 

 Have a good one….

Since deciding on dedicating March to “living green,” I have continued to see the topic pop up everywhere.  Not that this is a new issue by any means and certainly not one that I have just brought to the table; however, it only reaffirms the (my) belief that you attract everything into your life.  [I even think that is the theory behind the hottest and bestselling dvd and book, The Secret, but I won't get into that right now...put that in the vault for later.]  Such as this month’s issue of Outside magazine - The Green Issue -, which just arrived in the mail yesterday.  And if there is one consistent phrase being used over and over again…it’s “green is the new black.”  So, I guess that means that being green is now seen as fashionable and chic.  No longer are we looking at environmentalists as tree huggers and Birkenstock wearers. 

Everyone who is anyone has taken a stance against global warming and the Bush agenda, drives a hybrid, lives carbon-neutral and buys organic.  But what does all of this mean…and just how do we do our part?  Well, that’s exactly what I’m trying to do this month…learn as much as possible and pass it along to you.  I have somehow found myself with this overwhelming awareness to be particularly pro-active about this and many other issues (which you will hear more about in the months to come).  And I feel that it’s my duty to try and share with you as much as possible. 

My previous posts have been more like laundry lists of ways to changing/adapting some of your daily habits to be more aware of your impact on this earth.  And as much as I think they are noteworthy, I am constantly thinking of a better way to reach more people and to make the subject a bit more interesting and appealing.  With that said…I want to let you in on a few resources/websites that I have come across over the past few weeks while continuing to educate myself on the subject:

• Grist.org - Environmental News and Humor
• Worldchanging.com - Tools, Models and Ideas for Building a Bright Green Future
• Outside Magazine - Go buy the April issue, and they will donate $1 of each sale to the Conservation Alliance

Those are just a few to start with…as I make my way through I will continue to pass on what I think is “good stuff.”  I feel that knowing the “why” behind anything is vital.  And once you begin to educate yourself, you will in turn be able to share with others.  For now, start making small changes.  Just becoming aware of your impact is a HUGE step!  After that, it will be nearly impossible to see things the same way.  Spread the word.  Get your friends and family involved.  Every little bit counts.

I know it’s been a few weeks since I last posted about my running endeavor…3 to be exact.  So, we’ll play a little catch up today.  While trying to fight the cold, a cold and then more snow, I wasn’t getting in as many days and miles as I would have liked; therefore, I didn’t have too much to report on.  However, I’ve managed to hit some streets in the past few weeks and supplement the rest of the time on the treadmill (wish that counted!).

Overall, I have to say, Midtown Manhattan (where I have spent most of my running time these weeks) ain’t much to look at.  Aside from the areas of extreme wealth (venturing more towards Uptown), where I was in the company of all “the” fashion houses, “talked about” restaurants and the most highly regarded real estate…there just wasn’t much to take note of.  Lots of big buildings, Starbucks, “suits” looking at me crazy, and traffic.  Traffic.  Traffic lights.  And more traffic.  Which caused waiting…stopping…and shear numbness (especially when not dressed properly).  I feel as if I have spent more time waiting to cross the road than anything.  [Side effect: twice the amount of time in the cold!]  I will say that the far west side almost had me believing that somehow I had, without noticing it, run across the river right into Jersey.  Yep, just a reminder of what the majority of Manhattan was probably like a few decades ago, before all of the gentrification (a term I became quite familiar with since moving here…used more to describe Brooklyn these days) started to take place.

Yet, it still feels really good to hit the pavement and explore…no matter what you find (or don’t find).  I can feel myself, slowly but surely, becoming more a part of this city, no longer just an observer living in Brooklyn.  The constant ebb and flow of the city reminds me of myself and my life…constantly changing.  With the first signs of spring arriving this week - longer days and warmer temperatures - I have renenwed motivation and inspiration.  After re-examining the map today, I think it’s just what I needed to continue on with this journey.  So, check back often…there will definitely be more and more discoveries revealed as we fill up this map with more color.  Speaking of color, the darker streets below represent the streets run in March (that’s suppose to be green).

  

In keeping with our “green” theme for the month, I figure it was only appropriate to include this special offer from Amai Tea & Bake House.  Of course I’m a bit partial to this special bakery, being the CBO and all!  But seriously, this lovely box of Green Tea Sweets cookies and organic, fair trade, Emerald Lily Green Tea makes a perfect gift for someone special or a wonderful treat for yourself.  I promise you won’t be disappointed!  And while you’re savoring every bite and enjoying each sip…you can also relish in the fact that your purchase is also doing some good.  Amai will donate 5 percent of the sales from the Green Tea Gift Box to the GREEN RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION, whose mission is to create an ecologically sustainable restaurant industry (which represents 10 percent of the U.S. economy).  And if that weren’t enough, just think…these cookies have been in the company of some of Hollywood’s finest, as they were a centerpiece for after parties at the Golden Globes and Oscars!  They’ve even had their 10 seconds of fame as ”snack of the day” on the Rachel Ray Show.  So, if you’ve been waiting for the perfect reason to try some of these yummy cookies…now is the time!

Living Green Tips of the Day - WATER CONSERVATION:

1. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
2. Do not let water continue to run while washing dishes by hand.
3. Limit your time in the shower.
4. Fill a pitcher of water and keep refrigerated instead of running water for cold drinks.
5. Only run the washing machine and dishwasher when completely full.
6. Do not flush the toilet unless absolutely necessary.
7. Don’t thaw foods under running water, fill a bowl and soak.
8. Reuse water whenever possible.
9. Listen/check for leaky faucets (inside and out) and fix.
10. Insulate hot water pipes so that you don’t have to run as much water to get hot water to the faucet.

FEW HAVE GREATNESS TO BEND HISTORY ITSELF;
BUT EACH OF US CAN WORK TO CHANGE A SMALL
PORTION OF EVENTS, AND IN THE TOTAL OF ALL
THOSE ACTS WILL BE WRITTEN THE HISTORY OF
THIS GENERATION    - robert f. kennedy

I came across this quote today and felt that it was not only poignant, but also fitting for our month dedicated to helping change the state of our environment.  How will we leave the earth for future generations?  Will the history of our planet be written by our actions?  We still have time to rewrite history, but only if we change now!  Each of us has the amazing power to have a positive impact on the world (not only environmentally speaking).  

Side note: As I was writting this post, the CBS Nightly News was on, and what did they happen to be talking about?…yep, global warming.  I know it’s not too surprising since it seems to be a “trendy” topic these days.  However, today’s topic on energy conservation also included my tip from yesterday - Bright Idea.  Did you know that California actually uses less energy per person than any other state?  How could that be?  The state rewards it’s residents with rebates and incentives when choosing energy efficient products as part of their campaign to fight global warming.  The piece was mainly about a community of homes being built with standard solar powered rooftops, and the benefit to both the environment and home buyer.

With that said, I will continue on with more energy conservation tips:

• Unplug any unused appliances, electronics and chargers.  Even when devices are turned off, they still consume energy.  
• Turn computers off or set to “low-power” mode overnight or when not in use.
• Turn off lights!
• Turning your thermostat down 2 degrees in winter and up 2 degrees in summer can result in huge savings.
• If possible, replace old inefficient appliances with new energy efficient ones.

By changing just 1 of your everyday lightbulbs to a compact fluorescent Energy Saver qualified lightbulb is as good for the environment as not driving your car for 2 weeks!  Not only will you be helping save the environment, but you will also be saving money on your energy bill.  Energy Star lightbulbs use at least 2/3 the amount of energy, generate 70 percent less heat, and last up to 10 times longer.  So go ahead and change those lightbulbs…isn’t that a bright idea!

I’m a few days late on getting this post up.  I was hoping to have it completed by the first but have been a bit unfocused and completely tired every time I sit down to write.  So, I figured I would get up early this morning before I have to go to work and just get it done. 

In honor of the color that immediately comes to mind when thinking about March - GREEN- I decided that it was the perfect time to begin my campaign for “greener” living.  Throughout the month (and probably longer), I’ll be writing about ways that we can all contribute to making our lives and our planet healthier and more sustainable.  As you have noticed, I’ve also changed the “look” of the site to reflect this beautiful color (just for the month, though).

We’ll start slow and easy today with one of the best ways that you can have a positive impact on our environment and world…RECYCLING.  We live in an age of constant consumption.  It’s basically how we measure our successes…by who has accumulated the most stuff.  Stuff…stuff…stuff.  We’re all guilty of it, but there are ways to try and offset our need for consuming. 

REDUCE.  REUSE.  RECYCLE.  It applies to just about everything.  From basic everyday items (i.e. water bottles, coke cans, office paper, newspaper, magazines) to clothes, furniture and electronics.

REDUCE WASTE. 
1) Buy consumable products such as food in bulk packaging, try to eliminate purchasing single-serving items.
2) Reduce the amount of plastic bags used by bringing your own reusable canvas bag for shopping.
3) Consume less bottled water by drinking water from the tap and/or installing a water filtration system on your faucet.
4) Check out the link above for more ideas and information. 

REUSE.  You will find that alot of household items have multi-purpose uses.  Be creative. 
1) Rather than always throwing out packaging (i.e. coffee cans, cream cheese tubs, take-out containers), reuse them for another purpose around the house.  I use packaging from items to store kitchen utensils, help organize my cabinets, and store left-overs.  For all of you artists out there, keep tin cans from canned food to use for paint as well as storage for paintbrushes.  Just be creative.
2) Think before you just throw something away, and if there are no other uses for it…
3) Find out more information by visiting the link above or looking at the results of my google search.

RECYCLE.  Please, if you do any one thing, let this at least be it.
1) Plastic containers (water bottles, milk jugs, food containers)
2) Cans (coke, beer, whatever)
3) Bottles
4) Paper (computer paper, newspaper, magazines, catalogs, cardboard)
5) Electronics.

These are just a few ideas on how we can lessen our impact on the earth.  Please make it your business to be an informed and conscientious consumer and human being.  There are tons of resources out there.  And if you live in an area/community where there is not a recycling program…help START one!  If not you, then who?  Each of us can make a world of difference.  Challenge is on!!

Please share any of your ideas on how you are conserving the earth…I would love to hear them.

Above picture from here.