Master Gardener Class, Update on Goals

I have begun classes to become a Master Gardener. Sometimes the program seems more like Master Computer Wizard. The reading material, quizzes and assignments are all online through Washington State University Extension, and we go have live training on Fridays at the Norm Dicks building.

I am finding the computer side a little time-consuming and slow. I am learning a ton, and, believe me, after doing crossword puzzles and diagrams repeatedly and hoping the system will accept them (which it hasn't yet), I will know more than I ever wanted to!

The time with other students, community educators and mentors, and our fearless leader, Peg (WSU Extension employee), however, is great. What a wonderful group of people works in our county! I am impressed with their dedication to the program, and how generous they are with all of us, and each other.

Update on goals:

I have paid a total of $1.75 on library fines this year. So sad. My attitude is to continue in confidence that I am able to keep from accruing more fines. (Note: I was discussing my lofty goal with not 1 but 2 library workers at 2 separate times and both mentioned that they, the librarians, are the worst about keeping books out and racking up fines. Interesting, isn't it?)

No plastic bags yet.

Maintaining good habits. Hope to kick the sugar monster soon.

How about you? How are your goals or visions or revisions coming along?

The Forgotten Goal

I neglected to include my goal of not having any library fines this year. So far I have had a fifty cent fine (paid!), for books checked out for others. Let's see if I can reach this one--it's probably the most difficult of all.

Goals for the New Year

I usually have a big planning pow wow with myself about yearly goals, but I don't feel like doing so much this year. I have about 4 goals:

1. Live in the moment. Don't fixate on the past and don't get all wrapped up in worrying about the future. I'm pretty good about this, but could improve. This goal is not measurable, so I will just have to make a point of doing it when I find myself not in the present. My quality of life will improve as I do this.

2. No plastic shopping bags. This was a goal last year, too. I have improved, but not as much as I had hoped. This is measurable: No (more) plastic bags in the broom closet.

3. This 3rd goal is too personal to share, but it's measurable and I should be able to accomplish it.

4. Keep doing all the good things I am doing, including spiritual-mental-physical-health and helping-other-people activities.

Do you set goals or have New Years Resolutions? What will you be working on this year?

Eleven Boxes

I have a great friend named Bea. We met when I noticed she got off at my same bus stop and walked into my neighborhood when I was ferrying to Seattle in 2006. She sat toward the end of the boat where I sat on the way home, and one day we began chatting after our work day. Our conversations on the 5:30 PM ferry became very important to me, and Bea is simply one of my favorite people. I walk with her to her bus stop most work mornings at 5:30, because otherwise I know I would never get a chance to visit.

Bea is from Honduras, born to a German father and Honduran mother. She is around 66, and works full time as a legal secretary in a downtown Seattle office. She commutes 5 days a week (which is very demanding), is healthy and full of energy, is positive and interesting, and is a great role model. She was widowed about 12 years ago, and lives with her daughter and son-in-law and 2 grandchildren.

We have had many conversations about life and people, shared recipes and favorite reads, and observed many fascinating people who would ride the ferry. One of my favorite, most memorable talks we had, though, was when we discussed owning things and moving. You see, after her husband passed away while they were living in New Orleans (pre-Katrina, of course), she needed to decide where she was going to spend the next few years. Bea decided (upon invitation, I'm sure) to spend some time living with her only 2 grandchildren. She thought out her move, and determined to pack very light. She got rid of all her furniture, and even gave her car to a nephew. Everything she felt inspired to keep was packed up in boxes and sent to her daughter's home. She then walked on the plane with her allotted 2 suitcases of clothes and 2 carry on bags. And, all in all, she shipped only 11 boxes of possessions here to Washington.

This has amazed me since I have heard about it. Eleven boxes! "What could have been in those boxes," I wondered to myself. I even asked her the next day on the ferry, and she told me blankets and towels and stuff. "What about photos?" She told me, "I have one of my husband, and I gave all the rest to my 2 daughters. Why do I need photos when I have the real things?" In this world of scrapbooking it is indeed astounding to imagine, much less encounter, someone who doesn't "do" photos!

I have thought many times about those 11 boxes. When my husband and I go on our mission(s), could we fit our things in 11 boxes each? Could I "give away all that [I] have"? What exactly would I put in 11 boxes and ship to the rest of my life?

How about you? What would be in 11 boxes of your most precious possessions?