I'm no William Tell

It's been awhile since high school. Quite awhile. As in, my 20 year reunion is this summer. And, high school was the last time I picked up a bow & arrow. Back then, I thought I did pretty OK.

From time to time over the last few years I've thought again about archery, but it's not really the kind of thing I wanted to put a bunch of money into to buy all the equipment and then find out I really didn't love doing it. So, I was thrilled this past spring to see that Dakota County parks had a beginnig archery class for women scheduled for this summer.

It was a one night class that took place last night at the Archery Trail at Spring Lake Park Reserve. Best of all, the cost was only $12, which included the use of the equipment and the instruction. Considering a movie ticket costs almost that much these days, I think it's a great deal, a great way to try something new, and a great way to meet people in the community and learn more about our parks resources.

The instruction was detailed and safety oriented. They did a test with us to determine our dominant eye. Turns out I am left eye dominant (though I am right-handed). Which means, I should be using a left handed bow (holding bow with right hand, pulling with left). This was the opposite of what I'd done in high school, when we pretty much just picked up the bows and tried to shoot the arrows. It felt very foreign but I was commited to doing it the "right" way!

My elbow hyper-extends naturally, so holding the bow properly was challenging, and I kept hitting the inside of my forearm when I released. I've got one huge bruise now! I did have some good shots, but you won't be calling me William Tell anytime soon!

After a while we left our practice range (shooting from 12 yars) and went out on the archery trail. I hit the buck target from 50 yards!! That was my highlight.

I'm not sure if I'm ready to invest in the equipment...but I will definitely take the class again next summer if it is offered.

Park programs offer a great and inexpensive way to try new things and take advantage of one of the great things about Minnesota- our parks and the beauty of nature. With only a $12 and 2 hour investment, I was able to try something new and meet new people. It's a bargain any way you look at it!

Until next time...

Missy

Little Celebrations

As I mentioned, I like to celebrate the little things. And, I will admit, I am a geek about remembering some obscure dates. Like the date I met my husband, Brad.

July 17, 2004. We were introduced by a mutual friend at a softball tournament (Brad was playing; I went for the introduction since my co-worker thought it so imperative that I meet this guy). A year and a half later we were married and my life has been better than I ever imagined it could be since I met Brad that hot, sunny, Saturday morning.

So here we are, back to Saturday, July 17, six years later. Brad is playing in that same softball tournament again. It was ungodly hot and humid today (and I do not enjoy heat), but I was there to cheer him on. They finished for the day just as the storm clouds rolled in. We went to one of our favorite local joints for pizza, and now we’re home, huddled in the basement and glued to the weather on television as more storms/tornadoes roll across the state. Awww…how romantic.

It wasn’t a big celebration, but today we recognized an important moment in our lives. And sometimes, recognition is celebration enough.

What’s the next date that YOU will celebrate?

Until next time….
Missy

Hello, and welcome to Render-Bits!

I'm in the process of starting my own business, Render Lifestyle Management. The whole idea of this business is to provide clients with help navigating the craziness of day-to-day life so that they can focus on what, and who, they love.

I'm so excited about this new business, as it is allowing me to take my talents that don't always fit into one nice little job category in the corporate world, and apply them to one great job. I call on my degree in counseling as well as 10 years in office administration, meeting & event planning, and organizing to help clients restructure their day, their life, to get what they want out of it.

Even if you don't live in my geographic area to take advantage of the services of Render Lifestyle Management, you can still benefit from my business by reading my blog! Posts will focus on lots of bits, on topics such as:

• ME. I am my business, and thus, I believe it is important for my clients to know what is important to me and who I am. I promise I won't get too personal!

• LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT. What do you need to do to have the life you want? What can you delegate? What do you need to give up? What do you need to do more efficiently? How are you going to get everything on your to-do list accomplished?

• LIVING SIMPLY. We live in a crazy, fast-paced world. We are overloaded with possessions and commitments. We could all use a little more down-time and a little more calm. Living a more simple life gives us that. A litte GREEN LIVING doesn't hurt either!

• FRUGALITY. Are you living within your means? Money is a huge cause of stress, especially in marriages. By paying down debt and living within your means you can get back to focusing on who and what you love, and quit worrying about where all the money goes each month.

• CELEBRATIONS. I'm a sucker for small and intimate gatherings in particular, but will share tips for easy event planning- from decorations to invitations and theme ideas. I believe in celebrating the little things-a job well done, birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, and more.

• ORGANIZING. If you know me, you know I love an organizing project and am always up for a trip to an office supplies store! I've you're constantly battling clutter, you'll find good ideas for paring back. And, this will help you simplify too!

I'm excited to begin this next phase in my life, as a business owner and blogger! I look forward to sharing my journey with you.