Perseverance

Starting over. It’s a concept that’s not new to anyone. At some point we all do it. Whether it’s a new job, home, city, relationship or life, we all make changes. Some changes are more drastic than others and some we do on a daily basis. It’s a cyclical thing, this change.
Starting over can be cleansing. Like taking a shower, it can wash away mistakes from the past and bring a new perspective. But often times, when we think of starting over, it’s the scary kind. It’s the unknown. Can I do this? Can I make this work? Can I change? And then there’s all of the “what if’s” after that.
Even through all of the doubts, and questions, we inevitably change. We look back one day and realize it wasn’t such a big leap. And for a moment, we are proud. Proud of accomplishing something that at one point we thought was so far-fetched it haunted us.
But that pride won’t last too long. There will always be another change on the horizon. We don’t stop changing. We’re in a constant state of evolution. Sort of like Madonna. So, since we’re stuck on this cyclical path of change, we might as well enjoy the ride.
Let every doubt and every fear fuel the fire that lights your path. Use every “can I?” and turn it into an “I will” because we already know the outcome. We will get through it. It might not be pretty, and it might not be how we thought it would be at the end, but we will preserve. It’s a human trait, perseverance. The circumstances are often different but the end product is the same.
I always think of my mother when I think about perseverance. We were talking about what it was like when she was raising my sister and I one day. I’ll never forget when she said, “I don’t know how we were able to afford food and diapers or even the hospital bills after you were born. We just did.”
Perseverance is something I greatly admire about most people. I think it’s what gives you character. You can be knocked down 99 times but it takes true strength to stand on the 100th time.

“I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature.”

- John D. Rockefeller

The Main Thing

Between graduation pictures/announcements, three major projects (which are all worth 20% of my grade), carrying out a vice president position, working part time and oh, by the way having a life - this week has just about got me down for the count.

However, I'm an extremely lucky and blessed girl. I've got two men in my life who are just amazing. (Not to mention countless friends, a wonderful family and some of the best mentors and heroes to look up to)

The first man is my dad, my daddy-o if you will. He's the most patient and kind man you will ever meet. He's ALWAYS done what's best for his family, and I can never thank him enough for the sacrifices he's made. He's my rock to lean on and steady hand to hold whenever I may need it.

Recently, he's had to to deal with my panic attacks about school, graduation and my career. As usual, his patience and understanding words have helped me through. When we were talking about life decisions he said probably what's now my favorite daddy-o quote,

"The main thing is keepin' the main thing, the main thing."


The second man is just the cherry on top of my days. He came out of nowhere and offers me nothing but support and a big heart. He fills my days with laughter and can always put the biggest smile on my face.

The main thing is, the people in my life are the main thing I care about

Just Fishin'

I found this song and immediately I had tears in my eyes before I even got to the chorus.

If you've ever been fishing with your dad you know it's so much more than catching and releasing. It's special time you get to spend together filled with long talks and inside jokes mom doesn't know about.

It reminded me SO much of spending time at the lake "just fishin'" with my dad. It also made me a little sad. Even though my fishing rod is still pink, I'm scared those moments are going to be few and far between now. But then I remember how incredibly lucky I am to have even had a dad who has given me those memories.

So I want to dedicate this blog post to my dad and every other dad who puts up with their little girl who is doing everything BUT fishing. I squirmed, talked too loud and asked too many questions, but he was always patient with me.

Love you, dad.

If you've ever had a fishing trip with your dad, give this song a listen. I've also put the lyrics at the bottom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBsc0Hi1A4Y

I’m lost in her there holdin’ that pink rod and reel
She’s doin’ almost everything but sittin’ still
Talkin’ ‘bout her ballet shoes and training wheels
And her kittens
And she thinks we’re just fishin’

I say, “Daddy loves you, baby” one more time
She says, “I know. I think I got a bite.”
And all this laughin’, cryin, smilin’ dyin’ here inside’s
What I call, livin’

And she thinks we’re just fishin’ on the riverside
Throwin’ back what we could fry
Drownin’ worms and killin’ time
Nothin’ too ambitious
She ain’t even thinkin’ ‘bout
What’s really goin’ on right now
But I guarantee this memory’s a big’in
And she thinks we’re just fishin’

She’s already pretty, like her mama is
Gonna drive the boys all crazy
Give her daddy fits
And I better do this every chance I get
‘Cause time is tickin’
(Yeah it is)

And she thinks we’re just fishin’ on the riverside
Throwin’ back what we could fry
Drownin’ worms and killin’ time
Nothin’ too ambitious
She ain’t even thinkin’ ‘bout
What’s really goin’ on right now
But I guarantee this memory’s a big’in
And she thinks we’re just fishin’

She ain’t even thinkin’ ‘bout
What’s really goin’ on right now
But I guarantee this memory’s a big’in
And she thinks we’re just fishin’
Yeah, aww, she thinks we’re just fishin’
We ain’t only fishin’
(This ain’t about fishin’)

I Get by With a Little Help From My Friends

These are just a few of the quotes from women I look up to, spanning from close friends to authors and politicians.

I will be adding to the list as I know I will continue to be inspired :)

"The only people you should ever get even with are the one's who have helped you."

"Even if you only take one step a day, in 100 days you've taken 100 steps."

"Be the sun and let others bask in your light."

"Nothing that is worth knowing can be taught."

"We plan and God laughs."

"Honesty is not something you ought to flirt with - you should be married to it."

"Let go of what's gone and hold on like hell to what you've got."

The Exception

A few days late but you know what they say...

Feb. 24, 2011 was my parents' 32nd wedding anniversary. On that day a boy who was 18 (and exactly four days) old married his high school sweetheart.

Although it wasn't all that uncommon back then for kids to marry at an early age, it is uncommon for it to last. It wasn't until recently that I realized just how lucky I was to have grown up with the parents I had. My world wouldn't make sense if I didn't have them in my life as a happily married couple.

I can't thank them enough for being the exception to the rule. It's why I still believe in a happy ending and why I know two people can make it work. It's why I know that I don't want just a husband, I want a partner. They never said it would be easy, but they did say it would be worth it.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MOM AND DAD!

That New-Job-Smell

So after many panic attacks, tear-filled phone calls to my parents and restless nights, I GOT A JOB.

And not just any job; it's a real grown-up, bill-paying job. And I love it! One of the reasons why I love it so much is because one of my favorite people works there with me. She was actually the one who got me the job (I've thanked her relentlessly). I feel like Cinderella with no expiration date.

In true Caitlyn fashion, I've thought way ahead and have already picked out a kitchen table, rugs and pet for my new apartment in San Antonio. But I guess I should tell you a little bit about the position. Right now I'm doing research for a television series we're producing and, of course, a few tasks around the office. But what I'm really excited for is when I can spend more time (after graduation) and hopefully join the production team on location!

I'm only two weeks into the position but I'm so excited for the future. Hopefully there will be more to post soon!

A Couple of Hobos

This picture just makes my heart happy. It is a picture of two of my family's boats, Hobo II (left) and Hobo VI (right).

These boats have been such a big part of my life. Hobo VI has been around for 40 some-odd years, and Hobo II, aka the new boat, is almost 15. My summers, my life, would not be the same without them.

Every year around this time I get lake-sick. I have the overwhelming need to drive up to Lake Sam Rayburn and just sit in the cove. That lake is my favorite place in the whole world. It calms me and reminds me what life is about.

My family and I usually spend a week or two roughing it and camping during the summer. This is when we ski, boat ride, fish and spend some quality time together. Most importantly, I think the trip serves as a reminder of what is truly important in life. A weekend at the lake and I've already forgotten about my problems. The food alone will ease your mind. I swear, nothing will ever taste as good as it does at the lake. Our biggest worry might be rain or praying for a breeze to blow through our tents at night.

It also taught me about hard work. You can't accommodate 30 people without some elbow grease, and no one knows about hard work better than my grandparents. I'm not really allowed to say their age, but it's flat out astonishing how much work they do. I thank God for blessing me with such amazing grandparents who, even though it's hard work, make sure that trip happens every year.

I miss you, Lake Rayburn. See you and the Hobos in 6 months!