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!
26 August 2011
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!
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