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Friday, July 18, 2008
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To New Friends
Here's to new friends!
Particularly those who are made under unusual cicumstances.
But then again, I suppose that is really the only way to make friends. Most of my closest and best friends were met and made completely per chance, by the grace of God.
In my previous post, I explained how I was going to be meeting up with a potential new friend, and "pulling a Victoria" (so named after one of my good friends from college who had a similiar situation) by meeting her on Facebook. As it turned out, we weren't able to meet up last Sunday, as her parents were in town visiting. We planned to get together on Tuesday evening, after we had gotten off work, at Sonic for ice cream. I was really looking forward to meeting her! As it turned out, we were driving by the store I knew she worked at on Tuesday after work. So, I stopped in, and she was just locking up for the night. We recognized each other instantly, based off of our Facebook profiles. It's definitely helpful to know what a person looks like before you actually meet them. If for no other reason than so you don't make too much of a fool of yourself.
Anyway, we were ordering Chinese for dinner, and asked if she would like to join us. We had a wonderful evening of conversation, and hit it off immediately! I was so glad the initial meeting went so well, and anticipated getting together again soon. Unlike Vix, who's potential friend (at first, anyway) seemed to be little more than a prostitute. *haha* We invited her over again last night, for drinks and a movie, and had a great time!! :)
Kate is very sweet, and I have so enjoyed getting to know her. :) She's off tomorrow (and of course, I am, too), so we're planning to get together again. Not only is she addicted to the same online MMORPG as Heath and I, but we actually have quite a lot in common. Her dad was even a DDA here back in the early 80s and is now a judge in Montrose (which is about an hour and fifteen minutes to the west of here). She loves to read and enjoys the same authors and genres I do. Her favorite movie of all time is also my favorite movie of all time (Pride and Prejudice, the A & E version). She loves animals and the outdoors, but isn't a crazy tree hugger like a lot of the young people who flock to this artsy, outdoorsy town. She and Heath get along really well, too. She is more liberal politically than I am, but is a moderate when it comes to most things. However, she, like me, also enjoys a good discussion about politics or religion, when most people would stay far away from such subjects, especially with a brand-new friend. We may not agree on everything, but she's really cool and a lot of fun, and I'm just thankful to finally have a female friend my age!!! :)
All in all, there is a definite possibility of a very good friendship, if not best friend potential. Thank you, God, for allowing me to meet Kate! And thank you again, Vix, for inspiring me. :)
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Pulling a Victoria
About a week ago, I did what will henceforth be referred to as "Pulling a Victoria."
I'll explain. I have a good friend from college, Victoria, who has been in a very similar situation to my own. We both moved to new towns at the beginning of the year. We had our significant others, of course, but found it difficult to make any friends - specifically, girlfriends our age. After several months, she was finally able to procure a few potential girlfriends, due to a personals add in the local classified section (don't worry - it was the "Purely Platonic" section).
I, on the other hand, pursued a slightly different route - searching through the Western Colorado network on Facebook. Out of all the women my age who had profiles in this network, only ONE turned out to be in the Gunnison area. Her name is Kate, and she seems nice. Not exactly best friend material (at least, not on the surface), but we have some things in common, so that's a start anyway. I was supposed to meeti her for coffee tomorrow, and was actually looking forward to it. I figured it had potential. Even if I didn't become that good of friends with Kate, perhaps she can introduce me to some of her friends (she goes to the college here and has lived in Gunnison for several years).
So, here was to hoping! And here was to Vix, who inspired me to just get out there and look. I mean, what's the worse that can happen? She could have turned out to be some psycho bitch, though I seriously doubted it. Even so, maybe she can also introduce me to some of (or even one of) her girlfriends who is at least semi-normal and fun.
To be continued...
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
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Realization, Relocation, and Renewal
I have come to a recent realization. I have realized that the choice is up to me. The next few years of my life have the potential to completely suck or be awesomely amazing. All it will take is a little contentment, more than just a smidgen of determination, and a lot of trust. Trust that God knows what the hell He's doing. He knows the desires of my heart. Yet, sometimes He also places us where we may not necessarily want to be, but need to be, in order to teach us what we need to learn, to be molded into the perfect creation that He intended. Even if requires a little - or a lot - of patience.
I've always had issues with trust. I don't trust people, until I get to know them. And even then, trust is like respect for me - you have to earn it. What can I say, I'm paranoid. Having anxiety disorder since you were 12 years old will do that to a person. But most of the people I meet just see me as a beautiful, confident, trustworthy person whom they can talk to - all of which are true. What they don't see is the paranoia I feel when my back is to the door at a restaurant, or the anxiety attacks that strike at random moments - usually at night when I'm alone. I deal with it, but that doesn't make it easy. I'm not sure if it's better or worse than the suicidal depression I had in my later high school years and into college...
But I digress. We're moving to our new apartment this weekend. We pick the keys up on Friday morning. We're really looking forward to a more private, quieter place; better neighbors, too. It's a 2 bedroom, 2 story loft-style, with a nice little yard. A few friends of ours are going to help us on Friday and Saturday, and then we'll clean our soon-to-be former apartment on Sunday afternoon/evening. We're hoping to be sleeping over there on Saturday night, though, and then start settling in. It's only 2 blocks from our current apartment, which almost seems pointless...Definitely worth it, though! The kitchen needs some work, but it's doable. They said they'll give us a break on our rent if we plant flowers and do some yard improvements. And I'll still only be about 5 blocks from the office, so I can continue to walk to and from work every day. All in all, I think it's going to be a great place to call home.
We have decided to stay here for at least another 3 years, until Heath is finished with his undergrad. Of course, his deployment next year (his 2nd overseas deployment) will push his graduation back a year or so. The plan after that is to move to the Front Range, somewhere in the Denver/Springs area, for Heath to attend grad school. Unless, of course, he chooses med school or vet school, in which case, God only knows where we'll end up.
Life is an adventure! Or as Helen Keller said (one of my favorite
quotes of all time), "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."
One of my co-workers daughters came into the office the other day. She's 11 years old, and although is a second born, is extremely independent, much like myself. She made a comment to her mom that she was stressed out and worrying about a lot of things. A Bible verse sprang to my mind, and I quoted it to her. She paused for a moment, thinking about the words. And I to stop and think about the words, as well. It's a Bible verse we learned as young children, and although I remember it (thanks, Mom, for making me memorize all that scripture!), I realized that I don't follow it's advise. Perhaps you know the one I'm talking about. "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself" (Matthew 6:34). I need to remind myself of that daily...Hourly, actually. Funny, the Bob Marly song, "Don't Worry, Be Happy," has also been going through my head a lot lately. Perhaps that's a sign...
Saturday, June 14, 2008
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Small Town Bars - Haven or Hell-Hole?
There is a particular bar in town that we like to frequent. Many of our friends and acquaintances get their alcoholic jollies there, and the people one meets there usually prove to be quite interesting. That has certainly been the case the few times I have been there over the past week. I wasn't going to let my socialite leanings go to waste while Heath was gone on stateside deployment, so I went there a couple times while he was away. But are these fun, small town bars a haven or a hell-hole? Any bar in any town, no matter how small, can have some great potential. You may just have to look for it. Or avoid it like the plague, as the case may be...
But first, allow me to set the scene. This bar has two sides, separated by a large pool room in the center. The first side - the side most people enter - is your typical bar. Mounted TVs, loud-ish rock music, a wooden bar, cushioned no-back stools, and the usual display of draught beer and liquor. The lighting is brighter, more cheery, I guess you could say. The other side is almost the complete opposite. A much classier looking joint, the bar is black granite topped, the cushioned stools all have backs, and the music is a mixture of alternative rock, rap, and classic rock. The stage in the center of the room is covered with a sparkly dark carpeting (used for Karaoke and visiting and local bands), the ceiling is covered in tiny pin-point lights (the only real lighting in the room, other than at the bar itself), and a silver disco ball hanging from the center of the ceiling. The tables are high-topped with the same high backed cushioned stools (the other side has standing-only high top tables). The bar itself is classier, too - ambient lighting, and even the bar tenders on that side dress nicer. The entire atmosphere is completely different than the other side of the bar. It's interesting to me that it is the same bar, but has a totally different feel.
Okay, now that I've set the scene (i.e. you can picture it in your mind), allow me to continue. I fancy myself to be a rather attractive, even beautiful, young woman. I have a pleasant, easy-going personality that grants me the ability to get along well with most people. Oh, and I'm even more fun when I have a few drinks in me.
All that is to say, guys really like to hit on me, especially in such a bar as this, and even more especially when Heath isn't there with me. It's like wolves on a bunny...Quite literally.
For example, several nights ago, before Heath got home, I was bored in the apartment, and having very few people I actually consider to be my friends in this town, I went to the bar by myself. It's depressing drinking alone, let me tell you...Particularly when you're not used to drinking alone. Anyway, within no less than 5 minutes of walking into the bar, there were 4 guys actively flirting with me - a couple more actively than the others. It is flattering, certainly, but also a little annoying. I just wanted to get out of the apartment for a few minutes, have a beer, then go home.
But 3 1/2 hours later, I was just leaving the bar. One of the guys who had been hitting on me all evening (albeit, he also protected me from a couple other vultures), walked out with me when I left. And get this - asked me if he could come up to the apartment! That took me off guard more than just slightly...He was a nice enough guy, seemed trustworthy and all that jazz, but he knew I was a happily married woman and still asked that question. Men have no shame these days...They simply don't care. That is a generalization, of course - there are a few rare gentlemen still around, including my husband. But my goodness...If you treat her like a piece of meat, she will act like a piece of meat - it's as simple as that. Either that, or she'll just say "fuck you!" and walk away. Sadly, I've had to do that a few times...
Of course, I didn't tell you about the redneck middle ager who was shamelessly hitting on me, and whom a friend of mine had to fend off. It's just awkward when a complete stranger (a complete drunk stranger, for that matter) keeps coming up behind you while you're sitting at the bar and puts his arm around you, touches your back, and is so close to your face that many hours and drinks later you can still smell what he ate for breakfast. He was a smoker (apparent by the heavy scent that trailed and lingered wherever he went), and was also missing a couple teeth (eww). I mean, I know I'm hot and I was wearing a soft, silky shirt that night, be sheesh...Get the hint!!
Guys, where is your sense of self-respect? Ladies, where is yours? Guys, if you want a little tid-bit of advice, don't chase girls; let them chase you. We like the hunt as much as you do. Girls, never settle for someone who is quite obviously beneath you and no good for you. You will be miserable and he will only hurt you. Raise your standard to a higher level and never lower it. You might be amazed what kind of gentlemen are still out there, just waiting for you to find and catch them! It saddens me to see women lowering their standards and settling for less because they don't think they can get anything better, or they don't think they can wait for that amazing man to come along. Sometimes women are trying to replace an absent father, or fill some other hole in their heart they think only a guy can fill. If those are your standards, then you don't need to be with him. You are worth far more than you may realize. You are a precious gem in the eyes of God, and He wants the best for you.
So ladies, rule #1, please don't try to pick up guys in bars. They only want to get you into bed. Seriously. And guys, stop it. Even if she invites you, don't push your luck. You may ruin one of the most amazing things that could have happened to you. Just tell her you want to take it slow. She will respect you more, and you won't miss out on something potentially incredible. And for the guys out there who are truly gentlmen, please don't settle for a whore. All women are bitches sometimes, so you can't really escape that completely, but don't lower your standards, either.
So much for my bar advice... -
Summertime, Job Hunting, and Wonderful Lazy Days
Summertime has finally fully arrived in western Colorado!! Actually, it has been here for about 3 weeks now, but the days have just gotten even warmer (for the most part). Check out my new photos - the scenery is SPECTACULAR!! I took some pretty amazingly awesome pictures if I do say so myself. I have relized over the past few weeks how incredibly blessed I am to have lived in 4 of the most beautiful states - in my humble opinion - excluding Washington and Hawaii. (Those being Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, and Colorado.) Who could ask for more? We may not always have everything we ever want, but we certainly do have all we ever need. God is good and He always provides, despite our often frequent lack of faith and trust in Him.
So even though I still am not happy with my current job situation, I am learning to be patient. God has placed me in this job for such a time as this. For whatever reason, He saw fit to place me where I am for the time being, however temporary. I am learning to be content where I am right now. That certainly does not mean that I have stopped or will stop looking for a new, better job. However, in the meantime, until I find that particular job that I am hoping and praying for, I will do my best to be content where I am. Not happy, mind you, but content - there is a HUGE difference. I have applied for 3 more jobs here in town, and will continue to look diligently for the job that I desire (and that we need).
I have definitely been enjoying the early Colorado summertime!! It has been quite warm - between 65 and 80 - here in Gunnison for the past few weeks. We've had a couple cold fronts come through - it even dipped below freezing last night - but all in all, I absolutely LOVE the summers out here!! They are truly awesome. Keep in mind we also have no humidity, albeit the sun can be rather intense (due to the thinner air at this high elevation). I can definitely see why people buy summer homes out here.
We have been searching for a new rental, and hope to find one and move by the end of the month, or certainly by the end of July. We have also been house hunting (to buy) a little, as well, but that is slightly farther away in our future. We looked at several possible rentals today, but weren't very impressed by what we saw so far. There was one that we liked more than the others, but it still wasn't exactly what we're looking for. We are going to see 2 or 3 more on Tuesday evening after I get off work. Plus, there are several in the classifieds of our local newspaper that look like promising possibilities. Our current apartment building is rather loud (thin walls due to the building being over 120 years old and 2 nearby bars), and we need a change - preferrably a nice little up-grade. We're mostly looking at 2 bedroom rentals, and would love to find a house for rent that we could afford and that allows pets, as we're planning on getting a puppy in the very near future.
Speaking of which, we are going to an Adopt-A-Thon tomorrow morning to see what we can find. Apparently, it is an annual event, sponsored by the local Humane Society. Three counties (Gunnison plus 2 others nearby) participate, and apparently, it's a pretty big deal. I'm really looking forward to seeing what puppies and/or dogs they have, and perhaps we will be bringing one home!! I'm SO excited!! We already have a cage for it (bought it on clearance at Pet Smart the other day), along with dishes. All we'd need is food and a collar. Both of which we can't buy until we know how old it is (puppy food for a puppy, adult food for an older dog) and what color it is (we have to make the collar look good, after all). I'm planning on a female - they tend to be easier to train and they don't pee on everything. We're hoping for an Alaskan Malamute, but have a few other favorite breeds in mind, too. I've been doing a lot of research. Anyway, I'll keep you posted!
Heath just got home this past Tuesday from being gone for a month for Army training in the desert. It is SO wondeful to have him home!! I knew I missed him, but wow...I was even really nervous waiting for his plane to arrive. I mean, it was all excitement, but even so...He was supposed to deploy for his second tour overseas this fall, but now it's looking like it's going to be pushed back until next spring, probably later spring. I'm very thankful for that! But I knew full-well what I was getting myself into when I married a man who is in love with the Army. But that certainly doesn't make deployments and separation any easier, though...
Since he probably isn't leaving until next spring sometime, he registered for classes for the fall semester. They originally told him that he probably wouldn't be able to get financial aid (or at least not much) if he didn't register back in April, but they are somehow figuring it out and said that it shouldn't be a problem at all. They are even offering him a nice scholarship, due to the fact that he had a 4.0 GPA and was on the Dean's List this past semester. Plus, they managed to get all of his previous credits transferred over, so he will be registering as a Junior. He is looking forward to being able to do another semester, and I'm just happy he's going to be around a little while longer before deploying again.
Well, that's about all for now. I'll blog again when I can and have a little time. Take care!
phoenix1123
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- Name: Grace
- Birthday: 2/25/1984
- Gender: Female
- Member Since: 6/5/2007
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About Me
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I am married to the love of my life and my best friend. We just moved to western Colorado at the beginning of the year. I love the Army life and being an Army wife. I am an aspiring writer, an avid reader, love photography, crafts, scrapbooking, and enjoy running and working out. I love traveling, the outdoors and am passionate about my God, my family, my friends, and my country. Other hobbies include anything with horses, bicycling, hiking, camping, skiing, ice skating, taking long bubble baths, movies, music, singing, watching TV, and dancing, among other things. I am ambitious and stubborn and tend to be a little too obsessive at times. I enjoy hot tea, coffee, & good wine. I try very hard to be punctual, but more often than not am running late. I have a heart for missions and love to give. I get extremely restless if I stay in the same place for too long, which includes jobs. I love a good challenge and I love to laugh. I love life!!
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The Bradford family would make an excellent subject for a sitcom...And it would be called, "Yes, Dear, Just Shoot Me."
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