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.