Sissy Poo!

I ♥ my sister! Just so all of you know. Just in case you didn't have a clue. Just cause I said so. She is one of my most favorite people evah...


She's my shoulder to cry on, my personal comedian, my partner in crime.



She's cute and cuddly and...well maybe she does beat up on me sometimes but shhh....don't tell her I said that. :)


We've lived together for so long that we finish each others sentences and say what the other is thinking. A common phrase around the house is "GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!"


I wouldn't trade her for nothin' and I'd give anything for her. :D


Love ya Kate! Be good!

The end of an era...

Well as most of you (I mean all 2 of you) know; for the past year and a half I have been teaching at Project RIDE. For those of you who don't know what Project RIDE is here is a short synopsis: Project RIDE is a horseback riding center dedicated to supporting horseback riding in a safe, educational and enjoyable manner for disabled persons.

I received my instructor certification in the fall of 2009. I have been an instructor there for the last year and a half. I have been teaching people with disabilities for a little over two years. It has been one of the most meaningful, terrifying, gratifying, difficult and outrageous times of my life. I have seen amazing triumphs and heartbreaking sorrow and I wouldn't trade my time at RIDE for anything in the world.
It has come time to say goodbye to this era of my life. While I am not, exactly, happy about it I am excited for what the future holds for me. I have always been blessed with good fortune in the "job" folder of my life and have always just fallen into whatever I am suppose to do next. Generally, in moving on, I feel like my turn is over and it is time for someone else to fill the shoes that have become so comfortable for me.

And, you know what they say about when you find a pleasant resting place...something about rising and moving on right?




So, I am rising and moving on to the grand world of retail shops.

Should be interesting...

pray for me...

I am going to miss all of my students my cuddly horses and all of the people that make Project RIDE the wonderful program that it is.
I will be forever grateful for the time that I spent there, the things I learned and the people I've had the privilege to know.

Cheesy Cheesy Cheesy Cheesecake!

I'm making cheesecake tonight.

This cheesecake.


And, you can't stop me.

Sounds Like It's Time For A Project!

So the picture in my last post pretty much sums up what I've done since then. Well aside from work 11 hours a day 6 days a week. Yeah, I work a lot... I know. Half at the store and half at a place called Project R.I.D.E. There I teach children and adults with disabilities how to ride horses. The handsome stud on the right is my favorite guy Benny! I've been at it for almost a year now and it has been a blast. Although, you know that old saying that to much of a good thing can be a bad thing? Yeah, all I do is work and sleep. This setup has been very lucrative for me so far I am going a little stir crazy. So I decided today that I need a project! Now, I know what you're thinking...if you don't have time to do anything besides work and sleep how in the world are you going to find time to do a project? Well to you I say psssssssssht shut up. :) I'll find the time and whatever I decide to do will be so amazingly awesome you'll wish you were me! So now the task is to decide what type of project to do. I feel like making something besides food, so anyone out there who is still checking this let me know if you have any ideas!! Once I get started on it I will keep you updated.

Goals for the New Year

So, over time I expect that this blog will actually turn into something completely different than the actual reason it was started...consider this your warning, I guess.

It's almost a New Year and everyone is thinking about what new years resolutions to make and all of the wonderful things this New Year will bring. I on the other hand would like to take a look back on this year and all of the different things that have happened. First and probably the most notable I got my Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor Certification. It was a long time coming to as I started working on it in 2008. It was a wonderful opportunity for learning and growth. I was able to take horseback riding lessons as well as instruct while volunteering at my local therapeutic riding center. I learned a lot about teaching, riding and myself. From the correct way to mount a student to how to keep your cool during a crisis, it all came in through the different experiences I had while studying for the test. I now (happily) have gotten a job as an instructor at the same barn I started volunteering at. Next, I turned 26 this year, although that may be more time's doing than mine, but since I'm me I'll claim that one for the team. I remember when I thought 23 was old...let me tell you that coming up on 27 is like looking down the barrel of a gun. 27, really??, 27!! I'm really going to be 27 next year? Yikes! Don't get me wrong growing old does have its perks but dude, do you think we could do it without the numbers and just say, "I am one year older today, than I was on this day last year." From now on I will only be a year older than I was last year, which sounds a heck of a lot better than 27. Then, I beat my battle with sugar...and then sugar put me through the ringer and I have yet to recover. I seriously need to move somewhere that doesn't have access to sugar or artificial preservatives. That would solve all my problems. If you haven't yet guessed, yes, one of my goals in 2010 is to forgo the demonic treat forever. Sounds like a tall order I know but at this point it's really the only thing left. Milestone! I actually went and saw a doctor. Those of you know me can attest, I absolutely detest going to the doctor for any reason. Of course she told me something I already knew; but, it's the principle that counts. Right? These are the most memorable things for me, and this post has already run on much longer than intended. So for now, adieu! Gook luck with your goals for 2010 and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Soldiers & Their Families

"Men fight for liberty and win it with hard knocks. Their children, brought up easy, let it slip away again, poor fools. And their grandchildren are once more slaves." --Lawrence, D.H.

There is a lot going on in this country right now. From the economic struggles to health care to wars in countries that most people couldn't find on a map. The media has been shanghaied by their own greed and petulant wishes. They are no longer reporting anything worth hearing. They have lost their ability to search for truth and are now entrenched in battles with each other about "who said what." I am grateful to the soldiers in the military and their families for keeping their priorities in check. The people of this country have been fighting for freedom since 1775 and more and more it feels as though we are loosing it piece by piece. I am grateful to the soldiers of this country who are fighting for freedom! Volunteers who are willing to protect one of the only things that we have left that is worth protecting. I am grateful to the men and women who serve and the husbands, wives and children that say goodbye to their loved ones not knowing whether they will see them again. It is amazing to me that there are people in this country who are willing to sacrifice everything they have to protect people that they do not even know; along with those people who could care less that the soldiers are fighting for them, to those who would gladly attack a vet because of his part in a war that they don't agree with. Those in the military deserve our respect, support and unwavering loyalty no matter the conflict. They fight for us, and we should honor them accordingly. THANK YOU! GOD BLESS!!

Are we not all Teachers?

Teaching is a noble calling. Although most of us tend to over look it, we are all teachers in one way or another. When we are children there are many people that teach us the things that will shape us into the adults that we eventually become. Parents are the very first teachers that we know. They are the ones who shape the future. I have learned many things from my parents; compassion, strength and the value of hard work are just some of the things that I learned before I ever set foot in a school building. I have often thought that we as a society fail to recognize that this world and the very nature of our lives creates endless opportunities to learn. Now, I'm not saying that you shouldn't go to school and get yourself a formal education because it was one of the best things I ever did. However, I would like people to look more closely at their lives and see what they are teaching others. Through your speech, actions and attitudes you are shaping your friends, co-workers and family members. If you are a parent of young children, old children or just have the hope of a family one day; I want you to look at your life, who you are and the lessons that have shaped you. Think about how and why you are who you are; and what you can do to instill the best lessons in your children and how to make sure that they learn from your mistakes before making the same ones themselves. I am grateful for all of the teachers that I have had and those that I will have in the future. Each of us has something specific that we can share to enrich and enhance the lives of those around us.

Books!

There aren't many places that you can loose yourself in. Books provide a convenient and enticing place to disappear. Leaving your cares and worries behind and becoming enthralled with the stories of others. Universal appeal, through the medium of the written word; authors have been pleasing any and all appetites. From the political to the fantastic, there is something for everyone. Stories that entice with drama and action then turn around and rip your heart out with sorrow. From the real to the imaginary; books allow us to learn things about ourselves that we never knew. Books are singular in their ability to make us create a world within our own minds. The author gives suggestions, whispers of a world. We in turn are forced to create the characters, surroundings and feelings. That which we create stays with us long after the pictures from a movie have faded to black. In a way, by reading, we allow the story and the characters to become part of us.

The Good Guy...

As far as I have ever been able to tell there are very few of this type of guy. I'm not talking about the guy that is so nice that you just want to rip your hair out, I'm talking about the one that is amazing without realizing it. The one who hardly knows you; but still offers his coat becasue your cold. The one who moves to protect your virtue because you didn't think to. The one that see's the crazy and puts himself in the line of fire. THAT guy. Decent, kind, caring and protective. Although these guys may never be thought of in that way; they are an important and impressive aspect to the collection that we call "men." Whether it be your father, brother, cousin or close friend I would hope that we all knew at least one good guy. They set the example that should be followed by everyone.

Antacids Are Our Friends

Hopefully this entry won't gross too many of you out :). But, consider yourself warned! With all of my wonderful dietary restrictions I have developed an annoying little habit of having a stomach ache at least once a day. Sometimes it is because I am hungry, sometimes it's because I ate something I shouldn't have and sometimes (at least in my personal opinion) there is a legion of little trolls in my stomach that get mad and start rolling around. As you may have guessed today is one such day, although I can't blame the trolls for this one. So I just wanted to talk for a minute about the wonderful chalky goodness of Maalox (or your preferred ant-acid). I have always been a Maalox girl myself, probably because everything else actually tastes like medicine which is like a death wish for whoever wants me to buy and use it. Even the smell of medicine makes me want to gag...but, I digress.
Maalox comes in a variety of flavors and a broad range of potency from mild to maximum strength, I do believe that it is still sold as a liquid as well ...but, come on? I really don't think anybody wants to drink that stuff...right?? I love Maalox because it goes straight to work, especially if you have heartburn and it makes my tummy all nice and better. So, I can carry on though my day. It's also a plus that it's gluten free :D. That makes it a winner in my book.

Horses for a Bad Day

So today has been one of those Mondays. I woke up early this morning from one of those dreams that you can't remember, but you're nervous and you are sure that you did something last night that you weren't suppose to. I stood up and realized that my right shoulder and hip hurt like I'd been laying on one side all night...which is, you know...awesome. On top of that I feel like I'm going to up-chuck and I couldn't find my parking pass. I get to work and a slew of annoyingly, prepubescent teenagers greets me with a sock fight. And it's not even noon! :) So, I thought to myself I haven't posted to my blog lately and thought that I might try and bring a little joy into my morning...so without further ado I give you horses! Now, those of you who know me know that I firmly believe that a horse can cure all that ails you, from a broken heart to a traumatic injury. There is nothing on this good earth that compares to the quiet dignity and healing power of the horse. I volunteer at a local therapeutic riding center and it is amazing to see what a horse can do for someone who is shy; to someone who has lost the use of their legs or worse. From a quiet grooming session to a full on ride, the horse will show you exactly what you need to see. Calmly standing while being groomed or waiting and patiently guiding while a new skill is learned. They can calm the head, the heart and the soul. They teach, without words, lessons that only we can learn. They offer us strength and demand our respect.

Rain

Ok, so I am in a weird mood so if this doesn't totally sound like me...you've been warned. Rain, Rain, Rain!!! I love rain! Don't get me wrong I love sunshine to; but rain is just, the best thing ever! As you may have guessed it is raining right now and I have just been watching it come down in sheets. We really need the water here too, which is another reason that I am so excited for it! Although, I did almost die whilst driving to work this morning and will probably have a repeat performance this afternoon on the way home. I still love it! It makes everything green. I visited my parents yesterday and the road to the house was overrun with deliciously green foliage. You know the kind that really makes you want to go hiking somewhere in Washington? I like to see it as a cleansing action that the earth has for itself. It washes away the dirt and grime and leaves everything looking fresh and clean. As you all know the sunny day after the storm looks and smells the best. It makes most people better drivers and creates some amazing cloud formations. Ah, I just love it!

Trees

Trees make me happy
Simple statement, truth, fact
Standing steadfast
In ground that’s given

Twisted and broken
Forever reaching for Heaven
No bias, no judgment
Showing love

Many colors
Wrapped in branches bringing
Life

Look up
They stand watch
Firmly rooted
Showing what cannot be seen
Life is given
A Blessing for all

Bucket Seats

Have you ever thought about how comfortable your car is? I have done my fair share of driving around, and I think that the two front seats of my car are the most comfortable seats ever. When I get off work, I walk out to my car; pop the lock and sit down in the car, lean back (way back, as many of you know…) and just let out a huge sigh. In that moment nothing matters but the fact that my back doesn’t hurt and I am completely content, I think it has something to do with the fact that the car seats give you total support. From your head, neck and back to your legs and feet. They hold you up and offer extra padding right where you need it. Have you have traveled for an extended period of time only to realize when you arrive that your booty doesn’t hurt at all; the way it would if you had been sitting in chair at home? I personally think that they are the most amazing thing ever invented! The next time you get in your car, before you starter’ up take a minute and just notice how you feel, relaxed, content, calm. Thanks for the seats!

Aluminum Foil!

Ok, so I am a total slacker! But, I'm back and hopefully will be able to more consistently post to the blog! So without further ado, I give you...foil! Yes, aluminum foil. The thought for this post came during Thanksgiving last year. I was helping my dad in the kitchen get ready to pack everything up to take over to my Brothers where we were having the meal. There was a lot of plastic tupperware and such as well as seran wrap. But, the thing that really caught my attention was the foil. First, dad used the foil while cooking the turkey as a tent to stop the top from getting too done. He took the bird out the of oven (at 400 degress) and put it on the counter and I grabbed the foil off the top, was it hot? NO, how amazing is that? It had been in the oven over 3 hours at this point...but it was completely cool to the touch! It really made me Thankful for the different technologies that we have today and how they assist in our lives. So, after the dinner was ready to go we used that same foil to cover the top of the bird and wrapped it around the pan so that no juice would leak out. No catastrophies on the drive to my brothers...Ok, seriously I could go on and on but Aluminum foil is absolutely fantastic. Next time you fix dinner, just remember what a blessing it is to have such a useful tool! :~)

Christmas Music

Tis the season to be happy about…EVERYTHING! OK I know what your going to say but I just have to say that I am very thankful for Christmas music. I work in a retail store and last Saturday the radio station we use started playing Christmas music. Now, I know there are a lot of people out there who whine about how they are ruining Christmas music because they start playing it so early and it’s the only thing they play during December. But…I love it. It has been a while since I have really felt the Christmas Spirit and I think it has a lot to do with my attitude and that is what I am working on changing. I think it is working because I can’t wait for Thanksgiving and I can’t wait for Christmas! It is almost like I haven’t been hearing the music for years and all of the sudden on Saturday I was like…Wow…Christmas is really coming! Music can have a huge impact on our attitudes and thoughts whether they promote well being or sadness. Christmas music is always happy music with messages of love and hope and that is really what this season is all about. I would invite everyone to take a moment and really listen to some Christmas music; it truly is healing to the soul.

The Mailman

Yeah, you heard me right…the mailman. I think they are one of the most useful and one of the most overlooked public servants. Depending on your circumstances you either love or hate the mailman in part because of the message that he brings. When a package comes we are almost always overjoyed and offer up a huge smile and a “thank you!” However, when he comes bearing bad news, or worse…bills. We have a tendency to think ill thoughts of them. It is generally a classic case of hate for the messenger. The mailman doesn’t know what your mail contains, what bills you have to pay or what super special offers you will receive. He only bears the envelope from the Post Office to you. I am grateful that we have people willing to take on a job where you may be attacked by dogs, yelled at by a patron or antagonized by the long line of people in front of the counter. I wouldn’t want to do that…would you? So, I say “Thanks!” to all the postal workers out there. Keep up the good work!

The Sun

Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.
-Benjamin Franklin

I know that during this time of year we are usually overcome by cloudy days and rain filled nights. Locked in our houses; curled up by the fire with a cup of cocoa and a good book. But, can I not marvel for a moment, in the glory of the Sun. We move from day to day; through our busy lives not worried about the weather but about other "more important things." There is nothing more important to us than the sun. It grows the food we eat, creates the oxygen we breathe and it lifts our spirits when in sorrow. Scientist’s claim that the sun is a giant ball of gas burning millions of miles away from us; I say the sun is life. We move through and around it, we never really notice it until we are accosted by grief. The sun reminds us that we are not alone here and that no matter what may come, the world is still turning round.

When I was little, whenever I was sick and had the chills, I would come into the living room and curl up on the floor underneath the skylight. The bright warmth of the sun soothed my aching body and allowed me to get the rest I so badly needed. The best cure for depression? A nice long walk on a beautiful sunny day! The sun lifts our spirits and our minds. I am grateful for the sun because it reminds me that I need to stay positive in the face of opposition and enjoy this crazy journey called life.

Hi There...

Welcome to my blog!!... As, I have said I am a 20 something that has Celiacs disease (no wheat or gluten) as well as a candida yeast problem (which means no sugar). I have known about both conditions for about 5 months or so and have had a heck of a time trying to figure out what I can and what I can't eat.

It has been quite a journey and I just seemed to be getting more irritated, aggravated (any other angry words you know you can just fill in the blank) as time when on. This was suppose to make me better...not worse! SO...I went in search of people with similar dietary restrictions and found quite a few interesting blogs out there. They all had something amazing in common, these people were happy! Not, just yeah my life is ok happy but actually no mater what, death, disease or worse I'll be ok HAPPY.

It really made me start to think about how much whining I had done in the past few months, as I looked back and talked with my family and friends I found a disturbing trend...I was becoming more and more depressed as well as getting on every ones nerves (sorry about that guys :-). That's what did it for me, I decided I needed to stop whining and stop dwelling on what I don't have and be thankful for what I do.

Easier said that done right? Well, at first I thought so. How would I keep track of all the things that I am thankful for (think about the paper!) Hence, the blog... no paper and someone else will hold onto it for me. (PERFECT!) My plan is to try and pick out one or two things a day that I am truly thankful for and then actually explain why I am thankful for those things. I am hoping that this will help my overall outlook as well as yours! Enjoy!