I'M BASIL

You Are Basil

You are quite popular and loved by post people. You have a mild temperament, but your style is definitely distinctive. You are sweet, attractive, and you often smell good.

What Spice Are You?

GUARD YOUR CARNAL TREASURE!

I know I'm a little too old to be making references to Win a Date with Tad Hamilton, but I think it applies. If you've seen it, remember the moment when Kate Bosworth's character is going out with Josh Duhamel {aka Tad Hamilton} and Topher Grace yells out a final warning to "Guard your carnal treasure"?









Well, imagine I'm Topher, you're Kate headed out the door with Josh and I'm calling out a warning to "guard your treasure". Only instead of referencing your virginity, I'm referencing that ever-so-valuable self esteem that is often challenged by people and things in the world.
Nate showed me an article on Digg.com offering "Ten quick tips to improve your self esteem." I think it's worth sharing. I know I typically forget to protect myself and I doubt I'm rare. Read these ten tips and think about how many of them you might be offending currently.

1. Do what you love.
Everyone loves to do something, when you indulge yourself in your love you improve the way you feel about yourself. You improve your self esteem.

2. Help others out.
Nothing makes you feel a warm glow than when you unselfishly help others. of course you can argue that this in itself is selfish, but if you take that line of thought you must think that existence is selfish. Forget that. Just do a good deed, help someone out, doesn’t have to be big and it doesn’t have to cost any money.

3. Acknowledge your strengths.
There is no one who has no strengths. Everyone is good at something, know what your good at and give yourself a pat on the back. Do things that bring this quality out into the open. Excercise it, make it stronger.

4. Don’t put up with crap.
There is no reason you should tolerate other people being mean to you. Even if they say they are doing it with love. Make sure people know they should be nice to you and if they refuse, walk away from them.

5. Drop your negative friends.
Hang out with people who are positive and support you. It may be fun to bitch and moan but if you hang out with these types of people you will eventually become one of them. You may have noticed that people who bitch and moan are never happy.

6. Do your research.
A lof of self help books are a waste of time in the sense that the only person who can change you is you. Reading even this blog post will not change you unless you get emotionally involved with the information. Which is really hard as it’s really dry and boring. Go read biographies of people you respect, people who do positvive things and attain huge success. Learn from the master not the self help guru who is always in debt.

7. Learn to accept compliments.
It’s hard to accept a compliment and not to dismiss it as being ridiculous. Someone has an opinion and it should be respected, even if you do not argree with it. If people think good about you then maybe you should too.

8. Include positivity in your life.
I’m not talking an airy fairy chant in the mirror whilst naked. I mean take a positive slant on everything automatically. The meat pie you just bit in to may contain maggots, but maggots contain a lot of protien. OK that’s a bit extreme but you get the point.

9. Compare yourself against yourself.
If you look at how you were yesterday and how you are today and there is an improvement then that is great. If there is no improvement then you know you need to improve your efforts. Don’t start comparing your self to other people. Saying you are poor compared to D. Trump is just going to make you miserable.

10. There is no need for you to put yourself down.
y seeing yourself in a negative light you are only reinforcing your low self esteem. If you want to improve your self esteem. Ask yourself, how can I improve my self esteem. The answer will always be, find one positive thing about yourself and that will do it.

UP EARLY

This morning my alarm sounded at a very early 4:50am. Nate's brother Ryan, his wife Holly and their two cute girls Lydia {4) and Violet {1} stayed at our house lastnight in order to catch an early flight out of Salt Lake City. Nate and I are just a 30 minute drive to the airport. It was a lot of fun to have them stay and hang out a bit; Although we were limited on hang-out time by the understanding that 5:00am comes painfully early.
We left the house around 5:30am and I got to see a whole new side of our neighborhood and the world. I haven't been up that early since I trained for the marathon I never ran. The sunrise was pretty although smokey from the enormous fire in Southern Utah. The lake seemed peaceful and our neighborhood was so quiet with just the sprinklers breaking the silence.
I guess what I'm saying is, though life is pretty good right now, I think it would improve if I could get up a little earlier in the mornings. It was nice to muck around the house this morning, water the flowers and eat a sit-down breakfast {yogurt, fresh berries, and wheat toast}. Maybe I'll try it again tomorrow. Though I think 6am is sufficient. Let's not get too carried away!
{Image from Getty.}

100% GUILT FREE

Courtesy of Glamour Magazine.

Hey, it's OK...
...to change into your pajamas the second you get home from work.
...to eat a brownie on the way to the gym. That's why you go to the gym!
...if you haven't inherited a secret family recipe, a piece of real estate or killer legs.
...if your idea of ironing is hanging your clothes up in the bathroom and taking a really long, hot shower.
...if every now and then you still feel like giving your sister a good pinch.
...to take everything off before stepping on the scale - underwear, jewelry, ponytail holder.
...if you've never had phone sex, cybersex, text sex or anything but sex sex.

TWENTY FIVE TOP 10 LISTS

Time has posted the top 25 top 10 lists for 2006.
#2 Fashion Trend? You are probably wearing them right now. Skinny Jeans.
#10 Album? Bob Dylan's Modern Times
#4 Buzzword? Dwarf Planet
#1 Video Game? Wii Sports {I second that - there's nothing like "air bowling" or "shadow boxing"}

If you want to check out all the lists, click here.

A SENSE OF PLACE

I've moved around some in my early adult life. At 20 I spent a summer in New York City working as a hotel operator for the Shelburne Murray Hill . I lived in Park Slope Brooklyn and road the F train to and from Manhattan every day. Without anticipating it, I found a great sense of independence in NYC which I took to like a drug. I couldn't get enough of it and still can't.


















When I was 22 I spent a semester studying creative writing at University of Montana in Missoula. Montana was an important place for me because it was there that I first began to develop a strong self awareness. With this awareness came a definite voice and personality in my writing that has deepened and matured over time - but never changed.


















After graduating from Utah State University I moved to Chicago where I worked at an advertising agency and fell in love with the midwest. I made good friends in Chicago and felt a strong sense of belonging almost immediately. I never wanted to leave. But I did.


















I moved back to Missoula, Montana a year later and lived and worked there two years before coming back to Utah where I've been ever since. My second stint in Montana was where I happened onto my sense of discovery and connection to all things out of doors. The mountains and ocean both became places of retreat and recuperation.


















Just before I met Nate I had grand designs of living and working in Santa Cruz, CA or moving to Thailand for a year working to help with tsunami relief. I had gone as far as interview for work in CA {turning down one job offer} and identifying a few humanitarian groups to work with in Thailand. And then...Nate.
As I've moved I've accumulated a nearly complete set of "personal senses" {independence, awareness, belonging, discovery and connection}. What was missing was a strong sense of place. I've always been restless - wanting to roam the earth like a nomad until I found the thing - that essence - that made me commit and stay in one spot. I'm not sure I've found it yet but I have realized that a sense of place doesn't have much to do with the landscape or your zip code. It has everything to do with how involved you get, the friends you keep and how much you grow as a person. You can do all of these things anywhere if you just decide. Is that what a sense of place is? A decision?

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

I like resolutions. I'm aware of the cynics out there who don't think a resolution is anything but hot air that dissipates over a few days, but I'm a true believer. I've taken some time to reflect what I've accomplished in 2006 and now I'd like to add to, or change, things in 2007.

1. Run Portland marathon, October 7
2. Read a book a month
3. Take a painting class {possibly from Jeff Hein}
4. Send birthday cards {e-cards and blog posts don't count}
5. Participate in at least one triathlon
6. Increase my income by 10% by the end of the year
7. Publish in two additional magazines
8. Have our new house looking fabulous by April 21 {Nate's birthday}
9. Spend more time stretching and paying attention to my posture
10. Wake up at 6:00 a.m. every morning

MATT LAUER'S NEW BABY

If anyone wonders how to pronounce the new Lauer boy's name spelled Thijs, it's "tice". He has an older brother named Jack and a sister named Romy. Yes, it is a standard Dutch name but can you imagine his kindergarten teacher trying to pronounce it?

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

I was getting ready to post about the 12 days of Christmas and encourage everyone to take the opportunity to honor a deserving person or family - since tomorrow is Dec.12 and is usually the day to begin secretly dropping fun gifts on their doorsteps.
But, as it turns out, the ACTUAL 12 days of Christmas begin the eve of Dec. 24 or day of Dec. 25 {depending on the country in question}and extend to Epiphany on January 6.
However and whenever you celebrate the 12 days, think of someone else this year and make them feel special.
I'm looking for ideas. Even though 12 seems manageable in the beginning, by day five I have a hard time thinking of meaningful ideas.

MOVING ADVICE 101

1. Construction Deadlines are BUNK!
First of all, when building a home, please take my advice and add a minimum of 60 days to the expected completion date just to be safe. Nate and I were gullible and gave notice at our condo with the "initial" date in mind. But as it turns out, our house won't be anywhere near done by the end of the year. So, if you don't want to be homeless, add 60 days and plan for even more {get a list of friends and family willing to let you bunk at their place for a while}.
Nate and I will be spending the month of January at an extended stay apartment unless we have any takers - we do dishes.

2. Builders are BUNK, too!
You meet a representative of your builder. They seem honest, possessing integrity and wisdom. Then they start to build your house and you get to hear every excuse in the book. I visited our house on Saturday and its only progress was a hearty Taco Time dinner someone must have eaten in the great room. There were wrappers and bags strewn everywhere but still no roofing, no dry wall, do flooring. Just take my advice and assume that everything they tell you is a big fat lie. Then you won't be disappointed when it ends up being a big fat lie.

3. Get a POD.
Portable On Demand Storage {PODS} are a wonderful invention I wish I had thought of. You simply order a pod {various sizes} which is delivered to your old place. At this point you can slowly move your belongings into it. Rather then cram your move into one hairy weekend you could pack with peace of mind throughout a week's time. The pod people will then pick out your POD and store it for you if needed {Nate and I will need}. Finally, once you have a home secured, the pod people will deliver your pod and you can move your things in at your own pace. Nate and I thought about living in our pod but realized it will get awfully cold in there. Plus, I get claustrophobia.

4. How to Pack?
Check our Martha's suggestions for packing all your pretty things here.

DEAR DIANE REHM, WILL YOU BE MY FRIEND?

KUER's Radio West is hosting an evening with Diane Rehm. I went a few years ago when she was doing a book tour with her husband and she was really great.
If you are a Diane Rehm fan (which I am), this is a great opportunity. Tickets are $25-45 depending on whether or not you want to attend the champaign and chocolate reception following a live taping of Radio West. Here are the specifics off the KUER site.

An Evening with Diane Rehm KUER invites you to spend an intimate evening with Diane Rehm hosted by Doug Fabrizio at the Rose Wagner Theatre, Tuesday, January 16, 2007 at 7 p.m.

Ticket information:
● On sale at (801) 355-ARTS on Monday, November 27, 2006
● $25 per ticket
● $45 includes a show ticket and a post-show champagne and chocolate reception with Diane Rehm

ICHE LIEBE DICH

Gutten Tag! If you are lucky enough to live in NYC, and you also have $200 to burn, consider going to Deutschland (Germany). Continental, through Travelzoo, is offering $99 each way from NYC here.

72 HOUR KITS

About this time last year Martha Stewart started a segment on her show called, "Thirty Things Everyone Should Know." I remember seeing all the pieces of her 72 hour survival kit laying on the table and thinking it was a pretty comprehensive list. If you haven't yet taken this step in being disaster prepared, there's no time like the present.

Here's what she suggests. Sorry for the length.





















Assembling a First Aid Kit
_Activated charcoal (use only if instructed by poison control center)
_Adhesive tape
_Antiseptic ointment
_Band-Aids (assorted sizes)
_Blanket
_Cold pack
_Disposable gloves
_Gauze pads and roller gauze (assorted sizes)
_Hand cleaner
_Plastic bags
_Scissors and tweezers
_Small flashlight and extra batteries
_Syrup of ipecac (use only if instructed by poison control center) Note: Ipecac is a medicine that can be purchased in any pharmacy without a prescription that, when given to a child or an adult, will induce vomiting.
_Triangular bandage

First Aid Kit Tips
_Whether you buy a first-aid kit or put one together, make sure it has all the items you may need.
_Include any personal items, such as medications and emergency phone numbers, or other items your physician may suggest.
_Check the kit regularly to be sure the flashlight batteries work. Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date items.
_Remember, the contents of a first-aid kit can be dangerous in the hands of young children, so it should be stored out of their reach.

Assembling a Go Bag
According to the New York City Office of Emergency Management, every household should assemble a "go bag"—a collection of items each person might need in the event of an evacuation. A go bag should contain:

_Copies of your important documents in a waterproof and portable container (insurance cards, photo ids, proof of address, and other such items).
_Extra set of car keys and house keys.
_Credit and ATM cards and cash, especially in small denominations (have $50 to $100 on hand).
_Bottled water and nonperishable food such as energy or granola bars.
_Flashlight, battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries. You can also buy a wind-up radio that does not require batteries.
_Medication and other essential personal items. Be sure to refill medications before they expire. Keep a list of the medications each member of your household takes, why they take them, and their dosages.
_A complete first-aid kit.
_Sturdy, comfortable shoes, lightweight raingear, and a Mylar blanket.
_Contact and meeting-place information for your household, and a small regional map.
_Child care supplies or other special care items.

Go Bag Tips
_Each household member's go bag should be packed in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or suitcase on wheels.
_A go bag should be easily accessible if you have to leave your home in a hurry.
_Make sure it is ready to go at all times of the year.

SWEET CLEO: KENYA 2003 - part 1

In the spring of 2003 I joined with a humanitarian group and spent four weeks in Kenya. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made. To explain what I might have learned about myself and the African culture would, at best, sound trite.

While in Kenya, I spent a considerable amount of my time in a slum called Soweto. There I met Cleo. I don't have a digital photo of her but I do have one I will scan and post later. For me, meeting Cleo was like finding a friend I'd lost touch with. She couldn't have been more then three when we met. She was beautiful and anytime I saw her in the sea of school children I'd snatch her up and we'd cuddle and just look at each other. Her big grin was at once intoxicating.

After being in Soweto about an hour, Cleo walked up to me, held out her arms and that was it. I was one step closer to feeling whole. I think about her all the time. Now she'd probably be nearly seven. One of my greatest desires is to go back to Kenya to spend more time there and do what I can - working along side the locals, connecting with the children. I hope when I do return (ideally with Nate at my side), I'll see a pretty, well-fed young girl and feel, once again, that connection to my sweet Cleo.

DAYS OF THE DEAD

All Saints Day (Nov 1) and All Souls Day (Nov. 2), are anciet aztec days of celebrating the memory of the deceased. Days of the Dead are tremendously popular in Mexico as they are concidered a National holiday, although it is also celebrated in the Phillipines and several latin american countries.

Basically All Saints/Souls Day is celebrated between Oct 31 and Nov 2 with traditions that include cleaning and decorating the graves and cemetaries of the dead; leaving trinkets and food, blankets and pillows for the long journey ahead of their deceased loved ones. Some spend all night grave side.

A very common symbol of this holiday is a skull which is represented in masks and candy. The holiday was largely created by the Catholic church so it spans many nations where the church is strongly recognized. Many spend their time in cemetaries singing, dancing, playing cards and drinking to be near, and spend time with, their families - both living and dead.

SMART CARS

While in Spain I saw a ton of these buzzing around the streets along side the vespas and scooters. If I had one it would be pink or lemon yellow. And I'd always get a parking spot and people would herald me for being so environmentally conscious.

BERT GONE WILD

I know this is silly, but Bert {as seen here in his mugshot}, is not the friendly homosexual puppet I grew up with.

PATRON SAINTS

I'm not Catholic, but I've always been interested in the Patron Saints. There are over 5 thousand to choose from and they cover nearly every topic. Even Utah has one named Our Lady of the Snows.
In college, while on a student exchange to University of Montana (studying creative writing), I lost my dorm keys which had a $50 fine. My Catholic roommate mentions St. Anthony, the Patron Saint of lost things; that such a thing existed just fascinated me. To make a long story short, I never found the keys, paid the $50, and wrote a poem for St. Anthony.
Well, come to find out, there is a Patron Saint of lost keys, Zita. If only I had known, perhaps things would have ended differently. Here she is, along with a few others I thought you'd find interesting.

Patron Saint Zita: Lost Keys












Patron Saint Rita of Cascia: desperate, seemingly impossible causes and situations (me)













Patron Saint Bartholomew the Apostle: shoemaker/cobbler












Patron Saint Paul the Hermit: clothing industry (thank you Hermit Paul!)

MADONNA AND CHILD

Congratulations to Madonna and Guy on their alleged new son, David, a one year old tot from Malawi, Africa. David's father is satisfied with the arrangement knowing that David will escape the poverty and growing up orphaned by his mother (who died from complications during child birth). Looks like Angelina is as contagious as the bird flu. I'm glad she is making something so great, orphan adoption, so popular. It's something I'd like to do.

MACYS IN UTAH

Macys is popping up everywhere in Utah. It's been replacing Meyer & Franks from the North to the South. It's a Christmas miracle.