Facts about waste water

World Water Day is held on March 22nd to raise awareness of the importance of freshwater. It helps bring attention to a crisis faced by millions around the globe – limited access to fresh, clean water.

This year's theme is 'why waste water' and focuses on getting people to stop wasting the valuable resource.

It is estimated that 663 million people live without access to safe water close to their homes. Instead, they must travel long distances or queue for hours to get it. Many also have to cope with contaminated water – and the associated health problems.

The United Nations General Assembly officially designated March 22nd as World Water Day in 1993. Since then, campaigns have focused on improving water quality and access to freshwater for people around the world. In 2015 – and as part of the Sustainable Development Goals – a UN Initiative set a target to make sure everyone on the planet has access to safe water by 2030.

It is estimated that by 2030, the demand for water will have increased by 50% – most of which will be from people living in cities. As a result, World Water Day organisers are calling for new approaches to wastewater management.

Facts about waste water:
- At present, more than 80% of wastewater produced is pumped back into the ecosystem without being treated or reused.
- Despite most of the world's population being expected to live in cities by 2050, most – especially in developing countries – do not have the infrastructure or resources needed to manage wastewater.
- 1.8 billion people (more than a quarter of the world's population) use a source of drinking water that is contaminated by faeces. This places them at risk of a host of deadly diseases including dysentery, cholera and polio.
- It is estimated that unsafe water and poor sanitation kills 842,000 people every year.
- An area of land roughly equivalent to the size of Sri Lanka is irrigated with wastewater or polluted water. This causes health problems in the farmers working on the land, and eventually the people who consume the products they produce.
- Water, sanitation and hygiene could prevent 9.1% of the global disease burden – and an estimated 6.3% of all deaths.
- Improved water sources reduces the number of deaths from diarrhoea by 21%, while improved sanitation can reduce it by 37.5%.
- According to the USGS, the average person uses up to 100 gallons of water per day. 95% of this goes down the drain – meaning each person wastes between 76-95 gallons every day.
- Despite most of the planet being covered by water, most of it is not available for human use. If the Earth's water fitted into a four litre jug, just one tablespoon would be available freshwater.

New Year's Resolutions 2017

Time for New Year's Resolutions... Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? Why not find a unique New Year’s resolution that can actually transform your life? And, maybe you’ll even have a chance of sticking to it? Something that is more interesting will naturally keep your interest.

So, here are a few unique New Year’s Resolutions that you chould try. Pick one, two, three, or all four.

A Daily Act of Kindness
One of the best new year resolution ideas is to resolve to make at least one person’s life better each day. It can be as simple as buying someone’s coffee in line behind you to donating something to the local food bank. These happen a lot during the holidays, but not much afterwards.

Learn Something New
Can you design a web page? Want to play the guitar? Wish you could be an author? Always hoped to speak Italian? We all have things skills we wished we had or things we’ve always wanted to learn. The coming of the new year should remind you that you aren’t getting any younger. Resolve to actually learn a new skill or develop a talent. Be specific about what you want to learn and write down concrete steps to achieve it. For example, if you want to write a book, research the publishing process and maybe take a class on writing.

Get Involved In A Charity
Was your old year primarily focused on yourself? There’s nothing wrong with making yourself happy. However, selfish people rarely live meaningful and truly happy lives. That’s why, if you’re not already involved in charitable work, it could be a unique year’s resolution.
If you’re unsure what to choose, find what you care about. Maybe it’s mental illness, the homeless, animals, or another topic. Whatever it is, find a reputable charity and donate your time and energy to making a difference. You’ll help others and feel better yourself.

Make time for your physical health first
You spend many hours at the office or running around for others and there’s so much on your plate that you can’t even think about taking care of yourself? That needs to stop! No matter how busy your schedule gets or how much you want to accomplish in this world, you have to make time for your own physical health first. Eat healthier meals (and eat regularly), get enough sleep every night and exercise at least a few times a week. Keeping yourself in better physical shape will keep you in better mental shape.

Which resolution will yours be in 2017?

What is Culture shock?

Culture shock has been studied and defined by many different people over the years and it affects everyone differently.

Basically Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone when they are suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.

There is also reverse culture shock. This is when an individual has successfully adjusted to the new social or cultural group, and then returns to his or her home country, or original social or cultural group.  This can be due to over-idealizing one’s home country or culture, or expecting that nothing has changed while they were away, when it actually has.

To better understand the signs and symptoms of culture shock, one must understand the four basic stages:

Honeymoon Period:
This is when you first arrive in the new location, and everything is new and exciting.
Crisis Period:
This is when your feelings of disillusionment culminate, and you begin to cope.
Recovery:
This is when you gradually adapt, and learn to behave like the local culture/social group.
Adjustment:
Function effectively, and perform day to day tasks secondhand

The signs and symptoms of culture shock are: 
- homesickness
- stereotyping or feelings of hostility towards hosts
- excessive boredom
- feelings of isolation
- boredom
- withdrawal

The fact of the matter is that once you know about culture shock, you can also learn how to prevent culture shock. Here are five tips:

1. Learn about your new location first, be open-minded and willing to learn!

2. Maintain a positive sense of humour. The ability to laugh at your mistakes, and smile at people makes a world of difference in the eyes of your hosts, no matter which part of the world.

3. Know before you leave that moving or traveling somewhere different is challenging, and that it is normal to go through an adjustment period.

4. Do not withdraw. Look for positive people, travel around, take part in cultural and/or school events.

5. Take a part of home with you. Food, photos and music all help when going through a rough spot. Stay connected and keep in touch with family and friends through Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime.

Last but not least my personal advice would be to start a journal (or a blog) of the new things you come across every day and your reactions to your new home. Writing things down will help you keep them in perspective, and are funny to look back on!

One more tip: Never confuse your ability to speak the new language with your intelligence; it is easy to feel stupid and get down on yourself, but there is no reason to. It takes everyone some time to adjust and become comfortable with a new language.

And remember: YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Creating the "Most Positive Day in the World"

You look lovely. Aren't you brave? Fantastic job!

Go ahead give your family, friends and colleagues - or even yourself - a compliment... it is World Compliment Day today after all.

After 10 successful editions of “National Compliment Day” in the Netherlands the initiators wonder why the event should not become a "World Compliment Day" and thus create The Most Positive Day in the World?

The initiative, is not commercially oriented, so everyone can afford to participate. "World Compliment Day" simply addresses the basic human need for recognition and appreciation. Nobody wins commercially, but everybody gains emotionally. And therein lies its power.

March 1st is just about consciously reflecting on what someone in your area does well and letting that person know he/she is sincerely appreciated for that. It should be done through words instead of gifts.

So go ahead, spread those compliments because a sincere and personal compliment costs nothing, but the impact on the recipient is huge. Nothing stimulates more, gives more energy, makes people happier and, as far as business is concerned, increases productivity and commitment faster than sincere appreciation.

Manifesto of a DOER

The idea is a simple one. That people who Do things, can inspire the rest of us to go and Do things too. So each year, the DO Lectures invite a set of people to come and tell them what they Do.

In 2008, The DO Lectures was born, in an inexplicable cross section between a festival and a conference. There were no name badges, no bad coffee and impersonal, draughty lecture halls. Instead, an intimate number of speakers and attendees gathered under canvas on the west coast of Wales and shared the whole three day experience as a community. They ate together, camped together, shared a beer around a fire as the sun went down together.

Every year since, DO has stuck to the same formula: ideas + energy = change.

The Kindness Advent calendar

Even if my kids' favourite Advent calendars are the chocolate ones from Coop supermarket, this doesn't mean I can't add another one this December. She Lives Free has posted a lovely Acts of Kindness countdown to Christmas printable calendar.

Ideally, you'll be holding the door open to a stranger or giving out free hugs more than once a month but maybe doing these acts of kindness consciously might spark the impulse to do more.

And don't forget, you can always modify the acts that don't feel right and replace them with your own. So, go ahead and start making some space on your kitchen fridge to hang up this very sweet Advent calendar.

Happy Advent!

Teaching my kids about peace

Over the past few days I have found myself having conversations with my children about peace and violence. But just sitting down with a child and explaining the importance of peace is not enough. It’s already a complicated concept to explain, made more difficult by recent happenings of violence and conflict. It is all over TV and social media, yet I'd like to think that the next generation will find a path to a more peaceful future hoping that, as adults, they will be able to change the world step by step.

I wish to share this list I found on the internet about cultivating values to promote the notion of peace in children. Although it seems like a long list, each point is important and we all know the best way to teach our kids is to show them how to do it:

Forgiveness:
Make sure you set a great example by forgiving them for their own missteps. Teach them the importance of not holding grudges.
Compassion:
Discuss tales of compassion from real life experiences, and demonstrate acts of compassion, for animals and fellow humans.
Charity:
Help them see the importance of helping those who are at a disadvantage.
Hope:
Show them that even when they go through a rough patch, tomorrow will be better.
Kindness:
Promote kindness at every opportunity. Explain that acts of kindness feel just as good for the giver as for the recipient.
Understanding:
When they get into trouble, show them understanding. Teach them to understand and have patience with you as well. You all make mistakes, and you love them and they love you, regardless.
Tolerance:
Encourage them to nurture friendships with other children from different races, religions, and backgrounds.
Cooperation:
Teach them how to work together to reach a common goal. Help them understand that people working together can often create better results than individuals working alone.
Unconditional Love:
As a parent you already love them unconditionally. But make sure they know they are loved and accepted, no matter what—whether they are gay, straight or want to be a rock star for a living someday.
Trust:
Be open enough with them so they can come to you, trusting they can confide in you completely without getting in trouble. This way, they will grow up believing in people and themselves. Be as honest with them as possible and they will emulate that.
Sharing:
Teach them the importance of sharing the same space, the same room, the same toys, as well as the same planet.
Respect:
At every chance, show them how respecting others will bring them respect too. Always respect your children in order to set a good example.
Responsibility:
Children have to learn early on that every action has a consequence. They must learn to be responsible for their actions and foresee what negative results might develop should they shirk their obligations.
Empathy:
Teach them to try and understand other people’s point of view. Ask them how they’d feel if they were in such circumstances.
Self-Control:
Just because they are angry doesn’t mean they should act on it. Talk it out, understand the problem and help them understand that they shouldn’t act on impulse or anger. Violence is not the answer.
Gratitude:
Make it a habit to show your children how lucky they are. Teach them to be grateful for their possessions, circumstances, and loved ones.

IGNITE YOUR FEMALE POWER (Women only seminar)

Join the IWCL Evening group for a talk with American Guest Speaker Erin Marie Godin!

Erin is a leadership and motivational coach who has the ambition to inspire greatness in your life, relationships and business. She is a certified member of the John Maxwell team and will help you cultivate and maintain success through her energetic influence!

She will be covering topics such as:
1. Embracing change and honoring the struggle/progress cycle in life.
2. Tapping into your bravery when faced with “quantum leap” decisions, either big opportunities or situations where you need to choose – stay or leave.
3. Infusing HOPE for a brighter future so women feel empowered and confident in the path they chose. Her mission is to motivate women to intentionally find their strength before a tragedy forces it out of them.

Venue: WOMEN ONLY SEMINAR: IGNITE YOUR FEMALE POWER
Where: Franklin University, Kalestch Campus, Classroom 1 Via Ponte Tresa 29, 6924 Sorengo
When: Monday, November 30, 2015
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm            
The seminar is free!

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!
Please write to IWCL Evening Group (iwcleveninggroup@gmail.com) if you wish to join.

Random Acts of Kindness

Soon it will be back to school... summer is over and - have you heard - the first snowflakes have already fallen in the North of Ticino.

To start the school year off on a positive note, I thought I'd share a checklist of Random Acts of Kindness that I found and see how many of these acts of kindness I can perform before school starts. Feel like seeing how many you can do? You can also add your own! Remember, kindness is contagious - spread some today!

Go out of your way to thank someone today.
Hold the door open for someone.
Add a kind note to someone’s windshield or front door.
Let a person with only one or two items go in line before you at the grocery.
Say thank you to a janitor or custodian.
Collect all your loose coins and donate to charity.
Bring a crossing guard a cup of coffee or a croissant.
Give a friend a book that you like.
Leave inspirational notes around the house or in your friend's room.
Write five things you like about yourself.
Send or text an old photo to a friend just to make them smile.
Bring a bouquet of flowers to the hospital.
Give someone a hug.
Say thank you to a police officer.
When you get a new piece of clothing, donate an old piece.
Purchase an extra bag of dog/cat food & bring it to a local shelter .
Give up your seat.
When everyone else is gossiping, be the one to butt in with something nice.
Email/write an old teacher who had a big influence in your life.
When you go to get something for yourself in the kitchen, get some for the rest of your family.
Treat a friend to a movie.
Feed the birds.
Help an elderly neighbor .
Make dinner for a busy family.
Donate used books.
Write and mail a handwritten letter to a friend.
Bake some cookies and bring them to your neighbor or to school.
Pick up litter.
Leave a nice server the biggest tip you can afford.
Invite someone who is alone over for dinner.

Changing your attitude when you cannot change the situation

You have learnt that as an expat, sometimes changing your physical circumstances isn't possible, at least not right away.

Changing your perception, belief or opinion of the situation will help you change your attitude.

The Greek philosopher Epictetus said it beautifully more than 2,000 years ago: "People are disturbed, not by things that happen to them, but by the principles and opinions which they form concerning those things. When we are hindered, or disturbed, or grieved, let us never attribute it to others, but to ourselves; that is, to our own principles and opinions."

Here are five easy ways to start changing your perception:

1. Admit to yourself that you're not happy.
You can't change anything if you aren't aware that something needs to be changed. Stop the cycle of wishing things were different and take control of your thoughts and reactions to events and people.

2. Realize optimism is a choice.
You are not born with a positive or negative attitude. It is something you become through your perspective of experiences. Very few situations are completely bad. Always try to come up with three to five positives of any challenging situation and write them down so you can remember them.

3. Use positive words.
Use statements like, "I am hopeful," or, "We will find a resolution," throughout the day. The words you use when you talk have a major impact on your attitude and emotional outlook.

4. Hang out with friends who have a happy vibe.
Try surrounding yourself with friends that exude positive energy. Pay attention to the words they use when they talk to you about their day. You will be amazed how simple it is to ascertain if they are a positive or negative influence.

5. Say a daily affirmation.
Find a quote that is meaningful to you and say it aloud every morning. "Something great is going to happen today," sends your energy in an expectant and positive direction. I know it sounds a bit "Zen" and somewhat mystical, but it is actually a very simple and effective method for retraining your subconscious mind — and advocated by both ancient and scientific research.

So the next time you are faced with a challenging situation, remember these tips for molding your perception — and improving your attitude. You may not be able to change it, but you can certainly choose your mental and physical response to it. As time passes, you will notice a real shift in your attitude, and so will your friends and family!

For a better healthier you! 5 a Day

We've all heard about the five portions of fruits and vegetables we are suppose to eat per day to stay healthy.

Here's a little help via "5 a Day", a national health promotion campaign aimed at boosting your fruit and vegetable consumption. The objective is better health and well-being for the population of Switzerland. "5 a Day" shows you how to increase your personal consumption of fruit and vegetables – variety with a lot of fun and pleasure.

Eat five portions of vegetables and fruit every day. This depends on how you feel and without having to weigh each portion.  A portion equals about a handful of vegetables or fruit. Here’s how to determine the appropriate portion:  For children, it’s 70 gr of vegetables or 100 gr of fruit.  For adults, it’s 102 gr of vegetables or fruit. How and when the portions are eaten during the day is not as important as the versatility in choice of vegetable and fruit varieties; because in each fruit and vegetable there are a range of substances that are good for our bodies. The more colourful, the better!

Need a little help, just check out their site: 5 a Day.
The site also gives you the info for every vegetable and fruit you can find at the market.
Looking for some kids friendly explanations, click here for the Nutrition Disk or the Food Pyramid.

There's even a logo "5 a Day" that provides helpful guidance when selecting vegetables and fruit enriched products.

Julia Roberts has a message for you!

When Mother Nature speaks using her natural forces, humans usually only respond after the fact. Rather than work harder to prevent flooding caused by global warming, we organize relief efforts to rebuild entire communities washed away by hurricane. Instead of passing laws for stronger offshore oil drilling regulations, we use dishwashing detergent to clean off soiled shorebirds.

Well, the creators of the video below are hoping that since we don't listen to the way earth's natural forces beg for change, we might listen to the personified voice of Mother Nature. Of course, the effect of her voice is heightened when it's actually Julia Roberts.

Julia Roberts, Harrison Ford, Kevin Spacey, Edward Norton, Penélope Cruz, Robert Redford and Ian Somerhalder all join forces to give nature a voice. Watch the films and take action at www.natureisspeaking.org

 

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution 2015

In line with yesterday's post about Neapolitan cooking, today I am posting a video that has been making the rounds on the net. Yes, it's him! He's back: Jamie Oliver. This time with a new petition called "Food Revolution Day"!

Can you imagine what he is up to!?!

Well, he urgently needs your help to make a real difference. We are currently facing a global obesity epidemic, with 42 million children under the age of five either overweight or obese across the world. The bottom line is the next generation will live shorter lives than their parents if nothing is done to rectify these alarming stats.

So Jamie is asking that you do two simple things – first, please sign this petition to show your support for compulsory practical food education in schools across the world, then, most importantly, share it via your social networks.

The utterly brilliant Ed Sheeran has written us a Food Revolution Day song! Incredibly talented artists on the music track include Sir Paul McCartney, Alesha Dixon, Jazzie B, Professor Green, Jamie Cullum, George The Poet, Us The Duo, Che'nelle, DJ MK, Mr Hudson, The London Youth Choir and Hugh Jackman!

Over a million people have joined our Food Revolution, to try and make sure every child gets the basic skills they need to lead healthier, happier lives through food education in schools.

This girl can...

Every once in a while a video crosses my screen that I feel the urge to share. This is one of them.

"This Girl Can" is a national campaign developed by Sport England and a wide range of partnership organisations. It's a celebration of active women up and down the country who are doing their thing no matter how well they do it, how they look or even how red their face gets.

"This Girl Can" is here to inspire women to wiggle, jiggle, move and prove that judgement is a barrier that can be overcome.

 

IWCL Charity Committee invites you to Make-A-Wish

"Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back. Those who wish to sing always find a song. "
Plato

Come and join the IWCL's Spring Party and dance with live music under the stars…
All this while supporting the work of Make-A-Wish ® Switzerland...
Help grant the most heartfelt wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses in Ticino...
It will be an unforgettable night for all...

The Int'l Womens' Club Lugano know how to throw a party, so you have no excuse not to show up.
The action starts at 19:30 at Lugano's Lido which opens its doors in new spleandour for the season 2013.

Entry of CHF 70.- covers cocktail dinner, 2 drinks, water&coffee/tea.
You may also buy lottery tickets at CHF 5.- each or CHF 20.- for 5 tickets.
There are fabulous prizes to win. Here is a sneak peek of some of the lottery prizes:

* A night and breakfast for two in Hotel residence Villa Sassa

* Dinner for two people at Villa Principe Leopoldo

* Voucher for stay for two people at Kurhaus Cademario Hotel&Spa

* Esthetic whole body massage with Aromatherapy at Nouvelle Beauté

For the ones deciding last minute, please don't forget to write to iwcl.charity@gmail.com so the Charity Committee can make sure to have enough food for everybody. Contact IWCL Charity Committee Victoria, Jinny or Esra: iwcl.charity@gmail.com

Let's raise the roof and with it make a wish come true for a child or two or more. It is up to you!

Venue: Support Make-A-Wish Foundation in Switzerland
Where: Al Lido, Viale Castagnola 6, 6900 Lugano
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2013
Time: 7:30 PM
Price: CHF 70.- p.p.
Contact: iwcl.charity@gmail.com
For more info click on: http://www.make-a-wish.ch/

Lessons for my kids

Here is a list I came across and wanted to share with you. We spend so much time running around making sure we are on schedule and trying to catch up with ourselves, we sometimes forget to mention the important facts in life.

Here are some lessons I will make sure my kids have ingrained in them. Did you know that Marshall Duke, a colorful psychologist at Emory University in the mid-1990s, claimed that “The children who know a lot about their families tend to do better when they face challenges."? So keep talking to your kids and be an example, if not always in practice (nobody's perfect) at least in theory.

TCK resolutions

Welcome back and Happy New Year to all my readers.

To kick-start 2013 I decided to post 7 questions rather than a bunch of resolutions. The questions do not have answers attached because they are open to any interpretation or reply. There is no right or wrong answer in this game. Just be yourself ... that is what really counts!

What do Yoko Ono, Carlos Fuente and Barack Obama all have in common? A shared cultural identity based on similar upbringings: they are Third Culture Kids.

Third Culture Kids spend their developmental years in a fusion of multiple cultures, typically growing up in countries different from their parents’ "passport country". Children growing up in this fusion of cultures exhibit elements of their parents’ cultural background as well as facets of their immediate cultural surroundings, thereby creating their own "third culture".

Here a seven things every TCK should know:

1. How do I learn to recognize and develop fully the gifts I received from this TCK experience?
2. How can I make and maintain friendships with non-TCKs and TCKs?
3. How do I sort out who I am and where I belong when I can’t get past the feeling of belonging “everywhere and nowhere?”
4. How do I deal with the grief I still feel from long ago losses of country and friends?
5. How do I stop restlessness, and the cycles of separation and loss I continue to create for myself because I can’t seem to stay in one place more than 2-3 years?
6. How can I not forget and lose my past while moving towards the future?
7. How do I deal with the loneliness I sometimes feel, even when others are around?

Nominate my - Expat with Kids - Lugano blog

"Where there is a will, there's a way!"
My personal motto

Now that I'm officially a blogging addict, the time has come to publicize my pink Lugano site. If learning how to set up a blog has a milion facets to it, trying to promote your blog brings the world to your doorstep. Where DO I begin?

Here goes my list:
Lugano - my friends: check
Ticino - expat association: check
Switzerland - expat blogs: check
World - expat groups and blog hops: check

Having gone from a simple hotmail user five months ago, I now own accounts on Twitter, Stumble upon, glue (or is it getglue?), Yahoo, Picasa, Polyvore, Social Moms and I can hardly keep up with myself. How can I expect my readers to follow me? Then again,  they might just stumble over me? ;)

My biggest highlight was when I hit the 10'000 pageview benchmark. "I can actually do this! I did it!"

Try googling Lugano blog, Lugano expat or Lugano kids. Guess what?  My Lugano blog appears on the first page. This gives me a sensational satisfaction. Having given up a flourishing Sales&Marketing career so many years ago for my wonderful globetrotting life, the result of this 5 month adventure proves that I am still made of the same stuff and - wow - I have NOT lost my touch.

GO OVERSEAS kindly invited me to display their "Nominate This Blog" badge on my website. Substantive nominations from my readers will definitely help me stand out during their blog selection process they say.

So my dear readers, let's make this site a wee bit more interactive: Vote for my blog by clicking on the "GO overseas" logo on my blog: I promise I'll keep you updated on the success rate.

My mother always said: "You never know what comes around the corner."
Hey, I might be on the cover of Newsweek in a decade or two?!?

Happy New Year!

May 2011 be like a plane.

God as your pilot. Prayers as your wings.

Hope as fuel.

Love as the engine and happiness your passenger.

Happy New Year!

New Year's resolutions

"A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one Year and out the other." Anonymous

This quote basically sums up my attitude towards New Year's resolutions. When I was a teenager I used to write my list every 31st of December, not that I ever took a second glance at it later in the year. Today my outlook on life is better described by a "Enjoy it while it lasts" motto. However, I thought I'd share some fast facts about New Year's resolutions that I found on the web:

People make more resolutions to start a new habit than to break an old one.
It takes doing something 21 times in order to make it a habit.

63% of people say they are keeping their resolutions after two months
67% of people make three or more resolutions

Top four resolutions:
Increase exercise
Develop better eating habits
Stop smoking, drinking, or using drugs (including caffeine)
Be more conscientious about work or school

If I HAD to decide on one resolution it would be to be more patient. As for my excercise and eating habits, they are not brilliant but good enough in my consideration. Who can say no to Swiss chocolate?!? As far as drinking goes, a good glass of wine with a Mediterranean meal is an absolute must. I don't smoke or do drugs and I do NOT consider delicious Italian coffee a drug!!! Consciencious???? What ever happend to spontaneity????

Wishing you a Happy New Year and may all your troubles last as long as your New Year’s resolutions!