2011 Trip

This year for my dad and I's annual hunting trip, we are headed up north to go for bear, deer, and moose. My focus will be a nice Mule Deer, my dad's a meat moose. I am very excited. I have tried not to think about this trip because i am so jacked up to go. Its my favorite time of the year to go too. I love fall, its my favorite season....and when we drive through BC, the leaves have changed color and it is absolutely gorgeous!! I will update you as soon as I get back!

Driving my life away....

If I am known for one thing, its how much I drive....or used to drive. I have a notorious record for logging ridiculous amounts of miles on my car....For example, one day I got up at 430am, drove to 3 hours to suprise my sister, only to turn around 3 hours later and come home because she was planning on coming home....But several weeks ago, I did a 24hour trip to Paradise(not the actualy name, but its what i like to call it.) I could not take any time off of work and had a wedding to go to Saturday, so I went to the wedding, then my mom and I hopped in Dori(my subaru) and started the journey north, which consists of a border crossing, 2 hour ferry ride, and about 4 hours of driving besides all that. We got to a hotel around midnight, got up at 6am and drove to meet my dad at a marina.

The purpose of this was because my grandpa had made the trip with my dad and others to our floathouse in "paradise". I did not get to fish with him the previous year and he is a young 87 years old. Not knowing what the future holds, I felt it was important for me to make the long journey up there for one day of fishing with my grandpa. And it was 100% worth it! We laughed, cried, and swapped stories the whole time. I love my grandpa. I dont get to see him as often as one would like, but he is an incredible man and witness. We only caught one fish, and I was only up there for exactly 24hours, I would not trade it for anything and would easily do it again in a heartbeat if I had to. As I get older I realize the importance of the small moments and events that take place in our lives and have learned to take what i can and hold onto the memories and lessons learned along the way.

GARTH!!!!!

Two weeks ago, we, my mom, sister, and I made the journey to the crazy town of Las Vegas to see Garth Brooks!!! We left on Thurs afternoon with no hitches or glitches and arrived in the City of Sin the evening. We got settled and decided to go explore. We walked outside and the first thing I see is a sign for Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar." Perfect!! We went and my mom and I had a strong drink and then decided to leave, by this time it was late so we went back, got some dinner, headed to the room and that was that.
The next morning, we got up and headed shopping! We found some great deals, then cruised on over to the Wynn to get our tix from will call. After a mini photoshoot with all things Garth, we headed back to the hotel for some quality pool/relaxation time, dinner, and preparation for the show. We got ready and headed over about 830pm. We got into line and then headed in! Woot!
I can't even begin to describe in words what it was like and how incredible the show was....literally I went to go post a status update about it afterwards and I was speechless....I laughed, cried, I cheered just about til my voice gave out....there is no way for anyone to understand unless the see the show for themselves. I would go back again in a heartbeat!! It Was so moving and filled with revelations. I LOVED it!!!
It was easily one of the most memorable couple hours of my liufe and bucket-list worthy for sure!!!
I am forever endebted to my parents for this experience...it was.....wow, I cant even write about it!!! I would go back in a heartbeat!
Sat morning we got up, my sister stayed back to hang out with a  friend and do her thang in the gym, while my mom and I went exploring to old town. First stop: Gold and Silver Pawn, which is where they film the History Channel's "Pawn Stars." It was cool to see the place, but it was pretty pricey. I ended up getting a Golden Nugget poker chip. We walked down a block to this other place that had just massive amounts of stuff for amazing prices! Old decks of cards from casinos, poker chips, etc...it was awesome! Got some stuff there and decided to walk the rest of the way, about 6 blocks to Fremont Street....I wanted to end up at the Golden Nugget, just to check it out. Neither my mom or I had been to old town so it was cool to check it out. Amazing how different the crowd is down there compared to the main parts of the strip and how much lower the prices are!!!!
We made it to the Nugget, had a late lunch, won some $, then headed back to the strip. We met up with my sis and ventured over to Gilleys to have some dinner. That place was awesome, Jack Daniels stuff everywhere, and an amazing brisket!!! My kind of place!
It was a fantastic trip and I had such a great time! It was definately worth the travel to go see Garth...My lifelong passion came to form and I could not or would not trade that experience for the world!!!!

My Sister

Ok, ok, ok....I know I havent written in awhile. Between a new job, Law enforcement interview, and life's craziness I have been slacking I know. Due to high demand (a couple people asking about when i will write next) here it is..I have decided to make an honest effort to get more posts out!!! Here we go...

This......is my sister.

I can not even begin to explain what she means to me. We have so much fun together it's ridiculous, but I love it and wouldnt have it any other way. Now let me start by saying that my sis and I didnt always have a great relationship, to be honest we didnt even talk for about two years at one point, we have had a rocky road like most siblings, but I think we are now stronger and closer for it. My sis is the complete opposite of me, which is why we probably get along...She likes to go shopping, I'd rather go shooting. She could spend hours looking for that perfect pair of heels that matches her dress...I grab flip flops or tennis shoes and away we go....She could spend a while getting ready in front of a mirror, I take two looks and say it's good... She can lift a 1200lb cow, im sure, I could probably lift a calf...But all of these is what makes us so unique.



My sister has more heart, dedication, and organization than anyone I know. I strive to be more like her in these characteristics everyday...She strives everyday to be the best person she can to everyone while running a million different directions. To put this into perspective, she gets up at 3am to do her first cardio of the day, goes to work, gets off work, goes to the gym and lifts, then does another round 2 of cardio, all while maintaining a social life, food prep, chores, and taking care of a lil stinky bulldog named Stella. 

My sister is a competitor and I think she found something that fits her perfectly. She started training around the same time I started my weight loss venture back in November, and she has been dedicated to it ever since. Her first show was in April and let me say....I didnt know what to expect, but she got up on that stage and rocked it out. Knowing all the sweat, tears, smiles, and tilapia my sister went through to get up on that stage, I was blown away. Literally I did not know what to say. I had never been more proud of my sister than on that day, tears welled my eyes (and im not a crier)...She ended up winning that competition, oh no, not just her class, but the overall....her FIRST show!!! Amazing!!

I love my sister to pieces...we have random FYI wars on FB, which she usually wins, we could drive for hours going no where and still be quite entertained with one another, we could pretty much out eat anyone when it comes to delicious brownies and frosting, and we are random as all get out....We have been through alot together, we laugh til we cry, cry til we laugh when lifes not going according to our plan, and I know I can always count on her to be there for me and give me her sisterly, wisdomly advice. I love you sister!!!!

Shrinky Dink

Over the last two months I have aquired a new nickname, which at first I was very unsure of, but now it has stuck and I love it! Since November, (granted not the best time to start with a whole new eating/working out lifestyle with all the holiday treats) I have been on a journey of weight loss and physical fitness. I knew I had weight to lose, but I had no idea where my journey would take me. Wanting to go into the Law Enforcement field I think it is very important to be in the best shape you can be. My journey started as getting in shape for the physical part of the law enforcement test that I had applied for. I had to be able to do a 300m run in under 60 seconds, 35 push-ups, 38 sit-ups (in a min), and 1.5mi in under 13:35, which for my 5'4" frame with little legs, was a stretch. When I started I could only do 10 push-ups, 15 sit-ups, and 1.5 miles in 15:30. Whew...I had some work to do! I have been athletic my entire life, playing sports etc...but have always been a little bigger. I knew I had to focus to get to where I need to be not only with working out, but with my eating habits as well.
I arranged my school schedule so I had breaks that forced me to work out in between classes. It worked and I was putting in at least an hour and a half at the gym everyday. Come test time I was nervous, but I had put so much work and dedication in, I decided to give my all. I did the 300m in 56s, 35 push-ups, 34 sit-ups, and I did the 1.5miles in 12:19, which was a personal best! I maxed out on two events and did the best i could on the others. It felt great!
I decided to join Weight Watchers in order to help with the food part. I lost 9 lbs in the first week! It's hasn't been easy, by any means. Daily trips to the gym and giving up some favorite foods like Red Robin french fries, fish and chips, and of course beer! Now, 5 months and -50 lbs later, I can say I am in the best shape of my life and I feel amazing!

This is where shrinky dink comes in...I was at my parents house in the living room...my mom looked up and said "Wow. You know you're like you, but the shrinky dink version!" For those of you, who are like me, and had no idea what on  earth a Shrinky Dink is, its a plastic shape (toy) that you can put in oven or under heat and they will shrink up to make charms, jewelry., etc...The nickname has stuck and I love it!

Graduation Thanks

As of two weeks ago, I am a college graduate, which is crazy, i know. I never thought I would get to this point after 16 consecutive years in school. I am not a big school person. I hate math, I disklike writing papers, especially ones with APA citation. It's the death of me. Thank goodness for copy/paste and easy bibliography websites! It felt great to be a college graduate. Did you know that only 17% of people who start college actually get a bachelor's degree? It was great timing as I was graduating in the best shape of my life surrounded by amazing love and support. Anyway, as I head into my new journey of life I am bogged down with uncertainty.I had my life after graduation mapped out with a job in law enforcement, but as I have found out, its not so easy. But before I move forward, i want to take a moment. Breath, soak it all in and THANK the people who have all helped me along the way, because without any of you, I wouldnt have made it through! I had a grad party, and seeing all the people who have been there at different stages at my life all at once was amazing. I have had people who have left footprints in my heart all along the way and I am blessed to be surrounded by such amazing friends, family, teachers, mentors, and others!

• To my parents, who are rock solid through anything, thank you for all your love and support in no matter what i want to pursue. Without you, none of this would be possible literally. I would not be the person I am today if you were not my parents! J: You are such an inspiration. Thanks for always being there. I am so blessed to have an amazing sister like you. Our relationship only gets better everyday! JP: You are always good for a laugh, thanks for being such an amazing brother, I love spending time with ya and look forward to being your neighbor. M: I love you, you have been there through thick and thin, even when we couldnt see eachother for weeks, when I pulled all nighters, thank you for being so amazing and supportive. You've seen me at my worst and still love me anyway. Mama T/Sister Shelly: You have been so supportive through school and life struggles. I am so glad I have been able to get to know you and the boys over the last couple years. Thanks for allowing me to impede on your life :) Beauty group: Through such a tough time, i have found friendship with some of the most amazing people I could ever know. Thank you. TK, KG, AO: You are so funny! I love gettin comments from you to "shrinky dink." You may not know it, but it keeps me going, so thank you! Kal: You are such a strong, amazing woman. i look up to you so much, thanks for being an amazing friend even when you're dealing with more than i could ever imagine.

Those are just a few in a list that grows and could fill up several posts! Which, I intend to thank more people in future posts, so dont feel left out if you're not here :)

One Word: GARTH

When I was little, my parents bought me a plastic red guitar. I used to pretend to rock out all day long. It even had a matching headset to go with it. I would pull out my guitar to "impress" guests, sing along to that MJ song at the end of Free Willy and often times to pester my sibling's friends....which I think worked.  ;)      

My parents also bought me a Garth Brooks VHS of a concert of his, which I still have to this day. That tape was one of my favorite things to watch and one of my most prized possessions. I knew all of his songs, the stories that were included on the tape and a little backstory about Garth. Often times I would "play along" with my little red guitar and sing loudly with the video. That is until one day when I turned to my mom and said "You can kiss my ass," she spun around so quickly and said" WHAT?!?! You can't say that to me..!!!!" to which I replied "But why not? Garth says it in "Friends in Low Places!" I was probably 4 years old at the time.
Long story short, I have, my entire life LOVED Garth Brooks. He came to play one time at a city near by, but we didnt get tickets....then he retired. I was crushed to hear such news...a few years past, to which he then came out of retirement and started his concert series at the Wynn Casino in Vegas. For the first year, all the dates were sold out.
I recently told my mom that seeing Garth live is one of the things on my bucket list. She said "Ok, let's go!" which I did not take seriously because she is always comin up with ideas..which I love, but at the same time...sometimes they don't happen. A few weeks went by and my dad told us he could get tickets, then he couldn't, then we looked them up online, my mom went to Ticketmaster, which said some of the dates were sold out....bleh.
After alot of research, confusion, and dedication, as of today I can say that my dreams are coming true.....Thank you to my amazingly wonderful parents, whom I am forever indebted to........

I AM GOING TO SEE GARTH BROOKS IN VEGAS!!!!!!!!!

I can't describe the excitement I have for this and thankfulness that  am so blessed to have such an amazing parents to make this happen! So THANK YOU SO MUCH MOM AND DAD!!!!!! :)

P.S. I'm sorry if you don't like Garth Brooks or country music.....I'm pretty sure if you're reading this, you like both :)

What did you expect?

Its been cold and snowy here the last week. I take this opportunity to dress comfortable, while being warm. For me that involves layering of sweatshirts, long underwear, Carhartts, romeos, and a hat. I dressed like this the last two days partly due to the weather and partly for a class (we were playing a fisheries game and I was a captain.) I went to Starbucks before heading to campus both days. While in Starbucks I noticed the odd looks and strange faces. It humors me to see people wondering why on earth im not all cutesy in a scarf that matches my Ugg boots, which also coordinates with the new jacket I just bought thats 'so cute!' To be honest....I just dont give a flying hoot what these people are thinking when they see me in my Carhartt pants and jacket. There is something so empowering to me to be able to wear practical clothing in this weather, be comfortable, and be true to yourself. I hate stereotypes and how I am expected to fit into some silly little image that you have of me or women in general. I am sure some of you feel this way too. I dont get why people try to hard to be someone else. You are already yourself, why work 5x as hard to become someone your not? For those of you who know me personally know who I am, and how I respond. Don't get me wrong, I have had to go through some trials to get here and be able to say I am proud of who I am and what I stand for, but I think I am stronger for it. So I challenge you to be yourself, because no one else can be you!

Firsts....

I made this blog to tell of my adventures....so thats what i should get to doing!
I have been straining to remember my first fishing experience, and well I can't remember the very first one, but I will tell you one of the first experiences I do.
I used to live on a small island, easy access to fishing....which was very convienient. We also used to have commercial netters out in front of our house as well. My dad and I would go out after work just in front of our house and put some poles in the water. This particular time, fising had been slow....really slow. My dad told me to go up in the bow, organize, and clean up for a bit while he put the poles out. He had never asked me to do this before I thought it odd, but don't question Big poppa! So I was up in the bow cleaning and I hear my dad start screaming "I got one! Come here, I got one as I was going down, get over here now!!" My dad handed me the pole and I reeled the fish in. I could tell it was pretty big by the weight on the end of the pole. We landed it and it was close to 40lbs!!! I was so freakin excited!!! Only I thought it wierd that when we got it in the boat it didnt move....no flopping, not one hmm.....My dad said it must have been "worn out." But I was still proud of my 40lber! We took it to the dock at the local marina and I proudly showed off my trophy chinook!
(Come to find out, my dad had bought it from the commercial guys and put it on the line and let it out while I was up in the bow "cleaning". Oh boy...thats why I love my dad!!)

Land of the heels....

This weekend I went to Las Vegas with my sister for a friend's bachelorette party. Now let me tell you...I am not a girly girl, which you might have already caught on to and I don't look to other people for approval. I don’t like heels, I don’t wear lil black dresses, and I certainly don't like to spend two hours putting stuff on my face and trying to get intricate curls just right in my hair. I will say, however, that it's fun to get dolled up and go out every once in a while even if it's not my style. So, I tried it. The first night there the three other girls I was with dressed up in their lil dresses; me? I was in jeans with a nice top. Ok, ill admit it! I wore some heeled boots...We had to walk through a mall to get to the strip, and 5 mins in I was already window shopping for the nearest pair of flip flops that was not 100.00, which was unsuccessful. We made it to the first bar (which was still in the mall/hotel area), sat down to have a drink...and not ten minutes later I was hobbling back to the room to change to flip flops. Call me a wimp, but I just couldn’t do it.
Day 2 we hit the strip. I feel like we walked about 30 miles, which was fun, but boy was it tiring. We made it to Toby Keith's I Love This Bar, which let me tell you, I love that bar. Country music playing, monitors on the wall playing country music videos all day, and beer/whiskey served from mason jars...come on, what could be better?
All in all it was a great trip, I learned quite a bit about myself, especially in discussion with my sister. But one thing that was consistently going through my head is that I didn't belong in the scene. I'm not the type of girl who likes to get foofied up, which there is nothing wrong with, its just not for me. Another aspect to this is I am not the type of girl who seeks out attention from the opposite sex. Even if I wasn't in a great, committed relationship, I still would not go out seeking to catch a someone's eye. Call me old fashioned, but im not all about looks, I want a genuine personality, and for me if I draw a guy because how I look, nothing else, it's not worth it. Someone needs to be able to approach me for me, as I am, not as how I am suppose to be. Id rather be the odd girl out in jeans, COMFORTABLE and able to walk the WHOLE night (and the next day).

My dad...

I am just like my dad in so many different ways, so much that more often than not we find ourselves bickering and arguing about the smallest things. We get under eachother's skin, but that's what makes us have such a strong bond. We can get into it about economics or management of Gray Wolves, which has happened before and wake up the next morning like nothing happened which is what I love. We are so similiar, yet so different, but even though we disagree we can move forward. My dad is an amazing, smart man who I love alot. He has provided our family with the most incredible opportunities and experiences. I wouldnt ask for anyone else. I bring up my dad now because he's the one who has allowed me to follow my passion and supports me 100%. No matter what crazy ideas I come up with...He is also my hunting partner and he taught me everything I know about hunting and fishing. So without him, im not sure how much of this would be possible...I keep talking about our adventures, and I assure you I will get to them, but I feel a little insight and foundation is necessary first. So to break it down my dad + me+ guns+ campers, boats and trucks oh my! =Incredible journeys and trouble.

A little background....

It's February, which some of you know is the slow season for any fishing and hunting. Not knowing yet where I really want to take this blog, I decided I would begin by sharing old adventures to catch you all up to speed and in preparation of new ones. I am by no means any sort of expert on...well anything, which I will be the first to admit. I am not ashamed that I take part in such activities and I am proud of it actually....which is why I want to share. Let's start with a little background. I grew up in Western Washington, I am stubborn and set in my ways like my dad, and some of my earliest and favorite memories were getting dirty outside and getting in trouble (which often went hand in hand) with my siblings, cousins, and neighbor kids...I frequently got called a lil boy, which I have no idea why *rolling eyes* (could have been the mullet) or my constant bully like ways telling people not to mess with me or I would do some WWF move on them...which were often pulled on my poor brother and sister which resulted in a concussion or two.
With that being said, here begins my story telling journey....

So it begins....

Welcome to the true story of a small town tomboy. First off let me start by saying that I find beauty in the truth and that's what I intend to give you.Yes I am a tomboy, but I'm not trashy. There are so many misconceptions and stereotypes about women who are independent and strong, who hunt and fish, and who like to wear Carhartt and Romeos, which I intend to prove otherwise. This will be a place that will allow me to share my fishing and hunting adventures, as well as my crazy random life with y'all. So crack open a cold one and enjoy!