Well another weekend has passed and along with it another Sunday paper has been purchased in anticipation of my next employer advertising their open position in the classifieds. Unfortunately, once again the pending excitement of going back to work was not achieved. As Kelli and I sat in the kitchen, preparing for a relaxing winter day, both of us sensed an unspoken somberness amid the air. Breaking the silence, she asked me, "what's wrong, you seem sad". I simply replied with a severely downplayed "nothing", and she paused for a moment before continuing, "I know, we're kind of in a funk aren't we?" At first I did not know how to respond.
Kelli was right, it seems as though the longer I go without work, the more of a "funk" we fall into. Both of us fully understand that the right job will come available in time, and that we have to trust that God has a plan in action for our family, but the longer we go without having received his blueprint the more we feel like our lives are in a state of limbo.
What we have to constantly remind ourselves of is that he does have a plan and that if we remain patient, it will all work out eventually. The issue is we as humans have a natural tendency to be impatient. This was proven to me later in the afternoon while sitting in a snowbank next to a friend, with my lower body hovering on the fringe of frostbite, waiting for a hungry coyote to come in to our distressed rabbit call. Patience truly is a virtue!
Admittedly, part of the funk we have found ourselves in is a result of winter finally setting in along with it bringing the lack of desire to get out and be active. So in an effort to break out of the current funk we have fallen into, as soon as Kelli gets home from work, we are going to saddle up our dogs and go for a family hike. Even though winter has not left the building, if we don't force ourselves to get out of the house and enjoy some time with each other and the animals we often refer to as our kids, we will only continue to fall deeper into this funk. By getting out and being active, not only will we break out of our funk, we may even forget about the struggles of finding new employment for a moment, a welcome idea since finding a new job consumes far too much of my thoughts lately. Don't get me wrong, I want to find a new job and I will continue to keep searching, but I think I will do so while having a little more trust that all things will work out in time.
So as I prepare myself to forcibly pull Kelli and I out of our rut we are stuck in, I still have questions about where I will work, or where we will live, but I have to rest those questions and focus on enjoying each day to it's fullest. Eventually, all things will work out in the end, we just need to enjoy the ride, bumpy sections included!
Remember, having trust means having faith.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
A fathers importance
One of the very few benefits of being unemployed is that you are able to view some of the important events that are aired during the day that you normally would only get to see highlights of during the evening news. Today said event was Joe Paterno's live memorial, for those who don't know he was one of the most influential coaches in college sports history and he passed away last Sunday after a brief battle with lung cancer. Todays memorial lasted 2 1/2 hours from start to finish and I had my eyes glued to the screen the entire time. I am not a Penn State fan, the school in which Paterno coached, nor do I follow college football nearly enough to be able to tell you everything there is to know about the man himself. However, I have learned enough about him over the years to know that his impact on people far exceeds the walls of Beaver Stadium, he was more than a football coach and this was brought to light during the memorial. One player from each decade he coached spoke, as well as a recent student impacted by a foundation the Paternos helped found, the dean of the interpretive arts school, the founder of Nike, Phil Knight, and finally Joe's son Jay Paterno. Each speech was moving in it's own way and the person speaking brought their own personal stories of inspiration from their relationships with coach Paterno. None of these was as moving as Jay's words about his Dad, on more than one occasion I was moved to tears from my living room thousands of miles away.
I think what brought me to tears was not necessarily the speeches, but as these people expressed their love for this man, I was thinking of how deeply I've been blessed by the coach in my life. From the moment I set foot on this earth, there is nothing my Dad wouldn't do to bring me happiness. He has filled the roles of teacher, mentor, coach, disciplinarian, financial advisor, counselor, and hero just to name a few. To this day if I need advise on any kind of a situation in my life, I can turn to him for an answer. As I watched the televised memorial and thought of my own blessing, I couldn't help but think about how each one of our fathers has been such an inspiration to all of us. I look at my father-in-law and see a man who has not only passed on impeccable values to his daughter, but also has loved her more than anyone could ever imagine. I see my brother-in-law who even though he lost his father long before he should have, has taken the strong, honest, hard working life's lessons his father taught him and utilized them in a way that would make any Dad extremely proud. I also think of my Dad's mentor, the man who's namesake I proudly carry on through my middle name, and I see that my fathers traits were groomed from a long standing tradition to which I only hope to come close to matching. If I become half the man my father is or his father before him was, I will consider my time on this earth a complete success.
When I think of these things, and as you are reading this post, my only desire is that you do not shy away from openly acknowledging what the father figure in your life has done for you. We should not wait until one day on the calendar in the spring to express our love to the ones that we love. Lord only knows just how deeply I am indebted to my own father for all that he has done to help groom me to the man I am today, I only hope those of you who are reading this have been as fortunate as I have. 17,280, that's roughly how many breaths we take each day and no one knows when we will take our last, so cherish each one of those breaths and share your love with those who surround you.
Remember, live each day to the fullest, having no regrets!
I think what brought me to tears was not necessarily the speeches, but as these people expressed their love for this man, I was thinking of how deeply I've been blessed by the coach in my life. From the moment I set foot on this earth, there is nothing my Dad wouldn't do to bring me happiness. He has filled the roles of teacher, mentor, coach, disciplinarian, financial advisor, counselor, and hero just to name a few. To this day if I need advise on any kind of a situation in my life, I can turn to him for an answer. As I watched the televised memorial and thought of my own blessing, I couldn't help but think about how each one of our fathers has been such an inspiration to all of us. I look at my father-in-law and see a man who has not only passed on impeccable values to his daughter, but also has loved her more than anyone could ever imagine. I see my brother-in-law who even though he lost his father long before he should have, has taken the strong, honest, hard working life's lessons his father taught him and utilized them in a way that would make any Dad extremely proud. I also think of my Dad's mentor, the man who's namesake I proudly carry on through my middle name, and I see that my fathers traits were groomed from a long standing tradition to which I only hope to come close to matching. If I become half the man my father is or his father before him was, I will consider my time on this earth a complete success.
When I think of these things, and as you are reading this post, my only desire is that you do not shy away from openly acknowledging what the father figure in your life has done for you. We should not wait until one day on the calendar in the spring to express our love to the ones that we love. Lord only knows just how deeply I am indebted to my own father for all that he has done to help groom me to the man I am today, I only hope those of you who are reading this have been as fortunate as I have. 17,280, that's roughly how many breaths we take each day and no one knows when we will take our last, so cherish each one of those breaths and share your love with those who surround you.
Remember, live each day to the fullest, having no regrets!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Patience
Today my Mother goes under the knife for a lumpectomy to remove the breast cancer she has acquired. Everyone who is close to her has known this day was coming for a couple weeks now, but none of us could have expected the enormous amount of waiting involved! Before her surgery they wanted to run one more MRI to determine exactly whats going to be involved. So Dad, Jill, and Aunt Linda, otherwise known as team "GG kicks cancers ass", all wait patiently awaiting the doctors final word on whats going to happen. My patience has been tested lately, between Mothers cancer and my lack of work, I find myself praying for patience daily. Many times over the past few months my patience has been tested to it's limits as I almost find myself willing a good job to present itself to me. It has also grown thin at times as my lack of a paycheck continues to take a toll on my families lifestyle.
Webster's defines patience as enduring trouble without complaining, or calmly tolerating delay or confusion. When I closely examine this description I am amazed at how accurately depicts what is happening in my life. Mothers cancer obviously being the trouble, and my work being the delay/confusion. I pridefully admit that since Mother told me she had cancer, I've never once complained about her situation or the way it will affect me. I only hope that as she undergoes her treatments that I can continue to be patient as she works towards recovery. I have told Kelli many times since being laid off that I am confused as to what to do for future employment. Becoming a plumber has always been the career field to which felt right to me, it pays decent and up until recently I have never had trouble staying busy. However, we have both known that just like any other skilled trade, steady work is heavily dependent on a steady economy. So I find myself in a constant effort to remain patient as I calmly allow this current delay in my work pass by.
When people say that patience is a virtue, they mean it! Each day I wake up and there are no new replies form the many jobs I've applied for, or I read my Mothers blog and remember that she is still fighting, it becomes more difficult to remain patient. I simply say a quick prayer however, asking God to help me to remain calm as his plan is acted out.
Remember, we cannot force results, but with patience we will prevail.
Webster's defines patience as enduring trouble without complaining, or calmly tolerating delay or confusion. When I closely examine this description I am amazed at how accurately depicts what is happening in my life. Mothers cancer obviously being the trouble, and my work being the delay/confusion. I pridefully admit that since Mother told me she had cancer, I've never once complained about her situation or the way it will affect me. I only hope that as she undergoes her treatments that I can continue to be patient as she works towards recovery. I have told Kelli many times since being laid off that I am confused as to what to do for future employment. Becoming a plumber has always been the career field to which felt right to me, it pays decent and up until recently I have never had trouble staying busy. However, we have both known that just like any other skilled trade, steady work is heavily dependent on a steady economy. So I find myself in a constant effort to remain patient as I calmly allow this current delay in my work pass by.
When people say that patience is a virtue, they mean it! Each day I wake up and there are no new replies form the many jobs I've applied for, or I read my Mothers blog and remember that she is still fighting, it becomes more difficult to remain patient. I simply say a quick prayer however, asking God to help me to remain calm as his plan is acted out.
Remember, we cannot force results, but with patience we will prevail.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
When did I get old?!
As many of our friends and family did, Kelli and I made yet another resolution to eat healthier and exercise more frequently at the start of this new year. As has been the case in years past, we drug our feet through the majority of the first month and are just now getting "serious" about it. I have been running off and on for a couple years now but have yet to get into any consistency with it, unless I'm training for a 5k, and I can hardly remember the last one of those I participated in. We have been regularly practicing yoga, after attending the holy yoga retreat a few weeks ago, but both of us felt as though we should be doing more to help burn off some of the holiday "trimmings". Kelli found a workout routine online that didn't appear to be too demanding and we decided to give it a try last night. Lets back up a bit here, first I ran a couple miles in the morning followed by one session of the workout routine, this nearly did me in and I spent the majority of the afternoon in an attempt to regain the feeling in my extremities. When Kelli got home and suggested we try the routine I was feeling back to normal so I figured, why not, whats the worst that could happen?
Totally unaware of the pending consequinces, I proceeded in the workout, about halfway through I almost quit but I pushed on, digging deep down to grasp what tiny little bit of strength I had left. We finished the routine, relaxed, and went to bed. As I lay in bed, dreaming of coming down the back nine of Augusta National with a two stroke lead, my body began a transformation in which every single muscle in my body began to morph into stationary objects. By the time I was awaken by my alarm, I could hardly move my hand to the required position to shut off the noise. As I slowly forced myself out of bed, each step felt as if it might result in me landing face first on the floor, but as I kept moving things began to loosen up a bit. I came out to make a fresh pot of coffee and could hardly pour the water into the machine as my arms were unwilling to raise above midrange. After Kelli left for work, in case your wondering she felt like a million bucks this morning because she's still young and spry, I began feeling a little better as the hot coffee loosened my joints from the inside out. I spent the majority of the day in the garage working on a new set of patio furniture I am building out of shipping pallets and when I finally stopped moving to have a late lunch, I noticed my body had not fully recovered yet. So now I am having a hot cup of cocoa, once again loosening things up, waiting for Kelli to get home so I can hide the true nature of my body and do it all over again! I simply cannot wait, theres a chance at this pace that I wont be able to get out of bed by the time the weekend gets here, I love it!
I guess the lesson to be learned here is that we are only as old as our mind tells us we are. Okay, maybe thats grade A bull, but I have to tell myself something or I'll give up and concede to the fact that my body is not what it used to be. Never the less I will continue to do the work out as long as Kelli does in hopes that someday my mindset will come true and the pain of getting out of bed will disappear. If you too have taken up one of these silly resolutions, stick with it, sooner or later it will prevail and all of this nonsense will have been worth it. At least thats what I keep telling myself:)
Remember, success is achieved, not granted.
Totally unaware of the pending consequinces, I proceeded in the workout, about halfway through I almost quit but I pushed on, digging deep down to grasp what tiny little bit of strength I had left. We finished the routine, relaxed, and went to bed. As I lay in bed, dreaming of coming down the back nine of Augusta National with a two stroke lead, my body began a transformation in which every single muscle in my body began to morph into stationary objects. By the time I was awaken by my alarm, I could hardly move my hand to the required position to shut off the noise. As I slowly forced myself out of bed, each step felt as if it might result in me landing face first on the floor, but as I kept moving things began to loosen up a bit. I came out to make a fresh pot of coffee and could hardly pour the water into the machine as my arms were unwilling to raise above midrange. After Kelli left for work, in case your wondering she felt like a million bucks this morning because she's still young and spry, I began feeling a little better as the hot coffee loosened my joints from the inside out. I spent the majority of the day in the garage working on a new set of patio furniture I am building out of shipping pallets and when I finally stopped moving to have a late lunch, I noticed my body had not fully recovered yet. So now I am having a hot cup of cocoa, once again loosening things up, waiting for Kelli to get home so I can hide the true nature of my body and do it all over again! I simply cannot wait, theres a chance at this pace that I wont be able to get out of bed by the time the weekend gets here, I love it!
I guess the lesson to be learned here is that we are only as old as our mind tells us we are. Okay, maybe thats grade A bull, but I have to tell myself something or I'll give up and concede to the fact that my body is not what it used to be. Never the less I will continue to do the work out as long as Kelli does in hopes that someday my mindset will come true and the pain of getting out of bed will disappear. If you too have taken up one of these silly resolutions, stick with it, sooner or later it will prevail and all of this nonsense will have been worth it. At least thats what I keep telling myself:)
Remember, success is achieved, not granted.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Footballs over!
I know what your thinking when you read that title, how can football be over when they have yet to play the Super Bowl? Well if you don't already know this I happen to be one of the last remaining die hard Cowboys fans alive, so football as I know it was over when we failed to close out the season after the Giants gave us every opportunity possible to win the NFC East. As much as the tail end of the 2011 seasons failures continues to sting, the true die hard Cowboys fans will quickly force those thoughts deep into the back of our brains and look forward to next year, a mind set which has been played out every January since 2000 when arguably the best quarterback in the history of the franchise hung it up. With some brief calculations one could conclude then that we have now had 11 rebuilding years, all of you band wagon fans hold on to your jerseys though, next years our year!
As far as this year goes, congratulations to both the Giants and Patriots for returning to the games grandest stage for a rematch of Super Bowl XLII, I for one think this time around will not be quite as exciting of a game. The Giants once again are peaking at the most opportune time, and the Pat's have yet to display anything resembling a stellar defensive performance. I don't think I am alone when I say that the rematch America would have rather seen was a rematch of the brothers bowl between the Harbaughs, would have created a much better story line, maybe I am a little biased though as my loathing of the Giants penetrates to my core. Once again, I will be tuning into the biggest game of the year strictly for the commercials, let's hope those improve from last year as well!
So if your team is like mine and your in the middle of yet another rebuilding year, good luck in the upcoming draft, if your a fan of one of this years Super Bowl teams, please stop following me. I'm kidding of course, I'm still just a little bitter about the way this season came to an end for Americas Team, but hey, theres always next year!
Remember, if nothing goes right, go left!
As far as this year goes, congratulations to both the Giants and Patriots for returning to the games grandest stage for a rematch of Super Bowl XLII, I for one think this time around will not be quite as exciting of a game. The Giants once again are peaking at the most opportune time, and the Pat's have yet to display anything resembling a stellar defensive performance. I don't think I am alone when I say that the rematch America would have rather seen was a rematch of the brothers bowl between the Harbaughs, would have created a much better story line, maybe I am a little biased though as my loathing of the Giants penetrates to my core. Once again, I will be tuning into the biggest game of the year strictly for the commercials, let's hope those improve from last year as well!
So if your team is like mine and your in the middle of yet another rebuilding year, good luck in the upcoming draft, if your a fan of one of this years Super Bowl teams, please stop following me. I'm kidding of course, I'm still just a little bitter about the way this season came to an end for Americas Team, but hey, theres always next year!
Remember, if nothing goes right, go left!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Days gone by
Many of you already know that my Mother is currently fighting breast cancer, if your finding out just now then I apologize for the shock. She found out a couple weeks ago and is scheduled to have it removed in a few days, and Lord willing she will be cancer free in a few short months. Since finding out about her ailment I have found myself often thinking about the past. I know this sounds foolish since nobody, including her doctors, feel like this is a life threatening issue. However my Mother has been one of my biggest role models my entire life and I think it is perfectly natural to reminisce in times like these. That being said, don't be surprised if on occasion I post a childhood story on here that will either make you laugh or cry, sometimes maybe both!
At the age of ten, I was no different than most other boys, eager to play just about any sport that was available. Baseball had become one of my favorite of these sports because it involved a team effort, team sports were good for me because to put it bluntly I had missed a few of the athletic branches on my decent from the family tree, I needed all the help I could get. My Dad had excelled at every sport he participated in, often he and his older brother were the two stars of the team. He always tells us of the championship game where his brother was pitching and he was catching, after failing to find the strike zone after a couple innings they switched, right there on the pitchers mound! The strategy was a success as they went on to win the game. Somehow though, the athletic gene had skipped me and although I wasn't superb at any sport I played, what I lacked in skill though I made up for in effort.
The summer I turned ten I had tried out for and made a B league baseball team and was overrun with excitement! This was an actual team, with real jerseys and a huge stadium with seating for at least 50, this was the big leagues! After a few weeks of practice the biggest day of my young baseball career was about to happen, we were about to get our jerseys! The team I played for was sponsored by Taco Johns and the jerseys were nothing special, grey with a number on the back, but the coolest part was the hat. The hat was fascinating, it had a dark blue front with a mesh back and the Taco Johns logo right on the front. I planned on wearing it everywhere, people were going to know that I played semi-pro ball for the Taco Johns organization, at least thats what I was going to tell them. Upon receiving the uniforms, we were told one thing, if we loose or destroy the hat, we would be required to replace it at our own expense. I wasn't worried about it though, this thing was never going to leave my sight!
On a ride home from school on the bus one afternoon my world as I knew it was crushed. I was sitting together with my best friend, who was a teammate of mine who was also wearing his new hat, when up the aisle walked a high school guy who had a reputation of being somewhat of a bully. He stopped beside our seat, snagged my hat off my head, and said "matching hats, how cute". He then ripped the bill right off my hat like it was a piece of paper, and throwing the bill on the floor, snugged the hat back on my head, grinning as he walked back to his seat. I picked up the bill and held it in my hands like it was a wounded bird, trying to hold my emotions in check until I got home. I got home and showed my Dad, who had a few choice words for what the bully had done, he then just simply told me not to let this get me down and we'll get a new one.
I got a new hat and the season went on without a hitch, I didn't acquire any kind of baseball skills out of the traumatic ordeal, but I did learn a valuable lesson. My Dad's response and actions taught me that sometimes people are going to do things that are extremely insensitive, but I should not let these things get me down, after all it was just a hat. Many times since then I have been on the receiving end of some very hurtful acts, but never have I allowed them to alter my attitude. With the simple act of buying a $10 baseball cap, my Dad had taught me one of life's most valuable lessons. If someone or something knocks you to the ground, get back up, brush yourself off, and move on. Life is too short to allow minor speed bumps such as this to slow us down.
Remember, try to treat those around you as you would like to be treated:)
At the age of ten, I was no different than most other boys, eager to play just about any sport that was available. Baseball had become one of my favorite of these sports because it involved a team effort, team sports were good for me because to put it bluntly I had missed a few of the athletic branches on my decent from the family tree, I needed all the help I could get. My Dad had excelled at every sport he participated in, often he and his older brother were the two stars of the team. He always tells us of the championship game where his brother was pitching and he was catching, after failing to find the strike zone after a couple innings they switched, right there on the pitchers mound! The strategy was a success as they went on to win the game. Somehow though, the athletic gene had skipped me and although I wasn't superb at any sport I played, what I lacked in skill though I made up for in effort.
The summer I turned ten I had tried out for and made a B league baseball team and was overrun with excitement! This was an actual team, with real jerseys and a huge stadium with seating for at least 50, this was the big leagues! After a few weeks of practice the biggest day of my young baseball career was about to happen, we were about to get our jerseys! The team I played for was sponsored by Taco Johns and the jerseys were nothing special, grey with a number on the back, but the coolest part was the hat. The hat was fascinating, it had a dark blue front with a mesh back and the Taco Johns logo right on the front. I planned on wearing it everywhere, people were going to know that I played semi-pro ball for the Taco Johns organization, at least thats what I was going to tell them. Upon receiving the uniforms, we were told one thing, if we loose or destroy the hat, we would be required to replace it at our own expense. I wasn't worried about it though, this thing was never going to leave my sight!
On a ride home from school on the bus one afternoon my world as I knew it was crushed. I was sitting together with my best friend, who was a teammate of mine who was also wearing his new hat, when up the aisle walked a high school guy who had a reputation of being somewhat of a bully. He stopped beside our seat, snagged my hat off my head, and said "matching hats, how cute". He then ripped the bill right off my hat like it was a piece of paper, and throwing the bill on the floor, snugged the hat back on my head, grinning as he walked back to his seat. I picked up the bill and held it in my hands like it was a wounded bird, trying to hold my emotions in check until I got home. I got home and showed my Dad, who had a few choice words for what the bully had done, he then just simply told me not to let this get me down and we'll get a new one.
I got a new hat and the season went on without a hitch, I didn't acquire any kind of baseball skills out of the traumatic ordeal, but I did learn a valuable lesson. My Dad's response and actions taught me that sometimes people are going to do things that are extremely insensitive, but I should not let these things get me down, after all it was just a hat. Many times since then I have been on the receiving end of some very hurtful acts, but never have I allowed them to alter my attitude. With the simple act of buying a $10 baseball cap, my Dad had taught me one of life's most valuable lessons. If someone or something knocks you to the ground, get back up, brush yourself off, and move on. Life is too short to allow minor speed bumps such as this to slow us down.
Remember, try to treat those around you as you would like to be treated:)
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Locals vs. transplants
After we were gifted with around a foot of fresh powder overnight, I decided it would be best if I gave Kelli a ride to work today. Not that she can't handle herself in conditions like these, her years in Wahpeton, ND clearly prepared her for any amount of snowfall, I just have the time and as my previous post suggested, I kind of enjoy driving in this stuff. Today was a real treat however as I noticed that Bonner appears to be last on the plowing schedule for Missoula County!
While in town I was privileged to witness some of the many differences between true Montanans and transplants. The reason I say true Montanans instead of natives is because I believe if you move here and adapt to our states environment then you are considered a local. Heck some of my closest friends from around this state weren't raised here, they've just adapted well and in return we consider them to be locals. Below I've listed a few of the situations I encountered this morning on my trip to town followed by my clarification of wether the person is a local or not. If you find yourself matching one of the transplant descriptions, please seek some help from a local!
1. Small pick-up that slid into the side of a city bus: transplant. News flash, if we have a foot of snow on the ground your turning lane may not be available, drive with the flow of traffic and don't force it! Snow banks will throw your car around like a rag doll.
2. '85 Chevy pulled over on the side street so I can turn in: local. The best way to prevent an accident is by not creating the situation, by this guy doing this it freed up the entire street for me to turn into without trying to avoid hitting him.
3. Front wheel drive car who cut me off spinning out on a red light: transplant. Guess what? When there is a foot of snow on the ground and ice underneath that, your car isn't going to take off like it would on a sunny August afternoon!
4. Brand new 4x4 Dodge with tire chains on all four tires: transplant. Just because Dave Smith will sell you the biggest truck on the lot doesn't mean you need it! Also, all four tires chained up, really?! It must be a minor miracle that my wife's Subaru is even able to move, if the road conditions scare you that much just stay home!
5. SUV going 25 mph on the completely plowed county road: transplant. These guys are arguably the most likely to cause an accident than any other driver on the road. I understand that the 55 mph speed limit is not practical and you should drive a tad more cautiously but come on! It's a snow packed road, not a hockey rink with reflectors!
6. Finally, the Ford pick up who willingly drove through the deep snow to give me room to pass: local. Thank you for realizing that it is just snow and not quicksand and that if you approach it intelligently you will be just fine and I can pass by safely.
You're probably questioning the validity of the fact that I witnessed all of this in one trip to town, truth is, I probably missed much more! The fact of the matter is, if you're new to this state and are unfamiliar with the ever changing driving conditions we are faced with, just don't drive in them unless you are going to do so safely! All that is required to do so is a small amount of common sense, I realize that finding that trait is a bit difficult for some, but if you slow down a little and allow yourself a few extra minutes to get to work you will be shocked at how easy it is to tap into the common sense portion of your brain.
Remember, the grass may be greener on the other side, but wait till winter hits!
While in town I was privileged to witness some of the many differences between true Montanans and transplants. The reason I say true Montanans instead of natives is because I believe if you move here and adapt to our states environment then you are considered a local. Heck some of my closest friends from around this state weren't raised here, they've just adapted well and in return we consider them to be locals. Below I've listed a few of the situations I encountered this morning on my trip to town followed by my clarification of wether the person is a local or not. If you find yourself matching one of the transplant descriptions, please seek some help from a local!
1. Small pick-up that slid into the side of a city bus: transplant. News flash, if we have a foot of snow on the ground your turning lane may not be available, drive with the flow of traffic and don't force it! Snow banks will throw your car around like a rag doll.
2. '85 Chevy pulled over on the side street so I can turn in: local. The best way to prevent an accident is by not creating the situation, by this guy doing this it freed up the entire street for me to turn into without trying to avoid hitting him.
3. Front wheel drive car who cut me off spinning out on a red light: transplant. Guess what? When there is a foot of snow on the ground and ice underneath that, your car isn't going to take off like it would on a sunny August afternoon!
4. Brand new 4x4 Dodge with tire chains on all four tires: transplant. Just because Dave Smith will sell you the biggest truck on the lot doesn't mean you need it! Also, all four tires chained up, really?! It must be a minor miracle that my wife's Subaru is even able to move, if the road conditions scare you that much just stay home!
5. SUV going 25 mph on the completely plowed county road: transplant. These guys are arguably the most likely to cause an accident than any other driver on the road. I understand that the 55 mph speed limit is not practical and you should drive a tad more cautiously but come on! It's a snow packed road, not a hockey rink with reflectors!
6. Finally, the Ford pick up who willingly drove through the deep snow to give me room to pass: local. Thank you for realizing that it is just snow and not quicksand and that if you approach it intelligently you will be just fine and I can pass by safely.
You're probably questioning the validity of the fact that I witnessed all of this in one trip to town, truth is, I probably missed much more! The fact of the matter is, if you're new to this state and are unfamiliar with the ever changing driving conditions we are faced with, just don't drive in them unless you are going to do so safely! All that is required to do so is a small amount of common sense, I realize that finding that trait is a bit difficult for some, but if you slow down a little and allow yourself a few extra minutes to get to work you will be shocked at how easy it is to tap into the common sense portion of your brain.
Remember, the grass may be greener on the other side, but wait till winter hits!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Let it snow!!
As I began brewing some of Seattle's Best coffee, they wouldn't call it the best if it wasn't the best, I heard Kelli from over near the living room window exclaim "holy crap!" I looked through the window and saw what had startled her, we had been blanketed with a fresh few inches of mother natures winter coat. According to the news we should expect to receive much more in the days to come, so far we've got about 4"-5". This afternoon I saddled up the dogs and took them for a walk into our secret spot that everyone knows about, there is a portion of fence that is opened up to the lumber mills property where I've been told the mill honors a good neighbor policy and allows us locals to walk in. Although I haven't ventured very far into the trees on the other side of the fence, it is always an enjoyable walk as there is an old logging road we can follow all the way to the peak, if we had the stamina.
As we were walking along it continued to snow heavily and both of my black labs were slowly turning into miniature polar bears. Kashi, who Kelli and I repeatedly joke is a cat in a dogs body, was dipping her head into the deep snow as she walked, each time emerging with a completely white face. Every time she would do this she would turn to me and lick the air in excitement, if she could put words together she surely would be telling me just how much fun she was having! I immediately thought about all of the fun times I have had in similar conditions and how I continue to do so today. I hope that I never get tired of playing in the fresh snow, wether it's making snow angels in the yard with Kel, or plowing through huge drifts with my pick-up, there has always been a child like joy in the snow for me.
Every time it snows I am taken back to when I was a kid and Dad would pull us on a sled around the alfalfa field with the pick-up. As we got older he would let us do it unsupervised and we would build ramps using plywood and straw bales, hitting them as fast as we could, keeping track of the impressions our bodies would make in the snow to see who flew the farthest. Of course as I get older my daredevil mentality has faded but the excitement of the snow hasn't, I still feel the same rush when we sled down the hill across the road from Jill and Ryan's house. Truth is, some of my life's fondest memories are centered around playing in the snow. I realize that there will be a time when I want nothing more than for the snow to disappear, but for now I will join Kashi in diving in head first, literally, in an attempt to create even more lasting memories.
Remember, take time to catch a snowflake on your tongue, it's more fun than you think
As we were walking along it continued to snow heavily and both of my black labs were slowly turning into miniature polar bears. Kashi, who Kelli and I repeatedly joke is a cat in a dogs body, was dipping her head into the deep snow as she walked, each time emerging with a completely white face. Every time she would do this she would turn to me and lick the air in excitement, if she could put words together she surely would be telling me just how much fun she was having! I immediately thought about all of the fun times I have had in similar conditions and how I continue to do so today. I hope that I never get tired of playing in the fresh snow, wether it's making snow angels in the yard with Kel, or plowing through huge drifts with my pick-up, there has always been a child like joy in the snow for me.
Every time it snows I am taken back to when I was a kid and Dad would pull us on a sled around the alfalfa field with the pick-up. As we got older he would let us do it unsupervised and we would build ramps using plywood and straw bales, hitting them as fast as we could, keeping track of the impressions our bodies would make in the snow to see who flew the farthest. Of course as I get older my daredevil mentality has faded but the excitement of the snow hasn't, I still feel the same rush when we sled down the hill across the road from Jill and Ryan's house. Truth is, some of my life's fondest memories are centered around playing in the snow. I realize that there will be a time when I want nothing more than for the snow to disappear, but for now I will join Kashi in diving in head first, literally, in an attempt to create even more lasting memories.
Remember, take time to catch a snowflake on your tongue, it's more fun than you think
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Somethings gotta give!
Yesterday, following a lunch date with Kelli, the girls and I went to the local dog park in an attempt to figure out what I'm going to do for a job. Most of you know by now that I have been out of work for a few weeks and am caught in the same struggle that many others in this country are. Since being laid off, I have applied for at least a dozen jobs, none of which have resulted in anything more than rejection. I have taken my brother Curt's approach when he was searching for work, apply for one job a day and the odds are back in your favor that one of them will call. While I haven't followed through with daily applications, I will send out three to four at a time a couple times a week. My biggest obstacle is a gross shortage of trade related work in my area of the state, almost all of the other plumbers that I know who reside West of the divide are making their living in the oil rich plains of Eastern Montana.
So I find myself watching my dogs bound around the park, eagerly exploring fresh sights and smells, while I stare at the half frozen Clark Forks quick moving waters, in search of some answers. The river never appears more alive to me than while in this state, the small forms of ice rage down the river, seemingly enjoying the short ride knowing that they each will soon attach to an ever growing stationary piece of ice jutting out from the bank and the ride will be over.
While I did not get any overwhelming feelings that my career issues will be solved in the near future, I was able to gain the confidence to be patient as my plan is acted out. Far too often I find myself almost forcibly hoping something will happen right now and in turn I forget about the big picture. I know that if I practice a little more patience that all of my worries will be figured out. Much like the mini ice bergs roaring down the river, I need to focus on the moment and enjoy the ride. We don't know what we are going to find around the next bend, we may find a fixated piece of ice and our ride might be over, or we may continue on down the river. I know it may sound silly to compare my life to a floating chunk of frozen water, but to me we are not much different than the ice. Granted the ice is on a much shorter timetable than we are but we share the same basic characteristics, in the simplest of terms we are born, we float down the river of life encountering many bumps and turns along the way, and then we are stopped and the ride is over. Sometimes, as Kelli and I did while fishing this weekend, someone comes along joyfully breaking ice off the shore sending it down the river for one more ride. I guess this could be compared to someone such as myself, who has received a second chance at the ride, all that is asked is that you make the most of it.
As you go through your daily routine, wether your in a funk like me or everything is great in your life right now, just don't forget to enjoy the ride. I swear if you stand at a rivers edge and listen to the water you can almost hear the ice formations screaming with joy, like a child on a roller coaster. That is exactly how we should each live out our lives, fully absorbing every second.
Remember, all rivers eventually lead to a greater place, just enjoy the ride.
So I find myself watching my dogs bound around the park, eagerly exploring fresh sights and smells, while I stare at the half frozen Clark Forks quick moving waters, in search of some answers. The river never appears more alive to me than while in this state, the small forms of ice rage down the river, seemingly enjoying the short ride knowing that they each will soon attach to an ever growing stationary piece of ice jutting out from the bank and the ride will be over.
While I did not get any overwhelming feelings that my career issues will be solved in the near future, I was able to gain the confidence to be patient as my plan is acted out. Far too often I find myself almost forcibly hoping something will happen right now and in turn I forget about the big picture. I know that if I practice a little more patience that all of my worries will be figured out. Much like the mini ice bergs roaring down the river, I need to focus on the moment and enjoy the ride. We don't know what we are going to find around the next bend, we may find a fixated piece of ice and our ride might be over, or we may continue on down the river. I know it may sound silly to compare my life to a floating chunk of frozen water, but to me we are not much different than the ice. Granted the ice is on a much shorter timetable than we are but we share the same basic characteristics, in the simplest of terms we are born, we float down the river of life encountering many bumps and turns along the way, and then we are stopped and the ride is over. Sometimes, as Kelli and I did while fishing this weekend, someone comes along joyfully breaking ice off the shore sending it down the river for one more ride. I guess this could be compared to someone such as myself, who has received a second chance at the ride, all that is asked is that you make the most of it.
As you go through your daily routine, wether your in a funk like me or everything is great in your life right now, just don't forget to enjoy the ride. I swear if you stand at a rivers edge and listen to the water you can almost hear the ice formations screaming with joy, like a child on a roller coaster. That is exactly how we should each live out our lives, fully absorbing every second.
Remember, all rivers eventually lead to a greater place, just enjoy the ride.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Life's changes
Last night, while relaxing on the couch with the one that I love, I couldn't help but notice how certain changes have gone seemingly unnoticed in my life. Kelli was heavily involved in a crafting project, a birthday gift for our niece, and I was fixated on the AFC playoff battle on the television. When Kel finished her project the game had gotten out of hand so we changed the channel and began viewing the Miss America pageant. As we watched the program I realized that we have watched nearly every one of these for as long as we've been together. The show has become somewhat of a tradition in our house now as we usually choose a couple favorite states and cheer them on as the competition slowly grows smaller. Eight years ago if you'd have caught me watching the Miss America pageant I would have expected you to place me on a bus with a one way ticket to Warm Springs!
As we awaited the results of this years winner I realized that both of us have made some changes in life that have turned out to be a few of the funnest times we spend together. For instance, eight years ago I would argue that Kelli couldn't even tell you what color the Dallas Cowboys jerseys were, now she can not only name half the roster, she's also on hand every game day with me donning her team apparel.
I guess the moral of todays story is that it doesn't matter if some of our viewing pleasures change throughout life, as long as we are willing to make those changes for the ones we love. So ladies, don't be afraid to admit to your girlfriends that you spent your Sunday afternoon with team colors and face paint on, and guys, don't be afraid to admit to your buddies that you spent your evening cuddling on the couch watching a Kardashian marathon. The compromises we make for the ones that we love should not require the approval of our peers.
Remember, live with an open mind, love with an open heart!
As we awaited the results of this years winner I realized that both of us have made some changes in life that have turned out to be a few of the funnest times we spend together. For instance, eight years ago I would argue that Kelli couldn't even tell you what color the Dallas Cowboys jerseys were, now she can not only name half the roster, she's also on hand every game day with me donning her team apparel.
I guess the moral of todays story is that it doesn't matter if some of our viewing pleasures change throughout life, as long as we are willing to make those changes for the ones we love. So ladies, don't be afraid to admit to your girlfriends that you spent your Sunday afternoon with team colors and face paint on, and guys, don't be afraid to admit to your buddies that you spent your evening cuddling on the couch watching a Kardashian marathon. The compromises we make for the ones that we love should not require the approval of our peers.
Remember, live with an open mind, love with an open heart!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Things are looking up
It was a beautiful winter day here in Bonner so the two best black labs that ever walked this rock we call Earth, Duchess and Kashi, decided to take ourselves a trek across some new territory. Never before smelled ground to these girls carries with it the same amount of excitement as a golf course I've never played does for me, or an empty room waiting to be decorated does for Kelli. Her mind is fully active of ideas to bring the room to life, mine is filled with anticipation of the challenges each new hole will bring, and theirs is filled with the fresh aroma of the previous dogs lack of bladder control on our new trail. Admittedly ours seems much more enticing, but trust me these two were ecstatic!
Our new route today took us past the old lumber mill which has sat vacant for as long as we've lived here and for quite some time before that. For travelers entering Missoula from the East, and for local residents of our small community, it has been an ever present sign of the economic times. The most exciting thing thats happened inside the gates in recent years is when one of the many buildings collapsed last winter under heavy stress from deep snow. Today however the rumors that someone purchased the mill were put to rest in my eyes as the three of us were forced to wait at the entrance in order to allow a logging truck, full of fresh cut timbers, to enter. As we walked past the facility I counted the piles of lumber which stood at least 15' tall and stretched for as long as a football field. In the short time it took us to walk past the mill, then turn around and head for home, I watched four different trucks pull through the gate.
Even though I am not a logger, nor do I have any intention of entering the logging industry, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with a sense of happiness. Understandably so, this is but a very small step towards total recovery, but in this town small steps are very much appreciated! Our entire community will eagerly accept any movement in the right direction of economic development. For years Bonners people have hoped that the mill would fire back up, boosting this community back to the bustling area it once was, maybe these peoples hopes are finally coming true.
One thing remains a certainty in this life, if we are patient and allow God to work out his plan at his pace, all of our doubts will be taken care of.
Remember, always walk tall and carry a big smile:)
Even though I am not a logger, nor do I have any intention of entering the logging industry, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with a sense of happiness. Understandably so, this is but a very small step towards total recovery, but in this town small steps are very much appreciated! Our entire community will eagerly accept any movement in the right direction of economic development. For years Bonners people have hoped that the mill would fire back up, boosting this community back to the bustling area it once was, maybe these peoples hopes are finally coming true.
One thing remains a certainty in this life, if we are patient and allow God to work out his plan at his pace, all of our doubts will be taken care of.
Remember, always walk tall and carry a big smile:)
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
It is an overcast rainy day out there today, with the temperatures hovering around the freezing mark, liquid rain quickly turns to ice as it contacts the ground. As I stood on the banks of the Clark Fork, casting away all of my worries, I had a vision enter my head of a healthy family and a promising new year. This year is surely going to consume all those that I love with great joy and happiness!
Keep casting!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Fantastic weekend
Well, Kelli and I are unwinding from our amazing weekend at Quinns Hot Springs! We attended a holy yoga retreat there and we were joined by my mother and God-mother. It was so much fun, we learned a lot about ourselves and about our relationship with God, not to mention a few new yoga moves also! We also learned that although aunt Linda, Kelli and I all feel like we eat pretty healthy, gluten free is not for us! We took advantage of an excuse to search for cell phone service in a nearby town to scarf down as many puffy cheetos as humanly possible! Kind of felt like sneaking out of fat camp but it was totally worth it and may have been just what we needed to forge ahead in our yoga triumph!
All kidding aside though, the entire weekend was filled with hugs, love, and laughter. Three of the most important keys to succeeding a healthy life in my opinion! Thank you to my mother for brainstorming this event and inviting Kelli and I to join in! I cannot wait to go to the next one!
Remember, we are all beautiful in His eyes:)
All kidding aside though, the entire weekend was filled with hugs, love, and laughter. Three of the most important keys to succeeding a healthy life in my opinion! Thank you to my mother for brainstorming this event and inviting Kelli and I to join in! I cannot wait to go to the next one!
Remember, we are all beautiful in His eyes:)
Friday, January 6, 2012
Day One!
Well, I did it! I have been laid off from work now for about a month and although my days have been filled with exciting job hunts, I need to do this blog to help fill some of the void! I think theres a pretty good chance that this will be a much more productive use of my time than facebook! I better run so I can get ready for date night with my beautiful bride:)
Remember, live in the moment!
KG
Remember, live in the moment!
KG
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