It's The Little Things

Twenty eights years ago, on one balmy Memorial Day, my peephole was opened and light seeped into my world. I was born. And now here I am. Writing, blogging, celebrating life. All I want to express today is how the little things really light up my life. Friends. Family. Having a wonderful husband who supports me. And the perfect day off together. Breakfast in bed: Naan French toast w/ homemade syrup, eggs and Stumptown coffee. A massage. A bike ride (if the heat isn't too bad.) Ice cream. Being treated like a goddess and getting to do what I want all day! The little things help life seem more joyous, and I need to remember and embrace that.

5 Simple Steps To Living Greener

 Here are a few tips for you to help the earth by keeping it green. I feel like any little bit I do helps. If everyone shared this mentality, it is possible that one person can make a difference. If we don't start somewhere, who will?

1. Stop using plastic!! Take a canvas grocery bag to the store with you. Keep it in your car so you never forget. India is actually outlawing the use of plastic bags.
2. Stop buying plastic water bottles. Invest in a reusable one. They are easy to find and pretty cheap now. Plus, they come in all kinds of cute designs and colors. I prefer the stainless steel ones.
3. Start recycling. I know it isn't always easy. There is no recycling in my city, so I make a weekly trip to Target to drop off my recyclables. (Which is practical b/c it's in a convenient location for me.) I am now only taking out one trash bag about twice a week.
4. Conserve your water. Don't let the tap run while doing dishes or brushing teeth. I like this site for helpful tips.
5. Spread the word. Tell a friend. Teach your children. Let's get together on this.

Remember, we need Mother Earth, she does not need us!

Wordless Wednesday:Mt. Hood

Just one of the reasons why I miss PDX so much: this majestic view!

Summer In The City Of New York

Ahhh, Summer. Not quite. Although, there a few days muggy enough to resemble summer. This trip to the Big Apple was mostly filled with rain. In fact, I broke two umbrellas trying to stay dry! However, the rainy days did not spoil the fun. I went out in spite of it. And thanks to my KEEN shoes, my feet stayed nice and dry! They are probably the most comfy shoes ever. Great for city streets.

I have been to NYC before, twice in fact. So this trip was more about spending time with family, rather than seeing all the sights. My wonderful cousin, Heidi lives in Manhattan with her family. We are pretty close and don't get to see each other enough. Having the same wacky sense of humor, we seem to laugh about anything. It's the small things :) Plus, we both have May birthdays. Lots of celebration.

May babies.

 One of my favorite NYC spots was Bryant Park. Greenery in the midst of the "concrete jungle."

Of course no vacation is complete without food! Oh, glorious lobster mac n' cheese! Lattes! Garlic Tofu stir-fry!

Pizza and Beer too :) Pizza at Ray's and brews at The Heartland Brewery.

 One of the coolest things I saw? A bike covered in Metro Cards!! Funky! Below that is Times Square and the Library where Ghostbusters was filmed.

One last observation. It seems you always hear about how rude and unpleasant New Yorkers can be. That didn't seem to be the case, at least in my opinion. The neighborhood crew was super friendly and talkative. Always holding doors and elevators for others. And TWICE on the subway I witnessed random acts of kindness. Once when Heidi dropped a twenty-dollar bill, and a stranger returned it to her. Twice when my earring fell off, unbeknownst to me, and a stranger returned it to me. Thank you stranger, because I love those earrings!