More Sparky

Hi again,

As I hinted at last week, here are more photos of Aengus and sweet Sparky:


Also, an update on my new job: it's awesome! I am getting paid to learn things I would happily learn for free! Don't tell my employers, though....ha, ha, ha. Seriously, though, it is going great, and I am really enjoying it. It's fun after all these months to have a "job job" that I look forward to going to (gardening with Suzy doesn't count - it was far too cool to be considered a job!).

Anyway, I am happy. It feels good to be productive again, and to be spending my time doing something I find interesting, and that I believe in.

Lastly, although I think I only have about four readers, I would like to give a shout out to those people who haven't had the good fortune I have had and who are struggling with unemployment. I am lucky to have what I have, and I appreciate it that much more after having been in your shoes. I am truly blessed.

Warm wishes for a happy Friday!

I'm leaving the ranks...

...of the semi-/unemployed! That's right, I secured myself a genuine full-time job, and will start on Monday. Hmpf.

Actually, the job sounds pretty sweet, and I feel blessed to have found it. Truth be told, though, it found me. A rather random conversation about six months ago led to an email about six weeks ago, then a few meetings, a nice offer, and the start date on Monday.

I'll be working for an international organic seed and grain company, doing things from shipping and freight to helping regional farmers get their organic certifications. Odds are good that I'll be able to visit farms in the area in the short-term, and possibly get in on some of the international travel down the road a bit.

Although I must admit to having mixed feelings about giving up my vacation lifestyle (challenging, frustrating, and demoralizing though it was at times...), I am so aware that there are millions who would love to be in my shoes about now, shoes that will walk me through the door into what sounds like an interesting job with a paycheck and benefits to boot.

I will miss gardening with Suzy, though. She's a dear, and the work was healthy for both mind and body.

Anyway, that's my news.

This Sunday is Easter. I'm looking forward to a tasty dinner at my parents' house.

Wishing you all a lovely holiday weekend!

Sparks are flyin'!

Hello again,

Meet Sparky:


He's the one in the back there, behind sweet Aengus (thanks to Jane for the photo), and he'll be staying with us for a week and a half. He's been here for four days already, and he is sweet as can be! He's a perfect complement for Aengus, and they've been having tons of fun.

My camera is broken, so as soon as I can get my hands on Jane's, I'll probably put more photos up.

Also, there's news on the job front! I'm going to wait until the deal is sealed before I share the news so I don't jinx it, but hopefully I'll have an update this week!

Hope you're well. Enjoy the sunshine!

Snowshoes!

I mentioned in my post from the other day that I received showshoes for Christmas! Here's a photo of me from a couple of weeks ago up in Theodore Wirth.


For me, this was a pretty perfect winter, at least weather-wise. I'm so happy to have warmer temperatures and less ice and snow to deal with during my daily walks, but I'm a little bit sad to have to say goodbye to my snowshoes until next winter. Auf wiedersehen, Schneeschuhe!

Maybe it's Time

Well, maybe it's time to start writing again. Or maybe I should end that with a question mark? Seems like it could be a good, cathartic thing to do, and why I would want to publish it for the world to see, I have no idea, but here goes.

I am safely and soundly back in the States, and have been for nine months now, almost to the day. Odd, in a way, as that's the same amount of time I spend in Deutschland.

In one perspective, I haven't put my time back home to good use at all. I did garden for Suzy's clients all last summer, which was dreamy and cathartic in its own right, and I've also had plenty of time to take sweet Aengus for our long daily walks - the most precious time of my days, still. I received snow shoes for Christmas this past year, and have enjoyed getting into that, especially because of our abundant snow. I loved the discount on books I received while working part-time at Barnes & Noble during the holidays, and have been reading a ton.

On the other hand, though, I've been hopelessly unproductive. On my good days, which far outnumber the bad, I recognize the hardship and trauma sustained by so many people around the world, which helps me keep my own imperfections well in perspective. I also give myself credit for my job search efforts, even though they haven't resulted in anything full-time/professional. Yet.

On my bad days, which, like I said, are relatively infrequent, I despair, and feel frustrated and glum, but never, ever like a victim. I made my own choices. My present is a result of actions I took in the past, and my future will be a result of my actions now, and to come. No one ever said it would be easy, and I was not raised to expect anything, or to feel that somehow the world owes me something.

Ha, I am tired. I just reread this post so far and realized that my "On the other hand" statement basically mirrors the "In one perspective" one. Maybe I'm not ready to start writing again after all... :)

A couple more Triscuits and cream cheese, possibly a little late night t.v., and then I'm off to bed.

Sweet dreams to you all,

Kate