What I have learned...

The end of any year is always a time for reflection. However, the end of this year is particularly special for me, as it has been a tough year filled with incredible challenges, changes, and new beginnings. I am very happy to see the end of 2009 and even more excited to find out what 2010 has to offer. So on that note, here are some thoughts on 2009, lessons that I have learned, and some of what I hope to accomplish in the new year.

Cheers!

What I have learned:


I have learned that life is full of illusions and that very rarely is something ever as it seems. While some may argue that this is always a bad thing (and generally I agree), I think it can offer a little mystery to life if approached properly.


Making new friends can be incredibly intimidating and down right scary. I am naturally a shy person, so it can be painful (and I do mean PAINFUL) going into awkward social situations alone.


But making new friends can be incredibly rewarding as well. Luckily in my outings, I found an amazing friend who has helped me open up and meet so many new people. Thanks Wendy!


And you just never know when you might find someone who 'folds your ears back'. The people that I have met over the past six months have been incredible. I love the laughs, love the drinks, and love the company. I especially love those people who drag me off the bike trail to hike 4 miles up a mountain and 4 miles back down a mountain just for the view.


I have also learned that there is nothing more comforting than the love of a dog. My two dogs have not only helped me through my tough troubles, but have helped a few other close friends and family members through their own tough times.


I love these two dogs more than life itself.



I have also learned that sacrificing for others is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. This year I started to help with SIRA transports. My first transport was two 4 year old Shibas (Max and Bella) who were being re-homed due to incredible financial hardship on their humans. Unfortunately, these two were being sent to two separate foster homes. However, I was lucky enough to be able to let them spend their last night together in the comfort and luxury of their own hotel room. I am not sure that they will ever be able to understand, but it seemed they had a great time and a nice relaxing sleep snuggled up to each other. They have now both been adopted (to different homes) and are doing great. (I LOVE happy endings!)


I have also learned that there is nothing in life that is worth stressing over. Even when you lose everything, there are always people there that will be there to support you emotionally and give you the strength to carry on. Sometimes these people can be very close, but in my case, these people were far away and spread very widely apart. I am not sure I could have made it without the support and guidance of my fellow Nihon Ken members. I have said thank you before, but I will say it again. THANK YOU. (Bella and Nola thank you as well!)


This year I have also remembered what it is like to really have a best friend. Someone to make you laugh no matter what and to give a hard time to when they steal your movies (yes, Dan, I am talking about Bio Dome!). I am very much looking forward to visiting in the new year!


I have learned that lonely is not a word that is in my vocabulary.


In the new year:


I promise to take more pictures.


Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger...


I will be more confident. I might be insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but I CAN make a difference.


I will learn how to properly use brakes. This one, I have a feeling, is going to be tough.


I will take the road less traveled. I know that I generally do this anyway, but I will expand out and take more roads less traveled. The dustier, the better.


I will find more butterflies.


And learn to love all that life has to offer. Even if they are weeds.


I will build more camp fires. And subsequently, I will camp more.


I will open myself up and learn to embrace the unknown.


And I will take time to enjoy the scenery.


And yes, I know that most of these goals are not tangible... But neither am I. Best of luck to all of you in the new year. And remember: GET OUT THERE! ADVENTURE AWAITS.

Happy Winter Holiday Spirt

In most of the world, most people are celebrating some sort of holiday at this time. Personally, I celebrate the Winter Solstice and so do my dogs.

Adventures have abounded over the last few days because here at the base of the Blue Ridge in Virginia, we received about two and a half feet of snow. At first the dogs were quite confused, but they are not really enjoying the cold white snow. Unfortunately, Nola is in the middle of blowing out her coat, so she is probably not enjoying it as much as she would have three weeks ago when she was in full fluff. (Silly Shibas!)

I apologize in advance for these photos, as they have not been processed... (this is a really busy time, and I made a promise to myself that I would keep this up, so I am keeping it up!)

Nola really enjoyed the snow. There are many more pictures of her than Bella. This is only because Nola played more in it than Bella.

The snow sparkled as it was falling in the night:


And Nola really enjoyed just shoving her face in the snow:


Bella was happier on the front porch where there were only a few inches of snow:


The expressions she makes are just hilarious:


Queen of the snow?


But they are both so curious:


Notice Nola's moulting coat:


Part of the backyard. It was so pretty and peaceful. And BRIGHT! The sun reflecting off the snow was incredible.


Nola really enjoyed herself... And it shows!








Once I plowed through a few paths for them, the chase was ON:




The adventure of digging my car out of the snow was not quite as fun.

Happy Trails!

Meet the Shibas

As introductions go:

Bella is the princess of the house. She was my first Shiba and she definitely owns my heart. She is crazy smart. She is also a bit of a wimp when it comes to rain and mud. But I love her anyway.



Nola is the baby. And she probably always will be. She is just plain crazy. She loves to be happy, and almost everything makes her happy. Especially rain and mud. No matter what, she makes me smile... unless of course she just shredded the clothes hamper again.

So I started a blog...

And hopefully this time I will keep up with it and update regularly!

As an introduction, I am Casey, I live, I love, I wander, I ride... in the mountains.

I think this is going to mostly be an outlet for adventures and photos.

Adventures with myself, my dogs, and my mountain bike.

Photos of the above and anything else I deem photographic. :)

Happy Trails!