Albert...

...are you reading this?

I'm not addicted to blogging, really...

but I've been posting over at this other blog: http://bideshisnomore.blogspot.com/.  Over a year ago I started thinking about writing regular snippets on making conscientious living choices.  The idea was to create a central place for sharing easy ways to make a difference in our local and global communities.  I felt that it would give me purpose for doing research to inform my own decisions, and keep me accountable in following through on the results of that research.  (Like stuffing blueberries in my purse and dropping tampons in the parking lot because I forgot my canvas bag, but feel too guilty to accept the plastic instead.)  Still, I put it off for months, rationalizing that 1. do people even really read blogs anyway?, 2. and, would people really read anything I have to say anyway?  

But the nagging feeling was persistent, and in July, I finally published my very first post with no expectations.  While brainstorming ideas for subsequent topics, I remembered the sign I had put on my trash bin in the office (back before I was jaded) to help reduce the number of plastic bags that were needlessly tossed every week.  I realized that maybe I could quietly encourage others to do the same by posting the sign next to the central printer.  My boss noticed, and told me to send her my "green wish list" for our office.  I did my homework and emailed her my suggestions, which were forwarded to her boss, which were forwarded to the Vice Chancellor.  The next day, HE announced the formation of a new Sustainability Committee for the Office of Research, and asked me to be the co-chair that afternoon.  We spent the next few months putting new initiatives into motion, and I got to know the VC well enough to ask him for a letter of recommendation for graduate school.  And in January, we will be a part of a Green Office pilot program that is set to roll out across campus.

So to summarize, so far this blog has brought me:

1. Accountability in my own life decisions;

2. The chance to make a difference in an office that has hundreds of employees; and

3. An awesome letter of recommendation.

I've gotten into posting more regularly now, which is why I'm mentioning it here.  And I'll keep posting, whether or not anybody reads it, because that nagging feeling continues to compel me.  While I'm used to talking to myself, it does make it a lot more interesting when people comment and share their own ideas and opinions - so if you feel like checking it out and joining the conversation, I'd be delighted!

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, and are looking forward to a New Year.  I'm SO over 2011.

D-U-N-DONE

For better or for worse, my app is in.  I think.  My job has made me paranoid that I missed a minuscule or confusing requirement buried in subsection B subpart 5 that will prevent me from getting in to grad school. Of course, it is far more likely that I won't get in because they don't like me.  Isn't that comforting?

I have been reminded over the past few weeks of how much more I love writing snarky blog entries versus puffed up essays about how awesome I am.  Maybe I should have just linked to my blog - the awesome is all here.