After 15 straight weeks of graduate school reading, paper-writing, and exam-taking, I am letting my brain rest from the 100 mph thinking it usually does. Yes, that is right, if my brain could move off of the energy it produces thinking, it would be going 100 mph. However, just because I'm not writing down my thoughts, doesn't mean that they aren't happening. That is a good thing, I think. No thoughts would be a scary feeling. But rather than thoughts about what to write my next paper on, or thoughts about my latest journal article, my thoughts this winter vacation have been very contemplative. I am learning a lot just by thinking about what I want, who I am, and what I am so very thankful for.
Top on the list of my blessings is my beautiful family. When I say family, I am also including my closest friends-they all know who they are. As my family and I celebrated the holiday season, we laughed and made great memories in each other's company. Christmas eve was spent decorating holiday sugar cookies together, reminiscing with old friends, sharing a meal with great company, and ending the night by honoring the reason for the season at a beautiful candle-lit Christmas eve service at Joseph United Methodist Church. When Christmas morning came, I was reminded again about how blessed I continue to be, not only because I got a panini maker and a down vest to wear outside during those cold Missoula days, but mostly because I was sharing those special moments with the ones I hold so close to my heart-Mom, Dad, Liv, Nat and Casey. We are all healthy, successful, individuals, with strong morals and values. That says more to me than any panini maker or down vest could ever say. So as the Christmas season comes to an end and we welcome in 2011, I remember to count my blessings, and to remember the true meaning of life.
Speaking of 2011, what the heck happened to 2010?!? I remember vividly travelling to Leavenworth in sub-par driving conditions with Casey last January. That seems like yesterday. And what about my trip to Missoula with my mom to check out UM?...that was at the end of last January. That was almost a year ago!! And now...I am a full-time graduate student at that very university, and have completed the first semester with outstanding grades if I do say so myself (only three more left!!...don't get me wrong, I do love Missoula, but finishing my Masters degree is something very big and exciting!!). So what all happened in 2010? Well, a lot to say the least.
January was spent traveling as I mentioned already. Casey and I to Leavenworth, and then Mom and I to Missoula.
February was just another month in Pullman. I'm sure there was snow! Casey and I made a delicious Valentine's day steak dinner that we enjoyed in our vehicle from the prettiest area in Clarkston.
March was spent preparing for my summer internships. I did three interviews, and finally settled on moving back home and completing my internship at Building Health Families in Enterprise. Probably one of the smartest and best decisions I've ever made.
April was the month I turned 22 and spent finishing up my days in Pullman. Yes, there were also many trips down the hill to smelly Clarkston.
May was an exciting month-graduation from WSU with my great family cheering me on in the stands, Tim McGraw and Lady A in Spokane, beginning of BHF internship, and Memorial Day weekend with the Tuschhoffs as they prepared for the 2010 OMC.
June was busy, busy, busy for Casey and I. Every weekend was spent on the road for either one or the both of us...OMC, Erica's wedding in Orofino, Hoopfest and Casey's birthday in Spokane.
July was just as busy. Trip to the Oregon Coast and Philomath for the Williams family reunion. It was great to be with Casey as he discovered the ocean for the first time in almost 20 years. And also 4th of July at Wallowa Lake and CJD.
August was an up and down month. Very bittersweet. Casey took note of my worries about leaving for Missoula, and presented a promise ring...with the promise "to love me forever." I was touched, and I definitely use it as a symbol to remind my while I'm away, that I will always have someone to come home to. Around the middle of the month I made the move to Missoula with the help of Holly and Casey.
September and October were spent in Missoula with Casey in Clarkston. A few trips back and forth were made and I really got to know Missoula and my wonderful classmates. I even tried to convince Casey to pick up his life and move to Missoula (I was only half serious). He didn't think that was the best idea :)
November started with an amazing weekend in Spokane on a weekend-long double date with Kari and Kale. Wonderful shopping, dining, drinking, and laughing. Thanksgiving dinner was spent at Casey's aunt and uncle's in Asotin and then a trip over the mountain to Joseph for the weekend. Casey met Grandpa John, and a good time was had.
December wrapped up the year with a nice red bow. I cross-country skied for the very first time,and I survived and might even go again! Then I was reunited with my family and Casey after far too long. I already talked about the great time we had celebrating the holiday season, and now here I am, enjoying a beautiful morning in Clarkston as we prepare to ring in 2011.
As I walked across the river this morning to my favorite cafe to sip a latte and read my latest book, and then walked another latte down to Casey at work-I remembered again how truly blessed I am. I have the willpower and desire to walk outside in freezing temps so that I may guiltless-ly enjoy the simple pleasures of life. How many can truly say that?? Often we are caught up in the hustle and bustle of the American lifestyle, but I challenge everyone to step away from that for a second and take some time for themselves. Granted, I am a childless, graduate student on a five-week winter vacation, so that might be easier said than done...but give it a shot. I don't think you'll regret it. Let me know how that goes and happy 2011!
30 December 2010
21 December 2010
13 December 2010
XC Skiing
First day ever on skis: SUCCESS
My friend Emily and I went on a Beginner XC Ski trip through the outdoor rec program on campus. The two of us, two ski instructors, and about 10 other eager XC skiers loaded up our gear and our bodies in two university SUV's and headed up to Lolo Pass. We skiied around a little practice loop for a while (after getting the awful downhill in the beginning), then had the choice of taking the longer 5 or 6 mile loop, or the shorter 2 or 3 mile loop. Because I hadn't yet gotten the hang of it, I without a doubt in my mind chose the shorter loop. Emily, another participant, Skyler, our ski instructor John and myself ventured out on the short loop. After making it around once, we were all amazed that it hadn't taken that long and that we hadn't really fallen too much (except on the downhills and uphills). We stopped for a quick snack and headed around the short loop again!! So we almost went as long as the long loop people went :) Toward the end, I was exhausted, and honestly couldn't wait to get back home and take a shower. On the last little uphill, I lost my determination, took off my skis, and walked up the hill (which is also very difficult in deep powdery snow). Despite my frustration, I had a great time. "Gliding" around the loops felt so good. I loved the feeling of working every part of my body, and being able to view beautiful scenery at the same time.
Today...I am sore. I can move, but my entire body aches. Nevertheless, I will be XC skiing again!
My friend Emily and I went on a Beginner XC Ski trip through the outdoor rec program on campus. The two of us, two ski instructors, and about 10 other eager XC skiers loaded up our gear and our bodies in two university SUV's and headed up to Lolo Pass. We skiied around a little practice loop for a while (after getting the awful downhill in the beginning), then had the choice of taking the longer 5 or 6 mile loop, or the shorter 2 or 3 mile loop. Because I hadn't yet gotten the hang of it, I without a doubt in my mind chose the shorter loop. Emily, another participant, Skyler, our ski instructor John and myself ventured out on the short loop. After making it around once, we were all amazed that it hadn't taken that long and that we hadn't really fallen too much (except on the downhills and uphills). We stopped for a quick snack and headed around the short loop again!! So we almost went as long as the long loop people went :) Toward the end, I was exhausted, and honestly couldn't wait to get back home and take a shower. On the last little uphill, I lost my determination, took off my skis, and walked up the hill (which is also very difficult in deep powdery snow). Despite my frustration, I had a great time. "Gliding" around the loops felt so good. I loved the feeling of working every part of my body, and being able to view beautiful scenery at the same time.
Today...I am sore. I can move, but my entire body aches. Nevertheless, I will be XC skiing again!
09 December 2010
Whewwwwww
That is my sigh of relief. The semester is almost over. It has been a whirlwind these past few months...to say the least. I have a presentation tomorrow, then one exam, one paper, and one project due next week during finals week...SO CLOSE! I really do enjoy my time here, but I am so ready for a break. It has been an intense semester...just with the graduate level courses, and being away from my family and Casey for extended periods of time (Casey and I are currently on day 11 of 19 days between seeing each other). Might sound cliche, but I have learned so MUCH about myself, my relationships with others, and about this thing we call life. Here are some of the highlights:
1. That I CAN give a presentation and not be completely nervous and sick about it. (Last one of the semester happens tomorrow-and look at me, I'm in a coffee shop, blogging! Hooray. This is definitely progress since high school, and even college).
2. How to effectively run a Basketball class filled with 25 male and 3 female college students. It warmed my heart to hear how pleased they were with the class today as we said our "goodbye's"
3. That I enjoy my alone time. Sometimes there is nothing I love more than being in my room, curled up with my blanket, reading a book and sipping tea. This didn't seem to go over well with my classmates at first...I was too lonely, too isolated, and lived too far away in their opinions. But I call BS! I hung out with them when I wanted to and had an absolutely glorious time. As for the other times...I just wanted to fulfill my hermit-ish desires :)
4. That I can survive on my own. There was never a doubt in my mind that I could be independent and didn't need a man by my side. I have done it successfully before. However, I was still skeptical how my relationship with Casey would turn out if we lived over four hours away from each other and could only see each other every few weekends due to busy schedules and such. After living apart for 15 weeks, I'd say we're doing just fine. I know we have three more semesters to go, but we both agree that we will without a doubt "make-it" and that our relationship is still thriving.
5. That I am easily intimidated, but often for illegitimate reasons (or no reason at all). I am still working on this. I tend to read too much into e-mails and conversations, leading me to be cautious with my interactions with certain individuals. I will mention no names. I need to get over it though.
6. I am addicted to caffeine. I kind of already knew this before. But I have really realized how comforting it is to give into my habit to have that tall nonfat white chocolate mocha before my Anthropology class on Tuesdays and Thursdays and before graduate seminar of Fridays. Also, I usually have one Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday while I am studying. I have tried a few times to give it up--but I always come to the conclusion "Why am I depriving myself of something I enjoy so much?!?" In sum, I think it is an okay habit, but perhaps I should practice it in moderation.
7. What a world of difference taking daily vitamins can make. I feel so much more awake!!
That is all. Hopefully over my magical, relaxing, amazing five weeks in Joseph and Clarkston I will be able to blog more. No papers, exams, basketball students or class. Just five weeks to myself. I can't remember the last time that happened. Maybe when I was 12.
1. That I CAN give a presentation and not be completely nervous and sick about it. (Last one of the semester happens tomorrow-and look at me, I'm in a coffee shop, blogging! Hooray. This is definitely progress since high school, and even college).
2. How to effectively run a Basketball class filled with 25 male and 3 female college students. It warmed my heart to hear how pleased they were with the class today as we said our "goodbye's"
3. That I enjoy my alone time. Sometimes there is nothing I love more than being in my room, curled up with my blanket, reading a book and sipping tea. This didn't seem to go over well with my classmates at first...I was too lonely, too isolated, and lived too far away in their opinions. But I call BS! I hung out with them when I wanted to and had an absolutely glorious time. As for the other times...I just wanted to fulfill my hermit-ish desires :)
4. That I can survive on my own. There was never a doubt in my mind that I could be independent and didn't need a man by my side. I have done it successfully before. However, I was still skeptical how my relationship with Casey would turn out if we lived over four hours away from each other and could only see each other every few weekends due to busy schedules and such. After living apart for 15 weeks, I'd say we're doing just fine. I know we have three more semesters to go, but we both agree that we will without a doubt "make-it" and that our relationship is still thriving.
5. That I am easily intimidated, but often for illegitimate reasons (or no reason at all). I am still working on this. I tend to read too much into e-mails and conversations, leading me to be cautious with my interactions with certain individuals. I will mention no names. I need to get over it though.
6. I am addicted to caffeine. I kind of already knew this before. But I have really realized how comforting it is to give into my habit to have that tall nonfat white chocolate mocha before my Anthropology class on Tuesdays and Thursdays and before graduate seminar of Fridays. Also, I usually have one Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday while I am studying. I have tried a few times to give it up--but I always come to the conclusion "Why am I depriving myself of something I enjoy so much?!?" In sum, I think it is an okay habit, but perhaps I should practice it in moderation.
7. What a world of difference taking daily vitamins can make. I feel so much more awake!!
That is all. Hopefully over my magical, relaxing, amazing five weeks in Joseph and Clarkston I will be able to blog more. No papers, exams, basketball students or class. Just five weeks to myself. I can't remember the last time that happened. Maybe when I was 12.
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