soaking up summer

What's New?

Last week was been a flurry of activity all relating to my new job. I resigned from my old job. I attended a 3-hour orientation for my new job that was more geared towards brand-new teachers than transfers (read: boring). I have about a million papers to fill out, sign, and return. This week I packed up my old classroom and moved into my new classroom. I had wonderful people who helped me pack up and move my things to the new school. Afterwards we celebrated at happy hour with the whole science department at what is now my old school. I will miss those people fiercely. 

While that's quite a lot on my plate, I am extremely excited about this new opportunity. I'm even excited about having to take mass transit to work (the car commute is terrible). Did you hear that? I'm excited about taking the bus! I guess I'm just excited all around. These are all good things.

Yesterday I finally made it down to Alki for a 4 mile walk. I live up a steep hill from the beach, so the return trip can be brutal for an out-of-shape person like me. Fortunately I remembered that there is a free shuttle from the water taxi that runs near my house. Problem solved.

Currently Reading

• Scatter, Adapt, Remember: How Humans Will Survive a Mass Extinction by Annalee Newitz (apparently this isn't the summer for light reads)
• I just finished The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, and I haven't cried that much over a book since The Book Thief. 

On the Needles
I started some dishcloths, trying to use up my leftover cotton yarn. I have a book with 16 different dishcloth patterns. I chose an easy one to knit while distracted by the US version of Being Human. I love that show!

Looking Forward To:

1. rollerskating
2. spending a week on Mt. Rainier learning about volcanoes

my new adventure

What's New?

Last week I interviewed for a job at a K-8 environmental science school. At the end of the week I got a call offering me the position. I am now preparing to start a new adventure at a new school! This new position means that I'll get to work with a former colleage who I admire and respect, not to mention who I miss dearly. It will be great getting to work with her again, and getting to try on new things as I help bring more environmental science to my new school.

Joe and I, along with two dear friends, headed south yesterday to hike the Ape Caves at Mt. St. Helens. It was my first visit to the volcano, which was greatly overdue. I can't believe I've driven past this treasure so many times without stopping to check it out. Hiking in the caves was magical: there was complete darkness (we had headlamps and lanterns), an eerie and chilling wind, and amazing rock formations and textures. We hiked the upper caves, which is a 2+ hour hike covering 1.5 miles of boulder piles and one 8 foot high lava fall.

Currently Reading

• Scatter, Adapt, Remember: How Humans Will Survive a Mass Extinction by Annalee Newitz
• The Accidental Buddhist: Mindfulness, Enlightenment, and Sitting Still by Dinty Moore - I just finished this book last night. Great read, very thought provoking while not being preach-y.

On the Needles
For the first time in months, there is nothing on the needles! I need to wash & block my Leaflet cardigan before picking up stitches to finish the collar. I think in the meantime I'll start some washcloths to use up my stash of cotton yarn. I love using my hand-made washcloths in the kitchen. Or maybe I'll make some Swiffer covers. I have some ideas for improvements to the design.

Looking Forward To:

1. new job orientation
2. camping with friends

deep breaths

What's New?

I spent the last week camping, berry picking and stressing about a job I applied for. Turns out I have an interview coming up, so more stressing is in order. Just kidding (sort of). I do need to take deep breaths, and remember that I have much to offer. The rest is in their hands.

Tomorrow I get to take both cats to the vet for their yearly check-up. That should be an adventure. Afterwards I get to reward myself with rollerskating. Yep, you read that right. Rollerskating. I feel the 80's calling me.

Currently Reading

• Periodic Tales: The Curious Lives of the Elements by Hugh Aldersey-Williams

On the Needles

My Leaflet cardigan is off the needles! Now it's time for sleeves.

Looking Forward To:

1. spending time with Luci the dog