Well blog followers, I can officially say that I feel a bit relieved and blessed that I have made it through the first month of the New Year without too much unwanted excitement. It's so hard to believe that tomorrow will be the start of February. I continue to remain at home, doing a lot of resting, some doctor-approved exercising (shamefully more than I ever did when I was working and feeling well!), a lot of reading, catching up on some great movies, and enjoying some low-key activities with friends. I am trying, although not always very successfully, to take things one day at a time, something I always preached to others, but is much more difficult to live by! I have several important appointments this week that I am hopeful will bring guidance, answers, and possibly an indication of what the months to come will hold. I so appreciate everyone's continued prayers, support, and encouragement.
I've decided that one of the first things I want to do when I am feeling better is to take a trip somewhere. Typically, my vacations involve travelling home to SC, which truthfully is where I'd rather be when I had time off from work! However, I've decided that I'd like to go somewhere that I've never been before, maybe take along a friend or two. I keep seeing Groupon ads for these great bed-and-breakfast getaways in places like Maine or Vermont, which would be great for the Spring. I also have a cousin who lives in St. Louis which seems to be a pretty happening place. I've also never been to NYC, shocking, right? It's certainly a shame since it's pretty close to me, but I would definitely want someone who is an experienced traveller to tag along to show me the ropes. Any ideas for an inexpensive getaway, or a place you travelled to in the US that you fell in love with?
I remember that at this time last year, I had just entered the treacherous but oh so amusing world of online dating! I'm quite certain that for several months, my daily entertainment involved reading the messages I was sent to a group of co-workers. I had only very mild, short-lived success, and haven't yet ventured back. It's such an interesting process, and quite worthy of the analysis of a social experiment. I was quite shocked at the things that people wanted to be shown to the world, although being an avid Facebooker, I suppose not much will shock me now! I wish I could create an automatic decoder for when someone was being dishonest or fudging the truth about their beliefs, values, intentions, and generall overall personality! I feel like I am at an age that is caught in the middle of the dating world. I certainly do not have interest in pursuing a "college-esque" relationship in which suggested dates include a nightly bar crawl, and the relationship is typically short-lived. On the other hand, while I'm not ready to trade in my work clothes for a wedding dress tomorrow, I certainly am on the lookout for something that is a bit more stable and long-term. So, how many dates does it take to make that determination? What topics of conversations should be avoided, if any? And, is that really your most current picture, or a doctored version of you dressed up in a tuxedo from your senior prom? I may venture back into the online dating world once things settle down a bit, if nothing else, for surely interesting blogging material. Anyone have any website recommendations?
In other news, I continue to pray for and be encouraged by several friends who are facing struggles in their lives with more grace than I'm sure it would take me to muster in a week. It's such an inspiration, and a reminder to continue to support those you love in your life. For those of us living far away from our family, our friends truly do become our lifeline and even if we would never admit it to them, depend on them for encouragement and our reminders that we are not alone. So, blog followers, I wish for you this week, the peace of knowing that you are surrounded by those you love, and that your "family" can come in the most unexpected forms. I hope that even in times when the "right" thing to say seems to escape you, that you will take comfort in knowing that simply being there can be enough. I've also been on the lookout for ways to pay small acts of kindness forward, and am amazed at the stories people share about the simple and cost-free ways to pass along what has been given to you. Maybe I'll make that a February resolution. One month in to 2012, "blessings to all you love in this world."
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
The Waiting Game
Many of my afternoons this past week were spent at various medical appointments, which is almost always preceded by a lengthy stay in a not so accommodating waiting room. Perhaps adult doctor's offices should take note of the waiting rooms at a certain children's hospital? I am an avid people-watcher by nature, so rather than picking up the only magazine available, a tattered issue of Prevention from 2006, I enjoy sitting back and immersing myself in what I will call the "waiting room culture." Now, let me preface this by saying that many of my waiting room counterparts are of a different generation, forty and fifty years my senior. I enjoy watching couples come together for an appointment. It seems to be the wife's job to check in with the receptionist, regardless of whether or not she is the patient. The husband dutifully hangs the coats and scarves and tries to find seating arrangements with the best view of the morning news, and of course two seats together. He typically also has brought the daily paper, taking out certain sections and the crossword puzzle for his wife. Once the wife finishes checking in, a commentary ensues about the husband's poor choice of shirt for the day, given the weather, and why didn't he choose the sweater laid out for him on the bed? She, in the meantime, has chosen a tailored pantsuit, perfectly combed hair, and lipstick for the occasion. The husband's distracted mumblings from behind his newspaper seem to satisfy the wife for the moment, while she pulls out a gallon-sized Ziploc bag full of various medications and ensures that she has brought everything.
At about this point in time, without fail, someone recognizes another waiting-room participant, perhaps from the bridge club, church choir, or wait, aren't you the couple that live across the street in the retirement community? And didn't I see you in the produce department at Giant last week? Pleased as punch, the wives begin a lively conversation and compare their gallon-sized Ziploc bags while the husbands nod approvingly at each other, each returning to their newspaper. While I'm often the only person in the waiting room who doesn't have a comrade with me, or don't require a driver, couples exchange pleasantries with me, comment on the weather, and eventually ask the inevitable, "Why aren't you married?" Before I have time to creatively answer, a nurse calls my name from the door. The smiles quickly fade as those in the room realize I arrived five minutes after them and I am being seen first! Rumbles and grumbles escalate as I leave the waiting room area. The nurse quickly reminds one of the physicians that he has several patients waiting for him, who are getting a bit "testy." And so, I wonder as I leave the waiting room, what stories would each of those couples have to tell? Has one spouse been the caretaker for many years, or is this a new journey they are taking together? Are they here today to find out what the new journey will be? Perhaps next time, I'll be the one to strike up conversation. Maybe I will learn something new from someone who's much farther along in their life journey, no worse for the wear.
In other news, well, rings, "I do's," and babies...although not for me! Many of the wonderful friends that I went to school with, some as early as elementary school, are ushering in the New Year with a commitment to someone very special or a special someone on the way! It seems almost surreal that the same friends who shared Catholic school uniforms, bagged lunches, birthday parties, and proms, are now moving forward with the creation of their own families. How quickly some periods of time can go by, while others seem to move more slowly. I'm looking forward to celebrating with dear friends and sharing in their joy. It makes me think about my own future and wonder what is in store for me, an exciting but scary prospect! I never thought I could learn as much about myself from being single as I have in the past year. Getting to know yourself as a person and an individual and what you stand for is such a gift, especially when faced with something that at an earlier time in your life would have knocked you to the ground. So, is love on the horizon for the coming year? I certainly no longer am convinced that I have all the answers for what lies ahead, but I will choose, or at least try, to seek happiness in the present knowing that something far greater than myself will dictate my path. In the meantime, getting the chance to hold a friend's new healthy and perfect baby is purely blissful, and the feeling should be bottled up for retail sale!
To my blog readers, I wish for you this week: Patience if you find yourself needing to wait for something, someone, or answers you have been seeking; an indulgence in some Valentine's candy, I recommend Sweet-Tart jelly beans; the ability to be able to financially or in some other way provide support to a cause that is close to you; and finally, someone to remind you that you are meant for greatness. If not, remind yourself, at least once a day!
At about this point in time, without fail, someone recognizes another waiting-room participant, perhaps from the bridge club, church choir, or wait, aren't you the couple that live across the street in the retirement community? And didn't I see you in the produce department at Giant last week? Pleased as punch, the wives begin a lively conversation and compare their gallon-sized Ziploc bags while the husbands nod approvingly at each other, each returning to their newspaper. While I'm often the only person in the waiting room who doesn't have a comrade with me, or don't require a driver, couples exchange pleasantries with me, comment on the weather, and eventually ask the inevitable, "Why aren't you married?" Before I have time to creatively answer, a nurse calls my name from the door. The smiles quickly fade as those in the room realize I arrived five minutes after them and I am being seen first! Rumbles and grumbles escalate as I leave the waiting room area. The nurse quickly reminds one of the physicians that he has several patients waiting for him, who are getting a bit "testy." And so, I wonder as I leave the waiting room, what stories would each of those couples have to tell? Has one spouse been the caretaker for many years, or is this a new journey they are taking together? Are they here today to find out what the new journey will be? Perhaps next time, I'll be the one to strike up conversation. Maybe I will learn something new from someone who's much farther along in their life journey, no worse for the wear.
In other news, well, rings, "I do's," and babies...although not for me! Many of the wonderful friends that I went to school with, some as early as elementary school, are ushering in the New Year with a commitment to someone very special or a special someone on the way! It seems almost surreal that the same friends who shared Catholic school uniforms, bagged lunches, birthday parties, and proms, are now moving forward with the creation of their own families. How quickly some periods of time can go by, while others seem to move more slowly. I'm looking forward to celebrating with dear friends and sharing in their joy. It makes me think about my own future and wonder what is in store for me, an exciting but scary prospect! I never thought I could learn as much about myself from being single as I have in the past year. Getting to know yourself as a person and an individual and what you stand for is such a gift, especially when faced with something that at an earlier time in your life would have knocked you to the ground. So, is love on the horizon for the coming year? I certainly no longer am convinced that I have all the answers for what lies ahead, but I will choose, or at least try, to seek happiness in the present knowing that something far greater than myself will dictate my path. In the meantime, getting the chance to hold a friend's new healthy and perfect baby is purely blissful, and the feeling should be bottled up for retail sale!
To my blog readers, I wish for you this week: Patience if you find yourself needing to wait for something, someone, or answers you have been seeking; an indulgence in some Valentine's candy, I recommend Sweet-Tart jelly beans; the ability to be able to financially or in some other way provide support to a cause that is close to you; and finally, someone to remind you that you are meant for greatness. If not, remind yourself, at least once a day!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Six Words
How nice to have this blog to return to each week, especially during a time when things seem a bit uncertain, and the unknown creeps into my organized and routine life more than I am comfortable with. I just read an article in a magazine, describing a project that asks individuals to tell their life's story in only six words. Six words! For someone like me, who derives great pleasure in eloquent speech and detailed explanations, it presented quite a challenge. Here are a few examples from others who have confronted this task:
"I dance daily, watched or not."
"Sorry I'm not married yet, Mom."
"Car totaled. Lives spared. Forever grateful."
So, after much thinking and jotting down a few ideas, I have decided that for at least the remainder of my 26th year of life, my six word life story will be: "Never alone, seeking love, still smiling." Anyone else want to give it a shot?
I finally finished reading The Help, one of the best reads I can truly say I've had in years. I am now reading Gabby, a moving and encouraging story written by Mark Giffords, husband of congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. I was flipping through the photo section of the book and was struck by a photo that was taken mere seconds before the gunman opened fire in the crowd. How unique to have the details of that moment frozen in time. In my line of work, I am often present with patients and families immediately prior to a life-changing event. I wonder what details of that day, that hour, that minute will remain in their minds? I hope that if I happen to be a part of that picture, even fuzzy in the background, that my presence was supportive, non-judgemental, and maybe a tiny bit of light in a very dark moment. On my worst days, I pray no patient or family remembers the over-tired, hungry, and cranky Child Life Specialist who had to rush to see four different patients and didn't take the time to sit to answer their question. Can you remember vivid details of moments before you had a life-altering event?
Have you ever had something or someone very close to you attacked or questioned in a way that made you feel as if your own character and value was being threatened? How interesting when our own individual identities and feelings are so closely connected to something or someone else that we immediately feel as if we need to rise to the defense. I experienced something similar this week. While the specific details can't be shared, I was quite surprised at my own reaction, how quickly I became offended. It also became a reminder of how quickly differences in perspectives and opinion can morph into anger.
In other news, since being at home, I have enjoyed getting the opportunity to reconnect with friends I haven't spoken to in a while. It's funny how true and lasting friendships are such that one brief phone conversation can feel as if you've spoken every day for months. There are no terms, conditions, or limitations, you are accepted with all of your flaws and imperfections, and likewise accept that person for whatever they bring to the table. Now, more than ever, I value a friend that will disagree with me, call me out when I'm having an extended pity party for myself, and tell me that I should have never worn that color sweater. That same friend will remind you that you are special and worthwhile, that you have much to offer the world and that you are destined for great things. To my dear friends, thank you. You lift me up and keep me there!
To my blog followers, I wish you the reconnection with an old friend or the making of a new one, time at the end of a stressful day to get lost in a great book, and moments that would make it simply impossible for you to tell about your life to date in only six words. Speak kindly and remember the mark your words will inevitably leave on someone, even those who are strangers. Thank you for reading and "blessings to all you love in this world."
"I dance daily, watched or not."
"Sorry I'm not married yet, Mom."
"Car totaled. Lives spared. Forever grateful."
So, after much thinking and jotting down a few ideas, I have decided that for at least the remainder of my 26th year of life, my six word life story will be: "Never alone, seeking love, still smiling." Anyone else want to give it a shot?
I finally finished reading The Help, one of the best reads I can truly say I've had in years. I am now reading Gabby, a moving and encouraging story written by Mark Giffords, husband of congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. I was flipping through the photo section of the book and was struck by a photo that was taken mere seconds before the gunman opened fire in the crowd. How unique to have the details of that moment frozen in time. In my line of work, I am often present with patients and families immediately prior to a life-changing event. I wonder what details of that day, that hour, that minute will remain in their minds? I hope that if I happen to be a part of that picture, even fuzzy in the background, that my presence was supportive, non-judgemental, and maybe a tiny bit of light in a very dark moment. On my worst days, I pray no patient or family remembers the over-tired, hungry, and cranky Child Life Specialist who had to rush to see four different patients and didn't take the time to sit to answer their question. Can you remember vivid details of moments before you had a life-altering event?
Have you ever had something or someone very close to you attacked or questioned in a way that made you feel as if your own character and value was being threatened? How interesting when our own individual identities and feelings are so closely connected to something or someone else that we immediately feel as if we need to rise to the defense. I experienced something similar this week. While the specific details can't be shared, I was quite surprised at my own reaction, how quickly I became offended. It also became a reminder of how quickly differences in perspectives and opinion can morph into anger.
In other news, since being at home, I have enjoyed getting the opportunity to reconnect with friends I haven't spoken to in a while. It's funny how true and lasting friendships are such that one brief phone conversation can feel as if you've spoken every day for months. There are no terms, conditions, or limitations, you are accepted with all of your flaws and imperfections, and likewise accept that person for whatever they bring to the table. Now, more than ever, I value a friend that will disagree with me, call me out when I'm having an extended pity party for myself, and tell me that I should have never worn that color sweater. That same friend will remind you that you are special and worthwhile, that you have much to offer the world and that you are destined for great things. To my dear friends, thank you. You lift me up and keep me there!
To my blog followers, I wish you the reconnection with an old friend or the making of a new one, time at the end of a stressful day to get lost in a great book, and moments that would make it simply impossible for you to tell about your life to date in only six words. Speak kindly and remember the mark your words will inevitably leave on someone, even those who are strangers. Thank you for reading and "blessings to all you love in this world."
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Happy New Year!
Welcome to my blog! Hoping each of you had a joyous Christmas, filled with memories that will carry you through the coming year. This year begins a bit different for me, as I am currently taking a medical leave from work. I have been so humbled by the support, prayers, cooked meals, cards, and e-mails I have received. I am attempting to make the most of this time at home, while looking forward to my return to work. How strange to be given the opportunity in which for a given period of time, you are no longer defined by the job you do each day, a job that you believe you are called to do, and a job you love. Instead, each day must be given a new identity, a new purpose, and utilize an entirely different set of skills. So, here are some things that have characterized my year so far. Enjoy reading, please feel free to share your thoughts, and thanks for choosing to travel this journey with me!
What I'm Reading: The Help by Kathryn Stockett, a gift from my brother for Christmas. I meant to read the book before I saw the movie, but never got around to it. I am about halfway through, and it is an incredible piece of literature. It can be so easy to forget how different our culture was a mere fifty years ago, and how we treated those who were different from us. What will people say about our generation in fifty years? How far have we come in accepting the differences of others? How far do we still need to go?
What I'm Watching: I happened to stumble across the movie The Secret Life of Bees in my search for Lifetime Channel and Hallmark movies to add to the DVR. It was excellent. Has anyone read the book? I will also admit that I am a follower of The Bachelor. I'm not quite sure how I feel about Ben. He seems to be a little awkward, and doesn't initiate a lot of deep conversation before he literally dives into a hot-tub or swimming pool make-out session. The girls are entertaining as always, especially Blakely, who on Monday night's episode felt the need to seek emotional refuge crouched on the floor in between two suitcases. I don't have any favorites yet, time will tell.
What's Inspired Me: I received a unique gift in the mail this week. My grandmother's church has a prayer shawl ministry, a group of women who come together weekly to knit shawls that are given to those in the church community as well as in other parts of the country experiencing illness, a loss, or encountering a challenging experience. Each knitted shawl is blessed by the priest, and comes with a religious medal as well as a beautiful card. How nice to know that you can feel surrounded by thoughts and prayers from people who have never even met you.
In the News: A decision was made this week mandating the closure and mergings of close to fifty Catholic schools in my area due to financial instability. Many people in the community are outraged, and already beginning the appeal process. Having attended Catholic school as a child, I can attest to the strong sense of community each school has. I am saddened for the students, parents, and families of these schools and hope that some type of solution can be found. I hope that families will have the ability to choose the educational setting that is best for their children.
What I've Discovered: Pinterest! Enough said. Can I get a repin?
What I'm Missing: My family for sure. It's so hard to go home for a long vacation and be surrounded by family and then to return what has now become the norm, weekly phone calls, and visits every few months. It just never feels like quite enough time. How do you balance the idea that you are where you believe you're supposed to be but it just doesn't feel like the world is right when your family isn't within driving distance? On the other hand, it's been nice to be closer to my grandparents and other relatives. When my brother and I were younger, we saw them only a couple of times a year. Now, I can see them more often and their home starts to feel more familiar and more like home as well.
What's Made Me Laugh: There is a fantastic commercial advertising Robitussin in which a large gorilla gets out of bed and travels to the drugstore in search of the perfect cold remedy, adorned with a green scarf. Anyone seen it? Put a monkey in a real-life situation and you're bound to have hilarity. A dear friend from work also filled a night with more laughter than I've had in several weeks. She always entertains me with stories about her mischevious puggle, and some very interesting views on the Bible. For instance, did you know that you can refer to a chapter in the Bible as a cluster of verses? Many thanks to all of my friends who have helped remind me to laugh in the past few weeks.
Well, looks like we've made it through the first blog posting! Thanks for reading! Wishing all of you some quiet moments this week, a chance to reconnect with friends, a good belly-laugh, a warm pot-roast on a cold night, and perhaps a bright spot in your day that reminds you why you love your job (hopefully). Until next time, I'll borrow a line from Amy Potvin, an inspirational mother I know, "Blessings to all you love in this world."
What I'm Reading: The Help by Kathryn Stockett, a gift from my brother for Christmas. I meant to read the book before I saw the movie, but never got around to it. I am about halfway through, and it is an incredible piece of literature. It can be so easy to forget how different our culture was a mere fifty years ago, and how we treated those who were different from us. What will people say about our generation in fifty years? How far have we come in accepting the differences of others? How far do we still need to go?
What I'm Watching: I happened to stumble across the movie The Secret Life of Bees in my search for Lifetime Channel and Hallmark movies to add to the DVR. It was excellent. Has anyone read the book? I will also admit that I am a follower of The Bachelor. I'm not quite sure how I feel about Ben. He seems to be a little awkward, and doesn't initiate a lot of deep conversation before he literally dives into a hot-tub or swimming pool make-out session. The girls are entertaining as always, especially Blakely, who on Monday night's episode felt the need to seek emotional refuge crouched on the floor in between two suitcases. I don't have any favorites yet, time will tell.
What's Inspired Me: I received a unique gift in the mail this week. My grandmother's church has a prayer shawl ministry, a group of women who come together weekly to knit shawls that are given to those in the church community as well as in other parts of the country experiencing illness, a loss, or encountering a challenging experience. Each knitted shawl is blessed by the priest, and comes with a religious medal as well as a beautiful card. How nice to know that you can feel surrounded by thoughts and prayers from people who have never even met you.
In the News: A decision was made this week mandating the closure and mergings of close to fifty Catholic schools in my area due to financial instability. Many people in the community are outraged, and already beginning the appeal process. Having attended Catholic school as a child, I can attest to the strong sense of community each school has. I am saddened for the students, parents, and families of these schools and hope that some type of solution can be found. I hope that families will have the ability to choose the educational setting that is best for their children.
What I've Discovered: Pinterest! Enough said. Can I get a repin?
What I'm Missing: My family for sure. It's so hard to go home for a long vacation and be surrounded by family and then to return what has now become the norm, weekly phone calls, and visits every few months. It just never feels like quite enough time. How do you balance the idea that you are where you believe you're supposed to be but it just doesn't feel like the world is right when your family isn't within driving distance? On the other hand, it's been nice to be closer to my grandparents and other relatives. When my brother and I were younger, we saw them only a couple of times a year. Now, I can see them more often and their home starts to feel more familiar and more like home as well.
What's Made Me Laugh: There is a fantastic commercial advertising Robitussin in which a large gorilla gets out of bed and travels to the drugstore in search of the perfect cold remedy, adorned with a green scarf. Anyone seen it? Put a monkey in a real-life situation and you're bound to have hilarity. A dear friend from work also filled a night with more laughter than I've had in several weeks. She always entertains me with stories about her mischevious puggle, and some very interesting views on the Bible. For instance, did you know that you can refer to a chapter in the Bible as a cluster of verses? Many thanks to all of my friends who have helped remind me to laugh in the past few weeks.
Well, looks like we've made it through the first blog posting! Thanks for reading! Wishing all of you some quiet moments this week, a chance to reconnect with friends, a good belly-laugh, a warm pot-roast on a cold night, and perhaps a bright spot in your day that reminds you why you love your job (hopefully). Until next time, I'll borrow a line from Amy Potvin, an inspirational mother I know, "Blessings to all you love in this world."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)