Words, Words, Words!

Words, words, words!

I spent most of yesterday and today working on the Foundation's newsletter.  I procrastinated so much and was so stressed about it, but once I got started, I have to admit I liked it.  I'm learning to use Adobe InDesign better with Amanda's help.  I probably would still be procrastinating if I didn't have her as a back up to getting started.  Amanda really has an interesting writing style.  I hope that she will be able to use her writing skills and knowledge of InDesign (or some other publishing software) to get a job at Truman State.

Words, words, words!

For the past two years, I have challenged Jeanene and Loretta to pick a word for the year to focus on.  In the past, I chose "fresh" and "wow!"  It's not an original idea, but one that I read somewhere on blog land.  When I tried to explain this idea to Blaine, she and I had to laugh because she wanted to know what you had to do, the deadline for choosing a word, how you evaluated your success with the word, etc.  Typical teacher!  Surprisingly, I'm OK that none of these things are required.  Less stress that way, of course.  You don't even have to tell anyone your word.  But I'll tell you mine:  Intentional.  I think I sometimes glide through life letting whatever happens happen, instead of plotting my own destiny.  Of course, it is unfair to Phil to have to make all of our travel plans, our investment plans, our day-to-day plans.  Not that he complains.  I think I really need to be more proactive -- intentional -- with my personal life and well-being.  I need to make a bucket list and get cracking!  Jeanene is thinking of using "receive" -- as in gratefully and without guilt receiving the universal gifts like sunshine, compliments, laughter, etc.  She wanted to make sure I understood that she still wants to be give!  Really ... this is a non-judgmental thing ... it doesn't matter what I think of her word ... it's HER word.  Nevertheless, she is thinking of using "balancing receiving and giving.  Which isn't really a word, of course, but a phrase.  But, hey, that is OK too.  Loretta says that she dreads the future and gets depressed so she wants to pick a positive word.  It makes me sad to think she views life this way.  I may have to suggest some positive words to her.  Whatever everyone picks, I'd like to make something concrete for each of us with our previous words/phrases and this year's picks.  Pillow?  Sign?  Poster?  Maybe we could look for each other's words and pick up little gifts throughout the year.

Words, words, words!

I've already skipped a day on this blog -- I wanted to learn how to add a picture to a blog entry yesterday which turned in to today, but ... the newsletter (and getting the house cleaned before the cleaning ladies came today!) got in the way and it didn't happen.  However, that's no reason to quit just because I missed a day.  Like our word-of-the-year, there is no one judging me, even me (I hope) and there is no wrong and right.

Tomorrow:  Pictures, pictures, pictures?????