Miss Spelling

Today, the girls are talking about that one word that we just can’t seem to spell correctly. I used to be such a good little speller. I was so proud to bring home my spelling list and effortlessly let the letters roll off my tongue as I aced every single word. I was a spelling rock star, you could say.

When the spelling bee rolled around, I was confident. “I could TOTALLY win this thing”, I thought to myself. I spelled a few words correctly and patiently waited in line to receive (i before e except after c!) my next word. As I stepped up to the microphone, the awaited word rang through my ears. It made me nervous because I just wasn’t completely sure of myself and this particular spelling. Now before you ask, I can’t recall what that word was. What I do recall is sputtering out unintelligible, wrong letters and being asked to leave the stage after hearing, “Good try, but…”

My ever-lovin’, spelling machine heart was crushed. I did a side step back to the microphone and hopefully told the administrators what I had meant to say and spelled the word correctly. Unfortunately for me, they told me it was too late.

Despair.

I suppose this marked the end of my spelling career, thus making me disregard many spelling rules forever. I no longer cared if I could spell the longest word known to man, nor did I care about those silly little words like “a lot”. Okay, I take it back. I do care about “a lot”…it’s two words, not one, ya know.

Anyway, try as I might, I can’t care about spelling anymore. It’s just not in me. Most times I don’t even use spell check before I hit publish on this blog. But sometimes, when I’m using the word judgment…I feel the need to double check.

Why, oh why is there not an “e” after the “g”. In my heart of hearts, I am passionate about this. It doesn’t make sense.

And that darn word trips me up every time.

What word do you have trouble with?

Untitled

A man was wondering through the woods that had become his new home. He had The North Face vest on ,that when purchased, the cute girl at the register assured him that he needed. He wasn’t sure how true it was, but what he was sure of now was that he needed to start looking for a place to stay. A tent in the winter just wasn’t going to cut it. The swift breezes coming off the crystal blue glacial water reminded him that winter wasn’t far away. With his outgoing, stubborn best friend in tow, he set out on an adventure. He wasn’t sure just where his feet may wander nor did he understand just how much land his buddy’s paws could cover, but he felt prepared for whatever Alaska would throw at him. He was ready for just about anything- anything but her…

Ok so maybe none of this is true, but this is my blog and I do what I want! 😉 Do you ever just look at photos and wonder what is going on in them? If you’re like me, you begin creating a story for the images whether it’s factual or not. I took a photo journalism class my freshman year in college. That wasn’t the given title of the class, but we did more of that than anything. To this date, it has been one of my favorite classes. My guess is this is because I got to use my imagination freely. As I started out on this NaNoWriMo journey, I wanted to write down my stories. You know, the one my grandkids’ grandkids could read many years from now to learn about how their family tree had come about all those years ago. My hope is that it isn’t boring, although I have my doubts. I have over 11,000 words now, but I find myself being drawn to the more creative writing styles that fiction could offer.

Maybe I’m just tired of the truth. Maybe I need a little fiction in my life today. Unfortunately for you, this blog will pacify my need for that right now.

In the words of Gaylord Focker, “Can you deal with that?”

 

Read, Write, Repeat

I’ve been writing like crazy the past few days and enjoying every minute of it! Not only have I been keeping all of you updated on this blog, but I’ve also begun my project of writing an entire book in the month of November! Lofty, aye? Well, it all started when I read about this project, NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) a couple of months ago. I though to myself, ‘What a great way to kickstart writing! I couldn’t possibly be involved in something with such a ridiculous name, though.’ So I went on about my day as if I hadn’t read anything of the sort. I kept seeing it, though- nagging at me, bidding me to start something. I blame this girl for posting the final big sign to jump onto the bandwagon! So what if I’m moving across the country this month? So what if I have to pack? So what if I’m busy saying my goodbyes, driving for ten days, and getting settled in a new town? I’m going to do this! You know what? I’ve already got 9,000 words and you betcha I’m still counting. I’ll be sure to let you in on this process as it develops.

In the meantime, I’ve been reading a lot. I have so many reviews to write, but I have a feeling those will be very late. If I’m not writing my new brilliant novel mediocre nonfiction, I’m snuggled on the couch reading another book. I was looking around at Barnes and Noble the other day and I found so many new (or new to me) books that I can’t wait to read. These are on my list (although I probably won’t purchase any because my birthday and Christmas are coming up!):

What a variety, huh? Lately, I’ve read Choosing To See, Taking Charge of Your Fertility, and Skeletons at the Feast so be sure to look for those reviews in the coming weeks. What are you reading these days?

A bunch of nothing

Sometimes one just needs to write. The idea of catharsis is one that has diminished in popularity among friends, but it’s always gaining popularity in the counseling field. After all, what is counseling if it’s not having someone who is paid to listen to you? Sure, there are helpful therapists out there, but what we, as human beings, really need is just someone to listen to us. Perhaps that’s why I write so often. It’s a type of catharsis for me, a release. So, as I sit here with a glass of wine and wide eyes, I wonder, did that just happen?

I won’t go into details, but I’ll let you know the ballpark I’m in: I don’t understand why people feel the need to put others down in order to make themselves feel better. I’ve seen this on a much larger scale all over the news this week, but what I’m referring to are those little jabs, those small one -liners that cut right to your core. There are people in my life that can accomplish this with ease. When something in their life gets rough, their first step on their own personal road to recovery is to criticize mine. If you have to start a sentence with, “At least…” or some other mean spirited comparison phrase then I probably don’t NEED to hear that. Jus’ sayin.’ The weird thing is- I don’t really care enough to feel really bad about it. I mean, I know what this person said is far from truth and they probably don’t really believe what was said either and it was just a way for them to release as well. I’m not mad or sad, just slightly irritated because this isn’t the first time this person has graced me with their careless tongue. I just pray that I can search my heart and find forgiveness for them because it truly is a small, miniscule thing. The idea that keeps resounding in my head though is, why do I continue to entertain their insecurities? I’m not sure.

What else is going on with me? Well, aside from that minor annoyance earlier, I’m doing great. Jordan and I have a lot of exciting news. For starters, Captain J received his selection letter for a big bad army school (removed). Yeah, that’s right…the big time. People keep asking me how I feel about this and I’m not sure I know how to respond. I mean, most people immediately say, “Oh, I’m sorry, Kace…” which tells me I truly don’t know what I’m getting myself into! The role of an (removed) wife? Can I handle that? I know we’ll make it work if that’s where God wants Captain J to be. Above all worries and fears, I’m happy for him. I know this is what he wants career-wise so I support him. This summer will provide insight into what the next few years of our lives will look like so I’m excited to see what happens. Captain J will be sent off sometime this summer to go into the next phase of selection. Prayers are very much appreciated!

The most thrilling news, in my opinion, is the fact that I have in my possession two tickets to Hawaii for the month of June! Captain J and I are finally getting our honeymoon that we didn’t get to have. It’s going to be such a blessing to be able to visit somewhere warm, tropical, and gorgeous after having spent a winter in Alaska. We plan on finishing up our Scuba Diving Certification, fishing, and relaxing on the beach. 10 days of uninterrupted bliss…I cannot wait!

Many times people ask what’s up with ME and I really don’t have much of an answer for them. Sometimes it  feels as if my life is so closely intertwined with Captain J’s that I don’t have much of a life outside of him, but I know that’s not true. So, to enlighten you on what’s going on in my world, I will say that I’m pretty content in doing a whole bunch of nothing. Many of you have sent me encoraging emails, comments, messages, and phone calls telling me I should publish my writing. I don’t know how serious I am to take you, but I have begun to write some of my thoughts down elsewhere (besides this blog). The trouble with writing or any other thing that one may be good at, it’s often just something I do so I never think of it as anything exceptional. Whether what I say is interesting enough for people to want to read or not, I have started writing notes occasionally of what is laid upon my heart. Maybe it will never be a great piece of work, but I write anyway in the hope that my children and grandchildren will have a readily available glimpse into my life as a twenty something year old. That thought keeps me writing. Besides, I really enjoy it!

I’ve also been trying to whip my butt into shape, as you can see here. I don’t know how much my body has changed, but I can truly feel the difference. I’m happier when I’m working out, releasing endorphins. Pretty soon I’m hoping to settle on a half marathon to do this summer. I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled. Alaskans are hardcore so they often don’t have the 13.1 mile race, it’s all or nothing. There’s no way I can finish a full marathon would want to run 26 miles at this point in my life so that simply won’t be happening. I’d love to do another half marathon, though so that is definitely in the works for me. I’ll keep you updated.

I’m going to peace out now because I fear I’m boring you with my game of catch up. Tell me, what’s going on with YOU?