Retirement...

As I sit out on my porch (for the third time today) I keep asking myself, is this what retirement is like? If so...sign me up! Today is a training holiday so, thankfully, I don't have to work. It's been glorious. I slept in, but not really - still was up by 0800. I made a cup of tea and sat out on the porch in my nice lawn chair and just enjoyed the morning in my comfy sweats. Because much of my neighborhood is military families, there wasn't much hubbub going on, but that was nice. I could hear the birds singing and the calm (yes, it's actually CALM today) breeze blowing.

Once my tea was finished I knew I had to do SOMETHING with myself today, and sadly...that meant running. Before I could lose motivation, I quickly got ready and headed out the door. I've been taking a different route, a route that takes me into the country and actually, while I wouldn't say running has been enjoyable - it's definitely more enjoyable than running on paved roads surrounded by houses and sidewalks. Not sure how far I ran yet this morning, once I actually go somewhere, I'll drive it out - but I'm thinking between 2.5 and 3...not bad. UGH the hills were horrible, but I do feel my legs and lungs getting stronger.

What better treat for a hard, long run than Cow Tales??? I can't think of anything better!

While I was on my porch stretching and drinking water, I realized how truly beautiful of a day it is to not really do anything but be outside - so I just laid down right there. Probably close to an hour later I realized that I was rather warm and probably getting sun burnt (oops...yup I did). Inside to shower up from working out and tanning then get some laundry started.

Notice my face and neck are a lil red and the tan lines are all over the place. Oh well. Bring on summer!!!

Now here I am again, back on my porch. I wanted to blog but just couldn't make myself sit inside any longer. This time, I've put on sunscreen though =)

Risen Today

Going to church to celebrate the rising of the Lord, Jesus Christ - dressed in my Sunday Best - Crabtree style =)Following church, I had a wonderful breakfast with my friend Kass. Then back to JC to find something to do where I can enjoy this glorious and beautiful day. What better than to prepare for a fishing trip...I haven't been fishing in years - which is way too long!

I ran to Wal-Mart (please forgive me Petters, but there are no Scheels stores here, just be happy I didn't go to Dicks, like I was encouraged to do) and got my fishing license, a pole, some hooks, line weights and a simple lure kit. As I was putting the pole in my care I realized that this particular pole didn't come with any line on it...good thinking Elizabeth...well I didn't wanna go back in the store as I was already to my car, so I left town to head home. Luckily there is another Wal-Mart on the way home. So I ran in quick and got some line.
It's already been a productive day as I cleaned my kitchen up a lil, cleaned out my car and sorted my laundry. Of course I have since changed out of my dress into some shorts, tank top and a sweat shirt...as if that surprises anyone. Next will be to get my pole ready to go for either this afternoon or tomorrow..or both.

If I can't be with my parents and brother (and his family), there is no better way to spend this celebratory holiday than to be outside surrounded by nature and all that is good. Thanks, God. I really appreciate all you've given me but more importantly, all that you've done for me. I'm not worthy.

Growing Up Gets Old

Here's what I've realized over the last couple months. Meh, maybe even years. Growing up sucks. Sure the freedom you have when you can make decisions for yourself is nice - but I hate saying goodbye to people. I hate that after you say that one goodbye, it may be the last goodbye you say. It may not. But you never know.

Recently, I had the honor of going back home for a wedding for some very good friends. On my way to Sioux Falls, I stopped in my old hometown for one thing - to see the family I have left there.
I was young when Grandma Dee passed. Sometimes, or pretty much every time I think about it, I feel bad and a little guilty that I don't remember her as much as I'd like to. But the memories I have of her are nothing but wonderful. She was a caring and loving lady that would always scold Grandpa for sneaking Ben and I candy and tickling us too much. No worries though, Grandpa always came through for me! Her laugh would fill the room. Mashing the potatoes was my favorite thing to help her with in the kitchen...I'd climb up on a stool and wear my lil arms out mashing away. I'm thankful that they lived so close to us and we got to see them so frequently. It makes them being gone a little bit easier.Grandpa lived longer but was quite sick his last few years and it was hard to see his illness progress. While I remember him quite well, sometimes I feel guilty that I didn't see him as much as I could have/should have in the end, however, I didn't want that to be my memory of him. He was so much more than a weak man laying in a hospital bed. He had a sweet, joking spirit that would do anything for his daughters, grandchildren and son-in-laws. He was drafted and served in the Army for WWII. I hadn't yet joined before he died, and I just hope that he and grandma are looking down on me and are proud of what I'm doing. I want to live and fill into the family name well.
The worst part of growing up is that not everyone from our beginning will be there at our end. What I've learned is to spend your time with those you really care about, enjoy your time with those people and always be thankful for their presence in your life - because you never know when that time will be over.

To all the people that has passed on in my life (Grandma and Grandpa Nooney, Uncle Lee, Grandma and Grandpa Tinant, Dennis Bussell, AJ, Anthony, Uncle Bil, Valerie...and many more), I want to thank you for the impact you've made on me and for all you taught me. I miss you each and every day and love you even more.

Hard to Wait

With all of this beautiful weather I've been getting in Kansas, it's very hard to remember that it is only the beginning of April. My body is gearing up for TUUUUUUBING season on the Niorbrara and its hard to tell my mind anything different. However, reality hits a little bit because it's just not right to go tubing before the branding. Yes, this is how I regulate seasons. It's all about priorities and family, right? However, Niobrara, I will see you this summer!

While I very much look forward to each of these things as if nothing has ever changed, it's also hard to look back and not be sad about what has changed. Mostly, it leaves a hole in my heart to know that both Grandma Gick and Grandpa Oney are now looking at us from up above. I'm happy for them, but super selfish and want to hug them each one more time - fully knowing that still wouldn't be enough. Here's a pic that I snapped of my lil buddy Al and Grandpa as his last RiverFest was winding down - getting ready to get in the car and head back to town. I'm glad I could be a part of it.
There has been a lot of ups and downs over the past couple years, but no matter what; this is family and I always look upon LKV with happy memories and love. Looking forward to go back, play with some cousins, wrestle some calves, bake some bread (and pies) and just breathe in the fresh country air - it's like no other!

April 2nd. 92 Degrees. Went for a run. Oh Kansas.

Tan lines and Training

I can't believe it's March still - granted it's the last day - however, it's still March. It's March, 85 degrees and I got my first tan lines of the year!!! I can't believe it. This is where I spent my afternoon reading and soaking in the rays and listening to the birds chirp. Below is my gorgeous view of the neighborhood...Might be a little red, but it was so worth it and even the hints of a slight burn feel good!No those aren't dirty toes, just a lil brown from the wonderful sun! Flip flop tan lines are my favorite!
So bring on the summer. Shoot, bring on Spring! As long as it stays this beautiful, I'll have nothing to complain about! Before too long, it'll be time to uncover and fill up the community pool. Oh man, I can't imagine any way I'd rather spend my days after work other than laying out by the water. I can hardly wait.

Until then, I'll keep working on getting outside to relax and also to train. PT test is coming up next month. The sun rises earlier and sets later = more time outside for the dreaded running. At least it'll be outside...

Craft Time!

So I had a lil girl's3rd birthday to attend and I wanted to try out a craft project I had seen - I thought it'd make the perfect gift. So I did a test project first. Turned out pretty good - I'm keeping the test one for myself =)

After making the test one, I had to go buy some more crayons and picked out the pretty pinks, purples and yellows that would accent her purple/daisy room. It's fun to make and looks crazy cool when you're done! Happy birthday, lil J!