Handful of Happy

Today we did one of my favorite things. We attempted the zoo. And it happened. Eight, 1st - 3rd graders with Autism visited creatures they've never seen in their entire little lives. Or for some, are regular monthly attenders.Today was the best day for it. Even with the cloudy skies.

All the animal friends were out puttin on a boomin show or waiting for a scrumptious breakfast. One of us probably looked mighty tasty to eat.

 

 

My co-worker and I decided to call the day at the Zoo our Speech Day. Along the way we attempted to initiate conversation and describe various animals we came across. Lets just say... it went better for some than others. A majority of our students don't initiate conversations on their own or make requests and comment on the world around them. So, much prompting and modeling is given. On occasion it's a little awkward and feels like I'm talking to the trees, and that's okay too.

Amanda and I have a theory that it is our attempt to teach these kids how to learn in any environment we place them in. The zoo was perfect, comforting, and exciting for all. There were plenty of sounds to identify, animals to describe, and smells to distinguish.

Today was an opportunity for parents to join in on the zoo fun. I never quite know how it will play out. Today was flat out awesome. It was touching to see how involved these parents are and motivated to do what's best for their Little's. While in the restroom I overheard a mom talking to her son... even though he understands, it's difficult for him to verbally express. His mom asked him, "How do you feel?" his reply "Haaaaaaapppppy, Haaaaaaapppppy!" It made me light up. He was enjoying his day at the zoo and to top it off mom was there to share that joy with him.

Even with the cloudy skies and light sprinkles we still had a handful of happy today.

-Natalie

Two Cities Half Marathon 2012

 

At the beginning of November I ran my 4th half marathon. It was my 3rd half with Two Cities in Fresno, California. There were about 7,000 participants this year, fewer than the past couple years.

The last minute entry fee for this race is $110.00 and $95.00 for the half.

Expo
The expo was downtown at Chuckchansi Ball Park . The way it was set up was designed for the participants to walk by each booth in hopes that they would purchase the latest goodies before race day. I ran into a good friend as she was working at the Fresno Heart Hospital booth.

I didn't have to wait in lines to get my race info. Although, they had multiple steps in order to receive everything needed before race day. One station for bib number, another to pick up bib, and then across the concourse in order to pickup shirt. so yeah, kinda inconvenient.

Race
I decided to run this race a week before the actual event. A good friend, Skinny Chick sent me a text asking if I wanted her bib because she was injured. This is the second year I've ran Two Cities under someone else name and without training. The most I trained was 3 miles. Not to mention I came down with a cold three days before. Fantastic. When I do train, I usually run with a local training group, Sierra Running Company.

This is the first year that Two Cities created a Clovis and Fresno Half marathon. I would have chosen to run the Clovis route if it weren't for the colored bibs for each race. Little too obvious.

 

My mom and cousin were out at Copper River Ranch to support me at mile 6 and mile 10. Thank goodness for their support before the Godzilla hill at mile 7.

 

The Finish - 2:31

The finish line was inside Woodward Park. It is a slight incline barricaded with cheering fans. Runners were greeted by volunteers handing out water, medals, and a sweatshirt. I dig the fall colors this year.

 

 

The Summary
Overall, I enjoy this race since it is local and practically in my backyard. I think I will continue to take advantage of half marathons within my city since they're cheaper than most and convenient to get to.

Read my race review from last years Two Cities Half here.

1 backpack at a time

The school year has begun and many of the "back to school" traditions have been made. Everyone is done with cursing through Target for all the necessary school supplies and lunch necessities. Ah yes parents, those lunches.

A tradition my mom set out to start a couple years back has stuck around and made 3,000 little hearts happy. I was lucky enough to participate in the outreach again this year. I delivered 50 backpacks to the last school in need today. Before leaving, I stopped and knelt down in front of the pile of backpacks and prayed. I prayed that they would touch and change the lives of whoever received them.

On Thursday I went to pull a student out of class for therapy. It was near the end of the school day, so I asked him to bring his backpack along. Embarrassed and speechless the boy did not respond. So I asked again. He looked up at me and replied "I don't have a backpack". It was right then and there I knew getting this kid a backpack would be a lot more meaningful than the first day of speech. So we did. In an instant, an embarrassed and unresponsive face turned into a smile from ear to ear.

This is a post about the outreach I published on August 30th, 2011. Changing live one backpck at a time!

We Did Good on a Saturday...

Last week I experienced an incredible opportunity. Never once did I envision myself with a hammer and a nail. Nor did I ever think I would build a house for a family in need.

On August 11th, 2012 that opportunity became a reality.

We certainly couldn't do it alone. We had help - a lot of it. Thirty-five unskilled volunteer team members showed up to build for a common purpose. To celebrate my mom's 50th Birthday.

It wasn't your typical 50th birthday bash with party dresses and dancing. We (ladies and gents) got down and dirty with 5 pound tool belts carrying loads of materials needed throughout the day.

For over a year her philanthropic heart had a great desire to participate with Habitat for Humanity.
She planned, she recruited, and she made it happen.

One of the life changing moments that touched the community of volunteers was gathering together to pray over the first wall. I'm pretty sure the majority of us were thankful for sunglasses that day.

Working with a community of like-minded people creates a wisdom of crowds that is considerably
greater than any one person working alone. We were surrounded by others who were working toward the similar goal or objective which increased our motivation, support, and friendly competition to push a little bit further than we would have done on our own.

It was hot... in the hundies, just like a typical August in Fresno. But we stuck it out because of the hard working community of volunteers.

There are no words that can truly describe the day. I left feeling good, and I know the family who is receiving the house felt overly blessed. Many thanks to all who dedicated their muscles, energy, time, and friendship to make this day special. Way to go guys, we did good.

Also a BIG thank you to Silvia Flores Photography  for creating a lasting memory.

On a day like this...

This is a day for dirt under my fingernails, and my freshly painted pedicure.

It's the day for a hat to hide the greasy, curly, swim hair.

... and no make up, just moisturizer. Thank God for moisturizer.

Yesterday I hung out in the dry daylight and managed to get my hands dirty on the farm. There is definitely a proportionate relationship between my desire to be OCD clean and the dirt caked beneath my fingernails from a day on the farm.

There is one thing I am convinced of, and that is that the ultimate truth finds me on a farm. The dirt, hay and everything else about it gets in the cracks of my skin and messes me up but still somehow makes me miss it the next day.

Did my family or I ever think I would have a heart wrenching desire to live on a farm, or even come near living anywhere outside of a city... probably not. But on this day,  I walked around and dreamed big dreams of what I would love to have some day.

I pondered and smiled at the thought of living in a farmhouse with a wrap around porch.

Oh, and a super cool old barn tucked back in the long wheat grass.

I want acreage, just enough for my children to run free with a little time left for me to be alone. As years tick by my desire becomes stronger and I want it more.

Today was one of those days, where everything smelled so nasty it was so good, and there is so much to consume in one day, it's best to make it two.

Even though the smell was hardly worth barring, I wanted to stick around for this mama pig. I felt like she needed me.

Fresno State really knows what's going on... they are more than willing to make a farm experience a memory that can never be forgotten.

My heart was happy when I spotted a big red tractor. It reminds me of my grandpa who taught me that the color green was not accepted in our family. It's all about International Harvester baby.

Lucky me, I made it in time to experience the milking process. Let's just say, I'm glad I am not a milk drinker. Although, one day I will own one. Those suckers can bring in some mooo-lah.

These fellas my friends, were hungry... looking at me as if I should be their top of the month meal. Especially 805.

The sunset that night didn't seem real. I could either grab my camera and snap some photos or stand there and enjoy it until it's no longer.

Summer is beginning to wind down, and it's scary. Where did the time go? Weren't we just putting up Christmas lights and opening gifts? Don't run off and smell the Autumn leaves just yet. Even though it's August she's earned her due. Lets embrace it and make the most of these next few weeks. 

-Natalie 

Fair Gone Vegas

Where did I go? I'm not much of a fair person. Never have been. Free tickets were offered to me in the final week of the fair, so I got out my boots, frayed jeans, plaid shirt and went on my way. Why pass up free money?!

What was surprising? It seems, the excitement surrounding the fair is the food. Corn dogs, tacos, dipped cones, and deep fried whatever, you name it and it's there. The part the amazes me is how much the fair has grow over the years. These vendors go all out with LED screens, neon lights, and music.

Was it worth the money? So I'll admit, I bought a corn dog, 2 chicken tacos, and a chocolate dipped cone. It's outrageous how much the food costs. I don't know how these families do it taking their 5 children to the fair. Or maybe they don't... considering the choice of pajama pants and camisole as an evening outfit (yikes).

What did I want to do? I usually don't do traveling rides. There is something about them that freaks me out. Although; I will say, I was feeling the ferris wheel. As soon as I found out it was $10 to ride for a total of 5 minutes, it wasn't so appealing.

Would I go back? I wouldn't say I'd never go back but its definitely not on my to do list for 2012. Every time I go, the main attraction that I'm interested in, is the livestock. It's cool to see all the hard work the 4-H and FFH kids put into the fair. *side note* not so cool when a parent explained to me that the steer I was petting would be in an freezer next week. Don't get me wrong I'm a meat lover but that was a entirely different perspective. 

Overall, it was a great time to people watch and explore the fairgrounds!