Mary Oliver

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do

with your one wild and precious life?"









Friday, December 30, 2011

Looking Ahead (just a bit)

PurlBee just posted their Best of 2011 project list and I'm so glad they did.  I think these might be my newest project!  They would be a great way to use my stash of thrifted sheets, don't you think? Another project I am drawn to is this one, which would give me a use for the thrifted wool sweaters I recently bought and felted, but go check out the entire list.  It's pretty awesome, especially at this time of year, when everything seems possible. I'm thinking I may need to take a second look at the sewing projects' list, instead of only the knitting pages.

Speaking of looking ahead, I usually don't make resolutions for the new year, but I have been thinking I may make an exception this year.  I would really like to try and break my reliance on shopping retail.  Despite doing a lot of my shopping in thrift stores, I have a habit of "hitting the Target" on a regular basis that I'd like to break.  Too often I have found myself wandering the aisles looking for something to catch my eye so I could buy it,  even though I already have much more than I need.  So my goal is to reduce the amount of new stuff I buy and make sure that I don't already own a reasonable alternative.

I've also been pondering the idea of a photography project.  Nothing fancy, just walking to the beach every day and documenting the look and changing weather of the Bay.  I'd really love to do it at the same time of day, but not sure my work schedule will accommodate.  I'll have to give that a little more thought.

And finally, I'm considering a move to high school.  I love teaching 8th graders, but middle school requires an enormous amount of energy and I'm not sure I can continue to do it for the fifteen years remaining before retirement (the downside of waiting until I was 37 before beginning to teach).  And I don't know how much longer I can wait to transfer; not many principals will want to accept a transferring 60 year old (that age is QUITE a long way off by the way, but it doesn't hurt to think ahead).

The Bay, taken on this morning's walk with Ollie.  Another calm, sunny day.

These are some of the thoughts knocking around in my brain today, as the year runs out.  And, although everyone is probably tiring iPod my "grand-dog"' I had to show this photo of Steve, who supposedly does not enjoy pets. I took it last night, while just the two (or 4) of us were home.  I think this may be evidence to the contrary, don't you?  Even if it is circumstantial.

2 comments:

  1. I love the photo of Steve with the pets. Pets know who is the least fond of them and they head right over to that lap, or feet as it may be. I think photos of the beach would be lovely. It is that time of year that is very thought provoking.... a move might be perfect but remember high school kids are a tough bunch, too.

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  2. That's too funny. I know some people like that, too. They are usually found sneaking pats of the cat and photos of the dogs.

    I hope that you and your family have a Happy New Year! Sounds like you have some exciting decisions to make in 2012.

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