Second to last day. Ten two days of juice fasting. Then a salad.

It's wild - a lot of things (particularly people) smell different to me.

I am really craving seaweed. Wondering whether a piece or two would be breaking the cleanse.

OK, five days in & each day I have a period where I want desperately to bail. Kind of like a long meditation or extended and intense project at work. I guess it's a good exercise in mind control, though I don't know how healthy it is for my body.

Not sure I'm going to last much past day one. I am very hungry, which is weird since I have fasted with no water, food, etc. for 24 hours before and didn't feel this hungry. I'm divided between wanting to chew on something (esp. something salty like chips or veggie stir-fry) and feeling like I need to swallow some food.

Last night before bed at 2 am (maybe that's why I'm so hungry! I always get hunger cramps when I haven't had enough sleep), I had a cup of laxative tea and went to sleep. This morning, I woke up at 7:30 and had to get out of the house quickly, so I made a day's worth of the "lemonade" and hit the road. I was supposed to do a salt water flush before anything else, but no time for that.

The drink was too sweet, so I added some water and have been drinking it ever since. Some stomach cramping, lots of cravings (apples, chips, stir-fry, fries), and hun-gry. Also, I have been incredibly moody and irritable today. I have also been thinking that I was feeling pretty good eating my "too many blueberries" and veggies all day self-made diet and maybe I should go back to that. However, I should probably stick with this as long as I can so that I can check it off the ol' bucket list and see whether some effects appear over time.

Though I am still really craving that stir-fry.

Anything positive? Well, the drink is pretty delicious (chili, fresh organic lemon jiuce, maple syrup--what's not to love)? Also, I can easly squelch my compulsions to pick up snacks or extra food when I'm out & about. Nothing to plan for dinner, either.

Howdy!

If you're a lover of non-human animals or if you have the urge to nourish our planet, read on!

Note:

List 1 is "GREEN"

List 2 is "KIND"

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Have you seen An Inconvenient Truth?  What a refreshingly informing flick! Ok, Al, we're convinced that human activities have negatively impacted our planet. Now what?

What, if anything, can we DO?

Global warming, overpopulation, pollution. It's enough to make us say, it's too late. Not my problem. Scientists, the government, my grandchildren will figure it out.

Whoa, Nelly!

No need to cop out! 

Do not despair!

YOU can make a difference!  And NOW is the time, my friend.

Now, you say? NOW?! That abysmal time of the year when we assess our shortcomings and resolve fruitlessly to do "better" next year?

Snap out of it, babe.

WAKE UP and SMELL the GLEE!

2007 will be your best year yet! Mark my words . . .

Just pick 2 or 3 new habits from the following list that seem do-able for you.

With a little info. and FUN, you, yes YOU can know that every week, you're helping save the world!

The top 10 ways to green your life in 2007:

1.      Change 1 light bulb. (to a CFL bulb)

Ever wonder where electricity comes from? Your lights, appliances, maybe even your heat run on the same stuff as your car: fossil fuels.

They're not replenished by nature, not for thousands of years.

Once they're gone, they're gone. As they go, they pollute our air. That's how they contribute to global warming.

OK, but 1 bulb? What's the big deal?

Baby steps, my friend. They really add up.

Check it:

If every U.S. household changed just one bulb to a CFL bulb, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions would be the same as taking 1.3 million cars off the road.

Be a hero: replace the light you use most with a compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb.

Be revolutionary: update all of your bulbs!

They're pricey at first, but a steal in the long run. Compared to your old bulbs CFLs:

Use 75% less electricity, but are just as bright*

Last 8-10 times longer

Produce 8-10 times less waste

*Note: A 15 watt CFL bulb produces as much light as a 60 watt traditional bulb. CFLs take a few minutes to reach full brightness. Just use that time to remind yourself that you are saving the planet.

2.      Spare 1 life each week.*

Be a hero: Pick 1 dinner per week and skip the meat. No challenge? Pick one meal every day. Still no sweat? Go meatless! Or (if you dare), ditch all animal products . . .  

What does this have to do with saving the planet??

Growing crops for farm animals requires nearly half of the U.S. water supply and 80% of its agricultural land. Animals raised for food in the U.S. consume 90% of the soy crop, 80% of the corn crop, and 70% of its grain. More than four million acres of cropland are lost to erosion in the United States every year. Of this staggering topsoil loss, 85 percent is directly associated with livestock raising.

If Americans reduced their meat consumption by only 10 percent, it would free 12 million tons of grain annually for human consumption. That alone would be enough to adequately feed each of the 60 million people who starve to death each year.

Them's the facts, Jack.

*Animal lovers, read the "Top 10 Ways to Honor Animals" following this top 10 list.

3.      Hoof it. Bike it. Blade it. Carpool. Telecommute. Hop on the train.

Skip just 1 round-trip ride in your car each week, and *poof* you're reducing pollution while sculpting your body, mind, and spirit.

4.      Recycle, re-use, reduce.

Recycle paper, glass, aluminum, batteries*, electronics*, bags, newspapers. Then, buy products made from recycled goods.

Re-use bags, containers, anything you can, as often as you can.

Reduce your trash. Bring cloth/reusable bags when you shop. Recycling helps. Buy goods with less packaging (e.g., buy a few large gallon bottles of water rather than cases of small water bottles).

*Info on recycling batteries, electronics, and more can be found at: http://www.earth911.org/.

5.      Copy and print on the back.

Finished with that draft you just printed? WAIT! Don't toss it!

Stack your 1-sided scrap paper. Next time you print a draft, print on the BACK.

It's a bit of a pain. But, you can handle it. Just imagine trying to breathe oxygen-free air because we've used all of the planet's trees.

6.      Buy in bulk.

Buy large containers of cereal, water, juice, anything you will eventually use. The less packaging you use, the less you drain from natural resources and deposit in toxic landfill. If you can refill or reuse the old containers, even better!

7.     Use 2 mugs. (paper cups are so passé)

Use a ceramic mug for work and a travel mug for coffee shops and commuting. You'll save a boatload of cups and cup holders. (That's equivalent to a small forest!)

8.      Purchase permanent products. (rather than disposable)

Use rechargeable batteries, real cameras (instead of disposable ones), metal silverware and ceramic plates for parties.

Already do?

Then, replace your paper napkins with washable cloth napkins, your paper towels with dishtowels, and (for the very brave) your plastic diapers with cloth diapers.

9.      Turn it off. (the lights, sink, shower, heat & A/C)

An oldie but goodie.

While you're brushing your teeth, turn off the sink. Once you're in bed or out of the house, turn off the heat. Keep your thermostat at 67 when it's on. If you're not in the room, turn off the lights. Opt for a bath over a shower. For die-hard shower folk, turn off the water while you suds up or shave.

10.  Give a little bit. Or a lot.

Joining an environmental conservation society opens a portal to your global community. You'll be privy to newsflashes that directly impact you, but won't be covered on your local station. You'll learn about cutting edge advances in green technology. You'll contribute to revolutionary progress in healing our planet. Donate $1 or $1,000. Every cent helps. Some favorites:

http://www.leaveitwild.org/

http://www.sierraclub.org/

http://www.earthjustice.org/

http://www.greenpeace.org/

http://www.audoboninternational.org/

http://www.environmentaldefense.org/

. . .and for you lovers of non-human animals:

Are you looking for hot fashion that doesn't compromise your morals? Searching for some guidance when adopting a pet? Here's a list of ways to better the lives of all of the creatures who share the planet with us:

Top 10 Ways to Celebrate Animals in 2007:

1. Spare a life. It's worth repeating.

Let's push ourselves to: go meat-free one meal per week, once meal per day, every day, or skip all animal products.


2. Spread the word. Our compassion is a gift, let's share it!

- be proud: don't hide our animal-friendly lifestyle from friends, family, or colleagues 
- create demand: let restaurant and shop owners know that you want to buy "kind" products (meat-free dishes, animal-hide-free and fur-free fashion, recycled goods)


3. Fuel the cause. Volunteer or donate $1 - $1,000 to (pick 1):

http://www.hsus.org/  The Humane Society
http://www.aavs.org/intro.html American Antivivisection Society
http://www.aldf.org/ Animal Legal Defense Fund
http://www.aspca.org/ American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
http://www.cok.net/ Compassion Over Killing
http://www.defhr.org/ Days End Farm Horse Rescue
http://www.farmusa.org/ Farm Animal Reform Movement
http://www.friendsofanimals.org/ Friends of Animals
http://www.idausa.org/ In defense of animals
http://www.hfa.org/ Humane Farming Association
http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/ Marine Mammal Center
http://www.peta.org/ People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
http://www.wolf.org/ International Wolf Center
http://www.upc-online.org/ United Poultry Concerns
http://www.wspa-usa.org/ World Society for the Protection of Animals
http://www.worldwildlife.org/ World Wildlife Fund
http://www.conservation.org/ Conservation International
http://www.sierraclub.org/ Sierra Club
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/ Environmental Defense


4. Skip the leather. Save the swank!

New shoes, belt, wallet, coat, car? Indulge in the BEST by skipping the leather!

http://www.mattandnat.com/
http://www.otsuveganstyle.com/
http://www.mooshoes.com/
http://veganunlimited.stores.yahoo.net/accessories-belts.html
http://www.veganstore.com/no-bull-jackets.html
http://www.alternativeoutfitters.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&;Category=57
http://www.chromebags.com/
http://www.stellamccartney.com/Collections/AW2006/


5. New sweater , socks, mittens, coat? Let animals keep their fur!

Sheep and rabbits get cold, too! Skip the wool, cashmere, angora, etc. & opt for cotton, bamboo, hemp, or even acrylic. (check the fabric content label)

http://www.downbound.com/Hemp_Clothing_s/3.htm
http://secure-shop.mykorazon.com/new/osc/index.php
http://inhabitat.com/2006/11/26/stella-mccartney-vegetarian-fashion/
http://www.stellamccartney.com/Collections/AW2006/


6. Toss animal-tested products.

Buy only household cleaners, soap, makeup, shampoo, toiletries with "not tested on animals" on the label.

http://www.caringconsumer.com/resources_companies.asp
http://www.aavs.org/compassionateshop02.html


7. Must use animal products? Choose free-range, organic, grain or grass-fed.

8. Feel the JOY!

- Live with a non-human companion animal? Take time each day to be present and ENJOY being with and caring for him or her.
- Take time in the wilderness or somewhere near wildlife to look, listen, learn, and ENJOY observing fellow independent wild beings make their way each day. And witness their need for space, clean resources, and non-interference

9. Foster or adopt a homeless companion animal.

http://www.petfinder.com/

Note: take in an adult animal, when you can. Adults are hardest to place, and most appreciative of your care. You can also get to know their full personality before welcoming them into your family. Finally, there'll be no teething, furniture destruction, or potty training!

10. Accept our animal companions as they are:

- don't declaw! (use sticky paws tape strips to protect furniture)
- don't dock tails, ears, dew claws
- use halters rather than collars
- give them the play, exercise, physical contact, time around you, adventure, comfort they need and deserve - every day.
- bring "outdoors" companions indoors on cold nights!

Adopting just a couple from either list will amount to huge contributions over the year. And good karma.

To measure your progress, check your ecological footprint now and again in January ‘08:

http://www.myfootprint.org/

Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy, fun, adventurous, progressive, positive, successful, bountiful, fantastic 2007!

Much love,

Jen

Cute e-mail I just received

Life Lesson: The Hippo and the Tortoise

" Much of life can never be explained but only witnessed."

- Rachel Naomi Remen, MD

NAIROBI (AFP) - A baby hippopotamus that survived the

tsunami waves on the Kenyan coast has formed a strong

bond with a giant male century-old tortoise in an animal

facility in the port city of Mombassa , officials said.

The hippopotamus, nicknamed Owen  and weighing about

300 kilograms (650 pounds), was swept down Sabaki River  

 into the Ind ian Ocean , then forced back to shore    

when tsunami waves struck the Kenyan coast on

December 26, before wildlife rangers rescued him.

"It is incredible. A-less-than-a-year-old hippo has adopted a

male tortoise, about a century old, and the tortoise seems to

be very happy with being a 'mother'," ecologist Paula Kahumbu,

who is in charge of Lafarge Park , told AFP.

"After it was swept away and lost its mother, the hippo was traumatized.

It had to look for something to be a surrogate mother.

Fortunately , it landed on the tortoise and established a strong bond.

They swim, eat and sleep together," the ecologist added.

"The hippo follows the tortoise exactly the way it followed its mother.

If somebody approaches the tortoise, the hippo becomes aggressive,

as if protecting its biological mother," Kahumbu added.

"The hippo is a young baby, he was left at a very tender age and

by nature, hippos are social animals that like to stay with their

mothers for four years," he explained.

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,

but by the moments that take our breath away."

This is a real story that shows that our differences don't matter

much when we need the comfort of another.

We could all learn a lesson from these two creatures of God,

"Look beyond the differences and find a way to walk the path together."

Save the Earth... it's the only planet with chocolate.

5 pm news: they're planning on rounding up “aggressive squirrels” in Mountainview, CA (northern, CA) because they are approaching and “scratching” children when trying to take their food.

And I fed some squirrels in golden gate park just a couple of days ago.

I feel horrible.

I was fascinated by how confident they were - and comfortable coming up to me, and so I gave them a piece of a nut bar, and now it looks like I helped encourage behavior that ultimately harms them.

It was so neat interacting. I felt like I was giving them something they wanted & needed and that they were so comfortable asking for. But I can't BELIEVE the danger I put them in. I know all of the “do not feed the animals” stuff, but I was thinking - this is such a wilderness-friendly area, why not just ONCE.

5 pm news. That's why. That and wimpy kids. ;-)

Actually, the truth is that my giving them food is just as much interference as putting them in a zoo or something. Those squirrels weren't ill or injured. They were not in danger and did not need my help. So out of “kindness”, I actually put them in danger.

Enter the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I'm thankful for the whole combo of the sweet squirrels and the nutty humans to remind me afresh to “step off” and respect the space of others, even when strongly tempted to interact with free nonhuman animals (and some of the human ones, too!!)

A lesson for me: here.

A pod for you: here.

Interspecies companionship, stewardship, co-habitation, land occupation: 
an offering of trust.

How we honor that trust reflects acceptance of divine unity.

In retrospect, that sounds looney! It felt right . . .

What an AMAZING experience I recently had in GG Park! I was running down a path, approx 1/4 mile from the closest source of water, and look who wandered over to say hi! He (?)  was a slick, humongous crayfish (looked like the older brother of the guy pictured above)! Talk about a fish out of water. He was magnificent.

If he started in the lake, he had to crawl through the woods to reach the paved path, and he was headed further down the path 'til we saw each other. He came right over to me - I wonder whether he had been a pet and someone left him. Anyway, I used a log and a bit of a "lower back steadier" (ie, my hand) to keep him balanced and we walked to the nearest lake.
 
At first, I could feel his back muscles moving as he explored the log, but he kept slowing down and I THINK eventually chilled out. He was more happy on his own 10 feet, that's for sure.

When we finally reached the nearest lake, he was so happy to be back at the water, he scampered over the stones and right in.

What a lucky experience!

-JZ