Sueann's NWPR Blog

How To Have a Great Wedding on a Budget

2010-01-29T06:55:00.002-08:00

I made my own birdcage wedding veil! Cost was under $10 and I have plenty of fabric left to make a wedding collar for my dog and perhaps boutonnieres for the groomsman! I am also considering making fabric flowers instead of paper ones because I am really liking yo yos! I love these old fashion fabric circles!

What I did here was make a yo you out of sheer fabric that matches my dress, then sew on a cheap bling button in the middle. I then sewed feathers to the yo yo. Then I sewed this onto a hair comb. The veil is a 12 inch netting square I sewed onto another hair comb and tweaked the style until it fit right. Easy and cheap! Most of these veils go for $60 on Etsy or weddig boutiques.

I found this cute video on suggestions for how to have a great wedding on a budget. Enjoy!

How To Have a Recession-Friendly Wedding on Howcast

Put a Ring On It!

2010-01-19T06:43:00.000-08:00

I bought a dress that fits because I am realistic about my figure. Gone are my single skinny jean days for now. But maybe with a little help from Beyonce I may need those jeans again and a tailor for my dress.

I am learning to do Beyonce's Put A Ring On It; All The Single Ladies dance. And let me tell ya, it's a work out!

My dance instructor has toned down some of the steps to make it Sueann Friendly. I have some rythm but my bootie needs the assitance of a vintage fat jiggling machine to shake it like Beyonce.

I plan to do this dance right before the bouquet toss. I am considering having my dance instructor and her friend do this with me, unless my Fiance and his best man are available!

Now that would entertain the guests!

Ben and I are still in talks about our dance together. We may end up doing something to a Journey song or Guns n Roses. LOL!

Hello Potluck Wedding

2010-01-18T07:47:00.001-08:00

Oh? Do you feel this is in poor taste? That it is cheap and a burden on family and friends? Well darlings, what the heck did we do before catering and bloated wedding budgets? I have images of pioneer folk gathering in town square to celebrate the wedding of a young couple... braining food and sharing in the party. Now, before you get your hackles up we are going to ask a handful of special friends to do this for us in lieu of gift. Their dish is a gift to us and everyone invited! We are providing the main dish and alcohol. How does that sound?

A New Adventure: 2010 Wedding Bells

2010-01-04T09:23:00.000-08:00

In June a new adventure begins for your local Morning Edition host. I will marry the wonderful, smart, handy, kind and handsome Mr. Harlow! But we will do it on a budget.

The average price of an American wedding and reception is $20,000.

This sum freaks me out, but I have taken it as a challenge to have a wedding and recpetion for under $5,000. Frankly, I think that is still a lot and would be happy if we could reduce it even further. However, with the number of friends we have, it may costs that much to feed everyone!

Which means we need to get creative. We also want to incorporate our ideas on recycling, reusing and reducing into the wedding. So far we have done a terrible job.

Case in point: Save the date postcards. They were printed new for us and cost after postage will be nearly $150. You may think this isn't bad but these are the announcements before the actual wedding announcements. I suggest sending out Evites as a 'save the dates' to guests and following up with invitations.

As for my dress I wanted to go non-traditional and add a bit of color. But on a gal pal outing to a couple of boutiques I found my wedding dress at David's Bridal. I really was holding out for a dress in a dumpster that I could upcycle. But once I put on the striped, short frock with flowers - Done Deal! Sounds terrible though huh? Stripes and flowers? You'll just have to wait to see it!

Price for the dress: $400. Not bad but I know women who have paid a lot less for a lot more fabric. After the wedding I would like to re-use the wedding dress and dye it to make a party dress, or sew it into pillows. Hahaha.

Next: How to DIY wedding invitations withoug breaking the bank. I have a feeling it will involve a graphic artists friend of mine and my own labor!

Making Kimchi with Sueann Ramella

2010-01-04T09:21:00.000-08:00

My mother says not to add soy sauce. But I have read many store brands and they do. Personally, I like kimchi with the little tiny shrimp to speed up the rotting process. But I developed a slight allergy to the little guys. So Fish Sauce is in my recipe and I highly recommend going heavy on the garlic!

Enjoy!

Behind the Mic with Sueann Ramella

2009-08-08T21:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a little audio slideshow that was created for our e newsletter, Connect. You can subscribe for free at www.nwpr.org !

I hope you enjoy this! Turn on the speakers and the captions!

Sueann Ramella Behind the Mic

Sometimes You Have to Laugh

2009-07-28T12:25:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to share one of my photos.

Woman Refuses C-Section, Loses Parental Rights

2009-07-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

Salon's Broadsheet: Woman Refuses C-Section, Loses Parental Rights

This is a very complicated and confusing story. See if you end up with the same message I did.

That, yes, the court did use the fact that she refused a c-section as the reason for child abuse. Then in appeal they retracted and condemed the first court's use of the c-section... but the court upheld the ruling using her mental condition prior to the birth as the reason for potential harm to the child. The court also used the fact that she, nor her baby daddy, went to court and did not answer phone calls from CPS as proof they are unfit parents... even if they have actually never had the child to parent.

Confused? Me too. I would really like NPR to do a follow up to this.

Spokane Bans Phosphate Soap

2009-06-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

I learned that Spokane is the first city to ban phosphate soaps! Phosphates in water increase plant growth - which sounds nice - but in fact, these plants grow so much they can choke bodies of water. When the plants die off they do so en mass and the normal decomposition process in water is overwhelmed. Think of this like a factory that increases it's production of widgets, sends them down the line but only one worker is boxing widgets up. The worker is overwhelmed. (Are you recalling I Love Lucy's Chocolate Factory epsiode too?)

But many of our favorite soaps we have grown up with have phosphates in them. So what to do? Some folks are smuggling their soaps from across the border. This makes me wonder if they are shopping for all their groceries across state lines to get their fave soaps. If so, is the ride out to Idaho worth the time and gas?

I have been a huge fan of Method soap. Good smell, cute bottles, lots of soapy feeling and suds. Give it a try. Sure it is a little more then 99 cents but sometimes we have to pay more for what we really want. And what we really want is clean water. You can find Method in most grocery stores and at Target.

Here's an older report: NWPR News Phosphates Banned in Spokane

Yard Sale Success!

2009-06-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

Just so you know, we made a little over $100 from our yard sale. I would say half of that money came from dumpster stuff. It was really hard to not say, "Oh I got it in the dumpster. $5 please." I honestly think that if we put more time and energy into our sale we could have made more cash, but our goal was to de-clutter and make a little money.

You may already know this if you are a yard sale person, but kid's stuff sells fast! My friend brought over loads of kid toys, clothes, even a high chair and potty - GONE like that! It was a real draw to the sale and probably go people to buy other stuff.

My next project is to create two xeriscape garden beds in the front yard. I did a report last month on xeriscaping and at first thought it was going to be about grasses and plain flowers. I was happy to learn that there are many options for the gardening who wishes to decrease their water use!

As for the beds, I plan to use broken up cement as the stones. This means I get to peruse alleyways and craigslist for discarded cement clumps.

Patterns In Dumpster Diving

2009-05-15T10:29:00.000-07:00

I know I said I was not into dumpster diving this year. But when you're good at something you usually want to pass it on. So I took another friend out to see what we could find.

She was excited to hit Greek Row and find clothes. But this outing was all about TVs and Brooms! We found 4 TVs and one, I kid you not, Samsung flat Screen! It was at least 4 ft. long! The screen was cracked and we did notice a load of beer and heavy liquor all around it.

Arty Friend: "Well that may explain what happened. I bet they sobered up after someone kicked their TV."

Me: "Do you know how much this costs?"

Arty Friend: "(giggle) Not the slightest! Our TV is super small."

Me: "It had to have cost a grand."

Arty Friend: "Then they were really pissed after that party!"

Here is a list of things I will never buy as long as I live near a college:

1. TVs
2. Brooms and mops
3. BBQs
4. Hookahs
5. Particle board furniture
6. Lamps
7. Fans
8. Heaters
9. Basketball player sized men's clothing

And if I wasn't particular about scents and ingredients...

10. Soaps: shampoos, laundry, dish and hand soaps

OH! And remember how I just couldn't dive for food. I did this time. Sorta. I didn't take the yaki soba noodles, even though they were pretty frozen. I have some food allergies and need to read labels.

But I did take an enormous can of pizza sauce....

and my Arty Friend took pickles. She used to work at a Heinz factory and this triggered some happy memories for her!

Just like these cameras triggered happy memories of finding AMAZING things in the dumpster for me! (Ugg boots!) The Fuji Digital camera works. Not sure yet about the digital camcorder.

We saw 4 groups of people dumpster diving. We all waved at each other and smiled. A man came up to us and said, "It's must crazy what they throw away isn't it?" He had friends looking out for a futon and frame for him.

We were told that, "While this is not against the town's policies, it is against the college's to be inside the dumpster." So we politely said thank you and left asap. Which the grandma who tagged along with us was not enthused about.

Grandma: "Well. I guess they're worred about lawsuits. We should sign waivers. Look at all the waste. It just drives me crazy what these kids throw away! Someone should contract out with these places and sort through. Take it to Goodwill at the least!"

The colleges do try to minimize the waste and have several donation containers about. However, in my opinion, they are not in the proper locations. In order to get people to donate, you have to make it as easy as possible. That means setting the containers near their front doors - right next to the dumpsters.

But that is a lot of donations containers and a lot of locations Frankly, the colleges would be overwhelmed with the success of it all.

Here is our load!

We are going to have a yard sale and donate the rest. I think my Arty Friend called us "Junk Liberators!"

Dumpster Diving Spring 2009

2009-05-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

Me: "Hey Kerry (my boss) I have something for you son to tinker with!"
Kerry: "What is it?"
Me: "A PS2 (Sony gaming system)"
Kerry: "Really? Cool!"
Me: "I pulled it out of the dumpster."

Me: "Hey Robin! Do you like the rice cooker I left for you in your office?"
Robin: "Did you get that out of a dumpster?"
Me: "Yup!"

Me: "Hey Ben! I got a solid wood table with two broken legs in the car!"
Ben: "Great...another thing to take up space in the shop!"
Me: "I just couldn't let it go to the landfill. I'll find a home for it."

Well, here we are again rummaging through the garbage and "looking for boxes." But this time, I am not that into it. It still upsets me to see perfectly fine things heading to the landfill, but I do not want them in my house.

If you recall, last year I took just about everything that was in good condition. I stuffed the garage with all these things and later had a yard sale. I made a pretty penny but the stuff started to control my life!

The glitter of dumpster diving has been dulled by my mother, but not in the way you think. My folks moved overseas and I had the pleasure (shaking head no) of helping (banging head on wall) pack and move stuff. Tons of stuff...One air container, one shipping container and one very large semi-truck full of stuff. Oh, and there was the ton (literal weight) of donations and trash.

In my parent's defense, this is not unusual. If you have moved your parents out of the family home, you know what I mean. Living in a home for 20 years means you will have a lot of stuff. What is unusual is that my mom was afraid of Y2K and a lover of Costco. We had a lot of powdered milk and obese olive oil jugs to find homes for.

I did realize my love for deep fried food is genetic. My mom had 3 deep fryers still in the boxes in the garage. Or, as I like to remember it, Mini Costco.

My mother is very giving and I was overwhelmed with the shower of material affection. I stuffed a U-Haul full of very nice things. Things that have sucked my will to shop. Things that cry out for maintenance and my attention! Things that are 2inches too wide to fit in my door! Things that will really enhance my life and help organize my 900 sq. ft. home if only I had the room!

Yeah, that is why I am not that into dumpster diving this year. My mother, like always, has filled my needs, and I want for nothing.

So I took a friend and gave her everything but a rice cooker, solid wood table and PS-2.

This is my friend, sad to see all the waste.

Here she is after lifting out two lovely end tables. The glass that go with the tables were gently set inside the dumpster. She shows me the text book, "Social Problems" and we laugh at the irony.

This week, I will take a Northwest Public Radio listener out to "look for more boxes." She's an artist and I am sure she will be inspired!

And the Season Begins! Dumpster Diving

2009-05-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

It was this time last year that I experienced the joys and shock of dumpster diving. This time, I am going to bring along some friends, a caravan if you will, to experience the scavenging. I'll tell you all about it after this weekend.

I also want to share with you what I learned about green and sustainable living from WSU professors and researchers. Let's just say that there's a whole lotta thinking going on so you don't have to!

Back to Dumpster Diving.
On my way to work - 4am - I saw the first budding sign of the season. The solid wood chair with a broken leg, the couch kicked to the curb, the down comforter that cost someone (Mom, Dad?) at least $100.

And the familiar BBQ with gas still attached!

But what I learned from last year is that I can't save everything, so I left the BBQ and chair... but I did take a laundry hamper fold up thing. Why? It was light and I wanted to show my co-worker that the season is on!

Listen at 8:48am for Robin and Sueann

2008-11-20T09:41:00.000-08:00

One of the joys of the Morning Edition show is that I have a chance to chat with Robin Rilette about Classical music! Her show starts at 9am and so a little before, we discuss what she has prepared for us. It's a highlight of my mornings!

Good Morning

2008-11-12T10:07:00.000-08:00

If you subscribe to Northwest Public Radio's E-newsletter, Connect, you would have known that Gillian Coldsnow is now our Assistant Operations and Programming Guru. Which means, she will not be on the air to greet you in the mornings. Instead, I will attempt to fill in as Morning Edition host. I am very thankful to Gillian, Robin and Kerry for their mentoring. We have a wonderful and supportive staff here at Northwest Public Radio!

I am looking forward to the new challenges and schedule!

I am also looking forward to a local series we are working on. In the next couple of weeks we will start a coversation about water on Morning Edition. Some of the issues we want to talk about include Columbia River Basin Irrigation, and conservation of water.

Do you have any stories or questions about water usage in the Northwest? Have you ever thought about the water as a limited resource?

I Voted

2008-11-04T14:50:00.001-08:00

Actually, I voted early at the courthouse. I was wearing a knit cap, fleece and using a knock-off Gucci bag; It was a gift I swear!

I started to over heat in my little voting cubby. Here I am, voting in a historic election! I read the directions slowly to make sure I didn't make a mistake.

Then I planted that "I Voted" sticker on my fleece and felt fantastic!

Historic.

A black man as president or a white woman as vice president.

Our country moves quickly. The Civil Rights Act was signed in 1968. The Equal Rights Amendment passed in 1972.

Ladies and Gentleman, we may have complaints about our politics. We may focus on what is wrong with our country, but today, well...we've come a long way baby!

Fire Alarm, Phone Volunteers Evacuated, Owl Delivers Money

2008-10-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

Scene: Master Control at Northwest Public Radio. 3 hours before the end of a tense, yet fun, ONE DAY PUBLIC RADIO PLEDGE DRIVE.

Characters: Thom Kokenge, NWPR's Weekend Edition Host. Sueann Ramella, All Things Considered Host and Kerry Swanson, NWPR's Programming Ops Guru.

Sueann: "Good afternoon! I am Sueann Ramella and with me is Thom Kokenge, our Weekend Edition Host! Hi Thom!"
Thom: "Hi Sueann! I am joining Sueann this evening to help raise the money we need to pay for programs like All Things Considered! Today is Super Thursday, our One Day Pledge Drive! We started the drive this morning and we will end it tonight! So if you have not called in with a pledge of support do so now at 1-800-842-8991! (You already know this number by heart right?)"

Sueann: "That's right Thom! We tried this in the Spring and it was a great success. So here we are, trying to raise a week's worth of funds in one day (nervous giggle) I sure hope we can do it!"

Thom: "We can if we keep up the momentum! We already have....(Kerry furiously writes on the white board our latest numbers....) we already have 1800 calls in! We only need 700 to go in the next 3 hours! So call now and thank you!"

Sueann turns off the microphones and take off the headphones.

Sueann: "OK. Good job! We will stick with the show on the satelite feed for 18 minutes. Then we will cut back in for ...."

Thom: (Looking at Kerry Swanson) "What's up man? You look freaked out."

Kerry: "Uh. The phones are down."

Sueann: "Kerry! Knock it off! You almost had me! (hearty laugh...turns to nervous laugh as Sueann looks into Kerry's freaked out eyes) OMG! He's serious. Look at his face!"

Kerry: "The short end of it is, the phones are down. I will get the whole story in a minute. But for now, ask listeners to pledge on our website."

(Insert suspenseful music with a light drum beat and base)

Sueann and Thom look at each other in disbelief. Thom tilts his head and squints his left eye. Sueann's eyes widen, wrinkling her forehead and her mouth falls open. Time seems to pass V.E.R.Y S.L.O.W.L.Y.

Kerry: "Everything is going to be fine. (Kerry hugs himself and starts to rock back and forth) It's ok. I...I am going to get more information. Sit tight. Remember! WEBSITE!"

Sueann: "Can you check the website too? I'm just nervous..."

Kerry: (Shoots Sueann a, 'How DARE you even think that! Don't curse it' look)

Thom: "Well. We must go on. We can't let the lack of phones stop us from getting the money we need to pay for the programs that everyone uses."

Sueann: "You are right Thom. Our listeners can overcome this and find a way to pledge."

Just then, a white owl hits the studio window and makes a screeching sound as it hovers...repeatedly hitting its body on the window pane, over and over again.

Thom: "Look over there! It's a pledge!"

Sueann: "Thom! Can you believe it? A listener has sent a pledge of support in to us! That's amazing! They must really appreciate the balanced news coverage of the election. Where else will they get the fact checks and information they need to be an informed voter? Let the owl in!"

Thom: (Takes the envelope from the owls sharp claws.) "Mr. Potter in Yakima says, 'I am a big fan of Morning Edition and can't live without hearing Gillian Coldsnow's gorgeous accent in the morning. Thank you for being there for me!' WOW! What a devoted listener!"

Sirens are heard and a fire truck drives down the street. One truck takes a detour and stops right below the Master Control room window. The ladder is extended up to the window and Sueann and Thom watch as a Fireman climbs up waving what appears to be a renewal form.

Fireman: "I wanted to give you this before I headed over to the phone bank. It's my renewal form. Here you go. Look. I know I should be over there finding out why the fire alarm is going off in the phone bank room...but public radio is a priority and since you were on my way...."

Thom: "Wow. Thanks a lot Mr. Fireman!"

Sueann: "Yeah thanks! (looks at Thom) I have to blog about this!"

Just then the studio door swings open. Kerry, out of breath, tries to report what happened to the phone bank.

Kerry: "Wires...Everything fine. People...coming here...website...."

Thom: "I think he is trying to tell us something."

Sueann: "Give him some water! OK. Just take your time....no. Actually, we have to be on the air in 30 seconds so spit it out Kerry!"

Kerry: "The heating duct had an issue...some wires were smoking...the alarm went off. Phone volunteers are coming over here....everyone ok. Building ok...Will take some time to get some phones in old phone room...tell them to pledge online!"

Sueann: "You're a super producer Kerry! Way to go. OK we are on in 5...4....3..."

Sueann: (super smiley) "GOOD EVENING! (no panic in voice) Thank you for listening to Northwest Public Radio. I'm Sueann Ramella and with me is Thom Kokenge."

Sueann and Thom talk about the importance of listener funded shows, and about international news reporting. They encourage people to make a pledge online at nwpr.org

Sueann: "And if you renewed your membership through an owl or over ladders, thank you for the effort. We really appreciate your annual contributions!"

Sueann and Thom look across the studio to the old phone room. Legions of phone volunteers squeeze into the room. NWPR Staff frantically set up tables, chairs and phones.

Sueann: "It's like a Barry Manilow concert in there! You know Thom, Barry latest album is all about songs from the 70's. It's really good!"

Kerry: "OK. They have phones working now! Promote the phone number! Let's get those 700 calls team!"

Kerry, Sueann and Thom extend their right hands and lay them on top of each other.

Kerry, Sueann, Thom: "GOOOOO TEAM! Huuuugh!"

Epilogue: The team at Northwest Public Radio, including the legion of phone volunteers were able to take nearly 500 pledges of support by hand between the 4-7pm hours on Super Thursday. Nearly 2,400 calls came in on Super Thursday. A little short of the 2,500 goal. The listeners of Northwest Public Radio contributed nearly $259,000 to their favorite programs. It was a GREAT SUCCESS!

It is reported by Bobbie and Dorene of Soap Lake that some faulty heating wiring was the cause of the evacuation of the phone bank building. Dorene reports that she started to feel the smoke in her chest earlier in the day but dismissed this as All Day Phone Volunteer Fatigue. However, Bobbie reported smelling something burning...but every time she tried to speak up her phone rang and she had to take a pledge of support. Both ladies continued to take pledges during the fire alarm!

Quote from caller: "Look Lady. I love public radio too but you have a fire alarm going. I'll call back later. You get out of the building!" Bobbie continued to take his pledge anyway.

Kerry Swanson was awarded a producer medal for the fastest sprint into a smoking building to find out what was going on, and for picking out all the brown M&Ms from Sueann's candy bowl. (She's such a diva!)

But the Grand Award goes to our listeners for their support of Super Thursday!

Reasons to Pledge On Super Thursday

2008-10-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

Our one day pledge drive is almost here! Super Thursday is October 23rd. It is a very exciting time for everyone at Northwest Public Radio because we get to hear from you! You are the single largest source of income for Northwest Public Radio. Our shows are literally paid for by you! If you are a member thank you. If you are not, here are 5 reasons to pledge.

1. All Things Considered series on Afghanistan and Pakistan. Why? Because where else will you get 5 in depth stories on growing tensions, military tactics and local reaction from those on the front line? NPR is able to bring you this series, and others, because of your support. Your $35, $50 or $350 pledge pays for our reporters to cover the stories that matter to you.

2. Election 2008 Coverage You heard the debates on Northwest Public Radio. You tuned in to Morning Edition for analysis and excerpts from the debates. You have been keeping up to date on polls and the issues. Most importantly, you learned who the candidates are with our profiles of John McCain and Barrack Obama

3. Even the news junkie can be overwhelmed with researching everything the candidates say. Reason number 3 to pledge to Northwest Public Radio? VoxPolitics. This has been my source to fact check the candidates. What kind of relationship does Obama have with Ayers? And who benefits from each candidates health care plan?

4. One word. Bailout. You have been waking up each morning in October tuning into Northwest Public Radio to find out what happened to the financial sector. Every morning and afternoon NPR brought you the latest up to date coverage on the economic crisis. The best show to give a description of how it all happened is This American Life. The program explains it all with 'The Day the Market Died,' 'Out of the Hedges and Into the Woods,' and 'Swap Cops.' You need the information to make daily life decisions...that's why you use Northwest Public Radio!

5. Real stories of real people. Have you been following the stories of Iraqi refugees in America? Immigrating to American is a wonderful opportunity. It is also difficult. Northwest Public Radio brings you the stories that touch you. Stories of real people in a real world. We take the time to tell the whole story too! 5 minutes, 8 minutes, 12 minutes of commercial free reporting.

These are my reasons to pledge during Super Thursday. Tell us your reasons why you decided to support public radio when you make that phone call on October 23rd! You can also pledge right now and help us get off to a great start!

Thank you for listening. Thank you for supporting Northwest Public Radio.
Sueann

Fred Flintstone Had it Right!

2008-10-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about the Human Powered Car? Watch this CNN video:

This may lead to some very uncomfortable carpool moments. What if Mr. Smith didn't pump his part? Or he forgot his deodorant? I guess that's when you have to think about the planet, the money you are saving and the exercise you're getting.

The car costs $15,000 and will be out in 2009. Apparently, you steer it with your butt. Hilarious! I do not think it comes with air bags...and where is the cup holder for the Super Big Gulp?

HumanCar

The Art of Debate Stand-In

2008-09-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

In light of this evenings presidential debate, I thought you would find this article interesting. The Art of Debate Stand-In

Did you know there are debate stand-ins? Stand-ins know EVERYTHING about who they are mimicking. How they act, what they will say, how they may throw a punch. I think of it as the best of political acting!

Listen to the debates tonight at 6pm on Northwest Public Radio!

Idaho is More Open and Agreeable Than WA or OR

2008-09-23T14:58:00.000-07:00

Really? According to a study published in the Perspective on Psychological Science, Idaho folk are more open, and agreeable than those in Washington or Oregon; Well, by a few points that is.

Read the Wall Street Journal article on this study and see for yourself!

I was surprised to learn that North Dakota is the most extroverted in the Union! I guess I didn't pick up on that after watching Fargo.

Interactive Map of U.S. of Personality

This Is All Your Fault! Now Pay Up!

2008-09-17T08:59:00.000-07:00

I have been utterly fascinated by the credit crunch. Eagerly awaiting what institution I will partially own thanks to government bailouts. In my pursuit to fully grasp the insane amount of money lost out there, and how this all started, I came across an interesting blog entry. Captain Capitalism

Who's fault is all this? Obama says Bush. McCain says Wall Street. Most Americans say Alan Greenspan. Then Captain Capitalism blows my mind and says it is my fault!

Whoa! Now wait a minute here. We did own a home and at the height of the housing bubble took out a second mortgage. Why? To play the debt game. Take out a lower interest loan to pay off higher interest loans. The value of our house went from $125,000 to $180,000 in less than 5 years. We were "in the money!"

When "we" turned into "I," the house was put on the market. It sold for far less then what we owed. Luckily, our local bank was able to convert the remaining debt into separate loans. That took several agonizing months, and we didn't always pay then.

It was a classic case of living beyond your means.

How many Americans do so today? Top Economist Says A Lot Do And of those, how many defaulted on their credit cards? Their home loans? Their car loans?

There is plenty of blame to go around. Lenders looking for a commission, predatory loan officers working in an unregulated environment (or working around regulations). But if I was honest with myself, and if other Americans were too, we have to see the greed.

It is so much easier, and feels nicer to blame someone else for our own issues. But can we continue to afford it?

This experience of mine is the reason why I changed my lifestyle. It all came down to two questions: What is real? What do I own? The answers back then were raw and brought me to the basics.

It's time we all do the same.

Here are some links I have found helpful to put money, debt and true wealth into perspective. If you have suggestions, please advise so I can share with other listeners and readers.

Marketplace Money

Financial Peace University

Suze Orman

Oprah: Get Out of Debt

UPDATE: I heard Fresh Air today and found the discussion with Michael Greenberger about the credit crisis very helpful and insightful.

Final Analysis of Dumpster Diving

2008-08-25T13:06:00.000-07:00

It is addicting. It is treasure hunting. It can easily become out of control! After 4 months or so of holding onto my treasures from dumpster diving I had a yard sale. Circled in red are items pulled from the dumpster.

And that was just a portion of the items. Remember that I sold a few on ebay and consigned others. I went into this thinking I would save everything from the landfill and ended up with everything in the garage! I never did fix those white chairs with the missing legs. Didn't get around to making a duvet cover out of old jean butts. I never refinished the dresser and instead gave it to a friend. I know she will fix it up because she bought those pretty glass pulls for it! The disco ball is collecting dust in the garage. The broken mirrors have yet to turn into artwork, and the mismatched socks are still waiting to be reborn into dogs.

The cost/benefit analysis says: If you don't have an immediate use for it - or a friend who really REALLY needs it - let it go or recycle it. Just don't store it in your attic or garage. If you bring it into the house, it is harder to get rid of!

Now, if you know you can turn it around and make a little money... Go for it! I knew that I could get something for the table below. I just had to put the legs on the right way! Sold it for $15!

On the other hand, I never did learn to weld so the leg on this outdoor bar stayed bent...and it sat, and sat, and sat until I sold it for $5. Sure, 5 bucks is gas money, but come on? 4 months of looking at it - slowly eating my soul away, and making my place look tacky - was not worth it!

The yard sale was pretty good despite the lack of advertising. Made $160. I would say half of that was actual dumpster diving treasures. If you can have a quicker turn around, this is a great hobby to try out. Otherwise, only take what you really can use or you will have clutter. I did find more pleasure out of giving away dumpster diving finds to friends who really needed them. This next season, I plan to donate most of my finds.

Find out if posting your yard sale signs on telephone polls is legal in your area or not. If you don't know, the Heat may come and visit you. After all, you put the address on the sign! Oops.

Save Gas Drive a Scooter

2008-08-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

I saw this: Best Scooters for You at NPR's website and thought you would find it interesting. With everyone thinking about saving gas and energy, scooters seem to be a great idea! Even Gillian Coldsnow, our Morning Edition host, is planning to take motorcycle lessons from Idaho Star. She has shared her enthusiasm for the scooter that looks like a motorcycle.

I like these a lot! But NPR and I suggest you consider the size and power of the scooter. Personally, I am still looking for my motorcycle and know that size and ccs matter!

I was gifted a 1985 Honda Nighthawk 700ccs but it acts like a 1000cc killer street bike. I am afraid of it.

The two times I rode it I felt it say, "Ride me faster you Wuss!" I lugged it in shame. The bike is too much for me and frankly, freaks me out! It was fun at 90 mph (Yes. I know that's bad) on a straight back road until I realized I was S-L-O-W-L-Y slipping off the seat! Came to a stop, tried to park and dropped the bike; New clutch lever on eBay was relatively cheap.

I hope to ride on a smaller, Sueann-friendly, motorcycle soon. Finding the right one will be important. My reasons are to use less gas, and with all conservation efforts there are sacrifices; rain, cold, heat, no radio. But the fun will be worth it! Of coarse, these scooters are really cool too! Especially the type Gillian wants. But it would look funny if I wore my leather gear on scooter! My fashion dictates motorcycle.

Leroy Sievers Has Passed Away: Read Our Interview with Him

2008-08-18T12:22:00.001-07:00

I woke up this morning and heard Gillian say that Leroy Siever had passed away. His blog about cancer had helped many survivors and their friends and family try to understand and relate. I had an opportunity to interview Siever. Here is the blog again. Sueann's Interview with Leroy Siever

Biking Goal and Gas Mileage

2008-08-07T17:44:00.000-07:00

Well I made my goal! I rode my bike twice this week and really want to do more! Especially since I got in my Hyundai Tuscon (Gotta support my Mother's homeland) this morning and the E light came on. I thought that was funny. Then I was upset that I would have to buy gas today!

But got over it since the last time I gassed up was a month ago! 300 miles divided by 15 gallon tank = 20 miles to the gallon. A little lower than normal because I had the AC on a lot. 15 gallons times $4.16 = $62 which translates into 12 pints of Coconut Bliss Dark Chocolate ice cream.

Trust me. I can eat it all in a month.

Or a pair of Reeboks! I SO had a pair in 1989! But why buy these when I can find them in a dumpster?

So I saved some money this past month and got great exercise. When I do drive, I keep it at 55-60 mph. It really does help to hypermile. If you didn't read Gillian's blog about it, check it out! And it does help to properly inflate your tires!

Here's an interesting consequence for driving slower! Many drivers are hypermiling and leaving something behind! Don't drink the 'vitamin water' on the side of the road!

Biking to Work

2008-07-31T13:14:00.000-07:00

It seems we are all driving a little less nowanddays. A recent report says we are driving 40 BILLION fewer miles now. Are others biking? Or are we walking more? Hear the report: Less Driving, Bumpy Roads
I am thinking a lot more about my transportation. Which is why I decided to bike to work at least twice a week. I haven't been that successful though. New habits take time and well...biking takes time. Personally, life has been telling me to slow down so this may be a good thing to do. I budget an hour to ride to work.

Here is my ride. A nice black Trek bike. I know it is somewhat special because some dudes have said, "Nice bike!" and I paid $500 for it. It was part consumer therapy.

In a recent report on Northwest Public Radio we learned that Washington has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the nation! I was surprised and decided to reduce my risk by preparing myself for biking in the sun! Hear the report: EPA Warns Residents to Protect Themselves from Sun

And I need tunes.

I find I can ride faster with the beats of Janet Jackson, Queens of the Stone Age, Muse, Kanye West, Fergie. I cool down with Micheal McDonald. I am very serious.

8 miles to go. Tunes on. Gear on...I do wear the padded shorts. I find these VERY comfortable! My father took up biking and refers to the shorts as Kotex Pants. He loves them.

I pass some buildings that you don't get to see when you drive. That's the cool part about biking. You see different things. Below is an old split pea factory? They are dismantling it and it seems to me they are recycling the wood!

5 more miles to go!

I watch some cars drive by on the highway. I am totally getting better gas mileage!

Riding is very pleasant. You are multi-tasking! Exercise and getting where you need to go!

Here we are! Pullman, Washington where Northwest Public Radio is!

Check this out! It makes me feel good to know that I saved a little money today and gave my body some exercise.

Isn't it interesting that a few dollars a gallon can create change? 40 Billion miles less driving, more people thinking about their transportation...What have you changed about your habits?

I made it! And a little early because of a tail wind! I usually carry a bag on bike that has my lunch and a nice change of clothes. While I look sporty in my Kotex Bike Shorts...I don't want my co-workers to sing Milli Vanilli to me!

Experiment: Driving Less; Dog Whisperer

2008-07-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

First, I have to apologize to you if you were anxiously waiting for me to dig through the grocery store garbage. I have given myself permission to...not do it. I may have disappointed you, but to be my authentic self I must let this go. However, I did do a stake out at the local Bag-Yo-Self store. While there and trying to strategies my attack, I saw a young couple in an old Buick drive right up to the dumpster and scan it! So I have decided to let them have it.

To go along with NPR stories and my experimental themes I have decided to DRIVE LESS!Which means I may be shopping less :( , exercising more :) , saving on gas money and may even feel a slight superiority gained from this sacrifice. I ride my bike TOMORROW!

Above: Photo of my Jr. High years bike. Rode up some big hills on this baby! But my favorite bike was my elementary school bike...a pink Huffy with a huge seat. I think it was a Thunderpuff? Or that may have been my nickname for her. We did a lotta pop-a-wheelies and rear skids! I would LOVE to see that bike again.

Today's Bike... a TREK Bike like the one below. Apparently, a very good bike. I'll share the history of how we met later.

FYI: Gillian Coldsnow is SERIOUSLY considering a motorcycle or super scooter purchase!

About the Dog Whisperer:

I have a new family member named Belle. She is a beautiful, brown eyed black lab border collie mix. She is a big girl compared to my Shih Tzu, Mochi. Belle is an alpha female. Apparently, I am her roommate. Well...that's all about to change! I'm the alpha female now BEEOOUCH! (said with loves and coos and pets and high pitched voice baby talk) Gillian Coldsnow loaned me the Dog Whisperer book, I have the first season DVD AND Robin Rilette is my consultant.

Let's get started!

Time For Some Campaignin!

2008-07-16T12:00:00.001-07:00

Obama and McCain Want Me! Even with a mustache. :(

Send a JibJab Sendables® eCard Today!

Dating at Any Speed

2008-07-15T12:43:00.000-07:00

I heard Morning Edition's story on Green Speed Dating and had a few thoughts.
1. Driving an SUV to Green Speed Dating? Really bad.
2. Isn't finding a partner/love hard enough? Now they have to come with green habits intact?
3. My Speed Dating experience.

It goes without saying that driving an enormous SUV to a Green Speed Dating event is not gonna get you points. Even if you hop out of the vehicle with organic cotton clothes, hemp sandals and your own metal water bottle. That would just be confusing. But this did make me wonder... would it be appealing to a majority of females if the man had no car? One of the guys in the story rents a car when he needs one. Otherwise, he rides his bike. My first thought is: Guy is cheap. No car, no money, no security for me, no go. But he is practicing his ideals.

And ideals and values is what it is all about. Does his lifestyle reflect the ideals and values that you have or want? What is on your top ten list of "Characteristics I Want in a Partner?" (If they have 7 or more they're a keeper!)

I think that becoming "Green" can be taught. That a person can become aware of new habits to help the environment. That people should not be overlooked just because their environmental footprint is bigger than yours. My Mother would say you can "train" them. (shudder) I say you can show them a different way.

I hosted a speed dating event in my little town. There were 12-14 men and women in attendance. I had never hosted one of these before, so I was unsure what type of people would show up.

They were attractive, had secure jobs, and friendly! They all just wanted to get out there in a town that caters to college students. These folks were in the 30s-late 40s and just wanted to find companionship. I discovered that the women who came to the event dressed nicely, smiled and were RELAXED did very well. The successful men had nice watches (symbol?) cleaned up and asked their mini dates questions about themselves. The two most successful people were of average American size. The woman was a size 10-14 and the man was an average Joe body type. This confirmed in me that self worth, self esteem and taking care of yourself is more important than abs and hourglass shapes. I have to add that taking care of yourself does not mean you workout 5 days a week. It means you CARE about how you look and work with what you got.

The one person who had no takers was unpleasant. She looked like she rolled out of bed, was very pushy and angry - I heard her declare her recent divorce to most of her mini dates...I don't think she was really ready for dating of any speed...even bicycle speed.

Even the RICH Dumpster Dive!

2008-06-27T18:33:00.001-07:00

Everyone loves a deal and when the deal is...FREE even the wealthiest dumpster dive! Listen to this!
NPR: Town Dump New, Chic Place!

Here are the Dumpster Numbers

2008-06-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to tell you that most of my "department store" dumpster diving treasures have sold on ebay. Craigslists skunked me. So ebay it was and the grand total after shipping costs, ebay costs and paypal costs = $126.88.

Ebay = $126.88
Consigned clothes = $40
Shoes = $10

$176.88

Now, I still have 2 dressers to fix up, several other pieces of furniture and clothes at area consignment shops that haven't sold yet.

In a nutshell - this takes time. It was all free - but to make $ off it will take time.

I have decided that dumpster diving is like mushroom hunting. You get excited when you come across those morels! Then, if lucky you find a whole lotta morels; you have pounds and pounds of these mushrooms that you love! Then you eat them and get tired of it. Earthy, expensive, tasty morels become boring. So you sell your extras to the coop or chefs and make a few bucks off your hobby. Then you do it all over next season.

Mother Alert:
My Korean mother was over and well...

Mom: (looking around, nose wrinkled...) "Annie, (only mother calls me that) did you CLEAN before Mommy come ober? I mean...serious-uh-ly? It lookie like thurupt store."

Dad: "...."

Me: "Yes I cleaned! And...well...my couches just look huge in this living room is all."

Mom: (looking at my art work) "Hm." (touches the frame and painting) "Thisuh is fake. Why you likey junk? Did Mommie raise you?"

Me: "Uhm. I am going to make something out of that."

Dad: "....."

Mom: "Annie. No more trash can looking or whatever you doing. Mommie don't likey it."

Me: "Mom. The only dumpster diving thing I have here is...that plant shelf..."

Mom: "I don't like it. Tacky."

Me: "...that painting, these fabulous ugg boots and I sold everything else or gave it away."

Mom: "I have better plant stand Mommie gibbu you. This one (touches it, eyeing it suspiciously because it was...in the trash) is no good."

Me: "Mom. You might want to pace yourself on the criticism. You still have a couple of days to go."

Dad: "hahahaha!"

Mom: (looks at Dad)

Dad: "ha....h....nevermind."

Now, if only I can manipulate her to get that Korean chest and cabinet! Mwhaha ha ha

Selling What's Thrown Away

2008-06-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

Uhm. This has been kind of a pain. Selling things. In fact, I am figuring out that stuff, in general, is a pain. So I have two items I found in the dumpster - CLEAN - mind you, on ebay and one item on Craigslist.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Kitchen-Aid-Mixer-Paddle-and-Dough-Hook_W0QQitemZ260247737013QQihZ016QQcategoryZ20679QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Oops. The Kitchen Aid Blade Set isn't showing up...

Craigslist:
http://pullman.craigslist.org/hsh/706808866.html

I want to see which of these sites is easiest to work with and sell on. Granted, it is not an scientific experiment at all. It is a Suexperiement!

I have made $30 from my dumpster haul. Yeah. I know. $30. But $30 more than I had before right? I sold two pairs of men's shoes and some misc. items at a consignment shop. The furniture hasn't sold at these shops yet. Guess it isn't the season...but come AUGUST I will be loaded! (optimist!)

The other reason I have made so little is because I got lazy. I just threw the treasures into the shop and took a nap. Now, every time I look at the dresser I plan to refinish, the chairs I plan to fix, etc. I take another nap. The weight of stuff is heavy on my back.

I know why we throw it away. We cleanse our environment of clutter and feel good and free of it. Well, until we load ourselves up again with stuff.

And TIME. Stuff takes time to manage, take care of...

With that said. I went dumpster diving again. I found some great women's shoes and jeans. I have an easy answer for these! Off to the consignment shop and to friends.

If I am not going to make a fortune out of dumpster diving - I will at least have saved items from the landfill by donating them to Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc. In fact, I do get perks from this in the form of tax deduction...so far I have racked up $325 in donations!

UPDATE: I am getting skunked on Craigslist. Possibly moving item to ebay. I have several watchers on my items and even some bids! This may be worth the effort after all!

Warning About Dumpster Diving

2008-05-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

Technically it is theft. Theoretically, no one cares. But if someone does and calls the Police you can get a ticket (depending on your town's laws). Now, if you are DUMPING you get a Theft of Services ticket.

I learned this the other day.

No. I didn't get ticketed but a co-worker read in the paper that someone did.

Personally, my diving hunting has slowed down. I took a good look at all the stuff I have accumulated and realized why people throw it out! So I am focusing on fixing things up and selling or donating things off. I just got WIFI at home so ebay, craigslist here I come!

Here is a photo from a fellow Treasure Diver. All items were found in or next to a dumpster. This lucky college student is now fully prepared to study hard! What a lovely desk and they were going to throw it out!

The Story of Stuff: Watch This!

2008-05-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

Every wonder how all your stuff got to you, and what happens to it when you throw it away? If you have 20 minutes this is well worth your time!

And for more resources and information visit
The Story of Stuff website

Robin Rilette's Dumpster Diving Education

2008-05-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

Robin: (giggling) "I did some scanning and already found some nice shoes, a handbag and other stuff! We have to go back to that dumpster!"

Robin met me after I finished hosting All Things Considered. I looked at her treasures and noticed the fake Chanel, white, gold chained handbag.

Sueann: "OMG! This is Chanel...fake but sweet!"
Robin: "And look at this cute stuffed cow!"
Sueann: "OK. This was an Asian dumpster. I can tell."
Robin: (curious at my insight) "Oh really? How do you know?"
Sueann: "Saccharin cute overstuffed cow? Fake Chanel, fabulous shoes? Has to be. The only thing that would confirm is a Hello Kitty item..."
Treasure Diving Partner: "Well, then I guess that blows your theory that Asians never throw anything away huh?"
Sueann: (choosing words carefully) "....Well. My mother is Asian and SHE never throws anything away. OK let's get busy!"

Robin was thrilled. She was amazed and upset at what she saw. We hit her dumpster and happen to be by a couple of Sororities. We found beautiful clothes and decoration items. Bags and bags full of shampoo and other cosmetic products - which we left behind.

Robin: "OMG! What is wrong with these people???? This is brand new!"
Sueann: "Shhh! Keep it down man. We don't want to be discovered. "
Robin: "Oh right. I guess I should keep my voice down..."

I went to another dumpster and found some adorable throw pillows. Nicely packed in garbage bag. The dumpster smelled so pretty! Calvin Klein, Bath and Body Works Peony, Liz Claiborne perfumes swirling in garbage. Then I looked up and saw a very disapproving old man. He was standing above me with his arms folded, shaking his head at me. I smiled and shrugged, grabbed the pillows and headed back to where Robin was.

Sueann: "Time to leave. Let's go. There's and old man watching us."

Robin had a very successful first night out and I do believe she has gone out by herself since! She said to me in a giggle, "This is the most exciting hobby I've had in years!"

TDP and I went across the border to Idaho. College was out there and we wanted to see what we could find. Compared to Washington's side - nothing to write about.

I also went to visit family in Puyallup. Took Dad out at 5:30am to see what we could find. I had high hopes for this because of the insane amount of strip malls and major shopping centers.

Nothing. Bone dry.

Dad: (laughing) "It's like going trick or treating and getting an apple out here!"
Sueann: "I am really bummed out man. I really thought we could find some sweet stuff."

Mother: "I didn't tink so baby. Mommy know. In country side (anything on the East of the Cascades) it is more lenient. Here. They lock up. No home-uh-less person digging here."

She was right. We drove to 3 strip malls and one major shopping center and I would say 80% of the dumpsters were locked or of some trash compacting type. Those that were open were filled with real trash.

Of coarse - the rule of dumpster diving is you must visit a dumpster often.

I will let you know how much I make off ebay and or Craigslist when I put things up for sale. I am curious to find out how much one can make, donate and create with this hobby.

NOTE: Our Dear Ms. Coldsnow is lucky. She has biological minions to dive for her - patrolling locations, gleaning treasures! I just want you to know that our Morning Edition host caught the bug too! ;)

UPDATE: Guess what I found? Remember how upset I was about losing a dresser? I left it in an alley and someone took it? Well. I found another one on my way to work! SCORE!

And my TDP was about to buy a used microwave for $20 when I found this for him! Ask and you shall recieve! It was bleeding red sauce but with a little elbow grease we discovered a perfecly fine microwave.

Stories on NPR: Dumpster Diving Treasures as Gifts?

LISTENER CONTRIBUTION: Lisa from Moscow sent me this picture of her dumpster finds!

Taking Her Out To Trash!

2008-05-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

I am taking Robin Rilette out tonight for treasure diving. She was curious about my findings and well, maybe my brand new Ugg Boots convinced her too. Retail for $164! Best part? They fit!

Robin: "It just makes me sick what is thrown away! You know what else? It is disrespectful of the person who made those boots. Can you imagine? The person who made those boots is barely making a living wage and some girl bought 'em and threw them away. Unbelievable."

Sueann: "Whoa. You have a great point but on the flip side...what if the Ugg Abondoner is giving the manufacturer job security? I mean...Ugg Abandoner is going to buy another pair in the Fall right?"

Robin: "Good point. But it is so wasteful."

Sueann: "Which is something else I've been thinking about. I heard that companies calculate how many products will be sold at full price, sale price and how many will be, quote, donated. So they have figured how many items can be discarded while still making a profit."

Robin: "And we pay for that huh?"

Sueann: " I guess... unless you DUMPSTER DIVE!!!!" (Sueann does dance in Ugg boots)

But am I hurting the economy? I wanted Ugg boots since...oh it became fashionable for girls to wear huge sweatpants and Ugg boots (so comfy looking and terrible) and I was about to buy some when I was in Australia. But. The price. $150. I could have spent that $150 to stimulate the economy. Is dumpster diving Un-American? Wait! Is driving only one car for 10 years Un-American? Is wearing my 1994 brown leather biker jacket with zippers everywhere Un-American? (Friend recently said, 1980's but still OK. You pull it off.) Because it seems to me that we need to spend to be good citizens.

On another note, I had a great conversation with Rick Finch, Manager of Fac-Ops Waste Management at W.S.U. I asked him about the Move Out Pitch In bins around campus.

Apparently, the waste was noticed and they started this program.

Mr. Finch says the items are shared among several non-profits around the region. When I asked him why not have more around the outlining apartment complexes he said, "Limited resources and time. Our main concern is the campus and immediate areas. It is also a jurisdictional and financial issue. We also have a limited number of groups and they got pretty much all they can handle right now. But in the future, if more groups want to participate and work this we could expand."

Mr. Finch also had a good point about college students. He basically said that students moved their belongings over here one car load at a time - over several years. Then when graduation comes they didn't think that all their stuff had to fit in that same little car!

I'll be sure to post pictures of my Fair, Morning Classical Music Host and Music Director, Robin Rilette in the trash!

Here are some blogs to check out. I highly recommend Everyday Trash to see how the rest of the world dives...to survive.

Everyday Trash

My Dumpster Dive Blog

Remember to Take a Buddy - Poor Senator!

Who Stole My Trash? What Am I Doing With This?

2008-05-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

Another rule of "Treasure Diving" is to put your booty away and not leave it in the alley...because it disappears. I was upset when I came home and the white dresser was gone. I thought, "Someone stole my dresser! The dresser I worked so hard to shove in my car! The dresser that has been in my family for 2 days! How dare they???"

Then I took a deep breath, looked around and figured they probably thought I didn't want it because it was out in the alley, near the garbage can. Doh!

So Sueann's Supplement Dumpster Diving Rule: Keep treasures away from the curb and store in a secure place.

I'm over it now. Sort of. I am trying to figure out how to fall in love with that other dresser I picked up. The ugly one. I'm sorta imagining it as an arranged marriage that an Asian father set up saying to his daughter, "He has personality if you can get past the looks."

You may have been wondering what I plan on doing with all the stuff right? Well. I WAS going to shabby chic that white dresser...but I have let that go now. Instead I will use an old window and The Other dresser to make some sweet piece of...something.

Some of the pants will become Tote Bags. Like this one I sewed up. You can wear it while riding your bike and it has many pockets to lose things in.

I plan on doing a little anecdotal experiment with craigslist, ebay and local ads to see which leads to a the first sale of the Kitchen Aid attachments.

And then there's the "What Was I Thinking" category of stuff.

I could take the fatigues and sew something...but camo is so 2005! I could make a Fairy Garden with the monster toys I found - have the monsters pillaging the Fairy Village, but I think that's disturbing. So instead, a whole lot of stuff will be donated.

My "Treasure Diving" partner helped save me from a "What Was I Thinking" potential problem. You see...I picked up a Free Organ - Lawrence Welk edition. I thought I could learn to play it, host mini concerts for my friends and maybe play at the Moscow Farmer's Market and have Robin Rilette sing! But TDP (Treasure Diving Partner) had this look of "This is never going to happen." So I called my Dad. He said, "This is never going to happen. Donate it." So off it went to inspire others.

I have to admit that during the "Treasure Diving" I experienced many feelings. Euphoria at the discovery of things I like, disgust at the waste, entrepreneurial dreams, and greed.

Veteran dumpster divers have a great suggestion for this - take only what you need or can pass on.

And leave things for other creatures and humans too.

More to come!

Weekend Full of Waste and Treasure - Dumpster Diving Experience

2008-05-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

Mom: "WHAT are you doing? Oh my Ga! What you do? Mommy says stop that now! Oh my Ga... Don't you have a job baby? I mean, what's the matter with you???!!!!!"

I went dumpster diving and my mother called. Friday night. I have been training her for years not call on Friday nights - but I guess you can't change your mother. Friday night, when most are doing traditionally fun Friday night things, I am...looking for treasure in the trash!

Me: "Mom, calm down...it's OK. It's not like I am touching anything gooey or diving in a medical receptacle!" (That didn't help.)

I told my mom that I needed both hands for this endeavor and I would call her tomorrow. She hung up without saying goodbye. I looked at my partner in filth and said, "She's really REALLY upset about this."

Of coarse, it would have helped if I started out by saying I was doing this for my NWPR Blog. (evil giggle) But sometimes I like to freak my mother out! Mwha ha ha ha!

My Mother's reaction is very common. When you think of Dumpster Diving you imagine the down and out scavenging for food - anything to survive. You don't imagine they would find anything of real value - or what you find valuable. Does this have value to you?

Many Americans wouldn't imagine ever finding these brand new Kitchen Aid Food Processor Attachments in a dumpster. Who would throw these away? The items in the above picture are worth at least $70. Retail

Or how about a brand new down feather bed? Brand name $98 jacket? Various KitchenAid Mixer attachments? Brand new sheets? Not all department stores donate their wares.

I was inspired to fully explore Dumpster Diving this year because of the reports I have heard on NPR.
Here is an interview with a woman who wants to marry chic with scavenging!

And maybe you saw the video from my last post about the New York couple who get their food from a dumpster?

I didn't experiment with food diving...yet. That is later in the week. Frankly, I was exhausted from Dumpster Diving because... I GOTS ME SOME TREASURE!!!!!

My hands are sore. I have a couple of bruises, my apartment is stuffed with "garbage!" So the food experiment will have to wait. Here are some of the items I found.

Old gas BBQ - I left it and someone else took it away later in the day.

Disco Ball Baby! Lots of wires that my Dumpster Diving Partner could use, a cement power drill and ... another BBQ. I found 3 very nice BBQs.

A couple of broken chairs that I will repair and pass on, two nice bar stools. When I was pulling these out of an apartment complex dumpster a guy came up to me.

Guy: "Hey. What you doing?"
Me: "....check out this chair man! There's a TV in there ( saw 3 TVs that night )!
Guy: "Yeah. It's a real shame the things people throw away. Man. If I wasn't moving out of here next week I would do what you are doing."
Me: "Yeah. It's amazing what you can find."

He moved on. You're probably wondering what do you do when someone sees you?
Dumpster Divers have rules. I researched online that you do the following.

BE SAFE - no sketchy dumpsters, medical dumpsters...etc.

1. Have a partner because lids can drop on top of you and things can be heavy
2. Wear protection - gloves and full clothing.
3. Spend only 2 minutes or less looking in a dumpster. If you don't see anything that catches your eye leave.
4. If it takes longer than 2 minutes to remove an item - leave.
5. If someone tells you to leave - leave and never return
6. Know if this is illegal in your town. Most places it is not. But respect trespassing signs and never open a locked dumpster.
7. Always leave it cleaner than you found it.
8. If someone asks what you are doing, "I'm looking for boxes." Then be willing to leave behind your finds.

Barely used cooler with wheels, tiki torches and an old fire pit grill that is now yard art!

I found a lot of furniture and only picked up a few pieces. I have this thing about furniture. I like it. I like fixing them up and perhaps gifting them or selling them at consignment shops.

I found one dumpster near a huge apartment complex that was stuffed with barely used clothing and shoes. I pulled out this enormous duffle bag and it was full of men's size 13 Nike shoes. Barely worn! My Diving Partner found a bag full of women's size 8 shoes...including Sketchers and Michele K sports shoes.

Here are a pair of shoes rescued from Landfill. These shoes retail for $75 on sale now for $50.

My co-worker, Robin Rilette, was uneasy when I told her what I did for the weekend. I have a feeling, she is shocked by what I found and thinking...how wasteful Americans are. But Wait! There's more!

Very nice clothes including a GAP jean jacket.

Outdoor Bar that needs one leg fixed (got a pal who can do that) and wash the cover!

This amused me. Recycling bin in the trash, next to paper, next to barley worn shoes.

More furniture...

I had to drop off a key at Thom Kokenge's and this was after a round of "Rescuing Things." He was amazed! Except with one of my arty pieces. It is now hanging artwork on someone's garage! Out of the landfill - safely above a garbage can - viewed by alley cats and happy to be reused.

Tomorrow I will share my thoughts about this experience and what I plan to do with my found treasures. Oh. And I will share my convesation with my mother - who lost a night's sleep because of me!

What Are You Doing Tonight Sueann? Dumpster Diving.

2008-05-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

Your Friendly, Local, All Things Considered Host here...soon to be in your dumpster. Come Monday I will tell you all about my Dumpster Diving experience! Will I find food AND eat it? Will I find anything good? Will I get an infection? Touch something questionable and gooey? How far will I go to bring you this story and share the experience? My digital camera and camcorder will tell...just don't tell my Mother.

Built From Trash

2008-04-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about reusing - how to look at something and reuse for another thing. For example. How can you look at an old bicycle and think lawn furniture? Brilliant!

Well I got to thinking about houses. Are there homes out that reused other things? Then I found this site. Two grandmas making a house out of junk!
Built From Trash

I then found this home on Colorado. All recycled materials.

Read about it here

Do you know of other homes in the area like this?

I Don't Need More Stuff! Why Is the Mall Closed?

2008-04-21T12:59:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I saw the John Butler Trio at the Big Easy in Spokane. They. Were. Amazing. It is such a pleasure to listen to talented musicians who have humility and genuine love for their art and fans. Check out the video. My favorite part: Life's Not About What's Better Than!

I think this song is a theme for what NPR has been covering; The environment. How much do we need to consume? What about our food? I had no idea that beef used up so many resources. Pork is better? Really? Listen to this interview that was on Day to Day.

I know. If we really thought about all our choices and life - respiration would be un-green. I heard someone on the radio say, "Why should we consume less? Live more green if India and China won't think about it too?" What do you think?

WINDOW INTO SUEANN'S LIFE:
After a great weekend, hearing this lovely concert, not buying anything at the clearance section of Macy's...I found myself aimlessly wandering Ross. I had an arm full of stuff. Nothing important to mention. I put it away. The mall closed. I walked out into the parking lot and thought...why do businesses close at 5pm on Sundays!? So I went to Walmart and aimlessly wandered the isles. I bought pupperoni for my dog.

I drove home and thought to myself... It is easier to buy and consume than to create. I had to get a consumer hit.

9 Year Old Crosses the Street! Gasp!

2008-04-09T12:17:00.000-07:00

I was glued to the radio today. Talk of the Nation had Lenore Skenazy...Read Article... as a guest. She let her 9 year old son take the subway home. In New York. By himself. With no cell phone, and the possibility that he would have to ask a stranger for help.

At first, I was taken aback. In New York? The kid could have been (insert nightmare here) and how would the mother have felt then?

Well. Of coarse Lenore would have felt horrified. Silly question. What we really want to say is...I don't think you are a good parent because you are putting your son in danger.

Danger? Lenore gives various stats on the crimes and random acts of violence in N.Y. Seems times are like the 60s now. Apparently, letting your kid out doors in N.Y. is similar to letting them out in Boise.

I remember fondly riding my bike all over Base Housing on McChord AFB. I would be gone for hours discovering new places. I remember discovering two horses that lived behind the Base Housing fence. I fed them grass and touched their noses. I remember finding out where all my classmates lived. Sarah Love and Michelle were neighbors! No wonder they were best friends! I remember finding new playgrounds and realizing my block playground was the best. It had the best acorn trees, that's what we called oaks. I had a watch and knew what time I had to be home.

I had a sense of freedom. I was able to exercise skills my teachers and parents had been teaching me. I had some independence and it was exhilarating!

When I was 9 my mother started to worry about strangers abducting me. I wasn't allowed to go outside as much. When I was 12 I begged my mother to let me walk the 3 blocks to the Feed Store. I wanted some penny candy. She said no. It was too dangerous because the store was next to a busy road.

Luckily, my father convinced her otherwise and I had that wonderful feeling of independence again! And I hate to admit this, but I had that same sense of independence and freedom when I bought my own bar of Irish Spring soap in college. Yup. I was pretty protected. I won't go into being grounded my senior year for 3 months, or having a 10pm curfew, or never being allowed to go to a sleep over...I'm not bitter. (Dad was working abroad)

I don't have children yet and know ideas and feelings change when you do. But I would love for my kids to have that wonderful feeling of independence. I know it will depend on the kid, his maturity and ability...but I think kids are smarter and safer then we think...or rather, allow them to be.

My friend, Mr. Davies, said when he was 9 years old he was running his Dad's grocery store. By 12 he was working the books. Of coarse, that was back in the 1930s. Do we make 9 year olds like that anymore?

I am very curious to hear your stories and thoughts. Read the article and let's discuss! But one thing. Please don't tell me, "You'll see" or "You'll find out when..." That right belongs to my Mother.

Super Thursday Pictures Last Hour

2008-04-03T12:18:00.001-07:00

Talking strategy with the producer and then....

getting on the air to tell you that....

My partner, Rita Brown, is hinting at....that.....(wait for it...)

You DID it! (playing Earth, Wind Fire's You're a Superstar) We hit the goal of 2200 pledges! In fact, MORE came in as we were speaking. About $266,000 in ONE DAY! Super Thursday is a success!

The volunteers in the studio go wild! We also had volunteers in the Murrow Addition building still taking pledges.

Thank you to all who contributed. Big thanks if you mail in your contribution prior to the drive because we really do rely on that annual gift. Thank you if you became a new member with us because we need to have you on board. And thank you for renewing your membership because it is with your support we can air the great shows you enjoy!

Go Team!
Sueann

PS here is a little Pre-Super Thursday Super Friends encouragement.

Autism, Vaccines and Jenny McCarthy?

2008-04-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

I read this article on CNN.com and did a quick search for other sites. I am interested in this article for many reasons.
1. Sometimes we just settle for what professionals tells us to. Maybe we should challenge some more?
2. Food is very important.
3. Don't Panic (where's my towel?)
4. Big Pharma is very powerful. Ever wonder why we make money off of bad health?

What struck me the most was the number of vaccines babies take now. According to Jenny McCarthy, and yes I realize the source, in the 1980's we took 10 vaccines by age 5. Now, 32 vaccines by age 2. WHOA!

Tell me what you think?

The World CLock

2008-03-24T11:24:00.001-07:00

Visually fascinating to see the statistics click away the time....

http://www.poodwaddle.com/worldclock.swf

Bruno Ramella and Lessons from the Great Depression

2008-03-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

My Pappy, Bruno, is a real Italian American. He has large ears, a large schnoz, a temper and eats well. I always thought it was tight with him money - and didn't think that was nice. Nice? What does that have to do with money? Well. Grandma had to drive a super old car for decades DECADES because Pap said they didn't need another. This car was so old it had moss growing in the window slits and was practically rusting away. OH. And he would be upset if she used the air conditioning because it used up gas. But he would turn it on for guests in the car - they live in Florida.

But recently I heard a story from my Mom about Pap. Here's how it played out.

Phone rings: Hello?
Mom: "It's Mommy. The reason Daddy grew up in a trailer is because Grandpa didn't want to owe anyone money..."

Me: "Oh Mom. Did I hurt Dad's feelings because I called him trailer trash? I was only kidding...and celebrating his heritage!"

Mom: "No. Not really. But I wanted to tell you story. Grandpa's Daddy lost his house in the Depression you know? So he lost everything they have. Your Grandpa remember this and said he would neber lose like that. So when he bought the land he also buy trailer to live in. Then as he got money he start to build his own house."

Me: "Whoa. That's why he built his own home? So he wouldn't owe anyone any money!?"

Mom: "Yes. He remember the Depression time. You know Baby, that was hard time. He was a kid and had to work...he would deliver milk and bring his mommy cream and give her his quarter...he would buy food and he was only a kid."

Me: "Oh wow."

Mom: "Yeah. So see? There was reason Daddy lived in a trailer."
Dad: (in the distance) "I never lived in the trailer! I was born after the house was built!"

Me: "So really...I have no trailer trash heritage."

Mom: "I think you miss Mommy's point."

So Dear Reader... can you be that patient and avoid owing? It seems to me that in order to have American comforts we must carry American debts. Sueann's Magical Quick Math-estimator indicates it would take me 3 years to save up for my car - $17,000 Hyundai Tuscon with 10 year bumper to bumper warranty and free tires for life (good deal huh)- and that's IF I only had a $500 rent payment and $200 in other expenses ok make it $350 in other expenses cause baby's got a shoe addiction...

Anyway - YEARS to buy my car out right cash.

Pap and the Family lived in a tiny trailor for about 2-3 years. The kids slept on the dining room benches. I have a feeling today's Child Protection Services would be upset at that...

But they were happy, fed well and warm. Eventually, they had their house - that Pap and Nanny owned outright. They never had a mortgage payment in their lives. Who can say the same now?

With the mortgage crisis and the shared veins that trouble has with various banking institutions, it is amazing we have not hit the Depression. If we did, how many of us would learn the lesson of credit?

But maybe a more realistic question is: How long can you go without in order to have it for real?

Not very long.

Couldn't Work. Had to Listen to Robert Schimmel

2008-03-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

There are few interviews that I am motivated by, moved by and given direction by. Normally, those interviews are by Terry Gross of Fresh Air. Comic Robert Schimmel. He survived cancer.
Worth the 40 minutes to listen
What I got from this interview is.
1. Get over yourself and pettiness. Life is too short to waste
2. The hardest trials have the richest rewards
3. Attitude is everything
4. If you know what you want and need, get it.

Upset and Helping

2008-03-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

This upset me

This is what I did to help and feel better about it

Thanks Day to Day and NPR for reminding me that I live an extraordinary life compared to millions of women. I give thanks for my blessings and the capability to help.

Executive Function and Urge to Slap Rising!

2008-02-22T11:33:00.000-08:00

Scene: Dallas Airport at one of the many mini Starbucks in the American Airlines Hub. Ordering coffees at Starbucks, now nicknamed Fourbucks.

Actors: Myself, your friendly All Things Considered host; My Father, your half Italian, Pittsburgh Stealers fan, Magellan antithesis; A disheveled, angry faced mother and her two terrors; A very stylish, mid 40s woman.

What happens next clearly indicates the children are lacking in executive functions learned during old fashion child's play; "good self-regulation, able to control their emotions and behavior, resist impulses, and exert self-control and discipline." (stated by NPR's Alix Spiegel)Hear the report HERE.

In other words, these kids were loud, overly emotional, hitting each other and their mother, unable to resist the impulse to whine and had no self control or discipline.

Before I go on let me say that I dig kids. I love them. Want some of my own some day.

I wanted to smack these children.

We heard them coming before we saw them. The little girl, maybe 8, was screaming at her mother to give her a jacket. Then she would fake cry. Then her brother, maybe 9 or 10, shouted he wanted a mocha. When they turned the corner I saw two overly plump, Caucasian kids. The little girl grabbed the back of her mother's purse strings and pulled the woman to a hault!
"STOOPPP! I WANT IT NOOOWWW!" The little girl stomped her feet (so 1st grade darling!) and screamed...SCREAMED "IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE IT IS THEN YOU WILL BUY ME ANOTHER ONE FOR $100!" Then her brother punched her in the arm - she cried. He shouted to his mother, "I DON'T CARE. SHUT THE HELL UP!"

OMG. OMG. No he didn't. I looked at my father with eyes asking, "Did he just say that?"
My father whispered loudly in my ear, "Wonder who's fault that is?"
I said to him, "I am this close to going over there and talking to that little girl."
Dad: "Nah. Don't bother. It's none of your business."

We heard more screaming and whining while waiting for our coffees. We noticed the disgusted looks on everyone's faces. One woman looked at me and said, "That family needs to be on Nanny 911!"

As we left my Dad said, "I hope they're not on our plane!"

They were. With Grande Mocha Frappes and whipped cream.

So after I heard the report on Morning Edition about executive function and child's play...I thought of those two kids. Maybe unplug them from the video game console, open the door and tell them to play. With what? Their imagination. Have them make their own rules, follow them, learn some self regulation and contemplation.

Then offer some help to the mother.

Am I being too harsh here? My COMMENTS has taken a vacation...I'm looking into where it went so in the meantime, email me your thoughts for posting sramella@wsu.edu

FROM ROBIN RILETTE
Sueann,

About seven years ago I was in Tacoma visiting my best friends from college. At the time they had a four year old, Eva, and a two year old. Eva was on a play date with another little girl. Their youngest was napping upstairs. Lynn and I were sitting on the front porch when the mother drove up in her van with Eva and her little friend. Everyone got out of the van and congregated on the sidewalk for goodbyes. Everything was going swimmingly until Eva wanted her stuffed animal back. The other little girl then proceeded to pitch a fit of monumental proportions. Eva didn’t grab the toy, she didn’t punch the other little girl or scream at her she just wanted her toy back. The little girl would have none of it. Lynn and I stood there, almost transfixed, by what happened next.

First, the mother started pleading with the little girl. “_________, please, please, please give back the toy to Eva. Please listen to mommy, honey.” You get the idea. All the time the little girl is screaming her head off, crying and flailing around. The highlight came when she took off down the street carrying Eva’s toy with her mom chasing after her saying, “Honey, please stop. Please listen to Mommy. Please give Eva back her toy.” At this point, I had retreated to the safety of the porch to watch the horror unfold before me. Eventually, the girl was persuaded to give up the toy and persuaded to get in the van. It took quite some time.

After they left and Eva had calmed down and gone upstairs for a nap Lynn came back outside and sat down on the porch with me. There was a long silence. Then she said, “Robin, what do you think of what just happened?” I hesitated and finally said, “I’m not a parent, so I don’t feel qualified to say anything.” “I really want to know what you think,” replied Lynn. “Well,” I replied, I have a question. Who was in charge? Because it certainly wasn’t the mom.” I’ll never forget that mother following that child, pleading and literally begging for her cooperation.

I told Lynn that my mom was not perfect, but I know that I would never have been allowed to behave in that manner. My mom would have firmly grabbed my arm, pulled the toy away from me, told me in no uncertain terms that the toy was NOT mine, would have made ME give it back and if I’d whined and continued crying would have swatted me on the behind, put me in the car and driven away. My mother was in charge and I needed her to be in charge. I also needed her to teach me how to control myself, how to return borrowed objects and how to be respectful.

Okay, I feel better. J

By the way, my friend Lynn and her husband Jeff are excellent parents. They are loving, firm, compassionate and disciplined and are teaching these qualities to their children who are a pleasure to be around. Their Auntie Robin loves them dearly.

Robin

What Oil Do You Use? Beef.

2008-02-13T17:22:00.000-08:00

First let me say that I couldn't have planned the timing of my vacation any better. I hear you had a lot of snow while I was gone? Grocery store roofs collapsing, WSU closed, 6 hours shoveling snow off driveways! But when I drive home...it is all melting; Seems I brought some warm weather back with me!

Second, I would like to give a shout out to my new friends in Walla Walla! I will write about my visit with the Walla Walla Chamber and Canoe winery later.

Now, let's get crazy like the Kiwis!

Cement Luge. Check it out! You have to do this and be careful to not hit the little children on the way down. Instead, aim for the screaming adult female...as my highly competitive traveling partner did. Here's the scene. You wait patiently in line with a hundred kids, sprinkle in some parents and Asian tourists.

NOTE: Not all Asian tourists in NZ are tourists...they are Kiwis! As my mother says, "Koreans are everywhere. I am not surprised. Kiwis need Kim chi too!"

Grap your black, three wheeled, motor less cart. Prove to the 16 year old safety guard that you know how to use the brakes...shimmy your way to one of three lanes; scenic, intermediate, advanced and GO!

Scenic was nice and....scenic. Took a long time and this is where most of the parents with kids on their laps drive. Weaving in and out of them was a breeze! Ha Ha Suckers! Intermediate was a nice test of your new driving skills...just don't let go of the handles or your cart brakes COLD and you go flying. Didn't happen to me but I was told it does sometimes. Advanced: Now we're talkin! I totally kicked some 5year old's butt on this run! You should have seen him screaming at me! Let off the break little dude and you MIGHT catch up!

Then you take a ski lift all the way up the mountain to do it again. This time I would race my friends down the advance. I was in second place...passing my HIGHLY COMPETETIVE TRAVEL PARTNER, who will be known as Jerk for the rest of this blog. There I was, spotting the end...going for the silver when I look behind me and see Jerk speeding up. He ignored the SLOW DOWN NOW sign because, well, let's be honest! It's like a red light in Italy - a suggestion.

Here comes Jerk and the lanes are merging and BAM! He squeezes me out of the lane! I am ejected from my cart and forced to use my bum as the brakes!

I got back in the saddle and limped my way to the finish line. I was laughing because it must have been a ridiculous site. Jerk was mortified when I showed him my raspberry. Then he felt so bad...I milked it the whole rest of the trip! I won't tell you how I scraped the same spot while riding the SCENIC luge; no one to blame for that but myself!

On to ZORB: This is where they throw you in a plastic, human sized, hamster ball and push you down a hill! GREAT FUN! I highly recommend you try this with water. When I did it there was a water shortage at the site. (Global issue huh?) So I did the dry run and that was fun...but the water allows more people in the ball with you! On second thought that could mean elbow in the face and after the luge I am done bleeding.

Then Swing Catapult! Good rush!

Then Rally Car Race. Am I tired? NO! But I have to admit that I cried in the rally car because the driver was insane. Which must be the point.

NOTE: Idaho farm boys have learned a variety of ways to entertain themselves with speed, engines and B.B. guns. Give them a bike, a cliff and near death experience and you have a friend for life.

When it was my turn to drive an evil sensation swept over me as I gained speed. I felt the inner Sue-animal emerge! I am gonna make this Sucker CRY!!! And I detected a wee little tear as he learned I had the fastest overall time! He may have had the fastest LAP but technique ruled the race that day!

Cave tubing was amazing! The 16 year old guide (they have a lot of them employed here) gave us directions.

Kiwi: Yeah. All right everyone. I'm Chris that that guy over theh is Mike. Give a wave Mike. Yeah. Uh. Mike doesn’t like you to pee in the wet suits. It's very bad smell and hard to clean. Right Mike? Yeah. See he's noddin yeah. So please do not pee in your wetsuit. The pee will be trapped in and you will essentially be marinated in your own urine. Not very appealin.

We were off! Glow worms are really cannibalistic mosquito grubs with glowing poop. But that is not as cute as GLOW WORM! They are beautiful and all activities at the Waitomo caves are highly recommended! After the 2 hour caving/tubing/water jumping run you get a hot shower and soup!

Geothermal parks are everywhere and a must see. In some parts of Rotorura the Earth let's you know she's alive with her perfume sulfur scent and steam. I was in awe of the mineral pools, lakes and streams. The variety of colors - gold, highlighter yellow, sky blue, Ana Sui Spring collection 2002 green, and the mud! How the mud bubbles up and farts! So many giggles and thoughts of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!

The landscape of New Zealand is both romantic Jane Austen novel, Jurrassic Park 1 and yes...Lord of the Rings. I am at a loss for words.

The fish and chips in NZ were delicious! Last year a student got scurvy because he only ate fish and chips. Cheap and good...why blame him? Guess he didn't like tomato sauce (ketchup in Kiwi talk with a clove flavor). When I asked the fish and chips guy what oil he used for frying he looked at me like I was strange.

"Beef" the man said.

"I love your country Sir! I'll take the number 2!"

1 Bruise, 1 Butt Scrape, 1 Terrible Burn

2008-01-30T00:49:00.000-08:00

Your no longer bleeding local All Things Considered host here...reporting from the Sydney airport and survived New Zealand. Ahhh...New Zealand! I would like to say it was relaxing and refreshing but this is the land the invented the bunji jump! So when in New Zealand be extreme like the Kiwis!
The List: Explore geothermal villages - try to touch the water and steam
Zorb (placed in a giant hampster ball and thrown down a hill....FUN!)
Drive like a maniac in a real off road dune buggy
Drive on the left hand side of the road
Get catapolted into the air on a swing
Innertube 200ft down into the earth and look for glowing worms (or as what I call them, cannabolistic maggots with shiny poop)
Avoid gunshots in Auckland
Luge down a cement track avoiding children and keeping my skin on

Results: 1 bruise (caving) 1 bad skin scrap on my bum (luging) and still recovering from a burn from snorkeling.

What I can't wait to tell you is about the details of it all and the culture I am learning about.

What is strange is I lost all track of time, days and have no idea what's going on except that Obama won South Carolina? Really? And McCain and ...Romney? Are playing the liberal card. Can't say it is something I am dying to get the details about but I can say it is interesting how much American politics is reported on here. We really have a huge impact on the world.

Here in Sydney I plan to walk on top of that enormous bridge...surf and maybe take a nap. G'Day Mate!

2008 is Off to a Bula Start

2008-01-18T17:13:00.000-08:00

Bula! BULA BULA BULA!!!!!!!

Your friendly local All Things Considered host here, in Fiji, reporting on the weather! Tonight, clear skies after the afternoon monsoon shower. Expect temperatures between 70 to 75. Tomorrow, blue skies in the afternoon with a chance for showers on the main land. Otherwise, sunny and FREAKING AMAZING!!!! Highs in the 80s to 90s.

Oh, and remember to continuously reapply the sunscreen because the ozone is thinner here....ask my back end. It has been intimately introduced to the ozone. It was left blushing beat red by the end of snorkeling.

Next stop, New Zealand then on to OZ! Now, this is only partially fun and for my own private entertainment. I am here...researching the water issues in these countries. Work is so hard sometimes!

PS for those of you wondering if your contribution is funding exotic research trips - it is not. But that would be nice and we would be happy to send any one of our on air hosts to the place of your choosing....if you pledge. www.nwpr.org

Vinaka!
Sueann Ramella

Can American Inmates Dance Like Them?

2008-01-01T18:50:00.000-08:00

The inmates in the video are from the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC)in the Philippines. Their approach to rehabilitation is discipline, physical fitness, dismantling of the culture of corruption and preemptive decongestion. From the video...DANCE is part of the physical fitness.

I wonder if the feeling of teamwork is also part of the rehabilitation? Perhaps even fun? The article below is great. I wish we could try this in the States.

Read this article on an interesting idea on corrections.

Before Christmas Says Hello, It Says BUY BUY BUY

2007-12-27T12:38:00.001-08:00

Remember a while back I said I was going to have a "spend as little as possible"
Christmas? I think I did it. Sort of. For my father I made a "Ramella Radio Hour" cd with Holiday tunes. Hosted by Moi. He loved it! But then I bought a $10 coffee card at his favorite Barrista drive through. I didn't feel it was enough...

For my mother I made her a "Music to Paint By" cd with various Enya and Loreena songs. I also bought her a $10 purse organizer (which...oops...she already has) went in on a rock/crystal candle holder (have yet to pay my share) and bought her an electric bean sprouter machine from a Korean store. Total, including debts outstanding = $100.

For my dear friends I got some great pictures of Moscow, Idaho from the early days. Thanks to Kym at the Latah County Historical Society for her help and enthusiasm! I also made a bear out of a sock. Total = $57 Pictures, frames and sock.

I also made some bird seed wreaths = free because my neighbor provided the materials. Thanks Rhonda!

Finally, a gift for my special friend, Robin Rilette: A cd with my singing "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." Now. This is especially special to Robin because I did it in my nerd alter ego voice. She loved it. Price = priceless!

My gifts were good. Thoughtful and nice. Yet, I felt they were wanting. It wasn't enough for me to give my mom a cd I made. I had to buy her some big ticket items. I found it interesting that while walking in the mall I had a urge to just buy things. I started to question my gift choices. Am I being cheap? Will they think I am cheap if I just give them this? Maybe I should buy a gift card to supplement.

I had to get out of the mall stat. I was starting to feel guilty for no reason.

Frankly, this has been a financially challenging year. My close friends know this and wouldn't expect me get into debt for Christmas. But there is something inside me that is so willing to do that. Why is this?

Merry Belated Christmas My Listener. Happy Late Holidays!

Soapy Water, Theatre People and Taxi

2007-12-10T15:49:00.000-08:00

I went to Soap Lake to visit my friend, Bobbi (with no E). We had a great visit and she took me to a Masquers Theater Holiday Party. I managed to almost embarrass her and myself several times. I love meeting strangers. Especially ones full of drama. Many asked me why I was there and I told them I was there to celebrate Hanukkah with Bobbi.

Person: "Oh!? Are you Jewish?"
Me: "No. I'm not one of the chosen people. But Bobbi is."
Person: "Bobbi? Really? I didn't know that?"
Me: "Yeah (finger to lips) but it's on the down low because she hasn't told her mother yet."
Person: " ...?"
Me: "Well. You know it's..."
Bobbi: "SUEANN! What are you doing?"

Bobbi made Latkes... which for the life of me I am saying LatKEYS and thinking of Latkah from Taxi. Remember that show? It came on at 7pm and after that was my bedtime. Yup. My parents let me watch Taxi and I went to be dreaming of Tony Danza.

Everyone at the party was associated with the Masquers Theater. They are very nice people and seem to attract men by the name of Don.

After settling in the Hostess, Mary, said I had to play a game.
Mary: "You have to tell us a secret about yourself that no one else knows!"
Me: "But I just met you people!"
Mary and Masquers Gang: "Oh! But you can say anything because we don't know you! Yeah but it has to be true!"
Me: "uh...ok... (the stares were intense - like theater lights!) Well. I don't think even Bobbi knows this...Sexual reconstructive surgery is really not that expensive."

They laughed. I got out of that one! Phew!

Then Bobbi took me to her secret club - the Businessmen's Club. Apparently, they have very cheap chicken dinners...that's why she became a member. I bought Bobbi and I two Cosmopolitans had made her pay. (They don't take plastic!) What was cool was talking to the ladies there about the attention spans of today's youth.

What was I talking about?

Oh yeah...today's youth. Attention... OH! LOOK! Flip This House is on!

Shoot. I really need to stop playing the video games, listening to my Ipod ALL THE TIME and chewing Bubbalicious.

Seriously. We met another Mary and she works with kids. She says it is a whole lotta work to get them to pay attention then what it used to be. This thought was confirmed by a Jr. High Art teacher recently. Unplug your kids people!

At Bobbi's house we lit the Menorah and watched the candles burn. Happy Hanukkah Bobbi!

The next morning I had to leave early to get to work - so I could talk to you, Dear Listener! But on my way out I stopped by Soap Lake to get some of the water.

All night long I heard about the healing properties of this Alkaline lake. Cancer curing, skin irritations curing...could it work on my allergies?

The water was delicious. I highly recommend it when you are craving fish.

Handmade Gifts! SO CUTE

2007-12-06T17:39:00.000-08:00

I was googling craft ideas for Christmas gifts - one Chanukkah gift for my friend in Soap Lake...and came across these sweater kids! How adorable! Then more searching resulted in this site:

Buy Hand Made

I also was taken in and lost at least 30 minutes looking through all the handmade gifts here:

Etsy

I'll take a photo of what I am working on - it's a secret right now but will be 1. cute 2. recycled or partially thrift store material and 3. handmade by yours truly.

I remember a former Aunt of mine made me a doll. It was one of my favorite toys. This cloth doll had four faces and a bonnet. So you could swing her head around to sleeping, happy, teary or upset. Her dress was white with black little rose buds...all hand made and wonderful to me. I saw her again with I was 24 and told her how I loved that toy. She was very touched, just as I was.

Christmas Challenge!!!

2007-12-05T14:41:00.000-08:00

I used to be one that would overspend every Christmas - taking the whole hear to catch up...only to repeat the debt cycle again.

Well. No more. I am going to make gifts, recycle things or regift...Let's see how little I can spend and how much cheer I can give!

Here is a comment from a listener about a great card idea!

About ideas for a purchase-free holiday...
You've probably heard this already, but, considering that emailed greeting cards are a bit impersonal and homemade cards can be quite labor intensive, last year we sent out "freebie cards" -- all the cards that we receive, year after year, from Nature Conservancy and other nonprofits, but we can't bring ourselves to toss. Over the previous few years, we had accumulated about 100 of these blank cards, so we sent them to our friends and relatives, with a short note inside that offered the usual "past year's events" and an explanation of our odd card (we usually send very creative homemade cards, but last year we had no time).

I won't waste any more of your time. Your blog must just create a snowball of work!

We really appreciate your sense of humor and personality (?!) on the radio.
Thanks to all of you for bringing David Sedaris to us!

-Andy G.

Thanks Andy! What are you doing to save $ this Holiday season? How does it make you feel to give or not?

Week Overview of Water Conservation Challenge

2007-11-26T14:02:00.000-08:00

Day 3 came and went...then Day 4 was Thanksgiving and well...conserving water went down the drain. Which reminds me of my trash challenge - that convenience outweighs conservation a lot.

Frankly, I am disappointed by this challenge because it is really hard to gauge my water usage. I have a friend who knows a student that is working on a water calculator. He will get me in touch with her soon. Maybe I will try the challenge again?

The only thing I know for sure is I am more aware of the amount of water it takes to do well...anything! I have trained myself to not be queasy at yellow toilet water. I also don't have the water on full blast when I do the dishes or brush my teeth. I have it at a small, steady stream.

Yeah. I'm bummed out about this challenge.

O.K. I'm over it now. On to my next challenge! The Buy Nothing Christmas! Any thoughts?

Watch Out for Scams and Bad Grammar

2007-11-21T11:24:00.000-08:00

I am looking for a new home for my two cats. I've placed ads on Petfinder and Craigslist. You would expect scams and scuzballs to prey on craigslist, but petfinder? I'll get to that in a second.

My Folks told me about a lady who lost a few thousand in a craigslist scam. She was sent a check for some furniture, deposited it at the bank and proceeded to wire a moving company $ to send the furniture. Well, the moving company was fake. The check didn't clear. She was out a lot of dough. Here's a similar story

Not long ago, I had furniture for sale on craigslist. I got a similar response as the story above - in fact, I got a $3,000 check! But my buffet was only $200. Everyone at the office knew it was a scam. So did I because of my news junkie parents. I took the check to the bank and they gave it to the FBI.

Back to my cats. I got this email. It upsets me that they would go after people with pets...they mention petfinder. First, who would ship their pet like this? Second, my pets are not for sale. Finally, what's with the English?

Sir/ma
am Tori Scott writing from Philadelphia,PA, i came across your advert on pet finder concerning your pet,which i will like to adopt for my sick daughter who lost her pet{sholly},in a train accident when she was away for a vacation with her friend, and as a result of this her companion{sholly} died by shock.and this had also make my daughter found her self on a sick bed in the hospital,But thank God she getting better but she will never stop crying,thinking and fighting every one because of her lost companion,Mean while i promise her to get another lovely pet for as long as she can assure me a quick recovery from her sickness and thinking, so this had make me contact you about your advert to know if he/she {pet} is still available and i will like to know your asking price $$?..while i will also need to know if he/she is up to her date with her shot....? neutered....? de-wormed....?, i will also like to know if he/she is a indoor/outdoor pet...?, and how old is the pet, and how long have you been with her, and i will like to know your reason for letting him/her go?....please get back to me with all the question as well as your asking price,Mean while i want you to know that i will be responsible for the transportation for him/her from your location to our home at my own expensis okay?..Note my form of payment will be a certified check

Sick daughter? From PA and looking at a Pullman, Washington ad for a cat? Get a free kitten at the local humane society Tori Scott! And take your daughter to the hospital...and one more thing! Spellcheck and you may get more people to fall for it!

Be careful dear listeners.

P.S. Day 3 water conservation: I'm beginning to feel guilt for the amount of water I drink.

Day 2 Water Conservation

2007-11-20T17:16:00.000-08:00

Day 2:
It started out as a good day. I took a shower, military style, and plugged the tub to gather the water. Even showering military style leaves a lot of water in the tub. So guess who gets a bath? MOCHI!

How's that for reusing water?

While the dog was on the couch, in his cozy, feather down blanket...I cooked some pasta for lunch.

I used half the amount of water I normally do and the noodles cooked fine. I then poured the hot water into the sink to wash the dishes. Notice the Eco soap!

Then I came to work. I had to flush after every visit to the Ladies Room. 3 flushes. I'll have to do some math to figure how much water I lost there.

Haven't gotten my water report yet from my fair city...

My Bangs, Spaghetti Sauce and Beans

2007-11-19T14:16:00.000-08:00

The first day of my water conservation challenge is going well. No shower. Instead, washed my bangs in the sink. Why do bangs get so greasy so fast? Oh right! They rest on my forehead. Afterwards, I felt good. I used what I needed and curbed my excess.

I saw this video on water conservation and laughed!

With this video in mind, and the story on Marketplace about celebrating American excess and charity. I started thinking about our Food Banks.

I called the Walla Walla Food Bank and asked what were their most needed items. Spaghetti's sauce! That surprised me. It was also what I ate for lunch. It was also in that video...he was washing dishes with spaghetti sauce.

Here was their list: Holiday foods, spaghetti sauce, pasta, cereal, peanut butter, and for areas with a higher Hispanic population - beans. Bottom line - food banks need protein.

So with my conservation - I am also looking at my excess. What can I give so others have what they need?

List of Washington Food Banks
List of Idaho Food Banks
List of Oregon Food Banks

Ready? Set? Slash!!!

2007-11-16T14:17:00.000-08:00

Here I go! Monday, Nov. 19th is when I start my water conservation challenge. I will end on Nov. 26th.

My goal: Decrease the amount of water I used by 50%!!! My fair Pullman is mailing me my household average. I will post that on Monday. But so far, I have learned the average person uses 80-100 gallons a day. I wonder what my average is? 90?

RULES
1. All my water usage counts. So visits to friend's toilets count in my challenge.

2. I will recycle my water as much as possible - example: Used Bath water in the washing machine. Which is going to be a pain because my washing machine is in the basement.

3. While there may be medicinal reasons people drink urine, I will not.

4. Alcohol does not count. hehehe

Those are my rules. If you have suggestions let me know before Monday!

Sometime next week I will have an interview with Mike Barber, who works for the State of Washington Water Research Center. I'll share with you what I learn!

Robin and Sueann

2007-11-14T13:38:00.000-08:00

WSU sent a very nice photographer to take photos of Robin and I. They plan to use one on their website's Staff section.

I hope they use this one! LOL! We have a lot of fun here!

Sueann's on the Radio and Brused Books n Gifts

2007-11-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

Here is the Marketplace Money interview by Tess that aired on Sunday.
Tess Interviews Listeners...Sueann is in here!

How fun is that?

I was at Brused Books in Pullman looking for some travel books with a dear friend. I came across a section in the book store that sold Ten Thousand Villages Giftsn and recycled goods. I was impressed with the newspaper coasters. I have been thinking about doing a "no new, no purchase" Christmas this year. These goods gave me some great ideas. But if I had to purchase gifts, I would buy from this store, or the website. It makes me feel like my money is more powerful...that I'm getting an even bigger purchase than just a coaster.

Hmmm...reminds me of public radio! How's that coffee by the way? I tried some and WOWZA! That's a kick! Thanks D&M coffee and a big thanks to you for renewing!

I'm pretty sure I was suppose to start my water challenge today. But, instead, I will begin next Monday. I plan to call my water works folks to get some numbers to compare to.

Hope you're having a great day!
Cheers!
sueann

Water Conservation Suggestions

2007-11-05T12:13:00.000-08:00

I had a great conversation with T in Yakima about conservation. He had some helpful suggestions for my new challenge; Water Conservation! During my Trash Challenge I was taken aback by the amount of...well...EVERYTHING that I use. Trash was on my mind, but then I began to realize how much water I was using. I mean, I love baths. I love super soapy, hot dish water, I love my dishwasher. I really like to flush my toilet every time...Then I hear this report on NPR: Southern States Drought My baths and flushing seems foolish and wasteful when humans need to drink it to live. What luxuries we love but what do they cost?

I need your suggestions on water conservation; Websites you have been to, organizations you know of and your stories too. I plan to start monitoring Nov. 12th. I will do this for 7 days. My goal is to decrease the amount of water I use by 50% - more if possible. The first week I will monitor how much H2O I use. This includes drinking water, all household and outdoor water, and somehow water used at other places. I MAY try to figure out how much water is in my hard liquor too. Which reminds me of Mark Twain:
"Whiskey is for drinking, water is for fighting over!"

You know what I'm thinking of right now? Dune. I'm thinking of that scene when they take the dead and squish out the water and drink it. OH! And right before they squish the body, everyone spits - because water is so precious to spit is a honorable action.

David Sedaris Event PHOTOS

2007-10-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

Above, myself and Station Manager (AKA one of my bosses) Roger Johnson. NOTE: David Sedaris asked for no photos to be taken. So I took photos of some guests!

It was a blast! David is so funny and...yes, said many things you can't say on public radio. I heard someone say, "He has a rather blue sense of humor doesn't he?"

It was great to see you there! And special thanks for coming and paying for the tickets...and being a member and also giving us a little extra. We raised a couple grand after the show and that really REALLY helps!

We got this message from a guest:
“I kept intending to send you a check and kept not having enough extra money to do it. My credit card balance is now low enough that I feel comfortable adding to it, so here you are. Your pledge drive at the David Sedaris show pushed me into sending now instead of later. The fact that it would only have taken 35 from each attendant to reach your goal really made me think, every dollar really does count!”

While I was checking out I saw David head across the street to the cafe there. I almost yelled, "Is that David Sedaris! OMG!" but decided to be mature and leave the hilarious man alone.

Marketplace Called Me

2007-10-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

Guess what? Maretplace down in L.A. called me to talk about my trash challenge! It was a fun interview and they might, MIGHT (squeel!) use our talk in November! I made Tess laugh. I hope I was compelling enough for them! :)

My next challenge...water. Any thoughts or ideas? I was pretty busy with our pledge drive (which you probably know by now that we didn't make the goal) and so have not put any real thought into the water challenge.

Speaking of not making the goal - please pledge a few buck or more online to pay for our/your shows! PLEDGE HERE

No Trash Man!

2007-10-03T18:50:00.000-07:00

Darlings! I have two words for you. Pledge Drive.
The staff is busy prepping...we're pumped to GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY to support what you love and listen to everyday! And so, no photo of my last trash bag.

And no blog about those Nike Native N-7 shoes. Our favorite Ashley is from the Colville tribe...and I wanted to write about our conversation. Perhaps later? Let me just quote her. "So I'm not weird!"

And I wanted to gossip about Gillian Coldsnow and her fabulous new coat. Robin and her fabulous new speed chair (broken foot) which I take any opportunity to hop in and drive.

Later!
sueann

Day 6 No Photos Forgot Camera

2007-09-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

Day 6:

Here is where the trust begins. I have no photos. My garbage bag rests in my car. I sneak out my garbage when the Fam isn't looking. The bag has only grown slightly since last we blogged. I hope you believe me.

I was washing the dishes and noticed how much water I was using. I am seriously considering doing another sustainability challenge with water. Got any suggestions on rules?

OH! I took all my tissue and composted it! Made some room for my seaweed packaging and potato chip bags.

Time to Care

2007-09-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

Day 5: Friday. Chicken bones stink to high heaven and my plastic bag is showing signs of wear. I am pleased. I have today off to see the Fam in Puyallup. My mother will not be happy about the chicken bones so I finally find time to compost.

Time. I think that if we made sustainability easier people would do it. Imagine if we could throw all our recyclables into one bin? Someone else could sort it! Or we compost like the Koreans? They have cans just for leftovers and collect it all to feed pigs! They have these cellulose toothpicks that disintegrate and are edible (pigs).

I dug a hole into my bin, dumped the bones and some other food bits, buried it and as you see, covered it with a block. I learned from your comments about cats that dig!

Then I headed out to P-town.

Arrived. Hugs. Told Folks about the trash. Mom told me to leave it in my car. Went to the Puyallup Fair - Mom told me to leave bag in my car. Ordered a Gyro. It came with a paper plate and waxy paper. Got a coffee in Styrofoam cup. Pops and I drank smoothies made from...gasp! Real fruit! Came in a plastic cup. Mom told me to throw away my trash. I insisted. She gave me that scary Korean look. I held my ground...then THEN my Father (peacemaker) took the trash out of my hands and threw it away! Not even recycling it! He said, "Tell 'em that was my trash. I paid for it."

After he muttered something about 'earthy crunchies,' we continued on.

The Puyallup Fair does not make it easy to recycle. In fact, I do not recall many recycling bins at all. Now, Moscow! There's a town that recycles like the world is ending. I have been lectured by people my friend calls, "Recycling Nazis" before. But I would take "R.Ns" over no recycling.

Here's the Mo-Man doing his own reuse, recycling...hunting for cat poop. Dog eats steak, lamb, Gerber Ham baby food, ground beef, salmon and kibble, but hunts for poop.

Camera Cord...Rest of Week

2007-09-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

My apologies. This is the second day I forgot the camera cord to download photos.
I had an English teacher, Mrs. Harding...who gave me a quote I often use: excuses are the building blocks of failure.

So, this is not an excuse...but an explanation! I was busy.

Tomorrow I hope to have a new posting. I can say this...the Puyallup Fair makes it very hard to recycle. My parents are calling me "Earthy Crunchy." And all my garbage fit into a standard plastic shopping bag! Yeah me!

I am thinking about another challenge... water conservation. What is the least amount of water I can use in 7 days? Think I should try?

Oh. That's Me.

2007-09-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

Day 4:
So I am sitting in Control 2 transcribing Listener Testimonials. These are short audio files of our members encouraing listeners (not you because you're already a member) to become members and support NWPR. I'm happily typing away. Giddy at the thought of finishing this major project today....when sniff sniff. Man. I smell like garlic! I unzip my jacket and smell it. No. I lift up my t-shirt and smell...nope. What the heck? I thought. It must be my lunch. But I don't have garlic in my lunch today. Then there it is...that white plastic blob...pillowy and smelling like GARLIC!

You see, while you can compost chicken bones after boiling them down, or removing all meats...I don't have the time this week.

I read Tess's blog today and she's right on when she says:
I think the best way to get people to reduce their waste stream is to make it easy, manageable, and [ahem] palatable for them to do so.

Maybe there's a big business in this? Instead of Scrap Booking...Table Scrapping? A truck comes around, picks up scraps/bones...compost them and sell it back to us! Or something like that.

I sure feel sorry for the next Board Operator/DJ...Maybe I'll play on a joke on them and come into control 2 and ask..."What smells in here?"

I Want to Say One Word To You. Just One Word

2007-09-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

Plastics.

I have noticed that most of my garbage (Day 3) is coming from plastic wrap. I'm not sure what to do with Saran wrap coated with food. This morning I thought about wrappin my melon in wrap. Then I decided to cut it up and store it in a reusable plastic container. Score! Notice the lack of meat. One commentator suggested going Vegan. I did it for lunch.

All this has me thinking. What can we do with plastic bags?
Plastic Bag Chair

Plastic Evening Bag

Plastic Bag Crafts

I also found a Safeway plastic bag dress (shudder) and various plastic bag toy animals No lead paint in them I'm sure!

I took the advice from commentators and am composting Mochi's poo. I have yet to boil my chicken bones down and compost them...thus the eerily delicious decomposing dinner smell in my purse.

I forgot my hankie today. Notice the tissue box in my purse. Thank goodness for recycling!

NO! Chicken Bones, Napkins and My Competitive Nature

2007-09-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

Day 2: I'm still alive. I now have a little bag of garbage. It irritates me.

So far I have learned that I grab tissues and napkins like dogs grab tennis balls. So, I hand washed a hankie (which was given to me so I didn't have to purchase it and create a receipt AND...the best part...was left behind by a hippie with dreadlocks on a hiking trail.) and am going to buy cloth napkins.
This is making me think a lot about what I use and my habits. Oh! And I have confirmed that I am ever so slightly competitive. My goal is to generate the lease amount of trash EVER. So when I cooked dinner and realized I used up all my rice noodles, thus, leaving behind a plastic bag, which I don't think is recyclable, I was pretty hard on myself!

Thinking about what I am eating is not new to me. Some of you know about my food allergies. However, thinking about the packaging and bones involved is!

But here is where the learning begins. I didn't know you could compost bones! Then I did some research:

Since then, I have learned to cook the turkey neck and make soup from it, and then, when most of the meat has been stripped, it can be buried deep within a pile in a pocket of aged material. Now I compost chicken bones, T-bones, pork chop bones, etc. with absolutely no problems at all.

Tomorrow...how to deal with Old Man The Mochi Shih Tzu Poo!

My Garbage Challenge

2007-09-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

I’m going to carry around my garbage for a week.

I was inspired by Marketplace's Tess Vigeland who is hauling her household garbage with her for two weeks. Hear Tess talk about this challenge: Garbage Challenge

Tess is doing it for 2 weeks. I will not set myself up for failure and have changed some of the rules.

1. I will carry my household/office trash for 1 week.
2. I will be recycling or composting EVERYTHING I can!
3. I’m going to modify my eating and shopping to keep the trash down.

I have a feeling I will still be carrying a lot of garbage. Oh Crap! I have a dog. Good thing he is a Shih Tzu…I have to figure out how to compost his nuggets.

Wish me luck and I’ll take photos!

UPDATE: 9/17/2007 10:25am
I made it 10 hours without generating any garbage. Then...I watered my office plants and to dry my hands I automatically reached for the paper towels! NOOO! Do I recycle this? Can I compost this? Thom heard my gasp and suggested I reuse it until it dispears. Then...without really thinking I blew my nose in it. Thom was mortified. "Well, now try and wipe things up with it!" So this makes me think of two things.
1. Paper towels make terrible hankies. I need to use that hankie a dear friend gave me...
2. Dish towel
My first piece of garbage is a paper towel.

Our Potluck Winners!

2007-08-30T12:12:00.000-07:00

Remember our Online Auction back in February? One of the items up for bid was a potluck by Northwest Public Radio staff! Here are our lucky winners!

Connie and Reed Figley drove to Pullman from the Tri Cities to be stuffed with food!

I met that in the Bookie parking lot and was expecting a nice, old Lincoln to pull up. Perhaps even a Subaru. Well, I was very excited to see a 1988 Lotus!

The staff had a great time playing around their car. I almost wonder if we should have bid on this event ourselves!

Robin Rilette above - looks great in a Lotus!

Above: Left to Right - Robin Rilette, Mary Hawkins, Sueann Ramella, Gillian Coldsnow, Reed and Connie Figley, Thom Kokenge and Tom Hungate

Lunch was full of great dishes - as always. Gillian baked delicious homemade pigs in a blanket. When she said the name in French it sounded even more fabulous! Robin Rilette made her devilish deviled eggs. Thom Kokenge whip us up some croquettes and I made stuffed peppers. Other highlight dishes: goat cheese spinach squares, amazing brownies, pineapple upside down cake, delicious salads, chicken, shrimp rice dish, etc. It was...FILLING!

We chatted with Connie and Reed about how they met (work), what they like about public radio (news, weekend shows, ALL OF IT!), how they got into Lotus and car collecting, and about their awesome dogs.

A fine afternoon with friends we have always talked to, but never met. That's radio.

Gillian Coldsnow (whom I lovingly call 'G') and myself...she calls me "Missy."

War Is In All Of Us

2007-08-27T16:28:00.000-07:00

Paul Watson gave me pause today. He is a Canadian journalist who won the 1994 Pulitzer Prize for his photograph of a dead American soldier being dragged through the streets of Mogadishu in Somalia. Terry Gross interviewed him on Fresh Air.

This type of interview is public radio to me; deep, difficult, and sometimes raw.

When Watson took the photo he mouthed, “I’m Sorry,” to the other soldiers. The tone of his voice and the way he described the situation made me feel like I was there. It hurt.

When he described innocent people surrounding him, protecting him from a vicious mob, I could see it.

When he said, “I know where war lives. It lives inside all of us.” I believe it.

His memoir, Where War Lives, will be on my list.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes! Climate Changes So Does Sueann

2007-08-13T15:30:00.001-07:00

I wanted to make this entry incredibly entertaining. Full of funny phrases, jokes and insight into Sueann's world. But...not today. Instead. You get straight up, plain Sueann blogpost.
What I want to tell you:
1. I am not shopping at Walmart as much as I used to.
2. I am using tote bags when I go shopping
3. I feel a need to buy environmentally friendly dish soap
4. I want a motorcycle bad.
5. I got rid of 2/3s of my belongings in a yard sale...including my precious Martha Stewart magazine library.
6. I'm eating better, feel healthier and buy from the Coop

Why I did this:
Because I have been influenced to change by...
1.NPR's Climate Connection Series
2. Laura Hartner, co-worker/friend, and her environmental-pals
3. The feeling of getting rid of things you don't need - Freedom
4. Necessity - moving to a smaller, more economical place
5. Realized I vote with my money
6. Realized I can afford to eat healthy, organic, humane foods when I'm not buying things I don't need.

There are a few other shows and stories that influenced me as well. I'll share those soon....and some Nine Inch Nails lyrics.

Racism, Football and My Weekend

2007-07-30T16:23:00.000-07:00

Did you hear this? I was just...shocked! Beating Charges Split Town Along Racial Lines
I know I shouldn't be so naive but I found myself talking to my Klotz Board asking, "Are we in the 60's?" Then I actually spoke out loud to the reporter..."You gotta be kidding me!?" In this day and age...I guess so.

I found it interesting that despite the clear racial problems at this school - both whites and blacks came together for football. I'm not sure if I think this is super or surreal. They were having an amazing football season, thanks mostly to the black students, so tensions didn't boil over until after the season was over.

Football either brought them together in teamwork or football was a fantastic distraction - doing well made everyone feel good and forget about skin color. Hmmm.

This story made me appreciate my weekend even more. I went to the Moscow Motorcycle Rally...a nice turn out for a first time event. There, in downtown Moscow, are bikers and across the street... a Gay Pride Parade. Ahh Moscow, you are a special place on this planet.

Oh and props to Idaho Star and my instructors who taught me how to ride! Love ya Mark n Gang!

Peace.
Sueann

Truth, White Lies, Yes You Look Fat in That

2007-07-19T17:39:00.000-07:00

Do you think you can be radically honest? Can you say to your wife when she asks, "Does this make me look fat?" "Yes Babe. It does you no good?"

I think truth without love is malice...but if I had to choose malice over deception...I choose malice. I guess you could say - I highly value truth. So I was very excited about On Point when they did an interview with Brad Blanton. On Point

Here is Blanton's website. Radical Honestly Try to be a little more honest...but do it with love. You'r not going to do this huh? Just tell me the truth. No. You're not. Thanks for being honest.

OH but something that may help us all be radically honest with ourselves and each other? Less judgement.

Good Show, Say It Ain't So Dad!

2007-07-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks for having me back! So today's show was a bit entertaining to me. First, the latest updates about Iraq.White House Report on Iraqi's Progress Then we lighten it up with some choice kids songs you will like too.Kid's Songs But then...then we have time to catch up on R. Kelly's court proceedings? Yuk! I am not even going to post a link to that story. Which reminds me of something...So while I was home hanging with my folks I learned a terrible thing about my father. Here's the scene:
Me upstairs. Dad in rec room watching TV news. Mom brewing tea in Kitchen.
Dad: "Oh I don't believe this Hon! Hey Honey! Can you believe this?"
Mom: "What is it?"
Dad: "This is ridiculous. That girl needs to get a job. That's her problem!"
Me: (thinking in my head)...OMG. Is he talking about what I think he's talking about?
Mom: "I think so. Too easy life."
Dad: "If they let her go..."
Me: (yelling down the stairs) "Oh My God Dad! Are you REALLY watching a story about Paris Hilton? Please, my love for you depends on the answer!
Dad: "I don't know what you're on about!"
Me: (running down the stairs into the rec room) "Dad. Seriously. This is so upsetting to me! You are watching COURT TV??? Oh Dad! It's Paris Hilton! Aren't there better things to watch? Like...an infomercial or something?"
Dad: "Shut up! (said lovingly I assure you) She'd be a pretty girl if she ate something and didn't dress like a hooker."
Me: (rolling eyes) "Dad. You're always complaining that there isn't any real news on. Look what you're doing. You're feeding the beast Dad...Just look at yourself Man! (shaking head and pointing and being dramatic) "MOM! Dad is watching crap tv!"
Mom: "Her friend... what's her name? Nicole Ritchie? She needs to eat too!"

Out for A While, Thinking of You

2007-06-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

I am in a cafe, in the West side and contemplating traffic. My mind is busy swirling around thoughts of pollution, SUVs, gas prices, the changing of the weather, the processes of Mother Nature, the life of humans...and why the heck would I want take 167 from Auburn to Puyallup at 5:05pm?? Insanity!

I remember when my hometown was half its size in population. That was in 1996. The South Hill mall was 75% full of merchants at best - we thought for sure the mall would close. But the owners probably did their population growth charts and knew better than we that this area would explode. At least there is still the horse ranch near my parent's place. I used to drive past it everyday on the way to school and think, "How nice of a 'country' lifestyle we live in." LOL. One horse ranch, now surrounded by noisey traffic, a mega highway stretching out above the horse's mane.

I'm thinking of you and how much fun I have with our one way communication. I know sometimes I make you smile, make you go, "What was she thinking?" or "What just happened?" or... she sounds NPRish today. If only we could talk all day about the news, the traffic, the weather together! I'll be back soon. Till then....

Where Are the Birds? Where Did the Shoreline GO? Why Did She Post a Photo of Mad Max?

2007-06-14T17:37:00.001-07:00

I am loving the special reports that ATC is doing on climate change. Tonight, we learned about Fiji and how their shoreline is disapearing. Read/Listen Here Did you want to have some of that Kava drink too? It would be a nice distraction from thinking about the planet and the inevitable changes coming. My friends will tell you that I like end of the world stories and movies. They make my imagination fly. How will I survive, what would life be like? Think Mad Max and Blue Gender - so as I am listening to the story on Fiji I think...oh that is bad. Then I read an article on CNN Common Backyard Birds Becoming Less Common and I feel panic. This isn't a movie to be entertained by. This is all really happening. The CNN article says the reasons the birds are disapearing are: Agriculture, habitat loss, pesticides, invasive species, global warming. What must we do?

Spay and Neuter Please!

2007-06-11T16:20:00.000-07:00

I'm doing something I usually can't stand that other people do. So please excuse my hypocrisy...I usually do not like it when people hear half a story and express their opinions on it. But here goes!

California is looking to pass a bill that would require pet owners to spay or neuter their animals.

That's all I heard so far and I say, "VOTE YES!"

I'll post more after I hear the story and actually finish working this show. I'm blogging while on the air! hehehe.

Glad I'm Not A Teen Driver!

2007-06-05T16:56:00.001-07:00

Did you hear our local news story about SAFECO's new way to track teen drivers? It cracked me up! Teen Driver Tracking Story Why? Because I was thinking what if they had this when I was a teen driver? My parents would have known that I was really in Seattle hanging out when I told them I was at Rosalie's house in Puyallup! They also would have known that when I broke curfew that September night back in 1995...I was parked two blocks away! What I was doing was normal and not illegal. The marks are still on the road...that's all I'll say. But what if my parents had GPS on my car?! Dad would have walked over and caught me! Wait. That doesn't really matter because I was grounded for like...ever anyway.

The GPS insurance thing is really just proof parents can show their kids that they(kids) were caught. When, let's face it parents...you don't need proof to reprimand your kids/teens. Why? Because you say so!

How Was Graduation?

2007-06-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

So...did you go to a party? Did you finish your thesis? Did you finish high school? How do you feel? Or, are you a supporter of a grad? How do you feel?

When I graduated from high school I felt like it was just one step toward my future. I thought I would be participating in at least 2 more cause I wanted a PhD. Well, I don't think I want to put in the time and work for a PhD anytime soon!

Here is the story on ATC this evening that made me ponder graduation.High School Graduation

Oh Baby!

2007-05-22T17:50:00.000-07:00

Today on ATC we heard about a book called, "Everything
Conceivable" Listen to report here. It takes a look at how and when we conceive and how the lucrative fertility business is influencing both men and women's reproduction.

I found it interesting that the author thinks doctors should be more forceful in limiting the number of eggs implanted. Normally, it is the patient who decides the number of eggs -you can ask for a whole lot! Whoa. She thinks it is far too dangerous for both mother and child. I keep hearing her say, "The womb is a single occupancy room..." or something like that.

My imagination goes crazy thinking about this "FOR RENT" sign on a gal... then I imagine a sign that says, "One Room Needs Several Occupants. Inquire Within." Doctors told her that many patients want twins, or triplets. Honestly, I would like twins but it's all about efficiency to me.

Two birds with one stone...then I can adopt the rest you know? But her point is that we are creating health problems. Babies born premature have health problems, some twins take nutrients from each other and die...

We are in a society that practically gets whatever it wants...and on the flip side, if you don't want babies OR periods OR cramps how about Librel? Here's a blurb about it on Planned Parenthood:

"One such development on the horizon is Librel, a continuous-use birth control pill. Where Seasonale limits periods to just four per year, Librel would eliminate periods completely. The manufacturer of the new regimen is expected to seek FDA approval in 2005. Stay tuned."

Well it's 2007 and goodbye period! I couldn't find any Librel sites...so here's my opinion.

We can do anything we want with technology! But that's not always a good thing for everyone. Thoughts?

There was a point in my life that I swear would make a good Lifetime For Women movie. One couple who can't have kids looking into adoption, their friends, who can't have kids doing fertility treatments, their couple friends suffering a miscarriage then affair...and the couple friend of them all who can have kids, want kids but for some reason aren't.

Clearwater National Forest

2007-05-16T17:55:00.000-07:00

The past weekend I went for a little hike with some friends and coworkers! In the picture above you see myself, Laura Hartner(Ops Assistant), and Scott Weatherly(Operations Manager). Not photographed: Chuck Blessing and Kevin Anderson.

Let me tell you right now... that this was one of the best weekends of my life! The last time I did this hike I was a host mother to two teens. We took a group of exchange students up. They did well, but it took a LONG time to go up the 6 miles. Not only that, but I was a pack mule carrying a lot of gear. This time, I was with friends and had a lighter pack - though later I would learn the importance of evenly stuffing your pack.

It was perfect and beautiful! You may have read or heard the report on Bark Beetle and Budworm destroying trees in our region. Read and Listen to story here I only recall seeing a few trees slowly dying from disease. From what I could tell, it looked more like a fungal problem but I am no expert and only took one mycology class. What I am curious about though, is how likely are we to stop or even slow this process?

Speaking of stopping and slowing a process. On our way back across the Clearwater river, I froze. There I was, standing on the log "bridge" and I couldn't move.

I have done this before but there I was with my mind stuck on "DON'T MOVE!" I was embarrassed. I was curious too about what my brain was thinking...I tried to tell myself to move but nothing. I even thought about Muad'Dib:

“I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.”

But then the visual of sandworms flooded my brain - which, at the time, was getting flooded by the visuals of the river...and it didn't help.

Scott offered to take my pack and I gave it to him. Then, with no problem, I crossed. He said my pack was unbalanced...So. Note to self: Learn to pack.
Despite that little episode being in the hot springs, crossing the river and hiking and hanging was great. When Gillian Coldsnow asked me about my weekend I said, "This is what I said out loud G...'I am Sueann Ramella, in the middle of the Clearwater National Forest, sitting in the Stanley Hot Springs, on a clear night and watching the stars. I LOVE MY LIFE!'"

Why Are Koreans Apologizing for Cho? I Sorta Know and I'm Sorry Too

2007-05-09T16:22:00.000-07:00

I know I am late with this topic. As with our culture, we tend to forget things fast unless it is connected to E-online or complete nonesense. (I am in a serious mood today, yes, it happens.) Anyway, I was reminded of my Korean ancestry several times yesterday and this morning. That is why I felt compelled to share. My mother called me last night and we discussed Cho and how she is embarrassed and yet, she struggles with the apology from the Korean community.

My Mother: "I am American. We don't need to apologize for everything. But I also feel embarrassed. His poor parents. I feel so bad for them and the victims."

Me: "Me too mom. I feel kinda responsible and I have no idea why. Why do you feel that way?"

Mom: "Because he is Korean. But...I was also American. I dunno. I feel sad."

May I remind you of Han?

Then I had a conversation with Gillian Coldsnow about collective guilt in the Asian community. The differences between individualism of American culture and the collective thinking of most Asian cultures. We concluded that it seems to be in our genes...the collective. I just hope we are not like the Borg.

My conversation with Gillian reminded me of my ancestry. How strange it is to stand between two amazing cultures, hating and loving one or the other all the time.

Later that night, a friend said to me that it is cool I am half Asian. I suspect he meant my unique insight into things, but it could quiet possibly be my unique fashion sense and facial features.

Finally, this morning, I got a call from my Korean exchange student. He just finished some finals and had a brief moment to catch up with me. He brought up Cho and the massacre. He said to me, "I feel so ashamed. I feel so bad for his parents and for the people. Why did he have to be Korean?"

I asked him why did he feel shame?

He said, "...because I must. He (Cho)was Korean, I am Korean." Then Jun Bum, that's his name, says to me. "Nuna, (Korean for big sister) some people I met in the States have too much American spirit. I have trouble understanding them. But you have Korean spirit and you get me. We understand most of each other huh?"

I agreed. It really is in my genes.

I came across an article that sort of says it all for me.

"Even though, a group expression of regret stretched the boundary way past what is appropriate or even needed when an individual commits a monstrous crime, it ultimately served a noble purpose. It showed that Koreans as all other Americans felt the intense pain and suffering that Cho wreaked on innocents at Virginia Tech. Their regret said that the victim's suffering was their suffering too." Earl Ofari Hutchinson, New America Media.
Hutchinson's Article

Your suffering is my suffering too. It is noble.

For more on this topic read Gillian's blog entry on it.
Gillian's great blog entry on Korean apology, well done G!

Living with Cancer: Leroy Sievers

2007-05-04T17:26:00.000-07:00

For the most part, I am a very blessed person. I have had no immediate family suffer from disease. In fact, I have yet to attend a blood relative's funeral. But I empathize, and I do this a lot. So when I got a chance to speak with Leroy Sievers I was very interested to ask him some questions.
My hardest question was why should we care? I was prepping with Gillian Coldsnow and asked her this. Her facial expression told me that she was impressed with the frankness of the question but concerned about how I phrased it. Don't worry, I was more polite when I asked Sievers! I was just reading all his entries and started thinking about the world. People dying in Darfur, Iraq, so many people suffering the world over - why should we care? Why do we care and empathize? Sievers's answer moved me deeply, and my heart felt the truth in his words.
"Cause we’re all human. Look, I spent my adult life as a journalist going and watching bad things happen to people. I've literally seen tens of thousands of deaths in front of me. There are a lot of deaths in the world and lot of deaths in this world are meaningless, cruel and violent. WE should care about all of them whether you know the person or not. And one of the things with cancer patients is I may not know most of them, only electronically, and there are people out there that don’t write in, or they may just be readers, but I know just through shared experience... I have a sense of they’re going through and they have a sense of what I am going through and that’s meaningful. No death is meaningless no life is meaningless."

You can read Leroy Sievers's blog here
My Cancer for more on the feature in Morning Edition: Leroy on Morning Edition

You can read my interview with Leroy on our website:

NWPR Interview with Sievers

Thank You Caller

2007-05-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

Whoever you are, thank you very much! You made my day and I am happy to be in your living room every M-F. Your enthusiasm for NPR was contagious! I was buzzing with confidence. Your call made me remember why I love what I do! Thank you caller!

Not all my phone calls are so nice. I remember one late night when the phone rang...
"Northwest Public Radio, this is Sueann."
"Uh...yeah. Is this Northwest Public Radio?"
"Yes it is. How can I help you?'
"Uh...yeah...well. Who am I speaking to?"
"I'm Sueann Ramella, sir."
"Sir? Don't call me crap like that!!!"
"....excuse me?"
"Fight the institution man! Don't use titles!"
"Okay. What can I do for you? (big mistake to ask!)"
"Me? Here's what you can do for me! I want you to drink a six pack, get on the air, quit your job man! You gotta get out of there! I mean the institution will eat you up! and I want the blood of your program director on a piece of paper! Mail it to me!"
"Okay, I have here you want me to drink beer on the air, quit and have my supervisor mail you his blood?"
"Yeah man!"
"...well, thanks for the call. I'll pass it on! Can I have your address?"
He hung up.

For some interesting stories on other calls and or requests read Robin's entry: Robin's Calls

Killing Pretty Creatures

2007-04-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

Did you hear the report: Scientists Prowl to Destroy Mute Swan Eggs? It made me think of high school. What's that you say? How can a story about destroying Mute Swan eggs with oil to save habitat remind you of the angst that was High School? Simple Mon Frere - Popularity based on beauty! It seems to me we are so charmed by cute and beautiful things, even if they hurt natural habitat. Now, as you may know, I LOVE cute things...I talk about www.cuteoverload.com a lot! But I don't think we should allow ourselves to be charmed and lose sight of reality. Invasive species, no matter how beautiful, destroy...just like Kristi Forker did in my life! But I'm not bitter! Hahhaah! Oh man that's good.

More Mixed Up Photos!

2007-04-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

More Photos of Diane!

Diane Rehm Pictures!

2007-04-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

I have added all the photos I took from the trip. They are all mixed up so ejoy and thanks for the memories!

Diane Rehm Photos Coming Late Tonight

2007-04-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

Hi! I know I told you I would have these photos posted tonight! I forgot to bring the camera cord to work so...photos will be posted tonight, but late tonight. Stay tuned!

Welcome Potluck for Anna King

2007-04-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

We have hired a new Tri Cities reporter, Anna King! She comes to us from the Tri City Herald. Anna and I have a close friend in common, grew up around the same area in Washington AND are Cougs. It was a pleasant surprise to learn she would be joining NWPR and I look forward to hearing her works on the national network. She is so brilliant! Anna next to our volunteer, Norm.

It was another wonderful potluck with special microphone cupcakes courtesy of Laura and Scott. See the black licorice cables?

Welcome aboard Anna! You are surrounded by professionals who will guide your way!

KT Tunstall BigBlackHorse

2007-04-13T15:56:00.001-07:00


Kt Tunstall perfoming at Taratata This is amazing! I want her talents but mostly, I want her boots!

Christians Say They're Sorry, Stir Up Campus

2007-04-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

Northwest Public Radio is located on the WSU Pullman campus. When you walk into the Murrow building you have the option of picking up the New York Times, the Washington Post, Spokesman Review and the student paper, the Daily Evergreen. Out of all papers this morning, the Daily Evergreen caught my attention with their top headline: Christians Say They're Sorry, Stir Up Campus. Read Article Here

I was moved. What do you think?

I'm Back

2007-04-10T17:40:00.000-07:00

HI! I was vacationing over in the Seattle area. A little consumer therapy, a little time with old friends and time with the family. The traffic there killed me. Whoa. 3:30pm TRAFFIC? I am spoiled here on the East side of Washington. Traffic in Pullman lasts 10 minutes and that is at 5:30pm - a time I am never out because I am here in the studio.

I visited Mt. St. Helen's and was moved by the beauty of destruction's aftermath...and of rebirth and growth.

But let's get back to the show. I am a fan of the type of radio stories we hear on NPR that allow people to be themselves. Did you hear the story of Rocky? The teen who ...well, here is what my run down said (insider look at my materials!)

ROCKY'S REDUCTION -- Three years ago, All Things Considered aired the story of teenager Rocky Tayeh. Tayeh told the story of his battle against obesity. In high school, Rocky wore size 64 pants and weighed as much as 517 pounds. A year ago,Rocky decided his only hope of losing weight was through weight loss surgery. In this udate to Rocky's story we learn how he came to make this decision and what happened to him after his surgery. Listen to the story here: Rocky's Story

What I appreciate about radio is how we can hear people's real voices. We are not distracted by imagery forced upon us, we are not lost in the picture...but focused on the voice.

My father recently lost over 100 lbs. He did it the old fashion way, diet and exercise. He realized that his weight made him feel slow and pained. It took him about a year. My Dad shared with me that he never realized that when he walked by a window he never looked at his reflection. He realized that for years he avoided his reflection...and one day when he walked by a store he caught a glimpse of himself and didn't recognize the man. I am so proud of him!