side note

I realized that I neglected to acknowledge that I accomplished a heretofore unmentioned goal... be a pet owner! Actually, this wasn't a goal per say, but I did make several (maybe more) wistful comments about wanting a kitten or a puppy last fall. Given that puppy was probably more responsibility than I can take on right now given my schedule, a kitten seemed like a good idea.

And so for Christmas, Mark (insightfully and kindly) arranged for me to adopt a cat of my choice. I picked a lovely black and gray tabby nine month old cat named Squirt who I promptly renamed Willow. Even though I'm usually a believer in the permanence of names, I didn't like Squirt at all. Honestly, the cat doesn't seem to care one way or the other.

She's great fun and full of energy. She's actually a lot like a puppy... very affectionate and playful... but she's already litter trained!! The best of both worlds!

Quick shout out to the Humane Society where Willow lived the first part of her life... the people that work there are wonderful. Willow seemed very well cared for even though she has definitely come out of her shell since coming home. If you are considering getting a pet, please considering adopting....and as Bob Barker would say, remember to get your pets spayed and neutered!

So here's to becoming a cat lady. I'm probably well on my way with this post! :)

another one bite the dust

I think that humility is needed in an adventure like this. After all, there simply is not enough time in a day to do everything. Additionally, this is an adventure in learning about myself and interestingly, I've learned that there are some desires that I thought I had that actually aren't that important to me.

Such is the case with a photography class. I love pictures, and I love that I am borrowing a digital camera right now (thanks Mark!). I also love what picture software like photoshop can do to create an image the expresses an idea in a way that a painting could not. The picture on this post is a gift I made (with a little help from Sara and Erica!) for Mark for his birthday. It was his idea, a reflection on a medical trip he took to Honduras. I am really pleased with how it turned out!

And so my itch for an introduction to photography and editing has been scratched. And when it comes down to it, I have realized that I don't really care about appetures or lenses that much. I just want to get an idea, a dream, a picture, or some piece of beauty saved for later consideration. Of course, I admire those people who do care, and they are probably much more able to skillfully capture moments and ideas than I am. But my amateur skill level is fine for my taste for now.

And so another goal bites the dust in my journey of self-discovery and goal-making.

In other news, I am signed up for a marathon for November. This is good for two reasons: 1) I am much more consistent in running now than I would be. I'm motivated to train now so I don't pass out then; and 2) it will probably be the first goal I actually (hopefully) finish!! Yay!!