Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Summer is over...it's hit the books time!!

It's the beginning of a new school year! Lots of firsts and lasts! It's Mallory's last year in High School! Yep...she's a senior and will be leaving the nest next Fall. It's Abigail's last year as a student in her Charter school (grades K-8th). Next year she'll begin her four years where Mallory, Ian, Delaney and Scott all attended! Annie is attending her first year in Middle School! She'll have two years there until she joins Abby at West Valley. Annie got braces just in time for school but should have them off by the time she starts High School. Mallory is swimming her final year for West Valley...she's sad. But, she's really excited about college!! Abby will join the WV team next August and keep the Dixon name going! So far so good.

Abby's class started off the new year with a two night camping trip to Denali National Park and Preserve. It's such a beautiful park and they have so many educational programs there for kids, of all ages, and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I went along as a chaperone! We didn't see one bear at all whereas last year as we pulled into the camp a momma bear and her cub roamed through the campground.

Ian got transferred to an area of Santiago and was also called as the Zone Leader. He's loving things still and even though he's got less than 8 months left, we're the only ones counting. He's enjoying the work right up until the end!!

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Love the Bliss

I am Janet and this is my personal blog. I won't be blogging just about me. You'll read about my family, our lives and our adventures. We're the Dixon Family living in the far north in Alaska. Fairbanks is located about 365 miles north of Anchorage along the Chena River...smack dab in the Interior of Alaska. We have gorgeous summers and cold beautiful winters. Originally, there were 9 of us...but four have grown and left the nest leaving Ralph and me with 3 daughters at home.

Relatively Inexpensive Pleasurable Addictions

A thought occured to me that a discussion of alternatives to less desireable addictions would be good. I do realize that some pleasures are relative...these are just some of my ideas. A final note is that I believe passions are great! But, all of us need to become the master in bridling all of our passions...or addictions.
Number 1: Chocolate...lets all eat Dark Chocolate! I have heard that it's very healthy to eat a tad everyday! Remember though...just one square a day...and I don't mean a giant chocolate bar square...the itty bitty square that makes up the big one!
Number 2: Run...get outside and run and don't stop until you want. LOVE those endorphins!! So addicting and so much healthier than alternatives. Okay, there is a bit of expense in the beginning because you need a good pair of shoes, and you should probably wear some shorts at least...and a top.
Number 3: Walk...it's not as hard on the knees but as beneficial as running!
Number 4: Read...a good book is downright fun! If you've gotta do something everyday or all night long, reading a good book can do no harm!
Number 5: Lift weights, ultimate frisbee, swim, practice yoga or pilates or any sport! If you gotta do something, exercise...again, those endorphins make you happy!! And, they're free!!
Number 6: Get a hobby...photo books, knitting, crafty stuff, sewing, geneology...whatever...just do it. I realize some of these things will cost some money, but none of them should compromise your health.
Number 7: Hang out with someone you love! Everyday!
Number 8: Eat veggies...or fruits...have them at your disposal all day just to keep from reaching for something not so healthy or that could potentially kill you and your loved ones!
Number 9: Play games...video, internet, gameboy. I've seen some people have a really difficult time tearing themselves away from the TV, computer or whatever device...but, if it keeps you away from serious alternatives that could cause harm, a little or maybe a little more than a little can't kill you. Remember though, too much of a good thing, can be too much! So, limit yourself!
Number 10: Remember that if something is causing you harm, using up all your resources of money, taking you away from things that are good, perhaps it's time to reevaluate your addictions. I think the key is to find pleasure in your addiction and not over-do or abuse it!