Life is too short

...to not wear pretty dresses. Y wrote that on her blog the other day and I thought, "That should have been my New Year's resolution!" It relates to more than just appearance and health. For me, it's about doing the things I really want to do, even if I don't think I have the money. It's about making the right choices for how I choose to spend my time and valuing the things and people I love. It's about being the best me that can be. Life is too short to not wear pretty dresses. Yes, it means all of that and more.

I am really fortunate to have had all of last week off. I crafted, I did my taxes, I paid some bills. Most importantly, I rested. I slept a TON. I still feel exhausted, but the point is that I took care of myself and I often forget to do that. I began acupuncture treatment the week before last for my hormonal imbalance and my (seemingly chronic) fatigue. I can't say it's helped, but I'm willing to go through all 11 treatments (at a cost of $220 out of pocket) to see if it has any effect. I went to the doctor's again to have bloodwork done and see if I could blame my exhaustion on anemia or poor kidney function. No dice. It's frustrating to get "a clean bill of health" when you can FEEL that that isn't the case.

In other, better news....I'm planning some adventures and renewing my commitment to running. As soon as I get myself back "in the running", I'm going to sign up for a 5K to really inspire me to keep it up. On the adventure end, coming up: My expedition to Nova Scotia in April, Whitewater Rafting the Klickitat (also in April), Ziplining in Whistler in June, Nicaragua or Morocco in July, and NYC in August. Todd and I are aspiring to go on an expedition to Costa Rica in the fall and I will be spending Christmas in either Germany or Brazil, depending on where the family is going to be, so that's something I can also look forward to. I'd love to fit Vegas and Arizona in in March, but it's difficult to see that happening. There isn't much time to make that happen financially. I'm okay with that, though. I obviously have plenty of other reasons to "wear pretty dresses" throughout the year!

Little Loves

I got this email from a mom of my student who not only brought me a big heart box of candy yesterday, but also a Mylar balloon and card:

Just wanted to share, we were picking our your card (his idea - very important) and I read one he picked and it was a bit too romantic. "Layne it says 'I love you so very much' " Layne replied with "But I do love Ms. B so very much". Then another romantic one said 'On our first Valentines Day'. Layne said "But this is our first Valentines Day". Ha ha Fun experience.

I love my munchkins. I am so very lucky.

Green dreams

I'm 10 pounds down! Now I just need to let that surprise German Chocolate Cake I got last weekend be the last for a while. We already finished it!

There are so many places I want to travel right now. We have a week off in 2 weeks--well, I do--not Josh. I want to go to either the Oregon Coast or Vegas, but I know we'll just stay here. No money to be doing even such low-budget things. Our neighbor friends just got back from Belize and I am left salivating over the photos of white beaches and an aquamarine ocean. I want to stay in a grass hut!

I keep thinking about how I wish Josh made more money. That's horrible, isn't it? I just think you should either work for passion or money. Both would be ideal, of course. As much as Josh wants to do what he does because he works for himself, I know he also believes it's the only thing he can do. I wish I could spark something to change his mindset. If he was truly
passionate, I could accept our being poor much better than I do. Of course, I'll also continue to support him regardless. I'm good at that part of the job. A girl can still dream though, can't she? It would be nice....