At 4:31 pm this afternoon, I officially signed off as an employee of InSAI. I have been wiped from the system and my schools transferred over to my former work partner. I have removed my Digsby for im, and I've put an auto-reply on my email address.
The phone number and fax number will be disconnected by tomorrow morning; at that time, those two items which have been vital communication tools will once again return to the status of "stuff" that will return to its box, waiting to be transported back to the main office on a trip to Bloomington.Other items are in a box, awaiting the same trek.
My bulletin board now has an empty spot where all my lists of schools' progress lived throughout the seasons.
I can feel the closure.
It has a definite "ending" feel to it.
But...
there are also beginnings.
The website I designed to the 4th of July is nearing 1200 hits--something I never dreamed would happen. The app is in its final stages of being ready to go--Kurt and I are working on the final edits.
The website for the 4-H fair has been released and I'll be sending it out as well on July 5; that app is in mid-finish (If that's not a word, it really should be...that explains that app pretty well.)
Over the next few days I have a website to create for our new little venture "3weismans". Also in July I'll be setting up a schedule for a series of Tech Talks for the area.
The farmers market site is beginning to see some traffic. That will get more attention now.
And the list goes on...
Endings can be tough, but they are such a necessary part of life so that new beginnings can take place. Looking back, I'm beginning to realize just how good the timing was for this closure. Sure, the security of the every other week paycheck will be missing for awhile, but it's a sincere hope that this area in which I live will embrace the idea of allowing me the opportunity to return to teaching once again as a consultant in their quest to better understand how technology shapes and can be of positive use in their lives. I look forward to the unknown...it makes for great blog material and keeps us young(er).
All my best to the thousands of fine people I have met and worked with during my time with InSAI. My love and gratitude to my bosses and my workmates--what a fine bunch of folks. The memories will be held dearly; the opportunities presented for future growth are treasured.
So...farewell InSAI...it's been grand.
Hello, future...nice to meet you.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
A Novel Idea
When I started blogging last year as a segment of my 50 Adventures at 50, I started to realize just how much I love writing. During the many years I taught writing, I knew how much I appreciated the word put to print, but I never really allowed myself the time it takes to truly become immersed in the craft. The passion was just reposed in patience, waiting for its time to emerge into full-blown glory. Welcome, passion...glad you're here.
Not a day goes by that an idea for something enters my head as an idea for writing. Just as with photography where the eye becomes a trained scout for the next photo, the mind and all the senses train themselves to lend ideas. The ideas come from anywhere and anything at anytime. Sometimes they disappear as soon as they arrive. Sometimes they linger until I can try them out to see if the idea will develop. I've often been told and thought to myself that I could/should write a longer works--a novel. A daunting idea. Nevertheless, I've toyed with the idea for some time, getting immersed in one plot after another. However, earlier today I was on the treadmill, listening to my beloved geeky podcast and thinking how I'd move some furniture around in my little salon after finishing my workout, when something was said in regard to a tech person who wrote a dynamic work of science fiction. The simple words, "Write what you know" resonated with me. And the idea for a novel immediately came to me, strong and clear. It has stuck with me all day and developed itself as I've gone about my work and a million other thoughts. I think this one is the "keeper."
For several years, I've gone into hyper- thought as November drew near and NaNoWriMo approached. Writers will recognize this time at National November Writing Month; a month of madness where writers, artists, and hacks from all over the world write feverishly for 30 days with the goal of at least 10,000 words. Many achieve the feat; I'm one who never has. I've started many times, but the ideas wither time after time much like scenery during the month of November. The novel seemed out of reach. But no more.
It's funny, really..,How many bazillions of times have I heard that phrase and used it myself as advice to others? "Write what you know." I've pondered this thought over and over for many years. Why did the idea finally come to me today? Who knows...who cares...it came today. I have a novel idea...at last.
Not a day goes by that an idea for something enters my head as an idea for writing. Just as with photography where the eye becomes a trained scout for the next photo, the mind and all the senses train themselves to lend ideas. The ideas come from anywhere and anything at anytime. Sometimes they disappear as soon as they arrive. Sometimes they linger until I can try them out to see if the idea will develop. I've often been told and thought to myself that I could/should write a longer works--a novel. A daunting idea. Nevertheless, I've toyed with the idea for some time, getting immersed in one plot after another. However, earlier today I was on the treadmill, listening to my beloved geeky podcast and thinking how I'd move some furniture around in my little salon after finishing my workout, when something was said in regard to a tech person who wrote a dynamic work of science fiction. The simple words, "Write what you know" resonated with me. And the idea for a novel immediately came to me, strong and clear. It has stuck with me all day and developed itself as I've gone about my work and a million other thoughts. I think this one is the "keeper."
For several years, I've gone into hyper- thought as November drew near and NaNoWriMo approached. Writers will recognize this time at National November Writing Month; a month of madness where writers, artists, and hacks from all over the world write feverishly for 30 days with the goal of at least 10,000 words. Many achieve the feat; I'm one who never has. I've started many times, but the ideas wither time after time much like scenery during the month of November. The novel seemed out of reach. But no more.
It's funny, really..,How many bazillions of times have I heard that phrase and used it myself as advice to others? "Write what you know." I've pondered this thought over and over for many years. Why did the idea finally come to me today? Who knows...who cares...it came today. I have a novel idea...at last.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Peeking at a New World of Work
The notice has officially gone out to the schools with whom I work--I'll not be an employee of ASAI next year. I've known about it for some time since schools' resources are drying up for the "extras" like the assistance our organization offers. So, I'm going to join the ranks of the unemployed--sort of. I've never been completely unemployed thanks to a license here and a hobby-turn-job there. But as far as a paycheck every other week job--yep, unemployed.
Slightly less than a year ago when launching my "50 Adventures at 50", I didn't really plan for this; I was looking for different adventures, but didn't really anticipate this being one of those adventures when I was beginning the trek last summer. I've had some time to think about the prospect of not being in this job, and although I'll miss the day-to-day visits with some interesting, fun, and generally nice people, I'm not sad. In fact, it's kind of fun to think of getting to re-invent what I'm going to do next. I've put my applications in at a few places, and if any of those pan out, that will be fine. However, after being in a virtual office for the past five years, the prospect of being in a virtual office with independent office hours is mighty appealing to me. I've kind of gotten into the habit of getting that second wind in the evening and working pretty well into the night. And even though for some 20 years I got up early to go to work, the idea of it now...wow. I guess 7:00 a.m. exists, but I couldn't guarantee it.
So...where to start? After conferring with husband, son, some friends, and sincerely believing that if I shut up and relax that God and His universe will take care of things and life will flow smoothly, I'm going to just see what happens. I've fallen deeply for writing once again after so many years of putting it on the back burner; I still need to have the camera at the ready, so those two things will always be a part of me. The cooking, the sewing...they all stay around as well and end up usually as a blog item or a photo op. In short...they make me happy...really happy. And that's what this short time on the good Earth is kind of about.
I have, recently, started an online job editing e-books and writing reviews for the books once I have them finished. I just put the final touches on one earlier last week. It doesn't matter when I work, so I can jump into the job when my concentration is in full-force. I contract for the hours, so I can look for other jobs that require other skills to fill the day. For a scanner personality that likes a bazillion different things, this is a breath of fresh air. Literally and figuratively...it's a new chapter. I'm also getting parts together to build a desktop computer for my workstation--Kurt and I ordered the stuff online Sunday afternoon--figure the skills I learn will be marketable. He's also consented to act as my teacher and/or train-wreck fixer on the project.
This turn-around in my work life, of course, gives me a new list of challenges...always welcomed and relished. The reality is that I'll need to do something (more than likely a combination of things) that are lucrative to the point of what I've earned in the current job. I don't doubt but what that can be done--it may look a little wonky to the untrained eye, but contracting out jobs is just a new way of work. If I end up in one place, so be it; if I don't, so be that, too...it's all good.
I guess my best attribute to come from this experience is that this is yet another life-changing event I've had while on this good Earth. And it's okay...really. Thirty years ago when I started my first teaching job, I saw only one job. You got a teaching job, you stuck with it until they handed you the clock at the retirement party. I should've known, even back then, that I wasn't wired for that. So then came the next job...the one where you for sure stay in until they give you the plaque. Nope...that trail didn't get followed for the long haul, either. So, by the time I'd come upon the current job, even though I joked that I would just retire in it, I had a sneaking suspicion that it wouldn't be hanging around come retirement time. And it's not going to be. Probably for the best.
I'm having to stretch my mind in the new area I'm headed; no retirement date needed. Tech and all its avenues will continue on for as long as we do...and it will constantly evolve. And writing? The spoken word, although altered as it may become in the future, will still be essential to our being. And photography? It may turn to holograms someday, but sign me up. I'm there.
So, to any of you who are facing that termination date of your current job, remember that it's just that...a job. A dear friend of mine once made the comment that his vocation supported his avocation. He said that casually, but those words have resonated with me for years. And, as time goes on, they make more and more sense. We're on this planet for a few years in this current body; thinking that a job/career is all there is to this marvelous experiment is futile...we're so much more. We're given the gifts of knowing love, laughter, and joy. I don't know about you, but I can't let my hours at a desk or in a building over-rule these treasures. Whatever I do next, I'll do well to "earn my keep"...however, it is the vacation to enjoy the avocation.
Cheers!
Slightly less than a year ago when launching my "50 Adventures at 50", I didn't really plan for this; I was looking for different adventures, but didn't really anticipate this being one of those adventures when I was beginning the trek last summer. I've had some time to think about the prospect of not being in this job, and although I'll miss the day-to-day visits with some interesting, fun, and generally nice people, I'm not sad. In fact, it's kind of fun to think of getting to re-invent what I'm going to do next. I've put my applications in at a few places, and if any of those pan out, that will be fine. However, after being in a virtual office for the past five years, the prospect of being in a virtual office with independent office hours is mighty appealing to me. I've kind of gotten into the habit of getting that second wind in the evening and working pretty well into the night. And even though for some 20 years I got up early to go to work, the idea of it now...wow. I guess 7:00 a.m. exists, but I couldn't guarantee it.
So...where to start? After conferring with husband, son, some friends, and sincerely believing that if I shut up and relax that God and His universe will take care of things and life will flow smoothly, I'm going to just see what happens. I've fallen deeply for writing once again after so many years of putting it on the back burner; I still need to have the camera at the ready, so those two things will always be a part of me. The cooking, the sewing...they all stay around as well and end up usually as a blog item or a photo op. In short...they make me happy...really happy. And that's what this short time on the good Earth is kind of about.
I have, recently, started an online job editing e-books and writing reviews for the books once I have them finished. I just put the final touches on one earlier last week. It doesn't matter when I work, so I can jump into the job when my concentration is in full-force. I contract for the hours, so I can look for other jobs that require other skills to fill the day. For a scanner personality that likes a bazillion different things, this is a breath of fresh air. Literally and figuratively...it's a new chapter. I'm also getting parts together to build a desktop computer for my workstation--Kurt and I ordered the stuff online Sunday afternoon--figure the skills I learn will be marketable. He's also consented to act as my teacher and/or train-wreck fixer on the project.
This turn-around in my work life, of course, gives me a new list of challenges...always welcomed and relished. The reality is that I'll need to do something (more than likely a combination of things) that are lucrative to the point of what I've earned in the current job. I don't doubt but what that can be done--it may look a little wonky to the untrained eye, but contracting out jobs is just a new way of work. If I end up in one place, so be it; if I don't, so be that, too...it's all good.
I guess my best attribute to come from this experience is that this is yet another life-changing event I've had while on this good Earth. And it's okay...really. Thirty years ago when I started my first teaching job, I saw only one job. You got a teaching job, you stuck with it until they handed you the clock at the retirement party. I should've known, even back then, that I wasn't wired for that. So then came the next job...the one where you for sure stay in until they give you the plaque. Nope...that trail didn't get followed for the long haul, either. So, by the time I'd come upon the current job, even though I joked that I would just retire in it, I had a sneaking suspicion that it wouldn't be hanging around come retirement time. And it's not going to be. Probably for the best.
I'm having to stretch my mind in the new area I'm headed; no retirement date needed. Tech and all its avenues will continue on for as long as we do...and it will constantly evolve. And writing? The spoken word, although altered as it may become in the future, will still be essential to our being. And photography? It may turn to holograms someday, but sign me up. I'm there.
So, to any of you who are facing that termination date of your current job, remember that it's just that...a job. A dear friend of mine once made the comment that his vocation supported his avocation. He said that casually, but those words have resonated with me for years. And, as time goes on, they make more and more sense. We're on this planet for a few years in this current body; thinking that a job/career is all there is to this marvelous experiment is futile...we're so much more. We're given the gifts of knowing love, laughter, and joy. I don't know about you, but I can't let my hours at a desk or in a building over-rule these treasures. Whatever I do next, I'll do well to "earn my keep"...however, it is the vacation to enjoy the avocation.
Cheers!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Finding Mushrooms: The Elusive Photo Shoot
When I was a little kid, my mom and dad would take me mushroom hunting with them at my grandma's woods. This was a great woods because my grandpa was the immaculate outdoor type that kept the wild sticker bushes at bay along with numerous saplings. I was free to roam, play in the creek, and, if all else failed, look for mushrooms. My enthusiasm was strong for about the first 20 minutes; after that, I started picking wild flowers and giving my mom bouquets. Without a great deal of help, I don't remember finding the first mushroom. Nevertheless, it was a grand time.
Fast forward to 5o Adventures at 50...NOW it's time to find a mushroom on my own for purposes of one of those great photo ops in nature. Some folks head to the savannah for a shot of lions; some head to the mountains for a shot of a bear. For me--it was the mushroom. The elusive mushroom.
Tom and I started out on the trek; he with the mesh bag and me with the Nikon. He was much more successful out of the gate and found a couple right away. I was still getting acclimated, so I told myself. In my hunt I saw that it was going to be necessary to cross the creek and the sides are steep, so I was going to need to do a bit of scrambling up the other side. I fortunately wore my gum boots, so getting a little muddy was no big deal. I slid down the side easily, crossed the shallow creek bed, and started up the other side. At this point I was in the step/slide mode. One step, and a slide down down to the creek; repeat. Finally I was able to pretty much crawl up the hill and it was then that I found the elusive prey at eye-level. It was actually growing horizontally under several limbs. Had I not taken that route, there was no way I would've found it. So, camera ready, I started to take its picture before plucking it. I then realized that I had the lens that needed some distance to take super close-up pictures (don't ask), which required me to crawl to the other side of the bank adjacent to the prize. Which I did. Success.
Now it was time to continue to the search; I was hungry for the next find. This came much quicker--it was just kind of standing there in the middle of nowhere, not near anything. I grabbed the camera and, apparently, also the attention of the two dogs that came to "help" me. I've always heard that dogs can sense fear; now I know they also sense a rare photo op. Just as I was getting ready to take the picture, eight excited feet started dancing dangerously close to the subject. After scolding them both and slightly offending White Dog, I got them away from the mushroom and got the picture.
I was feeling pretty happy with the world at this point; from now on everything was going to be bonus. I continued on the trek. The next ones I found were just as elusive, and just as much fun to find. The shots continued...
Each mushroom in a different shape and size (and some very elusive)...
As I was spending the afternoon looking for those hidden wonders, my thoughts couldn't help but float back to those days back in the woods with Mom and Dad. Since Mom doesn't hunt them these days, I decided to take her some out this afternoon. She's having them with her supper. I also picked her some wild flowers of the digital kind. I'll add them to her pictures on the picture frame at her house along with the pictures of the mushrooms. Maybe she'll have those same fond memories of those days in that woods with Dad and me and those elusive mushrooms.
Fast forward to 5o Adventures at 50...NOW it's time to find a mushroom on my own for purposes of one of those great photo ops in nature. Some folks head to the savannah for a shot of lions; some head to the mountains for a shot of a bear. For me--it was the mushroom. The elusive mushroom.
Tom and I started out on the trek; he with the mesh bag and me with the Nikon. He was much more successful out of the gate and found a couple right away. I was still getting acclimated, so I told myself. In my hunt I saw that it was going to be necessary to cross the creek and the sides are steep, so I was going to need to do a bit of scrambling up the other side. I fortunately wore my gum boots, so getting a little muddy was no big deal. I slid down the side easily, crossed the shallow creek bed, and started up the other side. At this point I was in the step/slide mode. One step, and a slide down down to the creek; repeat. Finally I was able to pretty much crawl up the hill and it was then that I found the elusive prey at eye-level. It was actually growing horizontally under several limbs. Had I not taken that route, there was no way I would've found it. So, camera ready, I started to take its picture before plucking it. I then realized that I had the lens that needed some distance to take super close-up pictures (don't ask), which required me to crawl to the other side of the bank adjacent to the prize. Which I did. Success.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Half Way Through 50 Adventures at 50
The 17th of February marked the half-way point of my year of recorded adventures during my 50th year on Earth. My half-birthday. So, thought it might be a good time to do a little reviewing and reminiscing.
I've quickly found out that actually "counting" adventures is not as easy as I thought it might be; in fact, it's virtually impossible. When I started this sojourn, I was thinking of a concrete list of adventures; now I see that concrete is more associated with events. I've had a few of those thus far that are easy to list. It seems, moreover, that I'm having more adventures of the fuzzy kind. Those that can't necessarily be listed--they insist upon some kind of consideration, thought, or meditation. I'm thinking that's a good deal--I'm enjoying it in most cases, and though I might not necessarily enjoy the "adventure" I'm handed, it does give me much "cause to pause."
I have accomplished some of my initial goals. I wanted to learn about blogging and although I have only skimmed the surface of "blogdom" I have enjoyed the experience. Soon I'm going to take this experience to the next level by working in conjunction with our 21st Century Scholars program for the five county area that our IU Alumni chapter serves. Annually, IU Alumni Association has an "IU Cares" project that challenges all chapters to get out and do some good in the community. Not being much of a single "event" person, I opted for some sustainability of a project and am in the midst of creating a networking (through blogging) opportunity where some 21st Century Scholars can enlighten their communities in the practice of sustainable, healthful living. That's in the works currently and is looking to be launched in April. In addition, my personal blogs have "blossomed" into, on any given day, around a dozen blogs on different subjects. Just as my mind tends to "scan" different ideas, the blogs are the perfect accompaniment to this...love the blogs.
I've learned that it's not only necessary sometime to say something just isn't going to happen...it's actually okay. Case in point? Learning Photoshop CS5. The more I delved into the jungle of all that is Photoshop the more I learned that it wasn't what I was looking for as far as working with photography in a way that I find pleasing. I'm far from a graphic artist; I'm a curious soul with a camera. I love angles and telling stories with pictures in a basic way. The CS5 is officially off the plate (unless I need it someday...LOL).
The website was constructed via a Google site. Tina's Busy Brain was put together in somewhat haphazard fashion (a reflection of the owner? :)) ) It hasn't received a great deal of time and attention. My original idea was that I wanted a "home base" of sorts to house all the links to the various blogs I keep. As time went on, I found this isn't necessary; blogs just don't need the tether. Blogs are blogs and can stand independently. Lesson learned.
Learning Irish cooking. Irish cooking is much like cooking in our neck of the woods...a compliment indeed. We KNOW food around here and what makes it tick. We season, we taste, we pay attention, we see our home-cooking as love in action to share with others. After doing some research, I see many similarities with true Irish cooking. I have discovered some excellent dishes, have developed a new love of corned beef, keep a supply of Guinness under roof at all possible times. Our dinner parties have been somewhat on hiatus this fall/winter due to our schedules, an extended fall that extended the bike season (no complaints there), and time just not allowing for those long, languid evenings that make up a good dinner in house. We have had a couple and they have been highly enjoyable. And one of those was a "pull out all the stops" Irish meal. (One thing I have found is that most Irish dishes pretty much center around white potatoes--we needed a bit more variety in our diet due to side effects of inflammation and the threat of our middles expanding a bit.) I did make a connection with a lovely lady in Ireland who is the food editor for the Irish Times. She was extremely helpful and supportive of my adventure. I now tend to lean toward a good Guinness stew when I think stew, and soda bread mix is normally in the pantry, so a good adventure this has been indeed!
That's enough for now; this is a blog, not a thesis. Just a review of some adventures up to this point. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts as well...life is indeed an adventure! Enjoy the journey!
I've quickly found out that actually "counting" adventures is not as easy as I thought it might be; in fact, it's virtually impossible. When I started this sojourn, I was thinking of a concrete list of adventures; now I see that concrete is more associated with events. I've had a few of those thus far that are easy to list. It seems, moreover, that I'm having more adventures of the fuzzy kind. Those that can't necessarily be listed--they insist upon some kind of consideration, thought, or meditation. I'm thinking that's a good deal--I'm enjoying it in most cases, and though I might not necessarily enjoy the "adventure" I'm handed, it does give me much "cause to pause."
I have accomplished some of my initial goals. I wanted to learn about blogging and although I have only skimmed the surface of "blogdom" I have enjoyed the experience. Soon I'm going to take this experience to the next level by working in conjunction with our 21st Century Scholars program for the five county area that our IU Alumni chapter serves. Annually, IU Alumni Association has an "IU Cares" project that challenges all chapters to get out and do some good in the community. Not being much of a single "event" person, I opted for some sustainability of a project and am in the midst of creating a networking (through blogging) opportunity where some 21st Century Scholars can enlighten their communities in the practice of sustainable, healthful living. That's in the works currently and is looking to be launched in April. In addition, my personal blogs have "blossomed" into, on any given day, around a dozen blogs on different subjects. Just as my mind tends to "scan" different ideas, the blogs are the perfect accompaniment to this...love the blogs.
I've learned that it's not only necessary sometime to say something just isn't going to happen...it's actually okay. Case in point? Learning Photoshop CS5. The more I delved into the jungle of all that is Photoshop the more I learned that it wasn't what I was looking for as far as working with photography in a way that I find pleasing. I'm far from a graphic artist; I'm a curious soul with a camera. I love angles and telling stories with pictures in a basic way. The CS5 is officially off the plate (unless I need it someday...LOL).
The website was constructed via a Google site. Tina's Busy Brain was put together in somewhat haphazard fashion (a reflection of the owner? :)) ) It hasn't received a great deal of time and attention. My original idea was that I wanted a "home base" of sorts to house all the links to the various blogs I keep. As time went on, I found this isn't necessary; blogs just don't need the tether. Blogs are blogs and can stand independently. Lesson learned.
Learning Irish cooking. Irish cooking is much like cooking in our neck of the woods...a compliment indeed. We KNOW food around here and what makes it tick. We season, we taste, we pay attention, we see our home-cooking as love in action to share with others. After doing some research, I see many similarities with true Irish cooking. I have discovered some excellent dishes, have developed a new love of corned beef, keep a supply of Guinness under roof at all possible times. Our dinner parties have been somewhat on hiatus this fall/winter due to our schedules, an extended fall that extended the bike season (no complaints there), and time just not allowing for those long, languid evenings that make up a good dinner in house. We have had a couple and they have been highly enjoyable. And one of those was a "pull out all the stops" Irish meal. (One thing I have found is that most Irish dishes pretty much center around white potatoes--we needed a bit more variety in our diet due to side effects of inflammation and the threat of our middles expanding a bit.) I did make a connection with a lovely lady in Ireland who is the food editor for the Irish Times. She was extremely helpful and supportive of my adventure. I now tend to lean toward a good Guinness stew when I think stew, and soda bread mix is normally in the pantry, so a good adventure this has been indeed!
That's enough for now; this is a blog, not a thesis. Just a review of some adventures up to this point. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts as well...life is indeed an adventure! Enjoy the journey!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
That First Warm Day...
Today, February 13, was one of those days that just makes a person smile...and yearn. Today the sun beamed, the sky was an azure blue, and there was enough warmth that I'm guessing more than one pair of flip-flops ventured out from the dark recesses of closets. In a word: BEAUTIFUL. Coats came off, gloves came off, woolen hats came off...and light-heartedness returned again.
We do have the forecast of varying degrees of warmth for the entire week; judging from the winter doldrums that this deceivingly long month of February has delivered to the masses, I'm guessing that moods across the area will improve exponentially.
And why wouldn't a mood improve with warmth? Science shows us that we desperately need certain amounts of vitamin D that the sun can best deliver to us. Science also shows that we gain energy when we have more daylight. And who can turn down the pleasure of waking up and putting on the "uniform" of the day that involves flip-flops, sunglasses, and a cozy t-shirt? Life just gets easier when there are less clothing layers involved.
So...this week we get a little glimpse--a little taste of the appetizer. We check the calendar, start counting down the days, and start looking for those first signs of spring. Hope "springs" eternal.
Enjoy this week and revel in our little glimpse of warmth and sunshine.
We do have the forecast of varying degrees of warmth for the entire week; judging from the winter doldrums that this deceivingly long month of February has delivered to the masses, I'm guessing that moods across the area will improve exponentially.
And why wouldn't a mood improve with warmth? Science shows us that we desperately need certain amounts of vitamin D that the sun can best deliver to us. Science also shows that we gain energy when we have more daylight. And who can turn down the pleasure of waking up and putting on the "uniform" of the day that involves flip-flops, sunglasses, and a cozy t-shirt? Life just gets easier when there are less clothing layers involved.
So...this week we get a little glimpse--a little taste of the appetizer. We check the calendar, start counting down the days, and start looking for those first signs of spring. Hope "springs" eternal.
Enjoy this week and revel in our little glimpse of warmth and sunshine.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
My Resolutions of "Not"
Happy New Year--1-1-11--how neat!
During this year of being 50, I've learned quite a few lessons during the first 1/3 of the year. The information, observations, and knowledge gained thus far helps outline a modestly ambitious list of resolutions for 2011. Being a fairly optimistic person, I find it somewhat ironic that my resolutions for 2011 consist of a group of "nots". Help yourself to a share...I think if we follow these--at least in theory and at most in practice--we can have a smile of contentment on our faces come 1-1-12.
Here we go...
1) Not following any specific diet plan. There's absolutely nothing wrong with Weight Watchers or other well-known and trusted plans. They are highly successful. I've just found that eating lots of vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, and everything else very sparingly works pretty well. Lots of olive oil, some good crunchy nuts...I'm there!
2) Not eating things I can't pronounce. I'm following the KISS rule on food and drink. I'll shop the perimeter of the grocery store. Apple ingredient? Apple. Walnut ingredient? Walnut. Ah, simplicity!
3) Not judging others who choose to not follow 1 and 2...just not judging in general. Not my job...and I truly thank God for that every day.
4) Not getting in a hurry. I've never done well by hurrying--now that I'm 50 I can admit it freely :)).
5) Not forgetting to praise my Maker everyday for family, health, friends, and all I know and will know in the next life.
6) Not forgetting to keep the temple maintained. A daily walk, a nap when needed, a prayer instead of a worry.
7) Not ever giving up on the belief, the comfort, and the sheer joy I find by reading the word of God daily. Need a self-help book? A rule book? A meditation book? One word--Bible.
Blessings to all in this glorious year. Let's just keep it simple and slow down and smell those proverbial roses, shall we? Peace.
During this year of being 50, I've learned quite a few lessons during the first 1/3 of the year. The information, observations, and knowledge gained thus far helps outline a modestly ambitious list of resolutions for 2011. Being a fairly optimistic person, I find it somewhat ironic that my resolutions for 2011 consist of a group of "nots". Help yourself to a share...I think if we follow these--at least in theory and at most in practice--we can have a smile of contentment on our faces come 1-1-12.
Here we go...
1) Not following any specific diet plan. There's absolutely nothing wrong with Weight Watchers or other well-known and trusted plans. They are highly successful. I've just found that eating lots of vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, and everything else very sparingly works pretty well. Lots of olive oil, some good crunchy nuts...I'm there!
2) Not eating things I can't pronounce. I'm following the KISS rule on food and drink. I'll shop the perimeter of the grocery store. Apple ingredient? Apple. Walnut ingredient? Walnut. Ah, simplicity!
3) Not judging others who choose to not follow 1 and 2...just not judging in general. Not my job...and I truly thank God for that every day.
4) Not getting in a hurry. I've never done well by hurrying--now that I'm 50 I can admit it freely :)).
5) Not forgetting to praise my Maker everyday for family, health, friends, and all I know and will know in the next life.
6) Not forgetting to keep the temple maintained. A daily walk, a nap when needed, a prayer instead of a worry.
7) Not ever giving up on the belief, the comfort, and the sheer joy I find by reading the word of God daily. Need a self-help book? A rule book? A meditation book? One word--Bible.
Blessings to all in this glorious year. Let's just keep it simple and slow down and smell those proverbial roses, shall we? Peace.
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