Personal Goals

A new school year is coming up on me fast. I have already made some major changes in my professional life, mainly by changing schools. I am ready to set some goals in my personal life to accomplish in the coming year.

First, in recognition of my fiftieth birthday next February, I am planning to participate in the Seattle to Portland bicycle ride for the first time. Although there is much training to do in preparation, I have a strong background in cycling having been a triathlete in the mid-1980s. My new job at Riverside Elementary will allow me to ride to work regularly, providing a base of fitness to build upon. A motivating factor is that the STP route passes in front of my house.

My second goal is to further decrease my dependence on petroleum. By moving into our current neighborhood it is much easier for my wife Laurie and I to leave the car at home. There is much that is within walking distance, including dining and shopping, two things which typically would require car trips. We don't always take advantage of this, but we know we can. Our next step, hopefully this year, is to sell one of our vehicles and become a one-car family. This will force the issue of walking and cycling when possible. If situations arise where one car will not get us both where we need to be, there are taxis and rental cars. Not only will we save money on fuel and maintenance, we will save on insurance as well.