Shana LaMarsh

Reading Kline, I am learning more about our history than I ever did in my history classes in school. The schools do not teach this, I think this book should be part of the curriculum in every high school history class. I'm going to pass it on to my 15 year old step-son. Over dinner tonight, I was reading out of the book to everyone at the table. As for NWEI, this is the one where the statistics hit you! Part of me wants to set the book down because it's hard to read, while I have these feelings throughout the reading of this, I continue on because it's been inspiring by the same token. I want to fill my brain with so much knowledge that it empowers me to make the best decisions for my self, my family and planet. I really have taken so much from this class already and their is so much more to learn still. As for this particular challenge, I'd like to continue and I will. I have known the little things make a difference but i didn't realize how big! When this challenge puts it in a number format for you, it resonates. This site is a great tool and everyone should know about it. I will share on FB. 

This 3 hour time difference has my schedule off. Yesterday we went to a few beaches, we've been doing a lot of walking and swimming. It feels so good to be outside and with nature. I would live here if I could afford it. Beautiful place and I appreciate how things are slowed down here. 

The cost of the items here in Hawaii are so high. I don't know how people come here to vacation let alone live. The tourists of course drive the economy here but the locals they live very simply. We bought a gallon of milk for 6 dollars and my husband dropped it when unloading the vehicle and it busted and milk went all over the parking lot. I was so mad because it was expensive. I've been on my husband not just for cost reasons here but something he does that irritates me is he uses paper towels excessively when cleaning or cooking. I personally will rip it in half and split it between two people. I've been educating and sharing the stuff I read with him. 

I have not used social media at all. I also have tried to keep my phone here at the condo while on vacation and if I have it, it's being used for directions or taking pictures. It's nice not being glued to it and truly taking in the beauty and culture here. I am doing my best to save on energy and paper too. We have not used the ac once. Unfortunately we have been using water bottles, I knew it would be very difficult not to do so while traveling. 

Recently we put in central air and heating and boy has that made a difference in our bill. I just got our electric and gas bill and they have gone down dramatically. Our electric bill with replacing the light bulbs and being strict when not using the lights when necessary has saved us about 50 bucks. Yay, seeing the impact financially is nice. 

I've been up for several hours already, packing and getting things ready for this trip. Using the heat while we're gone, trying to decide what would be a good temp for a cat where I can have it turned down in order to save and not use it. I normally have my thermostat at 73, I've dropped it to 70 during this eco-challenge and I think I'll drop it a couple degrees more to 68. 

Today was a long day, had cell bio all day, got there early and stayed late for tutoring. Just now able to do some homework. As for dinner, it's a leftover kind of night. So not eating out and we have not been lately, although going on vacation will be another story. 

I forgot to do my post yesterday, so I will do it now and one later. Yesterday I worked all day and when I got home I did homework and packing. I'm not feeling like I'm going to do to get the remaining of this challenge because we are leaving for Hawaii Monday. I'm going to do my best but packing already I'm thinking simple and whatever makes it easier. We are taking our kids and I know we'll end up using water bottles on this trip. I know such a small thing, but we've discontinued those so even that seems like a small set back. I will still try to cut back where I can though. 

Only 20 plastic cups I've saved from going to the landfill. I think it's gotta be more than that. Anyway still going at it with every little thing I can. I no longer print paper without it being double sided, all of my homework is double sided and I avoid printing if I can even at work. Spreading the word and educating my patient's at work too. 

Unfortunately nothing too productive tonight, lunch was catered at work today and I think I have food poisoning. Still limiting social media, turning off lights and cutting back where I can. Think I'm going to read and do homework on the couch. Hopefully I'll feel better soon.