Religious Right Republicans Ruining Faith

Finally, someone from the religious world is saying it, "this Religious Right Republican movement I keep hearing about is not very Christian." Without further ado, I introduce the article from NPR.

Suburbia Linked to Obesity

News flash: "Urban sprawl is a major health risk for Oregonians," according to the Daily Journal of Commerce (Portland, OR). People who live in wide spread suburbs are more likely to be overweight and get in car accidents than people who live in compact communities. While this may be simple "common sense" as C says, I think it's about time someone said it outloud. We need exercise. Obesity kills 1500 people in Oregon each year.

I've often marveled at all the traffic that commutes too and from Portland each day. I admit it. I commute 40 minutes one way each day by Max. However, this requires walking to and from my stops and often standing, which I feel is a little bit better for me. I've been wearing a pedometer off and on for a few months now and I find that days that I ride the Max to and from work I easily add 2,000 to my daily total.

If only we could all live in "walkable communities." That's one thing G and I miss from good old Forest Grove, walking everywhere. We used to walk to the bar, walk to school, walk to work, walk to the Laundromat. I weighed 30lbs less then. Go figure.

Doggies at Work

Tomorrow is Take Your Dog to Work Day sponsored by Pet Sitters International. Unfortunately, I won't be able to bring either Tater or Bailey because the company that manages our office building won't allow it.

However, a recent article in The Daily Journal of Commerce (Portland, OR) says more and more companies are going pet-friendly. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, the article said, "millions of Americans believe pets on the job lower absenteeism and encourage workers to get along."

Further, many companies are finding that having a pet friendly corporation can be a big bargaining chip in a competitive job market. It referenced a survey Simply Hired and Dogster.com which stated that "a third of dog-owners would take a 5 percent pay cut to take their pets to work, two-thirds would work longer hours and half would switch jobs."

Sunshine

G started his new job on Monday, which means he is now an office monkey like me and he works 8am to 5pm like the rest of us yahoos! Who ever thought normal would be so exciting?

I have to tell you, waking up with him in the morning and having him home when I get home is absolutely the best thing that's happened to me in a while.

I wanted to be a stronger more independent woman who didn't need a man, not even my husband to make me happy, but having him around is like a sunny day after the long rainy winter here in Oregon. And you know what? I'm ok with my new found co-dependency.