A City Girl in A Country World

Well I thought it was about time to write another blog.  My life has changed drastically in the last six plus months.  First, I got married to the most amazing, wonderful guy in the world.  Second, I settled into our house and my new job.  Lastly, I had to figure out life outside the big city. Or at least I thought that was the last big thing when I started this blog.

Luckily, I had moved up to the area about a month before the wedding so I was use to my surroundings, but still, this was different. I was no longer visiting or staying with a friend.  I lived here.  I am married.  I have to be an adult.

There would be no more, I don’t want to cook dinner, I’ll just have a spoon of peanut butter and a glass of milk.  I have to think about my husband, another human being.  If I wanted to go patio sit instead of doing laundry, I could do that.  But my husband needs clean clothes.  It all changes when you have some one you have to, get to take care of.

My country life revolves around working 5 and a half days a week at our mom and pop auto parts store and shop and cows.  Yes, this girl who heart use to race at the thought of NYC has cows.  We have a total of 23 cows and 1 calf we bottle feed twice a day.  He is quite precious though.  You should see him come running when we have that bottle in our hands.

Then next year, I plan to have a little garden.  We have it all covered with mulch now and I bought a farmers almanac in order to plant things in the right season.

However, that is not all this city girl gets to plan on for next year.  Chief and I are going to have a baby, due the end of February.  We are thrilled and can’t wait to welcome in this little one into our family.  Now, because we live about an hour and half away from a major city, guess what?  This city girl gets to have a Dr and the hospital an hour and a half drive for appointments and you guessed it LABOR.  Don’t forget either, that it snows in February here, so we might even get to deal with some dicey or icey situations.

But there are definitely things I love about the country.  I love that fact that I can see for miles and catch the most beautiful sunsets.  I love the fact that traffic is a something that you only get when the oil field takes about 3 semi-trucks thru town or a tractor is slowing things up because it is harvest.  I love the fact that on a Saturday afternoon you can go down to the outdoor rodeo arena and watch a Junior rodeo for free and just enjoy being outside.  Lastly, I love the fact that our child is going to be raised to learn what it means to work in a garden and help things grow, to be able to watch a calf be born, and run around the barn catching mice for the barn cat.  These are things I never experienced in my city life.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the fact that I was blessed with the theatre, museums and a family that taught me many things about life.

But I guess, this city girl is slowly turning into the country girl that she always read about in books.  It is going to be a fun ride.

MOVING DAY!

All ready to go head to Texas

Well, it’s another move.  Yes, me, moving, who would’ve guessed.  Let’s see if I can come up with some fun stats for my readers.  From the time I moved out of my childhood home in 2002 to go to Montana, it wasn’t until this last apartment that I stayed for a complete year.

Hopefully this move will be one I can sit back and enjoy for years.

Overall, the move went so smoothly. I think Chief was very impressed with my moving skills.  With the help of a good friend and a great mom, we were all packed up before 10 am and had to wait on my apartments office to open before I could turn in the keys.

With the keys turned in we hit the road. Because Chief loves me, when we made a stop for gas, he made sure there was a Chick-Fila at that exit for us to get food.  Gotta get my Chick-Fila fix.

We got back on the road and headed north for that Red River.  It was time to cross me over that border in that strange Oklahoma countryside.  I was super excited and nervous.  What would become of this Texas gal?  Would I become an Okie as soon as I crossed that line?  Would Texas ever let me back in?  So many worries.  However as we crossed, I smiled, because I knew no matter where I was I would be with my wonderful man.

Then we drove some more to our new home. We finally arrived and had some good guys help us unload and then the unpacking begins.  I felt like we were unpacking for hours and I guess we were.  We finally decided to call it quits once we got all the furniture placed and all but 2.5 boxes unpacked.  It was time for supper and relaxing.  It was a grand moment, eating supper and realizing that I was at my new home.  After years of moving, I was finally home.

The next week was spent unpacking those last few boxes, hanging pictures and clocks and moving furniture around (I promised Chief we won’t move things around too much more.  He just smiled that ya right smile.).    Don’t worry, I was also able to squeeze in a little work at my new job at Schrock Automotive.

Oklahoma was able to bless me with a fun welcome.  The first two weeks I was here there was two snow storms, and the second one was even labeled a blizzard.  We lost electricity and my wonderful man set me up by the fire with a blanket (or two or three) and then went out to pull people out of the snow and help with their generators.  Below are some pictures from both snow storms. I guess this Texas gal got a “warm” welcoming by her new home.

Snow #1

Snow #1

Snow #2 Blizzard

Snow #2 the next morning

Another Day, Another Dream

If you are reading this blog, you probably read my other one.  Americangirlinprauge.wordpress.com  You also probably know that I am big on living out your dreams.  I don’t want to wake up one day and think what if I had done this or what if I went there or what if I wasn’t scared to take that leap.  Don’t get me wrong, I have moments when I am terrified and moments when I think, I’ll just put that one on the back burner for now.  But this dream that I am about to jump into, head first, no doubts is one I have had since I was a little girl and first heard the story of Cinderella.

You see, when I was little, and people would ask me what my name was, it was simple.  I would say “Cinderella.”  Don’t forget it was when I was young and didn’t talk plain, so it was really cute.  But my dreams was for my prince charming to find me and I would be transformed from rags into the princess with the heart of gold.  Yes, I had a very overactive imagination (probably still do).

Now, I have found that man.  Let me tell you a little bit about my prince.  You see he is from the far away land of Oklahoma. You see I was sent to this foreign land by the King of mine, to help him get the new land he had just conquered set up.  It took a couple of days for prince to warm up to me, but oh, I am so glad he did.

Ok, ok, I will stop being so story-like with our story. It was such a good meet-cute.  You see, Chief (he is the chief of the volunteer firefighters), just bought the towns part store and luckily, my Papaw’s company was able to secure him as a customer.  Then, he needed computers of course, because who can run a business without them these days.  I had just begun to do installs of the new software, and I was so scared (and not really wanting) to put one in a customers store.  However, they sent me on my way….It was such a long way.

I walked in the door, and shook hands with Chief and then he proceeded to hide in the back of the shop for the next few days.  I had plenty to do with the other workers and getting it all going, that I was not too concerned with him ignoring.  But then you see, a group of us went to lunch and we were sitting across from each other.  From that one lunch, I was hooked.  I just knew that I wanted to get to know him better.  There had to be a way to get him to not be so shy.  Somehow I broke him out of his shell, and we went to supper one night.  It was a fun night of getting to know each other and flirting.  Sadly, though it was Thursday and I was leaving the next day, to make that long drive back and, but happily, then make that long drive back up to Oklahoma the following week.

After a weekend of talking on the phone, and those long drives, I realized that this could not go anywhere. I mean, 5 hours is long way away.  At a supper that following week, I just came out and said it, “You know this can’t go anywhere, 5 hours is a long way.”  He agreed, and I thought that was that.  However, as the week drew on, I realized I couldn’t give this up.  This guy, was amazing, sweet and cute to boot.  What was a girl to do?  I already told him that it can’t go anywhere. Me and my big mouth.

Luckily, Chief was just patiently waiting on me to change my mind.  At supper at the end of the week, we decided we would just continue to get to know each other and see where it goes.  I know, not very hopeful huh and trust me I was already in love. So I gave it a thought I had to just ride this one out.

We continued to get to know each other, and after long nights on the phone and even longer drives to visit each other, we decided to make it official and shared our relationship with our families.   You always worry about families, or at least I do.  I am one of those girls that wants people to like them for who they are, but always worried people won’t. I blame high school for my insecurities, but that is a whole other ball of wax.

Happily, both of us made great impressions with the families.  (Or at least I hope so.)  And now, I will cut this story a little short, and just say, we are happily engaged and counting down the days until our wedding.  I am so blessed to be Mrs. Chief and so happy that I will get to call his family my family.

As I grow up, I realize that some dreams are meant to be tried and then moved on and then other dreams are meant to come true and lived each day.  Your life should be made up of both, because it’s in these dreams you live and bring into reality that make you in the person ready for that next dream.

I am so excited for this next dream.  The dream of marrying Chief and living in Oklahoma.  I am just enjoying part of the dream, by knowing I am going to marry this wonderful man, soon I will get to live the whole dream, it makes one so very happy and nervous at the same time.  Once that dream has been lived and continues to live everyday, I can’t wait to see what new dream God is going to bring in my life.

Life as I know it…

As everybody that knows me will tell you, I don’t usually sit still for long.  About the time that I get comfortable in a situation, I decide it is time for something new.  Sometimes it is as small as cutting my bangs differently to as huge as moving to Europe.

I have been doing a lot of driving lately. Yes, sorry to say that I have been traveling to all these small towns without posting anything about them.  I apologize for misguiding you.  When I started this blog, it was my intention to really keep up with it and be able to give you some insight to these towns.  Sadly, through life throwing me a major loop and me not always finding something to post, I decided to throw out my initial plan.  “The quickest way to make God laugh is to plan your life.”

Since the blog is still named Thru the Eyes of a Ginger, I still wanted to fill you in on my life.  I love to write and share things so therefore, this might turn into just a place for me to share my life with those who choose to read it.

Like I stated above, I have been doing A LOT (I mean A LOT) of driving lately.  For example, from me leaving my apartment on Monday morning and driving 246 miles (almost 4.5 hours), meeting with a customer, then driving 165 miles (about 2.5 hours). And followed by driving 194 miles (3.5 hours) on Tuesday morning and finishing driving 89 miles (1.5 hours) back to my wonderful apartment.  Yes that is a 36 hour period of driving almost 700 miles.  Needless to say I have a lot of time to think.

This trip I started thinking about where I was this time last year.  I had told my Papaw that I was leaving for Europe, and had told a few people here and there.  I was starting to get nervous, excited and began dreaming about my upcoming adventure.  And oh, what an adventure it was.  I can remember starting this elaborate dreams of what it would be like and how I would end up living in Europe forever.  “The quickest way to make God laugh is to plan your life.”

If you are reading this, then you probably already know that I did not stay in Europe.  It wasn’t my home.  I missed my family, my friends and America.  I know that is so American to say, but there is something special about living in this country.  So I packed up all of my stuff (and it was a lot, let me tell you) and my mom helped move me back home.  That being said, I am so very thankful for my time in Prague.  It was an adventure that changed my life and introduced me to some amazing friends that I love dearly.  The trip, the leap of faith and the complete u-turn helped me live a dream and realize that I needed a new one.

After returning home, I had to decide if I would interview for a teaching position or see if Papaw would hire me back.  I prayed for guidance and when asked Papaw had a job for me doing some software training.  It sounded like the best of both worlds, I would be teaching and working on the family business.  I know you are now waiting for me to tell you how wrong I was, and don’t get me wrong, I lose my patience and there are days that I outright hate my job.  However, I love working in the business, I enjoy the people I work with and without it I would have be introduced to a special man in my life.

You see, I train stores on our new computer system, and a new customer up in Oklahoma had signed on the dotted line, so I began the 5 hour trip.  Let me tell you 5 hours is a long way.  I can still remember the meeting before I went.  My Uncle Garry telling me that he was 30 something and available.  My response was something to the point of; Ya, I won’t be dating someone who lives in Thomas, OK.  “The quickest way to make God laugh is to plan your life.”

It has been a blast getting to know this guy and realizing that there are amazing, intelligent, loving men in the world.  He makes me a better person and I can’t wait to see where this goes.  So a year ago, I was planning my move to Europe to teach English, and now I am traveling to small town Texas and Oklahoma putting in a computer system and spending my weekends with a man that makes me laugh and my heart race.

I have added the line in numerous places: “The quickest way to make God laugh is to plan your life.”  It is saying I tell myself all the time.  God made me a planner and trust me, he gets a good laugh out of me often.  I have some plans up my sleeve, but as always I am willing to trust God in his plans and timing for my life.  I can’t wait to see where my life goes from here.

Hmmm, Cleburne

Well I know it has been a while since I wrote, but I have not been traveling much lately.  You see after having a hick-up in Comanche, TX, I headed back to the office for a 3 week stance.  We were getting ready for a our open house event.  (It went off great, thanks for asking!)

The following week I headed off to Cleburne; exhausted after the great, long weekend; but ready to get back to work.  Our Cleburne store has been in the same location for over 15 years and does it best to help customers that walk in and the customers that call in.

I was able to see the employees work rotors, offer to search for a part for a return that was 12 years old and make deliveries to the local shops.

Cleburne is a small city with all the luxuries that comes with that.  There were multiple fast food establishments and sit down restaurants.  Sadly, because of this I was not able to really find the “local” places.

I know this post is a little on the dry side, but the next location (Edgewood, TX) is a small town and I hope to be able to share with you all the joys that comes with it.

You won’t believe it, but

I am in Thomas, OK.

I bet I heard that said at least 10 times the past 2 weeks.  Where is Thomas, OK you ask?  (So glad you did)

Does that help?  I didn’t think so.  It is about 20 miles north of Weatherford, OK.  Does that help?  If you need more, just google it.

Let me tell you about this gem of a town.  First off, I am here training the employees of a new parts store.  Schrock Automotive.  It is a great store with amazing employees.  If you are near the area, stop by, say hello, get a cup of coffee and buy something.

This town is one of those that kinda sneaks up on you.  Let’s start with my drive into the town in the mornings.  You see, I had to stay in Weatherford and drive the 20 miles north to get to the store.  But oh what a drive.  There is just something about waking up in the morning to the fog on the fields.  Through the fog, you see houses, barns, animals and it kinda takes your breath away.  It almost reminds me of a fairytale land.  One you would read about some knight riding through the fields getting to the castle.  The only difference is there was no castle, but that’s neither here nor there.

As far as food goes there, I ate at 2 places while I was in Thomas.  The first place was good home style cooking where they serve their sweet tea in mason jars.  The other place was good home style cooking (do you see a trend) that was definitely a place that seems like the place the long time citizens go to have coffee in the morning and catch up on what is going on in town.

Now, lets talk about the people of this town.  I will start with the young teens that I met.  They were so polite and quiet when they came in the store.  Don’t get me wrong, I am sure they have their wild ones but just didn’t really see it.  One of my favorite things to see was when the old timers came in the store.  The owner, Larry Schrock, always knew them and made sure they got the part they need.  It was one of those things that you just love to watch.  I guess it goes with a respect for people.  The two women that work in the store were great as well.  You have Donna who is catching onto how to run a Parts Plus store so quickly and works very hard at all she does.  And you also have Melissa, she is working part-time handling the office and helping out in the store where she can.  She grew up in the town and knows everyone.  Her customer service attitude and ability to make sure the customers get comfortable with the new store is wonderful.

Lastly, I will touch on the owner.  I know I will forget to put something down here, but he does a bit of everything around town.  From being the Fire Chief to running a crane business to now owning a parts store and shop.  Trust me, I heard about a lot more things he does, but I really do not think there is enough space here.  He always wanted to make sure the customers got what the needed and took care of so many of them personally, it is no wonder he is respected in the town.

Well, my two weeks up there came to an end today and I was actually sad to leave. I guess this city girl likes the small town feel.  I hope one day, I will be able to make it back up there for something or other.  So thankful for the friends I made while there and wish them all the best of luck on this new adventure.

A Ginger’s World

Well let me start with introducing myself…

I hate

Artichokes

Muscle Men Contest

Halloween

Goodbyes

I love

Apples and Peanut Butter

Baseball

Christmas

Good Morning Texts

 

I don’t dream to believe that what I am writing is anything important or life changing, but I hope you enjoy reading my blog.  You see I travel around for my job and most of the time I get to go to small town Texas and even sometimes to Oklahoma.  I plan to write info about these towns.  It might be anything from the best coffee in town, my experiences in the town or just getting there.

Sometimes, I might add in a blog just about life or somewhere else I go, but we will just see how it goes.