Jessica's Blog

Today Hubby mentioned what we paid for electricity last month.  While I wasn't totally aghast, I did get some wheels turning.

I grew up during the 10+ years during which California was in a drought.  A serious draught.  As a preschooler I remember dad pouring bath water into the toilet to flush it.  I have no memory of green lawns, except for in southern cali... those water stealing bastards!  ha!  HOA members complained about Dad washing his car in the driveway.  One bucket of soapy water, water to wet, water to rinse.  Far less than a carwash, but all the carwashes were closed down.  Except for in Southern Cali (refer to above).  We were well trained to sailor shower.  Those who don't know ( in other words, didn't grow up here as middle class kiddos) what that means:  you get wet, you shut off the water and lather yourself up.  You rinse off.  That's your shower!  I joked with my mom about this today, and she remembered a cousin visiting from Japan... this cousin was brushing her teeth and was leaving the water running THROUGHOUT THE BRUSHING PROCESS and my mom's heart was palpitating.  TURN OFF THE WATER UNLESS YOU ARE USING IT!!!  We

I remember when traveling I would ask "Is there a draught here?" and if not.. I would luxuriate in a shower with the water on the whole time.  My sister told me that she was so trained, that folks at John Hopkins asked her why she faked ending her showers all the time.... she was in lush Maryland, but just couldn't leave the water running.  Me, not so much.  As soon as I hit Ohio for Oberlin education, I loved my shower time.  Far from the halting experience at home.. and Oh wow!  I forgot... In high school on swim team we would tag team jump into the stream of water at the pool for shower time.  comical and kinda kinky.

Maybe this is why I love rain so much?  I was so deprived growing up.

It got me thinking, ironically as I sat under the hot stream of shower this am.. just standing and letting the steam surround me...letting the heat seep into my tight as rocks shoulders.  How wasteful am I now that we're out of draught?

So now I'm giving this "I was raised in it" stuff another go.  I mean I have no memories of  being nagged about "wasting"  electricity or water or gas.  It was on School House Rock.  If you aren't in the room, the lights should not be on in that room.  If your clothes are mostly dry after 40 minutes, don't dry them for 60.  Ceiling fans only matter if your in the room, if you're not in the room.. turn off the fans.  If you aren't using the water, it shouldn't be on.  So brushing teeth, washing face, doing dishes, peeling veggies; so many opportunities to turn off the water in there.

Are these things to teach my kiddos and raise them in?  My guess is that it wouldn't hurt.  Just another set of manners toward the earth most folks don't bother with.

I got wind of a fun website giving easier to live by tree-huggin lifestyle.

http://idealbite.com/

I don't see myself as much of a tree-hugger... but definitely one who hopes to preserve the planet in a more grounded way.  I like the site because the premise is that you can sign a bajillion petitions, but get real!  the only way to effect change is in how you spend your dollar.  Nice and realistic.

Anywho.... Hubby at work late tonight.  Think I'll go make myself a snack!