Starting Anew

For 2009 and 2010 this blog was entitled "Political by Proxy" because my husband's foray into the world of politics dominated our lives.  I was in charge of the family and home while he busied himself with all things local politics. Thus, my world was political, but only by proxy, as I was the one remaining home each night to keep the home fires burning.  He came in 4th out of 8 in the local race, but only the top 3 took office. Thus, for the next few years, we sit politics on a back burner, focusing on other pursuits and awaiting the inevitable next race in 2014. What to do in the meantime?

We've had a month of rest, relaxation, time with family and friends.  We had time to contemplate the election, time to be grateful for the help and support from old and new friends. Time for me to quit my job as an environmental educator to be a stay-at-home mom, going to school part-time next semester.  And time for me to become pregnant! Our third child is due in July, just as we had hoped and planned. 

Approaching a new year, eager for these changes and this fresh start, we found ourselves asking "what's our next thing going to be?"  It's not enough to have our day-to-day change.  There must be some higher goal that we're working on- some bigger project for the future that shapes the decisions we make today. The answer is many-layered, at many points coinciding for Jeremiah and I, such as raising compassionate, ambitious children.  And career-wise, Jeremiah is planning future investments and I am glacially moving through higher education on the path to be a midwife. But what about us as individuals, peeking through in those moments between family and work? I guess, once again, it comes back to the simple idea that I need a hobby.

Canning, Gardening, trying new recipes... these framed my pursuits last year. But this year I won't have a job, which leads to a bit more free time and a lot less money. My goal is to switch that around. 

I want to use my free time to make our lives more environmentally-friendly, but the trick must be to do it without costing us more money.  

In environmental literature, a lifestyle focus should always be on developing a sense of place, in laying down roots, and in living simply, where you are, with what you have. 

My title, "Running to Stand Still", reflects my excitement of ideas and theories that are running around, as I ponder how to slow down and stand still, working from home for fulfillment.

I invite you to join me in 2011! Happy New Year!