Sara Goes West

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07/18/11--09:09: Moving is a bottomless, time-slurping drain. (chan 1958144)

For the past week and a half I have been knee-deep in creation. Putting together a home, taking old pieces and rearranging them, discovering newness when they are placed in a new setting has been deeply enjoyable.

Recycling is one of my favorite parts of decorating. I have some white, plastic-coated wire shelves from The Container Store that are now in their fourth home and each time they have served a different purpose. It’s amazing what you can come up with just using the things you already have to create pretty spaces and places of interest. 

I love all the stories our home already tells and we’re just getting started! 



So, in case you missed the news: a couple weeks ago (or a little less) we closed on our first house— a super energy-efficient home that situates us in what I’m going to call Midtown Roswell.

It is a big, open floor plan, which incorporates the living and dining rooms and the kitchen in one area. The master suite is separate from the other two bedrooms which are being used right now as 1) an office and 2) a music room/guest room. 

I feel unbelievable, unspeakably blessed. That a God who could justifiably demand that I live a life of suffering would delight in giving me innumerable gifts and blessings is beyond my comprehension. 

P.S. I just realized that in my absence from the world (thanks, moving!) I totally missed PLANKING! Shoot. Well done, world!




07/19/11--08:42: Four Absolutely Necessary Tricks for Home Office Productivity (chan 1958144)

Transforming the home office into a place of efficiency and tranquility is, most importantly, very personal. To work well at home you need to get to know yourself. Determine your natural work patterns, your perpetual distractions and your heart inspirations. Then use that knowledge to structure your work day and to frame your work space. Here are four absolutely necessary tricks creatives, freelancers and remote workers to use to amp up home productivity.



1. Lasso your distractions and situate them in your schedule.

Facebook. Slate. Gmail. Pinterest. Whatever you’re going to check, check it first before starting your work. HOWEVER, this means going into the office early enough to give yourself time to check email, social media and news before it’s actually time to start your work day. 

Other distractions such as errands, laundry and online shopping need to be pigeonholed into a strategic part of your schedule. This will depend on the next tip, knowing your work patterns, but generally you can guess that after finishing one project and before starting another one, you’ll be craving some down time. Check out the JCrew sale then, not now.

2. Know thyself, buddy.

Think about your natural work pattens. What motivates you to dig in? What time of the day do you do your best work? Some people feel best if they wipe out their inbox at the start and end of the day only, whereas other people like to deal with emails as they come in.

Assess yourself and structure your day around your natural highs and lows. If you force yourself to work at your low-energy, low-motivation time of the day, chances are your work is going to bomb. Use that time to clean your nasty bathroom sinks or do yoga. Work when you work best.

3. Work in inspiring space.

It can be difficult to articulate what inspires you, but you know it when you see it. Some freelancers and designers need bright, white space to provide a clean, open space for their thoughts to develop and grow. Others need swaths of vivid violet and exciting patterns to energize their work.

Use Pinterest or your own brainstorming/pin-boarding system to throw together ideas of what sorts of decor you gravitate toward. Fill your space with beautiful things or pare down your office so you are left with only your ideas.



Source: etsy.com via Sara on Pinterest

4. Confuse not your work time and relaxing time.

Since I work for myself I could choose to go to the movies during the day and hammer out articles at night. That would be cool during the movie, but would suck in the evening when I have to head back to my office to work instead of enjoying a glass of wine outside with my husband. Resist the urge to push your work off till later. Dive into it now so you can fully enjoy your R&R. A good balance will make your efforts more effective and will sweeten your “me” time. 




07/20/11--12:31: A treat for you, thanks to Open Culture: an animated version of... (chan 1958144)





A treat for you, thanks to Open Culture: an animated version of Plato’s Cave narrated by Orson Welles. 




07/28/11--17:26: Read This Now (chan 1958144)

Read This Now:

Truly awesome, SO HELPFUL, very honest blog post by Katy and Olivia about how to interact with your friend after she experiences a miscarriage. Thank you, ladies, this is wonderful. I’m tucking this away in my “good to know” file.




08/03/11--08:39: Wipe Your Feet: I Hope You Dance (chan 1958144)

Wipe Your Feet: I Hope You Dance:

Ohhh too good. 

tesslynch:

I hope you never lose your final set of undies,

You get your fill to eat but still you get the munchies,

May you never shake my hand while sweaty-handed

God forbid you miss the bus that leaves you stranded

I hope you never miss it when they play “Slow Motion”

And never dunk your head into…




08/08/11--09:23: Am I On Crazy Pills? Why I'm Not Getting a Microwave (chan 1958144)

Poor neglected bloggy. 

I’ve been tied up with school, work and getting the new house in order. I’ve also been questioning the purpose of my blog and that has kept me from writing, too. 

Let’s talk microwaves for a second. It wasn’t until we moved in that I realized our new kitchen does not have a microwave. I then started vacillating between wanting to buy one and justifying why we do not really need one.

This has happened before, as Mitch likes to remind me. When I moved to Waco and got my own place I went seven months before my Granny bought me a microwave for Christmas. It’s really not that inconvenient. You can reheat leftovers on the stove or in the oven. You can soften butter by leaving it out or grating it with a cheese grater.

If I was really dedicated I could reheat my coffee the same way, but I’m not so I’m drinking it cold right now. But I could just pour my hot coffee in a thermos in the morning and then it would stay hot till lunchtime. Problem solved. 

I read that people in Italy do not use microwaves. Can anyone verify? I think that will really help my case. 

Is a microwave green? Surely not. Waste of electricity. And there’s um… radiation of some sort. I have no idea. 

Don’t you heat baby bottles in microwaves? Not that I have a baby but I’m just trying to exhaust all the reasons why I might need one. I have an irrational fear that some friends will come out to visit us and one will have an important medicine that they need to take but it first must be warmed up in a microwave. 




08/10/11--14:41: Keep Petty, Divisive Media Out of Your Home: Turn Off FOX (chan 1958144)

Keep Petty, Divisive Media Out of Your Home: Turn Off FOX:

While I know we can’t all get along, I think we’d be much better off without fear-mongering xenophobes delivering the “news.”

Click the link above to see how FOX spins headlines to turn people against each other.

How you stay informed matters. Keep divisive media out of your home. Collect news, ideas and information from a variety of sources. Think about what you read and listen to. Respect the dignity of each person. Work toward peace for everyone, compassion for the earth, and honesty in media and politics.




08/12/11--13:08: Love this video of Newt Gingrich getting feisty. Watch.... (chan 1958144)





Love this video of Newt Gingrich getting feisty. Watch. It’s funny. 

I tried to spend a little time this afternoon catching up on news. I added the Dallas Morning News to my short list of news haunts. Since some have asked, that list includes NPR, the New York Times, articles sent to me by The Daily Beast, Slate and various small blogs. And, you know, I think it’s interesting to check out the insanity at FOX News now and again. It might sound bad that the Roswell Daily Record isn’t in my queue. If they wrote more than two articles a day maybe it would.

After watching some clips from last night’s GOP debate I decided to check out Herman Cain’s website. I don’t know much about any of the candidates. I liked the sound of his voice, though, so I started with him.

Cain’s website is polished and pretty, framing his story as the American dream and painting him as a business-savvy family man. I read his history and then started thumbing through his stance on various issues. It was all pretty generic but not objectionable. Nothing too inspiring but that’s fine.

But I’ll tell you exactly when I jumped off the Cain train. When I pulled up his stance on Health Care and one of the most banal, idiotic phrases of the last few years jumped out at me, grabbed me around the throat, and threatened to put me to sleep,

“…STICK A BUREAUCRAT IN THE EXAMINING ROOM…”

Are you kidding me? Not interested. Not with that media-crack catch phrase sprawled out in the middle of your political prose. 

Where’s the originality? Where are the game changers? Over it.




08/15/11--13:47: By the time the sun starts to go down on the second day of the weekend, I am feeling relaxed but... (chan 1958144)

By the time the sun starts to go down on the second day of the weekend, I am feeling relaxed but guilty. Relaxed because I’ve probably read, lounged on the couch, watched a movie, enjoyed a bath, cooked something elaborate and tasty, pulled some weeds.

(Last night I lay in bed awake so long still feeling the weed-pulling motion in my limbs and hands.)

Guilty because I probably haven’t written anything and if I did it was probably less than 500 words. It’s time to start writing. Will I keep saying that the rest of my life? 




08/15/11--14:02: Arne Duncan to Override No Child Left Behind Requirement (chan 1958144)

Arne Duncan to Override No Child Left Behind Requirement:

Good article. I wasn’t aware that Duncan was doing this. Basically says he is making it possible for states to get a waiver on the 100% proficiency by 2014 part of NCLB.

I think this is a good shortcut. Right now it would be impossible to abolish NCLB or change federal education laws enough to right the NCLB wrongs. This is a backdoor approach that acknowledges that encouraging 100% pass-rates encourages lowering the bars so everyone can pass.

estj:

I can’t decide if this is a real step towards finding a better system of “accountability,” or if this is just the government covering their butts because there is no way that 100% of students will be “proficient” in math and reading by 2014.

Government cop-out?

I’m going to stay largely optimistic that maybe this means that people are realizing that standardized tests aren’t an accurate portrayal of what people know, and that it’s not fair to use them as an assessment tool. 




08/15/11--17:47: Buffett Urges Higher Taxation of the Mega-Rich (chan 1958144)

Buffett Urges Higher Taxation of the Mega-Rich


08/17/11--10:19: Here’s a great video supporting Ron Paul that my friend... (chan 1958144)





Here’s a great video supporting Ron Paul that my friend and former classmate Nathan put together. You can read more of his thoughts on the Texas Representative on the Ozark House Blog. 

I like Ron Paul. My close friends like him. It’s difficult for me to imagine him rising to the top of the political machine, but I would definitely consider supporting his presidential bid. I think he’s already done a lot of good in Congress. This year he proposed a bill that would make the sale of unpasteurized milk across state lines legal. That’s definitely a plus for all those in the natural living camp, which unfortunately I can’t count myself a member.

Paul is a thoughtful Congressman. Pro-small government. An isolationist. Really, he’d be a president unlike any we’ve ever seen. And that includes Reagan. Mostly because Paul stikes me as someone who doesn’t believe in an “evil empire.” 

Anyway, watch the video Nathan put together. It’s nice. Succinct. Food for thought. I like the idea of leaving the War on Drugs to the states. And I like that he doesn’t see the federal government’s place in social issues like marriage. 

One thing I really need to explore is Obamacare. I don’t understand why so many people hate it. Don’t most of our allies have similar programs? I’ll do more reading and get back to the topic later.




08/23/11--10:00: I prayed for work and now my head is spinning. Before I dive in... (chan 1958144)


First anniversary gift for Mitch


Tea service for one


A table for two



I prayed for work and now my head is spinning. Before I dive in to today’s tasks I wanted to share some pretty scenes from our home over the past week. 




08/23/11--19:20: I tried to barter helping him dry the dishes for one of his signature strawberry mojitos. He... (chan 1958144)

I tried to barter helping him dry the dishes for one of his signature strawberry mojitos. He wouldn’t have it. He insisted I keep reading blogs while he finished drying and putting away the dishes and dancing around the house to some crazy music like Vampire Weekend. 

One reason I’m pretty freaking overjoyed I married him one year ago this weekend. 

We’re having a great anniversary week over here. 

Photo by Andrew Ryan Shepherd.com




08/27/11--18:20: I love being married to you, Mitch. Happy Anniversary. (chan 1958144)





I love being married to you, Mitch. Happy Anniversary.




08/30/11--14:17: Brushing up on Algebra 2 skills. I’m going to be leading a... (chan 1958144)





Brushing up on Algebra 2 skills. I’m going to be leading a twice weekly study session at the Institute starting tomorrow night.




09/13/11--07:06: Field of Honor: New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) in Roswell,... (chan 1958144)





Field of Honor: New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) in Roswell, NM




11/08/11--15:27: Dating Tips for My Sister (chan 1958144)



My sister Rebekah is one of a kind. She’s fun, crazy, smart, a talented dancer and singer, and very loving. We’re pretty different but there are ways I wish I could be more like her. She’s certainly more outgoing than I ever was and is always herself. She’s got a fantastic future ahead of her. 

Rebekah, these dating tips are for you. Each one of them has been learned through the experience of my close friends and I. Hopefully our experiences can help you out and save you some time, trouble and heartbreak. I love you!

Avoid musicians.

At least avoid terrible or badly trained or untrained-non-prodigy musicians. You will be forced to listen to them and their band and you will have to love it. You will find yourself wracking your brain for compliments that aren’t lies. Don’t do that to yourself.

Don’t date below your IQ.

I’ve never had my IQ tested and neither have you. What I mean is, only date people who are at least as smart as you. There are different kinds of intelligences. Don’t forget about that. But you want to be with someone you find engaging, someone you can talk to about anything. Because in between making out and doing life stuff, you want someone you can talk to. Otherwise, you’ll be slipping off to have your intellectual needs met by someone else. Not promising.

Take a break between guys.

You and I are different people. No one wanted to date me for… many years. But you have guys lining up for you. After a relationship/fling ends, take a break. It may be difficult but it can be incredibly rewarding. Take some time for you and for God. I have friends in their mid-twenties who are single for the first time since they got boobs. They regret not spacing their relationships out. Valuing singleness has turned into a huge struggle for them. Value yourself and your single times.

Date guys who love God.

Don’t kid yourself. You know if they are serious about their relationship with God or not. If your love for God is important to you, only date someone who finds him equally important. God shouldn’t be the only thing you have in common, but don’t kid yourself that you can leave this part out of your relationship. I have only ONE friend who converted her lost boyfriend. ONE. ONE. ONE. ONE.

Choose the good guy.

Your daddy issues are most likely going to be WAY different than mine. Dad is great and since you have a good relationship with him, you’re likely to approach guys a little differently than I did. But just in case you’re tempted, don’t waste your time with the bad guy. Please let me save you that trouble. They may change eventually but they will never change for you. That road is exhausting. One of my best guy friends once advised me to start choosing the good guy. And now we’re married.

Don’t be the only one who says no.

Society puts all the pressure on the girl to put limits on how far you go with your boyfriend. It doesn’t have to be that way. Even though it makes me cringe a little, I know your relationships will have a physical aspect to them. Please try to find a guy who will set and enforce boundaries with you. If you both get the fun of kissing and what not, then you both should get the responsibility of saying no. P.S. Please try to do as little as possible for as long as possible.

Date forward-thinkers.

Your boyfriend doesn’t have to know his ten-year plan (you are in junior high, after all) but he should think seriously about his future. Forward-thinkers are good leaders of themselves and the people around them.

Put your girls first.

When you’re with your girlfriends, really be with them. Don’t spend the whole time texting your guy. Love your girls and keep those friendships up.  Pretty sure you’ve never watched the Hills, but stay away from guys who split you up from your best girl friends. You’re evil, Spencer!

Don’t play house.

It can be tempting to spend all your time with your guy. You coordinate your schedules, talk each other to sleep on the phone and eventually plan your life together. Please avoid! It’s tough but spend significant time apart. You aren’t married. If you don’t, your friendships with other people including your family will suffer. Use this time to figure out what you like in other people and what you do not like. Don’t just jump to forever.

“WHERE ARE THE MINTS?!”

Watch how he treats people who serve him at restaurants, fast food places, Starbucks and other stores. Look for a guy who is generally respectful of other people, no matter where they work.

For the love of God, please don’t sleep with him. 

I cannot tell you how many of my girls have been crumpled up in a ball on the floor or in the shower because they lost their virginity to their jerk boyfriend. 

There are more boundaries than just the physical.

Setting physical boundaries is important, but setting emotional and spiritual boundaries is equally critical. No guy deserves all your secrets, yet. One of the hardest parts about breaking up is the vulnerability you feel. If you give him all of your thoughts, secrets, hopes, fears, you cannot get those back. Those things tie you to him, making it crazy difficult to break up with him if things go sour. 

A party is not a good time to start a relationship… or anything.

Figure out what “I love you,” means to you before you say it.

Confidence attracts. LOVE YOURSELF! 

If all you do is fight, break up.

If all you do is make out, break up. 

If all you do is fight and make out, run!

If he’s a really bad kisser… there may be no way to change that. Abort!

Date someone who empowers you, not someone who belittles you. 

Call me. Anytime. About anything.

Some of my girlfriends just wanted me to tell you to not date and not kiss. I can’t say that’s a bad idea since that’s what I did until I was a senior in high school (at which point I completely lost my mind). But I think what we’re trying to communicate is that this stuff is REALLY IMPORTANT. Make good decisions because you only get one shot at life. The people you date can really change you and your experiences as a teenager stay with you. You can’t avoid all mistakes but at least try to avoid ours. Have fun and make me proud! 

LOVE! 




01/03/12--12:33: Hello New Year (chan 1958144)

A few things I’d like to talk about:

 

1) I’m going to continue blogging. There was a hiatus, I know, but I got very busy with school and work (tutoring). The next three semesters will be equally full so I am setting a word limit on posts. 350.




2) I’ve been a tad uncertain why I blog. Another reason SaraGoesWest came to a silent halt. You’re supposed to focus your blog if you want it to get popular. But… I like my unfocused blog. I’ve been blogging since… gosh, I’m not sure. Which came first LiveJournal or Xanga? Reagan will know. Let’s just round it to ten years. So I have a decade of spilling thoughts on the internet. It’s part of processing. And if you know me, you know my interests really are all over the place.




3) Mitch and I are on a cleanse and it is not that fun. (“Hey baby Jesus, you wanna do pilates?”) The only thing fun is that we’re doing it together. It’s just a two day cleanse but it is also helping us transition into a new diet we’re calling low-meat. I’ll write more about it if it survives more than a week. Day 2 and I’m just crazy light-headed.




4) There are no fries in the New Year. This is one of the many resolutions we’ve made for 2012. I mean, we have individual ones, too, but many of our new goals are shared. But there are fries in the New Year if I make them myself. And I intend to.




5) Christmas/New Year’s Texas travels were great. We saw many people. For New Year’s we got together with two other couples at Horseshoe Bay Resort (Hill Country) and everyone brought their dogs. Three miniature daschunds and our five-month-old Airedale who seemed like a complete giant. It was very we-don’t-have-kids-yet and wonderful. 




01/13/12--13:42: My classes started on Wednesday. Myths/Folklore and Writing for Children.I’m excited about... (chan 1958144)



My classes started on Wednesday. Myths/Folklore and Writing for Children.I’m excited about both of them.

I am usually too lazy of a writer to edit myself very thoroughly (this blog is no exception, really it is the height.) But today I made myself write for an hour without distraction and actually spent much of it revising a poem I jotted down yesterday. The result is so much better than the original draft. How right you were to snarl at us non-editors, Regina Spektor! This year I would like to become a better writer. And also every year after that. 

Huxtable is dreaming right now, so loud! Amelie is sleeping on Mitch’s law fleece which in now covered with her hair. And she never offers to pick up the dry cleaning bill or do the laundry!