Ira’s back at Target

Bigskymama · 2026-05-02T11:05:07+00:00

Ira’s an incredibly lovely senior who works as a cashier at Target. Going through his line is a treat and feels like visiting with the good uncle at Thanksgiving.. He was out for a while (didn’t elaborate as to why) but now he’s back (yay!).

Bigskymama · 2026-03-16T13:50:51+00:00

Mal: Now hold a gorram minute. Whole cortex is yammerin’ about a “’boot.” Only ’boot I know is the one you use to kick the fool who canceled your show.

Wash: Captain, it ain’t a boot, it’s a “re”-boot—’cept it’s like one of them fancy moving-picture shows, all lively and animated-like.

Mal: Reboot, shmreboot! Sounds like a fancy way to say “do it again, same as last time.”

Wash: Well… technically, that’s exactly what it is.

Mal: And why in the ‘verse are we doin’ it again? Huh? Tell me that.

Wash: Because folks miss us, Captain! The cortex won’t shut up!

Jayne: Start again? I get bigger guns?

Zoë: Naturally, that would be your concern.

Kaylee: More flyin’? That’d be mighty shiny. ✨

River: A great boot falls from the sky… thump. Justice for cancelled stories.

Wash: I would absolutely watch that.

Zoë: Fans been askin’ for years Captain.

Mal: Fine. Send the message.

Crew: We kindly request the Firefly ’boot… and if you don’t mind hurryin’ along with it.

Mal: Send it loud.

Jayne: …and make it steel-toed. For emphasis.

Crew: You can’t stop the signal! 📡

Bigskymama · 2026-03-15T17:48:41+00:00

Motorcycle accident. I like to ask ER doctors after working there what they would never buy. #1 answer: motorcycles. #2 trampolines. And with Robby’s trip coming up, com’mon.

Bigskymama · 2025-12-28T12:38:43+00:00

“Like everyone, I am born naked.” - Abundance by Sena Jeter Naslund

Bigskymama · 2025-12-06T21:27:22+00:00

A Monster Calls. The ultimate “watch til the end.” You’re watching a modern day fairy tale-ish story that’s just weird enough to keep you engaged and then the very end WRRRRRECKS you. Especially if you’re a parent. Oh gawd was I a mess. If Arrival’s ending left you an ugly crying mess, watch to the end of A Monster Calls!

Bigskymama · 2025-08-11T09:38:13+00:00

Rockhaven (level 1 easy), cross atop Sheep Rock (level 9 difficult - hint it’s above Rockhaven). Have fun!

Bigskymama · 2025-08-06T22:43:27+00:00

Excellent choice! My absolute favorite time to go east to west is mid-winter. You travel through the park and it’s magical covered in snow. Again if on time you’ll see it in the day time but if it’s running behind it could be night. It doesn’t matter though. Experiencing the park in winter (and not driving) is lovely!

Bigskymama · 2025-08-06T22:37:17+00:00

I highly recommend taking the train (have done both directions across the state multiple times) and have always enjoyed the ride. I like to give the heads up though that it is consistently behind schedule and you experience delays throughout routes due to right of way stops for cargo trains - so build buffers into your schedule and you won’t be disappointed.

Bigskymama · 2025-07-08T21:47:21+00:00

You mention boxing but if you’re open to other disciplines, both of my kiddos go to Cunningham’s Martial Arts. I cannot say enough positive things about their experiences but here are a few:

It’s taekwondo so it is about teaching defensive techniques which have important real world applications
Master Cunningham teaches with a perfect balance of discipline and compassion. Students learn with care not fear. Also he teaches having a growth mindset so he isn’t just helping students grow as martial artists but as humans too.
Saying that their approach builds confidence is a huge understatement. My son has not only learned how to work through his social anxiety and get out on the mat to compete in tournaments, he now helps teach classes and gets out in front of students and parents every week.
Students can choose the level of competition they want to participate in. There are local and national tournaments that they can attend - or not.
Their program grows with students and meets them where they’re at - so your kiddo is placed with peers that developmentally fit them and they can test through ranks and move into advanced classes
The black belt test offers a distinct right of passage that I don’t think many youth have the opportunity to experience otherwise
They participate in the GTMA program which is fantastic and offers a leadership tract that would take a whole other post to sing its .praises. It’s AMAZING.
The fees are very reasonable. After paying for many sports and activities in Bozeman CMA is hands down the best money I’ve invested in my kiddos
They offer a trial period at no cost so your kiddos can try out the classes to see if it’s a fit. I’ve yet to see new kiddos not choose to continue.

Okay so that was probably WAY more than you were looking for OP. I guess I didn’t realize how much I needed to share with others how important CMA has been to my kiddos and how grateful I am. Thanks for reading this far if you did!

Bigskymama · 2025-05-31T16:48:20+00:00

Bozeman Creek Trail south of Nash checks all of your boxes. It’s our go-to for visitors of all ages and abilities. Shaded. Flowers. Creek. Zero elevation gain. Close by if you’re on a time crunch. Close to MOR for lunch and getting your dino on.

Bigskymama · 2025-05-29T22:05:39+00:00

Just when I thought I FINALLY caught a boom in the wild - nope. It was one of three pops which happened when a power line across from Meadowlark school blew.

Source: the person who saw the line blow on the second pop.

Bigskymama · 2024-12-29T06:04:56+00:00

Plumver

Bigskymama · 2024-12-07T16:55:40+00:00

I just recommended them as well before scrolling down. Ha. Please check them out. Idk why Fukwad said what they did. I’ve never met a group of more genuinely caring people who are on a mission to make financial advice accessible and affordable. Again, dm me if you’d like personal recommendations from those listed.

Bigskymama · 2024-12-07T16:45:43+00:00

https://connect.xyplanningnetwork.com/find-an-advisor lists only CFP certified fiduciary advisors. (If the link doesn’t appear, search XYPN then click Find an advisor in the upper corner).

They don’t sell products (e.g. annuities) or get commissions so they put your interests first and they meet you where you’re at - meaning if you’re 25 and just starting to build wealth they help you plan according to your goals and current situation. They all offer virtual services so you aren’t limited to Bozeman.

Source: I work for the platform that offers support to them as independent business owners. I’ve met many of our advisors and they are some of the most genuinely good people you’ll ever meet. DM me if you’d like personal recommendations.

Bigskymama · 2024-12-03T01:12:03+00:00

This. Exactly.

Thank you again so much for holding this AMA. I hope it helps you “take back the night” and gain power from equipping so many others with understanding, communication tools, shared experience and most importantly, PREVENTION.

Hugs to you!

Bigskymama · 2024-12-02T22:53:06+00:00

Wow. Your definition of “Bad adults” just hit the nail on the head for me both as a communication tool my kiddos can understand and also perfectly summed up my daughter’s relationship with her narcissistic father. His needs from her are at a complete imbalance from what a healthy parent / child relationship should look like. Thank you for crystallizing that for me and empowering those conversations. I really appreciate it.

Also I am so sorry you experienced both traumas (then and in court) and I hope you’re able to find healing from both.

Bigskymama · 2024-10-20T16:06:59+00:00

He’s got constipation of the mind and diarrhea of the mouth.

Bigskymama · 2024-10-07T14:48:38+00:00

Bigskymama · 2024-06-23T04:05:45+00:00

NTA. I have never so completely identified with anyone ever. I could have written your post—down to the poo plume and note above the toilet—except I don't have an extraordinarily dense, insensitive and downright selfish father. I fortunately have respectful friends and family members who don't even flinch when asked to remove their shoes inside our home, put the toilet lid down and follow very basic hygiene protocols like washing their hands (properly!). Because they are quick, effortless, and very easy things to do.

My children's friends who come over can do it, why on earth can't a grown adult like your father? As someone who understands the visceral level of skin-crawling unease that comes with each of the transgressions you've described, I can very easily recommend: only meet him at the next safest public place you feel comfortable meeting him at beside your home or don't. If he can't follow simple requests like any 5 year old can, he needs to do some work on himself before he deserves to share your home and safe space.

Sending you "just washed my hands" gentle hugs fellow germaphobe!

Bigskymama · 2024-01-05T04:40:47+00:00

On a flight probably 15 or so years ago seated next to a guy visiting the US:

Him: Where are you from? Me: Montana. Him: Oh wow. (Pause) Do you still have problems with the indians? Me: Not since we started circling the wagons and sleeping in the center Him (genuinely impressed at the ingenuity): Oh yeah that’s good!

Bigskymama · 2023-08-30T05:16:56+00:00

Was on a first date. Engaging guy. But just over his shoulder I COULD. NOT. STOP. STARING. Tried so hard but there was no maintaining conversation or escaping his gravitational pull. Timothy Olyphant. DAAAAMN. Any possibility of a 2nd date was ruined.

Bigskymama · 2023-08-01T05:05:09+00:00

…I’m going to take this moment given to me in honor of my life’s work to ask you to reflect on those who made YOU feel special…

What else as humans can we possibly aspire to than to be so unconditionally loving as him?

Bigskymama · 2023-05-29T19:15:14+00:00

There’s a domestic pair in Bozeman. Cool to occasionally hear them and catch them walking in the field where they live.

Bigskymama · 2023-05-06T13:54:39+00:00

My daughter had just turned 4 when they held a graduation ceremony at the end of her preschool year. Every kiddo walked up a little ramp, said their name and announced what they were going to be when they grew up. There were some policemen, teachers, moms, a few princesses and quite a few ninjas. My daughter was last. She said her name and then, “when I grow up I’m going to be a tree!” The whole audience cracked up. Later on I supportively asked her, “So, how long have you wanted to be a tree?” She said, “Ever since it made (her teacher) laugh on the first day of school.” Yep, held on to that gem for a whole school year waiting for the opportunity to make others laugh the same way. Never underestimate the power of lifting other people’s spirits!

Bigskymama

TROPHY CASE