I have never been good at keeping up with my New Year's Resolutions, so I've decided to revisit my list and try to get things back in line or change the focus for the latter half of this calendar year.
1. (still in progress) Organizing my home has not happened. Jeremy and I have re-purposed several areas and we need to make adjustments. There is no excuse for our lack of decor, though, as we have many items ready to hang on the walls. We just never follow through.
2. (steps taken) I have joined Lifetime Fitness, I am more active, and I eat a lot healthier (except when we have dinner guests).
3. (not done) I have yet to pick up another instrument. Hell, I haven't even set up my drumset in the basement.
4. (better than before) I have kept a better schedule for cleaning my home.
5. (about the same) I have been writing a little...not the massive amounts I thought I would, but I have been doing some.
6. (no progress yet) The wedding ceremony thing has been put on the back burner while Jeremy and I work on house hunts, career shifts, grad school, new undergrad programs, and traveling.
7. (a couple of steps forward) I've played my uke outside and people on the playground have heard me, but I haven't participated in any open mike nights yet.
8. (DONE!) Jeremy and I visited Munich, Germany, for several days this month! It was a hoot!
9. (some progress) Buying a house is a HUGE deal, especially considering that Jeremy and I don't necessarily see ourselves staying in our current jobs for more than a couple of years. We both want to move, so buying a house right now probably wouldn't be the best idea. We wouldn't be able to sell it.
10. (much progress has been made) I've started to force myself to stop daydreaming. It's not like I don't from time to time, but it is no longer a constant experience.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Broader Horizons
I feel different now. Well, maybe not different. Perhaps more the same...it's difficult to explain, but I shall try. The old me was adventurous. I haven't been that person in quite some time, and traveling to Europe has awakened a part of me that loves all things new. I was scared to travel so far away, even though I would have jumped at the chance prior to graduating from college. It all worked out perfectly, though, and I was able to use some of that German I teach to my students.
The trip wasn't life-changing, but it did broaden my horizons. I wouldn't mind living somewhere else, especially if that place offered ample opportunity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The U.S. does lack a certain connection I definitely felt throughout Germany (although I didn't visit a lot of places). While in Europe, we used public transportation and walked more than we would have in a typical week here. I can understand why Germans are such a healthy nation.
Other places we plan to visit over the next few years:
London, England
Edinburgh, Scotland
Ireland
Capetown, South Africa
New Zealand
Australia
Austria
Switzerland
The Netherlands
Belgium
Germany (again)
Poland (well, I want to go there to see the land of my ancestors)
Anchorage, Alaska
Montana
northern California
Washington / Oregon
Denver, Colorado
The trip wasn't life-changing, but it did broaden my horizons. I wouldn't mind living somewhere else, especially if that place offered ample opportunity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The U.S. does lack a certain connection I definitely felt throughout Germany (although I didn't visit a lot of places). While in Europe, we used public transportation and walked more than we would have in a typical week here. I can understand why Germans are such a healthy nation.
Other places we plan to visit over the next few years:
London, England
Edinburgh, Scotland
Ireland
Capetown, South Africa
New Zealand
Australia
Austria
Switzerland
The Netherlands
Belgium
Germany (again)
Poland (well, I want to go there to see the land of my ancestors)
Anchorage, Alaska
Montana
northern California
Washington / Oregon
Denver, Colorado
Sunday, July 13, 2008
I'm Back!
Jeremy and I made it back to Canton yesterday night. We were happy to reach American soil, even though our vacation was terrific. It was a much-needed experience and escape for both of us. Munich was beautiful. We walked, talked, drank, and took lots of pictures.
More details later...
More details later...
Friday, July 04, 2008
potato salad and other adventures
I am in the middle of making mustard potato salad. Normally, I don't touch the stuff, but my mother asked me to bring it today. I simplified an already simple recipe, and now I am waiting for the potatoes to cool down so that I can add them successfully. I've made a mess of my kitchen, but that is okay - I actually enjoy cleaning that room.
I met the Mikes the night before last for drinks in Ann Arbor. It was a wonderful night out. A seemed to want to "park it" in only a couple of places, while V and I are always a bit more restless. We seek spontaneity and changes scenes in our evenings out. After A and his brother left for the night, V and I traveled to a trusty old pub. We had wanted to visit the opulent wine bar we've spent time and money in the past, but they are closed on Wednesdays. I was a little disappointed, but I got over it. Side note: I, once again, saw this really familiar-looking guy in Ann Arbor. I have no idea where I know him from. He is at least 21, but he could be a former student or possibly a classmate of mine. I don't want to walk up to him and ask why he is so familiar to me. Perhaps if I see him again within the next few weeks I will say something.
After the pub, we wandered over to a diner for omelets. Mine was excellent, by the way. Mike mimicked the other drunk people at the diner, especially those with strong and loud opinions. It was hilarious.
One of my cats hasn't been feeling well these last couple of days. I decided to spend time with her and just comfort her. She perked up today, but I have still yet to see her eat her kibble. She ate a few treats and now she is rolling around in the sunshine, so I think she will be fine.
I am heading over to my parents' house today. I feel bad that I won't be able to make an appearance at Beck's barbecue, but I suppose that is to be expected. I learned last year that trying to visit with friends at different locations can be difficult to coordinate. Later, I plan to visit with the Posts and see Nathan, Jen, and Spencer. I haven't stayed in contact very well over the past year.
I met the Mikes the night before last for drinks in Ann Arbor. It was a wonderful night out. A seemed to want to "park it" in only a couple of places, while V and I are always a bit more restless. We seek spontaneity and changes scenes in our evenings out. After A and his brother left for the night, V and I traveled to a trusty old pub. We had wanted to visit the opulent wine bar we've spent time and money in the past, but they are closed on Wednesdays. I was a little disappointed, but I got over it. Side note: I, once again, saw this really familiar-looking guy in Ann Arbor. I have no idea where I know him from. He is at least 21, but he could be a former student or possibly a classmate of mine. I don't want to walk up to him and ask why he is so familiar to me. Perhaps if I see him again within the next few weeks I will say something.
After the pub, we wandered over to a diner for omelets. Mine was excellent, by the way. Mike mimicked the other drunk people at the diner, especially those with strong and loud opinions. It was hilarious.
One of my cats hasn't been feeling well these last couple of days. I decided to spend time with her and just comfort her. She perked up today, but I have still yet to see her eat her kibble. She ate a few treats and now she is rolling around in the sunshine, so I think she will be fine.
I am heading over to my parents' house today. I feel bad that I won't be able to make an appearance at Beck's barbecue, but I suppose that is to be expected. I learned last year that trying to visit with friends at different locations can be difficult to coordinate. Later, I plan to visit with the Posts and see Nathan, Jen, and Spencer. I haven't stayed in contact very well over the past year.
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