The spirit

My 7th grade language arts colleague assigned her kids to write their Christmas Story. Well, one student couldn't think of anything to write, so he interviewed me about my story...

“CHRISTMAS IS STUPID”

-Lisa Yemma-

The first reason that

Christmas is the dumbest event ever

Is because it is very stressful because everyone buys gifts

But then you have to buy them gifts,

Also, Everyone wraps all their presents

Just so that the wrapping paper can be torn apart

And it's not like the wrapping paper is doing us any favors

All wrapping paper does is pollute our world

When someone rips up wrapping paper

You can almost hear the pollution

Wrapping paper can't even be recycled

Then there are the people

who must for some reason have a dead tree

in their living room

Like you are cutting down a tree so it can

Stand in your living room and make a mess

Trees are like small children

And then there are those people

Who get fake dead trees

Fake dead trees are pretty much fake small children

Who wants a fake small child?

When Christmas rolls around

People buy people so much useless stuff

People like post pictures of all their

Presents, Food, and Decorations

And then there are like

#ChristmasTime

I would be like

#WastingAllMyMoney

Or

#BuyingMySecondCousinsSonLegos

Or

#UnnecessaryUseOfMoneyAndHashtag

And then you spend YOUR money

On a nice present

That the person uses like once

I’m just saying why even buy a present

If the present is going to be a RC car

That the kid uses once

And then tries to get it to fly off a ten foot ledge

And suddenly there goes your present

Half the presents people get

People don’t actually want

Christmas is the season of JOY

Hah sych

Christmas is the season of pooping

I mean like sure there is a lot of good food

But that just means that you gain like three pounds

And then every day you spend at least thirty minutes on the toilet

Because there is so much food

Which brings me to my next complaint

Waste

Not like the poop waste

No like the bad for the environment waste

And not just that but like food waste

Sure the mass amount of food

Is nice, But people throw away so much food

That or you just have two weeks of leftovers.

And then you have to clean up

Everything

Wrapping paper (#Wasteful)

Food

Dishes

Trees (#small_children)

Your relationships

Right Relationships

They tend to fracture

Over christmas dinner when people start to talk

Religions or Politics

And finally the worst part

CHURCH

Sure it's Jesus birthday

But cant we just go

“HAPPY B-DAY JESUS”

And then be done

Since when does Jesus want us to sing

We could just abandon Church

Or

WE COULD ABANDON CHRISTMAS

YAHHHH

This is it

Saturday I was walking into the grocery store, when I saw a pregnant woman with her groceries packed in plastic bags from the store. What?!? This woman, who is about to leave a HUMAN behind on Earth, doesn't even care enough to bring reusable bags to the store?

A colleague at work buys single use, plastic water bottles to drink out of.

Cigarette butts litter my street.

Packaging is out of control, especially at Trader Joes.

Based on my anecdotal evidence, I've developed a hypothesis.

Hypothesis: There is an inverse correlation between a person's belief in afterlife and their views on taking care of the environment. The stronger the belief in a god/afterlife/heaven, the less they care about taking care of the environment.

Reasoning: The reasoning is simple. If you believe that there is some place to go after you die, you aren't worried about the state of the Earth. If you don't believe in an afterlife of any sort, then this is it. This is your life. This is your Earth. You've got one chance. All living organisms have one chance. You are a part of the chance.

Evidence: I'll admit that I haven't surveyed a large sample of people (I wish someone would). My evidence is based on observations. I know a few pious individuals, and what I've witnessed is those are the people that buy water in plastic. I don't live in Flint, so there is no reason to be buying water that some company has taken from a tap, bottled in toxic plastic, and now is profiting from.

The other day I was minding my own business in my home, when 8 marked police cars flew by my front window, followed by an unmarked car, an ambulance, fire truck, and then the ghetto bird (police helicopter) began circling. The neighbors came out and we all congregated at the end of the block, looking down at the chaos. My elderly neighbor, who is extremely religious, and has written and published books on god/religion, came over to my yard. He's a quiet, peaceful, gentle man. We stared down at the flashing lights and I asked him how he's managed to stay so positive about living in such a crazy world. He comment - I'm paraphrasing: "I have hope of a great life in Heaven."

So, wait. The idea of going to heaven, excuses you from taking action now?

And then there's my atheist friends. People who believe that this is it. Our time on Earth IS the point. Those are the people carrying around reusable bags, going to yoga, refilling water bottles.

"Gotta do much more than believe, if we really want to change things.
Gotta do much more than believe, if want to see the world change." - DMB (Gaucho)

"Please Wake Up" -DMB

Fight the self serving norms

I have always, as far back as I can remember, had a strong relationship with nature. I've also had this strong sense of altruism to dedicate my energy to supporting what is here, now, and to preserving what really matters. Humanity is dependent on our connection to nature and yet...

Someone sent me this video recently and THIS is it. This is why I didn't have children. Not because I'm out of the norm, or don't want to be normal, but because I see the bigger picture and until we step up and fix ourselves, we have no right bringing kids into this mess.

Human nature or nature human

Branches of bronchioles

Pockets of alveloi

Reaching through the air

Grabbing the oxygen

Christmas trees are not only irresponsible, but they don't make any sense

This makes just about as much sense as anything we call a "tradition" around the holidays. We could leave the native trees alone to get busy spitting out oxygen, and think of how much preservation fluid we'd save in the mortuary if we let the bugs eat the flesh and use the skeletons as our holiday decoration. 

Proudest fake mom ever

The highlight of my teaching career happened this past weekend while I watched one of my former students give a key note speech at the Global Issues Network Conference in the Dominican Republic. I think that she was asked as kind of a token appreciation since she was a great contributor to her high school, but when she stood up there and started speaking it became instantly clear that she not only deserved this moment, earned this moment, but she was owning the moment.

Tears ran down my face as I sat and watched her rock every person, young and old, in the gym. I felt like a true proud parent. 

Watch MJ as she inspires us all.

If you are feeling like you need more, you can watch MJ and I inspire kids to set themselves up for success...

The only constant is change

I officially have a new job (middle school science at a different school), a confirmed trip to the arctic to study sea ice for the summer and I'm on my way to Santo Domingo as I sit and write. It's been a busy few weeks...

Reflections on turning 42

I was craving a salad all day.

I bought myself a birthday beer and forgot to drink it.

I value my alone time.

As much as I want to return to international teaching, I love having a dog in my life.

I am feeling sentimental.

I identify with being a teacher.

I want to be outside as much as possible.

My family is awesome.

Societal pressures are hard to ignore.

I want more people to value nature more than football, shopping and material crap.

I want my students to overcome poverty, hold their head high, and march into their future.

I want to empower people to remove their roadblock...

Currently I am reading "The Blue Sweater" and this is my quote of the day:

"I only have one request.
I do not ask for money
Although I have need of it,
I do not ask for meat...
I have only one request,
All I ask is
That you remove
the roadblock
From my path."

- Okot P'Bitek

Revelation # 841

It was yesterday that I realized that not only do I love all things hiking, being outside, wandering along paths, it's actually my favorite activity. For the past several years I've search for and been on some pretty amazing hiking adventures but as I walked through the tree lined, pine needled paths of Harris Lake that I felt the realization that this is exactly where I want to be. Not at Harris lake persay but hiking. Outside. Among the trees and birds, wandering through nature not seeing a single building, store, or many people for that matter. In the past two days I've hiked 10 miles and passed 4 people.

I've also come to the realization that I am quite the introvert. I would choose going out into the woods on a hike over a party without a second thought. The one thing that does make my hike better is my dog. I want to spend more time hiking and less time working. 

I am going to spend more time outside and less time working starting now. 

Make the world more awesome

This video not only made me smile, feel all warm and fuzzy inside, but it also inspired me. I've been obsessing over the whole holiday thing and how I hate that it's about dead trees, wasting paper, buying crappy made in China plastic gifts, when one of my students sent me a Kid President video. I have heard of Kid President, but haven't really watched any of his videos and let me tell you, this kid is awesome. THIS kid is making the world more awesome and everyone should take time to watch more of his videos and his positive rants and spins on the world. I love when people tell you what's wrong, but they also tell you how to make it better.

This year for Christmas I want someone to buy some storybooks for kids that don't have any.
Spread awesomeness this holiday season.

Apparently I need to rant some more...

There are these little locally made breakfast burritos, all wrapped up in plastic that they sell in Whole Foods. After a bitterly cold morning walk with Fresa I decided to head over to the local market and pick up a buritto. I drive into the lot and almost slam into the cart rack. The entire front of the store is covered in dead trees, dead christmas trees with signs that read $69.99.

A few years back I wrote about this same topic and of ALL places in this universe, the last place that I thought I would see a dead house tree is at Whole Foods. I actually had an image of driving my car though the trees and sparing them the harsh dry slow withering from the heat of a house.

Can you just take one more minute to reflect on why you killed a tree to stand in your house for a few weeks? I can give the smokers a small break, I mean they don't even care if they kill their own lungs, why would they care about killing a tree, but you non-smoker people, come on. We need those trees, you know to breathe. Dead trees can't photosynthesize and provide our needy lungs with sacred oxygen.

 I went into Bed Bath and Beyond the other day and I almost had a panic attack. There is so much crappy China-made shit in there that the store owners should be charged with treason. Please be conscience about where your stuff is made. You have the power, the choice to buy locally made stuff. Yes, it may be a bit more expensive, but can't you cut back a little and only buy a few gifts?

I've made a decision that this xmas my gifts will be made in the US. If you need ideas go to the Etsy website and buy directly from the artist herself. Your downtown area probably has some great little shops with locally made stuff. Be a responsible consumer this holiday season. Give gifts that make the world better and let's cut our ties with toxic plastic crap from China.

A quick journey around the island (with my photos)

I've been thinking about this place, the Dominican Republic. The weather is fantastic, perfect, I couldn't ask for better weather. On the surface, not digging too deep, there are some amazing spots here. In my year and a half here I've explored quite a bit. There is still one more place I'd like to go before I leave, Monte Cristi, but all in all I've done a pretty good job seeing the beauty. Of course, under that surface there is a huge pile of burning plastics and trash, floating styrofoam, but right now I'm going to show you the beauty. The reality will come in time and my time here is coming to an end. You don't want to say never, but right now I can't imagine coming back here, there are just too many unexplored places on my world map.... For now, enjoy a short ride around the island.

Let's start in the Samana Pennisula. From Santo Domingo you'll need to drive east towards the airport but then north for a few hours.

This is Playa Bonita near Las Terrenas. Now that there is a new toll road the trip is pricer, but a lot quicker. You can stay in a little hotels right on the beach here. If you are in need of peace and quiet, calm waters, gentle breezes and palm trees this is your place.

Playa Bonita

Las Terrenas is a tiny town that has some good qualities. The French have settled there and they have started some programs to help vaccinate and tag stray dogs. You gotta love that. One of the big condo-resort places is called Balcones del Atlantico, and the beach in front of the resort is amazing. There is a coral reef here and the resort actually spends money to help protect the ecosystem. 

Las Terrenas

East of Las Terrenas all the way to the end of the Pennisula is Galeras. From here you can take a boat to the west and end up at Playa Rincon...

Playa Rincon

Take the boat in the other direction and turn around the bend a bit and you'll end up on Playa Fronton, heaven on earth. I'm lucky to be heading back there again in a week.

Playa Fronton

Now head back to the mainland. On a recent trip when we were just about to turn south from the pennisula I looked in the rear view mirror and saw this.

 After enjoying the view keep driving south and to the east and you'll end up in Bavaro, which is a town north of Punta Cana. This is resortville and filled with tourists and locals that all want a shot at your dollars. 

Bavaro Beach

From the east coast you'll need to head back towards Santo Domingo. Right outside the airport is La Caleta. The government has declared the waters here a marine national park. The coral reefs here are trying to be protected. This place is usually not quiet, on the weekends it's filled with local people, food and music.

La Caleta

Before passing through the city you could stop at a cave called Tres Ojos. Literally three eyes. Don't look too gringo or they'll try to rip you off. If you can get down in there with your wallet you'll see some amazing views.

Tres Ojos

Now you can keep driving through the city west to Las Salinas. This little spit of sand jets out and in the formation of a little bay you get a super windy side and a super calm side. Here's a shot from the calm side.

Las Salinas

Not to far out in the shallow waters is a coral reef in need of protection.

El Durrumbao

Get back in the car and drive towards the south western part of this side of the island and you'll get to Barahona. 

Barahona

This is usually a stop before continuing on the long desert journey to Bahia de las Agulias. Many people think this is the most beautiful place on the island. I don't disagree, but it's such a pain to get to that most people will never make it there.

Bahia de las Agulias 

Before we head back up to the coast let's stop in the mountains. The highest peak in the entire Caribbean is Pico Duarte. The trip takes 3 days minium, but here's one of my favorite photos from both trips.

View from La Comparticion

For a great, but somewhat risky adventure, you can head to 27 Waterfalls. This is just north of Santiago and the north coast.

27 Waterfalls

Driving north and going a bit west you'll end up in Punta Rucia. The Atlantic waters here are also filled with corals. 

Punta Rucia

From here drive a short distance east and you will encounter a protected area of manatees. A couple takes care of the area and you can rent kayaks and head out into the green organic waters in search of the sea cows.

Estero Hondo

On the north coast drive east to Caberete. This is actually my least favorite beach on the island. People love it because there are actually waves for surfing, and wind for wind surfing. The sand and water reminds me of North Carolina beaches, not the perfect paradise you think of here.

Caberete

You'll probably need to head back to the Capital to catch your flight...

Reefs, manatees, mangroves, and the moon

There are manatees in the DR!

So a few months ago I was looking through a tourist brochure and I saw an article about a protected bay on the north side of the DR that is a safe haven for a population of manatees. I was instantly intrigued and started brainstorming ways to get up there and check it out. Of course, one of my ideas was to organize a trip for my high school students, so they could see this awesome part of their island. I had no idea what to expect and my expectations were low, but the trip turned out to be amazing.

After a 5 hour bus ride from the capital through the winding mountains we ended up near Punta Rucia.

Day one we hopped on a boat and headed straight for Cayo Arena, a spit of sand out in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by a reef. 

We had 28 students and 4 chaperones with us. When we arrived the sand bar was filled with tourists. 

I saw the most fish I've seen snorkeling on this island. The reefs are being protected and some areas are roped off, so it looks like things are a bit more healthy here. Good news.

After a few hours we headed back to Punta Rucia and prepared for a night of astronomical adventures! 

We're only 19 degrees north of the equator here so the sun sets around 6:15 and usually pretty fast. The air was filled with moisture and before the sun went all the way down I was able to get some sunset photos...

Sun's down... time for the night sky.

Not only was Jupiter and 4 of it's moon visible, but the Perseid Meteor shower was peaking.

One of my students took this photo of the moon by resting her camera on the eyepiece of the telescope.

Sleep time is always the worst part of any school trip... I'm a human so I can't just stay awake and watch all the kids all night.

The next morning we headed to Estero Hondo. Just a few minutes east of Punta Rucia, this is the location of the Mammal Sanctuary. A Belgium man and his Dominican wife live at the sanctuary and look after the manatees. 

When we hiked down the dirt road the kayaks were waiting for us and before we could give any instruction a group of students jumped in and started paddling away. The funny part about this is most of our students had never been in a kayak before, they were just so excited to be there that they couldn't contain themselves and left a group of us behind... I had been thinking about those manatees for so long there was no way I was NOT going to see them... The left behinds waited patiently and finally got our chance to paddle out into the bay. What awaited us was a million times better than I could have imagined. The calm, peaceful waters surrounding our kayaks while we patiently waited for the manatee faces to peek up out of the water for a deep breath of air. It was impossible to capture a photo of their face and I decided to put down my camera and just observe rather than obsess about a photo. So here's where we were...

If you decide to venture out to Estero Hondo it's better to take the kayaks out in the morning when the manatees are more active. In October/November they are mating so are more active. This is one of the awesomest places I've been in the DR!