Right now I smell like sunscreen, grass, and sun-baked hair. I love it. It smells like summer and the outdoors. I got to spend some time outside today, just sweeping the walkways, but being out in the sun was great. We have our first "official" guest tonight--some folks who are having a wedding here. They have planted some new trees and, according to Dace, will be removing all the ugly yellow construction machines. However, I can still see some from my window. I can't wait until they're gone and this place goes back to peaceful, natural beauty.
Things have been going pretty well. It's nice to already be in the loop. Up to now it's been a busy whirlwind of preparation for opening. It feels a little strange having so much bigger and younger of a crowd than the winter. There are almost twice as many girls as guys, and most of the girls are still in college. I definitely had an "age check" moment when Rob was telling us a story about something that happened to him in 1987. To joke around with him, I said, "I was four years old in 1987," and Brooke, one of the other servers, pipes up with, "I wasn't even born in 1987!" I guess I deserved it for making fun of Rob. I still can't believe I'm going to be 25 in August. We're hosting a wedding at the ranch this weekend, and Steve walked in and said, "This could be your wedding someday!" Thank you for highlighting my singleness, Steve. It's been a bit of a struggle because there's sooo many younger, skinny, pretty girls here. Comparing myself to other girls has always been something that's hard for me. I just wish people wouldn't make comments that stir the dormant longings in me. So far, I have not gotten to know people on a deep level, but there does not seem to be anyone that I'm interested in.
Somehow I have veered topics. The rehearsal dinner tonight was good. The bride and groom are a lovely, friendly couple. Right now I am hanging out in with my housemates in Hallie and Anita's room. Overall, life is good.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Melodic Monday
Teresa and Anita treated me to a private concert of this song. :)
Oklahoma Hills by Hank Thompson
Many months have come and gone
since I wandered from my home
In those Oklahoma Hills where I was born
Many a page of life has turned
many a lesson I have learned
Yet I feel like in those hills I still belong
Way down yonder in the Indian nation
I rode my pony on the reservation
In the Oklahoma Hills where I was born
A-way down yonder in the Indian nation
a cowboy's life is my occupation
In the Oklahoma Hills where I born
But as I sit here today
many miles I am away
From the place I rode my pony through the draw
Where the Oak and Blackjack trees
kiss the playful prairie breeze
In those Oklahoma Hills where I was born.
Way down yonder in the Indian nation
I rode my pony on the reservation
In the Oklahoma Hills where I was born
A-way down yonder in the Indian nation
a cowboy's life is my occupation
In the Oklahoma Hills where I born
As I turn life a page
to the land of the great Osage
To those Oklahoma Hills where I was born
Where the black oil rolls and flows
and the snow-white cotton grows
In those Oklahoma Hills where I was born.
Way down yonder in the Indian nation
I rode my pony on the reservation
In the Oklahoma Hills where I was born
A-way down yonder in the Indian nation
a cowboy's life is my occupation
In the Oklahoma Hills where I born
Oklahoma Hills by Hank Thompson
Many months have come and gone
since I wandered from my home
In those Oklahoma Hills where I was born
Many a page of life has turned
many a lesson I have learned
Yet I feel like in those hills I still belong
Way down yonder in the Indian nation
I rode my pony on the reservation
In the Oklahoma Hills where I was born
A-way down yonder in the Indian nation
a cowboy's life is my occupation
In the Oklahoma Hills where I born
But as I sit here today
many miles I am away
From the place I rode my pony through the draw
Where the Oak and Blackjack trees
kiss the playful prairie breeze
In those Oklahoma Hills where I was born.
Way down yonder in the Indian nation
I rode my pony on the reservation
In the Oklahoma Hills where I was born
A-way down yonder in the Indian nation
a cowboy's life is my occupation
In the Oklahoma Hills where I born
As I turn life a page
to the land of the great Osage
To those Oklahoma Hills where I was born
Where the black oil rolls and flows
and the snow-white cotton grows
In those Oklahoma Hills where I was born.
Way down yonder in the Indian nation
I rode my pony on the reservation
In the Oklahoma Hills where I was born
A-way down yonder in the Indian nation
a cowboy's life is my occupation
In the Oklahoma Hills where I born
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Cowgirl Up!
Today the wranglers did the first "running in" of the horses, which is when they run them down the road from the pasture to the corral. Bekah let us stop work for a minute to go out on the porch and watch. They did it during the busy holiday time last winter, and it was always so beautiful and stirring, like watching the scene at the end of Hidalgo when they set all the wild horses free.
The horses started coming by, wranglers stationed along the road to urge them on. We watched as they galloped into the corral. Suddenly a pack of about ten of them broke loose and started looping back around the other way to the road. Bekah yelled, "Come on!" and started running. We blindly followed her. We ran to a fork in the road, where she said, "Some of you stay here, and someone come with me down here to keep them from running over the cattle guard." I followed her, still acting on instinct. "What do we do?" I asked Bekah, and she said, "Yell at them and wave your arms. They won't run over you."
I'm still slightly nervous around horses just because they're so big and could hurt me without meaning to. But they thundered around the corner, and Bekah shouted and waved her arms, and there was nothing to do but yell "Hey! Hey! Go the other way!" at the top of my lungs and wave my arms like a mad woman. And somehow it worked. Thankfully the horses don't care what you yell. Even though the wranglers were giving cowboy cries of "Hi-yup!" apparently "Hey, go the other way" works just as well.
It was actually a lot of fun. I felt like I was in a cowboy movie. As we walked back inside, we shared high fives with the housekeepers, who had blocked off another branch of the road with their truck. Servers and housekeepers save the day!
We've been reweaving the backs of the dining room chairs. The chairs were actually made in a prison in Indiana, which is amusing to me. We have to patch the parts that are broken or falling out. I thought it would be like a fun craft, but it's actually super frustrating. Once you start pulling out a piece, you pretty much have to reweave the whole chair. If you try to use little short pieces, they pull out when they dry. I was ready to throw mine out the window by the end of today. But we are splitting it up with fun activities, like making espressos and a treasure hunt to learn where things are kept. It's sooo helpful to have worked here before. I feel much less incompetent. Tonight is our practice barn dance, so that should be fun, too.
The horses started coming by, wranglers stationed along the road to urge them on. We watched as they galloped into the corral. Suddenly a pack of about ten of them broke loose and started looping back around the other way to the road. Bekah yelled, "Come on!" and started running. We blindly followed her. We ran to a fork in the road, where she said, "Some of you stay here, and someone come with me down here to keep them from running over the cattle guard." I followed her, still acting on instinct. "What do we do?" I asked Bekah, and she said, "Yell at them and wave your arms. They won't run over you."
I'm still slightly nervous around horses just because they're so big and could hurt me without meaning to. But they thundered around the corner, and Bekah shouted and waved her arms, and there was nothing to do but yell "Hey! Hey! Go the other way!" at the top of my lungs and wave my arms like a mad woman. And somehow it worked. Thankfully the horses don't care what you yell. Even though the wranglers were giving cowboy cries of "Hi-yup!" apparently "Hey, go the other way" works just as well.
It was actually a lot of fun. I felt like I was in a cowboy movie. As we walked back inside, we shared high fives with the housekeepers, who had blocked off another branch of the road with their truck. Servers and housekeepers save the day!
We've been reweaving the backs of the dining room chairs. The chairs were actually made in a prison in Indiana, which is amusing to me. We have to patch the parts that are broken or falling out. I thought it would be like a fun craft, but it's actually super frustrating. Once you start pulling out a piece, you pretty much have to reweave the whole chair. If you try to use little short pieces, they pull out when they dry. I was ready to throw mine out the window by the end of today. But we are splitting it up with fun activities, like making espressos and a treasure hunt to learn where things are kept. It's sooo helpful to have worked here before. I feel much less incompetent. Tonight is our practice barn dance, so that should be fun, too.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
WOW!
I am back in Colorado, back at good old Vista Verde. Soon after we arrived, Dace pulled me aside and told me I'd be living in the Parlor, the new staff quarters that had been built during the off season. Sweet, I thought. Well, we got there, and I just about flipped out! The polite term of "rustic" that I used for the bunkhouse does not apply in any way! Best part--I am rooming with Teresa! We have our own bedroom with a bunkbed, our own bathroom, and we each have our very own closet! I don't know what to do with this much space! There are two more bedrooms, one with two girls and one with three, who share a suite-style bathroom. We definitely lucked out. Everything is new and beautiful. There's a kitchen! I can cook and bake! Downstairs in the basement is the common room with the TV, but it's all the way in the basement! There's yards of space and two doors we can close between us if we're trying to sleep. They also moved the fitness equipment to the basement. We have our very own home gym! I went to the bunkhouse to get some stuff that I stored there during the break, and I pitied those poor souls.
It's been fun to see everyone from last season. I still feel like I haven't met many new people, but that will come. Right now I'm going to shower and hit the sack and try to get used to this time change.
MY HOME IS AWESOME!
It's been fun to see everyone from last season. I still feel like I haven't met many new people, but that will come. Right now I'm going to shower and hit the sack and try to get used to this time change.
MY HOME IS AWESOME!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
I've begun the whirlwind of madly packing up my life, which of course I put off to the last minute. I think part of me was in denial this time. It's definitely time for a change, though. I can't keep living with the rents and working for my cousin. Of course, if I had been planning on staying longer, I would have been on the look-out for a new situation. I think this lasted just the right amount of time. I don't know what I'll do when I come back, though...ok, one step at a time.
Thursday was the first time it really hit me that my time in Lafayette is almost over. There was always "one more thing" to look forward to, but the "We'll miss you" cookie at girls' night clued me in (thanks for the cookie, by the way, Kim and Sheena and whoever else engineered that! It was a fun surprise and very yummy!). I tend to live in denial for a while before I face some things, so I spent the rest of that evening pretending it wasn't really the last time I would see people. But then I had to hug everyone and tell them goodbye...it's really hard to pretend you're not leaving at that point. I cried on the way home, not surprising to those who know my tendency to be a "leaky faucet," I'm sure. Anyone up for a church transplant? The Rockies are beautiful this time of year!
I've been thinking about this song a lot. I'm not really a fan of Superchick (other than the classic "Princes and Frogs"), but I love the lyrics to this song.
"Pure"
This is my brand new day starting now
I let go the things that weigh me down
And rob me of the beauty that's to be found
And life all around
And this is my prayer without ceasing, the negative releasing
And as i rise above, my burden is easing
I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, drink so deep
The river of life, my soul at ease
I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, rising above
The storms of life to live and love
This is my brand new day in the light
Troubles rising up on the left and the right
I keep my eyes fixed on where i want to go, the rest will follow
And this is my prayer without ceasing, the negative releasing
And as i rise above my burden is easing
I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, drink so deep
The river of life, my soul at ease
I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, rising above
The storms of life to live and love
This is my brand new day starting now
Letting go of the ways that i fall down
The old can be made new, the lost can be found, the lost will be found
And this is my prayer without ceasing, the negative releasing
And as i rise above my burden is easing
I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, drink so deep
The river of life, my soul at ease
I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, rising above
The storms of life to live and love
My soul is at ease and i am free
My soul is at ease and i am free
This is my day, my soul is at ease and i am free
(and i am free, and i am free)
I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, drink so deep
The river of life, my soul at ease
I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, rising above
The storms of life to live and love
Thursday was the first time it really hit me that my time in Lafayette is almost over. There was always "one more thing" to look forward to, but the "We'll miss you" cookie at girls' night clued me in (thanks for the cookie, by the way, Kim and Sheena and whoever else engineered that! It was a fun surprise and very yummy!). I tend to live in denial for a while before I face some things, so I spent the rest of that evening pretending it wasn't really the last time I would see people. But then I had to hug everyone and tell them goodbye...it's really hard to pretend you're not leaving at that point. I cried on the way home, not surprising to those who know my tendency to be a "leaky faucet," I'm sure. Anyone up for a church transplant? The Rockies are beautiful this time of year!
I've been thinking about this song a lot. I'm not really a fan of Superchick (other than the classic "Princes and Frogs"), but I love the lyrics to this song.
"Pure"
This is my brand new day starting now
I let go the things that weigh me down
And rob me of the beauty that's to be found
And life all around
And this is my prayer without ceasing, the negative releasing
And as i rise above, my burden is easing
I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, drink so deep
The river of life, my soul at ease
I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, rising above
The storms of life to live and love
This is my brand new day in the light
Troubles rising up on the left and the right
I keep my eyes fixed on where i want to go, the rest will follow
And this is my prayer without ceasing, the negative releasing
And as i rise above my burden is easing
I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, drink so deep
The river of life, my soul at ease
I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, rising above
The storms of life to live and love
This is my brand new day starting now
Letting go of the ways that i fall down
The old can be made new, the lost can be found, the lost will be found
And this is my prayer without ceasing, the negative releasing
And as i rise above my burden is easing
I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, drink so deep
The river of life, my soul at ease
I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, rising above
The storms of life to live and love
My soul is at ease and i am free
My soul is at ease and i am free
This is my day, my soul is at ease and i am free
(and i am free, and i am free)
I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, drink so deep
The river of life, my soul at ease
I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, rising above
The storms of life to live and love
Thursday, May 15, 2008
What breed of dog are you?
Got this from Ann:
Wow, You're a Labrador Retriever!
Labrador Retriever
The Caretaker
Your family is what makes you tick, and you never "flea" from an opportunity to hang out with the whole gang. A family picnic complete with hot dogs, deviled eggs and a refreshing swim in the lake is hard for you to stray from. Your sparky temperament and dogged intelligence mean you are not only a blast to hang out with, but great to work with as well. Your close pals appreciate your patience and forgiveness, knowing you'd rather let sleeping dogs lie than dwell on the mishaps of the past. Your dashing good looks may one day lead to a modelling career, if only you can tame the unfortunate clumsiness that sometimes causes you to go flailing from the catwalk. Learn more »
FAMOUS LABRADOR RETRIEVERS: Bill Cosby, Jackie Onassis, Dr. Phil, David Beckham
LIKELY PROFESSIONS: Doctor, Sales Executive, Teacher
Wow, You're a Labrador Retriever!
Labrador Retriever
The Caretaker
Your family is what makes you tick, and you never "flea" from an opportunity to hang out with the whole gang. A family picnic complete with hot dogs, deviled eggs and a refreshing swim in the lake is hard for you to stray from. Your sparky temperament and dogged intelligence mean you are not only a blast to hang out with, but great to work with as well. Your close pals appreciate your patience and forgiveness, knowing you'd rather let sleeping dogs lie than dwell on the mishaps of the past. Your dashing good looks may one day lead to a modelling career, if only you can tame the unfortunate clumsiness that sometimes causes you to go flailing from the catwalk. Learn more »
FAMOUS LABRADOR RETRIEVERS: Bill Cosby, Jackie Onassis, Dr. Phil, David Beckham
LIKELY PROFESSIONS: Doctor, Sales Executive, Teacher
Monday, May 12, 2008
Tired
Well, my car did start. I don't know what was going on with it. Before I got in the second time, I stopped for a second and said, "Jesus, please start this car!" And He did. So thanks, Jesus!
Wow, what a looong week/weekend! I had no idea about these big "floral holidays." Last night I fell asleep on my bed while I was watching TV, probably around 6:30. I woke up at 1 am and realized that I was still in my jeans and hadn't brushed my teeth. I pretty much hadn't moved. So I quickly changed and attended to my oral hygiene and went back to sleep until 6 am. And I'm still tired enough to feel ready for an early bedtime tonight. This is one of the things that lets me appreciate singleness. If I had three kids to look after, no way could I have fallen asleep that early and stayed asleep so long. I'm sure I'll miss it when kids come into the picture. Not that it won't be worth it. I am just going to enjoy my hours of uninterrupted sleep while I can.
I am starting to gear up for my departure this Sunday. Packing, sorting, last-minute errands and work. I definitely have mixed feelings about leaving this time. It was really hard being away from fellowship and being with people who were mostly younger than me and did not necessarily spur me on to love and good deeds. I definitely learned and grew a lot from being in that situation, but the time at home has been so refreshing and healing and growing in a different, less abrasive way. Right now I'm thinking that I'd like to move back to Lafayette after the season. I'll need to find somewhere to work and hopefully somewhere else to live...but I want to be here. I'm tired of all the back-and-forth and I'm ready to put down some roots. I'm ready to have a "real" job and pay rent and use all the stuff that I keep saving for "some day when I have my own place." I don't want to be away over the holidays again if I can help it. So, if anyone knows of any good places to live/work starting in September...ok, I know, still a long ways off.
Wow, what a looong week/weekend! I had no idea about these big "floral holidays." Last night I fell asleep on my bed while I was watching TV, probably around 6:30. I woke up at 1 am and realized that I was still in my jeans and hadn't brushed my teeth. I pretty much hadn't moved. So I quickly changed and attended to my oral hygiene and went back to sleep until 6 am. And I'm still tired enough to feel ready for an early bedtime tonight. This is one of the things that lets me appreciate singleness. If I had three kids to look after, no way could I have fallen asleep that early and stayed asleep so long. I'm sure I'll miss it when kids come into the picture. Not that it won't be worth it. I am just going to enjoy my hours of uninterrupted sleep while I can.
I am starting to gear up for my departure this Sunday. Packing, sorting, last-minute errands and work. I definitely have mixed feelings about leaving this time. It was really hard being away from fellowship and being with people who were mostly younger than me and did not necessarily spur me on to love and good deeds. I definitely learned and grew a lot from being in that situation, but the time at home has been so refreshing and healing and growing in a different, less abrasive way. Right now I'm thinking that I'd like to move back to Lafayette after the season. I'll need to find somewhere to work and hopefully somewhere else to live...but I want to be here. I'm tired of all the back-and-forth and I'm ready to put down some roots. I'm ready to have a "real" job and pay rent and use all the stuff that I keep saving for "some day when I have my own place." I don't want to be away over the holidays again if I can help it. So, if anyone knows of any good places to live/work starting in September...ok, I know, still a long ways off.
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