Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Come Visit Me!

An average day for me… I pick up the gov’t vehicle (1.2 miles from my house), I drive 15 miles to the Ranger station, I unlock the gate and then unlock all the doors, I turn on all the lights, put the flag up, take out the cash register drawer and then I sit and wait for visitors to come in… for 8 hours. Sit and wait. Today is a good day, I had 25. Usually it is more like 15. They come in, ask for information on the area, I give them a brochure and explain it and then they leave. I am getting soo sick of playing spider solitaire… SO… I think everyone should come visit me!

You know you want to.... Plus vacations that are just be beaches and amusement parks are overrated, seeing national parks is the way to go.

No More Mrs. Nice Jaclyn

I am one of those people who usually puts everyone before myself. I will always think of someone else before I think of myself. That is just how I am. However, I am starting to realize that, it isn’t always good to do this.

Most recently with my job… I keep hearing that I am going to get screwed over. That I work with a bunch back stabbers and they are just waiting to stab me in the back. (I promise, I have gotten warned by dozens of people. Grants is like the black hole for employees that nobody wants, and Jackie who went there on her own free will…) I didn’t think any of this was true. I kept thinking, it can’t be that bad and sure enough everyone was SO super nice to me. I am like everyone’s best friend. I am NAÏVE. It turns out I was wrong. I haven’t gotten screwed over or back stabbed YET… but feel it coming. I got warned today, by a somewhat innocent bystander… who has been around awhile and knows exactly what is going on. They had me fooled and I fell right into their traps.

But now my eyes are open… and I will not worry about any of my coworkers. I will worry about me. I am going to do everything in my power to make sure that I am taking care of me and my family (Ryan) and my future here and I don’t care who I piss off when I do it. End Story.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Life is like....

... a piece of paper

After spending our entire weekend at a retreat, just to receive a piece of paper, it got me thinking. Life is a piece of paper… after everything important or monumental that happens in life leads to a piece of paper.

My thoughts:
You are born- you get a birth certificate

Booster shots – Shot records

Graduate High School – Get a High School Diploma

Graduate College - Get a College Diploma

Get Married – Get a marriage certificate

Work hard for – a paper that says how much money you made, or did not make

And when you die – you get a death certificate



Am I right? Everything that is important in life leads to a piece of paper. And we are trying to go green… lol.

Engagement Encounter…

We survived! My overall opinion is that it was worth it, but it was very long. Both Friday and Saturday we were still going until almost 11 pm. We were soo tired that it wasn’t even that bad sleeping dorm room style away from each other! The food was awesome… I bet I gained weight staying there this weekend!

There were 20 engaged couples, the youngest being about 20 and the oldest in their 70’s. There was a pretty big range of ages and about 4 couples have already had children. (We were the couple that had been together the longest, besides the one that 3 kids!) The whole point of the weekend was to make the couples stronger, to make them talk about things that they may not otherwise have thought of to talk about. Most of the topics were things that usually cause friction in a marriage and sometimes lead to divorce, like: Money and Finances, having children, Religion and Communication. However, we have been together forever we have already talked about all of this stuff several times! Lol. But I think for some it was a beneficial weekend.

One cool thing we did was that they asked us to think of a couple that has been an inspiration to us as a couple and write them a letter thanking them for supporting us throughout our relationship. We chose Ryan’s grandparents (his dad’s parents) because we felt they are very inspirational. Like us, they also starting dating in High School, they had kids while going to college, but they still both graduated college and had 4 children. Religion is a very big part of their life, but family is even more important. They have always gone out of their way to welcome me into their family and support both of us as individuals as well as a couple and for that we are very appreciative. We are both really excited for them to receive their letter!

So that was the extent of our weekend and we are soo tired, but glad it happened and even gladder that it is over! :)

Thursday, July 17, 2008

The Final Season...





I don't care who you are... THAT is Good Times!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

I desperately need some medical attention...

Since my car accident in 2003 I have been going to dozens of doctors. The thing that seemed to work for me best was the Chiropractor and Physical Therapy... actually a combination of both. I have a very messed up neck, and when I moved from Socorro my chiropractor told me to not let anyone else touch my neck, for fear they would screw up all the work he and his wife have done the past 5 years.

So now... my neck is killing me and I'm trying to figure out when I can go to the chiropractor or get back into PT again. Sigh.... It feels like a never ending process and I wish someone could just heal me.

Just thought I'd share my neck frustrations... but I don't think my lap top helps this process at all.. oops.

Backyard Views....







So the rain has really done wonders to our backyard... Not only do we have lots of grass, but we have a ton of weeds. Regardless, it is still green and pretty. It looks 100% better than when we moved in. And when we see Bailey passed out on it, It makes every bit of work we put into it worth it! Enjoy the pictures!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Hairs... nevermind it is just plain random...

So I am in a writing slump and really don't know what to write about... Work is going ok. I am at the Ranger station/visitor's center and I tell people where to go... ha ha... ummm what scenic places around the area to visit I mean. It is fun, but can be very boring at times... Like today I only had 15 people come in. I have no cell service and no Internet. yucky.

House is awesome.We have grass, pretty sweet. Ryan is awesome. Animals are awesome. Nothing else that exciting.

As my title says, I was going to write a blog about my hair. I am currently in a hair slump. I am trying to grow it out for the wedding... and I hate it. I just want to chop it off. I was wondering if anyone else has hair stages. When I was a baby my hair was curly, then as a toddler it was straight, then it got really curly for years, then I chopped it last year and now it is straightish again. Weird, right? I definitely don't get it.

What else is going on... This weekend Ryan and I have to go to an Engagement Encounter all weekend in Alb. In order to get married in the Catholic church that is something that they require. It isn't about learning the religion or anything, but more on helping couples build a strong relationship and bring religion into their relationship. They believe that the wedding is a day,but the marriage is a lifetime.

Ryan really doesn't want to go (Honestly,neither do I). We have to stay there the entire weekend and we have to stay in dormitory style rooms, plus they assign us to rooms. I think that will be the worst part. However, I have heard that it isn't that bad. Other people that have gone have told me that nobody wanted to be there so they all made the best of the weekend and ended up having a lot of fun. I'm hoping it will be the same for us. Just get it over with.

Oh yeah, and then I start my new work schedule so I will have this coming Monday off. Very cool! :)I will be watching TLC ALL day with a little bit of cleaning!

I guess that is it... Talk about a random blog. Maybe I will muster up some inspiration while I am at the ranger station tomorrow listening to the chipmunks run through the ceiling...

Monday, July 14, 2008

Wedding Registry??

So I have been on the fence about my wedding registies.

The thing is, we already have a lot of stuff for our house, in fact almost everything... The only thing we actually need is a set of plates and dishes. We have brand new silverware and pots....in fact we have more pots and pans than we know what to do with. I guess the only other thing we might possibly need would be a new comforter and sheet set for the bed?? That is it.

So I've been trying to look into a Honeymoon Registry. I thought it would be a good idea... I mean, we are having a hard time pulling together enough money to go on a honeymoon.... in fact I didn't even want to go on one because of that. I figured we could go in a year or something, but Ryan decided he really wanted to go on one and got off of work for it... so we are going. Just don't know how we will afford it.

A honeymoon registry lets people chip in for the couple's honeymoon, plus they can also buy the couple other fun things that they can do while they are on the honeymoon like, a trip to the spa, a snorkeling day, dinners on a boat or in a restaurant, kayaking and so much more...

The only thing is they have to be able to get online and do it. I am worried that some of my family and even some friends may not be able to get online to do it. Some are not the most computer literate... which puts me on the fence. I don't want to set it all up and then have nobody chip in any money and have to front it all ourselves. Ya know?

What do you think? Do you think people would go on the honeymoon registry and chip in??? Let me know....

Saturday, July 12, 2008

New York, New York....

For as long as I can remember, it has been a dream of mine to visit New York.

My mom grew up in NY and lived there until she was in her 30's. My whole family on her side has great ties to NY and they are always talking about it.

Another dream of mine is to see the New York Yankees play in the House that Ruth built. This is the last season that the Yankees will be playing in that stadium.... I've even heard that it will be torn down and used as a parking lot for the new stadium.

Well, this August, my dreams of NY will come true. :)

My great friend Dawn has bought me tickets to see the Yankees play. We are already arranging our flights and since my mom has soo many friends and relatives there, she will be going with us and we will be staying at her best friend's house there. We won't even need a taxi the entire time, her friend will be picking us up and driving us around!

I cannot wait. Today, I've even been thinking about what I will wear and I think I will make a sign saying that we came all the way from NM to see them or something like that. I know it is over a month away... but I am really excited. :)

So I just thought I would share. We figured now would be the perfect time to go.... no kids and nothing to hold us back. Might as well, Right? Life is too short.

So NY here we come!



Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Change of Schedule...

Due to popular demand (aka Abby Reed) I will be writing a blog about my new work schedule. lol

When I started here in Grants, I was under the impression that I would be working an occasional weekend or at most every other weekend because our BLM Ranger Station stays open 7 days a week.

My second week of work my supervisor tells me that I had to work every weekend. I was definitely concerned. I've had things planned for my weekends for quite some time...for example: Meeting with our priest before we get married, engagement encounters and spending time w/ Ryan since he will be off weekends. I tried telling my super that I would not be able to do EVERY weekend and that if that was the case I would have to take quite a bit of leave that I am trying to save for the wedding. That didn't phase him.

I still think (even though I am trying to be positive) that my new boss was trying to screw over the new girl. Little did he know that would come back to bite him in the ASS. :)

I have been working for the BLM for the past 5 years. I know people and I know people who know people...

Needless to say, I now have a new schedule and I think it is a pretty awesome one. It is called a 5-4-9 schedule. I work 5 days one week for 9 hours a day (Tues - Sat.) The next weekend I only have to work Tues- Fri (3 of the days 9 hours and the last 8 hours) etc, etc.

So pretty much I have Sunday and Monday off every week and every other week I have Saturday, Sunday AND Monday off. Every other week a 3 day weekend... now THAT I can handle. :)

Moral of the story:

Good Things happen to Good people, who know people that know people.

PS. My friend Dawn is awesome! ;)

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Attitude



The past couple days (or maybe it was the turning of age) I have realized that I haven't had the best of attitudes lately. Usually I'm a pretty positive person, but lately that hasn't been the case.


I'm not sure what turned my mood, but I am definitely embracing it. I have been positive lately, I got my work schedule changed (Thanks to some help from Dawn), I don't have to go out in the field everyday and hike (but if I did I wouldn't mind it, I would be happy not to be stuck in the office), I get to greet visitors and tourists and help show them the scenic and marvelous places around El Malpais and Grants. I have a fabulous fiance and we have less than 5 months before we tie the knot. I have great friends and a wonderful family. They may not live in the same town as me, but they are not far away! And I have 2 furry kids that I look forward to coming home and seeing everyday because they love me unconditionally!

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Myspace Layouts



So to all those people that are feeling down and think they are in a crappy situation, heck or even a crappy job. Turn that frown upside down and think that Life is what you make it... and keep a positive attitude.

Here are some good quotes I've been using as inspiration:

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. "
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

"All that we are is the result of what we have thought."
~ Buddha

"When written in Chinese, the word crisis is composed of two characters. One represents danger, and the other represents opportunity."
~ John F. Kennedy

"If you don't like something change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain."
Maya Angelou

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Monday, July 7, 2008

My fabulous 4th of July/Birthday/Houswarming Party Weekend

My weekend started on Thursday, when we got off of work 2 hours early. I came home and cleaned my little butt off.

My parents came Friday afternoon, also the 4th of July. After a little relaxation time, we took them to see El Morro National Monument and the Bandera Ice Caves. Both are popular and very scenic and beautiful places. El Morro is a beautiful sandstone bluff where people came, some over thousands of years ago and carved their names on the bluff. http://www.nps.gov/elmo/ Check it out if you get bored... I'll take you too when you come visit! lol The next place, the Ice Caves is the coolest thing, You hike across a lava trail, walk down some stairs and there is an ice cave that is 30 degrees year round! Very cool to see, especially when it is summertime! http://www.icecaves.com/



My parents are not big on fireworks, so we stayed inside and watched TV and movies on our new HDTV, after a walk to the dog park of course!

Saturday morning (my birthday) we prepared and waited for people to come over for the housewarming party. I have been waiting to wear my new birthday outfit for like 3 weeks! lol, now that I don't get to dress nice at work anymore. While we were waiting for people to come, I got adorable 4th of July flowers from Abby... and since she is one of my best readers, Shout out to Abby! Thank you very much!



People started coming around 10:30 and the last ones didn't leave until after 4! Our grand total was 30 people! Can you believe that! We had families from both sides, friends and the next door neighbors. It was awesome and everyone said they Loved our house! :) Plus, I got some pretty sweet presents too!



After everyone left I was soo tired I just passed out. (Granted the 3 strawberry daiquiris and vodka gummy bears didn't help out there!)

Sunday, I played my new Guitar Hero, practically the whole day. I even beat the game on medium. I know sick, right? I was a little obsessed, didn't even watch TV, just played Guitar Hero. My next big feat is Hard. That one is going to take some time.

So that was my exciting weekend, which of course just flew by. But boy was it a blast! I am now 23 years old! Whoo Hoo. This could be one of my favorite ages yet... it is the age I will be when I get married! :)

PS... I didn't take that many pictures because I was hosting... BUT Ryan's grandma took some, so as soon as I get them from her I will post more.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Heaven?




This was even taken by a camera phone... It takes my breath away. It is soo pretty here!

Celebrate Good Times

The only really exciting things that I have going on right now are party planning.

We are having a House Warming/ My birthday party on Saturday and I am very excited to have friends and family come over to see our new home!

My parents are coming up on Friday night, my mom wants to see all the National parks and other El Malpais areas that I've talked so much about lately. (That may be another blog someday, but it is soo beautiful around here with all of the awesome scenic areas) So we will spend most of the day doing that and then maybe head over to the celebration that will be going on at the park here. I think we will end the night with a movie on our new big screen TV and maybe a walk to the dog park!

On Saturday, We will get up early and make my parents breakfast. :) Then get ready for everyone else to come over. People should start coming around 11 or 11:30. We will be barbecuing on my new birthday present BBQ, we will have all kinds of snacks, chips, salsa and homemade guacamole, veggies and fruits, and for the dessert a happy birthday Ice Cream Cake from DQ. :)

I can not wait! I am sure I will take tons of pictures and update on Sunday or Monday about the big day.

Until then, Happy Independence Day!! And Be Safe!

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Keys are Found! Whew!

Called Wells Fargo when they opening this morning and low and behold they had found some keys yesterday!! :D Yes! I was SOO happy!

Oh Keys....

So last night after having a breakdown about work... I then realized that I couldn't find my keys. The keys that have, my car keys and clicker, Ryan's car keys and clicker, our house key, a pendant from my grandfather, and finally the 3 new keys I just got for my new job. One of which was my boss's only copy. :)

Ryan and I combed the house for over an hour... and Nothing. I don't have a freaking clue where they could possibly be. I came home from work threw everything I had on the counter, said hi to the animals turned the water on for our grass, went to the bathroom, then Ryan called to say he was outside and I remember grabbing my purse and then going back for my keys just in case we some how got locked out of the house. We went to Wells Fargo and then to Walmart. That is all I remember about my keys.

We called Walmart and nobody had reported lost keys. When Wells Fargo opens we will call them, I just honestly don't know how they could have fallen out without me noticing because they were HUGE.

Needless to say I am not looking forward to going to work and facing my new coworkers to say I lost our keys.

Oh and now my new TV isn't working either. So I have to start my day off w/out TV. Fantastic. :(

Hopefully I will have an update this evening about found keys.... hopefully. Say prayers!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

GRASS!

We now have grass... granted it is only a centimeter or so high, but we can see it starting to blanket in! Very exciting to see that all of our hard work planting it will soon pay off! I am thinking that all the rain we've had the past 2 days have also really helped out.

Thank you mother naure!

Friends and Grants??????

So I have been in Grants for 3 weeks and I am starting to figure out it is going to be hard to make friends here.

Ryan has interned for the past 2 or 3 summers here so he already knows lots of people. There are other interns that he works with and they are all around his age. Me on the other hand, work with people old enough to be my parents. I have decided that nobody I work with particularly cares for me. The lady that I hang out with everyday is another seasonal like me and she seems very intimidated by me because I know all the big bosses for the BLM. She has been trying to get onto the BLM permanently for 8 years and hasn’t been able to, almost everyday she makes some comments about how I am a shoe in for any job and how the BLM doesn’t want her. This in no way makes me feel good and is not going to help me make friends. In fact I have almost decided that I will never be friends with the people I work with and work is just something I do for 8 hours a day to get paid.

The only other way I could possibly make friends at work is when I work for the visitors center, but most, if not all of those people are visitors... Not sure that will help me out either.

So how the heck do you make friends in a small town?


Oh and on a side note, My new supervisor made my work schedule Tuesday through Saturday… EVERY week. He did this because the other lady I work with (his really good friend), well her husband works out of town and she doesn’t want to work weekends because that is the only time she will see him… So I have to. Great, huh? And when I questioned this because I was originally told we would be switching off on the weekends he said “If you know people above me, then just go over my head and make some of them tell me that you don’t have to work weekends.” Sigh…. This is going to be a long 6 months and I am starting to think Grants BLM may not be the right fit for me. I guess only time will tell.