Tinkerings

In an attempt to be both pro-active and frugal, I am looking for ways to combine some of the 5 areas I mentioned in my last post as resolutions for 2012.  Like most people, I’ve started the year off with a bang regarding resolutions.  This is day two and I’m still going strong!

Yesterday, I joined 36 other people at Harrison Bay State Park for their New Year’s guided tour as part of the states’ First Hike series.  Every state park in Tennessee is hosting a guided tour either January 1st or 2nd to help people get out on the trails, learn about the area, and help celebrate the 75th anniversary of state parks in Tennessee (Harrison Bay was the first official state park in Tennesse).  It was a 4 1/2 mile hike that took just under 3 hours.

Today, I’m joining another group just north of Benton, TN, at the Hiwasee/Ocoee State Park for a guided hike to Gee Creek Falls.  I’m loaded for bear with gear to take pictures while there!

So, in one activity, I took my own food, got off the couch, lived life, learned something, and took some pictures.  As Charlie Sheen would say… Winning!

I’ve also stepped out of my comfort zone and joined some groups at Meetup.  I have joined a hiking group, but haven’t been able to coordinate my schedule with their hikes yet.  I’ve also joined a photography group located in the Cleveland/Chattanooga area and another in Knoxville.  I’m already handling my camera better, understanding what I’m doing (or what I’m doing wrong in most cases), and improving.

As part of my effort to simplify things and concentrate more on The Year of Tim (thanks for the title, Maryann!), I have resigned from the Discovery Educator Network Leadership Council.  That doesn’t mean I wont participate in DEN activities, but it frees up more time to explore things outside of technology and moves me from teacher to learner.

Its a New Year.  Get out there.  Make it the Year of YOU.