3 weeks of Walking on Sunshine have come and gone. All things considered, the first three weeks have gone smoothly! A few glitches here and there, but I can't complain! I knew from the get-go that the success of this program would come down to the mentors. The mentors who have come forward to volunteer for this program have been amazing, and I am so thankful for their dedication to this program, and their dedication to their mentees. They represent a source of trust, dependability, and inspiration for their mentees. Unfortunately, when mentors cancel their relationship with their mentee may take a few steps back. Because homelessness itself can erode social relationships, many participants in the program are rebuilding their self-efficacy in forming and maintaining social relationships. So, when someone cancels on them, it may impact them harder than it would impact someone with intact and thriving social relationships. This is hard. I realize that things come up for mentors (people get sick, have school or other obligations, etc.), BUT, I really want the best for the participants of the program. I need to put my personal investment in the success of this program aside and realize that life happens. These experiences are learning experiences for myself, the participants, and the mentors. We will all survive, obviously...and I can only hope that they make every party stronger, particularly the participants. I pray that they do not take it personally and that they know that their mentor is there for them, but that things do come up. Their resiliency probably allows them to recognize this bettter than I do. Funny how things like that work..
There was my rant about this program. In case you can't tell, I have poured my heart and soul into this program. It warms my heart to hear that the participants are really enjoying their walks and time with their mentors. And of course, they are enjoying their new walking shoes!!
Whatever the outcome of this program may be, I know that this time in my life is one that I will never forget and one that I will allow me grow as a person and community member.
10 February 2012
17 January 2012
Let the program begin...
Whew...tomorrow night is the kick-off event for Walking on Sunshine!! For those who don't know, Walking on Sunshine is a mentor walking program for women in transitional housing developed and planned by yours truly. I'm thinking that last spring I blogged about the extensive needs assessment that my program partner, Kelly, and I conducted. The result was a mentor walking program to address self-esteem, depression and anxiety among transitionally housed women here in Missoula. After several months of planning, preparing, recruiting volunteer mentors, applying for funding, and coordinating, the program is actually a reality!
Tomorrow mentors and mentees will meet for the first time. A good time will be had by all...we will share dinner, mentors and mentees will decide on a day and time to meet each week during the 8 week program, and we will play a little "get-to-know-you" game! Then, next Monday, the program officially begins. Mentors and mentees will meet at their arranged time and walk and talk. This program isn't meant to cure various mental health issues but rather help women take the initial steps in engaging in physical activity (this was something they mentioned wanting in the needs assessment) and help them improve their self-efficacy toward forming and maintaining positive social relationships because the social relationships of homeless individuals are often eroded by homelessness itself or the factors leading to homelessness.
Unfortunately, Missoula is set to receive 10-12 inches of snow this week!! This is bad news for a new mentor walking program. Hopefully the excitement among the mentors and participants will continue despite the freezing cold weather conditions. Time will tell...and whatever happens, I will be writing about it in a few short weeks!
Stay tuned for program progress and the nitty gritty details.
Tomorrow mentors and mentees will meet for the first time. A good time will be had by all...we will share dinner, mentors and mentees will decide on a day and time to meet each week during the 8 week program, and we will play a little "get-to-know-you" game! Then, next Monday, the program officially begins. Mentors and mentees will meet at their arranged time and walk and talk. This program isn't meant to cure various mental health issues but rather help women take the initial steps in engaging in physical activity (this was something they mentioned wanting in the needs assessment) and help them improve their self-efficacy toward forming and maintaining positive social relationships because the social relationships of homeless individuals are often eroded by homelessness itself or the factors leading to homelessness.
Unfortunately, Missoula is set to receive 10-12 inches of snow this week!! This is bad news for a new mentor walking program. Hopefully the excitement among the mentors and participants will continue despite the freezing cold weather conditions. Time will tell...and whatever happens, I will be writing about it in a few short weeks!
Stay tuned for program progress and the nitty gritty details.
29 December 2011
Part 4
Here it is...the gap between Part 3 and Part 4 of this graduate school adventure. A lull. Feels so strange. I have forgotten what it is like to have little to do. I feel so lazy! There are little things I could be doing to prepare for Part 4, but right now I am enjoying laziness. I am reading books for fun, watching movies, cooking, baking, snuggling with June...ahh. It does get boring, but sometimes it is nice to just be "bored."
Part 4 will come and go like the crack of a whip. At least that is how Part 3 seemed to go. Fall semester was a whirlwind...but I guess I said that about the first two semesters as well.
I look forward to this semester: an internship, one course on campus (Ethics with my favorite, Dr. Burns), one course online (Epidemiology...should be interesting to say the least), and my professional paper project (the infamous mentor walking program for homeless women). Mix in a few TA and RA responsibilities and its bound to be a wild 15 weeks. Can you believe that...15 WEEKS?! Is that really it?! Holy smokes. Then its off to the "real world" (as if I haven't been in the "real world") where I get a job, Casey and I wake up, go to work, come home eat dinner and sleep then do it all again. Sometimes that sounds very appealing, other times it doesn't. But, it is our life, our adventure, and it, too, will be a "wild ride."
For now, I am enjoying the lull. And I will continue to do so until I head back east (to Montana) in a few weeks.
Part 4 will come and go like the crack of a whip. At least that is how Part 3 seemed to go. Fall semester was a whirlwind...but I guess I said that about the first two semesters as well.
I look forward to this semester: an internship, one course on campus (Ethics with my favorite, Dr. Burns), one course online (Epidemiology...should be interesting to say the least), and my professional paper project (the infamous mentor walking program for homeless women). Mix in a few TA and RA responsibilities and its bound to be a wild 15 weeks. Can you believe that...15 WEEKS?! Is that really it?! Holy smokes. Then its off to the "real world" (as if I haven't been in the "real world") where I get a job, Casey and I wake up, go to work, come home eat dinner and sleep then do it all again. Sometimes that sounds very appealing, other times it doesn't. But, it is our life, our adventure, and it, too, will be a "wild ride."
For now, I am enjoying the lull. And I will continue to do so until I head back east (to Montana) in a few weeks.
13 December 2011
Don't take it personally
"Don't take it personally" seems to be a lesson I need to work on. Why are people so mean and grouchy? I know it isn't because of me or anything I did wrong. It's just the end of the semester, and people are stressed, tired, and ready for a break. Nevertheless, rude attitudes seem to get to me. Blah. Life goes on!
29 November 2011
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
...kind of. Even though we had a short summer, fall has been extremely long and lovely. Last year at this time we had already had several snowfalls and several days where temperatures reached well below zero degrees here in Missoula. This year we have only had a few minor snowfalls and NO DAYS below zero. Can you say "hot diggity?!" It has been nice. However, that means it doesn't really look like Christmas! And, that means that I am in a little bit of shock. I cannot believe that it is almost the end of the school semester and that Christmas is less than one month away. No joke, I have not even started my Christmas shopping. Granted, I am not doing a lot this year. My family is trying to get back to the real meaning of Christmas...the way it was celebrated before snuggies, department stores in giant malls, and ipods came along. But, nevertheless, I cannot believe that December 1st is less than two days away. Some of it has to do with the weather, and some of it has to do with how busy I have felt lately. Literally, my days are speeding by, and if I don't stop to take it all in, they are gone and I am here in my apartment at night once again. I don't even know where today went.
Anyway, school, family, friends, and Casey are all doing great. I won't go on and on about how busy I am and how much I miss Casey. We are doing just fine, as usual. We cannot wait to spend the holiday break together, and we cannot wait until I am in my fourth and final semester here at UM. In just a few short months we can relax in each other's company, we can argue about things that couples who live together argue about, we can do our own thing while still going to bed together every night, we can have friends over for dinner, we can communicate in person, and we can eat breakfast together. Ahh, sometimes it really is about the little things. We were just discussing in our car ride back from Joseph after Thanksgiving some of the positive things that have come from this living-apart experience (it really has been an experience, to say the least). First and foremost, we believe that it will remind us not to take each other for granted. We know what it is like to not have each other in times of need, and we have vowed to remind each other of this when we are getting frustrated, irritated, or annoyed with each other down the road in the years that make up our marriage. I think that this is the biggest positive thing that has come out of our time apart. Sure, it will be an adjustment living together, but as we learn to live together and make our own routines in addition to our routine together, we will be happy. And happiness, after all, is what we are all striving for. I am happy now, very happy, but I am so excited to experience that happiness.
That is all-I won't go into graduate school details. However, do stay tuned for a new blog... as Casey and I continue to experience new things (and the same things over and over again), I feel the need to blog about it. So, I have recently created a "joint" blog where we will share our happenings and whereabouts for friends and families. Both of us may partake in the blogging, however, Casey doesn't know this yet so we will see how it goes!
Anyway, school, family, friends, and Casey are all doing great. I won't go on and on about how busy I am and how much I miss Casey. We are doing just fine, as usual. We cannot wait to spend the holiday break together, and we cannot wait until I am in my fourth and final semester here at UM. In just a few short months we can relax in each other's company, we can argue about things that couples who live together argue about, we can do our own thing while still going to bed together every night, we can have friends over for dinner, we can communicate in person, and we can eat breakfast together. Ahh, sometimes it really is about the little things. We were just discussing in our car ride back from Joseph after Thanksgiving some of the positive things that have come from this living-apart experience (it really has been an experience, to say the least). First and foremost, we believe that it will remind us not to take each other for granted. We know what it is like to not have each other in times of need, and we have vowed to remind each other of this when we are getting frustrated, irritated, or annoyed with each other down the road in the years that make up our marriage. I think that this is the biggest positive thing that has come out of our time apart. Sure, it will be an adjustment living together, but as we learn to live together and make our own routines in addition to our routine together, we will be happy. And happiness, after all, is what we are all striving for. I am happy now, very happy, but I am so excited to experience that happiness.
That is all-I won't go into graduate school details. However, do stay tuned for a new blog... as Casey and I continue to experience new things (and the same things over and over again), I feel the need to blog about it. So, I have recently created a "joint" blog where we will share our happenings and whereabouts for friends and families. Both of us may partake in the blogging, however, Casey doesn't know this yet so we will see how it goes!
16 October 2011
Weekend is over.
I am finding myself currently having trouble motivating myself to complete schoolwork after another great weekend with Casey. After weekends like that I want to just: 1) hide in his truck so he will take me home with him, or 2) curl up in a ball and do nothing (or blog!). So, I am blogging, and procrastinating with my school work, and counting down the days until the next time I see him (12 days). We had a great weekend together resting, dancing, eating, drinking, loving, wedding registering, cooking, deciding, and relaxing. I didn't want it to end, in fact, it ended much too soon. Now I have another two weeks before I get to look into those loving eyes again. I will obviously survive, but it is getting harder and harder, rather than easier and easier! Nevertheless, we are a quarter of the way through the school year already. So, Christmas will be here before I know it and then next semester will be completely crazy. Then-it will be May! Deep breaths and one day at a time...just keep swimming!
06 October 2011
Not just another post...
This is not just another post about grad school (blah blah blah) or wedding planning (blah blah blah) or about how I miss Casey (blah blah blah). Although all of those things are still happening...the first two progressing quite well, and the last one still the same. However, I must say that it is getting better...the missing Casey part. We knew it would, but we just needed to get through that adjustment period. I am quite content (don't get me wrong, I would love it if he was here or I was there, but that's not where we are at in our lives).
Anyway, what this post is really for is for myself (and you) to think about our words and our actions. Do our words match our actions? Are we saying one thing and then doing another, or are we staying true to our word? Are we badmouthing someone for doing one thing then turning around and doing something very similar to what we were bashing? It is something to consider. I am fairly certain that I am guilty of above items, and I think that everyone is...to some extent. Sure, some people may be "more" guilty than others. I have noticed this characteristic in others around me from time to time...and quite frankly, it is annoying and disrespectful. I like to think that we are honestly not aware of it when we are acting in this way. For that reason, this post is to remind ourselves to be more aware of our words and our actions. There is no reason to be disrespectful of others' actions. Period. And another take home message for today is to just remember that everyone strives for happiness. That means everyone! Deep down, that is what we all desire. It is a fundamental characteristic of humans. Happiness might be slightly different for one person than for another, but it comes from the same place.
Happy thinking! And remember, there is no reason to be disrespectful. We all just want to be happy. (If being disrespectful makes you happy, you need to rethink the definition of happiness).
Anyway, what this post is really for is for myself (and you) to think about our words and our actions. Do our words match our actions? Are we saying one thing and then doing another, or are we staying true to our word? Are we badmouthing someone for doing one thing then turning around and doing something very similar to what we were bashing? It is something to consider. I am fairly certain that I am guilty of above items, and I think that everyone is...to some extent. Sure, some people may be "more" guilty than others. I have noticed this characteristic in others around me from time to time...and quite frankly, it is annoying and disrespectful. I like to think that we are honestly not aware of it when we are acting in this way. For that reason, this post is to remind ourselves to be more aware of our words and our actions. There is no reason to be disrespectful of others' actions. Period. And another take home message for today is to just remember that everyone strives for happiness. That means everyone! Deep down, that is what we all desire. It is a fundamental characteristic of humans. Happiness might be slightly different for one person than for another, but it comes from the same place.
Happy thinking! And remember, there is no reason to be disrespectful. We all just want to be happy. (If being disrespectful makes you happy, you need to rethink the definition of happiness).
25 September 2011
Beautiful
Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park
Casey and I at McDonald Lake in Glacier National Park
Beautiful wildflowers at Glen Lake in the Bitterroots
Glen Lake
Hiking buddies going to Glen Lake
Fall is upon us
Once again, fall is upon us. The weather is still warm on most days, feels almost like summer sometimes, but it was officially fall a few days ago. I absolutely love all the things that go with fall...leaves changing, chili, pumpkin everything, crisp mornings, wearing scarves, etc...you get the idea. It just makes me happy. I try to take time every day to really soak it all in, because before we know it, it will be winter again!
The first four weeks of school have flown by! Sometimes, during the weeks I feel like I'm dragging, but looking back, it went super fast. Funny how that works out that way. Now if I can only remember that in the middle of the weeks when I feel like I am dragging! Nevertheless, school and my projects are progressing. I'm enjoying classes. I of course miss Casey, but we are doing our best to enjoy this time in our lives. For example, the last three nights in a row I rented a chick flick out of the Red Box and watched it in bed. Now, those are things I can't really do when Casey and live together...at least not three nights in a row! And he is enjoying working extra hours (since I'm not there to come home to), and just got back from a "guy's" trip up the Snake River. So, we are enjoying ourselves, and for sure remembering to live each day to its fullest. But, we sure do love the weekends we get to see each other! Last weekend we went to Glacier National Park north of Missoula. It was our first time making that drive, and it was absolutely beautiful. Flathead Lake on the way up was magnificent, and huge! It is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. We stayed the night in Kalispell and ate a lovely dinner at a downtown restaurant. Then Saturday in GNP we went on a short 2 mile hike in to Avalanche Lake, which was beautiful! This weekend I am planning on driving to Clarkston, and we have a quick trip to Joseph planned. I love the fall in Joseph, too, so I am excited to see it one more time before the winter snow falls. And, hopefully we will make it down to the Wallowa River Camp to check out what it will look like this time of year next year...on our wedding day!
That reminds me, just a few days ago we passed the "one year away" mark for our big day! I can't believe it! We have already been engaged six months...12 more months to go. It will be here before I know it, seriously. Luckily, most of the "big" planning is done: location, caterer, dress, etc. Still some things, but we have a pretty good idea about everything else!
Today I went on a 3 mile hike to a lake in the Bitterroot Wilderness southeast of Missoula. That was also beautiful, and my grad school buddies and I had a great time. They sure were going at a fast pace, though! But very beautiful and perfect weather for a nice little hike.
Back to my review of literature for my professional paper (I switched from a thesis to a professional paper). It is so close to being done, I can't wait! Just a few more sections and a little more reorganization, and I will be ready to e-mail that bad boy to my committee chair!
The first four weeks of school have flown by! Sometimes, during the weeks I feel like I'm dragging, but looking back, it went super fast. Funny how that works out that way. Now if I can only remember that in the middle of the weeks when I feel like I am dragging! Nevertheless, school and my projects are progressing. I'm enjoying classes. I of course miss Casey, but we are doing our best to enjoy this time in our lives. For example, the last three nights in a row I rented a chick flick out of the Red Box and watched it in bed. Now, those are things I can't really do when Casey and live together...at least not three nights in a row! And he is enjoying working extra hours (since I'm not there to come home to), and just got back from a "guy's" trip up the Snake River. So, we are enjoying ourselves, and for sure remembering to live each day to its fullest. But, we sure do love the weekends we get to see each other! Last weekend we went to Glacier National Park north of Missoula. It was our first time making that drive, and it was absolutely beautiful. Flathead Lake on the way up was magnificent, and huge! It is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. We stayed the night in Kalispell and ate a lovely dinner at a downtown restaurant. Then Saturday in GNP we went on a short 2 mile hike in to Avalanche Lake, which was beautiful! This weekend I am planning on driving to Clarkston, and we have a quick trip to Joseph planned. I love the fall in Joseph, too, so I am excited to see it one more time before the winter snow falls. And, hopefully we will make it down to the Wallowa River Camp to check out what it will look like this time of year next year...on our wedding day!
That reminds me, just a few days ago we passed the "one year away" mark for our big day! I can't believe it! We have already been engaged six months...12 more months to go. It will be here before I know it, seriously. Luckily, most of the "big" planning is done: location, caterer, dress, etc. Still some things, but we have a pretty good idea about everything else!
Today I went on a 3 mile hike to a lake in the Bitterroot Wilderness southeast of Missoula. That was also beautiful, and my grad school buddies and I had a great time. They sure were going at a fast pace, though! But very beautiful and perfect weather for a nice little hike.
Back to my review of literature for my professional paper (I switched from a thesis to a professional paper). It is so close to being done, I can't wait! Just a few more sections and a little more reorganization, and I will be ready to e-mail that bad boy to my committee chair!
02 September 2011
Happiness
On a brighter note, Casey and I had lovely engagement photos done by Josh Whiting Photography in Pullman, so I thought I would share a couple of our favorites!
Suck it Up
Sometimes you have just got to suck it up and do it. I keep telling myself I'd rather be in Clarkston, blah, blah, blah. But honestly, if I was in Clarkston, I would probably be telling myself I'd rather be in Missoula. I suppose that is just the way the mind works. So, I just need to suck it up, and get crackin' on my thesis! It will be a tough road, and I am sure that I will want to give up more than once. But, it will all be worth it in the end, and I will learn so much about myself, life, and helping others along the way. UGH, why is it so hard to just suck it up and do it sometimes?!
26 August 2011
I'm BACK!
Despite the anxiety, nerves, and upset stomachs, I am back and rearin' and ready to go. Missoula is such a welcoming place, it is really hard to stay anxious for long. There are so many unknowns with this school year, specifically regarding my thesis and thesis chairperson. However, I feel motivated to kick it into gear and "hit it with my purse" (special thanks to program planning partner K. Hart for that little line--it got us through many tough program planning moments)! Knowing that this is my last temporary transition for a while and that next summer I get to move in with my best friend (and marry him!) gives me all the external motivation I need! And, for you frequent blog followers, I am extremely motivated by extrinsic motivation. I also believe that my internal motivation is at an all-time high right now, I feel like I want to show myself that I can and will do this! And I will rock it!
This year will without a doubt be full of ups and downs, but a few potential "ups" to highlight are:
1) I will propose and defend my thesis. This will potentially have many downs leading up to it, but after each presentation will be a huge UP! I can already anticipate the relief and sense of accomplishment that is to come. Those feelings are more things that keep me motivated.
2) Wedding invitations! I am so excited to HAND-MAKE them and add mine and Casey's own personal touches. This will likely happen over Christmas break, with the help of my family. It may seem silly, but I really am excited.
3) Road trips back and forth to Clarkston and Missoula. While the actual drive itself is less than exciting anymore (especially in the winter), the feelings leading up to getting to see Casey and the feelings once I reach Clarkston (or he reaches Missoula) are quite exciting. I know that our relationship becomes stronger every other week when we see each other, as well as growing each day we are apart. Distance not only makes the heart grow fonder, but it also improves our communication skills immensely! We like to look at the positives of our situation (there certainly are many), and that is one of the best. If we can communicate during these many transitions back and forth, I am confident that we can communicate through anything!
4) Visits from friends and family. I love showing off Missoula-it is a great place to hike, drink coffee, shop, eat, and hang-out. I really can't wait until mom, dad, Nat and whoever else make it over to beautiful Montana.
5) Courses- Health and the Mind, Body, Spirit Relationship, and Community Based Participatory Research are the two courses I am taking this semester, and they are sure to be amazing (just like all of my other UM courses). The first one is pretty much the reason I started looking at UM, and the second one will give me huge skills that I will most likely use everyday in my future life and career. Looking forward to both. I thrive in the classroom and off of researching for papers, writing papers, etc. I am a nerd, yes. Also, this semester I will be teaching Stretch and Relax to 55 UM undergraduates. I look forward to this challenge and being able to relax at least 2 hours every week in this class!
I think that pretty much sums it up. Get ready for lots of highs and lows and I will keep you all updated as I can!
This year will without a doubt be full of ups and downs, but a few potential "ups" to highlight are:
1) I will propose and defend my thesis. This will potentially have many downs leading up to it, but after each presentation will be a huge UP! I can already anticipate the relief and sense of accomplishment that is to come. Those feelings are more things that keep me motivated.
2) Wedding invitations! I am so excited to HAND-MAKE them and add mine and Casey's own personal touches. This will likely happen over Christmas break, with the help of my family. It may seem silly, but I really am excited.
3) Road trips back and forth to Clarkston and Missoula. While the actual drive itself is less than exciting anymore (especially in the winter), the feelings leading up to getting to see Casey and the feelings once I reach Clarkston (or he reaches Missoula) are quite exciting. I know that our relationship becomes stronger every other week when we see each other, as well as growing each day we are apart. Distance not only makes the heart grow fonder, but it also improves our communication skills immensely! We like to look at the positives of our situation (there certainly are many), and that is one of the best. If we can communicate during these many transitions back and forth, I am confident that we can communicate through anything!
4) Visits from friends and family. I love showing off Missoula-it is a great place to hike, drink coffee, shop, eat, and hang-out. I really can't wait until mom, dad, Nat and whoever else make it over to beautiful Montana.
5) Courses- Health and the Mind, Body, Spirit Relationship, and Community Based Participatory Research are the two courses I am taking this semester, and they are sure to be amazing (just like all of my other UM courses). The first one is pretty much the reason I started looking at UM, and the second one will give me huge skills that I will most likely use everyday in my future life and career. Looking forward to both. I thrive in the classroom and off of researching for papers, writing papers, etc. I am a nerd, yes. Also, this semester I will be teaching Stretch and Relax to 55 UM undergraduates. I look forward to this challenge and being able to relax at least 2 hours every week in this class!
I think that pretty much sums it up. Get ready for lots of highs and lows and I will keep you all updated as I can!
03 August 2011
Anticipation
Here I am again...getting ready to take a big step, move away for eight months, and attend grad school at UM while leaving my fiance, kitten, house, family, and friends in Clarkston/Lewiston and Joseph. And here I am again, second guessing myself. Even though I am second guessing myself, as soon as I consider the alternative (not finishing/quitting/dropping out), I immediately "buck up" and realize this is what I want to do and have to do. Ok, so I don't HAVE to do it, but in my mind, I do. I want to, and I want to show myself I CAN. AND, most importantly, I thrive on learning new things and it excites me when I think about the ways I could use this degree and my growing knowledge base to help communities and individuals. So, when all of that is taken into consideration, it sucks moving away, but it is what I want. I don't want to leave everything behind, but I do want to go...talk about mixed emotions.
These emotions are so similar to the ones I was experiencing last year at this exact time. However, the circumstances are a little different. I am no longer worried about not knowing anyone, because I now have some amazing friends in Missoula (they are one reason why I am not dreading going back). I am no longer worried about being in a new area, because I know Missoula pretty well, and absolutely love it. And, I am no longer worried about how Casey and I's relationship will survive, because over the past year we have grown 1000 times stronger, and are both more self-confident as well as more confident in our relationship. We know that we can do it, and that we will do it! However, I now am leaving not just a boyfriend behind, but a fiance. I am no longer just leaving my family and home in Joseph, but also my new home in Clarkston. I am now leaving a kitten. I now have the huge task in front of me of writing my thesis...which will consist of implementing and evaluating a mentor walking program in the community [Whew, that'll be interesting!].
Basically, right now, I am just a bottle of different feelings, both good and bad. But like I told the blogging world last year, I will of course make it though with flying colors...because there aren't any other options. There will be tears, laughter, joy, and fear...all part of normal human emotions.
[Let's not add the added task of wedding planning at this point :)]
These emotions are so similar to the ones I was experiencing last year at this exact time. However, the circumstances are a little different. I am no longer worried about not knowing anyone, because I now have some amazing friends in Missoula (they are one reason why I am not dreading going back). I am no longer worried about being in a new area, because I know Missoula pretty well, and absolutely love it. And, I am no longer worried about how Casey and I's relationship will survive, because over the past year we have grown 1000 times stronger, and are both more self-confident as well as more confident in our relationship. We know that we can do it, and that we will do it! However, I now am leaving not just a boyfriend behind, but a fiance. I am no longer just leaving my family and home in Joseph, but also my new home in Clarkston. I am now leaving a kitten. I now have the huge task in front of me of writing my thesis...which will consist of implementing and evaluating a mentor walking program in the community [Whew, that'll be interesting!].
Basically, right now, I am just a bottle of different feelings, both good and bad. But like I told the blogging world last year, I will of course make it though with flying colors...because there aren't any other options. There will be tears, laughter, joy, and fear...all part of normal human emotions.
[Let's not add the added task of wedding planning at this point :)]
11 July 2011
Norway in a Nutshell
While we did not do the "Norway in a Nutshell" tour that is offered by a travel agency in Norway, we did certainly get a glimpse of Norway over the course of our 2-week vacation. It was absolutely amazing. From the steep mountain peaks, to the narrow fjords, and from the small fishing towns on the Atlantic to the thriving Bergen metropolis...it truly was an unforgettable trip. Words and pictures can't possibly capture the amazing-ness of this Scandinavian country. And, perhaps the most amazing aspect of our trip was the rich and deep history of the country and all of its traditions, architecture, and landscape. We saw things that have been there since the 12th century...keep in mind the Christopher Columbus didn't even find the Americas until the 1400s, so while the land was already inhabited before that date, there is very little (if any) written history. Moreover, Oregon wasn't even made a state until the 1800s. It was just crazy to think about and see the historic viking graves, ships, etc.
While Norway itself was amazing, it was also interesting to learn some more about myself and who I am as a person and a traveller. I have always been aware that I am extremely introverted, in other words, I get my energy from solitude, myself, and taking things in. This characteristic was highlighted on this trip! Not only am I an introvert, but pretty much my whole family is! We were perfectly content to take it all in, wander around, and kind of do whatever came our way. Also, I don't know if this is part of being an introvert, or it just being our first time out of the states, but we wanted to see and experience as much of the country as we could. We wanted to get up early and head back late. While it was exhausting, it was amazing at the same time, and we were ready for it. Our tour guides (the wonderful Welle family), however, could be characterized as extroverts. And it is also important to note that they are fairly experienced world travellers (much different than our family), therefore, they have seen more than we have (especially of Norway), and didn't really want to spend all day out and about. This didn't become an issue really, it was just interesting to note the differences.
I could go on and on about this trip...but that would take a while! I'm looking forward to putting together my photos and journal entries to have a scrapbook of this amazing trip. But, that will have to wait until after my thesis and wedding planning gets under control...
While Norway itself was amazing, it was also interesting to learn some more about myself and who I am as a person and a traveller. I have always been aware that I am extremely introverted, in other words, I get my energy from solitude, myself, and taking things in. This characteristic was highlighted on this trip! Not only am I an introvert, but pretty much my whole family is! We were perfectly content to take it all in, wander around, and kind of do whatever came our way. Also, I don't know if this is part of being an introvert, or it just being our first time out of the states, but we wanted to see and experience as much of the country as we could. We wanted to get up early and head back late. While it was exhausting, it was amazing at the same time, and we were ready for it. Our tour guides (the wonderful Welle family), however, could be characterized as extroverts. And it is also important to note that they are fairly experienced world travellers (much different than our family), therefore, they have seen more than we have (especially of Norway), and didn't really want to spend all day out and about. This didn't become an issue really, it was just interesting to note the differences.
I could go on and on about this trip...but that would take a while! I'm looking forward to putting together my photos and journal entries to have a scrapbook of this amazing trip. But, that will have to wait until after my thesis and wedding planning gets under control...
08 June 2011
Little corner
In seven short days I will step out (more like fly out) of my sacred little corner of this world into an entirely different corner. As my family and I prepare to embark on our first family outing together in quite a long time, I am not entirely sure what to expect. I know without a doubt that it will be a trip full of memories, delicious food, and great experiences. I mean, how could it not be? Two weeks living with a Norwegian family in Molde, Norway is sure to be different than my life here in Clarkston, WA. While I whole-heartedly love my little corner of the world, I am absolutely and incredibly ready to experience a different culture, a different lifestyle, and a different little corner. I can't believe it has taken me 23 years to get out of my little corner...but better late than never!
Depending on how this goes, I could become a world traveler; or, I could get back stay in my little corner forever! Only time will tell, and I look forward to sharing the stories of my adventures either from Norway or from my tiny Clarkston home when I return. Until then, take care!
Depending on how this goes, I could become a world traveler; or, I could get back stay in my little corner forever! Only time will tell, and I look forward to sharing the stories of my adventures either from Norway or from my tiny Clarkston home when I return. Until then, take care!
03 June 2011
September Twenty-Second, 2012
We have a date, ladies and gentlemen....mark your calendars for September 22 of next year. It's the BIG DAY!
Wedding planning has been progressing at an enjoyable pace. I love that we have over a year until the day. We are focusing on enjoying the engagement phase of our lives, without rushing into the big ceremony, reception and all that goes along with it. Nevertheless, wedding planning continues. We checked out a few ceremony/reception sites in Joseph last weekend, and are actually having difficulty deciding between the two! We're leaning toward one over the other, but keep going back and forth in our minds! Whichever we choose, we know it will be beautiful and special. It has been fun thinking about ways to make this day super SUPER special for not only us, but for all of our friends and family!
Wedding planning has been progressing at an enjoyable pace. I love that we have over a year until the day. We are focusing on enjoying the engagement phase of our lives, without rushing into the big ceremony, reception and all that goes along with it. Nevertheless, wedding planning continues. We checked out a few ceremony/reception sites in Joseph last weekend, and are actually having difficulty deciding between the two! We're leaning toward one over the other, but keep going back and forth in our minds! Whichever we choose, we know it will be beautiful and special. It has been fun thinking about ways to make this day super SUPER special for not only us, but for all of our friends and family!
Summer (almost)
Here it is...the moment I look forward to every year...SUMMER! It's been a rough week in the L-C valley and up on the Palouse, but it's finally Friday and it is beautiful outside. Perhaps summer is finally here!
I've been readjusting (yet again) and acclimating myself to life here in Clarkston. It's been tricky as usual, but we are finally settling into a routine and leaving time for some fun stuff in between! It is very interesting living with someone for an extended period of time, even when you've been together for a few years. However, I think we are adjusting quite nicely. We are noticing that we both have our little pet peeves, i.e. he hates it when I leave the toilet lid up, and I hate it when he leaves his cereal bowl by the dish washer. But if that is all I can complain about, then I think we'll continue to be just fine. It is also different adjusting to both of us heading off to work in the morning. Of course, this is life, but it is not something we have experienced before. Traditionally, because we only got to see each other on the weekends, we would be able to get up and spend the day together doing whatever. That is not the case in the "real world!!" Casey has to pry me out of bed, we eat breakfast, get ready, then head out the door by 7 a.m. By the time we're both home around 6 p.m., it's time to eat dinner, relax then do it all again! But, it is a routine, and therefore I thrive on it.
So, as I was saying...summer. It's been summer break for over 3 weeks now, but it officially got underway last weekend as Casey and I headed to Wallowa County for Memorial Day weekend and the Pre-Car Show BBQ. It was a tad rainy, but fun nevertheless. Most importantly, I was able to enjoy some delicious Arrowhead chocolates and white chocolate mochas. Mmmmm.
The rest of the summer has plenty of fun things in store for us as well. Yakima for a friends Graduation party tomorrow; Norway; Relay for Life; Casey's birthday; 4th of July in Joseph; Williams Family Reunion in Baker City; Chief Joseph Days; a trip to Seattle to see friends; Bronze, Blues & Brews; and trip to Missoula to move and see friends. Intermingled will be several hours of work, wedding planning, thesis preparation, and hopefully a trip to try on wedding dresses! Whew. By then it will be end of August and time to move to Missoula and re-adjust to a "new" life again. There is our summer in a nutshell, stay tuned for all of the fabulous details and Norway highlights!!
I've been readjusting (yet again) and acclimating myself to life here in Clarkston. It's been tricky as usual, but we are finally settling into a routine and leaving time for some fun stuff in between! It is very interesting living with someone for an extended period of time, even when you've been together for a few years. However, I think we are adjusting quite nicely. We are noticing that we both have our little pet peeves, i.e. he hates it when I leave the toilet lid up, and I hate it when he leaves his cereal bowl by the dish washer. But if that is all I can complain about, then I think we'll continue to be just fine. It is also different adjusting to both of us heading off to work in the morning. Of course, this is life, but it is not something we have experienced before. Traditionally, because we only got to see each other on the weekends, we would be able to get up and spend the day together doing whatever. That is not the case in the "real world!!" Casey has to pry me out of bed, we eat breakfast, get ready, then head out the door by 7 a.m. By the time we're both home around 6 p.m., it's time to eat dinner, relax then do it all again! But, it is a routine, and therefore I thrive on it.
So, as I was saying...summer. It's been summer break for over 3 weeks now, but it officially got underway last weekend as Casey and I headed to Wallowa County for Memorial Day weekend and the Pre-Car Show BBQ. It was a tad rainy, but fun nevertheless. Most importantly, I was able to enjoy some delicious Arrowhead chocolates and white chocolate mochas. Mmmmm.
The rest of the summer has plenty of fun things in store for us as well. Yakima for a friends Graduation party tomorrow; Norway; Relay for Life; Casey's birthday; 4th of July in Joseph; Williams Family Reunion in Baker City; Chief Joseph Days; a trip to Seattle to see friends; Bronze, Blues & Brews; and trip to Missoula to move and see friends. Intermingled will be several hours of work, wedding planning, thesis preparation, and hopefully a trip to try on wedding dresses! Whew. By then it will be end of August and time to move to Missoula and re-adjust to a "new" life again. There is our summer in a nutshell, stay tuned for all of the fabulous details and Norway highlights!!
08 May 2011
Free time?
I don't even know what to do with myself. Program planning was my identity for the past three months, and now that it is over, I am having a bit of an identity crisis! Okay, so not really, I'm enjoying it a lot, but it is weird. So, with all my spare time (when really, I could be studying for finals or packing) I figured it was the perfect time to catch up on my blogging!
I can't believe I haven't shared the details of our engagement yet. It is probably the only time in my life (besides my 18th surprise birthday party) when I have ever been truly 100% surprised. I'm pretty intuitive and am able to sense things that are out of the ordinary. However, somehow, I didn't see this one coming at all.
It was a brisk Saturday morning at the end of March (can't believe it was over a month ago!!) and Casey was in Missoula for the weekend. We had a great dinner with Kelly and Emily (friends in the HHP department) the night before and had planned for the last week or so to walk up to the "M" that overlooks Missoula on Saturday morning. So, we wake up Saturday morning around 7 a.m. and Casey is ready to go. When he asks if I am ready to hike the "M" yet, I say "no, let's wait till it warms up a bit." In hindsight, this should have been a clue! Since when does Casey want to get out of bed and start hiking at 7 a.m?! After a little lounging and a call from Casey's sister in Italy, we make our way to the "M" trail. We head up the trail and I stop every-so-often to catch my breath and take in the beautiful view. Casey, ever-so-patiently, stopped when I stopped and also took in the view. Upon reaching the top, I take a seat on the "M."
This next part all happens in about 5 seconds: Casey pulls me up, gets down on one knee, asks me to marry him, I say "is it real!?" and "are you serious!?" and "did you ask my dad!?" (I can't believe I asked if it was real). After a convincing yes to each of the questions I threw his way, I reply with a "YES!" It happened so fast, but I still remember it as if it just happened. I remember how I felt, I remember the look on his face, I remember his exact words. It was priceless. And I was completely surprised.
As the day unfolded and we walked back down the "M" trail, Casey told me the details of how he went to Joseph the previous weekend to ask my dad for my hand in marriage, stayed the night with my parents in my house, bought the ring the night before in Missoula (he told me he was heading out of Clarkston an hour after he had already left so that I wouldn't know), almost blew his cover when I called him while he was in Joseph, and almost gave it away by carrying a bulging ring box in his gym shorts pocket up to the "M." I love replaying the story in mind. The rest of the day was full of good food and friends. We spent the day together messing around in Missoula and then went to our favorite restaurant in Missoula to celebrate- the Red Bird Wine Bar. Delicious food. We met up with my friend Emily and some others for dessert and then went out dancing at the Union Club. March 26th, 2011 is certainly a day I will never forget! I am blessed to be engaged to my best friend, and couldn't be happier!! Without further ado...here are the pictures of our special day.
I can't believe I haven't shared the details of our engagement yet. It is probably the only time in my life (besides my 18th surprise birthday party) when I have ever been truly 100% surprised. I'm pretty intuitive and am able to sense things that are out of the ordinary. However, somehow, I didn't see this one coming at all.
It was a brisk Saturday morning at the end of March (can't believe it was over a month ago!!) and Casey was in Missoula for the weekend. We had a great dinner with Kelly and Emily (friends in the HHP department) the night before and had planned for the last week or so to walk up to the "M" that overlooks Missoula on Saturday morning. So, we wake up Saturday morning around 7 a.m. and Casey is ready to go. When he asks if I am ready to hike the "M" yet, I say "no, let's wait till it warms up a bit." In hindsight, this should have been a clue! Since when does Casey want to get out of bed and start hiking at 7 a.m?! After a little lounging and a call from Casey's sister in Italy, we make our way to the "M" trail. We head up the trail and I stop every-so-often to catch my breath and take in the beautiful view. Casey, ever-so-patiently, stopped when I stopped and also took in the view. Upon reaching the top, I take a seat on the "M."
This next part all happens in about 5 seconds: Casey pulls me up, gets down on one knee, asks me to marry him, I say "is it real!?" and "are you serious!?" and "did you ask my dad!?" (I can't believe I asked if it was real). After a convincing yes to each of the questions I threw his way, I reply with a "YES!" It happened so fast, but I still remember it as if it just happened. I remember how I felt, I remember the look on his face, I remember his exact words. It was priceless. And I was completely surprised.
As the day unfolded and we walked back down the "M" trail, Casey told me the details of how he went to Joseph the previous weekend to ask my dad for my hand in marriage, stayed the night with my parents in my house, bought the ring the night before in Missoula (he told me he was heading out of Clarkston an hour after he had already left so that I wouldn't know), almost blew his cover when I called him while he was in Joseph, and almost gave it away by carrying a bulging ring box in his gym shorts pocket up to the "M." I love replaying the story in mind. The rest of the day was full of good food and friends. We spent the day together messing around in Missoula and then went to our favorite restaurant in Missoula to celebrate- the Red Bird Wine Bar. Delicious food. We met up with my friend Emily and some others for dessert and then went out dancing at the Union Club. March 26th, 2011 is certainly a day I will never forget! I am blessed to be engaged to my best friend, and couldn't be happier!! Without further ado...here are the pictures of our special day.
The newly engaged couple.
So excited.
He did such a great job picking it out. I couldn't have picked out a prettier one myself!
27 April 2011
Crazy Ride
I wish my blog was somehow connected to my life...then you could really get a sense of what is happening on my crazy ride called life. I know that my situation is not unique; obviously, others are busy, too. But, for the first time in my life, I feel a little bit out of control. That is, until I take moments like these to sit down and just...write (I have in fact been doing a lot of writing these days, but not this type). First, I want to just regurgitate it all out there...this is what I've been up to the past few weeks:
developing program strategies, writing evaluation plans, looking at wedding dresses, apartment hunting, teaching class, grading papers, loving Casey, celebrating my golden birthday, car shopping, setting up a summer job, planning for summer trip to Norway, visiting waste water treatment facilities (ew), drinking coffee, researching Mongolia, discussing environmental health, working on wedding guest list, picking a wedding date, counseling a client for a health behavior change, making posters, blah blah blah, and sometimes...sleeping.
So I missed a few things, and sure, lots of you are like, "well, I do all those things, too." I just want to say: I commend you. It is crazy; but, I am thriving and loving it. It also felt good to get it all out there. Now, here are the top points, in more detail:
1) WEDDING! This has been the topic on my mind. It creeps in while I should be working on other things. It consumes my life basically. But boy, do I love it! I have always been a tad obsessed with all things wedding. And once I met Casey and we fell in love (yada, yada, yada!), I began to think that maybe, just maybe, a wedding was in my future. I am thoroughly excited to spend forever with Mr. Tuschhoff. And we have been in love with this process. I will be even more in love when I can ogle over wedding books without feeling like I should be doing something different (i.e., working on schoolwork). Casey is super excited for our Joseph wedding as well. No date has been set-but keep September of 2012 open :)
2) Program Plan. In six short days, this process will be behind me...and ahead of me in that I will be planning health related programs potentially for the rest of my life! But this class project has been a whirlwind of experiences, emotions, and trials. Far too many to get into on this post. But, next Tuesday, Kelly & I will be presenting our program plan, colloquium style, to our class. We believe we are setting the bar high. After determining the quality of life issues, the health problem that relates to them, the behavioral and environmental factors that relate to the health problem, and the predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors that influence the behavioral and environmental factors (all via surveys, interviews, focus groups and research with the target population, their gatekeepers, and secondary data), we have developed a comprehensive program to combat the identified issues. Introducing "Walking on Sunshine," a multi part program incorporating a mentoring walking program, new workshops, social celebratory gatherings, incentives, and a social marketing campaign. Whew. It feels good to be so close, and really, we are quite proud of our hard work. Fingers crossed, this program plan will carry over into my thesis experience in that I will be able to pilot test a portion of our planned program, and then evaluate it.
3) Golden birthday. I have been waiting for this day since one morning in my adolescent years when I heard Paul Harvey on the radio talking about "golden birthdays." It is the birthday when your age is the same as the date. Thus, my golden birthday was April 23rd, as that was the day I turned 23. Nevertheless, it was not all that it was cracked up to be-just another birthday! But it was still lovely. My parents made the trek to Missoula. We enjoyed copious amounts of delicious local foods, shopped, and my mother and I even peaked at wedding dresses (gasp!). I missed Casey, but know that he made the right decision to stick close to home to spend more time with his sister who is in the Air Force in Italy (she was home on leave for just a little over a week).
That's enough. More details will come this summer as I hopefully have more time to free-write! And of course, wedding details will be shared as they come up!
(P.S. Just about 2 weeks until I am finished with my first year of graduate school!! CRAZY!)
developing program strategies, writing evaluation plans, looking at wedding dresses, apartment hunting, teaching class, grading papers, loving Casey, celebrating my golden birthday, car shopping, setting up a summer job, planning for summer trip to Norway, visiting waste water treatment facilities (ew), drinking coffee, researching Mongolia, discussing environmental health, working on wedding guest list, picking a wedding date, counseling a client for a health behavior change, making posters, blah blah blah, and sometimes...sleeping.
So I missed a few things, and sure, lots of you are like, "well, I do all those things, too." I just want to say: I commend you. It is crazy; but, I am thriving and loving it. It also felt good to get it all out there. Now, here are the top points, in more detail:
1) WEDDING! This has been the topic on my mind. It creeps in while I should be working on other things. It consumes my life basically. But boy, do I love it! I have always been a tad obsessed with all things wedding. And once I met Casey and we fell in love (yada, yada, yada!), I began to think that maybe, just maybe, a wedding was in my future. I am thoroughly excited to spend forever with Mr. Tuschhoff. And we have been in love with this process. I will be even more in love when I can ogle over wedding books without feeling like I should be doing something different (i.e., working on schoolwork). Casey is super excited for our Joseph wedding as well. No date has been set-but keep September of 2012 open :)
2) Program Plan. In six short days, this process will be behind me...and ahead of me in that I will be planning health related programs potentially for the rest of my life! But this class project has been a whirlwind of experiences, emotions, and trials. Far too many to get into on this post. But, next Tuesday, Kelly & I will be presenting our program plan, colloquium style, to our class. We believe we are setting the bar high. After determining the quality of life issues, the health problem that relates to them, the behavioral and environmental factors that relate to the health problem, and the predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors that influence the behavioral and environmental factors (all via surveys, interviews, focus groups and research with the target population, their gatekeepers, and secondary data), we have developed a comprehensive program to combat the identified issues. Introducing "Walking on Sunshine," a multi part program incorporating a mentoring walking program, new workshops, social celebratory gatherings, incentives, and a social marketing campaign. Whew. It feels good to be so close, and really, we are quite proud of our hard work. Fingers crossed, this program plan will carry over into my thesis experience in that I will be able to pilot test a portion of our planned program, and then evaluate it.
3) Golden birthday. I have been waiting for this day since one morning in my adolescent years when I heard Paul Harvey on the radio talking about "golden birthdays." It is the birthday when your age is the same as the date. Thus, my golden birthday was April 23rd, as that was the day I turned 23. Nevertheless, it was not all that it was cracked up to be-just another birthday! But it was still lovely. My parents made the trek to Missoula. We enjoyed copious amounts of delicious local foods, shopped, and my mother and I even peaked at wedding dresses (gasp!). I missed Casey, but know that he made the right decision to stick close to home to spend more time with his sister who is in the Air Force in Italy (she was home on leave for just a little over a week).
That's enough. More details will come this summer as I hopefully have more time to free-write! And of course, wedding details will be shared as they come up!
(P.S. Just about 2 weeks until I am finished with my first year of graduate school!! CRAZY!)
10 April 2011
Check!
I can already check two items off of my list of things to do before my 200th blog post. Saturday of spring break I met my dear friend, Jessica, in Kennewick, WA for a night at Thompson Cellars Winery and Bed & Breakfast. We had an amazing spa treatment, shopped, ate delicious food, and drank delicious wine. Lots of red wine, to be more specific. So, check off, stay at a B&B, and drink more red wine. Although, I do hope to do these two things more over the next year or so.
Back to school work... I promise I will be a better blogger this summer.
Back to school work... I promise I will be a better blogger this summer.
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