Seven Quick Takes Friday

So if I am really going to try to blog more, this is a good place to begin, right?

I am very rusty at blogging, and remembering things like linking and such.  Plus it is so different now.  This will take me a while to get the hang of it so my posts may be low tech for a while.

Anyway, here we go

1)  I just spent the entire day sorting through my icon studio.  I soldiered on after the last baby was born (two years ago) and didn't take more than 6 weeks off from my classes here.  For that I am very proud of myself, because after Melanie was born I didn't get back to it for about 6 months.  Anyway, in that two years things have really gotten out of order, so even with all day, I have a few more days to go until I am happy.

2) I did, in fact, get a hand me down laptop.  I am learning how to use it, and so far, this is amazing.  I am truly grateful.

3) I have read three books already this year, more than all of last year, sadly.  I have decided this year I will read rather than surf around Facebook or randomly check websites.  I started with "Orphan Train", by Christina Baker Kline, then went on to "Joy School" (Elizabeth Berg), and am now almost finished with another Elizabeth Berg book, "A Year of Pleasures".  Now I know these aren't classic literature or anything, but getting back to the habit of reading needs to be eased into.

4) I am also reading some non-fiction.  One called "Stiffs" about the use of cadavers throughout human history.  One called "Daring Greatly", by Brenee Brown, and another called "Two Part Invention" by Madelieine L'Engle.   I am about 1/3 through the first two and only a few pages into the third.

5) I have also finished up a few icons.  I don't know how to post pictures yet, so maybe I'll do it from my phone next post.  I did St. Ephraim the Syrian, and an Anapeson (reclining Christ).  I am currently working on a Pantocrator and finishing two Tender Kissing icons.  If I can add photos to this through my phone post-publish, I will.  Otherwise I'll make a separate post later.  

6)  The School Year.  Well, we are hitting February mood already. Blah.  My college age kids started back this week.  My high schooler at the local Catholic high school just started her second semester.  My home schooled high schooler is mid second quarter due to getting his materials late from Seton.  The rest are about where I hoped they would be.  The pre schooler and toddler make each day an adventure.  Ahem.

7) I have continued to exercise, and feel great.  The Paleo experiment lasted a few months, and now I realize I'm living on bread and cheese again, so maybe another dip in that pool would be a good idea.  Once change that stuck though, is we are on fire for veggies, and eat so much more of them than we ever did before the Paleo challenge.  Roasted Brussels Sprouts are the bomb!

So that's it!  Check out http://www.conversiondiary.com/ for more.  I'll link if I can figure it out.  Otherwise, I'm sure you all know how to get to that website by yourself if you have to.