On the road again...

Cue the Willie Nelson tune! I just returned from a couple of days in Lewistown, MT for annual 4-H Update. This is a conference that we have every year to remind us how to work with kids and introduce us agents to new policies that the state is enacting. This year was more of the that. The state is now requiring criminal background checks for all volunteer leaders for the next 4-H year (October 1). I am not oposed to this, but it will probably meet with some resistance due to the cost of conducting the searches.



Now, more fun stuff. On my way up to Lewistown, I got to shoot some pictures of the Little Snowy and Judith Mtns. I drove a little ways into the mountains and enjoyed the scenery, saw some wildlife and just enjoyed the time out in the backcountry. I did see nearly a dozen bald eagles flying around, which to say the least was impressive! I was hoping to see some elk, but found only mule deer and some pronghorns (I didn't shoot any pictures of them). Pictures from the trip can be found here.

Back to normal

Things are getting back to normal after the holiday season...it's nice. I do like the holidays but it is nice to settle back into routine and not have to worry about who's schedule fits where and trying to do all of the rushing about that goes with a trip back to Virginia (two weeks can really fly by when you are trying to see everyone in the family)!!!

Now for all of you back east that are dealing with artic temperatures...we will be near 60 degrees by Monday and at least 50 until then! With the exception of today (low 30s and snow). We do have about 6 inches of snow...it's really pretty right now, and knowing that it will be short lived makes it all the nicer. Unfortunately, with the warmer temperatures will come the slushy, melting mess that is much like spring thaw...yuck!

Something else that is kind of nice...I am not currently taking a class. Classes begin next week so I have been relishing just working and going home and working around the house.

2009

A new year and new opportunities to improve life! I don't know why we always wait until a new year to make these changes, but we do. So what changes do I plan to implement this year...well;

Finacially--I won't to pay off at least one more major debt while not incurring any more. Basically a continuation of last year's goal...something worked!!!

Professional--I am planning on presenting at another national conference and attending my professional association meeting this year.

Social--I would like to have friends/family over for dinner at least once a month and I would like to do a better job of keeping in touch with friends/family around the country.

Self--I would like to be in shape enough to do some high altitude camping and hiking in Glacier, Teton, and Banff National Parks this summer. I have a treadmill and it's time to use it a little more!

These are not huge goals, but I think that is the point; to make small changes in lifestyle that will make lasting impacts.