Kuspuk

When I lived in Barrow, a wonderful friend made me a kuspuk. I don't often have the opportunity to wear it, but today it seemed perfect!

I figured I should share... when I wear it, I seem to find myself smiling extra wide and dancing around, just because it reminds me of home. :) I love being an Alaskan!

Jewelry

I went to a jewelry party this afternoon... I have never been a jewelry girl, but there were some really pretty items that made me think about becoming one! Of course, it's a bit on the spendy side, so nothing was purchased today, but I did bring home a catalog. My first step may have to be piercing my ears... again. Unfortunately, the last time I pierced my ears was unsuccessful due to some sort of allergic reaction, but it's worth reconsidering using a higher-quality product.

My mom will be so proud that I want to wear jewelry. For the record, I still don't want to wear make-up, though!

Success?

I was just asked if I would put together a presentation for our next training at work on how to be successful. While I'm honored, it does leave me with a few questions... what is success? As defined by work, is it simply starting the most students? Or is it more specifically starting the most students while working effectively, managing time and resources? I do reach my goals, but I also work more hours than anyone else on the team, and certainly more than the 40 or so I'm paid for each week... does that really mean I'm successful? Or simply a workaholic? Or so driven by goals and numbers that I forget to take time for me? It's hard to separate the two, honestly... but I think I'll have to do so before I can really present at training what it takes to be successful! It's a good thing I have a month or so to prepare... :)

Chess

We are a chess family. I was taught to play as a little girl, and have always enjoyed the game. I taught Josh to play earlier this year, who in turn taught Donovan to play, who in turn taught Audri to play. :) Donovan has discovered a real talent for the strategy and thoughtfulness of the game, playing at school during breaks with some of his friends. He beats Josh more times than not in their matches! We have also realized that we enjoy watching one another play, figuring out our individual strategies and thought processes as we move our pieces around the board.

We spent a couple of hours this afternoon in chess matches, refilling our hot cocoa and sitting back around the table to watch whoever was currently playing. :) I love that we all are interested in playing such a wonderful game!