...after a visit home

Some days I wish I had split personalities so I could live all the lives I would need to satisfy my many fascinations. I want to be a farmer, dancer, teacher, veterinarian, writer, artist, athlete, city girl, country girl, student, time traveler, and maybe mickey mouse (except I'm actually too tall). There is just too much to learn, see, and do to fit into one lifetime, but I'm on my way to checking off as much as I can.

I've been back home (in Texas) for only a few days after an excellent 3 week trip to NC and I have so much on my mind. Things I want for my life, places I want to go, things I want see, who I am exactly. It's all too much. But, that's me. I've always been like this. Here are some things I'm excited about.

Camping and Hiking

A few days after I made it to Asheville, my dad decided we were heading to the lake....and that's where it started. I love being outside! I love trees and beautiful views. I love being in the sun (well, most of the time). I fell right back into my 'country girl' mode. The girl who wanted to set up the tent, and sleep outside under the stars. I fished with my dad and sometimes just sat on the boat while he fished. We took rides on the country roads in his big truck. I drove with the windows down feeling the cool mountain air on my arms. Magic.

I also had a chance to go on a hike with my aunt. She lives in Wolf Laurel and very often hikes on the Appalachian Trail....since it practically runs through her back yard. It was a pretty steep hike for most of the time, but it was wonderful. The sights, smells, and sounds of the great outdoors are so incredible.

We talked about taking 2-3 day hike next summer. I'm nervous about it (well, nervous about running into crazy people), but I'm also excited for an outdoor adventure. I really wanted to visit the Toe River again and the Cradle of Forestry since it's one of my favorite places, but I ran out of time (and company). I'm just so excited about getting outside!

I ended up bringing my grandfathers old tent back to Texas with me. My brother and I used to take it to Lake Chatuga every summer when we went with our grandparents and cousins....It's probably been 10 years since the last time the tent has been used...I sure hope it's made well. I also brought a lantern and a camp stove that my dad gave me for Christmas about 5 years ago. I'm sorry to say neither have been used before. I hope we get some good use out of them in the next few years!

That brings me to...

Travel and Vacation

Evan and I have been talking a lot about going to the Grand Canyon next summer. I am so excited. We haven't made any definite plans yet, but I would love to take a road trip, stopping at campgrounds along the way - hiking a lot while we're there. This is one of my outdoor adventure dreams....along with visiting the Lightning Field. I'm just so excited. I'm going to be planning this all year to make sure we actually go!!!!

I just watched Sister of the Traveling Pants yesterday and I am ready for a trip to Greece too! So beautiful. Luckily, Evan wants to go too. 5/10 year wedding anniversary?

Money Money Money

While I was home, I had the chance to talk to my friends and family about money. I see that everyone is having a difficult time...not just us. One good friend suggested I read Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. She told me that her sister had followed the plan and quickly pulled herself out of debt. Well, that sounds good to me!

Evan and I had already decided that we needed to seriously sit down and talk about our budget (well, Evan was finally on board....so it actually happened). I told him about this book and an hour later we were heading to Barnes and Noble to pick up a copy. Last night, I was lying in bed listening to Evan read the first 50 pages out loud to me. Sweet, right? Anyway, Evan and I are really excited about getting down to business paying off our debts and starting to save money. I'm so tired of being worried about money, but now I feel really hopeful about our financial future. I also feel great about the Doyle team.

...speaking of sports

Running

Last summer, I really got into running and so did Evan. We were planning to run the Houston half-marathon, but money and injuries got in our way. It has been really hard for me to push myself to run alone, but I have done it off and on since we stopped running together back in January.

My mom, however, has been amazing! She joined the Asheville Track Club and runs three times a week with the group. They are training to run the Bele Chere 5k in July. I am so proud of her and my sister-in-law who is running with her. I wish I could be there to do it with them.

While I was home, I tagged along with them on their running nights and now I'm trying to keep up with their training. That's close to running with someone...if I'm trying to keep up with their training schedule, right? Anyway, this morning, I got up and ran around the apartment complex: 8 min. job, 1 min. walk, 8 min. jog, 1 min. walk, 3 min. jog, walk. I did it, but dang it sure is hotter here than it is in Western NC!

Once Evan and I figure out our budget, I am planning to sign up for atleast one race nearby. It's just something I really want to accomplish. I've really started to enjoy running and how it makes me feel....I just have to kick the lazy days in the BEEhind!

Planning for the Future

I am so glad that Evan and I are starting to really talk and plan our future. I'm beginning to better understand the things I want for myself and he is too. That sure does make it a lot easier to talk about the future...when you have and idea of what to talk about. In the past week, we've talked about - babies, houses, food, budgets, locations, so many things! It's exciting to talk about the future when you aren't so worried about money. I mean we still need to worry about it, but having a plan of attack has taken a huge weight off our shoulders!