So much to say & not sure where to start, but life is good. 2011 is off to an amazing start, and I've got a positive attitude & a spring in my step.
More to come!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Sunday, March 28, 2010
bravery rocks
I just spent another absolutely wonderful weekend at camp, and have to admit that I'm a little sad to be home. Camp this weekend was just what the doctor ordered. I got to spend some time with some amazing kiddos (and young adults), enjoy the beautiful weather, meet new people, and take a little break from the outside world (Dear Sprint, when will you get signal out there?). I'm coming back exhausted from all the fun, but also refreshed and ready for this week.
This weekend I had a new camper, who was too fun! He was a teenager, which was a big change from my 9-year-old little friend from before. Being in the "oldest boys" cabin sure was an experience! It was my new friend's first time and camp so mom & dad were really nervous, but we had an amazing time! My buddy was up for trying all of the activities at least once, and he LOVED canoeing. Even when I crashed us into the bushes along the bank. Oops! He made me smile all weekend, even after the 70th time he asked me "pancakes, eggs?" Yes friend, they're cooking them and then we will eat. Promise.
When it was time to do the high ropes, I wasn't sure if my camper was going to be interested or not. When he saw the cool "elevator" that hoists the friends who can't climb the rock wall up to the top of the zip line, he got so excited! So, we got him strapped into all of the harnesses, buckled into the sling, and away he went to the top of the 30ft. (or so..) platform. Once he was up there though, I think he realized what he had gotten himself into and got scared. He refused to walk toward the edge so they could hook him to the zip line, and stood there screaming "NO" so loud they could probably hear him on the other side of camp. I was down on the ground cheering him on, but feeling absolutely helpless. Knowing that my camper was up there scared and there was nothing I could do to help was the worst feeling, and my heart hurt so bad. All I wanted to do was climb up there and make it okay. I can't imagine how it feels when you're a parent and your child is hurting... wow. Eventually my buddy got hooked on the zipline and came sailing down, and I was oh so proud I wanted to cry! I'm not sure he will ever do the ropes course again, but boy was he brave that day. :) My old camper was brave at camp too, and he tried canoeing for the first time. I was so proud of my boys. If they can be brave, so can I.
The look on my camper's parents face when they found out that he had fun at camp and there were no major meltdowns was priceless. It makes everything we do at camp completely worth it. To know that the parents had a safe place to send their baby, and got some rest over the weekend, I can't even explain it. My camper's parents were so sweet and brought me a bottle of wine from the winery they visited while they were in Brenham. His mom said "we thought you might need this after this weekend." Too cute, but really, I loved hanging out with their son. He reminded me of an adult I know with autism. I can just imagine him being like my camper at age 12. They even look similar!
I ended the weekend enjoying the beautiful weather oustide today and catching up with a friend. Perfect ending. Now if only I could bottle this "camp high"!
This weekend I had a new camper, who was too fun! He was a teenager, which was a big change from my 9-year-old little friend from before. Being in the "oldest boys" cabin sure was an experience! It was my new friend's first time and camp so mom & dad were really nervous, but we had an amazing time! My buddy was up for trying all of the activities at least once, and he LOVED canoeing. Even when I crashed us into the bushes along the bank. Oops! He made me smile all weekend, even after the 70th time he asked me "pancakes, eggs?" Yes friend, they're cooking them and then we will eat. Promise.
When it was time to do the high ropes, I wasn't sure if my camper was going to be interested or not. When he saw the cool "elevator" that hoists the friends who can't climb the rock wall up to the top of the zip line, he got so excited! So, we got him strapped into all of the harnesses, buckled into the sling, and away he went to the top of the 30ft. (or so..) platform. Once he was up there though, I think he realized what he had gotten himself into and got scared. He refused to walk toward the edge so they could hook him to the zip line, and stood there screaming "NO" so loud they could probably hear him on the other side of camp. I was down on the ground cheering him on, but feeling absolutely helpless. Knowing that my camper was up there scared and there was nothing I could do to help was the worst feeling, and my heart hurt so bad. All I wanted to do was climb up there and make it okay. I can't imagine how it feels when you're a parent and your child is hurting... wow. Eventually my buddy got hooked on the zipline and came sailing down, and I was oh so proud I wanted to cry! I'm not sure he will ever do the ropes course again, but boy was he brave that day. :) My old camper was brave at camp too, and he tried canoeing for the first time. I was so proud of my boys. If they can be brave, so can I.
The look on my camper's parents face when they found out that he had fun at camp and there were no major meltdowns was priceless. It makes everything we do at camp completely worth it. To know that the parents had a safe place to send their baby, and got some rest over the weekend, I can't even explain it. My camper's parents were so sweet and brought me a bottle of wine from the winery they visited while they were in Brenham. His mom said "we thought you might need this after this weekend." Too cute, but really, I loved hanging out with their son. He reminded me of an adult I know with autism. I can just imagine him being like my camper at age 12. They even look similar!
I ended the weekend enjoying the beautiful weather oustide today and catching up with a friend. Perfect ending. Now if only I could bottle this "camp high"!
Monday, March 22, 2010
feels like home
Slipping on my leotard and tights and getting ready for ballet class tonight, it felt like coming home. There was something so comforting, so familiar about it all. And that's definitely a feeling I could use right now. One that made me smile.
Class itself kicked my butt! Whew. I will definitely be sore tomorrow. Everyone was very friendly though, and the teacher was great. I'm definitely out of practice, and had to try really hard not to get discouraged during class. Most of the other ladies in the class have been dancing together, with this teacher, for over a year. I'm embarassed to admit that I struggled to keep up a lot during class. My body just didn't remember automatically like I thought it would. After class I went up and asked the teacher if I should switch to the beginner class and she said no, so that was good. She was actually so reassuring, telling me that I know the steps, I have the technique, I just need to remember. She even told me that next week, I need to be in the harder group rather than the easier one when she teaches combinations... I'm glad someone has faith in me, because I sure didn't at the end of class. Overall, I'm so glad I made the decision to sign up. This is going to be so good...
Tasting Texas Beers class tomorrow... should be interesting! :)
Class itself kicked my butt! Whew. I will definitely be sore tomorrow. Everyone was very friendly though, and the teacher was great. I'm definitely out of practice, and had to try really hard not to get discouraged during class. Most of the other ladies in the class have been dancing together, with this teacher, for over a year. I'm embarassed to admit that I struggled to keep up a lot during class. My body just didn't remember automatically like I thought it would. After class I went up and asked the teacher if I should switch to the beginner class and she said no, so that was good. She was actually so reassuring, telling me that I know the steps, I have the technique, I just need to remember. She even told me that next week, I need to be in the harder group rather than the easier one when she teaches combinations... I'm glad someone has faith in me, because I sure didn't at the end of class. Overall, I'm so glad I made the decision to sign up. This is going to be so good...
Tasting Texas Beers class tomorrow... should be interesting! :)
Sunday, March 21, 2010
one foot in front of the other
I'm going to ballet class tomorrow! I've been thinking for a while that I'd like to dance again, but one thing or the other has kept me from actually following through. (If I'm being honest with myself, it was probably my own insecurities..) How fitting that when I got online today to look into classes, it turns out the classes start tomorrow, leaving me no time to "think about it". So I did it. I signed up. For the intermediate class. And yes, I forgot to pick up my ballet shoes from Pflugerville, and no, I'm not sure I have a leotard without holes in my drawer. But it's okay, because tomorrow I'm going to dance. I'm going to put one foot in front of the other, and hopefully, make my heart smile.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
rewind
Sometimes I wish I could rewind to a year ago... or maybe two. Growing up is hard to do and I'm not sure I'm ready.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
lazy sunday
I'm having one of those days where I have so much to say but also nothing at all. I will say that there's something so comforting about being at home, with family. Even if all we do is eat and watch TV. I'm not ready to go back, but it's going to be a good week. I love talking about community helpers, and one of my new friends starts Monday! We're also reading one of my favorite books:
It's such a sweet little story, you should check it out if you haven't already.
I've been really into quotes lately, so here's what I'll be thinking of as I get outside and enjoy the beautiful sunshine!
It's such a sweet little story, you should check it out if you haven't already.
I've been really into quotes lately, so here's what I'll be thinking of as I get outside and enjoy the beautiful sunshine!
"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending."
Have a happy Sunday! :)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
thank goodness for friends
Today I had a wonderful time reconnecting with a friend I haven't had a chance to spend much time with in a while, and I'm so grateful. It's so easy to be around your best friends, even if you haven't seen them in a while.
I'm so lucky to have friends who look out for and love me, new and old. :)
I'm so lucky to have friends who look out for and love me, new and old. :)
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