I Always Wanted to be an Olympic Star

Just the other day I received this 'award' in the mail, along with an official letter from the 'Olympic Committee'. Unbeknownst to me, I had received the 2011 'Graceful High Jumping Award'. It's very prestigious and sought after, you know. Conveniently, I finished reading Randy Pausch's 'The Last Lecture' just today. In this great work, Randy discusses the childhood dreams he had...and fulfilling them at various stages in his life.... Not necessarily under the circumstances he had expected, but they were fulfilled nonetheless. Growing up in northern New Hampshire I was always outside. And chances were great that I was outside either riding my bike or running. About 1/4 - 1/2 a mile from our little farm house was a spring fed pond that my dad had had dug for us. We spent ample time in the summer swimming and ample time in the winter ice skating on this natural wonder. The water was crystal clear and could be ingested without a worry. Our pet geese enjoyed it, we enjoyed it, passing wildlife enjoyed it. I enjoyed running to it. Whenever the chance arose, I challenged someone, anyone, to race me to the pond. Most times it was my dad, who would quickly wimp out, leaving me to run solo. On occasion a school friend would be given the challenge, often with the same results. Truth is, I could run. And I always wanted to be an Olympic runner. In highschool I was recognized by my P.E. teacher as one of the quickest runners in class. By that point, however, I had all but given up on my Olympic dreams. I'd have to rest satisfied with the childhood memories and the hand-written paper award my teacher handed me that day. But then 2011 came around and I took that, apparently now infamous, leap at Enchanted Rock in central Texas. The path to my childhood dream was re-opened. I didn't know it, but it was. And although my 'award' isn't for running, I am an 'Olympic Star' either way. And, anyway, I had to gear up for that leap with a bit of a running start. [Many thanks to 'Jeff G.' for granting me this award. You truly are too kind.]

I'm here tonight to assert to you what we have found to be quite obvious...

"You're a great spokesperson, " said a fellow coal fighter to me about a month ago. "We're counting on you."

Somehow I have more recently emerged as one of the local leaders against Big Coal. When there is an event, I help organize it. A press conference, I help host it. Comments needed by the local paper, I provide one.

So, when someone was needed to go to Austin, yet again, to represent West Texas...I did it.

Through shakes, shivers, sweats and butterflies I managed to make a four-minute speech before the Sunset Advisory Committee [at the Capitol building] headed up by a Texas Senator.

Once per decade Texas agencies undergo a Sunset Review. It is a time for public involvement regarding the positive and negative aspects of these agencies and the changes that are seen as necessary. With our more recent dealings with the TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality)---who, the day before I testified had granted Tenaska their air permit---and the obvious fact that it is quite corrupt, it was quite fitting that I speak on behalf of all those people who could not make the trip to Austin. There was only one chance on one day to give my public statement, and I felt it necessary. I waited from 8:30 am....and finally gave my statement just after 8:00 pm.

After stating the necessaries---my name, where I live, who I represent---I began my testimony:

I am here tonight on behalf of all these people to assert to you what we have found to be quite obvious. The TCEQ is not working for the people of Texas; the everyday, hard-working citizens of Texas.....

"You have no idea how proud of you I am right now," whispered one of my allies immediately after.

"That was one of the best speeches I've heard here," stated another.

I've grown.

This fight has forced me to do things I never thought I was capable of. Speeches before the EPA-- Senators-- Representatives-- Suits? Press conferences? Newspaper interviews? TV News interviews?

It's crazy.

But I believe something good can emerge from even the worst of situations. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be fighting a multi-billion dollar corporation in a west Texas town. Fighting the 'Good Ole' Boys', the 'Town Fathers' and all the industry goons.

It's little me against them.

...And I actually kind-of like it.

I now understand the pull....the desire to help others, even though the hours are long and the pay minimal. At the end of the day, if you can feel good about what you have done, it makes the effort worth far more.

I continue to stand up for the people who will be adversly affected by this potential coal-plant...and they are starting to notice.

But even if they didn't...

It feels good to do something selfless and good. To speak for those who feel they have no voice.

Volunteering Towards a Better Future

I was told, not too long ago, that volunteer work prolongs one's life.

Should this statement be true (which I believe it is) I should live a long and happy existence.

I remember being involved in volunteer and community projects back into grade school. Back then it didn't mean as much to me as it currently does, but it always felt good to know I was doing something good for someone besides myself.

After getting sick in high school and living the true realities of helplessness and hopelessness, I have found great joy, over the more recent years, in donating my time to various organizations and projects.

Several years ago I came across a program run through the Forest Service called Passport in Time. It allows volunteers the opportunity to work alongside archaeologists, mainly, in projects of all sorts. My first outing was in Nevada and involved survey and recording of historic charcoal kilns. My second time out, I was in Utah restoring an historic guard station.

Just a few weeks back I drove to Montana to help restore and old bunkhouse on a historical homestead.

Three days' drive up and back was well worth the time and effort to experience the backwoods of Montana. Just outside Missoula, we drove nearly an hour down a dirt road deep into the Lolo National Forest. The location couldn't have been better; my accomodations (in the 'executive suite', as it came to be known) were far better than expected; the company was fun and unique; the food only added to my thunderous thighs!

More than that, though, I felt good about giving back.

Ever since my 'retirement' seven years ago, people of all sorts have made it clear to me that I am inferior, a liar, a fake. Why people feel the need to belittle another in this way is beyond me. I consider myself, overall, a really great person. I'm honest and kind, generous and reliable. My friends are precious entities and I try my hardest to make people feel welcomed and appreciated.

The outside influences are not of my doing or control. But I can work to better myself and my community/country/world.

And that's what I'm doing.

By giving back, I feel better. And when I feel better, life is far more enjoyable.

So why not do what brings you joy?

I can only hope that one day all my 'good deeds' will be repaid (karma), that my true worth will be recognized and my skills put to the best use possible.

But until then, I will continue to help where I can. Working, when money is not involved, isn't really work. It's fun and selfless.

The way it should be.

The EPA Hearing

September 8, 2010 marked the date that the EPA would hold a hearing in Dallas regarding coal ash regulation. Public comment is open until mid-November, allowing for individuals to voice their opinions regarding whether coal ash should be regulated under Subtitle C: as a hazardous waste and regulated by the Federal Government, or Subtitle D: more of a household waste and regulated by state agencies, under the RCRA.

To me, the choice is obvious. And to nearly 300 of us who attended the hearing in Dallas in favor of Subtitle C, the choice is simple. Coal ash is hazardous. There is seemingly no way around that fact.

My fight with Big Coal has changed who I am in more ways than one. With a coal plant threatening to be built about 1.5 miles from my home, I now know just what it feels like to be in such a horrendous position. I, essentially, know what it feels like to be a minority...to be dumped on by the rest of society. It's an awful feeling at best. I can't say that I have ever, in my life, been exactly fond of people or the human race in general, but fighting this fight has made me wonder if my future should involve the defense of the poor and utterly helpless.

Public speaking, while I don't do it too often, has been forced upon me as well. Everyone who hears me compliments me. "You're a fantastic speaker!" they say. "You sound so cool and calm," they suggest. Inside, I shake. I think I might faint. Then, apparently, I do a fabulous job.

I forced myself to speak at the Dallas public hearing and I'm glad I did it. I can honestly say that I walked away with a feeling of completeness....like I had just done something for the good of all humanity. A feeling that I had served my country well.

"My name is Whitney Root and I am here as a representative of the Multi-County Coalition, a non-profit organization based in Sweetwater, Texas working to stop construction of the proposed Tenaska Trailblazer Energy Center. Along with about 700 individuals around the Big Country Area, the City of Trent, the City of Hawley and the Texas Farmers' Union are members of our organization.

We are at a point in history where debate over coal products should no longer be an issue. Study upon study confirms that coal ash contains any number of poisonous materials including, but not limited to: mercury, cadmium, arsenic, cobalt and lead. Mercury is one of the deadliest elements on the planet. Arsenic is a potent poison. Cobalt is a carcinogen.

In as much as science provides proof beyond question, there should be no hesitation for the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate this waste for what it is--HAZARDOUS.

Any further debate over the issue simply stalls, once again, the day of reckoning when the truth be told--coal products and bi-products are threatening to human life and therefore, by definition, HAZARDOUS.

It is high time for the Environmental Protection Agency to do what its title suggests it do--protect American citizenry against hazards such as coal ash. Failure to do so would only constitute a further, cynical delay of doing what is right and just.

For well over a century energy companies have reaped enormous profits because they have been able to ignore environmental and human concerns. It is time for the pendulum to swing back, part way at least, to We the People--the inhabitants of this environment. It is the only environment we have ad it must be protected.

And that, my friends, is your job.

Ansel Adams is quoted as saying, "it is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment." Please don't hesitate to do what you know is right; what is right for the American People. Coal ash must be regulated under the stricted standards available. It is a hazardous waste and must be treated as such."



The day before our hearing, our billboard was hung! I'm so proud! I can't believe all that we have done---we're fighting an energy company with little to speak of for funding...and we're doing a damn good job of it.

Flash Forward: Where Did the Summer Go?

With September creeping up on us and the autumn mere weeks away, I must ask myself where the summer went.



It went, in part, to my beloved garden. I spent many hours tending to my cucumbers, my basil and my peppers. I decided, without question, that my 'perfect life' would involve a greenhouse, many herbs and ample veggies. Plants simply bring me joy.

Visits from family occupied some of my time. We had the chance to enjoy the summer sun and various Texas activities....most notably, the shooting of the gun.

Unfortunately, the bulk of my summer went to fighting the Tenaska coal plant, proposed to be built near my house. This summer myself and other fearsome fighters kicked off our "Water YES, Tenaska NO" campaign. These signs were distributed all over Abilene....and in the end, we saw victory. The Mayor decided against selling water to the coal plant and the company subsequently backed out of the request. It was a huge victory. I also launched my facebook page, "Texans Against Tenaska", that now boasts nearly 1,600 people.

In May we held a Town Hall event in Abilene. Nearly 100 people were in attendance.

In June I traveled to Austin to overhear the Contested Case Hearing regarding the air permit that we had fought to have held. Pictured above is me with our attorneys....wearing an anti-coal shirt in a room full of Tenaska representatives.

July brought a Town Hall event in Sweetwater, where the fight has returned most recently. This meeting was attended by about 70 people.

Very little of my summer was spent helping myself. In May I was able to go to an archaeological field school in the panhandle.

And in late July I escaped (finally) on a camping trip to Caprock Canyon State Park and Palo Duro Canyon State Park. I had declined an internship at the latter earlier in the summer due to a commitment to fighting Tenaska and my father's illness.

And, yes, the Sun Chips bag. Hmmm. Not much happened here. Pretty disappointing, really.

The Sun Chips Bag

Maybe you've seen it, maybe not. But the newest Sun Chips bag claims to be 100% compostable. Not that I am suggesting that the Sun Chips people lie, but, being who I am...well, I want to test it for myself.



A look at the back of the bag suggests that, in about 13 weeks, there will be a complete "breakdown into compost." Now, it also mentions that this will occur in "a hot, active home or industrial compost pile."

Since I have neither readily accessible, I decided to just 'plant' the bag in my garden, vow to water it daily and added an additional 3 weeks onto the decomposition time (for a total of 16 weeks).

Will it work? Who knows. If it doesn't I will place no blame on the Sun Chips company, but rather on my lack of a proper compost area.

I'll update on or about August 15, when my 16 weeks are up. It certainly will be interesting to see what transpires!

Stay tuned!

Throwing Punches

Ahhh....the sweet smell of spring is in the air; the flowers are in bloom; the skies a radiant blue; and the days are growing longer and longer.

What's not to enjoy?

Tenasty.

With our contested case hearing growing nearer and said corporation still pushing to make their new home one mile from our home, well...

so much for the joys of spring.

Everything seems to be moving in fast-forward mode. The newspaper articles, both pro and con, are constant. The EDF, who I endorsed and represented in our preliminary trial, turned on me--well, us--and is now in support of the coal plant. The local television station was at the house on earth day and our non-profit group was denied representation at the local 'green' festival. The mayor was worried that we would make him look stupid.

Hmm. You do that just fine yourself, without our presence, sir.

Back and forth conversations between myself and EDF lawyers have been ongoing; they know I am extremely angry. Why shouldn't I be? They turned on me. Whether it is their 'strategy' or not, I feel betrayed.

And, in the midst of all my anger, I started a Facebook page. It's an attempt--hopefully successful--to make this fight statewide...maybe nationwide.

You never know. I could start a movement. :)

Fighting such a fight is very demanding; it's draining. I can easily see how these companies win out in the end. They wear their opponents down...to a point of exhaustion and fear.

In town yesterday I was constantly watching my back. Really. I feel as though I am being watched; that at any moment someone could hurt me...or at least threaten to.

But, for the moment, I am in it for the long haul. It's discouraging and it's scary. But reassuring words from one of our Austin proponents convinced me that it isn't the Sierra Clubs or the EDFs that win these fights. It is the regular, everyday citizen.

And perhaps, someday, the work I am putting into this cause will prevent another individual from going through the same heartache.

Hopefully I am making a difference for the future of America.

The Art of Being Rejected

When the envelope arrived in the mail today, I couldn't help but chuckle. The EPA--that's the Environmental Protection Agency--took it upon themselves (or itself) to not only mail me one letter of rejection, but SIX.

Environmental Protection?

Despite the...many...applications I filled out over the past six months for jobs and internships ranging in scope from oil, to protecting our environment, to acting as a park manager....

Well, they all seem to have turned me down.

I have to admit that I'm a bit taken aback. I'm 3 credit hours away from an advanced degree and have a great work ethic. I consider myself well-spoken and well-written.

So what gives?

In December of 2009 I turned down an offer to work in Albuquerque as a planning intern with the Fish and Wildlife Service, recognizing that the job wasn't quite suited to my tastes. Holding regret for a few weeks after, I soon brushed off the decision as mere fate.

But should I have just taken it? Not been so...picky?

A few months later I was offered my position in Alaska...again. That same position that I have been so dedicated to for the past three summers, working hard for basically free in an attempt to earn a paying position.

Finally putting my foot down, I just couldn't say yes. Hopefully the image of 'sucker' that was plastered on my forehead for so long is finally faded...

About a month ago I interviewed for a position in Florida working with The Nature Conservancy on threatened bird studies. Although I thought I nailed the interview, I never got a return call.

As expressed earlier, the six EPA Fellowship applications I slaved over and spent too much money on were rejected. Apparently the interest was overwhelming this year and only 7% of applicants were honored with positions.

Alyeska, the pipeline company in Alaska, received my application months before the deadline. Nope. Never even granted me an interview that they claimed ALL applicants received.

And the most recent potential, about which I was sent two e-mails regarding a phone interview, suddenly disappeared into thin air. (Really). I keep hoping that he--the interviewer--will re-emerge and grant me the opportunity to be the interviewee, but I find the whole situation bizarre, nevertheless.

And, well, here I am. Classes are out in roughly one week and my plate is empty.

But is that so bad?

Of course, new opportunities are emerging everyday...even if I don't see them clearly upon their arrival.

I'm already brainstorming...and even dreaming about the travels I will take in the next few months.

Maybe I need a summer for me; a summer to relax, take it all in and enjoy.

For, when we aren't searching is when opportunities become us. Right?

Okay, it's a bit saddening at times, discouraging, annoying, disappointing, depressing...but mastering the art of rejection hasn't been so bad. It's not really that hard. It doesn't take too much effort.

...so can I add it to my resume' under trainings/certifications? Perhaps under special skills?

---Whitney Root---

Master of Science, Environmental Management

Master of Fine Arts, Rejection

Certified, Inability to Interview

Trainings: Wiping 'sucker' from your image

Interview Avoidance

Filling out the perfectly ignored application

Talk Like an Egyptian

Disclaimer:

Okay, so in no way do I mean to make fun of the individual who has written these notes to me. In fact, I envy anyone who can speak a foreign language as well as most of the people I have met on my travels. When your native tongue is Arabic and you can successfully learn, and speak, English...well, you are one of my heroes.

Having said that, the notes that follow have provided me with some nice laughs. As you will see, I apparently have an Egyptian stalker, of sorts...who stalks me via e-mail from his store on the boat I cruised on down the Nile in January. Unfortunately, some of the earlier e-mail love notes were deleted forever...but I am sure there are more to come.

February 20: i lick to say happy valantin day i know it is to leat but sorry u know that iam work on the boot i hope every thing is ok

March 21: how are u i hope every thing is ok from long tiem i dont hear news are u ok i hope every thing is ok in work and at home

March 28: how is thev lief i hope every thing is ok in the work and at home i wich for u agood helth this is my phon nambr if u want to send sms or to cool me 0020103825201 have anes day alot of love

April 2: hi my love how are u i lick to say to u befor all happy estar

Being Alaska

Alaska.

The 49th State. The Biggest State. The Last Frontier. The Last Great Place.

Refer to it as you will, but for me, Alaska (the arctic, specifically) has been 'home' for the past three summers of my life. With the recognition that I likely will not be returning this year looming in my mind...

Rarely can I escape a conversation about said state without being inundated with questions; questions about bears and icebergs, mosquitoes and bears. Bears and more bears, the 24-hour summer sun and the 24-hour winter darkness.

To the unknowing tourist, these questions seem rational. We are all enamoured by large animals and natural phenomena of which we have no control. Swarms of mosquitoes attacking from all angles sounds harsh, allowing for visions of black skies and death-by-bug scenarios...and therefore interests the simple mind.

But what I fail to hear...what I wish to hear...is what goes unspoken. People care about what they assume Alaska is...what they hear Alaska is. They are motivated by pictures of monstrous bears and lonely caribou, by dreams of prize hunts and big mountains, by thoughts of mountain men and salmon fishing.

But being Alaska is different. It isn't an idea or a picture. It's a feeling.



It's that feeling of knowing that, even though you are different, you still belong. That feeling you get when staring, unbeknownst to the happenings around you, into the nothingness of the Alaskan bush that is so full of...everything.


It's that feeling you get when discovering a lonely animal print. That feeling of wonder; that feeling of fear. Where was it going? Where did it come from? Is it watching me now?

It's the 'sunset'. That oh-so-alive feeling you get when, at 3am, the sun is still visible above you...and you feel as though you can conquer the world.

It's the Spring 're-birth', when life returns to this seemingly desolate place. That smell of life...that crisp feeling...that burst of energy.

It's being witness to a perfect reflection on a remote pond...the sun lightly 'setting' behind you and the clouds, seemingly endless, looming above...drenched in an array of hues...

It's simple living...

And simpler pleasures...like watching the sun cast it's light on an Autumn-colored birch leaf as it sits contently in an Evergreen tree...

It's watching the Autumn colors overtake the hues of Summer...listening as a soft breeze wanders through the valley...and feeling the cool, crisp air summon in the first signs of Winter.

It's watching wildlife...and knowing that they still fear you.

It's that feeling one gets when staring into landscapes that seemingly go forever...and realizing how insignificant we (humans) really are.

It's laying on the tundra, surrounded by ages-old plants and trees--some of the hardiest of hardy species on earth...and wondering what they feel; wondering what stories they could tell; and wishing you could, for just one moment, be like them...

It's watching herds of caribou cross a river in front of you...unknowing of your presence...yet unafraid of your being. Harmless creatures who want nothing more than to survive the harsh winter and make the trip to their calving grounds in the spring. Creatures who have done nothing but be, yet bear the brunt of human stupidity and ignorance.

The World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up

"Say hi to Charlie," said the concessionaire as he pushed a stuffed, roughly 5-foot-long rattlesnake in my face.

If there is one creature on this planet that I cannot handle, in any shape or form, its the snake.

In this case, it is the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, specifically.

For 52 years now, Sweetwater, Texas has hosted its annual Rattlesnake Round-Up, originally dreamt up by a group of ranchers with the desire to annihilate the large rattlesnake population in the area. Tired of their cattle getting bitten, the Round-Up allowed for the capture, data gathering, venom leaching, skinning and--eventual--murder and consumption of said snakes.

Today, the yearly event boasts its own 'parade' (and I use that term loosely), Miss Snake Charmer Competition (requiring the competitors to skin a snake) and a weekend-full of disgustingly fatty foods being consumed by complete and utter rednecks.

So I had to go.

With my sister and nephew in town, the timing couldn't have been better. Admittedly, I did attend the event back in 2007--my first Spring in the area--to say that I had. I vowed, at that moment, to never return.

But, again, how could I pass up the opportunity to scar my sister for life?


Trying to remain calm and be decent to the concessionaire (who we wanted to punch), we laughed nervously and walked on, zig-zagging through a surprisingly large crowd of onlookers. Cheap, yet over-priced, gifts filled the area; gifts of all sorts. Rattlesnake skins, rattlesnake heads, t-shirts, picture frames, hats and even Kevlar chaps (to avoid being bitten). It was a hillbilly heaven.

Less than impressed, my sister couldn't hide her disgust, questioning why such a large crowd was gathering around the 'skinning pit'.

"Do they skin them alive?" she asked, fear in her eyes.

I couldn't answer the inquiry, but assumed that it couldn't be true.

We never ventured over to look.

I hardly think we lasted 30 minutes in the Round-Up arena. Other than watch fools trample around in snake pits, watch other fools catch and de-venom (is this a word?) poor victims or gawk at the oh-so-interesting crowd, there isn't much to do.

Except shutter.

Rumor has it that each year several of the captured escape the wrath....

...that they are later 'found' wandering around the arena grounds, or in the park...

...but with each coming spring the hunters will be out again, searching for that prized snake--the one that could win them the coveted 'largest snake' award...

...and the crowds will reassemble to eat snake, fried cream cheese sticks and over-sized burritos.

Welcome to West Texas.

Pulling it off, again

One year ago, in late February, my sister and I pulled off the ultimate prank: We planned her visit to Texas unbeknownst to my parents. The day after arriving home from a trip to Turkey I drove two hours to the Midland airport to pick her up, my parents thinking I was headed to the University to give a presentation on Alaska.

Well, we did it again.

This time I was supposedly helping a friend with some rock art-associated work. Five hours later, Victoria and Aidan walked through the doors of our West Texas home.

Twice is nice, but three times...I don't know that we can pull it off again.

Pictured is all of us, in a long-overdue family photo (Ambroise the pug included).

Enjoy the View...

"Enjoy the view; the bright sun; the blue sky," states my father from time to time referring, of course, to the possibility of us losing our wide-open, seemingly endless horizons, huge skies and bright sunny days to....a dirty coal plant.

I can't say that I consider west Texas to be within the top ten most gorgeous places I have ever witnessed, but every location has its own unique beauty, its own character. Here, it is the sky and the sheer size of it all. At night, once the sun has dropped beneath the horizon amidst a range of nearly blinding hues, the endless number of stars emerge to a deafening silence. On occasion an owl will hoot or coyotes sing, but its just...so...quiet. One cannot help but stand outside underneath the Big Dipper and the North Star...and just stare. Or to peer into the darkness at what may be...and wonder. Daylight emerges with a powerful sunrise, one that soon beckons in perhaps the brightest of blue skies I have seen. Birds chirp and play, butterflies work endlessly and the signature west Texas wind blows the otherwise daunting mesquite trees around with its mighty power.

It's peaceful. It's natural. It's home.

I learned many years ago that, in the blink of an eye, what one has may be taken away. I was a healthy, outgoing and energetic being. One moment in time changed all of that. Forever.

I learned quickly, yet too slowly, that one's life must be enjoyed. We must strive to do all that we desire. We must make the most of each day. Laugh. Smile. Learn. Travel.

Whatever it is that makes us feel 100% alive, we must do it.

It took me some time to figure out this lesson that, clearly, should be basic, common sense. But our society 'trains' us to strive for those objects that are of material value. We are 'taught' that money matters, that fame is desirable and that beauty will make one successful.

And success. Ha. What makes one individual more successful than the next? Society will measure success based upon money, cars, homes and clothes. But what about happiness? Experiences that others cannot take away? Seeing the world? DOING WHAT ONE WANTS???

I have, for far too many years, compared myself to those around me. To this day I find myself continually participating in said activity. Why?

Why should I be bothered wasting my time wondering or caring about what someone else thinks?

Life comes and goes...so fast. Time seems to fly by, faster and faster with each passing day. Events that seemingly occurred just a few short years ago....well, they were, in some instances, decades ago.

Before we know it, we are....old. Bones creak and muscles ache. Eyes and ears aren't so sharp, the memory is getting shorter and shorter. The 'good old days' are far behind and the days of 'reality' upon us.

Despite the anger I hold within for the Doctor that basically ruined me....

I also have to commend him for opening my eyes; for making me realize that life is too short, that time passes too quickly, to fail to enjoy the view.

Vegas, Baby

For thirteen years, 1993-2006, I lived in Las Vegas, Nevada...and basically hated every moment of it. I went through high school in said town, and graduated college from UNLV, but walked away with no ties other than my sister and her family.

Vegas is a strange place.

I know I am...weird...but I never quite found my niche in Nevada; never really felt as though I fit in. Yes, I spent ample time at Redrock hiking the miles of trails that zig-zag the basin and went to dozens of concerts at The Hard Rock, The Thomas and Mack and The Sanctuary....

...but Vegas is a hard place to figure out. It's a tough place to meet people who are 'real', honest and trustworthy. Job requirements include knowing the right person and having more plastic than fleshy body parts, while the 'hot spots' to hang out involve loud, obnoxious and sweat-smelling nightclubs that have never interested me in the least.

It's little more than a fantasy land. Tourists flock in droves to 'The Strip' to gawk and awe at the Bellagio, New York-New York and the Venetian. After walking through the Luxor people feel as though they have actually stepped foot in the ancient valleys of Egypt...that they are adventurous world-travelers.

But it's all phony. Don't people get that?

"I came out ahead" is a favorite line of all Vegas tourists. Sure, buddy. That is why Steve Wynn was able to spend several BILLION dollars on the Bellagio's construction....cause you won big in the casinos. Yup. Idiocy at its finest.

The cars, the clothes, the bodies, the money. Nothing is real in Vegas. It's all for show.

But in some strange way I almost miss it.

Is it the 24-hour possibilites? The thrill of driving through wacko-laden traffic? The weirdos? The stories? The opportunities?

I really don't know. But Vegas has a way of sucking one in...and keeping a hold on that individual...

...perhaps the reason why I leave, swear I will never return, and then do.....over and over again, each time experiencing the same negative yet exciting feelings.

It's Vegas, baby. What happens there, forever stays there.....and lives on and on.....

It's the Water, Stupid!

Last week in my Watershed Management course we were asked to share our ideas concerning the future of fresh water supply and the potential for 'water wars'. I consider it quite obvious that, with supplies dwindling and populations increasing, these wars are inevitable.

The continued, and increasing, need for energy supplies, and the United States' need for 'stuff' only adds to this crisis. The generation of power requires water, as does the production of all the 'stuff' that we aimlessly buy. On top of that, we waste incredible amounts of both water and energy resources daily.

At what point will we really have to 'fight' over how these sources are divvied out?

Two articles graced the pages of a local paper today, both regarding water and my best friends at Tenasty.

They have finally admitted, publicly and without argument (from one of 'us'), that they need [a minimum of] ten million gallons of water daily to allow for wet cooling at their plant. Although they continue to stress the point that dry cooling practices would require only two million gallons daily, we all know that it is impossible to consistently employ this method of cooling in this hot and dry an area.

So what made them breakdown?

Conspiracy theorists suggest that throwing out a number so large as TEN million makes TWO million look like a pittance, thus garnering more public support.

Conspiracy theorist though I may be, I have to disagree.

Those of us opposed to this monster have been stressing this point from day one. Since we are not 'Tenasty Officials' our voices are oftentimes ignored. 'Officials' (and I use that term loosely), treated us as though we were completely wacky, as though our attempts to release such falsified information culminated in our padded rooms in the psych ward.

The admittance from such a corporation that water demands far exceed supply in a desired area of fruition tells me a lot. I see it as desperation. They have finally gotten to a point where the truth must be told. Crucial decisions will be made from here on out, and water is at the center of those decisions.

Despite their attempts to keep such discussions as low-key as possible, there is no denying that we are in the midst of a water war. It is them against us. Those who want to preserve and protect the limited sources we have here in west Texas, and those who feel they can barge in and risk the lives of thousands.

The 'winner' of said war will likely not be decided for several months to come... Or maybe Tenasty will just silently back out and disappear forever.

It's the water, stupid. It always has been. A new chapter in our fight has begun. I hope.

Dollars and Sense

If there is one thing I can do really well, it's save money. I cannot explain why I felt that discussing this topic would be of interest, but I find my saving capabilities to be quite crafty. If there is a deal out there, I will find it. But if there is a sensible way to simply just save dollars and cents, I will partake. Why not?

Have you ever wondered what Victoria's Secret really is?

I think I figured it out.

A few years back I signed up for the Angel credit card. Knowing me, there was some incentive for me to do so...otherwise I never would have bothered.

Since signing up to become an 'Angel' I have received more freebies than ever imagined. In the past 3 years I have landed over 25 free pairs of underwear (a bit too much info? sorry). Yes, free. Prices range from $7.50 up to $16.00 apiece. How can I go wrong?

On occasion I will actually buy a nice lotion or blouse (when it's on sale), thus racking up points towards more rewards. Spend so much and they'll mail me a $10.00 gift card. Go into the store on a certain date and I'll get a free lotion.

I will never buy underwear again, and have enough lotion at the moment to last for several years....

Do you like free things?

I do.

I found a website, www.shop4freebies.com, that displays the best freebies of the day and/or moment. Each evening I get an e-mail boasting the day's finds. Some days the list is great, full of potentials. Other days not so much. Either way, it is almost daily that I get something free in the mail. It's like Christmas, year-round! I'm talking everything from granola bars to perfume samples to doggie pee-pads.

Are you much of a critic?

I never used to be. There was a time when I just shut my mouth and dealt with life.

Not anymore. My fight with 'big business' has left me angry and unwilling to shut up any longer.

So...

When I don't like something I complain.

I don't mean that I am one of those annoying people who is rude and obnoxious. No way.

But I feel that, as a consumer, I have the right to voice my opinion on the products and services that I receive, don't receive, or pay for.

I know this sounds awful, but I get freebies by doing this.

It's not some ploy to go through life without paying for things, and it isn't something that happens very often....but if you feel you haven't gotten the value for your money or that someone treated you unprofessionally, well, let the company know.

-I recently got a 25% off coupon for use at a retail store when I complained that the associate was amazingly rude to me.
-When the register-girl at a fast food chain was nasty to me I complained to the manager. I got a free salad.
-Some wheatgrass seeds I bought never lived up to their potential. I called the company and they are sending me all new ones.

Are you into crafts?

Cutting can save you lots of money! Cutting out squares and rectangles, particularly.

We have cut coupons since I can remember. Handing over the goods at the check-out register embarrasses some people, but not me. I wouldn't throw $.50, $.75 or $1.00 on the ground, so why not cut the coupon?

This past year my mother and I decided to calculate our savings over a year's time.

It was over $2000.00.


Rewards Programs....

I need an incentive to participate in these programs or sign up for credit cards that I don't need. Additionally, if 'they' are going to charge me a yearly fee, forget it.

One great program with no strings attached is the Choice Privileges Rewards Program, in which one racks up points towards free hotel nights. By using their credit card, dollars charged are added in as well.

I never pay for hotel rooms anymore.

I recently signed up with both American Airlines and USAirways. They each have a free mileage program. Since American is the only airline out of Abilene, I figured it couldn't hurt (even though I do not like the airline). As far as USAirways, they caught me one day at the Denver airport. It has worked out well since all of my international flights are within their 'alliance'. I got their credit card that also adds miles to my account and keeps them from expiring. I think I currently have enough miles to fly one round-trip within the United States.

Of course, using a credit card to garner miles or points is of no use if the balance isn't paid off on a monthly basis (in my opinion). But if you are traveling anyway, why not take advantage of the program and put your money (ie. hotel room or airline ticket) towards getting something for free in the future?


Is exploration in your blood?

It's in mine, but I don't have lots of money to spend.

So, I signed up with www.travelzoo.com. This website is amazing. The deals are very hard to pass up at times because they are so cheap.

Through e-mails from this particular site, I ended up going to Thailand, Turkey and Egypt. I landed my trip to Egypt (cruise, airfare, all food and lodging) for less than an airline ticket would have cost to get there. Thailand was a similar situation...well, okay, Turkey was too.

I feel that just because someone doesn't have unlimited funds (ie. me), that person shouldn't be devoid of fulfilling their dream to see the world. The deals are definitely out there.

Rack it up...

Finally, I find lots of cheap clothes by simply taking the time to sort through the sale racks. It is tedious and annoying most of the time, but can be very rewarding. Just the other day I got two shirts for $3.97 apeice and a third sweater for $8.00. Each item was marked down by 80% from the suggested retail price.

I couldn't make them for that cheap.

I refuse to pay full price for any clothing. Okay, once in a while I'll break and get that cute something that I can't live without. It's rare though.

Some will call me cheap, but I see it as smart. Money is hard to come by and easy to spend. One might as well make every penny count and get the most out of each dollar.

Egypt

Never did I expect to end up in Egypt, of all places, this past January. But thanks to my keen eye for travel deals, I was granted the opportunity to 'walk like an Egyptian' into the Land of the Pharoahs and experience for myself the mystery that surrounds this ancient land.

I cannot rave enough about this trip. Other than the 'Pharoah's Curse' that struck me on the trip home, cruising down the Nile with stops in Aswan, Edfu and Luxor was absolutely amazing. Despite the average American's fear of travel to the Middle East, I have yet to feel any danger in the region.

Following are a few pictures representing highlights of the trip. I encourage anyone with the opportunity and the desire to go wherever you can, whenever you can. You won't regret it.




The scenery along the Nile was amazingly relaxing and beautiful. Our cruise mixed the perfect blend of rest and exploration. Here, a faluka sails near sunset.

The Temple of Edfu. I was awestruck by this attraction, but they seemed to get more and more extravagant and unimaginable as the trip went on.

The Statues of Memnon. We took a small boat to the West Bank of the Nile one morning to explore several sights. The size and work involved is flabergasting.

The West Bank of the Nile also presented us with the Temple of Hatsheput. Built into the side of a mountain, the temple overlooks the Nile River Valley. Much of the artwork within the confines of the site was still colored with original paints. Gorgeous.

The Temple of Luxor by night. Perhaps my favorite temple of all. Walking through the columns and pillars makes one feel...royal. The second obelisk is in Paris.

The Temple of Luxor by day. A fellow traveler and I decided to return the following morning. I had to walk like an Egyptian within the presence of the mini-sphinxes.

Horse-drawn carriages are a great way of travel through Luxor. For roughly $2 you can go about anywhere.

The Temple of Karnak. About 1.8 miles from Luxor, the two temples are 'connected' by the road of sphinxes pictured earlier (with me walking). These rams really struck me.

The Temple of Kom Ombo. We hit this temple just before sunset, resulting in some beautiful colors and shadows.

Early one morning I took a flight out to Abu Simbel to see the site shown above. Before the Nile was dammed and Lake Nasr formed, sites such as this were literally cut into pieces and moved to higher ground by the government. Quite a feat in itself.

Riding my camel at the pyramids. I had to do it.

The three pyramids of Giza. I waited 30 years to see these in person. Honestly, now that I am home....it still hasn't sunk in that I actually saw them in person.

One cannot walk up to and touch the Sphinx. Perhaps because it is being rebuilt...?

The only unfortunate reality about the pyramid visit was the development.....it is a commercial hotspot.