Cloth nappies fo'real

When some folks at work discovered I am to become a father. They asked me what I would do about nappies.

'cloth nappies of course'

They all laugh. But one lovely lady told me she'll supply me with the lot, including a bucket and specific detergent. Turns out her daughter intended to go this route but then, well didn't.

She even blessed us with an awesome Moses basket.

Thank you Suraya from clan Badshah.

I shall remember you every time I change or wash these.

Garbage Warrior and Earthships

During the cold holiday period I watched a number of documentaries  One of which is about the struggles Mike Reynolds overcame to bring Earthships to the world, titled Garbage Warrior

Earthships are homes which enable a family to live comfortably off grid. No need to buy electricity, heating or water. Along with processing sewage onsite and producing food. With building materials using waste products such as used tires as the main building blocks.

For me the battles Mike fought gave me insight on how the red tape is truly getting in the way of positive change for sustainable living. The documentary shows part of this mans journey in which he is striving to become part of a holistic solution to many of our worlds problems.

Mike Reynolds you are an inspiration to me and I salute you.

Links

• Documentary: Garbage Warrior (90 min)
• Part 1 of Earthship Seminar 2009 (150 min)
• Part 2 of Earthship Seminar 2009 (150 min)

Rocket Stoves and Cob

On my PDC (Permaculture Design Course) we made our own rocket stove and I fell in love with this simple and effective bit of technology.

Cob in the Community are running a Cob and Rocket Stove Course and I just booked me a place.

Date: Sat 3 Nov 2012

Location: Canal-side Woodland, Old Oak Common, Acton, London, W3
Nearest Tube/Overground: Willesden Junction, North Acton

Cost: £80

Course info click here

The Man Who Planted Trees

I've heard about this book for ages now, then I hear about the animation. Finally I sat down and watched this.

AWESOME STUFF



The Man Who Planted Trees from MrGreatShortFilms on Vimeo.

Honey, a sweet gift

A friend who kicks my ass regularly on the mat at my Brazilian JuJitsu classes blessed me with an amazing gift. A whole jar of mountain honey from Albania.

While the taste is slightly bitter it has a depth and amazing burnt toffee flavour to it. I could just eat the lot in one sitting, but I'll resist.

Time for another spoon full I think.

Coffee on the bus and Walking barefoot to work

Having spent two months in India (more about that in another post) I missed the odd cup of coffee I have. So after breakfast I made me a very big cup, into a thermos, and enjoyed it on the bus. I do enjoy travelling on the bus after the rush hour has passed. On the upper deck in the back. Gaze wondering across the urban landscape and in this case sipping on some coffee. It's the closest thing to being chauffeur driven. The drivers these days do suddenly break hard, which hampers an almost luxurious journey in my opinion. Also travelling at peak is also a chore. Not due to seat availability, or having to seat next another person. But more so due to noise pollution from phone conversations, people talking/ shouting or some adolescent blaring some muzik

Part of my route to work has me walk through a pathway, free of cars and motor bikes etc. I cycle through this bit on most days and always enjoy this section of the journey as both sides of the path have trees and under growth.

Today I walked and enjoyed this short respite from the hustle and bustle of East London traffic. Today the weather was just what I enjoy. Not cold, but having a light jacket on felt comfortable. I had sandals on due to a cut on my heal and my feet weren't cold.

When I came to the grass area I decided to take my slippers off and walk the 100 metres or so barefoot.

I've never done this before, but the grass was dry and I just felt the need to have some contact with the earth.

Now I won't bang on about all the physical benefits of walking barefoot, maybe another time. For now I'll simply say it felt right. I'm glad I did this before I started my work day as once I got into the office it was non stop hustle and bustle till I clocked out, offered my Asr salaat (prayer) and had a cup of tea with Steve.

Enjoying Meals and Social Networking

Me and Mrs Bad were invited to my friends home in South London. To enjoy some authentic Morrocon cuisine. Same firend who I had a goals articulation meeting with back in Nov 2011

We arrived early at Stratford and decided to have a coffee in Westfield. I then decided to defect from the plan and dragged Mrs Bad into the Lebonese cafe on the lowest floor of Westfield shopping centre.

I ordered a mixed platter and some mint tea.
- The customer service was close to abusive
- They didn't have half the things I asked for
- They served the food on a paper plate
- This unforgettable experience cost close to £20

In contrast when we arrived at my friends home.
- we we greeted with warmth and felt welcome.
- we talked and laughed
- got to learn more about each others families
- had the most amazing beef, apricot and prune tagine. Sprinkled with roasted flakes of almonds.
- along with a lovely gorgeous chicken and olive tagine.

After which we drank tea and coffee and I needed a nap.
I wish I'd taken a picture of the amazing food.
I guess this is the difference of experience we can have in relation to food. I know which one I'll be aspiring too.

If we invite other families to dine with our family every so often. They will also invite us to do the same. We then don't need to go through an abusive experience when it comes to dining out.

One part of the goals articulation for zone 0 (home) me and mrs Bad had was 'a place where we enjoy our meals'

As for my 'Increasing productivity' project. Pleasant experiences like the meal I had with K.Z's family are inspiring, heart warming and a form of social networking far greater then Facebook.