I want a little change...

I like change. I always have. After about three years of doing the same thing, I start feeling it. Then during the fourth year I start preparing or panicing or looking for ways to change it. Last year was my fourth year at my school-it was an awesome year, but by the end, I was glad the year was done and was planning out opportunities in my head. Up until Saturday, I was thinking that my big four year change wasn't going to happen this time. I would have to make some kind of change happen at home or in my routine. I was settling into that.

Little did I know that on Saturday I would be getting a call from my principal. I saw that he called and thought: #1 I have to give up my classroom or #2 something really important has come up. Turns out, both were right. I was offered a new position that is going to be an awesome challenge. A Big, big change!!! I had been curious, ooking for new possibilities, but it's very strange how this all came together. This new gig, is going to be a good fit to what I want to do. I do know it is going to be very hard work and it is going to test me in new ways. I am so thankful for the opportunity and excited to see how this adventure unfolds. And after a day and a half on the new job, I still have A LOT to learn and A LOT to do!!

I suppose though, once you "get it," the challenge is really over. I know these "Big changes" won't happen all the time- if they do, I'll be exhasted! So as long as we are still striving to learn more and be more, the changes can be little but the ideas can go far. As for now, this "big change" is going to keep this wondering mind quite busy:)

I want to exhale.....

Big yummy sigh.....ahhhhh. That is how today has felt. It was my first real day off. No out of town trips or celebrations, just me at home with a little agenda- yoga and a haircut. Thursday was the last day of summer school and Sunday was my last day as a land guide. What a summer- In a little more than a week I will be back in my classroom getting ready for the year waiting for the next big exhale. For now though, I'm sneeking in a little down time and a little catch up time as well.

It's funny on "the last days," not much can bring you down. I easily go with the flow and everything just seems to be brighter. Whether it be the last day at a job, the last day of school, or the last day of vacation.....it's then we finally soak it all in. We accept the bad and we take the good, taking it all for what it is. Thursday, the kids seemed sweeter and on Sunday the customers seemed thankful....but they were like that the whole time. I was just wrapped in who knows what, to appreciate it.

I guess that's why they say to "live every day like it's your last." Get that hug and kiss in, smell the roses, and just linger. What I've learned from this.....If it's the first day or the last day, or a day in between, take a second to appreciate what it is.

I want to can can!

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. This summer our garden has given us tomatoes- lots and lots of tomatoes. Daily, the hubster was bringing in four to five tomatoes from our crop. We could not eat them as fast as they were coming. Something had to be done.

Lucky for me, we have awesome neighbors that had brought us two types of toppings for our brown rice pasta that she had just canned. I had watched a couple canning videos on youtube but she answered a few questions that were still lingering. I bought my jars and was ready. This was my first time canning and I did not use any of the special canning tools. Really, I am crossing my fingers that they came out okay. I will be making a purchase for them the next time. I can see why they would be worth it.

Salsa was the answer for our tomatoes. We had jalepeno and bell peppers growing that I utilized as well. My cilantro took a turn about a week ago from the intense heat, so I bought from the store.
From peeling the tomatoes, to chopping onions and peppers(I love my food processor), to simmering, to all the mess with the jars....I did it.

This was a long process. If they turn out right, I think it's worth all the trouble. My food sayings for the last year have been, eat/buy local, eat with the seasons, and eat real food. Canning would be the perfect addition. I am envisioning my entire backyard becoming one giant garden that I will can throughout the year. I am feeling inspired. If I can't get the whole yard, I am going to at least double what I have now. As you can see from the pictures, the garden is overflowing.