Yesterday, my brother called and shared with me that he'd read something that really scared him last week. It was an exposition about global warming. He explained that it had huge implications for where we live and for the United States. He also explained that none of it was new information, it was simply and succinctly reiterated and it caused him to fear for us--for the world. I responded that I know global warming is real, but I can't get lost worrying about it, because I realize I can't change it personally. I consume the least energy I can, recycle, tried to compost (and failed this summer), don't drive unless I need to... It's very easy for me to get taken over by fears. I think it is for most of us. For the past year, I've struggled with our home. I thought we were buying a solid house that needed only easy cosmetic work like painting--little did I know how wrong I was! We've worked so hard to fix this house and we've...