Flashback Friday---Strawberry Festival

Growing up, we would always spend the first weekend of June at my grandparents' house in Ohio going to the Strawberry Festival.  We loved the Fair Queens and strawberry everything.

379.  That my cousins have the opportunity to serve at a camp in Missouri for much of the summer.
380.  That I bought my plane ticket to California (hooray!)
381.  That my roommate from all four years of college, Harmony, will still be out there

We were worried that she would have moved a week before I was scheduled to be in California, but that did not happen.  She was able to stay for an extra month and her husband got a job...that he can still have when they move.  (As Harmony says, "That doesn't happen every day.")  They had specifically prayed for a job so that they would not have to move, but it seems like the opposite has happened...and they are still coming out ahead.  (#382)

#383  Having lunch at the park with a dear friend

#384  Plantains with butter and Brown sugar for breakfast =yummy memories of Latin America

#385  The ease of cooking tofu for dinner

#386  A cabinet full of endless spice combinations

#387  Not having to please anyone with my dinner choices

#388  Being adventurous to try several things, even if they are "weird"

#389  Having a rx filled in a matter of minutes

#390  Not having any flat tires in a while...on my bike or car

#391  Not having rode my bike into work and getting the chance to run errands during my free time

#392  Getting gas at the cheapest station in town right before it went up 20 cents

#393  That my parents were able to have a relaxing weekend away in Cincinnati

#394  That I they brought me back some really good, unique groceries (i.e. edamame hummus) from Jungle Jim's 

#395  That the Cubs beat the Reds in the game they attended :)

#396  That they could see the Beach Boys live

#397  That John Stamos was with the Beach Boys

#398  That my little sister could be a bridesmaid in her roommate's wedding this weekend

#399  Keeping my cool in some pretty difficult moments

#400 Not finding my GPS and inviting my roommate on a walk instead of a solo run
#401  That I was able to handle difficult situations with a cool head

"Words are containers for power, and we can decide what kind of power we want to fill them with.  We can  complain or be thankful, we can encourage or discourage others, close doors of opportunity by the way we speak to others."--Joyce Meyer

After my post about violence, I saw a fight break out on my run yesterday.  It knocked the wind out of me and I almost teared up at the awful nastiness that was displayed between human beings.  It sounds strange, but I am thankful that things like that still affect me (#364).  I called the police, feeling like it was my civic duty, even though it was after the fact.  I am so thankful to have 911 (#365), to have police respond fairly quickly to concerns (#366), and that I could avoid being in the middle of the fight (#367).

In other really good news:
368. It is a 4-day workweek.
369.  It is Jeans Week.
370.  The donations go to the Red Cross.
371.  I got a chance to come home for lunch (saves some time in the mornings chopping up my usual salad).
372.  I was able to get out and enjoy the weather.
373.  Feeling at peace with myself has caused some very natural and productive therapy sessions.
374.  I had a chance to cover a coworker's Open Intake.
375.  I had almost all of my Open Intake slots covered for my time off.
376.  I had a great ride last night, especially with a friend for her first ride of the season.
377.  One of my friends just accepted a full time job in Florida, where her husband will be able to attend free classes.
378.  I get to ride my bike to work today.

"If you wake up believing you have a bad day, you will rarely be disappointed."--Joyce Meyer quoting someone else

Yesterday, my pastor talked about senseless violence.  The caveat to doing urban ministry is that you live this stuff.  You don't just preach about stuff that happens over there on that side of town--that side of town is your side of town, and the issue in your own front yard.  My pastor was talking about a domestic dispute that turned ugly enough to send his kids inside.  All 5 foot 4 of him went over and asked the couple (now arguing in the SUV) how he could help them.  I guess it threw them off a little and this couple were a little irritated with him.  The large man began arguing with him (my pastor had made the decision that getting laid out wasn't really that bad and was the worst that could happen) and eventually went around the sides of the SUV, still yelling at my smallish pastor.  Finally, the woman said, "Stop!  Don't do that!  He is a Christian!" (#360) Whatever it was worth, this guy was shown actin' a fool by my pastor keeping his mouth shut (#361).  I love his perspective on this:  he said when people in the neighborhood yell at each other, he knows who to pray for by name.  Those prayers have worked, because some of those people now attend church years later (#362).

I had my own sort of run in recently.  A woman was actin' a fool, arguing and yelling at me.  I was totally ok with who I was and was confident that what I was doin' was right, so I just calmly dealt with her (#363).  Well, it made her more mad, but eventually walking away from the conflict seemed to be the best alternative.  I have to share a list my pastor gave about ceasing violence and deescalating conflict.

1.  Know who you are.

• If this happens, names people call me and allegations people make against me don't mean much.

2.  Know what you can't control.

• I do this all the time in therapy, having kids draw a picture of their hands, then putting what they can control inside of it and what they can't control on the outside of it.

3.  Remove yourself from being abused.

• Honestly, as great as it sounds for an abuser to get better, this rarely happens, especially if the abusee stays in the situation.

4. Don't be violent or accuse others.

5." A soft answer turns away wrath."--Proverbs 16:5

6.  Confront with love, be honest

7.  Sometimes we have the opportunity to let it go

8.  Forgive completely 

• That ugliness only eats us up inside.

9.  Don't gossip.

• Ugly words spread like wildfire.

10.  Don't retaliate.

• The cycle of violence only increases in intensity and frequency over time.

11.  Live at peace (as much as it is up to you).

12.  Turn the other cheek and take the suffering yourself.  

• Interestingly enough, my pastor said that the concept in biblical times of "turning the other cheek" actually meant that if someone striked you on one side as a slave, let him strike you on the other side as an equal.

"An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth only leaves the world toothless and blind."--Ghandi

Memorial weekend

Yesterday, I was on call.  It was a beautiful day and I was very, very fortunate.  I had prayed that I would be able to go to church and to the two cookouts/bonfires I had planned (#350, 351, 352).  I was able to go to all three.  In fact, I wasn't even called until I had basically finished at my first BBQ and the second was right down the road from the hospital; I just went after I got off (#353).  It was an amazing day, with just hanging out with friends (#354).  I am completely amazed as to how much mindfulness has taught me (#355).  Last night, I was around the campfire, with a little boy in his plaid shirt and roasting marshmallows for everyone with a big stick, listening to the guitars playing, and looking up cloudy twilight sky through the tall trees.  I just thought "if I could capture this moment in a bottle, then it would be amazing (#356)."  I think my bottled memories collection may just have to find some more shelf space in my brain.

I was able to go in early today and got off just as it was getting sunny (#357).  I took a bike ride right when it started raining.  I turned around, be eventually decided to brave it.  It stopped the whole trip out (which was an answer to a prayer--#358) and then it rained on the way out.  Honestly, forty miles seemed to be what I needed to iron out the kinks in my aggravations (#359).  It began raining a few miles into the trip back. After the initial frustrations had subsided, I really began enjoying it and had a good ride back.  It was like a life lesson on two wheels.  The rain will come, but you sometimes got to keep riding.  And after a while, it just doesn't really seem that bad. :)

336.  That my eyes have healed.  Yay!
337.  The technology that we have that allows for doctors to put lenses in our eyes to see.
338.  Flexible Spending Money that is actually in my account to purchase these.
339.  Having an employer who pays for some of my medical, vision, and dental insurance.
340.  That I am forming some semblance of understanding about insurance.
341.  That I have never had a major medical issue that has bankrupted me (or my family).
342.  That there are few chronic health issues in my family.
343.  That even though heart disease runs in both sides of my family, my dad has begun exercising more and has significantly increased some of the factors which may lead to this.
344.  That I had a great, productive, but lazy day yesterday.
345.  That my day ended with a great cookout...complete with friends, good food, and a guitar (or two)

346.  That I have learned to be at peace so much, I can just enjoy the moment for what it is without striving for more.
347.  S'mores
348.  Having so many well-educated and amazing friends (and family), that they inspire me to do more.
349.  Meeting new people at a cookout and being invited to another one to tonight.

Working Memorial Day could stink.  But here are a few reasons why it doesn't.

322.  Extra money when I didn't really have plans anyway.
323.  Holiday pay. :)
324.  I got to do two out of three of my on call shifts on the same weekend and still get a day to myself (allowing for me to travel and do other things other weekends).
325.  It makes me actually stick around and do things I need to do.
326.  Hello long bike rides and runs (see 325).
327.  No overnight shifts this weekend.
328.  Sleeping in on Sat.=just what I needed.
329.  Every time I am on call, I see it as an experience to grow and learn.  It definitely pushes me out of my element.
330.  I still get to go to a cookout with friends.
331.  What is that big thing that it 500 miles and involves fast cars?  Yeah, not really into that.  Even if I was born and raised a Hoosier.

Other random thoughts:
332.  The upside to not folding laundry for 5 days:  I know that I won't be wearing the same thing again soon.
333.  My roommate has begun eating healthier and exercising more.
334.  Six days...that was the longest Chelsi could go without television.
335.  Hoarding shows=good motivation for cleaning.

312.  Apparently, this list I am making here seems to have some psychological benefits.  Oprah said so.
http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/an-attitude-of-gratitude-seeing-good-helps-you-feel-better-0522134

313.  I am super happy to be done with my paperwork by 4:15pm on a Friday before Memorial Day weekend.  (Even though I am on call.)

314.  Sometimes, that kids need a "record" button.  (Telling them about moving my office across the hall.)
Kid:  Did that dollhouse come with the office?
Me:  No.
Kid:  Is it yours?
Kid:  I am [in upper elementary school] and still play with toys.
Me:  Well, she is 22.
Kid:  How old are you?
Me:  Older than that.  Older than dirt.
Kid:  Who's dirt?

315.  A trip to the optomotrist today confirmed that I had an infection, but that it should be healing on its own and that I don't have to pay for another round of $80 rx eye drops.  Yay!

316.  Those lubricating eye drops I almost bought at the store?  Good thing I didn't, because I just got some free from the eye dr.

317.  Friday night, I had no plans.  I was exhausted, but still wanted to get out for a bit.  A 20-mile bike ride helped and kicked my exercising hours up for the week.

318.  A text message conversation with a friend, who told me that she had been informed that you couldn't get pregnant from having sex once (from a mom).

319.  That all the flowers are coming out and the Greenway is growing in.

320.  Taking care of a billing mistake from the dr. with few problems.

321.  The fact that I have at least one full day off this weekend.

Flashback Friday--a birthday for the dolls

This weekend, being the unofficial start to summer, I thought that a picture of how we spent our long summer days would be appropriate.

Last weekend, I left my makeup at my sister's apartment.  As if that wasn't enough, I then got a double eye infection that left my peepers resembling something from Twilight.  I think that there is a lesson to be learned about real beauty from this.  So here is my list.

298.  That my infection only became bad at the end of the day
299.  That my last appointment canceled, allowing me to get home faster and trash my contacts
300.  That I still have extra contacts at the house (even though I won't be wearing them for a few days)
301.  This conversation I had today:  (a kid to me) "I like your glasses".  Me:  "Thanks, I have to wear them for a few days."  Kid:  "Yay!"   Me:  "Yay for eye infections!"
302.  That I had leftover rx eye drops from the last time this happened (this Mom and Dad, is why it isn't good to throw things away)
303.  That they are getting better
304.  That I have cute, stylish glasses to wear in the meantime (refer to #301)
305.  That my beauty is more than just skin deep
306.  That I had put my eyeliner in my backpack right before I left Olivet
307.  That I had extra unused make-up sitting around
308.  That this has not really caused me much trauma
309.  That doing my hair instead of my make-up caused someone to tell me that it looked "pretty" yesterday
310.  That I can use the opportunity to assess my vanity
311.  That my worth is more than rubies or gold (or chemically produced powder)

Tragedies always bring blessings

A friend of mine from college lives in Moore, OK.  My heart breaks as I read her Facebook posts about being in the basement with her elementary school class and how her home was less than a mile from the damage.  But I know that amazing things are going to come from this.  She was kept safe and so was her family (#287), her home is still intact (#288), and she is an amazing person who can shine light at a time that it is difficult to see any good (#289).  Please pray for Becca.

I think that everyday celebrations don't make tragedies quite so bad, even if they are heartbreaking.

So, here is my list for the day:

290.  PB2.  Low fat peanut butter chocolate smoothies=delicious!

291.  Walking ministry with my church=some good conversations with amazing people

292.  Having a free phone consult with a dietitian

293.  The dietitian being a little unsure how to help me eat better 

294.  Getting some of my questions answered (and challenging the dietitian to research some things on her own)

295.  How people's true character is always eventually revealed

296.  Having more than enough clothes to wear if I skip a week of laundry

297.  Having my last appointment for the day cancel

My alma mater.  (And soon to be my sister's!)

I love this new trend of treating prom like a proposal.

I am thankful for breaks exactly when I need them (#271).   I am thankful for bike rides with friends (#272) and newbies on their maiden voyages (#273).  I am thankful for smooth mornings and productive therapy sessions (#274).  I am thankful for completing therapy with difficult cases (#275) and watching clients make progress (#276).  I am thankful for the way difficult times bring friends together (#277).  I am thankful that doors have closed in my life when I couldn't shut them myself (#278).  I am thankful for a working car (#279) and the gas to get to work every day (#280).  I am thankful for technology that makes my bike lightweight (#281), my discounted aero bars (#282), clip shoes and pedals (#283 & #284), free leftovers from my mom (#285), and friends who have completed the Texas Ironman in amazing times, inspiring me to possibly do the same someday (#286).

This weekend, I helped my little sister look for housing for grad school.  The fear of the great unknown can sometimes wreck havoc on one's emotional state.  So I prayed for peace, that the right doors would open, that we would meet someone at a party who could help us, and that we would meet someone interesting.

We looked at a few places close to the university that were pricey, but seemed to be about the going rate for the area.  Then we went to the university and gandered around.  We went shopping at Whole Paycheck (Whole Foods) (#238) and got some delicious coffee at Caribou (#239) (quote:  "There is still some good in the world" [referring to the massive store closings nationwide].  

Later, we went to a fondue party at a friend's place (#240).  We met a friend of a friend who had a condo in the same village as the school for several hundred dollars less a month than the apartments we found.  She can't lease it out right now due to building regulations, but is attempting to change those (#241).

We met someone who introduced us to Chakra, which I have to admit was a little over my head, but the exposure to something so different was interesting (#242).  I am sure I will do my own research in the days and weeks to come.

Nothing is finalized yet, but I firmly believe everything will work itself out.

The list of blessings that I have seemed to be forever long this weekend. I don't think I can cover all of it.

#243  Good food
#244  Good friends
#245  Clearance sandals
#246  A good church where my sister is actively attending
#247  Meeting the right people at the right time
#248  The fact that even if I give a bad first impression, my friends can love me anyway
#249  That my sister has found a grad program as unique as she is
#250  Time this weekend to relax
#251  Helping my sister learn her new bike
#252  Having groceries in my fridge still when I got home
#253  That my (and now my sister's) grad school is so beautiful...seriously, walking the halls and around campus can just be a treat
#254  Frank Lloyd Wright houses that are all over the neighbor where the school is
#255  That gas in Indiana is not nearly as expensive as Chicago (or Bourbonnais)
#256  Unlimited salad bars
#257  That all my grades are done for school
#258  That my night the other night in the ER went smoothly
#259  That God saves me from making mistakes at work
#260  Good conversations with friends while traveling
#261  That all the Sunday School confusion worked itself out while I was gone
#262  That I may have been saved from a very busy weekend trip in a few weeks
#263  Fair Oaks Farms
#264  Safe travels
#265  No tickets or major traffic problems
#266  Salted dark chocolate caramels (my mouth waters just thinking about these)
#267  Having time to run after I got home
#268  Being able to be in Chicago for the weekend
#269  Having the flexibility to go visit my sister for the weekend
#270  Answered prayers

Flashback Friday--Academy prom

Prom 2000

Who gets the date for prom wrong???

Me.

Yup, I thought prom was on a Saturday night instead of Friday.  So I was out with a friend, doing last min. preparations, and I got back home to a phone call asking where I was.  Apparently, my date waited outside my house for hours and finally went to Taco Bell.  (A good case for cell phones.)  So I quickly called my mom, who was coming back from my grandparents' house and got ready for prom in 20 minutes.  Yup, I got ready while my date was in my parents' living room.

As we rolled away in a brown van, I was totally mortified.  Now I just feel sorry I was so inconsiderate.  And that kids, is why you don't do drugs.  (Never done them Mom, don't worry!)

Flashback Friday

 

This Flashback Friday is late because I had a specific picture I wanted.  I had to scour through lots of photo albums, but by golly, it was right under my nose.

 

My own graduation from Olivet 2006.

 

I was reminicising about this during the weekend of my sister's graduation.  I also seemed to tell a lot of stories that started out with "This one time Taylor and I..."

Sometimes, little people can bring a smile to my face, like these little visitors.  (#232)

Today, I conquered my fear of riding my bike in the rain (#233) and actually enjoyed it (#234).

I am grateful to get out of work at a decent time and have dinner already done (#235) and to have signed up for getting decent shifts for signing up for on call days. (#236)  I enjoy playing basketball at work with my kids and just getting a chance to love on them.  (#237)

Wow...saying my family is blessed is quite an understatement.

 My cousin had a baby...the first great grandchild of all the cousins on both sides. (#220)

My little sister graduated from college.  (#221)  Now everyone on my family has a bachelor's degree.  (#222)  And amazingly, all three of us finished in four years, no matter what it took.  (#223)  I am sooo proud of her.

The events of the weekend further confirmed future plans I had already been contemplating.  (#224)

We celebrated Mother's Day(#225) and my mom's promotion (#226) on Sunday with family.  

And we were saved from disasters that could have been much worse, like witnessing a fatal accident (we stopped for cheese just in time) (#227) and finding a scorched pillow that could have easily turned into a fire. (#228)

We had lots of laughs...including my aunt's impromptu pedicure for my cousin...because his toenails were dirty.  (#229)

The weekend finished off with a little Cinco de Mayo fun (#230)

and my sister scouring through lots of graduation cards with a friend. (#231)

Flashback Friday--Kristen's graduation

 

Tomorrow is my little sister's graduation from college.  It only seems like last year she was graduating from preschool.

Just when I need it most

This is the way my day started out:

Devotions:  "But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed.  You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you.  These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord, the vindication will come from me.  I, the Lord, have spoken!"--Isaiah 54:17

Then I prayed that God would give me affirmation of why I was still in my job.

Then I heard a sermon about how people who are in leadership positions would have more criticism and enemies than those not in them.

Then I had a client who told me that I had saved not only her life, but the lives of three other people she knew.  She told me how much she appreciated me and had heard about how great I was from other people she knew.  She told me that I would "make a killin'" if I ever decided on my own private practice.  That balances out the sometimes difficult moments of being a therapist.  (#212)

My other days have been spent getting in as many bike rides as possible and just getting outdoors. (#213) The beauty of my job is that I have a lot of flexibility as to where I go.  (#214)  So...I have been having lots of outdoor therapy.  I think I have a sunburn.  It has been a long winter...

  

My days have been blessed and filled with pizza and shopping trips with family, (#215), coffee and guidance from trusted friends, (#216) baseball games with friends (and a run and a hit from my favorite junior higher!), (#217)

 practical jokes.  (#218)  (I ran 1 1/2 miles through campus holding this sign.  The beer was an end of the run treasure.)