Horse Race Highlights

My sister, Julie, and I spent Saturday together checking out Tioga Downs. Neither of us had been to a horse race before, so it was a lot of fun! Here are some horse race highlights:

1. It was FREE! We did not have to pay for parking or admission.
2. Riding in the starting gate truck. They let people ride in the red truck that has the starting gate for the horse. And yes, of course Julie and I were eager to do this! We were on the track with the horses to watch them take off! Not just for one race, but for TWO! (So we could each have a turn in the best seat!)
3. Following the crowd. I'm sure most people could tell that Julie and I were clueless as to this whole horse race thing. Especially when everyone was lining up at the inside fence. We thought they were all there for a better view, so we proudly ran over and got a spot right by the finish line, Julie with her camera ready! Only to find out that everyone was lining up to throw squishy horses into a car that was going to drive by in order to win a prize. We headed away from the fence, slightly embarrassed that we were so pumped to be by the finish line for this less than thrilling event.
4. Betting on a horse. Throughout the night we learned more about how the betting works and what your options are. Still not being experts, we wandered over to buy a ticket. We picked horse #7 and watched The Evictor win FIRST PLACE!!! We cashed in our $2 ticket for $4.70!
5. Spending our winnings! After taking back the $2 we spent to bet on the horse, we each spent $1 in the casino. We still have no idea why people go in there. We were looking for games like they have at Chuck-E-Cheese, but every game at the casino is the same with different pictures on the screen. Neither of us turned our $1 into big money, but we still had our 70 cents, which we proudly split and each walked away from the night with 35 cents!

Here we are with the starting gate truck after our ride(s)! We came home and told all parents all about our night - through our laughter and excitement in sharing our stories, it wasn't hard to tell that it was a memorable night! Our first horse race was definitely and experience and a fun night to share as sisters.

Selfish Attitude

Sometimes it's tough to realize the world does not revolve around you.

I've recently been learning just how selfish I can be, but the Lord is good at finding ways to keep me humble!

Motorcycle Mom

When Mom found out Nate had a motorcycle, she told me about a past boyfriend of hers that used to pick her up for dates on a motorcycle - just like Nate does with me sometimes!

Eventually Mom mentioned that she wanted a ride on Nate's bike - and we made that happen last night! She was a little nervous to get on a bike after more than 30 years, but she had a great ride!

From the Bookshelf: Unplanned

Life has slowed down a bit lately, so I've had more time for some leisure reading! I received the book, Unplanned, for Christmas, and was able to finish it up today!

Unplanned is written by Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood director. She shares her true story of her change of heart and the journey God had for her.

Abby's time at Planned Parenthood began during college when she volunteered with the organization. Eventually she became more involved and over time, became the director at a location in Texas. She liked working for Planned Parenthood because she had a heart for women and wanted to help them. Planned Parenthood does provide some help for women, but one day Abby was asked to assist with an abortion. All those years working at the clinic, and she had never been involved with the abortions. She realized a lot about Planned Parenthood that day and in the months to come.

For 8 years, Abby's desire had been to help women in a crisis situation, but when Planned Parenthood began pushing for more and more abortions to be done at her clinic, her eyes were opened to what her husband and other family and friends had been praying.

No longer wanting to take a stand with those encouraging abortions, Abby quit her job, unsure of what was to come.

The Coalition for Life often prayed outside the clinic Abby worked at. Not knowing what else to do, Abby went to them for help. Eventually Abby became involved with their efforts - she was now praying at her former clinic - on the opposite side of the fence than she had been on for all those years.

Abby's decision to walk away from Planned Parenthood created quite the buzz in the news. Many people had been praying for her change of heart for several years, and it was an encouragement to see those prayers answered! Becoming involved in the Coalition for Life, Abby was still able to help women facing an unplanned pregnancy, but without the pressure of encouraging abortion.

Working at Life Choices Center, Abby's story had come up a few times in emails or things I've read online. It was interesting to read her story since she has been on both sides of the fence. Abby now has a lot of influence where she speaks and shares her story, and I'm glad she is standing for life!

A Few of My Favorite Things

While I've been slacking on the blog posts lately, I have been up to a few of my other favorite things!

• Friends - I've caught up with several friends in recent weeks. I was in Rochester last weekend and spent time with several different friends up there, and I've talked to many long-distance friends on the phone this week. I love staying in touch, and it was good to reconnect with so many friends!
• Baking - I've tried a few new recipes lately that have gotten several thumbs up!
• Crochet Projects - I'm currently working on some more tasty treats!
• Iced Coffee - A recently re-discovered favorite!
• Planning/Organizing - For a trip, a wedding, and projects at work.
• Books - I've been making time for more leisure reading lately.
• Reflection - Realizing some changes I need to make and getting accountability to help make it happen!

I've felt refreshed these past two weeks as I took the time to slow down, relax, and enjoy a few of my favorite things!

What are some of your favorite things? Make time to do them this coming week!