A List of Places I have Visited..As Best as I can Remember. .... in no particular order of beauty or significance.
1- Myrtle Beach, SC
2- Washington, DC
3- Outer Banks, NC
4- London, England
5- Paris, France
6- Frankfurt, Germany
7- Barcelona, Spain
8- Lucerne, Switzerland
9- Cozumel, Mexico
10- New York, New York
11- Murray, Kentucky
12- Baltimore, Maryland
13- Gettysburg, VA
14- Mouth of Wilson, VA
15- Banner Elk, NC
16- Charleston, SC
17- Suffolk/ Hampton Roads/ Va. Beach, VA
18- Virginia Creeper Trail, Damascus VA
19- Stone Mountain, GA
20- Stone Mountain, NC
21- Grayson Highlands State Park, VA
22- Big Creek Horse Camp, Smoky Mountains, TN
23- Memphis, TN
24- Little Rock, AR
25- Dallas, TX
26- Chicago, IL
27- Fort Worth, TX
28- Bossier City, LA
29- Lyon, France
30- Massanutten, VA
31- Roanoke, VA
32- Surf Side Beach, NC
33- Fort Caswell, NC
34- Lake Lure, NC
35- Chimney Rock, NC
36- Ocean Isle, NC
37- Pine Knoll Shores, NC
38- Orlando, FL
39- Miami, FL
40- Key West, FL
41- Asheville, NC
42- Black Mountain, NC
43- Fayetteville, NC
44- The French Rivierra
45- The English Channel... and years later the Chunnel
46- Atlanta, GA
47- Newark, NJ
Monday, January 8, 2018
Sunday, January 7, 2018
January 7... Writing Challenge 2018
A Trip I Want to Take This Year
This year I want to take a road trip with my sons and husband. They are great lovers of adventure and have pulled me into their web of chaos. Last summer, we never took a vacation at all because they were all working. As a result, I accepted a brief stint as a Summer Camp STEM teacher at Rockwell Elementary... and that ended up being a TRIP! For real!! One I really never thought I would take and one I really, seriously, no sarcasm at all enjoyed.
So about this road trip. I am thinking a trip that takes us to several points in the good old USA (land that we love). I don't know if we could pull off the whole 48 states thing but that surely would be a great long term goal. My boys were both asked today "where would (your mom) like to go?" Without knowledge of the other's answer, they both said "Lake McDonald, Montana". This makes me laugh because I think I have only mentioned this one or maybe three times after seeing an image on Pinterest. It might not even be all that beautiful for I have done NO research. The thing that rings true in my mind is that I said it and they remembered. (Note to self: choose ALL your words carefully for you NEVER know what they might remember).
I could go toward Texas, to the Midwest, New England especially Maine... or wherever. You see... the destination is totally unimportant. The people I will share the journey with, the memories we will make, and the solid foundation we will lay as dare I say, ADULT friends is the goal of my trip.
I guess I better start saving my money and get busy researching this place called Lake McDonald. Have you ever been??
This year I want to take a road trip with my sons and husband. They are great lovers of adventure and have pulled me into their web of chaos. Last summer, we never took a vacation at all because they were all working. As a result, I accepted a brief stint as a Summer Camp STEM teacher at Rockwell Elementary... and that ended up being a TRIP! For real!! One I really never thought I would take and one I really, seriously, no sarcasm at all enjoyed.
So about this road trip. I am thinking a trip that takes us to several points in the good old USA (land that we love). I don't know if we could pull off the whole 48 states thing but that surely would be a great long term goal. My boys were both asked today "where would (your mom) like to go?" Without knowledge of the other's answer, they both said "Lake McDonald, Montana". This makes me laugh because I think I have only mentioned this one or maybe three times after seeing an image on Pinterest. It might not even be all that beautiful for I have done NO research. The thing that rings true in my mind is that I said it and they remembered. (Note to self: choose ALL your words carefully for you NEVER know what they might remember).
I could go toward Texas, to the Midwest, New England especially Maine... or wherever. You see... the destination is totally unimportant. The people I will share the journey with, the memories we will make, and the solid foundation we will lay as dare I say, ADULT friends is the goal of my trip.
I guess I better start saving my money and get busy researching this place called Lake McDonald. Have you ever been??
Saturday, January 6, 2018
January 6...Writing challenge 2018
Finances Shymances....
This Year I will manage my finances better by being more self-controlled with whim spending. You know, where you just throw the thing into your real life or virtual cart and then feel astonished that your “little purchases”cost $300 freaking dollars! I most often feel heart attack symptoms at the grocery store due to this phenomenon!
I have always been pretty miserly and was taught to earn and save money by my awesome parents. My mom often would agree to pay x dollars for something I wanted with me filling in the rest. This was genius because it helped me judge if something was worth MY money or not. It probably alleviated a lot of crap being bought and hanging around untouched for years until the dump or Goodwill was gifted with it.
My parents also made the choice to let me earn money for things that were not required. For example, my mom gave me money for lunch and gas once weekly during high school. If I spent carelessly, I’d be hungry or at home come the weekend! Again, pretty genius thinking. I never fell into credit card traps in college because I KNEW you had to pay for that crap eventually.... and probably a lot more with interest! Yikes!
Lastly, my Dad taught me to be generous and giving with my money! If somebody wanted something, work your hiney off to get it for them if you wanted them to have it. I’m thinking of the Dark Tower game purchased on a visit to Salisbury one fall weekend when I was in sixth or seventh grade. It was not necessary, needed, and perhaps not even deserved. But the magic of it was, he made it happen! The cost (maybe 74 bucks?) was ridiculous and I LOVED that thing! I am pretty sure we still have it in Wilkesboro! Maybe it’s an antique? All this to say.... gift giving should be a bit crazy! And your money can make it happen!
These truths exist in 2018...
1-Everybody (pauper and millionaire alike) has financial issues. Don’t let them control you.
2-Everything is expensive and getting more so. If you find a deal on something you love and use, go for it!
3-You can’t take any money or things with you after you leave this Earth. Enjoy your life and the people you’ve been gifted to treasure. Do this and fianances will be become a little less important.
This Year I will manage my finances better by being more self-controlled with whim spending. You know, where you just throw the thing into your real life or virtual cart and then feel astonished that your “little purchases”cost $300 freaking dollars! I most often feel heart attack symptoms at the grocery store due to this phenomenon!
I have always been pretty miserly and was taught to earn and save money by my awesome parents. My mom often would agree to pay x dollars for something I wanted with me filling in the rest. This was genius because it helped me judge if something was worth MY money or not. It probably alleviated a lot of crap being bought and hanging around untouched for years until the dump or Goodwill was gifted with it.
My parents also made the choice to let me earn money for things that were not required. For example, my mom gave me money for lunch and gas once weekly during high school. If I spent carelessly, I’d be hungry or at home come the weekend! Again, pretty genius thinking. I never fell into credit card traps in college because I KNEW you had to pay for that crap eventually.... and probably a lot more with interest! Yikes!
Lastly, my Dad taught me to be generous and giving with my money! If somebody wanted something, work your hiney off to get it for them if you wanted them to have it. I’m thinking of the Dark Tower game purchased on a visit to Salisbury one fall weekend when I was in sixth or seventh grade. It was not necessary, needed, and perhaps not even deserved. But the magic of it was, he made it happen! The cost (maybe 74 bucks?) was ridiculous and I LOVED that thing! I am pretty sure we still have it in Wilkesboro! Maybe it’s an antique? All this to say.... gift giving should be a bit crazy! And your money can make it happen!
These truths exist in 2018...
1-Everybody (pauper and millionaire alike) has financial issues. Don’t let them control you.
2-Everything is expensive and getting more so. If you find a deal on something you love and use, go for it!
3-You can’t take any money or things with you after you leave this Earth. Enjoy your life and the people you’ve been gifted to treasure. Do this and fianances will be become a little less important.
Friday, January 5, 2018
January 5...Writing Challenge 2018
A Time I Don’t Want To Forget
My mind is so full of memories that feel like they will never fade. But like the world we live in, clutter causes the beautiful things to be hidden from view. One specific time, I don’t want to miss is a beautiful sunny summer afternoon on the deck of our condo we refer to as the Mountain House.
My boys had just turned three and four and they loved life. EVERY thing was exciting and their eyes danced with each new day’s possibilities. This particular afternoon their awesome Nana invited them to finger paint. And finger paint they did.....every surface in sight. The loved covering their sweet little chubby hands with paint and “monogramming”the table, deck railing, even a wall of the building. We stripped them down to their underwear and they morphed themselves into Indian warriors and ancient Shahmen and monsters and things I can’t even recall. It was innocent. It was pure joy. It was lovely! And in those laughter filled, judgement free moments, my heart sang a tune that still finds me today as I look at the 16 and 17 year olds that stand before me. Even tho the day was nothing special or razzle dazzle by world standards, this is a time to never, ever forget!
My mind is so full of memories that feel like they will never fade. But like the world we live in, clutter causes the beautiful things to be hidden from view. One specific time, I don’t want to miss is a beautiful sunny summer afternoon on the deck of our condo we refer to as the Mountain House.
My boys had just turned three and four and they loved life. EVERY thing was exciting and their eyes danced with each new day’s possibilities. This particular afternoon their awesome Nana invited them to finger paint. And finger paint they did.....every surface in sight. The loved covering their sweet little chubby hands with paint and “monogramming”the table, deck railing, even a wall of the building. We stripped them down to their underwear and they morphed themselves into Indian warriors and ancient Shahmen and monsters and things I can’t even recall. It was innocent. It was pure joy. It was lovely! And in those laughter filled, judgement free moments, my heart sang a tune that still finds me today as I look at the 16 and 17 year olds that stand before me. Even tho the day was nothing special or razzle dazzle by world standards, this is a time to never, ever forget!
Thursday, January 4, 2018
January 4...Writing Challenge 2018
Something I Would Like to Try This Year I have Never Tried Before
This year I would like to be fit and FEEL healthy and strong enough to ZIPLINE!! I conquered the Alpine Tower at ASU and felt jelly legs and squeamish stomach but DID IT!! The boys have Ziplined several times and I always wanted to go...but feared being out of shape and holding them back OR being just too darn fat to comfortably do the thing.
Ideally, I will do this with those same boys and enjoy the experience. The biggest appeal is the exhilaration that seems to be on EVERY person's face I have ever observed completing this goal.
The WHEEEEEEE feeling sounds totally fun and exciting! I have read about some options but I am going to have to do my research to get the absolute BEST bang for my buck!! Stay tuned....
This year I would like to be fit and FEEL healthy and strong enough to ZIPLINE!! I conquered the Alpine Tower at ASU and felt jelly legs and squeamish stomach but DID IT!! The boys have Ziplined several times and I always wanted to go...but feared being out of shape and holding them back OR being just too darn fat to comfortably do the thing.
Ideally, I will do this with those same boys and enjoy the experience. The biggest appeal is the exhilaration that seems to be on EVERY person's face I have ever observed completing this goal.
The WHEEEEEEE feeling sounds totally fun and exciting! I have read about some options but I am going to have to do my research to get the absolute BEST bang for my buck!! Stay tuned....
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
January 3....Writing Challenge 2018
Your Day In Ten Words
Chaos filled middle school mayhem....field trips are worth it!
Chaos filled middle school mayhem....field trips are worth it!
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
January 2... Writing Challenge 2018
Three Goals for this Month... The Second in A Series of Journal Prompts
1- I want to continue to chase better health. Pound dropping and faster workout times are nice, but my ultimate goal is a lifestyle I can manage for the remainder of my Earthly days. An investment of time and energy in my health promotes overall wellbeing, makes me a nicer human, and makes my pants not feel like they are made completely of rubber bands.
2- I want to WRITE every day. Not for work, not for an assigned task, but to just explore my own thoughts and challenge my ability to perform on command. Lots of folks keep saying, "you should write a book" and that idea always brings a little glint to my eye (and a little nausea to my stomach). BUT THIS I DO KNOW... I will never, ever be a writer if I don't practice, practice, practice. Day two and I am still going.. so that's a plus!!
3- I want to do some self-reflection and determine what things, places, events, and people truly make me happy. I am approaching a crossroads in the not too distant future where I could find myself with two roles that will not require my full attention. One being mom... because my boys are growing and changing and will {eventually} not be sharing a roof with me. The second being that of teacher. I am eligible to retire in seven years.... which seems like a LONG time away, but the past seven years have flown by and I must start preparing now because I am NO GOOD at change. The realist in me says.. teacher and mom will always, ALWAYS be a part of who am I until I breathe my last breath, but I will have some power over how those titles and how I will infuse them into my "new" lifestyle. I need an exit plan and a next thing... always have... always will!
As a side note, I have never been big on goals. Perhaps that is why I am always feeling like I am NEVER finished with anything. Let's see how this goes... stay tuned!!
1- I want to continue to chase better health. Pound dropping and faster workout times are nice, but my ultimate goal is a lifestyle I can manage for the remainder of my Earthly days. An investment of time and energy in my health promotes overall wellbeing, makes me a nicer human, and makes my pants not feel like they are made completely of rubber bands.
2- I want to WRITE every day. Not for work, not for an assigned task, but to just explore my own thoughts and challenge my ability to perform on command. Lots of folks keep saying, "you should write a book" and that idea always brings a little glint to my eye (and a little nausea to my stomach). BUT THIS I DO KNOW... I will never, ever be a writer if I don't practice, practice, practice. Day two and I am still going.. so that's a plus!!
3- I want to do some self-reflection and determine what things, places, events, and people truly make me happy. I am approaching a crossroads in the not too distant future where I could find myself with two roles that will not require my full attention. One being mom... because my boys are growing and changing and will {eventually} not be sharing a roof with me. The second being that of teacher. I am eligible to retire in seven years.... which seems like a LONG time away, but the past seven years have flown by and I must start preparing now because I am NO GOOD at change. The realist in me says.. teacher and mom will always, ALWAYS be a part of who am I until I breathe my last breath, but I will have some power over how those titles and how I will infuse them into my "new" lifestyle. I need an exit plan and a next thing... always have... always will!
As a side note, I have never been big on goals. Perhaps that is why I am always feeling like I am NEVER finished with anything. Let's see how this goes... stay tuned!!
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