tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75504239283480217812024-02-18T23:18:33.420-08:00PHXosophicalRants and rambles from a Phoenix rabble rouser, rogue and sometimes rebel.Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-44659955211754363592016-10-21T00:50:00.000-07:002016-10-21T08:40:22.695-07:00Clitopia - Dreaming of a Different World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Clitopia</b>. Where pussy power and utopia collide.<br />
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Don't bother trying to score the domain. I've owned it for years.<br />
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This morning, I had coffee with a journalist friend. We have great conversations and can cover numerous topics with the agility of a jack rabbit.<br />
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One of the things we discussed, was the weird things people say to me - a vagina carrying female - that they'd probably never say to a man. We were slinging out the adjectives in rapid fire, and I'm sad to say, I've heard every one. Over-reactive. Bitchy. Bossy. Emotional. Abrasive. Aggressive. <i><b>"Don't throw anything at me, Stacey." </b></i><br />
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You get the point.<br />
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In business. In advocacy and activism. In relationships. In random situations. Women typically have to work much harder than men to be taken seriously or be heard. If you're a minority woman, the chips are stacked against you even higher. <b>This really sucks.</b><br />
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We're talked over in meetings. We're talked down to in politics. We're judged more by our body type than our intellect, and are expected to be docile and demure at all times. <i><b>Ladylike</b></i>. But in reality, if you look around your community, what you typically find are a whole lot of women actually <b>getting shit done.</b> Maybe it's because we have maternal instinct. Maybe it's an empathy thing. Maybe we're better at multi-tasking. I'm sure there are studies out there somewhere to give it <b>scientific validity</b>, but at least in my community, I know it's a fact. And many of these bad ass women are never recognized for their bad ass work. Which is a shame.<br />
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I had someone today say to me <i><b>"Sell yourself to me. Sell me on you." </b></i>This someone already knows my work ethic and skill set, and proceeded to play this weird psychological game of simultaneously building me up, then breaking me down. Having lived with a mom who had abusive boyfriends while I was growing up, coupled with lots of therapy when I was younger to overcome all of the crap, this was a serious trigger for me. It also made me wonder if this someone would be speaking to penis slinging <b>man consultant me</b> in the same way. I don't think it was necessarily on purpose or that he's a closet sexist, I just think it's <b>so deeply ingrained in our society</b> and upbringing that men are not stopping themselves to think about it a bit deeper, and ask themselves: <b><i>"Would I say this to a man?"</i></b><br />
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No fucking way. And really, this someone should have been thinking about selling himself to <b>me</b>. Because I know my value. I know my worth. And I know I'm very good at what I do. Do <b><i>I</i></b> want to be working with <b><i>you</i></b>?<br />
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Moving on, there apparently are some folks out there getting uncomfortable with me saying the word <b>vagina</b>. Out loud and in public no less. The gall! Just WTF?! Do these same people get uncomfortable when they hear the word arm? Or finger? How about tongue? <b>That sounds a little dirty...</b>Can we please become a society that uses proper terms for our anatomy without weirdness or shame already? It's part of my secret (or not so secret) joy in producing The Vagina Monologues, as we finally get to see the word in print and said aloud numerous times in hopes to <b>normalize it for everyone</b>.<br />
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I'll never forget when my son Zane was in preschool. He was three years old at the time, and there was a little boy at school who called his penis his fire hose. Zane said <b><i>"It's not a fire hose. It's your penis."</i></b> The little boy started crying and went to tell the teacher. Zane was adamant about repeating over and over <b><i>"It's his penis. It's not a fire hose."</i></b> When I picked him up that day, there were notes about it on his daily update, and he was very upset that the teacher hadn't had his back on it. I didn't blame him.<br />
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Why are we such a <b>sexually repressed society</b> who are so uncomfortable with those words that we have to make up ridiculous shit for the <b>reproductive parts</b> of our anatomy?<br />
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It makes me want to say vagina followed by <b>BOO!</b> If you're male, you have a PENIS. If you're female, you have a VAGINA. There. I said it. Can we move on now?<br />
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My day today, and week in general really, has made me extremely philosophical. It's especially made me think about <b>authenticity</b> and leading a <b>quality</b> and <b>values-driven</b> life.<br />
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When I was younger, I had so many white, older men telling me I needed to "tone it down." <b><i>"Tone it down, Stacey. You're making people uncomfortable." </i></b>Really, the truth, is that I was making <b>them</b> uncomfortable. When I was younger, I cared more about what these older, white men thought. I doubted myself. I tried to behave and speak out less. I started acting how I thought they <i><b>wanted</b></i> me to act. <b>I stopped being my true, authentic self.</b> This didn't make me happy. I realized in doing this, I had sacrificed my own happiness, just so they wouldn't feel <i><b>uncomfortable</b></i>. Pure bullshit.<br />
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<b>Then I got older.</b><br />
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Though I continued (and still do, as it's a constant evolution to become our better selves) to hone my diplomacy skills, be aware of my body language, pick my battles, behave when necessary, and trust my gut; <b>you better bet your ass I'm going to speak out if I feel it's the right thing to do.</b> If it makes you uncomfortable, too bad. That's not my shit. It's yours.<br />
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Please tell me of a time in history where positive change was made by being docile and demure. The quote "<i><b>Well-behaved women rarely make history"</b></i> is a quote, because it's true. We are the <b>mama bears</b> and when it's time to <b>protect our cubs</b>, you better watch out!<br />
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When I accepted and embraced being my authentic self I was happy. I speak my truth because it's <b>my truth</b>. My story. <b>My life.</b> I am blessed to have incredible people in my life - within both my personal and professional relationships. They are people who love me for me and sometimes even in spite of me- rough edges, imperfections and all. I respect <b>authentic, passionate people</b>. Even those I don't always agree with. There is a way to find common ground in the majority of situations (<b>current election cycle excluded though because those people are just bat shit crazy...</b>)<br />
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So this was my Thursday, late night brain barf.<br />
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I vented. I opined. I philosophized.<br />
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<b>Moral of the story</b>: Just be you. Speak your truth. <b>Be</b> <b>kind</b>. Stick up for those more vulnerable than you. Stand up for the <b>sister women</b> around you. Mentor. Encourage. Inspire. <b>Don't be an asshole</b>, but don't ever be a doormat either. And most importantly, please remember the only person you ever need to sell yourself to -- is <b>you</b>. You are the one who will have to look at yourself in the mirror every day for the rest of your life, so make sure that life is <b>spectacular</b>. Clitopia, here I come!<br />
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Love, Laughter and <b>Vaginas</b>,<br />
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Msss. Champion<br />
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<br />Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-19253703173394386822016-09-23T01:35:00.002-07:002016-09-23T01:36:51.209-07:00The Best of the Best of the Best - with an Icky MouthSo in my line of work, and quite frankly, just because of who I am, there are times when I piss people off. Granted, the people I <i>want</i> to love me typically do, and those other people... well, they usually don't. Which is 100% fine by me.<br />
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This is beautifully highlighted in the <b><a href="http://www.phoenixmag.com/best-of-the-valley/people-media.html#editor-s-picks" target="_blank">October 2016 issue of Phoenix Magazine</a>.</b><br />
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In the Editor's Picks, I was amused to see my name listed under the category <i>Best Twitter War. </i><br />
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Here's what was written:</div>
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<b>"Unless you’re a celebrity, athlete or politician, Twitter is more or less obsolete, but the micro-publishing trailblazer can still offer up an entertaining social-media slap-fight from time to time. In the red corner: Arizona Corporation Commissioner Bob Stump. In the blue corner: liberal PR consultant Stacey Champion, she of the icky-mouthed “Doug DoucheBAG” recycling campaign. After Champion called him a “#utility... teet [sic] sucker,” Stump retweeted the insult to her client list, asking “Are the clients of this PR person aware of how poorly this reflects on them?” Champion called it a “low blow” and defended the tweet as her “own personal opinion.” Uh, touché?"</b></div>
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What didn't amuse me, was the attempt at a back-handed slam, factual inaccuracy, and also the use of the term <i><b>icky-mouthed</b></i> which makes me think of that character Nellie Oleson from Little House on the Prairie. Remember her? I'm dating myself, but she was the first person I thought of.<br />
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Seriously. Icky-mouthed?!<br />
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So first, to delve into the backstory over the Twitter war with Arizona Corporation Commissioner Bob Stump, an Arizona <b>elected official</b>. I was at my office, with a client actually, watching the Arizona Corporation Commission on a live feed trying yet again to dismantle net metering and kill solar in one of the sunniest states in the country. This pisses me off. And it should piss you off too. The Arizona Corporation Commission and APS (the largest utility monopoly in the state who the commissioners are supposed to regulate with the best interests of the people in mind) are currently <a href="http://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/energy/2016/08/15/fbi-inquiry-into-utility-regulators-aps-2014-elections-continues/88772050/" target="_blank"><b>being investigated by the FBI</b></a>.<br />
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And with headlines such as this <a href="http://tucson.com/business/tucson/of-republican-candidates-for-acc-doubt-human-role-in-climate/article_d4175e95-e06f-59ed-8e75-2707df135412.html" target="_blank">4 of 5 Republican candidates for ACC doubt human role in climate </a><br />
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change, should we be surprised to hear they're doing the bidding for dirty energy? Probably not.<br />
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So at some point while listening, watching and tweeting, I tweeted the following: <i>If you'd like to see what a #utility & #ALEC teet sucker looks like, just listen to AZ Corp Commissioner @BobStump. #corruption #energy</i><br />
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(Ack! I know I spelled the word teat wrong as I was typing fast and rather than delete and do over, I just let it go. It happens to the best of us. Flawed humans we are.)<br />
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So shortly after this tweet, <b>elected official </b>Stump made it a point to visit my <a href="http://www.champion-pr.com/" target="_blank"><b>company website</b></a> and pull my current/former client list. He then quoted my tweet and started tagging current and former clients, with the obvious intent of harming my business and hoping to make me lose clients. I've never seen an elected official cross the line like this before, but bad boy Stump seems to cross many lines, so I guess it's not too surprising.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>Thankfully, all of my clients had my back and I did apologize for my spelling error. </b></span></div>
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<b>Okay, so back to the Phoenix mag comments...</b></div>
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First of all, your <i>"</i><b><i>Uh, touché?"</i> </b>was just mean-spirited. I'm not an elected official - he is. I'm a single mom and small business owner who works my ass off and gives a ton of my time back to my community volunteering for various causes. I didn't call his boss (or the FBI) to tattle on him. What he did was wrong, and had I lost any clients from his little game, you better bet I would've been livid and speaking to an attorney.</div>
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Second, I'd really like to discuss the <i style="font-weight: bold;">"icky-mouthed “Doug DoucheBAG” recycling campaign." </i>Had you taken the time to do five minutes worth of research, you'd understand this love project was launched after our Governor passed a law which bans cities and towns from enacting any kind of plastic bag ordinance or ban. It's basically a ban on bans. It's also basically the opposite of California's bag ban law. Why is this? Because our Governor is in the pocket of the Koch brothers and the petroleum industry. You can read about it <a href="http://www.azcentral.com/story/politicalinsider/2015/05/24/doug-ducey-bags-emblazoned-i-hate-environment-plastic/27864449/" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>, or could have just Googled "Arizona bans plastic bag bans" as it made national news - and not in a good way. Which I think was a very ICKY thing for him to do, especially as the city of Phoenix alone spends $1 million per year just pulling plastic bags out of the recycling stream (as they're not allowed in your blue bin, FYI). </div>
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So is it just that they're called <a href="http://www.dougdouchebag.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html" target="_blank"><b>Doug DoucheBAGS</b></a> that you think is icky then? I thought it was pretty clever and funny. Other people do too. They're reusable bags. Not only that, but they're organic cotton and made in the U.S. And all of the money after cost is donated to the <a href="http://www.sierraclub.org/arizona" target="_blank"><b>Sierra Club Grand Canyon chapter</b></a> because God knows they need all the help they can get in this batshit crazy state. People called him that <i>icky D word</i> before me. It just seemed to fit, you know? I Hate the Environment was the first of three actually. There's also I Hate Education and We Hate Reproductive Rights (featuring his pal the evil church lady). Speaking of douching, the douchebag was invented by a man. Here's a great article you can read titled <b><a href="http://www.alternet.org/story/143075/lysol-scented_vaginas:_the_strange_history_of_douching" target="_blank">Lysol-Scented Vaginas: The Strange History of Douching</a>. </b>Also, douching is<b> </b>really not good for vaginas at all as it upsets the delicate PH... Oh my gosh, I bet you think that V word is<b> icky</b> too though so I should probably stop.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So are you ready for the happy ending? Because we all LOVE a happy ending! </span></div>
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If you click over to the <a href="http://www.phoenixmag.com/best-of-the-valley/people-media.html#reader-s-picks" target="_blank"><b>Readers Picks</b></a> for People & Media, what do you see? You see this. Readers Pick for Best PR Pro. Hey! That's me!</div>
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<b>Moral of the story: Haters gonna hate. Lovers gonna love. Winner winner turkey dinner! So thank you, Phoenix Magazine. I'm happy to make you a list of things you should really feel icky about any day of the week. Plus, the AZ legislative session will be starting again shortly, so there will no doubt be plenty of icky things to get our panties bunched up over. </b></div>
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Until then...</div>
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Love + laughter,</div>
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-Msss. Champion</div>
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Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-70136492959656010932016-07-25T23:44:00.000-07:002016-07-25T23:59:29.411-07:00Dear Democratic Party, I'm Breaking Up With You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmVLLFJPtPcXHYhimVjBEQCX8iaxH5N0T_WidUNgxPuWJdofoskkr5pYYa1tojx-Fpnwt3BNzne2S4B4VtSZW6xFLPpdhex7BD946I3quzxnfHRq1CH6qLz32yx-5yMMC1SynvVNGYtse/s1600/no_party.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmVLLFJPtPcXHYhimVjBEQCX8iaxH5N0T_WidUNgxPuWJdofoskkr5pYYa1tojx-Fpnwt3BNzne2S4B4VtSZW6xFLPpdhex7BD946I3quzxnfHRq1CH6qLz32yx-5yMMC1SynvVNGYtse/s320/no_party.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Dear Democratic Party, I'm breaking up with you. I just don't like you anymore. I don't trust you either. Every time we hang out now, I leave with a gross taste in my mouth and something isn't sitting right in my gut. It's not me, it's you.<br />
<br />
I wanted to have this conversation face to face, but it's late, and everyone knows what a dink you are if you don't get a solid 8 hours of rest. This just couldn't wait any longer and I had to get it off my chest. So this letter will have to suffice.<br />
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I just don't feel like I know who you are anymore, and as time goes on, I feel us drifting further and further apart. Though on paper, we appear to be a good match, what happens behind the scenes would indicate otherwise. Where to start...<br />
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Let's start with <i>progressive men</i>. Though I know a whole lot of great, truly progressive men, many of those in leadership roles with the Arizona Democratic Party seem to be as big, if not bigger, misogynists than many Republican men I've met. At least with hardcore right men, I know where I stand. I know they think I should <i>know my place</i> (in the kitchen) and they are hell bent on legislating my vagina (and all vaginas). But I'd like to expect more from D men. I've watched brilliant women work in Arizona politics while a few token men get the credit for these women's hard work. I've watched these incredible women be demeaned, paid less than their male counterpoints and had their expertise questioned and insulted. I've experienced it first-hand by earning half that to male <i>progressive</i> counterparts, had more than one man steal my idea as if it were his own, and most recently, had a candidate client seemingly forget that I'm the owner of my company while they all spoke directly to the fantastic guy who works for me, and answers to me. I prefer a wolf to a wolf in sheep's clothing any day of the week. Stop saying you're for equality, then acting like a sexist pig when you think people aren't really listening. It's shitty. We really are capable I can assure you. We need more women in leadership roles. Period. And give credit where credit is due. To do otherwise is just having awful social graces.<br />
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Hypocrisy. I loathe hypocrisy, and just as I see it regularly from the far right, it's all too common with you too. You're <i>progressive</i>, but you really don't want those homeless people hanging out by your newly built, urban loft. You're <i>progressive</i>, but clean elections wouldn't be good for you. You're <i>progressive </i>and can't stand dark money, but you know out of state money will be channeled in for a smear IE campaign on that other guy, so that's just dandy. You're <i>progressive</i>, but get super uncomfortable if someone says #BlackLivesMatter. You're <i>progressive, </i>yet people speaking out loudly about oppression makes you cringe and you worry far too much about being polite - instead of speaking out about what's right. Quite frankly, you're mostly a bunch of soft, squishy testicles. Grow a vagina for crying out loud. What happened to standing behind your principles and standing up for those who may not have a voice? I just can't relate to a group of people in khakis who aren't willing to shout when need be.<br />
<i><br /></i>
Just as I don't feel the need to subscribe to a religion to be a good person, I no longer feel the need to subscribe to one party to stay politically active and motivated. On the contrary. Not belonging to a broken, two party system will allow me more freedom to speak my mind, as I know plenty of Democrats who I think suck as people <i>and</i> politicians. And we already know the majority of R politicians are wrapped in tinfoil and batshit crazy. We're all fucked up, flawed humans in some way, but some are far bigger liars and bullshitters than others. You know it's true. And you know who you are.<br />
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The shit show that is the DNC tied with the last Arizona legislative session clinched it for me. I heard Democrats say things that made me throw up in my mouth when they were caving on the solar referendum. <i>"Grassroots is great, Stacey, but you know what's even better? A giant oak tree (APS). Where were the solar lobbyists and why weren't they donating money to my campaign or wishing me a Happy Birthday?" </i>To all you ignorance is bliss folks out there who don't really have a clue about how corrupt politics really are, especially here in Arizona, bravo. I salute you and wish I didn't know half the shit I know. It's amazing what a little power and greed can do to a person in a relatively short period of time. Yuck.<br />
<br />
I will continue to battle for our environment, women's rights, LGBTQ rights, immigrant's rights and reform, Native American rights, social and civil justice issues and the kind and compassionate treatment of all people. I will continue to pass out burritos to the homeless folks on Tuesday mornings and do art benefits for community members in need and fight against evil corporations like Nestle and be a decent human being who attempts to walk my talk. I will continue to support candidates and politicians who aren't sell-out egomaniacs and still have souls and are involved in politics for the right reasons. But I will do all of this as a No Party human. The party will happen on my own terms moving forward. And my party will most likely involve loud music, tacos, ice cold beer and laughter.<br />
<br />
So farewell, Democratic Party. It's time for our dysfunctional relationship to end. I hope you miss my mixtapes, strong coffee and Sunday brunch. I know I'm an awesome girlfriend. It's just time for me to move on...<br />
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<br />Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-26594343704817983032015-03-12T14:22:00.000-07:002015-03-12T14:22:59.033-07:00Time for Goodbyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mom called today. My Nana is finally on her way out. The Alzheimer's Groundhog Day mourning will finally be coming to a close after too many years.<br />
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I am flooded with emotions knowing that this is finally it. Hospice is now coming daily. She has stopped eating. Her organs are shutting down. They are giving her morphine so she won't be in too much pain.<br />
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I just revisited <a href="http://phxosophical.blogspot.com/2013/10/dear-nana_28.html" target="_blank">what I wrote in October of 2013</a> when she started really going downhill and was in the hospital. It was the last time she had any sense of recognition and I was one of the only people who could evoke it with her. The tears are flowing steadily and I know how deeply this does, and will, hurt. Even though she's already been <i>gone</i> for many years... I am simply letting myself feel. There is no other way to cope.<br />
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In this picture, I'm about 4 years old. I had for whatever reason, decided to put my hand on the wood burning stove and that's my Nana taking care of me. She always took care of me. She is the last person on this earth who has known me since birth and truly loved me unconditionally. She was the kindest and most nurturing person I've ever known in my life. She helped shape who I am in ways no one else could. I will be forever grateful for her love.<br />
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I'm happy that she'll be able to pass on in the house my Bapa built for her so many years ago. On land homesteaded by his family in the 1800's. He died at home too. I'm happy that she will no longer be simply living with no real quality of life. I can still picture her sitting in her rocking chair, with a cat on her lap and doing a crossword puzzle. I can still hear her voice. I can still hear her laugh. I can feel her touch and remember her smell. She was and will always be my amazing Nana. I want her death to be as painless and quick as possible after all of these years of limbo. Awful, wretched, heart-breaking disease...<br />
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Her spirit will live on in me and my children. In their children one day. In these fields surrounding the property and in the leaves of the 100 year old oak trees. Her empathy, her secret desire to be a fashion designer, her stories of adventures with her friends, our own travel adventures. My Nana's life was simple and she lived for her grandchildren, my Z's, her gardens and pets. She loved people. One of my only regrets to this day, was not spending more time with her while I was in my 20's before her mind started to slowly drift away. Time that can never be recaptured and a forever lesson to love fiercely and make each moment count. I know she knew how much I love her.<br />
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I will go out soon to help plan her memorial, choose the songs I know she'd want to hear, write her obituary, and choke back my tears as I read a eulogy for the woman I love as deeply as I love my own children. She will finally be at peace, and this gives me comfort in my time of sadness. She wants to be cremated, just like my Bapa. I will keep some of her ashes to take on adventures with me as I do with his which was his wish. <i>"I want to be everywhere."</i> he told me. His only bride, who he married on Christmas Eve at the age of eighteen can be with him too.<br />
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I'm ready to say goodbye now... I will love you forever, Nana.<br />
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<br />Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-39772986992193487162015-01-11T20:20:00.000-08:002015-01-11T20:20:19.701-08:00Why Placemaking is Integral to a Sustainable CommunityWritten for Healthy Indoors Magazine - January 2015<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Build and
they will come!” has been the mantra of more than one Western city, especially
since the 1950’s; many of which are now dealing with sprawl, urban heat island
effect, loss of historic buildings and air pollution. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Take my
current residence Phoenix, Arizona for example. In 1950, the population of
Phoenix was 106,818 and was comprised of 55 square miles. In 2010, population
reached 1,445,632 people, spread out over 1,147 square miles, or basically
about the same size as the state of Rhode Island.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Within this
sprawling land of beige & stucco, gated communities and strip malls
however, there are some very integral neighborhoods that have a strong sense of
community, and have done an excellent job of placemaking. The mainly grassroots
community activism and action has reaped the rewards of not only national
press, but is home to one of the largest self-guided art walks in the country –
</span><a href="http://www.rooseveltrow.org/about/first-fridays/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Roosevelt Row’s First Fridays</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. This is the neighborhood where both
my business and accidental gallery, </span><a href="http://www.treeohouse.com/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Treeo</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> are located. It is the neighborhood
I’ve chosen to spend the majority of my time when not at home since moving to
Phoenix, mainly because I like the way it <i>feels</i>.
Warm. Friendly. Inviting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So what<i> is</i> placemaking? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Placemaking is a multi-faceted
approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces. Placemaking
capitalizes on a local community's assets, inspiration, and potential, with the
intention of creating public spaces that promote people's health, happiness,
and well-being.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
neighborhood feels good to me for various reasons. It is one of the only
walkable areas in Phoenix in my opinion. Because the district is located in an
arts overlay, many of the old bungalow homes and buildings were converted to
gallery spaces, cafes and retail stores. There is life on the street and </span><a href="https://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/forms_center/departments/community_development/forms/Neighborhood_Model/Neighborhood_Model_Design_Approch_for_Principle06.pdf"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">human scale buildings</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. There are trees and people and
interesting murals everywhere. Even though Phoenix is a young city, many of the
buildings in the neighborhood are from the 40’s and 50’s which helps give it a
sense of place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Before sprawl,
the automatic garage door opener and high walls around properties, people would
gather in community areas and talk. They would meet new people, connect with
one another, and help each other out. When people care about their community,
they look after it. They are invested in something bigger than just themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Explaining
placemaking to most developers and politicians is like speaking Pig Latin to
your two year old and expecting them to understand you. Nine out of ten times
they won’t, nor do they really care. They just want what they want.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And so it is
that the neighborhood I love is in the sights of several developers looking to
sanitize and beige-wash my ‘hood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">From tearing
down some of the oldest murals in the state of Arizona which were painted by
famous artist Ted DeGrazia (there is a </span><a href="https://www.change.org/p/save-222-e-roosevelt-the-oldest-murals-in-phx-with-adaptive-reuse-instead-of-demolition"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">petition</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> if you’d like to sign it) to tearing
down many of the old, human-scale buildings within a two block stretch to build
4-story residential dwellings they’ll most certainly call <i>lofts</i>, even though they’ll just be regular ‘ol apartments. The term
“life on the street” is lost in translation as things are tucked behind
nondescript walls and a shiny marketing brochure points out the private gym and
community grilling area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Everything
which once drew national media attention – the vibrancy, the art, the eclectic
feeling of the place, will be lost to a numbers game as many are priced out,
become bored or simply wish to move on to greener pastures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A
sustainable city is a livable city. It is lively, diverse, animated and community
oriented. The neighborhoods should be shaped by those who reside in them.
Buildings should be repurposed and reused whenever possible. New development
should incorporate itself into the neighborhood in a way that is friendly and
beneficial.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Though
downtown Phoenix is indeed in dire need of density, razing old buildings in one
of the only lively arts districts to make way for suburban feeling apartment
complexes isn’t going to bring an economic boom to our city as I think some are
anticipating. There are numerous vacant lots which could be better utilized for
this use in my opinion. A mixture of building types, uses and sizes is key, as
is weaving together an interesting tapestry that blends old with new, valuing
local businesses and arts and culture, and not continuing to ignore the voices
of those who call the place home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Though I
speak of Phoenix, this is a story for everywhere. Placemaking. We all can get
involved in shaping and adding to the places we live, work and play. It is
sustainability at its core.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One of the
best placemakers of our time, Jane Jacobs, said it best:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Cities have
the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only
when, they are created by everybody.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I hope
Phoenix will hear this in time…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Love and
laughter,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ms. Champion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-19517098378750413582015-01-11T20:17:00.000-08:002015-01-11T20:17:29.034-08:00Sustainability SnippetsWritten for Healthy Indoors Magazine - <a href="http://hi.iaq.net/i/383623/43" target="_blank">September 2014</a><br />
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There are so many things I’m excited about this month, I
couldn’t choose just one topic. We’re down to a balmy 102 degrees in Phoenix,
Arizona and I’m counting the days until I can wear boots and a sweater.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So in the spirit of weather, here’s what’s on my HOT list
for the month.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://parkingday.org/"><b>PARK(ing) Day</b></a><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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On September 19<sup>th</sup>, metered parking spaces around
the globe will be transformed into miniature parks. It’s not a day to
necessarily be anti-automobile, but rather a day to be pro-people. What if our
cities were designed for people first, rather than cars? How important are
small, green spaces within the urban fabric? PARK(ing) Day brings these
questions to light.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This will be our 6<sup>th</sup> annual PARK(ing) Day in
Phoenix, I’ve been the organizer for four years now and involved since year
one. What started out as a very grassroots effort with a handful of people, has
grown every year, garnered lots of press and has warmed the city up to the idea
of parklets. Last year we even got some <a href="http://grist.org/slideshow/park-get-set-go-heres-what-it-looks-like-when-the-weird-and-the-car-free-steal-your-spot/"><b>national exposure</b></a>. You can check
out photos from our past Phoenix PARK(ing) Day events <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkingDayPHX/photos_stream?tab=photos_albums"><b>HERE</b></a>. If you’d like to bring more
parklets to your own community, check out <a href="http://pavementtoparks.sfplanning.org/"><b>Pavement to Parks</b></a> for ideas and resources.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://peoplesclimate.org/march/"><b>People’s Climate March </b></a><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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After PARK(ing) Day, I’ll be jumping on a red-eye flight
with my 15 year old son Zane to attend what will hopefully be the largest march
on climate change to date. Numerous events are planned through the weekend,
culminating with a two mile march through the streets of New York City on
Sunday, September 22<sup>nd</sup>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The march will take place prior to a UN summit on the
climate crisis which world leaders will be attending. I’ll be writing about our
experience at the march next month, so stay tuned…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/651175151656103"><b>Better Block PHX</b></a><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The Better Block Project is all about revitalizing a
neighborhood block in a grassroots way. It’s like a real-life charrette to
envision real change in a neighborhood. On September 27<sup>th</sup> it’s
happening in downtown Phoenix. Vibrant communities are created one block at a
time. You can learn more about The Better Block Project <a href="http://betterblock.org/"><b>HERE</b></a><b>.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Here’s a list of some
interesting things to check out:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://niume.com/pages/circle/?circleID=208">Amazing nature art</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2014/sep/10/consumer-behaviour-sustainability-business">Consumer
behavior and sustainability - what you need to know</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lori-popkewitz-alper/the-peoples-climate-march_b_5801518.html">The People's Climate March Is About to Make
History</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2014/09/what-can-small-cities-do-fight-climate-change-aspen-eugene">What
Can Small Cities Do to Fight Climate Change?</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://peoplest.lacity.org/">People St</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Until next month…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment
before starting to improve the world.”<br />
― Anne Frank<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Love and Laughter,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Ms. Champion<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-66423003875527419682015-01-11T20:14:00.000-08:002015-01-11T20:25:35.353-08:00Green GuatemalaWritten for Healthy Indoors Magazine - <a href="http://hi.iaq.net/i/351905/45" target="_blank">July 2014</a><br />
<br />
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I’ve made it a favorite pastime to have adventures in cooler
climates during the 115+ degree days that are all too common in Phoenix,
Arizona during the summer months. Like many people, I have a bucket list of
places I want to visit and things I want to do. Guatemala has been on that list
for many years.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Mexico and Central America have always intrigued me. I love
the history, the ruins, the people and the simplicity of day to day living. My
last trip to Costa Rica five years ago was amazing, so when a friend told me at
brunch she had some friends with a vacation rental house on Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, I was hooked.
Serendipity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We booked the trip within several days of talking about it, and
planned a dinner with Earl and Suzanne, the owners of the house who split their
time between Phoenix and Antigua, Guatemala. I was even more drawn to this
house and these people because Earl and Suzanne have a non-profit in Guatemala
called <a href="http://bit.ly/1mbG9FO" target="_blank">Seeds for a Future</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Guatemala is home to 13 million people, approximately 75% of
whom live in poverty. The country has
the highest malnutrition rate in Latin America, and the fourth highest in the
world. Ironic, as much of the produce we consume in the U.S., along with the
coffee we drink, is grown and harvested in Guatemala. (On a side note, I was
reading a sign while in Guatemala about coffee, and it said by the time the
coffee is grown, harvested, processed, shipped and consumed as a $5 latte in the
U.S., only about 3 cents makes its way back to Guatemala.) Even more reason to
pay attention to buying <a href="http://bit.ly/1rc78Zq" target="_blank">fair trade</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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PBS recently did a <a href="http://to.pbs.org/1sg3EFL" target="_blank">segment</a> on the
child malnutrition problem in Guatemala.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“In the Americas, the
situation is most dire in Guatemala, where roughly 50 percent of the children
are so malnourished they’re stunted, physically and developmentally, for life.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Seeds for a Future is working to combat this heartbreaking
crisis. In rural Guatemala, adults on average have less than a 6<sup>th</sup>
grade education. The program takes a holistic approach by offering both
hands-on education with regard to community and family gardening, harvesting
and nutrition instruction, as well as a community library where computer
training, adult education, women's health education and much needed pre-school
programs are taught. Nearly 500 families are currently taking part in the
various programs. I encourage you to
check out the <a href="http://bit.ly/1mbG9FO" target="_blank">Seeds for a Future website</a> to
learn more and follow them on <a href="http://on.fb.me/1jJzwQG" target="_blank">Facebook</a>
too!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now back to the adventure…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We flew into Guatemala City, where we were greeted by our
driver David, who drove us to a lovely B & B in Antigua, about a 45 minute
drive. I’ll also add that I was traveling with two other women, Mara and
Michelle, so we were the three amigas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1yiUZ5L" target="_blank">Antigua, Guatemala</a> is a beautiful city
full of Spanish colonial architecture, fountains, ruins, markets (mercados) and
brightly colored buildings- a treat after living in the land of beige for so
long.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The streets are cobblestone, the sidewalks narrow, the
people friendly and we spent hours just walking and exploring, soaking in the
sights, sounds and smells. Ornate wooden
gates with small, decorative openings stand out amid the blue, yellow and red
walls, beckoning you to come in and explore the lush interiors.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen in my life
was Casa Santo Domingo. It was the largest monastery in Antigua and was founded
by Dominican friars in 1542. Three 18<sup>th</sup> century earthquakes wreaked
their havoc on the monastery along with pillaging of materials. It was taken
over as a private residence by an American archeologist in 1970, then converted
to a 5 star hotel and museum, which is what it currently is today. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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To say the grounds are breathtaking, especially after dark
when lit by candlelight, is truly an understatement. Mara and I wandered the
estate one evening for several hours. The way they’ve incorporated modern
conveniences such as a large shade structure to blend into the surroundings
aesthetically was very inspiring. You
can read more about it <u><a href="http://bit.ly/1qBtFvd" target="_blank">here</a></u> and if you’re ever in
Antigua, put it on your not to miss list.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The following morning we traveled by car to <b><u>Panajchel</u></b>, also known as <a href="http://bit.ly/1jsDtZx" target="_blank">Pana</a> which is about a 2 hour
ride and located in the Western Highlands of Guatemala on<a href="http://bit.ly/1tKhvWh" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://bit.ly/1tKhvWh" target="_blank">Lake Atitlán</a><b style="text-decoration: underline;">.</b> The lake, renowned as one of the most
beautiful in the world, is the deepest in Central America, measuring depths of
over 1000 feet. It’s surrounded by three volcanoes (San Pedro, Atitlan, and
Toliman) and is ringed with many indigenous Mayan villages, Pana being the main
village for port of entry.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A boat ride from Pana delivered us to the dock of the house
which would be our <a href="http://bit.ly/1oW1veK" target="_blank">home</a> for the next five days.
Nicholas and his family, the caretakers of the property, welcomed us and gave
us a tour. We fell in love with the
warmth and hospitality of this local family. Wife Rosa, who prepared us
delicious local food and freshly caught tilapia from the lake. Joanna, their
vibrant 4 year old who would teach me words in Spanish and always start my day
with a big hug. The teenaged children who we briefly met but who always seemed
to be helping their parents and always had a smile. Even Rocky the dog and the
two adopted puppies were friendly and lovely. Clothes would be hanging out on
the line in the morning, and there was a conscious effort to reuse and not
waste, which was apparent daily. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The house is nearest to <a href="http://bit.ly/1qeurlY" target="_blank">SanMarcos La Laguna</a>, which is a small village and only accessible from the house by trekking up a picturesque
flight of stone steps to the main road or by taking the boat to the village
dock. Many of the sidewalks in the village are simple dirt paths, and local
women line these streets with fruit and vegetable stands. We met many expats in
San Marcos who had come to the lake on holiday, and simply decided to stay. I
can’t say that I blamed them…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Water cisterns are everywhere and many of the walls are made
with recycled bottles. We also saw bottles used to separate garden beds and
other creative uses. This is a place that was built <i>around</i> nature, versus on top of it. Many of the roads and sidewalks
are pervious to allow the rainwater to go back into the ground easily.
Composting is done everywhere. People walk and use their bodies and it’s not
uncommon to see local women with a baby in a sling, a basket on their head and
a bag in their hand.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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For all of Guatemala’s beauty, it certainly isn’t without
its environmental and sustainability challenges, including poverty and
malnourished children. There has been an ongoing effort to clean up Lake Atitlan
which has been on the decline from raw sewage, fertilizers and trash either
being dumped into, or making its way into the lake. You can read more about it <a href="http://bit.ly/1oFvLaW" target="_blank">here</a>. In 2009, Global Nature
Fund listed Atitlán its “Threatened Lake of the Year.” We noticed in our
travels throughout Guatemala that there were very few, if any, trash cans in
sight. Progress has been made, and I can only hope it continues to save such a
magical gem of a place.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Other issues, which commonly plague developing and
third-world countries in general, include:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Lack of access to potable water (especially in
rural areas)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Poor air quality<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Tropical deforestation<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Soil erosion<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Natural resource extraction issues (mining,
petroleum, etc.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m encouraged by the number of public/private partnerships
I’ve seen to address many of these problems, and it appears there is increasing
awareness of these concerns worldwide, which gives me hope.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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If you’ve ever thought about visiting Guatemala, I would
highly encourage you to make the trip.
I’m planning to escape the commercialism of the holidays and take my
children, so they too can experience this captivating country and have their
eyes opened to a different reality.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Stepping outside of our comfort zone to see how others live
in different parts of the world is important. After watching Nicholas make the
journey into the village just to bring us five gallons of clean water to drink,
I came home with a renewed appreciation for the tap I’d been taking for
granted. This is just one of many examples I could give.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Green Guatemala is in my dreams for now…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Love and Laughter,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ms. Champion<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you
occupy in the world.”<br />
― Gustave Flaubert<o:p></o:p></div>
Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-51082342851490495002015-01-11T20:04:00.006-08:002015-01-11T20:04:57.524-08:00The Human Face of Climate ChangeWritten for Healthy Indoors Magazine - <a href="http://hi.iaq.net/i/327414/57" target="_blank">June 2014</a><br />
<br />
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Do you ever wonder what it would be like to live inside an
oven? Welcome to Phoenix, Arizona summertime. Yes, it’s summer here now in my
mind, as we roll into our first full week of triple digit temperatures. There
are two seasons here. I refer to them as Perfect Season and I’m In a Giant
Frickin’ Oven Season.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But while <i>I</i> can
escape to the comfortable confines of my balmy 79 to 80 degree house, my
air-conditioned car and my air-conditioned stores, many people can’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And heat kills. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Last July, I organized an <a href="http://asulightworks.com/blog/act-climate-phoenix-game-changing-steps-combat-climate-change-0" target="_blank">Act on Climate event</a>. Because the majority of the media here doesn’t do such a great job at covering
environmental issues, I’ve learned to use big, visual props to make it hard for
them to ignore. Even better if these props have a function.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I ordered 150 red umbrellas and had #ActOnClimate printed on
them. 150 people holding these umbrellas served as the backdrop for our press
conference. I included people to speak on behalf of small business, faith-based
groups, the poor and working class, science and the homeless population. I also
included several elected officials and our state climatologist. We also held a
water drive for <a href="http://lodestardrc.org/" target="_blank">Lodestar Day Resource Center</a>.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Though the event was well-attended and people stopped
whining about being hot once they were gently reminded <i>why</i> they were there, I was forever changed by what happened <i>after</i> the event.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As the amazing Paolo Soleri so eloquently said in 2010, just
a few years before his death: <i>"The
umbrella and parasol are self-generating comfort zones; light, moveable, energy
independent, technologically optimal, inexpensive, a great service to the poor
and to the very poor. They constitute mini-housing for tens of millions, for
pharaohs and kings alike." </i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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I went to pass out the 150 umbrellas on that hot July day to
our homeless population. I visited two parks, then went down to the streets
surrounding our main urban homeless shelter, <a href="http://www.cassaz.org/" target="_blank">CASS</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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According to <a href="https://www.azdes.gov/InternetFiles/Reports/pdf/des_annual_homeless_report_2012.pdf" target="_blank">Arizona’s 2012 statistics on homelessness</a>, there were 28,000 people in Arizona who experienced homelessness. Of those
people, 5,805 of them are children. 28,000 people experiencing triple digit
temperatures for prolonged periods of time, including nearly 6000 kids. This is
tragic. These people are among the most vulnerable population when it comes to
heat related illness and death. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As I passed out the umbrellas, I had people smile, hug me
and even cry. People acted shocked at being given something, and I would assure
them the umbrella was a gift and I wanted nothing in return.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Please use this for
shade.”</i> I would say. <i>“Please try to
keep yourself cool.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
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When I ran out of umbrellas, I was still surrounded by a
large group of people. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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People.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I often think about how different our world would be if our
people were treated with as much love, care and understanding as our animals.
Why is it that we’ll rescue a stray animal off the street but not think about
buying a fellow human a meal, or at least a nice cold jug of water? Check out
my friend Jon Linton’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/THEIHAVEANAMEPROJECT" target="_blank">The I Have A Name Project </a>for a good reminder on the importance of practicing compassion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I left the streets feeling both grateful and heartbroken.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When I got back to my car, I broke into tears, overwhelmed
with emotion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I needed more umbrellas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A quick <a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/for-the-love-of-shade" target="_blank">crowdfunding campaign</a> generated the means for me to purchase 150 more umbrellas that several
volunteers helped me pass out on a Sunday afternoon. This is <b>my</b> idea of church…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, nearly one year later, I still see the red umbrellas
around town on occasion and it almost makes me cry every time. If any of you
have ties to an umbrella manufacturer or want to buy me several thousand
umbrellas that would be ridiculously awesome. And I’m serious.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Heat related illness and death is bound to increase in the
years to come from what studies such as <a href="http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/1306670/" target="_blank">this one</a> tell us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Heat waves, commonly
defined as a few consecutive days with high temperature above a certain
threshold, are the leading cause of weather-related mortality in the United
States (</i><a href="http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/1306670/#r7"><i>Davis et al. 2003</i></a><i>). <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
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Even more alarming, the nighttime temperatures are going to
increase in Phoenix according to a new <a href="https://asunews.asu.edu/20140530-urbanization-heat-death-study" target="_blank">Arizona State University study</a> published in the journal <i>Science of the Total Environment.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
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Cities (including
Phoenix) would be wise to get their Climate Change Adaptation Plans in place
quickly if they haven’t been done, start busting butt on minimizing <a href="http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/urban-heat-island.htm" target="_blank">urban heatisland effect</a> and work much harder to decrease
<a href="http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/" target="_blank">greenhouse gas emissions</a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Speaking of which, a <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/page/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/06/02/National-Politics/Polling/release_346.xml0" target="_blank">Washington Post-ABC newspoll </a> released yesterday in light of the new <a href="http://www2.epa.gov/carbon-pollution-standards/clean-power-plan-proposed-rule" target="_blank">EPA CleanPower Plant Proposed Rule</a> to reduce carbon pollution from power
plants gave me hope that Americans are starting to see the light when it comes
to climate change. It’s good to have hope in humanity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now we need to just
start <b><i>seeing the</i></b> <b><i>people</i></b>. The people with faces
and names. The human faces of climate change. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I truly believe if
we can learn to look out for each other- our fellow humans- caring for our
planet comes naturally. We shouldn’t live in a world where dying from heat is
even an option.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please think about
this as you travel throughout your days and lives. Have kindness and empathy
for those around you. Give someone the gift of an umbrella or a drink of water,
or even a smile.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let your small
gestures of kindness become dominoes to help create a more sustainable and
hospitable world. Be kind.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“You cannot do a
kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”</i><br />
― Ralph Waldo Emerson<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love and laughter,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ms. Champion<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://twitter.com/ChampPR" target="_blank">Follow me on Twitter @ChampPR</a> or connect with me on <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/staceychampion/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-81834516868321410702015-01-11T19:48:00.000-08:002015-01-11T19:48:01.918-08:00Plastic and Bottles and Paper, Oh My…! Written for Healthy Indoors Magazine - <a href="http://hi.iaq.net/i/310128/49" target="_blank">May, 2014</a>.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Can I just get a little recycling around here?!?!</i></b> I
live in Phoenix, Arizona which is currently the sixth largest city in the
United States. We have sprawl, sunshine and some stuff to sort out when it
comes to our recycling initiatives and waste diversion goals.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Across the country (and world) cities, people and industry
are ramping up their recycling initiatives for a myriad of reasons:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· To
help curb greenhouse gas emissions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· To
conserve precious land.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· To
earn revenue.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· To
turn waste to energy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· Or
simply to be good stewards to the earth and because it’s the right thing to do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Looking at the lifecycle of a product- from natural resource
through end of product life- should help make the importance of recycling (and
reusing) even more apparent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
* Check out <a href="http://storyofstuff.org/">TheStory
of Stuff Project </a>for good perspective on this.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many cities, including Phoenix, have set waste diversion
goals. When we throw something “away,” that place <i>“away”</i> is
most likely a landfill. A place where we bury our waste, where it then slowly
breaks down and contributes to climate change by emitting Methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) which
is the second most prevalent greenhouse gas emitted in the U.S. attributed to
human activities. According to the EPA: “Landfills are the third largest source
of CH<sub>4</sub> emissions in the United States.” So the less we throw
“away,” the better…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
About a year ago, Phoenix launched its 40 by 20 campaign
(40% waste diversion by the year 2020) along with a nice new logo and
educational/outreach campaign called Reimagine Phoenix. And just in case you’re
wondering, <b>yes</b>, I can reimagine Phoenix in more ways than one, but
that’s a story for another day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Phoenix’s waste diversion rate for fiscal year 2011-2012 was
a meager 13% which is <b>far below</b> the national average.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>About one year prior to the Phoenix 40 by 20 launch (in
early 2012) I discovered something that was very disturbing to me, especially
with our embarrassing waste diversion number. I learned there was/is a city
ordinance (27-21 Residential collection) that says:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“The City does not provide solid waste collection service
to commercial or industrial establishments or to any building with more than 30
multi-family dwelling units, except as provided in subsection A.2 of this section.
*1”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In case you’re curious, here’s what subsection A-2 says: <i>“The
City will provide solid waste collection service to all dwelling units
including: *1 - All buildings with less than five dwelling units, including
duplex, triplex and four-plex units, and all buildings with five or more units
that have been receiving City solid waste collection continuously since May 30,
1979. Multiple buildings on one lot cannot be aggregated to avoid the
provisions of this chapter. *1</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Phoenix <b>does</b> provide solid waste collection
(along with recycling services) to residential customers, and of course those
“less than five dwelling units.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I really want to know though, is where the seemingly
random ‘continuous service since May 30, 1979’ date came from? I can’t help but
picture a group of private solid waste company bigwigs sitting around a table
saying “Hey Johnny, throw a date into the hat!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What the hell?! It’s no wonder Phoenix was at 13% waste
diversion rate when the customers who could contribute the largest amounts to
the bulk of recycling (and thus revenue for our city) – commercial business and
apartment dwellers- were purposefully, and probably strategically, being
excluded. “Away” is big money in case you didn’t know. The solid waste industry
is a multi-billion dollar industry, and Phoenix, with all of our sprawl, has
lots of open land to bury it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just after this time, I was informed the Phoenix
Environmental Quality Commission had made a recommendation to City Council to
change the city ordinance banning the city from offering services, including
recycling to commercial businesses and multi-family units.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I created an <a href="http://chn.ge/1o5zEYh">online
petition</a> to lay on some community pressure to make this happen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, nearly two years has gone by, it still hasn’t
happened, and the only way Phoenix businesses or apartment buildings get
recycling is if they pay the private solid waste company to provide it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I think this is bullshit.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the flip side of this, I will say I personally know
several people in the Phoenix Public Works Department who are fantastic humans
doing good work and their hearts are in the right place. What they’ve done so
far is a step in the right direction, albeit a tiny baby step when compared to
other cities, but we’ll delve into that a little deeper below.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe this city ordinance is more of a political power
play than anything else, and would love to see the list of political
contributions made to City Council member campaigns from private solid waste bigwigs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So how <i>does</i> the 6<sup>th</sup> largest
city in the United States compare with the 5 bigger cities with regard to <b>waste
diversion goals</b>? Let’s start with Phoenix and count down from there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>#6 – Phoenix, Arizona – Population: 1,488,750 (2012
estimate)</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Goal: 40% by 2020</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2011-2012: 13%</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://sustainability.asu.edu/research/project/737">http://sustainability.asu.edu/research/project/737</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>#5 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Population: 1,547,607
(2012 estimate)</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Goal: Zero Waste</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2011: 77%</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.phila.gov/green/PDFs/Greenworks2013ProgressReport_Web.pdf">http://www.phila.gov/green/PDFs/Greenworks2013ProgressReport_Web.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>#4 – Houston, Texas – Population: 2,160,821
(2012 estimate)</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Goal: 75%</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2013: 14%</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.houstontx.gov/onebinforall/City_of_Houston_Mayors_Challenge_Application.pdf">http://www.houstontx.gov/onebinforall/City_of_Houston_Mayors_Challenge_Application.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>#3 – Chicago, Illinois – Population: 2,714,856 (2012
estimate)</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Goal: Zero Waste</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2009: 45%</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/streets/supp_info/zero_waste/2009_chicago_wastecharacterizationstudyandwastediversionstudyres.html">http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/streets/supp_info/zero_waste/2009_chicago_wastecharacterizationstudyandwastediversionstudyres.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>#2 – Los Angeles, California – Population: 3,857,799
(2012 estimate)</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Goal: Zero Waste</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2012: 76.4%</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.forester.net/pdfs/City_of_LA_Zero_Waste_Progress_Report.pdf">http://www.forester.net/pdfs/City_of_LA_Zero_Waste_Progress_Report.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>#1 – New York, New York – Population: 8,336,697 (2012
estimate)</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Goal: 30% by 2017 & 75% by 2030</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2012:15%</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://waste.ccacknowledge.net/sites/default/files/CCAC_images/events_documents/City%20Assessment%20-%20New%20York%20City,%20USA.pdf">http://waste.ccacknowledge.net/sites/default/files/CCAC_images/events_documents/City%20Assessment%20-%20New%20York%20City,%20USA.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
* If anyone has data more current than what I found, please
don’t hesitate to share.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, what I’ve learned from this, is that Phoenix is at the
bottom of the barrel with regard to where we are currently with our waste
diversion rate, as well as our goals for the future. Especially when you keep
digging and looking at cities like the ones outlined here in <a href="http://wxch.nl/1rI0TYZ">this article</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I understand the need to set <i>achievable</i> goals,
because hey, who likes to fail? But when I see our closest rival in population,
Philadelphia, hitting a 77% waste diversion rate in 2011 with a goal of zero,
what the hell is our excuse in Phoenix?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh yeah. There’s that pesky city ordinance prohibiting us
from playing catch up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And given the fact the city of Phoenix has a <a href="http://bit.ly/1jkp7Yt">$38 million dollar deficit</a> wouldn’t it
also make sense for the city to take over and ramp up the recycling for
business and multi-family dwellings to save itself money, and even potentially
earn some? Other cities have benefited.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So where does <b><i>your</i></b> city stack up?
Are you a die-hard recycler, or do you not give it much thought? Are there
things your city could be doing smarter to reduce waste? I’d love to hear your
comments!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Further reading on Zero Waste:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· <a href="http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/zero-waste-nil-landfill-now-practical-goal/">http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/zero-waste-nil-landfill-now-practical-goal/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· <a href="http://impactnews.com/austin-metro/northwest-austin/new-shopping-campaign-to-aid-austin-with-zero-waste-program-/">http://impactnews.com/austin-metro/northwest-austin/new-shopping-campaign-to-aid-austin-with-zero-waste-program-/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· <a href="http://www.sfenvironment.org/zero-waste">http://www.sfenvironment.org/zero-waste</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/corporate-responsibility/achieving-zero-waste-possible.html">http://www.treehugger.com/corporate-responsibility/achieving-zero-waste-possible.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· <a href="https://asunews.asu.edu/20140401-zero-waste-at-asu">https://asunews.asu.edu/20140401-zero-waste-at-asu</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· <a href="http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/Apr/11/schools-city-zero-waste/">http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/Apr/11/schools-city-zero-waste/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· <a href="http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-obstacles-pathway-zero-waste-resource-recovery-100-percent.html">http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-obstacles-pathway-zero-waste-resource-recovery-100-percent.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· <a href="http://inhabitat.com/top-6-recycling-and-reuse-initiatives-from-around-the-globe/">http://inhabitat.com/top-6-recycling-and-reuse-initiatives-from-around-the-globe/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· <a href="http://www.theportugalnews.com/news/lisbon-aims-to-become-worlds-first-zero-waste-capital/31254">http://www.theportugalnews.com/news/lisbon-aims-to-become-worlds-first-zero-waste-capital/31254</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Onward with fingers crossed for a more sustainable Phoenix!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love and laughter,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
-Ms. Champion<br />
<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">“The case for recycling is
strong. The bottom line is clear. Recycling requires a trivial amount of our
time. Recycling saves money and reduces pollution. Recycling creates more jobs
than landfilling or incineration. And a largely ignored but very important
consideration, recycling reduces our need to dump our garbage in someone else’s
backyard.”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">
– David Morris</span><br /><span style="color: #333333;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-21654423007225136152015-01-11T19:37:00.005-08:002015-01-11T19:37:55.683-08:00Green Eggs and SpamWritten for Healthy Indoors Magazine - <a href="http://hi.iaq.net/i/272590/47" target="_blank">March 2014</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Oh my GOSH - I'm so busy!</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We've all said it before, haven't we? And while yep,
it's true we really <i>are</i> pretty busy these days, after all, I
myself am a mom with two kids, pets, a house to take care of and my own small
business to juggle; I started to ponder that title statement a little deeper
lately and question whether: <b>a.</b> it's true <b>b.</b> we've
just become a totally self-absorbed society or <b>c.</b> our priorities
are just <i>all </i>f%&ked up. (Of course, it could indeed
be a combination of <b>all</b> of the above - and probably
is...) But me being me, I wanted to delve in a little deeper.<br />
<br />
So how is it that we have all this crazy technology that's supposed to make our
lives <i>easier</i>, yet we seem to be <i>"busier"</i> than
ever - which I believe is drawing us further and further away from any real
sense of <b>community</b>, and along with it, <b>accountability</b>.<br />
<br />
I keep joking around about wanting to get a land line phone with an old-fashioned
answering machine and limiting my "online" computer time to no more
than two hours a day. <i>I'm secretly not joking.</i><br />
<br />
I want to listen to records instead of an iPod, read books instead of a Kindle,
and buy 95% of what I need within 1 square mile of my house. I want to
talk instead of text - preferably face to face, not care if someone I haven't
seen in 15 years removes me as their Facebook "<i>friend</i>," and
have people really show up when they say on an "evite" that they're
going to. I want people online to only "say" things they'd be
willing to publicly say out loud in person, instead of hiding behind their
World of Warcraft warlock alias, and basically just be fricking decent human
beings for a change.<br />
<br />
Do you realize the average American spends anywhere from forty minutes to three
and a half hours per week deleting spam from their inbox? Isn't that just
stupid? I'm not immune to any of this stuff either, and am quite a pro at
getting side-tracked and wasting time on what I would consider to be <i>pretty
petty, time-sucking, stupid crap</i>. I'm sick of the bullshit. I
want to be more present on a daily basis, help build our community and do what
I'm able to do to make things better in the time I'm on this planet.<br />
<br />
Would any of the great movements (Civil Rights, Women's Rights, etc. etc.) have
been successful if they had taken place in today's ADHD world? I'm really
not so sure... <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"Hey! A squirrel. What's the game score? Hold
on, I'm sending a text. I need a Farmville cow. Biggest Loser is
on. Did you tweet that? I have to research my 752 other options
before I decide. Skype me. No, instant message me. Are you my
LinkedIn contact? Did you read that in People? I hope Bieber gets
sober. I'll upload your download to my iPad."</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seriously. It's really starting to get to me.
Propaganda A.K.A. PR (good 'ol public relations) has really truly done its job
at turning us into a seriously dumbed down, numb, gadget collecting, small town
superstar society. Don't believe me? Just watch the BBC documentary
series "<a href="http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/the-century-of-the-self/" target="_blank">The Century of the Self</a>" and see for yourselves.<br />
<br />
It's all been on purpose and we've happily been sucking down the Kool-Aid power
pops and snorting all the Pixie Stix, people. Yuck.<br />
<br />
Phoenix is a great place to watch this in action. Having lived in Arizona
for 15+ years now, I've had my own <i>"coming to Jesus"</i> moments
with the fact this place really is my <b><i>home</i></b>, and is in fact
the only place my kids have ever lived. There are a whole lot of
transients and transplants in Arizona, which I think lends itself to part of
the <i>"it's not my shit"</i> problem we have going on here, and
everywhere for that matter.<br />
<br />
Well guess what? IT <b>IS</b> YOUR SHIT. And even if
it <i>really</i> isn't your shit, but you stepped in it, are you the
kind of person who will just leave a pile of poo in the middle of the sidewalk
for someone <i>else</i> to step in too? Are you the kind of
person who won't clean the poo off your shoe so everyone you encounter has to
smell it too? We all can and should help clean it up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Okay. Back to technology, being present, community and what
this has to do with cleaning up poop and being really busy. I will also add
that I’m a bit of an idealist, so do have hope for our society.<br />
<br />
The past couple of weeks here in Arizona made me very proud of my community.
While the national media and late night talk show hosts were (rightfully)
slamming Arizona over the blatantly discriminatory Senate Bill 1062, I watched
a beautiful, community driven, grassroots effort unfold before my eyes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Technology was utilized for good to share information
regarding rally times and online petitions were quickly created. The Governor’s
inbox was flooded with emails urging her to veto the bill. I wrote a pro bono media
alert for a food truck owner who passed out 150 free cheeseburgers to rally
attendees (http://bit.ly/NKLkmk). Hundreds of people showed up for days on end
to use their voices and time for good. The pictures shared through social media
were amazing. Very powerful stuff… <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though our state has some serious reputation management to
contend with in the coming months and years (<a href="http://bit.ly/1hyQptd" target="_blank">which I discussed on Channel 12the day of the veto</a>) -- the bottom line is that people came out en masse to help clean up the shit.
Together, the community took action. In my opinion, this is a tipping point for
us and one that can serve as an example to other communities.<br />
<br />
If we can all spend three hours a week deleting spam from our inbox, and
another 32+ hours a week looking at crap online and another 16+ hours a week
watching television shows; then surely we can find the time out of our <b><i>very
busy schedules</i></b> to attend something worthwhile that will create
positive changes within our community for not just us now, but also future
generations. A rally, a community empowering event, a documentary
screening, or a roundtable discussion. If you're not a creator, be a
supporter. Just get off your ass and help pick up the poop.<br />
<br />
Let's start being pro-active so we don't have to be so reactive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re interested in tracking state and federal
legislation so you too can create positive change, <a href="http://www.billtrack50.com/" target="_blank">here’s a tool</a> to help. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A sustainable community is a diverse community.
Sustainability big picture should touch each and every socioeconomic class,
every race, gender, sexual orientation, age, and most importantly, should
embrace everyone. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the
world will know peace.”<br />
― Mahatma Gandhi<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love and laughter,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Msss. Champion<o:p></o:p></div>
Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-27038532790340723672015-01-11T19:31:00.004-08:002015-01-11T19:31:52.085-08:00Champion for Change – How To Be An Activist + Educated ConsumerWritten for Healthy Indoors Magazine - <a href="http://hi.iaq.net/i/256255/56" target="_blank">February 2014</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
January was an intense month for me. My <a href="http://on.fb.me/1bw9rhb">Rogue Green</a> group co-hosted a screening of
the documentary <a href="http://bit.ly/1drf25e">Unacceptable Levels</a> which
is featured in this issue of Healthy Indoor Environments Magazine. I saw Gary
Hirshberg, Chairman of <a href="http://bit.ly/1bw9N7L">Stonyfield Organic</a>
and <a href="http://bit.ly/1fILLIb">Just Label It</a> speak at an <a href="http://bit.ly/1auYlLl">ASU Global Institute of Sustainability</a> event
about organic farming, GMO’s and the innovative things their company is doing
to make a difference. My best friend Mara discovered that the water in her city
has some high levels of various carcinogens. I also had a strange run in with a
random neighbor who I caught in my front yard, spraying weed killer on our
clover. I don’t think that neighbor will ever step foot in my yard again…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Technology brings knowledge. Sometimes that knowledge can completely
freak us out and make us feel helpless. The problems are so big, yet we’re just
one person. <i>What can I possibly do to
create positive change? </i>Well I’m here to tell you- you can do a LOT.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember the feeling of helplessness the deeper and deeper
I delved into environmental issues, both inside and outside my home. I was a
young, new mom at the time, and though I’d always felt like I was a conscious
consumer, my head was reeling with information.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then my mama bear came out. I got angry. Angry in a
positive, protective way. Angry in a lemons to lemonade kind of way. Little did
I know at the time that this feeling, attitude and tenacity would change my
path and being forever.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was hell bent on creating positive change, not only for me
and my family, but for all families and future generations too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being a conscious consumer isn’t always easy. Nor is being
an activist. When you’re stirring a big pot of corruption and greed, the
chances are pretty good that you’re bound to get scratched off some holiday
card lists and piss some people off. That’s okay though. In the great words of
Mahatma Gandhi, <i>“You may never know what
results come of your actions, but if you do nothing, there will be no results.”
</i>I’m a results driven kind of person. You can be too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At this point in my life and career, I have some good
positive wins under my belt. I’ve helped save a beautiful, large <a href="http://bit.ly/1fToNNS">ficus tree</a> that our city was going to remove
because it was in the middle of where a new sidewalk was supposed to go. I
organize our annual <a href="http://bit.ly/1b3ujyE">PARK(ing) Day</a> event to
promote the importance of green, public space in our urban core. I’ve fought to stop <a href="http://bit.ly/1jheJlB">bad development</a> (and supported the good). I’ve
promoted <a href="http://bit.ly/1b3y9YC">bike share</a>, <a href="http://bit.ly/LRHaZ5">sustainability initiatives</a> and have pushed my
city to step up their <a href="http://chn.ge/LMfqj1">recycling</a> program to
include multi-family housing and commercial business. Sometimes though,
activism takes place more behind the scenes, under the radar in the grand
scheme of things, but can have a very big and positive impact.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll share with you one of my favorites. There is a large toxic
plume underneath a portion of Phoenix, Arizona. It is a Superfund Site. Many
people who live here are unaware that it even exists.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From the Region 9 EPA website:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The Motorola, Inc.
(52nd Street Plant) Superfund Site (Motorola 52nd Street Site) was added to the
National Priorities List (NPL) in 1989. The former Motorola 52nd Street Plant
(now operated by ON Semiconductor) is a 90-acre semiconductor manufacturing
plant located on McDowell Road, in a residential and commercial area. In 1982,
Motorola discovered that a 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA) underground
storage tank was leaking at their facility. Further investigations determined
that the soil and groundwater is contaminated with a variety of chlorinated
solvents which are volatile organic compounds (VOC) that were used in
Motorola's semiconductor manufacturing operations. Motorola is conducting
investigations and cleanup activities of this contamination.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In June of 2012, I found out from a reporter friend who
covers environmental stories that the Balsz Elementary School District Board
was going to vote on allowing water from the Motorola treatment facility to be
piped under an elementary school, which would then discharge into a canal
behind the playground that isn’t a source of drinking water. She informed me
that the majority of school board members were in favor of the proposal, which
would pay the district $20,000 per year. A very small price to pay for the
health and well-being of hundreds of students in my opinion, and something that
needed to be quickly stopped. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many of the families whose children could be impacted
probably never even found out what was going on, as meeting times and locations
were not announced until the last minute and it was the beginning of the summer
break. I was irate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As soon as the small story broke in our local newspaper, I
created a Facebook event and gave everyone the names, emails and phone numbers
of the school board members, urging the public to call and write to let them
know our children’s health is not for sale. I contacted the media to tell them
what was happening. I organized to have as many people as possible attend the
school board meeting to voice opposition.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We packed the room that evening and several news cameras
were in attendance too. The Balsz Elementary School Board members ultimately
rejected the proposition, mainly I believe due to the public outcry and media
attention. Collectively, we made a difference. You can read about the story and
watch the video <a href="http://bit.ly/1bwy6SQ">HERE</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These atrocities and acts of environmental injustice happen
all over our world on a daily basis. I wanted to share the above story to
illustrate how you can get involved to do something about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every day, we’re given numerous choices to be conscious
consumers and community activists – on both a small and large scale. Our
political votes are always important, but never forget that we vote with our
dollars too. From the food we buy, to the products we use in our homes and on
our bodies; every decision we make can have an impact. We all have the ability
to help shape our schools, our workplaces and our communities.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are some tools for you to educate yourself, get
involved and help create positive change.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Get Educated, Get Involved, Get Inspired<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://bit.ly/1lBqsxf">Watch a
documentary.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://bit.ly/1cW3s6k">Learn about The
Story of Stuff.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://bit.ly/1fSFHw2">Check out
Scorecard to see who is polluting near you.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://bit.ly/1isbFQ2">Visit Safer
Chemicals Healthy Families.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://bit.ly/1gNAtVO">Utilize the
Environmental Working Group Consumer Guides.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://bit.ly/1gNAHfU">Find out what’s
in your water.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://bit.ly/1drcS5t">Learn about Integrated
Pest Management.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://bit.ly/MtObPS">Visit Moms Clean
Air Force.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://1.usa.gov/1jgXosU">See if
there’s a Superfund Site near you.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://bit.ly/1ervwjY">Read some
inspiring quotes.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I was working on this story, my 7 year old daughter
Zoe asked me what I was writing about. We ended up having a lengthy
conversation about why I buy organic food whenever possible and try to keep as
many chemicals out of our house as I can. Kids are great at connecting the dots
and simplifying the issue. I was explaining how pesticides are neurotoxins, and
yet they’re used on many foods and products. Zoe said “If they know it’s
poisonous, why would they still give it to kids?” This is a tough question to
answer as a mom…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zoe asked if she could be involved somehow with this
article. We ended up collaborating on an essay, then I videotaped her reading
it. You can watch it <a href="http://bit.ly/1gO6HR5">HERE</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Together we CAN create positive change.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,<br />
Nothing is going to get better. It's not.”<br />
― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/61105.Dr_Seuss"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Dr. Seuss</span></a>, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/886002"><i><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">The Lorax</span></i></a><o:p></o:p></div>
Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-54804376311877370812015-01-11T19:24:00.002-08:002015-01-11T19:25:45.758-08:00Sustainability, Politics and Agenda 21Written for Healthy Indoors Magazine - <a href="http://hi.iaq.net/issue/238907/29" target="_blank">January 2014</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When my long-time friend and colleague, Bob Krell, the
Publisher of this magazine asked me to write a monthly column, I got really
excited. When he said I could write about whatever I felt was timely and
interesting to <i>me</i>, my heart did a
little dance!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve lived in Arizona for the past 15+ years. That almost
makes me a native by Arizona standards. About ten years ago, I came to the hard
realization that if you really want to affect positive change, you need to
become involved (or at least have a firm understanding) of politics.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Arizona is nationally known for its extreme politics, giving
daily fodder to the likes of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. This doesn’t
necessarily make me proud, but it does make me more determined to stick around
and help fight the good fight here. I will also point out that contrary to
popular belief we’re not <i>all </i>crazy I
can assure you! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having a background in indoor air and environmental quality,
I often view Arizona as a petri dish for bad legislation. It reminds me of when
I’d have leftover agar plates and I would have my kids cough onto them so we
could watch what fuzzy, green things might stick and grow. I often joke that
bad bills are like zombies here – you kill them, and they just keep coming back
to life year after year after year after year after… You get the point.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our 2014 Legislative Session is about to begin. Our elected
officials have been busy drafting bills and having meetings to weigh the
popularity. Many will go nowhere. Others will push on. Some good, some bad, some
boring, some sad. (If you’re a 70’s kid like me, maybe you remember Schoolhouse
Rock’s<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyeJ55o3El0"> I’m Just a Bill.)</a>
Do they even still teach that stuff anymore? For some reason I fear not.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what does this have to do with sustainability? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everything!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the past two years, I have helped battle back a bill
here in Arizona called the Rio Declaration – Prohibition. I even had a nice <a href="http://grist.org/people/stacey-champion-took-on-the-tea-party-and-won/">profile
piece</a> written after fighting it off the first year. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Rio Declaration was the result of a United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development that took place in Rio de Janeiro in
1992. The conference agenda was to
reaffirm the Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human
Environment which had been adopted at Stockholm in 1972, and to further expand
upon the mission,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“With the goal of establishing a new and equitable global
partnership through the creation of new levels of cooperation among States, key
sectors of societies and people, working towards international agreements which
respect the interests of all and protect the integrity of the global
environmental and developmental system, and recognizing the integral and
interdependent nature of the Earth, our home.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Twenty-seven principles were adopted into the <a href="http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?documentid=78&articleid=1163">Rio
Declaration</a>. The full <a href="http://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/Agenda21.pdf">Agenda
21</a> document is more detailed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also like to remind people that the “21” simply stands for
the 21<sup>st</sup> Century and maybe we should all try living in it someday.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During that first year, there were a handful of other states
that had similar bills- New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Tennessee, but thankfully,
none of them passed. It was killed in committee in all three of those states,
and Tennessee even did a fiscal review of how the state would be financially
impacted, which you can read <a href="http://cdn8.triplepundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/HB3571_fiscal_review-1.pdf">HERE</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last year across the
nation, we didn’t fare so well (even though we managed to battle the zombie
back again in Arizona). 34 bills and resolutions were introduced in 20 states
in 2013. Of those, only a few passed all the way through. But yes, some states
passed a bill which broadly outlaws sustainability along with such missions as
eradicating poverty.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Agenda 21 has become the target of right wing conspiracy
theorists, such as the John Birch Society, and is the new BIG BAD WOLF. There are actual “Stop Agenda 21″ tool kits
along with language for bills so we won’t supposedly have a UN takeover while
we’re sleeping. Anything touted as green
or sustainable has become code word for <i>Agenda
21 conspiracy</i> at both the local and state level. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michael Schmitz, Executive Director of ICLEI–Local
Governments for Sustainability USA, wrote a <a href="http://www.triplepundit.com/2012/02/united-nations-agenda-21-iclei/">3p oped</a>
about the recent attacks on green cities reminding people that:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Agenda 21 is not a treaty or legally binding document and
does not infringe upon the sovereignty of any nation, state, or local
government. Bottom line, it isn’t being forced on anybody, anywhere, by any
organization.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apparently a bunch of people missed that memo…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This my short list of how anti Rio Declaration/Agenda 21
legislation could potentially hurt any state:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jobs – The green and sustainable job market is one of the
only consistently growing markets across the nation. Any and all federal funding for green job
training could vanish. We also have green sects throughout our government at
both city and state levels. These jobs could be jeopardized.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Business/Industry – Nearly every large corporation and
industry (and many small businesses) have sustainability
initiatives/plans. This is now a way of
life – as well it should be because it’s smart. Sustainability plans are meant
to save companies money by using less energy, increasing productivity,
lessening environmental impacts, and a myriad of other things that are good for
People, Planet + Profit. Would large
companies want to set up shop in a state that was opposed to the Rio
Declaration in this day and age? The
answer is an emphatic NO.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Health – Green building programs and policies improve the
health of our people – thus saving millions of dollars in healthcare
costs. I can point to hundreds of
peer-reviewed and published studies with regard to the health benefits
associated with green building, as well as less absenteeism and improved test
scores in green-built schools.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Economy – Our economy is still not 100% and many people are
still un or under-employed. Energy
programs, including those that are federally funded, serve to help people lower
their utility costs by offering
extremely low out-of-pocket costs to upgrade HVAC systems, add insulation, make
sure ducts are sealed and offer shade screens.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Social Equality/Environmental Justice – Sustainability only
works if it reaches across all socio-economic levels, into every neighborhood
and touches every group of people. Funding for TOD (transit oriented
development) various HUD programs, organizations like Habitat for Humanity and
others could be at risk of losing major funding. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So please keep all of these things in mind when following
your local city and state politics in the coming months. Remember the
opposition to <i>green and sustainable</i>
is mainly fear based coupled with a lack of factual knowledge. Take the time to
educate yourself so you can in turn help educate others.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The American Planning Association has an <a href="http://www.onebayarea.org/pdf/Agenda21mythsfacts.pdf">Agenda 21 Myths and
Facts</a> guide sheet. If you hear the term Agenda 21 or Rio Declaration being
brought up within your local city or state governments, print some, attend and
pass them out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m crossing my fingers that my own zombie bill won’t be
back for the third time, but it’s apparently pretty hungry for brains. Time
will tell. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only together can we create a healthier and more sustainable
future. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
And please remember to rock your vote!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-18528195871503852132013-10-28T22:16:00.002-07:002013-10-28T22:16:46.108-07:00Dear Nana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Nana,<br />
<br />
Here I sit, watching you sleep in your hospital bed; my eyes red from crying, my nose raw. I wonder if you still dream, and my brain is flooded with memories of you comforting me from my nightmares when I was a little girl.<br />
<br />
You're here because you're sick, but you've been sick with something far more sinister for much too long. A disease which I curse every day because it has robbed you of what I know you cherished most. Your memories.<br />
<br />
I find it interesting that every Christmas from the time I was a teenager, I would buy you a new journal and ask you to write in it for me, knowing someday they would be mine. If only I knew then just how important they would become...<br />
<br />
They're mainly filled with simple stories from your day to day life, tales of the trips we took together and you regularly writing about missing me. If only I'd grasped how quickly it moves. Youth warps our perception and reality of time, and parties and careers take the place of being rocked on our Nana's laps. I miss the sweet space of your lap and can still feel your arms wrapped around me.<br />
<br />
Nana, I love you. I love you from a place so deep and pure that my only comparison is the love I feel for my own children. I love you fiercely and sweetly and your comforting voice is etched into my being.<br />
<br />
And I know you love me too. I know, because every so often, even though you no longer remember my name or know I'm your granddaughter; there is a look of presence and knowing. Sometimes it happens just when you hear my voice. I know there's a spark there, buried beneath the blackness of your brain eroding disease.<br />
<br />
It happened several times today.<br />
<br />
I know I was a mess from the time I walked in your room. I was crying long before I even walked in. When you handed me the box of tissues this afternoon I couldn't even believe it. There isn't really a reason to question if you were aware. You just did. I said "I love you, Nana" and you smiled. It was a two second moment. The knowing looks are gone as quick as they happen. A lot can happen in two seconds and I'll take what I can get. And then of course I wept even harder.<br />
<br />
I got the call from my mom and got here as quick as I could. They still don't really know what happened. One minute you're stealing people's rolls off their plates- then you face plant in your potatoes - and then you're here.<br />
<br />
Thankfully you're stable now, and they think you may just have pneumonia. It's one of the two things your regular doctor said will probably do you in because you've always been in such excellent physical shape. That really pisses me off as I know how much you'd prefer a better adventure. But alas, only time will tell, and thankfully today isn't the day. Somehow I knew it wouldn't be, which made this fast trip out that much more important to me.<br />
<br />
I needed to smell you and hold your hand. Your skin is still so soft and the great beauty you once were is just below the surface. I needed to lay next to you in your hospital bed and tell you all my secrets and hopes and fears, just like I did with Grandma Grace before she died. She was like your mother, and I feel blessed to have had the two of you in my life and there to nurture me. Silent strength- both of you. I told Grandma Grace I wanted to say my thanks and goodbyes while she was still alive which made her happy. I know you'd tell me the same thing if you could.<br />
<br />
I guess in some ways, that is what I'm doing here now with you, even though your body may carry on for some time still, though my gut tells me it won't.<br />
<br />
There's a baby crying here in the ICU which breaks my heart. Fragile, fragile life...You love children and babies so much. Your face still lit up when I showed you videos of Zane & Zoe earlier.<br />
<br />
Nana, life is scary. I'm an only child and our little family is almost gone.Your parents, siblings, step-parents, husband- and of course your memory. Part of me feels like I lose you over and over again. Alzheimer's Groundhog Day. It really fucking sucks.<br />
<br />
Really, I just hope you can feel my love. I hope you can feel my energy wrapping around you in big, deep purple, warm, calming waves.<br />
<br />
Nana, did I mention how much I love you?<br />
<br />
Because I do.<br />
<br />
<br />
All my love,<br />
<br />
Stacey<br />
<br />
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<br />Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-88808278574207547502013-10-13T23:45:00.000-07:002013-10-13T23:47:27.173-07:00Where the Rubber Meets the... Rubber Chicken. A Hope, A Rant and Some Bullsh*t<h2>
Being a sane, logical human isn't very easy on most days in <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Arizona">Arizona</a>.</h2>
<br />
Much of what I do, both for a living and for my soul, is centered around <i><b><a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Sustainability">sustainability</a></b></i>. I've been in this state for 15 years now, and plan to be here for at minimum another 10 to get the youngest chick through school. I've built my life here, my business here; it's the only home my children have known.<br />
<br />
Because of my tenacity to make positive change, I've found myself becoming more and more immersed in <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Politics">politics</a> over the past 10+ years. In Arizona, it's where the rubber meets the... rubber chicken I guess. You find yourself muttering<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>"Is this a f***ing joke?!?!"</b></i></blockquote>
Knowing full well it isn't.<br />
<br />
Politics here, like most places, are kind of dirty and slippery. <b><i>Slippery in an oil spill kind of way</i></b>. When I venture down to our state capitol, I leave feeling like I need a good loofah scrubbing and a few shots of whiskey. I do good community deeds to cleanse my being and try to make some weird amends for all of those in power who I fear lack any sort of human decency at all.<br />
<br />
It's pretty <b>weird</b>...<br />
<br />
Thankfully I do know politicians and plenty of activists who are truly fighting the good fight, but God damn it feels like we're the minority on most days!!!<br />
<br />
My token word has become <b><span style="font-size: large;">bullshit</span></b> instead of something sweet and sugary, and I say things like:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>"Do you really want to talk about being a minority on City Council? If so, minority is owning a vagina."</i></b></blockquote>
I say those things - and I'm writing them here. Because I mean it and because after being here for 15 years, my gray hair has started to come in faster than I can slap some color on it without fear of it falling out in clumps. <b>I've earned every one and am wearing my big girl panties so can say bullshit if I want to.</b><br />
<br />
When I talk about <span style="font-size: large;"><b>sustainability</b></span> I'm using it in a <span style="font-size: large;"><b>big picture</b></span> sort of way, not just pushing you to use <b>no VOC</b> paint (though that's important too).<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I'm talking about <b>social and civil justice</b> and <b>education</b> and <b>women's rights</b>.</li>
<li>I'm talking about <b>preserving</b> what little <b>history</b> we have here.</li>
<li>I'm talking about not approving more and more unnecessary parking lots when you know we have a major <b><a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_heat_island" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Urban heat island">urban heat island</a> problem</b>.</li>
<li>I'm talking about giving the low income neighborhoods the same love and respect you'd give the rich ones by not knowingly dumping <b>pollution</b> into their air, soil and water.</li>
<li>I'm talking about having respect for the <b>Native</b> tribes who were here before us living in <b>harmony</b> with <b>nature</b>.</li>
<li>I'm talking about the fact that "<b>perceived haze</b>" is made up of microscopic <b>particulates</b> (usually less than 2.5 microns in size) that are dangerous to health so go open up a frickin' <b>science</b> book or make friends with a real scientist before opening your mouth and pretending to have a clue what you're talking about.</li>
<li>I'm talking about <b>conservation</b> and <b>stewardship</b> and being a <b>good human</b> being.</li>
<li>I'm talking about helping our <b>neighbors</b> and those <b>less fortunate</b>.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">All of the above is tied into politics in one way or another.</span> <b>Hence my rant here tonight.</b><br />
<br />
<b>All we can do is try our hardest while we're on this planet for our brief blip. And hope that others will try too.</b><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i>"Optimism is a strategy for making a better future. Because unless you believe that the future can be better, you are unlikely to step up and take responsibility for making it so." </i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">— </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/2476.Noam_Chomsky" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" title="Noam Chomsky quotes">Noam Chomsky</a></blockquote>
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Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-65332520180779720202013-02-19T23:14:00.002-08:002013-02-19T23:14:52.685-08:00Take a Ride on the CRAZY Train with Senator BurgesWell it's BAAAAAACCCKKKKK! The Anti-<a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agenda_21" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Agenda 21">Agenda 21</a> bill from last session (previously SB1507) now <a href="http://1.usa.gov/Xp6Zk6" target="_blank">SB1403</a>.<br />
<br />
I wrote <i>ad nauseum </i>about this bill last session. You can read my <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.triplepundit.com/" rel="homepage" target="_blank" title="Triple Pundit">Triple Pundit</a> piece <a href="http://bit.ly/Sq7Koo" target="_blank">HERE</a>, watch some news footage <a href="http://bit.ly/12KWixj" target="_blank">HERE</a>, and read about the victory of the bill finally dying <a href="http://bit.ly/XUTCFx" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
UGH. It's just like a ZOMBIE, and according to <a class="zem_slink" href="http://grist.org/" rel="homepage" target="_blank" title="Grist (magazine)">Grist</a>, it's <a href="http://bit.ly/Xo5bb1" target="_blank">hungry for your BRAAAIIIINS</a>!<br />
<br />
Please help us kill it- AGAIN- by signing this <a href="http://chn.ge/133twbi" target="_blank">PETITION</a> (revived from last session, just like the batshit crazy bill.<br />
<br />
Also, someone really needs to do a reality show based entirely around the bills (and testimony) by Senator Burges. You really can't make this shit up... Watch for yourself.<br />
<br />
<br />
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Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-8756173545453207102012-12-20T16:00:00.000-08:002012-12-20T16:00:19.242-08:00Community vs. Corporation - How a Unified Voice WorksIt's not often the <b>underdogs</b> win when going up against a giant corporation, but that's just what happened yesterday for a downtown Phoenix community - which I'm proud to be a part of. My hope in writing this post is to give other communities ideas/tools to use when faced with a similar situation in their own neighborhoods, as well as to drive home the point that normal, everyday citizens can indeed have a voice and be change makers in their own communities.<br />
<br />
Remember the wise words of Margaret Mead:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."</i></blockquote>
</blockquote>
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<b>Circle K</b> wanted to abandon their current 4 gas pump store to build a mega 16 pump station on property just across the street from their current location on the NE corner of 7th St. & Roosevelt Streets in downtown Phoenix. There is currently a Shell station across the street and a smaller Sinclair gas station half a block away. They also applied for a use permit to sell alcohol. <b>More than <a href="http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/20120928decision-put-off-alcohol-sales-proposed-circle-k.html" target="_blank">80 of us attended the use permit hearing</a> </b>at Phoenix City Hall which was granted by the City of Phoenix with stipulations. It seemed they were on the road to having everything fall into place, even though numerous residents were <b>opposed</b>. <br />
<br />
We were opposed for a multitude of reasons: increased crime (which was highlighted in this <a href="http://cvpcs.asu.edu/sites/default/files/content/products/CVPCSreport_convstore_2011_3PDs.pdf" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">ASU report on crime & disorder in convenience stores</a>) sustainability setbacks with regard to pedestrian and bicycle friendliness, Circle K's lack of of being a good neighbor in the past and the community feeling strongly about it being the wrong type of development for a gateway corner in downtown Phoenix in a transitioning neighborhood. <br />
<br />
Vice Mayor Michael Johnson who serves in District 8 where all of this was taking place agreed to take part in a community meeting. The room was full and I was happy to see Channel 5 who I had contacted covering the meeting. You can view the coverage <a href="http://www.kpho.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7979705" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>. It is my opinion that media involvement can play a crucial role with activism. It's not difficult to blow off a room of 80 people who aren't a billion dollar corporation. Throw an interested reporter and video camera into the mix and those 80 people suddenly have a much stronger chance of being heard. I've experienced this time and time again.<br />
<br />
Circle K Corp. hired a public affairs firm to run a campaign called <b><a href="http://friendsofcirclek.com/" target="_blank">Friends of Circle K</a> - or FOCK</b>. I'm sure this acronym was muttered under the breath of many of us... FOCK paid canvassers to collect neighbor signatures for a support petition. These canvassers misrepresented facts and I was told by several people they were offered gift cards to sign. <b><i>Hardly neighborly...</i> </b> We were told there were <b>300</b> supporters of the project.<br />
<br />
We were informed FOCK planned an event (free pizza, a free FOCK t-shirt and free bus ride to City Council) on the day City Council would determine if the liquor application would go to the State Liquor Board with a stamp of approval or not.<br />
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<br />
<b><i>Our community kept fighting.</i></b><br />
<br />
The effort took a lot of work, both behind the scenes and in the public eye. Strategy meetings, finding common ground and talking points, media involvement, <b><a href="https://www.box.com/s/we8qfcthteqaw37uw6ni" target="_blank">research and data collection, letter writing</a>, <a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/vote-against-circle-k-s-downtown-liquor-license-application" target="_blank">petition creation</a>, </b>social media, meetings with elected officials and telephone calls. It involved neighborhood organizations, non profits, small business owners and community activists.<br />
<br />
When we got word yesterday that Circle K was <b>withdrawing</b> their liquor license application and backing away from the project, many of us could hardly believe it.<br />
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I popped down to the FOCK pizza party to see how many of their 300 supporters would be out to support what we were working hard to try to stop. There was a young couple in their 20's with their child and a woman in a pink sweater who had brought three Pizza Hut pizzas and a couple of stacks of the t-shirts you see above. <b>When I asked her if she lived downtown, she answered "No I don't."</b> Extra lame... There was one <b>FOCK'er</b> at the City Council meeting, bringing the grand total of supporters who I saw to<b> 3</b>. Perhaps that 300 was a typo...<br />
<br />
At the end of the day, <b><a href="http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/20121219circle-k-drops-liquor-license-bid-phoenix-store.html?fb_action_ids=4110478436475&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=timeline_og&action_object_map=%7B%224110478436475%22%3A385398878220406%7D&action_type_map=%7B%224110478436475%22%3A%22og.recommends%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D" target="_blank">Circle K did indeed withdraw their liquor license application</a>. </b> Councilman Johnson had some really nice things to say about the community. Community members had some really nice things to say about Councilman Johnson.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_phoenix_metro/central_phoenix/circle-k-cancels-plan-for-downtown-phoenix-store" target="_blank">I had this to say to Channel 15</a>.</b><br />
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Then we all went to Carly's to have a beer and toast our community victory.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i>“It's the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.” </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4467789.Mahatma_Gandhi" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: initial;">Mahatma Gandhi</a><br />
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Onward...<br />
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Love and laughter,<br />
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Msss. Champion<br />
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<br />Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-70250790709822472732012-10-18T12:54:00.000-07:002012-10-18T12:54:40.838-07:00My Response to Hume: Can Phoenix rise from the car era’s ashes?This past Monday, a man named Christopher Hume wrote an article about Phoenix which you can read <a href="http://bit.ly/RFacrB" target="_blank">HERE</a>. As the article didn't allow commenting, this was my response to his article.<br />
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<br />
Dear Mr. Hume,<br />
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In response to your recent article on Phoenix, I would like to say the following:<br />
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I’m sorry to admit that much of what you say about Phoenix is true. In fact, just this morning, I witnessed two historic buildings (built in 1909 and 1929) in the warehouse district be <a href="http://bit.ly/T3n4ec" target="_blank">demolished</a> so the PHX Suns VIP’s can have a surface parking lot for valet parking. Yep, another parking lot. Just what we need in the bulls-eye of climate change – another parking lot to add to our ever-growing asphalt jungle that is a major contributor to our little <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_heat_island" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Urban heat island">urban heat island effect</a> problem we have going on here.<br />
<br />
But when you speak of “locals,” I get the sense that you never actually conversed with one, or explored the vibrant areas of our downtown community such as <a href="http://bit.ly/RFbvqD" target="_blank">Roosevelt Row</a>, or took the time to do a bit of research on the local happenings offered in our downtown community – of which there are many. <br />
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I’m guessing you didn’t witness our <a href="http://on.fb.me/S6m5t6" target="_blank">Critical Mass</a> bike ride, or walk over to the <a href="http://on.fb.me/QuUHn1" target="_blank">pop up park</a> that is a creative temporary use project on 2nd St. & Roosevelt or check out the always full bike rack at the <a href="http://bit.ly/OLWqWI" target="_blank">Crescent Ballroom</a>. <br />
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I have a sneaking suspicion you made some very broad assumptions and looked for only those things to back them up.<br />
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I don’t really blame you, because Phoenix is a truly unique city. I feel I can make this statement as I’ve lived in several other major metropolitan cities in the U.S., and Phoenix is indeed an odd bird. It’s the kind of city that doesn’t <b>slap</b> its cool across your face, but makes you go on a bit of a treasure hunt first. It’s the kind of city that’s full of hidden gems and interesting people and innovation. Believe it or not, it’s easy to be creative and innovative in this city. <br />
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I’ve had numerous coming to Jesus moments about living in Arizona for the past 14 years, but can honestly say I love this place and consider it my home. Phoenix has grown on me. I can tell you that we have one of the most tight-knit communities I’ve ever encountered – especially in a city of this size. I can also tell you that we collectively are working to make improvements on a daily basis, with regard to sustainability, vibrancy, walkability, placemaking, policy improvements and community building.<br />
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It’s really a shame you didn’t talk to us – the people who live here. Many of whom don’t own cars but bike and rely on public transport such as the light rail on a daily basis, which in my experience as a resident is heavily utilized.<br />
<br />
As a strong community advocate and activist; I find your pessimism insulting and your lack of foresight and hope as depressing as the poor planning and greed which got us into this mess in the first place. I would make the suggestion that in the future, when you write off a city of nearly 6 million people and banish us to the abyss of stucco and strip malls that you at least first try to connect with a real local to see things from a different perspective. <br />
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I’d be more than happy to give you a tour any time.<br />
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<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Ms. Champion<br />
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Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-68586973660702967902012-09-10T04:55:00.001-07:002012-09-10T04:55:20.834-07:00Upcoming Events to Feed Your Soul & Other News Tidbits<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/Q8W9N4" target="_blank">Check out my latest Rogue Green post!</a></span></b>Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-1729045400290553892012-06-30T01:49:00.000-07:002012-06-30T02:07:18.525-07:00What do you need?<br />
Being an only child, occasionally I go through some fairly serious bouts of needing loner time, even though I'm an incredibly social person. It tends to freak out people who are close to me because I'll drop off the map momentarily. I use this time to recharge my battery, self-reflect, daydream and ponder.<br />
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My kids were gone for 10 days - which was crazy for me. My house was <b>soooo</b> quiet, and I found myself being really sad. It spiraled into assessing everything in my life. Many of my close girlfriends were either out of town or busy with their own lives, and my only "family" here is my surrogate community family (who are some of the most amazing people on the planet) - and of course my Z urchins. So I cocooned and let my feelings and thoughts lead the way, knowing that whenever I come out of one of these periods it is with renewed passion, conviction and strength. This is one of the things I really do love about getting older. <b>We learn how to be better roller coaster riders and recognize what we have control over - and what we do not...</b><br />
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My business is tied into my being. I've let it evolve and diversify and feed my soul. Being a true idealist, when I was a little girl, I felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. I felt like I was part of the soul and pulse of everything around me. The energy of what surrounded me flowed in and out of my body - good or bad. I didn't know how to control it. I hadn't studied the importance of <b>attitude</b>. I didn't know how to recognize signs, or say no without feeling horrible, or take the time to recharge my battery. These are things I'm still learning. <b><i>Aun aprendo</i></b>. I am a student of <b>life</b>. <br />
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So part of my reflection last week was the need to once again re-balance my necessity to make money with my desire to do good. We lead a fairly <i><b>simple</b></i> life at this point, and I honestly prefer the treasure hunt of a thrift store versus the zombie consumerism of a mall. I drive a messy mom Toyota Rav with 200,000+ miles and appreciate the <i><b>little</b></i> things. But I still have two birds to feed...<br />
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As I said, I've learned how to tie profit and my idealistic (though logical) views of the world together pretty well at this point, and will only work with clients who have passion + purpose. I like to help great people kick ass. I like to fight for the "underdogs," which is apparent in my community activism. <b> I like to remind people that everyone's voice counts.</b><br />
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But being self-employed is very <b>feast or famine</b>, and having done it for 8+ years now, sometimes the famine periods get a wee bit stressful. So when I got a phone call from Wayne Rainey, owner of <b><a href="http://monorchid.com/" target="_blank">monOrchid</a></b> (one of my most favorite buildings in downtown Phoenix) this week, inviting me to set up shop in his building to get away from my home office, I took it as a sign. It wasn't that hard of a choice really, because the moment he called I was doing a load of laundry and I realized I'd been wearing track shorts that say <i>"Greece"</i> across the ass and a Spam Museum t-shirt for the past two days. And I hadn't showered either. <b>An easy "yes" if ever there was one...</b><br />
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After I got off the phone, I looked around and thought about my attitude and momentary pity party. The <i>"Put your big girls panties on and deal with it"</i> sign in my office (that will move to my new office home next week) jumped out at me. My attitude immediately shifted. And just like that, the phone began to ring - and hasn't stopped. So I went back to being <b>thankful </b>and thinking about all of the things and people I love, as well as the simple things that bring me joy. <br />
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The bank account went up slightly. Not a ton, but enough to keep me from being momentarily stressed out about providing for the Z urchins. So this afternoon, Zoe and I stopped at Walgreens so I could buy some deodorant. I can't very well be smelly next week in my new office "home"! There was a young, pretty girl outside who approached me and was trying to sell jewelry she had made. She was soft-spoken and polite. The jewelry was in a large ziplock baggie, and as she pulled each piece out, she told me about the stones she'd used as she gently turned them through her fingers.<br />
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"This is coral and real turquoise." </blockquote>
<b>I looked at her and asked her what she needed. Why was she selling the jewelry?</b><br />
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"Honestly, I'm just trying to buy diapers and wipes for my baby. I moved here not that long ago and still haven't been able to find a job."</blockquote>
I asked her what size diapers her baby wore, and bought those two items when I went in the store. It was about $13. When I came out and handed them to her she was extremely grateful. As I was getting Zoe settled into her seat, I heard her say to herself "They're even the expensive brand." It was the highlight of my week. It was my moment to try to help shift the <b>attitude</b> of a <b>fellow human</b>. <i>A fellow mama. </i><br />
<br />
There are always people so much worse off than even our lowest lows, and this was my gentle reminder to give when I am able to give, just because it's the right thing to do. <b> Just because I would want someone to do the same thing for me.</b> Sometimes it's important to remember to ask ourselves and others one simple question: <b><i>"What do you need?"</i></b> <br />
<br />
If we don't experience the lows, we can't experience the highs. <br />
<br />
Nobody would <b>ever</b> pay to ride a straight roller coaster...<br />
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Love and laughter,<br />
<br />
Msss. Champion<br />
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“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.” -Charles R. Swindoll<br />
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<br />Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-1670463529543139312012-05-16T17:28:00.000-07:002012-05-16T18:08:06.042-07:00Senate Bill 1507 – Rio Declaration Prohibition – My Story and the AftermathI wrote this piece as a guest post for <a href="http://bloomingrock.com/2012/05/16/senate-bill-1507-rio-declaration-prohibition-my-story-and-the-aftermath/" target="_blank">Blooming Rock</a>. Check it out!<br />
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<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
<a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=a4f373e0-e6ce-4f53-b6c3-aa1fcf82ba95" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-50299582658209793212012-04-30T01:34:00.000-07:002012-04-30T01:34:13.121-07:00AZ SB1507 - The Coming to Jesus MomentAZ bad SB1507 will be back on the House floor tomorrow. This is it. Here's my latest letter to the House of Representatives. Ugh. Oh, and here's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0hdCHHnTZ0" target="_blank">video</a> from the press conference I pulled together in about 10 hours on April 17th in opposition to SB1507 along with the help of Sandy Bahr, Exec. Director of the <a href="http://arizona.sierraclub.org/" target="_blank">Sierra Club</a>.<br />
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<br />
Dear State Representatives,<br />
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I write to you <b>yet again</b> to urge you to please use your common sense when voting on SB1507. <a href="http://www.leagueaz.org/bulletin/12/120420/index.cfm?a=rio" target="_blank">The League of Arizona Cities and Towns</a> opposes this bill, the <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/USCP/PNI/Business/2012-04-29-PNI0429biz-united-nations-billPNIBrd_ST_U.htm" target="_blank">Arizona Chamber opposes this bill</a>, <a href="http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2012/04/29/20120429sustainability-pivotal-our-future.html" target="_blank">Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton opposes this bill</a>, and at least 574 people who have taken the time to sign <a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/az-state-legislature-stop-senate-bill-1507-united-nations-rio-declaration-prohibition" target="_blank">this petition</a> oppose this bill. SB1507 has the ability to hurt our economy, our people and our environment. It's really that simple, and deserves a NO vote from you, regardless of your party affiliation. <br />
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This bill has now been covered by <a href="http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/26/11415282-agenda-21-arizona-close-to-passing-anti-un-sustainability-bill" target="_blank">msnbc</a>, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/26/arizona-tea-party-sustainability-green-programs_n_1457392.html" target="_blank">Huffington Post</a>, <a href="http://gawker.com/5905601/arizona-democrat-the-tea-party-and-conspiracy-theorists-run-the-state-now" target="_blank">Gawker</a>, <a href="http://www.triplepundit.com/2012/04/arizona-senate-bill-1507-aims-prohibit-rio-declaration-ban-sustainability-initiatives-state-wide/" target="_blank">TriplePundit</a> (my story), the <a href="http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2012/04/25/20120425arizona-tea-party-anti-sustainability-bill-advancing.html" target="_blank">AZ Republic</a>, <a href="http://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2012/04/26/bill-aimed-at-stopping-united-nations-takeover-of-u-s-advances/" target="_blank">AZ Capitol Times</a>, <a href="http://tucsoncitizen.com/in-the-aggregate/2012/04/27/arizona-uprising-fear-and-loathing-on-sustainability-next-steps/" target="_blank">Tucson Citizen</a>, and various well-read political and environmental blogs. Can you please stop making a mockery of our state to the rest of the world by inflicting your extremist conspiracy theories held by a minority, on us, your constituents - the majority. If I were a moderate Republican within the AZ State Legislature I would like to think I'd be embarrassed by these sorts of bills... <br />
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Let common sense rule your world for a moment as you step outside your box and view things from a human being perspective. Do you not want clean air for your families to breathe? Clean water to drink? Less pollution and smog? Less poverty? Healthier buildings for our children to learn in? Savings on your energy bills? Healthier food to eat? Progress in solar technologies? More jobs in Arizona? A decrease in healthcare costs?<br />
<br />
If you answered "No, I don't want any of those things for my constituents who voted for me" then by all means go ahead and vote yes for this bad bill. If on the other hand, you agree that the items listed above are at the very core of our future and survival as humans (which they are) a yes vote on this bill will be a testament for your complete and total disregard to the health and well-being of every constituent you serve, as well as the planet you call home, and I promise you all that I will do my best to make as many people as possible aware to the way you vote on this bill. And I'm quite tenacious. <br />
<br />
So again, please vote NO on SB1507.<br />
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<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Stacey Champion<br />
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P.S. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/TerriProud" target="_blank">Teri Proud</a> - <a href="http://www.energizephx.com/" target="_blank">Energize Phoenix</a> is a program, not a company as you indicated in your constant contact blurb. You also had several other facts wrong in that memo, and I would highly encourage you to fact check before flipping things out into the public in the future. I can also promise you that the sustainability community will never force you to buy organic or ride a bike. You have my word.<br />
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<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
<a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=e216afe1-c33f-4f0d-adf8-475d74601393" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-9214876665211686532012-04-02T09:27:00.000-07:002012-04-02T09:27:48.904-07:00Senator Burges - Who Do You Work For? Are You a Lobbyist for the Mining Industry???<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 18px;"><b>Here is another HORRIBLE anti-environmental bill by Senator Burges (who WORKED for a mining company) that is being voted on in Senate TODAY. It too was a strike everything bill. This MUST stop. Please sign the action letter for it and sign into the AZ Legislature to state your opposition to this bill immediately!</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 18px;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_204241525"><b>TAKE ACTION - Say No to Polluter Protection</b></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=233201.0&dlv_id=201542" target="_blank"><b>Ask Your Senator to Vote NO on HB2199.</b></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 18px;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 18px;"><b>HB2199 NOW: environmental audit privilege (Burges) allows companies to do internal audits, to keep the information, including violations of law, secret, and the information in the audit cannot be used to prosecute them for violations of law. What a deal! It rewards the most irresponsible industries and gives bad actors a shield of secrecy. HB2199 is being pushed by the Arizona Mining Association and Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold.</b></span></span></div><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anti-environmental zealot Senator Burges - protecting the mining industry - not US!</td></tr>
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<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=d23c0b9d-81fe-4e5f-894a-dbd86f683aed" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-13071410002536273862012-03-30T12:14:00.000-07:002012-03-30T12:14:56.756-07:00Batshit Crazy - The Beginning of SB1507 - Feb. 13, 2012We need legislation to stop strike everything amendments from occurring. HOW is this constitutional??? Here is the ugly beginning of SB1507 taking life. Full of lies, conspiracy theories and misinformation. Feb. 13, 2012. Ick.<br />
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<object data="data:application/x-silverlight-2," height="283" id="silverlightControl" type="application/x-silverlight-2" width="320"> <param name="initParams" value="AutoStart=False, StartPoint=10156, EndPoint=11317, SourceID=10073, SourceType=clip, EnableClosedCaptions=False, EmbedClipGuid=fb52859c-eb06-494e-8493-95a00e4cefdc" /><param name="source" value="http://azleg.granicus.com/core/Players/SL/ModernPlayer.xap"/><param name="background" value="black" /><param name="minRuntimeVersion" value="4.0.50401.0" /><param name="autoUpgrade" value="true" /><param name="enablehtmlaccess" value="true"/><a href="http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=149156&v=4.0.50401.0" style="text-decoration:none"> <img src="http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=161376" alt="Get Microsoft Silverlight" style="border-style:none"/> </a> </object><br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=309460f3-1ce8-4bfa-a469-ead0c2354055" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-42547353288854040022012-03-29T19:38:00.003-07:002012-03-29T19:46:05.425-07:00SB 1507 - Caucus - Who's Asking Questions?!?Behold the differences in discussion regarding SB 1507. Do <b>YOUR</b> elected officials care about our economy? Jobs? Our air? Our water? Our communities? Our children? Our PLANET? <br />
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Watch for yourself to find out.<br />
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Republican Caucus Discussion (Ummm = NONE)<br />
<object width="320" height="283" data="data:application/x-silverlight-2," id="silverlightControl" type="application/x-silverlight-2"> <param name="initParams" value="AutoStart=False, StartPoint=96, EndPoint=162, SourceID=10793, SourceType=clip, EnableClosedCaptions=False, EmbedClipGuid=84fae1e8-2d35-4c84-b631-1b4da53d59ab" /><param name="source" value="http://azleg.granicus.com/core/Players/SL/ModernPlayer.xap"/><param name="background" value="black" /><param name="minRuntimeVersion" value="4.0.50401.0" /><param name="autoUpgrade" value="true" /><param name="enablehtmlaccess" value="true"/><a href="http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=149156&v=4.0.50401.0" style="text-decoration:none"> <img src="http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=161376" alt="Get Microsoft Silverlight" style="border-style:none"/> </a> </object><br />
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Democratic Caucus<br />
<object data="data:application/x-silverlight-2," height="283" id="silverlightControl" type="application/x-silverlight-2" width="320"> <param name="initParams" value="AutoStart=False, StartPoint=3475, EndPoint=3847, SourceID=10758, SourceType=clip, EnableClosedCaptions=False, EmbedClipGuid=7a327df7-0154-436f-9889-53706cbadbcf" /><param name="source" value="http://azleg.granicus.com/core/Players/SL/ModernPlayer.xap"/><param name="background" value="black" /><param name="minRuntimeVersion" value="4.0.50401.0" /><param name="autoUpgrade" value="true" /><param name="enablehtmlaccess" value="true"/><a href="http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=149156&v=4.0.50401.0" style="text-decoration:none"> <img src="http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=161376" alt="Get Microsoft Silverlight" style="border-style:none"/> </a> </object><br />
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<a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/az-state-legislature-stop-senate-bill-1507-united-nations-rio-declaration-prohibition" target="_blank">SIGN THE PETITION TO STOP SB1507!!!</a>Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550423928348021781.post-44536097910106935142012-03-27T15:17:00.000-07:002012-03-27T15:17:33.277-07:00SB1507 - House Rules Committee Video - March 26, 2011<object data="data:application/x-silverlight-2," height="283" id="silverlightControl" type="application/x-silverlight-2" width="320"> <param name="initParams" value="AutoStart=False, StartPoint=1919, EndPoint=2615, SourceID=10742, SourceType=clip, EnableClosedCaptions=False, EmbedClipGuid=afd17e34-f47f-4fc4-985d-9ba1ac12c9c0" /><param name="source" value="http://azleg.granicus.com/core/Players/SL/ModernPlayer.xap"/><param name="background" value="black" /><param name="minRuntimeVersion" value="4.0.50401.0" /><param name="autoUpgrade" value="true" /><param name="enablehtmlaccess" value="true"/><a href="http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=149156&v=4.0.50401.0" style="text-decoration:none"> <img src="http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=161376" alt="Get Microsoft Silverlight" style="border-style:none"/> </a> </object>Mssss. Championhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00471671347417693343noreply@blogger.com0