My neighbors...

On arriving home one day, my daughter and I saw one of our neighbors coming back from the mailbox. We stopped to chat for a moment. She mentioned that the following day was her and her husband’s 49^th wedding anniversary. I said something stupid, like, “That’s a long time.”

           

            She told me it went by in a blink of an eye and that she wished she had taken the time to enjoy it more.

           

           Wow. That hit me.

It’s so true. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily activities it takes to navigate life.

To me, 49 years is a hefty thing. This isn’t something I hear every day. I didn’t know what to do with the information. So I processed it for almost a whole day. I’m an over-thinker. I finally decided the afternoon of their anniversary to call my friend and neighbor down the street. She has the best ideas! 

The plan was to surprise them with a homemade craft and treats. I supplied the craft, and my friend brought the treats. It was my friend’s idea to make construction paper hearts with words or phrases. My daughter and I cut and taped it together.

Here is a poorly taken picture of the craft:

My friend brought a plate of delicious-looking rice crispy treats.

They were so surprised! It really does not take that much to show someone you care, even if you hardly know them. We are all human, after all. I am so thankful to have such great neighbors.

Since my husband works quite a bit, we’ve been taking the time when he gets home most nights to play a game. Usually it’s Uno, Rummy, or Mancala. Sometimes we just sit on the couch next to each other and zone out to some Big Bang Theory. Either way, we are trying to make that conscious effort to interact with one another. Some nights, I have to admit, it would be easier to go to bed than to wait up for him to come home at 10pm, and some nights it would be easier for him to not have to talk or interact with me at all. We aren’t perfect, but we are trying. Hopefully one day we’ll make it to our 49^th anniversary and then some.Date nights aren’t always possible, but a little interaction to keep growing together takes just a few minutes. 

What are some things that you do together with your significant other?

Finding Hope

          Everyone has problems. No matter what the person next to you says, you will never really know exactly what they are thinking. No amount of money, things or of success can determine a person’s happiness. I’m not just talking about a person’s temporary emotional state, but rather the state of a person’s being. I mean the amount of hope within a person.

            A church I visited a few weeks back had a discussion on hope. The reverend asked who in the room ever felt hopeless. About half the room raised a hand. I felt like raising both hands. He went on to say that he felt pretty safe in saying everyone feels hopeless at some point. I would venture a guess that it could be true, but I’m not sure if everyone has buckled down in an internal storm and waited for the feelings of dread and darkness to pass.

            I’ve seen people posting about how if someone is having a hard time to talk to family and friends about what is happening. Sometimes, people don’t feel like they have family or friends that are willing to listen. Not everyone knows how to ask for help when they need it. It’s okay to pick up the phone and call someone or send them a message to ask how they are doing. That person might lie to you, but at least they know you care enough to ask.

The whole situation could feel hopeless. If this is the case, call the suicide hotline. Pray. Watch a funny movie. Listen to a happy song. Go for a walk. Cry. Take the cup that’s been sitting next to you to the kitchen to fill with water. Dance. Sing. Read something inspiring. It doesn’t even have to be something to make you feel happy. Sometimes feeling anything can be better than nothing or the pain from depression.

The people at the suicide hotline are there to help. If you need someone to talk to in a desperate time, it really can help. When in the throes of hopelessness, if definitely couldn’t hurt.

National Suicide Hotline : 1-800-273-8255

Bearizona Day Trip

My family and I went to Bearizona in Williams, AZ on a day trip. We had a blast.

This was my first trip through a drive through zoo. It's like a self-led safari on a trail with signs telling us where to go. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was great. Be warned, bathrooms are at the very end and it could take about 45 minutes to get to them.

In many parts we could drive through with the windows down, which was perfect for the afternoon weather of mid-July. When driving through the predator portions- with wolves and bears, there are warnings posted to roll up the car windows and to keep the doors locked.

At the end of the trail, there is a place to get out and see shows, get a snack, and do a little souvenir shopping. There are also more animals to see as well as the petting zoo.

There are so many animals to see! I took a few pictures with my phone. Of course the picture quality is not  great, but this is a taste of what there is in Bearizona.

There were a few types of goats and sheep.

The American Bison were shedding their winter coats.

The little lambs are so precious!

A White Bison

A Ram

This wolf was taking a nap on the side of the road.

Two Black Bears in the middle of the road.

My sweetie petting the little goat named Madonna in the petting zoo.

This was a great experience!

Jennifer Lancaster

May 17, 2011, I met Jennifer Lancaster. I was so excited (and still am.) Unfortunately I missed the reading and commentary and most of the Q&A, but I still stayed in line for an hour and a half to meet her and get her signature. Worth it! She is every bit as witty in person as she is in her writing, which is hilarious.  I hadn't really read a book for almost 6 years. When I noticed a friend of mine reading a lot,  I asked her where to begin again. Her recommendation, Bitter is the New Black. That first recommendation has encouraged me back into literature and later into a creative writing course at my local community college.

On our one on one time, Jen called me "Dra" because that's what she called her friend, Audra, in college. We talked for a moment about the friend that introduced me to her books and about how she's inspired me. (For remaining somewhat tactful and not drooling over her, 10 points!)

Thank you and good luck Jen!

Jack Gantos!

I had never been to an author's event. Due to my schedule, I managed to miss all events thus far at the college this year, except my class, of course. When the professor asked who wanted to attend a lecture by a children's author, I raised my hand and swore to myself no matter what, I was making this one.

It was awesome. Jack Gantos is a phenomenal speaker and gave an extraordinary presentation. I felt very guilty that I had not read his books yet, especially after looking around and realizing I was one of the only students who did not bring a book for him to sign. Note to self: next author's event, bring a book for the author to sign!

Instead of giving a replay of his performance and part of his biography, I'm going to include a link to his web site, so you can investigate on your own. As for me, I am adding "Hole in My Life" to my must read list.

http://www.jackgantos.com/