Busy with life!

So sorry I've been such a slacker, but I am a busy girl. Where do I even begin?
Sustainability Board. As I may have mentioned, I became an official board member last month. Even though we only have one meeting a month, and I haven't been put on any projects yet, I am busy. I am now compelled to attend many things related to Sustainability so that I can be an affective, informed member of the board. Recently I attended an 8 week book study group based on the book "The Natural Step for Communities". It was one night a week for about 2 hours. It was wonderful. I met some great people and looked forward to it every week. We plan to have a reunion in fall. Last Thursday I attended a film showing at Bubolz Nature Preserve called "My Father's Garden". It is part of a Sustainability series of films being shown once a month by the local Audubon Society. The film was exellent! Greg came with me and he enjoyed it as well. He is looking forward to next month's film. I also attended an ECOS Fox Valley meeting with Valley Transit discussing improvements and changing people's perception of public transportation here in the valley.
At work. A woman that works here has started a group called "The Giving Harvest". It is a group of VF employees volunteering (on our own time) to have a veggie garden here on site. We will sell the veggies in the break room and the profits will go to charitable causes. It is not just about the charity though. It is about building a community within VF and learning from eachother. Of course, somehow, I have become more or less second-in-command.
Home. Greg and I have completely gutted his master bath and are now in the process of putting it back together. Since we have changed the floor plan and are adding features, it involves WAY more planning and decisioin making than either of us anticipated. It is going well though. The electrician finished up yesterday and Greg will begin putting up drywall this week. We are waiting for the replacement window to come in and will have to order the tile soon. Our first tile surround job. I'm confident though. I have read three books and talked to the expert at the tile store. He is using my shower now, good thing we live close together.
Other. I leave for Florida in 12 1/2 days, but who's counting? I plan to get the Miata out this weekend. Then it needs to have some things done to it next week. Then it will be all ready for me to jump in and drive when I get back on the 25th!
I am planning on moving in with Greg this summer. There is a lot of prep involved with that sitution too. I will have to do some painting and such at both places to get ready for the move. Perhaps I will start this weekend. There are two reasons that I haven't started moving yet. Well, three. One is that his stupid dog is still alive. I cannot stand that animal! He is really old and to the point where he needs to be put down. Greg is dragging his feet. I don't blame him, but it is sad. The second is, of course, the bathroom. The third is that I would like to get his hardwood floors refinished after the dog is gone, but before my cats move in.
Career. I have also been applying for other jobs. I am hoping to finally find something related to my degree and something I can be passionate about. Perhaps the contacts that I am making with the Sustainability board will lead to something. I understand that President Obama plans to create many "green" jobs and maybe that will be an opportunity for me. I was really hoping to at least get an interview for the City of Menasha Parks Super job, but I haven't heard a word.
So, as you can see I am keeping busy. I haven't even mentioned the sewing projects and the books I've been reading!!!! Stay tuned!

Australia to Menasha

Well, I didn't make the final 50 cut, so I won't be going to Australia. Why doesn't blogger have sad face option to insert here??

There is still hope for the City of Menasha job. The deadline is 3/13/09, I submitted my app on Friday. I fear I have about as much chance of getting that job as I did the Australia one.

The good news is that I am still going to Florida in April!

Sunny FLA

Wooo -hoooo. Booked flights to Ft. Myer's Beach. Going on April. Can't wait!!

It's Official

Last night I became an official member of the City of Menasha's Sustainability Board. I even got a round of applause from the rest of the board. I'm pretty excited about it all.

Sturgeon Season

Yesterday Greg's brother, Jeff, broke the Brockman family record. He speared a 123.2lb female. She had 42 lbs of eggs in her. I reached right in and got myself some fresh caviar!

Really?

Is someone really reading this cuz you'd never know it!
I am considering trying to get a landscaping job this summer. That is, of course, unless I get the best job in the world. There is a place north of A-town that specializes in native landscaping. I just don't belong in a cubicle.

Hello loyal readers!!

Greetings and salutations!! Where shall I begin?
The Natural Step. Yes, Monty, it is interesting, however, it is tough to get through. The way it is written is very textbook like. It is one of the most difficult reads I have ever read. I am almost done, and I can't wait to get it over with so I can move on to my next read, Twyla Tharp's "The Creative Habit". There are study groups popping up for discussion of the The Natural Step and I will be attending one that begins tomorrow night. It meets once a week for 6 weeks. I am hoping to glean more from the book by attending these. Never hurts to network either, which is a perfect segway to my next topic.
What am I going to be when I grow up? Seriously, I need suggestions. I can't do most of the things I love for various reasons. So, I am going to give you what I would like in a career and you (the reader) will give me suggestions. I will accept sarcasm, but I want some real ones too!
I don't want to work weekends. I want fresh air in the summer. I don't need to be outside, but an open window instead of air conditioning would rock! I want to be mobile, no more sitting at a desk all day. I like to work alone for the most part. Little supervision. I don't mind working hard, might as well get paid for my workout. Unfortunately I don't have a rich spouse, so I will need benefits and decent pay.
As a result of this sedentary job and a lack of anywhere to walk, I am sadly out of shape. I have started to get back in to my Turbo Jam videos and am beginning to mix in some yoga. I have been wanting to get in to Yoga for a decade. Last week I spent some time visiting the websites of the local yoga studios. Every single one of them has beginner classes on Tuesdays only. Tuesday is the only night that doesn't work for me. Since I am not a "group" person anyway, I ordered a beginner's yoga video and started last night. I am excited about it. I also plan to write an email to the HR department about getting a recreation trail around the property. There is plenty of interest.
I attended my second Sustainability Board meeting last week. I am not sure where this is going to go, or what my role will be. It is nice to meet with people who are interested in similar topics and once again the networking. A career might come out of this. If native landscaping starts to take off, I might be able to make a living out of it. Can you say "unemployment" in the winter???
I have a new hobby. I have been making fancy, frilly cooking aprons. You know, the kind grandma used to wear? Only mine have ruffles and lace. I brought one in to work that I had made for my mom and everyone wanted it. Perhaps this is my calling??? Sadie's Designer Aprons.

Did you miss me????

Hi peeps! Does anyone read this? Let's see, big news in my life: I have submitted an entry to the "Best Job in the World" contest. www.islandreefjob.com 6 months swimming and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef! Wish me luck!
I survived a recent layoff here at the not-so-much-the-best-job-in-the-world.
I haven't gotten sick once this winter. People were sick all around me. I attribute it to my kim-chee.
Still reading "The Natural Step". It is a bit text-booky so it is going slow. The Sustainability board meeting is tonight. I was hoping to be done in time for the meeting.
Went snowshoeing at Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve Saturday. It was beautiful. Saw some deer. Got some fresh air. Recorded my video entry for the contest.