Category: Life

I never thought to see the day I owned both a (Hello Kitty) bowling ball and a pair of cowboy boots. But, that day is here. I did my first We Can Ride Volunteer training session at the University of Minnesota’s Leatherdale Equine Center. I’ve never handled a horse before. I think it went well. Babe didn’t seem to mind my calling him a “GOOD DOG!!”.

I’m starting 2011 with a cold. Again. WTF?!?!

I’m starting 2011 with a cold. Again. WTF?!?!

Not exactly resolutions, but intentions: Lose a half a pound a week until I’m back to my happy weight and play the piano for 15 minutes every day.

What central story is at the core of you, and how do you share it with the world? (Bonus: Consider your reflections from this month. Look through them to discover a thread you may not have noticed until
today.)

This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What’s the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year?

I drove to Longville, MN today to attend my Sister-in-Law’s Mother’s funeral. I’m very glad I went! I thought I was a bit lost, so decided to stop for fuel and get my bearings, perhaps even ask for directions. As I’m opening the fuel door, a guy jumps out of his truck and hollers; “STOP! STOP! STOP!”. He was excited because I was putting diesel fuel in my car. I thanked him for his concern and explained that it was diesel fuel that I did indeed need. Note to family: Please don’t have the funeral director carry my ashes out of the church. That’s a job for someone who loves me! I don’t care if it’s proper or not, it’s my funeral and that’s how I want it. I now have >1100 miles on my BMW X5 xDrive 35d. I like the car and have no regrets about having purchased it. FWIW: I’m currently getting 25 mpg. I had Gracie on the treadmill tonight!!

Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year.

It’s been over two months, as of today I’m going to declare myself over the Pneumonia/Pleurisy!

What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today. I am intrigued by horses. Cows and donkeys too, for that matter. In an effort to spend some time getting to know horses, without spending any money, I’m going to volunteer with We Can Ride. My training starts in early January. I hope to achieve a year of service with this organization.