Not a total flunky

365 in 2011, a set on Flickr.

At the first of the year, I started a 365 project. That is to take (and post) a picture a day for 2011. I’ve finally uploaded all that I have to flickr and while I haven’t taken one each day I’ve done pretty well. It’s really fun for me look back on the year thus far. In fact, I’m thinking I might have them all printed in a mini-book of some sort once we’re on to 2012.  You can click on the “365 in 2011” link above to see them all.

I also set the goal of reading 52 books this year.

Let’s just say, I’m a little behind.

I’ve read 17 and am half way through number 18. If my counting is correct, we’re on week 30 of this year. I’m hoping that all of the plane time in my future will help me catch up.  Some of my traveling is alone or with Jeff so that may actually happen though I’m sure our long trip will be filled with keeping kids busy.

Happy Mail

This week has been a challenge. Both boys have been sick with raging fevers, coughs, sneezes and more.  Our adjustment to Jeff’s work schedule has been interesting to say the least.

I also celebrated a birthday. 34.

To celebrate, or make myself feel better, I did a little online shopping. My first package arrived today.

Isn’t this Japanese masking take from Ginko Papers lovely?

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I have done a little reading.  I finished One Thousand Gifts which was so good, really beyond words.   Ann has a gift that is pure grace (to use her words).  I’ve also read Keeping Chickens, Grow Great Grub, The Omnivore’s Dilemma (Young Reader’s Edition) and Shanghai Girls.  I’m a little behind the 52 in 52 curve but hope to catch up.  Summer’s on its way, you know.

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Speaking of summer, I’ve started Spring cleaning.  Is there anything better than a bunch of freshly sharpened pencils?  I cleaned out the craft closet and have started a list of to-dos and to-buys for summer.  We’re only 2 months away.

YIKES!!

 

When push comes to shove, we’re working hard to enjoy the littles things, feverish boys and all.

Five Weeks In

Five weeks of 2011 are already history.  Seriously?  Time is flying.

It seemed like a good time for an update on my goals for the year.

I’ve read two more books (Radical and Made to Crave).  I’m also nearly finished with One Thousand Gifts.  So, that makes five and a half books in five weeks.

Not too shabby.

I have to say that all three are great books but One Thousand Gifts is simply stunning.  I’ve been recommending it to friends but find my self struggling to find adequate words to describe it.  Ann’s writing is like poetry and her heart is beautiful. Check out her blog to get an idea of who she is.

The stack above are some of the next books on my list. It is hard to know where to begin especially since some of these I’ve had since the summer (or earlier!). I think I may start with “Grow Great Grub” and “Keeping Chickens” (did I mention we’re getting chickens this Spring?) as they are not only library books but relatively quick reads. We have some busy days coming up and a homecoming to celebrate so I won’t have quite as much time to read.

At least for a while.

My 365 is also going well.  I’ve missed a few days and am okay with that.  I’m trying to enjoy it and use it as a tool to document my days.  I don’t want to become a slave to it.

So that’s what’s going on.  No running yet.  I have been using the Wii Fit and am enjoying that.  The running will come soon.

Oh, and the driving.  I’ve been trying.  It hasn’t gone as well as I’d like.  Much of that is due to weather but some is simply due to lack of planning.

Thankfully, the year is young.