Hair today, gone tomorrow...

Let me apologize for the terrible photos right from the get go.

I've been wearing my hair up in a clip for quite awhile now,

or pulled back in an elastic band.

 Well, it's still in an elastic band.  And there was at least this much more again on the shop floor.

I just realized, it's not as short as I wanted it, so am considering making another appointment.  But I will live with it for a couple of weeks; my calendar is too full to do anything before then.

Time for some changes...

image credit: http://olddesignshop.com vintage image treasury

So...

I gave two-weeks' notice at my job today.  Not without some sadness, because it has really been a great job with the best boss in the world.  However, it has taken a toll on me physically, working long hours with a long commute.  I have gained weight being so sedentary, and being too tired to shop/cook healthily.  I have lost a little of the weight gain since Kasey moved in and has been cooking for us, but I need to have the time and opportunity to work on it.  Exercise?  Fogeddaboutit.  It's dark when I leave in the morning, and dark when I get home at night.  

There are also some other considerations that are still under wraps for the moment.

I am reverting back to my previous on-call status, though I won't be working as much or as regularly as I did before going full time.  I equate the new status to substitute teaching...any branch in the vicinity can call me when they need somebody, and I fill in if I'm able.  That allows for a lot of flexibility (read: few work hours), while still being able to claim a current employer.

It's kind of scary.

Going Paleo...

Tilapia dusted with almond flour and pan browned in olive oil

Zucchini sliced lengthwise, topped with a tiny bit of parmesan and baked til just browning

Grape tomatoes and sliced avocado

I've resisted for a long time.  Kasey and Beau have been eating the Paleo way for over a year now, I think.  The kids too, except that they aren't overly strict with the kids.  The children still drink milk and eat cheese, and no worries about what's eaten away from home.

I'm finally jumping on the bandwagon due to constant aches and pains.  I'm hoping that the dairy-free and gluten-free change may help with that.  So for the next thirty days I'm giving it a trial period.

Quick description of Paleo: meats, vegetables, nuts & seeds...some fruit and a little starch...no sugar, grains, or dairy.

Photo above was dinner last night.  Yum!  The almond flour that I used to dust the tilapia browned beautifully and tasted great...I just added a little salt, pepper, and dill.  The Parmesan on the squash was not on plan, but it was minimal (maybe a teaspoon on the entire pan of squash).

The zucchini couldn't be fresher.  It was delivered to my office yesterday by a great friend...one who shares the produce of their garden and the eggs from their chickens!  Of course she'd be a great friend even without those perks, but the perks are lovely!  Thanks, V...your generosity couldn't have been more timely!

2011...

Last year I chose a word to focus on instead of a resolution. It was an interesting experiment, and it did seem to stay in my mind more than actual resolutions of the past, with some interesting results. So I decided to follow up this year with a new word.



This year I want to recognize the innumerable opportunities we have each day to exercise our free will. And I want to react with more conscious thought when I am making choices whether large or small...to act with intent instead of routine...to choose wisely.

And I wish each of you a very happy 2011.