House-Sitting

Our house took shifts house siting at a local friends. This family had more of a farm house, equipped with 2 dogs and 3 cats (indoor) as well as lots of turkeys, broilers, and chickens (outdoor).
Our house sitting responsibilities included collecting eggs at night and doing the morning feeding. Morning feeding means you're up before the sun.
My turkey experiences thus far have been "educational." My new experiences, they can also be viewed as "learning experiences."
It was Mary Jo and my turn to stay the night. We awoke at 6:13am to the sound of an annoying siren, or what Mary Jo thought was me talking in my sleep :) Turns out, Avi the cat sat in our door way meowing. We quickly ignored him and went back to sleep, waking again ten minutes later to the same noise. After about thirty minutes of this we awoke to not a cat meowing, but the GIANT cat Maco. This wasn't a meowing wake up, but a pounce in the bed. The room was quickly filled with two rambunctious dogs, eager to play in the snow. Giving up on sleep, Mary Jo and I stumbled out of bed.
Mary Jo went ahead and starting feeding the turkeys while I fetched hot water to unfreeze the water trouts. While heading into the turkey pen I noticed the neighbors cows coming to observe our work. They all stood in one line, sniffing, eyeing, and drooling over the chickens corn and grain.
The morning silence was quickly broken with a shout from Mary Jo. "The turkey!" Glancing to turkey pen I saw the gate... cracked open. Running in full sprint was a 20 pound turkey, on a mission for freedom. Dropping the water bucket, I charged. Sliding up to the door I knocking it shut. I was made an enemy that day.
If I may remind you, this turkey and I already have a history. I was at a prior time, chased by this very turkey. Reason being that I collected its baby for my Thanksgiving dining. The next day it made clear its feelings towards me. I was once again, chased.

Splish Splash

Last week I took my youth group to our first big activity: swimming at the Sand Dunes Natural Hot Pool. Sadly I only had the usual four members show up, I was hoping to gain a few more. However on the bright side they said they had a fun time. Four of them versus only me means they can coax me into things. So while at the pool I was convinced to go over the higher diving board. Not a problem... usually. In this case though... problem. The board was covered with sleek ice and the board had a full spring to it. This meant that my planned swan dive turned into a high air, twisting drive. I know it's hard to envision, but you can trust me... it was as graceful as it used to be at Barb's pool.

My accomplishments

Here a few projects I've finished: (All Recycled)

Japanese Knot Bag ... basically a nifty lunch bag made from a recycled flour sack. A scarf that was made from a recycle sweater ... recycled meaning I had to unwind and ball up the yarn from a thrift sweater. A recycled felt bag. A wool thrift sweater, washed and agitated, then cut and sewn. Lastly, my mom's Christmas gift.

... don't be silly, I'm not going to picture mom's gift!

Slope ' n ' Sled

On Thanksgiving it began to snow, to our hopes the snow continued to fall. Awaking in the morning to a white covered ground, David, Emmy, and Josh (from the Boulder, CO MVS Unit) bundled up and set out to town. Our mission: sleds. To our amazement the only place that carried them was Walmart, and at that, they weren't even displayed yet! (Silly Colorado people)
The Great Sand Dunes were covered with at least 6 inches of white, fluffy and dry snow. The dunes remained barely touched. Only a sparse amount of footprints could be found. Our goal: hike to the top and ride a massive dune.

If you recall from my first Sand Dunes experience the hike up to the top... it's not like the Indiana dunes. We decided to pace ourselves, hiking up one dune alone began to heat the body, allowing layers to be unzipped and opened. We had a gradual incline. Climb up one dune, find a decent sledding spot, ride down, hike up to the next dune.

As we sled down each dune more and more exhilaration built. Each one bigger, steeper, quicker. However the landing and ending of the ride also became more violent, brutal, and ungraceful. The most dreaded part of the hike... when it was your turn to go first. You stand at what you think is the edge of the dune, right before the descent. Looking out, all you see is white on white. How steep is it? Where does it lead you? Will you hit the bottom of another dune and crash? Will you go over another ridge and fall further into a bowl? You could never tell what direction you would go or where you would end up. Sitting on a smooth piece of plastic, you held on and hoped for a straight path.

We eventually made it to the top of our climb: our destination. We stood at the top of the third tallest dune. Look out: all you saw was miles of white. Look down: 1,000ft above ground level. You know its tall, yet all you can judge in sight is the five feet in front of you.
There I sat, legs crossed, I situated myself on round sled. Hat tight, coat zipped, gloves tucked. Heart pounding, brain scrambling. Push off.................
My body sudden took an angle, realization comes to mind.... I'm falling! Picking up speed I dashed down the slope, it was such a steep angle that I could no longer see where I was going. All I saw was the snow I was plowing through. It only took two seconds before my lungs burst and I sqwelled.... the rush... the fear...

Suddenly my sled started to turn. I fought it, leaning to one side, using my hand as a router. No use. I was riding backwards and still picking up speed. A knot formed in my stomach... I was going too fast, with not a thing to do about it. I could no longer scream but just hold my breath. I found myself airborne, ramping over another dune's ridge. Landing on the down face, snow sprayed up, yet I remained backward. I look around to suddenly see the merging of the dune base with another dune - heading uphill.

At this speed there is no hope to gracefully slide uphill, lose speed and land at the bottom. No, you crash. As the dune began to incline my sled dug down below the snow into the frozen sand. Coming to halt the sled skidded, my body was thrown into the dune side. Eyes squeezed shut with no clue to my landing. Flipping around, my neck and head collided into the dune. Rolling over with momentum I felt my hat fall from my head, the cold snow fill down my neck.
There I lay.

Gradually opening my eyes I collect that I've completely stopped. Yet a world of white spun around me. Sitting up, 12 feet of unturned sand and sled skids sat behind me. After shock, it arrived. The rush! As my lungs exhaled, a soft word parted from my lips: "Whoa!"

The day was amazing, yet I paid the price of sledding at such extremes. I lay awake all that night. An egg had formed upon my head, the dizziness and throbbing pain untouched with medicine. Soft as a pillow may be to touch, my head disagreed. For three days my neck remained straight, unable to turn. A few purple bruises protruded through the skin and sore muscles stood as a constant reminder. All in all, I plan to return. It may be with a bigger sled, a first aid kit, or even a helmet. Never-the-less I'll be back.

Gobble... Gobble... Gulp!

DISCLAIMER: MEGAN ISN'T RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOSS OF STOMACH FOR THOSE WHO READ THIS BLOG OR VIEW THE PICTURES.

As you know, I have learned a few domestic arts here in La Jara. However, last weeks lessson was a different art of its own. This years Thanksgiving festivities were a little different. O, yes, I prepared deviled eggs and roasted sweet potaotes. I contributed to the cooking of our bounitful meal... however, the unique experience this Thanksgiving came before any of the cooking. It was in the preparing.
Wednesday I awoke with both anxieties and excitements. I left work around 10am, picked up Nate, and together we headed to Mia's house - a local friend I've gotten to know. Here we partook in the "preparing" of our Thanksgiving turkey. I really just went because I wanted to chase the turkey around, to my disappointment I found that 36 pound turkeys can't really run. The only chasing that happened was the mother turkey running after me as we escorted it's "baby" out of the pen.
I told Mia the story of the Amish babysitters and my twisted desire to gut the chicken. As a child I was told that gutting was the boys job, the girls pluck the feathers. I since then have grown away from that desire, however Mia felt that it should be fulfill.
I can now say I know the anatomy of a turkey.

I will spare all the details ... although the whole process (especially dealing with a 36 lb. bird!) is interesting.

Black Covered La Jara

Short and simple I can give you an update.

Yes, I woke up to Mary Jo tapping on my door. Poppping her head in I recieved the description.
" he's laying on the bottom of the tank, not moving or breathing"
Sure enough, housemate and loyal friend, Pescado the fish left us. He hung in there and fought like a champ, however three years was a good life for him and he went peacefully in the night.

Our house appreciates all your prayer during this time of difficulty. We are all dealing well. Soon there will be new fish in the house, never to replace Pescado, but an addition, to fill the void.

PESCADO
? - November 23, 2008
Pescado was a resident in the La Jara
Mennonite volunteer unit for up to three
years. He spent his time eating, pooping,
and swimming. He leaves behind him
five housemates: Kendra, Mary Jo, Kiley,
Nate, and Meg. For viewing, please
contact Steve Gongwer, as he has been
mailed a replica of Pesky.

Here to There

Sunday was a little bit of a busy day.
There was the Thanksgiving meal at church... which my house stayed to help clean up with. Then, back to our house for a few minutes before dashing of to Capulline, where us girls attended "craft day." (yes, its pretty much a group of young knitters that get together) Hour and a half later I was headed to my youth group. We were taking food to the local homeless shelter. After dropping a few members off I dashed back to craft day. Scarfing food down in 15 minutes (amazing potatoes, pesto, pumpkin roll, cactus salad - yes, I ate cactus - and lamb chops) we dropped by our house, picked up Nate and dashed back to Alamosa. Nate was attending mass, while the rest of us girls went to an Orchestra Concert.

So.. quick recap:
Home to Alamosa (20 min. drive)
- @ church for 2.5 hours
back to home (20 min. drive)
- @ home for 10 min. then to Capullin (10 min. drive)
To youth group (30 min. drive)
- @ youth group for 1 hour
drop youth off (15 min. drive)
back to Capullin (25 min. drive)
- craft day dinner in 15 min.
home (9 min. drive)
home to alamosa (20 min. drive)
- @ concert for 1.5 hours
home.

Our vehicles obviously get a lot of mile :)

Fishy Business

I have sad news for inform you all of.

One of the members of our house has recently fallen sick.

I was greeted Thursday morning with the grief of my housemate being sick. I walked up to him, looked through the glass, and there he lie. His little orange body laid at the bottom of the tank, all fills folded down, curled up in the corner. Our poor friend, Pesky the goldfish, has become sickly.
Don't worry, I am my fathers daughter. Hence, I tended to the needs of our domesticated carp. I made him a new room and admitted him to the fishy hospital. He has shown only slight improvement, but the house remains hopeful. He's a trooper. Surviving through multiple years of abuse and new house members. Passed on from owner to owner, he has now become my responsibility.

He's has already taught me so many things. For instance, did you know that a goldfish can float, lie upside down, and become unconscious... yet is not dead! I wonder how many fish have been flushed from the misunderstanding of their unconsciousness?!

Our house is leaning on each other during this time of struggle. Mary Jo and I have been sitting at his bedside, monitoring his behavior. He is at this time accepting prayer. I'll be sure to update you on his status.

Thank you.
Love.

Factuals

A little information about where I live:
- Conejos County is the 3rd poorest county in the state of Colorado.
- Conejos means rabbit in Spanish
- The oldest church in Colorado is in Conejos
- The average winter temperature is 21.6 degrees (this is in the afternoon)
- The average minimum temperature (which will be in the mornings) is 4 degrees
- There is an average of 28 inches of snow in the winter season (pretty much now til may)
- During the winter season, there is 73% possibility of sunshine (hahah indiana) :)
- Indiana Jones and the Lost Crusade was filmed in Conejos County and the valley

I've been filing all those papers, which means I've been reading a lot about the economy and agriculture of the area. I know its not too exciting, but I thought I'd share :)

To know what's going on in my life. I lead my first youth group session today. I had a total of three members. I buttered them up with San Luis Valley Pizza :) We watched the movie Evan Almighty with a discussion afterwords. It was a typical youth group conversation, however they all talked and participated. One of the girls surprised me when she brought up the topic of evil things happening to people. At 9th grade she understood that even when bad things happen to people, "even death, there can be good that comes from it, even when we don't know what it is." This stood out a far from deciding what animal God shouldn't have let on the ark (we agreed on skunks) :)
I can't wait to better know the kids and to connect with them. They understand that I'm only here for a year, so I can sense their hesitation to get too attached to me.
We also discussed how Noah and Evan were given signs by God about what they are to be doing. I finally feel that this is what I'm to be doing here, I've been blessed with this opportunity to make a difference, impact lives, and be open to have myself impacted upon. I'm still looking for the courage to let myself be fully open to the kids and allow myself to be both, the best of my abilities and vulnerable. Hopefully my strength will come soon, so as to not miss an opportunity.

Love.

... but I don't REALLY know what I'm doing :)

Recap:
1. Conejos County Nursing Services (12 Steps to a Healthier You)
2. County Office (Emergency System)
3. Con-Cepts (Conejos Community, Environment and Economy Progressing Together) (filing)
4. Nursing Homes (fundraisers)
5. First United Methodist Church (Youth Program Director)

Hope its all clear :)

A Week in Review

     I pretty much became the MVS mom last week.   What did I do?

     Well, having to be at home I felt I needed something to do.  Hence, I became domesticated :)

I spent my week cleaning our house as well as working outdoors.  I cooked a few extra meals - this includes making Kiley's birthday cake.  Nate came home one day to witness me hand shredding carrots for her carrot cake. (this was a lot more successful than my angel food cake :)

I also filled my time with a few hobbies.  I learned how to knit!  It was really a peer pressure thing.... you see, 1/2 the people I live with knit. I had to fit in!

     I can proudly say I have finished two dish clothes.  OK, not that impressive... but I had to start somewhere. We also purchased a used sewing machine... meaning I finally completed my Japanese knot bag.

Impressed?  Great :)

      I did take a little time to work on the whole job situation.  I visited at the Valley Humane Shelter to learn more about a position there.  It's nothing special, just a run down animal shelter.  However, while there I was able to take a group of six puppies for a walk.   Alice (my leader) is a little concerned about my working at the shelter, for fear of an MVS animal adoption.  

     The other job I acquired about was at the Methodist church.  I had a meeting with the leadership team (which I then found out was an interview), and yesterday had a planning meeting with the youth and sponsors.  The church and youth have been real nice and welcoming to me.  Nothing is official yet, but it's nice to get a taste of what the positions are before any commitments are made.  

     As for this week.  I have another meeting today for the business Concepts.  I don't know much about them, so I hope to have a better idea and feel for their needs.

Side note:  I get a weekend visit from mom!  So you know there will be stories later :)

"Vacation"

Job update.   

The job I was most hoping for,  working at the Parks and Rec. Center as a sports coordinator didn't pull through.   So we're back on the phones trying to schedule interviews and see what's available.  

I'm currently the "MVS mom." I was at home all day... sorry mom, I was at the "mvs home" all day :)

I was at least a  little productive. I made taco soup from scratch (scratch meaning we had no easy taco seasoning mixes).  I cleared out my desk at the Club, I am now officially done.  I'm also starting a sewing project .... I have to do something! :)

Sorry the updates have been getting slower.  There just hasn't been much going on, and I' hate to bore you with nonsense stories.   

I appreciate everyones support.  Reading everyones comments and just knowing that I have people interested and dedicated to reading about my journey means a lot to me. 

I've been trying to stay positive, however I've been hitting walls and struggles. It's becoming easy to disconnect from friends and avoid conversation, due to the feelings of failure in my job. However knowing that I have you all supporting me helps and keeps me going. 

Thank you. 

Love.

Job Security

    I can't say that word  has every applied to me since I've been here.  

    This past week I've still been working at the Boys and Girls Club.  The yearly fundraiser is coming up, it's full of bid boards, silent auctions, live auctions, and raffles.   Its a big deal for the club, hence, they've needed some assistance.   

    In the beginning of the week I was volunteering at a radio station, KRZA, who was also having a fund drive.   No I didn't talk on the air.  When people called in with donations and pledges, I was the one handeling the phones.   (my name was on the air whenever i was there... but thats it)  It was a great experience and I had a good time with the people who work there.     However, this was just short term.

    For the other part of my days I went back to the Club.  Wednesday and Thursday were full time days helping with the club's fundraiser.   They have packages that usually contain one restaurant certificate, one hotel stay, and some type of activity.  My job has been to pull the package together and write three sentences summing it up. Not hard right?

    Well... 

    When there at 55 packages.  You can only make a hotel and restuarant sound so good.   I found that my vocabulary is rather short.  For the words enjoy, indulge, escape, relax, getaway, and luxurious were used quiet a bit. 

    Heres an sample of my work: 

Tempt Your Senses

Emerge yourself in New Mexico culture.   Your journey begins with two passes to explore 14 outstanding museums and monuments.  Dine at The Melting Pot for a unique fondue experience and close your perfect and adventurous day with a one night stay in your private casita at the historic Casas de Suenos in old town Albuquerque.  

Think I could be a writer for a travel magazine? :)

    I'll be working from 9am - midnight tonight and all day saturday with setting up, working at the ball, and tearing down.  It's hectic, a lil stressful, but I feel like I'm back in events,  plus, I'm getting my hours in :)

    As for next week.  Welp, that's still up in the air.  I'll be working at home for a day or two.  The job I was hoping to get didn't work out so we're looking at a few different things right now:

- assisting at a day care 

- helping start up and helping with an after school program 

- doing desk work for business that deals with eco., and environmental issues 

- doing public relations work for a humane shelter 

- being a youth minister for middle schoolers at the methodist church 

All the jobs are part time, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that two of them work out. If not, welp. We'll deal with that when it comes. 

"Don't wait for something big to occur.  Start where you are, with what you have, and that will always lead you into something greater."  

~ Mary Manin Morrissey

"Everyone has inside them a piece of good news.  The good news is you don't konw how great you can be!  How much you can love!  What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!

~Anne Frank

Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp

Last weekend my house went to Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp in Colorado Springs. Arriving last Friday night we moved into our cabin. I was able to teach my house how to play German Uno (a great game), however the real rowdiness came from a massive game of dutch blitz.
Saturday began our work day. Most of the morning and afternoon was spend shoveling mulch around a newly place well. The late afternoon was filled with pulling nails from old railroad ties... this was harder than it sounds. It started with four girls and eventually ended up with everyone's help.

Lastly, the day was completed with moving and stacking firewood. Our evening time was nice and relaxing, full of good "Mennonite" food as well as the company of friends from Newton, KS that also came to volunteer.
Sunday morning started bright and early, well at 5:30 the sun's not close to being up. We were off to hike Pike's Peak, 14, 110ft tall, it's the most visited mountain in the U.S. Seeing how I was just in the hospital 7 days prior, I decided to be smart. Instead of hiking all five hours up the mountain, I drove two hours, meeting the group at half way. I was a little disappointed that I was unable to hike the whole mountain, however, I had SO much fun driving up the mountain. Winding around the curves with mountain, trees or cliffs on the side of the road was exhilarating. If only I was in a sports car instead of a van :)
Once above the tree line, I was dropped off at Devil's Playground, where I joined the group and began to hike. I was still joining at the hardest and steepest part. We still had to go two hours up the steep plains, through the snow and across the boulder field. It was a beautiful view. The hike itself wasn't too bad, a little difficult and cold but we took the tortoise method - slow and steady - all the way to the top.

For My Mother (and her friends)

I've been hearing a lot about my mother and her hair color... apparently I'm the cause of it changing.
I don't have anything verbally I can say, all I can do to express my thoughts via pictures.

I Said What?!

    So, besides all the fun that happened at Hesston, there was a little trouble.   A few of you obviously know about this already....  hence all the comments about my mothers hair color ;)

    Saturday night I planned on staying up until my train left (3am on Sunday).  Well, around midnight I began to feel a little sick.  I laid down for a while, however by 2:30am I hadn't improved, but got worse.  I was in a full blown hypoglycemia attack and had begun to shake and convulse.  By 3:30am I was checking into a hotel room with my friend Kendall, who is also a hypoglycemic.  I felt more comfortable being sick off campus and a little bit safer having my friend monitor my reactions.

   It would've been nice to tell you I fell asleep and woke up better.  However, this didn't happen.  Awake all morning long and still shaking we decided it was time to go.   Another friend, Kenyon, came to get me and we went to the hospital.   There was no one else in the Emergency Room, so I was immediately helped.    When it comes to me and taking blood... I never seem to get the nice nurses.   It seemed to take FOREVER for her to insert tube into my hand... and then, drawing blood... that took forever and a half.   

   I remained at the hospital for a couple hours while they tested my blood, gave me and IV, some sort of injection, and a fun pill that knocked me out.  Long story short, they didn't find much wrong.  They just treated my reactions and allowed me to walk out.  

   I'd tell you about the rest of the day, however I can't recall much of it.   According to Kenyon and Kendall, I was rather entertaining.   I was a little confusing when I talked, a little loopy, I slept for a decent amount of time.   However, I recall having perfectly clear conversations,  I just remember the topics were a little odd.  :) 

   I decided not to take the train Monday morning, but stay in the hotel and continue to rest.   In hind-sight I think this was a wise decision.   I rested one more day before I got on the train, Tuesday at 3:30am.  

   My train ride, well that's another story.   For I boarded the train with 37 senior citizens who were traveling to New Mexico to view art exhibits.    Let me tell you, 3am, doesn't slow these ladies down.   They were chatty little ladies!    I was able to move away from them and get a couple hours of sleep on the train.   

   The train arrived 8 hours later at Trinidad, Colorado.   I knew I wasn't in Kansas anymore.  I went from fall season to winter in the matter of hours!   There was frost everywhere.  But wait, it gets better.  Driving through the mountains - I hit a snow storm.   It wasn't awful, but visibility wasn't the greatest, the roads were dressed with slush, and it was COLD!  Needless to say I told mom  about the snow AFTER I was through the pass :)

   I've finally been at "unit home" for a day.  I'm still pretty dizzy, weak, and loopy.  But I've kept my funny comments to myself.   I'm going somewhere again this weekend,  so hopefully I bounce back soon!

A Weekend Away

The weekend was full of friends. I was able to watch the women and men's soccer teams play, have lots of meals out with friends, saw the Hesston play, getting coffee with a Bethel College friend, watch the baseball team play, take a motorcycle ride through the country side, go camping, stay in my old dorm room, and much more. Overall it was great to catch up with friends and re-visit Kansas.
The biggest disappointment was missing my soccer team play! The kids called and left a message on my phone right before the game. I was able to call and work out lineups and rotation out with Mary Jo through a phone call, but I couldn't be there to watch and cheer them on. I got a phone call after the game as well. The team was yelling in the phone, I could only hear cheering and giggles. We won 13 - 2 ! First win, last game I could have coached. I just can't wait to get back to practice and see them all, hear their laughs, and be in their company :)

Hesston, Kansas

I decided to take a little trip to Hesston, Kansas to visit my old College and watch the men and women's soccer games. .... this is my journey ....
Beyond tired, I climbed into bed Wednesday night without finishing my packing. Of course that started some morning delays :) I went into work a little bit later (figuring it didn't matter too much since I already resigned). It was my last event I'd ever have to run, the Friends Park Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. I planned on getting the event set up, running, and take off right at 5pm. Fortunately I called the my train to double check on times. Turns out it wasn't leaving at the 9pm time I expected, but 6pm! This is where my rushing came in. I was now frantically getting the event organized, dispersing my job, and making sure the speakers were set to go. Feeling I done all I could, I took off around 3pm, beginning my two hour drive over the mountains.
I thought it was going to be a little scary, turns out, winding down the mountain curves is fun! Once I was outside the mountains I reached the city of Trinidad, where I was catching the train. Turns out they were in the middle of construction. I wasn't lost, but I definitely couldn't find the station! I stop at a store and asked... they weren't much help. I called a house mate and asked, they were directing me to the station. I was only 1/4 mile from the station when my phone died! Sadly, I still couldn't find the station! So I stopped once more at a store to get directions. Thankfully they were clear, and they explained what the station looked like. This was key in me finding it, for I did, but it wasn't a "station." I pulled into a cleared path amongst the construction. The gravel parking lot could hold only 5 vehicles. Beside the port-o-potty was the metal ramp leading up to the "station." A mini modular, no bigger than my bedroom. The florescent lit room held four bright red chairs and a window air-conditioner. This was the Trinidad Amtrak Train Station. No figure I kept overlooking it.
My train was somewhat delayed and I showed up with enough time to spare. So I drove to McDonald's where I could eat supper and recharge my phone. The train ride was an experience. For part of the time I sat by a high school kid, Kleane, from Pittsburgh. He had all hit electronic gizmos out and rambled about his amazement of people living in places like this - the country side - with no arcades or skate parks, or malls. I found it humours and sad.
I finally arrived at Newton, Kansas a little after 3am. I was greeted by Kenyon, who was willing to pick up me, there was also a nice daylight donut for me to much on :)

Doors and Windows

The Boys and Girls Club has continued to be a struggle for me. As a fulfilling job, a satisfaction, but I've also struggled morally to work there. Last week three more employees were fired. The club is a financial crisis, so much so, that it's been suggested that I was a high expense.
I had already made the decision to leave the club, this just presented the right opportunity.
As of Wednesday I resigned from the Boys and Girls Club of Alamosa.
So what's next? Well, I decided to take a trip out to Hesston College. To watch soccer, visit friends, as well as give the club time to re-coop and spread the word of my absence. I will actually be returning to club to wrap up all my jobs. I'm in charge of teaching the Monte Vista, La Jara, and Alamosa club's children a choreographed dance for a promotional video, which will be viewed as well as preformed at the yearly fundraising ball. I'll return to club to disperse my job and teach the kids the dance. Interviews are also being set up. Yes, I'll begin all over again. Going through the interview process and filling out paper work.
It's hard to admit that things have take a turn down this path, however I'm relieved that I'm leaving the club. Its a job that became only a burden.

"When the door of happiness closes, another opens;
but often times we look so long at the
closed door that we don't see the one,
Which has been opened for us.

....
The brightest future will always

be based on a forgotten past;
you can't go forward in life until
You let go of your past failures and heartaches."

Soccer Champs

I planned to take a group of kids from the club to an Adam State Volleyball game. Sadly, none of them turned their permission forms in. So Mary Jo, Nate and I went ourselves. The feelings of being in a college gym, surrounded by college students, watching college athletes... its awkward. I enjoyed being in the setting, yet I couldn't help but to miss it, and feel a little jealous. No matter what, it was an exciting game, going into a 5th rally, ending with a win.
The next day I hosted a volleyball clinic with a few of the Adam State players. I was once again disappointed that no one showed up. However I had a slight hope that it would fail and be cancelled. It's awful, I know, but the cancellation meant I was able to go to my soccer game. My team is amazing, I can't say it enough. Yes, we have only one tie and no wins. If only you could see the team. The light bulbs go off as they understand what we've been teaching them. They do wall passes, hold their positions, call for the ball and talk, back each other up on defense. Most importantly - they laugh. We always hear giggles.

Mary Jo and I have been so proud of our team. They've come so far. Even though we haven't won. Our game was closer today. It would've been 5-4, however one of our goals was taken away (poor call for the ref.). The parents are even getting into it. The first game they sat as spectators, silent. Now, they are standing, cheering, encouraging. Pretty much, they are like my mom, I hear them yelling, "shoot the ball" and "kick it hard." :)

Love.

She Got That From Her Mom

.... Just a quick side note ....

On the drive to work Mary Jo came across this.


On the other side of the road was a family of deer. The Rio Grande River is close behind these houses, thus the deer often come into the neighborhood. Mary Jo and I found this really exciting... as we whipped out the camera, sat at the stop sign and took pictures. The locals however find this very annoying, getting frustrated with the deer eating the yards up, getting into the gardens, and scrapping the bark. This frustration was shown as another oncoming driver layed on the horn to get them to move. Mary Jo and I remained, just watching :)

I had to stop at family dollar on Tuesday because I forgot socks and I was on my way to the gym. Of course it always happen, the socks I picked wouldn't ring up. So while the cashier was getting another package, I turned and apologized to the man standing in line behind me....
and what happens.
He starts telling me how he's in no rush because of yellow jackets that stung him at his house. I got to hear the whole story about yellow jackets, why and where they are, where he got "bit" and the painful sensation.
I felt like my mother. I had some random person rambling on to me and all I said was a few words. I must have some of my mother in me... whatever it is that just makes people talk to her at stores, apparently I got some of it too :)

Love.

Plunger Please

... I was once again informed that I would be unable to run my regular programs. An employee got a little hot headed and is "suspended" from work for the week. So, in place, there's me.
Therefore Tuesday I sat and the counter and checked the kids into the club. It actually went really well. Afterwords I was able to take a group of kids outside and play sand volleyball. They had a blast. The kids were a little young, so the concept of "bump, set, spike" wasn't evident - it was more of a "get the ball over the net." The team numbers also began to dwindle once they realized the fun of just digging and burying things in the sand :)
That evening we also had a mishap at the club. One of the toilets was clogged and overflowing. You'd think this wasn't a big issue. However it ended up not only affecting one toilet, but all six in both the boys and girls restrooms. No toliets, no service. Meaning we had all lines busy at 5:00 calling guardians to come pick them up.
We had one girl break my heart. She was only 7 and was trying to get a hold of her mother. She had told us that her mother worked at McDonalds, so we went ahead and called. The manager looked through all her employee records and has never had employee by that name. We couldn't exactly tell the girl that her mother lied to her, but needed to explain that her mother wasn't currenly wasn't there. To see the look on the little girls face - she struggled to understand why her mother wasn't there and kept trying to figure out where she might be.
I tried to occupy her with sidewalk chalk until a guardian could be reached.
I arrived at work today with the plumbers going at work. They remained here until 4:00 attempting to fix the problem. I found myself in a panic when I realize... I had to go the restroom! What do I do?! Thankfully I forgot my lunch and I had the van, so I picked up Arby's for lunch (first time having fast food since leaving IN!) and stopped at Mary Jo's work place for a restroom.
We had to close the club again today - of course that means I still had to work :( Some of the kids still arrived at the club afterschool. So we had the joy of dealing with frantic parents and bus of kids all calling guardians.
... It was a rather eventful time ...


Love

Won't My Daddy Be So Proud Of Me!!

0 - 3 - 1
That's my team's record. We had a double header today, straight back to back games. Sadly we just aren't able to finish and win a game. Mary Jo and I have been struggling to figure out what's happening, we are capable of winning and just feel bad that we haven't made it happen. Thankfully at every single game we've had the parents come up to us and thank us for working with the kids, or tell us about how much the kids are enjoying soccer with us. The kids also laugh and joke around during the games, so we content and happy that they are having a good time.
Late today Mary Jo and I decided to go for a walk...ok, in all honesty....
Mary Jo and I were walking around the neighborhood trying to find aspen trees that have turned yellow. Why? Well we are in service, hence we don't have money. So we were cutting branches so we could make our own fall house decorations...
Anyway, in the middle of us sneaking into random yard, we found someone having a yard sale. Guess what they had?!
A FISH TANK
We pulled the house for a quick discussion and agreed upon the logical and justifiable purchase of the tank. However, she was a good salesperson and convinced us to not just buy one fish tank, but buy TWO - ten gallon tanks! (all for $4) :)
We currently have two gold fish. Pescado (Spanish word for fish) and Fish (we haven't named him yet). We cleaned out one of the tanks and prepared it for our friends.
Here are our problems:
1. We're technically not allowed to have pets
2. They look very small in the fish tank - which of course means we need to find another member to join the tank :)
3. The two fish we currently have don't tend to get along
We're hoping that by tomorrow morning we still have two fish !

During the night we also had a visitor stop in. Our house is on the "make your way the MVS way" or something like that, which is pretty much an advertisement for people to stay in our houses for free. We had a gentleman from Germany request to stay in our house for a few nights. He just arrived tonight, and of course adds more excitement to our house!

Really quick... I'd like to send a thank you to all the members of Yellow Creek. I want to thank you for the support and generous donation you've made to MMN and my La Jara unit. Your generosity was accepted with gratitude and thanks from all.

Love

Ready To Be Honest

Many have been asking me questions about my job. If you've noticed there's not much in my blog about my work site and job. That is for a reason. I feel that I am comfortable enough and ready to tell everyone what's been happening.
So here it is....
I was interviewed and contracted with my understanding that I would be planning events for half the day and running a soccer program or working in recreation with kids for the other half.
While starting at the Boys and Girls Club, for one month, I've been sitting at a desk. Yes, doing event planning, but also doing a lot of soliciting and funding. I did start the photography program... but that's not really going smoothly and its just a side. The soccer program that I'm coaching at has no connection with the club.
There's been a lot of frustrations at work for a few reasons.
- During the interview process I clearly said that I don't like all day desk jobs and that I was completely against doing fundraising and soliciting money (I'm also not allowed to).
- A board / grant member actually is forbidding me to work in the gym.
- They actually have no control over the Club soccer program, meaning I may not be able to assist the program.
- The club has never been prepared or organized for me, meaning I don't have a lot to do.
- The atmosphere of the club is rather unhealthy. I'm surrounded with mistrust, language, inappropriateness, corruption, gossip, and suspicion... all which come from the staff. ( I just found out today that there is actually surveillance in my office )
All of this has been eating away at me. I kept hoping things would get better, hence why I've never mentioned that things aren't good. In the past week I've had three meetings with Justin (my supervisor) and Alice (my advocate and MVS leader). They were both former lawyers... so I just sat quietly while they duked it out. Mostly the meetings have been about my job and how some changes have been made. After one meeting I was promised to have full range of the gym and it's activities... the next day I was told they had another staff member who they decided to give the job to. These promises that kept getting broken is the reason why things built up to what they are.
Pretty much this is what happened. Alice and I went on a walk so I could explain to her all that has been going on. I found myself being very emotional during our walk as I explained that this just wasn't working. The hardest part of all was hearing myself admit: relocation. Our walk continued as we discussed what actions I best take and what other possibilities lie ahead.
The next day at work Justin and I worked out a schedule which the board approved....
so what am I doing now?

- Monday and Wednesday - 

9:00-3:00 (events) 

3:00-5:00 (tutoring)
- Tuesday and Thursday - 

9:00-1:00 (events) 

1:00-3:00 (I’ll leave and do something of my own- like workout)

3:00-5:00 (tutoring)

 and 5:00-7:00 (outdoor recreation/help prepare dinner for Teen Night)
- Friday -

9:00-1:30 (events)

1:30-3:00 (leave and do my own thing)

3:00-4:00 (taking kids to volunteer at an animal shelter)
4:00-7:00 (floater: doing anything)

I told Alice I wasn't quiet ready to give up. I've been so hopefully, I just don't feel ready to call it quits. So for now, this is my temporary schedule. I'm going to try it out for two weeks. At the end of that time I'll have a decision to make.
I know I'm suppose to be doing service and fulling needs. However I came to La Jara because the job suited me best. Currently I've been pushed spiritually, morally, and emotionally. Having no church support and no job stability has been taking its toll on me. Hopefully some of these changes will make a difference.
I'm not ready to give up. I've fought so hard and have had so much hope. I just keep praying and hoping that things will work out.
I'm ready to admit that these are my struggles. I'm ready to admit that not everything is "perfect." I'm ready to not fear disappointment. I'm ready.

HOPE

Zapata Falls

   Following through with our invitation,  the house, including Mary Jo's visiting parents headed up to the Sand Dunes.  This time we stopped before the dunes at the Reserve.  This used to be a golf course, but has in the past years been the hub for the Sand Dunes park and mountain reserve.  There we viewed the native art, listened to local music,  and dinned on blue cheese and buffalo burgers.  (I know .. all I talk about is eating)

   We made a quick visit to the Sand Dunes - so the parentals could grasp the size of the dunes.  Then off we went to Zapata Falls.  I drove.  It was the slowest mile EVER.  Driving only 20 mph, gradually winding at a steep incline, I watched as the temperature of the vehicle rose.  Never fear, our trusty MVS van made it.  Once we reached the parking we began our own hike.   It was a short yet uphill climb to the falls.  Once there you feel as though your in a different climate.  Tank tops we quickly covered with long sleeves and sweatshirts.   

   To actually get to the falls themselves you have to hike up the stream into a cave.   The water was refreshingly ice cold.  A gentleman even commented on the lovely shade of red that my toes became.  The falls are unique because they come from a lake in the mountain and then trickle down into the cave, forming the falls.   

  

(This is Emmie and Kendra climbing upstream and attempting to stay out of the water)

 It was a great day for the hike and another beautiful site of the valley.   Slowly but surely I'm finding the valley's beauties and attractions. 

   Love.  

Day for Kids

My first event.  

   Today was my first event.  Boys and Girls Club's National Day for Kids.  Its a nationwide event, the biggest event of the year, and my first event.  

It was a little hectic... mostly because none of the staff came prepared.  So of course, I was running around trying to get everything they needed and keep them on task.  

Good thing:  I didn't do it for them. I was direct and told them what they needed to have done.

Bad thing:  I still showed my frustrations and appeared stressed.

   Thankfully everything went well.  The dunk tank, bounce tent, giant twister, face painting and noodles necklaces went REALLY well. I had 150 carmel and chocolate covered apples made - they were also a bit hit.   We had a constant of 50 people at all times, getting about 300 people total.  We also cleaned out our shed and gave away free halloween and christmas supplies and decorations ... that was a HUGE hit.  Since its more of a poverty stricken area, free stuff is appreciated.  

   It was great to give this day to the kids, for them to have something fun to do, and experience a carnival.   However it is a struggle for me to see kids dropped off by their parents, using the carnival as an escape from kids, knowing that they don't like their own children and are unwilling to spend time with them.  

  Thats why I wanted the day to be great, so that each child could have a smile, forget their situations, and indulge in being a kid.  

Cooking Catastrophe

    We were going to have a breakfast dinner ... thats simple, right?

    Pumpkin pancakes sounded good... right?

I attempted to make them, and the batter was really good.  However thats about as far as that went.  

1.  I cook pancakes on a griddle, we don't own a griddle

2. High altitude screws everything up

    After many attempt and a handful of burnt pancakes ready, I finally made some that looked decent.  The remaining problem... they were either cooked but burnt, or brown and "moist."

   I was so frustrated with the pancakes not working I opted to make something else to redeem myself.  My choice, angel food cake.

It was already 10pm and I had a hectic day, so I'll blame it on my brain shutting down.  For after I spent all the time separating 11 egg whites, I just went ahead threw them in the bowl with all the other ingredients and turned on the blender. Didn't phase my mind to recheck the recipe.  And yet, sure enough the card read, " blend till fluff peaks form....blending in only 1/4 cup of flour at a time"

    What did I do? Throw everything on the bowl and flip the switch. 

    Needless to say, I was angry.  Yet still hopefully that my mistakes could still turn out.  So I baked it.

    You know when you were a kid and you have those ginger-man cookies that you hang on the christmas tree.  They are real cookies but made or sprayed with something that makes them non-edible yet look tasty?  

    That was my cake.

    It looked pretty... but dense and stiff.

    Kindly Nate sacrificed himself to be the taste tester.... when I asked him how it was, he responded "well............ uh..... the middles not so bad.... and, um.... its definitely chewy."

I urged him to spit it out, but in his dignity, he finished :)

   Thankfully I still have hope and am determined to make something :)

Love. 

Hyper Hypo

On Monday my first day of photography didn't go so well. I only had a turn out of two kids. They were both great, but definitely not what I was hoping for.
After soccer practice I ran a little. I was really excited to make 4 sprints in 30 second - however it is a little kids field.
Once Mary Jo and I returned from practice I had a burst of energy.

I was HYPER.

Part of that was due to a great phone call with a friend.
For a while my house found my jumping around, giggling, and sliding on floors funny... then they started to figure out ways to drain my energy. Best solution - more exercise.



Nate and I sprawled out on the floor, had Kiley time us, and we had ourselves a push up contest.
Nate struggled a little bit.

We then moved to a cruncher contest and I actually had to stop because I was laughing too hard.

I was still pretty wound up after that ... which carried through and appeared again at work the next day, thankfully my co-workers seemed to enjoy it and it soon spread across the office :)

A Win for the Weekend?

   Saturday, September 13th was my soccer team's FIRST game.  I'm so proud of my kids, they did a great job.  The best part was watching them play on their own and seeing what they've picked up and learned in practice, and seeing them use it in the game.  The game ended in a 3-3 tie.  I personally think we could've won, but the other team didn't play with any formation.  They just had 4 forwards and 2 defensive players - which made it more of the ball chasing game. The kids thought Mary Jo and I were a little over excited with our jumping up and down, yelling and screaming. We maintain that it wasn't because we wanted to win, but just because we got overly excited :)

     Late that evening I convinced the whole house to go out for a little exercise.  Kiley (who's only been here one week) and Mary Jo did a slow jog,  Nate rode his bike, and I ran.  The four of us were quite a sight on the country road.  I managed to run a little bit farther today, but with a faster pace, making it only 15 minutes.  Slowly but surely I'm working my way up.  Mary Jo and I had an offer to play co-ed intramural soccer at the college, however we're a lil busy, and I don't quiet think my bodies up to it yet - I need to be able to breathe first :)

(the Sangre De Cristo Mt. in the background and the desert vegetation)

    Sunday September 14th , after church and  lunch a few of us had the opportunity to go the "farm."  We went and visited the women, Val, who we met at the farmer's market two weeks prior.  (Her house made us feel like we were back in Indiana - it was actually big)  She took us out to her parents, where some of the horses are kept.  

    They own race horses and cattle horses - they race in Albuquerque.  We then proceeded and took a drive past the little "mountain" (its not a mountain to them - but seems like it to me) where we went to a lil ranch. Again we got to meet some more race horses that are currently being tamed and trained.  This part of the valley varies with the typical desert vegetation (tumble weed and course bushes) then once you're at the Rio Grande River you'll see the lush grass and softer plants.  

(below: this is by the Rio Grande, you can see the switch in vegetation, that's a herd of llamas)

Afterwords we went back to Val's house and sat around talking for a while.  A lot of the folks here are really smart, highly involved, and active in the community.  Val is one of those people. 

We left her house with a bag full of pork and beef - something Mary Jo and I were super excited about!

Love

She huffed and puffed ... and fell down

After work David, Emmie, Mary Jo and I headed to the Parks and Rec Center. It was sorta rainy, but we went outside anyway. David, Mary Jo and I attempted to regain our soccer skills... an attempt that was entertaining for others to watch.
While David and Mary Jo kicked around I went and did some running. Sadly I only could run 4 sprints and jog for a few minutes before I couldn't stand to hear myself gasp for air. It feels like I'm out of shape when I first start... but the longer you run the more conscious you get about how much air you're breathing out, and how little you can breath in. I'm obviously not adjusted to the altitude quiet yet.
I joined the others and we shot around for a while, did a few passing drills, corner kicks, and goofed off. It was pretty slick from the rain, so naturally Mary Jo and I both had graceful whiffs of the ball and falls.
Tomorrow is our second day of practice, and we get to stay after and help our "soon to be pro" player :) I'll have another opportunity there to run some sprints... hopefully I'll do a little better on the second day. I can at least hope!

Love

Pro Athletes

Yesterday was my first day of practice with the team. I'm still really impressed with how they listen, respect, and follow what you say (i must be a scary coach :). Practice could be longer. There just isn't enough time in an hour to review, teach basics, new drills, and scrimmage. They seemed to be having a good time though, enjoying practice, yet trying to understand and learn formations.
At the end of practice Mary Jo and I lead them in "follow the leader." The kids all lined up behind us and we went jogging, skipping, shuffling, and dodging. I heard all the kids huffing a little so I suddenly stopped the line to do the last part - froggers. Mary Jo and I began doing them, I glanced behind as I had been before to check on everyone... and to my sight, it was only Mary Jo and I doing froggers, as all the kids just stood and watched us. We felt pretty special :)
After practice one of the girls, Haley, stopped us and asked if we could stay after practice and work with her a bit. She said "I wanna be a pro players when I grow up, but I know I'm not that great right now..." I showed her a few pointers and foot drills to work on until our next practice. It's great to know we have so many players on the team who really want to learn how to play and thrive - even though they are only ten!

I'm pumped about the upcoming practices and games - however I did realize while jogging with the kids that it's still SUPPER hard to breath. So today is my first day to start a routine and run my sprints... hopefully I won't die :)

Love.

Cookin + Cleanin + Practice = Soccer "Mom" ?

It's been a while since I've last updated everyone, mostly because during the week not too much happened ... just me being busy at working planning my big Day for Kids Event. The kids here have been begging me to open the dark room, so I've also been trying to get my program planned and going.

This weekend was eventful. Friday Mary Jo and I got up the courage to attempt another run. It was BEAUTIFUL. We ran out in the country, not even making it two miles, but having the view of the sunsetting below the mountains. We also went to the La Jara Farmer's Market, which we do almost every week. This week we got to meet some more amazing women of the area, all who've been so friendly and open to our company.

Saturday was action-packed. It started at 9am. Mary Jo and I dropped Kendra off to run in a college race, then we headed to Carroll Park for the soccer opening. Mary Jo and I are the new U-10 soccer coaches! For three hours we got to meet our team, their parents, and run some drills. We have 11 members - half girls/half boys, either 9 or 10 years old. I set up a drill for them to dribble and weave around cones - I was shocked at some of their skill. We certainly have experienced players, but we also have a few first timers in the group. For the most part they are very patient and great listers, with the exception of having a short attention span, wanting to talk, and being typical 10 year olds.
So it's clear - this isn't the soccer that I was offered at the Boys and Girls Club. This is the Alamosa's Park and Recreation Center fall league. I met the coach of the traveling league - like Goshen Stars - while at the kick off day and he offered Mary Jo and I the possibility to coach a middle school girls club team (also exciting!).
Once this event closed down, we jumped in the van and headed to the next park. At Cole Park Mary Jo's work place coordinated the Hispanic Heritage Day. There were artists, music, performers, dancing, and ethnic food. The athletic department had some of the players helping out with setting up, serving and cleaning up at the event. This is where I managed to embarrass myself in front of the football team for the second time. I went over to talk four players to see if they could help move a Loom - the wood apparatus for weaving rugs and such. I of course mixed up my words and asked them if they'd help me move an urn. !! They looked a little confused, then chuckled, and corrected me - thankful they still came to help :)

We came home to find that Nate had returned from orientation - he saw that during the week we managed to trim the trees, stack wood, pull the weeds in the sand volleyball court and garden, and weeded around the house. Apparently this motivated him, so until midnight Nate was slithering around in the crawl spaces under the house and rearranging the living room - us girls came out and gave him some "advice" :) While this was going on we were making more pesto. The full day of sun definitely gave me a new shade of red - next time I'll remember the sun screen.

On Sunday our last house mate arrived - Kiley. She seems like a great girl and her family was a lot of fun. We had one of our best house meals that night - hot Chili, Salad, Cornbread, and Peach pie. This however wasn't the end of our cooking... it continued Sunday night. We received one HUGE box full or corn and one of zucchini and some green beans. While Kiley unpacked we shucked, snapped, cooked, cut and shredded. We were able to freeze 5 bags of corn, 12 zucchini and one green bean. This of course made us clean out our freezer.... its HUGE!
It was a really fun night - we had a little sing-a-long while cooking (Nate even joined in on some Dixie Chicks).

Thanks to everyone for leaving me comments, emails, thoughts and prayers!

Love

"home is a place where it feels right to walk around without shoes"

Sunday wasn't the best of days for me. 

- It was my first day that I CRAVED to be alone and away

- My first time being somewhat (hypo) sick while out here

- My first day being homesick

It's amazing the little things that remind you of home.

- The smell of Lysol - at least at my house :)

- Popcorn late at night

- Candles burning

- Law & Order :)

- Touching REAL grass and not just weeds

... and the things you realize you miss ... 

- Hearing dishes clank in the morning 

- Late night giggles with my roommate, Rachel

- The noise of a fish tank (although we do have a fish "Pesky" short for Pescado)

-  Soccer (although with hope I'll be coaching next week !!!) 

- Having a car to just go,  blare the music and scream out loud 

Thankfully Sunday I was able to do things that made me feel better, such as skip church and have the house to myself, join friends in making oodles and oodles of applesauce and veg out on popcorn and Law & Order.  

As for feeling comfortable here - 

I love the people I live with, but I still have my shoes on. 

My house is still a house. 

It hasn't yet become my home.  

Love.  

One BIG Sandbox

Saturday David, Emmie, Nate, Mary Jo and I jumped in the car and headed towards the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
(History)
The dunes are the product of the wind and rain eroding the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountains which surround the valley I live in. They rest at the foot of the Cristo mountains because of the different winds and stay in place by water flowing down the mountains.

Being here for only two weeks, my lungs haven't quite adjusted, meaning we took a few breaks along the way. About half way up the dunes my determination and ambition began to dwindle. They really don't look that big, but in all reality, they're huge. Covering over 39 square miles and rising 750 feet above the valley. To reach one of the highest peaks, it took around one hour.
But at the top....
it was gorgeous.

Once at the top, we watched people ski, "sand board," and sled down the hills.
Going down the dunes was the funnest part of all. We goofed of racing down dunes and jumping off the cliffs. However I was the highlight of the trip.
I can upon a dunes that dropped down steep and then shot up about nine feet. My goal was to gain enough momentum in my decent to make it up the incline. So, off I went....

I began sprinting down the dunes, whizzing past Mary Jo, picking up speed. Closer and closer I got to the base, where I began to prepare for the uphill climb. I took one big step and planted my foot, pushing off to go up..... my foot sunk and my calf quickly disappeared underneath the sand. I found my body lunging forward, yet my leg remained unmovable. Almost as in slow motion, I saw my body drag through the sand, making a crash landing. Thankfully I was able to brace my self and ease the fall with my hand. Yet my body remained in motion, and my foot still stuck. As I collected my self and began to chuckle, I heard clapping, whistling, and cheering in the background.... Glancing up, I saw it. A crowd of 15 people, spectators and witnesses of my "funnest home videos" moment.

You can check out all my Sand Dunes photos by watching the slide show in the sidebar, or clicking on a photo and pulling up the whole album.
The day ended as we stopped back through Alamosa on the way home and checked out a huge car show in the city park. Its one of those car shows where, to me, the people are just as interesting as the vehicles :)
It was a great way to spend the weekend and got our minds planning out next hike, possibly up the mountain to stay the night and camp. Hopefully by then I'll be able to breathe comfortably :)
Love

Chief Boyardee

Friday night was a little exciting at the MVS house. Mary Jo and I had a cooking spree. For hours we made cilantro salsa and pesto. I'll admit I've never made either of these, so it was an experiment for me. Nate, Mary Jo and I were the only ones home. We had a great night, full of food, fun, laughter, and finding new friends in the house (a giant grasshopper with a stinger thing!)
I also finally go my camera back to Colorado, as it was mistakenly sent home to Indiana. So I've adding a few additional pictures below.
Enjoy.
Love

The Bump

Sorry, it has been awhile since I've last blogged, but thanks to friends encouragements (..ehem, Rodney) I thought I'd update ya'll :)
After such a great weekend I had high hopes that work would be back, the guy in charge of me was returning, I'd have my position and my place, I would be put into the program for sure.
.... that didn't happen ....
I had a really frustrating week. I was still sort of jobless, just wondering around with nothing to do, sitting on the computer trying to look busy. I was getting really upset about being treated unequal and been brushed off from one person to another. The boys and girls club is VERY disorganized, with no director, no one bringing in grants or funds, and very low on staff. I floated from one person's desk to another, trying to stay out of the way and hide my sudoku book.
Then, someone claimed me! I was given the job of event coordinating, officially it was claimed as my job. As great as this made me feel, the next things I learned crushed all joy. I was assigned four events for September. One of the events was the BIGGEST of the year. It's a NATIONWIDE celebration, pretty much like a carnival and fun day for kids and families. I found that the planning for this event was suppose to start four months ago. So I've been given this job to complete, with no money, no resources, no freebies, no ideas, no help, no anything, and I have three weeks to pull it all together! Talk about starting out with a bang.
Then today happened. I still don't have any donations and very little funds, but I have ideas and am started to find companies that may be donating things, such as tents and a dunk tank if I'm lucky. The guy who claimed me was moved up to the directors position, which relieves some stress at the club, and means I get a desk!
I still had to pick my after school program that I was going to join. So, when the kids arrived and walked around and wandered into the arts and crafts room. I found that we have a dark room, full of developing chemicals, fill and cameras. Then I found out two things:
1. the art teacher doesn't know a thing about film, besides taking it to Wal-Mart
2. the club is required to have a 16 week program on photography.
I'm proud to say that I've chosen my program. I am the new teacher of the photography department, image makers.
I'm now busy planning activities, relearning to develop film, and finding connections in the community. I hit a little bump in the week, thankfully it worked out. I'm now excited about going into work and have LOTS to do - no need to pretend anymore :)
Hopefully things will continue to look up!
Till next time,
Love

Ballooning

Today was an amazing day. It all started at 5:00am, when it was dark and the stars still visible. My house got up early and drove out to Monte Vista. By the time we reached Monte Vista the silhouettes of the mountains were amazing. Even more amazing was the bright orange sun rising up above the mountain.

We came to a national park where we met the hot air balloon pilots and the couple that were flying. All of them were SO much fun. Those that came from our house were the crew. After we signed our life off and were told of all the risks (don't worry mom, I still got all fingers and toes) we helped with setting up the basket, connecting everything, then blowing up the balloon. I was on the end with holding and controlling the balloon, making sure it stayed straight and didn't rise too quickly. (The picture is of our house girls, Emmie, Kendra, Mary Jo and I)

We then jumped in the cars and chased around the balloon until it landed. We packed up, had a celebration for the couple, ending around 9:30am. We all then went out for breakfast. Which was again, amazing and almost two hours long. I learned so much talking with these locals! (Doug is the pilot in this picture, his wife Gigi is also a pilot)
Next we got home with enough time to change and head into the country to a crafts day at a friends house. Right when we got there it was time for lunch - I've been trying so many good and new food - especially a lot of goat stuff. We spent the afternoon spinning wool into yarn and batiking eggs (decorating them with wax and dying them). The talking and eating and creating went on till about 7pm.

Lastly, I went to neighbors gardens, getting advice and picking fresh vegetables and herbs for homemade salsa and pesto. We also have a new roommate, the ONLY male, Nate.

It was a great day! I learned so much and met lots of great people. I'm excited for doing these things again.
Love

Early Frustrations

Thursday was a rather slow day at work.... There really isn't a whole lot to share. I felt like I had my roommate's old job. I sat at a desk for three hours and put mailing addresses onto 700 invitation postcards. Sound familiar Rachel?!
I spent the rest of the afternoon with the kids. I monitored and hung out with them in the computer graphics room. It was a rather rough day dealing with all the kids. Most of the towns have low income, and the kids mostly come from single parent families. The things I see the kids doing, conversations they are having, language they are using - even at the age of 7 - surprises me. I knew, and expected it. Although it's hard to try to be a good role model when you hear and see staff acting the same way. Right now I'm a little upset and frustrated with my job. It's not what I expected. Currently I'm not being treated like and equal employee, but am being used as a free volunteer, which yes, I am. But I do have a job and I'm supposed to be treated no differently. That's not the way I'm feeling. The guy, Frank, who will be my boss will being coming in on Monday, so I just keep having hope that he will clear things up and define my job. Summer club just ended and school starts on Monday, meaning that the club wont fill with kids till after three and it will have more structure. This also keeps giving me hope.
A few prayers thrown this way would be greatly appreciated.