I call it a status or place with a ?, because I don't really know what to call it.  Let me describe it to you.  Imagine a place where most people generally don't enjoy being there.  However, due to circumstances outside their own hands they can't or don't believe they can leave for some "reason".  It's a place where most others look down on and don't want to even visit. A place where they don't even realize how great they are due to all of the negative factors around them.  A place where anywhere else seems like a good place to go.  A place that "it's always been like that" so one realizes that the place can possibly change.

Does anything I say sound familiar, or you're just wondering what's wrong with my thinking pattern?  Maybe this status could be an actual physical place or region on the Earth, or a place of one's mindset.  Maybe this is where you're at now?  It's something I've seen, sensed, and experienced all over the world.  So, I know it's not specifically called a city or status. 

Many times people in these places already have the resources or abilities at their fingertips, but simply stay put.  It can easily be frustrating for those on the "outside" looking in...so to speak.  They're "outside" of the place of ?

I've learned that the best thing to do is challenge those in the place of ? with tough questions followed up by words of encouragement and consistently being there for support and challenge.  This does involve sacrifice of someone's time and energy.

You can show them the "door" to the "outside", but it's up to them if they leave or stay, and you can't keep/share/store up the problems that may/will come based on their decisions.

Maybe these thoughts have been a good read for you, or maybe you're thinking I've lost my mind.  Wherever you are, keep moving forward.

I'm one of those people who love visual examples.  I can watch something several times to help me reach a goal or get something done better than just telling me how.  When something doesn't have any set way of doing things or examples, I honestly get a little stressed and my mind can easily go into what I call "overdrive".  This "dance" of life's challenges have been coming and going in waves these past few months.  Even with writing/blogging.  I think about doing it, but something else work or moving related takes precedence.

So much has been going on for the last 4 months, which I'll get to major points a little later.  It's a journey I wouldn't know fully until I walked it out myself.  That's life!  Having 2 jobs while trying to find a PE job in a region 1500 miles away, trying to find a place to stay, friends, life, and more. Whew!  It makes you feel as if you have to fold a fitted sheet without ever being taught how to do so.  Good luck!

I recently visited Colorado during my Spring Break as a way to prepare with hopes to move out there this summer.  I connected with some World Race people I’ve never met, set a basic itinerary, and saved up tip money.  I may sound like “bragging”, but looking back this trip was pretty awesome!

Travel out there was smooth and easy, despite 2 high volume traffic areas.  I had a free place to stay in Manhattan, KS including free home-made breakfast in the morning. 

Sunday night: I was able to stay at a WR alumni’s apt, while also getting some home-made enchiladas.  I was able to stay and watch the HBO showing about Scientology with their family.   Awesome documentary I recommend all to check out if possible.

Monday: I had a great game of disc golf with some cool random UPS truck drivers. Then, I got in a wreck where my car got totaled…No Bueno!  After Quickly contacting insurance and more, I got a rental and headed to Littleton where another WR Alumni and family allowed me to stay with them.  There was awesome hospitality and yummy healthy food to be had all around.

Tuesday:  Went hiking with the goal to reach Crater Lakes west of Rollinsville, CO.  Unfortunately the snow kept us from knowing where the trail branched off to our goal, and we ended up hiking a bit more further than planned (I estimate about 7 miles round trip).  We still made it back safe and sound.  I got to connect with some sweet friends at an Old Chicago for a great time.

Wednesday: Had an interview for a PE job South of Denver, which went well.  Then headed to a restaurant called The Matador to have a meal with a great college friend who’s been living out in Denver for a few years.  That afternoon I headed up to stay with another WR alumni’s place in Ft. Collins.  They treated me for dinner out, and still amazing hospitality while simply enjoying great community and stories.

Thursday: Went to Greeley for a massive teacher job fair from early morning till mid afternoon.  Made several connections along with several introductory interviews.  I got back in time for a 1.5 hour free-guided tour of the New Belgium Brewery, which I didn’t even know if I was going to make on this trip.  We even got to go into the bottling plant to grab a brand new drink right off the line since there were only 5 of us!  Wonderful is the best description of my time there.  Later, I had got picked up and had dinner with G42 friends at some sweet local restaurants (Scrumpy’s and Restaurant 415).

Friday:  I went back to Greeley in the morning for some more appointed introductory interviews with a few school districts.  It’s usually difficult for any Health and PE major.  Everyone knows at teacher jobs fairs that they’re very tough to find and extremely competitive.  I packed up and headed to stay with another WR Alumni in Denver, but stopped outside of Johnstown to play another round of disc golf.  Had dinner and shared community with several awesome WR alumni at the Highland Bar and Tavern on 32nd Ave.  There were so many beer options.  It’s absolutely a craft beer lovers “heaven”.  

Saturday:  Woke up early enough to see and capture the Blood Moon that was out!  Hit the road and 1500 miles later got home safe and sound…yet without my beloved Saturn Vue.