About that Job

I put in an application at the Census Office, but haven't gotten any response. I keep dragging my heals about temporary work because I get just enough work through the library to feel busy. Meanwhile, I've been skimming a small library of books about finding a job or starting your own business. AARP says all you need is a computer, Internet and phone service, AND a basic website to start an online business and recommends contacting the Small Business Administration. The AARP website has a webinar on green jobs and other resources on finding a job and making ends meet.

Travel High on the Hog -- Ride the Bus?

Peter Greenberg recommends taking the bus for trips under 500 miles. On top of beating planes and trains for cheap ticket prices, many have cell-phone reception, power outlets, wireless Internet access, videos, leather seats, and an on-board attendante with snacks and beverages. He mentions Megabus, Boltbus, Greyhound, Peter Pan. Online bus ticket brokers are BusJunction and GoToBus.

More Walking Action

Read about walking clubs in this month's AARP Magazine. The American Volkssport Association lists lots of clubs in the U.S., including the South Bay Striders in the San Jose area and the Bay Bandits Volksmarch Club around San Francisco and the Sacramento Walking Sticks Club out of Sacramento. The article also mentions a British group, The Ramblers, and the European Ramblers' Association. Two walking tours, ranging from $350 to $500 per day, are featured too: Country Walkers and The Wayfarers. Create the Good has a video on starting a walking group

Health concerns

In addition to my cranky right shoulder which sends out streaks of pain when I reach my arm behind me, I've learned that I have "very high" cholesterol levels. So I've been following a diet designed by Prevention Magazine and am very seriously considering a vegan diet, since these produce heavy meals take as much time to make as vegan meals. I've also been getting massages from Dr. Kim Campbell at Clements Chiropractic Center. I feel that I'm being proactive, but no real solution in sight.

January Wrap Up and a look ahead

Woohoo! I made my my goal of biking or walking to work or shopping twice AND biking or walking twice for pleasure. In fact, I more than made my goal of walking for pleasure, taking walks twice a week instead of twice a month. I've also been successful in keeping up with houswork, including cleaning and sorting the medicine cabinets. (Okay, I only got to that last night after supper, but I DID it.) And I combined walking with another goal of going to church at least once a month. The four of us hoofed it the whole 8 mile round trip and rewarded ourselves with a lunch at Park Pantry.

Speaking of walking, the family has a tentative plan of climbing Mount Whitney this August, assuming we get passes through the lottery. I've come across a great description of the hike with tips and warnings that may help me visualize my way to success. I also need some camping time, maybe out to Anza Borrega to see the wildflowers. Things to do include desert hikes to a slot canyon or a palm oasis or PCT oak trees. And a nice meal in Borrego Springs to ease back into civilization