We all resolve each year to make changes, improve ourselves and our lives. Even if we don't admit it, most of us see the New Year as a time of renewal. A new calendar, a fresh slate. Often our resolve is dwindling by mid-January and gone with the melting snow.
This year I resolve to try something new. I read a blog and then another about a Word of Intention that can replace the traditional New Year's Resolution. It's a non-specific word that you internalize and keep with you through out the year.
This year my Word is balance. I chose it for several reasons, not the least of which is that I have terrible balance and tend to need to tread slowly and carefully when I encounter obstacles like uneven terrain on a hike, or difficulty managing my work, family, personal life and marriage. I often take on too much of one thing to the detriment of all of the others. I am so careful where I place my feet that I manage to bang my head into the low hanging branches (and not just on the trail).
I hope this word takes me to other places and discoveries. My focus is often so deliberate and intense that I miss seeing them most basic and wonderful things in the periphery.
For more on the Word of Intention read the blog From Deeper Water and then Christine Kane's blog where the idea seems to have originated.
Happy New Year!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Friday, December 31, 2010
It's a New Year - Almost
I'm a terrible blogger. If I just blogged more often it would help matters immensely. It's New Year's Eve and time for another new beginning.
I got a pair of Vibram Fivefingers shoes for myself for Christmas. I've only run in them twice - once on the treadmill and just a few minutes ago outside. It's a beautiful night. Not too cold. I ran two quick miles (that were supposed to have been run yesterday) in my new shoes and I just love them. I can feel my legs and ankles getting stronger. The muscles and supporting structures in my feet feel revived.
We live in the most amazing place. Poolesville is so small that finding a route that takes you a whole two miles through town is kinda hard. I ran past Selby's grocery and the skate park, past Bassett's Restaurant (they're drunk in there already), past the post office, McDonald's, the auto garage, the House of Poolesville (the seedy restaurant/bar where they're even drunker), past the elementary school and back into my neighborhood. I passed several people, all of whom said hello and Happy New Year.
My legs feel strong and I feel alive. I turn 40 this year but I've never felt better in my life. Bring it on!
I got a pair of Vibram Fivefingers shoes for myself for Christmas. I've only run in them twice - once on the treadmill and just a few minutes ago outside. It's a beautiful night. Not too cold. I ran two quick miles (that were supposed to have been run yesterday) in my new shoes and I just love them. I can feel my legs and ankles getting stronger. The muscles and supporting structures in my feet feel revived.
We live in the most amazing place. Poolesville is so small that finding a route that takes you a whole two miles through town is kinda hard. I ran past Selby's grocery and the skate park, past Bassett's Restaurant (they're drunk in there already), past the post office, McDonald's, the auto garage, the House of Poolesville (the seedy restaurant/bar where they're even drunker), past the elementary school and back into my neighborhood. I passed several people, all of whom said hello and Happy New Year.
My legs feel strong and I feel alive. I turn 40 this year but I've never felt better in my life. Bring it on!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Trail Run, or not...
I mapped out the most perfect 6 mile out and back run on the C&O Canal Tow Path but arrived at Pennyfield Lock to an icy trail. Spring cannot arrive soon enough.
Pennyfield Lock is 15 minutes from Poolesville. There are 24 properties available in Poolesville starting at $190K. The homes in Poolesville are as expensive as $4M with every price point in between. A typical commute to Bethesda at 8am takes 45 minutes.
Call me to see what is available in your price range :)
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Edwards Ferry on the Potomac River
One of my favorite things about living in Poolesville is visiting the historic places along the Potomac River. From my house in town it takes less than 10 minutes to drive to Edwards Ferry. I know that there's a ton of Civil War history surrounding this place, but my fascination with it lies in the use of the C&O Canal and the people who lived in the Lock 25 House.
Locktenders lived with their families in the Lock Houses along the C&O Canal. No matter what time of day or night, when a barge came along the Lock Keeper had to come out to raise or lower the barge in the Lock.
I can imagine the Locktender early in the morning coming out to greet a passenger barge, lowering them as they descend on their way to Georgetown. I picture the Locktender's children looking at the passengers, wondering where they're from or where they're going.
Today I go there with my children to kayak on the Potomac and we look at the old Lock House and wonder about the families that once lived there.
More about Edwards Ferry: "An Ideal Crossing - The Potomac River is calm and narrow here, making it an ideal location for a ferry crossing. In 1791 Edwards Ferry began to operate here, connecting Maryland farmers to the Goose Creek Canal in Virginia and to Leesburg markets. The ferry closed in 1836 but the community that grew around it continued, carrying on the name. Over time, a general store, a warehouse, and 36 residents composed the Edwards Ferry community. With the coming of the C&O Canal the small village prospered from the increase in commerce.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
How Green is Your Home?
You know it's coming... the first electric bill of the season. For all of us "greenies" the feeling of seeing that huge electric bill is the same. Not only do we have to part with too much money, we have proof that despite our good intentions we are contributing to the environmental problem.
According to the Montgomery County Maryland Department of Environmental Protection, an average of 60% of the electricity used in a Montgomery County home is generated from fossil fuels. It is not enough to turn off and unplug appliances and switch to energy saving light bulbs. You know there's more you could be doing and now is the time to step up and get an Energy Audit.
An Energy Auditor will inspect your home - the heating and cooling systems, the water heating system, and use his specialized tools to perfom an air infiltration, duct leakage, and combustion safety testing. He will provide you with a written report, a list of recommended improvements and, if needed, estimates for repairs. The cost for an Energy Audit is around $350 and they take approximately 3-4 hours. Typically homeowners save 15-20% off their energy bills after implementation of the recommended repairs. That's a significant savings - not only on your energy bills, but on your overall carbon footprint.
For your Energy Audit I highly recommend Jim McKenna of Green Step. His number is 301-758-0410. Jim is a certified BPI Building Analyst, Green Certified Professional - NARI, and HERS Certified Rater. Jim is a better Energy Auditor than Webmaster, so call him to talk about your particular needs and to learn more about the services he offers.
REALTOR'S NOTE
Starting Janurary 1, 2009 Sellers in Montgomery County are required to provide the Buyer copies of the electric, gas, and heating oil bills OR cost and usage history for the single-family home for the immediate prior 12 months.
If you plan to sell your house anytime soon you should think about getting an Energy Audit now. Rather than burrying your energy bills with the disclosures you can include the results of the Audit along with recepits for improvements and copies of your energy bills in your marketing package. That's smart selling.
According to the Montgomery County Maryland Department of Environmental Protection, an average of 60% of the electricity used in a Montgomery County home is generated from fossil fuels. It is not enough to turn off and unplug appliances and switch to energy saving light bulbs. You know there's more you could be doing and now is the time to step up and get an Energy Audit.
An Energy Auditor will inspect your home - the heating and cooling systems, the water heating system, and use his specialized tools to perfom an air infiltration, duct leakage, and combustion safety testing. He will provide you with a written report, a list of recommended improvements and, if needed, estimates for repairs. The cost for an Energy Audit is around $350 and they take approximately 3-4 hours. Typically homeowners save 15-20% off their energy bills after implementation of the recommended repairs. That's a significant savings - not only on your energy bills, but on your overall carbon footprint.
For your Energy Audit I highly recommend Jim McKenna of Green Step. His number is 301-758-0410. Jim is a certified BPI Building Analyst, Green Certified Professional - NARI, and HERS Certified Rater. Jim is a better Energy Auditor than Webmaster, so call him to talk about your particular needs and to learn more about the services he offers.
REALTOR'S NOTE
Starting Janurary 1, 2009 Sellers in Montgomery County are required to provide the Buyer copies of the electric, gas, and heating oil bills OR cost and usage history for the single-family home for the immediate prior 12 months.
If you plan to sell your house anytime soon you should think about getting an Energy Audit now. Rather than burrying your energy bills with the disclosures you can include the results of the Audit along with recepits for improvements and copies of your energy bills in your marketing package. That's smart selling.
Friday, May 22, 2009
$50 Rebate for Each Rain Barrel
Install a rain barrel and you may receive a $50 rebate from Montgomery County's RainScapes Program for each rain barrel you install.
We all want to do our part to conserve water and prevent stormwater runoff polution in the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay so check out these links to learn more about rain barrels, rain gardens, permeable pavers and other innovative approaches to help conserve our natural resources - and get some cash back for doing the right thing!
RainScapes http://tinyurl.com/2zdfvp
Rain Barrel Workshop http://tinyurl.com/qnbohj
Application for rebates http://www.potomacriver.org/cms/montcobarrels.pdf
Friday, January 9, 2009
State Public School System Ranked Best in U.S. by 2 Reports
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/07/AR2009010702347.html?referrer=emailarticle
State Public School System Ranked Best in U.S. by 2 Reports
By Nelson Hernandez
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, January 8, 2009; Page B02
A six-year Maryland effort to spend billions of dollars more on public education has led to major performance gains that have helped make the state's schools the best in the country, according to a pair of independent reports released yesterday.
A three-year study of the Bridge to Excellence Act came as Editorial Projects in Education, which publishes the trade newspaper Education Week, announced the results of its annual survey of state school systems. In the latter report, Maryland was ranked first among the 50 states and the District. Last year, the state ranked third.
"I'm elated," Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) said at an Annapolis High School event to promote the two reports. "We now have the No. 1, the best public school system in the United States of America, and we need to do our best to defend that."
The Education Week study evaluated school systems on several criteria, including accountability standards, college readiness of high school graduates, spending and equity. Virginia ranked fourth and the District last.
Maryland student performance on standardized tests, another factor in the Education Week report, has steadily improved since passage of the law. Annual state education spending is now $4.6 billion a year, up 80 percent from the 2002 level, according to the report. In addition, local governments have raised education spending 34 percent in that time.
The report by MGT of America found that "proficiency levels statewide have improved dramatically for all students," particularly in elementary schools. Elementary students cut in half the gap between where they were in 2004 and the goal of 100 percent proficiency in math and reading, the report said.
The MGT report found that for every additional $1,000 spent per elementary student, proficiency rates rose 4 percent. They rose 8 percent on the same measure for middle school students.
"Additional money, with strong accountability, can make a difference," Nancy S. Grasmick, state superintendent of schools, said in response to the two reports.
The reports provide ammunition for lawmakers and education leaders who are fighting to hold the line on school funding. With the state facing a $1.9 billion revenue shortfall next year, government leaders are under heavy pressure to slash spending.
Some cuts are likely to come from education, which represents more than a third of the state's annual budget. Last month, O'Malley's budget secretary recommended cutting almost $38 million from an initiative that sends additional education aid to Montgomery, Prince George's and other counties. Other proposals include making local jurisdictions pay for teachers' pensions.
O'Malley acknowledged that he was examining those cuts as possibilities -- he called the pensions "a huge burden that we labor under" -- but said the studies showed that money spent wasn't wasted.
"I think what this report means is that we, the people of the state of Maryland, have made a huge investment in education, and that investment is paying off," O'Malley said. Echoing the governor, banners draped in the Annapolis High auditorium proclaimed: "Maryland Public Schools -- A Great Investment!"
Much of the past six years' spending increases went toward hiring and paying new, highly qualified teachers. School systems spent $1.8 billion on raises and benefits for teachers, the MGT report said, and hired staff for more than 10,900 new positions, with 8,300 of those teaching positions.
State Public School System Ranked Best in U.S. by 2 Reports
By Nelson Hernandez
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, January 8, 2009; Page B02
A six-year Maryland effort to spend billions of dollars more on public education has led to major performance gains that have helped make the state's schools the best in the country, according to a pair of independent reports released yesterday.
A three-year study of the Bridge to Excellence Act came as Editorial Projects in Education, which publishes the trade newspaper Education Week, announced the results of its annual survey of state school systems. In the latter report, Maryland was ranked first among the 50 states and the District. Last year, the state ranked third.
"I'm elated," Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) said at an Annapolis High School event to promote the two reports. "We now have the No. 1, the best public school system in the United States of America, and we need to do our best to defend that."
The Education Week study evaluated school systems on several criteria, including accountability standards, college readiness of high school graduates, spending and equity. Virginia ranked fourth and the District last.
Maryland student performance on standardized tests, another factor in the Education Week report, has steadily improved since passage of the law. Annual state education spending is now $4.6 billion a year, up 80 percent from the 2002 level, according to the report. In addition, local governments have raised education spending 34 percent in that time.
The report by MGT of America found that "proficiency levels statewide have improved dramatically for all students," particularly in elementary schools. Elementary students cut in half the gap between where they were in 2004 and the goal of 100 percent proficiency in math and reading, the report said.
The MGT report found that for every additional $1,000 spent per elementary student, proficiency rates rose 4 percent. They rose 8 percent on the same measure for middle school students.
"Additional money, with strong accountability, can make a difference," Nancy S. Grasmick, state superintendent of schools, said in response to the two reports.
The reports provide ammunition for lawmakers and education leaders who are fighting to hold the line on school funding. With the state facing a $1.9 billion revenue shortfall next year, government leaders are under heavy pressure to slash spending.
Some cuts are likely to come from education, which represents more than a third of the state's annual budget. Last month, O'Malley's budget secretary recommended cutting almost $38 million from an initiative that sends additional education aid to Montgomery, Prince George's and other counties. Other proposals include making local jurisdictions pay for teachers' pensions.
O'Malley acknowledged that he was examining those cuts as possibilities -- he called the pensions "a huge burden that we labor under" -- but said the studies showed that money spent wasn't wasted.
"I think what this report means is that we, the people of the state of Maryland, have made a huge investment in education, and that investment is paying off," O'Malley said. Echoing the governor, banners draped in the Annapolis High auditorium proclaimed: "Maryland Public Schools -- A Great Investment!"
Much of the past six years' spending increases went toward hiring and paying new, highly qualified teachers. School systems spent $1.8 billion on raises and benefits for teachers, the MGT report said, and hired staff for more than 10,900 new positions, with 8,300 of those teaching positions.
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