gear

S’mores, Bikes, and Brews.

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Over some s’mores (pictured below) and a couple of beers, my friend and soon to be resident graphic designer brainstormed some store names.  Some of the “keepers” were: Hand Me Down Adventures, Recycled Adventures, Thrifty Trails, Second Hand Adventures, The Never Ending Trail, and Economical Explorers.

We were exiled from our home today because our landlord had an open house.  He’s trying to sell our place which makes us really sad but has also forced us to find a new place just down the street.  Instead, Jon and I went on a long bike and brew to the Enki brewery in Victoria.  On the route I bounced some ideas off some people in our group but nothing really stuck.

On a productive and green thumb note, the garden rewards for this week: too much rhubarb to handle!  I can predict some pie on our future.

Growing Roots, Taking Flight

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7:12 pm

I moved to Minneapolis on August 7th, 2014 around noon.  I took a position in a north Minneapolis school working with urban, disenfranchised youth.  People make the unfortunate joke of refering to my school and students as, “last chance high” or “dream writers” or “dangerous minds.” But there’s no Hollywood glitz and glam where I work.  It’s incredibly challenging and sometimes rewarding work.  With an emphasis on work.

This year, I’ve pledged to read more.  I compiled my reading list from Bustle and set off on a journey.  I read things I wouldn’t pick out for myself, and things my students would like.  My list includes Jay-Z’s book, “Decoded,” “Ghosts of Heaven,” Mindy Kahling’s book, “I Think All My Friends are Hanging Out without Me.” “Unbroken,” and most recently, “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin.  My most recent read has inspired me to plant roots, enjoy my day more, and find a little sunshine in everything.  Most importantly it has put me on a new path, to do what I love and love what I do.

The more I reflect on my teaching practice, the more I realize that I treat it as a job and not something I love to do.  I find myself dreading Monday mornings and looking forward to Friday afternoons.  I realize that I was looking forward to the weekends to be outside, hike, bike, workout, travel, and get my hands dirty.

As I was prepping for my trip to Scandinavia in June, I was looking for some high end gear (Arc’teryx specifically) but it didn’t necessarily have to be new.  To my surprise, there are no outdoors wear/gear consignment stores in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.  So now I have a vision, of a neighborhood store, with community building opportunities and classes, and a portion of profits donated to environmental education and scholarships.

I have no idea where to start, so I’m starting here.  I’m putting down roots and getting ready to take myself out of my comfort zone.  I’m committed to exploring this option so I’m writing it down, taking an online seminar on start ups and talking to local business owners.  Does this mean I’m done teaching?  Not for now, I’m just exploring and I’ve signed up to teach summer school so I’ll probably teach one more year in my current position.