Saving the environment, one computer screen at a time...

So I found this web page call Blaxle and I thought that this is a very interesting concept, so I am trying it out. Below is what I learned about it and a link. Enjoy trying it out and doing your part to use less.

Search in Black

Why Use Blaxle?

1. Save the environment

Less monitor usage = Less energy. Less energy used on monitors means less coal, oil, uranium, and other fossil fuels being consumed.

2. Save your monitor

Keep your monitor young. The most frequently visited page in your internet browsing in most likely the search page.

3. Keep gasoline prices down

Oil is burned to create eletricity. Burning less on monitors means less is more supply and hence lower prices in fuel.

4. Never miss a beat

The current hot searches are displayed and updated constantly. Most of the terms are taken from google.com/trends to show the hot searches on Google.com

5. It looks sleak

Doesn't it?

http://www.blaxle.com

Two movies worth watching...

Steve and Karly watched OSS 117: Cairo Nest of Spies while waiting for me to spend some time with friends when we were in Seattle for the weekend. And for the next week all I heard was how great this movie was. So when we checked the Pickford website and saw that it was playing in B'ham, we were there! (After a fantastic dinner at Skylarks... did you know that there is live Irish music there on Sunday nights?) Well the movie did not disappoint. It is a spoof on James Bond, think Get Smart but without all the gadgets and in French. If you can get to the Pickford this week or find someway to track this movie down- do it!

The other movie that we rented through Blockbuster online was King of Kong: Fistful of Quarters, thanks to a suggestion from Ron (The Brown Kid). It is a documentary about setting the high score on the ol' school game Donkey Kong. It was fantastic, who knew that there would be such interesting characters and a storyline that you would care about.

So these are two movies worth watching if you are tired of summer blockbusters.

So here is the plan....!

I am going back to school this fall! There is a program in Skagit Valley for the schooling side of becoming a Chemical Dependency Professional and because of my undergrad in Psychology I will be able to complete the program in one year instead of two. I have connected with Catholic Community Services in Bellingham to begin as an intern. To be certified as a CDP you need to have the schooling, 2000 hours and pass the state test. So my connection with CCS will allow me to begin accruing hours. My prayer is that I will get a paid position with them (I have applied for one) but so have others. The plan after that is to commute to the UW (go Huskies) to do their 3 year extension program and get my Masters in Social Work hopefully while working for CCS on all those hours I need. So that is the plan...!

I am officially ready to move on, but where to go?

So I have not worked for over 2 months. I have a loving husband, who is patiently waiting and encouraging me to unwind and figure out what I want to do and I think I am finally ready to begin to explore my options. I have really enjoyed my time off, it kind of feels like summer vacation for a grown-up. I have painted, cleaned, organized, pressure-washed, read and got a kitten. But unlike the summer vacation of my youth there is no plan for the fall; that has began to feel a bit unsettling. So I am officially ready to move on, but where to go? I am thinking about going back to school to get my Masters in Social Work. A couple of good friends (and in general- incredible people) have worked at Catholic Community Services in their recovery program and I really like what they get an opportunity to do. So I am filling out applications, researching options and praying that I have some clue of what I am doing. It such a strange feeling to make decisions that will dictate the rest of my life.

The Mann household is peaceful!

Bringing Bella into our home did make me question my sanity, but the Mann household is peaceful! In fact everything is more chill now that we have a kitten b/c Kina has a friend and is no longer continually pestering me. I love it. I am sure not everyone is interested in these details, but this is a special post for our dear friend Karly who is at camp this summer. Do not worry Karly Jo the cat is not allowed in your room :)

Bella and Kina

Movie Review Time

If you know Steve and I well, you would know that we do not have cable and that we do watch a lot of movies (and LOST on DVD- Steve is addicted!) Last night we watch Stevie. It has been awhile since we have watched a movie that was so thought provoking and lead to a late night debate/discussion. I guess the last movie would have been Gone Baby Gone. Stevie is documentary done by the director Steve James about a young man, Stevie Fielding. Steve had been Stevie's big brother while he attended college in Southern Illinois. Through the story of Stevie's life this film explores the interactions of childhood abuse and abandonment, the correctional system, and the importance of family support and love. Also the film touches on racism, drugs and alcohol, faith, sex offenders and living in a community of low opportunity. That is it for movie review time.

Bella, the newest Mann

It is supposed to be my cat, but Steve is the favorite!
Do not let the eye punch fool you.

Bella @ 6 weeks old.