Green Hindsight Is 20/20/Would, Coulda, Shoulda/Etc.

Since I began this journey towards greeness, I have learned so much from my readers and from my readees. In retrospect, there are a number of things I would have done differently had I known what I know now. Here are a few green/eco-friendly/natural wouldas:

1) I would have used cloth diapers. Not 100% of the time, but perhaps while I was on maternity leave or when were were just hanging around the house.

2) I definitely would not have used plastic bottle liners.

3) I still would have vaccinated my children, but I would have spaced them out a bit more (the vaccines, not my children).

4) I would have been less nervous about breastfeeding. What I feel is lacking most in terms of breastfeeding education is that breastfeeding is not a science. Some people need to breastfeed more, some less, some "ten minutes per breast and again every two hours", some good luck getting anything else done. It wasn't until my good friend Elisabeth told me that breastfeeding is more like "breastfeed for 40 minutes, have a slice of pie, start breastfeeding again", that I realized you pretty much do what it takes and forget all the advice books.

5) I would have worn my babies more rather than used the infant carseat/snap and go for every little thing.

What are some of your woulda/shoulda/couldas? And remember, don't beat yourself up over them. We do the best we can.

Clothespin Envy

My clothes line has clothespin envy.

Luckily I have a unopened pot of Modge Podge and all winter to work on these things.

Zoot Suits (You)?

It's been five years since we've moved into our home and our upstairs (small peaked roof with dormer) has wall to wall carpeting. Here is what is lurking (and not so lurking) within the carpet: orange juice/apple juice, cat puke (cleaned of course...but really...is it *that* clean?), various child-related expulsions (cleaned of course...but really...oh, nevermind), probably dust mites and allergens, probably ground in boot dirt, probably sand from a Very. Unfortunate. Incident.

Green Husband has given me the go ahead and I am calling in the big guns for a thorough cleaning. I want to use Zoots a kinder, gentler carpet cleaning company. I hope they clean in my area - have any of you Zooted?

Also, did you ever wonder what would happen if your child could post a message to a Pre-Schooler listserve? I am sure my children's postings would look something like this.

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Getting in the Spirit Update: Holiday cards have arrived. Lights are on tree. Green Grams present has been mailed. Legs have been broken off Tinker Bell ornament ("She was stuck in the lock.").

Attention Green-Mart Shoppers!

I have stayed away from making holiday gift suggestions simply because there are so many of you serving up adorable ideas, but I just want to bring your attention to two possible options for, you know, the gal who has everything (but does she have a beehive) and the fair trade lover in your life.

Green Nana reminded me about Heifer International. And no, it isn't just about heifers anymore! The milk from one goat or the honey from one beehive can make a huge financial difference to a family that is choosing between sending a child to school or having them earn much needed money for the household. You can even surprise a mama with a llama! And don't worry - you won't have to concern yourself with shipping and handling charges for the water buffalo. It's all included.

If you're lucky enough to be in Bar Harbor, Maine right now, trip on over to a new shop on Firefly Lane and browse Fair Trade Winds' selection of fair trade goods. Not going to be Down East any time soon? Order from the dozens of products on their website; free shipping on orders of $50 or more through December 31st! I purchased several items and received them promptly by mail in boxes that had obviously been recycled. Fair trade and green to boot!

Happy shopping!

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Update: Stayed tuned for "The Mac Goes Back" post. Yes, that's right. To the store. So disappointed my MacBook friends.

Behind

Do you ever feel that you're so far Behind that you don't even know where to begin? I've missed you all, and your blogs and photographs and projects are inspiring me to get into the holiday spirit. For some reason I'm just not there yet.

Way back in November, Miss. SusieJ tagged me, so let me get back into the swing of things with a Seven Random Things About Me meme. I sure would like her cookie dough recipe though. As I mentioned, I am Behind.

So here goes...

1) I once won an essay contest sponsored by Kiplinger's Magazine and spend my $1,000 prize at The Inn. We still ended up owing $264 at checkout. For one night and one dinner.

2) One of my favorite smells is of calamine lotion.

3) I did not learn to drive until I was 30 years old.

4) Jenny Rough was the first person to leave a comment on my blog. Well, Anonymous was really. Thank you Jenny, and Anonymous...whoever you are.

5) I am busily planning our first family vacation. Guess where we are headed? Graceland, Dollywood, Grand Ole Opry. Yes. It's true.

6) I am a librarian. I am a habitually late returner of books. My overdue fines for 2007 were well over $100. Somebody please help me.

7) I am trying not to mind that I am so Behind. Sprout and Pip don't have a clue that their Mom should have the cookie dough done, the Christmas tree decorated, the holiday cards addressed, the crafts made, the week's worth of dinners in the freezer, the laundry done, and Everything Perfect. They just want to go outside and make angels in today's new snowfall. Let It Go, Let It Go, Let It Go!!

I tag all of you who are also Behind. Take a few moments to share seven random things about yourself - hey, those other things can wait...they have so far!