Does every one remember their Christmas pageants growing up? I attended a Christmas concert at a friend’s church last night that was so beautiful. There was this square tree on stage that was really tall and awkward. Little did I know, the choir actually stood around the tree all the way up to the top where an angel arose. I don’t think that’s a good explanation of what it looked like but it sure was beautiful. Attending this concert caused me to remember some of my pageants that I was a part of throughout the years. I hate to disclose some of this embarrassing information, although we all need a good laugh every now and then. To be honest, I wish I had pictures but I think my parents didn’t bring a camera for a reason.
This one isn’t embarrassing but I do remember one pageant in grade school where we got up and sang your tradition school songs. Ahhh the turtle necks and leggings! Usually my mom let me wear one of her necklaces to add some extra flare to my outfit. Even a Santa hat if I was lucky!
I also recall a few and then wish I didn’t remember some. For example the year I had to dress as a sheep and my friend and I were forced to stay in our own area because we would get our wool all over everyone. Yep, spray glue and tones of cotton, some black tights and ta-da! That year happens to be my mom’s favorite pageant. To this day, I fully regret raising my hand and volunteering to be a sheep in the nativity scene.
I like to sing but I would never try out for American Idol or even volunteer for a solo. Oh wait, I was in a trio for a Church concert once. Thus brings my second embarrassing moment in Christmas pageants. I have two friends who are very good at singing so I guess I was paired with them because they could drown me out? The song of choice? Little Drummer Boy! I am rolling my eyes right now in shame of what I put that poor audience though. To think that they wanted to harmonize during the song only makes the situation worse. Why did I do that? Every time I hear that song, chills go up my spine. I think that program was memorable for a lot of people because of my singing abilities. Or lack thereof!
Those are only a few examples but they are forever engraved in my brain and I look forward to attending my kids Christmas programs. Don’t fret, I’ll be bringing my video camera and I’m going to be “that mom.”
I found this video and I love it! I hope you enjoy it as well!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Tradition!
I’d like to think that as we have all grown up, there are specific activities that happen every year in our families that can be described as TRADITIONS! I thought I’d share some of my family’s traditions that happen during Christmas.
1. We used to get to open one present on Christmas Eve, then we noticed the gifts decreased and we didn’t want to miss out on all the fun Christmas morning.
2. Our tree has always been hand cut by my father. It’s what he does, mostly he goes alone to find “the perfect tree” but sometimes one of us will join him. It’s a steep climb up the hill behind our house but yet it’s so fun to spend time with my dad.
3. The perfect tree in our family may not be most people’s first choice, but it’s what we always get. It’s a Charlie Brown tree. This allows us to actually hang our ornaments and not just place them on the tree.
3a. Now that I live in Idaho, I’ve never seen so many fake trees! Who does that? (sorry N)
4. The Christmas bells. Rumor has it Santa dropped them one year when he was on the roof. I think I remember hearing the bells. These bells are the ones that all the reindeer would wear so we are lucky to have them at our house. I love walking through the door hearing the bells jingle.
5. Being a family. I’d have to say it’s easy to get caught up in the presents during Christmas time but my parents have instilled in our minds how important family is. We sit down at the table and exchange kind words about each other. I love this part…it reminds me that what I have materially isn’t nearly as important as those who love me.
6. Christmas movie! Every Christmas my mom picks a movie that the family is going to watch at the theater. Yes, I admit I hated the fact The Lord of the Rings trilogy thought a good release date was always during the Holiday season. Three hour movies with a man who never ran out of arrows, the obese man sitting next to me chewing mentholated chew, my dad clapping as someone slid down the trunk of an elephant, my sister grabbing my hand in embarrassment, oh help me Lord if mom wants to see Tron for Christmas.
7. Throughout the Holiday season, people are sending Christmas cards left and right. My parents always keep the cards unopened until Christmas morning. As we sit around eating breakfast, we all hand the pile around and grab a card, read it, then repeat until all of the cards have been opened.
8. Polish eggs! I don’t know if really that’s the technical name but it’s what my dad calls them. They are eggs with potatoes and peppers. If we are lucky or my dad or mom has extra energy, they will make homemade cinnamon rolls! Yummy! It’s a feast that causes you to going into a food coma shortly after dishes are done. I’m sad to say this year I’d better keep an eye on how much I eat.
9. One present, one at a time. That’s right dad plays Santa's helper and hands us each one present then we all watch that person open it. The only thing we open without everyone watching is our stockings.
10. In the recent years, it makes me laugh that my dad is the one who wakes us up out of excitement. It’s not really a tradition but I feel like it’s payback for all the years we woke him up early.
11. Having to go to bed early on Christmas Eve because our house is one of the first ones that Santa brings gifts to, so we must not be awake or he won’t come.
In conclusion, I must reiterate the importance of my family. I am truly blessed to have grown up in that house. My parents have done a fine job raising all four of us kids. We still have our ups and downs but I wouldn’t trade anyone in for a new family member. The traditions they have handed down to us will in turn be handed down to our kids. How exciting!
1. We used to get to open one present on Christmas Eve, then we noticed the gifts decreased and we didn’t want to miss out on all the fun Christmas morning.
2. Our tree has always been hand cut by my father. It’s what he does, mostly he goes alone to find “the perfect tree” but sometimes one of us will join him. It’s a steep climb up the hill behind our house but yet it’s so fun to spend time with my dad.
3. The perfect tree in our family may not be most people’s first choice, but it’s what we always get. It’s a Charlie Brown tree. This allows us to actually hang our ornaments and not just place them on the tree.
3a. Now that I live in Idaho, I’ve never seen so many fake trees! Who does that? (sorry N)
4. The Christmas bells. Rumor has it Santa dropped them one year when he was on the roof. I think I remember hearing the bells. These bells are the ones that all the reindeer would wear so we are lucky to have them at our house. I love walking through the door hearing the bells jingle.
5. Being a family. I’d have to say it’s easy to get caught up in the presents during Christmas time but my parents have instilled in our minds how important family is. We sit down at the table and exchange kind words about each other. I love this part…it reminds me that what I have materially isn’t nearly as important as those who love me.
6. Christmas movie! Every Christmas my mom picks a movie that the family is going to watch at the theater. Yes, I admit I hated the fact The Lord of the Rings trilogy thought a good release date was always during the Holiday season. Three hour movies with a man who never ran out of arrows, the obese man sitting next to me chewing mentholated chew, my dad clapping as someone slid down the trunk of an elephant, my sister grabbing my hand in embarrassment, oh help me Lord if mom wants to see Tron for Christmas.
7. Throughout the Holiday season, people are sending Christmas cards left and right. My parents always keep the cards unopened until Christmas morning. As we sit around eating breakfast, we all hand the pile around and grab a card, read it, then repeat until all of the cards have been opened.
8. Polish eggs! I don’t know if really that’s the technical name but it’s what my dad calls them. They are eggs with potatoes and peppers. If we are lucky or my dad or mom has extra energy, they will make homemade cinnamon rolls! Yummy! It’s a feast that causes you to going into a food coma shortly after dishes are done. I’m sad to say this year I’d better keep an eye on how much I eat.
9. One present, one at a time. That’s right dad plays Santa's helper and hands us each one present then we all watch that person open it. The only thing we open without everyone watching is our stockings.
10. In the recent years, it makes me laugh that my dad is the one who wakes us up out of excitement. It’s not really a tradition but I feel like it’s payback for all the years we woke him up early.
11. Having to go to bed early on Christmas Eve because our house is one of the first ones that Santa brings gifts to, so we must not be awake or he won’t come.
In conclusion, I must reiterate the importance of my family. I am truly blessed to have grown up in that house. My parents have done a fine job raising all four of us kids. We still have our ups and downs but I wouldn’t trade anyone in for a new family member. The traditions they have handed down to us will in turn be handed down to our kids. How exciting!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Book Reviews
I know I didn’t follow up on my goal for reading 5 books this summer, but I’m improving by reading more this winter. I’ve decided after every book I read, I’ll post something about the book. The last time I did a book report was ages ago and most of the time, I feel others do a better job describing the book so in most cases, I’ll just copy and paste. (shhh)
Hattie Big Sky Kirby Larson
For most of her life, sixteen-year-old Hattie Brooks has been shuttled from one distant relative to another. Tired of being Hattie Here-and-There, she summons the courage to leave Iowa and move all by herself to Vida, Montana, to prove up on her late uncle's homestead claim.
Under the big sky, Hattie braves hard weather, hard times, a cantankerous cow, and her own hopeless hand at the cookstove on her quest to discover the true meaning of home.
My sister lent me this book for my summer list telling me that I’d like it and it was an easy read. She was right! I started it one evening and almost finished it the same night. It’s geared towards young adults but an easy book now and then doesn’t hurt any of us. I like how it is based in Montana because that’s home to me. I liked to think if I could travel through time, I’d like to live during the “old west” era so I could understand all the hardships people experienced as they were just trying to survive.
Rating: 9/10
Land That Moves, Land That Stands Still Kent Nelson
Set on an alfalfa ranch east of the Black Hills of South Dakota, this novel about three uncommon women explores the nuances of place, character, grief, and renewal. Mattie Remmel has lost her husband in a farm accident, and in her grief discovers a secret about him he had not meant to reveal. Deciding to keep the ranch running, she enlists the help of her daughter, Shelley, an insecure college student, and hires a drifter ranch hand, Dawn, who is optimistic and direct and equally betrayed in love. A fourteen-year-old runaway Native American boy joins the three women, and together they forge an unlikely family, facing whatever life throws them, from the trials of independent hard work to the threats of neighbors to the arrival of a former lover bent on revenge.
I’m still unsure of how I feel about this book. It was okay, but not fantastic. Personally I felt like it was pieced together roughly and not always had meaning to the chapters. As I neared the end of the book I kept thinking, this can’t be over because they haven’t answered all the questions. It wasn’t a mystery so to my surprise it just seemed to end. I was distracted by what was to come and disappointed on what wasn’t discussed.
Rating: 5/10
Hattie Big Sky Kirby Larson
For most of her life, sixteen-year-old Hattie Brooks has been shuttled from one distant relative to another. Tired of being Hattie Here-and-There, she summons the courage to leave Iowa and move all by herself to Vida, Montana, to prove up on her late uncle's homestead claim.
Under the big sky, Hattie braves hard weather, hard times, a cantankerous cow, and her own hopeless hand at the cookstove on her quest to discover the true meaning of home.
My sister lent me this book for my summer list telling me that I’d like it and it was an easy read. She was right! I started it one evening and almost finished it the same night. It’s geared towards young adults but an easy book now and then doesn’t hurt any of us. I like how it is based in Montana because that’s home to me. I liked to think if I could travel through time, I’d like to live during the “old west” era so I could understand all the hardships people experienced as they were just trying to survive.
Rating: 9/10
Land That Moves, Land That Stands Still Kent Nelson
Set on an alfalfa ranch east of the Black Hills of South Dakota, this novel about three uncommon women explores the nuances of place, character, grief, and renewal. Mattie Remmel has lost her husband in a farm accident, and in her grief discovers a secret about him he had not meant to reveal. Deciding to keep the ranch running, she enlists the help of her daughter, Shelley, an insecure college student, and hires a drifter ranch hand, Dawn, who is optimistic and direct and equally betrayed in love. A fourteen-year-old runaway Native American boy joins the three women, and together they forge an unlikely family, facing whatever life throws them, from the trials of independent hard work to the threats of neighbors to the arrival of a former lover bent on revenge.
I’m still unsure of how I feel about this book. It was okay, but not fantastic. Personally I felt like it was pieced together roughly and not always had meaning to the chapters. As I neared the end of the book I kept thinking, this can’t be over because they haven’t answered all the questions. It wasn’t a mystery so to my surprise it just seemed to end. I was distracted by what was to come and disappointed on what wasn’t discussed.
Rating: 5/10
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Trudging through the winter, list
As we all know, I failed at meeting my goals this summer and to be honest I could come up with a lot of excuses but they are beside the point. An excuse really doesn’t solve a problem. Unfortunately I just had a lack of motivation mixed in with some personal struggles that equaled out to me not finishing the list. It was suggested that I start another list for the winter months. The thought of taking time to make more goals that I’ll eventually break doesn’t really make me jump to my feet. Although, it’ll give me something to think about when calving starts and I will no longer see Shayne for more than an hour a day. This will be a short list but difficult, here it is:
1. Love Shayne even if we only see each other in passing
2. Read as many books as possible
3. Less TV
4. Meet my goal weight by February 1st
5. In regards to #4, eat healthy and keep exercising
6. Go skiing 4 times
7. Go ice skating
8. Try to live on rice and beans (aka tighten my pocketbook)
Eight items, that sounds good to me! Oh, I’d better add one more to the list.
9. Blog more
Today, I start my new adventure of completing this list! Ready…..set….SNOW!!!!!!
1. Love Shayne even if we only see each other in passing
2. Read as many books as possible
3. Less TV
4. Meet my goal weight by February 1st
5. In regards to #4, eat healthy and keep exercising
6. Go skiing 4 times
7. Go ice skating
8. Try to live on rice and beans (aka tighten my pocketbook)
Eight items, that sounds good to me! Oh, I’d better add one more to the list.
9. Blog more
Today, I start my new adventure of completing this list! Ready…..set….SNOW!!!!!!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Adventures in animal-sitting!
We all know someone who had adopted their animals to be a part of their families. Heck, I’m one of those people. I consider my cats to be my children with the added benefit that I only have to give them attention limited hours a day. Please don’t confuse the previous sentence with me not liking children because that is not correct. I like children I just don’t have any at this time.
Many of you don’t know that I have a second job that involves added responsibility and physical labor. What is this job? Animal-sitting. Just breath, I know you didn’t think this could be considered a job, but let me tell you…it is! In my early experiences watching beloved pets, I didn’t think it was a complicated task taking care of a 4-legged friend. Get up, let outside, feed, walk, sleep, let outside, feed, play…etc. Is it obvious that I was watching dogs? I thought so. After my friends P&N moved, my animal-sitting basically disappeared even though at that time, it wasn’t a job because I love their dog.
Many people ask how I got into this line of work and it’s really simple. I told one couple I’d watch their dogs and horses for a weekend, the all of a sudden word got out. When word got out, I think Satan followed. Why? Keep reading…
Event #1:
Animal: guinea pig
Name: Moosy
Owner: my bosses 7 year-old-daughter
Situation: weekend long family vacation
Level of difficulty: 1
It was just a typical Friday at work. Moosy came to visit me at the office so I keep an eye on her over the weekend while the family was out of town. Moosy doesn’t require a lot of attention just check the water and food. I fed her some carrots every now that then because I liked how excited she got. There wasn’t any need for me to come back during the weekend to check on Moosy because I didn’t have to let her out to pee or take her for a walk. Plus, El Jefe said not to worry about it. Monday morning I came into the office and sat at my desk, started my day, the suddenly remember Moosy was in the other room. I ran in to check on her and to my horror, she was lifeless. I said her name many times hoping it was just a game. Oh no! I killed her! I triple checked to make sure she was really dead then hung my head and headed towards the phone. I broke the news to my boss’s wife and I started crying. I felt so bad and guilty that it was my fault that she died. If only I had check on her on Saturday, maybe I would have noticed something was wrong. Alas I was stuck with the guilt as I thought of the sadness that was going to come over the little girl. I took the time to give poor Moosy a proper burial in the back yard making sure there was a little grave stone marking where she was. To this day, I still feel bad that Moosy died on my watch.
Guinea pig dead (check)
Event #2
Animal: chickens
Name: none
Owner: My boss
Situation: family vacation
Difficulty level: 1
How hard is it to feed some chickens? Not hard at all. In fact, the most difficult part of this task was flipping the kid-sized swimming pool over and refilling it with water. I just needed to check on the chickens twice a day and because the office is less than a mile away from their house, it was no big deal to head over there before and after work. I thought everything went fine, I saw the rooster, ducks and chickens every day, collected the eggs and scooped some feed for them. After I had finished this job, I was informed by my friend who happened to be their nanny that TWO chickens had died on my watch. What the heck? I counted and I prayed that nothing would go wrong after the first experience. Obviously things didn’t turn out the way I wanted them to.
Guinea pig dead (check)
Chickens dead (check)
Event #3: (Are you scared to leave me with your animals yet?)
Animal: sheep
Name: totally forgot let’s call her “prize possession”
Owner: McBrides
Situation: Week after Christmas vacation
Level of difficulty: 2
By now I can say that feeding large animals is second nature. I’ve helped Shayne multiple times feed cows at the farm along with feeding horses throughout college. Not a big deal, cut the twine, throw the flakes, and walk away. How hard does that sound? Not that hard, the down side of this is I always manage to get hay down my shirt. I may have twenty plus layers on, but that stinking hay finds its way down my shirt. Anyways, this “farm” has some cats, chickens, roosters, and sheep. In fact this is the place where I got Charlie so I know they have good animals. My task was to feed twice a day. They had 12 ewes that were all impregnated but not due for another month. We had walked through the small flock before they left and I was told all their names and how this one produces twins and this one produces triplets. I was more excited that they all had names then how many babies they had. When we came across “prize possession” I learned that she always had triplets that were very strong and made good lamb chops down the road. Off they went and I started my duties. I had the pleasure of hauling the hay out by sled making me sweat and Lord knows I need the exercise. About mid-week I went to go feed one night and was standing around the sheep counting heads when everyone was accounted for, I fed them and went home. Little did I know that the wrath of Satan had come to visit the McBride sheep that. I showed up the following morning and saw the ewe laying on the ground with her rigamortis legs sticking out. Rushing into the gate I hoped she was playing a joke on me, that it was just taking a nap in a strange position. The little knowledge I retained from college during my sheep course, I knew that the ewe was not “sleeping” in the correct position to be alive. CRAP! Tongue sticking out, snot frozen to her nose I knew it was time to break the news to the family. I called and basically started crying feeling really bad about the situation. The dreaded question was asked, what ewe was it? Prize possession. The poor girl had gone into premature labor and though she showed no signs the previous night, it still happened and things didn’t go well. In this situation things were three times as bad, why? Because she had twins inside her! I fed the rest of the animals then tended to the one who is now in animal heaven. I rolled her onto the slead and lugged her away and put her by the barn where she was supposed to be picked up. Well for the duration of the week, I had to walk by her thinking “sheep killer!”
Guinea pig dead (check)
Chickens dead (check)
Ewe + 2 lambs dead (check)
Event #4 (really are you scared yet?)
Animal: roosters
Owner: McBrides
Situation: 24 hour getaway
Level of difficulty: 1
Yep folks, I’m back to the sheep farm. At this point, they don’t have all of the ewes back because they are having relations with the ram in hopes of producing some super cute lambs to join the world in January or February. How hard is this? Feed Saturday morning and night and Sunday morning. It had been a rough 10 days because of another adventure in animal watching so I was tired but glad to be feeding in a location that was safe and I knew the lay of the land. Saturday morning, I was in a hurry to get my hair done so I ran over, fed the cats, fed the sheep, looked at the chickens, and left. In my process of leaving I got stuck! Damn Clark! Made it to my appointment and had a good afternoon. I had no problems feeding Saturday night and everyone was still alive. Sunday morning I went and fed, this time getting the roosters fresh water and food because they don’t usually have to be checked on every day. After nearly being attacked by the rouge rooster (twice), I noticed the two roosters that looked as if they were nesting, weren’t really nesting, they were dead. I think these words came out of my mouth “You’ve got to be kidding me!?!” At this point, I knew my animal watching days at the McBrides were limited. I finished taking care of the hens was charged by the crazy rooster again then decided to give them a call. This time I was convinced it was one of the 20+ cats around their farm that killed them. Much to my relief it was not a big deal that they lost the two birds. It was blamed on the cold but they were disappointed that it wasn’t the mean rooster that died. She asked that next time I decide to kill something, make sure it’s that one. I don’t think there will be a next time.
Guinea pig dead (check)
Chickens dead (check)
Ewe + 2 lambs dead (check)
Roosters dead (check)
Knock on wood, in all my other house-sitting situations, no other animal has gone to meet their maker, but I promise you this, I have enough fear that something will happen that I’m probably the best animal watcher ever! Rain, hail, snow drifts the size of Texas, or sleet, I’m there to take care of the animal and treat it like royalty. I’m determined not to let this happen again. I know that death is a part of everything but why does it seem to happen when I’m around and not the owners? Here’s the situation that better not happen because if this happens, I quit! I’ll never watch animals again. I never want to deal with a dead horse. I will cry!
When you say your prayers at night, add a small one in for me and all the animals I come in contact with that are not my own. I don’t want to have the “animal killer” reputation. Idaho Falls is a small town!
Many of you don’t know that I have a second job that involves added responsibility and physical labor. What is this job? Animal-sitting. Just breath, I know you didn’t think this could be considered a job, but let me tell you…it is! In my early experiences watching beloved pets, I didn’t think it was a complicated task taking care of a 4-legged friend. Get up, let outside, feed, walk, sleep, let outside, feed, play…etc. Is it obvious that I was watching dogs? I thought so. After my friends P&N moved, my animal-sitting basically disappeared even though at that time, it wasn’t a job because I love their dog.
Many people ask how I got into this line of work and it’s really simple. I told one couple I’d watch their dogs and horses for a weekend, the all of a sudden word got out. When word got out, I think Satan followed. Why? Keep reading…
Event #1:
Animal: guinea pig
Name: Moosy
Owner: my bosses 7 year-old-daughter
Situation: weekend long family vacation
Level of difficulty: 1
It was just a typical Friday at work. Moosy came to visit me at the office so I keep an eye on her over the weekend while the family was out of town. Moosy doesn’t require a lot of attention just check the water and food. I fed her some carrots every now that then because I liked how excited she got. There wasn’t any need for me to come back during the weekend to check on Moosy because I didn’t have to let her out to pee or take her for a walk. Plus, El Jefe said not to worry about it. Monday morning I came into the office and sat at my desk, started my day, the suddenly remember Moosy was in the other room. I ran in to check on her and to my horror, she was lifeless. I said her name many times hoping it was just a game. Oh no! I killed her! I triple checked to make sure she was really dead then hung my head and headed towards the phone. I broke the news to my boss’s wife and I started crying. I felt so bad and guilty that it was my fault that she died. If only I had check on her on Saturday, maybe I would have noticed something was wrong. Alas I was stuck with the guilt as I thought of the sadness that was going to come over the little girl. I took the time to give poor Moosy a proper burial in the back yard making sure there was a little grave stone marking where she was. To this day, I still feel bad that Moosy died on my watch.
Guinea pig dead (check)
Event #2
Animal: chickens
Name: none
Owner: My boss
Situation: family vacation
Difficulty level: 1
How hard is it to feed some chickens? Not hard at all. In fact, the most difficult part of this task was flipping the kid-sized swimming pool over and refilling it with water. I just needed to check on the chickens twice a day and because the office is less than a mile away from their house, it was no big deal to head over there before and after work. I thought everything went fine, I saw the rooster, ducks and chickens every day, collected the eggs and scooped some feed for them. After I had finished this job, I was informed by my friend who happened to be their nanny that TWO chickens had died on my watch. What the heck? I counted and I prayed that nothing would go wrong after the first experience. Obviously things didn’t turn out the way I wanted them to.
Guinea pig dead (check)
Chickens dead (check)
Event #3: (Are you scared to leave me with your animals yet?)
Animal: sheep
Name: totally forgot let’s call her “prize possession”
Owner: McBrides
Situation: Week after Christmas vacation
Level of difficulty: 2
By now I can say that feeding large animals is second nature. I’ve helped Shayne multiple times feed cows at the farm along with feeding horses throughout college. Not a big deal, cut the twine, throw the flakes, and walk away. How hard does that sound? Not that hard, the down side of this is I always manage to get hay down my shirt. I may have twenty plus layers on, but that stinking hay finds its way down my shirt. Anyways, this “farm” has some cats, chickens, roosters, and sheep. In fact this is the place where I got Charlie so I know they have good animals. My task was to feed twice a day. They had 12 ewes that were all impregnated but not due for another month. We had walked through the small flock before they left and I was told all their names and how this one produces twins and this one produces triplets. I was more excited that they all had names then how many babies they had. When we came across “prize possession” I learned that she always had triplets that were very strong and made good lamb chops down the road. Off they went and I started my duties. I had the pleasure of hauling the hay out by sled making me sweat and Lord knows I need the exercise. About mid-week I went to go feed one night and was standing around the sheep counting heads when everyone was accounted for, I fed them and went home. Little did I know that the wrath of Satan had come to visit the McBride sheep that. I showed up the following morning and saw the ewe laying on the ground with her rigamortis legs sticking out. Rushing into the gate I hoped she was playing a joke on me, that it was just taking a nap in a strange position. The little knowledge I retained from college during my sheep course, I knew that the ewe was not “sleeping” in the correct position to be alive. CRAP! Tongue sticking out, snot frozen to her nose I knew it was time to break the news to the family. I called and basically started crying feeling really bad about the situation. The dreaded question was asked, what ewe was it? Prize possession. The poor girl had gone into premature labor and though she showed no signs the previous night, it still happened and things didn’t go well. In this situation things were three times as bad, why? Because she had twins inside her! I fed the rest of the animals then tended to the one who is now in animal heaven. I rolled her onto the slead and lugged her away and put her by the barn where she was supposed to be picked up. Well for the duration of the week, I had to walk by her thinking “sheep killer!”
Guinea pig dead (check)
Chickens dead (check)
Ewe + 2 lambs dead (check)
Event #4 (really are you scared yet?)
Animal: roosters
Owner: McBrides
Situation: 24 hour getaway
Level of difficulty: 1
Yep folks, I’m back to the sheep farm. At this point, they don’t have all of the ewes back because they are having relations with the ram in hopes of producing some super cute lambs to join the world in January or February. How hard is this? Feed Saturday morning and night and Sunday morning. It had been a rough 10 days because of another adventure in animal watching so I was tired but glad to be feeding in a location that was safe and I knew the lay of the land. Saturday morning, I was in a hurry to get my hair done so I ran over, fed the cats, fed the sheep, looked at the chickens, and left. In my process of leaving I got stuck! Damn Clark! Made it to my appointment and had a good afternoon. I had no problems feeding Saturday night and everyone was still alive. Sunday morning I went and fed, this time getting the roosters fresh water and food because they don’t usually have to be checked on every day. After nearly being attacked by the rouge rooster (twice), I noticed the two roosters that looked as if they were nesting, weren’t really nesting, they were dead. I think these words came out of my mouth “You’ve got to be kidding me!?!” At this point, I knew my animal watching days at the McBrides were limited. I finished taking care of the hens was charged by the crazy rooster again then decided to give them a call. This time I was convinced it was one of the 20+ cats around their farm that killed them. Much to my relief it was not a big deal that they lost the two birds. It was blamed on the cold but they were disappointed that it wasn’t the mean rooster that died. She asked that next time I decide to kill something, make sure it’s that one. I don’t think there will be a next time.
Guinea pig dead (check)
Chickens dead (check)
Ewe + 2 lambs dead (check)
Roosters dead (check)
Knock on wood, in all my other house-sitting situations, no other animal has gone to meet their maker, but I promise you this, I have enough fear that something will happen that I’m probably the best animal watcher ever! Rain, hail, snow drifts the size of Texas, or sleet, I’m there to take care of the animal and treat it like royalty. I’m determined not to let this happen again. I know that death is a part of everything but why does it seem to happen when I’m around and not the owners? Here’s the situation that better not happen because if this happens, I quit! I’ll never watch animals again. I never want to deal with a dead horse. I will cry!
When you say your prayers at night, add a small one in for me and all the animals I come in contact with that are not my own. I don’t want to have the “animal killer” reputation. Idaho Falls is a small town!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
A sweet sweat story!
On average, a person can sweat 27.4 to 47.3 ounces per one hour of intense exercise. I never been bothered by the amount people sweat because to me, it symbolizes that they are working their tail off and making an effort to improve their lifestyle. Before I started working out, I never thought I could sweat. I mean, growing up playing soccer, I would shed a few drops now and then but not enough to show signs of my physical ability to kick the ball. Ok, I wasn’t that good and I really didn’t try that hard to be the star player for the Blue Bombers. The first day of boot camp, I remember thinking to myself, “gosh, I’ve never sweated this much before in my life!” I guess that’s a good thing because I knew I worked my butt off. In fact I can truthfully tell you that this gal probably has shed a few pounds in sweat alone during the year I’ve been killing it at the gym. I drip sweat and though this may sound disgusting to most of you, I am not ashamed. Now, let me tell you all a story:
Here I am on the path of self-help. I am determined to lose 60 pounds in one year. Okay, one year plus a few months if that is necessary. Anyways, I have been visiting the gym for many months and enjoying some parts and hating others. I want to tell everyone if they know the inventor of the burpie, to please pass their name on. I will kill them! Back to the story. Over the course of my workout regime, I have been assisted by professionals and have been given lasting advice on how to make my workouts benefit me in the best way possible. Part of this success has been the super important but rarely fun, running on the treadmill. It’s suggested that I need to try for 6 cardio workouts a week! Phew…that sounds like a lot to me. In order to meet that goal, I try to run a few times a week but it’s a constant struggle. My philosophy is a get in, get out method. My best friend is a person, not a treadmill and for some reason, it’s so easy to hit the stop button and walk away rather than finish my mileage. Sticking with my goal, I had planned on running last night after getting off of work. Usually my friend will come with, but she was busy at school so I was tested to complete this task alone. Here I am, treading away, doing my own thing, listening to a little Justin Beiber, mouthing the words and still hating the stickin’ treadmill. Obviously there are other people around me and I never pay attention to who’s running next to me because I’m not there to chat-it-up with a random person. I stepped to the side of my machine to get a drink of water, because I was thirsty and sweating so I must re-hydrate! I hear the man asking me a question and so I pull my ear phones out and ask him what he said and he repeated “what’s your strategy?” What? He wanted to know my strategy for running because I looked sweaty, so I must be working really hard. I said, first of all, I hate running so my trainer helped me develop a plan where I run for four minutes and then walk for one. It gives me something to think about, you know…it’s only four minutes and it’s not going to kill me. He proceeds to tell me that walking and running in not the best option. Ummm…excuse me sir, but you don’t know what the best option is because you are not me. I knew this was going to be one amazing conversation. It proceeded to include questions such as, “How old are you?” “Do you have any kids?” Two very important questions and very logical for the situation I was in. Just kidding! Well this man then went on about how he is in better shape than other people his age and those who are half his age. He mentioned that he never sweats and how people are constantly asking him if he ever gets tired because he doesn’t look like he’s working hard. Oh, Lord have mercy! I was in shock about what he kept talking about. It seems everything was centered around how much I was sweating. He mentioned that he probably doesn’t sweat because of the lack of insulation he has on his body. EXCUSE ME!?! Are you calling me fat? I think so! I had no comment about that. This conversation (if that’s what you want to call it,) was going downhill quickly. He blabbed on about how he wanted to make sure he didn’t have a gut when he put on his bathing suit because he doesn’t want people looking at him and judging his belly. I reminded him that people rarely look at guys at the pool, they only judge the way girls look. True, right? It gets better; he now wanted to talk about how much he weighs! Fantastic! I said, let’s not talk about that. Yeah, that wasn’t going to stop him. “So is this your goal weight?” he so KINDLY asked me. I burst out laughing, no sir, thanks for bringing up how fat I am AGAIN! I told him I monitor my calorie intake in order to help with my weight loss process. “How many calories have you had to eat today?” Are you kidding me?! Yes, he really asked me that. Seriously folks, this seems I’m making this up but it’s 100% real. I’m sure I looked in shock during the length of this conversation that should have never been started. I don’t think he was going to give up unless I gave him a complement about how good he looked. SICK! 5’5”, 155 pounds…I don’t think so! Let me add some more things he said:
“I used to ride my bike to work every day, but I moved further out of town, so I can’t now.”
“I make sure when I go golfing, I walk and not rent a cart. That’s being lazy!”
“So, were you on the track team in high school?”
“Is this the thinnest you’ve been in a while?”
“Gosh, you really sweat a lot.”
“I really have to work hard to stay in shape during the winter because I don’t get to golf.”
As he repeatedly mentioned how much I sweat, I finally told him, I like sweating because it makes me feel like I worked really hard and earned every calorie I burned. Then the matter of being smelly came up. Well, my boyfriend is a farmer and he’s stinky so I know he doesn’t mind if I come home smelly. “Do you shower?” Yep, he was serious. I should have said no, I just love to let all this sticky sweat soak into my body. I only shower once a week…(don’t take that seriously, I shower.) I then decided, this workout is O-V-E-R! I had run enough to feel good and I wasn’t going to put up with this crap anymore. I cleaned off my machine and told him to have a good night.
Let’s conclude this story with this fun fact. I now hate running even more but I’ll be darned if I am going to not sweat when I workout. It’s like taking a salty bath…I guess I really don’t have to shower. Haha!
I now am going to say a silent prayer I will never see him again…. Amen!
Have a good day and I hope you all have amazing gym experiences like that.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Fast is fine, but accuracy is final.
I can't decide if these are normal situations that arise at your place of employment:
*Your boss comes running in the house with his gun drawn because there was a "rabid" dog outside that tried to kill him. It was just a boxer that had gotten lost.
*Your b0ss calls your boyfriend Lane Frost because he works on a farm. His real name is Shayne and he is NOT a cowboy
*Your boss threatens to kill you (in a friendly way)
*You get fired everyday for things like not getting coffee or voting
*It's highly suggested your boyfriend moves to NYC to be a pimp because girls there love farmers
*Your boss is always "packing heat"
*Lilith Fair music is constantly playing on your bosses Pandora
*Your boss sings old school rap then insists you listen to the song as well
*Within 10 minutes of being in the office, you hear the F-bomb being dropped
*You take a trip to Hustler with your boss
*Your boss pretends he's gangsta
*Being able to shoot a gun accurately is highly encouraged
*Practicing shooting a gun is a regular occurrence
*Your subjected to listening to tall tails about your bosses previous job as a worm farmer
*You are called "Cusack" because it just so happens your bosses wife is also named Celeste
*You have to hear your boss bitch if Starbucks got his grande, caramel macchiato, two pump vanilla wrong
*Don't forget the wooden stir stick for that drink
*You're sent random YouTube videos that are supposedly funny but you have no idea what is going on
*You are the lucky person who gets to work in the area that houses most of the radioactive materials
*Your boss reminds you his shooting slogan is "Fast is fine, but accuracy is final"
*Your boss creates "amazing" tattoos you should get that say "Montana crack ho"
*Your office is decorated in various pictures of atomic bombs that you are not allowed to take down
*Your boss is a hypochondriac and wears a mask if you even have a stuffy nose or a cough
Here are the things that I love about my boss:
*We go shooting
*I've gone on two all-expenses paid "work" trips to California
*He treats me like I'm apart of his family
*He recognizes the little things I do for the company
*He brings me treasures from his work trips with the FAMs
*He encourages me with my weight loss journey by giving me extra time during lunch to go to the gym
*He got me the iPhone and pays my bill
*He trusts me to run the business when he's gone on trips
*He takes me on Search and Rescue calls
*He gives me the entire week after Christmas off!
*Basically he treats me like a person and individual not his employee
*He understands my pedophile crush on Justin Beiber because he has one on Kristen Stewart (except she is of age, but I think she's ugly)
*He calls my best friend "My Asian Friend"
*Overall, he treats me very well and I couldn't ask for a better boss!
*Your boss comes running in the house with his gun drawn because there was a "rabid" dog outside that tried to kill him. It was just a boxer that had gotten lost.
*Your b0ss calls your boyfriend Lane Frost because he works on a farm. His real name is Shayne and he is NOT a cowboy
*Your boss threatens to kill you (in a friendly way)
*You get fired everyday for things like not getting coffee or voting
*It's highly suggested your boyfriend moves to NYC to be a pimp because girls there love farmers
*Your boss is always "packing heat"
*Lilith Fair music is constantly playing on your bosses Pandora
*Your boss sings old school rap then insists you listen to the song as well
*Within 10 minutes of being in the office, you hear the F-bomb being dropped
*You take a trip to Hustler with your boss
*Your boss pretends he's gangsta
*Being able to shoot a gun accurately is highly encouraged
*Practicing shooting a gun is a regular occurrence
*Your subjected to listening to tall tails about your bosses previous job as a worm farmer
*You are called "Cusack" because it just so happens your bosses wife is also named Celeste
*You have to hear your boss bitch if Starbucks got his grande, caramel macchiato, two pump vanilla wrong
*Don't forget the wooden stir stick for that drink
*You're sent random YouTube videos that are supposedly funny but you have no idea what is going on
*You are the lucky person who gets to work in the area that houses most of the radioactive materials
*Your boss reminds you his shooting slogan is "Fast is fine, but accuracy is final"
*Your boss creates "amazing" tattoos you should get that say "Montana crack ho"
*Your office is decorated in various pictures of atomic bombs that you are not allowed to take down
*Your boss is a hypochondriac and wears a mask if you even have a stuffy nose or a cough
Here are the things that I love about my boss:
*We go shooting
*I've gone on two all-expenses paid "work" trips to California
*He treats me like I'm apart of his family
*He recognizes the little things I do for the company
*He brings me treasures from his work trips with the FAMs
*He encourages me with my weight loss journey by giving me extra time during lunch to go to the gym
*He got me the iPhone and pays my bill
*He trusts me to run the business when he's gone on trips
*He takes me on Search and Rescue calls
*He gives me the entire week after Christmas off!
*Basically he treats me like a person and individual not his employee
*He understands my pedophile crush on Justin Beiber because he has one on Kristen Stewart (except she is of age, but I think she's ugly)
*He calls my best friend "My Asian Friend"
*Overall, he treats me very well and I couldn't ask for a better boss!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
A quest for the Lazy Boy chair
The first time I attended a branding, it was shocked by the stench of burning cow hide combined with the slicing of an ear. I didn't know what to expect because I am a city girl who wanted to be a doctor and has no interest in eating a steak. I was baptized by fire and handed two giant syringes that I was told to stick in each calf making sure they were vaccinated. I was in awe of how much poop was involved, but now that I think about it, I'd poop if someone was putting a hot iron on my skin.(JACOB! Don't ever try to brand me again!) Jump ahead three years and come on an adventure with me as I visit Glen Montana. My dear friend Jacob and I have know each other for roughly six years now and have basically become BFF's. He even feels comfortable enough to constantly give me a wet willy and ask me for advice on how to win over women. Anyways, I've visited the 6-S Ranch many-a-times and have grown very close to the Smith family. I consider them to be my adopted family that I can always visit and know that I am welcome. For the past few years, I've offered to help brand, but for some reason it's more "convenient" for them to get the job done mid week. Thus, I was never able to partake in the festivities because I have a job that requires me to work 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. As much as I love the Smith's, I'm not quite willing to give up my vacation time to chop nuts. Well, this year, they actually had a branding on a weekend and I wasn't going to miss it. When I arrived at the house on Friday night, Randy was lounging in the lazy boy refusing to get up and greet me properly. After some stimulating conversations regarding boyfriends and potatoes, I asked if I could sit in the Lazy Boy. Only to be answered by a death glare and a solid NO! Okay, now it was a challenge. I told Randy if I eat a raw nut tomorrow, can I sit in your chair? He laughed and said probably not. Seriously? How many people do you know that have eaten a bovine testicle fresh out of the scrotum? I've had my share of the infamous Rocky Mountain Oyster but those were all digested with some liquid courage. That night after climbing Mount Everest, I started thinking about what I said I was going to do. Ummm...I think I dug myself a little grave. I drifted off after saying a small prayer that Randy would not remember what I had decided was the best way to be able
to sit in the chair.The next day:
So, here I am, geared up to be the official vaccinator/sprayer for the bulls that are lined up about ready to lose their manhood. On the plus side, they were now being branded so they finally knew where they belonged in the herd. Bull number one...I can't remember his name, something manly like Rocky. That's not it, but that does sound good though, doesn't it? Anyways, shots: check, ear tag: check, brand: check, ear cut: check, castration: OMG!!!!! I about cried when I saw the removal of the reproductive organs. There was blood, pulling, bawling, cutting, then the ever-so-graceful toss of the removed object to the dog who somehow knew it was snack time. There was no time to sympathize with Rocky because he was sliced and ready to move on with his life. Let's take a moment to remember all the lives that were lost that day during the testicle harvest..........Ok, moment's over. We forged through the vast amounts of bulls that needed to be "taken care of" when it was finally my turn to partake in the harvest. Note the following: I didn't want to put in ear tags because they hurt the poor baby, I didn't want to cut the ear because that was bloody, I'm perfectly happy being the vaccinator. Alas, my comment about eating the fresh nut was brought up and a very large bull was laying in the table waiting for me to take care of business. Here are the steps that I took to complete the process. (On average, this should take someone about 1 minute to finish, it took me 10 minutes. Sorry baby cow!)
Step 1: Spritz scrotum with water
Step 2: Squeeze little nuts back up into belly (not really that far, but get them out of the way)
Step
3: Using a SHARP knife, remove the scrotum. Please know that it is not a quick slice, it's like cutting bread, you have to work your way across the area.
Step 4: Visualize the exposed nuts
Step 5: Grab one of the slimy objects
Step 6: Pull hard and allow the entire spermatic cord to come outStep 7:
Cut the cord as close as you can to the body
Step 8: Place said "treasure" to the side or in the mouth of a hungry dogStep 9: Repeat after all, there are two of these things
Remember a few seconds ago when I told you it was a quick process? That quick process should only entail a small amount of blood shed, due to my lack of skills, my poor bull was a real trooper because he lost a lot more blood than the rest. Fear not, he's still alive! Now that I conquered that asp
ect of "the process," I was kindly reminded that it was now time to partake in the slimy little numbers. Thanks to the professional named Emily, she doctored up a nice little nut for me to enjoy. Let me just say this doctoring process did not include and salt, pepper or even ketchup. This is straight out of the bull/steer, I think it was still warm even after it was cleaned up. Okay so it sounds like it's probably the size of a golf ball, but it was more like a peanut shell. Not to big, but yet it was warm and squishy. With blood on my hands, a nice cold Bud Light, I placed the peanut in my mouth, swallowed my pride and the rest is history. Is this a victory? I'm still not sure, all I know is I didn't puke or get some kind of parasite that may or may not cause mad cow. Let's be done with the day, it was finally time for me to enjoy the chair. I earned that thing, fair and square. Then I cried. Why? The GD chair isn't that comfortable and to me, it wasn't worth eating a Rocky Mountain Oyster in a half shell. Oh, well, I guess I can say that I am finally among the few and brave who have chosen to consume a little extra protein the old fashion way.Cheers!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Stand Up and Cheer
I bleed BLUE and GOLD! I am a true Bobcat fan. When fall begins and the air is more crisp, there is a specific feeling deep in my bones...it's football season! I admit I'm not a crazy fan like my sister, but I enjoy watching some Bobcat football. This year I was so excited because I was able to join my family in Bozeman to cheer on the Cats. The best part? Shayne came! The second best part? WE WON!Here's some pictures from the game!
Sweet tooth
It's no surprise to most of you that I love ice cream. I think that it's one of the top man-made items that I honestly could come in consume every day. Along with ice cream, I enjoy a lot of various treats that keep my blood sugar high and my sweet tooth satisfied. During my weight loss journey I have never given up ice cream because I believe I can be healthy and still deserve a treat once in a while. The key term is MODERATION! Everything in moderation, including ice cream. It seems like I fell off the wagon after I couldn't run my half marathon. It was like I lost hope in myself that I could accomplish my goals. It's been a tough few months that have induced my need to self medicate with food. I was now eating multiple treats a day including sucking down a few sodas here and there, in the process, I must have forgotten to work out. I'm starting to feel the side effects that my lust for sugar has created. I know I've gained weight, but I am afraid to get on the scale. My dedication to the gym and running has left the building and I'm so lethargic from sitting on my butt all day. This must stop! I have an addiction that I need to get rid of! So, I personally dubbed October my start over month. On October 1, I quit sweets cold turkey. No cookies, ice cream, soda, candy, etc. I got back in the game going to the gym and trying to eat right. Today is October 6th and I feel like it's been 18,000 days sense I've given up the "treat." I have almost broken down multiple times, but have reminded myself that I'm not going to dye if I go 31 days without sugar. It's not like I'm starving. The hardest times for me are mid afternoon and evenings when I'm home alone. I have turned right back to eating when I'm bored. I'm hoping by the end of this week, the cravings are smaller and more manageable. My goal is to get these extra 20 pounds off before January 1st. This is only step one....
P.S. I'm chewing a lot of gum.
P.S. I'm chewing a lot of gum.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
11 months, 7 days and 3.5 hours
I'm just writing to say this: I've been a funk about blogging lately. I'm trying to be creative and write the "ultimate" post, but I feel that was done with the boob post. I guess I'll have to think of something funny, yet very true. Hummmm....
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Family Matters: Brother addition
When you line my family up one by one, you don't find anyone that resembles each other. In fact, I can't say my brother looks like my dad or I look like my mom. The lack of common facial features have lead me to believe is one of the contributing factors that my three siblings couldn't be any more different. I think I could do individual posts on each of my siblings, that seems like a good idea. That gives me the opportunity to expose them all, tell their secrets, confess things I've hid from them. Why would I do this on my blog? Because none of them read it, T does, sometimes.
Anyways, this installment of the "Life of me" is dedicated to my dead beat brother. Let me just give you a heads up before you continue reading. I love him very much but he just makes bad choices! "L" is three years older than me, so I guess it was a privileged that he was a senior when I was a freshman? In high school, L was the BMOC (big man on campus.) The star goalie for the soccer team. He had girls under a spell, thinking he was Prince Charming. He smoozed his way through various classes. Most of all, he didn't acknowledge me. In fact, most people thought we were cousins and not brother and sister. It really never bothered me because or relationship has never been strong. For as long as I can remember, L pulled the big brother card and never showed much love to his sisters. By high school, I wasn't expecting a drastic change in his personality, so I kept to myself and lead the life of a freshman who's cousin was often the talk of the town. L made a lot of bad decisions in high school that most may have learned a lesson from, but I believe he just learned to be more careful not to get caught. Fast forward four years to when I graduated. Nothing much had changed with my relationship with L. We spoke when he was around, but never kept in touch. My brother's personality took a drastic change after he decided that going to college to play soccer wasn't for him. A semester in, he dropped out. That's his choice and I guess I could be jealous he doesn't have student loans to pay off. My brother had now gone from a total jock to a little hippie wandering through life. To this day, I still consider him a lost soul. I don't know if he'll ever find himself or even if he is still trying. I'd see my brother and analyze his living situation and believe he was finally at rock bottom, and now he could get back on track, make a life for himself. It never happened and still hasn't happened. He's played mind games with me, getting me to think he's changed and he actually appreciates his family and knows we love him. After never following through with his promises, I guess there is a part of me that has given up. L is 29 years old, lives in a broken down truck, looks for random jobs to survive, smokes enough to kill what brain cells he has left, and drinks like a fish. I'll never forgive him for calling me lame because I wouldn't drink with him. I wouldn't be the "fun sister" who would spend all day and night enjoying a stiff drink and smoking a fatty. I am lame, I'm so lame that I've grown up and have a job, pay my bills, have a warm place to live, and I love my family and know I'm blessed to have grown up in the house I did. I have no interest in talking to L, no reason to believe he's changed because it lasts .5 hours then he goes back to drowning his sorrows in whatever he can find. Again, I love my brother, but for goodness sakes, it's time for him to grow the F up! I'm not going to put up with his immaturity any longer. I'm done feeling bad for him because I firmly believe, life is what you make it. He's chosen not to make a life out of anything. He's just living.
Anyways, this installment of the "Life of me" is dedicated to my dead beat brother. Let me just give you a heads up before you continue reading. I love him very much but he just makes bad choices! "L" is three years older than me, so I guess it was a privileged that he was a senior when I was a freshman? In high school, L was the BMOC (big man on campus.) The star goalie for the soccer team. He had girls under a spell, thinking he was Prince Charming. He smoozed his way through various classes. Most of all, he didn't acknowledge me. In fact, most people thought we were cousins and not brother and sister. It really never bothered me because or relationship has never been strong. For as long as I can remember, L pulled the big brother card and never showed much love to his sisters. By high school, I wasn't expecting a drastic change in his personality, so I kept to myself and lead the life of a freshman who's cousin was often the talk of the town. L made a lot of bad decisions in high school that most may have learned a lesson from, but I believe he just learned to be more careful not to get caught. Fast forward four years to when I graduated. Nothing much had changed with my relationship with L. We spoke when he was around, but never kept in touch. My brother's personality took a drastic change after he decided that going to college to play soccer wasn't for him. A semester in, he dropped out. That's his choice and I guess I could be jealous he doesn't have student loans to pay off. My brother had now gone from a total jock to a little hippie wandering through life. To this day, I still consider him a lost soul. I don't know if he'll ever find himself or even if he is still trying. I'd see my brother and analyze his living situation and believe he was finally at rock bottom, and now he could get back on track, make a life for himself. It never happened and still hasn't happened. He's played mind games with me, getting me to think he's changed and he actually appreciates his family and knows we love him. After never following through with his promises, I guess there is a part of me that has given up. L is 29 years old, lives in a broken down truck, looks for random jobs to survive, smokes enough to kill what brain cells he has left, and drinks like a fish. I'll never forgive him for calling me lame because I wouldn't drink with him. I wouldn't be the "fun sister" who would spend all day and night enjoying a stiff drink and smoking a fatty. I am lame, I'm so lame that I've grown up and have a job, pay my bills, have a warm place to live, and I love my family and know I'm blessed to have grown up in the house I did. I have no interest in talking to L, no reason to believe he's changed because it lasts .5 hours then he goes back to drowning his sorrows in whatever he can find. Again, I love my brother, but for goodness sakes, it's time for him to grow the F up! I'm not going to put up with his immaturity any longer. I'm done feeling bad for him because I firmly believe, life is what you make it. He's chosen not to make a life out of anything. He's just living.
Past due
Okay, I've failed as a blogger yet again. I promised to keep you posted with my foot issues and I tried to pull a fast one on you all and I felt guilty every time I thought about the situation. Basically after training for a very very long time, I was unable to run my half marathon. I'm still sad about the situation, but there was no way I could pull off 13.1 miles with the condition I was in. I can't give up though because I can now prepare all winter for another race in the future.
The End.
Oh, my foot is 99% better. Go figure!
The End.
Oh, my foot is 99% better. Go figure!
Monday, August 23, 2010
The Warning: Plantar Fasciitis
This is the big week folks! This is what I've been training for and set as my main goal for the summer. It's half marathon week!! On Saturday, at 7 am, I am going to start and finish my 13.1 mile race.
Here's the problem; yesterday (Sunday,) I did my last long run of my training program. It was the final straw, no more bitching or complaining because all I have left is the race. The distance yesterday was 11 miles and if you must know, the last distance I ran was 9 miles. It's quite a jump for a tubby like me to increase 2 miles in one week. I've been working on one additional mile a week. Well, I made sure to eat a good meal on Saturday night because I knew the carbs would really benefit my endurance. I guess I chose the wrong meal. 4 miles in, this gal was racing to find the nearest bathroom. SICK! From that point on, I had some dry heaving and stomach cramps but I pushed right though that. Mile 5 came along and I was chatting with my trainer about how recently the bottoms of my feet have been hurting while I'm running. I told her I didn't think I was slamming my feet down because I'm not that excited about running. She mentioned Plantar Fascitis could be my problem and just make sure I really stretch my feet. Basically this is when the tendons on the bottom of your feet get inflamed and make your foot hurt like hell! I pushed through then mile 9 I was in lots of pain, but I wasn't going to stop there. I finished my miles and within seconds had my shoes off. All day yesterday, my left foot was killing me and to make matters worse, so was my left knee. By the end of the night, I would have to stop and rest while walking around the house. Thinking everything would be better this morning I got up and BAM, basically the pain almost dropped me to the floor. Crap! I took a shower and hobbled around to feed the animals. Have you ever tried to get horses out of your way while limping? It's tough! Basically, I'm really worried and bummed out because I can't walk and who knows if I can even run. I'll have to keep everyone posted because I'm running 4 miles tomorrow and I think that will be the make it or break it moment. Keep your fingers crossed because I have really worked hard for this and I'll be bummed out if I can't go!
Until next time, peace out cub scouts!
Here's the problem; yesterday (Sunday,) I did my last long run of my training program. It was the final straw, no more bitching or complaining because all I have left is the race. The distance yesterday was 11 miles and if you must know, the last distance I ran was 9 miles. It's quite a jump for a tubby like me to increase 2 miles in one week. I've been working on one additional mile a week. Well, I made sure to eat a good meal on Saturday night because I knew the carbs would really benefit my endurance. I guess I chose the wrong meal. 4 miles in, this gal was racing to find the nearest bathroom. SICK! From that point on, I had some dry heaving and stomach cramps but I pushed right though that. Mile 5 came along and I was chatting with my trainer about how recently the bottoms of my feet have been hurting while I'm running. I told her I didn't think I was slamming my feet down because I'm not that excited about running. She mentioned Plantar Fascitis could be my problem and just make sure I really stretch my feet. Basically this is when the tendons on the bottom of your feet get inflamed and make your foot hurt like hell! I pushed through then mile 9 I was in lots of pain, but I wasn't going to stop there. I finished my miles and within seconds had my shoes off. All day yesterday, my left foot was killing me and to make matters worse, so was my left knee. By the end of the night, I would have to stop and rest while walking around the house. Thinking everything would be better this morning I got up and BAM, basically the pain almost dropped me to the floor. Crap! I took a shower and hobbled around to feed the animals. Have you ever tried to get horses out of your way while limping? It's tough! Basically, I'm really worried and bummed out because I can't walk and who knows if I can even run. I'll have to keep everyone posted because I'm running 4 miles tomorrow and I think that will be the make it or break it moment. Keep your fingers crossed because I have really worked hard for this and I'll be bummed out if I can't go!
Until next time, peace out cub scouts!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
It's a MIRACLE!
**Warning, this post is PG-13 content**
It's no surprise that I haven't been blessed in the chest and I really never had a problem with it until I realized I've been the same bra size for about 100 years. Great...one day I'll bust out into a solid B! Throughout the years, my good friend Victoria Secret has provided me hope that it is possible to look the part. Each year they come out with the ultimate miracle bra that is supposed to make you look HUGE! Don't worry, I've purchased all of them. My friend and I went a few years ago and when I tried on the bra, I yelled "It is a MIRACLE!" Yep, everyone started laughing. I bought two of those ones. $100 dollars down and two amazing over-the-shoulder-bolder (or pebbles)-holders. I was now on the right track to get those boobies pushed up. Allow me to show you some of progress of Operation Push-Up:
a.jpg)
This is an example of "el-natur-al" but not really because I have my running shirt on. A little sad right? I know, I cry regularly.
a.jpg)
Making progress...this is the "it's a miracle" bra. It does a good job and now has been demoted to my every day basic bra. I know this does the trick, but friends, I have now found the best invention. I know this was created for all of us under privileged gals. The creator of this bra, they know what it's like to try to impress someone and you're basically forced to put some chicken cutlets in order to attempt a comparison to the barbie doll across the room. Anyways back to this bra! Now, I only bring it out on special occasions that I know it will be appriciated. I'm not trying to draw that much attention to myself, but can't a girl want some big boobies every now and then? So I now present you with the ultimate straight from God miracle bra:
And then the heavens opened up and the angels sang! Haha! I try not to flaunt these amazing things, but for crying out loud...they look good! That dress is the first thing that was "low cut" that I wore that bra with. Mostly I wear it with regular shirts, but it was a special occasion. Don't mind my friend, she's blessed.
Okay well a quick story before I end this inappropriate blog. This past weekend was a rough one. Lots of parties and I had to make my usual bra strapless for a dress I was wearing for a friends wedding. Well, the day came to head home and I was wayyyy to tired to attach the straps again. So I put the new bra on and drove home. Due to the fact I was driving through Bozeman, I thought it was only appropriate to stop at my parents so say a quick hello. As mom went to give me a hug goodbye she said "Oh my gosh, what is that?" Yep, that was her noticing my big boobs. I laughed and said mom you know I don't have any boobs. She agreed and then wondered if it hurt that I had that on. No way! It's all padding...comfy as my bed! She just shook her head and that was that.
**I hope I didn't make any of you vomit, and if I did, get over it. This is an issue that many women struggle with. Not all of us can dish out $7,000.00 for some implants. If you want to make a donation, I'd gladly accept it.**
Have a nice day!
It's no surprise that I haven't been blessed in the chest and I really never had a problem with it until I realized I've been the same bra size for about 100 years. Great...one day I'll bust out into a solid B! Throughout the years, my good friend Victoria Secret has provided me hope that it is possible to look the part. Each year they come out with the ultimate miracle bra that is supposed to make you look HUGE! Don't worry, I've purchased all of them. My friend and I went a few years ago and when I tried on the bra, I yelled "It is a MIRACLE!" Yep, everyone started laughing. I bought two of those ones. $100 dollars down and two amazing over-the-shoulder-bolder (or pebbles)-holders. I was now on the right track to get those boobies pushed up. Allow me to show you some of progress of Operation Push-Up:
a.jpg)
This is an example of "el-natur-al" but not really because I have my running shirt on. A little sad right? I know, I cry regularly.a.jpg)
Making progress...this is the "it's a miracle" bra. It does a good job and now has been demoted to my every day basic bra. I know this does the trick, but friends, I have now found the best invention. I know this was created for all of us under privileged gals. The creator of this bra, they know what it's like to try to impress someone and you're basically forced to put some chicken cutlets in order to attempt a comparison to the barbie doll across the room. Anyways back to this bra! Now, I only bring it out on special occasions that I know it will be appriciated. I'm not trying to draw that much attention to myself, but can't a girl want some big boobies every now and then? So I now present you with the ultimate straight from God miracle bra:
And then the heavens opened up and the angels sang! Haha! I try not to flaunt these amazing things, but for crying out loud...they look good! That dress is the first thing that was "low cut" that I wore that bra with. Mostly I wear it with regular shirts, but it was a special occasion. Don't mind my friend, she's blessed.Okay well a quick story before I end this inappropriate blog. This past weekend was a rough one. Lots of parties and I had to make my usual bra strapless for a dress I was wearing for a friends wedding. Well, the day came to head home and I was wayyyy to tired to attach the straps again. So I put the new bra on and drove home. Due to the fact I was driving through Bozeman, I thought it was only appropriate to stop at my parents so say a quick hello. As mom went to give me a hug goodbye she said "Oh my gosh, what is that?" Yep, that was her noticing my big boobs. I laughed and said mom you know I don't have any boobs. She agreed and then wondered if it hurt that I had that on. No way! It's all padding...comfy as my bed! She just shook her head and that was that.
**I hope I didn't make any of you vomit, and if I did, get over it. This is an issue that many women struggle with. Not all of us can dish out $7,000.00 for some implants. If you want to make a donation, I'd gladly accept it.**
Have a nice day!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
My mid-twenties crisis!
Life is often compared to a book and how the milestones can become a "new chapter" in your life. Obviously in my 26 years of existence, I have open and closed many chapters in my book. Three years ago, I took the plunge and moved to Idaho Falls for a job. That was the second time I packed myself up and moved to a new place. This time, I was going further away from my family and friends, just so I could start over. During this time that I've lived in Idaho Falls, I have learned so much about myself and how growing up is DUMB. I am responsible for my life and making sure I can pay bills and put food on my table. I have come to accept all these responsibilities minus the fact I hate, hate, hate student loans. In three years I have moved 5 times, lost my job, met new friends, started a better job, started adjusting to the LDS, became more adventurous, and still hate paying my student loans. Recently all these responsibilities are starting to piss me off! I want to forget about going to work every day and be able to sleep in. I want to go back to college, I didn't have to stress about all these "grown up" things. I was able to be with my friends and binge drink. (sorry mom!) My friends and I are now scattered across the world making it that much harder to visit them. We've all grown up and realized that drinking is a bad idea, bills are more important, and staying up past 10:30 pm is killing our work ethic. Why did we have to realize this? Can't we just have one month a year where we go away and not have to worry about anything? All I know, is I'd better get my stuff together because I am NOT IN COLLEGE anymore and my g.d. bills don't pay themselves. Come on 27....get here fast so I can get over my mid-twenties crisis!
Thank you for reading my venting session!
Have a nice day!
Thank you for reading my venting session!
Have a nice day!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Progress report
So my friend won't stop bothering me to blog about how I'm doing on my list of goals for the summer. Nicole, this one's for you!
Here is my list:
1. Complete everything on this list NOT GOING SO WELL!
2. Read 5 books (for some of you, five is a small number but I'm not a reader, so this is a huge goal for me. I may need suggestions for summer reading) Only have one book down, but have started two others
3. Stick with the exercise program Some days I hate my life and exercising, but I'm staying on track
4. Go to the lake every weekend (this is weather pending and won't be too hard, I love the lake) I think I've gone about 5 times
5. Attend 3 Chuckers games Two down, better get the last one in soon
6. Ride my bike more often No comment
7. Golf Does thinking about it count?
8. RUN THE STINKIN' HALF MARATHON! 18 days to go!!
9. Love Shayne even if I never see him This one is having issues...
10. Spend some quality time with my BFF before she leaves the country Yep, we ran a race together and heading to a wedding this weekend
11. Get down two more sizes One down, one to go
12. Go hiking in the Tetons See previous post
13. Spend a Friday night with Shayne in the tractor while he's baling (even if there isn't room for two and I'm basically sitting with my butt out the side window)*Also note, this will involve learning everything about farming and tractors* Again, this one is under analysis
14. Play tennis I moved my racket the other day
15. Take piano lessons Signed up for them next month, but I'm going to have to cancel
16. Get back on a horse Going tomorrow
I may have not completed a lot of items on the list, but I have had many adventures. I've gone to the sand dunes and did some riding. Last weekend I went kayaking for the first time! We even hit some class 2 rapids. That might not seem big, but for a first timer who is slightly afraid of water, it was scary the first time. We paddled the 2 mile loop twice and I was more comfortable the second time. This summer has gone by so quickly and I know fall is in the air. I feel the temperature changing leaving me only to believe it maybe another long winter here in Idaho.
Here is my list:
1. Complete everything on this list NOT GOING SO WELL!
2. Read 5 books (for some of you, five is a small number but I'm not a reader, so this is a huge goal for me. I may need suggestions for summer reading) Only have one book down, but have started two others
3. Stick with the exercise program Some days I hate my life and exercising, but I'm staying on track
4. Go to the lake every weekend (this is weather pending and won't be too hard, I love the lake) I think I've gone about 5 times
5. Attend 3 Chuckers games Two down, better get the last one in soon
6. Ride my bike more often No comment
7. Golf Does thinking about it count?
8. RUN THE STINKIN' HALF MARATHON! 18 days to go!!
9. Love Shayne even if I never see him This one is having issues...
10. Spend some quality time with my BFF before she leaves the country Yep, we ran a race together and heading to a wedding this weekend
11. Get down two more sizes One down, one to go
12. Go hiking in the Tetons See previous post
13. Spend a Friday night with Shayne in the tractor while he's baling (even if there isn't room for two and I'm basically sitting with my butt out the side window)*Also note, this will involve learning everything about farming and tractors* Again, this one is under analysis
14. Play tennis I moved my racket the other day
15. Take piano lessons Signed up for them next month, but I'm going to have to cancel
16. Get back on a horse Going tomorrow
I may have not completed a lot of items on the list, but I have had many adventures. I've gone to the sand dunes and did some riding. Last weekend I went kayaking for the first time! We even hit some class 2 rapids. That might not seem big, but for a first timer who is slightly afraid of water, it was scary the first time. We paddled the 2 mile loop twice and I was more comfortable the second time. This summer has gone by so quickly and I know fall is in the air. I feel the temperature changing leaving me only to believe it maybe another long winter here in Idaho.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Just another slice of Heaven!
It's not surprise that I love the mountains. I feel that it's one of Gods greatest creations and to be honest those who haven't been around them are really missing out. When I moved to Idaho three years ago, I didn't realize how close we were to the Tetons. At that time, I had never been there just seen pictures. Imagine how excited when I was at work one day and I saw them for the first time. AMAZING! I have only visited Grand Teton National Park twice but have visited Driggs Idaho many times. Driggs is very close to the Tetons so it's nice to be in a Bozeman-like town and see the Grands at the same time. A few weeks ago, a few of my friends and I went up to Driggs to run in the Tin Cup 5k and ended up going up to Targhee for a while after. Basically we went up to have some drinks. A 5k really takes it out of you! haha The next week I met up with two of the women and we decided to hike to Table Rock. Here is a write up of the hike:
From the campground, the trail quickly climbs 400 feet in the first half mile, then levels a bit as it parallels the north fork of Teton Creek. Soon, you cross into the Jedediah Smith Wildernes
s Area, created as part of Grand Targhee National Forest in 1984. Jedediah, one of the most interesting figures of the Rocky Mountain fur trade era, answered an 1822 St. Louis newspaper advertisement calling for "enterprising young men ... to ascend the River Missouri to its source, there to be employed for one, two or three years." He quickly grew in stature. As a mountain man he was unsurpassed, successfully leading trapping parties through perilous territory. As an explorer he excelled, forging the first passage over the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. A deeply religious man, he did not swear, drink, or use tobacco and he always carried his Bible. Jedediah lost part of an ear to a grizzly and eventually lost his life to a Comanche spear, but he never lost the respect of his men or his faith in God.Just past the 1 mile mark, look for moose in the open meadows and among the tall, s
hrubby willows which thrive near the creek to the right. The tender leaves and twigs of the willows make up a large portion of the moose's diet. In fact, the name "moose" comes from the Algonquin Indian term meaning twig eater. At the 2.5 mile mark the trail crosses the creek on a small footbridge. Black bear are often seen in this area. Bear cubs are born in January when the female is still asleep in her den. A newborn cub may weigh as little as just 8 ounces, which is remarkable when compared to its mother's weight of 150 to 250 pounds. Healthy females usually give birth to one or two cubs every other year. Just ahead on the left, you will find a large granit
e outcropping which is a nice spot to rest. At this point you have climbed 1,000 feet. To the southeast, you can now see gently sloping Table Mountain rising another 3,000 feet to its distinctive box-shaped top.As you near the 3.5 mile mark, the trail bends to the right and enters a series of 9 switchbacks which climb 1,000 feet in less than a mile. Early in the season snow can be a problem in this area. Later i
n the summer, hikers on the lower switchbacks are treated to a beautiful display of wildflowers including: the prominent pink Lewis monkeyflower; the well-named monkshood, with its distinctive purple flowers forming a hood-shaped structure; the fiery red-topped Indian paintbrush; and the delicate mountain bluebell, with its clusters of tiny blue flowers hanging down from long stems. As you climb the switchbacks, you begin to see the mighty summits of the Teton Range as they peek over the ridge to the east.First yo
u see the Grand (13,770') then to its right, the Middle Teton (12,804') and to its left, Mount Owen (12,928'). Finally, far to the right you see the South Teton (12,514'). From this western vantage, the so-called "back side" of the Tetons, one can understand how the lonely French fur trappers, upon seeing these majestic peaks silhouetted against the sky, allowed their minds to wander and fondly dubbed them "Les Trois Tetons" (the three breasts).The elevation at the top of the ridge above the switchbacks is 9,944 feet. Here, the summer growing season is short and the winter conditions are severe. The only trees that can survive are the gnarled whitebark pines and even they cannot grow much further up the mountain.
The climate is cool, moist and often windy. The soil is scant and supports a sparse population of shrubs and flowers. This is the biotic community known as alpine tundra. From here, the top of Table Mountain looks deceptively close. Actually, it's almost two miles away and another 1,000 feet up. As you continue up the broad, sloping meadow, try not to step on anything green. These plants struggle enough against the elements without also doing battle with your feet.
The box-shaped top of Table Mountain, which gives the mountain its name, is made u
p of sedimentary rock. Millions of years ago, many layers of sedimentary rock formed an unbroken horizontal blanket covering the older Precambrian basement rocks beneath. Approximately 9 million years ago, the Teton Range faulted up, exposing these hard basement rocks, which today make up the core of the Tetons. Subsequent erosion stripped away much of the sedimentary rock, leaving relatively few areas, like Table Mountain, exposed. Be very careful as you make the final ascent through this sedimentary rock. It is really just a consolidated accumulation of sand, rock and shell fragments and therefore, is brittle, crumbly and difficult to climb.From the top of Table Mountain you feel as though you are standing shoulder to shoulder with the clouds. No words can describe this breathtaking view.
Suffice it to say that in 1872, famous photographer William H. Jackson, searching for the perfect spot from which to make the first photographs ever of the Tetons, chose Table Mountain as his vantage. If you think it was tough getting up here, imagine how difficult it was for Jackson, who traveled for nine days without benefit of a blazed trail, leading his mule, "Molly," packed high with bulky cameras, lenses, tripods, glass plates, chemicals and a makeshift darkroom. But it was all worth it. Even with the crude photographic equipment of the day, the images that Jackson captured from the top of Table Mountain remain unsurpassed!
It was the most amazing 10 hour hike I've ever done! (well, it's the only 10 hour hike I've done)
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