2011 Resolutions

I didn't use to be, but I'm now a big believer in setting New Year's Resolutions (not that mine always stick). There's something magical about starting fresh, making amends with yourself, and vowing to be a better person one way or another.

Last year, my resolution was to try two new things a month. I did it! Admittedly, some of them were kind of cop-outs (little things that didn't really stretch my comfort zone or teach me much), but I forgive myself for those since it was such a busy year. What was really magical about this year was that I feel like I'm twice the person I was last year (gained weight notwithstanding). Some of my favorite things I've done include:
*bought a house
*acted as principal
*walked on hot coals
*oil paint
*make my own household cleaners

I've learned a whole new world of spirituality, gotten over many of my food qualms, and I can now spend a day in three inch heels. I learned how to give myself the space I need, when to let others stand up for me, and when and how to advocate for myself. I can also shoot a rifle and this year I hope to go hunting for my first time.

I'm not intending to brag, but I do give myself some major props. I think this is the first Resolution I've completed fully, and I might just continue it.

This year's resolution: Give two gifts a month.

The rules are: 1: the gift must be meaningful, 2: birthdays/anniversaries don't count unless the person wouldn't normally get a gift from me, and 3: avoid store-bought at all costs. I also have the option of doing it anonymously, but that's not necessary.

Housewarming

We finally had a housewarming party! Yay! Here are some shots of the living areas of the house. Considering it's only 1420 square feet and 4 bedrooms, it's not hard to tell where most of the square footage went. But our couches are huge and there is still a ton of room in there. This room is immediately to the right as you come in the door.
Also, the rocking chair is the same one that James' mom used to rock him to sleep as a baby. Awe!!














Dining/kitchen, to the left of the door. The table normally will be in the guest room/art room, and there is a pub table hiding behind James that is normally there.













We also found a baby in our house. Her name is Chucky.

The Boonies

I like living in the country. I really miss Portland, but there's a pioneer spirit in me that I know I get from my ancestors who settled Utah and Eastern Idaho. Since buying the house in Sheridan, I do feel isolated at times, but then I appreciate the quiet and the land around me. Today I got to make dinner with sage, Cuban oregano, and rosemary from my backyard. I baked bread, one loaf to go to a neighbor who gave us apples, zucchini, and corn from their yard. I get fresh eggs from a coworker. And I've been enjoying cooking homemade dinners lately, even after a long day at work. For some reason it doesn't feel like a chore when it's in my own house.

After I get through this last grocery run, I think I'll try cutting out processed foods entirely. I've been making big enough dinners to freeze leftovers or have them for lunch, so I don't think it would be more difficult in that respect. The biggest challenge I think would be canned soup or pastas. Although, I think I'll buy a pasta machine. Mmmm...

Lots of changes

I haven't posted in so long I don't really know where to start!

The last few months have been a whirlwind. I took classes all summer for my Admin program, then promptly got to work on school stuff during August.

We also bought a house! We're living in a one-stoplight town between McMinnville and the coast. It's quiet, the neighbors are ridiculously nice, and we're just 45 minutes from door to sand on my favorite beach. We're also closer to work, which was one of the purposes of the move. The house is 4 bedrooms with vaulted ceilings and a great backyard. I hope we can keep up with it.

For my Admin program, I need a certain number of hours of time spent doing administrative work. Our old principal got a new job elsewhere, so the district hired a new principal. He's really laid back, straightforward, and easy to work with. He also hasn't ever worked in a high school, so he's got lots of questions. In effect, I've already gotten a ridiculous number of those hours completed. Right now he's out of town for ten days and I've been in charge, which terrified me at first... but I've found that I really like it. Every day I'm faced with new challenges and I'm never bored. By the end of the week, I was totally exhausted - my legs hurt from wearing heels, my back hurts, and I'm sleep-deprived. But I'm really happy. Plus, I get to come home to my own house!

Tomorrow is my last day as administrator before the real principal comes back. I'll be happy to give him back his office, and I'll be happy to be teaching my classes again, but I know I'll be jealous of him too.

Today I was officially accepted into my Admin program!

So.

I've been MIA for a while. I'm not even sure if anyone actually visits here anymore. Hello, if you're here!

This year I'm taking my goals/New Year's Rez/myself a little more seriously. Of course, that doesn't mean I don't also recognize that I'm one of the silliest girls in Oregon, but I'm reminding myself that I don't always have to be the silliest.

My latest "new" things include learning how to shoot a rifle and handguns (...You know, just in case I'm being chased by a bear who is also in the Yakuza. What's the appropriate weapon of defense? One must be prepared for these things).

I also walked on hot coals. (I guess this prepares me to run through a forest fire being chased by a Yakuza bear.) Seriously though, I really did walk through a bed of hot coals with bare feet. Twice! Now I feel like I can do absolutely anything.

School's almost out. Thursday is the last day with kids, and Friday is my last day. Tomorrow through Tuesday I'll be in the woods chaperoning Junior Retreat. Actually, the location is even closer to me than the school is, which is pretty convenient since James has to deliver me the season premiere episode of True Blood as soon as he can get it. That means I'll see it Monday if at all possible. I am so addicted to that show. Then, on Wednesday, I have an all-day meeting with the superintendent of the school district, which will be... um... interesting? Scary? I'm unsure at this point. I can't be scared, because I've walked on hot coals and nothing scares me. But she is intimidating. I honestly don't know what to expect. At least there will be four of us and I don't have to do much talking. Oh! And MACA graduated its first Seniors on Wednesday. It was beautiful.

With the weather getting nice I've been spending a lot of time outdoors. Already I have my balcony looking nice with plants and I've been hiking three times this week already. I've decided that I need to schedule in some weekend (or weekday, depending on when James starts subbing) backpacking trips... let me know if you're in the area and you're interested!

Still on the diet. It's going pretty well, although I'm losing less weight than I theoretically should. At least it's still coming off. But hey! At this rate I'll be 50 lbs lighter in a year. (If I have to starve myself like this for a whole year I'll go crazy.)