Springing forward

I haven't written in the past 2 weeks because for me there were changes other than setting our clocks an hour ahead a few weeks ago. And I'll leave it at that. My close friends and family know the details. Entries for the next month or so may be sporadic.

Other than my intentionally cryptic announcement, I just joined for the first time in almost 30 years, a formal bowling league at Bel Mateo (very close to work). Signed a membership card, paid dues ($20/year), and bowled 3 games tonight with 3 guys: Jeff, Dave and Mike, who happen to be all awesome bowlers. I forgot how much fun league bowling is. It's more fun than it is competitive, lots of camaraderie and support. Relaxed pace enough that one can socialize with fellow bowlers.

Not that I didn't enjoy my time playing softball, but I wish I would have gotten into league bowling a lot sooner. I am probably having more fun now than I did 30 years ago. Since I began bowling Thursday lunch with the office in February, I've gone 2-3 times a week. I've become hopelessly addicted to the game.

It's not easy being green

Since San Francisco began banning plastic bags about a year or so ago, I bought reusable grocery bags to store in the trunk of my car. My office is located next to Whole Foods and got into the habit of using a reusable bag whenever I went there for lunch.

Or tried. I often would forget to bring it or not bother at all because it was too big for the few items I'd buy for lunch. I later bought a smaller bag specifically for lunch. But again, I'd forget the bag was stored in one of my desk drawers.

Then I found an even smaller and foldable lunch bag as pictured in this blog entry. It cost me only about $2 and easily stores in my purse. Even if I take out only my wallet on my way to lunch, the bag is always near the wallet as my reminder to pull both out.

Whole Foods gives you the option to donate or deduct 5 cents whenever you bring in your own bag. I've brought the bag in often enough that it will pay for itself very soon (if it hasn't already).

The bag is the perfect size and always fits my lunch purchases very neatly. There's even a side mesh pocket to hold a bottled beverage and separates it from hot food. While I'm far from being a poster child of green, having this foldable bag comforts me in knowing I am contributing in a small way.