Picking up where I left off

In this year of trying to finish things I started a while ago, I'm trying to finish my Adobe certifications and Web languages. I found this photo that reminded me of the time when I started all of these crazy challenges. Today, I laugh as they become more of a reality.

The last hurrah

Today, I took a morning bike ride before my surgery. After four months of dealing with ear and sinus issues from my flight to Hawaii, I am hopeful for relief. So, today, I'm thankful for last hurrahs and new hurrahs.

Learning new things

Today, I started something I've put off forever - learning some new computer science languages. I'm starting with just a refresher of HTML and CSS, but I am anxious to move on to some new ones and fulfill a long-term goal of mine and a goal I make for my students.

Keynote

Today, I delivered my first in-person keynote. Unfortunately, my ears were in a state of pure agony. However, I'm thankful for the opportunity and the ability to share my journey as an educator with other educators!

Ukulele love story

Today, I have a ukulele. I've wanted to learn music for a long time and today, I got a ukulele. Today, I have music!

A start to the HAVEs

Last year, I started this blog with my mission to record my year of "moments." I had every intention of posting moments that were moments that captured my heart, with the hope of looking more at the positive side of life. However, I found myself posting photos of something memorable about the day. Perhaps there is nothing wrong in that, but this year, I want to start focusing on the HAVEs. I want to remember that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. And, I want to find joy in whatever I do - even if it is not something I particularly enjoy. Lastly, I want to focus on what I have. Not everyone has the same privilege.

So, today, I am inspired by Shel Silverstein.

This year, I want to focus each post on a "HAVE." What do I have today? Today, I have writing. Writing is a comfort of mine and a luxury. Not everyone has the benefit of being able to write or to read.

What do you HAVE?

A seed to new beginnings

Image copyright Christy Fennewald, Fennovation.org January 1, 2015

A fluke cold spell in Austin, Texas on New Year's Day combined with freezing rain led to loads of hot cocoa and fuzzy socks. In between sweats and resolutions, I took a quick walk out behind my home to catch the rain and the sprinkling of green grass, signalling spring on its way. What did this spot look like 10 years ago, 100 years ago, 1000 years ago? What will it look like next year and every year after? As the acorns fall, I see new growth and endings. We are all just a seed in this world. When we fall together, we grow together and develop new forests. When we fall apart, we grow apart. Though, we may draw attention, we are not as strong against a storm.

With this thought, my resolution is to not let others' actions change me - to fall into new beginnings and to fall into crowds, ready to make the forest stronger.

What does this picture make you think? What will you vow to do this year?