Thank you blogosphere.

This is a short one because it is 9:15, thus, my bedtime. I just wanted to say thank you for the encouragement from all those who know and love me. It helps to be reminded that I am not alone and puts a smile on my face. You aren't alone either!

Also, today was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. City Year hosts a big celebration every year and I was part of the planning team. It was exhausting and I am glad that it is over. But it went really well. I'll post some pictures and more details later. In the meantime, Tamie has a great reflection on her blog. Peace out, blogosphere, sleep well. I sure will!

Settling

Over the past week I have found myself settling, resigning myself to attitudes and actions that I would not normally choose. When I get tired, it is so much easier to shop at the big box grocery store on my way home from work then to make the trip to the locally-owned, organic food store. I don't work as hard to find ways to carpool with people, because it is more convenient to have my car with me. Why not just make copies of the paper for everyone? It's easier than thinking of a different, more creative solution.

That's not how I want to live. I want to push myself to recycle, eat local, walk or bike, and generally live in an integrated fashion. But doing that and working 10-12 hour days is getting the better of me. I guess I just need some encouragement. I'm excited to live in a college town again next year. New Hampshire (and City Year) just weren't built with integration in mind...

The house my dad is building.

Happy eighth day of Christmas. I am almost done with my time in Las Cruces. The first week I was here I helped my Dad at the house he is flipping. Let me tell you, if you have never mudded a wall, you're missing out. Anyway, the house is beautiful with a custom built front door, courtyard, and sunny garage. It's the kind of house I want to live in some day. It's got character. So, here are some pictures so you can see for yourself...