like a shark

Lately I've had the feeling that there's just enough time in the day...or week...or month. July has been super hectic with work, weddings and life. I had a really nice training schedule worked out that was preparing me for the 100 mile ride that's coming up in September, but I haven't gone for a good long ride in two or three weeks now. Things are balancing out, though. When I can't ride, I try to fit in some qigong or yoga. If I'm at work I can focus on breathing and take time to stretch. No for a quick lunch break/ride.

Dentistry

Went to the dentist this morning for some more poking and scraping. Ugh. What is it about getting work done that makes me avoid eating? I'm sitting next to a beautiful bowl of tofu and veggie coconut soup and I can't bring myself to touch it! Is going to the dentist the new weight loss fad? My if I go a few more times before September, I'll drop 10 pounds before the 100 mile ride.

Here are a few Spring pictures from around the compound.

Rainy May

I've been so wound up lately. Not really sure why, but I've had crazy mood swings that just make me feel, well, crazy. Tonight I feel relaxed, though. Something about a soft chair and a few cups of Oolong that make everything better.

Yep, me again

The past few weeks have been so busy that I haven't had the energy to type, but at least I've got my own office now. Kevin was even kind enough to leave one of those Gaiam ball rolling chairs for me. Apparently I'm the only person willing to use it. Anyway, I'm enjoying the Production Manager position even if it means long hours for another few weeks. 10 hour shift s builds character right? I's only been about three weeks of that, but I do get to promote someone to take some of the workload of my hands so that I can concentrate on roasting some of the new coffees coming through. Looks like this is going to being an exciting year for coffee for us!
Spring finally started to poke through, even for only a few days. WE had some flurries the other day, but I'm pretty sure that's all behind us now. Dawn and I started tomatoes, peppers(hot and sweet), eggplant , tomatillos and some herbs the other day. Maybe a little late, but we'll see. The garden has been tilled once. Now we are going to put some organic fertilizer in and till it again. Hopefully we'll have better luck this year and actually put all that canning gear to work! Plus a new local vegan restaurant, GEKA'S, said they'd be willing to buy or trade veggies if we were into the idea. Sounds good, but who knows if things will go right? Last year we mostly got potatoes, long purple beans, onions, and garlic. That's fine and all, but we planted SO much more.
It also looks like things are looking up for Dan and the crew over at www.profaneexistence.org
The magazine may go back into print, new shirts are in the works and other projects are under way. Loose ends and dead weight are being cut in order to streamline the whole project. It'll be nice to have a physical copy again, even thought I realize that an eZine is the better approach environmentally. Although, it's easier to take a magazine in the bathroom...I mean, on the bus.

a little more snow

We were graced with another small snowstorm last night. Not too much, maybe a couple of inches, though it's supposed to really come down in the next day or two. Thankfully it's nothing like last year! Before we know it , the growing season with be here and hopefully we won't get caught off guard. There's a random seed catalog that Dawn came across that has portable greenhouses for around $500 that are 8'x8'x6'. Might be a smart investment considering we used a windowsill and a 1'x3'x4' indoor greenhouse the last two years. It worked, but was crowded and awkward and all the starts had to compete for the little bit of light coming in through the window. We will not fail his year! Off to the oatmeal and then work.

Back to work

It really doesn't feel like I've been out for a week. It actually feels like it's just been a 3 day weekend. Oh well, back to it. New coffees to roast and plenty to catch up on. I've got 15 roast today and a cupping at 2pm. My body seems to have adjusted to the caffeine-less state fairly well after only a few days. I still feel a little tense, but the deep breathing exercises seem to be helping a little. The new BURZUM was sent to me in an email last night(my friends are right in not paying for this due to Varg's personal politics), so I'm giving it a listen before work. It's not blowing me away by any means, but in all fairness I am listening to the news at the same time. Didn't really know what to expect from a racist douche who has spent the last 16 years in prison. Anyway, gotta make some oatmeal, take a shower and get to work.