And here I sit at the end of another year. What a year this has been. I had a load of new experiences this year - some good and some not so. I'm sure most people can say the same about the year-gone-by. It's not necessary for me to list my personal experiences, but maybe it's important for me to reflect and grow from them. It's what we do with those successes and failures, good experiences and losses that makes us who we are.
I am not one who has traditionally set new goals for the new year. When I was young, I tried it a few times, but just didn't make it work. So, I avoided the hyped-up new year's resolution junket. But now, as I "continue to mature," I see more use for having frequent goal-setting activities. And if I can use the renewal of the calendar to my advantage, then that could be a good thing.
So, with that in mind, my resolutions for 2011 are to grow a well-planned garden, play more music, continue teaching (Sunday School and substitute work in the local public schools), continue work with local Girl Scout troops, get back to running (2 months is a bit more than "recovery" from my last half-marathon!), spend more time in the pottery studio (at least until major gardening season returns), play bridge, and renew my focus on prayer and meditation.
That list seems strangely long. When I first thought of itemizing the list, I thought it would be just three or four things. And there are a few more things that I do, besides those eight things. It's a funny thing, though, I really don't like being busy. But I do like being productive. Many of the activities are "productive," but some of them are just for fun.
And something I didn't mention there, is to continue my blogging - both this one and the Spring Valley Gardener. I need to set a schedule so my entries are not so sporadic!
Well, for what it's worth - Happy New Year!!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Christmas Music?
I normally roll my eyes when I see the Christmas displays pop up in various stores seemingly earlier each year. Not that I am much of a shopper, but it is annoying when I see them. I just don't seem to like to get into "the spirit" until closer to the actual holiday. But here I am, sitting in my dining room and listening to Christmas music. And it's not any Christmas music - it's John Denver's "Christmas Like A Lullaby" and "Rocky Mountain Christmas." Put that in your pipe and smoke it!
Have a great day!
Have a great day!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Walmart
For the past several years, there has been a growing concern with products made outside of the U.S. and the dangers they may bring, such as paint with lead. As retail shoppers, we are are sometime left with picking the "less-worse" option for some goods. And with our family's increased need to tighten our collective belt, we have struggled with finding the best quality for the lowest price. My attempts to continue being a Target customer over the past several years have lead to frustration as that store seems to have decreased the selection available. And to shop at Walmart is a daring act of survival just to get in, shop and exit the store with sanity in tact.
Today, lucky for me, my husband did some shopping. His stops were at Walmart and Sam's. Since I do a bit of baking and purchase flour and sugar in quantity from Sam's, I use canisters at home for easy access to these ingredients. About a month or so ago, I dropped by plastic sugar canister and cracked the bottom of it. Today at Walmart, Joe purchased a similar canister in a set as replacement. I briefly looked at the minimal label, searching for verification of it's Chinese origins when I found, "Made in U.S.A."
As I thought about that label, I realized that that label is very rare in our low-cost items. I don't know if this is a result of some change or just some thing that has outlasted other retail goods, but it almost seems like a beacon of hope. I'm optimistic that this is of a certain quality level and glad to know that we can be a little more "local" in our retail needs.
Today, lucky for me, my husband did some shopping. His stops were at Walmart and Sam's. Since I do a bit of baking and purchase flour and sugar in quantity from Sam's, I use canisters at home for easy access to these ingredients. About a month or so ago, I dropped by plastic sugar canister and cracked the bottom of it. Today at Walmart, Joe purchased a similar canister in a set as replacement. I briefly looked at the minimal label, searching for verification of it's Chinese origins when I found, "Made in U.S.A."
As I thought about that label, I realized that that label is very rare in our low-cost items. I don't know if this is a result of some change or just some thing that has outlasted other retail goods, but it almost seems like a beacon of hope. I'm optimistic that this is of a certain quality level and glad to know that we can be a little more "local" in our retail needs.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Today
Wow! What a whirlwind the past three weeks have been. Since BOTH girls have started back at school, I am busier than I've ever been! I've had some for-pay work with Runways and started preparing for two other flexible jobs.
My work with Runways Transportation has been sporadic this year - about 10 percent of what it was last year. So, it was good to have at least a little work this month - both to get me back to "work" and put a few pennies in the bank account. It's really rather strange to think about working in a structured environment again. In my previous life, I was a "professional" and thought I like the work. Well, maybe I did, but now I've grown accustomed to not working like that. So, some work from home is good - not quite as intense, but still within the transportation industry.
My other work now is that I started an Arbonne business last Spring. I became involved due to the quality of the products and look forward to sharing more about that soon.
And my third "in the works" job is that I am applying for my Minnesota short-term substitute teacher's license. I really didn't ever think that I'd have any desire to be a teacher and maybe I really don't want the full-time structure. But I think I could be happy doing that sometimes for fun and for a few of those previously-mentioned pennies. But that's in the works and I still have to receive my transcripts from ISU and have a background check performed. I was fingerprinted today and have collected all the other documentation needed. So, we'll see what happens with all that.
And since I am fairly busy, I now need to get moving to accomplish just one more thing on my list for today - call about my failed battery on my laptop!
My work with Runways Transportation has been sporadic this year - about 10 percent of what it was last year. So, it was good to have at least a little work this month - both to get me back to "work" and put a few pennies in the bank account. It's really rather strange to think about working in a structured environment again. In my previous life, I was a "professional" and thought I like the work. Well, maybe I did, but now I've grown accustomed to not working like that. So, some work from home is good - not quite as intense, but still within the transportation industry.
My other work now is that I started an Arbonne business last Spring. I became involved due to the quality of the products and look forward to sharing more about that soon.
And my third "in the works" job is that I am applying for my Minnesota short-term substitute teacher's license. I really didn't ever think that I'd have any desire to be a teacher and maybe I really don't want the full-time structure. But I think I could be happy doing that sometimes for fun and for a few of those previously-mentioned pennies. But that's in the works and I still have to receive my transcripts from ISU and have a background check performed. I was fingerprinted today and have collected all the other documentation needed. So, we'll see what happens with all that.
And since I am fairly busy, I now need to get moving to accomplish just one more thing on my list for today - call about my failed battery on my laptop!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Anticipating the First Day of School
Tomorrow will be the first day of school for the girls - BOTH girls - meaning that for the first time, I will be alone in the house for the day! I really am unsure of what tomorrow will bring for me. But I think the girls are ready to go. It's been a somewhat-rough summer, as they have had some pretty intense times of not getting along. And they've had good times, too. I think the time apart will be good for them.
But I am a little unsure of what I will do. I have a tendency to fill my time. But I also feel like I could nap tomorrow - all day. I could get a lot done, or NOTHING. And I really will miss them. I guess I'll have to post tomorrow!
But I am a little unsure of what I will do. I have a tendency to fill my time. But I also feel like I could nap tomorrow - all day. I could get a lot done, or NOTHING. And I really will miss them. I guess I'll have to post tomorrow!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
The Bike
The bike that I acquired at a steal-of-a-deal late last year has proved a little difficult to get used to. The '09 Trek Equinox 7 WSD is built for aerodynamics and efficient use of my muscle power, regardless of condition of said muscle power. I had a hard time getting used to the aero position on this bike and the shorter wheelbase made it seem quirky.
And as the Minneapolis Duathlon was approaching, I was considering even riding my mountain bike, since I was questioning the comfort of this bike. But I had ridden it on some rides longer than the event, so I eventually got off the fence and decided to use this bike. And I was glad I did.
Even though I hadn't felt too comfortable on the bike, the ride portion of the duathlon felt pretty good. And the speed of the bike, despite some rough roads, was a lot of fun! So, I think I'll keep it!
Minneapolis Duathlon
Wow! This past Sunday, I participated in the Minneapolis Duathlon. What a fun and exhausting time! Although training wasn't what I wanted it to be (will it ever be?), it was a great experience! And that sweet little bike...mmmmmm! It helped this middle-aged mother have some fun. I hope to post more on this within a few days...
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Low-Energy Day
Today is one of those days where I just feel achy and nappy. I have had more of those lately and am starting a new vitamin regimen just to try to get out of this mode. I tried the Arbonne vitamins before, but really could feel no difference as to the way I felt. Now that I seem to be more sensitive to the changes of my body, I think I'll try them again! I have some extra that I bought before and will use that stock for the next month to see if I can notice a change. If they work, that will be good. I don't like feeling like a sloth (no offense intended for any sloths out there). The bad news (or maybe really good news) is that if they do make a difference and I start an expensive vitamin habit, I'll have to start working on my Arbonne business. Now that could be interesting!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Well, I did it. I finally got out for a bike ride. It's been 2 1/2 years since we moved from Florida to Minnesota. In our area, we have a few bike trails - nice, long, scenic bike trails. So, why did it take me so long? I guess I just didn't prioritize it! Granted, I had been on a few country rides and grocery trips - none over 10 miles. I really do enjoy taking the GF out on the country roads and just cruising, though.
Anyway, this ride was the inaugural ride of my Trek Equinox 7 WSD that we purchased, or stole, in November of last year. I had put it on the trainer, but that is just not quite right! I finally took it in and had it fitted. Deb at Rochester Cycling and Fitness did a great job with it! And I should say also, that she helped me several times, although I did not buy the bike there.
So, I went to the Root River trail head in Preston by myself on Saturday. I wasn't sure what to expect - from the bike and from myself! The ride of the bike is different, due to the nature of a tri bike, I believe. It has a shorter wheelbase and it's smaller than anything I'd ridden before, except when I was a kid. It has a 51 cm frame that I believe fits me well. Maybe I'd just ridden over sized bikes previously. My GF is nice - small frame. But my "other" bike - an '05 Trek 2100 - is a 54 cm. The people at the bike shop told me that the Trek bikes ran small for the number size. But I wonder if they mostly wanted to make the sale, since there were no immediately smaller sizes of that bike. But now that I have ridden the Equinox, I think some fitting of the 2100 will help the ride.
As I got used the the E7 during the ride, it seemed like a good feel, despite my lack of cycling fitness. I really had to get used to being in the aero position and will continue to train to be able to stay like that for longer periods. Sometimes it was tough to stay in the position for other factors, like rough trail, quick curves, etc. But also, I was just not used to riding like that. Of course, I'm just not quite used to riding, as my business tells me on this second day after the ride!
Overall, though, the ride was great! The trail is a beautiful place to ride and my soul loved being out there!
Anyway, this ride was the inaugural ride of my Trek Equinox 7 WSD that we purchased, or stole, in November of last year. I had put it on the trainer, but that is just not quite right! I finally took it in and had it fitted. Deb at Rochester Cycling and Fitness did a great job with it! And I should say also, that she helped me several times, although I did not buy the bike there.
So, I went to the Root River trail head in Preston by myself on Saturday. I wasn't sure what to expect - from the bike and from myself! The ride of the bike is different, due to the nature of a tri bike, I believe. It has a shorter wheelbase and it's smaller than anything I'd ridden before, except when I was a kid. It has a 51 cm frame that I believe fits me well. Maybe I'd just ridden over sized bikes previously. My GF is nice - small frame. But my "other" bike - an '05 Trek 2100 - is a 54 cm. The people at the bike shop told me that the Trek bikes ran small for the number size. But I wonder if they mostly wanted to make the sale, since there were no immediately smaller sizes of that bike. But now that I have ridden the Equinox, I think some fitting of the 2100 will help the ride.
As I got used the the E7 during the ride, it seemed like a good feel, despite my lack of cycling fitness. I really had to get used to being in the aero position and will continue to train to be able to stay like that for longer periods. Sometimes it was tough to stay in the position for other factors, like rough trail, quick curves, etc. But also, I was just not used to riding like that. Of course, I'm just not quite used to riding, as my business tells me on this second day after the ride!
Overall, though, the ride was great! The trail is a beautiful place to ride and my soul loved being out there!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
First Blog
Okay, so what is a blog and why would I want to keep one? I'm not really sure at this point! But we'll see where this takes me. I have so many irons in the fire right now and many more waiting to be stuck in. What's the point of creating one more - this blog? I have seen a nice one that is not too lengthy and maybe the model I use.
Reasons for the blog: I do like to write. And I know there are those not as physically close to us here in Minnesota, who might want to see a bit more than a Facebook splat! So, we'll see what happens. Primarily, though, this may just be something for me. Maybe no one will read it. And that would not necessarily be a bad thing!
Iron: So many irons in the fire is almost making me dizzy. Horticulture class, intermittent "work," start of Master Gardener responsibilities. start of gardening season, running/biking, church work (one project is stagnate and needs to be finished NOW!), housework (always an issue and I'm always behind!), pottery, not to mention my two beautiful little girls. My recent activities and life's happenings are a bit of a lesson (again) on setting priorities and controlling what I get involved in, based on those priorities!
With that, let's keep this short and not spend more time than necessary on it!!
Reasons for the blog: I do like to write. And I know there are those not as physically close to us here in Minnesota, who might want to see a bit more than a Facebook splat! So, we'll see what happens. Primarily, though, this may just be something for me. Maybe no one will read it. And that would not necessarily be a bad thing!
Iron: So many irons in the fire is almost making me dizzy. Horticulture class, intermittent "work," start of Master Gardener responsibilities. start of gardening season, running/biking, church work (one project is stagnate and needs to be finished NOW!), housework (always an issue and I'm always behind!), pottery, not to mention my two beautiful little girls. My recent activities and life's happenings are a bit of a lesson (again) on setting priorities and controlling what I get involved in, based on those priorities!
With that, let's keep this short and not spend more time than necessary on it!!
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