What really matters in life

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I was asked to write what I would want to tell young ones I loved, if I only had two minutes to live. Since I love you all, I'll share it with you...

What really matters in life is that you take chances. Don't ever settle. Ever. You have so much to offer in this world even if you don't believe it. Find others who don't believe in themselves and make them believe that they matter. Be selfless. The more you look out for others the better you'll feel about yourself. Be humble. It's the hardest thing to do, but do it. Be the first to say you're sorry, even if it's not your fault. Make sure you spend time with family. You may not think it matters to them that you are present for a football game or choir concert, but when you aren't around any more they will appreciate the time you took to be with them. Leave a legacy that inspires others.

If you had minutes left in your life, what would you say? 

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What was I thinking?

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Pandora current song: She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5

In my summer blogs, I mentioned I was pursuing a job as a recruiter for Washington State University. I was trying to find something I could hold on to. Something solid. My life is ever consumed with uncertainty. I’ve been blessed with a life full experiences I’ve either forced on myself or have been lucky to be a part of. Yet, there’s still something missing. The satisfaction of accomplishing something, whether for a greater good or for those that need a push to start their own adventure, doesn’t ever seem to ever be completely fulfilled. Is it because I’m alone and don’t have someone to share it with? Maybe. Is it the fact that I am unsure of my future? Absolutely. Or what about the instability of the present? Sure. How about all of the above, plus trying to put a smile on my face so I can create and explore new opportunities for my students so they can get the most out of their college year? Shall I keep going?

Best Summer Ever Part Four of Four: The Month of August

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Pandora current song: Fire and Rain by Mat Kearney

Out at the beach in front of our condo.

The last hoorah. Two weeks left until I had to go back to Nebraska. The first week of August was consumed with work, helping mom in the yard, more running and reflecting on what I wanted to do with my life.

A great addition to my summer was spent with an “Amazon-bound” friend, Brett

Standing by the beach!

Buckingham. I hadn’t seen him either since high school so we dined on sushi and chatted for hours. I didn’t realize how much we had in common!

Aloha Kauai! Mom, Dad, Ashley and I all went to Kauai for a week of fun in the sun and hopefully only minimal Kauai rain. Kauai is home to the wettest location in the world, so consequently, the surrounding areas also get quite a load of rain per year. We stayed at a timeshare condo in Kapaa, east Kauai, on the beach front with a 5-mile boardwalk. Of course with our luck, Kauai was in the middle of their rainiest summer season in years. Go figure. However, we still saw the pristine beaches, bountiful vegetation, ate great food, and visited Kauai’s hidden gems.

The Best Summer Ever Part Three: The Month of July

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Pandora current song: Would You Go With Me by Death Cab For Cutties

The month of July was probably the biggest adventure by far. I loved seeing my friends, but July brought new accomplishments and lots of family time. To start the month off, I again ran a lot as my half marathon was nearing ever so quickly.

The view from my Papa's house.

The Best Summer Ever Part Two: The Month of June

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Pandora current song: Prayin’ For Daylight by Rascal Flatts

Me & Lace at a Diamond Backs game
this summer.

June still seemed like the beginning of my summer, but it was the last month I spent in the beautiful state of Washington. So what did I do? Read on! Duh.

One of my favorite memories with Lacey was sleeping out on the trampoline at night. Once I got home from Phoenix, my dog and I listened to the frogs and looked out at the stars for a wonderful night outside on our trampoline. Since we live on 10 acres away from town, sleeping outside at our house seems like you’re sleeping in the middle of nowhere. Granted, I didn’t have my best friend with me, but the experience brought back a lot of memories. I did end up with a visitor that walked around the woods around me, but I fell asleep before I could figure out what it was. Maybe a deer, maybe a coyote, maybe a raccoon. Who knows.

The Best Summer Ever Part One: The Month of May

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Pandora current song: Realize by Colbie Caillat

What a summer. After spending 10 months in Nebraska without my closest friends, family, and sense of adventure, I was ready for a change in pace. Every summer since high school, I worked in Central Washington away from my family. Since college, I’ve lived in Central Washington, Dallas, and now Nebraska with little time at home. This may sound strange, but when I’m home, I love fishing with my dad, mowing the lawn, working in the yard with my mom, and any other project around the house they’re working on. I enjoy tackling projects with them so they don’t have to do it alone, but also the gratification of accomplishing a task, especially with people I love, is beyond comparison.

May 6. NCTA graduation and ground breaking for the new buildings. The day took forever to finish. I gave my boss’, George Garlick, speech as he was unable to make it to Nebraska. Remind me never again to wear a flowing skirt in windy Nebraska while I try to focus on inspiring others to never forget where they came from NOR four inch stilettos when I have to shovel dirt for a ground breaking ceremony. At least I was able to bring humor by saying I was doing my part by aerating the lawn.