All the good signs of this morning's snowfall have been proven wrong. When I arrived home today, I saw that Lillie, my 6 line wrasse, had died. Lillie had survived the move from NY to MI, and almost died last year as VOldemort, my yellow-tailed damsel, constantly beat her up. IN an effort to save Lillie, I got rid of Voldemort. This summer, my tank was moved into Giltner Hall where an undergraduate student watched over Tubbs, Crocket, and Lillie. In late September I moved the tank back to my apartment.
Saturday, I did a water change. She looked normal since then. Lillie's normal, however, is usually lying on her side looking like death was approaching.

I pretty bummed. The tank was overloaded anyways, so I guess this is for the best. I just feel that I don't pay enough attention to my tank, which has always been true. That's why it is green with algae and water quality is usally sub-optimal.

It's probably better I don't have any other living things depending on me, like a dog or children. I kill plants, and now I kill fish. Best to leave me be, I think.

Today is going to be a good day. When I left the gym this morning at 7:31am, there was SNOW falling. Just a little flurry, but it was still exciting because it is the first snow. Let's hope some sticks around soon.

With winter approaching and therefore heating bills going up, I have been trying to figure out ways to lessen my eco-footprint. This has actually been a goal of mine for a while, but I don't seem to follow through. This summer, I rode a bike to softball games and to the other end of town until I was able borrow a car from my boss. Upon returning to Michigan, I bought a bike with the hopes of riding 3.2 miles to campus every day. Reality set in quickly, and with laptops, gym bags and a ton of books, my bike began to stay home. I also would get to campus all sweaty and gross, which is pretty unprofessional.

Additionally, as I wrote in a previous post, I was trying to use backpacks and canvas bags rather than take home my groceries in plastic bags. I was doing good with that in Alaska, but again, here in MI, quick trips after work to Meijers have left me with a million grocery bags. At least Wal-Mart recycles them. I found a few more canvas bags in my closet this morning, which I put into my car. My mom started using canvas bags too. Together we can change the world!

So I am trying a new approach that is easy and simply requires a change of habit. Some may see it as a little gross, but it has been working for me so far. In the bathroom, I now embrace the philosophy of "If it's yellow, let it mellow." (There is more to this ryme, but I am alreayd emabaressed to be sharing my secret with you).

Toilet flushing is the single largest user of household water, 30-40%, up to 90% for offices. Droughts are becoming a problem. A new invention uses sink water to flush the toilet, which is pretty cool.

So, my bike will be put away soon due to winter. I will try to keep my heat down this winter to conserve energy and make rent. :)

Just something to think about the next time you have a moment to yourself.