It's been almost two years since I've posted updates/thoughts on life... the last time that I drafted things to paper was after I finished my summer at Beaver Camp in 2015...
2017... I am in the same town teaching HS music (specifically chorus, piano, and music technology-that's newer... taught it last spring as well). I'm not in the same house... I bought one, instead.
While I was cleaning an oven today (long story short: house did not have appliances... oven was being offered up for free, but was in dire need of cleaning) I lifted the top part of oven that holds the burners. Underneath was so much grease and gunk from who knows when and for who knows how long. I spent a good amount of time putting elbow grease into it and applying all sorts of cleaning techniques (vinegar w/ baking soda, steel wool, cleaning solution, dish soap... the works). It's easy to become discouraged by how much work needs to be done (especially if the goal is to make it fresh with nothing left tarnishing it). It took time, but I got to all of it except for the inside of the oven (which I'm debating setting the self cleaner and then applying the final details to it).
As I began cleaning I had two thoughts about drip pans... 1) why didn't the previous owner use drip pans... it would be much easier to throw away drip pans than to deal with the mess underneath and 2) I will be purchasing drip pans... and need to figure out how to properly clean the electric burners.
Getting an appliance for "free" I'm finding still has it demands. At this point those sacrifices are time, cleaning supplies, and clean finger nails (I always forget to use gloves).
This summer brings a milestone birthday (I tell my students it's my 85th). I have been making plans to celebrate with friends and family and may be making it into a birthday summer (some other opportunities on the horizon). With each day, each semester, each house project, I am hoping to be making better decisions that will allow me to impact those around me rather than to limit that impact. Today I was realizing the blessings I have with my house. It's not perfect. I'll have renovations to do for a while, but I'm learning to enjoy the journey. I hope that with everything that is coming my way currently and, going into another birthday, in the future that I continue to appreciate the everyday blessings, the lessons learned, and continue to strive to make progress happen around me!
