Body Blocking...Come on

So Thursday morning I was running to work - the route I always run. I just happen to run over a bridge and on the downhill side I run through a "seamy" side of town. But, like I said, this is a route I always run and I've never had a problem until today.

This guy jumped in my way, trying to block me. I tried to shift to the side - but he did too. And, I was going fast! For me, I was going super fast and I couldn't quite stop. I raised my arm and sort of body checked the guy. I wasn't thinking, I was just reacting. He wasn't hurt, I barely touched him, because as my arm connected with his chest. I pulled back. He was like, "Exxxxcussse ME!" But what the heck did he expect? Body Blocking a runner going at full speed...?!

It put a damper on my day...

Have you ever had a similar experience?

Cleaning out the Clutter

Clutter has a way of creeping its way into . . . everything. We do a little spring cleaning to declutter the living space but what about decluttering our mind...? It's not always so easy to remember to set aside some time to clean things out up there. The best way to do it is to give yourself some space...and I mean some time to run through your thoughts and organize your projects inside your mind.

We all get busy in the hustle and bustle of every day life but we have to remember to take a little "time-out" for ourselves--if we want to have a mental health break--remember you can't always be busy... You need some down time to unwind.

So, how do you unwind, declutter and destress your life?

I run....and run....and run... it gives me time to think all by myself and plan out my day before I even go to work. 

Contagion - Movie Review

I wanted to see Contagion when it came out but never got around to going to see it. It has an all-star cast with Matt Damon, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Gweneth Paltrow and more.

It seemed like a plausible premise but the show was a little slow for me. I think it's worth watching and enjoyed the way it made me think "wash your hands," "wash your hands," "wash your hands"!
But I'm glad I didn't pay to see it in the theater.

There was one point I thought was over-acted. It was when the doctor was talking to Matt Damon about his wife dying. I thought he suddenly flipped-out and although Matt is a wonderful actor that part stands out in my mind as Mwha...

So, have you seen it...? What did you think?

Pants too tight?

How 'bout using some fun fabric to fix the problem and go retro at the same time?

Back in the 60s we used to make skirts and pants with extra fabric in the inserts - it looks like everything old is new again...and why not? It's fun to add some wacky fabric that expresses the inner self...right?

Well this is a carpenter - "sew" what could be more perfect than a fabric insert that looks like a tape measure?

Fun fabric to fix the too tight fit.

Plus it's being sustainable. Why waste a good pair of pants that just needs a little help to fit properly?
No need.

If you are a quilter - you could think of piecing the pattern together to create a work of art...

And these pants make me smile. So much fun in one little piece - okay maybe two - pieces of fabric. :D

Ole'

Favorite Stories from My Childhood

When I was little, growing up in a house with nine kids, grandma and Mom and Dad, it was always a full house. And, we only had one t.v. I think it was black and white - for years. We couldn't afford luxuries like . . . even boxed cereal. We sat down at the table, ripped up a piece of bread, poured some sugar and milk over it and Wah-Lah that was our home-made cereal. So...with only one t.v. and twelve people, I rarely got to pick what show we would watch. That's why I read, and read, and read. My favorites were the Oz stories. I read them over and over again. Then I graduated up to horror with Stephen King, Dean Koontz and more.

How 'bout you? Why did you start reading? When was your ah-ha moment? Reading was more fun than just about anything. And what were your favorite books?

Urban Farm

I'm always looking for local companies to support and Friends of Zenger Farm is a non-profit urban farm and wetland  in southeast Portland dedicated to promoting sustainable food systems, environmental stewardship and local economic development through a working urban farm. What could be better?

Zenger Farm combines a 10-acre wetland and6-acre organic farming operation to provide unique experiential learning opportunities for youth, farmers and families in subjects such as sustainable agriculture, wetland ecology, food security, healthy eating and local economic development.

So if you're looking for a local business that promotes sustainability, here it is Zenger Farm.