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.

December already?

It's hard to believe that it's December already and that 2010 is coming to an end.  December also marks two very special occasions for me.  Rick and I will be celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary and it's also the one year anniversary of my retirement from the Air Force.  This year has gone by quickly and I'm ready for a new challenge, hence I will be starting school at UT in January.  Now I'm excited but a bit nervous as well.  I will be one of those students my daughter talks about at times, she is a Freshman in college.  A few times she has mentioned to me "we have a bunch of old people in our class"  and then "they ask alot of questions"....  It takes alot of courage for us "old people to go back to school", but at this point in my life I want to do something for me.  I want to do things on my terms now!  Wish me luck.

This week has been pretty quiet here.  We started off the week by transforming a gourd into a birdhouse.  Rick's dad gave us the gourd and the idea for a birdhouse.  Well after some research by the hubby, he found that you can choose what types of birds will roost, depending on the size of the hole you carve.  So we've gone for 1 1/4 inch and are hoping to get some Bluebirds.  It was alot like carving a pumpkin, the innards are slimy and there are a bunch of seeds.  The seeds were laid out to dry and hopefully can be planted in the spring and we can grow our own.

Another highlight of the week was our visit from a pair of bald eagles.  The hubby was outside and calls me on the cell phone, whispering "look out the window towards the lake".  Well to my great surprise there sat a bald eagle, and a few branches up was another.  So I'm assuming that they were mates.  I attempted to take pictures but was too far away, and as soon as I tried going outside they flew off.  But it was a very beautiful sight to see, and I hope to see more of them this winter.

Speaking of winter, it seems to be sneaking up on me.  There have been flurries twice this week, and I'm so not a winter person.  I guess you could blame Uncle Sam for keeping me in the warm climates for most of my 20 years.  Let's just say this will be an interesting winter to say the least! 

Hope everyone stays warm and safe!

"Thankful"

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching I would like to share what makes me thankful each day.

My amazing husband, who also holds the title as my best friend.  He has taught me how to live life to the fullest, and not be afraid to try new things in life.  Each day we share is a blessing, and he makes me a better person.  He's been an equally amazing role model for the girls, and each day he shares his experience, guidance and love with them. 

Two beautiful girls, who make me proud to be called Mom.  I have treasured each day with you, teaching, guiding, loving, and correcting when necessary.  I've watched you grow and turn into the young ladies that you are today.

A wonderful family who supports me unconditionally, loves me, and are there for me no matter what the situation.

For friends who make me laugh, and share some of life's best memories with me.

Our United States Armed Forces, the brave men and women both past and present who have risked their lives to protect this great nation.  The sacrifices they made to ensure our freedoms, and keep our country safe.  Take time out to thank one of these brave men or women today.

For the opportunity to return to school and follow my dreams.  Many years ago I worked at a nursing home, and enjoyed my job as a nursing assistant.  My hope was to join the Air Force and get assigned to the medical career field.  Well let's just say the plan did go accordingly and I took a 20 year detour.  But on a good note Uncle Sam will be footing the bill for school.

And lastly for the roof over our heads, food on the table, and good health and happiness.

May all of you my friends and family continue to have health and happiness as well.

Bonfire

  I sit on the porch this late afternoon in absolute silent.  The only sounds I hear are the occasional fish jumping in the lake, or the gentle rustle of the leaves.  I enjoy this time...it allows me to collect my thoughts.
  The last few days have been busy, fun filled days for our family.  My family made the trip down from Maryland to spend a few days with us.  I must say I love finally being on the same side of the world as the family.  These days however, went by entirely too fast for my liking, but non the less it was well spent quality time with the ones I love.  At first I was worried, that we would be too far out in the country...it gets really dark here at night, and there are no traffic noises.  But they loved our little piece of paradise!  That first hill is a doozy though, I think they have a new appreciation for paved roads. :-) 
  They were also able to be a part of the annual bonfire.  A tradition that my husband started long ago, but due to military assignments wasn't able to keep these last few years.  The tradition is that they only thing allowed to brought is a chair to sit in, nothing else.  We had hot dogs roasted over the open fire, and even made some smores.  It was a chance to get together with family and friends.  A time to eat, share stories, play games, and to end the even he set off fireworks.  The fireworks are a time to reflect on those who have gone before us, those that were watching down on us last night. 
  As the holidays quickly approach, take a few minutes to reflect and be thankful.

The views all around me!

I'm amazed at the beauty that surrounds me, the views here are simply amazing.  Each day it seems I see something new, or something old in a new light.  The morning fog rising off the lake is one of my favorites.  As a friend of mine has said "you can't beat the East Tennessee mornings" and I would whole heartily agree!  Two of my other latest fascinations are the animal sightings and all of the old structures I've seen.

In the last two weeks alone we've seen an array of animals.  A group of wild turkeys (which have visited us twice so far), a pair of baby raccoons, two osprey feeding on a dead fish, just to name a few.  My favorite by far was just spotted yesterday.  Rick and I were working out in the yard, when suddenly an osprey flew by being pursued by a bald eagle.  It was truly a sight to behold, and of course I didn't have a camera close by to snap a picture.  But on the flip side I also tend to scare off the animals...why you ask?  I have a habit of wanting to talk to the animals, using that voice that Mom's use to talk to babies.  Most of the time the animals just take off running, but you should see the hilarious look I get from the cows.  So perhaps I should listen to the hubby on this matter, and remain quietly on the sidelines and view only.

I tend to be easily mesmerized by the old barns and houses in the area.  Am I the only person who looks at an old house and wonder what it looked like in it's glory days?  I try to imagine...children playing in the yard, families sitting on the porch, happy times.  But then I wonder what caused the current state of disarray?  Didn't anyone care enough to try and save these old homes?  If only those walls could talk what kind of stories would be told?

Check out this old house...

The cows...

I've been loving the new life and all it has to offer, including helping his dad with the farm.  I've been somewhat fascintaed with the normal everyday animals such as the chickens & cows.  Well today was another first for me, we had to tend to a sick cow.  It's been off to itself for the last few days, and his dad seems to think it ate too many acorns.  I guess I never realized something so small could cause a cow so much pain.  Our morning started out by trying to get the sick cow into the shute, so that his dad could get some mineral oil into the cow.  I'm guessing to hopefully get thing moving thru it's system.  You could tell that it was sick, it didn't want to walk up the hill.  No matter what we tried we couldn't get that cow to move, and it put up a good fight.  But I've never been that close to a cow, where it didn't run from me.  So they finally got her down on the ground and got the oil down her throat.  She stayed down and lay there, so we left her alone for a few hours.  Sadly she died later in the afternoon.  It's interesting to watch how the other cows act, how they can sense when something is wrong with one of their own.  They gathered around her, as if to say goodbye.  They also watched while the cow was buried.  Another chapter in life on the farm.