What we work for

Everyone has a reason why they get up and go to work almost everyday. What is it that has most of us on such a ball and chain that we spend a considerable amount of our life with people often other than our close loved ones and twiddle away the hours working. It is what it is. Most of us are in a situation that we must work full time jobs. What is the pay off? Will there ever be a light at the end of the tunnel? These are serious questions that we must ask ourselves before giving up all of our precious time in a job.

I think that my parents have found the light at the end of their tunnel. All their penny pinching has paid off. The years of hard work, my mom's endless scheming has came to fruition (well, technically in a matter of days, once all the paperwork is free and clear). I can see the happiness in her eyes, in her step and the way in which she carries herself. She did it, she found something that meant enough to her that she was willing to work to have this house on the beach. It brings me some ease to hear this come from her or anyone for that matter. To find something that you love enough to go ahead and sacrifice in order to obtain it.

It goes through my mind constantly, what are we doing this for? Why aren't we out there climbing, eating pb&j, living the life. Right now, we have a fleet of bikes, eat out, have a house and life is comfortable. This is working for.

All that there is

For a long time I've believed that the secret to a happy and healthy life is the ability to celebrate cheap thrills, everyday miracles, little things. If you save yourself for the happiness that comes from big *wow* moments like a big trip to an exotic place, a big race, to climb the next mountain, promotions, most of life is sure to be depressing or at least boring. Finding beauty in the everyday is no small task but a way of life.
My life these days are geared towards finding pleasure in the small things. Sometimes the forty hour week is like looking down the barrel of a gun ( it is really not that bad ). Coping yet not becoming complacent with this is a matter of necessity.
Enjoying each day for what it is can be a blessing, acknowledging what is happening and then letting it go. Then it is just a matter of finding beauty in the small things. For me it is the baby step improvements in yoga, a brisk walk in the cool Northwest air, a tasty lunch, the confidence that comes from running again, trying my hardest at what I am doing, whatever it takes.
In the end this is all that there is.

saving grace

Friday....
*sigh*
Another work week behind me, and I for this I can count my blessings. I am employed and as this world spins, this is a very fortunate situation to be in. I know that if John or myself were to find ourselves unemployed (pretend that we don't own a house and have numerous other financial obligations) we would once again go chase our bliss and live out those fantasies that we both are constantly day dreaming about. Some day, one day. I know that we will find our groove one day. Until then, weekend warriors and a promise of a wonderful future. I have a wonderfully purposeful life.

Friday....
*sigh*
Three day weekend and a forecast of SUN SUN SUN!
I am going to dust off the bike and pedal my toosh around on some trail, maybe even run, spend lots of time outside, with friends, and practicing yoga. I am officially going to tune up the commuter and........ start riding to work again! I have been toying around the idea the last couple of days as there is more daylight hours and the weather is becoming a bit more stable. I have been seeing more commuters on my commute, there is power in numbers, once the drivers get used to seeing bikes again I feel a bit safer. I have actually been a tad bit envious of those pedal pushers, it is time for me to start at least a couple days per week.

Friday....
*sigh*
This afternoon, I head to the doctor. I am going to have a more removed on my shoulder. Years of unprotected exposure to the sun has caught up to me. Yikes, they are serious about the need to cover up from the sun, 25 and my skin is already mutating.
Love the skin you are in. Cover up!

Friday....
*sigh*
One last thought... a positive one....
I have been adamantly trying to be ME. I feel wonderful, all things considered. After a wake up call at the end of December I decided to take the reigns back. I have cut back significantly, almost completely, on alcohol consumption, stopped drinking coffee laid off the meat, really focused on yoga and improving my practice. I feel incredible. This time of year, January and February have been trying times in years past. I don't want to have to go through that ever year. It just takes too big of a toll on myself, John, Natasha and my family who have to help me through it. So I am helping myself through it. I feel incredible! I have gotten over the hard part of cravings for those fantastic beverages, found substitutes, and practiced a bit of self control. Yoga has done wonders as well, I really believe that is as good if not better than what the teachers say. It is the healthiest thing I have ever done for myself.
Yes, to be back in control, or should I say to surrender control and just be....

Have a wonderful weekend.

Planning and public

I am going to be brief, I know that many people would rather gouge their eyes out than talk about planning and policy issues in Whatcom County. Wait, I take that back, people don't want to talk about zoning or comprehensive planning until they have an issue. I understand. This is the crux of my job. How do we educate people before hand so they why we are doing what we are.
Good news, I lived through my first Planning Commission. One of the first steps in my effort to be a "planner."
Here are a few articles from the Bellingham Herald dramatizing, creating fear and and pandemonium in rural Whatcom County:

Poll: Residents think Whatcom County is growing too much
JARED PABEN - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

Whatcom County landowners could lose development potential
JARED PABEN - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD