Closing Shop

I admit it, I have become a Facebook addict. So I am closing this blog. Find me on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/beth.harris

Also, you can check out my photos at:
www.flickr.com/beth63111

Appliance Woes and Work Stuff

They sure don't make things the way they used to. My GE Profile dishwasher, which is less than 7 years old, died over the weekend. The control panel failed and it'll cost at least $300 to get it fixed. Rather than fix it, I just bought a brand new Whirlpool for twice that (delivery and installation on top of the cost of the unit itself was $130, but the unit was just under $500). Amazing that one can't even rely on major appliances to last 10 years anymore.

Aside from that, life's pretty good. I am enjoying my work. My job has new responsibilities, which is good, and it's much busier than before, which I like.

Not a Happy Camper

Work's Good

In this economy, I am really grateful to have a job -- I am even more grateful to have a job I like. Even better, I am getting more responsibilities on my job, which makes me happy and challenged. I am really appreciative that my manager is willing to let me stretch in my role. It's a good feeling to know that he's interested in my professional development and will take risks to allow me to try new things. Thanks, boss!

I love that new year smell

Thank goodness 2009 is here. It's just a relief to have 2008 behind me and the promise of a new year before me.

I've been thinking about resolutions -- I prefer to think of them as goals instead of resolutions. "Resolutions" sounds so absolute! One of the simplest goals this year will be for me to finally see Chuck Berry perform live. Although he is probably a pervert, he is a rock and roll legend who regularly performs live right here in St. Louis, so it would be a shame if I didn't see him.

Another goal I have is to get back into riding centuries this year (100-mile bike rides). I didn't do any centuries in 2008, but did 3 of them in 2007.

I will also continue working towards the home organization/cleanout efforts I started last year and continue keeping in touch with friends/family.

I've also been teaching myself new things in the kitchen. I have been moving into making yeast breads in 2008 so I want to expand on that this year. This week I made my first ever homemade pizza dough and baked it on the pizza stone I received for Christmas. Today we're expanding on those efforts and making calzones. The major baking goal for 2009 is to make my own pie crust instead of using the store-bought stuff.

Professionally speaking, of course the first priority in this economy is just to hang on to a job. Beyond that, I just hope to continue growing and always learning at my workplace.

Finally, I will continue to keep God at the center of my life.

May God bless you and have a happy and healthy new year.