Support Katie's Habit

I am proud to support this cause and encourage you, if you're able, to support as well. Check out Katie's blog, "Support Katie's Habit," about her road towards nun-dom. (She has to eliminate her student debt in order to enter the convent.) Then contact me (or Katie, or Erin H or Meghan M) about ways you can help. Donations of cash are accepted on the website, or you can donate items or time to the BINGO Fundraiser on Apr. 17. Suggested donation items are below. Thanks!

Consider donating:

• Food (like snacks--chips, pretzels, salsa--or baked goods)


• Auction items (event tickets, themed baskets like Wine&Cheese or Movie Night, restaurant or retail gift cards)


• Beer, soda, wine


• Time -- we're happy to have helpers (who know stuff about Bingo, or can help decorate, clean up, etc)


• PRAYERS - it's easy and good for you! (and for Katie!)

Lent 2007

With some guidelines, and a lot of creativity, I managed to produce only this much garbage in my 40-day Lenten journey.

For Lent a couple years ago, I gave up garbage. I know that sounds like a crazy, impossible undertaking, but Lent, for me, is about pushing yourself, re-evaluating, putting your existence into a greater context, a context in which Christ chose you to save. So I did some thinking, set some goals and some helpful guidelines, and got myself a garbage bag.

Guidelines included:

• Produce as little garbage as possible
• All garbage (defined as non-recyclable, non-reusable) must go into The Bag*
• The Bag must be carried at all times and serves to a) motivate me to produce no waste, b) stimulate conversation with others who can learn about protecting the planet
• *the exception is Biohazard. Anything that would cause illness to myself or others had to be disposed of properly (i.e. composted, flushed)

Things I learned to do:

• always take reusable bags to retail and grocery stores
• re-use plastic produce bags
• buy in bulk (less packaging then)
• buy from Farmers Markets (easier to bring-your-own-bag and cut down on packaging)
• take tupperware to restaurants to avoid styrofoam
• ask cinema concession workers to put your popcorn in that bag I brought from home
• stop using q-tips :(
• ask relatives NOT to gift wrap my bridal shower gifts...awkward, but necessary and rewarding
• take a towel into a public restroom to avoid using paper towels
• use a hankie
• buy the item that is most biodegradable or least packaged
• compost, compost, compost (and worms are your best friends)
• take only what you can eat
• Never, ever, ever drink bottled water
• don't buy new stuff; buy used! or swap crap with your friends! Think about it: You can probably share luggage or a lawnmower...why does every household "need" one?

I also spent a lot of time reading up on recycling, landfills, scarce resources...educating myself helped me educate others, gave me lots of food for thought, and made me appreciate the things I have, and freed me from wanting (most of) the things I don't. Admittedly, I still love receiving re-usable grocery bags. I like having a variety to choose from when shopping.