The Bag Monster

It’s a bird! No, it’s a plane! No, silly… it’s the Bag Monster!

This is no joke, people. There is a man who dresses himself up as the “Bag Monster” – a costume composed of about 500 plastic bags, the same number that the average American consumes in just one year. He is traveling the country to raise awareness about the effects of single-use plastic bags on our environment, as the vast majority of the 100 BILLION bags consumed in this country every year end up in landfills – or even worse, the ocean. Ever heard of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? Yeah, I thought so.

Some find him quirky and all around nuts. I think he’s brilliant – bringing humor to a critical environmental adversity in order to increase public awareness. I mean, seriously. Who isn't going to pay attention to a grown man wearing nothing but 500 plastic bags?

Check out his page for updates, photos, and laughs. If you’re lucky, he could be coming to a town near you!

http://www.bagmonster.com/

A Farmers Market Frenzy

Farmers Markets: who doesn't love them? Sure they can be more expensive, although this is not always the case. And even when they are, most people find that it's worth the extra change. You enjoy fresh produce, consume less pesticides and other harmful chemicals while simultaneously supporting your local farmers, and therefore stimulating your local economy. As an added bonus, you're doing something good for the environment.

You see, your typical apple or squash or tomato travels an average of 1,494 miles from its point of origin to the produce section of your local grocery store. Compare that to an average distance of 56 miles that your fruits and veggies at the nearest farmers market have traveled. That's a lot of unnecessary CO2 that's being released into the atmosphere. 27 times as much, to be exact.

And is it just me, or is the corn from that local farmer sweeter? The apples crunchier? It's probably my mind playing tricks on me, but I'm inclined to believe that things really do taste better when they are grown only a few zip codes away.

Lucky for me, there is an abundance of farmers markets in New York. It's no wonder the city was named after a (large) piece of fruit! I was shocked to find how many more farms and farmers markets that there are on the East Coast in comparison to the West Coast.

Lucky for you, you can go to http://www.localharvest.org/ and find the nearest farms, farmers markets, and other locations selling locally grown, organic food.

And perhaps you'll stumble upon some not-so-common items like I did this morning when I found a man selling ostrich eggs.

Go. Browse. Buy. Eat. Enjoy. Repeat.

And don't forget to bring along your reusable grocery bag :)

Back in the Big Apple

I know, I know....... shame on me. Big time. I could take this opportunity to touch briefly on the last several months of my blogging absence in an effort to explain why I've been so delinquent, but I think it's best just to pick up and proceed. If you know me well, you know what I've been up to. And if you don't know me..... well, then I'm not exactly sure what you're doing reading this blog in the first place. So shoo, stranger... shoo!

Moving on.... literally. To New York! In my first week and a half back at The Palace, I'm already off and running. I am working with a friend to hopefully encourage the New York Hotel Association to implement a sustainability program, met with the Consul General of Haiti to discuss how the hospitality industry can assist them during this most difficult time (especially with America's focus having shifted almost entirely (and understandably) to the oil spill), and contracted a new bottled water company to replace our current vendor (BOOOOO Fiji! - more on this later). The point is, reader, I'm all over the place. I'm like Leonardo DiCaprio in 'Catch Me If You Can' - only instead of stealing millions of dollars and running from the IRS, I'm doing what I can to preserve our natural environment :) In between sips of pinot and episodes of Criminal Minds, of course.

I am in no way trying to 'toot my own horn', I am simply thrilled at the momentum I've gained in such a short period of time. I feel like Dorothy when she was on her way to meet the Wizard. I'm on the brink of something wonderful... and have the potential to make the kind of impact I have always dreamed of.

I tip my hat off to the ever-witty and eloquent Sir Winston Churchill, who put it perfectly when he said, 'We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give'. And, I'm going to give it all I've got.

Coastal Comparisons

I've always thought of New York as being this massive, sprawling city - and have become overwhelmed just thinking about the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced New York lifestyle. Meanwhile, across the country, I have for years loved San Francisco for it's "7 x 7" small-for-a-big-city vibe. And while the whole of New York City (all boroughs included) is large, Manhattan itself is surprisingly small... coming in at exactly half the size of my beloved City by the Bay. One thing that New York definitely has over anywhere else I've been is the amazing subway system. Is it dirty and crowded? Usually. But you can get just about anywhere in a jiffy (read: New York Minute). If you choose to walk, you can count on an easy, flat terrain... unlike the hills of SF. And while I am especially appreciative of this on days of extreme weather, I deeply miss the exercise and amazing views that those SF hills provide. I still feel a bit lost here from time to time, but am gradually finding my niche... thanks to friends old and new.

As much as I'm loving this amazing new city and actively making the most of my time here, the waves of sadness and longing for home remain a constant. Home is home, and nothing will ever compare. But, as opposed to letting it get me down, you can bet your bottom dollar that I am painting the town red while I'm here. I'm leaving my mark... just watch me.

A Foodie's Frenzy

Everything tastes better in New York. Savoring a bite here and a sip there, I could easily eat my way through this city. And based on the satisfaction that I've found with each passing meal, it might even be worth the physical repercussions associated with such gross over-indulgence. The most difficult part of approaching any meal here is determining the destination. With over half of my meals leaving me longing for more, I am presented with a persistent dilemma: Do I return and treat myself to a guaranteed enjoyable experience, or do I risk disappointment and try something new? Manhattan alone holds over 10,000 restaurants, bakeries and cafes. Overwhelming? Absolutely. But in the best possible way.

Don't you worry, Reader, I hear myself. It's borderline embarrassing... knowing that I speak of past meals in a way that many reflect upon a long-lost love. I can't help it. Food is and always has been one of my greatest passions in life. Grocery shopping, cooking, baking, eating, serving... I love it all! And this city is exploding with dishes that will make your taste buds dance as though they were two-stepping with Fred Astair.

I'm beginning to compile a comprehensive list of all of the places I've been with notes on the dishes, service, and overall experience. Upon completion, this said list will be shared. Think of it as your own little black book of the hidden gems of New York dining. Cuban, Morroccan, Mexican, Italian, Japanese... I'm covering it all. I'm on a mission - determined to leave no stone unturned, no roll left behind.

Speaking of which, it's time for dinner. Bon Appetit!!!

Empire State of Mind

After just one week in this metropolitan maze, it's clear that New York is a city swollen with promises of opportunities and success. Like a faint but persistant voice in the night, the words "anything is possible" haunt natives and tourists alike. It's all too easy to embrace the small fish/big pond feeling.... but even so, the city doesn't feel quite as vast as I had imagined, thanks in great part to my iPhone - which I would truly be lost without. Even so, my phone and I are in a love/hate relationship at the moment. With just under 19 million people buzzing about, it's no wonder I'm dropping more calls than Tiger Woods has girlfriends (bad joke, I know). That aside... that little hand-held device has quickly become my trusted companion... always guiding me where I need to be. Thank you, Steve Jobs :)

The city is simply stunning... twinkling with excitement and activity. And while the snow has mostly melted along the streets, the soil of Central Park remains perfectly frosted with winter's touch. Camera in hand, I spent the whole weekend exploring... searching for the next great shot. There is so much to see, and I don't want to miss a single thing.

The long workdays have provided me with a sense of excitement and accomplishment, while also helping to dilute the sense of loneliness that can only be expected when you plant yourself 3,000 miles away from your home and those you hold closest to heart. I have already connected with old friends from college and other past lives, however even the social engagements, neighborhood explorations and the daily fresh linens and other comforts of my room can't distract me from missing those that I left behind.

Not surprisingly, Empire State of Mind has become my theme song... following me wherever my feet take me. Whether riding the subway on my way to SoHo or strolling through Times Square, I know that it will get easier and that everything is going to work out just in the way that it was meant to. As the song goes, These streets will make you feel brand new... bright lights will inspire you... let's hear it for New York, New York, New York........

SF City Girl Greens The Big Apple!

As many of you know..... upon my last day with The Ritz-Carlton I was offered (and quickly accepted) my dream job: to implement an Environmental Conservation and Social Responsibility program at The Palace Hotel in New York City. Aside from providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and amazing resume-builder, I get to enjoy the following perks:

• A room in The Palace for the duration of my time here (Chuck Bass, anyone??)
• A gorgeous direct view of St. Patrick's Cathedral from my room
• Club access offering delectable bites and scrumptious sips
• Free in-house laundry & dry cleaning, and......
• Daily maid service (insert delighted squeal here)

It may sound like I'm bragging (and who am I kidding... sometimes a girl can't help herself!)... but I just can't seem to wrap my head around it! Needless to say, I'm starting to develop welts from pinching myself too hard and too often, as I'm half-convinced that this is all a big joke... which would be a very mean trick to play. Of course, waking up and realizing this has all been a dream seems far more likely than the reality of the situation.

As fortunate and excited as I am about this amazing opportunity, it wasn't easy leaving my loved ones. I only had one week to pull myself together and move to New York... and with the quick turnaround came a whirlwind of emotions. However, I am comforted in knowing that I will be returning to my beloved City by the Bay once I get this program up and running... which should be within a few short months. I am living my own dream: making a positive (and hopefully lasting) environmental impact while exploring one of the most amazing cities in the world. I will have much to keep me occupied between work and exploring the Big Apple... which is truly a Foodie's paradise. And if you know anything about me, you know that food is and always has been one of the greatest loves of my life. Move over Anthony Bourdain.... I already have a running list of places I can't wait to visit... many of which will surely be documented in this blog :)

So stay tuned for updates, adventures, photos, restaurant reviews, and random thoughts. And in the meantime... enjoy the view from my room. I certainly am ;) XOXO

Change

Alright peeps! One of my fans has been (gently) hounding me for quite some time to get back into blogging. These days you would never know it, but writing is and always has been one of my favorite pastimes.... which is why I should be more proactive about dedicating at least a few minutes out of each day to the written word. J - you asked for it! This one's for you :)

Change is difficult, no matter how you cut it or how it is brought forth. And with big change comes a whirlwind of emotions: confusion, fear, and hope, not to mention that persistent queasiness that refuses to loosen its grip on your tummy. 2010 has already brought a great deal of change into this lady's life. As you may know, I tend to take my New Year's Resolutions pretty seriously. Last year I chose to run a half-marathon, and in case you haven't kept up... that proved to be successful as I'll be running my fourth this coming Sunday. It's no great feat as I'm slow and greatly lack consistency in training, but at the end of the day... I have turned one goal into a glowing reality almost four times over. My goal for 2010? To be more fiscally conservative and put more into my savings then I have in recent years. So, I left my darling (though troubled) studio and the comfort of having my own place... and moved into a flat in Russian Hill. In so doing I've taken on 2 awesome roommates and am saving almost $400/month on rent. So... I found the timing to be quite serendipitous when I found out my job was eliminated a couple of weeks ago. While I'd already begun to submit my resume around, timing is suddenly of the essence whereas before I could interview and submit my resume... all at a relaxing, comfortable pace.

I'm now three days away from my last day here at Le Ritz.... and while I haven't solidified my next move, a number of offers have presented themselves. Now while I recognize this to be a positive, I can't help but feel overwhelmed with the pressure to balance choosing the right opportunity without rushing into a position that doesn't provide the necessary emotional and financial well-being. I'm a firm believer in sayings such as "What's meant to be will be" and "If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it".... and have found that reminding myself of these words of wisdom (repeatedly) are about the only thing that can slow my racing heart rate and push back the tears as I fight the frustrations and panic attacks that arise from the feeling of completely losing control.

Yup, 2010 has already brought forth a great deal of change. And for change to prove successful, one must make adjustments and not be afraid to venture out of their comfort zone. Is it easy? Of course not. But, I keep reminding myself that the best things never are.

Ritz-Carlton Featured in Green Blog!

How pleased was I to arrive to work today only to be notified that two Ritz-Carlton properties were highlighted in the widely followed blog, Green Daily. Loving it!

As they said, "Luxury and Green CAN Coexist". Enjoy - xo.

http://www.greendaily.com/2009/09/16/ritz-carlton-shows-that-luxury-and-green-can-coexist/

Composting in Style!

Here's the situation: You're at work, and you need to blow your nose. Or toss your coffee cup. Or throw away the quarter of a bagel you aren't going to finish. What do you do?

• A) Get up to find the nearest compost bin (which is, to be honest, not so near...) - or -
• B) Chuck it into the trash

If you're like most people, you'll choose the later option. Nobody wants to get up time after time again to throw out one tiny tissue, and I can't blame them. Time is money and we all have better things to do than making multiple runs to dispose of these items. Even I, the "Composting Queen", have been known to throw out a tissue or two in my day. That's why I'm SO excited about my newest "green" initiative. Check this out, friends: I'm ordering a bunch of these for my co-workers in an effort to solve the above dilemma:

This bucket (which anybody can fit into their office as it's only 10 in x 8 in x 8 in) is ventilated on all sides, including the top and bottom. It allows food waste to breathe which reduces the foul odor that other composting bins are unable to mask. It's genious, really. Just empty your biodegradable bag once a week into the nearest large composting bin, and re-line the small bucket with a new BioBag. (BioBags are only $3.29 for a box of 25 bags).

Now there's really no excuse for trashing all of your compostables. No more "I don't have time to run to the compost bin 10 times a day"... because now, you don't have to!

But wait... it gets better! I've done extensive research on pricing of both the buckets and the biodegradable bags. The best deals can be found here: http://www.buygreen.com/biobagmaxairiicompostingbuckets.aspx.

There. You're now only a click away :) Go Green!!!

Greening by Gavin

I'm LOVING Gaving Newsom these days. Like most politicians, it's no secret that he's made a mistake or two in his day... some more public than others. None of his mistakes however can keep me from basking in the glory of his most recent achievement: passing the most aggressive composting and recycling law in the country. Not long ago, Portland was often referred to as the "greenest" city in the United States. In recent years, San Francisco has jumped ahead and taken the throne it so clearly deserves.

A few facts about our lovely city:

• San Francisco was the first city to ban plastic bag distribution.
• We sport the largest city-owned solar installation in the country... a 75-kw solar array atop the Moscone Center.
• At 70%, San Francisco already has the largest waste diversion rate in the country. This new law will only increase this percentage.
• Gavin newsom pledges that by 2011, San Francsico's taxi cabs will all have been converted to hybrid vehicles.

Read more about the new law here: http://tinyurl.com/nuukde

Go forth and go green :)

xoxo

Your SF Green Gal

Remember me?

Well... I've been negligent and have not kept my blog up to date. Of course there's only one person that I know of who reads it on a regular basis (you know who you are!), but that's beside the point as the reason I really started this was to use it as a creative outlet. It really all comes down to this: There's no getting around it... I've been a bad blogger.

But I don't like to dwell on the negative, so I'll just get right to it. Yes... the half marathon has come and gone! It was the most challenging of experiences but by far the most worthwhile endeavor I have taken on to date. The week and a half leading up to the race, I came down with strep throat and sinusitus. Needless to say, it made the run even more difficult than I had anticipated. Luckily, I woke up (at 3am mind you!) the morning of the race and felt better than I had in days. The weather was perfection: overcast with a chilly moist drizzle that was nothing short of refreshing as my feet pounded the pavement for a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes. Yes readers, you read that right. I am a VERY slow runner. There were moments I literally doubted that I would make it to the finish line. Ultimately, it was the unwavering support of my family and friends that pushed me across that finish line. I have never sported a wider smile than in that moment. Waiting for me at the end were my mom and friends including Meredith, Nick Foster, Jennifer Privett (who flew down to surprise me!), and Danielle Van Asch Prevot. I have never in my life felt more supported or loved.

Now for my little announcement.... I must have caught the running "bug"... because I've signed up for the San Francisco half marathon later this month! Yes... your little (semi-absent) blogger is at it again!

XOXO

The Countdown is Officially ON!!!

I've been a very bad Blogger... entirely MIA! As most of you are well aware, there are times when life simply gets in the way. And there has been a lot of life to live! Training for the half marathon has certainly played a massive role. The long-distance runs leave my body stiff yet entirely satisfied. It is, however, very difficult to get back out there when all your body wants to do is soak in a hot bath or curl up in bed. The trick (apparently) is to keep at it. I'm doing my best to maintain a healthy balance of both.

It is impossible to believe that the race is (gulp) only 17 days away!!! I am confident that I will cross the finish line sporting the largest of smiles - and can't wait for that moment and sense of accomplishment.

My family and friends have gone above and beyond in their support - both emotionally and mentally, as well as with my fundraising. I reached out to those near and far, and remain touched by all of the warm wishes and deep sense of encouragement. I can say with certainty: I would not be where I am today without their love and support. Taking on this challenge has helped me to realize how fortunate that I am to have such amazing people in my life - I am rich in friendships and remain humbled and grateful for each one of them.

Above all else, this experience has taught me that, as in life, running really comes down to one simple rule:

"If you continue to place one foot in front of the other and give each step your best, you will reach the finish line to find that you haven't left any room for regret"

Diez! Desyat! Zehn! Das! Dix! Ten! 10!!!

I'll go ahead and say it:  I really, really didn't think I would make it to ten miles on Saturday. Upon arriving however, I quickly realized that everyone else who showed up to the group run was training for full marathons, and the shortest distance that anyone else was going was 14 miles.  Even though I knew that they were more advanced and that I really was doing just fine...  I couldn't help but feel entirely deflated.  Great, I thought. I've only made it to 7 miles.  My longest distance was their shortest.  Not the best way to start an aggressive workout.

Off I went.  Determined to show them that I was capable of reaching the double-digit mark, I matched their pace (which was naturally faster than mine), but soon found that I just couldn't hold on.  Within minutes I had fallen behind the group, and was on my own.  After running around Lake Merced (4.5 miles), I was already feeling a deep burn in my legs and chest.  I stopped, sipped, stretched, and took off once more. My breathing at this point resembled that of a pregnant woman in her first lamaze class more than a runner's.  "hee-hee-hoooo... hee-hee-hoooo"... no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't seem to draw enough air.  Towards the end I had to walk a couple of times.  Now normally this wouldn't have bothered me, but in passing an elderly woman waiting for the bus, she called out "Come on, sweetheart. Pick up the pace!".  Seriously?!  I really hope that my smile covered the nasty glare I was unable to suppress.  I was starving, thirsty, dizzy, achey, and stiff.  I even thought that a person wearing red shorts and a white top in the distance was a water cooler.  (no joke).  Pathetic?  Maybe.  But that mirage certainly kept me running for quite awhile before I realized I was seeing things.

Days later, I'm still having trouble walking.  But I'll tell you this much:  the way that I felt after... that amazing, "I did it!" feeling...  it made it all worthwhile.  

Six more weeks.  Three more miles.  I can do this.

The Great Pacific Garbage Catastrophe

Let's do an exercise. I want you to think of the largest pile of trash you can possibly imagine. Now multiply that by 100. Then go ahead and multiply that by 100, and you might just be starting to scratch the surface of comprehending the size of the world's most massive collection of man-made debris.

Reader, meet The Great Pacific Garbage Patch. At least 100 feet in height, it's a mass of waste that floats within the North Pacific Gyre - the center of a number of currents that create a circular effect, pulling clothing, lighters, plastic bags, toys, toothbrushes, wrappers, bottles, fishnets and other pollutants together. Located between the California Coast and the Hawai'ian islands, this mass is estimated to weigh 3.5 million tons, and is at least the size of Texas (yes, I said at LEAST)... and quite possibly as large as 1.5 times the size of the entire Unites States. (Go ahead and take a moment to digest that before reading on). Of course the size is constantly changing, with pieces breaking off and either dropping to the ocean floor or drifting to one day find itself on a faraway coastline.

Surprisingly, the patch was only discovered a dozen years ago. It's beyond ecologically detrimental - with the plastic to sea life ratio standing at a whopping 6:1. That's probably because the local mammals and birds are ingesting its contents and getting caught in its tangled mass.

It was the discovery of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch that lead me to being together a team of colleagues to clean up Ocean Beach back in October of 2008. Though our efforts were minuscule in the grand picture, it was an amazing and very successful event. I have personally developed a zero tolerance policy for people who are too lazy to wait for a trash can... and become increasingly irritated with each plastic bottle that I see being thrown into the trash as opposed to being properly recycled. Call me the Recycling Nazi. I'm just that much of a stickler.

What I'm hoping that this entry will do is encourage you to make one change in your life - small as it may be - to better the environment. Does your office not have enough recycling receptacles? Call in and request for more. Find yourself collecting too many paper and plastic bags? Bring your own re-usable bags to the grocery store. Don't have any? I'll give you some - I have an abundance! Volunteer at a local tree-planting or beach clean-up. Offer to recycle that Coke can you see somebody chucking into a trash bin. Turn off your lights when you're not around. Un-plug your cell phone charger when you're not using it, because guess what? As long as it's plugged in, it's still pulling power.

There are a million things you can do! The opportunities are endless. Make these small changes habits - because these are the types of habits that very soon become a lifestyle.

Puttin' on the Ritz - Country Style

If you know anything about me, you know that this is an absolute dream come true for me..... The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco has gone country! For the better part of a week, Texas Roadhouse has bought out every room in the hotel (as well as the Fairmont up the hill). What does this mean for the Ritz? We're sporting cowboy hats, boots and jeans. There's a giant, 20 foot blow-up Armadillo on the roof (his name is Andy and he's their amazing mascot). And I'm loving every second of it!

One of the best parts of this transformation is the positive publicity that Texas Roadhouse has brought with them. In an effort to counter what has been labeled "The AIG Effect", Texas Roadhouse arranged for an interview with NBC to promote business meetings and corporate travel in our current economy. This interview, along with articles and websites such as meetingsmeanbusiness.com (check it out!), are taking a bountiful stand in the fight against business cancelations. While I appreciate those who are holding onto their purse strings, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that as long as money's not moving, this recession isn't going anywhere. And while I'm not suggesting that you go bananas and spend a fortune on a vacation that's out of reach, I'm also not encouraging you to stop spending altogether. I'm a firm believer that there's almost always happiness to be found in the middle. That being said, I'm of course thankful when I see those with deeper pockets spending.

So, I'm throwing out a whopping "THANK YOU!!" to Texas Roadhouse - not only for keeping me employed (at least temporarily)... but for showing that they're not afraid to recognize the dedication and tireless efforts of their star employees... even in these trying times. The next time my tummy is rumbling and I see a T.R. on the horizon, you can bet I'll be swinging by to support them and return the favor.

Now, as my new friends at the Roadhouse would say, "Make it a legendary day!".

Yee-Haw, Y'All!!!

Yes, I'm Alive...

What a whirlwind of weeks it has been.  With 3 apartment floodings, a ceiling that caved in, a maggot infestation, it's a wonder why I didn't move out until the balcony from the apartment directly above mine collapsed onto mine... right after I finished having dinner there.  Yikes!   Although living out of bags and couch surfing was fun while it lasted, I was thrilled when my management company found a furnished apartment for me to use until they had finished gutting and practically re-building my place. (And by "found" I of course mean managed to offer once they received a quote for the hotel I was getting ready to check into).  But now that the majority of the work is done... the only tasks left are ripping out and replacing my hardwood floors and demolishing and re-structuring my balcony.  I'm starting to think that they had that old "When life gives you lemons" saying all wrong... because I'm tempted to finish it with "throw them at your management company"... or something of the like.  So, while I have not been able to keep up with the blogging (as the place where I was staying was void of an internet connection)... I'm certain that you can appreciate why.

That being said... I'm going to throw out a few updates/thoughts below.  And keep an eye out for more entries.... because being home means having an internet connection. And having an internet connection means that Whitney is a very, very happy blogger/Yelper/emailer/YouTuber/Googler/cyberstalker/Facebooker... uhm... you get the point.

1 - Shin splints are the WORST!  I had to take 2 weeks off of running (and almost had to give up walking altogether).  Painful as all heck, but so much better now that I've given my leg the time that it needs to heal.  And who has time to run when you're living the life of a gypsy anyways?  I guess if it were to happen that the timing was perfection.  Back at it and up to 7 miles.  YAY!  Onward and upward, I say!!!

2 - Land's End is by far my favorite part of San Francisco that I have discovered to date.  A gorgeous maze of trails and look-out points, you're surrounded by gorgeous trees that stand as tall as the eye can see... and offer the most breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and beyond.  Never been? I'll take you.  It's truly a sight to be seen.

3 - Live in or close to San Francisco?  I've discovered the best (and totally recession-proof) spot to get a bite to eat!  Check out Jovino on Union St.  (www.jovinosf.com).  They have a nightly $9 dinner special... which on Saturdays is a heaping pile of homemade spaghetti & meatballs AND a generously poured glass of wine.   Now that's what I call a deal. 

Ok - that's all for now, folks.  

Besos!

Dreaming in Green

Within the last year, I have become passionate about everything 'Green'.  Since accepting my current position with The Ritz-Carlton, I have become increasingly invested in reducing the carbon footprint of the hotel, and am now (with a great deal of help from my boss), spear-heading our property's REACT team (Ritz Environmental Action Conservation Team).  Whooo!  Now that's a mouth full.  

I'm thankful for this undertaking for many reasons, but mostly because as challenging as it can be to properly educate 500 employees on the appropriate recycling and composting practices, I myself have learned more than I could have imagined on the subject and am now one of the most environmentally conscious people that I know, both in and out of the office.  (No, I don't have a home-made compost heap steaming in the back of my building.  And yes, I still by leather shoes.)  Sorry guys, there are times when fashion simply will prevail.  I'm not by any means an 'over-the-top', tree-hugging hipster, but I certainly do my part in ensuring that everything I discard of ends up in its rightful place.  To help you do the same, I'm using my blog as a medium to share helpful (and easy!) facts and hints on how to stay green, and I've even included a simple few below.  

1. Did you know that if every American recycled just one-tenth of their newspapers, we would save about 25 million trees every year? This is just one reason why it's so important to ensure that we recycle whenever possible. **UPDATED** I had previously suggested that you find your news elsewhere (ie: TV, online, etc), however someone was kind enough to remind me of how vulnerable that the newspaper industry is in this struggling economy, and what an important role that they play in supplying the stories that are then published in other media.  While I am not discouraging you to take in your news by paper (lets be honest - most of what you see on TV is warped anyways), please recycle them when you are done!!!  :)
2. The energy saved from recycling one glass bottle can run a 100-watt light bulb for four hours.  It also causes 20% less air pollution than making a new bottle from raw materials. 
3. Do you have a self-cleaning oven?  The next time you want to use that feature, do so right after cooking.  That way you take advantage of the heat that has already accumulated :)

Last but not least, I hear rumors buzzing that an old friend of ours is ready to admit defeat after singing that same old song for almost 40 years now.  Apparently he's come to realize that it is, in fact, easy being green :)

Now, make Kermit proud....  go forth and recycle!!!!

I Drank The Kool Aid

*Our group run in Marin, which we dedicated to Meredith's dad*

As I mentioned in a previous blog entry, experienced runners tend to insist (or warn?) that running can become very addicting.  I have shrugged off this notion as something that has afflicted others, certain that I myself will never fall into this category.  I still have not become addicted, but the way I feel after a long run in the great outdoors?  That's another story all together.  After reaching my first five mile mark in Marin and then enjoying the majestic trees and waterfalls a week later in beautiful Golden Gate Park, I found that I was able to breathe deeper, was high on endorphins, and at times felt certain that I had enough energy to out-run the infamous Energizer Bunny.  (That fluffy pink thing is going down).

I'm quickly finding that there are countless benefits to running.  

1)  I'm toning up and getting into better shape.  I just wore a skirt to work that two months ago I was unable to zip.  Next on my list is that double chin that seems to be anything but camera shy....

2)  I'm much more productive with my time. When I pull myself out of bed at 7 on a Saturday morning and meet my fellow TNTers for a group run, I find that by 10, I have already managed to complete my exercise for the day, visited and caught up with friends over breakfast, and I still have a whole day ahead of me, along with twice the energy to tackle the projects at hand. Now, this is a lifestyle that I'm starting to think I could really get used to!  

3)  The people I'm meeting?  Incredible.  TNT is comprised of the most diverse group of individuals of any organization with which I've been affiliated.  And the best part is that we're all on a mission to support a wonderful cause.  

This is an organization that I can see myself remaining involved with long after my upcoming race. I mentioned this to a friend of mine who has been involved with Team In Training for a number of seasons.  She chuckled, and said "Yup. You drank the Kool Aid".  

Drink it I did... and I'm loving every sip :)

When it rains...

...it pours, and the leak in my roof caves in which floods my apartment for the first of three times in the week.  And no, I'm not exaggerating.  In the last week my apartment has flooded not one, not two, but three times.  I have had a maggot infestation (yes, maggots), mold from the flooding, and most recently , the ceiling in my bathroom caved in, the walls buckled and the medicine cabinet crashed to the floor. Ten days ago, my apartment was pure *perfection*, my haven, my 'escape from it all'.  It used to be pristine, gorgeous, like an oasis to be coveted.  Or at least it appeared that way.  What used to be my favorite place in this world has suddenly morphed into what can only be described as the seventh circle of Hell.  I'm coming to realize that those age-old life lessons are true:  appearances can, indeed, be deceiving.  Chalk one up for mom... one by one her mantras are proving to be true.  My cozy little home may have looked the part, but beyond the newly painted walls, hardwood floors and crown molding is old, rotten wood, gutters that haven't been cleaned since OJ was tried, and plumbing problems that haven't been tended to since I learned how to multiply eight by four.  It's been more than difficult to suppress the "why me?", "why me?", "why ME?!?" mentality that I refuse to let get the best of me.  It's called perspective, people.  The situation is far from ideal.... but in the end I have to remember that it could be a heck of a lot worse.  

Alas, here I sit, in my childhood bed... having taken my mom up on her offer to (temporarily)  move home.  Though it's admittedly strange to be sleeping in my old bed, there's something immensely comforting (and not at all creepy) about looking over and seeing my childhood teddy bear staring at me with his dopey, glassy gaze.  

So, the question remains, what's the next step?  Do I move?  Do I let my (negligent) management fix the problems at hand?  Or do I milk this free rent for all that it's worth?  Hmmm......