That Just Happened!

Yesterday I answered some questions based on the 2010 Social Justice Challenge I am participating in.  Here is the list I promised you on Ways to Conserve Water.

*Using Less.  D’uh!  Using less water means more for later.  Turn off the water when brushing your teeth, while shampooing your hair, when washing the dishes (only if you have a double sink). 

*Get Energy Efficient.  No, you don’t have to go out and get new, expensive washer/dryer righthissecond, but when replacing your old one look for energy ratings and energy efficient models.  Not only will that help you to use less water when doing laundry, you will save on your water bill.  Many towns/cities/states/provinces  have programs to encourage you to get rid of your old stuff by recycling , or offering money back at tax time. Toilets can also be more water-efficient by using less water when you flush.  You can do this manually by putting a brick in your tank, or you can buy a toilet that has two flushing options (I’m pretty sure you can guess for what).

*Shop Locally.  When you buy local and organic you are helping to save water.  Food that has been processed and packaged at factories uses tonnes more water.  Packaging something like peaches can use up to 4,800 gallons per ton (Rogers, Peter. America’s Water: Federal Roles and Responsibilities.) whereas the fruit grown locally uses the water for growing the product only. Factories use water for cleaning, sealing, cooling, and cooking.

*Start Drinking Your Tap Water.  Cities must ensure that tap water is fit for consumption, so unless you live next to a waste facility, or are the town from Erin Brockovich, you should be good to go.  So, you have a Brita Filter instead of using water bottles?  So what?  That filter needs to be discarded every month or two (depending on use) and it cannot be recycled.  Drinking right from your tap eliminates the waste of the filter and packaging.

*Raise Awareness.  You don’t have to go crusading for water rights, but start mentioning ways you have cut down on water consumption.  Again, this doesn’t have to be directly.  Ask your friend to accompany you to the farmer’s market; or mention how much you are saving on your bills and the rebate you got for switching appliances. 

*Donate to Charity.  There are many charities out there that work with impoverished communities to help them set up infrastructure and agriculture to help them survive.  As we know, water is necessary for farming and disease prevention.  thewaterproject.org  and watercan.com are two charities that strive to bring clean water to poor communities.  (Please do more research into the organization you are donating to.  These are just two examples I got when searching Google, not charities I endorse).

How do you conserve water?

Although this may seem like the name of a really good novel, or fantasy flick; sadly it is not.  It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my XBox 360.  I was almost finished a 28 song challenge on expert hard and it froze. When it went to restart, I got this…

*cue the unfortunate wailing, fist pounding, and all-around temper tantrum* 

I called MPW, my sister, and her fiancee KB.  They were all sympathetic, but none can remove the aching I feel.  Not only can I not play Rock Band, but MPW and I can no longer watch movies or episodes of Top Gear as the XBox was also our DVD player. This being the Holiday season and all, who knows when I will get it back.

So I put in for a repair and thank goodness I am within 3 years and this is a Microsoft defect *shaking my fist*.  Just within the 3 years. I think Microsoft may have thought it was over and that’s why it defected.

So for all of you with little ones, be prepared for when they get older and this happens to them (as it inevitably will. Thanks Microsoft *more fist shaking*).  Here is my suggestions for consoling them.

1. It is a big deal. Be sympathetic. They won’t feel that you really get it, but will appreciate the effort.
2. Have an XBox 360 sized box already on hand for fast turn around once you receive your shipping label. They make you do it yourself and it has to be packaged properly.
3. Reassure them that everything is alright and suggest watching TV.  The glow of the screen won’t be the same, but should make the shaking subside.
4. Ignore their pupils.  Eventually they will dilate to normal.  It’s just the shock.
5. Let them know that the hard drive is extranous and all their hours of work will not be for naught.

Well, that’s it for now I guess. I’m going to go rock silently in a corner while holding the guitar.

Yeah, That Just Happened.

Last night MPW and I were talking about a rumor that had started. He was out with a project manager getting supplies for their company’s super secret Christmas project and she ran into a friend.  The project manager is recently married, but not to MPW, and apparently her friend gave MPW a dirty look and the once over.  Just in case. 

Well, that started me off on a case of the giggles sillies.  I started giggling uncontrollably and begged MPW to start a rumor at his office to see how fast it went around.  Here were my ideas.

1. Tell everyone you had 6 toes and no thumb, so the doctors transplanted your big toe to your hand.  That’s why you have a hairy knuckle.
2. Tell everyone they based the shape of the spatula on your toe/thumb.
3. Tell everyone you were born with two belly buttons and no anus, so they transplanted it. (you can tell just how tired I was at this point)

Obviously MPW was unimpressed with how I wouldn’t let it go and let him get some sleep, so  I apologize for keeping you up.  However, it did get me thinking. 

After working in a company whose females made up 80% of the workforce, I have heard some crazy rumors in my day.  The thing is, they were not malicious at all!  For these ladies, the best gossip was the good gossip.  As an example; a woman in the head office finally got pregnant after years of trying.  That spread faster than melted butter.  I was actually pulled aside by someone and it was surreptitiously whispered in my ear, “Did you hear what happened?  *Name withheld* finally got pregnant. Can you believe it?  Isn’t that amazing!  But don’t tell anyone yet. I don’t think everyone is supposed to know.”  I mean, how awesome for her right!  And you could totally tell because I think she was already wearing maternity jeans at 2 months. 

Everyone knows the best thing to do is ignore rumors and they will go away, but since we are among friends, what are some of the craziest, or nicest rumours you have ever heard?  Leave a comment!