Here's to wrapping up a CRAZY year! 2020 I'm taking you out just like you came in. Wow, what a year! If you would have asked me last year what 2020 would bring in my wildest tribulation, the optimist that I am would never have predicted our current social climate. All things considered, my family has made it out pretty well. The largest hardship has been for my 18-year-old daughter, a 2020 High School
graduate. She missed prom, most of her club volleyball season, the FBLA State competition, and many other high school "lasts". Her Graduation was significantly delayed and the celebrations were very different. I think I mourned for her losses more than she did. Going to college out of state was another obstacle that is proving to be a very unusual experience. Her collegiate volleyball season has been, at best, postponed until Spring. She got to quarantine for 14 days after being exposed to COVID. Now she is back home, taking her finals virtually. She has not complained once. Well.... she is a bit miffed at herself for the 3.9 GPA her first semester of college.... so close! I am so proud of her and her great attitude. For me, 2020 was supposed to be the launch of my "Empty Nester" life. For some time I was not too excited about the idea of my kids leaving our home for their next adventures. However, a few years ago I started looking at it a different way. I realized that this turning point marked a new chapter in my life where I could literally be, do, or create anything I put my mind too. I will have my weekends back, travel when and where I want, find new hobbies, even start something completely different! I was getting excited about these ideas, and to tell you the truth, I was ready for my empty nesting adventures! The #COVID changed my plans. Now I know it sounds like I am whining a bit, but really, I am not complaining. I know this year has been super hard on many of you and if you are struggling, my heart goes out to you and you are in my prayers. With all of the craziness of 2020 for us, there have been almost as many unexpected blessings as there have been setbacks. When everything went nuts in March, I brought my 20-year-old son home from New York. I was able to have my family of four all together living under one roof, something I thought may never happen again. We quarantined together, played games, finished a 2000 piece puzzle, baked, cooked & gained the quarantine 15 together. It was a great time to re-connect, re-focus, and a second chance to be together as a family that would have never happened any other way. Now it is December...... 9 months LATER and everyone is still here! Well, as for me, I am getting a little antsy now. It's time to take a BIG leap and start something new. Let's call it an empty nester pre-launch. I have agreed to run for Mrs. Colorado America in 2021. I’m sure you’re thinking “this is CRAZY”! Yep, it is! I have never been a cheerleader or anything like that and sure NEVER considered being a contestant in a pageant… until now. When it was first suggested to me I laughed out loud. I thought, oh my gosh, that is not ME! What would people think? No, I don’t think of myself as a beauty queen and I don’t walk with grace in an evening gown and heels. Believe it or not, I don’t even have a plan for World Peace. So I am totally unqualified! But as I considered it a bit more I thought a few things I DO have:
First, I DO love to challenge myself. Usually, it involves earning top producer for something, climbing a mountain, jumping off a cliff, or conquering that wretched Manitou Incline! I expect a journey of this nature will certainly be challenging both mentally and physically!
Secondly, I DO want to launch the next chapter of my life in a memorable way. This "challenge" will require a little re-inventing, maybe a thick skin, and some hard work to become the best version of myself over the next year.
Lastly and most of all, I DO have a great love for my community, Firestone, Frederick & Dacono. Next year marks my 20th year living in the Carbon Valley. I think it is the absolute best place to raise a family and I feel blessed to have been able to do so. I love the small-town feel while still having big city services. The Carbon Valley is a safe place to live with great police and community leaders. With sweeping mountain views from the many parks and trails, I feel that the Carbon Valley is Colorado’s best-kept secret. I am super proud to be an ambassador for this great community.
So as I considered my decision to compete I thought, what the heck why not? Do something CRAZY! Step out of your comfort zone and possibly make a difference in some small way. Be a messenger of community, connection, goodwill, service, and do it with a little BLING! So I am going to go ALL IN, I’m going to do my best, and ride this coaster with my hands up and head held high. Over the next few months, I would like to THANK YOU in advance for your support, positive vibes, and maybe a little cheering on in the final stretch of this CRAZY journey as Mrs. Carbon Valley.
Thank you for reading my blog today and please like my new Facebook page - Mrs. Carbon Valley Colorado to follow my journey!
All my love,
Brenda www.brendaridgley.com