Tangled Thoughts

Thanksgiving Shots

Christina

November 29, 2013

I was reading back over last years month of November, laughing at the random bits I had written down and kicking myself for not doing something similar this year. But then I had to remember – last year it was just dad and I here. This year there was twice our regular population, and an almost 2 year old keeping things lively around these parts. So while I may not have had a lot of words, or photos these past few months…I have two months full of adventures that arent anything out of the ordinary…except they are. Having the ability to pick up where you left off with someone, even months, years later is just awesome.

When Amanda and David (and Mr JD) got off the plane, there was nothing nerve racking or frightening. No worry, just giddiness that hasnt stopped. Until I stop to think that their time here is almost over. And then I get sad, and dont want to let them go. Because even though it means we will be going THERE sooner, it means that I will be leaving there sooner, and then…then well, then who knows what.

All that is I guess to say, this thanksgiving wasnt one that will stand out in years to come. We didnt have anything spectacular, and while the food was pretty good – I think we have pretty good food most of the time. But it was just like the past few months have been. Awesome without reason. With a side of crazy just to keep things down to earth and normal.

We went outside and played ball, got ready to go to the waterfall and our wood showed up. So we stacked wood.

I think this is pretty much how everyone felt about that.

Then we finally made our way to the waterfall. Where the lighting wasnt all that great and I messed around with different shutter speeds etc.

I threatened to get mad – because it just wasnt working. But then turned my attention to other things.

Like these two. Who were about as difficult to capture as their almost 2 year old! 🙂

Then we came home to make a big dinner. We had some extra special help in the kitchen department.

Ive wanted to take pictures of these beets since…well, for a long time. I thought they just looked really cool.

The finished product.

And…the Fam.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, hope you all had a wonderful day.

Life in Fast Forward

Christina

1 comment

November 21, 2013

Life has been unusually busy and crazy with a side of insane just to keep things interesting. Im not complaining, for the most part. Sure there are things I would like to do without, things I would certainly get rid of if given the chance, but for the most part – life has been wild and fun. Did I mention busy? Not sure I have ever had two months that have been so busy. I guess that’s what happens when you pretty much double the population, and toss an almost 2 year old into the mix. Again, not complaining.

The other day Amanda and I were attempting to get some writing done at one of our favorite restaurants that offers free wifi (yay for free wifi!). It really should have been a sign, when our coffee was left empty the entire time. But things only got worse. Because the wifi went out. Then on. Then off. Then on. Then off. It frustrated us to no end, and we decided to pack up and head somewhere else.

We originally were going to have mom come pick us up, drive us to the other location, and then continue on. But after second thought we decided just to walk. The only problem was it was snowing. The first real snow of the year, meaning that everyone was driving crazy, the sidewalks were slippery, and the snow was wet and cold. In all my wisdom I had only brought a sweater, not thinking we would be WALKING.

But after much consideration, and frustration from lack of wifi and not getting ANYTHING done, we decided to go for it.

After a few stops at other locations to see if they offered wifi (no – boo) we continued on. Across the street, through the snow, around a corner. It was getting close to being dark, it was cold, and it was slippery. This is important to understand for the next part of the story.

After crossing one street, I turned to cross another – but Amanda continued down the sidewalk.

“THIS WAY!” I yelled, continuing my trek across the already snow covered street, looking both ways to make sure there were no cars.

“HEEEEEEEEELP” I heard. Turning around to see…

A blue coat laying in the middle of the road. It took me a few seconds to realize what was going on. Amanda was laying face down in the middle of the road. Why? I had no idea. What was she doing in the middle of the road? Why was she laying there? I rushed to her aid and helped her to the side, which is where I lost all control…

And started laughing.

Because what else does one do?

Her scarf was covered in snow, making it appear as if she had a beard, when I turned around and saw her I had no idea what had happened, only that one minute she was running off the wrong direction and the next she was laying in the road. The middle of the road. Which is a question I would continue to puzzle over: Why was she LAYING, face first, in the middle of the road?

She claims she slipped. Her coat blinded her, and she couldn’t stop herself. I say she felt sorry for the snow covered road and wanted to hug it. But regardless, she was laying face down, in the middle of the road.

I should offer some clarification to say that I did come to her aid and make sure she was ok, called for a ride, and helped her across the slippery road to find out she was ok BEFORE I laughed.

But still…WHY was she laying face down in the middle of the road?

I guess it’s just another question we will never know the answer to. And just another reason why I will miss her when shes gone: Who is going to give me blogging material?

2am Thankfulness

Christina

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November 18, 2013

Earlier tonight I was overcome with thankfulness, as I often am this time of year – but this year, its something special. And yes, it could be the fact that its 2 am, and I am tired. But I was thinking about something…

Something known as family.

You see, my family…is something else, they really are. We seem to be an intense, all or nothing sort of group that functions on extreme, ALL. THE. TIME. And when you get a bunch of us together, its bold and interesting, exciting and most likely probably scary for some. But you know what else?

It just so happens that I am loud, intense, all or nothing, and probably somewhat scary to some myself. I fight to it right, enjoy a good debate and get passionate about one thing at a time. And not a lot of people really get that, or understand that. Or accept that.

My bold, fun, exciting side rarely shows and on my own? I am a bumbling fool. I don’t like to mess things up, but paired with another person who is just as bold and excitable as I am? And the world is full of ideas with endless possibilities and ample amount of untold fun.

Of course there are moments when all that bold passionate energy bubbles up, and gets rubbed together wrong. Then something or someone, usually explodes. Even in our arguments we are bold and full of passion and usually end with the realization that we were all for the same thing, arguing the same point – just taking a different approach which makes this life so interesting. We all see the same thing – so much differently.

People have often commented, saying they wish they had X as a family member. A lot of times I think “Yea you would” because lets face it – I am not always thankful for this wild bunch that I call my family.

But tonight, I realized something important.

These people? Are a vital part of my life. There are no other people in this world that would known me as well as they do, and still embrace me, love me, encourage me, laugh and put up with me – like my family. And as much as I get tired of them, I am sure they get tired of me – because I am just as complicated and confusing and frustrating as the rest.

So while I know its cliché, I have to just say – that I truly am thankful to God for my (wild, bold, passionate, fun, crazy) family. Atleast for today.

Mom n’ Me – Because its impossible to get a family photo!

Old School Blogging

Christina

2 comments

November 17, 2013

I dont usually participate in these kind of things, but I dont usually go weeks without posting either, so here it is. Be sure to participate and link up!

Where is your cell phone? Uhh…It was just here, but who knows. Its not really mine, more like, a shared phone.
Your hair? Is a wild mess right now. So much so I scared myself looking in the bathroom mirror at walmart this afternoon. It gets weird on Sundays.
Your mother? Is quite possibly, my biggest fan. Love you mom!
Your father? Is at home
Your favorite thing? Some carefully calculated alone time.
Your dream last night? Was a weird combination of small snippets of dreams. Nothing really worth repeating. Ask me tomorrow.
Your favorite drink? Coffee. Always the coffee. Black and hot.
Your dream/goal? So many things!
The room you are in? The office
Your fear? The first thing that comes to mind is someone coming in the house at night. No idea WHY.
Where do you want to be in six years? So many, many places!
Where were you last night? Oh boy. My sister and I were at a local restaurant writing until 830, then we went to walmart for unneeded items, and back home for a late dinner and a 2 am bedtime.
What are you not? A genius.
Muffins? Yum. Especially mini ones.
One of your wish list items?
Where you grew up? Same town, different house.
The last thing you did? Probably sad that it took me a good minute to remember. The last thing I did was walk in the office from outside where the snow is turning into slush. Yuck.
What are you wearing? An outfit I am still debating on.
Your TV? Is old.
Your pets? One dog, two cats. Two very naughty cats. And a crazy dog.
Your computer? We have a total of 7 computers. My desktop is one of the older ones – but I love it to pieces. My laptop is a wonderful HP who needs a new name – because apparently I have been sending documents whos author is “Purple People Eater” opps!
Your life? Crazy, Wild, and Busy! With a side of mostly awesome.
Your mood? Constantly on the change
Missing someone? Not today
Your car? Don’t have a car, but the family car is not special – an old explorer who has yet to be named.
Something you are not wearing? Shoes
Your favorite store? None. I hate shopping!
Your summer? Awesome.
Like someone? Yea I spose I like a few people
Your favorite color? Blue/Green/Purple/Red/Yea…
When was the last time you laughed? Today.
Last time you cried? Prob a few days ago – Don’t really remember.

I hope to be back within the week with words that actually make sense…but until then…

Smile!

Christina

1 comment

November 4, 2013

Earlier tonight I was thinking some sad thoughts about how it hasnt even been a month since Amanda got here, but in less than a month they will be leaving. Doesnt seem right somehow, that they JUST got here, and now they will be leaving. I was trying to cheer myself up by thinking soon we will be going to see THEM – but just got sad thinking about the fact that the soon we will go see them, the sooner we will be leaving to come HOME. I know, doesnt make sense.

I was also thinking about the whole “Project Thankfulness” that is going around, 30 days of thankful. I would fail majorly at it this year, and not because I dont have enough to be thankful for, but because Im busy just living and not recording.

Sunday was a sunny day. Cold, but sunny. I was getting ready to take Yoshi out for a walk, and figured what the heck – I will ask the fam to come too. So out we went.

It always takes ten times longer to get ready when taking the whole fam out. Yoshi was ready and waiting.

And we’re off!

Mom n’ Me

Nawwwww!

I thought it would be a good exercise in futility to take a “Family Photo” even though dad was missing. Needless to say it didnt work. But the attempts? Make me laugh. Prob wont be making the Christmas card tho!