Beginning Again

It's already the end of February. How is your commitment to your new year's resolutions? I don't really make resolutions any more, but I do love that feeling of starting fresh at the beginning of the new year.

The daytimer and notebook I was looking forward to using since September is broken in. I started off with an ambitious to-do list at the beginning of the year, and I am both congratulating and admonishing myself for completing most of my list.

A couple of setbacks threatened to make me want to call this year a "bad start" : My credit card was defrauded. And my Christmas gift to a dear one for use in the new year was ruined by exceedingly substandard customer service.

As an optimist in general, I will still feel the freshness of the new year on March 1. And April 22, Earth Day, represents my 'green' new year. The start of the school year in the Fall brings another beginning, especially for the kids. Next thing you know, it's the calendar new year again.

Speaking of which - you may have noticed this blog has a new look, thanks to a special social media gal!

Wishing you renewal throughout the year,

Sharon

@bamboobino

Earth Day Blog Debut

It's Earth Day, and I'm finally taking the plunge to start my blog. What better landmark to remember the birth of a blog? I have to admit, I have reservations about promoted events such as Earth Day and Earth Hour, as I prefer that green practices are done on an ongoing basis. However, as I Twittered today, one can take these media-hyped events and turn them into events of personal meaning. Earth Day could be a start of a "Green New Year" - perhaps an annual visitation of eco-resolutions. Earth Hour last year started a fun activity for my kids - now we have several "Earth Hours" throughout the year, resulting in spontaneous family bonding time.

 

I spent the last few days with the Environmental Club of Brock Elementary School, helping prepare for their second Earth Day assembly. Today I spoke briefly to the school about how families could reduce greenhouse gases, and the kids had a grand time educating the school about their projects, and presented a mini fashion show of eco-friendly clothing. The kids from the Environmental Club are a wonderful group - and they have already achieved gold status (100 projects)  for their school and are well on their way to becoming a "Green School." If Earth Day is an excuse to educate, entertain and involve the kids about contributing to a greener planet, I'm all for it. For the rest of us, we know what we have to do, and a motivating reminder once (or twice) a year doesn't hurt.

Blessings,

Sharon