Our latest project...

Our garden...now granted in this picture it looks like we're growing a bunch of weeds huh?  I can promise you there are plenty of yummy vegetables that will be sprouting soon.  It's been a continual work in progress, and the entire family has worked hard.  Megan got her first lesson in gardening 101 by her Papaw.  Who knew she would go on to plant about 80% of all the seeds?  Of course when it came to weeding, she was nowhere to be found :)  It's definitely been alot of hard work, but it shall pay off in the end.  Now if anyone out there can teach this city girl how to do some canning, it would be much appreciated!!!!

What this country life has taught me :)

So it's been close to a year since we relocated to our new home in Tennessee.  During that time I have learned many things about surviving this new country life of mine.  Such as....cows really can run fast, chickens multiply rapidly (52 chicks at last count), everyone is super friendly, people love to visit, and my favorite is that people love to share stories of days gone by.

Now in all my years of living I've never lived anywhere that people were so friendly, even if they don't know you.  Here I can drive down the road, or be sitting on the porch at my father-in-laws, and every single person that goes by, waves.  This kind of friendliness is contagious, so if you see me you best be waving!

I visit with my father-in-law just about everyday, even if it's just a brief few minutes to talk.  Sometimes we just talk about the weather, the farm, school, anything really.  I just know that he enjoys the visits, and he's been wonderful to us.  The bus drops Megan off at his house each afternoon.  And you can bet he's got candy or other goodies stocked up in the house for her.  It makes me happy to see how they've bonded over this last year, and for her to have some stability in her life.  Because for the first 12 years of her life, she would live somewhere for a few years, then move.  I know it was tough for the girls to switch schools, and make new friends.  But I know they also got experiences that many children don't get in life.  So it's been nice for all of us to settle down in one spot.

Some weekends we head to Sunday lunch with his Aunt's family.  A house full of Rick's cousins sharing a meal and great conversation.  The meal includes all kinds of wonderful home cooking, and the stories are priceless.  It's nice to know that family is still so very important, and they've welcomed us with open arms. 

The stories that I've heard about Rick's childhood make me smile.  One thing that is very obvious is the love.  He tells me stories of being with his Mamaw each day while his Dad worked, spending weekends with his Aunt Carolyn, and playing with his cousins.  The weeks during the summer that he and his dad would spend on the houseboat.  Being able to run and play in the woods or the creek, but knowing that he had to stay close enough to the house to hear his Mamaw call for him.  Him and his cousin Bev asking Mamaw to cook them a opossum, only to learn it wasn't very good.  The stories are endless, but you can tell what a wonderful childhood he had, and how much he loved each of them. 

I'm sad to have not been able to have met the woman who had such a profound influence on the man he's become today.  But I have heard many stories, and I feel the love whenever anyone speaks of her. 

We also have some wonderful friends as well, it's always nice to spend time with them.  No matter whether it's doing something outdoors, sharing a great meal, or an intense game of Rook!  It's always a guaranteed great time, with lots of laughs.

So I think it's safe to say I'm adjusting well, there are still a few minor hiccups.  The gravel road to the cabin drives me insane!!!!!  Every time I drive, it's like a game trying to dodge the potholes and divots caused by the rain.  And when you tell folks that you will need 4 wheel drive to get out, they kinda give you that worried look.  That first drive down is a doozy :)  And need I mention those slithery, slimy reptiles that are now out and about.  Despise them....so if you're able to get down here don't mind the smell of moth balls that surround the house.  I'm told it's an excellent snake repellent!

Until next time friends & family!

The end of the first semester....

So as the end of my first semester at UT comes to an end, I thought I would share some lessons learned.
Some positive, and some that will make you just shake your head in amazement.  It's been a wonderful experience to say the least, and I'm grateful for this chance to go back to school.

Let's start with the comical aspects of college life, at least funny to me.  The fashion statements of the semester....the knee high rubber boots.  I must say they're really cute, but seriously with short-shorts?  Not a good look if you ask me...sometimes I wonder if these kids have friends.  A good friend would always tell you when you look ridiculous right?  Heck, I have a 13 year old daughter who won't let me leave the house without giving me clothing advice, she's my little fashionista!  See the boots below!!!!  Cute, they come in all different colors and designs.

More comedy, but some frustration as well were the numerous emails received begging for notes.  Now I must admit some of the reasons were funny, some people made up excuses, but my favorite was the brutal honesty..."I partied late last night, and totally overslept".  But it does get old after a few weeks, especially when you start seeing the same names over and over...go to class people!

I have also learned that students today aren't much different from when I was in school long ago.  They're still loud, don't care if they talk and disrupt class, and kicking the feet up on the chairs in front of them.  At times
I've had to bite my tongue, and not let the former me come out.  Never would I have tolerated such blatant disrespect in the military, but I have to remind myself...that was the former you! 

Sometimes classes aren't at all what you expect!  Or shall I say sometimes the professor's surprise you with guest speakers.  One last week left me livid, never in my life have I been so infuriated at school.  If you have
someone come in to speak to your class, should it not be somewhat relevant to the class subject?  This man was arrogant, offensive, and had no business talking to students the way he did.  Then later that afternoon our professor sends out an email, stating that he really didn't cover what she had hoped, but wasn't it really engaging???  So I used that opportunity to tell her exactly what I thought about her guest speaker. 

Never sell yourself short...I was terrified about taking Calculus!  But with hard work, some tutoring, and help from my recitation leader I've made it through!  My last test I scored a 93%, never would I have thought it possible to score that well in math.

And one lesson learned today, don't wait until the last minute to finish papers!  Some things never change I guess, it was the same in high school for me.  I have no problem writing, as long as it's something that interests me.  But this paper has been painful, but it's finally done!

I've been lucky this semester to have enjoyed my classes, and the professors.  I've met some great people, had the opportunity to blog for the university, and just enjoy this new phase in my life.  I'm looking forward to my 3 week break, then the start of summer semester!

My Easter "Peeps"

Yesterday Megan and I went out to the barn to feed the chickens.  As I had mentioned in one of my earlier blogs, the hens had layed eggs and nested.  Well we feed our chickens and then nosily checked in on one of our hens to see if she was on the nest.  She was of course on the nest, watching us and giving us the evil eye!  Out of the corner of her eye Megan saw another hen with a bunch of baby chicks.  So we proceeded to investigate, but momma hen was quick on her toes and very protective.  So they headed outside, and we followed.  I quickly got on the phone with Rick to tell him the good news.  He warned us that if we got too close the momma hen would kick our butts.  Isn't it funny how that maternal instinct kicks in...don't mess with the babies!  I took a quick count, it was a little more difficult than you would expect.  Every time I tried to count they would move around, throwing me off once again!  Not to mention I had to take off my shoes to help count, kidding....LOL.  My final count was 16.

So today we headed to the feed store to get some scratch, something the little chicks could eat.  Rick & I headed out to the barn to feed them and take some pictures.  Momma hen was sitting on the ground, all fluffed out and when she stood all those little chicks came crawling out.  It was a funny sight to see...we feed them and peaked inside on our other hen.  She is nesting in an old medal wash bucket nailed to the wall of the barn.  So I carefully climb up and take a peek...and low and behold she has some baby chicks as well.
I couldn't get a count, since she's still nesting.  But I thought "Wow, I got a bunch of baby chicks a few days before Easter."  Is that not the coolest thing ever?

Learning to let go...

As you've probably noticed my blogs as of late have been very emotional.  I promise this will be the last for awhile, and we'll get back to the country living!  But I find my blog to be very therapeutic for me, a place where I can write things that just won't come out of my mouth the same as they are in my head.  I read a tip from Biggest Loser Jillian Michaels last week, I'm a huge fan of hers.  She said that we have to learn to let things go...but continuing to let things fester, hold grudges, be angry, it just drains us emotionally.  Let go of the negativity in your life, and you will become unstoppable!  That exact same thought was reinforced last week as well when I received a much needed phone call.  I was given the same message, why do you continue banging your head into a wall?  At some point you have to realize that some people will never change to become who you want them to be.  I can't express how much that call meant to me, I love you!

So I wonder does letting go mean removing people from your life?  Does it mean forgiving those who have hurt you and starting fresh?  Forgiveness is a wonderful thing, at times it can be hard, and too often it's not given.  What if it's a relationship that has caused continued hurt over the years?  It is possible that people don't know all the hurt they cause?  What if you forgive and start anew only to be hurt again?  When does it come to a point where you can no longer be a part of my life? 

I can no longer be the one who tries to fix every one's problems.  I will certainly continue to give advice if asked, but please be prepared for my honest opinion.  We control our own destiny, we can't fault others for our failures.  The good things in life must be worked towards and earned, so the best offer I can give is to learn to help yourself. 

Relationships are a two way street!  No big secret there huh?  But if you don't have a relationship with someone, perhaps it's because you aren't making the effort.  And by making the effort I mean pick-up the phone, invite them over for dinner, go visit them in their home, heck take a vacation with them.  Because if you don't make the effort they will continue to slip away from you.  There are some relationships that I'm envious of, simply because it's one I've never experienced in my life.  Perhaps not having these relationships has made me better, and made the relationships I do have stronger.   

I feel like I'm in a really good place in life now.  I'm finishing up my first semester at UT, I have a wonderful husband, two beautiful daughters, and some lifelong friends.  I've made my way back to church, and it's had a postive impact on my entire family's life.  So I'm no longer going to let the negativity get me down, so if you want to be in my life see above!

Memories of Dad

So over the past week, I've had numerous moments when I wished I could just pick-up the phone and call Dad.  Whenever life got hectic, I could always depend on Dad for advice.  Now granted it might not have always been what I wanted to hear, but he always took the time to really listen.  There are so many good stories I wish to share with him, going back to school for my nursing degree, his granddaughters doing wonderfully in school.  The oldest finishing her first year of college, working toward her dream of becoming a marine biologist, the youngest getting straight A's in school and invited to join the Beta Club.  They've grown into beautiful young ladies, and make this mom so proud.  He would be proud of all his children & grandchildren!

Or there are the stories that make you sad, but dad could always make the hurt go away by simply saying "I love you and will always be here for you."  But I recall my dad telling me many times, sometimes you have to let people figure things out for themselves, you can't fix everything for everybody.  You can't change a person, or the way they act or don't act in some instances.  But strangely since losing my Dad I seem to find myself doing just that...trying to step in and fill a void.  Trying to take care of everyone, and be there no matter what, I think it's just my personality to give a damn so to speak. 

He was such a wonderful man who taught me so many things.  He taught me responsibility at a young age, and boy did I hate doing chores.  But we had a huge calender, and each of us had chores for the week.  And we didn't get an allowance, our payment was food, clothing & housing.  He taught me how to manage my money, helped me set-up my first savings account and buy my first car.  I was taught that hard work pays off in the end, that nothing is handed to you.  He was the driving force in me joining the Air Force, and making it a career.  He taught me kindness, humility, and how to be an all around good person.  I couldn't have asked for a better role model.  Most of all I couldn't have asked for a better father.

I love you and miss you each and every day Dad!  I know you're smiling down on the family and enjoying your time with Alan Michael.  Until we are together again, your loving daughter.

Mushroom Hunting...another first!

Today was a good day!  I had my first opportunity to go mushroom hunting with my hubby and father-in-law.  I've heard of people doing this, but never considered it an option for me.  You see I'm not a big woods type of person, and I'm terrified of slithery, slimy animals.  But they assured me that it was still on the cold side for those horrible creatures, so I figured why not?!  His Dad took us out far into the woods and set us free.  Since this was my first trip his dad took me under his wing, and showed me the ropes.  He was finding mushrooms within the first 5 minutes and WOW are they hard to spot.  The next step, he found them and told me the general area to look, to see if I could find them myself.  It was like playing a version of "Where's Waldo", but soon I was getting good at the game.  I learned all the good spots to hunt and had some quality time with the hubby and father-in-law, what a wonderful afternoon.  Our final count for the day was 85 mushrooms, and before you ask "NO, I don't eat them!" 

Then we headed over to the barn to feed my chickens.  About a month ago we got 2 more roosters, in hopes of having some baby chicks.  Well my hens have been laying eggs like crazy, and today I saw this....she's actually sitting on her nest!  I might get some baby chicks after all :)

What does family mean to you?

So over the past week I've been thinking alot about my family and the good times we've shared over the years.  I remember as a young girl how all of my family (aunt, uncles, cousins) would gather at my Grandmom's house and camp for a weekend.  Or the weekends spent at Mom's when we would head to an Aunt's house for a family get together.  I always loved getting to see them all, and was grateful to have cousins my age.  We had wild imaginations, played endless games, or simply played keep away from the younger cousins (who we thought were pains). :)  Of course as we grow up, go off to school, move away from home, things change and we lose touch.  But never do we lose that special bond, or all the memories we share.  As with all families there are of course the bumps encountered along the way, differences of opinions, grudges, hurtful words/actions, and the worst is the alienation of a family member.  The following are some of my opinions on how family should treat each other:

Realize that nobody is perfect, and we all make mistakes.  Most importantly though is what we learn from those mistakes and how we use that information to make ourselves better.  So realizing that people do change, don't continue to judge someone on past actions.  Sometimes it's just best to leave the past behind us and move forward. 

Don't hide during the tough times, there is always someone whose been in your situation.  Whether it be issues with children, marital problems, job issues, no matter what there is always someone there willing to give you advice and give a helping hand.  And when you know a family member is having a rough time don't kick them when they're down, or do something to make it worse.

In my life I have observed members of my family let differences keep them apart, you never know when that person may be gone.  Then you may live the rest of your life thinking "I wish I had spent more time, called more often, or said I love you".  Is that a guilt you want to live with for the rest of your life?

Be loyal to your family, love them in good times or bad.  Most importantly FORGIVE, god forgives and so should you.

Colossians 3:13 - Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

Significance of Change

So I've decided to ramble on today about taking risks and dare I say it....making a change?  As you all know these past 8 months have all been about change for me.  A change in where I live, career, church, and overall going a little out of my comfort zone at times.  Some changes are major, some are minor, but all making me a better person each day.  So why are we society as a whole, sometimes so afraid of change?  Even if we know in the long run, the change will be positive?  Are we afraid of what our family & friends may think?  But truly if they love us, they should accept us no matter what correct?  So here is my challenge to you... think of one thing no matter if it's big or small that you would like to change, and give it a shot.

Here are the changes that my family and I have made over the last year.  The biggest change for us is moving to East Tennessee.  For those who may know this is my husband's home, he was born and raised here.  For me it's been a definite change, never have I lived somewhere so far removed...let's just say I'm way out in the country.  It's taken awhile for me to be comfortable enough to stay at home in the evenings, alone.  Never have I lived somewhere where it's deftly silent at night, and yes I know the katydids will be back soon and they drive me crazy!  And did you ever think you would hear me talking, excitedly about life on the farm?  I love helping to feed the cows, chickens, whatever his dad may need help doing.  Last week Rick and I climbed up on the hay rolls to see if the chickens we nesting up there, and on the way down let's just say I ended up sliding down the hay on my bottom.  But I laughed all the way down!  Now that's not to say I don't still walk gingerly thru the fields, careful to avoid all the cow patties. 

The second change for me is the career, I'm now a full time student!  It's been a real eye opening experience to be on campus, and in classes with 200 other students.  I've also made another change in life, and that's a new church.  We've started attending Rick's family church here, and it too has been a blessing.  For many years I had strayed away from church, but a few months ago really started feeling like something was missing in my life.  The past few weeks at church have been just what I needed, and everyone has been so welcoming, and our pastor is wonderful.  Megan has thrived in church as well, sometimes singing in the choir, and now becoming involved with the Easter program. 

Another change is the thought of a family run, we're looking at doing a 5K as a family at the end of April.  Megan is super excited, and we're getting ready to start a training program. 

The changes have been gradual, but I'm hopeful that all are for the best!  That's not to say I don't still have a few flaws. :)  Or a few things in the back of my head that still bother me....but alas, I'm taking them one at a time.

Weekly Potpourri

  My thoughts this week have been all over the spectrum....one minute I'm thinking about school, the next family, spring break ( I do need a break), summer plans, upcoming Bristol race, you name it I've probably thought about it this week. 
  School is going well, almost to the half-way point of the semester.  I still struggle with parts of calculus, but the school offers plenty of assistance.  They have a math tutorial center, which I've visited already. :)  I sat down with my advisor and planned out my courses for the next 3 semesters.  If all goes as planned, and the overload of science classes don't kill me, I should be applying for the Nursing program in Jan 2012.  I am thankful to be able to attend school full-time, and not have to work right now. 
  The family is good we continue to adapt to our new life (of course Rick is Tennessee born and raised), so I should be saying Megan and I continue to adapt.  Both girls are doing great in school, it's funny to say I'm in college, and have a daughter who is a freshman in college as well.  I think she went all the way to New Jersey, so she wouldn't be embarrassed to go to school with Mom. :)  But alas, she is majoring in marine biology, so she has just as many science classes.  Have I mentioned that Megan has started playing the flute, and is coming along wonderfully.  I don't know how she came about picking the flute.....LOL.  I did play the flute for 3 years, and I'm smiling on the inside every time she practices.
  As for spring break, Megan and I have different weeks off, so no go for a vacation.  My summer plans you ask????  More school.....We will be spending one weekend in VA, spending time with family at my Dad's favorite camping spot, sharing memories of him and remembering his love.
  Farm life is still an everyday learning experience for me.  Rick and his dad did plow a large area for my garden, this year I get to try my hand at growing some veggies!  My chickens are still alive, though we're unable to keep a rooster for some reason.  We've come to the conclusion that since men aren't as smart as women, the hens send out the rooster when they sense trouble.  Alas, we've gone thru 3 roosters, but still have the original six hens.  There are about 5 or 6 new calves, that were born within the last 3 months.  I have yet to be lucky enough to see one being born, but I did catch the after birth experience.  Why in the world would anything eat the after birth????  But momma cows do, and Rick tells me it's a protective measure so that they coyotes won't smell it and come around and cause harm to the baby calf.
  And how about that Daytona 500 race, a local boy from Knoxville in his first cup race wins big!  I still held out hope that my driver (Dale Jr) would pull it out, but a wreck at the end brought that dream crashing down.  But I'm looking forward to seeing him at the Bristol Race coming up on the 18th of March.  This will be my first visit to Thunder Valley (BMS) and I can't wait. 

 

A little bit of destiny...

Am I the only one who feels that destiny plays huge role in where we're at in life?  Is life a predetermined course of events?  At times Rick and I have talked about this exact subject.  The first point
I would like to share is that we both had very similar childhoods.  Both of us were raised by our father's,
along with help from our grandmothers.  Our grandmothers played a crucial role in our early years, and we share stories of getting a little extra special attention.  Now you might say, well that's not destiny...BUT did I mention that my great grandparents owned a house in what is now Fountain City?  Only a mere 20 miles from where Rick grew up here in Tennessee.  See the house below....but continue reading the story below as well!

  Then there is the Garity family reunion that was held in Gatlinburg in 1981...I believe?  We've taken a few trips up there since moving back but my memory fails me, of course that was just about 30 years ago.  I remember a park, where one relative road a bike into the trees due to not knowing how to brake.  I remember being in a pool that had a waterfall....most of all I remember having fun.  I still have family here in Tennessee, and our next reunion will be held here this summer.

  As you know we both served in the military having been stationed all over the US and parts of the world.  We were both in Kuwait a month together, but at the time didn't know each other and never met.  Just missed each other in Korea...and finally met in Hawaii. 

  Whether it be destiny or not, I am thankful for being his wife, and for being back in Tennessee.

  

My two lives...

  Do you ever feel like you have two totally different lives?  Seriously???  Rick and I were talking the other day as we were cutting cedars out of the fence line on the farm.  He mentioned how wasn't if funny that earlier in the day I was on a college campus attending classes, and now here I was working on the farm.  Of course that got me to thinking how true that statement really was for me. 
  I've been back in school now for a month, and it's been a really great experience for the most part.  Every morning I get up and make the drive to campus, attend classes, and just take in the whole experience!  Funny moment the first time I stepped into the campus library...I was in awe at how big the library was, I mean really how many libraries have a convenience store where you can buy snacks while studying?  And there was about 4-5 floors of books, computers, study rooms...and you can go at all hours of the day or night.
  Then I head back home :)  Normally I start working on homework, but there have been some days when I either need a break from the studying or just put off the work until another day.  These are the days when I go with the hubby and work around the farm.  From feeding the cows/chickens, cutting firewood or whatever his dad needs done.  It's been a learning experience for me, and I wouldn't trade a day of it.
  So I guess you could say I live in two different worlds on a daily basis, but I consider myself lucky to have this opportunity.

Survivor: UT Campus

  So I survived my first week on campus with minimal damage, some issues with my ego and the calve muscles.  I mean seriously who decided to build the school on top of a mountain?  Everywhere I go it's uphill....or stairs that go on forever.  On a positive note, I do get my daily cardio workout.   
  As for the ego, that comes from feeling like the oldest person on campus.  You see I'm not a traditional student, I chose to go directly from high school into the USAF.  In fact the last time I was in school as a full time student, was about the same time the majority of the students were being born.  After 20 years in the military I am now working on a degree on Uncle Sam's dime.
  I had tried to prepare myself for the moment I set foot on campus, but nothing could prepare me for the mix of emotions I felt.  They ranged from nervousness, excitement, and yes a little bit of doubt.  The campus was alive with activity, students rushing to and from class, drivers on the hunt for the elusive parking spot, and me soaking in everything my memory could possibly hold.  I must say that I have seen some interesting fashion trends, but that could be a topic all on it's own.
  My classes went well, it was a bit overwhelming to go into a room with 200 other students.  The classes I have seem to be interesting, with the exception of math.  That will require alot of tutoring, but I'm ready.  I have settled into college life, and now look forward to not only my classes, but seeing something new each day.  Go VOLS.

What is family?

  The dictionary version would describe one version of family as "a group of people sharing common ancestry."  But what do you think of when you hear the word family?  Is is just like the definition, or do you mix it up just a bit?  I would say that I've been blessed with an amazing family, and a new family I gained when I got married.  But I would also point out that blood isn't the only thing that makes us family.  To me family also includes those people who are always there when you need them, and even times when you may not think you need them.  They're the selfless people you may call friends.  I've been fortunate in life to have all three types of family in my life.
  I've been given a gift a wonderful husband, and two equally amazing daughters.  Rick is the love of my life, best friend, protector and my biggest supporter.  Jennifer & Megan are bright, funny girls, who bring joy to my life, and make me proud to be called "Mom."  It doesn't end there.....I have my mom who calls me often just to check on me, and sometimes to make sure I've done my homework.  My step mom who is another of my supporters, and reminds me of my dad's love.  Sisters who keep me grounded and are always available when I have good news to share, or maybe just vent.  And a little brother who always got me in trouble, harasses me about my football team, but would be there in an instant if I needed him.  In my life I've also been given grandparents who helped mold me into the person I am today.  Aunts & Uncles who helped give me direction if needed, and cousins who helped me make some great childhood memories.
  Then four years ago I gained another family, that of my husband's.  And until we moved back to his hometown, there were alot I had never met.  But first and foremost is my father-in-law, who is the driving force behind his son.  He is the one who molded Rick into the man he is today.  He holds nothing back and tells it like it is, but he is the first one there should we need anything.  To my mother-in-law, I say thank you for giving birth to this incredible man.  To his numerous cousins I have met, it's been fun to hear the stories of his childhood.  And thank you for inviting us into your homes, sharing a meal with us, and making me feel like I belong. 
  Now to my family of friends, the ones who are always there to laugh with you, cry with you, maybe even end up in jail with you.  Joking.....but that's because we never got caught.  There are some whom I've known for 20+ years, and some I added along the way.  I appreciate all that you've done for me, and continue to do for me and my family to this day.
  I love you all.