#TBW Random

This post is just as the title states, random! I have no rhyme or reason as to why I picked this picture to post other than the sheer fact that my shirt is clearly awesome. 

I can't tell you where we were going, but it had to be somewhere special and western...so Cowboy Up?

Nothing Short of a Little Hiatus

“Write a blog post” has been on my To Do List for little over a month. Obviously I have not gotten that done since my last covered my last week in Detroit which is pretty darn pathetic on my part. I wish I had some grand reason as to why I haven’t been writing, but I don’t, and I can’t use the excuse of being too busy and not having the time because that’s not true either.

 Sure, I’m back to work at BTI and volleyball season is underway (Side note – we’re really on a roll right now, 8-0 baby, undefeated!), but by no means am I swamped beyond my control.

 Nonetheless, when I began writing this blog I didn’t want to be something I forced myself to do. I wanted to write about things I was curious and passionate about and let you into my life a little bit – I never meant for this to be something that ends up on my To Do List for the day and I think that right there is the reason I haven’t wrote since I have been home.

 I feel as if I was trying to force myself into doing something that I first intended to be an effortless, yet fun thing to do and we all know how much fun things are when you feel forced into doing them!  We all encounter these situations, but I am beginning to see the importance of taking a step back and taking that break – whether it be for a few days, a few months, or even a few years – to regain that interest and spark that passion once again.

 I really enjoy writing this blog and sharing my thoughts and adventures to whoever is interested in reading it. I can’t guarantee you anything, but I am going to try to write more often…I have taken my break and refueled, but if you don’t hear from me for awhile know that either I have absolutely nothing going on in my life or I needed another little break! 

#TBW Kirkus

September 11th is a day that no one will ever forget...I'm sure that everyone can recall exactly where they were and what they were doing when the Twin Towers were hit...I know I sure do. However, what everyone might not know is that September 11th is also one of my best friend's birthdays.

Kirk and I have been friends forever and to say that we've been through a lot together, would be an understatement. 

He's the guy who I know will always have my back and be by my side when I need him, the guy who I've spent countless night cruising Main Street and all the country roads with, and the guy I think of every time I hear "Smooth Criminal!"

Kirk's laugh is infectious and his smile can light up a room. The guy can always make me smile, no matter how bad of a mood I may be in. 

Happy Birthday Kirk!

Thank you for always being by my side!

#TBW Love Birds

My parents hit a milestone earlier this week... a milestone that is becoming less and less common in today's society. 

On Monday, September 2nd, they celebrated their 35th Wedding Anniversary.

To celebrate, they headed back to the city in which they met, but opted to head to the casino instead of the student union. It was there a long-haired hippie with an army jacket and "stupid hat" approached the studious, naive girl from the farm. After much persistence she finally agreed and the rest is history!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! 

May there be 35 more years of love, laughter, and joy!

#TBW School Crush

This past weekend was Southwest Country Fest in Ashland, KS and if you've never heard of it, you should definitely check it out. It is two nights jam-packed with some of the best red dirt country music! 

I was able to go both nights, but for Friday night's concert, I scored me a hot date with the new PE teacher in town!  

By Monday afternoon, his students knew all about his "new girlfriend" and my volleyball girls gave me quite a bit of grief and seemed a bit jealous that I had a date with the dreamy Mr. Stegman!

What they don't know is Joe and I go WAAAYY back! I vividly remember playing at his house with him and his cousins when we were young and in our high school days, he was like my little brother!  

Truth is, I had a great time on Friday night with a great friend of mine. I'm so proud of Joe in all he has accomplished and am glad to have him back home and teaching in the Bucklin school system. 

I can't wait to have many more "hot dates" with Mr. Stegman!

#TBW 'Tis the Season

Guess what started on Monday? 

VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE!
Can you tell I'm excited? I mean I've only waited 10 or so months for this week to be here...it's one of my most favorite times of the year! This is my third year being one of the assistant coaches for the BHS volleyball team and quite frankly, I love every minute of it! Doubt me? Read  For the Love of the Game!

Nonetheless, since I am more than excited to be in the gym again with a great group of girls, I thought it'd be fitting to post a picture of a great group of girls who I was blessed to call my teammates.



Here's to another great volleyball season! 

#TBW Rainy Days

I know I’m a day late for thus post to be considered it a #TBW, but that is why this post is not based on a picture from the past. It’s going to be based on a fun-filled memory spurred by a present day rain.

 
Rattlesnake Creek on 8/8/13

It rained almost every day while I was in Detroit and at the time it sickened me a little bit knowing how much we needed moisture back here at home. I just wanted to bottle it up and send it home. Well, there’s no need now – we went from severe drought to flash flood warning. The amount of water standing around is absolutely amazing and it makes me think back to my younger days.
 

Whenever we had a significant amount of rain in the summertime while I was growing up, you could guarantee one thing – my best friend Tamren was coming over…we were getting our inner tubes…and we were headed to the draw(a drainage ditch that simply runs north to south through town).

 We would start at one end of the block and float downstream to the other end, always daring each other to go through the concrete culverts under the street. I don’t actually remember going through with any of the “double dog dares” - those culverts were always a bit too dark, scary, and smelly for me!

Although I don’t remember going through the culvert, I do remember losing one of my favorite and totally awesome clear jelly sandals during one of our float trips. Do you remember those sweet shoes? They were the best and I was completely devastated. I looked for days for that sandal, but it somehow slipped into the water and made its way down the Rattlesnake Creek.

It’s supposed to rain again tonight…too bad Tamren lives four and a half hours away because tomorrow would be a great float day!

(Photo by Scott Tilley)