the one with a “walking through life”update
Dear Blog readers,
I “birdwatch” every weekday. I call it that because my Grandma name is “Birdie. Which my friend Julie came up with. And which I love because,
1. It goes well with Bull, Devin’s nickname and
2. It’s what photographer’s sometimes say to kids when photographing them, “look at the birdie” so, fitting.
⬆️
That’s my granddaughter, Holland. We spend a lot of time on campus at Texas Tech University. Her mom works there and since Holland is a breast fed baby, we “follow the breast”.
We mainly stick to the main entrance and the sidewalks to the south. They are less busy and bumpy. The fountain is a big favorite and walks down Broadway to Monomyth coffee are on “the regular”.
We pack gear each day according to the weather. Her mouse ears above were from a Halloween costume, she went as a mouse in the book, “if you give a mouse a cookie”. Sometimes it’s chilly so we bring the ears.
When it’s been super hot, we simply strip down and enjoy the sunshine. We enjoy the patio at Snooze quite a bit. We’ve become almost “regulars” there and it’s a good walk from Kalyn’s office so I can sometimes listen to a podcast episode.
I’m sharing these photos in no particular order but just to share a few of my thoughts since my “birdwatching” and walking has begun.
I’ve lost weight without really trying. I’ve never been one to obsess about my body, obviously. But walking 10K or more steps each day is a great way to drop some pounds.
Walking has helped with my joint pain concerning my Ankle. (I had a car wreck in 2004 and broke both my legs in multiple places and my ankle)
I’ve met so many wonderful people since walking at Texas Tech campus! Teachers, students, workers, etc.
The outside air each day, regardless of the weather, is good for me and baby if we dress accordingly. Layers help. Extra blankets and such.
Bring toys, books and water, even snacks! It’s nice to walk to a destination and then enjoy the spot for a while.
Gosh…some memories that stick out since this job of mine has begun…
Game Day! That was a fun to watch them set up!
Scooters, one wheels, motorized bikes and tricycles…geez the ways to zoom around campus are insane! And not everyone uses a bike path. Keep eyes open and your head up
I’ve really noticed how messed up sidewalks are in Lubbock. I’ve only experienced it through a stroller, but I’ve been wheel chair bound before and pushed my momma around in one for 2 years…we suck Lubbock and need to do better for those that depend on the concrete.
There’s not very many places to “rest and relax” in Lubbock that aren’t covered in bird poop. So, dress accordingly. I’m rarely out of sweats or lounge wear because of that. I’ve got stains on a few pairs and have torn holes in some things by a dried out bench.
And be prepared to be pooped on! Ours hit the stroller, but it’s happened and I know where the odds of getting it are higher so I stroll away from there.
Always listen for dropped toys.
We’ve lost a few rattles, stuffed animals, etc. I now know to listen for things and always eyeball check ever so often to make sure we aren’t leaving anything. Sucks to lose your favorite ones.
The above photo is what it was like the first few months. (Crazy looking at out setup!) Holland was eating 3-4 times a day and we stayed close by instead of going home to nap. So things where she slept. In the back of my Honda CRV on a quilt and I sat nearby. Her “taxi” or transportation to mom.
I’m not going to lie, it’s been a hard adjustment but gosh! It’s been such a great one too! I’ve lost weight, spent quality time with my granddaughter AND my daughter, plus, I’ve learned so much about myself and Texas Tech!
And if you find yourself on campus, keep your eyes open for us and come say hi! 👋🏻
Love does,
Birdie
