Things I've Been Up To...

There's a pear tree in the backyard!

Spending quality time in the yard. Deadheading the roses again, feeding the birds and koi, and attempting to stay on top of the produce; ie giving it to others, making more pasta sauce, etc.

I'm so glad to have the ability to compost! Almost every day I tote this little bucket out to the big compost, dump in the remains of my food, and turn it over in the big bin. It's incredible to see how much gets broken down just in a couple of days!

I find it ironic that after two nights of TV, I have yet to really watch anything on the television. I was pretty excited to have it available, as I always am when I'm on vacation, but other than my regular weekly show-I haven't watched much of anything.

I made a big decision this week. If there's one thing I'm learning it's when a decision lands in my gut I usually take action fairly quickly. So within 4 days of initially really thinking about it, I dropped out of one of my graduate programs. The decision came for many reasons: dis-satisfaction with the focus of the program and with my supervisor, the reality that I will have chances in the future to pursue this again if I so desire, and a potential other research opportunity that I couldn't pass up. However I find it ironic that what takes us months of work to line up for ourselves, often only takes hours to dissolve. I feel much lighter and more focused on my purpose for graduate school, which leads me to believe that I really have made the correct choice. I never knew I'd be so happy to say I'm a drop-out!

So beyond enjoying my time on the property, I spent a good chunk of this last week finalizing the procedures for termination of my program and my practicum placement. I have also re-connected to my passion and desire for my original graduate program in public health. I re-started a great book last night about children and nature. I'm looking forward to two weeks of actual vacation and my trip to the coast to see my parents. I'm hoping to sub in the high school, visit with old friends, and just catch up with Mom and Dad.

Another exciting thing: yesterday I went to the Capitol for a job fair to try to make connections for next summer. While the fair was disorganized, I enjoyed it for three reasons. 1) I spent the day with a great friend of mine, 2) we wandered around and bought produce at the local farmer's market, and 3) on display at the job fair were two alternative fuel vehicles. One was a hybrid State car. The other vehicle was an electric delivery truck out of California which will be sold out of the Salem electric dealership. While it only gets 80 miles on a charge, its a great (and affordable) option for local deliveries. It was wonderful to see these being promoted in Oregon, as the last I'd read they were still only available in California. Now to increase renewable energy (so we aren't using coal sources for alternative transportation) and increase the distance traveled on a charge. Both of which are being worked on.

Hope you all have a wonderful week!