I've bought my first set of wheels. Part of this goes back to the Compact resolution, and another part deals with a trip my sister, LB and I have been discussing. Details to follow.
1.02.2009
Another resolution
I've bought my first set of wheels. Part of this goes back to the Compact resolution, and another part deals with a trip my sister, LB and I have been discussing. Details to follow.
1.01.2009
Another year...
2008 kind of slipped away. While a good part of it was my own doing, some circumstances beyond my control made life interesting, in a challenging way. Needless to say, I didn't make much progress on the goals I set 12 months ago. So, I'm just reusing them again this year. I like to think of it as 2008 v.2.
This time around, though, I thought I would throw in some feel-good goals to help me feel like I'm doing something. Here's my list:
-Eat no red meat
-Recycle
-Exercise
-Speak Spanish
-Read
-Practice mindfulness
What an improvement! I've already done everything on this list and there are still 364 days left to go.
Okay, now on to the rest of the list. The real list.
-Follow the goals of the Compact (this time for the entire year. I made it 3 months last year.)
-Run a marathon. (Training is coming along. Did 4 half-marathons in the last 5 months of 2008.)
-Observe mindful speech. (I've become very mindful of how unmindful my speech is.)
-Save up enough money to take a trip that would involve travel over the equator or across six or more time zones.
-Practice gratitude.
I hope you have a wonderful 2009! Peace.
This time around, though, I thought I would throw in some feel-good goals to help me feel like I'm doing something. Here's my list:
-Eat no red meat
-Recycle
-Exercise
-Speak Spanish
-Read
-Practice mindfulness
What an improvement! I've already done everything on this list and there are still 364 days left to go.
Okay, now on to the rest of the list. The real list.
-Follow the goals of the Compact (this time for the entire year. I made it 3 months last year.)
-Run a marathon. (Training is coming along. Did 4 half-marathons in the last 5 months of 2008.)
-Observe mindful speech. (I've become very mindful of how unmindful my speech is.)
-Save up enough money to take a trip that would involve travel over the equator or across six or more time zones.
-Practice gratitude.
I hope you have a wonderful 2009! Peace.
12.14.2008
Amor III
My newest inspiration...(obsession).
http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/
It makes me want to start riding again.
http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/
It makes me want to start riding again.
12.01.2008
In case you wanted to know...
It's perfectly legal to hand out beer, with cookies, to your neighbors this holiday season, so says 242-COPS.
+
=is how you show your homies love!
+
=is how you show your homies love!
Recession Recipes
I thought, in the spirit of these difficult times, I'd share some recipes I've created to beat the economic doldrums. Well, they're not really recipes; they're dishes I've made up with items I find on my shelves and in the fridge. I still remember my mom admonishing my cousin for using a recipe for apple crisp: "Put that book away. You don't need it!" It's some sage advice that's stuck with me over the years.
So what follows is merely a framework or suggestion. It's nothing set in stone. I also realize that the random food I have in my kitchen is by no means typical. You have liberty to adapt to your taste.
Monday Afternoon Short Sauce
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 T. sundried tomatoes, in oil
2 tsp. capers
1 T. butter
1 T. olive oil
1/4 c. beer (NM green chile works well)
1/4 cream
pepper and oregano to taste
Heat the oil and butter. When pan is hot, add the chopped garlic. Sauté until golden. Throw in the capers and sundried tomatoes and stir. Add the cream and beer, then pepper and oregano to your liking. Serve over your favorite pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. ¡Buen provecho!
So what follows is merely a framework or suggestion. It's nothing set in stone. I also realize that the random food I have in my kitchen is by no means typical. You have liberty to adapt to your taste.
Monday Afternoon Short Sauce
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 T. sundried tomatoes, in oil
2 tsp. capers
1 T. butter
1 T. olive oil
1/4 c. beer (NM green chile works well)
1/4 cream
pepper and oregano to taste
Heat the oil and butter. When pan is hot, add the chopped garlic. Sauté until golden. Throw in the capers and sundried tomatoes and stir. Add the cream and beer, then pepper and oregano to your liking. Serve over your favorite pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. ¡Buen provecho!
11.29.2008
Another mundane post
This week has been more relaxed than many previous. I finally had a weekend that I didn't have something planned nor was I sick for the first time in almost three months. Crazy. I've been slacking although I have stuff to get done. But LB and I did wash the blinds with bleach and clean the windows inside and out. Exciting, no? It's nice to not have to look out through layers of dust. And I managed to clean my room and my car out.
Today was my loooong run day. 12 miles. I had to walk the final 1.5 miles. I just felt as if I were bonking for most of the time.
I was busy most of the day, but I didn't do much else. I ate and tried to soak off some of the soreness from the run. Now I'm ready for bed.
I had a good Thanksgiving. The day started off with a 5k. I pushed it in the rain. Then I volunteered at a community meal. They were supposed to begin serving at 10 AM, but there were people lined up at 8:30 because they had no food in their homes. I'm thankful this year that we have the hope of new leadership...this is a pivotal time that we can use to make real change.
I'm also thankful for my family and friends, for a house and ample food, for the ability to move, for the beauty of mountains and trails. I'm thankful that I have work that challenges me and gives me the opportunity to work toward change.
Today was my loooong run day. 12 miles. I had to walk the final 1.5 miles. I just felt as if I were bonking for most of the time.
I was busy most of the day, but I didn't do much else. I ate and tried to soak off some of the soreness from the run. Now I'm ready for bed.
I had a good Thanksgiving. The day started off with a 5k. I pushed it in the rain. Then I volunteered at a community meal. They were supposed to begin serving at 10 AM, but there were people lined up at 8:30 because they had no food in their homes. I'm thankful this year that we have the hope of new leadership...this is a pivotal time that we can use to make real change.
I'm also thankful for my family and friends, for a house and ample food, for the ability to move, for the beauty of mountains and trails. I'm thankful that I have work that challenges me and gives me the opportunity to work toward change.
11.21.2008
A pleasant surprise
When I went to check on the chickens and the mighty rooster this morning, I noticed that 37 (aka crazy-broody chicken) wasn't anywhere to be found. They're locked up now, so there's not too many places where they can hide. I checked more closely in their coop. 37 wasn't in there either, but I found 6 eggs! Because of the distinctive white flecks covering the shells, I knew they were hers. She had snuck out while I had gone in the coop, but must have just laid an egg because it was still very warm. This is from a chicken that hadn't produced anything in almost 10 months. The rooster must be magic!
11.05.2008
Signed, sealed, delivered...
After five days, I'm still in shock about the results from the elections. New Mexico now has an all-Democratic delegation in Congress for the first time. Ever. Obama won the state by 15%, almost 120,000 votes. The last two presidential elections were decided by fewer than 400 and 6,000 votes, respectively. Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected such results.
Obama's acceptance speech was absolutely inspiring, and I have to give McCain credit, too, for his address. I felt proud to be part of this country, and, for the first time in many years, I am hopeful for the future. We now have leadership that recognizes that the country needs to come together to be able to make effective change.
To be honest, I initially wasn't all that thrilled with Obama's campaign and still take issue with certain positions he's taken. However, what led me to support him is what I saw at his rallies. People were not only excited, they were happy. Waiting hours for Obama to arrive didn't make people agitated or angry. Once Obama began to speak he captivated the audience. Here was an articulate, educated man who was asking to serve as our next president.
There was a palpable energy in the air at rallies, marches and volunteer offices. His campaign motivated people who had never been politically active to become involved. I remember four years ago a feeling of resignation, but this year was completely different. This election had brought people together, at least in my little part of the world. Here’s an excerpt from Obama’s rally in the 505 two weeks ago as a sample.
Although the election is over, our work isn’t done. We must keep the momentum in order to make real change. We have the proof that our efforts make a difference; now we need to remain involved to continue what has just begun.
As Obama concluded in his speech last Tuesday, "The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you, we as a people will get there."
¡Sí, se puede!
Obama's acceptance speech was absolutely inspiring, and I have to give McCain credit, too, for his address. I felt proud to be part of this country, and, for the first time in many years, I am hopeful for the future. We now have leadership that recognizes that the country needs to come together to be able to make effective change.
To be honest, I initially wasn't all that thrilled with Obama's campaign and still take issue with certain positions he's taken. However, what led me to support him is what I saw at his rallies. People were not only excited, they were happy. Waiting hours for Obama to arrive didn't make people agitated or angry. Once Obama began to speak he captivated the audience. Here was an articulate, educated man who was asking to serve as our next president.
There was a palpable energy in the air at rallies, marches and volunteer offices. His campaign motivated people who had never been politically active to become involved. I remember four years ago a feeling of resignation, but this year was completely different. This election had brought people together, at least in my little part of the world. Here’s an excerpt from Obama’s rally in the 505 two weeks ago as a sample.
Although the election is over, our work isn’t done. We must keep the momentum in order to make real change. We have the proof that our efforts make a difference; now we need to remain involved to continue what has just begun.
As Obama concluded in his speech last Tuesday, "The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you, we as a people will get there."
¡Sí, se puede!
11.04.2008
My menagerie
This week's featured members of the Marita household:
This bird was in my backyard yesterday. I thought it was a chicken until I lured it into the coop and it started herding. Um, I guess I need to work on the male/female discernment thing. I thought he'd be gone since my fence wasn't fixed and had a gaping hole. Nope, he greeted me this morning.
Later, we went over to the neighbor's house to see if was his rooster. He wasn't there, but we did find some creepy man who stared at us through the slats in the fence. I guess the rooster will stay with us for now.
This is Beto. He's gotten bigger but is just as obnoxious as ever. Cuteness is his ploy. Looks aren't the whole story.
This bird was in my backyard yesterday. I thought it was a chicken until I lured it into the coop and it started herding. Um, I guess I need to work on the male/female discernment thing. I thought he'd be gone since my fence wasn't fixed and had a gaping hole. Nope, he greeted me this morning.Later, we went over to the neighbor's house to see if was his rooster. He wasn't there, but we did find some creepy man who stared at us through the slats in the fence. I guess the rooster will stay with us for now.
This is Beto. He's gotten bigger but is just as obnoxious as ever. Cuteness is his ploy. Looks aren't the whole story. A little election day levity
I've noticed a few things lately that have left me a little confused. First, while I hope California says "no" to Prop 8, I don't know if I'd cast my vote for it as the most popular state:
(and while we're on the topic of gay marriage, I have to give NM props for not having passed a defense of marriage act.)
Second, this video has some conflicting info. So, is New Mexico in a recession?
I hope that this election brings better usage of the English language and more knowledge of geography.
10.31.2008
I had a cup of chai from a restaurant I tried for the first time tonight and would highly recommend...their garlic and potato soup was perfect.
So, I'm fueled for the rest of the night.
Tomorrow is another training for sandtray. I won't have a day off until Tuesday when I'll be canvassing all day.
Those around me and I seem to be holding our breath about the election. No matter what happens, the work has just begun. I hope that the momentum that has been generated throughout this election can continue for the next for years and beyond.
And speaking of the long road ahead, I've done it. I've committed to a marathon. All 26.2 miles.
Well, I know what I'll be doing with my time now that canvassing is done...
Boa noite.
So, I'm fueled for the rest of the night.
Tomorrow is another training for sandtray. I won't have a day off until Tuesday when I'll be canvassing all day.
Those around me and I seem to be holding our breath about the election. No matter what happens, the work has just begun. I hope that the momentum that has been generated throughout this election can continue for the next for years and beyond.
And speaking of the long road ahead, I've done it. I've committed to a marathon. All 26.2 miles.
Well, I know what I'll be doing with my time now that canvassing is done...
Boa noite.
10.17.2008
peace amid the craziness
I don't even know where to start after these past three weeks. I haven't been able to set pen to paper, or rather fingers to keyboard, to make sense of it all. The days have been full of challenges and beauty.
Just as I was putting a load of laundry in to wash today, I heard the sounds of Canada geese. I ran outside to see them flying over in formation as they head south. Yesterday, a raccoon sauntered across a street. It looked at me before crawling in the sewage drain, disappearing into the bowels of the city.
I've continued to canvass every weekend. While I didn't initially want to do it, I enjoy it every time. It mixes many of my interests-walking, exploring, politics and talking and affirms something that I tend to forget: most of us are on the path to a better future and want connection on the way.
I feel a sense of excitement that was void in the last election. In 2004 it seemed that there was a desperation in the air, but this time around, it's hopeful. I think I'll feel a loss once the election is over.
And speaking of hope, I went to a training last week on fundraising or resource development. I'd actually forgotten that I'd agreed to go. Thinking that it would be more about the basics of how to ask for money, I reluctantly went. It turned out to be much more. The trainer, Lynne Twist, focused on the importance of relationships. Her idea of scarcity vs. sufficiency really spoke to me. Many times, especially in this last year, I've lamented that I didn't have more time, sleep, health. She emphasized the fact that there is enough for us to live abundant lives (notwithstanding the inequities that exist in the world). So I have been trying to make a shift in my mentality. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by all I have to do, I give thanks for my job, volunteer work, friends and family, and health.
I have about a million things to do today before I volunteer for the local community radio station's pledge drive, but I've found a book I just can't put down. It's Four Seasons in Five Senses by David Mas Masumoto, a peach farmer in California. Only 100 pages remain. Just enough time to savor the final chapters...
Hope you have a good week.
Just as I was putting a load of laundry in to wash today, I heard the sounds of Canada geese. I ran outside to see them flying over in formation as they head south. Yesterday, a raccoon sauntered across a street. It looked at me before crawling in the sewage drain, disappearing into the bowels of the city.
I've continued to canvass every weekend. While I didn't initially want to do it, I enjoy it every time. It mixes many of my interests-walking, exploring, politics and talking and affirms something that I tend to forget: most of us are on the path to a better future and want connection on the way.
I feel a sense of excitement that was void in the last election. In 2004 it seemed that there was a desperation in the air, but this time around, it's hopeful. I think I'll feel a loss once the election is over.
And speaking of hope, I went to a training last week on fundraising or resource development. I'd actually forgotten that I'd agreed to go. Thinking that it would be more about the basics of how to ask for money, I reluctantly went. It turned out to be much more. The trainer, Lynne Twist, focused on the importance of relationships. Her idea of scarcity vs. sufficiency really spoke to me. Many times, especially in this last year, I've lamented that I didn't have more time, sleep, health. She emphasized the fact that there is enough for us to live abundant lives (notwithstanding the inequities that exist in the world). So I have been trying to make a shift in my mentality. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by all I have to do, I give thanks for my job, volunteer work, friends and family, and health.
I have about a million things to do today before I volunteer for the local community radio station's pledge drive, but I've found a book I just can't put down. It's Four Seasons in Five Senses by David Mas Masumoto, a peach farmer in California. Only 100 pages remain. Just enough time to savor the final chapters...
Hope you have a good week.
10.01.2008
Dear American Airlines,
With great dread I dialed your number today to modify a reservation. I was afraid that you would belittle me as you did when I once asked for cream cheese with my bagel or when I was told to get hotel at my own expense and return to the airport the next day to wait along with hundreds of others trying to get out of the bowels of Texas.
You pleasantly surprised me, though. An agent cheerfully assisted me. It was painless. And the icing on the cake: "Is there anything else I can do for you this evening?"
Oh, if only flying were so easy.
Yours in frequent flyer solidarity,
Marita
With great dread I dialed your number today to modify a reservation. I was afraid that you would belittle me as you did when I once asked for cream cheese with my bagel or when I was told to get hotel at my own expense and return to the airport the next day to wait along with hundreds of others trying to get out of the bowels of Texas.
You pleasantly surprised me, though. An agent cheerfully assisted me. It was painless. And the icing on the cake: "Is there anything else I can do for you this evening?"
Oh, if only flying were so easy.
Yours in frequent flyer solidarity,
Marita
9.29.2008
Monday Medley
How quickly the weekend passes!
Yesterday was full of beauty. I was able to do an eight mile run, albeit not a fast one, but I went the distance. In my other blog there are more details. The meditation and dharma discussion later helped me to let go of some mental static.
Today started with acupuncture. Then to the gym, where I found out I've lost 5 lbs. On the way home, I got a cappuccino from someone who just moved here from San Francisco. We shared restaurant stories. He might have gotten distracted and forgotten to give me decaf. Oh, well. I enjoyed it.
At least I know I can make it through the end of my day.
Yesterday was full of beauty. I was able to do an eight mile run, albeit not a fast one, but I went the distance. In my other blog there are more details. The meditation and dharma discussion later helped me to let go of some mental static.
Today started with acupuncture. Then to the gym, where I found out I've lost 5 lbs. On the way home, I got a cappuccino from someone who just moved here from San Francisco. We shared restaurant stories. He might have gotten distracted and forgotten to give me decaf. Oh, well. I enjoyed it.
At least I know I can make it through the end of my day.
9.27.2008
Today
I finally got off my ass to canvass. It's not really my cup of tea-I'm introverted, and I generally try not to bother people. (Of note: I had done some canvassing before but in Spanish. I'm more gregarious when I'm speaking anything besides English.)
When I thought about going door-to-door, I realized how many other things I had to do. Like lay around, waste time on the computer, and read. A phone call a few days ago, though, guilted me into doing it.
And like so many things in life, the reality was much better than the idea I had in my mind. Only one man yelled at me. I wished him a good day. Some people showed their kindness by inviting me into their homes, and others talked about the debate. I had fun.
I'm doing it again next week.
When I thought about going door-to-door, I realized how many other things I had to do. Like lay around, waste time on the computer, and read. A phone call a few days ago, though, guilted me into doing it.
And like so many things in life, the reality was much better than the idea I had in my mind. Only one man yelled at me. I wished him a good day. Some people showed their kindness by inviting me into their homes, and others talked about the debate. I had fun.
I'm doing it again next week.
9.20.2008
Update
Life has been pretty predictable lately: sleep, chores, work, exercise, eat, read, write, mediate. Lather, rinse, repeat. Don't get me wrong, it's a good thing. It just makes for little to share.
But since I am never at a loss of words, at least at the keyboard, here are some small things that have kept my mind occupied:
But since I am never at a loss of words, at least at the keyboard, here are some small things that have kept my mind occupied:
- The first fall/winter garden I've planted has germinated. Instead of getting seedlings, it was all planted from seed. Nothing makes me happier than seeing them peak out from the ground. Well, maybe making a salad from the bounty in a few weeks will make me pretty content, too.
- This time of year causes me to reflect on the direction of life. The same process of germinating is happening internally, but I'm not sure what yet seeds are growing. I do feel as if I'm entering a stage of life that is not so externally-focused.
- Several times this week I have heard references to abundance vs. scarcity. That, coupled with the financial situation, has made for interesting mental fodder. Since I'm woefully ignorant of economics, I realize that my analysis of what's been happening is nowhere near complete. I feel for those whose lives have been disrupted by the mess and, at the same time, believe this is yet another lesson in impermanence. As things become more difficult financially, there is still plenty of abundance around me-food in the garden, thoughtful gifts from others, a sealed roof over my head, and the beauty of mountains nearby. It's sort of like that cheesy glass half-empty, half-full thing. The reality is that it'll probably never be as full as I'd like it to be. I can spend my life lamenting what I don't have or what I might loose, or I can be grateful for whatever is near. There will always be something that amazes no matter how challenging life becomes. It's my choice to find it.
9.17.2008
I've found that whatever happens or what I do on this day sets the tone for the next year. A year ago today I woke up looking forward to a day off, but my back had other plans. I couldn't move. It had gone out overnight. Eventually I got up and the pain subsided, but there were many other problems to come. (I won't go over the litany of things gone wrong, though. I'm not that old.)
The last 12 months have been a learning experience. The body lets us know loud and clear when we've reached its limits, and if we continue to ignore it, it will force us to stop. We need rest. We need to change how we live. We need to listen.
The challenges have brought a richness to life. I had time to reflect and be grateful when my body worked well. But I'm more than ready to say good-bye to this year.
So what might the next year bring? I started the day talking to family, communing with plants and animals, and giving thanks for the work I do. I laughed with friends and shared with colleagues. In a word, I hope it brings balance.
The last 12 months have been a learning experience. The body lets us know loud and clear when we've reached its limits, and if we continue to ignore it, it will force us to stop. We need rest. We need to change how we live. We need to listen.
The challenges have brought a richness to life. I had time to reflect and be grateful when my body worked well. But I'm more than ready to say good-bye to this year.
So what might the next year bring? I started the day talking to family, communing with plants and animals, and giving thanks for the work I do. I laughed with friends and shared with colleagues. In a word, I hope it brings balance.
9.09.2008
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