I've been waiting 10+ years for this...

Have you ever wanted to do something since you were 10 or 12? You cant really remember when it started but you know it's been years and years. I've had several experiences like that. I wanted a horse, got it at 14 years old. I wanted to ride in a little two-seater airplane, did that at 16. I wanted to ride in a farm combine, now I operate one every fall and am regretting it. ;) I wanted a dog, got her at 24 years old. Ya know, big things like that. Things you want to do or get for a long time and the experience really sticks with you for a long time. Long after the air plane ride, and long after the horses are gone.... I still have the dog, Jasmine. I still want to ride on a motorcycle, key word here is ride I dont want to crash. And I wanted to ride in a helicopter ~ I finally had the opportunity to do just that on Sunday evening. We have a labor day weekend festival in town every year and one company offers helicopter rides. Why I havent taken advantage of this in previous years is beyond me, too tight on money I guess and maybe too scared to go by myself. Not this time! Brad had no interest in riding with me so I went by myself. It was absolutely amazing! The two seater air plane from 10 years ago offered much of the same view since we were up about the same altitude, about 500 feet. The helicopter is so much more real though. The wind was coming in the sides (no doors), and the way the pilot made the turns hung you right out there. The pilot mentioned we were going about 75 mph, but to me it felt more like 30 mph. The festival was hosting a fireworks show later that evening and tons of people were staking claim on their little piece of the grass field with blankets and folding chairs. It looked like a gorgeous patchwork quilt with bright summer colors. We only had 6-7 minutes for the entire flight, but were able to head out of town a little bit toward our farm. From the air I thought it'd look like we lived closer to town, but it didnt it looked farther. I didnt find our exact house, but I found my grandpas bonfire smoke, he lives 1/4th mile away. Those 6-7 minutes seemed like 2-3. I think my favorite part was taking off and landing. I've always wanted to feel what hovering is like, it's really weird, and though I think I heard once that the only helicopter that can truely hover is a blackhawk, this one did good enough for me. While I was gone Brad was talking to the lady in the tent and for a little bit more money I could have gone as high, as fast, and as far as I wanted. I'm skeptical that "a little bit" is really a little bit. It was definetily a neat experience and hopefully not the last time for a helicopter ride either. =)

Other than Sunday's experience our weekend was pretty low key, as usual.

Sunday morning we actually went to the church service. I'm so proud of Brad for agreeing to go. We usually go to two Sunday school classes (there are 3 services, 2 of which have Sunday school classes at the same time) and none of the services. Last Sunday 2nd hour Sunday school was cancelled and Brad was willing to go to the service. It's been years since I've been to a service. There's a lot of history and reasons there, probably none of which are really good excuses so I'll spare you all. The music was extremely loud, we both left with headaches, but the sermon was decent. I'm not completely satisfied with the sermons of this pastor, or how he goes about composing them (taking Scripture out of context), but with a little effort on my part it's ok. Brad thought the sermon was decent, and though he didnt cross check the references I think it's still better than nothing. When our 2nd hour Sunday school class changes to the parenting study next week I'm hoping we will be able to regularly attend the service ... maybe a little late to miss the music portion.

My parents are hopefully leaving on vacation this weekend. I dont mean "hopefully" in a cruel way to get them out of town. Vacation is vacation, and it's always great to get out of dodge for awhile. I'm not quite sure the camping trip destination they are planning, but I do believe it includes the western portion of the Lois and Clark trail into Idaho and beyond. I'm excited for them and would love to go too! Idaho, specifically the western side of the Tetons, is on my list of must see places, as is Montana which could be our destination next year ... or maybe in two years. We need at least 2 weeks for vacation out west and with new employment for Brad, and possibly for me too, we'll have to wait awhile. Back to the here and now though, with them gone I have practically no work, so a mini vacation for me too! I'll go into housewife mode ... and probably be bored out of my gourd too. If you have some great self-entertainment ideas for days at home let me know!

That's it from my neck of the woods for now.

Oh! And my dear friend, Ruth had her baby either Sunday or Monday! I havent talked to her yet, but saw all the congrats on her myspace. Cant wait to talk to her and hear what being a new mom is like.

Have a lovely day!