I know I said I would give updates on The Work In Progress, however, between actual work and the kids and life in general things seemed to hit a sort of stand still. There are many days I feel like I just go, go, go only stop long enough to sleep for a few hours and start again.
I haven't had a lot of "Christmas Cheer" the last couple of years. Doesn't help that I have twice moved right before Christmas, barely get a tree up and can't find anything I need. The holidays are stressful, go here, do this, buy this, with what money? You feel all the loss you have suffered much more during these times.
Bear with me as per my usual self I am a little all over the place...
I hate the saying, "Everything Happens for a Reason." Those awful words have been spoken from my very mouth far too many times. That makes it easy to lead to the question, "Where was God?" Shit happens, period. It is up to us to decide what will do with what we have been dealt. God was there with you, crying and counting your tears.
Where is this coming from? It's been a rough year and I think a lot of people are questioning a lot of things. I do, its human nature. But I do try to grow from my experiences.
Being a Massage Therapist you come across many different types of people. You know that everyone is dealing with something. I am good at listening, that's what I do, listen. I do not give much advise, sometimes what you need most is to be able to just speak and have someone listen.
When giving a massage you sometimes have people that want to talk, other times people are completely silent. Some need to talk, some you can tell maybe want to but they really need to just relax and let go of whatever is bogging them down.
When I am finished with a massage I meet my clients at the front counter with a glass of water. My question is always, "How do you feel?" Most answer right away and you can somewhat tell by how they look when they come out to the front. I most often can tell if people are relaxing and getting what they need by how they respond during the massage. There are a few times here and there that I just can't tune in.
The other day I gave a massage and the person seemed to be relaxing and enjoying it. As is my usual routine I met them out front and asked how they felt. The client was wiping their eyes with a tissue, and the response was not immediate. For the first time I was truly worried I did something wrong, did they hate it? The client slowly turned around and answered with a big sigh, "Like a million bucks." I was able to breathe again. Sometimes the relaxation and attention bring on emotions, I do my best to help. I listen, I work on those tired sore muscles and I give you space.
That seems to be how I am in life, or am growing to be. I don't like ultimatums, they are horrible. I will not ask you to choose between me or someone else. I will not tell you if someone is in your life I don't feel is beneficial to you that you have to get rid of them or me. Instead I slowly and quietly remove myself from the situation. I give you the space you need to figure things out. That being said I will also at times tell you that if that is what you want that is fine, but I will not be in that place at that time. Life is overwhelming, busy, everyone is dealing with something. Even when I back away and remove myself, I still care. I just want you to do whats best for you. I will always be here, ready to listen when thats what you need.
My Christmas wish for everyone is calming relaxation. My prayer for myself every day is that I will be what someone needs to heal. You know my new favorite saying is, "You will always have what you need around you to heal." Just be patient and know it is true. When we are what someone else needs to heal, we in turn get some healing ourselves.
Merry Christmas
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Friday, November 18, 2016
The Work In Progress...
For reasons I will never really understand, there has been constant traffic from people checking this blog. Really, my life is not exciting but here is an update...
I am and have been back in Nebraska since finishing my class hours of massage school. I am staying in this area as it is what is best for my kids.
Being gone for 5 weeks took it's toll. I returned home to an apparent mouse infestation, gross. Being back with my babies has been amazing! I so missed those hugs and the running to and fro.
Our little rental is just too small for us and comes with some issues. I feel it's best we move. I searched for weeks,and finally this past week was told about an empty farmhouse. The outside is great and it's more room. The inside however needs some elbow grease.
I have also taken an internship at Avani, a spa in Hastings. When I am not at the spa or watching a sporting event etc., I am at the new house which I have taken to referring to as, "The Work In Progress." I go straight from work to the house because I know if I come home and sit down, I won't go work on it.
It is exhausting and I am doing most of the work on my own. There are two rooms with about 5 layers of wallpaper. Some of which has been on those walls close to 100 years. I'm pretty sure it's petrified! Feel free to donate to my cause. 😂 Better yet, if you love the challenge of stripping old wallpaper off walls who am I to tell you no!
Just kidding, I may be somewhat delirious from all the work. Except for the wallpaper thing, who am I kidding it's not fun!
At the end of the day I come home get in the shower and wash off the multiply layers of wallpaper dust off my skin. Then I stand under the stream of hot water until it runs cold. I can't take a bath as I fear I won't be able to get back out. It's not a house renovation without blood, sweat and tears (all of which where shed by day two. I pulled a muscle in my back which has me moving like a 90 year old woman and my hands looks like I've been in a fist fight. 😂 I know it will be worth it in the end. I will try to post some pictures and videos of the house. Enjoy!
I am and have been back in Nebraska since finishing my class hours of massage school. I am staying in this area as it is what is best for my kids.
Being gone for 5 weeks took it's toll. I returned home to an apparent mouse infestation, gross. Being back with my babies has been amazing! I so missed those hugs and the running to and fro.
Our little rental is just too small for us and comes with some issues. I feel it's best we move. I searched for weeks,and finally this past week was told about an empty farmhouse. The outside is great and it's more room. The inside however needs some elbow grease.
I have also taken an internship at Avani, a spa in Hastings. When I am not at the spa or watching a sporting event etc., I am at the new house which I have taken to referring to as, "The Work In Progress." I go straight from work to the house because I know if I come home and sit down, I won't go work on it.
It is exhausting and I am doing most of the work on my own. There are two rooms with about 5 layers of wallpaper. Some of which has been on those walls close to 100 years. I'm pretty sure it's petrified! Feel free to donate to my cause. 😂 Better yet, if you love the challenge of stripping old wallpaper off walls who am I to tell you no!
Just kidding, I may be somewhat delirious from all the work. Except for the wallpaper thing, who am I kidding it's not fun!
At the end of the day I come home get in the shower and wash off the multiply layers of wallpaper dust off my skin. Then I stand under the stream of hot water until it runs cold. I can't take a bath as I fear I won't be able to get back out. It's not a house renovation without blood, sweat and tears (all of which where shed by day two. I pulled a muscle in my back which has me moving like a 90 year old woman and my hands looks like I've been in a fist fight. 😂 I know it will be worth it in the end. I will try to post some pictures and videos of the house. Enjoy!
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
I'm just going to leave this here...
Some of you have already heard this, but others have not and I feel the need to post it for all of you.
On one of the last days of school our instructor was telling us about an experience she had with a healer. I won't go into full detail, but the healer told her something that really hit home for me...
On one of the last days of school our instructor was telling us about an experience she had with a healer. I won't go into full detail, but the healer told her something that really hit home for me...
"You always have what you need around you to heal."
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Goodbye for now...
Dear friends, strangers and whomever reads this (I have no idea),
This will be my last blog for a while. I have said an immense number of goodbyes and have some very rough goodbyes coming in the next few days. Quite frankly I have had enough of the goodbyes.
But I digress, you all have gotten to read over a years worth of my writing. You have gotten to be a part of my life.
This week ends another chapter, and starts a whole new beginning, yet again. I feel it's time to lay low and focus on myself and my kids for a while, in private. If you find yourself missing me, just go back and read an old blog. I may be back one day, but with the chaos that is about to ensue I need to check out for a while.
I like to say, "When life gives you lemons, put on a fun shirt and smash them." I have quite the arsenal of fun inappropriate shirts. I will be wearing them for the next month or so.
Take care friends, be kind, smile at strangers, love yourself,
Jeana
This will be my last blog for a while. I have said an immense number of goodbyes and have some very rough goodbyes coming in the next few days. Quite frankly I have had enough of the goodbyes.
But I digress, you all have gotten to read over a years worth of my writing. You have gotten to be a part of my life.
This week ends another chapter, and starts a whole new beginning, yet again. I feel it's time to lay low and focus on myself and my kids for a while, in private. If you find yourself missing me, just go back and read an old blog. I may be back one day, but with the chaos that is about to ensue I need to check out for a while.
I like to say, "When life gives you lemons, put on a fun shirt and smash them." I have quite the arsenal of fun inappropriate shirts. I will be wearing them for the next month or so.
Take care friends, be kind, smile at strangers, love yourself,
Jeana
Monday, October 10, 2016
Bittersweet...
I tried to write this once, but then I thought about the past year and well...
Today is my birthday, I took a fall while hiking yesterday. It was snowy and I had my camera in my left hand. It is an automatic response for me to save the camera and take the fall. I am sore, especially my upper right arm and shoulder. I took the day off of school today, I had some allotted absences and decided to use one today.
This is my last week in Colorado, and it is bittersweet. There are so many times in life that seem to be bittersweet. I get to go back to my precious babies, and they are ready for me to be home.
I knew I would make some lifetime friends at school, it's impossible not to in such a setting. I will miss you all so much, especially those I made an incredible bond with. You have beautiful souls, that I will miss interacting with on an almost daily basis. The bonds you make in massage school are unlike any other. You took me as I am, quirks, attitude and all. Thank you, for seeing me and accepting me just as I am. Please forgive me if I become a bit quiet and distant this week, I try not to, it's something I am working on. However, it is an automatic response, just like taking a fall to save the camera. It's my way of preparing for what is to come...
I will leave you with the words to a song sung by Jasmine Thompson...
"Home"
(originally by Gabrielle Aplin)
Today is my birthday, I took a fall while hiking yesterday. It was snowy and I had my camera in my left hand. It is an automatic response for me to save the camera and take the fall. I am sore, especially my upper right arm and shoulder. I took the day off of school today, I had some allotted absences and decided to use one today.
This is my last week in Colorado, and it is bittersweet. There are so many times in life that seem to be bittersweet. I get to go back to my precious babies, and they are ready for me to be home.
I knew I would make some lifetime friends at school, it's impossible not to in such a setting. I will miss you all so much, especially those I made an incredible bond with. You have beautiful souls, that I will miss interacting with on an almost daily basis. The bonds you make in massage school are unlike any other. You took me as I am, quirks, attitude and all. Thank you, for seeing me and accepting me just as I am. Please forgive me if I become a bit quiet and distant this week, I try not to, it's something I am working on. However, it is an automatic response, just like taking a fall to save the camera. It's my way of preparing for what is to come...
I will leave you with the words to a song sung by Jasmine Thompson...
"Home"
(originally by Gabrielle Aplin)
I'm a phoenix in the water
A fish that's learnt to fly I've always been a daughter
But feathers are meant for the sky
So I'm wishing, wishing further
For the excitement to arrive
It's just I'd rather be causing the chaos
Than laying at the sharp end of this knife
With every small disaster I'll let the waters still
Take me away to some place real
'Cause they say home is where your heart is set in stone
Is where you go when you're alone
Is where you go to rest your bones
It's not just where you lay your head
It's not just where you make your bed
As long as we're together, does it matter where we go?
Home home home home
So when I'm ready to be bolder
And my cuts have healed with time
Comfort will rest on my shoulder
And I'll bury my future behind I'll always keep you with me
You'll be always on my mind
But there's a shining in the shadows I'll never know unless I try
With every small disaster I'll let the waters still
Take me away to some place real
'Cause they say home is where your heart is set in stone
Is where you go when you're alone
Is where you go to rest your bones
It's not just where you lay your head
It's not just where you make your bed
As long as we're together, does it matter where we go?
Home home home home home home home
'Cause they say home is where your heart is set in stone
Is where you go when you're alone
Is where you go to rest your bones
It's not just where you lay your head
It's not just where you make your bed
As long as we're together, does it matter where we go?
Home home home home
A fish that's learnt to fly I've always been a daughter
But feathers are meant for the sky
So I'm wishing, wishing further
For the excitement to arrive
It's just I'd rather be causing the chaos
Than laying at the sharp end of this knife
With every small disaster I'll let the waters still
Take me away to some place real
'Cause they say home is where your heart is set in stone
Is where you go when you're alone
Is where you go to rest your bones
It's not just where you lay your head
It's not just where you make your bed
As long as we're together, does it matter where we go?
Home home home home
So when I'm ready to be bolder
And my cuts have healed with time
Comfort will rest on my shoulder
And I'll bury my future behind I'll always keep you with me
You'll be always on my mind
But there's a shining in the shadows I'll never know unless I try
With every small disaster I'll let the waters still
Take me away to some place real
'Cause they say home is where your heart is set in stone
Is where you go when you're alone
Is where you go to rest your bones
It's not just where you lay your head
It's not just where you make your bed
As long as we're together, does it matter where we go?
Home home home home home home home
'Cause they say home is where your heart is set in stone
Is where you go when you're alone
Is where you go to rest your bones
It's not just where you lay your head
It's not just where you make your bed
As long as we're together, does it matter where we go?
Home home home home
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Home...
At school this morning our instructor set our intentions for the day. She asked that we focus on happiness, smiling, the ability to really focus and be present today. She told us as our program is nearing an end we need to not think of our last week and a half as a downhill slope, but rather an uphill climb to soak up as much as we could and finish strong.
It was perfect for us to hear this morning. Then it hit me, I only have one week ( and two days) left. This weekend is my last "real" weekend in this apartment. My actual last weekend is booked, I am taking another training all day Saturday and I move out of my apartment Sunday October 16th. Now that I barely have any time left here I am finally figuring out my way around. I know where I am going. I only get flipped off in Denver traffic once a week instead of daily.
I am going to miss this apartment. It feels like home, more like home than anywhere I've been the last year. I will miss this area, with it's beautiful views, cute downtown within walking distance and the safeness I feel here.
I am going to miss the amazing people I have gotten to know, the amazing friends I have gained. This time away gave me so much, strength, growth, education, solace. I have nearly found me again. I can't wait to see my kids and squeeze them, but I will miss all this.
I have thought about going camping this weekend, I at least need a day in the mountains. They bring me peace and revive me. I will be back sooner rather than later. I have some practicum hours I need to get, exit interviews, the EMBLEX to take. I have had lodging offered during the times I am back, but it will not be the same as when I am here in this little apartment that feels like home.
It was perfect for us to hear this morning. Then it hit me, I only have one week ( and two days) left. This weekend is my last "real" weekend in this apartment. My actual last weekend is booked, I am taking another training all day Saturday and I move out of my apartment Sunday October 16th. Now that I barely have any time left here I am finally figuring out my way around. I know where I am going. I only get flipped off in Denver traffic once a week instead of daily.
I am going to miss this apartment. It feels like home, more like home than anywhere I've been the last year. I will miss this area, with it's beautiful views, cute downtown within walking distance and the safeness I feel here.
I am going to miss the amazing people I have gotten to know, the amazing friends I have gained. This time away gave me so much, strength, growth, education, solace. I have nearly found me again. I can't wait to see my kids and squeeze them, but I will miss all this.
I have thought about going camping this weekend, I at least need a day in the mountains. They bring me peace and revive me. I will be back sooner rather than later. I have some practicum hours I need to get, exit interviews, the EMBLEX to take. I have had lodging offered during the times I am back, but it will not be the same as when I am here in this little apartment that feels like home.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Where are you mommy?
I talk to my kids via video chat every night. It is my favorite time of day. When I left every night for over a week my son would ask... "Where are you?" After hearing me say, "I'm at my apartment in Colorado," and Karys telling him, "Mommy is gone for a little while, but she will be back." He stopped, last night he asked me again...
Where am I sweet baby:
I'm struggling...
I'm exhausted
I'm sore
I have a headache
I miss you so unbelievably much
I'm tired of traffic and car accidents
I don't know how to cook for 1 person
I struggle walking into school each day
I don't want to see all these people
I don't want to be touched anymore
I'm struggling
I say I don't want to be touched, but there is touch I crave, from the deepest part of me...
I would give anything to just wrap my arms around my three sweet babies. I want to give you your night-time bath, lather you up in lotion. I want to sit on the couch and have you crawl up next to me, snuggle in and feel the weight of your little body as you give in to sleep. I want to breathe in the smell of your freshly washed head. I miss you.
I have made it to the half way point of this program. Tomorrow we get the day off, a mental health day. I am planning a hike in the mountains with a couple classmates, and I can't tell you how much it is needed.
I am struggling, which means it's time to regain my focus. I have to push through and finish strong. I have to remind myself I am doing this, not just for myself, but for you, my precious babies. People keep talking about and asking about plans after school, I don't have a plan yet. I'm struggling because I don't know whats next, and it's driving me crazy.
I had an instructor walk into the room this morning, she was opening cupboards, and obviously frustrated when she shut one and said, "Just... FUCK." I could not have said it better myself. She was trying to make tea for our class, but the cord for the percolator was missing. She wanted to do something nice and uplifting for us. She has seen how hard we have been working, she could see how many of us have hit our wall. Hearing her express her frustration in such a way was so fitting. That's how I feel right now, this profession is about helping people, caring. I have tried to do that too much, I need to put the focus back on me.
This struggle is temporary, I will push through.
Mommy is gone for a while, but I will be back and I will be better than I was before.
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Letting Go...
Thursday night I had a friend from NE arrive, she is staying with my through the weekend while she attends some training in Boulder. It has been nice seeing her, but that has also brought on some things I am not quite ready to deal with. She arrived on the day I found out my divorce was final, recognized by the court. She told me she has been going to bat for me left and right. People are talking yet again... How could she leave her kids and move to Colorado for 6 weeks.
I hope I did not offend her by my response. I said, the last year nearly killed me, and those that feel the need to constantly talk about me and try their best to drag me down and break me, don't know me. I lived there for 16 years and I can say only a small few (so small I can count them on one hand) really know me. I said, people are going to say what they want about me, and in all honesty I don't care anymore. I was basically telling her stop, don't go to bat for me, don't bother because it just doesn't matter, it will never stop.
The last year very nearly did kill me, I was dying. Divorce is ugly... It is painful... I left, I filed, I gave up on the dream I had that I truly thought would last forever when I made that vow 13 years ago. I upset my kids lives, I lost my house, I lost my belongings, I lost the majority of my "friends", I lost some "family", I lost 20 pounds I did not have to lose. I lost respect, dignity, my sanity, my faith. I was not a fun person to be around, I let all of that get to me, I listened to it, I lost myself completely. I was short tempered with my kids, I was the most unhappy I have ever been.
I realize what a gift and blessing I have been given being able to be here away for these 6 weeks. At first it was an act of desperation, I stayed home and raised my kids for 10 years. I did not go to college, how could I possibly support myself and my kids, I had nothing. Here was a school that offered what I have wanted and started working on 17 years ago. It was an intense program but it would be done quickly.
What it has turned into has been so much more. I have not been alone, quite honestly in this sense, ever. I arrived here a hot mess, I still am and probably will be forever. I was emotional, I miss my kids terribly, I switched states, I am driving in Denver traffic everyday twice a day. I threw myself in with strangers.
I am two weeks into the program, almost half way done. I am just now starting to feel ok. I don't panic when the weekend arrives and I don't have plans and will be home alone. Massage is a therapy. You hold so much tension and pain in your muscles. At school I am submerged with people I don't know, some are like long lost people that were always meant to be in my life, others I just don't vibe with. I am being touched daily by a mix of people, exposing some of the areas I want hidden away forever, experiences I want hidden away forever. These muscles hold memories, mostly painful. I am being touched constantly. I am being worked on by students, I walk away every day sore and exhausted, some days I walk away with deep purple bruises.
I'm sure those back in NE are thinking, she ran away, she's partying, and living it up, I could just imagine the images they have conjured up in their minds. The truth is, this has been so hard, some days are hell. The truth is I am being selfish, but I am doing it for myself and my kids. I am working through all the crap. I listened to everything everyone else had to say about myself and my life this past year, you have to do this, you can't do this. I listened and I nearly let it destroy me. I am learning to let it all go. Other people, situations, "advise", opinions, they do not define me.
I am letting it all go, I am letting those muscles and pain release. It is not a fun process but one I really needed. Once this is through I will have confidence, I will feel accomplished, I will be ok with me and being alone. I will know and be me again. I am finding ways to be happy, I am facing my fears. So much of the past year has come up and tried to destroy other relationships, I pushed friends away because I was constantly questioning, I didn't trust anyone, I needed someone to be here and talk to me, or I felt like I was disappearing. I am slowly letting it all go. I look forward to alone time, and a hike in the mountains. People will always have an opinion about me, and now I am accepting that it is ok. It is just their opinion, it is not me.
I miss my kids, so very much, but I get to have video chats with them everyday. They are ok, they are happy, they are being taken care of. They will get through this, when I return I will be a better mom. I will be much more at peace, happy. I will have a new strength.
To those that are still talking, judging, trying to destroy me... thank you, you are the ones that gave me that final push to change my life, start over and take care of me.
I hope I did not offend her by my response. I said, the last year nearly killed me, and those that feel the need to constantly talk about me and try their best to drag me down and break me, don't know me. I lived there for 16 years and I can say only a small few (so small I can count them on one hand) really know me. I said, people are going to say what they want about me, and in all honesty I don't care anymore. I was basically telling her stop, don't go to bat for me, don't bother because it just doesn't matter, it will never stop.
The last year very nearly did kill me, I was dying. Divorce is ugly... It is painful... I left, I filed, I gave up on the dream I had that I truly thought would last forever when I made that vow 13 years ago. I upset my kids lives, I lost my house, I lost my belongings, I lost the majority of my "friends", I lost some "family", I lost 20 pounds I did not have to lose. I lost respect, dignity, my sanity, my faith. I was not a fun person to be around, I let all of that get to me, I listened to it, I lost myself completely. I was short tempered with my kids, I was the most unhappy I have ever been.
I realize what a gift and blessing I have been given being able to be here away for these 6 weeks. At first it was an act of desperation, I stayed home and raised my kids for 10 years. I did not go to college, how could I possibly support myself and my kids, I had nothing. Here was a school that offered what I have wanted and started working on 17 years ago. It was an intense program but it would be done quickly.
What it has turned into has been so much more. I have not been alone, quite honestly in this sense, ever. I arrived here a hot mess, I still am and probably will be forever. I was emotional, I miss my kids terribly, I switched states, I am driving in Denver traffic everyday twice a day. I threw myself in with strangers.
I am two weeks into the program, almost half way done. I am just now starting to feel ok. I don't panic when the weekend arrives and I don't have plans and will be home alone. Massage is a therapy. You hold so much tension and pain in your muscles. At school I am submerged with people I don't know, some are like long lost people that were always meant to be in my life, others I just don't vibe with. I am being touched daily by a mix of people, exposing some of the areas I want hidden away forever, experiences I want hidden away forever. These muscles hold memories, mostly painful. I am being touched constantly. I am being worked on by students, I walk away every day sore and exhausted, some days I walk away with deep purple bruises.
I'm sure those back in NE are thinking, she ran away, she's partying, and living it up, I could just imagine the images they have conjured up in their minds. The truth is, this has been so hard, some days are hell. The truth is I am being selfish, but I am doing it for myself and my kids. I am working through all the crap. I listened to everything everyone else had to say about myself and my life this past year, you have to do this, you can't do this. I listened and I nearly let it destroy me. I am learning to let it all go. Other people, situations, "advise", opinions, they do not define me.
I am letting it all go, I am letting those muscles and pain release. It is not a fun process but one I really needed. Once this is through I will have confidence, I will feel accomplished, I will be ok with me and being alone. I will know and be me again. I am finding ways to be happy, I am facing my fears. So much of the past year has come up and tried to destroy other relationships, I pushed friends away because I was constantly questioning, I didn't trust anyone, I needed someone to be here and talk to me, or I felt like I was disappearing. I am slowly letting it all go. I look forward to alone time, and a hike in the mountains. People will always have an opinion about me, and now I am accepting that it is ok. It is just their opinion, it is not me.
I miss my kids, so very much, but I get to have video chats with them everyday. They are ok, they are happy, they are being taken care of. They will get through this, when I return I will be a better mom. I will be much more at peace, happy. I will have a new strength.
To those that are still talking, judging, trying to destroy me... thank you, you are the ones that gave me that final push to change my life, start over and take care of me.
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Where the rainbows end...
I am on a journey, to find peace and myself. I will get into that more another day.
I had been stuck in a meltdown--let-down the last few days. Being touched so much in school was bringing up emotions and toxins in general and I just felt like crap.
I knew I wanted to do something today, and I have a couple of things planned. However when I woke up this morning, I was not feeling like doing either of the things I had planned. I was tired, and just not in the mood. Which turned out for the better anyway as the plans got canceled.
I got out of bed and had a video chat with my kids. After that I decided I needed to get out of the house and do something for me.
I have been wanting to take in the aspen as they have just begun changing colors. I wanted to get outside but did not want to drive hours to do so. I did some searching online and discovered Golden Gate Canyon State Park was only 30 minutes from my house... Perfect!
GPS was having trouble finding my ending destination, but I was suddenly determined to go. I found my way to the park and visitor center and then just followed people who looked like they knew what they were doing. I went inside got a park pass for the day and was all set.
There were numerous hiking trails to choose from. At this point in the day it was obvious God had a hand in what was going on. I occasionally just go with my gut and make no plans. These seem to be the times I find the most beauty in the world.
I was driving down the road when I drove by a parking lot, I decided that was the trail I wanted to hike, however the parking lot was full. I continued down the road a few feet and found a parking spot and walked back to the trail I wanted to hike.
I had no idea what kind of trail this would be, as in where it would lead, how long it was, how hard it was, but I continued on. As I was winding my way up the mountain I discovered this trail was lined with aspen. It was so pretty. I said hello to strangers and even stopped to take a picture for a group of hikers.
Let me tell you, I am out of shape. I was breathing hard not long into the hike. I continued on, being aware of the fact that as far as I went up, I would also have to go back down. It was a pretty hike, I really didn't know what exactly I wanted out of the day. I have been feeling drained and empty lately. Like I'm just going through the motions. As I continued on this hike I was starting to feel better, I wasn't as tired, nor as sad.
I had been hiking close to an hour when I came across a small meadow of aspen trees, they had just begun to change and were very pretty, but I did not quit feel satisfied. I kept going and before I knew it I came around a bend... I stumbled upon where all the rainbows end. That's the best way I can describe it. So many large aspen, and they were the brightest gold I have ever seen. It was like looking at a pot of gold. This was it, this was what I was looking for. I soaked in the fresh mountain air and the golden beauty that surrounded me.
I came back down the trail feeling full again. I got these few hours today to really be by myself and just hike and think. I am so blessed to be able to start over again, to find myself and to be selfish for a while.
My cup runneth over. Somedays you just need to stop look around and soak in the small things. Find the place where the rainbows end. Don't let yourself become empty.
I had been stuck in a meltdown--let-down the last few days. Being touched so much in school was bringing up emotions and toxins in general and I just felt like crap.
I knew I wanted to do something today, and I have a couple of things planned. However when I woke up this morning, I was not feeling like doing either of the things I had planned. I was tired, and just not in the mood. Which turned out for the better anyway as the plans got canceled.
I got out of bed and had a video chat with my kids. After that I decided I needed to get out of the house and do something for me.
I have been wanting to take in the aspen as they have just begun changing colors. I wanted to get outside but did not want to drive hours to do so. I did some searching online and discovered Golden Gate Canyon State Park was only 30 minutes from my house... Perfect!
GPS was having trouble finding my ending destination, but I was suddenly determined to go. I found my way to the park and visitor center and then just followed people who looked like they knew what they were doing. I went inside got a park pass for the day and was all set.
There were numerous hiking trails to choose from. At this point in the day it was obvious God had a hand in what was going on. I occasionally just go with my gut and make no plans. These seem to be the times I find the most beauty in the world.
I was driving down the road when I drove by a parking lot, I decided that was the trail I wanted to hike, however the parking lot was full. I continued down the road a few feet and found a parking spot and walked back to the trail I wanted to hike.
I had no idea what kind of trail this would be, as in where it would lead, how long it was, how hard it was, but I continued on. As I was winding my way up the mountain I discovered this trail was lined with aspen. It was so pretty. I said hello to strangers and even stopped to take a picture for a group of hikers.
Let me tell you, I am out of shape. I was breathing hard not long into the hike. I continued on, being aware of the fact that as far as I went up, I would also have to go back down. It was a pretty hike, I really didn't know what exactly I wanted out of the day. I have been feeling drained and empty lately. Like I'm just going through the motions. As I continued on this hike I was starting to feel better, I wasn't as tired, nor as sad.
I had been hiking close to an hour when I came across a small meadow of aspen trees, they had just begun to change and were very pretty, but I did not quit feel satisfied. I kept going and before I knew it I came around a bend... I stumbled upon where all the rainbows end. That's the best way I can describe it. So many large aspen, and they were the brightest gold I have ever seen. It was like looking at a pot of gold. This was it, this was what I was looking for. I soaked in the fresh mountain air and the golden beauty that surrounded me.
I came back down the trail feeling full again. I got these few hours today to really be by myself and just hike and think. I am so blessed to be able to start over again, to find myself and to be selfish for a while.
My cup runneth over. Somedays you just need to stop look around and soak in the small things. Find the place where the rainbows end. Don't let yourself become empty.
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Update...
I have noticed people have been checking my Facebook page often... while I no longer have my newspaper column, I have been asked to continue blogging.
Last weekend I made the move to my temporary apartment in Colorado. I recently got a new windshield in my car and it had a couple leaks that I got fixed before I left. Less than five miles before my place I switched lanes to take my exit off the interstate. A semi threw a rock at my windshield and made a huge star and a crack across the windshield. I was not too happy. None-the-less, I made it and got settled in.
My apartment is furnished so it really didn't take too long. The first night I was tired, the second day a friend came over for a visit. It was so nice to see a friendly face. I am without my kids while I am here and it has been rough. I miss them terribly! Monday morning was the start of school. This is an intense program, you receive a lot of information in a short amount of time. The first few days were not so bad... I met some amazing people, got some new friends, and even took in a week day roommate.
The roommate has been such a blessing as she is quite a bit younger than I and she brings some life into the apartment. Day four of school hit, it was a doozy. We each gave and received massages for more than three hours. That is a lot of touch, when you are not used to being touched, it brings on a lot. By the end of the day I had been stretched massaged, worked out and in general exhausted. This not only affects your body, it effects your emotions. I had heard this before, but was having no problems and thought I would breeze through.
I was wrong, I left school with a terrible headache. I got home, put on an ice pack had some wine with my roommate and tried to release the day. I did not sleep well, my headache woke me up at 2 a.m. throbbing. I awoke Friday morning feeling awful. I was tired, sore, my head still hurt, and my emotions were everywhere. I miss my kids so much! I got to school not wanting to be there. Upon speaking with some of my classmates, the consensus was mutual. None of us wanted to be touched, none of us wanted to strip down and get on the massage table. In all honesty I wanted to go to bed and cry.
We all somewhat half assed it through the day, muddled our way through. I for one was very checked out, completely drained. I came home to an empty house feeling lonely. That is when a friend text me, saying she was in the area. I called my kids, took a shower and pulled myself together. We had both had a rough day, and were both once again on the verge of tears. We had some wine and as the night progressed decided to go downtown and hit a couple bars. I was fully prepared to be in bed by 9 p.m. Instead it was closer to 2 a.m. I am very tired today, but it was much needed.
I am somewhat dreading the coming week, we are getting into deep tissue and I still don't really want to be touched. Like everything else, I will work through it.
My week day roommate will be back on Monday, we are headed to a concert Monday night. I cannot wait. I have not been alone like this ever. It's such a shock, people tell me to enjoy this time. I am trying, it's all about focusing on school. I am now a bit more prepared for the emotional rollercoaster.
Here's to another day...
Last weekend I made the move to my temporary apartment in Colorado. I recently got a new windshield in my car and it had a couple leaks that I got fixed before I left. Less than five miles before my place I switched lanes to take my exit off the interstate. A semi threw a rock at my windshield and made a huge star and a crack across the windshield. I was not too happy. None-the-less, I made it and got settled in.
My apartment is furnished so it really didn't take too long. The first night I was tired, the second day a friend came over for a visit. It was so nice to see a friendly face. I am without my kids while I am here and it has been rough. I miss them terribly! Monday morning was the start of school. This is an intense program, you receive a lot of information in a short amount of time. The first few days were not so bad... I met some amazing people, got some new friends, and even took in a week day roommate.
The roommate has been such a blessing as she is quite a bit younger than I and she brings some life into the apartment. Day four of school hit, it was a doozy. We each gave and received massages for more than three hours. That is a lot of touch, when you are not used to being touched, it brings on a lot. By the end of the day I had been stretched massaged, worked out and in general exhausted. This not only affects your body, it effects your emotions. I had heard this before, but was having no problems and thought I would breeze through.
I was wrong, I left school with a terrible headache. I got home, put on an ice pack had some wine with my roommate and tried to release the day. I did not sleep well, my headache woke me up at 2 a.m. throbbing. I awoke Friday morning feeling awful. I was tired, sore, my head still hurt, and my emotions were everywhere. I miss my kids so much! I got to school not wanting to be there. Upon speaking with some of my classmates, the consensus was mutual. None of us wanted to be touched, none of us wanted to strip down and get on the massage table. In all honesty I wanted to go to bed and cry.
We all somewhat half assed it through the day, muddled our way through. I for one was very checked out, completely drained. I came home to an empty house feeling lonely. That is when a friend text me, saying she was in the area. I called my kids, took a shower and pulled myself together. We had both had a rough day, and were both once again on the verge of tears. We had some wine and as the night progressed decided to go downtown and hit a couple bars. I was fully prepared to be in bed by 9 p.m. Instead it was closer to 2 a.m. I am very tired today, but it was much needed.
I am somewhat dreading the coming week, we are getting into deep tissue and I still don't really want to be touched. Like everything else, I will work through it.
My week day roommate will be back on Monday, we are headed to a concert Monday night. I cannot wait. I have not been alone like this ever. It's such a shock, people tell me to enjoy this time. I am trying, it's all about focusing on school. I am now a bit more prepared for the emotional rollercoaster.
Here's to another day...
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
To the Staff at CCN...
The time has come for my last column...
Where do I start, what do I say? My Tuesday lunches will never be the same.
Tory, thank you for seeing potential in me I didn’t even know I had. It has taught me a lot about myself.
Teri, you keep things going and are always making us laugh.
Michelle, such a caring person, good luck with everything life has in store for you.
Karla, oh Karla, the chats we have. I am trying to make you read the paper this week. (lol)You have taught me so much. You know how to bring me back to reality when things get rough. It’s all about perspective.
Lisa, I will so miss your quotes! You always make me smile, I will keep some of those quotes to myself, so I can laugh when life gets stressful.
Pat, the “grandma” of the office. You are so caring, yet you know when to make jokes.
Ashley, you are one of the most kind, caring people I know. You amaze me, the world could use more people like you!
Melissa, you have been here longer than I, you will do a great job filling my shoes. The shoes you have to fill are very small, even if they were large, you could easily fill them!
Scoop, even though we have a love/hate relationship, you are entertaining and a pretty good cat.
I will miss you all so very much. There were a few days this past year that I did not want to leave the house. Once I came to work, however, I always felt better.
Thank you for listening to me, teaching me, helping me grow both personally and professionally.
This is a huge step in my life, and I am terrified, but I know I can do it.
I have my favorite pair of ripped jeans on, and know I can take on anything.
When you all wear a pair of ripped jeans yourselves, think of me.
A few months ago, Pat made a comment. “That’s what we do around here. We take our arms and we gather people in, and help them get through times like this.”
Yes, I do listen intently to everything everyone here says! (HA)
Such amazing words. I have not always felt this from the community, but I have inside the walls of CCN.
To the county, thank you for reading my column each week. I hope you enjoyed it!
Read Pat’s comment again, and remember it. Apply it to your daily life!
Bye for now...
Where do I start, what do I say? My Tuesday lunches will never be the same.
Tory, thank you for seeing potential in me I didn’t even know I had. It has taught me a lot about myself.
Teri, you keep things going and are always making us laugh.
Michelle, such a caring person, good luck with everything life has in store for you.
Karla, oh Karla, the chats we have. I am trying to make you read the paper this week. (lol)You have taught me so much. You know how to bring me back to reality when things get rough. It’s all about perspective.
Lisa, I will so miss your quotes! You always make me smile, I will keep some of those quotes to myself, so I can laugh when life gets stressful.
Pat, the “grandma” of the office. You are so caring, yet you know when to make jokes.
Ashley, you are one of the most kind, caring people I know. You amaze me, the world could use more people like you!
Melissa, you have been here longer than I, you will do a great job filling my shoes. The shoes you have to fill are very small, even if they were large, you could easily fill them!
Scoop, even though we have a love/hate relationship, you are entertaining and a pretty good cat.
I will miss you all so very much. There were a few days this past year that I did not want to leave the house. Once I came to work, however, I always felt better.
Thank you for listening to me, teaching me, helping me grow both personally and professionally.
This is a huge step in my life, and I am terrified, but I know I can do it.
I have my favorite pair of ripped jeans on, and know I can take on anything.
When you all wear a pair of ripped jeans yourselves, think of me.
A few months ago, Pat made a comment. “That’s what we do around here. We take our arms and we gather people in, and help them get through times like this.”
Yes, I do listen intently to everything everyone here says! (HA)
Such amazing words. I have not always felt this from the community, but I have inside the walls of CCN.
To the county, thank you for reading my column each week. I hope you enjoyed it!
Read Pat’s comment again, and remember it. Apply it to your daily life!
Bye for now...
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Struggles and Strength...
We all have years that are more trying than others. This has been one of those years for me...
At the time you are being tested, it feels overwhelming. Even so, we must continue on. Once you get through the roughest times, you grow and find strength you never knew you had.
"Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle."
- Napoleon Hill
The future is an unknown gift. Looking back 18 years ago, I never would have guessed I would be returning to school. Especially just a few years shy of age 40. I cannot begin to imagine where my life will be another 18 years from now.
I can say this job has changed me! I have had to come out of my shell, so to speak. I am somewhat a homebody, I don't like being in the public eye. With this job, you have to be.
I can thank all the readers of this column for building me up. I have never received so many compliments before. Who knew I could write, let alone have people find it interesting!
My time here is quickly coming to an end. I only have one column left following this.
The closer that time comes, the more I feel myself reverting back to that shy, quiet homebody.
This is not the first time I have ventured off on my own, and I won't be completely alone this time. I have dear friends that will be in the area, but I will be without my kids. This just means I need to buckle down and get it done.
I have to say I have gained the most strength from my kids. I hope they always realize how much they mean to me, and how much they have enriched my life. I am so proud of them.
Years from now when they look back at this time, I hope they are proud of me, as well.
I also hope they learn as I have;
—You have to be kind to others. Smile at people, build others up. In turn it will build you up, strengthen your character.
—Be a light in this world, shine on all the darkness.
—Know your worth, and take nothing less.
—Accept some things for what they are, improve what needs to be improved.
—Don't settle and don't let yourself get stuck.
—At some point, others will try and get in your head and bring you down; don't let them.
—Know the truth and live it.
—Love yourself.
—When life gets you down, you must realize it is only temporary; this too shall pass.
—Push yourself to experience and learn new things.
—Wear sunscreen.
—Your heart will hurt numerous times throughout your life; it will be filled with happiness again.
—You are not broken.
—You are beautiful.
—No one is perfect, but in my eyes, you are the closest thing to it.
—You mean the world to me and are the reason behind everything I do.
To those reading this, tell yourself these things also.
This is not a forever goodbye. This is me trying to calm my nerves and tie up loose ends.
If you see my kids while I am gone, smile at them. If you know them, give them a hug. They are such good kids.
Wish me luck, starting over is hard and scary. I am not brave, I am just doing what I feel I need to do. I am building myself back up.
At the time you are being tested, it feels overwhelming. Even so, we must continue on. Once you get through the roughest times, you grow and find strength you never knew you had.
"Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle."
- Napoleon Hill
The future is an unknown gift. Looking back 18 years ago, I never would have guessed I would be returning to school. Especially just a few years shy of age 40. I cannot begin to imagine where my life will be another 18 years from now.
I can say this job has changed me! I have had to come out of my shell, so to speak. I am somewhat a homebody, I don't like being in the public eye. With this job, you have to be.
I can thank all the readers of this column for building me up. I have never received so many compliments before. Who knew I could write, let alone have people find it interesting!
My time here is quickly coming to an end. I only have one column left following this.
The closer that time comes, the more I feel myself reverting back to that shy, quiet homebody.
This is not the first time I have ventured off on my own, and I won't be completely alone this time. I have dear friends that will be in the area, but I will be without my kids. This just means I need to buckle down and get it done.
I have to say I have gained the most strength from my kids. I hope they always realize how much they mean to me, and how much they have enriched my life. I am so proud of them.
Years from now when they look back at this time, I hope they are proud of me, as well.
I also hope they learn as I have;
—You have to be kind to others. Smile at people, build others up. In turn it will build you up, strengthen your character.
—Be a light in this world, shine on all the darkness.
—Know your worth, and take nothing less.
—Accept some things for what they are, improve what needs to be improved.
—Don't settle and don't let yourself get stuck.
—At some point, others will try and get in your head and bring you down; don't let them.
—Know the truth and live it.
—Love yourself.
—When life gets you down, you must realize it is only temporary; this too shall pass.
—Push yourself to experience and learn new things.
—Wear sunscreen.
—Your heart will hurt numerous times throughout your life; it will be filled with happiness again.
—You are not broken.
—You are beautiful.
—No one is perfect, but in my eyes, you are the closest thing to it.
—You mean the world to me and are the reason behind everything I do.
To those reading this, tell yourself these things also.
This is not a forever goodbye. This is me trying to calm my nerves and tie up loose ends.
If you see my kids while I am gone, smile at them. If you know them, give them a hug. They are such good kids.
Wish me luck, starting over is hard and scary. I am not brave, I am just doing what I feel I need to do. I am building myself back up.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Heavy Heart...
Another school year has started...
I am not one of those moms who can’t wait for school to start, never have been, never will be.
I love my kids, I love having them home, with me. Summer always goes by so fast. Even Brielle said this past weekend she wishes the winter went by as fast as the summer.
It’s always been a struggle for me, even before I had kids! I guess I need a different outlook.
We have kids and try our best to raise them and mold them into respectful, kind human beings.
They still seem so small to me when we have to, in a sense, turn them over to others to watch, care for and teach them.
It feels like they are with them, more than they are with me.
Once kids start school they change so much, right before my eyes. Some good changes, others not.
Brielle is my most laid back, go with the flow child. This year she was a bundle of nerves and apprehension. She came out of her room crying the night before school started. It broke my heart.
As we got ready for the first day of school, she was doing better at home. Once we arrived however, she became quiet and meek.
How do we find the balance between loving and somewhat sheltering our kids, yet raise them to be strong, independent people? Perhaps she needs a confidence booster, I’m really not sure.
She mentioned over the weekend that she wished there was a field trip on the first day of school, as that would make it a lot more fun.
Some great logic comes from that little girl. She teaches me new things all the time.
Like kids on the first day of school, we all have things that make us apprehensive and nervous. Maybe we should keep that in mind when we deal with other people in our lives.
You never know what struggle people are dealing with. Keep that in mind as you come across others throughout the day.
Smile at strangers, be kind and friendly. Take the time to check in on those you love. Let them know how much they mean to you.
This past weekend we had friends get married. It was a lake ceremony and I was the photographer. It was beautiful!
I don’t normally photograph weddings, as they are out of my comfort zone. It’s a high pressure job, one that can’t be re-done.
The couple and wedding party were amazing. As I joined the party for pictures before the wedding, I was greeted with a hug.
These two are truly an inspiration and I am so blessed to have them be a part of my life.
I wish there were more people like that in the world. Congrats and best wishes on many happy years together!
As for me... my heavy heart will lighten with time. I hope my kids come home from school, full of excitement for the year ahead.
This will be a rough year for us. I am more than ready to start school myself. I can’t wait to submerse myself and test myself on a whole new level. I will be thrown completely out of my comfort zone.
Perhaps that’s what I need. A new start, testing myself. Helping me grow, making me a better mom.
In the meantime, I will leave you with this...
“Be unique, be kind hearted, be extraordinary, be happy, be humble, be free, be the person you were meant to be.”
-unknown
I am not one of those moms who can’t wait for school to start, never have been, never will be.
I love my kids, I love having them home, with me. Summer always goes by so fast. Even Brielle said this past weekend she wishes the winter went by as fast as the summer.
It’s always been a struggle for me, even before I had kids! I guess I need a different outlook.
We have kids and try our best to raise them and mold them into respectful, kind human beings.
They still seem so small to me when we have to, in a sense, turn them over to others to watch, care for and teach them.
It feels like they are with them, more than they are with me.
Once kids start school they change so much, right before my eyes. Some good changes, others not.
Brielle is my most laid back, go with the flow child. This year she was a bundle of nerves and apprehension. She came out of her room crying the night before school started. It broke my heart.
As we got ready for the first day of school, she was doing better at home. Once we arrived however, she became quiet and meek.
How do we find the balance between loving and somewhat sheltering our kids, yet raise them to be strong, independent people? Perhaps she needs a confidence booster, I’m really not sure.
She mentioned over the weekend that she wished there was a field trip on the first day of school, as that would make it a lot more fun.
Some great logic comes from that little girl. She teaches me new things all the time.
Like kids on the first day of school, we all have things that make us apprehensive and nervous. Maybe we should keep that in mind when we deal with other people in our lives.
You never know what struggle people are dealing with. Keep that in mind as you come across others throughout the day.
Smile at strangers, be kind and friendly. Take the time to check in on those you love. Let them know how much they mean to you.
This past weekend we had friends get married. It was a lake ceremony and I was the photographer. It was beautiful!
I don’t normally photograph weddings, as they are out of my comfort zone. It’s a high pressure job, one that can’t be re-done.
The couple and wedding party were amazing. As I joined the party for pictures before the wedding, I was greeted with a hug.
These two are truly an inspiration and I am so blessed to have them be a part of my life.
I wish there were more people like that in the world. Congrats and best wishes on many happy years together!
As for me... my heavy heart will lighten with time. I hope my kids come home from school, full of excitement for the year ahead.
This will be a rough year for us. I am more than ready to start school myself. I can’t wait to submerse myself and test myself on a whole new level. I will be thrown completely out of my comfort zone.
Perhaps that’s what I need. A new start, testing myself. Helping me grow, making me a better mom.
In the meantime, I will leave you with this...
“Be unique, be kind hearted, be extraordinary, be happy, be humble, be free, be the person you were meant to be.”
-unknown
Monday, August 22, 2016
Colorado...
We took a family trip to Colorado last week-weekend. We wanted to spend some time focusing on the kids before I leave for school.
We had a great time! The kids loved it!
We went up through Estes Park and the Rocky Mountains to Grand Lake, CO.
What a beautiful quaint town, I just loved it! Even though I grew up in Colorado, I had never been there before.
We took a trailer with an ATV and a UTV up with us. This made some of the drive up to the top of the mountains a bit rough at times, but well worth it.
The night we arrived, we ate dinner and walked around town a bit. The next morning, we headed back into town for some breakfast. We ate at a place called The Fat Cat Cafe. Karys and I ordered crepes with a cream cheese filling and cool whip and strawberries on top, soaked in strawberry juice.
It was the best crepe I have ever had, it was absolutely amazing!
The town surrounds Grand Lake; you walk a block down from the main street and you can walk the length of a boardwalk or head to the marina.
We started out at the marina with some coffee, then walked down the boardwalk a bit; it was just breathtaking. There were neat old log buildings that housed boats, some sand, crystal clear water and mountains in the background.
We then got in the pickup and headed to some off road trails. This was so much fun. Day one consisted of some trails in our area. They were a fairly easy drive. One of the trails led you to a little over a mile hike to Lost Lake. The hike was at times rough but again so worth it. The lake was beautiful!
Day two we decided to drive to Winter Park to drive some trails. We wound up running into a very nice couple riding mountain bikes that asked if they could help us. They led us to a trail on Corona Pass. They told us there would be incredible views! This trail also followed an old railroad.
The views were spectacular. We followed a trail so high up the mountains we could see Denver! We came across a hitchhiker on the trail that takes you to the highest point. She had been hiking quite a ways on a very rough road and had stopped us to ask about how far away the old trestle bridge was. We had a nice little chat with her and I gave her a ride back in the direction she had come from.
Her hiking partner was down in that area and he told us to continue a ways to see the old tunnel. It was spectacular also.
On the way back to the cabin that night, we saw a very large moose a couple blocks away from the cabin. What a sight! Once we got back to the cabin, we took a little stroll to another lake.
We spotted two deer in a yard along our walk.
Once we got back to the cabin, I could hear a band in town playing Jimmy Buffett music. I went around to the side of the cabin to sit on the deck and listen for a bit. I heard noise at the cabin right behind ours and thought the neighbors had come out to listen to the music.
I began to wonder what they were doing as the tree just a couple feet away from me was really rustling. I was about to go ask them if they were listening to the band when my kids and Tanner came out and discovered it was a very large moose! We all took pictures and I followed him for a bit until some kids on a go cart scared him away. What a rush!
I came back to the cabin and took a shower, I no more than got out of the shower when my kids ran into the bathroom to tell me two deer were in the front yard. I cannot tell you just how in love I am with Grand Lake!
The next day, we headed down to Estes Park for a night. We had a room at the Crag’s Historic Lodge. Their slogan is Welcome Home, they live up to this in every way. It was a gorgeous old lodge with gorgeous woodwork and views, and they went out of their way to accommodate you! I hope to go back someday!
We had a great time! The kids loved it!
We went up through Estes Park and the Rocky Mountains to Grand Lake, CO.
What a beautiful quaint town, I just loved it! Even though I grew up in Colorado, I had never been there before.
We took a trailer with an ATV and a UTV up with us. This made some of the drive up to the top of the mountains a bit rough at times, but well worth it.
The night we arrived, we ate dinner and walked around town a bit. The next morning, we headed back into town for some breakfast. We ate at a place called The Fat Cat Cafe. Karys and I ordered crepes with a cream cheese filling and cool whip and strawberries on top, soaked in strawberry juice.
It was the best crepe I have ever had, it was absolutely amazing!
The town surrounds Grand Lake; you walk a block down from the main street and you can walk the length of a boardwalk or head to the marina.
We started out at the marina with some coffee, then walked down the boardwalk a bit; it was just breathtaking. There were neat old log buildings that housed boats, some sand, crystal clear water and mountains in the background.
We then got in the pickup and headed to some off road trails. This was so much fun. Day one consisted of some trails in our area. They were a fairly easy drive. One of the trails led you to a little over a mile hike to Lost Lake. The hike was at times rough but again so worth it. The lake was beautiful!
Day two we decided to drive to Winter Park to drive some trails. We wound up running into a very nice couple riding mountain bikes that asked if they could help us. They led us to a trail on Corona Pass. They told us there would be incredible views! This trail also followed an old railroad.
The views were spectacular. We followed a trail so high up the mountains we could see Denver! We came across a hitchhiker on the trail that takes you to the highest point. She had been hiking quite a ways on a very rough road and had stopped us to ask about how far away the old trestle bridge was. We had a nice little chat with her and I gave her a ride back in the direction she had come from.
Her hiking partner was down in that area and he told us to continue a ways to see the old tunnel. It was spectacular also.
On the way back to the cabin that night, we saw a very large moose a couple blocks away from the cabin. What a sight! Once we got back to the cabin, we took a little stroll to another lake.
We spotted two deer in a yard along our walk.
Once we got back to the cabin, I could hear a band in town playing Jimmy Buffett music. I went around to the side of the cabin to sit on the deck and listen for a bit. I heard noise at the cabin right behind ours and thought the neighbors had come out to listen to the music.
I began to wonder what they were doing as the tree just a couple feet away from me was really rustling. I was about to go ask them if they were listening to the band when my kids and Tanner came out and discovered it was a very large moose! We all took pictures and I followed him for a bit until some kids on a go cart scared him away. What a rush!
I came back to the cabin and took a shower, I no more than got out of the shower when my kids ran into the bathroom to tell me two deer were in the front yard. I cannot tell you just how in love I am with Grand Lake!
The next day, we headed down to Estes Park for a night. We had a room at the Crag’s Historic Lodge. Their slogan is Welcome Home, they live up to this in every way. It was a gorgeous old lodge with gorgeous woodwork and views, and they went out of their way to accommodate you! I hope to go back someday!
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Nerves...
We are already into August, how did that happen?
I made the decision months ago to return to school; I am a bundle of nerves and filled with excitment.
Now that August is here and the start of school is just around the corner, it’s starting to hit.
With this return to school, comes a move to Colorado for me. The kids are staying behind as my school hours are all consuming.
The girls have both received their classroom assignments and all the back-to-school supplies have been purchased.
Karys is excited she has friends in her class and teachers she’s been looking forward to. Brielle, is Brielle, just going with the flow, along for the ride.
The hardest part of school resuming is getting back on schedule.
No more late nights playing outside. No more eating dinner after 8 p.m. It’s always a very rough transition.
This year is so different, not only do I need to get them prepared for school, I also have to get myself prepared and packed.
I hate packing, I always take too much. I don’t even know how to pack for this move. I suppose sort of like a freshman moving into dorms.
I have an apartment that is fully furnished and equipped with everything I need, except my clothes.
I still have some school supplies I need to purchase. Unfortunately, the older you get, the more expensive school supplies get.
It will be a big change going from the country to the city, no traffic, to traffic jams. All I can say is thank goodness for GPS!
We are getting one last family vacation packed in before school starts. A little time to focus on the kids. I have never been away from them as long as I will be. That will be the hardest part.
Hopefully, Weston will still want something to do with me once it’s all finished.
This past weekend, I spent doing laundry. While I was in Colorado, the kids went to my parents for a long visit. Man does the laundry pile up fast.
I will have it all caught up in time to leave for a week again and start over. The never ending cycle.
I need to go through all the girls clothes; every summer they grow at least three inches and all their clothes are too small.
Back-to-school shopping is always the best part of the return for kids. New clothes, new supplies and new backpacks.
We are so blessed with such an amazing support system. I know they will be in good hands while I am gone. They have their house, their dad and amazing friends. So many people have offered to help. I can’t express to you all how much that means to me.
While I will be completely out of my comfort zone, it helps knowing they will be in theirs.
So much can change in such a short span of time. If you had asked me a year ago what would be going on now, well... We can’t read or predict our futures. We have to just embrace them and do what we can with what’s been dealt.
It will be interesting to see what life has brought another year from now. In the mean time, it’s best to focus on today. To take things one day at a time.
As children, we are so eager for time to fly by, we spend our days wishing time away...
To all you young people out there, slow down. Embrace each day, even the bad ones. It’s only temporary; life changes so much so fast. Enjoy it while you can.
“It is what I was born for–
to look, to listen, to lose myself inside this soft world– to instruct myself over and over...”
-Mary Oliver
I made the decision months ago to return to school; I am a bundle of nerves and filled with excitment.
Now that August is here and the start of school is just around the corner, it’s starting to hit.
With this return to school, comes a move to Colorado for me. The kids are staying behind as my school hours are all consuming.
The girls have both received their classroom assignments and all the back-to-school supplies have been purchased.
Karys is excited she has friends in her class and teachers she’s been looking forward to. Brielle, is Brielle, just going with the flow, along for the ride.
The hardest part of school resuming is getting back on schedule.
No more late nights playing outside. No more eating dinner after 8 p.m. It’s always a very rough transition.
This year is so different, not only do I need to get them prepared for school, I also have to get myself prepared and packed.
I hate packing, I always take too much. I don’t even know how to pack for this move. I suppose sort of like a freshman moving into dorms.
I have an apartment that is fully furnished and equipped with everything I need, except my clothes.
I still have some school supplies I need to purchase. Unfortunately, the older you get, the more expensive school supplies get.
It will be a big change going from the country to the city, no traffic, to traffic jams. All I can say is thank goodness for GPS!
We are getting one last family vacation packed in before school starts. A little time to focus on the kids. I have never been away from them as long as I will be. That will be the hardest part.
Hopefully, Weston will still want something to do with me once it’s all finished.
This past weekend, I spent doing laundry. While I was in Colorado, the kids went to my parents for a long visit. Man does the laundry pile up fast.
I will have it all caught up in time to leave for a week again and start over. The never ending cycle.
I need to go through all the girls clothes; every summer they grow at least three inches and all their clothes are too small.
Back-to-school shopping is always the best part of the return for kids. New clothes, new supplies and new backpacks.
We are so blessed with such an amazing support system. I know they will be in good hands while I am gone. They have their house, their dad and amazing friends. So many people have offered to help. I can’t express to you all how much that means to me.
While I will be completely out of my comfort zone, it helps knowing they will be in theirs.
So much can change in such a short span of time. If you had asked me a year ago what would be going on now, well... We can’t read or predict our futures. We have to just embrace them and do what we can with what’s been dealt.
It will be interesting to see what life has brought another year from now. In the mean time, it’s best to focus on today. To take things one day at a time.
As children, we are so eager for time to fly by, we spend our days wishing time away...
To all you young people out there, slow down. Embrace each day, even the bad ones. It’s only temporary; life changes so much so fast. Enjoy it while you can.
“It is what I was born for–
to look, to listen, to lose myself inside this soft world– to instruct myself over and over...”
-Mary Oliver
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Me Time...
I’ve only ever taken two vacations on my own, this being the second one.
This past weekend, I took a friend up on the use of his family’s cabin in Leadville, CO.
I have known him for 30 years, but hadn’t seen him since about 1997.
We met at a gas station on the west side of Denver so I could follow him to the cabin... thank goodness, I never would have found the place, otherwise.
I had said I wanted a nice quiet weekend in the mountains away from people and electronics.
That is exactly what I got, and it was exactly what I needed.
Scott also had some relatives staying at the cabin, they are from Norfolk, NE (small world). They were so much fun.
Day one was filled with a tour of the area (there were seven lakes surrounding the cabin), visiting with everyone, and some fishing.
I also got to see Turquoise Lake. Wow, it was beautiful. There were a few different lookout places around the lake, so of course I had to check one out.
Again, so pretty, but the short five foot trek took all the air I had. The air is pretty thin above 10,000 feet.
Day two was a designated fishing day. I love the thrill of catching fish, plus I got to stand in a nice clear cold lake and smell the mountain air.
Scott took me out on a boat in the afternoon and at one point, I grabbed the net to help him pull in a fish. Shortly after, I realized I had left my line in the water when my pole moved a few inches. I caught two fish that way.
Day three was a day of fun. There was a zipline down the mountain a little. I love ziplines! I drug Scott along on this one, he had never zip lined before.
The guides were hilarious; they had him terrified before we ever made it up the mountain.
They take you up in an old army truck; it’s about a half hour drive up small winding roads. There is also a train that goes under one of the ziplines.
This place had six ziplines. Some of them were not so bad, a short easy fall so to speak. There were a couple however that were terrifying, even for me.
It was so much fun, and so worth it. The last zipline was the biggest fall, I was told to hold my legs in a cannonball position to gain more speed.
I almost made it to the platform, but fell a tad bit short. So, I had to grab the cable and pull myself in, one hand after the other. The guide told me I was the first person to ever rescue myself.
There were some fun people on the ziplines, and as I said, the guides were hilarious. Even Scott had a great time, and I think he’s ready to go ziplining again.
We stopped in town to get something to eat after our little adventure. Scott grew up down the street from me, and we had a neighbor that had dogs always sitting on her roof. I had to laugh, as while we were eating outside, there were dogs on the roof of the building next to us.
That afternoon, Scott wanted to go river fishing, and he invited me along. He told me to bring my camera, as there would be a lot of beautiful scenery.
He was right, so pretty; I love the mountains. He fished along the river and I followed a trail along the river with my camera, snapping away. I could spend hours just sitting, listening to the water.
I had a great weekend. I met some new people, caught up with an old friend, breathed in that amazing mountain air, and had some time to sit and reflect.
Is my mind all clear after the weekend, no. Will it ever be? Who knows, but it was still a very nice get away.
I came home with a little more than a handful of fish (the rest were released). I came home with some peace. Everything will work out in the end.
This past weekend, I took a friend up on the use of his family’s cabin in Leadville, CO.
I have known him for 30 years, but hadn’t seen him since about 1997.
We met at a gas station on the west side of Denver so I could follow him to the cabin... thank goodness, I never would have found the place, otherwise.
I had said I wanted a nice quiet weekend in the mountains away from people and electronics.
That is exactly what I got, and it was exactly what I needed.
Scott also had some relatives staying at the cabin, they are from Norfolk, NE (small world). They were so much fun.
Day one was filled with a tour of the area (there were seven lakes surrounding the cabin), visiting with everyone, and some fishing.
I also got to see Turquoise Lake. Wow, it was beautiful. There were a few different lookout places around the lake, so of course I had to check one out.
Again, so pretty, but the short five foot trek took all the air I had. The air is pretty thin above 10,000 feet.
Day two was a designated fishing day. I love the thrill of catching fish, plus I got to stand in a nice clear cold lake and smell the mountain air.
Scott took me out on a boat in the afternoon and at one point, I grabbed the net to help him pull in a fish. Shortly after, I realized I had left my line in the water when my pole moved a few inches. I caught two fish that way.
Day three was a day of fun. There was a zipline down the mountain a little. I love ziplines! I drug Scott along on this one, he had never zip lined before.
The guides were hilarious; they had him terrified before we ever made it up the mountain.
They take you up in an old army truck; it’s about a half hour drive up small winding roads. There is also a train that goes under one of the ziplines.
This place had six ziplines. Some of them were not so bad, a short easy fall so to speak. There were a couple however that were terrifying, even for me.
It was so much fun, and so worth it. The last zipline was the biggest fall, I was told to hold my legs in a cannonball position to gain more speed.
I almost made it to the platform, but fell a tad bit short. So, I had to grab the cable and pull myself in, one hand after the other. The guide told me I was the first person to ever rescue myself.
There were some fun people on the ziplines, and as I said, the guides were hilarious. Even Scott had a great time, and I think he’s ready to go ziplining again.
We stopped in town to get something to eat after our little adventure. Scott grew up down the street from me, and we had a neighbor that had dogs always sitting on her roof. I had to laugh, as while we were eating outside, there were dogs on the roof of the building next to us.
That afternoon, Scott wanted to go river fishing, and he invited me along. He told me to bring my camera, as there would be a lot of beautiful scenery.
He was right, so pretty; I love the mountains. He fished along the river and I followed a trail along the river with my camera, snapping away. I could spend hours just sitting, listening to the water.
I had a great weekend. I met some new people, caught up with an old friend, breathed in that amazing mountain air, and had some time to sit and reflect.
Is my mind all clear after the weekend, no. Will it ever be? Who knows, but it was still a very nice get away.
I came home with a little more than a handful of fish (the rest were released). I came home with some peace. Everything will work out in the end.
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Some Unexpected Fun...
This past Saturday, I headed down to Kansas to the lake.
There were quite a few friends from the area at the lake to celebrate a 50th birthday.
I’m not quite sure when we suddenly went from celebrating 21st birthdays to 40 and 50th, but I digress.
What a fun weekend; my kids were also along for the fun.
I had to work Friday night and was running a little behind Saturday, so we did not arrive at the lake until around 2 p.m.
Everyone was ready to hit the water shortly after we arrived. We had one pontoon, three boats, four jet skis, a Wataboard and a Lilypad floating mat.
By far the most popular item was the Wataboard. I even gave it a whirl...
It was not easy and a workout.
You strap your feet into boots (which were HUGE on my small feet). The boots are attached to a board which has jets on the bottom of it. The board is attached to a long thick hose which attaches to the jet ski turning mechanism.
The jet ski is what powers the Wataboard. You have to get the board centered beneath you under water. Then lock your legs and find your balance. Easier said than done!
The person on the jet ski waits for the go ahead and they slowly shoot you up in the air, or try to anyway.
It took a few tries to get up. The first time I did, it scared me and I crashed right away.
You may only be around five feet in the air but it feels like you are about 20 feet up.
I had quite a few crashes and one sort of half flip that shot me way under water, making me nearly lose my bottoms and take in water.
I was not going to give up, and I did eventually make it up in the air twice. What a rush, it was so fun! Despite the pain that comes with smashing into water from five feet plus in the air and jet propulsion behind you. I would do it again.
There was a group of people camping with a bucket calf... (I really can’t make this stuff up). Apparently, a couple in this group got married Saturday at 5 p.m., at the lake and the bucket calf was the ring bearer... Only in Kansas!
We had all planned on hitting the water again Sunday, however, it was a cool drizzly morning and everyone was tired so we all packed up and headed home.
It was another warm day Sunday and my kids wanted to be outside, so we headed to the river when we got home.
All we took with us was a fishing net. As it turned out, that’s all we needed. The river is pretty low right now, which also means the water is clear.
You could walk along the banks to where it was maybe a foot or two deep and see some large fish trying to hide under grass. You just put the net down and had someone else walk toward it and that made the fish pretty much swim right into the net.
There were a few times that they were too quick and got away. It’s another little thrill to grab a fish in a net.
We caught three fairly large catfish and two large carp. It was a catch and release day. Still so much fun and it kept my kids outside for two days with no electronics.
By this time, it was around 8 p.m., and we were all tired. So we headed home, ate dinner and fell into bed.
I am thrilled to be going on a mini-vacation by myself this coming weekend. I’m headed to a cabin in Colorado surrounded by lakes.
A little downtime to relax, and just think for a while. I plan to do some fishing while I am there. I can hardly wait!
Enjoy your week/weekend and get outside for a while! There is always something to do!
There were quite a few friends from the area at the lake to celebrate a 50th birthday.
I’m not quite sure when we suddenly went from celebrating 21st birthdays to 40 and 50th, but I digress.
What a fun weekend; my kids were also along for the fun.
I had to work Friday night and was running a little behind Saturday, so we did not arrive at the lake until around 2 p.m.
Everyone was ready to hit the water shortly after we arrived. We had one pontoon, three boats, four jet skis, a Wataboard and a Lilypad floating mat.
By far the most popular item was the Wataboard. I even gave it a whirl...
It was not easy and a workout.
You strap your feet into boots (which were HUGE on my small feet). The boots are attached to a board which has jets on the bottom of it. The board is attached to a long thick hose which attaches to the jet ski turning mechanism.
The jet ski is what powers the Wataboard. You have to get the board centered beneath you under water. Then lock your legs and find your balance. Easier said than done!
The person on the jet ski waits for the go ahead and they slowly shoot you up in the air, or try to anyway.
It took a few tries to get up. The first time I did, it scared me and I crashed right away.
You may only be around five feet in the air but it feels like you are about 20 feet up.
I had quite a few crashes and one sort of half flip that shot me way under water, making me nearly lose my bottoms and take in water.
I was not going to give up, and I did eventually make it up in the air twice. What a rush, it was so fun! Despite the pain that comes with smashing into water from five feet plus in the air and jet propulsion behind you. I would do it again.
There was a group of people camping with a bucket calf... (I really can’t make this stuff up). Apparently, a couple in this group got married Saturday at 5 p.m., at the lake and the bucket calf was the ring bearer... Only in Kansas!
We had all planned on hitting the water again Sunday, however, it was a cool drizzly morning and everyone was tired so we all packed up and headed home.
It was another warm day Sunday and my kids wanted to be outside, so we headed to the river when we got home.
All we took with us was a fishing net. As it turned out, that’s all we needed. The river is pretty low right now, which also means the water is clear.
You could walk along the banks to where it was maybe a foot or two deep and see some large fish trying to hide under grass. You just put the net down and had someone else walk toward it and that made the fish pretty much swim right into the net.
There were a few times that they were too quick and got away. It’s another little thrill to grab a fish in a net.
We caught three fairly large catfish and two large carp. It was a catch and release day. Still so much fun and it kept my kids outside for two days with no electronics.
By this time, it was around 8 p.m., and we were all tired. So we headed home, ate dinner and fell into bed.
I am thrilled to be going on a mini-vacation by myself this coming weekend. I’m headed to a cabin in Colorado surrounded by lakes.
A little downtime to relax, and just think for a while. I plan to do some fishing while I am there. I can hardly wait!
Enjoy your week/weekend and get outside for a while! There is always something to do!
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
When the Well Runs Dry...
It was just Memorial weekend that we received a good amount of rain. Farmers were getting antsy to get in the field and finish planting. I always cringe when I hear someone complain about all the rain.
Fast forward a month and a half or so and the rain stopped. We can’t get it to rain, the crops are drying up and the ground is cracking.
I told my son the other day we should do a rain dance. His reply, “But mom, we don’t have a stage.” Oh the logic of a four year old.
Now, if you are a frequent reader of my columns you are waiting for the metaphor. I do love my metaphors and will not disappoint.
There are so many “wells” in life. When our emotional well is full, life seems pretty good.
We don’t usually go around wishing the things away that have filled it. Like all wells, it cannot stay full, there is no endless supply.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could stockpile our water, keep it tucked away and always ready for when our well starts to run dry.
There are plenty of small creeks and rivers that constantly feed into our wells. These pretty little creeks can sometimes be what sustains us and keeps a constant stream flowing into our well.
But sometimes the creeks and rivers find another way to instead slowly drain our well. When that happens, it’s time to build a dam. It can be scary shutting off these outside sources…
What if we can’t find another creek to fill our well. At times you have no choice, you have to shut it off before it drains you completely. All you can do is pray for rain and trust God will find another source, maybe a small underground spring to fill your well.
Where am I going with this? Good question, I can’t say I even know.
As a writer there is a entire well on it’s own. It seems when my personal well is drying up, my writing well does also. I struggle for some rain and/or inspiration.
Truth is, I don’t have a lot to write about at the moment. I’ve had to build some dams and am praying God fills me up again. The key is keeping track of your well and making sure it does not fully run dry.
In the meantime, I still have my cup and it manages to run over quite often. I just have to pay attention to the small things.
Fast forward a month and a half or so and the rain stopped. We can’t get it to rain, the crops are drying up and the ground is cracking.
I told my son the other day we should do a rain dance. His reply, “But mom, we don’t have a stage.” Oh the logic of a four year old.
Now, if you are a frequent reader of my columns you are waiting for the metaphor. I do love my metaphors and will not disappoint.
There are so many “wells” in life. When our emotional well is full, life seems pretty good.
We don’t usually go around wishing the things away that have filled it. Like all wells, it cannot stay full, there is no endless supply.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could stockpile our water, keep it tucked away and always ready for when our well starts to run dry.
There are plenty of small creeks and rivers that constantly feed into our wells. These pretty little creeks can sometimes be what sustains us and keeps a constant stream flowing into our well.
But sometimes the creeks and rivers find another way to instead slowly drain our well. When that happens, it’s time to build a dam. It can be scary shutting off these outside sources…
What if we can’t find another creek to fill our well. At times you have no choice, you have to shut it off before it drains you completely. All you can do is pray for rain and trust God will find another source, maybe a small underground spring to fill your well.
Where am I going with this? Good question, I can’t say I even know.
As a writer there is a entire well on it’s own. It seems when my personal well is drying up, my writing well does also. I struggle for some rain and/or inspiration.
Truth is, I don’t have a lot to write about at the moment. I’ve had to build some dams and am praying God fills me up again. The key is keeping track of your well and making sure it does not fully run dry.
In the meantime, I still have my cup and it manages to run over quite often. I just have to pay attention to the small things.
Clay County Fair 2016...
Another Clay County Fair has come and gone, leaving me exhausted and a tad sun burnt.
I try to help cover the fair as much as possible every year, that being said, I also have a child in 4-H.
She shows horses which makes it a tad easier, as the main day I am too busy is Friday. The horse show, however, is the longest of all the shows.
The fair has some memorable events every year, never fails...
Wednesday and Friday, there were run-away horses we helped catch. There is a run away animal EVERY year!
Thursday (Ashley finds this story hilarious), I was covering the Little Tuggers Tractor Pull. My girls were on the bleachers alone, when a man (who looked familiar) came up and was talking to them. This concerned me a little.
Then this man started taking pictures and videos of numerous little kids. This concerned me even more.
This is when Ashley showed up. She sat beside me and made a comment about needing a picture of Pete Ricketts. I said something to the effect of, “Oh, where is he?” She said, “Here.”
I then said to her, “Who is this man, he was talking to my kids, and he’s been videoing lots of kids, he’s kind of a creeper.”
Ashley starts laughing, “That would be our governor!” I replied with a laugh saying I thought he looked familiar.
In my defense, it can be very hard to recognize someone when you are not expecting to see them.
Friday was horse show day. I wake up a bundle of nerves for my daughter. She does an incredible job showing horses and walked away with three purple ribbons and trophies again this year!
It is a long, hot day, luckily, there was a bit of a breeze making it a little more bearable. I managed to miss a little spot on the back of my neck with sunscreen and it was red!
I ran home after the horse show to shower and make myself more presentable, before heading back to the fairgrounds to help cover the concert.
It was a good concert, but the attendance was low. I decided to stay in our camper that night as it was late, hot, and I had a horse to attend to at the end of the night and first thing in the morning.
After the concert and a little socializing, I headed to the camper set everything inside, including my phone, car keys, etc.
I was getting ready for bed and went to the bathhouse. When I went back to my camper, the door was locked, and the keys were inside...
Fast forward an hour or so and a spare key arrived. However, it was for a little side door which happens to lead to a laundry shoot, which I crawled through to get back into the camper.
I believe I finally got to bed after 2 a.m. Welcome to my life, only I can pull off such shenanigans. This has made it possible for me to laugh at myself on a daily basis. What else can you do?
Saturday morning came far too soon, as I said I had a horse to attend to and he likes to act like he is starving in the morning. I took care of him and went to pick up Karys, so we could help in concessions.
Luckily, the rest of that day and the fair were fairly quiet, as far as shenanigans go.
Sunday was the epic water fight that ensues every year. It is a tradition, as the kids are exhausted and SO hot. They love it!
Once the stalls were all cleaned up, which is a hot, yucky job, we got to go home.
By the time we get home it’s all we can do to keep our eyes open. I have to at least, stay awake long enough to eat the delicious prime rib sandwich from the Cattleman, and to do dishes and laundry.
The shower you take at the end of the fair feels better than any shower ever!
Once we are all clean and cool, it’s time to fall into bed, and to slip into the deep sleep that comes after hard work!
Here’s to next year.
*** side note - as I was preparing to take the camper and shut the slide in a hurry, I didn't realize the bedroom door was open and heard a loud noise, opened the slide again and realized I broke the doorknob clean off.
Thursday after meeting Pete Rickett's I saw the sheriff walking his bulldog, we went up and pet him, etc. found out later his dog died 30 seconds after we pet it...
Also that night a woman had fallen into a hole and her foot was stuck so I ran to get Dr.'s, then I ran to get a shovel to dig her foot out. Then I ran to get a bag of ice... it took me an hour to recover from the running...
I try to help cover the fair as much as possible every year, that being said, I also have a child in 4-H.
She shows horses which makes it a tad easier, as the main day I am too busy is Friday. The horse show, however, is the longest of all the shows.
The fair has some memorable events every year, never fails...
Wednesday and Friday, there were run-away horses we helped catch. There is a run away animal EVERY year!
Thursday (Ashley finds this story hilarious), I was covering the Little Tuggers Tractor Pull. My girls were on the bleachers alone, when a man (who looked familiar) came up and was talking to them. This concerned me a little.
Then this man started taking pictures and videos of numerous little kids. This concerned me even more.
This is when Ashley showed up. She sat beside me and made a comment about needing a picture of Pete Ricketts. I said something to the effect of, “Oh, where is he?” She said, “Here.”
I then said to her, “Who is this man, he was talking to my kids, and he’s been videoing lots of kids, he’s kind of a creeper.”
Ashley starts laughing, “That would be our governor!” I replied with a laugh saying I thought he looked familiar.
In my defense, it can be very hard to recognize someone when you are not expecting to see them.
Friday was horse show day. I wake up a bundle of nerves for my daughter. She does an incredible job showing horses and walked away with three purple ribbons and trophies again this year!
It is a long, hot day, luckily, there was a bit of a breeze making it a little more bearable. I managed to miss a little spot on the back of my neck with sunscreen and it was red!
I ran home after the horse show to shower and make myself more presentable, before heading back to the fairgrounds to help cover the concert.
It was a good concert, but the attendance was low. I decided to stay in our camper that night as it was late, hot, and I had a horse to attend to at the end of the night and first thing in the morning.
After the concert and a little socializing, I headed to the camper set everything inside, including my phone, car keys, etc.
I was getting ready for bed and went to the bathhouse. When I went back to my camper, the door was locked, and the keys were inside...
Fast forward an hour or so and a spare key arrived. However, it was for a little side door which happens to lead to a laundry shoot, which I crawled through to get back into the camper.
I believe I finally got to bed after 2 a.m. Welcome to my life, only I can pull off such shenanigans. This has made it possible for me to laugh at myself on a daily basis. What else can you do?
Saturday morning came far too soon, as I said I had a horse to attend to and he likes to act like he is starving in the morning. I took care of him and went to pick up Karys, so we could help in concessions.
Luckily, the rest of that day and the fair were fairly quiet, as far as shenanigans go.
Sunday was the epic water fight that ensues every year. It is a tradition, as the kids are exhausted and SO hot. They love it!
Once the stalls were all cleaned up, which is a hot, yucky job, we got to go home.
By the time we get home it’s all we can do to keep our eyes open. I have to at least, stay awake long enough to eat the delicious prime rib sandwich from the Cattleman, and to do dishes and laundry.
The shower you take at the end of the fair feels better than any shower ever!
Once we are all clean and cool, it’s time to fall into bed, and to slip into the deep sleep that comes after hard work!
Here’s to next year.
*** side note - as I was preparing to take the camper and shut the slide in a hurry, I didn't realize the bedroom door was open and heard a loud noise, opened the slide again and realized I broke the doorknob clean off.
Thursday after meeting Pete Rickett's I saw the sheriff walking his bulldog, we went up and pet him, etc. found out later his dog died 30 seconds after we pet it...
Also that night a woman had fallen into a hole and her foot was stuck so I ran to get Dr.'s, then I ran to get a shovel to dig her foot out. Then I ran to get a bag of ice... it took me an hour to recover from the running...
Respect...
Simple Definition of respect:
A feeling of admiring someone or something that is good, valuable, important, etc.; a feeling or understanding that someone or something is important, serious, etc., and should be treated in an appropriate way; a particular way of thinking about or looking at something.
It’s painfully obvious how much this country and its patrons have lost respect.
Fourth of July is my favorite holiday. There’s delicious food, friends, family, parades and of course, fireworks.
My girls and I were in the parade in Clay Center again this fourth.
It started out great, we painted the horses, won first place and everyone was ready to go. The horses were doing great, until we got about a block from the start.
Horses sometimes spook, and when they do, it’s game over. They are used to loud noises and kids and crowds, which makes you feel comfortable riding them in a parade. That being said, there are a lot of other things that factor into it.
As I said, we were doing good until we got to the start. There was a young man who all of a sudden, decided to light a large round of black cats. The first horse spooked and it was a domino affect.
I started yelling as loud as I could, “NO FIREWORKS!” He listened just long enough for us to be out of eye sight.
It was a long parade for those of us at the back. When people ask you to do something, especially in a situation such as this, you need to show respect and listen.
After the parade, I tried to find the young man, but he had disappeared. I guess that was just as well.
We are a nation run by electronics. We are a nation that no longer wants to “rock the boat.” Everyone feels they deserve a bit of everything, we can’t hurt anyone’s feelings. We don’t take the blame when things go wrong. We are a nation that has lost respect.
It’s become too easy to hide behind a text message. You get upset, you text someone. This is how things get misunderstood. You can’t read emotion behind a text message.
That makes it that much easier to just fly off the handle and say whatever you want to say without seeing how it affects the other person. It often leaves a lot unsaid.
I personally have tried my hardest to instill respect in my children. How many four-year-old boys do you know that will be immersed in a game of Knockerball, the point of which is to slam into people as hard as you can my son,c who was out in the middle of all this, and every time he bumped into anyone he stopped and apologized.
When we are face to face with someone, it seems to slow us down, consider our words before they are spoken (or typed).
It is far too easy to just place the blame on someone else anymore. “It wasn’t me,” is still responsible for a lot that goes on at my house. That doesn’t mean I stop trying.
We need to give respect where respect is due, and in return, we will receive respect.
Please take some time to stop and think about what you are doing, and what kind of reaction it may put into motion.
From a mom with kids on horses, I also ask you to just sit and enjoy a parade, don’t light off fireworks or spray water toward animals.
Show respect.
A feeling of admiring someone or something that is good, valuable, important, etc.; a feeling or understanding that someone or something is important, serious, etc., and should be treated in an appropriate way; a particular way of thinking about or looking at something.
It’s painfully obvious how much this country and its patrons have lost respect.
Fourth of July is my favorite holiday. There’s delicious food, friends, family, parades and of course, fireworks.
My girls and I were in the parade in Clay Center again this fourth.
It started out great, we painted the horses, won first place and everyone was ready to go. The horses were doing great, until we got about a block from the start.
Horses sometimes spook, and when they do, it’s game over. They are used to loud noises and kids and crowds, which makes you feel comfortable riding them in a parade. That being said, there are a lot of other things that factor into it.
As I said, we were doing good until we got to the start. There was a young man who all of a sudden, decided to light a large round of black cats. The first horse spooked and it was a domino affect.
I started yelling as loud as I could, “NO FIREWORKS!” He listened just long enough for us to be out of eye sight.
It was a long parade for those of us at the back. When people ask you to do something, especially in a situation such as this, you need to show respect and listen.
After the parade, I tried to find the young man, but he had disappeared. I guess that was just as well.
We are a nation run by electronics. We are a nation that no longer wants to “rock the boat.” Everyone feels they deserve a bit of everything, we can’t hurt anyone’s feelings. We don’t take the blame when things go wrong. We are a nation that has lost respect.
It’s become too easy to hide behind a text message. You get upset, you text someone. This is how things get misunderstood. You can’t read emotion behind a text message.
That makes it that much easier to just fly off the handle and say whatever you want to say without seeing how it affects the other person. It often leaves a lot unsaid.
I personally have tried my hardest to instill respect in my children. How many four-year-old boys do you know that will be immersed in a game of Knockerball, the point of which is to slam into people as hard as you can my son,c who was out in the middle of all this, and every time he bumped into anyone he stopped and apologized.
When we are face to face with someone, it seems to slow us down, consider our words before they are spoken (or typed).
It is far too easy to just place the blame on someone else anymore. “It wasn’t me,” is still responsible for a lot that goes on at my house. That doesn’t mean I stop trying.
We need to give respect where respect is due, and in return, we will receive respect.
Please take some time to stop and think about what you are doing, and what kind of reaction it may put into motion.
From a mom with kids on horses, I also ask you to just sit and enjoy a parade, don’t light off fireworks or spray water toward animals.
Show respect.
Me
walking Pistol. Lindsey trying to control Puma, Brielle trying not to
get trampled...the after effects of fireworks at the beginning of a
parade...
Festivities...
This past weekend was a bustle of activity, as EdgarFest and Dugout Days were both underway.
Friday night, I went to Edgar to cover the 5K, it was hot and humid! Kudos to those that run, especially in that kind of weather.
Following the 5K, I headed out to KAM raceway to take in some races. I forgot how fun they are to watch! Even better when you know someone racing.
Micah Biltoft pulled off two feature wins Friday night. It was exciting, and a bit nerve racking!
Saturday, it was back to Edgar for more fun. My kids played in the bounce houses while I walked around snapping pictures.
There was also face painting, a shaved ice truck, and tons of games.
All three of my kids participated in the Little Tugger’s Tractor Pull. All three of them placed second!
They went back to the bounce houses while we waited for a game of Knockerball to begin.
The kids were first, let me say, young boys were first. They went at it and came out of those blow up balls drenched in sweat.
Next up were the smaller kids (mine), they had fun! Weston refused to actually get into a ball, but very much enjoyed rolling it around on the gym floor.
The point of these is to run into people and knock them over. Weston however, apologized everytime he ran into anyone.
Karys had fun, Brielle got upset in the beginning. She didn’t like people knocking her over. I figured out why later. I moved her to the side and just rolled her around in the ball, then she loved it.
Shortly after all the kids, the “Old Guys” and or “Big Boys” if you will, had their turn.
That was by far, the most entertaining group of them all. They really went at it at first. Then after about four minutes, you heard a few asking if they were done yet. They were losing momentum, fast.
I was talked into trying after this, and I decided what the heck. Oh my goodness! It was fun, but man was it a workout.
Turns out you are VERY top heavy in these contraptions, and it is incredibly hard to stand up again after you have been knocked down.
I would just get back on my feet when another person would be ready and waiting to take me out again. Then, my kids got in on the action and started pushing me down too!
Needless to say, I am still sore, my shoulders hurt from the weight and force of it all. I looked it up, and inflated knockerballs weigh around 28lbs.
After the fun of that game, we decided to head home for a short rest. I was spent.
The girls and I had about an hour to lay down and catch our breath.
Then we were off to Sutton to help cover the parade, they got to catch up with some good friends and got a ton of candy.
After the Sutton parade, we had just enough time to get back to Edgar for their parade.
It was bigger than past years this year! Jim’s Agri Air even flew down to do a flyover at our parade!
More candy for my kids...
We met up with friends, ate a sandwich, and then headed to the fire hall to watch fireworks.
Weston does not like loud noises and we should have brought him some headphones. He watched from inside the car!
It was a wonderful display, lasting approximately 30 minutes. I got my camera out and had a go at taking some fireworks pictures. They didn’t turn out too bad.
Sunday, we were tired and didn’t do much, my kind of day.
I LOVE this time of year. I always wanted to have a birthday to celebrate during the Fourth of July. How fun would it be to get to have a barbecue, friends, maybe a parade and fireworks on your birthday!
I would be in heaven!
Have a wonderful Fourth of July and be safe with those fireworks, but enjoy!
Friday night, I went to Edgar to cover the 5K, it was hot and humid! Kudos to those that run, especially in that kind of weather.
Following the 5K, I headed out to KAM raceway to take in some races. I forgot how fun they are to watch! Even better when you know someone racing.
Micah Biltoft pulled off two feature wins Friday night. It was exciting, and a bit nerve racking!
Saturday, it was back to Edgar for more fun. My kids played in the bounce houses while I walked around snapping pictures.
There was also face painting, a shaved ice truck, and tons of games.
All three of my kids participated in the Little Tugger’s Tractor Pull. All three of them placed second!
They went back to the bounce houses while we waited for a game of Knockerball to begin.
The kids were first, let me say, young boys were first. They went at it and came out of those blow up balls drenched in sweat.
Next up were the smaller kids (mine), they had fun! Weston refused to actually get into a ball, but very much enjoyed rolling it around on the gym floor.
The point of these is to run into people and knock them over. Weston however, apologized everytime he ran into anyone.
Karys had fun, Brielle got upset in the beginning. She didn’t like people knocking her over. I figured out why later. I moved her to the side and just rolled her around in the ball, then she loved it.
Shortly after all the kids, the “Old Guys” and or “Big Boys” if you will, had their turn.
That was by far, the most entertaining group of them all. They really went at it at first. Then after about four minutes, you heard a few asking if they were done yet. They were losing momentum, fast.
I was talked into trying after this, and I decided what the heck. Oh my goodness! It was fun, but man was it a workout.
Turns out you are VERY top heavy in these contraptions, and it is incredibly hard to stand up again after you have been knocked down.
I would just get back on my feet when another person would be ready and waiting to take me out again. Then, my kids got in on the action and started pushing me down too!
Needless to say, I am still sore, my shoulders hurt from the weight and force of it all. I looked it up, and inflated knockerballs weigh around 28lbs.
After the fun of that game, we decided to head home for a short rest. I was spent.
The girls and I had about an hour to lay down and catch our breath.
Then we were off to Sutton to help cover the parade, they got to catch up with some good friends and got a ton of candy.
After the Sutton parade, we had just enough time to get back to Edgar for their parade.
It was bigger than past years this year! Jim’s Agri Air even flew down to do a flyover at our parade!
More candy for my kids...
We met up with friends, ate a sandwich, and then headed to the fire hall to watch fireworks.
Weston does not like loud noises and we should have brought him some headphones. He watched from inside the car!
It was a wonderful display, lasting approximately 30 minutes. I got my camera out and had a go at taking some fireworks pictures. They didn’t turn out too bad.
Sunday, we were tired and didn’t do much, my kind of day.
I LOVE this time of year. I always wanted to have a birthday to celebrate during the Fourth of July. How fun would it be to get to have a barbecue, friends, maybe a parade and fireworks on your birthday!
I would be in heaven!
Have a wonderful Fourth of July and be safe with those fireworks, but enjoy!
Resilience...
This past January, a friend introduced me to the town of Pilger, NE.
As you know, Pilger was hit by two devastating tornadoes June 16, 2014.
I was greeted by smiling faces and hand shakes. These polite welcoming strangers took me around town following the path of the tornadoes.
It being January things looked pretty bleak. There were no leaves on trees and the brown of winter had settled in.
Outside of town, it was obvious where the tornado started; the trees were very damaged.
While the town had been cleaned up, the devastation was still very apparent.
I ended up spending the afternoon with these amazing people.
Angela, Joe, their son, Jake, and Amy. I got to hear stories and get to know these wonderful people.
By the time I left they were no longer strangers.
Instead, they left me feeling like we were long time friends. They are truly inspiring, and are a huge reason this town is now know as “The Town Too Tough To Die.”
The tornadoes took numerous homes and businesses and two lives in and around Pilger.
Last Thursday was the two year anniversary of the tornadoes. I had the afternoon off and decided to venture back to Pilger to see how things were going.
I was surprised, things are looking good. The trees, while still showing all the destruction, are producing leaves and coming back to life.
The town looks good as well! There is a new bank, tire shop, trucking shop, church and numerous other things. They are slowly building a “new” Pilger.
I got to meet up with Angela, Joe and Amy again for a short visit. I was once again greeted with smiling faces and hugs.
Residents were busy preparing for a celebration that took place on Saturday, with open houses all over town and the new and rebuilt businesses.
I saw pictures of before and after the tornadoes. I heard more stories, I witnessed the beginning of healing.
Pilger is a town of resilience, they have gotten quite a bit of coverage even in the last few months. It is truly inspiring, they are not going to give up.
I was unable to attend the celebration Saturday, as we laid my step-grandpa to rest, and then I got some R and R with my small family and dear friends.
From what I saw when I was there and have heard, I think the celebration was fantastic.
Getting such an up-close and personal look at the devastation such a tornado brings has changed me.
I have had experiences with tornadoes and cleaned up after them, but nothing as detrimental as these were.
The town has suffered a hit to the population since the tornadoes, but that doesn’t stop them.
They are continuing on with life and their spirits are high. Much of the people reading this can relate to what happens when a small community is destroyed.
Small towns struggle to survive as it is, losing the majority of a town and school is scary. You wonder how the town will continue on.
Pilger is proof you can. The thing with small communities is they all band together and help each other.
I am so thankful for the experiences I have had there. I thank God for the people I have met. They are some of the kindest, welcoming people I have ever come across. I am proud to call them my friends.
If you are ever driving down HWY 15, I strongly suggest you take a little extra time in your trip to drive into Pilger.
Chances are, there will be a smiling friendly face, happy to tell you stories and show you the town.
If things have been a little rough for you, take a trip up there. Meeting these people and seeing the resilience of a town “Too Tough To Die” puts things in a whole new perspective.
It’s a motto we could all stand to take on in life. Go visit this quaint little place, be inspired and leave feeling revived and ready to take on the world.
As you know, Pilger was hit by two devastating tornadoes June 16, 2014.
I was greeted by smiling faces and hand shakes. These polite welcoming strangers took me around town following the path of the tornadoes.
It being January things looked pretty bleak. There were no leaves on trees and the brown of winter had settled in.
Outside of town, it was obvious where the tornado started; the trees were very damaged.
While the town had been cleaned up, the devastation was still very apparent.
I ended up spending the afternoon with these amazing people.
Angela, Joe, their son, Jake, and Amy. I got to hear stories and get to know these wonderful people.
By the time I left they were no longer strangers.
Instead, they left me feeling like we were long time friends. They are truly inspiring, and are a huge reason this town is now know as “The Town Too Tough To Die.”
The tornadoes took numerous homes and businesses and two lives in and around Pilger.
Last Thursday was the two year anniversary of the tornadoes. I had the afternoon off and decided to venture back to Pilger to see how things were going.
I was surprised, things are looking good. The trees, while still showing all the destruction, are producing leaves and coming back to life.
The town looks good as well! There is a new bank, tire shop, trucking shop, church and numerous other things. They are slowly building a “new” Pilger.
I got to meet up with Angela, Joe and Amy again for a short visit. I was once again greeted with smiling faces and hugs.
Residents were busy preparing for a celebration that took place on Saturday, with open houses all over town and the new and rebuilt businesses.
I saw pictures of before and after the tornadoes. I heard more stories, I witnessed the beginning of healing.
Pilger is a town of resilience, they have gotten quite a bit of coverage even in the last few months. It is truly inspiring, they are not going to give up.
I was unable to attend the celebration Saturday, as we laid my step-grandpa to rest, and then I got some R and R with my small family and dear friends.
From what I saw when I was there and have heard, I think the celebration was fantastic.
Getting such an up-close and personal look at the devastation such a tornado brings has changed me.
I have had experiences with tornadoes and cleaned up after them, but nothing as detrimental as these were.
The town has suffered a hit to the population since the tornadoes, but that doesn’t stop them.
They are continuing on with life and their spirits are high. Much of the people reading this can relate to what happens when a small community is destroyed.
Small towns struggle to survive as it is, losing the majority of a town and school is scary. You wonder how the town will continue on.
Pilger is proof you can. The thing with small communities is they all band together and help each other.
I am so thankful for the experiences I have had there. I thank God for the people I have met. They are some of the kindest, welcoming people I have ever come across. I am proud to call them my friends.
If you are ever driving down HWY 15, I strongly suggest you take a little extra time in your trip to drive into Pilger.
Chances are, there will be a smiling friendly face, happy to tell you stories and show you the town.
If things have been a little rough for you, take a trip up there. Meeting these people and seeing the resilience of a town “Too Tough To Die” puts things in a whole new perspective.
It’s a motto we could all stand to take on in life. Go visit this quaint little place, be inspired and leave feeling revived and ready to take on the world.
Calm and Collected...
These are two key words when dealing with horses.
“Riding is an unseen, unspoken language of subtletics in which the rider and the horse are to be harmonious.” - Author unknown
My kids love horses, especially my daughters. They started taking lessons three years ago.
Lindsey Hinrichs is a very patient girl, good with horses and kids alike.
She is the one who has taught my girls everything they know.
This past weekend was our first horse show of the year. It was HOT. It always is on show days.
This year, both of my girls were competing. Karys on her horse, Puma, Brielle on a borrowed horse, Big Ugly.
Big (as I call him) is an older calm horse, he has one speed...slow.
He’s great for kids and first time riders. Brielle may have had some of the slowest times in speed events of the day, but she participated and that’s all she really wants at this point.
Puma is about nine years old, and a gorgeous black horse. He likes to do things his way every once in a while.
Before she started riding horses, Karys was very timid, she needed to learn how to assert herself.
Puma has done so much for her. It’s good when he acts up a bit, she has learned to just hold on and maintain some control, then he settles down.
Last year at a show, he took off on her as soon as he entered the ring. She was disqualified, but she got control and made him go back and do it over, the right way.
After that, he hasn’t pulled such stunts again.
The first show is always full of nerves and excitement. The horse feels what the rider is feeling and feeds off of it.
He was fairly good, just had a couple incidents. He got in front of the crows nest the first time and tried to turn around and do what he wanted, but she gained control and they completed the event.
The second time he did well until the kids all lined up in front of the judge. Once everyone started clapping and cheering, he got antsy and acted up. She stayed on him and they both calmed down some.
By the third event, she was a little nervous to go into the arena, but she did it, and it went very smoothly.
I love watching her on this big beautiful animal, her confidence and persistence. It’s a sight to behold.
She improves every year and we are slowly getting her to do new events out of her comfort zone.
This was her first time competing in pleasure. All things considered, they did well.
While the pair did not come away with any wins, they did come away as more of a team.
They are learning respect for each other, and deep down, you see the love they both have for each other.
Horses are falling by the way side. They are expensive and being replaced by equipment.
It saddens me as I have personally witnessed what a horse can do for a child.
I wish I was a rider, maybe with time, I will work my way up to some leisurely trail rides.
For now, I get so much joy watching my girls on these majestic creatures. Horses are very intelligent and can be quite empathetic.
When we are having a bad day, it always feels better after we spend some time just being with Puma, petting him and getting nuzzled.
By the time Brielle is old enough for 4-H and horse shows, Karys will have Puma broken in just as he needs to be.
In the mean time, I sit back and watch Karys grow. She has changed so much since she started riding. There is still a lot of growth to come.
They are not completely harmonious yet, but someday they will be.
For now, she just keeps trying, she is learning, you win some and you loose some.
You always get back on the horse.
“Riding is an unseen, unspoken language of subtletics in which the rider and the horse are to be harmonious.” - Author unknown
My kids love horses, especially my daughters. They started taking lessons three years ago.
Lindsey Hinrichs is a very patient girl, good with horses and kids alike.
She is the one who has taught my girls everything they know.
This past weekend was our first horse show of the year. It was HOT. It always is on show days.
This year, both of my girls were competing. Karys on her horse, Puma, Brielle on a borrowed horse, Big Ugly.
Big (as I call him) is an older calm horse, he has one speed...slow.
He’s great for kids and first time riders. Brielle may have had some of the slowest times in speed events of the day, but she participated and that’s all she really wants at this point.
Puma is about nine years old, and a gorgeous black horse. He likes to do things his way every once in a while.
Before she started riding horses, Karys was very timid, she needed to learn how to assert herself.
Puma has done so much for her. It’s good when he acts up a bit, she has learned to just hold on and maintain some control, then he settles down.
Last year at a show, he took off on her as soon as he entered the ring. She was disqualified, but she got control and made him go back and do it over, the right way.
After that, he hasn’t pulled such stunts again.
The first show is always full of nerves and excitement. The horse feels what the rider is feeling and feeds off of it.
He was fairly good, just had a couple incidents. He got in front of the crows nest the first time and tried to turn around and do what he wanted, but she gained control and they completed the event.
The second time he did well until the kids all lined up in front of the judge. Once everyone started clapping and cheering, he got antsy and acted up. She stayed on him and they both calmed down some.
By the third event, she was a little nervous to go into the arena, but she did it, and it went very smoothly.
I love watching her on this big beautiful animal, her confidence and persistence. It’s a sight to behold.
She improves every year and we are slowly getting her to do new events out of her comfort zone.
This was her first time competing in pleasure. All things considered, they did well.
While the pair did not come away with any wins, they did come away as more of a team.
They are learning respect for each other, and deep down, you see the love they both have for each other.
Horses are falling by the way side. They are expensive and being replaced by equipment.
It saddens me as I have personally witnessed what a horse can do for a child.
I wish I was a rider, maybe with time, I will work my way up to some leisurely trail rides.
For now, I get so much joy watching my girls on these majestic creatures. Horses are very intelligent and can be quite empathetic.
When we are having a bad day, it always feels better after we spend some time just being with Puma, petting him and getting nuzzled.
By the time Brielle is old enough for 4-H and horse shows, Karys will have Puma broken in just as he needs to be.
In the mean time, I sit back and watch Karys grow. She has changed so much since she started riding. There is still a lot of growth to come.
They are not completely harmonious yet, but someday they will be.
For now, she just keeps trying, she is learning, you win some and you loose some.
You always get back on the horse.
The Zoo...
This past Thursday, I found myself with an actual day off!
I loaded up the kids and we headed out for the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE.
Of course, my kids had heard about the boy that fell into the Gorilla enclosure and the shooting of the gorilla that followed.
The good thing about this was the discussion we had about staying close (especially Weston).
We have not been to the Omaha Zoo in about three years now. That place changes all the time. There is no longer a parking lot where the parking lot was located last time we were there.
The main problem with this is you don’t have time to see even half of the zoo in a day.
We were on a bit of a time crunch, so we tried to see as much as possible as fast as possible.
I thought with it being a Thursday the zoo wouldn’t be as busy. I realized just how wrong I was when we had to park along the curb at the end of the parking lot!
Turns out, it was the day for all the daycares and daycamps to go on a fieldtrip... to the zoo. There were so many people.
When I bought our tickets, I decided to go with the package that included Sting Ray Beach. Wow, have prices gone up in recent years.
We grabbed our map and decided on the best route. First things first, the jungle.
All three of my kids were having a blast soaking in everything. We were enjoying our stroll through the jungle when we walked under-into one of the fake caves.
This cave had a little sunlight, just enough that you could see the family of bats hanging just a couple short feet above your head. I am sure they did not belong in there, as they were not contained in anything.
I do not like bats. I have had very bad experiences with them in the past, which is why it took everything I had not to scream and take off running.
I did however, look up and see this family of bats and said to my kids, “GO, GO, GO!” We got the heck out of there as fast as we could!
Next stop was the concession stand; we were starving! We chose the one right next to the aquarium, as that was where we were headed next.
There is nothing like watching kids see large sea turtles and sharks swim over their heads! Right as we were leaving that area, something swam over that my girls weren’t expecting and they jumped.
After the Aquarium, it was time to go visit the giraffes and elephants. Elephants are a huge favorite in our house.
They had built a new large indoor enclosure for the elephants, so we went in and watched them eat and saw a baby.
Next up was the gorillas. There were a couple very large ones sitting right up next to the glass; they were nice and relaxed, just soaking up some sun.
As we walked by one monkey enclosure, my girls got to see more than they wanted, so we moved on quickly.
It was getting to be time we needed to get to the other side of the zoo so we could visit Sting Ray Beach. Due to all the construction going on and what looked to be blocked off paths, we went by it a couple of times.
Eventually, we made our way to the exibit. It was pretty fun. You rinse your arms off up to your elbows and stick your hands right in the water to feel and play with the sting rays. Some of them sort of had one of their sides up for a high five.
It was about this time our cousin almost got attacked by a peacock while waiting outside; we decided it was time to go.
I loaded up the kids and we headed out for the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE.
Of course, my kids had heard about the boy that fell into the Gorilla enclosure and the shooting of the gorilla that followed.
The good thing about this was the discussion we had about staying close (especially Weston).
We have not been to the Omaha Zoo in about three years now. That place changes all the time. There is no longer a parking lot where the parking lot was located last time we were there.
The main problem with this is you don’t have time to see even half of the zoo in a day.
We were on a bit of a time crunch, so we tried to see as much as possible as fast as possible.
I thought with it being a Thursday the zoo wouldn’t be as busy. I realized just how wrong I was when we had to park along the curb at the end of the parking lot!
Turns out, it was the day for all the daycares and daycamps to go on a fieldtrip... to the zoo. There were so many people.
When I bought our tickets, I decided to go with the package that included Sting Ray Beach. Wow, have prices gone up in recent years.
We grabbed our map and decided on the best route. First things first, the jungle.
All three of my kids were having a blast soaking in everything. We were enjoying our stroll through the jungle when we walked under-into one of the fake caves.
This cave had a little sunlight, just enough that you could see the family of bats hanging just a couple short feet above your head. I am sure they did not belong in there, as they were not contained in anything.
I do not like bats. I have had very bad experiences with them in the past, which is why it took everything I had not to scream and take off running.
I did however, look up and see this family of bats and said to my kids, “GO, GO, GO!” We got the heck out of there as fast as we could!
Next stop was the concession stand; we were starving! We chose the one right next to the aquarium, as that was where we were headed next.
There is nothing like watching kids see large sea turtles and sharks swim over their heads! Right as we were leaving that area, something swam over that my girls weren’t expecting and they jumped.
After the Aquarium, it was time to go visit the giraffes and elephants. Elephants are a huge favorite in our house.
They had built a new large indoor enclosure for the elephants, so we went in and watched them eat and saw a baby.
Next up was the gorillas. There were a couple very large ones sitting right up next to the glass; they were nice and relaxed, just soaking up some sun.
As we walked by one monkey enclosure, my girls got to see more than they wanted, so we moved on quickly.
It was getting to be time we needed to get to the other side of the zoo so we could visit Sting Ray Beach. Due to all the construction going on and what looked to be blocked off paths, we went by it a couple of times.
Eventually, we made our way to the exibit. It was pretty fun. You rinse your arms off up to your elbows and stick your hands right in the water to feel and play with the sting rays. Some of them sort of had one of their sides up for a high five.
It was about this time our cousin almost got attacked by a peacock while waiting outside; we decided it was time to go.
That Others May Live...
“It is my duty as a Pararescueman to save life and to aid the injured. I will be prepared at all times to perform my assigned duties quickly and efficiently, placing these duties before personal desires and comforts. These things we (I) do, that others may live.” -The Code of the Air Rescueman.
I personally spend Memorial Day in reflection of our veteran’s and their service. The memories of those I love and lost remain ever present in the back of my mind.
I got married in late May 2003. A few months before our wedding, my brother-in-law was overseas flying search and rescue helicopters in the US Air Force.
At the time, he and my sister had a not-quite two-year-old, and she was in the first trimester of their second pregnancy. I was calling my sister every couple of days to check in with her and see how she was feeling.
While at work one day I heard a helicopter had crashed and all members were killed. The media had said it was a blackhawk; my brother-in-law flies pavehawk’s so I thought he was safe this time around.
A few days later during a phone call to my mom, she realized no one had told me. My brother-in-law’s commander had sent him ahead of his crew to get a few things done and prepare for their arrival at another location (he never left his helicopter). Unfortunately, the helicopter went down and the entire crew was lost. Because I had been checking in so often with my sister everyone, had assumed I knew.
My brother-in-law escorted the remains of his entire crew home, and stayed with them until their families were able to claim them.
My heart was broken for him and all those families suffering this loss.
I was unable to do anything for my sister at the time, as they were currently living in Georgia. I decided a few days later to write a letter to my brother-in-law. You see, survivors guilt had set in hard. I wrote him a letter telling him how incredible he is, how much I look up to him and why. Those who sacrifice and serve in our military are my heros.
You will hear people say, that’s what they wanted to do. They made the choice to serve and sacrifice, which they did, but it changes people. It’s a hard life, not only for our service members, but also for the loved ones in their lives.
They spend more time away from their wives, children, friends and parents than they do with them. They miss birthdays, holidays, anniversaries and milestones. Then they return home to children that have grown and changed so much, and have to, in essence, re-incorporate themselves into their lives.
I, for one, enjoy memorial weekend. We go camping, ride jet skis, play at the lake and enjoy time with friends. I’m not saying that should not happen, after all, then this would all be for naught.
Just take the time to reflect, remember and appreciate those who sacrifice so much so we are able to live and enjoy this life.
Take time to thank our service men and women; if you see one, say thank you.
And maybe when you visit the cemetery to place flowers on the graves of those you have loved and lost, take some extra ones to place on the graves of those whose remains were never able to be identified.
For there are mothers, grandparents, children, significant others, and friends whose hearts are forever scared and broken by the unknown.
“Here rests in honored glory an American soldier, known but to God.”
To all those who have or are currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America, I give my most heartfelt thanks!
“As we honor their memory today, let us pledge that their lives, their sacrifices, their valor shall be justified and remembered for as long as God gives life to this nation.”
- Ronald Reagan
I personally spend Memorial Day in reflection of our veteran’s and their service. The memories of those I love and lost remain ever present in the back of my mind.
I got married in late May 2003. A few months before our wedding, my brother-in-law was overseas flying search and rescue helicopters in the US Air Force.
At the time, he and my sister had a not-quite two-year-old, and she was in the first trimester of their second pregnancy. I was calling my sister every couple of days to check in with her and see how she was feeling.
While at work one day I heard a helicopter had crashed and all members were killed. The media had said it was a blackhawk; my brother-in-law flies pavehawk’s so I thought he was safe this time around.
A few days later during a phone call to my mom, she realized no one had told me. My brother-in-law’s commander had sent him ahead of his crew to get a few things done and prepare for their arrival at another location (he never left his helicopter). Unfortunately, the helicopter went down and the entire crew was lost. Because I had been checking in so often with my sister everyone, had assumed I knew.
My brother-in-law escorted the remains of his entire crew home, and stayed with them until their families were able to claim them.
My heart was broken for him and all those families suffering this loss.
I was unable to do anything for my sister at the time, as they were currently living in Georgia. I decided a few days later to write a letter to my brother-in-law. You see, survivors guilt had set in hard. I wrote him a letter telling him how incredible he is, how much I look up to him and why. Those who sacrifice and serve in our military are my heros.
You will hear people say, that’s what they wanted to do. They made the choice to serve and sacrifice, which they did, but it changes people. It’s a hard life, not only for our service members, but also for the loved ones in their lives.
They spend more time away from their wives, children, friends and parents than they do with them. They miss birthdays, holidays, anniversaries and milestones. Then they return home to children that have grown and changed so much, and have to, in essence, re-incorporate themselves into their lives.
I, for one, enjoy memorial weekend. We go camping, ride jet skis, play at the lake and enjoy time with friends. I’m not saying that should not happen, after all, then this would all be for naught.
Just take the time to reflect, remember and appreciate those who sacrifice so much so we are able to live and enjoy this life.
Take time to thank our service men and women; if you see one, say thank you.
And maybe when you visit the cemetery to place flowers on the graves of those you have loved and lost, take some extra ones to place on the graves of those whose remains were never able to be identified.
For there are mothers, grandparents, children, significant others, and friends whose hearts are forever scared and broken by the unknown.
“Here rests in honored glory an American soldier, known but to God.”
To all those who have or are currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America, I give my most heartfelt thanks!
“As we honor their memory today, let us pledge that their lives, their sacrifices, their valor shall be justified and remembered for as long as God gives life to this nation.”
- Ronald Reagan
Never Too Late...
About 16 years ago, I was attending Massage Therapy school at the Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy.
It was a two-year program. Unfortunately, approximately a year into the program, life happened. I ended up dropping out and moving out here.
I loved massage school, and I was good at it. That is one profession you don’t hear people say, “I have an appointment for a massage today, I don’t want to go.”
I once had a psychiatrist tell me I should really become a child psychologist. I had been going through my own therapy with him for a while and he thought I would be very good at it.
There is a big part of me that wants to hear everyone’s story. That being said, there is also a big part of me that wants to help; I have a desire to fix things.
That desire also leads to me over analyzing everything. In the end, I decided I could not go into psychology. It would wear me down, I would have a hard time leaving my work behind.
Back to massage, this is a profession where I can heal and fix and help. It is also a profession where I don’t constantly worry about my clients.
Fast forward 16 years. A lot of life has happened in that time: marriage, kids.
There has been a tremendous amount of change in my life in the past year.
I went from being a stay-at-home mom for 10 years to going back into the workforce.
With three children, comes a lot of expenses. I love working at the paper, but I need to do a bit more.
I have decided to return to Massage Therapy school. I will continue working at Clay County News as much as I can.
I begin my online coursework any day now. I will complete all of my kinesiology, pathology, physiology and other similar classes online.
This coming fall, I will be moving to Colorado for six weeks for intensive training and schooling. It is going to be hard; I can’t take my kids with me, as my school hours are full-time, 40 hours a week.
To help pay for this schooling and loss of income for six weeks, I have taken on another part-time job. I am exhausted. This is a complete life and schedule change for myself and my kids...
Hard work pays off, right?
When I say I am exhausted, I really mean exhausted. I almost drove to the wrong job this morning. When I woke up, I didn’t know what day it was. I honestly thought I lost a week in the haze of working mostly 12 hours a day, seven days a week.
Why I am I doing this? I need to; I need to do it not only for myself, but also for my children.
They need to see you finish what you start. You have to go to school, your education is of utmost importance.
Chances are, I will look back a year from now and not remember if I was coming or going. There have been a lot of days lately I question why I am doing this.
I will admit I am getting burnt out, which is why I reiterated what hours I am willing to work at this second job.
It’s not easy, I miss my kids. I went from being with them 24 hours a day, seven days a week to barely seeing them, and when I do, I can’t help the fact that my eyes close.
The key is to keep reminding myself this will all be worth it in the end. This is only a short period of time in the grand scheme of things.
When I have finished all this, I will be that much more satisfied with myself. I will have found that much more worth in myself.
It will show through to my kids. After all, they are what drives me, they are what I do everything for.
The more confidence and worth I see in myself, the more it will reflect on my kids.
Isn’t that what we all want for our children... to be happy, confident, to see themselves as they are seen through our eyes.
Like I said, this is and will continue to be hard work, but it will be so worth it in the end.
Let me be your inspiration, look at me and know it really is ‘Never Too Late.’
It was a two-year program. Unfortunately, approximately a year into the program, life happened. I ended up dropping out and moving out here.
I loved massage school, and I was good at it. That is one profession you don’t hear people say, “I have an appointment for a massage today, I don’t want to go.”
I once had a psychiatrist tell me I should really become a child psychologist. I had been going through my own therapy with him for a while and he thought I would be very good at it.
There is a big part of me that wants to hear everyone’s story. That being said, there is also a big part of me that wants to help; I have a desire to fix things.
That desire also leads to me over analyzing everything. In the end, I decided I could not go into psychology. It would wear me down, I would have a hard time leaving my work behind.
Back to massage, this is a profession where I can heal and fix and help. It is also a profession where I don’t constantly worry about my clients.
Fast forward 16 years. A lot of life has happened in that time: marriage, kids.
There has been a tremendous amount of change in my life in the past year.
I went from being a stay-at-home mom for 10 years to going back into the workforce.
With three children, comes a lot of expenses. I love working at the paper, but I need to do a bit more.
I have decided to return to Massage Therapy school. I will continue working at Clay County News as much as I can.
I begin my online coursework any day now. I will complete all of my kinesiology, pathology, physiology and other similar classes online.
This coming fall, I will be moving to Colorado for six weeks for intensive training and schooling. It is going to be hard; I can’t take my kids with me, as my school hours are full-time, 40 hours a week.
To help pay for this schooling and loss of income for six weeks, I have taken on another part-time job. I am exhausted. This is a complete life and schedule change for myself and my kids...
Hard work pays off, right?
When I say I am exhausted, I really mean exhausted. I almost drove to the wrong job this morning. When I woke up, I didn’t know what day it was. I honestly thought I lost a week in the haze of working mostly 12 hours a day, seven days a week.
Why I am I doing this? I need to; I need to do it not only for myself, but also for my children.
They need to see you finish what you start. You have to go to school, your education is of utmost importance.
Chances are, I will look back a year from now and not remember if I was coming or going. There have been a lot of days lately I question why I am doing this.
I will admit I am getting burnt out, which is why I reiterated what hours I am willing to work at this second job.
It’s not easy, I miss my kids. I went from being with them 24 hours a day, seven days a week to barely seeing them, and when I do, I can’t help the fact that my eyes close.
The key is to keep reminding myself this will all be worth it in the end. This is only a short period of time in the grand scheme of things.
When I have finished all this, I will be that much more satisfied with myself. I will have found that much more worth in myself.
It will show through to my kids. After all, they are what drives me, they are what I do everything for.
The more confidence and worth I see in myself, the more it will reflect on my kids.
Isn’t that what we all want for our children... to be happy, confident, to see themselves as they are seen through our eyes.
Like I said, this is and will continue to be hard work, but it will be so worth it in the end.
Let me be your inspiration, look at me and know it really is ‘Never Too Late.’
End of the Year...
It was graduation weekend in Clay County.
The last day of school for Sandy Creek kids was Wednesday, May 18.
The end of this year has been particularly hectic. Last Monday, I left Sutton at a quarter to five. I had to get home to get my kids and myself ready for the Elementary concert at Sandy Creek.
As I was leaving town, I had finished up a phone call setting up live streaming for a weather app. I knew there were some storms forming, but didn’t think much of it.
As I was about to turn onto Highway 14 from Highway 6, I noticed spotters were out from Clay Center.
I continued on, as I had to get us all to the concert on time.
I have a radar app on my phone the National Weather Service in Hastings uses. I thought perhaps I should pull it up and take a look. That’s when I saw it...
A large hook just west of Fairfield. It was about this time my phone started ringing. It was Tanner asking me where I was.
I told him I saw the hook, and knew I was driving into the storm, but was going to keep going. If it got too bad I would just pull into someone’s yard.
Once I got out of Clay Center, the rain picked up. A few miles out of town I saw more spotters and a sheriff’s deputy turned around on the road and parked to watch.
I pulled my phone out and tried to give this live stream a try. As I’m staring at the clouds, I see the rotation and striation.
My phone begins to ring again, I ignore the calls as I’m trying to live stream this incredible event.
I continue driving, at this point the supercell is directly above me. As I turn off of Hwy 14 onto 74, the rain is coming down so hard I can barely see. Hail starts hitting my car, also.
I try to make a quick decision as to where to go. Should I park at Sandy Creek, try to make it to the driveway of the house with the big red barn...
As I drive, it clears up a bit and I pull into John Deere and park. I publish my first live stream video and start another one.
I am elated. Here I am sitting in a parking lot facing a tornado that has formed and is coming down. This live stream is going to be incredible. I’ve never been through an experience like this before.
My phone begins to ring again, numerous times. I ignore and continue streaming. The large tornado dissipates and a smaller rope tornado forms. Once that one dissipates, I stop and prepare to leave.
I soon realize the phone calls kicked me off of live streaming. I have nothing, no video of this incredible tornado and experience of a lifetime.
I am not a happy camper, sigh. Oh well, there is nothing that can be done about it now. I have the experience forever ingrained into my memory.
Upon arriving at home, I find out Sandy Creek had been hit by the tornado. I grab my camera again and head back out to see the damage.
By the time I arrived home that night, it had been a few hours since the storm. There were still piles of hail in my yard and the power had apparently gone out.
I discovered a couple days later when I had time to sit down for a bit that my local channels had disappeared. Turns out the storm had messed with my satellite dish.
To be quite honest, I am glad I was not at home. I have to park my car outside and honestly, storms fascinate me. When they hit, I like to be out where I can see them and whats coming.
As we were in the parking lot at Sandy Creek we noticed a small funnel form off to the south a good distance. I did catch a picture of it with my camera, however it disappeared about as fast as it appeared.
It was not nearly as exciting as what I had experienced earlier in the evening. Sandy Creek had a fair amount of damage, enough to close school for the following day and cause a late start the day after that.
It just added even more stress to the staff at SC. They have done all they can to pack in every activity that was planned before the year comes to an end.
The last day of school for Sandy Creek kids was Wednesday, May 18.
The end of this year has been particularly hectic. Last Monday, I left Sutton at a quarter to five. I had to get home to get my kids and myself ready for the Elementary concert at Sandy Creek.
As I was leaving town, I had finished up a phone call setting up live streaming for a weather app. I knew there were some storms forming, but didn’t think much of it.
As I was about to turn onto Highway 14 from Highway 6, I noticed spotters were out from Clay Center.
I continued on, as I had to get us all to the concert on time.
I have a radar app on my phone the National Weather Service in Hastings uses. I thought perhaps I should pull it up and take a look. That’s when I saw it...
A large hook just west of Fairfield. It was about this time my phone started ringing. It was Tanner asking me where I was.
I told him I saw the hook, and knew I was driving into the storm, but was going to keep going. If it got too bad I would just pull into someone’s yard.
Once I got out of Clay Center, the rain picked up. A few miles out of town I saw more spotters and a sheriff’s deputy turned around on the road and parked to watch.
I pulled my phone out and tried to give this live stream a try. As I’m staring at the clouds, I see the rotation and striation.
My phone begins to ring again, I ignore the calls as I’m trying to live stream this incredible event.
I continue driving, at this point the supercell is directly above me. As I turn off of Hwy 14 onto 74, the rain is coming down so hard I can barely see. Hail starts hitting my car, also.
I try to make a quick decision as to where to go. Should I park at Sandy Creek, try to make it to the driveway of the house with the big red barn...
As I drive, it clears up a bit and I pull into John Deere and park. I publish my first live stream video and start another one.
I am elated. Here I am sitting in a parking lot facing a tornado that has formed and is coming down. This live stream is going to be incredible. I’ve never been through an experience like this before.
My phone begins to ring again, numerous times. I ignore and continue streaming. The large tornado dissipates and a smaller rope tornado forms. Once that one dissipates, I stop and prepare to leave.
I soon realize the phone calls kicked me off of live streaming. I have nothing, no video of this incredible tornado and experience of a lifetime.
I am not a happy camper, sigh. Oh well, there is nothing that can be done about it now. I have the experience forever ingrained into my memory.
Upon arriving at home, I find out Sandy Creek had been hit by the tornado. I grab my camera again and head back out to see the damage.
By the time I arrived home that night, it had been a few hours since the storm. There were still piles of hail in my yard and the power had apparently gone out.
I discovered a couple days later when I had time to sit down for a bit that my local channels had disappeared. Turns out the storm had messed with my satellite dish.
To be quite honest, I am glad I was not at home. I have to park my car outside and honestly, storms fascinate me. When they hit, I like to be out where I can see them and whats coming.
As we were in the parking lot at Sandy Creek we noticed a small funnel form off to the south a good distance. I did catch a picture of it with my camera, however it disappeared about as fast as it appeared.
It was not nearly as exciting as what I had experienced earlier in the evening. Sandy Creek had a fair amount of damage, enough to close school for the following day and cause a late start the day after that.
It just added even more stress to the staff at SC. They have done all they can to pack in every activity that was planned before the year comes to an end.
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