New Challenge

Hey there cyberspace folks!

So, some of you know that I have a challenge of trying 40 things in a year. Yep, I turned 40. I decided that our lives are busy, but we all need to continue to evolve and try new stuff. One goals I have is skydiving. That's a lofty one, which I'll do...sometime...

I decided on a new goal today, thanks to my friend Stephanie's blog, where she had an online photography course of 12 weeks as a link. I'm going to stretch my shots based on the assignments she linked. I have recommitted to taking more photos (PLEASE check out my gallery at the bottom of this page), but I think the last time I really gained ground as a photographer was when I was enrolled in photography/darkroom classes a few years ago. I want to get better. It's something I always want to do, get better. We never stop growing, right?

This week is playing with aperature (which means the opening size of the lens you shoot with). So, hopefully next week I'll have some new interesting shots for the gallery. Until then, enjoy these shots of our trip to the lake in Eastern WA - where it was over 100 most of the time. Thank God for swimming in the lake!

Take care of each other,

~H

Is the world really flat?

Hi,

I realize there is scientific proof that the world is actually spherical, however for a moment it seemed flat. How else would I actually lose 6 months of time in updating this blog? I must have fallen off the planet, get it?

Anyway, a recap of the last 6 months (I can't believe I just typed that - it's like making the phone call to the folks when I haven't called in a few weeks. Guilt, pure guilt.

OK - Katie = physical therapy and a clean bill of health. Good to go gymnastics workouts. Will compete as a "level 7" again next year, although she is rocking level 8 skills- her words, not mine. Also, spring track was great. She took first place in long jump. She is currently at Karolyi Camp - gymnastics camp run by Bela Karolyi and Martha Karolyi. How cool is that? My ONLY sports hero growing up was Nadia, and now she works with her coaches.

Jeff = finished his Sophomore year. The kid has such musical drive. Now that it's summer he's more into relaxing, but his camp this year was jazz camp. Amazing talent that boy, I marvel at his courage performing.

Ron = relaxing after finishing another year being principal. Working on house jobs, and scheduling down time for us all. He is really looking forward to the annual camping and beach trips. (See beach house pic to right)

Me = thrilled to work, work, work! I know, it's sick, but I finished teaching this year at my "old school." It was so sad to leave such a wonderful staff. And see the girl promoted from 6th grade the same day. Lots of chapters finishing. But now a new, exciting one is beginning! And I can't quit reading, going to conferences, and planning out how next year will (hopefully) go. This has the hopes of my dream job. I wonder how I actually landed this gig! Anyway, I still am puttering in the garden, working on house stuff, and reading like I always do in summertime. But, back in my brain, rattles around this cool new job! Also, you may notice I'm not pictured. I have recommitted to shooting more pictures, that means behind the lens isn't in front of the lens.

Let's see other things in a nutshell:

Went on a wine walk - a whole town shut its streets, you drink wine, and shop. What genius!

Rerocked/mulched our garden - looking good!

Painted kids' bathroom

Restained hottub on my own - thank you very much!

Sold fireworks for the first time as a fundraiser

Attended 2 weeklong workshops so far, one more to go

Delivered 2 kids to 2 camps

Went to Forks with Katie to find "where Edward lived"

There have been many other "regular life" things. Hopefully with "being off" for summer, I'll be more present as far as updating. Take care and enjoy time with each other.

~H