I hate to whine, but sometimes you just gotta cut the cheese.

I have been wanting to write a post for the month but just haven't felt like I've had much to say.  I have refrained for fear of getting too worked up and saying some things I might regret but I think now..."it is time." (as rafiki would say)

I absolutely hate those people that seem to have everything figured out. (You know the type I'm talking about) they go to college and know EXACTLY what they are going to major in, get married, have a kid, and still go to school, and manage to have a life on top of everything.  Or there are those that get to live off of Mommy & Daddy's money and everything is figured out for them.  This hate monster got fired up over a conversation I overheard at Taco Bandido last night that went something like this....

Person #1- "Hey!....How is Rebecca doing? I haven't seen her since we graduated high school."

Person #2- "Oh she is doing great.  Her and her husband are both finishing their Masters degrees at BYU, and they are expecting their first kid in a few weeks."    

Me thinking to myself- (HOLY S***! How in the heck are they still married!!? I know for a fact being a full time student would add a little...no a lot of stress in my life, plus being a hormonal basket case would be the breaking point. And a Masters degree?....COME ON!, I couldn't even figure out what I wanted to major in for my stupid Associates degree let alone 8-12 more years of school.) Needless to say, I rolled my eyes and was a little peeved at this couple I didn't even know.

The two men visited a little longer, but I lost track of the conversation due to the jumble of chaos that was enveloping my brain.  

I am a person that thrives on goals.  I like having things planned out to work towards, and I'm sure most of us are like this.  When I hit high school my goal was to graduate.  After graduation, it was attend college.  I had no clue what I was going to do at college, but everyone around me told me it was what I needed to do, so I just went along with it.  I loved college life.  Hated classes, but the atmosphere was exciting, busy, and full of friends. I hit college and my next goal was an associates degree.  I was thinking a mission would be in line next, but a certain boy came along that set my eternity in motion.  Then of course my goal was the wedding and getting everything planned! It was the most exciting time of my life!  (If some of you that are reading this are not married, I strongly encourage you to do it!)  

Marriage is the best thing that has happened to me.  I don't know how I could have gotten through these last two years without Case by my side.  After the wedding excitement was over, I figured I'd go back to school.  Everyone kept asking me when I was starting back up, so I just assumed I had to go.  I registered for online classes, and instantly hated life.  Casey asked me if I was going to school for me, or for somebody else.  It was that moment I realized I wasn't making myself happy.  I was doing it to please other people.  I didn't enroll in classes after that, and instantly felt like the world was judging me. 

I guess the reason I'm writing this post is to stand up for myself.  I am happy being a clogging teacher, and doing a little bit of photography here and there.  (By the way, if you think my photography isn't the best, it's not.  But practice makes perfect and I'll keep practicing until I get better.  I appreciate constructive criticism, but certain people need to keep their opinions to themselves)  If my husband died tomorrow I am completely capable of going out and getting a job in Burley, Idaho.  True, it may not be a money maker, but I'm not the type of girl who wants to live in a $500,000 house and drive ridiculous vehicles, and go shop at the buckle every day.  I'll manage, because I'm strong, and was raised right by parent's that taught me the meaning of the word "work."  

So this is to all of you that think I'm stupid for not getting a bachelors degree.  Turns out, school isn't for me.  But I can guarantee that I am going to be better off than half of you out there with your fancy pieces of paper and student loans to pay off.  I am doing what makes me happy.  That is right...ME and no one can take that away from me!

2012...a good year gone

As I'm sitting here on the couch watching Netflix with Casey asleep on my lap, I thought it would be a good time as any to reflect on 2012....

I took a photography class from CSI / had an amazing teacher that inspired me to do something I never thought I could / worked my 3rd season spraying weeds for the county / spent spring break in Vegas / celebrated the big 22 (sick) / celebrated our first year of marriage (Case, I love you more and more each day you sexy beast) / started "Keely Richman Photography" / spent the whole day on the river for the 4th / got to take every 4-H kid's picture at the fair (I would rather shoot myself in the foot) / learned how to water ski / celebrated the big 26 / took a road trip to Coeur D'alene Idaho for Casey's birthday / discovered Kellogg (the place, not the cereal) /  started teaching clogging lessons in Almo / had the garage door fall on our car / had an amazing week at Alturas Lake / had to deal with the worlds worst neighbors / kicked them out / decided to move upstairs so we deep cleaned and repainted every room (thanks Mom) / saw the baby boom of 2012 (27 of my friends were prego at one time) / saw some friends go through some hard times, and others good / had my first experience with online classes uh...NEVER AGAIN! /  Casey and I joined a gym / started work at a flower shop / and spent dang near every day with the love of my life.  What can I say...I am one lucky girl.  I am so grateful for all of my friends and family that support me in all I do.  Here's to you 2013, may you be full of happiness, joy, and blessings for all.

Goodbye November...

Well...It's almost impossible for me to stay caught up with this, but I figured I had better finish my days of being thankful.  If any of you have been reading my previous posts, I'm sure you noticed that I was thankful for my saturday's TWICE.  Apparently I think they are pretty awesome, but just go with it.

21st- JAKERS!!! I am so thankful for this delicious place that Case and I love to eat at every time we go to Twin.

22nd- Of course I'm thankful for Thanksgiving and the time I get to spend with my new family.  (The RICHMAN CLAN!)

23rd- My mom.  My mom is my everything.  Without her, I wouldn't be the woman I am today, and I am soo soooooooooo so grateful and thankful for the help she gave me and Casey painting our house.  It was a looooong day, and my mom is a go-getter.  Thanks mom for your help.  My dining room and kitchen are B..E..A..UTIFUL!!

 

24th- My health.  I am thankful for my strong bones and good body that allows me to do many things that some people don't have the privilege of doing.

25tth-Church.  Although I absolutely hate living in a city ward, I am grateful for my religion and the chance I have to teach our primary kids and thank my savior for all I have.

26th-Seasons.  Im thankful to live in a place that changes 4 times a year.

27th-I'm thankful for food.  I love to eat

28th-My nieces and nephews.  I love being an aunt.  Especially when Gemma and Sophie are excited to see me.

29th-Nyquil.  Colds would be much much worse if it wasn't for this.

30th-My bed.  Oh what joy it brings me at the end of the day to climb under my cool sheets, and cuddle up next to Case.

Until next year November...

15th-20th more and more thanks!

15th- I am thankful for the chance that I have to clog.  One of my dreams was to become a river dancer and travel the world.  I didn't quite fulfill that dream, but becoming a dance instructor is the next best thing.  I am thankful for my class and the opportunity I have to dance every week.

16th-Oh how I love my car.  I am soo so thankful for my nice Malibu that I get to hop into to drive to work, or the store, or the post office.  Especially when it's crummy weather outside.  I love my car and am thankful for it.

17th-Saturdays....who couldn't love them!!! Thankful doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about my Saturdays that are spent with my husband.  They are a day of accomplishment that I get to enjoy with my best friend.

18th-We went to Park Valley for my cousins homecoming and it made me realize how thankful I am for my extended family.  They are so supportive in anything that I do and am grateful for the connection that I have with all of them.  Family truly is a wonderful thing that I am truly grateful for.

19th-I mentioned extended family, but I am also thankful for my immediate family.  Although we may not have it all together most of the time, I still love them.  Family is key, and I sure love mine.

20th- My house...although a ton of work lies ahead with us finishing our upstairs, I am soo grateful for a roof over my head and a warm place to stay.  Town life may not be as fun as I'd like, but I love our house and am grateful for it.

One friend who changed my life forever.

14th- I am grateful for the impact that Corian Thacker has made in my life.

"A best friend is like a 4-leaf clover...hard to find, and lucky to have."
Cori Thacker is definitely my 4-leaf clover.  I'm going to take a step back in time to the first encounter I had of this amazing girl.

Flashback to September 2008

Moving to college was a HUGE deal in my book.  I basically thought I was moving away from home, never to return.  Turns out Rexburg, Idaho is a lot closer to home than I thought.  But that is besides the point.  I got moved in to my apartment, knew none of my roomates, and was a little worried I would get stuck with some city slicker prissy girl, that had never heard of a dirt road.  The first day was weird, meeting the new roomates, but I hobbled around on my crutches with a smile on face trying to make good first impressions on everyone.  It took me a while to get a good read on all of the girls, but I quickly discovered that Cori Thacker was a lot like me.

One day she left her ipod laying on the coffee table, so me being the curious one I am plugged it in to get a feel of what she was like.  I thought it was cool that this girl liked every single song that I did...a range of rock to country and some odd stuff in between.  She had great taste, just like me.  She walked into the living room, sat down on the couch next to me, gave me a curious look, farted, and started to laugh.  Shocked and speechless, I instantly busted up laughing.  Farts make me laugh, what can I say.  From that moment on, Cor and I were like two peas in a pod.  I became good friends with all of my roomates, but none had the special connection that I had with Cor.  She was the sister I never had...my better half.  Everyone loved Cori, and her laugh was contagious.  I never once caught her in a bad mood, and if I did, it didn't last for long.

Late night dance parties, hitting a snow drift on our way to early morning class, rolling out of bed and making it to class in 10 min, homework, clothes, more dances, introducing me to Montana, giving me a second family, getting the 4-wheeler stuck, teaching me to laugh, and fart, and always wanting me to be better, Cori Thacker changed my life.  Shoot, if it wasn't for Cori, I probably never would have married my eternal companion.  It was her encouragement that got the ball rolling for Casey and I.

It has been tough seeing her leave and do the Lords work, when I had planned to go on a mission as well, but the Lord had a different plan for me.  I miss her like crazy, and can't wait for her to get back to the states.  I love you Cori Thacker, and your amazing family that welcomed me in with open arms.  Lori and Kip are amazing people and will always hold a special place in my heart.  I am so so sooooo thankful for my best friend.  Thanks Cori, for always being there for me.
CORKEE FOREVER!
Love your sis,
Keely

Catching up on Thanks!

10th- I"m thankful for my High School friends that I still keep in touch with.  Went to cattle country and talked for a few hours with Jen, and it was great!  I have found that friendships are just like marriage.  It takes work on both sides, and it's great to know I have friends that are willing to meet me halfway.  That's what makes it work!  So thanks Jen!

11th-I am grateful for my husbands willingness to work.  Our crazy upstairs neighbors moved out, so Casey and I spent the day cleaning, and by cleaning, we tackled the first layer of dirt, in, on, and around the cupboards.  It's going to be a lot of work, but I can't wait to get things torn out, painted, and FINISHED!!!  Stay tuned the next few months...there will be plenty of before and after pictures to keep you entertained.

12th-I am not going to go into detail on this post, because I would regret it later, but I am grateful for Mr. Olsen.  Now I'm sure I confused the heck out of you, in thinking that I'm grateful for my chiropractor, but I'll just say that Mr. Olsen is taking care of a small problem that we have encountered.  Thank you thank you thank you for helping us!!!!

13th-So those of you that know my dad....well, none of you know my dad like I do, but lets just say that he has a funny sense of humor that shines at times when I want to murder him.  He can make you laugh after the fact, but in the moment...he needs to work on it.  To make me feel better though, him and my mom got Casey and I tickets to the Bar-J Wranglers next month.  Were excited about that, so thanks dad, for letting that bright sense of humor shine at the wrong time.  I am soo so grateful for my dad, however difficult he may be some times.

The 9th...

9th-I am grateful for flowers!  I had the chance to make a cool arrangement today for my aunt's wedding anniversary, and I absolutely LOVED how it turned out.  I know the picture is awful quality, but try to squint your way through to the original thing.  Flowers make me happy, even when I'm not the one receiving them.  This one is short and sweet, but that's all I have for now.