We all have them and it seems the issue of having choices has come up quite a bit lately.
What determines your choices? Not the little ones, like Skippy or Jif, I am talking about the ones that have a bit more of an impact on your life. Although I have to say, sometimes the little ones do play out their own course and have a way of determining something much larger.
I believe what determines your choices changes with time. As young adults I think we go with the crowd so our choices are almost predetermined by what other think. Sheeple. (New word I learned this weekend, don’t you love it? Sheep, notable followers + people = sheeple) But as we age I believe we start to understand the importance of making our own choices.
In my world priorities prevail in the choices I make. Sometimes circumstances get in the way but in general if I think it is a priority I will make it happen. This becomes truer the older I get.
Bottom line: we are all in control of our own set of priorities, life keeps happening around us, determine which direction you want to take and EMBRACE and OWN your choice!
2010
Choices
Tags: choices, circumstances, sheeple
Wiser or Not?
Good question as I gain another year on life. I’ve learned in the past week that family reunions can carry you through many hurdles and no one can take away the memories! And after last night I have learned that my many awesome bitches keep me passionate about the things I love most. All that rolled in one, the thrill of life, the joy of laughs and the depth of friends and family. Bring it on #49….maybe not wiser but definitely craving what another year holds!
Tags: #49, birthday, passionate
Reconnecting
Ahhhh, the family reunion! Spent an enjoyable long weekend at sister Mary’s home in southern Nebraska. Her and her husband Bob were a lovely host and hostess as they let 45 people invade their space. Good food, good cheer, intriguing conversations and lots of 3 foot blondies running around. That just makes for a fantastic recipe! My Dad, who is 89, said he couldn’t keep all the little ones straight, they all start looking alike in a diaper and mop of wet hair (it was in the 90′s with lots of humidity). It was rejuvenating for the soul and like my friend Bobbie always asks: What was your favorite part??? I would have to say seeing these 3 faces together was my highlight. Added bonus: they were busy planning a week altogether next year on Leech…..just like the old day! Just try to wipe that smile off my face!
Tags: family, favorite part, reconnect
Where did you take your 1st step?
This photo is myself and John K., life long family friends. Our mothers put us down to take a photo at the Headwaters of the Mississippi at Itasca State Park. Johnny could walk and I couldn’t so when they set us up for a picture, they got a photo of my first step. I didn’t want to be outdone by Johnny and I guess I was never good at following. I was one year old in this picture and you can see a portion of the teepee that use to be at Itasca Park with an authentic Indian Chief. My granddaughter just turned 9 months and I know she will be walking within a very short time and I hope I will be able to see her 1st step right after her parents.
If you looking for a great place to go – check it out! http://www.itascastatepark.com/
Tags: Itasca State Park, Mississipp
Read any good books lately?
Our daughters arrived from their respective homes for a family visit, each reading the same book and they hadn’t even discussed what they were reading. Two days later they joined the festivities having finally finished the book. “You have to read it” they said. “Have you started it yet?”, they’d ask. “Hurry up so we can talk about it!” The fact that they couldn’t put the book down, and that they’d rather read than enjoy the beautiful summer weather made me think there must be something to it. Another relative stopped by, she too was reading the same book, now this is getting to be more than a coincidence.
Well, I finally found the time to read The Help by Kathryn Stockett and it was just what I’d been lead to expect by my daughters. A story that is interesting, entertaining, and a unique perspective on history as well. If you were growing up during the 60s or want to learn more about what it was like in the south at that time you will like this book. Or, if you have a mom, are a daughter, or a best friend from high school you will like this book. I hope you will find the time and read The Help and then we can talk about it and the wonderful characters Ms. Stockett writes about.
“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” Richard Steele.
What have you been reading? I am looking for another good book!
To our Security Crew
I told the gentlemen who were so kind to provide a trailer to haul all our things on the Tram that I would write a blog just to them. Well, here it is!
A big ol’ thanks to you Doug for driving the trailer each day, picking out the perfect camping spot, and then hauling out all of our things. You were irreplaceable!
And a thanks to Jim for providing the vehicle and trailer and allowing us to draft him to Alex the last day~second chair is a good spot and I am a shameless drafter!
One last thanks to Mike, for all the laughs and pulls provided. Such talent with a water pistol as well! This pic is just for you:
You were all a delight to meet, gentlemen in every way. I hope you find your way up to Park Rapids some time with your wives, we would like to meet them as well.
Tags: bitter woman, gentlemen, laughs, security crew
They survived without me! (?)
BitchesView from The Bike
Finally getting caught up with being gone and I guess I’m not the center of the universe as everyone seemed to manage without me! It’s a good feeling but now I have to work hard to show them how important I really am. Had a great week biking the MS TRAM with some great people and it definitely lifts a persons spirit when you finish the 300 mile ride. The BitchesView from The Bike shirts where a success and we have had the great honor of having some very real gentlemen ride along and help us with the sag. Mike, Jim & Doug you are awesome! If you get a chance this year to get on your bikes and go camping in your tent for 5 nights, please call me when you get back 
, I’d love to hear about it!
We do it to ourselves!
Why is it, that when your going to be gone for a week, you feel like you have to get all the chores done for the next 6 months. You make sure husbands clothes are washed, because god for bid if he ran out of socks while you were out playing. House has to be cleaned, bills paid, meals ready (thank the lord we own a convenience store), yard mowed, etc., etc. What would it be like if we just packed our stuff and left! Everthing would probably be there when we can back, but I think as women, we guilt ourselves in having fun so we make sure we’re stressed right before leaving. Maybe I’m the only one, but I don’t think so. I love my husband for supporting my interests and he doesn’t do anything to make me feel this way, I do a good enough job on my own. Anyone else with problem? Oh wait, I forgot something…………
Getting ready….
Busy week so haven’t gotten the usual blogs in. Lou, Sharon and I will be heading out on the MS Tram this coming week. 294 miles of pure delight and pleasure as long as you love biking! We will try to blog a bit from the road, and you never know, maybe send a picture or two. Our team: Bitches View from the Bike, you should see our tees coming a mile away! Those wishing to contribute to this worthy cause (Multiple Sclerosis)just click here and enter my name and contribute away!
Thanks and see you from the BIKE~!
Tags: bike, contribute, MSTRAM
Anticipation & Excitement
I have found that planning a trip can be as much fun as the trip itself. Going to work everyday is made so much easier if there is something down the road to look forward to. Whenever I get ready for the next adventure of biking, it always gives me the chance to reminisce about the trips in the past and the wonderful people that I have met. A lot of times you will only get this one time to meet someone, but the laughs and memories are lifelong. It is fun to remember the towns, restaurants, campsites and great people you meet along the way. Looking forward to having new experiences next week with some of my favorite bitches, and there is always room for more!
Tags: Anticipation, Excitement