Community Supported Agriculture

Dear Amber,

The cost of feeding a family of four keeps climbing.  I refuse to feed my family junk just because it's cheaper.  To offset the cost of groceries we've taken several steps:

1. We garden, growing vegetables is a big help-I use our tomatoes to make enough spaghetti sauce and salsa to get us through the next year.
2.  I coupon, but sometimes this can be a total pain in butt and a lot of time there aren't coupons for the foods we buy most often.
3.  We eat at least 3 meatless dinners per week.  Not only does this save $, but it's also better for our health.  Some examples are: rice and beans, eggs, pasta with veggies, soups and sandwiches are favorites too!
4.  The biggest step we've taken to save $ and feed our family seasonally and more healthfully is join a CSA.  Community Supported Agriculture is gaining in popularity as local farmers and consumers alike are trying to keep business close to home. 

Because of the cost, we've split this year's CSA membership with my parents.  This year we applied to be a part of the New Earth Farm, located in Southeastern Virginia Beach. 

What is a CSA?

In a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, local residents become members by paying the current fee at the start of the season, normally in May, for produce that they will receive on a weekly basis over the course of the Spring, Summer and into early Fall. This allows the farmer to cover early costs such as seed and material procurement and to get a good estimate of how much to plant. For the members, it means fresh, organically grown produce each week, support of a local farmer / business, being a part of a community of like-minded people and a personal connection to the food they eat and the people who grow it. (http://www.newearthfarm.org/)

Being part of a CSA also encourages you to try new foods and recipes.  Isn't it fun to find a new favorite food?  Also available through most CSA's is a work share program.  You can volunteer to work on the farm and receive a discount on the CSA membership.  This is also a great opportunity for kids to see where food comes from and all the hard work it takes to put food on your plate!  The best food is organic, the best organic food is what's grown closest to you.

To find a CSA near you check out: http://www.localharvest.org/

Professional Angst Part II

So, I had a job interview today.

I didn't mention it yesterday, because I'm superstitious and didn't want to jinx myself.

It was the third part of a four part interview process.

I thought things went well.

I was excited about the company.  Excited about the job.  Excited at the idea of putting in a two week's notice at my current job.

But about a hour after the one-on-one interview ended, I got a call letting me know that I didn't need to come back for the afternoon portion (a job shadowing).

I was so disappointed.  I really thought things had gone well.  I thought I'd be a good fit for them and them for me.

Job interviewing is so depressing.  The rejection is very hard to take.

F-You job hunting!

Dear Amber,

I'm sorry to hear the interview didn't go as you'd hoped.  Interviewing can certainly be defeating.  A four part interview process sounds unnecessary and expensive.  Where are you looking to take your career?