After an amazing run here on the Letters to Home blog, I have decided it's time to shift my writing focus in other directions. Thank you to all my followers, your support is greatly appreciated.
Now, here's the good news. I'm starting a new blog! It can be accessed here:
howthelittlemomentsmakelifebig.blogspot.com
The first post will be up today so head on over and check it out.
With gratitude, peace and love,
Hope
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Life's A Great Balancing Act
Hello Good People of the World,
It was the late, great Dr. Seuss that wrote in his book "Oh the Places You'll Go" to "remember that life is a great balancing act." As I sit here this evening writing on my perpetually neglected blog I have to think that maybe my life is out of balance.
As I walked out of work this evening, the sky looked like this...
The storm clouds were looming. Instead of feeling disappointed or aggravated that thunder and rain were inevitable, I actually felt a sense of relief. An impending storm meant I didn't have to rush home and change and rush off to the dog beach to walk Jak. And then rush home to have supper, do a few necessary chores and get to bed as I have to get up at 3am to go to work tomorrow. This is what my life has become. Working 6 days a week means I spend the free time I have running. Not recreational running, running to get stuff done. A weekday evening, sitting on the couch, typing my blog without feeling guilty that I'm not walking Jak (thank you storm clouds!) has become a huge luxury in my world.
A little over a week ago my mom came to visit. Thankfully I was able to take the time off from both of my jobs to spend with her and to just have a break. The reality of my busy lifestyle hit me the first day that Mom was here and she wanted to go in a store to just poke around. Poking around hasn't existed in my world for a while. When I go into a store it's either after work or after a walk at the dog beach or on my one day off. Jak is either at home waiting or in the car waiting. I know exactly what I'm looking for and I get in a store and get out. The first few minutes I was in that store with my mom I almost had a meltdown. I knew she wanted to shop and I knew she would be a while. I had no where to be and no reason not to let her shop till her heart's content. Except my brain was still in go mode. I started feeling totally anxious about how long this shopping expedition was going to take. I had to talk myself down in the stationary aisle. I told myself it was okay to look around. At anything. At nothing specific. I could try on shoes just for the heck of it. Even if I wasn't going to buy them. I could browse the home decor even if I had no purpose for it. This was a big awakening moment for me. Not only I am always on the go, but when I could take the time to slow down I'd forgot how to.
So now the question is how do I get this great balancing act back in balance. Well, there is potential for some change in my work situation. Details to be disclosed when potential becomes reality. I also think I need to be a little kinder to myself. As long as Jak's basic needs are being met, it's okay to skip an evening walk once or twice a week. Without making any promises, I would like to get back to writing my blog a little more regularly. I appreciate those of you that still check and I know it's a good creative outlet for me as well. Beyond that I guess I take it day by day. And especially enjoy the rainy evenings when I don't have to do battle with that voice in my head. Life is too short to spend it always rushing around.
Until next time...
Peace & Love,
Hope
It was the late, great Dr. Seuss that wrote in his book "Oh the Places You'll Go" to "remember that life is a great balancing act." As I sit here this evening writing on my perpetually neglected blog I have to think that maybe my life is out of balance.
As I walked out of work this evening, the sky looked like this...
A little over a week ago my mom came to visit. Thankfully I was able to take the time off from both of my jobs to spend with her and to just have a break. The reality of my busy lifestyle hit me the first day that Mom was here and she wanted to go in a store to just poke around. Poking around hasn't existed in my world for a while. When I go into a store it's either after work or after a walk at the dog beach or on my one day off. Jak is either at home waiting or in the car waiting. I know exactly what I'm looking for and I get in a store and get out. The first few minutes I was in that store with my mom I almost had a meltdown. I knew she wanted to shop and I knew she would be a while. I had no where to be and no reason not to let her shop till her heart's content. Except my brain was still in go mode. I started feeling totally anxious about how long this shopping expedition was going to take. I had to talk myself down in the stationary aisle. I told myself it was okay to look around. At anything. At nothing specific. I could try on shoes just for the heck of it. Even if I wasn't going to buy them. I could browse the home decor even if I had no purpose for it. This was a big awakening moment for me. Not only I am always on the go, but when I could take the time to slow down I'd forgot how to.
So now the question is how do I get this great balancing act back in balance. Well, there is potential for some change in my work situation. Details to be disclosed when potential becomes reality. I also think I need to be a little kinder to myself. As long as Jak's basic needs are being met, it's okay to skip an evening walk once or twice a week. Without making any promises, I would like to get back to writing my blog a little more regularly. I appreciate those of you that still check and I know it's a good creative outlet for me as well. Beyond that I guess I take it day by day. And especially enjoy the rainy evenings when I don't have to do battle with that voice in my head. Life is too short to spend it always rushing around.
Until next time...
Peace & Love,
Hope
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Two Years and Counting
Dear Family & Friends,
As I spend yet another evening this week hoping the afternoon storms will soon roll through so that Jak and I can get out and walk, I thought I'd take the time to finally update my blog. Of significance on this day, I arrived here two years ago today. In a lot of ways it's hard to believe that much time has gone by.
When I mentioned that it had been almost two years to a friend earlier this week, she asked what the best and worst parts of it have been. I had to stop and think about that for a while. It has certainly been a growing experience that's for sure. The biggest struggle I've had here has been a lack of connections. To go from a job and a town where I was so connected to not knowing anyone was more to cope with than I had anticipated. What I've learned is, it just takes time. To find a trusted mechanic, a good hairstylist, a favorite restaurant for a spaghetti dinner (that still eludes me). The best part of living here would be several things, the friendlier atmosphere, the warm weather and of course the dog beach.
There are times when I look back and feel amazed that I actually did this. That I found the courage to pack up and head off to a new land. I haven't once regretted it. Even when I was just getting by, even when I was exhausted from working crazy hours, even when a beloved family member got a tough diagnosis 1000 miles away. I still have so many instances when a wave of gratitude washes over me because I am here.
In the months leading up to me actually making this move there were many times when I just couldn't see how it would ever happen. But I also couldn't imagine it not happening. The other day I went into a store I'd only been once or twice before. I walked straight to a rack of shirts and pulled one out that says "Hope In The Unknown". This Hope had hope in the unknown by moving here and I am so glad that I did.
Until next time...and I won't make any promises when that will be...
Peace & Love. Be Well.
Hope
P.S. I bought the shirt.
As I spend yet another evening this week hoping the afternoon storms will soon roll through so that Jak and I can get out and walk, I thought I'd take the time to finally update my blog. Of significance on this day, I arrived here two years ago today. In a lot of ways it's hard to believe that much time has gone by.
When I mentioned that it had been almost two years to a friend earlier this week, she asked what the best and worst parts of it have been. I had to stop and think about that for a while. It has certainly been a growing experience that's for sure. The biggest struggle I've had here has been a lack of connections. To go from a job and a town where I was so connected to not knowing anyone was more to cope with than I had anticipated. What I've learned is, it just takes time. To find a trusted mechanic, a good hairstylist, a favorite restaurant for a spaghetti dinner (that still eludes me). The best part of living here would be several things, the friendlier atmosphere, the warm weather and of course the dog beach.
There are times when I look back and feel amazed that I actually did this. That I found the courage to pack up and head off to a new land. I haven't once regretted it. Even when I was just getting by, even when I was exhausted from working crazy hours, even when a beloved family member got a tough diagnosis 1000 miles away. I still have so many instances when a wave of gratitude washes over me because I am here.
In the months leading up to me actually making this move there were many times when I just couldn't see how it would ever happen. But I also couldn't imagine it not happening. The other day I went into a store I'd only been once or twice before. I walked straight to a rack of shirts and pulled one out that says "Hope In The Unknown". This Hope had hope in the unknown by moving here and I am so glad that I did.
Until next time...and I won't make any promises when that will be...
Peace & Love. Be Well.
Hope
P.S. I bought the shirt.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Happy Holidays!
Dear Friends and Family,
The holidays for me started a few weeks early when I headed north to the home state for a few days. It was great to see everyone that I could, as the time goes so fast. Perhaps someday I will get used the fact that there won't ever be enough time to see everyone or to spend with those I do get to see. There is only so much one person can do in a few days!
After my return to the land of sun, I was straight out busy with both jobs and trying to finish up last minute stuff for Christmas. The time just flew by and before I knew it, it was already Christmas Eve. My friends that I had Thanksgiving dinner with (I usually refer to them as my dog beach friends but they really do have names...Bill and Sally) invited me over for dinner on Christmas Eve. They have been very kind to me and I appreciated the invitation. It was an evening of good food and good company and since they would be traveling the next day, I also got to bring all the leftovers home. More to be thankful for!
Christmas Day was spent working at my retail job. Many think we shouldn't have bee open, for the most part I am fine with it. While I was in the home state I asked my mom to make stockings for me so that I could fill them for the kids that had to work with me on Christmas. In my mind I would open with my manager and have them hanging before the kiddos arrived. Of course that didn't quite happen, however the stockings were super cute and my co-workers appreciated the gesture all the same. Here's a picture of them hung by the pastry cart with care.
The reason I said that for the most part I'm fine working on Christmas is that unfortunately a lot of the customers were just not nice to us. If everyone (or the majority) would have been merry and bright I would've been totally fine with it. It's Christmas, can't they just be nice for one day. Apparently not. It was not our usual crowd so I'm assuming mostly those traveling for the holiday and seemingly doing so miserably. As much as I wanted to remain positive, it just sucks the life out of you to deal with one unhappy person after another. And it was so busy which is just plain tiring.
By the time I left work, my 6.5 hour shift had turned into 10 hours (partly of my own doing and partly because of it being busy) and I drove home feeling great contempt for society. My aunt had invited me for dinner and I almost canceled, feeling like I wouldn't be very good company. I pulled into a parking spot at my apartment complex and sat in my car for a few minutes trying to pull myself together. As soon as I opened my car door I heard the voice of the nicest, sweetest girl in the whole complex. Cheerfully she said, "Merry Christmas Hope!" Before I could even get out of my car. My heart so needed that little bit of kindness right in that moment. Some faith in humanity restored.
After a nap, I was feeling a bit better so I loaded up Jak and we were off to the dog beach. It continues to be such a grounding place for me. The sun, the sand, the beach treasures. I have made good friends there. And the scenery makes me smile. This was the sunset we were treated to on Christmas Day and there were so many dolphins around. It was a good end to the day.
As I had printed on my Christmas cards this year, it's the little moments that make life big. I hope your Christmas was full of those little moments and that the new year has many more in store for you.
Peace and Love to All of You!
Hope
The holidays for me started a few weeks early when I headed north to the home state for a few days. It was great to see everyone that I could, as the time goes so fast. Perhaps someday I will get used the fact that there won't ever be enough time to see everyone or to spend with those I do get to see. There is only so much one person can do in a few days!
After my return to the land of sun, I was straight out busy with both jobs and trying to finish up last minute stuff for Christmas. The time just flew by and before I knew it, it was already Christmas Eve. My friends that I had Thanksgiving dinner with (I usually refer to them as my dog beach friends but they really do have names...Bill and Sally) invited me over for dinner on Christmas Eve. They have been very kind to me and I appreciated the invitation. It was an evening of good food and good company and since they would be traveling the next day, I also got to bring all the leftovers home. More to be thankful for!
Christmas Day was spent working at my retail job. Many think we shouldn't have bee open, for the most part I am fine with it. While I was in the home state I asked my mom to make stockings for me so that I could fill them for the kids that had to work with me on Christmas. In my mind I would open with my manager and have them hanging before the kiddos arrived. Of course that didn't quite happen, however the stockings were super cute and my co-workers appreciated the gesture all the same. Here's a picture of them hung by the pastry cart with care.
The reason I said that for the most part I'm fine working on Christmas is that unfortunately a lot of the customers were just not nice to us. If everyone (or the majority) would have been merry and bright I would've been totally fine with it. It's Christmas, can't they just be nice for one day. Apparently not. It was not our usual crowd so I'm assuming mostly those traveling for the holiday and seemingly doing so miserably. As much as I wanted to remain positive, it just sucks the life out of you to deal with one unhappy person after another. And it was so busy which is just plain tiring.
By the time I left work, my 6.5 hour shift had turned into 10 hours (partly of my own doing and partly because of it being busy) and I drove home feeling great contempt for society. My aunt had invited me for dinner and I almost canceled, feeling like I wouldn't be very good company. I pulled into a parking spot at my apartment complex and sat in my car for a few minutes trying to pull myself together. As soon as I opened my car door I heard the voice of the nicest, sweetest girl in the whole complex. Cheerfully she said, "Merry Christmas Hope!" Before I could even get out of my car. My heart so needed that little bit of kindness right in that moment. Some faith in humanity restored.
After a nap, I was feeling a bit better so I loaded up Jak and we were off to the dog beach. It continues to be such a grounding place for me. The sun, the sand, the beach treasures. I have made good friends there. And the scenery makes me smile. This was the sunset we were treated to on Christmas Day and there were so many dolphins around. It was a good end to the day.
As I had printed on my Christmas cards this year, it's the little moments that make life big. I hope your Christmas was full of those little moments and that the new year has many more in store for you.
Peace and Love to All of You!
Hope
Friday, November 28, 2014
Happy Day After
Howdy Pilgrims,
I know I said I'd write on Thanksgiving but obviously that didn't quite happen. I had to be to work at 4:30 a.m. And then I came home, took a quick nap and got ready to go to my friends for Thanksgiving dinner. It was a chilly day here but so much better than the snow that I know my friends and family in the Northeast were dealing with.
My friends that invited me for dinner both work at a local college and had invited several students to also join them. When we sat down to eat, the host asked us to go around the table and tell a little about ourselves. This turned out to be very interesting as everyone had a diverse tale that brought them to that table.
This is a picture of De Chelly (pronounced DeShay, she is named for a Canyon in Arizona where she came from).
DeChelly is an impish Husky who loves to tell her tale of woah. Last time I visited these friends, Jak was invited too and though she tolerated him in her house she didn't love it. Woah woah woah. (Rie, you know what I'm talking about!)
I know I said I'd write on Thanksgiving but obviously that didn't quite happen. I had to be to work at 4:30 a.m. And then I came home, took a quick nap and got ready to go to my friends for Thanksgiving dinner. It was a chilly day here but so much better than the snow that I know my friends and family in the Northeast were dealing with.
My friends that invited me for dinner both work at a local college and had invited several students to also join them. When we sat down to eat, the host asked us to go around the table and tell a little about ourselves. This turned out to be very interesting as everyone had a diverse tale that brought them to that table.
This is a picture of De Chelly (pronounced DeShay, she is named for a Canyon in Arizona where she came from).
Well, it's time for me to get ready for work. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving full of good food and good company.
Until next time...
Peace and Love,
Hope
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Time
Dear Loyal Blog Readers,
If you've still been checking for updates, thank you! I was asked this question the other day, "Do you think you'll update your blog for Thanksgiving?" Yes, Mom. In fact I'm updating before turkey day arrives. It is definitely time.
Interestingly it seems that time is what has been keeping me from writing. Most days it just doesn't feel like there's enough of it. On a day to day basis I feel like I am managing working 6 days a week pretty well. Cumulatively though, it can get a bit wearing. I think the advantage of having two days off per week is that you have a day for errands and chores and a day to rest. With only one day off and the fact that one can only put off errands and chores for so long what ends up falling by the wayside is rest.
In the evenings (or mornings depending on which day it is and which job I'm working) when I could take time to do things like write on my blog, I find it hard to do much more than plop on the couch and watch TV. That has become my time for rest.
This week I requested two days off from my retail job just to give myself a little break. Being that I am a huge fan of the Apollo space program era, ever since moving here I've been wanting to visiting Kennedy Space Center. I found a good deal on a Groupon and decided to go on one of my two days off this week. Well, because I am who I am, when another supervisor called out for her opening shift yesterday, I said I would work part of it. Since my planned tour at the space center was in the afternoon, I'd have time to do both. Which is exactly what did. I just love all that space history stuff. On December 4th they're launching a massive rocket from Cape Canaveral as part of test project for future manned flights. It is already on the launch pad which we got to see but were forbidden to take pictures. To the point that NASA security was flying over in a helicopter monitoring what we were doing. Should my schedule allow, I may try to head that way the day of launch. From what I understand it's pretty spectacular to witness one close up.
Jak is well and as mischievous ever. The first few days after the time change were rough as neither Jak or I were getting a enough exercise so we had to figure out a new walking routine. Even on the days when I'm at my job with regular daytime hours, we can no longer make it to the dog beach before the park closes. So we've had to find an alternative, safe after dark location to walk. I have now done so and for Jak the best part is the fancy marina we walk past. You see, they have a well maintained lawn for which Jak likes to flop down on and bust out his favorite dance move. The worm. Whatever makes him happy!
I guess that's about all for now. As promised to my mom, I will be updating my blog for Thanksgiving and maybe even before that. Thanks again to those who keep checking here even though I haven't written in so long. I suppose the lesson for me here is make time to take time to do it.
Until next time...
Peace & Love,
Hope
If you've still been checking for updates, thank you! I was asked this question the other day, "Do you think you'll update your blog for Thanksgiving?" Yes, Mom. In fact I'm updating before turkey day arrives. It is definitely time.
Interestingly it seems that time is what has been keeping me from writing. Most days it just doesn't feel like there's enough of it. On a day to day basis I feel like I am managing working 6 days a week pretty well. Cumulatively though, it can get a bit wearing. I think the advantage of having two days off per week is that you have a day for errands and chores and a day to rest. With only one day off and the fact that one can only put off errands and chores for so long what ends up falling by the wayside is rest.
In the evenings (or mornings depending on which day it is and which job I'm working) when I could take time to do things like write on my blog, I find it hard to do much more than plop on the couch and watch TV. That has become my time for rest.
This week I requested two days off from my retail job just to give myself a little break. Being that I am a huge fan of the Apollo space program era, ever since moving here I've been wanting to visiting Kennedy Space Center. I found a good deal on a Groupon and decided to go on one of my two days off this week. Well, because I am who I am, when another supervisor called out for her opening shift yesterday, I said I would work part of it. Since my planned tour at the space center was in the afternoon, I'd have time to do both. Which is exactly what did. I just love all that space history stuff. On December 4th they're launching a massive rocket from Cape Canaveral as part of test project for future manned flights. It is already on the launch pad which we got to see but were forbidden to take pictures. To the point that NASA security was flying over in a helicopter monitoring what we were doing. Should my schedule allow, I may try to head that way the day of launch. From what I understand it's pretty spectacular to witness one close up.
Jak is well and as mischievous ever. The first few days after the time change were rough as neither Jak or I were getting a enough exercise so we had to figure out a new walking routine. Even on the days when I'm at my job with regular daytime hours, we can no longer make it to the dog beach before the park closes. So we've had to find an alternative, safe after dark location to walk. I have now done so and for Jak the best part is the fancy marina we walk past. You see, they have a well maintained lawn for which Jak likes to flop down on and bust out his favorite dance move. The worm. Whatever makes him happy!
I guess that's about all for now. As promised to my mom, I will be updating my blog for Thanksgiving and maybe even before that. Thanks again to those who keep checking here even though I haven't written in so long. I suppose the lesson for me here is make time to take time to do it.
Until next time...
Peace & Love,
Hope
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Slacking
Howdy Peeps,
Yeah, I know. I've been slacking on writing my blog. The thing is I was managing working two jobs pretty well until I offered to work extra while my boss was on vacation. Which meant I worked two weeks straight without a day off and energy wise I haven't been able to get out from under it. So currently my life pretty much feels like I work, try to walk Jak and beyond I can't get out of my own way. Now, I'm not complaining as I made the choices, what I'm saying is I don't have anything fun to write about. It's the cause and effect explanation of why there haven't been any blog entries.
I have made a new friend at the dog beach. Her and her husband walk their two dogs there. He travels a lot for work so her and I try to plan to walk together when he is away. She is a kind and supportive person and always has something good to say. So even though my fun and energy have been limited lately, at least when I do get out I get to spend time with good people. It took a while for Jak to get used to their younger dog which is a Husky. She can be a bit in your face to begin with. As it turns out she is very prey driven, always sticking her nose in crab holes and such (we're all convinced one day she will come up with a crab attached to her nose!). Jak of course is food driven, as in the kind that is already prepared. He would much rather stalk the park ranger that gives him treats than a living ghost crab so he and the Husky can co-exist peacefully on the beach.
The weather is still in the mid 80's most days and we have had some rain pretty much every day for the past month or so. The natives are all excited that tomorrow the high will be in the mid 70's. That makes it feel like fall to them. I, of course, love the warm weather and that wearing shorts and t-shirts everyday is still necessary in October.
Well I guess that's about all for now. I won't make any promises about writing again soon, I'll just say when I feel up to it I'll write again. I hope everyone is enjoying the fall. The only thing I really miss about the northeast this time of year is fresh apples. Someone have a Macoun for me!
Until next time...
Peace and Love,
Hope
Yeah, I know. I've been slacking on writing my blog. The thing is I was managing working two jobs pretty well until I offered to work extra while my boss was on vacation. Which meant I worked two weeks straight without a day off and energy wise I haven't been able to get out from under it. So currently my life pretty much feels like I work, try to walk Jak and beyond I can't get out of my own way. Now, I'm not complaining as I made the choices, what I'm saying is I don't have anything fun to write about. It's the cause and effect explanation of why there haven't been any blog entries.
I have made a new friend at the dog beach. Her and her husband walk their two dogs there. He travels a lot for work so her and I try to plan to walk together when he is away. She is a kind and supportive person and always has something good to say. So even though my fun and energy have been limited lately, at least when I do get out I get to spend time with good people. It took a while for Jak to get used to their younger dog which is a Husky. She can be a bit in your face to begin with. As it turns out she is very prey driven, always sticking her nose in crab holes and such (we're all convinced one day she will come up with a crab attached to her nose!). Jak of course is food driven, as in the kind that is already prepared. He would much rather stalk the park ranger that gives him treats than a living ghost crab so he and the Husky can co-exist peacefully on the beach.
The weather is still in the mid 80's most days and we have had some rain pretty much every day for the past month or so. The natives are all excited that tomorrow the high will be in the mid 70's. That makes it feel like fall to them. I, of course, love the warm weather and that wearing shorts and t-shirts everyday is still necessary in October.
Well I guess that's about all for now. I won't make any promises about writing again soon, I'll just say when I feel up to it I'll write again. I hope everyone is enjoying the fall. The only thing I really miss about the northeast this time of year is fresh apples. Someone have a Macoun for me!
Until next time...
Peace and Love,
Hope
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