Monday, December 31, 2012
Sunday, December 30, 2012
And Here It Is.. Your Moment of Zen
Not Your Stereotypical New Year's Resolution
Recently I have realized that nearly every aspect of my life is in total disarray. It would be nice to make a few New Year's Resolutions to try and rectify things, but I fear that is not enough. I need a total life overhaul.
For starters, I am making a conscious decision not smoke anymore. I realize it is unrealistic to expect I can just quit cold turkey, and never touch another one. But with the help of my family and friends I feel that this is something I can do. My Uncle Dominic died in 2010 after living many many years with only one lung, and here I am taking both of mine for granted. Not cool. My 81 year old Gram is struggling every day to breathe as she is missing half of one of her lungs. I can no longer abuse mine while she is suffering.
My finances are a mess. I have never been one to plan for the future but the older I get the more I realize I need some kind of safety net. After this summer I will have a significant portion of my debt paid off and from there I can begin saving. Better late than never, right?
My health is a mess. I am not going to go into specific detail on this blog, but I will say I am in need of some medical services that I am totally unable to afford without health insurance. That old phrase "pre-existing condition" keeps rearing its ugly head. But hopefully this summer I will be able to afford at least a modest health care plan. Eventually I hope to have surgery to correct my right shoulder, among other things.
My personal relationships with some friends and family also seem to be a mess. I have let some slip into the cracks and I need to rectify these situations. I have to put my personal pride aside and deal with certain conflicts. It won't be easy but I'll do it.
My belongings are always a mess, but I have truly been making great strides this year in minimizing the crap that I own. I got rid of about 5 car loads of stuff this past fall when I downsized my storage unit. I am unable to get rid of everything as there are certain things of sentimental value. I feel that the next time I go I will be able to downsize further and finally be able to remove my excess crap from Gram's house and put it all into my tiny 5x5 storage unit. Sometimes it is hard to let go of physical objects, but it is freeing once you do. My biggest fear is ending up like one of those crazy people on Hoarders, crying over throwing away a piece of trash. So I routinely force myself to purge my belongings. And I think I am better for it.
Currently I am in a situation that is less than ideal, but the end is in sight. I can survive anything and I have much more patience than I give myself credit for. On the negative side, I can hardly afford food after paying my monthly bills. But on the positive side, I have lost ten pounds this month. You win some, you lose some.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
The Texas Belgian Waffle
It's no secret that I love hotels. But what I really love are TEXAS hotels. Why, you ask? Well I love Texas hotels because of the Texas-shaped Belgian waffles of course.
I travel. A lot. Sometimes I camp, sometimes I stay with friends along the way, and other times I get to stay in a hotel. Most times I stay in a hotel out of neccessity. Today I am in a hotel because I feel like it. Merry Christmas to me!
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I travel. A lot. Sometimes I camp, sometimes I stay with friends along the way, and other times I get to stay in a hotel. Most times I stay in a hotel out of neccessity. Today I am in a hotel because I feel like it. Merry Christmas to me!
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Hakuna Matata..
Part of growing up for me has meant learning to accept people and things as they are. And while some things are constantly changing, others never will.
I live a life of constant change. I move multiple times a year and people come in and out of my life in a constant steady flow. Most people I meet are in my life for only a short time, and that is fine with me. We have a good time while we are working together or associated in some other way and then we part ways. Being that I don't have facebook I don't maintain artificial relationships with people that I otherwise wouldn't. That's not to say I completely lose touch with people, as I do have a cell phone and e-mail and I do periodically check in with them to see how they are or perhaps ask them a question.
Other people I meet enter my life on a more permanent basis. My closest friends are people that I have known most of my life. These people know me better than anyone, and while we are often apart we are always in touch and see each other when we can. I am, however, still meeting people as an adult who become very important to me, and I wish to keep up a more consistent relationship than other acquaintances. That is to say, I am still adding close friends to my circle.
There is a poem/ saying that someone once sent me titled "Reason, Season, or Lifetime" which really sums up the types of relationships we find in life.
I live a life of constant change. I move multiple times a year and people come in and out of my life in a constant steady flow. Most people I meet are in my life for only a short time, and that is fine with me. We have a good time while we are working together or associated in some other way and then we part ways. Being that I don't have facebook I don't maintain artificial relationships with people that I otherwise wouldn't. That's not to say I completely lose touch with people, as I do have a cell phone and e-mail and I do periodically check in with them to see how they are or perhaps ask them a question.
Other people I meet enter my life on a more permanent basis. My closest friends are people that I have known most of my life. These people know me better than anyone, and while we are often apart we are always in touch and see each other when we can. I am, however, still meeting people as an adult who become very important to me, and I wish to keep up a more consistent relationship than other acquaintances. That is to say, I am still adding close friends to my circle.
There is a poem/ saying that someone once sent me titled "Reason, Season, or Lifetime" which really sums up the types of relationships we find in life.
Reason, Season, or Lifetime
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you figure out which one it is,
you will know what to do for each person.
When you figure out which one it is,
you will know what to do for each person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty;
to provide you with guidance and support;
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty;
to provide you with guidance and support;
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
— Unknown
While the poem may be slightly cheesy it says some things I can certainly relate to with the number of people coming in and out of my life all the time.
Occasionally there are people who unexpectedly become permanent fixtures in my life. Other times there are people who I really hope to be in my life for a lifetime, but for some reason or another they fade away eventually. I can't really predict who will stay and who will go, but that is okay. Sometimes it is difficult to accept that someone will no longer be in my life, but I do my best to accept it with grace and move on. As I said earlier- part of growing up is learning to accept things. I have learned to accept that there are things and people I can not change. Quite frankly it sucks sometimes, but it is life and there is truly nothing I can do about it. To paraphrase one of my favorite disney movies: "Hakuna matata.. it means no worries".
... and as for romantic relationships- my love for travel and dedication to shorebird biology have made it impossible to maintain one. So, I guess those fall under "seasonal" relationships. Too bad too... I've met one or two that I hoped would last more than a season. C'est la vie.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Where Did I Leave Off....
I have much to say but I will try to keep it short.
In late August, my second summer working for Virginia Tech on the Missouri River came to a close. It was a long, hot summer but I think it was productive and memorable nonetheless. We had lots of adorable baby plovers, and that is what counts.
After leaving South Dakota I headed west and began a 2 week road trip. I visited the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. Now that is certainly quite a sight to see, although they were sad to report to me that the drought made them unable to change out this years corn design on the outside of the building. I spent a night camping in the Black Hills and managed to do a drive by of both Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument the next morning. After that I spent an evening back in my old stomping grounds; Pinedale, WY. I spent the evening with my good friend Liz, went for a great hike in the mountains and had some great beers at my favorite brewery, Wind River Brewing.
After Pinedale I cruised through Jackson Hole and then proceeded onto Cameron, Montana where I spent a week relaxing, and learning how to fly fish and row a drift boat with a friend and former North Cove alum. Not too shabby. I made friends with a bad ass one-eyed cat named Mo, after the Mighty Missouri River.
Upon leaving Montana I made a turn southeast through Yellowstone and set off to visit some family and friends in Asheville, NC. It was a great time and I was happy to see my family and go hiking with a good friend. I then spent a night in Blacksburg, VA visiting with some good friends and having a few beers. After my evening in VA I headed to Mom's house in Lancaster, PA. Finally, on September 14, I made it home to CT for a baby shower. I am proud to report that very baby was born today (December 14). Welcome to the world Lincoln Xavier Dean :)
For approximately 6 weeks I stayed at home in CT with Gram. I had a good time, even when I was washing windows with my uncle. I saw all my family and friends, went for some epic fall hikes, and survived Hurricane Sandy. After a week with no power, cooking ramen on the front porch with my camp stove, it was nearly time for me to set off on another epic road trip. Joined this time by my friend Sam, I set out west toward Montana again. We managed to outrun the snow storm in the north east only to be faced with an epic snowstorm in Montana. Luckily we made it to our destination unharmed. It took a little patience and a lot of time but we made it through.
After 2 weeks playing in the snow and eating elk meat (and cooking one seriously awesome Turkey dinner), I set off yet again. First I spent a night in Moab, UT. I was pleased to have a bit of time the next morning to check out Canyonlands National Park. I also made a stop at the 4 Corners of the U.S. Monument. I am proud to say that I stood in 4 states at once. I came to rest that evening at my auntie's house in Rio Rancho, NM. I spent a few days there visiting with the Auntie and the Uncle and some cousins. I learned how to play cribbage. I'd say it was a productive few days.
After New Mexico I met up with Steph in Texas where we split a hotel room en route to our final destination of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. We are just about as far south in Texas as you can get. What, you may ask, am I doing in Texas again? Well I am looking at Piping Plovers. Like you really had to ask. After this week we will be heading north to my beloved Padre Island. I am excited to spend 2 months back in Corpus Christi.
So... now you know where I have been and what I have been doing for the last 3 months.
In late August, my second summer working for Virginia Tech on the Missouri River came to a close. It was a long, hot summer but I think it was productive and memorable nonetheless. We had lots of adorable baby plovers, and that is what counts.
After leaving South Dakota I headed west and began a 2 week road trip. I visited the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. Now that is certainly quite a sight to see, although they were sad to report to me that the drought made them unable to change out this years corn design on the outside of the building. I spent a night camping in the Black Hills and managed to do a drive by of both Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument the next morning. After that I spent an evening back in my old stomping grounds; Pinedale, WY. I spent the evening with my good friend Liz, went for a great hike in the mountains and had some great beers at my favorite brewery, Wind River Brewing.
After Pinedale I cruised through Jackson Hole and then proceeded onto Cameron, Montana where I spent a week relaxing, and learning how to fly fish and row a drift boat with a friend and former North Cove alum. Not too shabby. I made friends with a bad ass one-eyed cat named Mo, after the Mighty Missouri River.
Upon leaving Montana I made a turn southeast through Yellowstone and set off to visit some family and friends in Asheville, NC. It was a great time and I was happy to see my family and go hiking with a good friend. I then spent a night in Blacksburg, VA visiting with some good friends and having a few beers. After my evening in VA I headed to Mom's house in Lancaster, PA. Finally, on September 14, I made it home to CT for a baby shower. I am proud to report that very baby was born today (December 14). Welcome to the world Lincoln Xavier Dean :)
For approximately 6 weeks I stayed at home in CT with Gram. I had a good time, even when I was washing windows with my uncle. I saw all my family and friends, went for some epic fall hikes, and survived Hurricane Sandy. After a week with no power, cooking ramen on the front porch with my camp stove, it was nearly time for me to set off on another epic road trip. Joined this time by my friend Sam, I set out west toward Montana again. We managed to outrun the snow storm in the north east only to be faced with an epic snowstorm in Montana. Luckily we made it to our destination unharmed. It took a little patience and a lot of time but we made it through.
After 2 weeks playing in the snow and eating elk meat (and cooking one seriously awesome Turkey dinner), I set off yet again. First I spent a night in Moab, UT. I was pleased to have a bit of time the next morning to check out Canyonlands National Park. I also made a stop at the 4 Corners of the U.S. Monument. I am proud to say that I stood in 4 states at once. I came to rest that evening at my auntie's house in Rio Rancho, NM. I spent a few days there visiting with the Auntie and the Uncle and some cousins. I learned how to play cribbage. I'd say it was a productive few days.
After New Mexico I met up with Steph in Texas where we split a hotel room en route to our final destination of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. We are just about as far south in Texas as you can get. What, you may ask, am I doing in Texas again? Well I am looking at Piping Plovers. Like you really had to ask. After this week we will be heading north to my beloved Padre Island. I am excited to spend 2 months back in Corpus Christi.
So... now you know where I have been and what I have been doing for the last 3 months.
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