Table for Two

What started out as a relationship blog for my first job has turned into a grand adventure that has taken us to new and fantastic places!

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My love affair with ... my dogs

I can’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t surrounded by animals. Well there was college, but I still considered my parents’ pets to be my pets. I still do in some sense. One of my favorite photos of toddler me is when I was holding a cat that was practically my size. I had a rabbit, Thumper, who I pushed around in a stroller. Why she never jumped out, I'm not sure. I begged my parents for a horse and got one around the age of six. While my horse days didn’t last long, I have always been a dog lover. My mom raised dogs when I was growing up, so playing with puppies was a big part of my life.

Abby and Bailey are my parents' dogs, but I still claim them. :) 

While the pets I had as a kid will always stick with me, the dogs Brett and I adopted as grownups have completely stolen my heart.

We also have incredibly sweet cats, but like any cat, they can have their own agenda. They love to cuddle, but they also like to go off into a room and sleep for hours. 

Our dogs are another story. I’m the lady who feels guilty leaving them for a few hours while I’m at work. I make a point to come home for lunch to make sure they get some time outside and quite a few ear scratches. They are our constant companions when we go on road trips. And a day isn’t complete without a sloppy kiss from Loki and nuzzles from Pippin. Seriously, I love these little guys.

And then came the moment when I was without them for over two weeks. Brett and his dad have been wanting for Loki and his parents’ poodle, Daisy, to have puppies since we got Loki. I went along with it, but I was really worried about separating Loki and Pippin. They have been hooked at the hip since we brought Loki home last November. I decided they had to go together. Sure enough, Daisy went into heat and Brett’s dad came to Casper to pick up our boys.

Brett's mom with her dogs and our dogs. They are getting spoiled. :)

While I know they are having a great time with Brett’s parents and their dogs, I have been a wreck. The first few days were the worst. I cried when I saw them hop into Brett’s dad’s pickup. I had no idea it was going to be so hard. I gulped back a lump in my throat as I took a walk a few days ago and a neighbor commented on how I was missing my puppies. Yeah, thanks for reminding me.

 It’s gotten a little easier, and I think the cats have loved having us to themselves, but I can’t wait for those happy little dudes to come home in a few days. It’s amazing how two, fluffy little creatures can wiggle their way into your laps and your heart. Even their sometimes annoying habits (such as barking early in the morning and Pippin’s insistence of laying on my chest with his butt in my face) have been missed. I realized that while I loved and adored the pets I had as a kid, it's not compared to the love for my pets now. I was a kid. I didn’t have all the responsibility of caring for our pets; that’s what parents are for. That extra responsibility of taking to them to vet, picking up their puke when they are sick and being their number one humans just makes the love even deeper and sweeter. These guys are all mine, and I’m the one in charge of giving them the best life possible.

While I know one day we will have to say goodbye to our sweet little guys (remind me why God didn’t think dogs should live forever?!), these two precious little pups were my first babies and will always have a permanent spot in this dog mom’s heart. Until then, there will be plenty of treats, new squeaky toys, long walks and lots of cuddles. 

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Our vacation: Back to the Outer Banks

Moving to Wyoming felt like a mini vacation for a while. Brett and I have seen many wonderous parts of the state as well as tried new things. But now that we are settled in and Casper feels like home, I was ready for a vacation!

Brett and I after he proposed! 

My sister and brother-in-law got married in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, three years ago. During their wedding reception, Brett proposed to me. Needless to say, it has a very special place in all of our hearts. My mom planned a vacation for our family to stay at a beach house in the Outer Banks in September. While Brett and I were only there for a few days, we squeezed in a lot of fun as well as rest and relaxation.

Saturday

Sunday

I was eagerly anticipating Sunday morning. I have wanted to parasail for so long, and I had booked a parasailing trip for Brett and I. But as my luck would have it, the weather did not cooperate. We woke up to rough seas, wind and grey skies. The call came shortly after that our parasailing trip was canceled due to weather. I was hoping to reschedule for the next day, but because it is off-season, they were only offering trips on Friday. We were flying home Tuesday. I tried to not get upset, but it was a pretty big bummer for me. After wallowing for a bit, I perked up at the prospect of Brett and I venturing to Roanoke Island together for the day.

After the short drive to Roanoke, we stumbled upon the Elizabethan Gardens. It was so beautiful! As a western Nebraska girl, I’m always amazed at the amount of trees that cover much of the East coast. Plus the garden was like taking a step into the past. Gorgeous flowers, sculpted hedges, fountains and pathways filled the space. There was even an amazing view of Roanoke Sound.

Once we strolled through the garden, we were ready for lunch. We discovered a place called Striper’s where I was able to try fried green tomatoes, a first for me. While it was good, it was a little underwhelming. It was definitely not as flavorful and amazing as I hoped. Maybe next time!

Once our bellies were filled, we headed to Roanoke Island Festival Park. I love history, and I was so excited to visit the site of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. At the park, we were able to tour the ship, the Elizabeth II, saw what a normal colony site would look like and toured the museum. It was interesting, and I actually learned quite a bit!

We ventured back to Nags Head, where we were staying, and got ready for dinner. We drove around for a while trying to find where to go, and finally settled on Pamlico Jack’s. Oh my gosh, such a good choice! We had an amazing view of the sunset and water from the balcony, and the food was superb! After dinner, we picked up my dad and found a place to indulge in some ice cream. Ice cream is a necessity on vacation, right? 

Monday

I woke up at about 7:30 on Monday morning to see the sun rising over the ocean. I gleefully pounced on Brett to wake him up. I wasn’t going to miss out on an early morning walk on the beach. My dad joined us, and he spotted five dolphins in the ocean. I squealed and jumped for joy as they jumped out of the water and gave us a little show. Of course, I didn’t have a camera with me, but it’s a moment I won’t forget! We took a long stroll, picking up seashells and splashing through the waves.

Once we got back, everyone was ready for some time in the water. Brett and my brother-in-law, James, rented a surf board and boogie board. I had a blast playing in the waves and entertaining my niece, Kenzie. Plus we found a ton of neat seashells!

My parents, Brett and I had lunch at a local hotdog place (weird, I know, but it was good!) and did a little souvenir shopping. We got ready for an early dinner at Nag’s Head Pier restaurant. Our seats were on the deck right above the crashing waves on the beach. Pretty spectacular!

We spent the rest of evening lounging on the beach house balcony and hanging out together.

While our vacation was short, we made the most of it. We were able to do some site seeing, have quality time as a couple and spend time with my family. We also were able to get lots of sleep! Always a good thing :) 

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Change can be a great thing (even for me!)

The summer is whirring by me. Normally I’m eager for time to slow down, but I’m looking forward to fall, winter and everything the future holds.

1. Family is and always will be a top priority. Whether it’s making quick trips to visit our families or staying connected with each other via phone calls, text, Facetime, etc., Brett and I cherish and savor the moments we get with our families. We are lucky enough that they are willing to come visit, and that we are capable of returning the favor. Spending hours in the car is often inevitable, but the view in Wyoming is incredible. Plus, I savor the view of Nebraska cornfields and plains now that I'm no longer a resident.

The awesome view from my parents' backyard.

2. Adventure can be in your backyard. I love to travel. As a kid, my family often took a big family vacation once a year to somewhere in the U.S. In high school and college, my mom and I often trekked across the country to visit my flight attendant sister in each new locale she found herself in. It was wonderful. Now that I’m on my own and pay my own way, I know how expensive traveling can be! Luckily for us, we moved to this gorgeous state that has so much to offer and see! Whether it’s taking a hike on Casper Mountain, strolling along the North Platte River or taking a dip at Alcova or Pathfinder lakes, there is so much to see and do. And that’s just within a short drive of Casper. Hopefully we will venture further away and see more of this corner of the world.

Brett enjoying the view from Casper Mountain.

3. We have to rely on one another. I’m not sure where I would be without Brett. I had a rough time when we first moved, but with Brett’s constant support, reassurance and words of wisdom, I was able to pick myself back up and thrive here. We always have open lines of communication; it may take some prying once in a while to get out what is bothering us, but it always feels better once we put everything on the table.

4. Staying connected with friends. This is something I still struggle with. Life gets busy. New connections are made, but those old friends are still important. Even if it’s just a text here and there, it’s nice to relive moments and memories with some of the most important ladies in my life.

5. Go with the flow. This hasn’t been easy for me, and I still have my moments when I panic if things don’t go according to plan, but I realize I can’t control what happens in life. I can map out what I want and look forward to the future, but if there is a freak rainstorm that ruins my plans, there will hopefully be a sunny day around the corner. Patience and not being afraid of what God has planned for me is just one of many lessons I’m still learning.

6. Change is a good thing. Oh, such a good thing! I have a sneaking suspicion I will always be resistant to change, but I’m so content and happy with the choices I have made that led me to where I am today. I have felt and witnessed things I never imagined. I may have to be shoved into it, but once I’m acclimated, I’m as happy as a clam.

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What I love about living in Wyoming

I miss Nebraska. A lot. I was born and raised right in the middle of the country, and I wouldn’t trade where I’m from for anything. I love that state, but before I talk about all the things I miss, I wanted to share all the new, amazing things I love about Wyoming.

1.       The spectacular scenery

Because Wyoming is the closest bordering state to where I grew up, we passed through it frequently. However, the furthest point I had made in Wyoming was to Laramie to go skiing a few times a year. I loved the mountains, but I was always convinced Colorado had more to offer. Guys, Wyoming is amazing! And I have only explored this small tiny part surrounding Casper. I get to wake up every morning and see the mountains either basking in a sunny glow or with clouds snuggling around them.

The area around Casper is a scene out of a Western movie. There are rolling hills, mountains, rivers, streams, lakes, a canyon, wildlife and so much more. It’s so incredible! I love being able to take such a short drive and seeing all that there is to offer.

2.       All Casper has to offer.

I love Kearney and Nebraska in general, but when it comes to a random, variety of entertainment, there wasn’t a lot to pick from. There are so many strange and spectacular events happening in Casper. I attended the College National Finals Rodeo a week ago. There is a giant art fest happening this weekend at the Nicolaysen Art Museum, a concert in a meadow on top of the mountain in August, a small skiing area only 20 minutes away, a Renaissance Faire and so much more! I’m sure I won’t be able to attend every crazy and awesome event, but I love having the option.

3.       The people

No matter where I go, people are genuinely nice and friendly. They have nothing but good things to say about my home state, and many people are actually from Nebraska or in the same shoes as we are. I have already made a few great friends that I love to spend time with. It's hard being away from our home state, our families and friends, but people in Casper have made us very welcome. 

My friend Kari and I at the College National Finals Rodeo.

4.       The opportunities

Casper is a booming town. There are so many job opportunities, and it is expanding at a rapid rate. It took me some time, but I was able to find a job I love. I miss my coworkers and the work I did at the Kearney Hub, but I’m happy I can bring what I learned to another newspaper.

5.       The size of Casper

As I have grown older, I have begun to realize I’m not cut out for life in the big city. I like being able to drive only five to ten minutes to get to work. I hate large crowds. Skyscrapers are fascinating and can be beautiful, but I would take natural landscapes over city skylines any day! Casper is the biggest town I have lived in so far, but it has a very small-town vibe. If people are from here, they know the ins and outs of this town. I’m not afraid to walk my dogs in my neighborhood and feel safe in this town.

Except for the drivers. The drivers are kind of terrible here. 

6.       The adventure

I don’t consider myself to be an adventurer. It took me some time after we moved here to be excited about living in Wyoming. However, I’m starting to love exploring different parts of Wyoming and going on “adventures” with Brett, my family and friends. I have seen so many breathtaking sites in the short time I have been here. I never expected my new home to feel like I’m on vacation. I love discovering some new part of Wyoming and being excited to share it with my loved ones. There is so much more exploring to be done, and I can’t wait to see more.

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Life on the Range

I have been seriously neglecting my blog, but life has been a whirlwind! I started my new job at the Casper Journal as the content manager. I am loving being back in the newspaper business and taking on a new role. I am blessed to work with some great people and to pursue my passion of writing!

The summer has been flying by, and we are taking advantage of all that Casper has to offer. The amazing scenery has got to be one of the best parts.

Brett's parents came to visit over Memorial Day weekend. We were used to seeing them on a pretty regular basis, so it was nice to have them here for four days. We shopped, ate great food, did yard work (mainly Brett's dad did yard work, but nonetheless), went sightseeing and enjoyed each other's company.

I had to work the Saturday they came to visit, but Brett, his dad and mom were able to get in some golfing at Three Crowns golf course. Their outfits were fantastic! 

Brett and I had been hearing great things about Ayres Natural Bridge. The four of us made the trip, and it was worth it. A large rock formation looms above the ground as LaPrele Creek gurgles underneath it. Gorgeous rock walls surround the park. We were so in awe of this natural wonder, we took my parents there when they came to visit a few weeks later. 

When my parents visited, we were hoping to venture to Alcova Lake to jet ski, but the cool weather kept us from wanting to dip in the icy water. It was still wonderful having our parents here visiting and spending time with us in our new home. 

Our latest visitor was my best friend, Kendal. She had a brief break in her medical school schedule and was able to make the trip to Wyoming. I was so happy to see her and have some girl time. 

Our biggest adventure was exploring Alcova, Fremont Canyon and Pathfinder Lake. We stumbled upon the canyon, and it was the best find of the day. I had no idea the area around Casper had so much to offer! 

Of course, we had to have a girls night out consisting of dressing up, having drinks, a great dinner and a little shopping. 

I feel so blessed to have an amazing family and friends who are willing to come to Wyoming to visit us. 

It took some time adjusting to life outside of Nebraska, but I have come to love the beauty that surrounds us in this part of the world. Brett and I have both been given amazing opportunities, and I couldn't be happier that we made the choice to move here.

I know when winter comes around it may become harder to see family and friends as frequently as we have this summer, but I know having Brett by my side will make it that much easier. 

I'm soaking in all that I have been given, and I'm loving what we have been given! 

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Feeling at home

I finally am beginning to feel like I'm at home. 

While I know in my heart change can be a great thing, I also am a firm believer in routine and maintaining a good thing. But as I adjust to living a life in a new state, I have realized that if you don't push yourself to try new things you will miss out on so much! 

I miss Kearney and Nebraska, but there is so much to love about Casper. The mountains are breathtaking, the people are incredibly nice and there are so many new things to try! I'm looking forward to floating down the North Platte River and trying whitewater rafting this summer!

But while we are trying new things, Brett and I have brought some of our traditions from Kearney to Casper. An awesome date night will always include dinner and a movie for us. On Friday, we ate at Olive Garden (love, love, LOVE that Casper has an Olive Garden) and watched "Godzilla" at the America Stadium Movie Palace in downtown Casper. It was an awesome night! 

I told Brett the one thing I missed most about my home in western Nebraska was watching the sunset. My parents have a fantastic view from their home. When we lived in Kearney, we were in the middle of town surrounded by trees and houses. The sunset wasn't an easy thing to see from our home.

Brett came up with the idea to watch the sunset Saturday night. After we gobbled down a dinner of steak, mashed potatoes and sweet corn, we took a short drive west of Casper to watch the sun nestle behind the hills. What a glorious site! It filled my heart with joy to bask in the sun's glow as it went to bed. 

We have been enjoying seeing the sites in Casper, but nothing feels more like home than curling up together on the couch and binge-watching television shows together. Our latest victim: "Orphan Black." I had heard so much buzz about this show, and we both had the idea on the same day to watch it. Spooky! I'm already obsessed with it, and we are only on episode 3. 

I'm loving trying new things and living in a gorgeous part of the country, but it never hurts to have a little taste of home to make the transition a little easier. 

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To my mom

She has always been there for me whenever I needed her. Whether it was sitting outside of my preschool room because I was afraid for her to leave, holding back my hair whenever I was sick or holding me close whenever life just seemed too hard.

She was the leader of my Girl Scout troop, helping me sell cookies to earn an awesome prize. She coached us on showmanship skills when showing our rabbits (and even a rat) at the county fair. She showed us how wonderful and fulfilling it is to love and take care of animals, even if picking up after them can be a nuisance. She took us on shopping trips, braided our hair, taught us to cook and showed us how to apply makeup. 

She is my biggest cheerleader, encouraging me to pursue all my interests rather than following the crowd. She would boogie with us in the car, took us to concerts, made sure we had plenty of time at the lake in the summer and made sure we had everything we ever wanted. 

She was there for every dance, every sporting event and every play. She provided us with love, guidance, and sometimes, a stern word when we were a little too sassy. 

I have always loved my mom, but it wasn't until I was an adult, living hundreds of miles away from her, that I realized what an amazing, important part of my life she is. She is a woman who devoted her life to her children. She guided me through the best and worst moments of my life. I feel so blessed to have had her by my side when I graduated from high school and college, when I got engaged and married, and when I made what has been the biggest move of my life. 

Everyday I'm thankful for having an amazing mom, but today, I'm even more thankful to have an incredibly strong, smart and awesome woman as my best friend. I can't wait for all the moments and memories I will share with her. I love you, Mom. Happy Mother's Day! 

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Another visitor to our new home

We had another visitor over the weekend! This time, my mom came to visit us. I never knew how much I would relish visits from family and friends until we moved away from everyone! I took for granted how wonderful it was to be able to go for a girls' day with my friends or to have Sunday dinner with Brett's family. While we have been making new friends, I miss all our old friends and family.

Luckily for us, our friends and family are planning to make lots of visits! Since my dad is busy farming right now, my mom made the trip solo. We started off the weekend shopping! It has something we have done together since I was little, and we always have a blast. We hit Kohl's, Marshall's, Bed Bath and Beyond, and the mall. It was a success!

After Brett got off work, he grilled steaks my mom brought. There is nothing better than Nebraska beef! :) 

We started off Saturday with running a few errands and a late lunch at Shifter's, an adorable diner with delicious burgers and fries!

My mom and I went to a few garden centers and picked out some flowers to plant in my yard. I had been telling my mom how I really wanted to take her to the top of Casper Mountain and to Alcova Lake. Since Alcova is a little bit farther drive, we decided to make the trek up the mountain. My mom spotted plenty of deer and antelope on the drive, and we had a blast stopping for photo ops. 

On Sunday, we had brunch at our new favorite brunch spot, Eggington's. My mom had to leave shortly afterwards, and it was difficult seeing her leave. We are a little closer to my parents than when we lived in Kearney, but it's still hard not to see them as I would like. We are blessed to have family and friends willing to make the trip to see us, and I can't wait to have more visitors in the coming weeks! 

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Our first visitors

Moving to Casper hasn't been the easiest change, but it helps to have the support of our amazing family and friends. And it's even better when those fantastic family and friends come to visit! 

Brett's sister, Sara, her husband, Tony, and son, Jakob, made the trip to visit us over the weekend. It was great to have familiar faces visiting us in our new home! 

We started off the weekend by eating at Sanford's Grub and Pub Friday night. Brett and I had heard a lot about this restaurant, and we were excited to take Jakob. The exterior is adorned with giant statues of Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny along with old cars, a T-Rex head and much more. We had fun posing for photos outside while we waited for a table. 

After eating, we hung out at home playing boardgames and chatting. The next day we took our time getting ready, grabbed a late lunch and strolled through downtown Casper. It's a super cute area with clothing stores, eateries and more. The weather was a little cool and rainy so we piled in the car and ventured to Alcova Lake. I have been so excited to see the lake since we moved, and it was better than I could have ever imagined. 

The drive 30 miles west of Casper was absolutely breathtaking. I felt like I was in the movie "Legends of the Fall." Homes nestle next to the North Platte River as extraordinary rock formations loom all around. Fly fishermen waded into the river, looping their line back and forth across the water. It's breathtaking. We made our first stop at Blac k Beach at Alcova Lake. While it wasn't swimming weather, we explored the beach, admired the beauty, skipped rocks and made plans to return as soon as possible. 

When we returned home, Brett wasn't feeling the best so he took some time to rest. He ended up sleeping until the next morning! We were all pretty tired and called it an early night. 

On Sunday, the snow began falling pretty heavily. Sara and Tony had over a three-hour drive, so they headed out Sunday morning. Even though the weather wasn't cooperating, it was still great to have our family in town and to show them the sites. I'm so excited to have more visitors and explore more areas near Casper. 

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Our first adventure in Casper

When I knew we were going to be moving to Casper, one of the first things I wanted to do was to go to the top of the mountain. I have always been in awe of these splendors, and I was thrilled that they would be so easy to access in our new home. 

On our first weekend in Casper, Brett and I kicked off the day with brunch at Eggington's. The restaurant is located in the adorable downtown area of Casper, and the food was fantastic. Brett deemed it would be our new breakfast spot. 

After gobbling down our delicious meal, we stopped at Starbucks for some coffee, picked up our dogs and began the beautiful trek to the top of Casper Mountain. The road twists and turns, and I was a little nervous seeing the sheer drop in some spots. But the view took my breath away. 

We finished the drive to the top and discovered all the activities offered on the mountain including skiing, an archery range and a science school. The ski area appears small, but how cool is it to be able to go skiing 30 minutes from your house?

On our way back down, I wanted to check out Rotary Park. It is located on the mountain and features a variety of trails and a waterfall. I was so excited to see the waterfall! While it was a pretty nice day, Brett decided to wear flip-flops. Not the best attire for walking around in a mountain park with slushy snow on the ground. His feet got a little chilly. But we found the gorgeous waterfall! 

I can't wait for the weather to warm up so we can do more hiking in Rotary Park. The next spots I'm looking forward to seeing are Alcova Lake and the river walk along the North Platte River. 

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Transtion, Adjustment and Happiness

In my life, I have only lived in three different places. At the age of 10, my family moved from Bayard to Bridgeport, about a ten mile distance. At 18, I moved from Bayard to Kearney to attend college. I had a pretty hard time adjusting at first, but Kearney soon became my home. I have so many great memories and a pretty fantastic life in Kearney. When Brett was given the opportunity to transfer to Casper, I was apprehensive but I knew it was the right choice for us. I know we made the right decision, but I have been battling with homesickness since we made the move about a week and a half ago. 

This is the view from our house! 

Casper is breathtakingly beautiful with a scenic, snowcapped mountain scene cuddling the town's south side. There is a quaint downtown area and a large variety of shopping and restaurants. It's pretty great here, but I'm missing my home. I knew I would, but I didn't realize how intense it would be. When I think about how I left behind friends, family and a wonderful job, I can't help but get choked up. I have had my moments where I wish I was back in that familiar place with warm, friendly and familiar faces. Yet, when I look at my husband, I know we made the right choice. Brett is capable of achieving so much, and this is his opportunity to shine. I couldn't be happier to see the satisfaction his new position is bringing to him. He has been my rock throughout this difficult transition, and it's my turn to be his.

Brett on his first day of work in Casper!

  I have been seeing a lot of Instagram and Facebook posts about #100happydays. I wasn't exactly sure what it was about, so I Googled it. The website challenges people to submit a photo on Instagram, Facebook, etc., everyday of what makes them happy. It's an opportunity to appreciate your life, who is in it and to be happy every single day. Even though I'm struggling with this change, I have so much to be thankful for. I know this challenge will help me appreciate each and every moment! I'm starting today, and I encourage you to take the challenge. 

Stay tuned for my next post about our first weekend outing in Casper. It was pretty fantastic. :)

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What Casper holds for us

We are moving tomorrow! It has been a wonderful week taking time with family, friends and colleagues to reminisce and create new memories before I leave. And I can actually say I'm ready to pack up and go! 

As much as I have harped about how I hate change and am stuck in my ways, the allure of blazing a new path is exhilarating. There is so much I'm excited to discover in Casper. And there is no one else but Brett who I would want to make this journey with.

Here are the things I'm most looking forward to about our new home: 

The mountains. I have always been enthralled by mountains and oceans. Something about their immense size and beauty just take my breath away and give me the reassuring feeling of God's presence. Going from one of the flattest parts of the country to a town surrounded by mountains is going to be a big change. A big, wonderful change! Plus, Casper has their own ski area, Hogadon, and I can't wait to take up hiking. 

The lakes and river. I hate to be a downer, but I was pretty disappointed that Kearney didn't have a great lake for swimming, boating, jet skiing, etc. My grandparents live by Lake Minatare, and if I wasn't there in the summer as a kid, I was at the Bridgeport State Lakes. Well, my thirst for water will be quenched in Casper. Alcova Lake is a short 30-minute drive. If we are looking to stay in town, the North Platte River sounds like a perfect place to relax on a lazy afternoon. 

Casper Family Aquatic Center. Speaking of water, Casper has an aquatic center! This makes me happy. I haven't looked too far into prices and membership, but I'm definitely going to check it out. 

A chance to see new places. Driving through Wyoming was a pretty common occurrence in my family as a kid. However, we never visited northern Wyoming. I'm excited to get the opportunity to be closer to places such as Yellowstone, Jackson Hole and Billings, Montana. I already told Brett I want to take a trip to Yellowstone this summer. :)

New people and places. I have made incredible friends and gained a wonderful family while living in Kearney. I know I wouldn't love this town as much without these people. No one can replace these people in my heart, but I'm looking forward to meeting new friends and creating life-long bonds. On top of that, I can't wait to add places in Casper to my favorites list. Whether it's a movie theater, park, restaurant or place of work, my memories are always attached to the place they occurred. I can't wait to make new memories! 

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Saying so long to Kearney

It's our last week in Kearney. I can hardly believe how quickly time has gone by. Our house is filled with boxes and bare walls. Brett and I are making to-do lists of things we have to get done before leaving town. It's going to be a chaotic week, but I'm so excited for a new chapter. 

We may be moving to a new city and state, but I want to savor all the great things I love about Kearney before I say good-bye. I don't believe it's good to dwell on the past, but I love this town and it will always have a place in my heart. Here is my list of what I will miss most: 

Brett's family. It's been wonderful having one of our families live close to us. We see Brett's family pretty frequently, and Sunday dinners along with an afternoon of cards have become a tradition. I know we will have a lot of visitors to our new home, but I will miss everyone!

Our friends. Brett grew up in Hildreth and many of his life-long friends still live near Kearney. I have made some incredible friendships here, and I have been within a short drive to my best friend in Omaha. It will be hard not to have our friends near us, but I'm excited to make new friends and to have our old friends visit us. 

The food! It seems no matter where I live, there are always a couple of restaurants I am obsessed with. Scottsbluff has Scotty's and the Wonderful House. Kearney has The Cellar, Nick's Gyros, El Potrero, Eileen's Cookies, Jersey's, Amigo's and Runza. The last two may be chain restaurants but they don't extend into Wyoming. It's time to add new favorites to my list! 

The parks. Kearney has amazing parks. I have never lived in a place with such gorgeous, well-kept parks. I will never forget the beauty and my frequent strolls at Cottonmill, Yanney and Harmon.

  My job. I love my job at the Kearney Hub. I started out as an intern reporter, and I'm now a copy editor. It's been an incredible experience, and I have met some terrific people. It's hard to leave, but I am hopeful my next job will be just as rewarding. 

Husker mayhem. I love Husker Saturdays. There is nothing better than going out and seeing everyone decked out in red and black Husker gear. It makes a Nebraska girl's heart proud. I'm sure there won't be as many Husker fans in the Cowboy state, but that won't stop me from wearing red when the Huskers play! 

There are so many things I'm going to miss about Kearney, but there is so much I'm looking forward to about our new home. Stay tuned for my list of what I can't wait to try in Casper! 

[tablefortwoblog]

Ups and downs of being alone

I always dread when Brett has to leave for a few days for work. It doesn't happen very often, but when it does, the days always seem to drag by. He left on March 16 to begin training in Scottsbluff and is returning today. It may have only been 10 days, but it was long enough. I miss my goofy guy! 

I try not to be extremely dependent on Brett, but when you spend every single day with someone, it's hard not to feel a little lost when they aren't around. FaceTime comes in handy, but I missed taking our dogs for walks together, having long conversations on random topics and just having him around when I wanted a hug or a kiss. And did I mention meals? It is so hard to cook for just one person! I made spaghetti and had enough leftovers for three more meals. Ugh! 

I missed my husband like crazy, but I'm proud of how much I accomplished while he was away. I managed to find an awesome job opportunity in Casper. I spent some quality time with my best friend and my dad. And I put a pretty large dent in packing! I told Brett he will be loading up the trailer and cars with all the hours I have put into packing. :)

I've never been fond of the term "distance makes the heart grow fonder." I would rather have my loved ones near me than have to deal with the pain involved of only seeing them through my cell phone screen. Yet, I surprise myself with how strong and determined I can be when I have to stand on my own two feet. But no matter what, I will always be much happier with my husband by my side! 

[tablefortwoblog]

Preparing for our big adventure

Our lives have been consumed by our move to Casper. I never realized how much has to be done in order to move 7 1/2 hours away. It doesn't seem incredibly far, but it takes a lot of work! 

My parents have been so amazing helping us find a place to live. They took a trip to Casper to house hunt, and it has taken a huge amount of stress off our shoulders. I cannot thank them enough. But there has still been a lot of work for Brett and I! 

In order to not feel so stressed out when the move actually takes place, I have been trying to prepare as much as I can before we get there. I started with lots and lots of research online.

Once I knew moving to Wyoming was a possibility, I began looking into what this town had to offer. I logged onto the city of Casper's tourism website to see all of the amenities available such as parks, restaurants, shopping and recreational sites. I was thrilled to discover the variety of activities, parks, lakes and skiing that Casper has to offer. Plus, Wyoming has some gorgeous scenery! 

I began digging a little deeper. I visited the Chamber of Commerce's website to find their relocation guide. This was a huge help for me! It went into almost all parts of life in Casper from recreation, education, housing, etc. I like knowing what I'm getting myself into, and this helped paint a picture. 

Along with getting to know where we are going to live, I have been busy packing and job hunting. I wanted to start packing ASAP so I wasn't scrambling when we were ready to move. Our spare bedroom is full of boxes and I feel like I'm living in chaos, but I know it will be helpful in the end. 

What I believe is the most important part of the move for me was job hunting. I want to continue my career and passion for writing and editing in a professional setting. Getting my resume perfected was so important! I had a variety of people look it over for me before I was ready to send it out. It takes time, and it starts to feel like homework, but it will help to find a job I love. 

We still have a few weeks left before we move, and there is still a lot to do. But because of our amazing family and friends, and all our preparation, I feel calm and in control.

[tablefortwoblog]

Going on an adventure!

Ever since Brett and I chose to make the move to Wyoming, we have been quoting Bilbo Baggins from "The Hobbit" pretty frequently. Whenever we talk about our move (which is a lot!), one of us will randomly say, "We're going on an adventure!" This simple quote hits the nail on the head. 

The only time I have made a big move was from my hometown to Kearney for college. I was lucky enough to have a part-time job at the Kearney Hub out of college that quickly turned into a full-time job. I worked hard to get where I am today, but I didn't have to scavenge for jobs like many college grads must. 

Going to a place I have never stepped foot in is intimidating. Moving without a job scares me. Starting a life in a new town with no familiar faces around me but my husband totally freaks me out.

But then I think of all the words of wisdom we have received about what a great opportunity it will be and how exciting it is to move somewhere new. And the best advice comes from the mouth of one of my favorite fictional characters.

It may be a little scary, but I have never been the girl to just stick my toes in the water if I have a chance to jump in and go swimming. I'm ready for this adventure! 

[tablefortwoblog]

I have big news!

Brett and I are moving to Casper, Wyoming! 

It sounds so surreal to say it out loud and announce it to my friends, family, coworkers and followers. But it is official. As of next month, we will be residents of one of our neighboring states.

It all began about two months ago. Target had been talking to Brett about possibly moving up the chain of command and transferring to Colorado. We were both excited about the idea of moving to a larger town near Brett's sisters and closer to my family, but we weren't really sure it would happen. In February, Brett got the news that Target wanted him to move to Casper.

I was overcome with dread when he told me. I lived close to Wyoming most of my life. Cheyenne was a place to go shopping if we didn't have the time to go to Colorado. We went to Laramie a few times a year to go skiing. And I have never been to Casper. Wyoming wasn't a state I ever imagined myself living in. 

We discussed our options almost every day. I was dragging my feet about leaving my comfortable, happy life in Kearney behind. But I knew this opportunity for Brett might not come around anytime soon. I never want to be the person to not take a chance because it's a little scary. After deliberation, prayer and research, we made the choice to move to Casper.

I have had a few moments where I can feel the panic begin itching its way across my mind, irritating me when I least expect it. I knew finding a place to call home and a job I love wouldn't be easy, but I'm confident it will all fall into place. Or at least Brett is confident, and he is encouraging me to feel the same way. :)

There are many variables that are uncertain, but one thing is for sure: I am so eager to start this new adventure. I love Kearney and being a Nebraskan, but moving to a new state with new opportunities and a mountain setting is thrilling. And there is no one else in this world I would want to take this plunge with than Brett.

And have no fear, Table for Two will continue! I have been swamped the last few weeks, and I haven't had the chance to post as much as I would like. But I will kick it in gear! I will no longer be affiliated with the Kearney Hub after I move in April, but I do plan to keep blogging about my life, this new chapter and our relationship. Stay tuned for another post about how we have been preparing for the big move!