Red Light Means Stop

'Why wont they stop crossing the street, Mama?'

MC was very puzzled when she saw people crossing the street although the light was undoubtly red.

I told her that those people doesnt care what would happen to them and to those approaching cars when and if an accident would happen because of their carelessness.

'What if we follow them?'

I told her that those people are setting the wrong example. Following them would show that you are doing the wrong thing, too. A wrong is still wrong even though a lot of people is doing it.

'That man stepped on the curb even though it is still yellow.'

Well, I told her, better go for safety. You need the red light because that means stop. And you wait for the green light that signals go for the people to know that it is safe to cross the street.

When would my prayers be answered?

Bedtime.

IC was rummaging around my night stand drawer.

She saw a small prayer book; and recognized it as the one that is supposed to be effective in answering prayers. I guess she observes closely when her grandparents would be on a corner, saying prayers, using the same book.

Instead of her bedtime stories, she chose to lead the prayer. Of course, I had to read what in that little book for her. Until I reached the spot where she is supposed to say her petitions, her wishes.

I told her it is time to send her prayers. But she asked first, 'would I get a fast answer to my prayers or not?'

To which I replied: 'that sometimes, prayers are answered in a second, or in a day or sometimes there would be a response after a very, very long time. Because some wishes are not so easy to give, and some might be easy but it might not be the right time to get it. But either which, you should always end your prayer wishes with a thank you note.'

That's when she closed her eyes and muttered her prayers. Afterwhich she gave me a hug and told me, 'Mama, I said thank you.'

I was hoping she would also tell what her wish were :D

How much carbon dioxide does my blog create?

I got mail. And it was something that's already been peaking my interest because I am really for saving the environment for the future of my children and it goes on and on; I have started with working on renewable or alternative energy projects. Stumbling on organization such as Kaufda.de is a lucky bonus. Thus, it got me so excited, I am going to share it to you -- word per word!

Hi Raquel,

I just stumbled over your blog http://www.homeworked.blogspot.com - nice work!

I am part of a young team in Germany, working for an initiative called "Make it green!". Our goal is to contribute our part in reducing the carbon footprint by raising awareness of the severe environmental damage caused by carbon emissions . One of our activities is to raise awareness of the carbon emissions resulting from the use of the internet - specifically of blogs. A blog with 15,000 visits a month has a yearly carbon dioxide emissions of 8lb. To neutralise these emissions we have created "My blog is carbon neutral" buttons so bloggers can demonstrate that they care about the environment and the carbon footprint of their blogs. We present them a small but nontheless worthy solution to contribute to environmental issues. Our idea is to show possibilities to make a contribution to protect the environment.

To find out how you can participate please visit http://www.kaufda.de/umwelt/carbon-neutral/how-you-can-join

And how do we actually neutralize your blog's carbon footprint? We are planting trees in cooperation with the Arbor Day Foundation in Plumas National Forest in Northern California for our project to neutralize the carbon footprint of blogs. Thousands of wildfires burned down many national forests over the past ten years and 88.000 acres of Plumas' were destroyed by two fires in 2007. To help replanting we need the support of bloggers all over the world! For every participating blog we plant a tree. One blog - one tree.

Why do we do this? We are a German based company called kaufDA, which provides advertisement brochures of local stores online to help consumers search for specific products and find good deals in their neighborhood. This reduces the amount of brochures printed and so the project helps the environment by reducing unnecessary paper in mailboxes. An American on average receives 41 pounds of junk mail per year. This has the same carbon footprint as burning six gallons of gasoline.

We'd be glad to plant your tree! Help us and show that you care! Every tree counts!


Best wishes from Germany,

Christin

"Make it green!"-team

Make your blog carbon neutral! For free!
Being part of the initiative “My blog is carbon neutral” is an active contribution to help the environment! All you have to do is described here. Make it happen - make it green!

“My blog is carbon neutral” is an initiative, originally started in Germany by the “Make it green” programme, that has the goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. We plant a tree for your blog and thereby neutralise your blog’s carbon footprint for the next 50 years! Everyone can make a small contribution to the environment. Every tree counts!

I am signing up because I want to have a tree planted for my blog, and for my other blogs, too. I do want a greener future! Join us, too!