habits and dreams

i have this habit of being practical and realistic. it's just who i am, and how i think, and i've come to accept that about myself. sometimes, it's frustrating and annoying, and other times, it's great because i think about the tangible steps to make something happen. it's sorta my view of the world too. i love big thoughts and idealistic, utopian landscapes and clauses about "how things should be" -- 'cause those things are often what propel us forward -- and yet, i also need to determine what the actual solutions could be.

these are generally good things. i like being practical. it's not negative -- i'm a pretty happy person, i'd like to think. and it's interesting to problem-solve all the time.

however, there's a problem. whenever i DO dream big, with issues that i care deeply about, like education and the environment <-- and these two really are the biggest issues that i frown at, and yell with, and care too much about, i don't know what to do next. dream big, live bigger. alright then! but how? i want a society that effing accepts climate change and is willing to do something about it, that understands that energy efficiency, sustainability, cleantech, and green initiatives are not liberal-leaning -- they're life-inducing and money-saving for everyone and everything. i want a country that understands the importance of education and innovation and CARES about the future of ourselves and of our kids, towns, creativity, and leaders. we need sweeping reforms and soul-stirring speeches and a smack in the face, whether we live in coastal cities or in the deep heart of texas. UGH! and an ipad app won't solve it either.