Manitou Springs Incline

I did not want to do it.

 

I argued against the suggestion.

 

Everyone else wanted to go.

 

Finally, because my brother wanted to do it and I wanted to spend time with him, I said FINE.

The Manitou Springs Incline is one mile in length and 2,000 vertical feet.  It is NOT easy.  In fact, before I did it, I thought anyone who climbed it was insane.  I wondered WHY.  Why on earth would anyone want to do this to themselves?

I couldn't understand it.  I mean, it's nothing but STAIRS.  Never ever EVER ending stairs.  At least if you did the stair climber in the gym, you wouldn't die if you fell over.  There was a young couple who kept the same pace as me and the poor girl kept needing breaks.  I heard her boyfriend (or husband, I was too blinded by pain to check if they wore rings) tell her "You keep stopping.  It's making it worse.  You have to just keep going."  I mean, the dude was a jerk.  Every time they stopped, the guy would sigh and look all bothered as if she was an inconvenience to him.  I wanted to push him over. 

I didn't want to admit that the farther up I went, the more accomplished I felt.  I'd look behind me at that awful, torturous line of steps and think, "Holy crap.  I am doing this.  I am climbing the FRIGGIN INCLINE."  I was starting to smile on the way up.  After a while, I didn't even feel like a weakling when I stopped for breaks.  I took in the beautiful site that was at my back as we climbed.

Finally, at the top, I was actually happy I did it.  It took me an hour to get up there.  My brother finished about 15-20 minutes before me.  But that didn't bother me.  He's in the Army and they do this kind of crazy crap all the time. 

On the way down, we took the Barr Trail.  It is about 3 (or maybe more) miles.  It is a really gorgeous, but can be a little dangerous if you don't watch your step, walk. 

In the end, I really was glad I did it.  And you know what?  I'd do it again.  If I could find a sitter.

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Back To School!

Caden started first grade last week.  I am so excited for him!  His first day began a little rough for both of us.  He didn't even want to step into his class.  He was so shy!!  I saw tears in his eyes when he took a seat.  I thought of him all throughout the day.  I remembered what it was like being in a new class with a new teacher.  Being all alone in a room full of strangers.  But when I picked him up from the youth center, he told me he had a GREAT day!  He likes his teacher and there are several kids in his class that were in his kindergarten class.  I wanted to cry, I was so happy!  I guess the big-baby mom really is in me.

He wasn't the only one who started school last week.  Guess who else!  ME!  I'm finally back in the game.  I stopped when my divorce started four years ago and I am finally at a place in my life where I am comfortable with taking classes and working towards my degree.  And I am so friggin psyched!

I am pursuing my B.S. in Investigative Forensics and am about halfway there.  I started my Intro to Investigative Forensics class last week and had a TON of homework.  Oh my goodness.  The reading, the conference discussions, the homework assignments and the brainstorming for a paper.  All in one week.  I love it. 

So right now it is 1:32 a.m..  I've been working on homework.  I have one more assignment that's due by 11:59 p.m. tomorrow night and then I'm done.  This week I have to choose a forensic discipline I might want to work in and begin writing a paper on it.  There are only A LOT to choose from. 

Forensic pathology (dead bodies, cause of death, etc),

Forensic physical anthropology (skeletal remains, identification of corpses),

Forensic odontology (teeth, bite marks), Forensic toxicology (poisons)

and Forensic entomology (insects at death scenes).

It's challenging trying to juggle work, mommying, housework, pet care, AND school all at the same time.  But here I am blogging about it so I guess I found a way to make it work.  Yay! 

Coffee.

It gets the homework done.

That is all.

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Eagle Peak

The first time I heard of Eagle Peak was when I was still new to Colorado.  One of my coworkers said, "Last year we climbed Eagle Peak."  I asked what it was and he pointed to a mountain.  I couldn't tell which one-- there are a bunch of them here.  I guess he noticed the look of confusion on my face because he said, "Yes, it's a mountain and yes we really did climb it."  He said "we" as in our unit. 

Now I like to work out.  If you follow my Facebook or Twitter, you'd notice I like bragging about how many crunches I'm doing and how I try to motivate other moms.  I like working out.  I like being fit.  But I don't like the idea of climbing a friggin mountain.  I mean, really, who the heck does that unless they're training to win some kind of medal or something?

So when our Big Boss sent out an e-mail to the staff announcing that we will be climbing Eagle Peak on Monday, I was a little ticked.  Why the heck do I need to climb a damn mountain?  I mean, seriously, I am perfectly fine with my life.  Climbing a mountain is not on my bucket list.  But I did a groan and kept my thoughts to myself.



We met up at 0700 as a unit and headed out on the trail.  I admit I started with a grumpy attitude.  I didn't growl at anyone, but I was pretty quiet and watched as everyone chatted excitedly amongst each other.  But it was only because I was scared as hell of what we were about to do.  I am not a mountain climber.  I am the girl who will run a mile and a half only because the Air Force tells me to.  And I hate it.  So as everyone else seemed to be skipping with their heads in the clouds, I was freaking out inside.

My attitude changed rapidly, though.  As soon as we entered the woods, my nerves quickly calmed.  The scenery was stunning.  I was in awe of the fact that just minutes ago I was grumbling as I walked a dirt trail and all of a sudden I was surrounded by... peace.  God's work.  The feeling was different, as if I entered a totally different world.  The sounds were that of nature, pure and uninfluenced by man.  Everything stood still, yet everything seemed to be watching us as we navigated these woods. 

Now don't get me wrong, it was not an easy hike.  It was uphill the entire time... okay, okay, I know, I know.  It's a mountain, duh...  It was actually pretty tough!  All the marathoners and younger folks were way ahead of those of us who were not cardiologically fit.  (Like how I just made up that word?)  There were huge rocks to climb over, some lose gravel, and an incline that didn't appear to give us a break.

And then to our surprise, an aspen meadow sprouted in our path and it almost made us forget we were climbing a mountain.  It was absolutely, incredibly tantalizing.  Flowers surrounded us.  Birds flew above us.  And the flat of the land gave our legs a break.  It was almost unreal.  I was scared it was going to turn out to be that meadow of sleepy roses that the witch in The Wizard of Oz got Dorothy to pass out in.  Nevertheless, we smiled and walked quietly through this meadow, welcoming the gift.  What we didn't know was it was really the calm before the storm.

The rest of the way was ready to get us back to work.  The incline seemed to rush at us and many of us were huffing and puffing, pulling ourselves up over even more rocks.  Imagine doing the elliptical ... only with a pretty view.  Once we got past the treeline, it dawned on me.  I'm CLIMBING A FRIGGIN MOUNTAIN.  Excitement swept through me.  I couldn't believe it.  I was really doing it.  Suddenly, I no longer paid any attention to my burning legs.  I felt closer to the friggin sun.

Heck yeah.  I climbed a mountain.  How the heck did I ever deserve such an opportunity!  Have you ever survived something so crazy that when you came out of it, you were so grateful for ... well, everything?  That's how I felt at the top of that mountain.  As if I was this lowly creature who had been given a gift.  I had to work my ass off to get to it, but holy crap would I do it again.  I felt as if I shed a little negativity on my way up and gained more appreciation for life in its place.  The feeling is incredible.


When we got back down to the bottom of the mountain, we all stood around in awe of ourselves.  We congratulated each other, high-fived each other and laughed at the fact that we just climbed a mountain.  Then, we noticed the sign.  Some of us didn't read it before we started.  We learned that we just climbed 1.25 miles to the top of the mountain, 1900 feet in elevation gain.  Crazy!!

 

 

I learned something important this day.

I can do anything I allow my body to do.

And so can you.

 

Some of us were super psyched to be at the top while some of us were simply still trying to take it all in.

 

I thought it would be fun to act like I'm meditating...IN THE SKY!

 

Flowers in the meadow.



 

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The Internet Is Awesome!

I love the internet.

I feel like there is always something I want to buy.

Rinse Ase 3901

My Own Shower Children's Showerhead

$18.29

This is totally friggin awesome!  It's in my cart on Amazon.

So far it has a 4.5 rating by 16 reviewers.

Gonna totally get this.

 

The internet relates to me and I feel like I'm not alone.

 

I can stay on top of my bible reading because Facebook reminds me every day!

 

I can always find cool, cheap ways to grow veggies.  Even though I won't because the bunnies will eat them.

 

I can find all the amazing recipes in the world!

 

 

And finally...

It's full of friggin cuteness.

 



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Saturday Catch Up

Wow, I've been really sucking at blogging lately.  I do have a couple of other blogs I work on.  I guess I hit a little block so I write in another blog, then I'll hit another block in that one, so I'll write in this one.  Writing is a lot of fun for me, so when I do get up the nerve to type something up, it's a really nice feeling.  Lately, I've been all about the dog though.

In Just Keep The Dog (aka JKTD), I write about... dogs.  That's a given, right?  It's pretty hard to write competitively, though.  I mean, there are TONS of dog blogs on the internet.  There are so many fun things to read about our four legged furballs.  So, like in this blog, I don't write to gain followers or sell things.  Not that those are bad... I'm just not one to compete.  I guess I'm a lazy writer.  Anyway, JKTD is a way for me to highlight Bruce.  For someone who can't speak to us humans, I believe he has a voice--and lots of really important things to say.  So I write for him.  And I have a lot of fun doing that. 

Then there's Seeking Dog Lover, my book blog.  I'm working on spreading awareness on dog abuse and neglect.  In Seeking Dog Lover, I tell Bruce's story about the life he knew before he joined my crazy family.  It's a fiction story based on only what I knew from his Owner Surrender paperwork.  I tell it in first person point of view so that readers are able to relate to a character that actually has thoughts.  I use no names, other than his and other animals.  And I describe the things that are happening the way I believe a dog experiences it.  My goal is to grow empathy in readers, change the mindset of those who don't see what's wrong with neglecting their pet.  I love writing it.

As for my real life, so much has been happening!!  I find myself so busy and filled with thoughts that I simply am too darn lazy to write about them.  So hopefully this will not only let you know what's going on with the Mama in Combat Boots, but give you something that will make you smile. 

Here it goes...

Yesterday, the boys had a fight on the way in to their daycare/youth center:

 

Sean:

I'm tired of you saying that!

 

Caden:

Well I'm tired of YOU!

 

Sean:

I'm tired of your ENTIRE body!

 

Caden:

I'm tired of your entire body AAANNNDDD your butt cheeks.

 

*Pause*

 

Sean:

You said butt cheeks.

 

Caden:

Yeah.

 

Both:

HAHAHAHAHAHA

 

Bruce was... his usual self.

 

He has succeeded in being his usual super sweet self, posing for belly rubs and begging strangers for love as well.

His hips have been really bad lately, so he's also been getting some heat compress sessions and massages.  I tell him every day that I love him.

 

 

My best friend rescued a humming bird in our office.  The poor thing flew in and couldn't find its way back out.

So my little rescuer caught it gently in his hands and allowed me a chance to take a pic before he released it. 

I got to witness yet another miracle of God.  Something so small and fragile, yet so beautiful and powerful in its flight.  I love our Lord.

 

 

I am reminded every day that God is good.  My drive to work greets me with beauty every day.

And I do have to mention that I got scolded by my own troop that I am not being safe taking pictures while driving.  I have learned to control myself when I see a beautiful sky.

Obviously not for this pic, but....

 

 

Stride made my day when I opened the wrapper of this pack of gum only to be faced with an adorable face of a Boston's gigantic puppy eyes. 

Love!

 

 

I finally found out why my travel mug cover has been ending up under the sink.

My crazy trio has been stealing it and hiding it there... along with:

My kids' crocks, arch supports, rubber gloves, and kid toys.

Thieves!

 

We celebrated Fourth of July with my sister-in-law and friends.

Hot dogs and Chamorro barbeque-- OH YEAH BABY.

 

Not a day goes by without my beautiful boys giving me a hug that almost strangles me.

I love it every time.

 







I was visited by leadership who congratulated me on being selected for promotion to E-6.

It's about friggin time!!  I've only been eligible for SEVEN YEARS.

Woo hoo!!!!  I pin on the new rank August first.

MAMA'S GONNA MAKE SOME MONEY!

 

Basic Cadet Training. 

This keeps us busy every summer.  Yay for working on weekends.

 

  



BCT can tire us...

If you follow my Facebook page, you get to stay up to date on my latest gripes and whines about them.  Hehehe

 

I've been bringing in Folgers Vanilla Biscotti coffee and Kona Vanilla Macadamia Nut coffee beans.  It makes work BETTER.

 

 

Despite the extra hours, I still get to enjoy the beauty in the job I do.

I'm pretty blessed, I think.

 

 

So that about sums it up.  Well, the big stuff I can think of off the top of my head right now, anyway.  There's always the usual stuff everyone deals with like reluctantly waking up every morning because I'm soooo sleepy, trying to keep updated on watching Lost (I know the show ended ages ago.. .I'm slow), dealing with weird neighbor kids who just HAVE to come to the porch to pet Bruce--which isn't so fun when I just want to relax, watching Forgetting Sarah Marshall and laughing my ass off, and many many many more common day-to-day stuff.

 

Have a GREAT Saturday!!  I'll try to write more.  Promise.

 

Peace!



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Reflective Sunday

Sunday is the first day of the week so I thought it would be great to start the week with a quick reminder of how good my life is and how blessed I am. 

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Pumpkin Bisque Anyone?

I am a huge food hound. I like trying different foods and I love cooking. But not everyone is as adventurous and I have to refrain from feeling hurt when others don't like what I cook. Even if the "others" are my kids. :-/

Today I made a pumpkin bisque. I thought it was fabulous. 

First I sautéed an onion and a couple of carrots with a couple tablespoons of butter and a tablespoon of sage leaves.  

I sautéed them long enough to get tender. 

Then I puréed them in a blender with a splash of chicken stock and a banana.

After I puréed the mix, I poured them into a stockpot with a can of pure pumpkin purée.

I added 2 cups of chicken stock and 1 cup of soy milk (I have a milk allergic boy). 

Heat it all up and add your favorite seasoning. I used salt, pepper, curry powder and garlic powder.

Add a salad to the meal. 

Again, I thought the soup was amazing. It smelled wonderful, tasted unique and delicious, and was healthy enough. 

But alas, not everyone enjoys what I enjoy. 

Caden pretended to like it. 

Sean took a lick and said he was full. 

Guess its just me eating today. 

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