Sunday Q&A: CASEY CHEEK

Where did you go to school?

WheatRidge High School in WheatRidge, Colo.; University of Northern Colorado (’73, social science and secondary education); Aurora Technical College (’76, nursing); Denver Community College (’78, nursing); Galveston Family Therapy Institute (’80, Family Therapy); Dr. Jay Scherer's Academy of Natural Healing, Santa Fe, N.M.(’86); Reiki Touch Institute, Houston, Texas (’86, Reiki Master).

What do you do?

Employment-wise, I work with developmentally disabled young adults. I also work privately as a “Life and Well-being Coach” and use various modalities of complimentary medicine with people and horses.

What’s the best thing about your work?

Empowering the people I work with in various facets of their lives and watching their growth and transformation. This exquisite human experience is filled with possibilities just waiting for us to embrace.

Who is the historical figure you most admire?

Admire most??? Hmmmm … one of my archetypes is Katie Hepburn.

The living person you most admire?

Me. Not in any egotistical way … in a sacred and honoring way.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

That I’ve lived all the days of my life so far (and intend to continue) accepting the roller coaster ride of life with ALL its experiences and not kicking and screaming too much in defiance!!!

What is the most difficult challenge in your life these days?

These days = all days: Me, when I forget and/or resist who I am!!!

What do you like to do in your free time?

Visit with friends, watch TV and movies and listen to empowering webcasts on health, wellness and spirituality.

What type of electronic equipment do you carry around with you?

A Blackberry.

If you had to live in another country for a year, where would you go?

Pick one: Brazil, Bolivia, Belize, Peru or San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

If you could change one thing in your community, what would that be?

The embracing of possibility, intention and creativity … are you just living today the way you did yesterday because it’s what you did yesterday???

What is at the top of your bucket list?

I don’t really have a bucket list — I think that can lead to a sense of incompleteness. Even though I have “things” that I'd like to have, I feel very filled by the experiences of my life and feel complete — being open to the adventure of each day.

What is your favorite beverage?

Decaf coffee.

Tell us about the best book you’ve read lately.

Well I really haven’t read it lately, but the Sweet Potato Queen series of books [by Jill Conner Browne] is delightfully entertaining!

Your most prized possession?

Things: I love the artwork I have collected over many decades. Non-things: My power of choice.

What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you?

My dog, cat and horses keep me giggling. They are all real wise and funny characters! Life is really filled with funny characters … we are all cartoons!

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

No guilt — what’s a day without dark chocolate? Non-existent!!!

What’s the one question we didn’t ask that you’d like to answer?

Why did you move to Pendleton from Texas? We were “called” here for many reasons … some obvious, some not so!