Hikes and Activities April - June 2025

 April:

This month has a lot of hikes, and A LOT of driving. Packing in 4 national parks in a 6 day road trip. I may be nuts, but its better to do the Southwest in April than in July- last year taught me that. 

Saguaro National Park pronounced Suh-waa-row - So I've been saying that wrong for years, was stop 1. I have never seen so many cacti in my life, or ones this big.  The perfection of the 2 loop drives was only stifled by the fact I'm pretty sure this is where I crack the windshield of my rental car (wamp-wamp). It's not in my opinion on really hike friendly park, but does have loop roads in both east and west parts of the park that have plenty of places to get out and get photos.  The ones on the left include 2 beautiful flourishing Saguaro Cacti, 1 cactus showing the glory if the inner workings, that are no longer working. A close up shot of one of the brightest flowering plants and a beautiful shot down an open road. 

Carlsbad Caverns National Park was the highlight of my trip. This amazing network of caves is massive and as is every time I get to explore a cave, I turn into a child and love every second of it.  To access the Caverns you have 2 options. The first being what I did- a 1.25 mile hike descending 700+ feet into the cavern system. You enter through the natural cave entrance and while it is a steep descent it's paved and has hand rails most of the way. However if you struggle with mobility, aren't up for the extra 1.25 miles or just don't want to, you can also take an elevator from the main building down into the Big Room of the caverns. You'll loose out on the other rooms, but I like that there is an accessible option and certainly liked that there was an elevator for me to go back up.   

Once you reach the great room there is a 1.25 mile trail to help you explore the space. There were a few sections that are not wheel chair accessible, but most of the trail is and I saw many people with canes easily exploring the entire space.  It took me about 2.5 hours to enjoy both the descent and the big room, but they recommend giving 3 hours on their website. 

The cave is a pleasant 50ish degrees which was warmer than it was outside in Carlsbad, but after descending 700 feet I did work up a sweat. Some people were brave and took the route back out hiking up 700 feet, but I had not brought enough water to feel like I could comfortably do that and was grateful for the elevator back out. 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park Is just 45 minutes south of Carlsbad Caverns.  I had origianlly planned to take a day for each park, but mother nature had other plans.  My route ended up being diverted due to snow storms in both Guadalupe and Carlsbad national parks on what was supposed to be my first day in the area.  I hadn't planned on or packed for snow, so I had to go get some warmer clothing in Las Cruces, and drive the northern route due to road closures to get to Artesia where I was staying for these parks.  

As a result of snow on Limestone, my plan for Guadalupe was severely limited.  Limestone is slippery when it's dry- the ease at which it erodes is why the cave structures exist in the first place, but when it's wet, it's dangerous.  The lovely Park Rangers warned of doing any hikes without poles or additional traction. Neither of which I had for this trip. As a result I ended up doing a few short nature trail hikes and calling it a day at Guadalupe.  I know I will revisit this park and do more, but until then it was beautiful. 

White Sands National Park Was NP #4 for the trip and it was magical.  Driving up it looks like snow because it is so pure white. And that's because it's not actually sand- It's the world's largest gypsum dune field. 

There is a 1 mile loop trail through the dunes that has several placards explaining wildlife and plants in the dunes.  It took me a little over an hour when I read the placards and a about 35 minutes without. I did two loops one in each direction.  If you're up for it you can also rent sleds at the visitors center and go sledding on the dunes. 

Kartchner Caverns State Park- AZ Cave adventure #2 for the trip was a state park in Arizona about 1 hour outside Tucson.  This set of caves is HOT and MUGGY. Being that in some spaces the cave ceiling is only 18 inches below the surface it was a much different experience.  These caves were only discovered in the late 70's. It was fun to learn their history, but I was sad no cameras are allowed in the space. I was also bothered by the no water rule, as again it was hot and by the end of a 1.5 hour tour I needed a drink of water.  But its a fun side quest if you're in the area and enjoy caves. 

Mount Lemmon This part of my trip was dedicated to my dad.  For those who don't know my dad was in a cycling accident this spring just a few days before he planned to bike Mount Lemmon.  This has become and annual trip for him and I know he was sad he wasn't able to do it this year.  So I took the drive up the mountain and made sure to make plenty of space for cyclists- as the road really is theirs I'm just borrowing it.  I know my dad is a little nuts when it comes to cycling but driving this road cemented that for me.  The road is 26 miles and climbs over 5,000 feet in elevation. That is truly nuts, but it is incredibly beautiful. 

Dad's advice was to get a cookie at the top- which I did. A massive dinner-plate sized cookie that I could not finish, but I'm sure after 26 miles and 5000 feet is a treat.   I also stopped and took in a short walk-a-bout on one of the pull offs (Windy Point Vista) for some spectacular views.  

I spent around 36 hours in the Phoenix area getting time with my Great Aunt.  She is an incredible world traveler.  When I was younger I wanted to be just like her, and as I get older, she's still a wonderful role model.  She took up hiking and travel in her late 40s and she took on the world. She's been so many places and it was wonderful to hear stories of her travels.  She is also an artist and it's fun to share that with her- though our mediums are very different.  She is a highly skilled fiber artist. To the right is a piece that she made.  

I got home and took Friday off from pretty much everything. No driving, no cooking (other than to put a pizza in the oven) and very little movement at all. But Saturday was a beautiful day made for a walk or two in the woods. We started with a morning hike launching from the Harvey Manning Trail head on Cougar mountain and made our own path- app 3.75 miles and in the evening took a nice walk on the nature trails in my back yard making for about a 5.5 mile day total. I like having someone who wants to take hikes with me, even the short ones. I feel most connected to myself and others when I'm in nature. It is truly grounding and I am really enjoying having a partner to do that with. 

It's Tulip Season on the West Coast and that means a trip up north. We made a whole day of it. Tulips and the long drive home with a quick ferry ride to cap off a pretty perfect day. I have been to several Tulip fields in WA and I truly believe that RoozenGaarde is the best. Lots of fields to enjoy, dozens and dozens of varieties and colors of Tulips not just in rows but also in floral displays.  For my friends that grew up going to the Daytons floral displays every year, this would bring you the same joy. 

On the way home we drove through Whidbey Island and stopped for a short hike at Deception Pass. We did the Goose Rock Summit Trail Which was about .8 miles from the parking lot- so be aware that the signs and maps lie. But we got some great views at the top and along the way. Including some cool structural views of the bridges connecting the islands. 

After the pass we took in lunch in Langley before venturing down to the ferry.  Thankfully we were able to get right on the ferry and enjoyed a quick ride across the water. I'll be honest I'm not super smitten with boats.  I don't have great history with them, but so long as I face the direction the boat is moving in, I do pretty well. We will certainly be taking in more ferry rides this summer. 

This month I went to Life of Pi on tour at the Paramount. The puppetry was incredible. Strongly encourage seeing it if it's touring near you. 

The last weekend of April was for charity.  We attended a fundraiser for Ukraine Defense Support. If you are interested in supporting the efforts in Ukraine, but have been unsure of how to get involved or get resources to where they are needed, this is one of many groups doing good and needed work. 

May: 

The first weekend in May was filled with Ferry Boat Rides.  My partner has family in town and what better way to occupy a child than with a ride on the Ferry.  We took the ferry out into the sound and took another one home.  While ferry's a the fastest way from the mainland to the Islands once on some of the island chains there are bridges that connect them.  We got a nice break from overcast and raining to enjoy some time in a park and walk along the water.  The trip for me was highlighted by what I think was a Heron spotting during our walk. 

Second weekend in May is mother's day weekend. I am not normally with my mother for this holiday due to my work schedule, but this year I planned for her to be out here to celebrate. 

On Saturday we took the ferry over to Bainbridge and drove up to Poulsbo. We enjoyed the downtown scandi area. Picked up a pastry, some lefse and cinnamon bread for the next 2 days at Sluy's Bakery. You can smell fresh made bread nearly a block away and the line out front is valid. It's a bit pricey but worth it as an occasional treat.  After a few hours of being out and about we made our way back to the ferry, and missed it by a handful of minutes, so we waited, because that's just something that has to be factored in.  

For Memorial Day Weekend my partner and I had planned to take a camping trip; but illness got the best of us. So we stayed in Seattle and had a day of rest on Saturday taking an evening walk in the neighborhood and enjoying Seattle in full bloom. Then we planned a hike for Sunday.  

But mother nature hadn't quite caught up to our spring outing plans and the Tunnel Lake Trail still had considerable snow- reasons to check multiple sources- All Trails would have been clear that it was a no go while WTA didn't provide the same insight. We started by taking the wrong trail a half a mile accident and then made it a little less than a mile and 600ft of elevation gain before I made the call to turn around as I was not prepared for snow and had no interest in being sick and injured.  

On the drive back we stopped at the Iron Goat Interpretive Site and did the Windy Point overlook 2.5 miles round trip and another 660ft of elevation gain. All in all a beautiful day to be out- even if I was cursing the world at about the .8 mile mark after a few dozen switch backs up the Windy point trail.  Thankful for a wonderful hiking partner who stopped with me every time, provided encouragement and good company. 

The weekend was topped off with a few good games, good food and lots of relaxation and ice cream. 

Spent the last week in May feeling like trash. Completely wiped out. 

June: Unfortunately the start of June wasn't any better than the end of May. Still Sick. lost my voice and attempting to do vocal rest at the end of the school year isn't working out well. 

Made it to the first weekend in June- still not 100% but probably somewhere around 75% which is a HUGE improvement.  Enjoyed the pool several times this weekend. I think getting up and even the slightest bit active helped.  Honestly walking from my car to work and working all day has been about all the activity I have been able to handle without crashing out, so just moving my body was nice.  I'm not a swimmer but it's getting hot and I plan on using the pool this summer as much as possible. 

Went to a mid-week concert of one of my favorite singer-song writers Mary Chapin Carpenter at Benaroya. Successfully lost whatever had gained back of my voice. But I was sort of expecting that. Hopefully it doesnt take another week to return. 

2nd weekend in June was for celebrations.  Graduation celebrations for my students and Birthday Celebrations for my partner. For his birthday I got him a stained glass class. It's one of those things he'd mentioned would be something fun to do together awhile back,  It was fun to get to share a hobby I love with someone I love.  If I had the tools I could teach this course, but we each made a piece to take home and will have some new cool decor with a fun memory. 

3rd week is for graduation and an all nighter.  

It was a good an necessary distraction from the anniversary of my wedding. It doesn't magically get easier, and I needed more support than I got, so I was glad to have some distractions this week (other than being sick)

We had the largest graduating class in my time teaching at this school. Nearly 500 kids. This is the group that brought up back after the pandemic, and the graduation speakers focus on mental health and wellbeing was a welcome change. We should really show that speech to incoming Freshman next fall. It's okay to work for greatness, but not at the cost of mental health and wellbeing. 

 Grad Night is a lock in intended to keep recent graduates safe the night of graduation. We had a similar event when I was in high school.  Never thought I'd volunteer to do it.  I may not in the future but I did last year and said I would do this year and since I missed prom due to being super sick I'm glad to have a final send off celebration with this years group. I was still sick going into grad night but actually after 24+ hours awake and 8 hours of sleep and a day of rest I am starting to feel better.  Not done with school yet though we go to the 24th.

Weekend of the solstice was not a very pleasant one in terms of weather.  Lost power at my home 3 times this week due to rain and wind. Caught up with a former student and enjoyed a quiet weekend split between our homes with my partner. Probably at about 80% in terms of recovering from illness. Learning to slow down, ask for quiet time and be okay with letting others down to take care of myself. 

School is over. We ratified a contract that I'm not super excited about, but given that our district is going under binding conditions with the state in July, its good to have a contract even if it's not one I'm happy about.  I'mg going to enjoy the last few days of the month without posting -if anything happens I will share in July. 

 

Dating myself

Years ago I got this poster as a fun set of things to do with my now- ex-husband.  Considering it left with me still in the tube, you can imagine how that went.  I moved out on my own on January 11, 2024. Over the last year and half I have dated myself.  I didn't do everything on the list, but it got me through some of the most difficult and earth shattering moments of my life. It provided structure and a sense of adventure. 81 activities later, and in no longer being single- while I can still buy myself flowers, and take myself on dates, I don't need the structure of this any more. 

 

Sad

 I know no one knows what to say when you first get divorced people say I’m sorry or congratulations but when your wedding anniversary rolls around, I know people don’t know what to say. But I wish someone had said something because going through the day, isolated and sad and not having anybody check in just to say I’m thinking of you. It’s like a whole different level of loneliness .

another year

 Today would have been my 8th wedding anniversary.  My marriage ended in December of 2023 when my ex told me he didn't know the last time he'd loved me; if he'd ever loved me. When he said he was giving me time to fix our marriage.  When I realized I was alone in my marriage.   Our divorce was finalized in August of 2024, so this is my 2nd wedding anniversary that isn't.  Last year was miserable.  This year I did better, being really sick certainly didn't help any, but I made it through work with minimal issue.  A few colleagues talking about weddings, conversations I excused myself from and invitations to wedding related events today for others, that I turned down, not because I don't love that person, but because I would have been a downer on a day that is supposed to be filled with joy for them.  I got home, I didi things to distract myself, took a very long very hot shower to try to get the sick out and then alone with myself and my thoughts I cried.  

I can be excited for my future and still devastated that this is where I am right now. I can have good days and bad days. I know healing isn't linear, but I hate feeling pulled back to the emotions of a year ago.  Of feeling like I failed while knowing I was not alone in that failure.  It's hard to know I will never get the closure I want, because I honestly don't believe my ex can give it to me. I don't believe that he understands what happened or can own up to his part in how we got where we were. So I have to be okay for my whole life with not fully understanding what happened. So I get to be sad today. I shouldn't be ashamed of being sad today. 

I have a life I am really enjoying. I have someone in my life that makes me happy and feeling safe in ways I didn't know I could. So yes, I am in a better place divorced than I was married. But today is still sad.

Socks

 There is a reason autism screeners ask about socks and it’s because I don’t know a single autistic person that doesn’t have a strange relationship with them.  

I prefer to be barefoot Whenever reasonably possible, and sometimes not so reasonably possible. I like to feel the ground under my feet. 

But I live in the real world and I leave my house frequently and I don’t like wearing shoes without socks with the exception of one pair that I can get away with Because of how the shoe fits around my foot But that’s a tangent for a later date. 

I own more types of socks than most autistic people that I know. Not all I know a few that are really into very diverse tights but they must have superpowers. 😉

This does not mean that any sock will do. This means that I’ve found more than one type of sock that I like, but I have certainly bought socks. I’ve had to return them or donate them because they did not work. What surprises me about my preferences In socks is that while I would rather completely be without them if I have to wear them, I want cushy ones. I want a little bit of compression around my arch and then I want to feel like I’m walking on a cloud if we are removing the Earth, I want to walk like a queen And not be bothered by anything beneath my feet. Thankfully, Dad likes to buy a bombas So I’m pretty set. I have three favorite pairs of hiking socks, Two are by smart wall and one is by Fox River SUPER cushy socks in barefoot shoes- yes I know I'm odd. 

Okay thats my tangent on socks.

Bye

Jan- March 2025

 I'm slowing down with the blogging, but I want to keep sharing the things that have brought me joy. So here are some highlights from the last 3 months. 

January: 

Nordic Museum- Ballard One of the many museums that I've been interested in visiting until I see the price of a ticket ($20 for an adult)- Enter "1st Thursday" an opportunity to visit a variety of museums for free on a day they would otherwise struggle to have costumers.  Of course because it was still over winter break it was a very popular destination. The place was packet, parking which is always a problem in Ballard was worse than normal and the interior was very crowded.  I explored about 2/3rd of the museum before becoming overheated and needing to leave.  I do think it's a museum my mom would enjoy and would be worth paying full price to take her next time she visits. 

Otter Falls Trail This is an out and back trail that comes in at around 10 miles. But don't let that scare you. This trail is basically flat until the last 500 yards where you will face a manageable hill.  This trail does involve about a dozen water crossing. Brining a back up pair of socks and a warm layer in a dry bag just in case will likely serve you well- I certainly wish I'd had that as I did take a fall in the final water crossing on the way to the water fall. Trekking poles may also have been helpful with the crossings. The trail itself winds through the Snoqualmie National Forest along Taylor River. 

West Tiger #3 This is an out and back trail that comes in at around 6 miles if you start from the parking lot and 5.5 if you start from the sign that claims to be the trailhead. This trail is NEVER flat. In 2.75 miles it packs in nearly 2000 feet of elevation gain or a 13.8% grade. Which while it feels pretty easy to come back down took my quite a while to climb up.  The trail was well maintained, there was a short section towards the top that had some root issues, but other than that it's just all uphill. We enjoyed our lunch at the top surrounded by mountain views on 3 sides. The entire hike took around three and a half hours. I would certainly do this hike again for that view. Maybe in slightly warmer weather next time. 

February:

Another month another "1st Thursday". This time it was MOHAI or Museum of History and Industry located in the Naval Reserves Armory space in South Lake Union. Normally $25 for adults, the museum is the largest private heritage organization in the state of Washington. What this translates into is 2 full floors of exhibits highlighting the history of Washington interconnected with the industries that have allowed the region to prosper.  While I'm not sure I would be willing to pay the $25 entry fee for this museum, it was certainly a great way to spend a few hours after work on a Thursday. 

Valentines Weekend had 2 pretty cool activities. 

1. Sky River Mead is finally open again after a hiatus for construction of their new space. They have a TON of mead options to choose from, we split a flight of 5: 

• 
  Dry mead- a good one to check back in with between other flavors
• Sweet Brochet- Darkened honey is a warmer more complex flavor profile 
• Ginger- The ginger flavor is there and assertive but not aggressive 
• Blackberry- Sweet with a tart finish
• and my favorite from this tasting- Chamomile - like the perfect cup of tea with the perfect amount of honey and lemon. Seriously relaxing cup of mead.  

2. Ice Skating at a Sno-King complex.  I probably did 60 minutes of ice time.  It took a few tries for me to get the fit right but by the end I was feeling good in my legs and look forward to getting back on the ice again soon. It was also great to have someone to skate with.  Getting to know each other enough to start to be playful.  That takes time, but I want to let my guard down more.

This February I ventured north to Alaska to see where my partner grew up and to meet his family. This is a change for me as normally I seek out sun and warmth for February break, but this year it felt like an good reason to break from my norm. 

We went to the World Ice Art Championships. Because our trip was over my break it was the first week of the competition so only the multi-block was completed along with some games to play and some slides to enjoy. But it was a really nice date to be playful together. You can experience this annually from Mid-February to the end of March each year. 

On his mom's recommendation we went to The Morris Thompson Cultural Center Which was a great way to learn about the history of Fairbanks and the Alaskan Interior, the people who were here first and the impacts of the mines and the legal cases that make up Alaska's history. It's an easy and free stop that I strongly recommend if you are visiting. 

 

March:

Started off in a less than desirable way. My dad was in a bad bicycle accident so I got on a plane to El Paso, TX and drove him 1400 miles and through 6 states to get him home to MN. I am glad I was able to do that and that he is able to have time to rest and get better, but that’s a lot of travel in 4 days. I took a night of rest in the twin cities at my mom’s before flying home to Seattle.  I am wiped out and honestly not thinking much about hikes or activities until my planned road trip in April. 

Once Spring officially sprung, we got a very nice Saturday and took in dinner near the water at Magnuson Brewery My note to anyone going is that you should SPLIT an order of fries as it's enough for 2 hungry people but 3-4 of me. I got the BBQ burger- it needed more sauce but was otherwise good and the Fruit Peddler- a not too sour berry beer. 

Then took a nice walk through Magnuson Park. Nearly all of our first few dates involved walks in the park and it was nice to harken back to those and find another spot that we can enjoy as the weather gets nicer that isn't a bad drive. We also discovered a few new plants we'd never seen before so that's always a fun surprise. 

Up top is an Oemleria cerasiformis or as it's commonly known an Osoberry plant whose berries, leaves and bark have been used by local tribes for healing and its wood is good for making arrows. And the bright fuschia flower on the bottom is a Ribes sanguineum or Red Flowering Currant plant. While the Red Flowering current fruit is edible it's not a great flavor, but the flowers are apparently used to infuse spirits. 

At the end of the month we took in a Sofar Sounds Show. Which was a fun new thing to try.  I knew the neighborhood I was booking in and that it was a show that would have 3 new local acts. But that was all I knew until 36 hours before the show when I got the venue and then an hour before the show when I got the artists.  It was fun. We got a cocktail, and brought a blanket to curl up under for the show.  I was familiar with one of the artists a Residency  alumni who I saw in concert at Benaroya in the fall @IaMcHaMel who was supported by a beautiful acoustic guitar and if your hip hop doesn't have acoustic guitar you are missing out, they are were really good. I will probably take in another so far show in the future- especially since they do it at wineries in the summer months. 

Mentally and emotionally I am in a much better place than I was this time last year.  January of 2024 turned my life upside down, and I just knew I needed out, but forward honestly wasn't on my mind. I am now in a place where I think about what my future looks like, more than just a day at a time.  Looking forward to what the warmer months have in store. 

Signing off for now

-Claire

Praise from my Grandmother

Not a big blog, just wanted to document it so I don't forget it. My last grandparent is not the most cuddly. I know she loves me and that she's proud of me, but its not something that's said often. So today when she called to tell me she was thankful for me and proud of me for taking care of my dad last week, it meant a lot. The last 2 weeks have been rough for a lot of reasons, not least of which was driving 1300+ miles to get my dad back to Minnesota from New Mexico after an injury. To have her say the words she was proud and thankful, matters. So I'm putting it down in writing so on the days that I feel like what I do doesn't matter, I have a reminder. It does and it was noticed, by someone who does not hand out compliments or praise lightly. 

cutting out the EXTRAS

 I like millions of other participated in the Economic Boycott on February 28th, 2025. And what I realized is how much I superfluously spend in because I'm bored, or lonely, or just because. So I'm taking the next few months to see how I can go with only buying things I need. 

This isn't to say I'm not going to have fun or stop going to events, because now more than ever we need to be supporting the arts. But it does mean that I'm not buying what I don't need in terms of beauty products, personal care, cleaning, clothing and food. 

I have a VERY full store cupboard at home and while I'll still need to get fresh ingredients to be able to use it up, I can and will use it up before feeling the need to add food to my pantry. I need to do more cooking. Easy meals that I can whip up on a weeknight, but use up what I have instead of getting take out or pre-packaged meals mostly from companies would actively don't support me or my values. 

I still have WAY to much clothing. And while there are certainly things I want. There really isn't anything I need, except a new pair of hiking pants, but I'll be using my REI membership payback to go towards that which will bring down that price a lot. I need to find a tailor to help make some of my clothing more wearable for me, but again supporting small local businesses instead of fast fashion and big chains. 

I wear very little if any makeup any more. I certainly don't need any more for how little a wear, so unless I use up my go to eye brow or lip pencil or finally make it through ALL of the mascara samples, I don't need to add to the collection. Same goes for other body and hair products. I can use up what I have, take back the space all these items are taking up in my home, figure out what I actually like and only repurchase that. 

I have enough paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags and recycle bags to get me to the end of the school year if not the renewal date for my lease in October. I can limit what I bring into my home. 

So that's my plan. I will probably still have lists on wish lists and want lists, but for the next few months. if it's not a need it can wait. 

* Exceptions- materials to make gifts for others and taking my mom out when she is in town for mother's day. 

This Blog

 This blog has been a lot of things over the years. 

• A place for religious reflection
• A travel Blog
• Wedding planning
• More travel
• Processing of grief 
• A space to heal 
• A place where I could put everything out there 
• More travel
• A place to look back on the good
• A place to grow. 

The the last 12 months the blog has had over 6400 views. Compared to 4000 in the 7+ years prior combined.  Knowing people were "with me" thought was helping me through some of the pain, but what I've started to realize, is that people didn't check in on me that many times- not even remotely close to that.  Reading my blog gave people a way to feel connected to me without having to actually connect with me. And in 2025, I'd rather connect with people, face to face, over the phone or at the bare minimum the texts and memes my besties and I send to each other daily. 

I'm not saying I'll stop blogging all together. I think it is a great spot to talk about travel, recipes or favorite things, but the sharing so much of my life, I'm going to pull back on what goes out to the world.  If you want to know what's going on in my life ask. Go out for a drink or a coffee with me. Call me. Do more than just click a link or like a post. 

Signing off for now

C

Memories

 13 years ago I was in a really bad car accident. A friend had taken me out for my birthday. At the end of the night we were sitting in his van at a stoplight on a street I've now probably driven a hundred times, when we were rear ended by a drunk driver who was texting. She blew 3x the legal limit and it was not her first rodeo with DUIs. The force with which she hit the van with pushed it clear through the intersection and into the next block turning the van into a compact car. I know all of this from photos and reports as I have no memory of that night or frankly the surrounding days leading up to or after the accident. 

I don't think about it often anymore, except when I have pain flares, usually as a result of re-injury to similar areas.  This week it's my left hip. I was wearing a seat belt in the crash and have had left hip and right shoulder pain as well as neck and back pain on and off for years. However this weekend I took a fall on the hike and landed hard on my left hip. That jolt of pain is a clear reminder of why hands free devices matter, of why drinking 1 glass of water for every drink matters, why getting home before the bars close was some of the best advice my mother ever gave me.  

So this year the reminder of the accident came in the form of a sore hip. But this memory like so many others are things I'd rather forget. But like so many others the reminders come in unusual ways, at unusual times and the universe doesn't seem to care about the impact. 

Thankfully with this particular situation it's only physical pain. The others not hurt much more. 

Signing off for now

C

New Years Resolutions 2025

My only real goal for last year was to survive. This year I'm looking to thrive. 

Goals 

1. Remove that which does not bring me joy. I have TOO MUCH CLOTHING.  Case could be made I had too much going into this year, and while I got rid of a lot I brought in a lot. If it doesn't bring me joy it needs to go. It wont go all at once, but it's time to reduce the wardrobe to things I actually take advantage of wearing. 

2. Complete at least 1 tech course outside of work. I've got a series of Excel classes for work in the spring to be able to make better use of my data and also to better instruct the parts of my course that include excel, but I'd like to complete an online course in something tech related so I can build professional skills outside of education. I love what I do, but the next 4 years and the impact of them are making me nervous. 

3. Get involved in local political action. My sphere of control isn't huge, but I'd like to work on making and impact closer to home.

4. Go to church consistently and volunteer at church (or bake) at least once a month.

5. Leave work at work and have balanced time with the people in my life that matter. I've honestly made huge progress in this area and just want to keep it up. I learned in December how easy it can be to be sucked back in. To have toxic or unhealthy conversations and to have that anxiety creep back into my life. 

6. Work out 3x a week