QS PRN

This summer I’ve been sorting. Sorting a lot of things: assignments for my terminal degree, schedules and timelines, clothing for donations, items in the garage. 

Yesterday, I had a few minutes to sort my type cabinets. Technically, the individual drawers are known as job cases. Although, I realized that I had not sorted them properly since moving my work shop & letterpress printing equipment last April. All 48 drawers were stacked in the garage and then reinserted into the cabinet in no particular order. "I'll sort it later," I told myself. 

Over a year has passed, and I am still sorting. Only, my sorting logistics seemed to be constantly shuffled this past year. C will be moving out mid August to attend University of Nevada Reno. I report to the school district August 9 for the 2021-2022 contract. And, I am continuing to pursue my doctoral degree (approximately one year til completion!).

While sorting this out, I realize that I also need to sort this site...to add additional classes, topics of research, and published papers. For now, I've got a solid to-do list going on my notepad app. I'll get it sorted soon. 

*image of 48pt titling sorts   

Finally made it to Kaua'i. This trip was planned for the summer of 2020, but delayed due to the pandemic. It was a bit of a battle to get there...COVID test 72 hours prior, uploading information to the Safe Travels website, obtaining the wristband to board the airplane. But, it was worth it. 

I actually read several fiction books while on vacation. Caught up on the Harry Hole series by Jo Nesbø. I'll spare the full reviews but they did not disappoint. First time that has happened in two years, since I began my doctoral program. Had a wonderful dinner at The Beach House. Swam in the ocean and the pool. Tasted some amazing Kōloa Rum.  Ate the most delicious Sugarloaf Pineapple. 

Really into plants lately. I have always been interested in plants, honestly. However, this past year has given me time to focus on the plants I have in the house. I searched for a Norfolk Island Pine for months, but finally found one (in the black container below). 

My grandmother had one that was over five feel tall. Hoping mine will reach that height some day, like the fiddle leaf fig. 

And, I have been growing some more succulents from cuttings. Love these little jade plants. Plants really do make things brighter around the house. A little positivity is a good thing.  

It’s been a while. Well over a year since I’ve visited Napa, for business or pleasure. I suppose that the pandemic is to blame, like many of us who wanted to travel but decided to self-quarantine. Maybe some of use wanted to travel but no shops or stores were open. 

This isn’t a political commentary on the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s simply an observation. Just as many of the businesses wanted to remain open, many of us wanted to get out of the house, many of us could not get out due to concerns about COVID and/or government regulations. 

But, I love the way the way many businesses were able to work around the mandates and directives. Hooray for Napa and St. Helena! 

Now that Daylight Savings Time is upon us, I began thinking about change. This morning, on a long walk, I reflected back on what has happened these last couple months.

Like many people, the pandemic has changed my routines, my priorities, and my sense of normalcy. Yet, that is not necessarily a negative change. The things I took for granted have a renewed sense of meaning. And, priorities have been replaced with healthier options in both the physical and mental sense. 

In late January, I became eligible to receive the COVID immunization due to my position in education. Pfizer was the only option, as all the Modern vaccines appointments were slotted by the time I logged in to schedule my appointment. To be honest, I did not care which vaccine I received...I just wanted to stack the odds against contracting COVID, especially with the changes at school.   

The district has returned to a traditional schedule, and eliminated the hybrid model. And, it will be interesting to see how the 2021-2022 school year plays out. The online school model will run through this year, but it will be interesting to see if the online learning model continues to be an option for students/parents in the coming years. 

My doctoral program continues, under an online model. And, I continue to reflect on my priorities to finish the program, examine career opportunities, and return to the print shop. ⟳