Mini Vacation

 Vero Beach Bound!!!

 Isaac took me to this little authentic Cuban restaurant for lunch one day, 

I am now in LOVE with Cuban food!

 Beach 

 Sofie and I rocking our matching sunglasses at the beach!

 Ninja in training?! ha ha

Titus and I spent several days last week in Vero Beach with Isaac and his family, and I have to say it was one of the most enjoyable and  refreshing little vacations I have had in a long time! ( I didn't even plan it that way! score!) I was even able to take a siesta from the internet  which was a nice change of pace. Isaac finally returned  from his adventurous hiking trip in the Montana mountains ( the pictures he showed us were incredible! Such a beautiful state!) so it was great to spend a little bit of time with him before he had to leave to go on tour with his band. 

I spent my days visiting with the family, eating great food, going to the beach, playing games with Isaac's younger brothers Joe and Harry, and having my hair constantly styled by his sister Sofie ( she is the talent behind Cosmic Creation Design, check out the link at the top of my blog!). 

I even had the opportunity to attend my first Tang Soo Do class with Isaac's mom, Joe and Sofie!

 I have never tried something like that before...and  man, it's much harder than it looks but SO much fun! 

( great workout too! Maybe I am the next Karate Kid?!)

Titus spent his days playing with the boys, being constantly showered with attention from the family, and chillin' in his favorite spot- right in front of the window on a comfy chair... he feels rather refreshed as well! 

Huzzah for days well spent!

Growing Up?

Photo courtesy of : http://cherrynougat.files.wordpress.com

Today is my Granpda's ( we called him Paw as kids and still do!) 86th birthday.

I asked him on the phone today how old he is and he simply told me " 86 years and one day, because you know I was born at night..I've come this far and got some more to go!" 

Talking to Paw these days brings back a flood of memories, I remember visiting his house last year and how stepping through that door ( this was same house my Mom grew up in) nearly brought tears to my eyes. A lifetime of memories fill those four walls, wooden floors, and woods out back.... and the weight of all that hit me like a truck! I had never felt an impact like that before. 

 With growing up comes realization, the realization that life is just a vapor, 

you blink and it's already halfway over.

-granted, I am far from "old"...in my book at least..... in fact,  I have told folks before that I refuse to say I am "old" or "I'm getting old" .......I prefer using the phrase "growing up" because that means I am still partly a kid, ya get my drift? ha ha! ok, so I  can't avoid growing old, but I can at least look at it from a different point of view eh?-

As a kid I couldn't wait to grow up, then I could do things on my own, make tons of new friends and meet loads of new people. Hey, I might have a new friend every single week PLUS see the world!!

 I was on a mission.

Sure, I loved my family, we used to visit Paw's house every month, and my Aunt lived right down the road. As a kid I loved my  family, but I feel like as a kid I never quite understood the gravity of that love. You may feel it, but you never fully understand it until you grow a little bit. I visited Paw and my Aunt a lot, I LOVED playing at their houses...but a lot of the time I just couldn't wait to see my new friends, I couldn't wait until I was a teenager and could go super awesome places with all my friends.

And then I was a young teenager and sometimes visiting Paw or my Aunt meant sitting and talking for hours...I just couldn't wait to get up and do something, or go somewhere with all my friends. 

Talking to Paw  made me realize, that over the past few years my circle of friends has dwindled down to those that have been through thick and thin with me, I love them like family, and my family I love even more.

It's no longer about the quantity of friends that I have, but the quality. When I am with the ones I love my heart literally feels like it is about to burst with the deep care I have for them! I am so blessed to know them, and the fact that they are there for me no matter what blows my mind. Life is but a vapor. Cherish it and live it to the fullest! I used to be on a mission to add to my circle, now I simply just want to count my blessings- to count the blessings I already have. 

Don't get me wrong, I still love meeting new people and making new friends, it's just not my "mission" anymore to have as many as possible! Quality. it's about the quality of new people I meet :-)

I am learning, that with growing up comes more perspective.

 ( and sometimes this growing up stuff makes my head hurt a little bit! ha ha.)

Happy birthday Paw, you are a wise man, you are never afraid to show your love for your family and friends, and I miss your ultra tight bear hugs that you give while firmly whispering in my ear" I. love. you." 

A little video

*watching in full scree is advised*

I've been busy working, but I thought I would take to the time to share a short video with you all today.

This is me jumping Delilah ( a.k.a Diva Mare)  my sister's mare that's I've been riding/training for almost 3 years. She has come SO far! ( came to me not knowing much of anything)  After a busy season of being in school and working we are finally starting to really move up in her jumping, which is her absolute FAVORITE thing! I haven't been able to do too much with her because of the intense FL heat and rainy season we are in at the moment, but  I was very pleased with her after this particular ride. It was a small simple course, ( highest jump was around 2ft 9in) but it took every ounce of Delilah's little mare brain to control and contain herself, and realize that yes, we can jump in a controlled manner! This mare loves to fly.

p.s. I know the video lighting isn't the greatest, but check out that gorgeous sunset! I am so blessed to ride at such a lovely place, we have sunsets like that one almost every night. 

-Rach

This past weekend

 Over the weekend I went on a mini vacation with my family to Vero Beach to visit my boyfriend Isaac and his family ( who also happen to be lifelong friends of ours).

The weekend was just what I needed! A fantastic day at the beach,  great food, 

evenings spent laughing and singing, and watching the younger siblings have a blast playing together.

 It's such a blessing to be welcomed into someone else's home like you are part of the family, 

I always feel at home when I visit.

My pup Titus also made the trip with us and was showered 

with love and attention the entire time, he now expects this type of treatment 24/7 ha ha!

Isaac just left for a 10 day Montana camping trip and the very last picture is Isaac's younger brother Harry attempting to carry his very large backpack around....such a crazy kid!