Opportunities

I've been out of the blog world for a few months. I've been contemplating some things, but have still been experiencing life. More on that in a bit. First thing's first...

I have a new opportunity! An opportunity I have dreamed about! To be an outdoor educator a.k.a. naturalist at a State Park. I accepted a position this past week as a naturalist at Ponca State Park in Ponca, NE, and I am beyond excited!

Some may wonder what happened to the nursing track. It was sorta an answer I developed when the track I really wanted to be on wasn't quite falling together yet. I had looked into this field for months before moving back to the States and my first year back. Now the opportunity is here, and it would be silly to pass up the opportunity. When I went in for my interview, it was the first interview I remember in a while where I didn't really feel nervous but rather simply happy and thankful to be given the chance. I am excited to join the team up there and work on so many different projects that the park has to offer. It is pretty impressive, has grown a lot since I had been there in the past, and is continuing to expand. 

Life is full of opportunities, and we can't be afraid to take them. Have I mentioned how excited I am?! It's almost hard to believe this is really happening, but I am scheduled to move to Ponca on the eve of Thursday, Oct. 17th. Let the new adventure begin!

You can likely look for future blog posts on the subject.

The last time I was at Ponca State Park prior to this job interview, I spent one afternoon with some friends from college in October of 2010 doing a little hiking and exploring. I couldn't help but flip through the photos from that day. Here are a few to share.

Our group at the beginning of a trail:

Our group having fun in the education center:

Simply having a blast:

Another recent life opportunity checked off in the books. My awesome friend Karena has been going to the Kansas Speedway for the NASCAR race with her dad for many years. She has invited me along a few times, but it never quite worked out. I decided to make it work this time and head to Kansas City with them. I had a good time and always enjoy new experiences, especially those experiences made with some great people.

This is a photo of me standing on the track itself:

This is the Danner family campsite on turn 4 of the infield:

The race fans grilling up some lunch on a windy day:

Next opportunity we made happen included my parents. We had always talked about making a trip to the Amana Colonies in Iowa. After a few discussions, we decided there was no time like the present to do it. We had a fun weekend including some history, peaceful sights, quiet streets, various shops, and family fun.

Dad and I pretended to be a pair of ox in this ox yoke in Middle Amana.

Just sitting in the largest walnut rocker in the state of Iowa:

A little grill out we enjoyed at a local county park:

I have spent a few days with Karena's dad and his construction business helping reshingle some roofs. New experience, and now I better understand the meaning of "back breaking" work. Sore backs from that business. Good experience for me, though, and it was fun to help out.

Back tracking some more, I spent Labor Day weekend with the Danner family camping at Indian Cave State Park - one of my favorites. I just love being out there in nature, which reminds me how excited I am about my new job. :-)

We spent a little time with these fellas of the Prairie Longrifles Club and some muzzleloader shooting:

Many bike rides, including a few muddy ones:

Backtracking all the way back to the first week of August, where we took a roommate trip to California. We had a fantastic time, spent some time with great people, and saw some neat places. We drove all the way out there in one straight shot taking turns behind the wheel.

Here is one of my favorite shots of the three of us at Fishermen's Wharf in San Francisco:

This is a shot in Chinatown, San Francisco with our guide for the day - a family friend. Hugh was a delight to spend the day with, and I learned a lot that day. It became one of my favorite days from the trip.

The Golden Gate Bridge:

Another one of my favorite stops was at one of the California State Parks to see some of the Redwoods. Just check out our faces of excitement for yourself:

Wow... just wow... what beauty and awe:

One more little snippet from the trip to California included a day spent with my Island Sister. Hannah was my roommate and great friend while we were both teachers in American Samoa. Pretty fun to catch up and spend a little time together in person. We have kept in contact since our departure from the island. Another opportunity we made happen.

One last photo for today - a recent photo I took near sunset after a day working outside:

Finally, a little food for thought as spoken by the ever graceful Julie Andrews:

“Sometimes opportunities float right past your nose. Work hard, apply yourself, and be ready. When an opportunity comes you can grab it.” 

Hope everyone has a great rest of the week. Toodles. :-)