Life, Love, & Laundry
April Fools: A Combat Sport Disguised as a Holiday
Posted by Benjamin Stevens on

Ah, April Fools' Day. A day for the easily duped, the chronically gullible, and, in my case, a day etched in my childhood psyche as a full-blown war zone. Forget Easter egg hunts; we had "Operation: Humiliate Your Family." Growing up, April Fools' was practically a national holiday in our house. It wasn't just a casual "haha, gotcha!" kind of affair. No, it was a meticulously planned, strategically executed campaign of deception. My brother, bless his mischievous hearts, were the generals, and my sister and I, the eager, yet often bewildered, foot soldiers. We lived for the thrill of the...
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- Tags: April Fools, Toothpaste
National Science Appreciation Day: A Call to Action
Posted by Benjamin Stevens on

Tomorrow is National Science Appreciation Day, a day to celebrate the incredible achievements of science and technology that have shaped our world. It is also a day to reflect on the importance of science in our lives and to consider how we can best support scientific inquiry and discovery. In the age of social media, it is more important than ever to appreciate the power of science. In a world where information is readily available, it is easy to fall prey to misinformation and disinformation. This is especially true when it comes to science, as many people are not trained...
Every Little Bit Counts: Why World Recycling Day Matters, and How We're Doing Our Part
Posted by Benjamin Stevens on

Today, March 18th, is World Recycling Day, a global reminder of the critical role recycling plays in safeguarding our planet. In a world grappling with overflowing landfills and dwindling resources, the importance of conscious consumption and responsible disposal cannot be overstated. While headlines may sometimes highlight the backsliding of certain global leaders on environmental commitments, it's crucial to remember that collective action, starting at the individual level, can make a significant difference. Recycling isn't just about throwing plastic bottles into a blue bin. It's about understanding the lifecycle of products, choosing sustainable alternatives, and minimizing our environmental footprint. At Ever...
The Lingering Shadow of Bullying: Lessons Learned and Still Learning
Posted by Benjamin Stevens on

Bullying. It's a word that evokes a visceral reaction, a knot in the stomach, a flash of painful memories. We often picture the stereotypical schoolyard bully, physically intimidating their victim. But the reality is far more nuanced, and often, far more insidious. Bullying is a complex web of power dynamics, emotional manipulation, and the lasting scars it leaves behind. My own experience with bullying is a tangled thread of victim and perpetrator. As a child, I endured my share of teasing and exclusion. Like many, I learned a twisted lesson: power came from inflicting pain. I remember a specific incident...
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- Tags: bullying, pink shirt day
Your Values, Your Life: The Key to True Simplification
Posted by Benjamin Stevens on

Yesterday, we marked "Simplify Your Life Day," a gentle nudge to step back from the chaos and consider what truly matters. In a world that constantly demands more – more stuff, more commitments, more "achievements" – the idea of simplification feels like a breath of fresh air. But what does it actually mean to simplify? It's a deeply personal question. For some, it's about decluttering physical spaces, shedding the excess possessions that weigh us down. For others, it's about streamlining schedules, saying "no" to commitments that drain energy, and carving out time for meaningful experiences. And for many, it’s about...