Christmas time with Drew in Florida!

So this Christmas was Drew and I's first without our parents or family. David and I were thinking about going to Texas for Christmas to see his grandparents and mine. It was going to be a crazy trip- flying into Dallas, then getting picked up by my parents in Dallas, drive to Austin to see my aunt, then drive to Kerrville to see my grandparents, drive back to Austin and then fly out to home. We researched the cost of the trip for nearly a month- thought about flying out of Tampa, out of Orlando, to driving there! (A two day drive) One of our biggest problems was what to do with our dogs. We wanted to kennel them but couldn't find one that was less that $40 a day/dog! (that's nearly $600 for a 6 day trip) It was looking either really expensive or really impossible. So David and I prayed for guidance. The next day Drew texted me saying "might be able to come to Florida for Christmas..." And when I told David we both knew that would be the best idea! So we found an airline called Allegiant Air CHEAP flights! and found Drew a seriously cheap flight. Drew asked off of work & it all came together in a couple of days! We had an awesome time. And what was really fun is that I got to do things I haven't done yet in Florida, so it really felt like a vacation for me as well. We went to Mote Marine and saw dolphins and manatees, ate out A LOT!, ate at the historic Salty Dog, Siesta beach, slept in, stayed out late. Just plain ole good times with Drew. We got to catch up and as always- felt like a day hasn't gone by since we've seen each other. Drew was always a great conversationalist. We stayed up late talking and laughing. Made me really appreaciate my family, who just GETS me you know? It was awesome. I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity because we never know when we might leave Florida!

The movie that defined my childhood: Man From Snowy River

If I'm speaking to a fellow fan of "The Man" as I call it you are already humming Clancy's tune "hmm hmm hmmm hmmm hmm hmm..." and so on in your head. I was reminded today of my love for the movie when a friend posted quotes from it on my Twitter page. It took me back to a simpler time in my childhood. A time when I dreamed of riding with the Brumbies....My family always gew up watching wholesome movies so we didn't have many good options. Mostly they were old Don Knott's movies, Disney cartoons and the occasional classic- like The Man From Snowy River. A story about an Australian cowboy, Jim Craig, who was forced out of his mountain dwelling to defend his land, horses...and family name. (pretty good eh I just made that up). The actor in the movie, Tom Burlingson was more of a horse rider/stunt man than actor, which adds to the authenticity of his character. Sort of socially awkward, but certainly quick with the fist if you insult his integrity (remember Curly? He had it coming...) The movie is a love story, as well as an action/adventure. There are amazing horse stunts, jumps, huge cattle drives, passion and suspense. Jim's love interest- Jessica or "Jess" is one of those strong female roles a girl can be proud of. A daughter of a wealthy cattle owner she isn't a stranger to the saddle. A prideful girl but one that easily falls for a country mountain boy. The story slightly resembles the star crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet where in their love they are ostrasized from both families: Jim- the hardworking mountain men, Jess-the wealthy elite. Neither approve of the union. Jim eventually proves himself worthy of her affection by riding down and capturing the prized colt of Jessica's father. The chase of the horse is probably the best part of the movie- hundred of horse riders charge after a pack of wild horses- the Brumbies. Jim's expert horse riding skills put him in the front. The best scene is when the wild horses leap down a steep mountainside and none can follow- but Jim- who flies over the other men to charge down the mountain in a scene like no other I've ever seen in movies before. Gives me chills everytime I watch him and his horse run down a nearly vertical slope. The story always fed into my adventurous side, always wanting to discover something new. The love story was sweet, and showed that sometimes you have to stand apart from the crowd. Such an amazing story! Best line in the movie is at the end, when Jim has proven himself the best rider, the man of integrity, the man who's stolen Jessica's heart. He leaves her in anticipation, needing to take his newly won brood of mares back to his mountain home, to prepare for Jessica's arrival. He leaves her breathless with this: "There are a dozen good mares in that mob. I'll be back for them...and for whatever else is mine." Jim Craig's website :)

"Cargo Bikes: Go Ahead And Bring The Kitchen Sink"

"Curtis "Corky" MillerA Million And One Uses: A cyclist and two boys take one of Metrofiets' cargo bikes for a spin in Portland. Cargo bikes are a game changer. I currently run a coffee roasting business (www.trailheadcoffeeroasters.com) entirely by bicycle within the boundaries of Portland, Ore. All deliveries and business errands are done on a bicycle capable of carrying ~150-200 pounds. So many people assume that being on the bike is a second choice when a car is so easy and without effort. I find being in a car stressful and lethargy inducing. Picture a vehicle that can carry around your kids and groceries efficiently, and doesn't burn any fossil fuels. But there's one drawback: You have to pedal it yourself.
Cargo bicycles are specially designed bikes that can haul several hundred pounds. Long popular in Europe, they're starting to make their way into the United States."
NPR news http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121034522