Is it just me, or is 2024 off to an odd start? Between the Leap Year, the unpredictable weather across the country, Easter Monday landing on April Fool’s Day, and the upcoming solar eclipse… it feels like we are all just waiting for a punchline to drop.
I find in unsettling times I get a bit antsy…looking for answers, constructive activities, quality time, and satisfying food. It all helps me to bring a little control and order back into my life, and maybe a little levity, too.
So, in case you are similarly wired, I’ve compiled a short list of the things I have leaned on and learned from in the past month.
Julie Suggests
BOOK: This fantastically educational, inspirational and slightly terrifying book introduces us to the very unique perspective of Yvon Chouinard, the CEO of Patagonia. His insights into how the worlds of business, consumerism and environmental activism are currently working together (or aren’t working) highlight the responsibility that each one of us has to our planet. While parts of the book are down-right discouraging, Yvon’s commitment to taking responsibility and making bold decisions is motivating. The author spends time walking the reader through the Patagonia business philosophy and their 1% For The Planet organization (without shying away from the mistakes they made along the way).
BOOK: Claire Ross Dunn is a Canadian author who weaves the Canadian landscape and lifestyle effortlessly into her story telling. I’m a bit partial, as this story happens to take place where I grew up, just outside Kingston Ontario, and I get goosebumps with her accurate descriptions of places I’ve been, like she is opening up my childhood memories for everyone to see. Her complex main character gives us a sneak peak into the world of someone living with OCD, and as a bonus the reader gets to learn a lot about Canadian birds (an obsession of the main character).
NEWS: Looking for a challenge? Why not accept a 6-month position with UKAHT counting mail, and penguins? The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust is looking for some very motivated and hearty individuals to help support their educational, environmental and tourism programs in Port Lockroy, Base A. You may not have running water or the internet…but who could say no to that view…and the penguins? You had me at penguins.
FOOD: Nothing says comfort food like Potato Soup. Add bacon and its all over. The Pioneer Woman has a fantastic online recipe blog with easy and delicious comfort food recipes, sure to warm your heart, fill your belly and bring a smile to anyone’s face. Check out her Slower Cooker Potato Soup recipe. And of course, you’ll also need her Pull-Apart Cheese Bread recipe to complete your food-coma experience.
CREATIVE THINKING: With the EV deadline coming quickly and both of my vehicles on their last legs (so to speak) I have been spending a lot of time contemplating my next vehicle purchase…but what if I didn’t have to buy a new car at all? Free public transit (like in Luxembourg – the EUs richest country- which has had free public transit for 3 years) would put fewer cars on the road, alleviate parking space and costs concerns – a bigger issue in the snowy seasons, allow citizens without other means of transport the opportunity to search for jobs further from home or take shifts at different times, boost tourism and engagement in community events, and on a personal note, reduce my Mommy-Taxi responsibility (like a second job)!! Other big perks might include reduction on the wear and tear on my vehicles, 15 minute time savings per day November – March because I won’t have to thaw and de-ice my car or snow blow my driveway, and I can relax and read on the bus instead of white-knuckle driving to avoid the inconsiderate drivers on the road.
Eric, Rob, Chris, & Shiv
Kerry, Bev, Stacy, Sara, Patti, Julie & Tiffany-Jane
