FREE

I just freaking LOVE free stuff. I don't care if its wood chips or diamonds, if it's free, I'm down. So imagine my delight upon discovering that www.Craigslist.org has a free stuff section. Imagine my further delight when my boyf brought home a gently used black futon without paying a penny. I almost don't want to tell anyone about it because it's such a goldmine but really, I can't shut up about it, I'm obsessed. Sure there's crap on it but there's some killer stuff you just can't beat - bedframes, dining room tables, kitchenware, even gift certificates. I especially condone this because it's an amazing form of recycling. If you think about all the packaging that goes into buying a new product - bubble wrap or styrofoam cushioning, boxes, plastic bags to wrap it in - it just makes so much sense to obtain used items whenever possible.

setbacks, maybe

I interviewed at a national organization dedicated to the prevention of suicide yesterday. I didn't get the job, boo. I wasn't that into it, but still, rejection isn't fun. So that's crappy, but I can't deny that the org as an important message. Essentially they are seeking to stop the problem of suicide, and to do this they give grants to relevant research projects. The thing about suicide is that there are almost always signs - rarely do people take their own lives without giving indications. The task is, then, to be able to better identify these indications so individuals get earlier intervention. Read more at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website.

it's not even june and it's 90 degrees

HOW MANY LIGHTBULBS DOES IT TAKE TO CHANGE THE WORLD?

One: the Compact Flourescent Lightbulb!

In terms of oil not burned, or greenhouse gases not exhausted into the atmosphere, one bulb is equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars off the roads. They burn for 8,000 hours - where the average bulb burns for 1,000. They create less trash, are more energy efficient, and will cut down on your electric bills. They're $4.99 and under at discount stores like National Wholesale Liquidators. Read more about CFLs here - and go buy some!