Musings on an Assortment of Subjects

Wow, it has been a long time since I posted anything. The summer charges ahead, filled with lots of good things including bike rides, cookouts, game nights, hymn sings, bowling, and even a bit of working. I am getting to the point where going to work all day every day is starting to make me a little antsy, so I’m glad that I have various changes of pace to look forward to: a camping trip next weekend, a family reunion at the beginning of August, various extended family visiting during the next month, and eventually heading to Seattle. (Of course, Seattle will not mean the end of full work days, but at least I will have a new place to explore, which will hopefully stave off the boredom of routine for some time.)

In an attempt to jump-start my re-entry into blogdom, I thought I’d post a list of “goals for the next year or so” that I jotted down on May 17 while I was in Europe:

• become more fluent in German, French
• learn to cook well
• read classic literature
• practice hammered dulcimer, piano
• regular exercise: running, biking, and/or working out
• keep in touch with friends
• research genealogy
• learn to juggle
• learn to play chess*
• stop biting my nails and start brushing my teeth**
• learn Python, Ruby***
• become more familiar with music and art history****
• read the Bible more and be prepared to explain Christianity to someone who’s interested
• go camping and hiking a lot
• attend workshops on sustainable building
• tithe regularly
• get contacts
• record my grandparents’ stories
• design a lifestyle that gives me freedom to travel while also treating the Earth with care
• get to know the lore and culture of Washington / Seattle

There’s obviously a fair range in how much time and effort these will take. And I notice that it is predominantly a list of new things to learn…and not so much about big life-determining decisions. But I always find it helpful to review which of these little things I want to be working toward, as well. After all, most of them are things that will make life more enjoyable no matter what I end up doing. (On the other hand, maybe I just like making lists…)

*Yeah, I know, everyone’s always amazed when they find out I never played chess. I mean, I know how the pieces move, but that’s about it.
**Yeah, I know that’s gross. I did think twice before posting this one on my blog. But there it is.
***These are programming languages, for the less geeky technology-challenged among you.
****Humanities, you have failed me. (Okay, not literally.)