Happy Birthday Mateo

30 is that age where for the first time in life people stop to truly think about where they've been and where they are going. Whichever one you're thinking about I'm glad to be here with you. You are an exceptional husband and father and at 30 young years of age your character in those regards is immeasureable. Insha Allah you will continue to grow and live to the full potential of the gifts you have been given. You definitely are gifted. I love you - Your Wife, Joronda

WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well how about a big round of applause for everyone. On Saturday March 8th we succeeded in having a very ecoficient birthday celebration for my best friend, the father of my sun, my husband, Mateo. Thank you to all of you for your cooperation, participation and patience. I was throughly impressed with everyone's willingness to try something new. We all ate vegan food and enjoyed it. For those who live on the west side make sure to keep "Green" in mind when you're on your east side visits (it will save gas and time).

The gifts everyone brought were incredible. You all are REALLY creative. Mateo was smiling ear to ear and was thoroughly impressed. For his birhday he received an electric Thailand reminiscent fly swatter, a crotched blanket that had belonged to his grandfather, homemade cookies, shared cd's, original art, martial arts inspired birthday cards, a Bruce Lee dvd, jewelery, time off from work, a photo album, a gift card, text messages, e-mails, time with people he cares about and none of which were based on a price tag. You all are incredible!!!

Well keep up the good work. It's good good for the environment, society and your wallet. Mateo and I are working on consuming less, wasting less and living less frivolously and I thank you for giving him the gift of a group effort in this vein for his birthday.

See you all there!

Well the day has come. It's already the 8th and it's a good thing this celebration is focused on ecoficiency. That means no stress for anyone. It has been difficult trying to find time to post when Mateo is not around and remembering to cover my tracks when he is around. If you're checking the blog just now to make sure it's still on the answer is yes. Bring the family and have a cool family dinner experience.

Please be there by 5pm because that is when the guest of honor will arrive. Remember the location? The place is called "Green" it's on Scottsdale Rd. in Tempe just south of McDowell on the west side of the street. Look for the Salvation Army, but don't pass it. The actual address is in a post below. If you can't remember the name, just think of the theme of the occasion.

There WILL be food to try because I ecoficiently saved enough dollars to spend for people to taste test. Still managing to do this for "free", according to the rules (see previous post). Now I couldn't invite you out and not feed you anything. For those of you who have not tried vegan food before don't be afraid to try more than what's in front of you. The restaurant style is counter service so after the starters you can order at your leisure but remember you can't break the bank because you too are participating in this "green birthday".

If you bring a gift be prepared to share with Mateo how ecoficiently you came to that gift. If you can't make it but still want to be a part of the celebration give him a call during the event or send a text. For more information on the event look over the previous posts. See you there!