First Few Days in Alaska



 I have to start off by saying that Alaska is by far one of the most beautiful places that I have ever visted...keep in mind I don't get out much but still so so gorgeous of a place in my opinion. This is my second year coming to Talkeetna Alaska with Mike's whole family and I couldn't be more thankful for the time and memories I have made here. We always have such a blast.
The first year we came in August and we fished for Silver Salmon, this year we came for King Salmon...a much harder and larger fish to fish for. We've been here for a couple of days and already I have had so many great times and good laughs.

Some of us girls got new rain jackets this year and thought we'd model them for the camera. Trust me when I say we are the best lookin' girls this town has probably ever seen!!!

 One of the locals (or atleast we think) sang to us at a place called the Raodhouse in Talkeetna. He wasn't good but the food was excellent :)

 Two beavers swam around why'll we fished this morning. I thought it was cute at first but then everytime I'd go to cast they would be swimmin right in front of me, how annoying.

 Like I mentioned before this year we are here fishing king salmon and they are much larger then the silver salmon, and much stronger. Tahsha hooked one almost immediatly and was in for a ride. Mike literally had to pull her back so she didn't nose dive into the water cause of how strong these fish are. After about ten minutes of fighting this fish successfully got itself off the line, they are tricky!!! Can't wait till I can hopefully hook into one and land that sucker!! We all put five dollars on the person who lands the heaviest fish this trip...so time will tell if  I can get some money.

 Mike fishin :) and can I just mention how one amazing sport he is being about all us girls needing him this trip, I mean taking care of one is hard but this man has five to watch out for on this trip and I must say he doing an excellent job. I am so lucky to call him mine.

 Fishing Day 1 turned out to be quite a nice day after the rain stopped and the sun came out. One of my favorite things to do in Alaska is ride on the back portion of the boat on the way back from fishing if it is nice enough weather because the veiw is INCREDIBLE and I swear there is no fresher air on this earth.

Carol also got a fish on today and once again Mike was right there to hold her upright. It was a battle but her fish still managed to get away :(

Seven more days to go up here, I can't wait to see what other great memories are made.

Fathers Day

I figured it being fathers day and all that I'd jot a few things about my dad and the things I love most about him.
All growing up my father was my hero, someone to turn to to laugh and make me smile. He was so tough on me and my sister but I understand now that he only wanted the best for us....and what can I say I feel like he gave us that and so so so much more!! I was daddy's little girl, and I know parents say they dont pick favorites but come on we all know the truth and ask anyone in my family and they knew I was daddy's favorite. I was such a tom boy and enjoyed everything we did together. What a pain in the butt I was, especially for my mom because if mommy wouldn't give it to me I knew who I'd go to to get it :) hehe
My father is such a hard worker and thrives everyday to make his business better and is so successful, I know this is where I get alot of my own drive within myself to do better, to become better.  Everyone always said that a little girl will marry someone that is just like her father....I can see truth in this because I have found I have some pretty high standards for men I date and demand respect from them (thanks dad, guys don't have a chance). My father supports my decisions more then anyone and can give some pretty good advice about life in general, I know through thick and thin he will always be there for me. I always had a saying that reminded me of him.....

A Coach is someone that pushes you past your  limits so that you can see what he always knew you were.

This saying is obviously about a coach but I honestly find no difference in a coach that teaches a sport or a father that coaches us through life. I love that my dad can see the greater good in me even when I was so so difficult at times, I know that he pushes me everyday because he can still see that person that I may not see yet.
Ofcourse there has been disagreemetns along the path of life together but I still wouldn't want any other man to call my father. Love you Dad!!! 

One Lucky Girl

Blogging??? Hmmmm what a new concept to me. After many attempts from friends to get me to blog, here I am. I really have no idea what to blog, what to say or how this all works so be patient and give me a break :)
All I have to say is that I am one lucky girl. I have one of the most amazing guys in my life that takes care of me and supports any decision I make, wether dumb or not, he is my greatest support. Not to  mention one heck of a family. My family means the world to me and can make me smile even on the worst of days. I have a best friend for a sister and parents that would die for me. What more could I ask for, right?? I am surrounded by such amazing people that support what I am doing and I know it must be hard cause I can be one ornery person at times but geez I never said anything about being perfect.

School. Oh school. I cannot even say enough about my education, and how much it means to me. If someone were to ask even four years ago if I would go to college I would have said no. One person changed that for me.
Even though I won't mention who I sat talking to him one day and he asked me, "What is the one thing that no one can take away from you?". I sat there baffled because everything that was popping into my head were things that potentially could be taken away.....car, job, family, money, clothes, friends, etc etc. I knew he could tell I was struggling to think as he then whispered, "Your education, what you learn through life will stick with you forever, no one can take that away". This conversation has stuck with me ever since. Not only did it push me into starting school again but it also pushed me to be a better person. I started thinking why not share what I have the potential to learn with other people. Why not use my knowledge to help others. This is one of many reasons I am pursueing my education into Nursing. Because I can make a difference, I can have the potential to save a life, and honestly if I do this one time all my hard work will be payed off......this leads me into a job I just recently got as a CNA at a nursing home in Payson. I cannot explain the gradification I get everyday when someone holds my hand and says thank you with such sincerity in his/her voice, it truly makes my heart melt.

And I know the way it makes me feel is true, wholesome happiness.

Not a happiness that you can get from something, but one that comes from god, one that makes me feel like I was put on this earth for that exact moment. Ofcourse there are horrible days when I slightly dread going to work but being able to help out so many people in a days time is what drives me to continue on in my education and life in general.
I know that working hard ALWAYS pays off, and believe that the only way to predict your future is to create it.