THURSDAY RAMBLINGS ON SATURDAY MORNING

I started this post on Thursday and the title was supposed to be “Thursday Ramblings” but somehow I did not (or could not) complete the task ---- and that is the reason behind the more accurate title “Thursday Ramblings on Saturday morning” ….

What else could I possible write about?  Freezing temperature (well, right now it is in the mid 40s), being cooped up in the house (I know I should be thankful that I have warm shelter/home), reading and working on weekly class assignments (well, this is actually my favorite part) and trying real hard to maintain positive outlook in this uncertainty times ahead.

 (Now you see it ... )

I am not really complaining since we did not get the snow/ice, only brutal cold weather.  The only time I might get frustrated is after I closed the door of the bathroom stall (at school) only to find out that the hook is missing and I have no place to hang up my backpack, jacket and scarf.  Or when I need a drink of water and all the bottles of water were frozen.  QQ, would these be considered “First World Problems”?  (compared to places without indoor plumbing or those who have to walk miles to get clean water).

 (the sinking feeling .....)

These photos were taken during a stop in Nantahala, North Carolina on the Great Smokey Mountain train ride.  The Nantahala River is a river in western NC, within the Nantahala National Forest.  Hang in there, I tell myself, summer will be here soon :>)

(... now you don't ... just like the Patriots' chance for another championship ring - blaaah   )

It did not help that last week my beloved Patriots loss (16-26) to Peyton Manning and the Broncos.  The Superbowl will be next week on Sunday, Feb. 2^nd – Broncos v. Seahawks.  Friendly wager anyone?

TEMPORARY SETBACKS (TREE ON THE TRACK)

Instead of dwelling on the setbacks in 2012 (Don't cry over spilled milk), I count all the blessings (Always look on the bright side) we have experienced including two wonderful road trips - Southward adventure in July and Kentucky Bourbon Trail in September.  These photos were taken from the Great Smokey Mountain train ride. 

We were riding along, then the train slowed down.  It came to a complete stop.  The conductor announced that there were tree branches on the tracks.  Good thing we had the iPad with internet connection.  After watching the man working on clearing the tracks, we sat back in our comfortable caboose.  I brought along two books (the real ones that I could hear the rustling sound of the paper while the pages are being turned).  I read while Ralphie checked the latest news on the iPad.   

The caboose (equiped with its own bathroom) was supposed to be for group rental with snacks and drinks for up to 12 passengers.  Since it was only himself and I, the train company provided two box lunches complete with chips and cookies.  We also got a basket of snacks, a cooler filled up with ice, water and soda.  We were given a walkie-talkie in case we needed to communicate with the conductor.  It was a great experience and we highly recommend it. 

I want to believe that the setbacks I have encountered 18+ months ago that had led me down this "bumpy" road and unexpected difficult turns, are just like the tree branches on the train tracks.  It is up to me to get the tools I need (like getting a certificate of legal studies), cut the branches into managable pieces (keeping a strong faith, a spirit of giving back with volunteer activities), move the branches off the tracks (be strong and not become discouraged) and get the train moving (getting back into the workforce) again. 

The tracks were cleared, the train started to move, and all was well again.  Here is to 2013 and to the coming years, no more tree branches falling on our train tracks!