Winter Fun

Well as much as I am ready for this winter to be over, the snow to be GONE, and the sun to come out, I did get to have a little bit of winter fun with my friend Donna.  On Saturday:

we went cross-country skiing

followed by a dip in the hot tub with European style sipping chocolate (thank you Trader Joe's!)

(notice that the snow was falling, and got worse as we sat there)

Seedlings!

It's SEED GROWING SEASON!  

I started doing this 3 years ago, but I think it fits in perfectly with my new life - it saves money because if you grow your own herbs, flowers, and veggies, you are spending less money at the grocery store.  Also, it encourages me to eat fresher meals, so NUTRITION!  It encourages COMMUNITY, as I share my extra seedlings with friends and neighbors so they can have fresh food too.  Ask Donna - she grows zucchini the size of babies!

Growing things soothes the soul


When those first little sprouts emerge - it's exciting!  I feel PROUD!






If anyone wants to know how to start your own little seeds, here are the basic instructions: (or you can just start seeds on a windowsill - just grow SOMETHING!)


You need:
Trays
Planting cups
Seeds
Growing light


You need a tray under the cups so the water doesn't leak all over.  For the cups, you can use eggs cartons, yogurt cups, bottoms of 2-liters.  Anything, really.  I buy biodegradable cups with my seeds (from Lowe's) - they can be planted right into the dirt, so I have a less of a chance of screwing up my little seedlings.  For seeds, there are websites you can go to for special plants, or you can just go to your local Lowe's or Home Depot.  You can also get organic seeds.  The growing light can be purchased at any hardware store.  You need the fixture, and then the light bulbs.


Follow the directions on the seed packages - most say plant right under the surface and keep moist.  Some seeds can be planted outside at the beginning of the season.  The light should be very close to the dirt, and raised as the seedlings emerge and grow taller.


Turn on the light daily and watch them grow!  The package will tell how long each seed will take to come out.


GOOD LUCK!  SEND ME PICTURES!

Catch up

Ok, by urging of my sister, Sonya (she says its ok to use her real name), I will recap the last 6 weeks of my life:


Graduation - Official Master of Education (Exercise Science)

My family came in from around the country to celebrate my graduation from graduate school.  I hadn't walked for my undergraduate degree, and didn't think it was much of a big deal, but once I was up there accepting my award, and wearing my gown and tassles, ok it was pretty cool.  And it was really nice to have my whole family together, even though our brunch wasn't any good and it was cold.  What is the message in this part?  Go after your dreams.  I don't know what the hell I'm going to do next, but I followed through and it feels good.

Christmas - too many of them

I proclaim that next year we only have ONE Christmas.  I don't know if any of you have multiple families that you have to go to, but WE DON'T!!  We just happen to have four christmases with the same people!  Christmas eve at Granny's, Christmas at Granny's, presents at Sea's, more presents at Sony's.  Listen kids (and by kids I mean my adult siblings), next year, just one place.  The fact is that it's nice to be with family.  That's what the holiday is all about. Each year we have been trying to give less gifts, and give more of ourselves.  So grab a turkey (tofu for Sony), a bottle of wine (sparkling juice for Mom), and enjoy your family, even if they drive you crazy!

New Year's Eve - Official DD

If you who don't know, that stands for designated driver, as in "get everyone home safe" and laugh at those who can't say no to 1 ... or 4 ... more drinks or shots.  It was fun dancing and hanging out, and although I TRY to be non-judgemental, I have to admit it was amusing watching the people who were hanging out on the streets, or rather hanging on.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!   (Oh, and for the record, some stars that fall from the ceiling are not flimsy, and they DO hurt when they hit you in the face.)


Now .... Job Hunting

So now I am an official graduate, and the job hunt has not been fun.  For the last 2 1/2 years I have been broke, but at least I was going to class.  Now Im just broke.  So I am on the hunt, and its getting frustrating.  I have applied to hospitals, doctors offices, fitness centers.  Am I destined to be a secretary (although a very balanced secretary)?  Does anyone want to hire and incredibly charming, organized employee that has worked in almost every industry?  I think maybe my calling is to be an herbalist.  What do you think?

In the meantime I am working part-time with a good friend of mine, as well as trying to get my new year's resolution underway.  Meditation.  It's harder than I thought it would be.  Sitting in silence, and trying to get your mind to do the same is incredibly difficult.  Try it some time!  It's also incredibly good for your mental health, physical health, energy, and outlook on life.