tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20346957219553781452023-12-12T07:59:14.883-06:00simply, katieKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-24342105093380944092016-01-21T15:17:00.000-06:002016-01-21T15:17:08.858-06:00I've moved!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hi Friends! </div>
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Thanks so much for following this blog! It has been my blogging home for almost SEVEN YEARS! It has followed me through college, studying abroad, brethren volunteer service, and the beginning of seminary! </div>
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I have moved to <a href="http://katieheishman.blogspot.com/">katieheishman.blogspot.com</a>. </div>
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New last name, new era, new blog. </div>
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<a href="http://katieheishman.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Won't you join me? </span></b></a></div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-27997308811568803122015-04-11T13:29:00.001-05:002015-04-11T13:29:36.863-05:00Economics of Zero Waste <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As a frugal seminary student trying to get through seminary dept-free, I am keeping an eye on my finances and pinching pennies. When starting my real transition to a zero waste lifestyle, I had a fear that Zero Waste might put a strain on my frugal lifestyle. However, that's proven not to be the case in a lot of ways! I did the math this morning on the hygiene products that I have made for myself. <div>
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Before going zero waste these are the products that I would buy every couple months:</div>
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Deodorant </div>
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Shampoo</div>
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Conditioner</div>
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Face Wash</div>
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Body Wash </div>
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Toothpaste </div>
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I have turned to homemade, zero waste alternatives for all of these and did the math to prove I'm saving money! </div>
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<b>Main Ingredients</b></div>
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Coconut Oil (14oz) = $9</div>
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Baking Soda (16oz) = $1</div>
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Cornstarch (16oz) = $1.40</div>
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Apple Cider Vinegar (32oz) = $5.50</div>
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<b>Toothpaste</b></div>
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Packaged Price = $1.64 (6.4oz)</div>
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Zero Waste Price= $0.67 </div>
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<i>Savings = $0.97</i></div>
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<b>Face Wash</b></div>
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Packaged Price = $5.69 (5oz) or $2.99 off-brand</div>
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Zero Waste Price = $2.12 (6 oz)</div>
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<i>Savings = $3.57</i></div>
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<b>Deodorant</b></div>
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Packaged Price = $2.49 (2.6 oz)</div>
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Zero Waste Price = $1.98 (8oz)</div>
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<i>Savings = $0.51</i></div>
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<b>Shampoo & Conditioner </b></div>
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Packaged Price = $11 (5.50 each; 25.04oz)</div>
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Zero Waste Price = Soap @ $3.00 + ACV @ $2.88 = 7.88</div>
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<i>Savings = $3.12</i></div>
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These aren't hard and fast numbers, but averages based on how I move through these products. For each product I did the prices based on about the length of time it would take to use up each one. For things like deodorant and toothpaste the savings don't seem like that much--but $3.00 on face wash and shampoo/conditioner will definitely add up! Also, I can avoid PLASTIC! :) </div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-59156658181035051482015-04-04T10:42:00.003-05:002015-04-04T10:42:55.482-05:00Zero Waste Lent: Self-Sufficiency + Creativity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
“It’s about self-sufficiency and creativity,” I think as I swipe some homemade toothpaste out of my glass jar and onto my toothbrush. My pursuits of a zero waste lifestyle are young and fledgling. My time is spent searching for homemade recipes for products that come in plastic and squirming as someone hands me a piece of plastic and I don’t refuse out of fear. Yet, I’m slowly learning what this lifestyle is about and how it’s contributing to my wholeness as a person, while seeking the wholeness of the planet.<br /><br /><b>Self-sufficiency </b><br />This Lent I’ve learned how to make toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, hair rinse, and sauerkraut. The first few things were essential—the sauerkraut was just for fun! I’ve set aside a sack of t-shirts to make into a rug. Not only have I avoided marketed products in plastic—I’ve learned new skills! Namely, coconut oil and baking soda can be used for everything! <br /><br />I haven’t run out of my first batch of toothpaste or deodorant, but I when the time comes I will turn to my kitchen instead of the aisles of branded body products. Going to the store, I get down seeing the aisles and aisles of plastic wrapped products. I didn’t pay too much attention to marketing before, but I would pour over the bottles and read the labels to see which product would be best for me. Who knew my hair would be just fine with a bar of soap and Apple Cider Vinegar to be healthy and happy? <br /><br />My clothes tend to get holey pretty easily, perhaps that’s the poor quality of clothing these days or my hard wear and tear on them? Anyway, I’ve learned to darn and mend my clothes. This is something that I did before starting this Lenten experiment, but while watching one documentary I mended: one pair of running pants and a sweater. It’s fulfilling to put on a piece of clothing after it is resurrected from the “to-mend.” My clothing gets a second life—saving my budget and boosting my self-sufficiency ego.<br /><br /><b>Creativity</b><br />Pursuing a zero waste lifestyle encourages creativity. Looking through my cabinets and cupboards—my mind starts to wonder, “Where could I get this zero waste? Or how could I make my own? What alternatives exist? How are other people doing this?” <br /><br />The toothpaste or deodorant marketed to me are out of my control. I don’t control the ingredients or packaging. But those things that I make myself, I see the ingredients and I get to re-use the packaging. But if I didn’t know that other ways exist or if I didn’t wrestle with the plastic in my house—I wouldn’t know to make my own! Creativity stems from seeing the world as it is and imagining that other ways are possible. A third way is possible. <br /><br /><div>
A large part of this journey has stemmed from my faith formation and my Christian beliefs about the way the world should be. I believe that God created the world and named it “good” and I believe that being created in God’s image gifts us with God’s creative energy. The ability to create and imagine anew. I don’t have to be stuck in the rut of consuming only what society tells me to consume, but I have the creative power to say “No! I’m gonna make my own toothpaste (without microbeads to boot!).”</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-57620703581569763682015-03-17T10:55:00.000-05:002015-04-04T10:37:23.256-05:00Trash: Week Three and Four <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The past two seminary weeks were a bit insane! Weekend intensives + Papers due = Perfect Storm! Needless to say, I am beyond pumped to be enjoying Day Four of Spring Break and happy to be catching up on some blogging. I kept photographing my trash--even though I didn't have a chance to blog about it yet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHNtWGplwO6bUwJUNqOklgBNKIuPt1zE_H5RsWzBpHeerXD2AXF2V1Vy2v232DADc4iLtu1_N5IAVa1bZYtwvLNNiM0E2YLgEK4L1zr1Fh0I7QRLmEV8j7KOY3Tqu0CTp20RSyqQ5y3GV/s1600/IMG_5950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHNtWGplwO6bUwJUNqOklgBNKIuPt1zE_H5RsWzBpHeerXD2AXF2V1Vy2v232DADc4iLtu1_N5IAVa1bZYtwvLNNiM0E2YLgEK4L1zr1Fh0I7QRLmEV8j7KOY3Tqu0CTp20RSyqQ5y3GV/s1600/IMG_5950.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Week Three</b><br />
- Brown Sugar Bag<br />
- EmergenC packets (2)<br />
- Biscoff cookie wrapper<br />
- Contact foil tops<br />
- Contact lenses<br />
- Sticker from Pizza Box<br />
- Butter wrapper<br />
- Zip tie<br />
- Apple Sticker<br />
- Pad wrappers<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguh_Xl5Ibm3XWmbJt0X9TSLXy-wgxVBwmtYgz982M-xAD0ezQUtXCLUw2tO5AN93Re2sAxiRa3cI-Ghc2WjpIwxPv0u_GNLBDs9am3_Lc-WlRakO43j2FXvUxCWoXXWWh12gCJl7P9zf68/s1600/IMG_6008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguh_Xl5Ibm3XWmbJt0X9TSLXy-wgxVBwmtYgz982M-xAD0ezQUtXCLUw2tO5AN93Re2sAxiRa3cI-Ghc2WjpIwxPv0u_GNLBDs9am3_Lc-WlRakO43j2FXvUxCWoXXWWh12gCJl7P9zf68/s1600/IMG_6008.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Week Four</b><br />
<b>- </b>Two butter wrappers (lots of baking!)<br />
- Popcorn bag & wrapper (last one!)<br />
- Fruit stickers<br />
- Covering from self-sealing envelope<br />
- Dried out bar of soap (not sure what to do with it!)<br />
- Piece of floss<br />
- Car tag from auto shop<br />
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<b>Ultimate Sin</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHidFzhn3Uq0PkWm8SxHGGlUq-zFxjUqrYVbT85P9l8fQ44Oj-blPCirqV3ayJVvaUmZ5hoKx-2ytiOj5gsMkutcM5u09HRTJc62jkiBseZc_YL-A-C9UnoGIH3d4zZlpEahGUMciwyM3/s1600/IMG_5953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHidFzhn3Uq0PkWm8SxHGGlUq-zFxjUqrYVbT85P9l8fQ44Oj-blPCirqV3ayJVvaUmZ5hoKx-2ytiOj5gsMkutcM5u09HRTJc62jkiBseZc_YL-A-C9UnoGIH3d4zZlpEahGUMciwyM3/s1600/IMG_5953.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Father, forgive me for I have sinned. </i><br />
Yeah, this is literally the worst offense I could ever have done. Ugh. After church last week, we went to a Mexican restaurant to eat and I hadn't brought any leftover containers to re-use. With half my meal leftover, Tim and I shared a styrafoam container. I didn't include it in the trash picture because I am hoping to recycle it...even though in my former life it would have just gone in the trash.<br />
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<b>Trash evaded--something to celebrate!</b><br />
<i>Feminine Hygiene Products:</i><b> </b>Last week, I kept a couple pads and a few tampons from venturing into landfills. I invested in a <a href="http://www.mooncup.co.uk/" target="_blank">MoonCup</a> and a few re-usable pads from <a href="http://www.sckoon.com/" target="_blank">Sckoon</a>.<br />
<i>Shower Supplies: </i>Last week, I finished up my face wash, body wash, and conditioner and replaced them with homemade face wash (honey, baking soda, and coconut oil), a bar of soap, and ACV. I am finishing up my shampoo and won't be buying plastic products for the shower again. Next up is finishing my plastic tube of toothpaste!<br />
<i>More Popcorn Bags: </i>I finished up my bags of microwavable popcorn this week and have been using popcorn kernels that I bough in bulk.<br />
<i>Peanut Butter Jars:</i> I am addicted to peanut butter and eat it almost every day--so I can move through a couple plastic jars in a month. First, I filled a glass jar with peanut butter from Whole Foods, but last week, I bought some peanuts, made my own, and saved money!<br />
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-64028156604945239482015-03-12T18:17:00.000-05:002015-03-12T22:28:59.406-05:00Letting Go<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
About a week before Lent, I went through my wardrobe and pulled out all of the clothes that I didn't LOVE or hadn't worn in months or years. I wrestled with some of them. "This rainbow tie-dye skirt is ME!" but I couldn't remember the last time I had worn the sacred thing. The clothes sat in bags on my floor for a few weeks until last week when I pulled them all out and looked at them one final time.<br />
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<i>Letting Go. Detachment. </i><br />
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I enjoy shopping second hand (and the occasional clearance rack). I shop second hand because it's thrifty and it doesn't support the commercialized, capitalized, ever-changing fashion industry. I also love dressing in unexpected ways, i.e. tie-dye rainbow skirts. As much as I want to say I am a child of God not defined by my clothes, my clothes say something about me to the wider world. For the most part, I have enjoyed ditching half of my wardrobe to focus more energy on the clothes that I love.<br />
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However, a little doubt crept in after I posted this picture on Instagram and mentioned I was getting rid of some clothes. They were all sad about the rainbow tie-dye skirt. One friend, was sad to see it go. Another friend, said "that rainbow skirt was YOU." <i>Regret.</i> Had I done the right thing? Had I been too brash? No, I had done the right thing. I was not that rainbow tie-dye skirt. I am Katie and creative clothing choices is just one of the fun-loving, carefree things about me. My clothes are not the only thing that speak for me. If my whole house burned down, I am still Katie, without all of my things.<br />
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So far, Lent has been a good practice in letting go. It's hard to let go of clothes that I might wear or are cute or have sentimental value--but it's cathartic to let go, knowing I will have a happier life and so will another person in that rainbow tie-dye skirt. It had more gyspy life in it and I needed to share the love. I dropped off three bags of clothes to the "Free Store" at Earlham--hopefully, they will find new life on the hipster, grandma, 80s, college style of the Earlham students.<br />
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Don't worry, I kept the pink overalls.<br />
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<b>Benefits of Donating Half My Wardrobe</b><br />
<b>Less Clutter, More Options.</b> The past couple weeks, I have <i>loved</i> not having to pour through my drawers to find something to wear. My drawers and less full and so is my closet. It's easier to find things and what is in my drawers--I love. Why would I keep something that I don't feel awesome in?<br />
<b>Rewear Clothes, Less Laundry.</b> I am awful at doing laundry. I would wait until I had <i>nothing</i> left to wear and then have about 3 loads of laundry to do every week and a half. Also, I'm in seminary and really only had enough focus and time to do one solid load of laundry. I've taken to re-wearing an item of clothing 3-4 times (I do the smell and stain test!) before I wash it. The past three weeks, I have had one small load of laundry to do at the end of each week.<br />
<b>Feel Good, Stress Less. </b>Clothes were often a sense of stress for me--figuring out what to wear, letting dirty clothes pile up on the floor, having things that I didn't love but took up space. Now that I am re-wearing my clothes between washings--I roll them back up and put them in my drawers so that they don't end up on my floor. Plus, I know exactly what is in my drawers and what goes with what.<br />
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-52088933795910795352015-03-01T22:24:00.000-06:002015-03-01T22:29:02.479-06:00Trash: Week Two <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Each Sunday in the season of Lent I am going to post how much trash I have created in the previous week. This was my first <i>full week</i> of trash.<br />
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<b>This week I trashed: </b><br />
- a "Wacky Mac" pasta bag<br />
- the film top from a tofu container<br />
- a straw I didn't have a chance to refuse<br />
- apple cider vinegar top and freshness seal<br />
- piece of tape from chili leftovers<br />
- Klondike Bar wrapper<br />
- two pieces of gum<br />
- gum wrapper<br />
- piece of floss<br />
- plastic popcorn bag wrapper<br />
- popcorn bag<br />
- cereal bag<br />
- two Emergen-C packs<br />
- PET film of a Chipotle bowl<br />
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<b>Things I avoided: </b><br />
Honestly, this week felt indulgent. I have a plenty of plastic and non-compostables or recyclables that are in the house that I have yet to use up. However, while I am using up these things...I don't have to go back to them. I can make new choices that won't produce the same trash.<br />
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<b>Here are the Zero Waste alternatives to the waste I created this week:</b><br />
- a "Wacky Mac" pasta bag: <i>I can buy this bulk from a local co-op. </i><br />
- the film top from a tofu container: <i>In theory, I should be able to get this bulk, but I haven't found a place, yet.</i><br />
- a straw I didn't have a chance to refuse: <i>Mention I don't want a straw when I place my order and don't open the straws set out on the table. </i><br />
- apple cider vinegar top and freshness seal: <i>I can buy Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar at Whole Foods.</i><br />
- piece of tape from chili leftovers: <i>I don't have to mark my leftovers, or I could use a dry-erase marker.</i><br />
- Klondike Bar wrapper: <i>Refuse!</i><br />
- two pieces of gum: <i><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/science/the-green-lantern-is-chewing-gum-bad-for-the-environment/2011/03/29/AFrVjO1D_story.html" target="_blank">Stop chewing gum!</a></i><br />
- gum wrapper: <i><a href="http://www.theecologist.org/green_green_living/behind_the_label/396637/behind_the_label_chewing_gum.html" target="_blank">No, really, stop chewing gum! </a></i><br />
- piece of floss: <i>Invest in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Butler-G-U-M-Gum-Stimulator-600R/dp/B000052Y9X" target="_blank">gum stimulator</a>. </i><br />
- plastic popcorn bag wrapper: <i>Buy popcorn kernels in bulk! </i><br />
- popcorn bag: <i>Bulk popcorn kernels! </i><br />
- cereal bag: <i>Buy oatmeal, granola or cereal in bulk. </i><br />
- two Emergen-C packs: <i>Eat lots of vegetables and take pill vitamins? I'm doing more research into this!</i><br />
- PET film of a Chipotle bowl: <i>Don't eat out! </i><br />
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<b>Transitions I made: </b><br />
- I finished my bagged popcorn and bought bulk popcorn kernels, so that I can make Zero Waste popcorn!<br />
- I bought some bulk peanut butter from Whole Foods!<br />
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<b>Things I learned this week: </b><br />
- How to pop <a href="http://ecobitbybit.com/zero-waste-movie-night/" target="_blank">Zero Waste Popcorn</a>...in a microwave!<br />
- Chipotle bowls can be composted, if you remove the inside liner!<br />
- I should mention I don't want a straw when I place my drink order.<br />
- Zero Waste eating out...is darn near impossible.<br />
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-34686933695091487822015-02-26T08:43:00.000-06:002015-02-26T10:30:15.197-06:00Zero Waste Roadtrip & Reflections on Cheap, Fast Food <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I know what you're probably thinking--that's an oxymoron! How do you have a zero waste roadtrip when driving emits so many carbon emissions? Right. You're absolutely right. You can't, but you can try to pack and prepare in such a way that you're eliminating trashcan waste along the way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuK4hNLEY8afi3sasaziFM5PgV8Xt2ldBRXtuzaKy1vXZWKIQ0kov1PuCRCOAnG6w20-E1kjVadKV9bhmB12iS6-u3M_y7HJv9QrqHBDS3kA98yyBUOIctYwpuez1Bgn7uPDHA6epRyk6b/s1600/roadtrip+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuK4hNLEY8afi3sasaziFM5PgV8Xt2ldBRXtuzaKy1vXZWKIQ0kov1PuCRCOAnG6w20-E1kjVadKV9bhmB12iS6-u3M_y7HJv9QrqHBDS3kA98yyBUOIctYwpuez1Bgn7uPDHA6epRyk6b/s1600/roadtrip+2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
Tim and I were traveling to Pennsylvania last weekend--he was providing leadership at a retreat and I went to see my Best Fried Marian. I packed some homemade bread that we had made, 3 apples, carrots, and peanut butter. The apples and carrots were both bought in bulk and I only had to deal with produce stickers on the apples. The peanut butter was purchased pre-Lent and I am finishing it up. I am also transitioning to zero waste containers. The plastic bag is being re-used--it has already been used a couple times and washed out. And my roommate and I save all of our plastic containers for leftovers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaxNwCwBniYSNTrXRGKeGYXcT33pBpcu6Q4Yem9y27x__l7gvuNDn6N3iRC_ywkBRuLFprpz4g970jYh9L8L6ShYIRJ6FaBY5tf2M80YycjV1fwEqMYl5yKUtIypKaxO2mrjN05bM1tg-/s1600/roadtrip+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaxNwCwBniYSNTrXRGKeGYXcT33pBpcu6Q4Yem9y27x__l7gvuNDn6N3iRC_ywkBRuLFprpz4g970jYh9L8L6ShYIRJ6FaBY5tf2M80YycjV1fwEqMYl5yKUtIypKaxO2mrjN05bM1tg-/s1600/roadtrip+3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
My family is full of awesome, committed canners. I hope to be just like them some day! I packed some craisins in a jar, and for giggles I packed some pickles, and beets. I ate the craisins, but never had a chance to open up the beets or pickles. They probably weren't the best roadtrip food, unless we were going to stop out and have a picnic, which I have done on numerous occasions in the summer!<br />
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I packed everything in re-usable cloth bags. I also packed some silverware (in the wrapped napkin) and some cloth napkins to use along the way.<br />
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Tim and I did stop to eat at Panera, because they are pretty fast and minimal waste. I didn't have a chance to refuse the napkin and forgot that my sandwich comes on a little piece of cardboard. I inspected them both and figured I should be able to compost the cardboard and the napkins.<br />
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I also packed my mason jar and lid for water, so that I could refill it for free at gas stations along the way. Tim stopped in at a Subway for one of his meals and I was going to fill up my jar, but they didn't have water in the drink machine. WHAT? I looked and looked and nope, no water in the drink machine. I would have filled it up in the bathroom if we had a lot more to travel, but we were pretty close to Tim's destination, so I waited until we got there.<br />
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As we passed fast food upon fast food place, I kept thinking about the burgers in cardboard boxes, the fries in little bags, the sodas in disposable cups, and the individually wrapped straws. Fast food <i>is</i> fast...and cheap. It's hard for me to find fault with those who rely on cheap (often bad and unhealthy food) to feed their families or themselves.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://media.tumblr.com/901aae147f9ac06374594f72b56bce94/tumblr_inline_mlsksa2Co81ra4hov.jpg" height="507" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disposable Fast Food found on <a href="http://leitesgroup.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Living Responsibly</a></td></tr>
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Part of my trip, I was alone and listened to a podcast called <a href="http://homebrewedchristianity.com/" target="_blank">Homegrown Christianity</a>, that was focusing on eco-theology. They had four hour long podcasts with those practicing and advocating for eco-theology: Matthew Sleeth, Jen Butler, Randy Woodley, and Leah Kostamo. They asked each participant the same rapid-fire questions at the end of the podcast and one was: "Should Christians buy cage-free eggs?" The answers varied. Sleeth responded, "Yes, and they should have had a massage and at least a third grade education." However, Woodley and Butler were quick to say, "Yes and No" pointing out the financial disparities among Christians and the availability of this kind of food. I agreed with them. Yes, I want to advocate for healthy chickens and healthy people, but I realize that all of this is a journey and a process...and I can't fault a Mama for buying the eggs that are $2 cheaper and nestled in styrafoam. It's ugly and hypocritical for me to do so.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.minimacfarm.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/free-range-chicken.jpg" height="476" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Chickens from <a href="http://www.minimacfarm.com/blog/what-is-a-free-range-chicken/" target="_blank">Minimac Farm</a></td></tr>
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I'm doing this Lenten project because I want to see how I can make Zero Waste sustainable in my own life, which means taking into account accessibility and financial costs. I want to be Zero Waste, but I also want to pay my rent! We live in a cheap, fast, disposable world and I want that to change. Let's make this possible and accessible for all.<br />
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-49667918841534718052015-02-22T22:34:00.001-06:002015-02-22T22:44:28.971-06:00Trash: Week One <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Each Sunday in the season of Lent I am going to post how much trash I have created in the previous week. This is my first Sunday and it's really only half a week!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJSVwYg2GFTSF1hGvF_m3DJa2_nIckEIjuAf7XWFoRuKBCZwA0_II8QQFx_hd-QaMwn8dQRhPudt3iN6yMaGSFJWrSXKCB9hQDt4ODwZvu38umdRvs0BDm7k6m51MsDybqfz7vr9Qhax3/s1600/Week+One.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJSVwYg2GFTSF1hGvF_m3DJa2_nIckEIjuAf7XWFoRuKBCZwA0_II8QQFx_hd-QaMwn8dQRhPudt3iN6yMaGSFJWrSXKCB9hQDt4ODwZvu38umdRvs0BDm7k6m51MsDybqfz7vr9Qhax3/s1600/Week+One.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
<b>This week I trashed: </b><br />
- A dove dark chocolate wrapper<br />
- Produce stickers<br />
- A plastic tie<br />
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<b>Things I avoided: </b><br />
<b>- </b>Paper towels in the bathroom -- I shook it off!, used my pants, or a washcloth I brought with me.<br />
- Disposable roadtrip snacks -- I packed my own!<br />
- The front desk candy jar.<br />
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<b>Transitions I made: </b><br />
<b>- </b>I started using a mason jar with a lid as a water bottle. My plastic water bottles are washed and ready to be donated. <br />
- I bought silk bulk and cotton produce bags for grocery shopping next week.<br />
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<b>Things I learned this week: </b><br />
<b>- </b>Cupcake wrappers and pizza boxes <a href="http://home.howstuffworks.com/green-living/surprising-compost-items.htm" target="_blank">are compostable</a>.<br />
- Almost all unwrapped produce <a href="http://myplasticfreelife.com/2010/06/should-we-worry-about-little-plastic-produce-stickers/" target="_blank">comes with stickers</a>. <i>Le sigh.</i><br />
- My lifestyle uses about <a href="http://kkatielynn.blogspot.com/2015/02/how-many-earths-does-it-take-to-support.html" target="_blank">390% of the world resources</a>--if everyone lived like me.<br />
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<b>Weekend Compost!</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mlp-QsfQo4w8KMvbR8i__e5KTxj04K1tGyQA-T7Lzz5YlyL2sgGSyrU3P6DeU-hXfnRM1jVnwGP6ma2N1ov0-zqERidquO5o7qq1VXbp7ytisdCMRjw3BeY056cTyRNmOcPo2mTxOK9d/s1600/Weekend_compost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mlp-QsfQo4w8KMvbR8i__e5KTxj04K1tGyQA-T7Lzz5YlyL2sgGSyrU3P6DeU-hXfnRM1jVnwGP6ma2N1ov0-zqERidquO5o7qq1VXbp7ytisdCMRjw3BeY056cTyRNmOcPo2mTxOK9d/s1600/Weekend_compost.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a>As a bonus, here is the compost that I accumulated from my weekend trip (save for some food peels left in my friend's compost!). It holds a number of things that I would have just trashed before--like cupcake wrappers and the little cardboard sandwich tray from Panera Bread. There are also some napkins that were served to me that I didn't have time to refuse.<br />
I decided to carry a jar with me so I could bring home any compostable waste back to the neighborhood compost bins. All of this is compostable, but to help it break down more easily I am going to cut it all up into little pieces so the compost has an easier time breaking down. </div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-26242962915708348442015-02-21T21:44:00.000-06:002015-02-21T21:44:16.977-06:00How many Earths does it take to support your lifestyle? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Do you know how many Earths it takes to power your lifestyle? </b><br />
Currently, humanity is living off of <a href="http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/world_footprint/" target="_blank">1.5 Earths</a> to produce what we use <i>and</i> absorb our waste. The quiz calculates how many Planet Earths it would take to support your lifestyle...if everyone was able to live like you. It also calculates how many global acres you consume. The average American consumes about 30.5. <b>If everyone on Earth lived like the average American we would need 7 Earths to provide for us. </b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPcPs-fuy7SiQoBkd20OxFTMMRIf-CTsm7iNHq217aOXOCFbUnH-b6of9PPdcsYqbWHJvZkUtz8JEJBtquQsS_YcO4FAd3X2eua2_c_m70nyZFQk0aW4j8r5Oo_oV4sFnKlfdj8-KfP3V/s1600/Eco_Bad+human.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPcPs-fuy7SiQoBkd20OxFTMMRIf-CTsm7iNHq217aOXOCFbUnH-b6of9PPdcsYqbWHJvZkUtz8JEJBtquQsS_YcO4FAd3X2eua2_c_m70nyZFQk0aW4j8r5Oo_oV4sFnKlfdj8-KfP3V/s1600/Eco_Bad+human.bmp" height="314" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Average American Consumption </td></tr>
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<b>Katie's Ecological Footprint: 3.9 planets</b><br />
Being a vegetarian might reduce a significant amount of impact, but my food still comes from far away. I do have a car. I might fly once a year. I live in a house with running water and electricity. I think electricity is the big kicker here that contributes to much of my consumption. I am going to do another post exploring the ways that I can get creative about reducing my electricity consumption.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq99ozwFdN5m5ZDCP-dYq-Mz5gc0N7pUG7ptMekIeI-zakuai7S-7jbMVmr52mYs-ZiDwMCQZuu3nM2SSvjbWF9yceB1Mdq5f1XN9skVo2BtcJxMUXSTqjy105glZKkWj-hudDypuEV7de/s1600/Ecological+Footprint.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq99ozwFdN5m5ZDCP-dYq-Mz5gc0N7pUG7ptMekIeI-zakuai7S-7jbMVmr52mYs-ZiDwMCQZuu3nM2SSvjbWF9yceB1Mdq5f1XN9skVo2BtcJxMUXSTqjy105glZKkWj-hudDypuEV7de/s1600/Ecological+Footprint.bmp" height="320" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie's Consumption</td></tr>
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<b>Calculate your own ecological footprint.</b><br />
The Global Footprint Network created a <a href="http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/calculators/" target="_blank">handy quiz</a> to rate the impact of your lifestyle on the planet. It looks at food, waste production, travel, electricity, and our households. The quiz is great and allows you to adjust different parts of the quiz to see how that might lower or increase your footprint. I took the test three times--for myself, for an average american, and an eco-conscious person.<br />
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My score was 3.9 Earths, Average American 6.9, and Eco-Conscious person 2.8. For kicks, I also took this quiz as if I was in India and answered the questions as if I were still a student there. Indian student impact? 0.6 Earths.<br />
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<b>Further Reading:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.footprintnetwork.org/" target="_blank">Footprint Network</a> | <a href="http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/calculators/" target="_blank">Calculator</a><br />
<a href="http://newcommunityproject.org/careforcreation.shtml" target="_blank">New Community Project</a> </div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-4262318636276880962015-02-18T21:31:00.000-06:002015-05-18T02:03:43.475-05:00Zero Waste Lent: Dust to Dust <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>"From dust you were created, and to dust you shall return." </b></div>
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These sacred words spoken at an Ash Wednesday service, as I received ashes, are continuing to echo in my soul. With the ashes of my confessions and others confessions marked on my hand, I am reminded of my own earthen quality and my un-earthen lifestyle. I look around my room and I am surrounded by things that are made from dust (or chemicals). Even if I live to be 100, my earthen body will fully decay before the things that fill my room have wasted away. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtI4Chv4MCpW81QB4LKS8fZy-VhNvQoG7h5KtwV9eKJQApLA6rga-UQveA3l5S3rwgdC-HQtETKVcfuixrPRcB_SQuxZYUL7AZAvNH4grtEPXeu2jbqgxlPcNXBb8EUU4JCIAjJvQSOdV/s1600/IMG_5778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtI4Chv4MCpW81QB4LKS8fZy-VhNvQoG7h5KtwV9eKJQApLA6rga-UQveA3l5S3rwgdC-HQtETKVcfuixrPRcB_SQuxZYUL7AZAvNH4grtEPXeu2jbqgxlPcNXBb8EUU4JCIAjJvQSOdV/s1600/IMG_5778.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-style: italic;">"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."</i> Matthew 6:19-21</div>
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I live a fairly simple life, but confess that I have earthly treasures to which I cling and take delight. I have a simple apartment, but confess to filling all of it's available spaces anyway. I don't buy much for myself, but I confess to saying "yes" to more possessions instead of refusing them. I don't want to create unsustainable waste, but confess to giving in to easy temptations wrapped in plastic. </div>
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In this Lenten season, may I unclench my fists and release the possessions to which I cling. May I loosen my grip on <i>easy</i> and remember that it is not <i>easy</i> to return plastic to dust. May a creative, intentional spirit be stirred within me, that I would find new, meaningful ways to satisfy my basic needs, without harming creation. </div>
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<b>From dust I was created, and to dust I shall return. May it be so. </b> </div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-14478727847584052622015-02-17T17:30:00.001-06:002015-02-17T17:30:00.800-06:00It's a plastic world <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As if I needed more inspiration to radically starting transforming my lifestyle to one of Zero Waste, this little video popped up in my Snapchat. Snapchat is the only social media that I keep on my phone and I'm glad I did--otherwise I might have missed this video.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="337" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/100694882" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe><br />
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Plastic travels all around the world--some ends up in landfills, some is shipped to "third world" or Global South, very little is recycled, and whats left is floating around our oceans and waterways. Plastics and trash are huge pollutants of water and damaging to our health and the health of our planet. When I was traveling abroad in India, I crossed two rivers on my way to my Social Work placement. The rivers are/were an important part of the vitality of India--now they are black. Literally sickly, black rivers leprosed with bits of white trash. The smell as we crossed them was putrid.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEg1z5fYI82CPoOdWoI3ipsiO6SadyTskXxgr569MxYCe8mN861gebDW99DgHvtudSVfhxwDsq0JQKeySO2Sl8V1syRt_nMQR_C-HAaf85M6-IjFXd79qWDscom_iU3jjh4Py8OsQtvbR_QaOB_bWI60OuJV0ZnD3ADEBlLMkIMoiUiRDaGbvA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.transparentchennai.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/pic-9.png" height="427" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from <a href="http://www.transparentchennai.com/" target="_blank">Transparent Chennai</a></td></tr>
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It is a plastic world. I have given up things like single-use plastic bottles, but from where I'm typing on a computer made of plastic, looking at plastic office supplies, and just popped a piece of gum out of a plastic container--I have a long way to go, too. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://earth911.com/content/uploads/2011/04/Bea-Johnson-in-the-Kitchen.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspiration: Mama Bea Johnson of <a href="http://zerowastehome.com/">zerowastehome.com</a></td></tr>
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Every year for Lent I try to do something meaningful. Something that will improve my relationship with God, my life, the lives of those around me. This has manifested itself in very different ways throughout the years--wearing a prayer covering, giving up abbreviated words, or journaling everyday. These different practices help me critically analyze my life and help me take a step back from the "ordinary time." I don't necessarily stick with the practice that I try for Lent. I still abbreviate words (sometimes). I haven't chosen to continue wearing a prayer covering. Journaling is still very important to me and is part of my New Years Resolution--journaling every day for a year! <b>However, I want this year to be different.</b><br />
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<b>For Lent, I am starting a Zero Waste journey.</b> That's right, I am journeying towards a life of drastically lowering the amount of waste that I create to...zero.<br />
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<b>Is that even possible? </b><br />
Well, probably not. It's definitely not going to happen in 46 days and even after that it will take me a long time to use up the plastic products that I already have in my home. I am committed to using up all of the products that I have before having to send them "away."<br />
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<b>How are you going to do it? </b><br />
Over the next six and half weeks, I am going to be tracking my waste. <b>First, I want to know about how much waste I create from day to day.</b> What are the little bits of waste that I create without thinking about them? I am hoping to become even more aware of my consumption of "one time use" items that have a more sustainable alternative. <b>Second, I am going to be focusing on a different area of my life for each week of Lent.</b> I will be focusing on Grocery Shopping & Kitchen, Wardrobe & Bedroom, Hygiene & Bathroom, School work & Desk, Time & Social Media, and Spirituality. <b>Third, it's a long journey and I'm just getting started. </b>It will take me a long time to transition from the plastics and disposable products that I have now to Zero Waste alternatives. It might take a couple years, but I am humbly and intentionally starting the transition now.<br />
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<b>Why are you doing this? </b><br />
I am doing this because I believe that a Zero Waste (or little waste) life is possible. I have been so inspired by Bea Johnson of <a href="http://www.zerowastehome.com/" target="_blank">Zero Waste Home</a> and Lauren Singer of <a href="http://www.trashisfortossers.com/" target="_blank">Trash is for Tossers</a>. Bea and Lauren each live in highly populated cities in California and New York. I live in a medium size town in Indiana. I want to become more aware of the resources available around me. How far do I have to travel to find a co-op? What about the farmers markets? I'm also in seminary and my time is limited--how can I make a Zero Waste lifestyle work for me?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://anonhq.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Lauren-728x400.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspiration: 20 something Lauren Singer of <a href="http://trashisfortossers.com/">trashisfortossers.com</a></td></tr>
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My faith is a huge piece of why I am doing this, hence starting intentionally for Lent. My faith journey has led me to take small steps to reduce my impact on the planet: vegetarian diet, using reusable grocery bags, etc. Transforming to a Zero Waste lifestyle is another step on a long journey to living in better harmony with the Earth, which as a Christian, is what God calls me to. I know that I can do more to limit my impact on the planet and I want to pursue that radically and intentionally.<br />
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I will be blogging about my experiences and what I learn along the way. I am humbly embarking on this journey knowing that I am not going to get there in 46 days, but it's my hope that I will learn <i>so much</i> and be 46 days closer to a Zero Waste Life.<br />
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-21460205223898122062015-02-08T09:26:00.001-06:002015-02-08T09:28:55.500-06:00Simple Living | Making my own deodorant<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yesterday, I ran out of deodorant. Instead of running to the store to buy more, I decided to try my hand at making my own. Making my own deodorant is something that I have wanted to do for a long time, but I had doubts. <i>Would I smell okay?</i> I had used natural store-bought deodorants like Tom's before, but ended up smelling a little too organic at the end of the day. <i>What about how much I sweat anyway?</i> I think I sweat more than the normal person. In high school, I was always self-conscious about raising my hands too high for fear of exposing my way too wet underarms!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrz-9pdvQwq0lG390hbeNV9CCfrNOJ4FR3i0WJLlv8fs5q5ykgdMARk7bZA24MZGPxAsdJrkvOBUtBXfg4sHk_cKiB1FldZ25xXrOdDpcwVGWV3nf6Ba2Tswz1MX4JhK_LIqHEarLaXOjC/s1600/SAM_0592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrz-9pdvQwq0lG390hbeNV9CCfrNOJ4FR3i0WJLlv8fs5q5ykgdMARk7bZA24MZGPxAsdJrkvOBUtBXfg4sHk_cKiB1FldZ25xXrOdDpcwVGWV3nf6Ba2Tswz1MX4JhK_LIqHEarLaXOjC/s1600/SAM_0592.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
With those fears in mind, I googled "fool-proof homemade deodorant" and then decided to make a deodorant based on what I already had at home.<br />
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<b>My ingredients:</b><br />
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<li>1/4 cup baking soda</li>
<li>1/3 cup coconut oil </li>
<li>4 Tbsp of cornstarch </li>
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Other variations, add essential oils, use arrowroot powder (instead of cornstarch), and add shea butter or other things. There are a TON of variations! I had the baking soda, coconut oil, and cornstarch so that is what I used! </div>
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I mixed all of the ingredients together in a little glass jar and it made about 8-9 oz. Then to use it, I put a small bit on my fingers and rubbed it into my armpits. I had read that it's good to put it on and let it soak in before putting a top on, so there is less of a chance of it getting onto my clothes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gw0TgBMhPLKsQXoE4zA-GufeZeVWXM4ZB_k4b_lgJfc5sqf_Trflh6C72f81aj0bxdy4FEE1fo-eO5hhkn_g9YIZR-kJI22A2sMInCmd0-EH3iGAd0TDYwKxFscEUBjBIF4TfjGT0txb/s1600/SAM_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gw0TgBMhPLKsQXoE4zA-GufeZeVWXM4ZB_k4b_lgJfc5sqf_Trflh6C72f81aj0bxdy4FEE1fo-eO5hhkn_g9YIZR-kJI22A2sMInCmd0-EH3iGAd0TDYwKxFscEUBjBIF4TfjGT0txb/s1600/SAM_0593.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: left;">I have used it for a day and at the end of the day--I didn't smell anything! There was no BO and there was no extra deodorant smell (like </span><i style="text-align: left;">ocean breeze </i><span style="text-align: left;"> or </span><i style="text-align: left;">cool mist</i><span style="text-align: left;">). If I added essential oils or something, there might be an extra smell from that, but without those there was no smell at all! I even took my shirt off to smell it--nothing! As for sweating, I did a bit. I tend to sweat no matter what deodorant I try and that's okay. A little sweat never hurt anybody. </span><br />
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-71068791293487224652015-01-30T22:55:00.000-06:002015-02-01T15:27:02.902-06:00Katie + Tim: Breakfast Engagement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When Tim and I announced to our families at Christmas time that we were planning to get engaged in the New Year, we were also mulling over ideas about what we wanted to do for our engagement. Every the egalitarians (and yet, the romantics), we wanted something special, intentional, and something that honored our values. It was important to Tim and me that we both asked each other and we set about to figure out what else it would entail. Since we both love cooking meals together and breakfast is our favorite, we decided to cook breakfast together and then spend the rest of the day calling friends and family.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNh3_TMittb7_rYMFJcU9ngiHP0zF48nO4MIPImpnfkCR6iGx-15E9Zv92aqvutr3qXlm3Cqa1RTH5F2WRry5Nrg9QtRnAJ3MS7Ml36UMPO9lOuJlCkWhpAkemtjujNCjscx7qdWeDkB3z/s1600/SAM_0582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNh3_TMittb7_rYMFJcU9ngiHP0zF48nO4MIPImpnfkCR6iGx-15E9Zv92aqvutr3qXlm3Cqa1RTH5F2WRry5Nrg9QtRnAJ3MS7Ml36UMPO9lOuJlCkWhpAkemtjujNCjscx7qdWeDkB3z/s1600/SAM_0582.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
We decided to make waffles, <i>of course</i>! Tim received Blueberry syrup and Blueberry waffle/pancake mix for Christmas. From the picture above it looks as if Tim did the cooking...and he did. I set the table, snapped a few pictures, and stirred the waffle mix. Before beginning to make breakfast, we hadn't decided who was going to ask first or at what time in our breakfast prep or eating someone would propose--we just went with it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tRq5hpfEDXBvY1ECEr5czNmYFjBiR71cVikn5uGk9e476aYi-_E2cb1wiJ2m4SXFDRt2j12Bb8Ru18Cie7jmmx8mI31TMH73duGAyvEFMppdmzhl1nl2engIdsgcGqvYbVrRKniJEdxY/s1600/SAM_0586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tRq5hpfEDXBvY1ECEr5czNmYFjBiR71cVikn5uGk9e476aYi-_E2cb1wiJ2m4SXFDRt2j12Bb8Ru18Cie7jmmx8mI31TMH73duGAyvEFMppdmzhl1nl2engIdsgcGqvYbVrRKniJEdxY/s1600/SAM_0586.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
Once our meal was ready, we sat down to eat. A few minutes into our breakfast, our Land Lady and Maintenance Man rang the doorbell. They wanted to let us know that they were updating the lighting in the backyard. A representative from the local power company was going to come by soon, if we wanted to come out and chat with them after breakfast! We thanked them for the invite and they left to continue surveying the backyard.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqjokYx9pZlygTfdGUbGcVArPXFOlxGSnUEKiwDLf5qVZtCUPfwwER1LGld1TLkOn5cgBrMwsZQ9vaNOJ3RFiqXMIAUnJbcpFLExd523MKAKw9qe-3Yb9bfPs7mL56RlmhQEEhLeFYhHf/s1600/SAM_0590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqjokYx9pZlygTfdGUbGcVArPXFOlxGSnUEKiwDLf5qVZtCUPfwwER1LGld1TLkOn5cgBrMwsZQ9vaNOJ3RFiqXMIAUnJbcpFLExd523MKAKw9qe-3Yb9bfPs7mL56RlmhQEEhLeFYhHf/s1600/SAM_0590.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once we returned to the table after that fun interlude, I turned to Tim, took his hands and asked him if he would marry me. He said, "Yes!" Then, asked me if I would marry him. And I said, "Yes, gladly!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrisoJYDW2A6zn3WIGlsB1LRtFuiIAJwtmWweniuUZvuJ1qZjhdh1jPBqQYBDzV3UqW4AOK3eYYPa8_x7oaA3Cuj-l_AtYV3yi5eFnlm98uHIqhaJ552CmtDqsEN1SJQ6j2r6fZM6UD4la/s1600/Katie&Tim-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrisoJYDW2A6zn3WIGlsB1LRtFuiIAJwtmWweniuUZvuJ1qZjhdh1jPBqQYBDzV3UqW4AOK3eYYPa8_x7oaA3Cuj-l_AtYV3yi5eFnlm98uHIqhaJ552CmtDqsEN1SJQ6j2r6fZM6UD4la/s1600/Katie&Tim-33.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
And here's an engagement photo for good measure! My talented sister, <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/91508340@N03/" target="_blank">Lillie</a>, took engagement photos for us in Staunton during Christmas break. I wanted Lillie to take our pictures, but knew she wouldn't be able to come to Richmond and we don't have many opportunities to see each other. It was a really special, chilly afternoon running around with two of my favorite people!<br />
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-76818650593633027512015-01-13T11:05:00.003-06:002015-01-30T22:55:57.878-06:00Plant Babies <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I love fresh food. I love eating food right out of the garden--that I picked myself! It just tastes better! Now that Winter has hit (and Winter in Indiana has hit full blast!) having an outdoor garden is a bit difficult. But...an indoor garden IS possible! </div>
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This fall, I was walking through Meijer, grocery shopping, when I stumbled upon little mint and basil plants right next to the organic potatoes. I had been wanting an indoor plant for a long time. I wanted some form of life in the house. I picked them up and studied them. "Could I care for an indoor plant?" I wondered. Upon closer inspection, I saw that they were from a nursery called "<a href="http://www.shenandoahgrowers.com/" target="_blank">Shenandoah Growers</a>." <i>SHENANDOAH!? </i>Like Shenandoah Valley!? These plants were grown in the very valley that I am missing so much right now!? Yep. They were grown in Harrisonburg, VA. Plus they were organic! Excited Katie? Understatement. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9AUmgh4h5V_e7mZ5uvKYuhc7doGxhmVW7WLHp0K2oENpNnjfhdsU_UvrEPnG4U1HW2ViCIaVPipAKzwGP1nkZWpyZsD8c_ExSnq0oPcLtNbushRP3riKvdwsABbdXrkqLRGOBXcVovvt/s1600/plantbabies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9AUmgh4h5V_e7mZ5uvKYuhc7doGxhmVW7WLHp0K2oENpNnjfhdsU_UvrEPnG4U1HW2ViCIaVPipAKzwGP1nkZWpyZsD8c_ExSnq0oPcLtNbushRP3riKvdwsABbdXrkqLRGOBXcVovvt/s1600/plantbabies.jpg" height="400" width="345" /></a></div>
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Then this past weekend, I spotted a cilantro plant and had to scoop it up and add it to our herb table! My little herb plants live by our bay windows to optimize sun time. They have been so resilient, easy to care for, and so delicious! I have enjoyed <i>fresh</i> mint tea, <i>fresh </i>basil in pasta sauce, and now garnishing my lentil soup with <i>fresh </i>cilantro! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEdYtCmfNXVzH12ZgzRrXELWCupghlrnT6rpvZm9Z6O0_ELBbnyZeduV_Jd61HEzCUSnSyBCWXWpApZVFxCc6tn-VoOACthNJk6JoCiKhTdx7rTVrjbjNXdnkUCIZSN34MAXqw0X4WGJ7/s1600/FullSizeRender+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEdYtCmfNXVzH12ZgzRrXELWCupghlrnT6rpvZm9Z6O0_ELBbnyZeduV_Jd61HEzCUSnSyBCWXWpApZVFxCc6tn-VoOACthNJk6JoCiKhTdx7rTVrjbjNXdnkUCIZSN34MAXqw0X4WGJ7/s1600/FullSizeRender+(1).jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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These little plants have added so much life to our kitchen and to our taste buds! For organic plants, I thought they were inexpensive, too! Only about $2.50 per plant! Once warmer weather hits, I am debating planting them outside or leaving them inside. They are thriving and growing bigger too! I will have to get some pots for them to live in. </div>
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Now that I have kept these precious herb plants alive, I am hoping to add another plant or two to my bedroom. It faces East and has four windows. I don't think I'll add herbs this time--any suggestions or favorite indoor plants?<br />
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-25444205720290716302015-01-11T23:45:00.001-06:002015-01-30T22:56:02.892-06:00I am still here. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, a whole semester has gone by without so much as a little post to this blog! I have been longing to update it!<br />
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The first semester of seminary was rough. Honestly, I think the first season after coordinating NYC would have been rough <i>anywhere. </i>Coordinating NYC was likely one of the greatest things I'll do in my lifetime. I believe, God-willing, that I still have many adventures ahead, but that was a unique, grand blessing on my life. How do you follow that? I wasn't trying to follow it up, but transition in any season is hard. This one was particularly hard.<br />
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This season of moving, starting seminary, starting a part-time job, and learning how to survive (is that over-dramatic, I don't think so) was intense. I cried every week of the fall semester. Every. Week. It was an anomaly if I went 7 days straight without crying. Why was I crying all of the time? I was learning how to be <i>just </i> Katie. I was learning how to be a good seminary student. I was navigating a new city. I was working a new emotionally demanding job. I was figuring out a new relationship. The rawness of the new grated against me month after month as leaf upon leaf fell from the trees outside my window. Seminary is where I am supposed to be, I reassured myself. I knew that much at least, even if I couldn't remember if I took 9th street or 11th street to get to Aldi. (Aldi: an exceptionally inexpensive, grocery store.)<br />
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Planning worship for the seminary community was one thing that kept me going this semester. It was the <i>Patterns of Worship </i>class that reassured me that this is where I am supposed to be, where my passion lies. It required the most from me, but it was also the class that made my heart dance listening to lectures about the liturgical calendar and hospitality in worship. It was in writing prayers for this class, that I found myself uplifting prayers for what I was struggling with (patience for trying children, a swift end to the <a href="http://www.brethren.org/partners/nigeria/news.html" target="_blank">violence in Nigeria.</a>) It gave voice to what my heart couldn't speak eloquently to herself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ps5dQeGtRHZOy66NTPw_vykjrlNPdA0Y78aNBRMbsVn5btM5Os2SymOkdCAiy6jo-1qEFUqUhShlHuJmL3sNkP9jjpkRG159XIDbclDocwTKZKa9Ql4osZdZQqKx8zcyCkXwvF_6QxT_/s1600/SAM_0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ps5dQeGtRHZOy66NTPw_vykjrlNPdA0Y78aNBRMbsVn5btM5Os2SymOkdCAiy6jo-1qEFUqUhShlHuJmL3sNkP9jjpkRG159XIDbclDocwTKZKa9Ql4osZdZQqKx8zcyCkXwvF_6QxT_/s1600/SAM_0408.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
I am still here. If all goes according to plan, I am 1/6th of the way through seminary. A new season of seminary is starting: my second semester. With this semester, comes choosing my year-long placement, another history of Christianity class, securing a summer job, and hopefully a chapel service for which I'll worship lead. I am here. My purpose for being here is not yet completely clear to me. In a broad sense, intentional preparation for ministry, but what form will that take is not clear to me, yet. I can now easily find my way to Aldi: may the path before me become more familiar with each step I take.<br />
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-66307545649918468022014-08-13T22:39:00.000-05:002015-04-04T10:36:31.815-05:00Welcoming transition with open hands<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On Friday, I am moving to Indiana to start seminary. My little white car is already packed with the remnants of my BVS time--way too many Brethren t-shirts, mugs I made in pottery class, used & loved books from mentors I've met here, my BVS frisbee, a pair of pink overalls, and an NYC conference booklet (or two!). I'm taking easy bread recipes, a deeper understanding of my personality and myself, the knowledge of what grace can do, the love found within the people of this suburb town, and an energetic spirit about what is yet to come. I'm kissing BVS a sweet, sincere, heartfelt goodbye (or maybe a "see you later!) and saying an excited, full of potential hello to Bethany Theological Seminary.<br />
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I blame the labyrinth for this next adventure in my life. Well, I <i>thank</i> the labyrinth. It was into the labyrinth that I wandered--barefoot, terrified, and uncertain. I walked with my hands open--ready to receive some glimpse of infinite wisdom, some affirmation of my next step. I walked in fearful. I was holding onto fear that would protect me from entering the uncertain waters of ministry. My financial stability would be uncertain, the future of pastoral ministry in the church is uncertain, and my own success at seminary or ministry is uncertain. I was afraid. As I took step after step on the cool grass in the labyrinth, I heard a voice asking me to let go of my fear and to trust as I had been taught. I just wept in the labyrinth--slowly understanding what God was asking me to do. It was out of the labyrinth that I walked--barefoot, hands open, terrified, but more certain. Not cocksure, but finally fully open to the nudges and the voices that had been speaking to me for years and years.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.catherineandersonstudio.com/Labyrinth.html" target="_blank">Backyard Labyrinth </a></td></tr>
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I have an apartment (and amazing housemates!), a work study job or two, first semester's tuition paid, and a calm certainty that this next step is <i>right.</i> I'm not fearful anymore. I am anxious to see the ways that Bethany will stretch me and hold me in times of growth. I approach Bethany with open hands ready to give and to receive.<br />
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The best way to honor the past and welcome the future is an NYC Coordinator selfie with the Most Reverend Doctor President Jeffrey W. Carter, right?
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<b style="text-align: left;">ANXIOUS </b><span style="text-align: left;">for warm weather and the chance to run outside again. (Go away chest cold!) </span><br />
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<b style="text-align: left;">APPRECIATIVE </b><span style="text-align: left;">of my so great a cloud of witnesses. I have felt SO BLESSED by all the people who have called me, sent me hilarious books, sent me cards, popped in, sent a text, hugged me, walked with me - especially the past two weeks. You people are incredible. I have never felt so loved. </span>
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<b>CONTEMPLATING </b>the weirdness of World Vision and conservatives last week. </div>
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<b>DRINKING </b>tea with honey - I'm trying to get over a cold. Also, coffee makes my heart feel like it's </div>
going to explode. <br />
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<b>EATING </b>all the cheese and bread I can get my hands on. Also Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies.<br />
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<b>LAUGHING </b>over the impeccable books my college roommate mailed me this week: <i>Hot Guys and Baby Animals</i> and <i>Feminist Ryan Gosling. </i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feministryangosling.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Feminist Ryan Gosling Tumblr</a></td></tr>
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<b>LISTENING </b>to Joshua Radin, Brett Dennen, The Weepies, and Matt Nathanson. Thank you, "Brett Dennen" Pandora Station for speaking to my soul right now.<br />
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<b>PUMPED </b>that I have <i>almost</i> two normal work weeks back to back. It's been too long. Bring on the mundane routine!</div>
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<b>READING</b> <i>Evolving in Monkey Town </i>by <a href="http://rachelheldevans.com/" target="_blank">Rachel Held Evans</a>. I just finished <i>Pastrix</i> by <a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/nadiabolzweber/author/nadiabolzweber/" target="_blank">Nadia Bolz-Weber</a>.<br />
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<b>REALIZING </b>that NYC is in four months! OH. EM. GEE. There's so much to do and I'm so excited!<br />
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<b>WISHING </b>that all the people I loved were near me all the time. Why is the world so big? </div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-19641664050731350622014-03-25T21:50:00.001-05:002015-04-04T10:36:12.742-05:00March is Madness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In January, when I was looking ahead at my upcoming calendar, March was a month for which I was both anxious and excited. March has an odd way of filling itself up in the blink of an eye. On my March horizon lay a girl's weekend with my bestfriend, a week with NYC Leadership (youth and those planning worship), board meetings, a weekend with a dear friend, BVS retreat, and Roundtable in Virginia. Now with the best, hardest, and most full parts of March behind me - I hope to slip out of the madness that has gripped me for several weeks.<br />
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This isn't the only year that March has been maddening. Last year, I was in the office for five days in March, workcamp travel added up fast! For a couple years in College, what made March so maddening was the pivotal weekend of Roundtable. The weeks leading up to Roundtable were nothing short of prolonged chaos, since I was an integral member of running the conference. Those weeks were full of hour long meetings, some studying, meetings that started at midnight, and final details, final details, final details. Even in the midst of the enduring craziness, it was my favorite weekend every March. Fellowship, worship, games, talent, joy, people, #brethrenthings - I love all of it.<br />
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Despite all the swirling madness before, after, and during, Roundtable there are moments where God comes down and touches my heart. I feel God most tenderly in the midst of the blessing on the Sunday morning of Roundtable. I've come to anticipate and cherish this anointed blessing for my journey each spring. My heart becomes warm as the slick oil touches my forehead - marking me, reminding me to whom I belong, that I am enough. March is mad, this reminder is needed. <br />
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March is a month that's sometimes spring, sometimes winter. Teasing our sandles out of the closet for a day, before switching back to snow boots with a surprise storm the next day. The inconsistency of the weather is maddening. Our bodies have been bundled up for months enduring the harshness of winter temperatures and dangerous snow or ice. My body anxious for light jackets or even sandles, doesn't know how to feel as I wrap a scarf around my head. Weather whiplash slaps me so strongly my body doesn't know what to think. March is mad.<br />
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In the vitriol climate of March, where my body doesn't know what the weather is doing and my head is exhausted from the season of planning, travel, and little sleep - my heart starts feeling "some type of way". Oh, March, you bittersweet month of change. This Roundtable the speaker, Eric, talked about Seasonal Affective Disorder, which I would say after living in Chiberia for a full, long, awful season, has chipped away at my positive demeanor this winter. He talked about "winter blues", "summertime sadness", and he mentioned one less common seasonal ailment "spring sadness". <br />
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I thought it was a little ridiculous at first, the world is waking up again - what is there to fear about spring?! Yet, I thought about it. Spring is another season of change, like fall, but instead of the world falling asleep, it's waking back up again. Baby animals, flower buds, and all that. For me, it's been a season of unknowns from year to year...what will my life be like after I'm not on IYC, after graduation, after track, after BVS, after NYC, after relationships end...<br />
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Lent is a hard season. I find that the intentional things I add or take away to my daily routine during Lent slowly and surely point me on a closer walk with God, that I had been missing before. This routine that forms helps me when the ground changes beneath my feet during the maddening spring. What were Jesus' disciples thinking as the ground trembled beneath their feet as Jesus spent his final moments on the cross? <i>What will life be like after this? What will happen to me? Why is this happening? Will life ever be normal again? </i><br />
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Spring is the end of things. Spring is the beginning of things. The long darkness slowly rumbles into the light. We awake. The ground stirs beneath our feet. In the midst of chaos, anxiety, and disbelief, we meet God on a dusty road and we touch.<br />
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<b>March has been madness.</b> <i>Who knows what life will be like after this? </i><br />
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-19139372817103909692014-02-01T09:21:00.003-06:002014-02-01T09:44:38.985-06:00Love Languages <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i style="text-align: left;">How do you communicate to the people around you that you love them? When do you feel loved by others?</i><br />
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One of my favorite things in existence is the survey on Love Languages. A Love Language just like any other language is a form of communication, with others. Love Languages aren't just expressed through significant other kind of love - they apply to friends, kids, housemates, etc. The five different Love Languages, developed by Gary Chapman, show the different ways that people express Love to each other. They are: Quality Time, Acts of Service, Physical Touch, Receiving Gifts, and Words of Affirmation. You can find more information about all of them on his website: <a href="http://www.5lovelanguages.com/">www.5lovelanguages.com</a>. <br />
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My two strongest Love Languages that I like to receive are: <b>Quality Time and Acts of Service. </b>Love Languages can change over time, but mine are usually quite strong on the Quality Time and Acts of Service range.<br />
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<b>QT</b> means that I really feel loved when others set aside time to really be with me. I feel loved spending one-on-one time with people that I really care about. This also means that distractions, interrupting or not listening to me, and post-poned dates/activites can hurt my feelings. I received a 10 on QT and the highest score is a 12. <b>AoS</b> means that when someone serves me (kindly washes my dishes for me out of the blue or helps me carry the groceries in) it means the world to me! Creating more work for me or breaking commitments might make me feel unappreciated. <br />
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My best friend Marian is coming to visit me at the end of February. I am so excited because I have never had a chance to host her in my own space. I've often mad the trip to Pennsylvania to see her and her husband Jesse. We are planning to have a girls weekend full of adventures, intentional talks, and good (healthy!) food! This girl knows that I feel SO, SO LOVED by Quality Time and I can't wait for our quality weekend together! We don't have set in stone plans, apart from breathing the same air for a weekend!<br />
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PS - This picture reminds me how much I miss Chaco weather and shorts. </div>
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This quote hangs on a clothesline of photographs and artwork in my room. I first heard it at BVS Orientation (maybe retreat?). Yesterday, I just felt awful, horrible, low, and depressed. There was a horrible miscommunication for which I put the blame on myself, I am so over the snow and the cold (BIG TIME), and I'm just feeling homesick for people (that I get to see in a 3 weeks to a month). It just ALL weighed me down yesterday. This morning, I woke up feeling better and pulled this quote down from my clothesline to read it again.<br />
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<i>“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”</i></blockquote>
TODAY is a new day. I can't do much about yesterday, but I am at the helm of today and everyday. But sometimes I forget that...and bad days just happen. And that's okay. Thank goodness for grace, and bright mornings, and waking from sleep. <br />
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I started reading some of Ralph Waldo Emerson's quotes on Pinterest and just fell in love with all of them. Then I proceeded to put his book, <i>"The complete writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson: containing all of his inspiring essays, lectures, poems, addresses, studies, biographical sketches and miscellaneous works." </i>I'm looking forward to reading that soon!<br />
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What are you trying to leave behind today? </div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-61634349608314449092014-01-26T17:49:00.001-06:002015-04-04T10:34:57.373-05:00Prank Wars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>the most wasted of all days is one without laughter.</i> e.e. cummings</div>
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I would add to that e.e. cummings' quote that the most wasted of all communities is one without laughter. I am blessed to live in a space where my housemates are constantly laughing together - with each other or at each other in good fun. It's a joy to share crinkled eyes, heads rolled back, lines growing joyfully deeper around our mouths as we guffaw, chuckle, chortle, and giggle together. </div>
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Recently, Tim, my housemate, has been playing little pranks on me. His most recent prank happened while I was washing dishes from my meal. He was roaming around the kitchen visiting with me and getting ready to go get Despicable Me 2 at the Redbox. I tried to tell him that there are codes online...but he couldn't find them. <b>So, I dried off my hands and turned around to this: </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrISLEpXzpvDeW7takRMvabu0lCVoXNxiUnVRz_VLbVhNedO7vXj9NddmXIWO7swhQZDWnMuEMqNJGag6emagdOV_70t_eOOJJnqVwNNl1vGRFy7nLHwmavOa45YIR4ivYbk5IX7lJvb6/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrISLEpXzpvDeW7takRMvabu0lCVoXNxiUnVRz_VLbVhNedO7vXj9NddmXIWO7swhQZDWnMuEMqNJGag6emagdOV_70t_eOOJJnqVwNNl1vGRFy7nLHwmavOa45YIR4ivYbk5IX7lJvb6/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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EVERY CABINET WAS OPEN! </div>
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I am notorious for opening cabinets...and leaving them open. Tim is hilarious. I CRACKED UP. Seriously, I couldn't breathe. I am so thankful for crazy housemates who sneakily pull pranks right under my nose. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5DJkIJwfgGxIzrR1cHcHEdlyokFlUobolmnTx8OK5ARXLBy0iBnsYrHi5ic-dz08JGP6iC69W_xLneo1pdpCohxSekKyy_5VWEAjOlULFL1MXte1lMEp9_eVMoLr9K8yBBxWMQZ-o_Kj/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5DJkIJwfgGxIzrR1cHcHEdlyokFlUobolmnTx8OK5ARXLBy0iBnsYrHi5ic-dz08JGP6iC69W_xLneo1pdpCohxSekKyy_5VWEAjOlULFL1MXte1lMEp9_eVMoLr9K8yBBxWMQZ-o_Kj/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I felt like that Mom in the Sixth Sense. You know the scene where Cole and his Mom are eating breakfast? She leaves for a second and comes back to find every cabinet OPEN and Cole in his chair. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQk8z1BpCValgzMM4ymLZrytGzrG7q5p14D4jT1MVTCW7nEWhSPZ-1Cs0oNlDLYBIPSAg_7lYS70z6Z3nlgg0DasjXxV3ksMbjhsHzMNo4vW8JeQok_V0njeWcxLEDCHSrfNRongMclRy/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQk8z1BpCValgzMM4ymLZrytGzrG7q5p14D4jT1MVTCW7nEWhSPZ-1Cs0oNlDLYBIPSAg_7lYS70z6Z3nlgg0DasjXxV3ksMbjhsHzMNo4vW8JeQok_V0njeWcxLEDCHSrfNRongMclRy/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Speaking of ghosts, can we talk about how there's a ghost in the top left of this picture!? </div>
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I am so blessed to live with others who love to laugh and help others laugh on a daily basis. I hope that your days are FULL of laughter and shared joy!<br />
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-2977419075368575402014-01-10T17:56:00.002-06:002014-12-25T11:19:45.487-06:00Knitting | Cable Knit Infinity Scarf Pattern<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIf62S5qG2BEeHtuiV7jNU2HJki6ajLgVI77H8acG-sZ9m8kZ1PhIuq2LW5g9rObHluxy0to0gC7g17gf0A2Whnh5BYD9pci-TG2AkLPkmZr6gLblO6iWtFSa7dWjZEMAasEJvETH1AI8z/s1600/scarf_pattern.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIf62S5qG2BEeHtuiV7jNU2HJki6ajLgVI77H8acG-sZ9m8kZ1PhIuq2LW5g9rObHluxy0to0gC7g17gf0A2Whnh5BYD9pci-TG2AkLPkmZr6gLblO6iWtFSa7dWjZEMAasEJvETH1AI8z/s1600/scarf_pattern.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
My sister had a very specific request for a Cabled Knit Infinity Scarf...Post-Christmas. I found the cable I wanted to create then made a simple pattern around it. I'm really please with how it turned out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7vxcA-wv60yHBst8NMtulDHPirREiwxDCreccaN9afIeo1mBD8-cdug-diRwuM8G_i2Ysl1Wf7xkA1pD1bDdrf1lXfGNoenMAtniNRmOEPtE1_gQ29elApczXF5znXzgddYhgwpZkWQr/s1600/photo+4+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7vxcA-wv60yHBst8NMtulDHPirREiwxDCreccaN9afIeo1mBD8-cdug-diRwuM8G_i2Ysl1Wf7xkA1pD1bDdrf1lXfGNoenMAtniNRmOEPtE1_gQ29elApczXF5znXzgddYhgwpZkWQr/s1600/photo+4+(5).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><i>Supplies</i></b><br />
Size 11 needles<br />
Two balls of yarn - Vanna's Choice Mustard 170 yds each<br />
*You'll knit using both balls of yarn at the same time.<br />
Tapestry Needle<br />
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<b><i>Pattern</i></b><br />
Cast on 22 sitches using two strands of yarn.<br />
Rows 1,3: Knit across.<br />
Rows 2, 4: Knit 5, Purl 12, Knit 5.<br />
Row 5: Knit 5, Slip 3 st to Cable Needle & hold back, knit 3, knit 3 cbl st, Slip 3 st to Cable Needle & hold to front, knit 3, knit 3 cbl st, knit 5.<br />
Rows 6: Knit 5, Purl 12, Knit 5.<br />
Rows 7, 9: Knit across.<br />
Rows 8, 10: Knit 5, Purl 12, Knit 5.<br />
Knit until desired length. I knit until I only had a yard or two left.<br />
Bind off.<br />
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Sew ends together with invisible stitch and weave in the ends.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDsbr1Dto2qmhXQxdOjaLraqBN8AsyS5XSFAtVZw4LWJomHc53IYn2l7MF0jWlXW0iuILVtD4gNDsobD0alaWueQ6sHVlmC_rBvy9B0aUybZezpVMZJygB-CZNeA4vbmKRqZ4CvgTE4ce/s1600/photo+2+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDsbr1Dto2qmhXQxdOjaLraqBN8AsyS5XSFAtVZw4LWJomHc53IYn2l7MF0jWlXW0iuILVtD4gNDsobD0alaWueQ6sHVlmC_rBvy9B0aUybZezpVMZJygB-CZNeA4vbmKRqZ4CvgTE4ce/s1600/photo+2+(5).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-75732963754030283092014-01-01T17:04:00.001-06:002014-01-01T17:04:51.046-06:00Goodbye 2013, Hello 2014!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5sI7fSGlqJuXMtv7xvX5bL163q_vb4amxads3Xg8gQg-JQN_Sa5G4P6LcHWiHzud2XxgqDsIa7zFEmak_9TNx16-_Lh3VF4316dF78_8aIzy0QYU3KmtkgTYffwPHt8o2A3vZ7AFf7Jd/s1600/2014_mountain.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5sI7fSGlqJuXMtv7xvX5bL163q_vb4amxads3Xg8gQg-JQN_Sa5G4P6LcHWiHzud2XxgqDsIa7zFEmak_9TNx16-_Lh3VF4316dF78_8aIzy0QYU3KmtkgTYffwPHt8o2A3vZ7AFf7Jd/s400/2014_mountain.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Miles by Car:</b> 12,232 miles<br /><b>Miles by Train:</b> ~642 miles<br /><b>Train Trips:</b> 1<br /><b>Miles by Plane:</b> 19,037 miles<br /><b>Plane trips:</b> 27 (including layovers)<br /><b>Total Miles Traveled:</b> 31,911 miles<div>
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I've traveled around the circumference of the Earth 1.2 times with those miles. I've listened to <a href="http://kkatielynn.blogspot.com/2013/01/fabric-friends-and-faithful-prophets.html" target="_blank">Shane Claiborne</a>, <a href="http://kkatielynn.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-re-worn-easter-dress.html" target="_blank">rewore an Easter dress</a>, attended rainy graduations, learned the bachata, grocery shopped, hiked to the tops of mountains, <a href="http://kkatielynn.blogspot.com/2013/10/seeking-intentionality-in-kitchen.html" target="_blank">baked bread</a>,<a href="http://kkatielynn.blogspot.com/2013/03/games-contact.html" target="_blank"> learned how to play Contact</a>, eaten plenty of Subway, <a href="http://kkatielynn.blogspot.com/2013/04/spring-fever.html" target="_blank">said goodbye to our family dogs</a>, ran 6 miles straight, <a href="http://kkatielynn.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-talk-to-strangers.html" target="_blank">been stopped by strangers</a>, danced, sang & laughed in the kitchen, written skits, talked to crowds, <a href="http://kkatielynn.blogspot.com/2013/02/extrovert-or-introvert.html" target="_blank">discovered I'm an extrovert</a>, driven a lot, <a href="http://kkatielynn.blogspot.com/2013/04/interrupted-travel-plans-story-told.html" target="_blank">traveled 642 miles to see a boy in a play</a>, <a href="http://kkatielynn.blogspot.com/2013/04/going-shampoo-free.html" target="_blank">washed my hair with baking soda & apple cider vinegar</a>, and played Awkward Family Photo every chance I got. </div>
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Here's to 2014 - a year of even bigger adventures with fewer miles in between!<br /><br /></div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2034695721955378145.post-5067656775721297532013-12-08T16:23:00.000-06:002013-12-08T16:23:06.622-06:00Snowy Days & Dreaming of Adventure<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Today has been spent in a time of snowy dreaming. After walking home from church in a beautiful snow fall - I used some rotting apples for a baked apple oatmeal. While the aroma of baking apples and
cinnamon wafted through the kitchen – I periodically glanced up from my
computer screen to see soft snowflakes falling. I spent this afternoon baking and dreaming. </div>
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In this season of waiting and anticipating, it is fun to imagine future adventures and future goals that I want to achieve. My friend just sent me her New Years Resolutions and 2014 Goals. I haven't sat down to intentionally think about my 2014 resolutions and goals, but I was reminded of <a href="http://dayzeroproject.com/" target="_blank">The Day Zero Project</a>. It's a website I started using in 2010 to track goals that I wanted to achieve and things I wanted to do. </div>
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The first list I made was <a href="http://dayzeroproject.com/user/kcumminx/list/22951" target="_blank">101 things I wanted to do in 1001 days</a>. That list was started in January 01, 2010 and concluded on September 29, 2012. It included things like Study Abroad, apply to BVS, become a vegetarian, make a sweater for myself, and kiss someone on New Years Eve. Spoiler alert: all those things happened! I didn't finish everything on that list, but I completed over half of it. Some things are still left to do like plant a tree, go ice skating, donate my hair, and attend a peace rally. </div>
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The next list I'm working on is called <a href="http://dayzeroproject.com/user/kcumminx/list/58391" target="_blank">Me and My Young Adult Life</a>. It started September 12, 2012 and is currently slated to end June 14, 2016. I chose my 26th birthday, because that is when I will have to start paying for my own insurance and that seems like a pretty adult thing to do. Some things I hope to do are Pay Off my Student Loans, hike the Appalachian Trail, donate my hair, cook a whole meal for my family, and WWOOF in Europe. It's all coming in stride. My current adventure is BVS, Elgin, Community Living, National Youth Conference, Cooking new recipes, and sometimes hanging with small children. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDs9l11YTf40djvKJoduplHnFmvhQBc7v66pYssAET6ulARlgx5wZ6s4m2Pg9AeReM86vXnPFGSROLFNTpFDSA17LAjZOpVKYVwaINV32omGOA9Gpj3Gz6fnuOXVrG9IakgyJSEelBHmJ/s1600/photo+4+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDs9l11YTf40djvKJoduplHnFmvhQBc7v66pYssAET6ulARlgx5wZ6s4m2Pg9AeReM86vXnPFGSROLFNTpFDSA17LAjZOpVKYVwaINV32omGOA9Gpj3Gz6fnuOXVrG9IakgyJSEelBHmJ/s400/photo+4+(4).JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Speaking of cooking, here's the finished Baked Apple Oatmeal. And the next adventure looks like driving in this snow to enjoy some appetizers and Christmas movies at a friend's house. </div>
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<b>What are the adventures waiting right outside my door if I but only opened my eyes to them? </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240668169066213951noreply@blogger.com0