I've decided to make some small changes in my life to lighten my load and feel at peace. There are basically four simple things I've changed recently. I'm biking more frequently, drinking more water, writing more consistently, and deactivating my facebook account.
I think I've been on facebook since 2009 when I was a student at Berea College. It was a nice distraction from studying. But something has changed inside me and I can't give a concrete answer as to why but I know without a doubt that it's not healthy for me. I'm not saying I will never get back on facebook, but I know with absolution that I need a stretch of time without it. Not only have the ads been frustrating to me and the ads for friends of people I don't know, but it's a total waste of time and robbing me of peace. I might only be on facebook ten minutes in the morning and ten minutes at night, but that's a significant amount of time to be wasting not really connecting or doing anything inspiring or soul nourishing. I've been off facebook only two days now, and I already feel significantly better. I think reading all the comments is overwhelming at times, because I am evaluating everyone's condition, etc., To be blunt, I need to take care of some basic things in my life right now before I can even attempt to sympathize with someone's lost keys or spilled coffee that I hardly know.
I also think about clever things I might want to tweet, but then I realize the freedom- I don't have to! I can enjoy this moment and this beauty and celebrate it fully now. Facebook had added stress to my life over the years. Maybe I added someone that I thought was a "friend", and then they ended up stalking me. And I wish the situation had never been. Family members have deleted me from their friends list because I said something true in my soul, and I see that facebook is truly a superficial realm of networking. It's good for an address book, locating a person you might want to stay with on your way to Denver or New York, but it's not a social community.
I have found I'm already reading more, working more purposefully to find work, praying more, thinking of my friends with more intention, and caring about the news in the world more, too. I never thought I would be one of the people that would deactivate my account, but it doesn't feel healthy anymore.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Tucson
When I first moved to Tucson, I took a long walk and thought I was going to die from the heat. I moved to Tucson August 1, knowing no one, and not even knowing much about the neighborhood I moved into. I knew that I would be close to the job I had taken and thought that was a good thing. Said job did not work out, but I've taken that in stride. I guess I'm getting old enough to realize that sometimes your plans don't work out and that's usually a good thing.
The first month I lived here I spent a lot of time getting my apartment together. I took almost daily trips to the wonderful thrift store across the street and gradually accumulated a bed, chairs, a desk, massage chair, kitchen table, even a free television with VHS player. They were so good to me. I also worked to get all the things I needed for the job- driver's license, clearance card, etc., I started to learn the bus system, got Internet, and eventually a bicycle. It doesn't take much to create a kitchen for home cooked meals and after getting the basics, I started cooking satisfying meals and saving money.
Once work started my life was all about work, and through the fall I worked three jobs at the same time. I didn't have much time to explore and enjoy where I live. On top of that, the job I had taken was negative and crushing, and resigning helped me see how much it obscured my ability to relax and live.
I have now lived in Tucson almost six months, and like Georgia O'Keefe said, "To see takes time, like to have a good friend takes time." After living here a bit, I can feel this lovely transformation of settlement and a deeper appreciation for where I live. Recently a friend from Maine came for a visit and while there were plenty of U-turns, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I did know about the area. From my bicycle rides, I've learned street names and all the exploring has increased my happiness. I had thoughts about the cactus having acne and being violent, but I'm really starting to relish the beauty of the desert and where I live. While some cities have overwhelmed me with their traffic (Nashville, Seattle, Atlanta), Tucson is a nice mix of people without the insane amount of congestion and confusion. I've decided to list five reasons why I'm loving Tucson!
1) I love my apartment. It's small and adequate for me. I like having a dishwasher, walk in closet, and bathtub. I like keeping my windows wide open so I can see the mountains before me and watch the sunrise and sunsets. It's wonderful to study the shadows and changing colors. I like that I have easy access to washer and dryer, and most of all, I am so happy that I have a pool to swim in most of the year. And from what I've observed, I seem to be one of the few that does enjoy it... all the better!
2) I love my neighborhood. While some of my friends might consider my neighborhood a little "sketchy", I find it entertaining and interesting. Even after having an attempted break in back in October, I feel safe. I like that I live across the street from a faith based ministry, a thrift store, a Circle K, and I'm beginning to recognize my neighbors faces. This is my little community, and I like it. I like my neighbors. They are from different cultural backgrounds than me. I love that I'm the only white girl in my zumba classes! I love the languages that flow around me that I don't understand. I also am grateful that my apartment is right in front of the bus stop, which is convenient to both the mall area and downtown Tucson.
3) I love that there is so much to do in Tucson. Some of the things that I have really enjoyed include going to concerts at the Fox Theater, hitting up museums, hiking, and trying new restaurants. It's really endless, and with more friends coming in February, I will get to experience the Tucson Rodeo and other things.
4) Trader Joe's. In N Out Burger. Super Target. Bookman's.
5) The weather. Nothing makes me happier than a sweet bike ride on Tucson's smooth and easy roads with the sunshine on my back. I was freezing my bum off this time last year. Flash forward to this year, and I'm wearing shorts today.
The first month I lived here I spent a lot of time getting my apartment together. I took almost daily trips to the wonderful thrift store across the street and gradually accumulated a bed, chairs, a desk, massage chair, kitchen table, even a free television with VHS player. They were so good to me. I also worked to get all the things I needed for the job- driver's license, clearance card, etc., I started to learn the bus system, got Internet, and eventually a bicycle. It doesn't take much to create a kitchen for home cooked meals and after getting the basics, I started cooking satisfying meals and saving money.
Once work started my life was all about work, and through the fall I worked three jobs at the same time. I didn't have much time to explore and enjoy where I live. On top of that, the job I had taken was negative and crushing, and resigning helped me see how much it obscured my ability to relax and live.
I have now lived in Tucson almost six months, and like Georgia O'Keefe said, "To see takes time, like to have a good friend takes time." After living here a bit, I can feel this lovely transformation of settlement and a deeper appreciation for where I live. Recently a friend from Maine came for a visit and while there were plenty of U-turns, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I did know about the area. From my bicycle rides, I've learned street names and all the exploring has increased my happiness. I had thoughts about the cactus having acne and being violent, but I'm really starting to relish the beauty of the desert and where I live. While some cities have overwhelmed me with their traffic (Nashville, Seattle, Atlanta), Tucson is a nice mix of people without the insane amount of congestion and confusion. I've decided to list five reasons why I'm loving Tucson!
1) I love my apartment. It's small and adequate for me. I like having a dishwasher, walk in closet, and bathtub. I like keeping my windows wide open so I can see the mountains before me and watch the sunrise and sunsets. It's wonderful to study the shadows and changing colors. I like that I have easy access to washer and dryer, and most of all, I am so happy that I have a pool to swim in most of the year. And from what I've observed, I seem to be one of the few that does enjoy it... all the better!
2) I love my neighborhood. While some of my friends might consider my neighborhood a little "sketchy", I find it entertaining and interesting. Even after having an attempted break in back in October, I feel safe. I like that I live across the street from a faith based ministry, a thrift store, a Circle K, and I'm beginning to recognize my neighbors faces. This is my little community, and I like it. I like my neighbors. They are from different cultural backgrounds than me. I love that I'm the only white girl in my zumba classes! I love the languages that flow around me that I don't understand. I also am grateful that my apartment is right in front of the bus stop, which is convenient to both the mall area and downtown Tucson.
3) I love that there is so much to do in Tucson. Some of the things that I have really enjoyed include going to concerts at the Fox Theater, hitting up museums, hiking, and trying new restaurants. It's really endless, and with more friends coming in February, I will get to experience the Tucson Rodeo and other things.
4) Trader Joe's. In N Out Burger. Super Target. Bookman's.
5) The weather. Nothing makes me happier than a sweet bike ride on Tucson's smooth and easy roads with the sunshine on my back. I was freezing my bum off this time last year. Flash forward to this year, and I'm wearing shorts today.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Faith as a Crutch?
I have a friend that will occasionally point out to me that I seem to talk about the Bible more at certain times in my life. It's felt like an implication of my flightiness, that I use my faith as a crutch in times of hardship or peril. I tend to disagree. I feel like it is because of these times that I am more open to receiving God's grace and love. His nature doesn't change. I'm broken enough to finally see that I am in desperate need of saving. I am more aware of my true condition as a fragile human and God's beautiful consistency of character and faithfulness. It is in times when I have felt abandoned that God has taken me by the hand, and it is in times of feeling alone that I have realized He is sufficient and everything I need.
I'm feeling so much worry. I worry that I won't find work. I worry that I won't fit in with work. I worry that I won't find a job that I like and will be suffering through another miserable job. I worry about paying my bills and about getting from point A to point B. There is worry in my heart.
I am spending time with a dear friend for a couple days, and my mind is relieved with some distraction from these thoughts. Still, they are there, and I still think, "Why is no employer calling me?" I know things take time, but I want to be working and feeling good about myself. I spend renewed time in His Word because that's where I find peace, encouragement and hope. I find challenges to grow rich in God and not in ambition or things. I'm reminded of His hand on my life. The Word of God is my anchor, and I cherish the Word I can receive from it each time I open. A word from God? What a gift.
I am choosing a path that is not widely understood or acceptable, but I want to do right and be pure. I want to live as if life matters and every person is valuable and we all have something to offer the world. I want to learn how to love like Jesus and walk in His way a little more. I want my heart that battles worry and insecurity to rest in the nature of God, the One who understands all things.
I'm feeling so much worry. I worry that I won't find work. I worry that I won't fit in with work. I worry that I won't find a job that I like and will be suffering through another miserable job. I worry about paying my bills and about getting from point A to point B. There is worry in my heart.
I am spending time with a dear friend for a couple days, and my mind is relieved with some distraction from these thoughts. Still, they are there, and I still think, "Why is no employer calling me?" I know things take time, but I want to be working and feeling good about myself. I spend renewed time in His Word because that's where I find peace, encouragement and hope. I find challenges to grow rich in God and not in ambition or things. I'm reminded of His hand on my life. The Word of God is my anchor, and I cherish the Word I can receive from it each time I open. A word from God? What a gift.
I am choosing a path that is not widely understood or acceptable, but I want to do right and be pure. I want to live as if life matters and every person is valuable and we all have something to offer the world. I want to learn how to love like Jesus and walk in His way a little more. I want my heart that battles worry and insecurity to rest in the nature of God, the One who understands all things.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Finding a Job
This has been a great week with plenty of sunshine and promise. I am still looking for work, and I have re-focused myself on that alone. I think it's easy for me to get side tracked into thinking about many things all at once- how I want to go to Togo, learn Spanish, take a cooking and hip hop class, quit working Sundays so I can finally go to church, etc., but I am pushing everything to the side. Without dreams, the soul dies, and I can't pursue any dreams without a job.
I am putting all my energy into finding a job, which is depleting and draining at times. With every rejection, I wonder what's wrong with me in my ability, personality, appearance, etc., So I work at not taking things personally and applying to as many places as possible and hyper focusing on the ones that hold the most potential and possibility.
I've done a pretty decent job at putting myself out there this week. I search every day online, through Indeed and Craigslist and study my surroundings more closely. My goal is to have a job by February. I have found it super helpful to exercise more through this period of unemployment. I have gone to zumba three times this week and taken a couple of long bike rides and frequent walk breaks. It's a huge help in energy and motivation. Yesterday I biked around 10 miles and was completely intoxicated by the sunshine. The same is true of today. There's a beautiful freedom in being unemployed- working hard at getting a job but enjoying a little beauty and play is crucial.
Tomorrow is Sunday, and I will be back with the turtles. Monday Naomi arrives, and I will push all this aside again to focus on enjoying my friend. I think it will be a nice 2.5 day break from the stress of finding work. Most of all, when I start to worry, I'm trying very hard to focus on saying, "I trust You" rather than dwelling in a spirit of worry. God has always provided, and I know He will again.
I am putting all my energy into finding a job, which is depleting and draining at times. With every rejection, I wonder what's wrong with me in my ability, personality, appearance, etc., So I work at not taking things personally and applying to as many places as possible and hyper focusing on the ones that hold the most potential and possibility.
I've done a pretty decent job at putting myself out there this week. I search every day online, through Indeed and Craigslist and study my surroundings more closely. My goal is to have a job by February. I have found it super helpful to exercise more through this period of unemployment. I have gone to zumba three times this week and taken a couple of long bike rides and frequent walk breaks. It's a huge help in energy and motivation. Yesterday I biked around 10 miles and was completely intoxicated by the sunshine. The same is true of today. There's a beautiful freedom in being unemployed- working hard at getting a job but enjoying a little beauty and play is crucial.
Tomorrow is Sunday, and I will be back with the turtles. Monday Naomi arrives, and I will push all this aside again to focus on enjoying my friend. I think it will be a nice 2.5 day break from the stress of finding work. Most of all, when I start to worry, I'm trying very hard to focus on saying, "I trust You" rather than dwelling in a spirit of worry. God has always provided, and I know He will again.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Delicious
Yesterday I was puttering away in the kitchen and decided to make myself a nice lunch. I tried a new recipe, chicken artichokes in white wine sauce with pasta. I had a delightful time making it. I cup up the chicken, drained the artichokes, soaked chicken in flour, salt, and pepper. I used a lot of olive oil and butter, sautéed the artichokes, then the chicken, and then everything together with wine... Pouring the wine into the pan was absolutely exhilarating, the sizzle and flavor, the aromas bursting forth into the air. I cup up a lemon and squirted the fresh juice into the pan. After that, I cooked some penne to add in with the dish.
It was so good, a very satisfying meal. Some of my friends cook and buy the same things week after week. I totally appreciate their practicality, but I can't live that way. I love variety and trying new things, and I want to constantly push myself to do so... not just with food but with other things too. Learning cultures, reaching out to friends and new people, dancing, taking courses, listening to people, reading challenging books, dating, dreaming, exploring possibilities, working the body...
Just like when the wine poured into the pot and the sizzle was heard, so our lives can sound with excitement and hope. It's wonderful to feel the start of dreams, special things, new friendships, but with time, the wine cooks in and the meal gets thicker, tastier, more appealing. I want to feel the sparks in my life and let good things simmer. Things that will not be quick and easy, but things that prove their richness with time.
It was so good, a very satisfying meal. Some of my friends cook and buy the same things week after week. I totally appreciate their practicality, but I can't live that way. I love variety and trying new things, and I want to constantly push myself to do so... not just with food but with other things too. Learning cultures, reaching out to friends and new people, dancing, taking courses, listening to people, reading challenging books, dating, dreaming, exploring possibilities, working the body...
Just like when the wine poured into the pot and the sizzle was heard, so our lives can sound with excitement and hope. It's wonderful to feel the start of dreams, special things, new friendships, but with time, the wine cooks in and the meal gets thicker, tastier, more appealing. I want to feel the sparks in my life and let good things simmer. Things that will not be quick and easy, but things that prove their richness with time.
Friday, January 9, 2015
Comforting Things
Goal: Find and buy one of those awesome collapsible chairs with the two drink holders and keep it on my front porch area so I can sit and watch the sky more often. I've been reading Desiring God by John Piper. Great book, deep theological thoughts. The concept of God is very hard to grasp- His character that is so different than ours, but I find looking at the sky to be the clearest answer to His glory.
and lastly, sometimes you need a picture of puppy dogs to cheer you up. I've had a serious case of puppy fever (is this related to baby fever?). I literally sit at my computer and scroll google images of puppies, and I dream about the puppy smell and having my own sweet puppy! A lot of my friends are "cat people", and I am an unabashed dog lover. I've tried to understand cats, I've tried to give them attention, but my heart is with dogs. Hoda Kotb recently said that dog lovers are proven to be the most fun type of people, so I guess that explains it all. Just kidding! Actually, cat lovers are the most dependable, so we all have our great traits. Here's one I love:
Job Hunting and Visitors
There are two main things on my mind lately. I need a job, and I have company coming!
1. I need a job.
A job is one of those things most people need, and for those that don't need to work, I don't understand your world and never will. I've been working since I was fifteen, and every time I haven't worked, I experience an almost immediate euphoria of time to myself followed by sudden panic and stress. I've quit jobs because bosses were jerks, grabbed young girls butts, said filthy things, and I couldn't stand being in the same room with them. I've been fired from jobs because I didn't quite fit in, maybe wasn't into their drugs and drinking. I sliced my thumb off the first day at a job, and after a drive to ER, driving with my hand up so the blood didn't pour, I was fired. I've resigned from jobs because bosses were control freaks, manipulative grouches, and I hated being in a basement covered in protective gear with the smell of mice. I have a long work history, with many stories, many odd and unusual jobs, but at the very core, I love working hard.
My favorite jobs, in all honesty, have been the ones that I toiled with sweat and labor. I enjoyed UPS because I grew strong at that job, and I moved around like a monkey. I loved the farm because I was free to work at a farmer's pace, steady and easy, with the fields, trees, animals, and sun. I loved watering the plants and seeing things come alive. I loved weeding the garden and thinking about life. I loved sweating in the greenhouses, carrying heavy pumpkins, and cleaning out the chicken house. I love satisfying physical labor. I've also done a ton of restaurant work. It's not my favorite, but I do like the walking, the people interactions and observations, and the freedom of the schedule. I can still see myself, in a funny vision, cleaning out the booths late at night while everyone is leaving the bar and I'm the closing restaurant server. There was so much work to do at the end of the night, and I remember how my sleep schedule was completely screwed. People don't understand why servers don't wake until noon, because they don't understand the work, the late shifts, and so forth. For a couple years, I woke up around noon, wrote in my journal, went for a hike, and then to work. I carried ridiculously heavy trays and broke more than my fair share of glasses, plates, etc., My favorite job of all was being a nanny to a six month to one year old baby. I loved caring for her so much. I'll never forget my last time rocking her to sleep, singing "Amazing Grace" and the tears streaming down my face. Nothing was more special to me than seeing her clap for the first time and notice the birds in the sky. I adored taking her out for walks, sitting on a blanket, reading stories, playing with pots and pans, taking her to library story times. It was the best gig ever, with awesome parents that trusted me in a way that I still find miraculous.
Now I am looking for work in a new city. I feel fortunate that in my five months here, I've managed to find the work that I've found. I came to Tucson for Arts for All, and even though that didn't work out, I worked a seasonal job at Hickory Farms, and I did light housekeeping and gardening for a lady once a week... and now two ladies. I also worked at a winter horse camp, but now I need a full time job. I'm looking. In the last week I've applied to over 20 jobs. I keep all options open. I don't care about how "meaningful" the job is right now- I need cash flow. I've applied to serving jobs, hotel jobs, some retail, caregiving, etc., etc., and I'm getting impatient. But today I managed to turn all those worries around. I started saying quietly, "I trust You" when the worries came, and this simple statement of faith quieted the noise. I trust You! I trust You, I trust that You will take care of me and that You have a plan!
2. Visitors
I have company coming! In ten days, TEN DAYS! my dear friend Naomi is coming for a visit. I love her to pieces. She's a caring, considerate friend, fun, blunt, artistic, and full of interests and hobbies. She spins, gardens, paints, knits, bakes, dances... What doesn't she do? I'm renting a car for the week and we're going to go to the Desert Museum, Bisbee, Sabino Canyon, etc., ! I'm so excited. Then, in Feb., my friend Amy is coming for a visit and she's dying to see the Tucson Rodeo! How fun will that be! Lastly, my pal Amanda is coming to town beginning of March. She also has some family here in Tucson, but I'm tickled pink to see her again. She's awesome! I'm really excited to play the role of host, already picking out sheets, blankets, candles, incense, snacks, etc., and thinking about the adventures and memories. It's so funny that this is the first time in my life anyone has come and stayed with me for any length of time, and here they come... all at once! I am so happy and excited!
1. I need a job.
A job is one of those things most people need, and for those that don't need to work, I don't understand your world and never will. I've been working since I was fifteen, and every time I haven't worked, I experience an almost immediate euphoria of time to myself followed by sudden panic and stress. I've quit jobs because bosses were jerks, grabbed young girls butts, said filthy things, and I couldn't stand being in the same room with them. I've been fired from jobs because I didn't quite fit in, maybe wasn't into their drugs and drinking. I sliced my thumb off the first day at a job, and after a drive to ER, driving with my hand up so the blood didn't pour, I was fired. I've resigned from jobs because bosses were control freaks, manipulative grouches, and I hated being in a basement covered in protective gear with the smell of mice. I have a long work history, with many stories, many odd and unusual jobs, but at the very core, I love working hard.
My favorite jobs, in all honesty, have been the ones that I toiled with sweat and labor. I enjoyed UPS because I grew strong at that job, and I moved around like a monkey. I loved the farm because I was free to work at a farmer's pace, steady and easy, with the fields, trees, animals, and sun. I loved watering the plants and seeing things come alive. I loved weeding the garden and thinking about life. I loved sweating in the greenhouses, carrying heavy pumpkins, and cleaning out the chicken house. I love satisfying physical labor. I've also done a ton of restaurant work. It's not my favorite, but I do like the walking, the people interactions and observations, and the freedom of the schedule. I can still see myself, in a funny vision, cleaning out the booths late at night while everyone is leaving the bar and I'm the closing restaurant server. There was so much work to do at the end of the night, and I remember how my sleep schedule was completely screwed. People don't understand why servers don't wake until noon, because they don't understand the work, the late shifts, and so forth. For a couple years, I woke up around noon, wrote in my journal, went for a hike, and then to work. I carried ridiculously heavy trays and broke more than my fair share of glasses, plates, etc., My favorite job of all was being a nanny to a six month to one year old baby. I loved caring for her so much. I'll never forget my last time rocking her to sleep, singing "Amazing Grace" and the tears streaming down my face. Nothing was more special to me than seeing her clap for the first time and notice the birds in the sky. I adored taking her out for walks, sitting on a blanket, reading stories, playing with pots and pans, taking her to library story times. It was the best gig ever, with awesome parents that trusted me in a way that I still find miraculous.
Now I am looking for work in a new city. I feel fortunate that in my five months here, I've managed to find the work that I've found. I came to Tucson for Arts for All, and even though that didn't work out, I worked a seasonal job at Hickory Farms, and I did light housekeeping and gardening for a lady once a week... and now two ladies. I also worked at a winter horse camp, but now I need a full time job. I'm looking. In the last week I've applied to over 20 jobs. I keep all options open. I don't care about how "meaningful" the job is right now- I need cash flow. I've applied to serving jobs, hotel jobs, some retail, caregiving, etc., etc., and I'm getting impatient. But today I managed to turn all those worries around. I started saying quietly, "I trust You" when the worries came, and this simple statement of faith quieted the noise. I trust You! I trust You, I trust that You will take care of me and that You have a plan!
2. Visitors
I have company coming! In ten days, TEN DAYS! my dear friend Naomi is coming for a visit. I love her to pieces. She's a caring, considerate friend, fun, blunt, artistic, and full of interests and hobbies. She spins, gardens, paints, knits, bakes, dances... What doesn't she do? I'm renting a car for the week and we're going to go to the Desert Museum, Bisbee, Sabino Canyon, etc., ! I'm so excited. Then, in Feb., my friend Amy is coming for a visit and she's dying to see the Tucson Rodeo! How fun will that be! Lastly, my pal Amanda is coming to town beginning of March. She also has some family here in Tucson, but I'm tickled pink to see her again. She's awesome! I'm really excited to play the role of host, already picking out sheets, blankets, candles, incense, snacks, etc., and thinking about the adventures and memories. It's so funny that this is the first time in my life anyone has come and stayed with me for any length of time, and here they come... all at once! I am so happy and excited!
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Winter Camp
I had been scanning Indeed for work, and I stumbled upon a winter horse camp in need of a counselor. I decided to apply and had an interview the next day. I had no idea what to expect, but I figured it would be interesting to see a new part of town. I've been shifting my mindset to keeping all my options open in work and in life, while also accepting that rejection is part of it. Some of my best experiences have been unplanned and strange to others, while the more planned jobs have often flopped.
The ride out to the stables would be twelve miles there and back, and the journey there was a slight incline the whole way. I don't know how in shape I am or am not. I like to do zumba, go hiking, and swim as much as I can when it's warm enough, but I've never considered myself an athlete or a fit person. My Doctor once told me that I had the healthiest heart he had ever heard, but biking 54 miles this week felt like a lot to me.
K hired me for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to work from 8:30- 12:30 each day. There would be around 8-12 kids ranging in age from 6 to 12. While the parents dropped off their kids, I found name tags and set up chairs for a get to know you game. After that, K and I broke up the groups (she to riding lessons or the barn) and I out to the fields. I got the kids out in the wide field running the obstacle horse course, playing chickens, tag, statues, and red light, green light. I got out the balls, bubbles, and hula hoop. One girl impressed me with her ability to hula hoop for a long stretch of time. I played along with them and had a great time. I tried hula hopping and failed. They were spunky, adventurous, creative, and easy to enjoy. One time the kids played cowboy and horses with the one boy that showed up for the day. He was seven or eight, with his cowboy hat on and black boots, pretending to shoot the wild horses of girls making horse noises. There was snack time, t-shirt making time, and craft time.
It ended up being so cold on New Year's Eve that K canceled camp on Thursday and rescheduled for Saturday. It was still extremely cold on Friday and Saturday, but the sun finally came out on Saturday. Friday was the lesser of the days. I think we felt at a loss as to what to do and were surprised by the temperatures. The kids couldn't ride horses because it was too cold, frozen, and the horses could slip. Time passed a little slow on Friday. Saturday the kids got to ride bareback and make t-shirts, which seemed to go over pretty well. It was wonderful to work for K- a calm, soothing spirit, the perfect spirit to be around horses and kids.
My last day, Saturday, was the coldest morning yet. I was on mile 3.5 and someone stopped to offer me a ride. He was a nice looking gentleman in a shuttle van. He said, "You look absolutely miserable. Could I give you a ride?" So my frozen face and stiff legs had a hard time resisting. I got in the van and haven't been so thankful for a stranger's kindness in such a long time. I think all the cold, on my bicycle and working outdoors, wore me out, and this man's kindness lifted my spirit again.
I know as a camp counselor you probably shouldn't have favorites but I definitely did. My favorite participants were the twins, E and L. They were small ten year old girls that had an incredible amount of energy. They drew amazing pictures of horses, thought of clever games, were happy with anything, and giggled with me. They won my heart big time. They also told me they were adopted from China, that they had been found on the side streets by a street sweeper and given to an orphanage. Then, their parents found them. They seemed to have a really cool dad. He came every day to drop them off and pick them up. He had a nice shiny car, a distinct English (?) accent, paid attention to them closely, and remembered my name even though I had never told him. I felt so much love for these girls, for all the kids, to be a small part of loving them. As I told the girls goodbye today, I thanked them for being awesome, and they came and gave me big hugs. It melted my heart, took away the cold, and made me thankful for so many things.
The ride out to the stables would be twelve miles there and back, and the journey there was a slight incline the whole way. I don't know how in shape I am or am not. I like to do zumba, go hiking, and swim as much as I can when it's warm enough, but I've never considered myself an athlete or a fit person. My Doctor once told me that I had the healthiest heart he had ever heard, but biking 54 miles this week felt like a lot to me.
K hired me for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to work from 8:30- 12:30 each day. There would be around 8-12 kids ranging in age from 6 to 12. While the parents dropped off their kids, I found name tags and set up chairs for a get to know you game. After that, K and I broke up the groups (she to riding lessons or the barn) and I out to the fields. I got the kids out in the wide field running the obstacle horse course, playing chickens, tag, statues, and red light, green light. I got out the balls, bubbles, and hula hoop. One girl impressed me with her ability to hula hoop for a long stretch of time. I played along with them and had a great time. I tried hula hopping and failed. They were spunky, adventurous, creative, and easy to enjoy. One time the kids played cowboy and horses with the one boy that showed up for the day. He was seven or eight, with his cowboy hat on and black boots, pretending to shoot the wild horses of girls making horse noises. There was snack time, t-shirt making time, and craft time.
It ended up being so cold on New Year's Eve that K canceled camp on Thursday and rescheduled for Saturday. It was still extremely cold on Friday and Saturday, but the sun finally came out on Saturday. Friday was the lesser of the days. I think we felt at a loss as to what to do and were surprised by the temperatures. The kids couldn't ride horses because it was too cold, frozen, and the horses could slip. Time passed a little slow on Friday. Saturday the kids got to ride bareback and make t-shirts, which seemed to go over pretty well. It was wonderful to work for K- a calm, soothing spirit, the perfect spirit to be around horses and kids.
My last day, Saturday, was the coldest morning yet. I was on mile 3.5 and someone stopped to offer me a ride. He was a nice looking gentleman in a shuttle van. He said, "You look absolutely miserable. Could I give you a ride?" So my frozen face and stiff legs had a hard time resisting. I got in the van and haven't been so thankful for a stranger's kindness in such a long time. I think all the cold, on my bicycle and working outdoors, wore me out, and this man's kindness lifted my spirit again.
I know as a camp counselor you probably shouldn't have favorites but I definitely did. My favorite participants were the twins, E and L. They were small ten year old girls that had an incredible amount of energy. They drew amazing pictures of horses, thought of clever games, were happy with anything, and giggled with me. They won my heart big time. They also told me they were adopted from China, that they had been found on the side streets by a street sweeper and given to an orphanage. Then, their parents found them. They seemed to have a really cool dad. He came every day to drop them off and pick them up. He had a nice shiny car, a distinct English (?) accent, paid attention to them closely, and remembered my name even though I had never told him. I felt so much love for these girls, for all the kids, to be a small part of loving them. As I told the girls goodbye today, I thanked them for being awesome, and they came and gave me big hugs. It melted my heart, took away the cold, and made me thankful for so many things.
the girls liked braiding the pony.
D and L feeding one of the horses a carrot.
Me- pink as can be, early in the morning...
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