Point

I get to go to the exciting city of Stevens Point today, for a conference. Actually, I like the town - have some fond memories of partying there with my friend Kelly in our college days. I actually am part of a panel tomorrow for our outreach project on serving Spanish speakers in libraries. Hopefully it will go ok.

Happy 10th Bday, Kelly!

We celebrated Kelly's birthday yesterday! We had burgers, chili, potato salad, taco dip, fruit, veggies, and a big birthday cake. She got some bones, a new harness and some treats. On Friday, she got a "spa" bath by a dog groomer, so she smelled and looked extra pretty for her party.
There are more photos on my flickr page.








This is what she looked like at the end of the day. Totally wiped out! Actually, after everyone left and I cleaned up, she and I both napped for a few hours. Although she is older, she certainly does not look or act like 10. She is in great shape for her age.

What can I say? She is my pride and joy!

E Day

Things I have done to help save the earth:
- am replacing all light bulbs in the house with energy-efficient ones
- started breaking down smaller boxes to recycle
- started using environmental-friendly dryer sheets
- will start cleaning with old shirts and dishrags
- will not run my furnace or ac in the next few months unless I absolutely need to.
- will air dry more clothes now that it is summer
- am using the Brita pitcher and filling up old plastic bottles instead of constantly buying bottled water
- carpooling or running errands in one stretch
- turn off the lights when not in the room
- turn off the water in the shower when shaving my legs, as well as the faucet when brushing my teeth
- use latex paint (not oil) when painting rooms in the house
- don't use pesticides on my lawn
- don't litter
- don't use a land line
- will keep driving my fuel-efficient car
- run the wash machine when it's full, and use cold water
- eat less meat
- buy fruit and veggies locally

Things I should do to save the earth:
- replace my very old furnace
- replace my windows
- use recycled paper to print stuff that's not as important at work
- boycott styrofoam
- insulate the house better
- grow a garden

Things I will not do to save the earth:
- bike to work. I don't own a bike, I don't really want one and I carry way too much crap to work to consider it. I'll walk somewhere before bike.
- send a card to my friend whose father just passed away instead of driving to the wake service an hour from home.
- not shower as often. Sorry, just can't do it
-turn down my water heater. I like hot showers
- work at home
- not use hand wipes to clean off equipment at the Y
- switch to all organic food, organic clothes or organic make-up
- give up eating meat entirely
- become a tree-hugging-granola girl

Happy Anniversary

This is my 2nd Anniversary at NFLS! The past two years have just flown. I can't believe how much I've learned, and how much my position has evolved in just two years.
I can honestly say I love my job. It's not perfect, but what job is?! It's a great fit for me, and I get a lot of freedom, which I like.
I guess time does fly when you're having fun!

Back

What can I say?! China was just amazing!
The gardens, the amount of people, the way of life, the shopping, the buildings, the tour group, etc.

It feels like a dream that I was actually there. Needless to say, it's been tough getting back into my normal work/life routine. I met some great people on the companion tour, also.

It was one of the best trips I've ever taken, and I don't regret going for a minute!