i <3 working!

When people ask what my hobbies are, I often reply “sleeping,” or “exploring.” I think I enjoy these most, among others, because I work so much and simple activities like the feeling of falling asleep or the calmness of driving around town are so appreciated because I spend the majority of my day preparing for and actually just working.

Studies show that the average American now works over 2000 hours per year, which far exceeds the typical 40 hour workweek.  After accounting for longer commutes and additional jobs, this makes sense. I’m proud to say that I’m an average American. However, I enjoy working so I suppose that makes me very unusual.. Let me elaborate and also self-indulge.

1. I have never had a job that I hated.
2. One year ago I was handling 4 different jobs simultaneously while also taking 3 classes.
3. I’m somehow a little experienced and can do well in anything.
4. I get along with everyone and so any job is like being among friends.

Are there others like me? Why are we like this? Here are my theories:
1. I’m a first generation child, who didn’t grow up feeling entitled (I’ve worked in psychology so I can say this).
2. I had to pay a lot of my education and really *need* to pay off my loans.
3. I didn’t grow up in a wealthy household so I’m not picky at all.

Of course, there has to be drawbacks though, which I am realizing now. In the time I was managing 4 jobs, I didn’t really have a social life. I was tired all the time. I became late to everything. I couldn’t give 100% to any specific job, but a little of myself to each one. My grades were mediocre, instead of stellar. I couldn’t go to the gym as often as before. I essentially became Helen Parr, or Elastigirl in The Incredibles–an amazing woman and mother and superhero always being pulled in so many different directions, alas the “elastic” part. Yet, I enjoyed it instead of dreading or hating my life.

So, these are the main negatives:
1. I’m going to get fat from sitting in traffic and at my desk all day and being too tired to gym after work.
2. My eyesight will slowly diminish.
3. I’ll develop carpel tunnel syndrome.
4. I’ll die in a car accident from lack of sufficient sleep.

 

One of my lesser known hobbies is also writing (this half-effort blog, my Yelp reviews, etc.) so I hope you enjoyed this post and got to learn a little more about me!

Saving Money due to high Gasoline Prices

If you didn’t know, the world is going to end.  Okay, that’s true in the long long long (short in geological time) run, but for our purposes we’re still okay.  All that is going on at the moment is unfortunate but we have to accept that it happened, and try to do our best to make the situation better.

The sudden oil hike in prices has been fueled (appropriate word isn’t it?) by the recent Libyan turmoil, among other factors.  While we do have our own supply here in the US, which president Obama has decided not yet to let us use, it really isn’t such a financial disaster yet.  Here’s my gasoline expenditure extrapolation for this year assuming that prices stay at the current average.

Cost of 1 tank	$ 65
per month	$ 260
per year	$ 3,120

(based off of premium unleaded gas for a 2009 Honda Accord on 3/11/11 in greater Los Angeles, CA)

So how can we make the best of this situation?  For one, while I’m all for going green and saving green, I’ve tried carpooling and it just doesn’t work for me.  I’m late to work, which isn’t acceptable, the carpool lanes in California just don’t work during rush hour, and I find it more efficient to hang around my work area to wait for traffic to die down than to head right into it and go home right after work.  I think these are the top methods to help us during this tough time:

• curb expenses elsewhere (no daily Starbucks, Old Navy vs. Nordstrom, home energy retrofit, etc.)
  • Resisting the Urge to Splurge
  • 5 Steps to Green Your Living Space
• if you do have money saved up, invest in an electric or hybrid vehicle (my fav. the Volvo C30 electric /other people like the Chevy Volt)
• if you have the time and flexibility, public transportation or ride sharing
• download the GasBuddy app for your smartphone
• spot those deals such as Groupon, LivingSocial, Tippr, download the RetailMeNot browser add-on, etc.
• go into day trading (9 Steps to a Day Trading Career)
• diet (saving on medical costs, insurance, craving costs)
• quit your job and work from home

Obviously, all of my ideas are sound.

Good luck!

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 for AT&T

They say to write about what you know.  Well, I’m not an expert on the Sony Ericsson Xperia yet, but I am an avid Sony Ericsson phone user and I’d like to think that I know this phone pretty well.

If you’re thinking of renewing your contract with AT&T, or whatever other service offers this phone, search your market.  In an age of competition, you can find this phone for $0.00. That’s FREE! Who doesn’t enjoy and appreciate and prefer FREE?  Here are some current places offering great deals for this and many other phones:

• Best Buy (pros: comes in a rare white color / $0.00 right now)

• Radio Shack ($49.99 for a new plan / sometimes $0.00)

• Costco (currently unavailable / $0.01 when in stock / comes with a free bonus back of extra chargers, headphones, and a leather case)

Why should you get it besides the low $$$-factor?  First, here’s a trusty CNET review to reassure you.  Second, Sony has a reputation for phones that are versatile, for example, it’s a great media player.  The battery life is also relatively strong, considering the wifi roaming, droid running, and talk time.  Here’s a list of my reasons for you:

• it’s an ANDROID.  Droid Does. Done.
• You can, and should, ROOT IT.  This let’s YOU be the superuser and have the power to upgrade the software and increase its speed.
• Uses USB connection, so you can essentially use the same cable for other devices too
• Has WIFI so you can limit your data usage, especially if you don’t have the unlimited data plan
• Can combine your entire life into a trusty and enjoyable TIMESCAPE program, that comes with the phone, uniting all your contacts’ life details in one
• Will make you look smarter than a iPhone user.  Done.

That’s all I have for you today!  Have a great Monday and happy phone buying!

 

Wednesday Wrap-up: Copenhagen 101

Despite how prominent stories from the climate negotiations in Copenhagen, Denmark have been in recent news, I have noticed that there is still substantial confusion.  Here is a list to help you understand what this event was and its importance.

 

#1 What – The Copenhagen Climate Summit has the purpose of acting as a successor to the soon-expiring Kyoto Protocol.  The KP, after 1997, called for all participating members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to help fight global warming.  The talks were also known as “COP15” for the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties, wherein leaders hoped to significantly curb emissions by 10% by 2020.

 

#2 When – The negotiations took place earlier this month from December 7 – December 18, 2009: a full week of intense debate to procure the Copenhagen Draft.

 

#3 Where – Copenhagen, Denmark.  This location served as the primary spot where first-hand climate change was visible through the depleting and retreating ice levels.

 

#4 Why – It is important for all people on Earth to realize the amount of destruction caused on Earth throughout the past.  It is our job, and the jobs of our leaders, to come up with a solid plan in order for the future lives of our children, ourselves, and our planet that we call home. 

 

Though not all results and evidence show that global warming is as drastic as other studies, it is undoubtedly clear that this issue holds utmost important and thus calls for our concern and participation to remediate the negative effects lashed at Earth.

 

Other COP15 & Climate Links Planet Green’s 5-minute Guide GOOD Magazine’s COP15 Intro & Guide The Guardian Magazine Fleishman-Hillard’s Executive Summary

Home and Holiday Gift Ideas: Space Efficient Shelving

The holidays are just around the corner and I think it’s about time to start planning gifts.  When you start so early in the game, the gifts are more well-thought out and if you plan on having them shipped, you will definitely beat the last-minute frenzy!

When I plan gifts, sometimes it is difficult because not all of what I give can be Christmas-related.  So most of what I gave were either candy or gift cards.  This year I want to incorporate some of my personality into presents where my gifts are unusual, useful, and don’t overwork the budget.

The first idea I have is to give a collectibles shelf.  I find that I have small items everywhere and no set location for them in my room or house.  I can only imagine how many other people have the same problem.

The “fun and practical” green shelf pictured here is part of the Normann-Copenhagen Collection (any relation to the Copenhagen climate talks this coming month?).  Instead of putting paintings or pictures on a wall, why not put up a multi-tasking shelf piece that is a piece of art itself?

While browsing space-saving options, I came across these cube shelves by Linea.  A friend of mine recently redecorated his bedroom with a black & white theme but he had so much white space on his walls.  I think if your room is a little plain, and if you want to keep the simple theme, these cube shelves are a great idea.  It will work for any room, whether it be for a guy, girl, office, etc.  You can use them for virtually  anything you want, just as the picture example shows, and they come in an assortment of colors.  What is even better is that the whole set can be bought for around $20 at Target or other stores.  Maybe if you don’t want to spend much and are in the mood for a creative project, you could probably make these yourself!  I really like these cube shelves and think many people would too since they are so versatile in their functions.

The last exquisite find I have to offer is this invisible shelf by Umbra.  I first saw it at a friend’s housewarming party and I must say the item very much interested me.  I will definitely get this one for myself or for family and friends.  Unfortunately, this invisible shelf only works as intended with books, where the bottom book should be a hard cover book.  I have also seen it work with towels so maybe you will want to play around with the simple shelf.  The company  works out of Canada but thanks to Amazon and other venders, and of course online shopping, we can also enjoy this invention.  This invisible shelf is only around $10 and serves a great purpose so you may want to stock up.  Note: also makes for a fantastic conversation starter at small awkward parties.

If you have any other efficient shelving ideas, please do share!

LA Green Challenge

Here’s an inspiring quote of the day: “Spring marks that time of year when twenty-somethings all over the world start to develop anxiety disorders.”

Well, at least it isn’t Spring right???  And at least the article is inspiring for recent graduates.

Oh well, since we are unemployed graduates looking for something to do, here’s an idea:  Take a picture of yourself doing a green challenge and you can win something!  This is for Los Angeles but you can choose your city here.  So you have to

1. Join Sustain Lane
2. Choose a challenge.
3. Take a photo of yourself completing the challenge.
4. Upload it.
5. Win a prize.
6. Repeat.

Here is the Los Angeles Challenge:

• Turn Off & Unplug Appliances
• Sort & Recycle Products
• Plan Your Routes (to save gas)
• Just Use Public Transportation
• Switch Bulbs (LED or CFL’s are great and will save a lot of money)
• Support a Green Business (like a local Farmer’s Market)
• Buy Recycled Products
• Plant a Tree (or install that iphone app)
• Save Water (switch out faucets & showeheads)
• Use your Reusable Shopping Bag

Tuesday Skincare Recommendations

Today I will write about how you can save money while saving your skin!  I recently had to look into Green Fashion magazines and thought that I could share my findings.  Environmentally friendly, and skin friendly, cosmetics is an area that is no stranger to me: I know a lot about minerals from school and I’ve worked in health so trust me.  Not only have I looked into these products, I also really use them! 

MINERAL MAKEUP seems to be the uproar for women now.  Though there has been some negative reports about using such fine particles on skin, I’ve found that using mineral makeup looks natural and I haven’t experienced any breaking out since I’ve used them – even if I forget to wash my face after a long night of fun, or consuming drinks that make me so tired I forget

LiveJournal Tags: beauty tips,natural makeup,cosmetics,skin care,makeup

(I know you know what I mean).  I really like face powder from THE BODY SHOP.  Also here’s a trick: I mix it with a dab of baby powder to soften my skin.

How can you find out what products are better than others for your skin and body?  Check out THE COSMETIC DATABASE, which rates hair and skin products on how hazardous they are for you.

MOISTURIZER is very important, especially since Winter is quickly approaching.  With a low hazard rating and with no cancer causing ingredients, I prefer BURT’S BEES radiance night creme with royal jelly.   Oh man, it makes my skin glow after my evening shower and leaves it soft and not at all oily.  Whatever that royal jelly is, it definitely works!

DEAD SEA MUD was a product I designated a whole section to in a research paper – it was that important!  Although I have yet to try this miraculous and famed mud, I have a package waiting for me when the time is right.  A friend brought me back my very own supply after a trip to Israel, where the mud comes from. If you have not heard of this, well let me tell you why it is so well-known.  The Dead Sea Mud comes from the Dead Sea, where the water has over 80% salt composition, which makes the mud very nutritious for your skin.  The mud itself has a special clay ingredient, called Kaolin, which has the chemical ability to dispel oil and dirt from your pores! 

There are probably many more that I’m forgetting but we’ll just save that for later.

Blahg .. a blah blog

I personally think that I am a horrible blogger.  First of all, starting a blog is easy and everyone has their own purposes.  You pick your design, and you decide what you want to write about, which determines your reader audience.  Unless most of your readers are friends and family, which wouldn’t be such a bad idea for a start-up.  Anyway, I’ve read “tutorials” on how to make money off a blog, how to get more visitors, etc etc.  Some of my reading this morning even showed me that titles and keywords sometimes may be even as important as the topic!  I just took an exam on how to choose the best keywords for a title and how to best choose a title or determine if it needs revision.  I would never have thought blogging involved so much more than just writing!

Green Technology

Contest: Inhabitat is having a contest for a $1700 Biomega foldeable bike give-away.

When I get involved in my research, typically on Saturdays and Sundays  (I know, I’m such a party animal right?), new findings always amaze me.  Though most technology topics garner my attention, even politics and any new information interests me.  I hope in a couple of years I will be able to “make it” on my own and feel unconstrained to make purchases.  I’m ever patiently awaiting the line of electric vehicles coming out by 2012.  Come on, they boast over 200 mpg!!!  I also admit, I think I want a prefab home.  The cost savings and the new aesthetics please me.  But, like everyone, I won’t want one if they start to be wholly popular.  I’d still be pleased at how environmentally friendly neighborhoods would be but I wouldn’t like the fact that my home wouldn’t stand out.

Sounds good, right?

Self-Decorated

What a lovely Thursday afternoon it is.  Though envious I am towards people who have real jobs, I do enjoy waking up late to beautiful sunlight shining through my drapes and with no plans for my day.  I really can do whatever I want!  I just, obviously, can’t spend any money, which is, after all, unfulfilling.  But with my free time, I need to liven up my sleep/work space!  Instead of buying prints to decorate my walls, I think I will get back into painting.  The prints above inspired me and I want do scatter them in a line or collage bundle on the wall above my bed. What are some easy and fun ideas to paint for a small room?

What else does my room need that would give my room a different vibe? I was thinking of making my own quilted pillows!   I wanted to do something like this pillow, which I also found on Etsy.  I really like the tiny little pillows too!  I’m not sure what color schemes or patterns I would use yet, not to mention the fact that I’ve never made a quilted anything ever in my life!  Dacia Ray has a list of many tutorials and I think I will follow one of hers.  Maybe I will add some buttons too so I can make pillow covers instead, around a simple pillow.  This is so exciting!