OUR BIG FEET ARE LEAVING A HUGE CARBON FOOTPRINT!!!

So everyone has heard of the three R’s over and over again. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. I partake at work and here and there but I never actually took it seriously. My plan this weekend is to get as many people involved in my family as I can and to start a serious recycling plan at home. The irreversible damage that is being done is unreal. Last year, 2010 was the most crippling year we have ever encountered before with the largest amount of coral reef dying ever. It has to do with global warming created by our own selfishness. I don’t expect anyone to be able to stop this but we can do our part to make a difference and slow down the effects. Coral Reef plays such an important role in our ecosystem. The coral reefs were first developed 5-7,000 years ago. These reefs are homes for millions of habitats and provide food for numerous plants and animals. The reefs form a natural storm breaker and play a major role in our economy especially here in Florida. The reefs are a 4 billion dollar industry and need to be protected from boats, human activity, and pollution. Over 75% of the reefs in Florida were declared in poor state this year. I joined the reef alliance and am working towards many any changes that I am capable of this year….updates to follow.

Two boys, an audience, a Christmas Tree and lighter fluid = New Years Eve!

I brought in the new year at my sisters house. It was set up perfectly with tons of good treats, laughter and the people I love. The boys got carried away as to be expected but they were quite helpful. In their search for things to burn they practically cleaned her whole yard. They are like two tornadoes that during the creation of the destruction path they turn the soil for better crops. Happy New Year!

The Winter Snap has turned into the Winter Clap…Make it go away!

I couldn’t wait for winter this year. I was dying to break out the boots, sweaters and scarves. Well it’s been a month I’ve gotten to wear all of my new stuff and I’m missing my flip flops and tank tops. I think the extreme ups and downs in Florida make it more difficult than it has to be. Your body can never quite fully adjust to it being hot or cold. One day your playing outside wearing your summer clothes and the very next evening your snuggled up by the fire with five blankets over you trying to kill the chill. Leo is having a hard time adjusting as well J

FEAR

Reading an article in the paper today I stumbled upon a story of a woman who was born with the disability of “No Fear” or STM as they call it. I thought to myself wow why would that ever be considered a disability and not an ability. I instantly thought of my own fears…it is quite a long list and wondered how my life might be different if I didn’t have them at all. Maybe I wouldn’t get sick to my stomach when looking off of the watch tower at the local park, maybe I would let my guard down when I met someone I could potentially fall for, maybe I would be able to walk to my car at night to grab something I forgot without hesitation for what is lurking in the dark, or maybe I would even get up and walk away from my life and start a new one somewhere else. Fear has always been an impairment in my life. What I failed to realize is that fear has also been a savior in my life. It has kept me from some of the damaging activities I had the opportunity to participate in, it has forced me to complete things I wanted to give up on because I was scared of disappointing others and fear has made me more aware and careful of my actions. Most things in life are two sided, this is just another one. I think I will keep my fears for now…..until they can or need to be conquered.

Ichepucksassa...It's where I'm from?? Really?

Studying history…reading random articles…..doing pointless research trying to keep myself busy and my mind occupied from the thoughts that it always returns to. It’s not easy….every moment is a fight. But in my quest to prevent the endless circles of self accusations I learned some interesting things about the town that I grew up in. I called my wonderful sister eager to share the info but she was already on top of it, she is the smartest girl I know. Anyways thought I would share…just some interesting facts and pictures.

Plant City's original name was Ichepucksassa after the Indian village that once occupied this territory. So much confusion was created with the spelling and pronunciation that the Irish postmaster renamed the village Cork, after his home city. In 1884, Henry B. Plant extended the South Florida Railroad into the town and one year later, when the town was incorporated, it was once again renamed this time in honor of Henry B. Plant.

Originally Plant City was a large cotton center.  Changing its major crop to strawberries has brought it national recognition.  Today, over three-quarters of the nation's midwinter strawberries come from Plant City. 

Plant City has a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s when settlers first began to populate Florida. Plant City was incorporated in 1885, 16 years after the state was chartered.  Plant City derives its name not from the surrounding agricultural industry which greatly added to the City's growth, but from Henry Bradley Plant.

It’s good to know where you come from to determine where your headed.