Author Archives: ramblingsofaperforatedmind

Don’t Wait!

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Our community has had so many unexpected deaths lately that it feels like we are in perpetual mourning.  I wonder how many more tears must be shed before we can heal.

From my perspective, I must offer some advice to those who have not yet been touched by tragedy.  Pay attention.  You don’t want to live with regrets.

Don’t wait to take that “special” vacation with loved ones.  Travel when you can.  Thinking you have all the time in the world is a huge mistake.  Nobody is guaranteed tomorrow.  One thing we all know for sure is that nobody gets out of life alive.

If someone needs a hug from you, give it happily.  They may not ask again.  I know sometimes I get in a hurry, but my Ysabela opens her arms for a hug.  I hug her.  What if she never asks again?

Special occasions happen daily.  Did you get up this morning?  Victory!  Wear your best jewelry!  Use the fine china for supper!  You don’t need a reason to celebrate life.

Work hard for what you want out of life.  Play hard, too.  There’s a time and place for everything.

If you feel like you want to get to know someone better, make the effort.  Next week may be too late to grab a cup of coffee with him or her.

Don’t wait to live your life.  Putting things on hold will haunt you.

 

 

Getting With the Program

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These girls found a place to snuggle.

These girls found a place to snuggle.

Jinx finally settled in to the "puppy packer."

Jinx finally settled in to the “puppy packer.”

Jinx discovered she wouldn't be dropped, so she took a nap.

Jinx discovered she wouldn’t be dropped, so she took a nap.

It Started Innocently Enough

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My friend, Laura, said to try “wearing” our dog.  She tried it in self defense because her new dog kept getting under her feet.  Bela took her advice, and this is what happened.

This happens every day.

This happens every day.

 

Purrful was fine after she figured out what was happening.

Purrful was fine after she figured out what was happening.

Jinx wasn't so impressed.

Jinx wasn’t so impressed.

What self-respecting cat would sit still for this?

What self-respecting cat would sit still for this?

Chance was feeling the love!

Chance was feeling the love!

 

 

National Language Service Corps

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In my quest to do something different, I signed up with the National Language Service Corps.  I learned about NLSC at the ACTFL conference in San Antonio in November.  The rep knew her business, and I was hooked on the idea of using my language skills in volunteer situations (in or out of the United States).

When I got home after the conference, I visited the website and filled out an application.  I had to provide detailed information about my language skills, of course, and documentation as requested.  Fortunately, I had already taken the OPI exam, so I knew my language competency, and I provided a copy of the results.  I think it’s awesome (and smart!) that additional training is provided if an assignment is given.  It’s also nice to be able to accept or reject assignments based on work schedules and other things.  After all of my information was verified, I was accepted as a member.

I love having a certificate to add to my portfolio!

I love having a certificate to add to my portfolio!

If you speak a second (or third) language, please check out the NLSC.  You could be a bridge between cultures.

http://www.nlscorps.org/Default.aspx

 

Torrington Jackpot

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My friend, Deb, was kind enough to babysit me today.  She took me with her to the barrel racing jackpot in Torrington.  Since I still consider myself “new” to Nebraska, I took for granted that I’d be in Nebraska for this shindig.  I was a bit surprised when we crossed the state line into Wyoming.  It wasn’t that far into Wyoming, but I was excited to see some new territory just the same.

Deb was kind enough to pull over so I could get a shot of Scottsbluff.

Deb was kind enough to pull over so I could get a shot of Scottsbluff.

Deb's rig is quite comfortable for humans and animals.

Deb’s rig is quite comfortable for humans and animals.

I tried (and failed) to record Deb’s run, but Harley (the young horse) did well.  (My daughter needs to give me lessons on how to use her video camera.)  I was so disappointed to not have the whole run on video, but I will do better if she ever invites me again.

I had plenty of time to stroll around and photograph many beautiful horses.  I had the pleasure of meeting a nice young lady named Bailey.  Actually, I saw her run in the arena, loved her horse, and followed her to her trailer to ask if I could get a picture of the horse.  Bailey was kind enough to let me take a picture of Shambo.  I hope Bailey visits the blog to see the picture.  🙂

Shambo is a beautiful buckskin mare.

Shambo is a beautiful buckskin mare.

GEDSC DIGITAL CAMERA

GEDSC DIGITAL CAMERA

GEDSC DIGITAL CAMERA

Bailey caught this horse during our chat.

Bailey caught this horse during our chat.

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This lady was kind enough to pose for me.

This lady was kind enough to pose for me.

Subway, Deb’s dog furry child, was quite indignant because Deb put his collar and tether on him for safety.  There was a road right beside the rig, so she made sure he was safe in spite of his protests.

Subway was not happy.

Subway was not happy.

Deb and Harley had a good run, and I had fun watching all the horses.

 

School Supplies!

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Since my daughter is now being homeschooled, I don’t have to buy a long list of things for school.  She doesn’t need a backpack or a lot of notebooks, etc.  I do, however, like having bulletin boards and chalk boards for working out problems.  I was lucky to find some for sale this week.  A lady in a neighboring town makes them!  She was kind enough to deliver them to my house, and I put them up immediately.  Ysabela really likes them, too.

This is the smaller of the chalk boards.

This is the smaller of the chalk boards.

I love the detail on the cross.

I love the detail on the cross.

The bulletin board is large, but not heavy.

The bulletin board is large, but not heavy.

The spurs are awesome.

The spurs are awesome.

Wishing Life Away

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“Oh, I can’t wait until Friday!”  I said that this week.  Did you?  You might be curious to know what my big plans are for the weekend.  I work my second job.  So what was the hurry for Friday?  I’m never really sure!

I realized as I looked at the calendar that all I’ve been doing is wishing my life away one weekend at a time.  And for what?  I’ve reached the conclusion that I should focus on making every day the best (as I live it) rather than waiting to “have fun” at the end of the regular work week.

Are you waiting for the weekend?

Are you waiting for the weekend?