Wind, Rain, Lightning, Heat, Wind

Even though I have had way too many restless nights without much sleep, I think I'm actually starting to get into my Greensburg groove.

Triumphs for the week:
(01) Dillon's got tofu!!! There's only 2 boxes in at a time, and it's on a shelf...not refrigerated (iffy?)...but it's a start. I have yet to try it, but walking into the store and seeing it gleaming there was a huge VV this week (vegetarian victory).
(02) I saw a harvest in Kansas! What's more perfect than that? Whitney, my new buddy, invited me out to 'the farm' to ride the combine and see how corn gets harvested. It was amazing to see, and I was so stoked to be there. I made a VERY cheesy film summary of what I saw, if you want to check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S59_WXTCzQ&feature=youtu.be
(I meant to say 8.27.13)
It was super windy (like 60mph winds), so sorry for the shakiness.

(03) I purchased tickets to come home for the holidays!
(04) Met the CEO of Best Western International, really nice guy.
(05) Went to a Minute to Win It party, just like the TV show, and that was a lot of fun.

Struggles:
(01) Miss home, the people, and college...man I miss college.
(02) GRE prop, meh
(03) Need a workout plan, and I need to stick to it.
(04) I GOT PULLED OVER...for the first time, ever. I was speeding a little, and I was panicked. As the cop got out of his car and walked up to mine...he asked if I was new to the area. I explained my situation, and how I'm new to the area from CA...and it tuned out he was from Upland, CA. What are the chances? He let me off with a warning, we chatted about CA a bit, and I promised to watch my speed.

I've been here a month, and it's been great. I'm learning a lot about myself and simple life lessons you don't get in school. When I have a tough day, I've been writing it out in a journal, which has actually helped me a lot with reflecting back on certain events or experiences. Plus it's good practice, so that's always a plus.

This week, I WILL break-in my crock pot. Haven't decided on a recipe yet, but it's going to happen. I'll let you know how it goes!

It feels good to feel good

Today calls for a blog post. This will be a play-by-play type of post.

I managed to get out of bed at 8:47am, eyes refusing to open, and hair styled by Medusa. 

I ate my lemon zest Luna bar and sipped a cup of tea, only spilling once on my shirt. 

I then watched a video, which changed the tone of the morning. This TED talk is smart, inspiring, and smart...really smart. Simple suggestions for living a happier life. Check it out and you'll see what I mean.

http://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work.html

THEN...this song happened, enhancing the good vibes. Peter introduced it to me, and while it's supposedly pretty big on the radio, I had never heard it before. I love the beat, forcing this song to instantly become my 9/23 anthem. I probably played it 26 times today. Take a listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j4I0PqNzKE

Finally...the forecast for the day said chance of showers. Showers never came...but the dust certainly picked up. Greensburg got sucked into a time warp to the 30's, as flashes of the Dust Bowl came to mind. A haze set over the town, the wind picked up, and the scent of an elementary school playground filled my nostrils. Mmmm...recess. 

The conditions kind of reminded me of the San Diego wildfires. Even though you know the air quality is not ideal, there's an eerie beauty about the skies turning a pale pink. I tried to capture the scenery for you, but unfortunately, it looks a lot calmer than it actually is. 

Out the front door

Out the back door

I have also attached a wind clip. There is no artistic value to the clip, but I wanted this to be a sensory experience. Sorry I don't have anything for you to taste or touch. Maybe make a SANDwich. 

Anyways. 

I'm glad I got to sit down and blog to you; today was a pretty good day. 

Remember to be happy and jam-out often...and maybe try that 21 day challenge! (TED)

Weekly roundup 9/20

There's been a few events since we last met.

(01) Joined the rec center. Can't say I've gone too much...but it's a start.
(02) Helped with the graphics for the Greensburg Rodeo...and WOW...I have never seen so many wranglers, chew, and horses at one time. It was a unique and fun experience...one that reminds me that I am in a very special place, and I should soak up as much culture as I can. I walked into the rodeo with my head held high, wranglers on, and equality-stickered water-bottle in hand. I think I fit in.
>>I help with other media events too, and you can always check it out at http://www.kwksmedia.org/
(03) I got to visit the wind farm today! the 10 turbines nearest town generate enough energy to power 4,000 homes/businesses. In addition...there's another 60+ out a little further...so just imagine all of that turboooo power, baby! It's pretty amazing...and beautiful to see. Kansas is windy...wind farms just make sense.
(04) Picked tomatoes today and planted radishes a week ago. I had no idea so many veggies did well here.
(05) Had our first 40+mph winds...I left my bike at home and drove to work.

(06) Requested tofu at Dillon's. I hope Wade remembers to submit my request.

(07) About 1/11 done with my first quilt! Once I'm done, I expect everyone to say it looks fabulous...even if it's a stretch of the truth.

(08) Making some really great friends and feeling very fortunate. 

(09) All set up with AmeriCorps, and should be getting my first paycheck soon (yay). 

(10) Considering starting piano lessons. Why not come home with a pocket-full of new hobbies...I already feel more dynamic.

(10a) There is a very slight possibility (because of my AmeriCorps duties) I may help with the Colorado recovery. It is so unfortunate to hear about the events that occurred this past week. It's another reminder that a disaster can happen anywhere and at any time. It also reminds me that what I am working on here can have a pretty significant impact on other disaster communities...which feels pretty good. 

With that being said, take care, stay informed, and go for a bike ride...unless it's too windy and you find yourself biking at a stand-still. That's just awful. 

Till next week. 

Just Because

Thanks, Bonnie

'Mama, we ain't in Cali anymore' road trip

A fun, warm, and beautiful road trip to America's heartland with the best mom in the world! Enjoy my photo summary of our great journey! 
California>Arizona>New Mexico> Texas>Oklahoma> Kansas!

Our mode of transport. It was always easy to spot out.

This is the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona; A Frank Lloyd Wright design. The red bluff backdrop and cloud-kissed sky make this space a truly sacred destination. You enter into the church and are invited to light a candle and think of those you have lost, which we both took part in. Even though the day had been calm and warm, as my mom and I walked out of the church, a powerful gust of wind wrapped around us, and seemed to be a sign of spiritual connection. 

This is the lower view of the church. Tucked into the hillside, the structure touches the landscape without having a loud and obtrusive presence. 

Leaving Sedona, my beautiful mom stands before the hills of Arizona. Which, who knew Arizona had landscapes like this? She definitely puts Vanna White to shame. 

I'm really glad we got a shot together! Even though we're hogging the picture, we are outside of Flagstaff observing some of the amazing cliff dwellings tucked away in the steep slopes of the ravine. We both wore flip-flops, and it started to storm, but this will definitely be a place to revisit again. 

Made it to Santa Fe! Mom said to pose like O'Keeffe, and this happened. A full art collection dedicated to a very talented and strong woman. This was a great museum and highly recommended. 

Santa Fe is a very old city, and this is one of the older churches in the community. Colors just popped more in this town. 

What can I say, I got my kicks on route 66. On our way to Kansas! (First had to jump across Texas and Oklahoma)

Had to stop in Liberal, Kansas to take some pictures of THE Dorothy house. Everything Wizard of Oz can be found here. Had to put those red slippers to use! (Thanks, Aunti, Wen!)

Follow the yellow brick road. What you don't see is Jana being cranky because she's hangry (hungry+angry (Peter)) in this photo. Sorry, mom.

Made it to Greensburg, Kansas! The home of the World's Largest Hand-Dug Well...and my future/current home!

Thanks for the great trip, mom!