Green - Not just a color anymore!

by p. brennan

Considering most other conscious human beings in the US are embracing the idea of being "Green," I thought I'd join the bandwagon (being a conscious human being and all).

I've honestly come to embrace this idea and I am quite intrigued by how innovative and considerate our fellow citizens can be. After living in the DC area for 6 yrs I was starting to lose hope based on my interactions with my typical sordid DC encounters. The idea of being "Green" has helped to bring those hidden miracles of our society out of the closet as people and businesses project their choice to be environmentally conscious. Buses advertise their friendlier choices of fuel, residents bike instead of driving those few blocks, plastic bags are quickly becoming a thing of the past, smoking is banned in dc restaurants, etc...

With this is mind, I'd first like to refer you, the reader, to the Ideal Bite web site. This site enlightens "green"horn environmentally conscious people, like myself, on how simple decisions can drastically effect our environment. They provide a daily tip that you can have emailed to you everyday and they spin it to the contemporary urbanite, making "eco friendly hip." The tips not only focus on the health of the environment, but also the health of those who choose to make responsible decisions. (www.idealbite.com)

Searching this site, I came across their advertiser NAU (pronounced now, I think) and I gave them a try. NAU produces sporty clothing made from organic materials that appeal to the hiking, rock climbing, outdoor enthusiasts. I wouldn't really categorize myself as any of those, but I did like the style of clothing. The package arrived, with free shipping, and I was pleasantly surprised with my purchase of organic cotton shorts. The structure, stitching and materials used in the shorts were excellent and they are super comfortable. They are a bit on the pricey side ($$$$), but check out the sales section to test your curiosity. I'm definitely hooked. (http://www.nau.com/)

So, find inspiration in becoming environmentally conscious. There is a "green" solution that applies to everyone in life and I challenge you to make a change. Install energy efficient bulbs in your home, buy organically grown produce and meat, or try to carpool or take public transportation.

Conservative isn't always the nasty word that republicans have made it out to be.

FED Week One

I started my new job on Monday, 8/20/07, and I think I'm going to like it here. The office is really well designed and the people I work with, directly, seem very nice. The rest of the office, however, seems to have a bit of a communication problem (i.e. good morning, how are you?). I have a feeling that can be resolved as I become more familiar with people. It will take some time for me to get the handle of daily operations, but I have confidence that everything will come together.

Like I said, I like my new job, but I don't think my body does. I've been thrown out of wack. My body isn't treating me well at all. I think it has something to do with waking up early and not eating according to my regular scheudle, but more so waking up early.

My commute is a long one. Nick and I are waking up at 6am and I'm making it in to the office by about 8am. I don't mind the commute, but living closer really would be ideal. By driving most of the way and taking the metro from Tenleytown, I am greatly reducing my typical metro whoa's.

We'll live in the area for a little while longer. With a new roomate moving into our condo in Greenbelt this weekend, we're going to hang around for a while. After time we'll probablly move into the city to reduce our commute, out time spend away from home and get a DAWG, "Tucker"!