Tuesday, November 30, 2010

What the !??!!!??!?!?!?!!??

Everyone should have a bucket list - a list of dreams and aspirations one wants to complete before checking out of this life. Traveling North America and living the RV lifestyle is definitely on our bucket list and we're well on our way to seeing it through even through its many ups and downs.


Jerri's list includes things like compete in a triathlon, run a half marathon, hike the length of the Appalachian Trail, write and publish a series of children's books.... You get the idea.


Kathy's list is a bit more vague - lose weight and become more active, learn a new skill at least every year (this year it's Pickleball and Mahjongg), learn to dance (social dance), etc., but pretty bland compared to Jerri's list. According to Jerri, some of her items have also migrated to Kathy's list (like the half marathon), with great expectations that Kathy can complete 13 miles in a run/walk manner with some training. Boy, that Jerri sure is optimistic.


So, here's to your bucket list and to renewed optimism!


K&J


Sunday, November 28, 2010

Who Let the Cats Out?



Some folks wake up to the the rooster's crow, but not here. In the still, early morning hours, if the wind is blowing in the right direction, sometimes you can hear the roar of the big cats (meaning lions and tigers) from Big Cat Habitat as they greet the day. The first time you hear the big cats roar, you question whether you heard right.






The past few mornings we clearly heard the roars. Not a bad way to start the day. Especially in an area with a rich circus heritage, but it does make you wonder whether the greeting is one of sadness, irritation, hungry, or just an acknowledgment by the king of the jungle.





Sometimes it seems like it might be fun just to be able to roar. Think about it - roar against injustice, roar against the unfairness of life, roar against hurt feelings. Wouldn't it be great to be able to snarl at the people that piss you off? Wouldn't it be nice to be able to express displeasure with the people who just aren't nice? Wouldn't it be great to be able to bite off the head of evil, greedy humans? I have a couple in mind....



Who knows, maybe I'll come back as a lion in the next life and settle the score.



RRRRRROOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

p.s. We know it's a tiger, not a lion, but the lion photo wasn't great. We also hear roosters crow, but thought you'd be more impressed by the big cats - we were.

Working, traveling, and loving life -

K&J



Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

Where does one begin when there is so very much to be thankful for? Every day is a beautiful gift and every chance encounter is an opportunity to be a beacon of light in this world.

We arrived back at Sun N Fun in beautiful Sarasota, FL around the end of October and have been busy re-learning our jobs and routines at the resort. Kathy is committed to becoming more active and is learning Pickleball - which is both fun and addictive. Jerri plans to participate in the Sarasota Half-Marathon in Spring 2011. Life is very good.

On the family front, life has been less than perfect. Jerri's dad died unexpectedly on November 16 after hip replacement surgery. Kathy's dad had surgical repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm on the 15th and her mom is now receiving Hospice care in the Nursing Home. While all of this may seem like a series of unfortunate events, on a positive note it serves as a reminder for us to make the most of every day and never miss an opportunity to be kind and to say 'I love you' to those in your life who really matter.

On this day of Thanksgiving, we are grateful for: family, friends, good health, a positive workplace, seeing a bald eagle flying overhead yesterday, walking (and finishing) the Turkey Trot today, and the opportunity to find something to be joyful about each and every day.

Safe and happy travels to all.
K&J