funny random goings on... that's my life

I'm at the mid-point.  No, not a mid-life crisis.  The mid-point of summer.  I'm enjoying being home but now can't help but switch into the mode of preparing to head back to Norway.  I'm excited to head back, but there's so much I'd like to do before I go.  Where has the summer gone?!

This summer has been a whole collection of states.  It's fun to see friends and family, spend time at the beach and enjoy moments with my nephew.  My parents are working on a kitchen remodel which provides opportunity for introspection as we go through things and spaces from my childhood.  I have not tried to do one thing musically and amazing opportunities keep coming my way.  I can't help but step back and think 'hmmm, am I ignoring the signs of the universe telling me something?'  I'm also continuing to learn which I love.  San Diego is supporting research and business in renewable energies and it gets me very excited. 

A highlight of the summer was last week getting to play a few songs at the Belly Up (in Solana Beach)- wha wha what?!  Unreal.  I never really imagined getting to play a venue like the Belly Up.  Thank you Barry Rosenbaum for making that happen.  

Lastly, a few fun energy items:

Did you read about the pope-mobile?  The Vatican says a hybrid Popemobile is on the way.  All electric vehicles are not fast enough but the Pope's gas guzzling Mercedes is on the way out.  

According to Google business news, the Chevy Cruze was the most popular car on the market last month (in the US) and Chevy will be coming out with a diesel version.  The diesel version will get up to 50 miles per gallon. Cool!  

Also, in going through things in my room I came across a file folder of clippings and the like on items pertaining to sustainability, energy, conservation, etc.  I tore out an article in 2007 from a Wired magazine on the notion of an 'eco-city' in China being designed called Dongtan (foretelling of my future studying Environmental Econ?).  I re-read the article and it sounds pretty darn neat.... '.. a city powered by local, renewable energy, with sufficient buildings clustered in dense, walkable neighborhoods; a recycling scheme that repurposes 90 percent of all waste; a network of high tech organic farms; and a ban on any vehicle that emits CO2.'  I googled Dongtan to check in on the progress and it seems the project has been stalled.  Stopped?  Who knows.  Might something like this happen in our lifetime?  I hope so!

sandman's a callin,

lisa liv