Work smarter, not harder

Life has been overwhelming me. With the combination of graduate school, working 3 at different places, and living I find myself exhausted and anxious on a regular basis. Not that it isn't worth it, though. I'm working towards my teaching certification and Masters in Instruction and Curriculum which is a passion that drives me forward. Also, my work is giving me experiences in many teaching/learning environments--everything from place-based education to a variety of classroom setups to the strategies of assessment and result driven goals.  I just need to remember to keep a solid head on my shoulders.

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In amongst it all, I was able to go thrifting with the my lovely Hope. We stopped in at Marketplace 3301 a few months back. I always enjoy looking through bits and bobs, especially antiques. In our meandering I found this:

Yeah, it is a bit rough. The fabric had a coarse, burlap-like weave and was wearing. The entire surface was covered in paint splatters of all colors. It did not have much going for it in its current state.

I saw potential though.






For the most part it was easy to take apart. First remove the steps--unscrew, unscrew, unscrew. Now take off the seat--unscrew, unscrew,unscrew. Finally, the back---huh?

It appeared to be magically attached. I could see the screws going into the back from supports on the chair, but could not imagine how to get them out. I searched the internet. I took in help from a skilled tradesman. No luck.

It turns out, and I'm not going to get into the blackhole physics of this, but the screws in the back of the chair slide into the upright supports to appear as though there are no screws at all. What clever construction.




I then reupholstered the seat and back with lovely new cotton fabrics and vinyl for durability, spray painted all of the surfaces in a coordinating color, and assembled it all back together.
Ta-da!

I'm still not sure if I should be terribly concerned that I did not use all of the original screws, but I've been sitting high and mighty in my revamped chair.

(It's hard to tell, but the seat fabric is a faux bois, false wood grain, to go with the floral seat back. So lovely.)

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So even while it took me over a month to put together a project that should only take a weekend, I am pleased to find pockets of time for creative energies.

I still need to take time to evaluate how I am spending my energies so that I do not burn out or stress excessively, but I am surrounded by support from my family (sending extra love and appreciation to my mom), Jon with his wit and keep-cool-attitude, and my friends for their advice and laughter. XOXO

Some people are so poor, all they have is money.

Life has a way of circling back around it seems. It is never short of transitions, possibilities for growth, and the joys and anxieties of the unknown.

I have been blessed to experience many kinds of love.

This year I have been blessed to live in a house with close friends, the Girls' House with an always open door. I have not experienced such a sisterhood, something so akin to family. The friendships were formed quickly and with much love. These friendships will last a lifetime. These friendships are beautiful and whole. I love you Hope and Christa.


This year I have been blessed to find a man that I truly care about, that I love. While I enjoyed my romps prior, being with him has been truly wonderful. Our humor, our quiet nights reading together, our adventures have all drawn together to create a treasured relationship and welcome addition to my future.




This year I have been blessed to experience loss. A dear friend and kindred spirit has experienced pain, yet come to find peace. Her sparks of creativity, humor, and joy ignited flames in everyone around her. I am happy to have her flame live on in me. I love you Sarah.  

This year I have been blessed to realize that I want to teach. My AmeriCorps position at the Audubon Conservation Education Center has been so enriching. I have built connections with the people, the community, the land. From this term I have made the choice to go back for my teaching license and Masters in Elementary Education.

This year I have been blessed to experience transitions. Transitions cause a rise in anxiety and a continual state of mulling and considering in me. Marked change without much for me to control.

The Girls' House is in a new state with people coming and going. It feels different. Its not entirely the same and so slightly uncomfortable to me. I'm not sure where I stand in it yet, being as there may only be a few months left here. It has left me with varying levels of investment and questions. I attempt to answer my questions with a job search. My AmeriCorps term ends in August creating room in September for school and work. So I consider and search. 

It is as though when presented with too many opportunities and options, I become overwhelmed. This year with my transitions I want to carry grace and openness. I want to leave and questions and fear to make room for openness and hard work.
This year is far from over. This just seems to be a place of great transition,of a marked change. Time for reflection gives me the confidence to move forward with a better sense of control, of direction. My blessings are great and I intend to flourish from them.