tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1687939178015580842023-11-15T12:44:45.817-05:00H. Mary Cole - multi-tasking lifeH. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-82736236878708377002011-12-27T14:44:00.000-05:002011-12-27T14:44:16.293-05:00Goodbye 2011Wow this year flew by and I wasted so much of it on entertainment. I see that now and hope to made a concerted effort to manage my time better in 2012. <br />
<br />
One thing I did work on was making time for my daughters. One day I realized the year was half over and my kids were half a year closer to growing up and moving out. I didn't want them to look back and have their first memory of me be sitting at the computer shouting for peace and quiet. My littlest still enjoys taking bubble baths and being read stories so I made time to sit by her and just read. It was difficult, not because I don't enjoy her smiles and just being with her but because I multi-task so much that it is painful to sit and do just one thing.<br />
<br />
I recently subscribed to a couple of podcasts that I hope provide some good motivation as well as learning experiences. 2012 needs to be a year of growth and production.<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!<br />
Heth :)H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-19842018948211984912011-01-17T10:13:00.000-05:002011-01-17T10:13:05.614-05:00Taking AdvantageI wonder how many aspiring authors are taking advantage of the long weekend (if they get one). Me? My team has been working all day every day, so I've been scribbling plot ideas here and there. I plan to take a siesta today, though, and type at least 2K words to make up for it.<br />
<br />
I wonder what opportunities others take advantage of? Like lunch breaks, lobby waiting area at the doctor, sitting at the stoplight (dangerous, but I know there are people out there typing and driving). For the passionate writer there is no limit to the times and places to capture the creative juices.H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-25856305696466540472011-01-05T11:35:00.000-05:002011-01-05T11:35:23.738-05:00Hump DayIs the glass half full or half empty? <br />
<br />
Come Wednesday either you haven't accomplished as much as you wanted and the week is slipping by and you want things to slow down....or you're overwhelemed and can't wait for the weekend to come regardless of where you stand with your goals. This Wednesday I'm not sure where I stand.<br />
<br />
Listening to my MDA Playlist - Staind (It's Been Awhile) - and trying to decide if being sick is a good excuse for my complacency. I have been pretty sick (viral infection says the doctor). I did manage to write 5 pages over the weekend and scrabbled some notes about plot ideas but that's it for the new year. <br />
<br />
We'll see where I stand on Friday....H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-9909987531979467222010-12-29T16:50:00.000-05:002010-12-29T16:50:38.755-05:00Goodbye 2010 and Hello 2011As I sit here at my desk, my youngest daughter crawls behind me to stick her icicle toes under my bottom. Yikes! She insists her feet aren't cold and refuses to go upstairs and put some socks on.<br />
<br />
She reminds me of me when I don't take criticism well. I might put a chunk of writing out there, asking for input, but sometimes I'm really just looking for positive feedback. If I get anything too negative I am stubborn and refuse to look at it with an open mind.<br />
<br />
2010 was a tough year, but aren't they all? When it comes down to it, we all do what we think is really important and unavoidable. I thought I'd really make time to get up and run every day. Obviously in an entire year I'd be able to focus more time on MDA (my novel).<br />
<br />
Well, I did make myself go back through my 60K novel that I've been working on for almost 2 years now. After taking a break, and soaking up several other books, I was able to come back with somewhat fresh eyes. I thought about what made other books great and what my book was lacking. I tore out several chapters, made drastic changes to the plot and character traits. I wasn't taking enough chances; wasn't captivating the reader. So, you might think "Oh nice, so you've finished and you're submitting it?" No. I'm still working on it. I hate and love that I'm a perfectionist but I'd never survive on the income I'd get off publishing a book once every 3 or 4 years....LOL<br />
<br />
I just want to write the best book I can, with the best well thought out plot and genuine dialogue and set up events for a good series. Last month I worked on a big document with history and bios for my characters to help me understand the background and futures for everyone involved.<br />
<br />
Just in terms of writing, not health and all that other stuff, I want to really buckle down in 2011 and finish MDA and be able to start querying by the end of the year. My plan all along, though, has been to be ready and already have a good framework for book two at that point, which I should be able to throw in as a goal, as well.<br />
<br />
But as for the health thing, I signed up today for Muay Thai Kickboxing. I took a class to try it out and I'm a natural. I also tried some kind of cardio combat class and felt like I was dying...I am way too out of shape.<br />
<br />
My long term goal is to be in great shape so I can join an adult soccer league. I've really become quite fond of the sport and get very emotional when I watch my daughters play. But that is a 2012 goal, so the kickboxing is step 1 in achieving that goal.<br />
<br />
The ony other major goal I have for 2011 is to set aside time for God. I don't pray often enough and I don't make a intentional effort to be the best Christ follower I can.<br />
<br />
So I will be writing, editing, kickboxing and praying more in 2011 :DH. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-31148529731649791352010-12-01T10:23:00.000-05:002010-12-01T10:23:40.502-05:00FrozenNaNo opened my mind to all the possiblities that could be with my book series. <br />
<br />
<i>Great</i><br />
<br />
Yeah, it's wonderful. I am backtracking, researching, plotting and ripping apart book one to lay proper foundation for books two and three. I now have a short book on the history, timeline and biographies of my characters and overall creation of life in general. <br />
<br />
I've expanded into realms and additional planets and my muse is tempting me to visit them down the road so I'm making sure I understand everything about them now so I don't screw something up that I regret later.<br />
<br />
I feel like Scooby Doo when his feet are spinning super fast while he sits there, stuck in the air, for several seconds before successfully running away from the bad guy.<br />
<br />
It's a major thrill and frustration all at the same time.H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-74653125425400002682010-11-25T11:13:00.001-05:002010-11-25T11:15:00.508-05:00ThanksgivingWe are quick to think of all the things that we have to be thankful for...family, health, homes, food, cars, friends...we are pleased that our wish list for life has been mostly checked off.<br />
<br />
Do we feel gratitude for all the tings that could have been but didn't come to pass? All the near misses on the highway, the lifestyle we were born into, the freedom that never comes for millions across the globe? Cough drops and ibuprofen are among the top ten list of things I don't ever want to live without. I am thankful that I don't live in fear of a flying insect we consider annoying but kills every day. <br />
<br />
Slavery exists today - quarries, prostitution, famlies, children - and I am free to be my own person and live in a country where the justice system (even with all its flaws) provides protection and upholds civil rights.<br />
<br />
Today, I am more grateful for what I don't have than for what I have. I give thanks for what has <b>not </b>been bestowed upon me and those I love.<br />
<br />
Happy ThanksgivingH. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-34895082286794592812010-10-07T16:51:00.000-04:002010-10-07T16:51:01.350-04:00BLAHI am not doing a good job of multi-tasking all the things that I say are important to me.<br />
<br />
My writing comes and goes. I am afraid to sit down and write because it will crash over me like a tidal wave. So, what do I do? I put it off.<br />
<br />
What am I doing with my time? Girl Scouts, church, work, soccer with the girls, dinner parties and playdates. I am also trying to start a company. I've been working on the web site layout and pricing since February. <br />
<br />
Oh, I recently learned to crochet. I do that in bed or while waiting for a query to run (if I'm working from home). <br />
<br />
Also, I still haven't found a way to get regular exercise into my weeks, either. (<i>sigh</i>)<br />
<br />
When I figure out a good schedule, I'll have to post the good news.H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-57944799058938827762010-07-29T10:10:00.001-04:002010-07-29T10:10:24.012-04:00Vacation july 2010<br>We are nearing the end of our summer vacation. We visited the kids' godparents in Yonkers, just outside of NY city and then headed up to Lake Placid for the Nash/Cole family reunion and to watch Uncle Mark in the iron man competition. It was beautiful Ans relaxing. <br /><br>Then down to Albany to stay with close friends and visit with Grandpa and tgw cousins. Up to Lake George yesterday and out to a traditional dinner at Massie's to celebrate grandpa's 66t birthday. <br /><br>Believe it or not, I've spent a couple of hours writing while up here. It was great to get up before the girls and sit alone with my cup of coffee and let the creative juices flowing. <br /><br>We'll be back on the road home tomorrow or the next day..... (sigh).<br><br /><br />H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-84099632190214467962010-02-25T07:54:00.001-05:002010-02-25T07:54:23.591-05:00Blah weeks<p>This year has warped into hyper drive. Instead of having a blah day,I'm having blah weeks. </p><br />H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-45751363036460367942010-01-28T11:02:00.000-05:002010-01-28T11:02:57.579-05:00You Have to Make ChoicesChoosing not to decide is still a choice. Choosing to wait for more information is still a choice... to wait.<br />
<br />
I had to make a choice earlier this month about the various commitments in my life - to remove something to keep my sanity. Anxiety and panic attacks forced me to seek professional help and through an exercise we did together I made a choice.<br />
<br />
It was exhilerating. <br />
<br />
Finally deciding what to remove from my schedule felt like a weight had been lifted. It was a little bit easier to breathe. This wasn't easy, mind you, but the end result was healthy. I was afraid to upset the people invoved but they told me they understood. I'm learning to accept what people say and not continue to worry about what they really think.<br />
<br />
This choice also frees up time for me - time I can spend with the kids, which frees up other time I can now spend writing instead. Complicated but it works. I promise.<br />
<br />
Today I was just thinking about how all day long we make choices - big and small - and how every choice we make has a consequence - big or small.H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-39191582192705138452010-01-15T10:30:00.000-05:002010-01-15T10:30:22.542-05:00Reunited and it feels so goodI used a vacation day to take off work so I could... dare I say it? ... WRITE! I'm afraid I'll jinx it if I say it out loud. Over the holiday season I found a few hours here and there to do some editing but I can't remember the last time I did some solid writing.<br />
<br />
I've had some time to step back away from my YA novel Morte De Alma and today I intend to do some serious damage. This book will be complete and queried in 2010. That is a goal I intend to stick to.<br />
<br />
So I am still multi-tasking... I'm doing a Harry Potter movie marathon while I sit at the computer and type today. Movie marathons are another thing that has been stripped from my life. So today is gonna be a good day!H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-27858142734987615792010-01-04T21:45:00.000-05:002010-01-04T21:45:29.202-05:00Fresh StartAhhh....a new year.<br />
<br />
Clean slate.<br />
<br />
Fresh start.<br />
<br />
I love grouping things together in bundles and groups like weeks, months and years. It's an easier way to make an excuse for change. I lie to myself. I make promises too beautiful and wonderful to ever be realistic. However this doesn't keep me from making them and believing in them.<br />
<br />
So, 2010 I salute you...I welcome you with open arms. <br />
<br />
I will write more.<br />
I will read more.<br />
I will listen more.<br />
I will learn more.<br />
I will love more.<br />
<br />
This will be the greatest year yet!H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-81164287128969526712009-12-21T11:23:00.001-05:002009-12-21T11:23:15.953-05:00Ugh. I love Thanksgiving and Christmas but I swear these 2 days cuz so much stress and added work that I have no personal life for the rest of the year!H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-80705322400034345602009-12-01T08:59:00.001-05:002009-12-01T08:59:47.124-05:00OMG - it's December...that feels weird!!??!<p>Every end of year it's scary to think of all the things I thought I might accomplish but got put off til "later" and now time is slipping by...the sand is rushing through the hourglass at what seems to be an increased velocity yet I know it's not. <p>My anxiety and fear simply distorts my view. Time moves at the same speed - it is us who choose to speed up or slow down our lives.H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-80665019317533867032009-11-19T23:54:00.000-05:002009-11-19T23:55:00.201-05:00Yes...I admit it! (Sigh) I am in the theater right now...to see New Moon. <p>Fingers are crossed for some better acting.H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-13068336354334905932009-11-18T18:13:00.001-05:002009-11-18T18:13:16.738-05:00I never learn<p>Ever since I was a little girl I've been afraid of needles. Naturally at my age (don't ask...I'm old...enough) I've had plenty of shots that didn't even hurt. It's the several that DID hurt that haunt my memories, that tighten my chest making it difficult to breathe, that make me clench my fists and look away.<p>I had blood work done this morning and the needle was so tiny and the nurse was very kind and gentle yet I was still holding a grudge and judging both the nurse and needle based on my prejudiced view and I acted like a little kid.<p>How embarassing :(H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-4676445476383139382009-11-14T15:38:00.001-05:002009-11-14T15:38:52.267-05:00I consider it littering when someone throws something in my yard or driveway that's completely unsolicited. <p>Some dirty unmarked white van just drove by and threw a yellow bag at my mailbox. So now I have to go out and throw it away. <p>Arghh!H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-80978823831920638562009-11-14T09:24:00.000-05:002009-11-14T09:24:48.407-05:00Do you ever feel like you just get stupid after hours of writing?<br />
<br />
Sometimes I'll have an idea, try to write, do something stupid, then someone else points it out and I'm like "Yeah...dur!"<br />
<br />
I had a "dur" moment last night. I don't know what I'd do without my fellow members at the <a href="http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums">AW forum</a>.H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-27578062038400742682009-11-12T23:36:00.000-05:002009-11-12T23:36:23.946-05:00Wow...I actually made it to the gym tonight. And I have plans to aerobicize in the morning and visit the gym again on Saturday. Woot! Woot!<br />
<br />
So, I'm not loving this NaNo thing. I was not prepared for it and I am not even having fun with the story. But, I am still gonna plug along when I get the time. I wrote another 200 words tonight. The story is stuck and not going anywhere and when I stop and try to figure it out I ended up doing a bunch of thinking and no typing!!<br />
<br />
New train of thought...my 9yr old cooked dinner tonight. Yes. My 9 year old daughter. She's taken some cooking classes, summer school workshops, etc. and so I let her pick out some recipes and make dinner. It was pretty cool. Kids will amaze you if you can step back and give them some breathing room. It was an asian inspired dish. Spring onion pancakes, and some kind of eggs that were dark green from all the chives and soy sauce. And we had a plum sauce for dipping. Neato!<br />
<br />
I enjoyed my Office and 30 Rock, did some writing, did some forum posting and blogging. Now I'm gonna read for 10 minutes and try to get some sleep. I hope to get my NaNo over 3K this weekend and that's it. No big goal there. <br />
<br />
G'nite!H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-79120039956823631982009-11-11T23:22:00.000-05:002009-11-11T23:22:33.464-05:00I promise to get a handle on my life before I end up in the ER with an anxiety attack. I didn't want to commit to NaNo but I went ahead and gave it a whirl this past weekend and ended up writing 2500 words on Sunday. Not bad for one afternoon in the midst of a bunch of errands and events and stuff.<br />
<br />
Tonight I banged out a 300 short story (if you can call it that) for a contest. I submitted with fingers crossed. I read it to my husband and he didn't really care for it. Of course I didn't share it with him until AFTER I submitted it. Ugghhh!! se la vie<br />
<br />
I still have not worked exercising into my daily routine...or even a weekly routine.<br />
<br />
And I'm not praying with consistency or reading with consistency. The only thing consistant is the need for consistency. I need a plan and the discipline to stick with it.<br />
<br />
And now it is late I need sleep. G'nite!H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-57655446292166889912009-11-01T19:13:00.000-05:002009-11-01T19:13:52.599-05:00Burnt ChickenI could have used some more extra hours this weekend, but I did the best with what I had.<br />
<br />
This weekend was pretty packed...the longest UNO game E-V-E-R, meal planning and grocery shopping, It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, a little cleaning, Halloween with our close friends, Church, Girl Scout troop training, a little personal reading, some writing, some beta-reading critiqing (a lot of -ing's). I was feeling pretty good about getting it all done and keeping a smile on my face. <br />
<br />
But when I tried to fry some chicken tonight (something I don't even claim to know how to do) I got frustrated when the last batch got burned.<br />
<br />
I find this to be a trend in my life - worrying over something little and not showing gratitude for everything else this trivial event blocks out. My focus is too narrow and lacking the appreciation that I should have for the many accomplishments that I actually did achieve.<br />
<br />
Rather than thanking God 100x each day for waking up, not getting into a car accident, not struggling with the symptoms of a fatal disease, not being oppressed or the victim of a hate-crime, or simply for having a plethora of blessings (wonderful family, beautiful home, two working cars, family close by, full-time job with benefits, democracy, etc.)...I think about the inconveniences in my life and those I love. <br />
<br />
You wouldn't believe how stupid I sound having one-sided conversations with the horrible drivers on the roads of Charlotte (seriously we are right up there with New Yorkers). My heart rate speeds up and I allow myself to actually wish there was a police officer around to "give them what they deserve." How awful is that? I should pray for them and think loving thoughts instead of getting angry.<br />
<br />
Occasionally, I admit to feeling like I deserve to spend money on manicures and pedicures, and try to think of ways to work this into our normal budget. How petty! Why do I deserve this? Less money than the cost of a mani-pedi could support a child in a third world country and yet I struggle with that idea. The desire to treat myself is so strong it actually hurts sometimes.<br />
<br />
I will think no more about this chicken. And I will eat the chicken. Granted, I'll smother it in extra Thai sauce, but I will not toss it. As I chew...and chew...I'll remember that it takes a few mistakes to appreciate perfection and that not everything will meet my stringent expectations.H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-69944852393722565502009-10-29T19:03:00.001-04:002009-10-29T19:03:11.216-04:00Ugh!<p>Sore, dry throat but I'm too stubborn to go to the doctor. Why am I so afraid to waste a $25 copay?H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-33042736270093230082009-10-24T21:21:00.000-04:002009-10-24T21:21:57.041-04:00Scooby Who?When did they decide that the ghosts and monsters on Scooby Doo needed to be real? Each generation is always pushing the envelope; taking everything to the next level.<br />
<br />
Sex. Drugs. Violence. Foul Language. Fear.<br />
<br />
Everything poses a challenge, daring society to peel back the protective layers that we parents are desparate to keep in place. In fact, I'd say I use duct tape (metaphorically speaking) to no avail. My kids laugh at me for trying to protect them from some of their cartoons. (sigh).<br />
<br />
We're watching some newer Scooby movie about zombies, that are real (no human under a mask) and it got me thinking about all this stuff. <br />
<br />
It just ended and my kids need some snuggle time now.H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-30535337019949526512009-10-19T11:23:00.002-04:002009-10-19T19:51:39.902-04:00Monday 10/19 UpdateThu - Sun I edited the 1st 6 chapters of my 60k YA and I'm making more changes in my outline for plot events today that just make more sense and create a better flow. Some days it feels like it will never be done! Argh!<br />
<br />
I did finish the m.s. I was beta reading. And I made time for leisure reading as well as time with my family. I even cooked dinner both saturday and sunday night. <br />
<br />
Goal setting is something I have become tentative to approach. I hate failing at anything but love accomplishing challenging tasks. I need to:<br />
* catch up on bible reading<br />
* create a discussion question for my Small Group regarding bibe reading for October<br />
* prepare for children's church this weekend (I perform w/a partner for all 4 services)<br />
* finish outlining YA m.s. with new plot ideas<br />
* implement these ideas - at least basically in my ms<br />
* provide feedback regarding the m.s. I beta read<br />
<br />
In addition to friends n family plans!H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168793917801558084.post-62244478464962886052009-10-15T16:07:00.000-04:002009-10-15T16:28:07.054-04:00Climate Blog DayToday many bloggers are uniting on an important issue: Climate Change<br /><br />It's not just a crazy futuristic idea, it's a scientific event that we need to educate ourselves on. The EPA has information you can read about recent changes:<br />http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/recentcc.html<br /><br />They talk about the impact humans have had since the Industrial Revolution, including greenhouse gases and aerosols. We have been burning fossil fuels and cutting down oxygen producing forests.<br /><br />I found this bullet point from the Temperature tab scary: "Average temperatures in the Arctic have increased at almost twice the global rate in the past 100 years."<br /><br />The earth is getting warmer and warmer. GlobalIssues.org talks about this in a recently updated article on global warming:<br />http://www.globalissues.org/issue/178/climate-change-and-global-warming<br />They also discuss changes in our overall ecosystem, due to decreases in species (animals and bugs) and habitats (trees, clean water, etc). <br /><br />WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?<br />http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/index.html<br />At Home - these are taken straight from EPA site<br />1. <strong>Change 5 lights</strong><br />Replace the conventional bulbs in your 5 most frequently used light fixtures with bulbs that have the ENERGY STAR and you will help the environment while saving money on energy bills. If every household in the U.S. took this one simple action we would prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions from nearly 10 million cars.<br /><br />2. <strong>Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products</strong><br />Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products in more than 50 product categories, including lighting, home electronics, heating and cooling equipment and appliances.<br /><br />3. <strong>Heat and cool smartly</strong><br />Simple steps like cleaning air filters regularly and having your heating and cooling equipment tuned annually by a licensed contractor can save energy and increase comfort at home, and at the same time reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When it's time to replace your old equipment, choose a high efficiency model, and make sure it is properly sized and installed.<br /><br />4. <strong>Seal and insulate your home</strong><br />Seal air leaks and add more insulation to your home. The biggest leaks are usually found in the attic and basement. If you are planning to replace windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified windows for better performance. Seal and insulate any ducts in attics and crawlspaces to improve the efficiency of your home.<br /><br />5. <strong>Use green power</strong><br />Green power is environmentally friendly electricity that is generated from renewable energy sources such as wind and the sun. There are two ways to use green power: you can buy green power or you can modify your house to generate your own green power.<br /><br />6. <strong>Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle</strong><br />If there is a recycling program in your community, recycle your newspapers, beverage containers, paper and other goods. Use products in containers that can be recycled and items that can be repaired or reused. In addition, support recycling markets by buying products made from recycled materials.<br /><br />7. <strong>Be green in your yard</strong><br />Use a push mower, which, unlike a gas or electric mower, consumes <strong>no </strong>fossil fuels and emits <strong>no </strong>greenhouse gases. If you do use a power mower, make sure it is a mulching mower to reduce grass clippings. Composting your food and yard waste reduces the amount of garbage that you send to landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.<br /><br />8. <strong>Use water efficiently</strong><br />There are also simple actions you can take to save water: Be smart when irrigating your lawn or landscape; only water when needed and do it during the coolest part of the day, early morning is best. Turn the water off while shaving or brushing teeth. Do not use your toilet as a waste basket - water is wasted with each flush. And did you know a leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water per day? Repair all toilet and faucet leaks right away. <br /><br />9. <strong>Spread the Word</strong><br />Tell family and friends that energy efficiency is good for their homes and good for the environment because it lowers greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Tell 5 people and together we can help our homes help us all. <br /><br />I thought those were great Ideas. The EPA has tips for the office, the school and on the road!<br /><br />If you can't adopt 5 at least find 1 way to contribute!!H. Mary Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898692208529697010noreply@blogger.com2