A Reflection of My Emotions

After work Friday I was supposed to go to meet a friend. Since every other meeting was pretty structured, I was not aware of whether or not he could fly by the seat of his pants. Little did I know this would soon be found out.
Willy Wonka and I were supposed to meet up at Starbucks. Unfortunately, when I got home, put all my stuff away and got ready to go to Starbucks I opened the door and it was freezing.  I normally don't mind and I put it on extra layers, but for some reason that just did not come to mind at the moment. I let him know that we should meet somewhere closer to my house and he had no problem with this sudden change of plans. He met me at the new designated location and then we decided to go to a nearby restaurant. A few minutes after we got in the restaurant an older couple walks in. The man looked familiar, but I could not place him.
“Hi Kimi”
Uh oh! “Hello sir”
And then explained that I know him from somewhere but I wasn't sure where even though I looked at his jacket and it had Numotion embroidered on it. Why do I know that name I was thinking... I then asked him and he refresh my memory. He did so by reminding me of the fantastic adventures we've had. Him repairing My Hotrod at Starbucks, over the phone, at my house and at NuMotion. I then began explaining how awesome he is to his girlfriend and then I remembered that.             Willy Wonka was sitting as a table by himself. I look over there and he's talking with somebody else about the awesome wood carving on his walking stick. I finally get back home and crawled into bed realizing that tomorrow would be my birthday.
Springing out of bed that morning and realizing that it was my birthday, I remembered that there was a wrestling tournament going on that I wanted to go to. I wasn't sure if anyone from work would be available to take me so I put on my intentions  on Facebook... Can I please have a ride to the wrestling tournament? Right after I got done posting that, I thought of the man I met the night before and the discussions we had. I decided to ask him and he said he would take me as long as we could do x y and z with his children (okay so is only x but that doesn't sound right so it says x y and z). Additional things came to mind that I needed to get done that day and I let him know what was going on to see if I should get them done before we went to the tournament or when it was over.  After describing his availability I decided that we could do them after because the tournament was scheduled to get over around 5.
We met up and went in the tournament and I was able to see most of West students wrestle as well as see a coach and a few students that I don't see everyday.
     Unfortunately we had to leave before the absolute land but I was supposed to see the places most of our students earned.
    On the way home I asked if I could stop by the store and was reminded that we could because it would be snowy the next day. So we made it to the store and I got the few “necessities” to include a folder to organize a students papers. I have it in my head that I had put her papers in an empty folder that I already had on my wheelchair and when I got home to pull them out of the mm2 folder they will not there! I was completely panic! For what seemed like many grueling hours I was going through every single thing I had. About the time I was going to give up and looks like she employee that was not able to keep track of anything, I remembered at the end of the day how I dropped the paper off the bedroom just in case I got sick or something happened and I was not able to make it work. I also located other folders for potential students and I felt like I had won the golden ticket!
Even after the totally exciting and neurologically stimulating day, I woke up feeling down and out on Sunday. I thought “For sure I can make it to Church,” when I remembered the reason for stopping by the store. I glanced outside and there was no way I can make it to Church - although it was not that deep of snow even small amounts of snow ruin paths for my  Hot Rod.

Thoughts of the rest of my day's plans raced through mt my mind.  “Go to Church Kimi, at least TRY to go to Church. I rolled out the door and headed to Church with um …with the path being clear, I arrived at Church and was welcomed with great hugs and a warm beverage. The sermon (2 Sandal 11:1-27) was filled with such wonderful reminders and Pastor Brian's hilarious sense of humor and way of delivering concepts from ancient days into something more understandable today warmed up my heart! I am so excited spend time with my family tonight and have a wonderful week! Join me!
I didn't really reflect my emotions, or maybe I did but I suppose now you can see why I may seem everywhere.

Hold on to Your Britches!

Alright I'm sure you've seen the last story Divine Intervention #11318; even though it was first thing in the morning I thought, “Well today is a kind of stay in the house day with snow coming and such.” I had convinced myself that heading home and actually watching a TV show would be so calm and nice. One thing led to another and I ended up at a grocery store. After getting the one item I need it I left and even though I had on the back of my wheelchair I saw a coupon I just got on my receipt and decided hey I'm going to stop by Hungry Howie's Pizza just to try it. I'm sure they have to have something without bread.
I rolled into the pizza store and I start ordering a roundabout way of ordering and then I finally look at the pizza guy. “hey, you look a lot like my cousin  ….. I was trying my darndest to remember his name and then I thought of it as he told me his name. Nate! By golly it is my cousin! I have not seen him in a long time (thanks for reminding me of that Nate because I think everything happened just yesterday). After meeting another customer who swears by this flavored crust pizza, I used the coupon I just got on the back of my King Soopers receipt and left with two amazing pizzas! See my cousin hard at work was absolutely amazing! I'm telling him that I have a cousin that looks just like him was hilarious because he was like it's me :-) love you Nate!

Divine intervention #11318

Divine intervention  #11318 …… Okay, so I am God's favorite!
After making my normal Saturday morning trips to Starbucks and the bank, it was a little chilly but I didn't think it would snow. When I came out of the bank it was lightly sprinkling but by the time I got home and sprinkling was like falling shards of glass hitting my face. I pulled  into Safeway to let it pass and do a little shopping. All of a sudden I look outside and it is snowing not just little place is coming down crazy. My intentions were to head home grab something and bring it back to the bank but it looked like that was not going to happen. Being that this is Colorado with amazing, predictable  weather, it was only a few minutes later that it became amazingly sunny again. I made it back to the bank. I was talking to my bank lady when someone peeked in the door and asked if I would talk to her daughter when I'm done. She explained that her daughter was in a wheelchair and I became super excited. I was thinking of my recent meeting with Fred Reynolds, Chuck and his daughter. I was glad that I carry my book on my hot rod by sitting on it.
Soon her daughter and I were face to, well wheelchair to wheelchair. Her daughter is Michael-Ann and after only a few minutes of chatting she explained that she also goes to a Calvary Chapel, but the one in Monument. I felt like we definitely have a connection and have amazing things to share with one another. The beginning of yet another amazing divine intervention!

The Best Medicine!

My neighbor friend came over last night and she was helping me do miscellaneous tasks in my apartment. Oh wait that's right, she came over so we could share dessert together and that is when she cooked oatmeal on a skillet and we ate it off a plate. Now that I am putting this into writing, it's nowhere near as hilarious as having your occasional ride to church, esthetician, beautiful Filipino neighbor come over and so elegantly says she's preparing dessert. Pulls out a pan and later places the cooked instant oatmeal on a paper plate in front of you. I forgot why I made the rule that I have people out of my house by 8 leaving time for my brain to settle down reaching a normal racing speed by 10 o'clock, 9 if we're lucky.
           After laughing hysterically, talking to her husband, meeting his family in Montana via FaceTime, and sharing what she considers wonderful household accommodations I have (thanks for the blow dryer holder Ma), my bed was calling me. Morning would come all too quickly.
           I didn't wake up before my alarm and I didn't even wake up with an encouraging poem in mind. My workout was cut down to... only the in-house workout? Did I do a workout? The ride to work was absolutely delightful, my hilarious mother knows exactly how to make me see the funny side of almost any situation. Work was great - - being able to support students and see them succeed makes every minute worth it.
As the work day came to an end a friend was finalizing plans for tomorrow when Pops looked at the clock and said we're going to run by this restaurant if you think we have time. In my head I was thinking “No way… it is against the law to do anything after work before I go home,” but I said “of course Daddy I just have to be home by 4:30.” He made sure I wanted to try and make it and before I could make up my mind we were in and out of line with yummy treats in toe. Talk about life being so much more exciting when you can find joy in the small things.
Wow... I was just trying to proofread this and I am all over the place when I write. Although that doesn't seem very coherent I'm going to leave it and hope you have an absolutely beautiful night... Maybe it's time to eat my after work treat!
I know this isn't feeling now, it's so great when you just want to cry but you can't help but laugh! Laughter is definitely the best medicine!

There is a first time for everything... And a second

There is a first time for everything... And a second
I would say there is a first time for everything but this happens almost every weekend…
Heading from Academy and Austin Bluffs I seem to drive off the sidewalk into the loose gravel. Every other time I've been on Academy when my Hot Rod veers into the rocks and extremely kind citizens jump out of their car and help me. It's normally a car or two people. However, today I happened be heading back to the bank and I was on a side street where there are not many cars passing. Suddenly I veered into the rocks and I knew that if I tried to get out of the rocks my wheels would spin and dig deeper and deeper; I know this because I had done it before on Academy. After letting My Hotrod have intermittent brakes and trying again and failing, I did what the firefighters have told me to do when I get in trouble… call 911. Station 10 is very very I would most likely be the ones to respond. Sure enough I called  and in a few minutes Truck 10 showed up! there were a couple of my friends and new people. New people? That's why I was going to Starbucks, to meet new people but it looks like that was taken care of with one little mistake. I guess the moral of that story is don't always view a mistake as bad because awesome events can occur!
Thank God for the amazing people I've met, the amazing people I meet, and those I have yet to meet.

To buy shoes or not buy shoes, that is the question!

Mama and I went to Mountain Chalet to order the ballet looking Vibrams. I always thought I was a fantastic sales lady because I think I might have been a great salesperson when I worked at The Buckle my junior year of high school.
I knew that deep down inside I was convinced to keep the Vibrams that that I'd been trying not to wear on on the pavement so they were still eligible to be returned, but when I had another person (my mom) tell me I should not return them I almost cried...lol.
For several days I had been only wearing them inside buildings and when I was able to wear them to work on Fridays, I would walk into work wearing them under my Crocs to prevent wearing them on the pavement. I was doing everything possible to make sure they were still returnable. Then the day finally came, I had a ride to Mountain Chalet and I was going to return the pair I'd been trying out and order a more professional pair.
I sat down and began talking to Cathy, my Vibram expert at Mountain Chalet. She knew that my plan was to return the Vibrams I had been trying out before I ordered the fancier Vibrams. This was something she had suggested because of the return policy. The fancier Vibrams have a very thin sole so she let me try out a pair that has a similar sole before placing my order.
When I explained the shoes to my mother and told her the exciting benefits, I'm not sure she was sold on the idea. However, today when Kathy was explaining all the benefits and I shared how my foot was already changing… I was convinced to keep the pair I had been trying out even though I had been bending over backwards make sure that they were still returnable, and order the other pair.
The fantastic saleswoman award I thought I had goes to Cathy. And I'm super excited to realize that my conscience is kicking back in. Along the same line, the calmness of my right arm is also kicking back in. I've spent so many years dealing with uncontrollable shaking my right arm that I forget to use it. It might take a little bit longer to complete tasks using my right arm but it is a lot more calm.
I'm not too sure that is very coherent but proofreading things on a cell phone is difficult. This might be but I'm not making any promises. I hope you had an amazing weekend and that this week is the absolute best week yet!

Makes My Heart Happy!

Assisting in a classroom today I overheard a student talking about why a student behaves when he does. It happened to be one of my students so I listened more intently. When she was done I asked her what made her think that and she told me that she talked to his mom and found out what his condition is called and then researched it. Let me remind you I work at a middle school, I may be selling myself short here but I'm not sure that in 7th grade I would have researched another human being’s behavior.
After previously being in the class with a student getting mad because the need for differential treatment is not understood, like a light bulb turned on in a dark room, I now see the difference in 6th and 7th graders. Besides just getting light bulb that the earlier class was sixth grade and the later was 7th, seeing a middle schooler go to anyone to learn about another student makes my heart happy!

The Day..

Woke up at 4:30 and got ready. Appointment is at 8:30 so I needed breakfast. After showering. I jumped in the hot rod and went to a nearby restaurant. The restaurant was occupied by two managers who are both German.  Their accent make me so excited! I told them about the health restrictions I have and they built me this amazingly fantastic breakfast unwich.

I am so thankful that God puts these amazing people in my life to sit and talk with about everything under the sun! Next, at Starbucks Mark from Pulpit Rock who serves in the youth ministry lifted my spirits simply by being who he is.

Oh my gosh I just opened Jesus Always and read today's devotion... After crying on the way home from breakfast and freaking out as I was at the store looking for flavoring for my coffee, this hit me like a ton of bricks (Was dictated while waiting for my appointment).

9/6 Jesus Always by Sarah Young

I broaden the path beneath you so that your ankles do not turn. I don't want you to focus overly much on what is ahead of you -- wondering whether you'll be able to cope with it. Only I know what your future really holds. Moreover, I am the only One who fully understands what you are capable of. Finally, I can alter your circumstances - - gradually or dramatically. In fact, I can widen the path that you are walking on right now.

I want you to realize how intricately involved in your life I am. I delight in taking care of you -- “tweaking” the situation you are in, to spare you from unnecessary hardship. Remember that I am a shield for all who take refuge In Me. North Park in this adventurous journey is to trust Me, communicate with Me, and walk with Me and steps of joyful dependence. I will not  remove  all adversity  from your life, but I will widen the path you are traveling on -- to bless and keep you from harm.

Psalm 18:36; Psalm 18:30; Numbers 6:24 NKJV

Taking most of the day, the appointment was amazing and Ma amazed me by her calm, cool, and collected self. I arrived home and received a work related call and have another appointment with my doctor who is from West Africa per the district’s request.  While that call was ending a new helper showed up at my house and she is from West Africa too! While my doctor is from Nigeria, she is from Cameroon!  I love connections!!!!

I am SUPER EXCITED to go to work tomorrow.

Overflowing with Excitement!

Overflowing with Excitement!
Today has been the best day yet! Every morning I have a class with a teacher who is new and she is absolutely amazing. I don't know if it's because she went to school as a child so she knows fantastic Westside way of life or what but she is absolutely amazing! And I even get to go to her class twice! Throughout the day there are ups and downs; there was a time that I was in a teacher's classroom feeling like I was not doing what I has been called to do even though this year feels a thousand times better than last, I just wasn't sure about...about…. What am I saying? I'm sure about everything every day this year has gone so perfectly! I absolutely love my job and I absolutely love my life and everything so perfect! Anyway back to the story... I went into that teachers classroom (the teacher's classroom where I felt like I wasn't sure…) and she gave me a shout out to all of her students. She went on about judging people and telling all her students how they better not judge me because I have a story and if they have time to ask me about what happened... And they were so receptive. All of this happened so fast I didn't know what to think although I was able to describe to my housekeeper/ taxi driver what happened, it really had not sunk in.
Throughout the day I realized that I needed to purchase something but it's something that's not that easy to find. I found it once before at the Ross in front of my house but that was awhile ago and it was the only one. I decided to take my chances and go look at the store for another one but on the way I had checked my mail. In my mail was a replica of the ring I was given at the Star Trek convention because I do not want memories to be gone. Although I think the ring is a little smaller and isn't exactly the same, it still carries the memories! I was elated! Unable to focus on one thing,I was at the store where I tore open the package to find the ring but then I went over to the area of the item I was looking for and I only find one but I purchase two and actually there were maybe even three of the exact items that I needed! So to recap the teachers I work with are absolutely amazing, the replacement Star Trek ring arrived in the mail, a store had an overabundance of something I just discovered I needed today even daily happenings, finding the item in stock is rare, and when I finally made it to Starbucks to let my thoughts process, my favorite Bradley stopped by and listened to my whole story even though I was crying and probably not speaking clearly at all! I am so thankful for my absolutely amazing job. Everyday after having time to reflect on the events of each day, I am overflowing with excitement of all the wonderful things that I get to witness!

I Do it For Them?

I Do It For Them?
More than once, whether intentionally or unintentionally, I have been encouraged not to voice my opinion or thoughts. Today after Church and a brief visit to Starbucks, I had lunch and then decided to go on a hunt. I was hunting for something exciting to eat for dinner. I had already been to Safeway and realized they had set up bricks to grill blocking the way for wheelchair to have access through one route. I attempted to fit my wheelchair through the space and a catastrophe was created. I went around after explaining how they need to move it because although I can go on the street, not everyone that's in a wheelchair has that ability. Then I went on adventure to another store in search of different items. I was gone for quite a while and then I needed to go back to Safeway. I went back and they had not moved anything. While apologizing and giving what were probably viable excuses, I really began feel bad for raising search an issue. I was approached several times by different employees apologizing and saying that the setup will be changed.  As I mentioned, this really was not an issue for me, but for others who have no voice. After looking around the grocery store for a good hour, I was approached by an employee who thanked me for causing an issue about the location of the grill. I told him I was sorry that I caused such a problem and that it really isn't that big of an issue and he said that he had told them not to put it there but they did anyway. "Now maybe they will move it to location I suggested first. So after feeling really bad for causing such a ruckus, I learned that I am not necessarily only a voice for those who can't speak, but for those who can speak but are not listened to. I'm sure this going to ruffle some feathers and start a great conversation, but I hope it does. People, including myself, need to communicate more. Side note, my way of communicating is texting or writing so then I can reread it later and maybe I sent the wrong thing via text but it will be corrected in time. Time that will be sped up it is brought to my attention. After a very stressful day I am super excited to re-listen to today's sermon!

Fine Motor Skills in Your Feet?!?

I was extremely stressed about the weekend coming because I wasn't sure what to do. I thought it would be fun to go to the Friday Afternoon Club with my coworkers however prior obligations that I forgot about took priority. So after arriving home I decided to do something out of the norm and go to Starbucks to self-reflect (sarcasm about the change in the location of self reflecting will come at a later time). After rolling into Starbucks there was a bigger crowd for a typical Friday night but I had no complaints. I went over to the table designated for wheelchairs and the table next to it was occupied. I can't even remember what started the conversation which kind of leads me to think that I did not start it for once! Beware because after he reads this if this is read by him, I might be corrected. Actually I just remembered… he was wearing those sock shoes and I really want to know about them! Never before have I met another person who got super excited about something they were passionate about until I met this person. All those with working hard at the other table, he joined me and explain details about shoes.
Every tear and stressful thought about work left my mind -- sock shoes had now taken precedence. Everything starts somewhere so I need to start with marbles, pens, and other objects that will strengthen certain parts of my feet, maybe the fine motor skills of my feet!?! I will pretend practicing daily and I hope to be graduated to sock shoes soon!
Now I have our weekend planned and perhaps it's time to close up shop. See ya ‘round!

The Elevator Key!

I felt really weird at work today and I felt like everyone was talking about me just like a middle schooler… and I thought I lost my elevator key. Lost my elevator key? I was terribly upset and I was thinking of what could have happened. I mean I was thinking of every little detail - - the stories got a little confused as to had happened on consecutive days… was it when I went flying off to sidewalk onto an extremely busy road or when I was coming home from Starbucks when I was rescued by two women who were sitting in their car in a parking lot as I went calmly and patiently traveling towards Starbucks? On this trip the speed of my hotrod unknowingly accelerated and I flew off the seat into the grass tucking and rolling with toes pointed and everything? Hey, I'm doing really good at recalling stories on my way home. “I bet it got lost when I wrecked off the side of the road and it flew into to the grass last week.” what would happen when I  went back and have no elevator key? Oh no Kimi, the school is already short on elevator keys... I got home I looked on my teacher purse from last year and there was, my elevator key! Not only was this a huge relief, but it reminded me that I want to put my elevator key on my badge this year! Sadly a zipper broke off my last year's teacher's purse that I thought was indestructible so I had to order a new one. Oh! I ordered a new purse, that's right! Although it was supposed to be here a day or so late. I ran out to check the mail and what did I find but the new school purse! I got to spend quality time with my step-mom (well maybe only I consider it quality time) as she was rearranging all of the key chains and gadgets hanging off my teacher purse. What an amazing end to my day that was filled with utter excitement!

It's all about them toes, ‘bout them toes…

It's all about them toes, ‘bout them toes…
Getting back on my trike this morning I decided it would be good to save elliptical workouts for during the school year. After riding my trike while Grandpa kept track of my laps (now that I've been told that I have very horrible immediate recall, I recognize all the ways that I compensate for it but it's just the way of life, no biggie), I was off to get a pedicure. I arrived very early just to be sure that morning traffic would not delay my arrival and little did I know there was a much more exciting reason I left early. When I first got to International Salon Spa Academy there were a few co-workers there who helped me make a decision on a wonderful color polish. Of course they were checking out while I was talking to them and this caused me to draw very unfortunate conclusions.
I had a wonderful lady who gave me a pedicure and painted my toes with a wonderful yellow! After having a fantastic conversation while magic was worked on my weird foot, I was directed to a place for additional product to compliment with my new polish- excitement! As I was headed to the nearby store to get the additional product, I heard a lady chasing mw saying that I did not pay for my services. I turned around had my badge on and showed it to her and said I thought this was complimentary service to educators. She said oh well it is... What school do you work at? That is where I drew unfortunate conclusions. I thought that my badge was completely visible although I did have my huge black purse on and it was probably covering up my badge. I also assumed that talking with the other group of District 11 employees was a giveaway. However I do credit them in the fact that it was pretty busy. Because I was asked what school I work for and all of that jazz when I made the appointment, I didn't exactly know that you had to check out and it wouldn't be with the same person who checked in with and told your whole life story to. Next I wasn't ready to go home so I decided stop in a restaurant. Unfortunately it was very lightly sprinkling when I headed to the restaurant. I take awhile to decide even though I wasn't hungry so I was just going to get a drink and while I was deciding I received a text message that Esam and Asad wanted to take me out for dinner. By this time it was only lightly sprinkling so I knew I could race home and put up my hotrod.
During dinner we unintentionally met how many their friends and it was absolutely awesome! Our server could tell by by their accent that they are from where she is from or nearby. It warms my heart to see people make connections with others. Even though approximately 99.7% of the time Asad and Esam were speaking Arabic and I had no idea what they were saying, Esam would occasionally enlighten me. There were even times that he just told me what was going on. I would get extremely excited when things that Elias had taught me would resurface in my mind. It was childlike excitement when I would just blurt it out not having any idea what it meant, but it was the fact that I remembered!
My eyelids are growing heavier and heavier. Today I realized much like I do everyday that  I absolutely miss the students and the adventures of each day at work, and I am so ready to get back to some sort of schedule in life. It is wonderful that every day is scheduled for being unscheduled! I did have my summer as scheduled as possible, but that too was scheduled for being unscheduled chaos! Life is good :-)! It’s all about them toes because I have extremely beautiful yellow toes and I even was given the polish they used as part of the pedicure! Yay!

Reflection

On occasion I forget things in the microwave not finding them until the next time the microwave is used which is sometimes the next morning. After I went to the psychologist and he said that I have no memory, he continued and wondered how I hold a job and am in the living situation I am. This explains so much of my life; the crazy idiosyncrasies I have are making so much sense. Whether it is because I'm noticing more often when I forget things or perhaps it is the self-fulfilling prophecy taking over (my favorite psychological term learned).            
This afternoon, after trike riding I was going to make something for lunch. I found something amazing and put in microwave but while it was warming up I opened the fridge and found something else that I thought I better eat. Forgetting about what was in the microwave I turned on the stove and begin to cook. Out of sight, out of mind! So again it's reinforcing (to myself) why I travel around work with my schedule visible to me at all times.
This also explains why I have several alarms going off my phone to remind me of one event. The  appointment with my psychologist seems to be something I will reflect on constantly.

Right on Track!

Right on Track!
Feeling a little off today, I got almost completely ready for church, opened the door and it was pouring, I remembered that I had done things out of order and went to brush my teeth. When I looked back outside before turning on my computer so I could listen to Church on the internet, the rain had stopped! Talk about instant answer to prayer!  Just like The Exodus account of Moses parting the Red Sea but on a smaller scale.
      A lot of things were mentioned today and it seemed like God speaking directly to me encouraging me to be patient. On the converse it was mentioned how things may not seem to be going your way but God has something far better. Whether it's only the timing that's not right or a whole host of other variables, it's just not part of His perfect plan.  It was said that the pastor was waiting for someone who would put up with him. Now that this has been accomplished, it is so awesome that Pastor Brian is celebrating his 35th Anniversary and I I am very excited for Pastor Brian and Janine.
           So far this blog has taken me about 3 hours. I start crying uncontrollably… but then laughing at myself hysterically. I suppose this might be what is referred to as the hard part of trusting God, knowing that He has the best planned for you but it will occur in His time. His time? When I first wrote that before I had to take a break I was going to go direction of "when will His time be wa wa wa," ch but on my break God showed me a picture of I do not want when looking back over my life. I could settle now or wait. I choose to wait because my heart must have changing to do.
I am no longer feeling a little off. After spending so much time in my mind (a pretty scary place to be as I was reminded today) I guess this is exactly what I needed, I am right on track!

School starts this week and although I was nervous the other day as I talked with other educators, now I'm super excited and can't wait!

Field Trip!

Field Trip!
After being invited to go on a field trip with my mom and nephew, I set aside my Starbucks time and agreed to go. Although I really didn't seem like my type of adventure, my experiences today definitely altered my preconceived notions. With that being said, I was off to the Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center. In the recent past God's been changing my heart. I do a lot of things that I never would have seen myself doing. Besides the incentive of going out to lunch, which is a huge plus in Kimi’s life, I thought of the quality time I'll be able to spend with my mom and my nephew! I am definitely learning that spending quality time with people is priceless!
While on this priceless field trip I was able to be educated about topics that I would not have even dreamed of  by my nephew. I was given ample time to learn new things as the traffic when we first left was that a basic stand still. After getting to the art center I was able to brush up on my animation and comic book history!
History? Comic book history nonetheless? You got that right! To realize that superheroes and comic books actually had a was astonishing. You mean they didn't start out as we see them today... Who would have thunk? Okay okay so I did get to pose with one of my favorite men, Superman and pretend that I was a superhero with my own cape. However we all know that I am Wonder Woman (aka Wobbly Woman), I just spend most of my days incognito. Watch closely because the wobble cannot be hidden. Spending additional time at the Rock Shop gave me much time to think... I thought about a lot of different ideas but that's another story for another day, probably not a day in the near future.
After the rock shop we stopped at an amazing restaurant before heading home.
After getting home I took a long nap so unfortunately it is 11 at night and I am wide awake. I woke up from my nap crying uncontrollably for an unknown reason... Was I really crying because I didn't get any Starbucks today? That would be funny if it is the case. I hope I get up early enough to go to Starbucks before church tomorrow because I have to get my swimming gear after Church. I'm beginning to feel a little anxious about work starting back up but I am super duper excited about the changes in documentation... Okay that's silly! I guess that means I should close this blog before I ramble on about nonsense. I suspect that will be the last field trip for the summer, but you never know! See you ‘round!

Tearful Encouragement!!

Awake at 2 in the morning I really didn't want to be awake so I didn't want to go work out quite yet so I got on my phone  to see who was online and text them. I occasionally get scolded for doing so; this is something I need to stop doing because most of the world is not awake. Although I'm glad to have a few friends that work overnight who don't mind however I don't think so clearly in the morning occasionally text those friends. I tossed and turned a little too long and when I got up to go workout I worked out and then when to Crunch Fitness to swim the day was pretty uneventful but I had no clue what was yet to come.
I was headed to Dick's Sporting Goods to find something to aid in swimming laps. When I started to wheel by Safeway, there was a man who the Holy Spirit arched me to speak to. His name is Greg and he goes to Calvary Worship Center! Calvary Worship Center? I love listening to Al Pittman! Alright so this may not be exciting to anyone else but this is why I named this Blog The Simple Things- it is the simple things like being able to make any sort of connection to previous knowledge that gets me oh so excited.
Greg and I went to Starbucks to get know each other a little and after he started telling me about how God spoke to him as a child, this Divine appointment became apparent. While I was there I saw an acquaintance, Rich and was able to talk to him for a couple minutes. I forgot his name right after I had asked him and he played the name game with me and I loved it :-). Having people help me work on my memory is occasionally fun.
I ran into Ian, the Automotive teacher, who is also a regular wish made me feel like always right.  I wasn't exactly sure why I was there and we can stink that maybe it was just because I wanted to get out of my house. I text-talked to Daymon and learned a little more about him working at Rocky Mountain Health Care Services. I didn't know that I could show my daily motion roller coaster over text, but that I did :-(.
After sobbing for a while and a lady came over to me and said “Kimi!” she said that she had my book and wanted to get it signed sometime and continued by saying that she's the one who honks when I'm traveling down the road in my wheelchair. She thanked me for doing that because it encourages her disabled son. Talk about crying oceans -- I inadvertently hate to be reminded that God is using me for His glory to encourage other people everyday just like I am.  This is a terrible ending to blog, but I am super tired and super excited about going to the museum tomorrow with my mom and nephew and I promised myself to blog everyday so That's all folks! See you ‘round! Note proofreading might happen tomorrow.

Tomorrow's Blog

Tomorrow's Blog
Monday morning I wasn't awake at the random 2 in the morning, the normal 4:30 in the morning, I wasn't even awake for the next few hours. I finally got up feeling very groggy thinking that I may have the keto flu? Keto flu, I don't know but that's all I need is another name or explanation for my crazy life. After making it to the workout room I was blessed by seeing neighbors that I've seen a few times but never really talked to. Pam and Gary were such a blessing, after finding out they are from Louisiana, their Southern hospitality and kindness all made sense. Just before leaving the vicinity of the apartment complex I decided I should eat breakfast, eggs meat and cheese sounded amazing! While I was cooking I was very relieved to remember that only I would be the only one consuming the food being prepared because realized something was terribly wrong but I demolished it anyways and headed out the door. I don't need no professionally cooked food (to be read with the “[I] don't need no stinking badges” twang from The Treasure of the Sierra Madre movie). I arrived at the office and although it was a pretty warm day, I was freezing cold. Even though I had a jacket behind me, I kept having the urge to leave because it was chilly. Every time (approximately every 5 seconds) that I would think “I'm going to leave” I would look at my calendar and realize that I had a meeting at Starbucks at 2:30… people may think I am exaggerating this but it's more funny because I'm not. There was the first incident of trying to leave when luckily I looked at my phone and did not leave. The next time, I drank my tea and I was talking to the Barista, Brian. After our conversation, I was ready to go when an alarm went off and reminded me again that I have a meeting at Starbucks soon. I finally decided that if I spread out my belongings everywhere, before I had time to put it all away, my appointment would arrive. Luckily I had waited at Starbucks long enough that the original nervousness I had when I first met depression I had my appointment with was gone. The first time we met was at the same place at the beginning of her semester. She was going to school at UCCS and was in the nursing program. It had been quite a while, well a semester to be since we first met. I was so excited when she called me and was available to meet; she explained unique struggles and the difficulties she faces dealing with Lyme's disease. Although I had been introduced to this by a gentleman I met at Chick-fil-a previously, Lyme's disease affects everyone uniquely. I can't even begin to imagine what she has had to deal with going through college although I do my best and try to remember what I dealt with as I want through college. Sometimes having a brain injury is so hard… the day-to-day struggles are enough to knock you down and keep you there, but hold fast because the story's not over yet … but wait, there's more :-)!
After creating unnecessary commotion to get free ice cream because it was the 31st, I ended up back at Starbucks next to Baskin Robbins after a meeting... Oh no I'm just realizing I have written part of this blog totally different but it'll be okay. My days are all confused because I ended up back at Starbucks and met Esam and Asad but that wasn't the day I met the amazing D-11 superintendent... or was it? It is recorded in my journal but all this happened on the same day which might explain my sleeping wait... I knew today would be crazy so I slept late, in preparation for the day.
Can you turn that same day  was the reception for Michael Thomas, the new superintendent for school district 11. Before going into the building I ran into my Aunt Jan. I get overly excited every time I see her at any sort of District function… it's like her and I working in the same district is novel (it's not, it's been the case for the past five years I believe).
After meeting Michael Thomas and learning about him, I can say this after copying it off of District page “Mr. Thomas comes to D11 from Minneapolis Public Schools, where he served as chief of schools. He has also served as a district coordinator for equity and integration, an elementary and secondary principal, and as a social worker at the elementary level.

Mr. Thomas is excited to be a part of School District 11 and looks forward to continuing the positive work being done in our school district.”

https://www.d11.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=13&ModuleInstanceID=1649&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=30326&PageID=19

I encourage anyone and everyone who has a child in District 11 to meet the current superintendent! From what I know from the one time I met him, he is such a personable superintendent! I was very surprised when my friend said she would pick me up from the reception! Nonetheless, Jaimie and I we're soon off to dinner. I thought I would not have the energy to make it through something else after the reception, but spending time with Jaimie was so encouraging and uplifting! She explained her struggles and successes over the last semester and the possible directions of her future. I am so incredibly proud of the wonderful student and educator she has been!
Finally writing this blog the day after I met he superintendent, I was going to bring this blog to an end  when Pastor Brian Michaels came into Starbucks and soon after Pastor Eric Cartier came in and sat right next to my table with a friend… it is so amazing how God orchestrates every second of the lives of His children. I was having such a “ poor pitiful me” moment and was ready to go home. When I overheard the struggles of other people. I thought Kimi, put on your big girl panties….so after processing all those thoughts, it's my big girl panties I have on!

Tonight I had the most amazing helper and hopefully she's going to be my helper both days for a while. I'm getting a little tired however I do want to mention why I titled this Tomorrow's Blog. In the last blog I wrote I said that I would tell you about the excitement that happened in tomorrow's blog. Although this may not be awesome to anyone but me, my homeroom teacher from high school, my cheerleading coach, my unknown mentor connection me with a student who is interested in writing a book about his disability. That may turn out to be nothing, but you never know because everything starts somewhere!

Great day? Sorry my title generator is broken.

After morning laps in the pool at Crunch Fitness and making it back home to workout at the gym, I unexpectedly woke up from a nap and was taken to lunch. I was treated to Little Nepal and Baskin-Robbins’ $1.31 ice cream, and found myself sitting on the floor of Debra Holk’s office. Oh no, on the floor Kimi, are you okay? I'm fine, in case you're wondering why I was on the floor, I feel safer and feel like I can be more animated if necessary  when on the floor; there's 0 chance for me to fall if that is where I start out, right?
Counseling was the absolute best! I have absolutely no clue what we talked about but it was extremely fun! I thought about what we had discussed as counseling for approximately 3.7 seconds when I was asked to go back to the office and meet Asad and Esam. I got there I thought oh man look at this, I could have waited to get ice cream, but I had to create a scene earlier because I am not psychic. I know sometimes I am blessed with awesome intuition, but it's not an ability I can exercise at will.
We talked for a while then suddenly my favorite Bradley showed up! I haven't seen him in so long I thought maybe he had changed stores even though I do recall asking about him and somebody telling me who's on vacation. Anyway it was wonderful to see him!
Wanting to hang out and see if any exciting stories come up as I glanced at my schedule for tomorrow I have to make sure that I'm rested so this might be cut short.. I'm so glad that  Ashley had to remind me that the office closes at 8:30 now.
Oh that reminds me I was contacted by a person interested in publishing a book…. But I will put that in tomorrow's blog.

Closing Time!

Closing Time
Waking up at 6:30 not knowing is it was a.m. or p.m., I could only see light shining from the tiny portion of the curtain left open. I could remember sending a text message to see if someone would like to be taken out to breakfast but I wasn't sure when that was, last night or the wee hours of today? I had not gotten a response so it was still up the air, morning or night? I read through a great Starbucks article  before deciding to start with the morning routine because somewhere and somehow I decided it was indeed morning. I headed to the workout room and I literally wheeled into my friend’s (Sharon’s) car as her and Lynn were parking and ready to go to the workout room as well. This caused me to become so excited because they are such a highlight to my mornings.
I knew that I had to hurry because I was informed that I would be picked up at 8 for breakfast... Do what? My favorite meal of the day? Life is good! My adrenaline was pumping and I knew that had to make me work out faster than ever before, faster than ever before I tell ya! Sadly I learned that no matter how fast I run or how hard I work out... a certain amount of time still takes that certain amount of time.  Hold fast! I potentially found a solution for being short on time… yesterday I got a little carried away with the resistance level as I only had 15 minutes and I had to make it count! The resistance level was extremely high but trust me, I was satisfied -- sweat was dripping and I could feel the burn!
After the quick workout I was brought to a restaurant that I had seen on many of my adventures but I had never eaten there. Doug’s was absolutely amazing and the company even more so! Although I didn't realize it then, and and I'm being shown the truth as I write this, God's blessings are not always received with arms wide open. This was actually a relief. I am trying to convince myself that I deserve blessings from God that look different than what I have been given, but who am I to say that I know the Lord's plan better than He, Himself? Second Corinthians explains how God's blessings are made perfect in our weakness. “In our weakness,” I think to myself. Although there are places and times that I must be strong, surprisingly, more often than not God calls me to be weak. Being weak is being strong, what? Being weak will not always look the same, but for me accepting when other people want to b a blessing in my life was difficult but it is much easier now, now that God has encouraged me to always be on he look out. Look at every event and see how it is a blessing.
How beautifully that  leads into the next fun filled excitement for the day.
Not unlike most days I went to Starbucks to get Grandpa T coffee. I didn't have the ample time that I normally have, but it was clear that it was where I needed to be. Matthew Clark, a friend who is retired firefighter who lives far away now, met me at Starbucks. We examined medication and discussed his firefighting years. It started pouring outside so I was “forced” to stay at Starbucks until there was a break in the showers. Well I thought I was there waiting on the rain to subside, but when I was leaving I ran into Jim Garcia! It makes me so excited to run into people I have met before! It makes me even more excited when I have other connections to that person, thank you Clare Mihalko!
After finally catching a break in the rain and arriving home I only had a short time before going to the Arabic Christian Church. There I finally got to meet Elias’s brother, the pastor. It was such a blessing to have a man who sat next to me and translated the entire service. Feeling God's presence as His Word was read and illustrated, this beautiful group of people was absolutely amazing (John, a middle school aged, bilingual, special needs child was my favorite)!! I am nonchalantly reminded often that summer is coming to a close-- school starts soon. I am simultaneously being reminded to keep my eyes open; it may be closing time for summer break but God's blessings do not have a closing time!

The Struggle is Real, Lighten Up!

The Struggle is Real, Lighten Up!
I woke up this morning and was absolutely livid about things that did not occur last night but then realized that it was no fault of her own. There were so many thoughts racing through my mind and they were not all good things-- I wanted to cry. What keeps me from crying is that I keep remembering the doctor telling me how amazed he was at how well I am doing and that he can't believe that I I'm on my own, hold a job, and function like I do. As much as I want to give up and let my brain injury take over, I can't. I think of all the people who are dealing with this with me. I think of Jaimie Jennings. Jamie was in the very first math class I took (2000?) at UCCS. She also has a brain injury and understands more than I can imagine about how life is struggle. After I totally panicked waking up text messaging and freaking out, her calm response with exact details reminded me that she understands. Not everybody understands or even wants to understand, but I smile as I think of the amazing people in my life who have accepted the differences, and allowed their life to grow in learning about this new way of life.
I was about ready to close out because rain is coming when I received a phone call. It was a friend who has moved because of the military, he was having a rough day but after he was reminded of the awesome person that he is, he assured me that things were better.
Dealing with this is on one hand, a very serious issue, but as I had my tea refilled and the barista told me about my fashion issue my headband being the top of my head around my ponytail instead of my forehead) it's not always that serious :-).
I entered Starbucks this morning being completely sad but as it happens everyday, God showed His face in the simple things and my day has gotten so much brighter.
I definitely understand that some things in life are serious but we are, on a grander scale, all dealing with the same struggle and living the same life. (however let me go ahead and tell you that when you try to tell me that we are all fighting the same battle and you are dealing with the same thing I am, there will be an issue :-)). My train of thought I'll probably have jumped the track and not remember what you're talking about. And for you to decide when I'm going to remember something is not your place, and what I found out is it's not even mine! Thanks Doc! Yes this life is a struggle and it is real, but sometimes… lighten up!

Procrastination or Justification?

Procrastination or Justification?

Putting off going to Walmart because the neighborhood Walmart did not have any WD-40 I found out was not procrastinating at all. It was actually letting p my brain digest the options which I thought were nonexistent. I had and it gone to King Soopers and was sad when all they had were smaller bottles of WD-40. As I was waltzing down the aisle with an employee, he suggested something. I had completely forgotten about. I explained the situation to the employee and he said why don't you go to Ace Hardware, it's right across the parking lot! Oh my lanta! How and why did that never cross my mind over the past couple weeks I have been putting off going to Walmart Supercent. Come on weeks Kimi? You have not been on summer break for that long, you've only been thinking about this for days and maybe only hours! I went to Ace Hardware and that was so much fun! There was a man in there who was very loud and made sure that everyone else could hear every line he thought was funny and every comment he had to make about every item to look at... Especially a $200 lunchbox his son thought he needed for high school at Doherty? I didn't stay around to hear about that but as I had explained, I could hear about it no matter where I went in the store.

I did find WD-40 and actually could have purchased at King Soopers but I suppose I needed a little excitement to blog about and God knew this.

I decided to stop by Starbucks on the way home even though it would only be for a little while. I rolled in and I was greeted by. Essam,  my awesome friend from Iraq and his friend, Assad. It really warmed my heart to talk about Elias, the man who introduced me to both of them. Especially because Elias has since passed away.

I was able to see Sherry but either she was busy or I was busy so we were not able to talk much. She is such an amazing woman; no, her being a petite little Japanese women and the excitement I get when I think of Bachan, a petite little Japanese women have zero correlation.

I am glad that I spend so much time at Starbucks because today I have been shown in several different ways how important it is to remember the student's names when I see them at school and especially outside of school. Whether it was on my trip to King Soopers or when I was recognized by a Starbucks barista who was leaving for the day, I was on cloud nine!

Deciding I better head home because the rain clouds are coming, before I close this blog I just want to praise God for Rebecca Freeland! While I was going to complain about my tiredness and not sleeping well, God put her post in front of my journaling ability. I was about to complain about not having adequate sleep, Rebecca has not had any sleep for the past 4 days because her special needs child! Rebecca please know that I am praying for you guys! Thank you for being so open and vulnerable about your life struggles.

In closing I would like to say that I do not procrastinate, if I would have fed my need for instant gratification and gone to Walmart Supercenter I would have not realize there's a store in wheelchair distance from my house carried the needed product, WD-40. What many would call procrastination or justification, I subconsciously know the truth.

Not only Colorful Colorado, Care-ful Colorado

Not only Colorful Colorado, Care-ful Colorado
I was off on my adventures this morning and around 10 was already headed back to my house from the grocery store. I wasn't listening to music, I wasn't listening to another person talk, I wasn't doing anything that should have distracted me from driving. Oh and I had my groceries on the back of my wheelchair and a 12 pack water bottles down on my foot pedals in between my feet. I went over a bump. I didn't think it was that big so I guess I was going a little too fast and the water bottles jostled. Alright maybe a little more than jostled because the package broke open and bottles shot in every different direction.
I was fine picking up the water I just had to reach a little on a couple that rolled back down to the curb. “No biggie, it's just a thing” I thought. A few minutes later I was trying to arrange the package that what is now useless on my foot pedals. Within a couple minutes a man drove over to me apologizing that no one had stopped to help me. He said he was going down the other side of the street and saw what happened and he turned around.
No sooner did we get all the bottles put on the wheelchair did I have more excitement. This time I was by a restaurant when I ran off into the rocks. Rocks inhibit my progress and if I try to get out of them they reverse my progress. Luckily a nice lady a British accent and a few other people helped me.
When the first man helped me with my water bottles everywhere he seemed sort of discouraged because no one had stopped by the time he came back. It was really nice because he was trying to encourage me not knowing that it's just a thing that did not phase me at all.
I am so grateful for these amazing people! I wish the first man could have seen the second event occur. More often than not there are people who are not preoccupied with their daily agenda and are able to lend a helping hand. Colorado is  such an amazingly colorful state but it is also full of people who care.

2 in 1 The Struggle is Real- Soft Kitty - Inner Warrior Spirit

2 in 1 The Struggle is Real- Soft Kitty

     I am a pretty self-sufficient woman…  with help from everyone around. One of the difficulties since my brain injury is that I have not been able to clip my nails. Most of the time it is hard enough to have someone else clip them because my fine motor skills are out of whack my hands shake uncontrollably (intention tremors). I am often given tasks to do in my head like saying the alphabet backwards  so I am no longer intentionally trying to hold my hands still. My nails are very thin and were ripping off constantly. What could I do, What could I do? I could go get a manicure and get my nails done all pretty but I'm too rough on my hands and that would not last for long at all. There are normally friends around who I can ask for help but not then. Perhaps I'll run into somebody that just looks like they want to cut my fingernails, I thought. So I put my clippers in my purse, my huge duffle bag purse. I sat in my hot rod and was off.
First I stopped by Sally's and asked if someone would clip my nails although I thought it may be against a rule, regulation, or something to that effect. The kind lady looked at me and said we sell hair products. In my head I was thinking, “well most of the places that sell hair products also sale nail products... and know how to clip nails, right? Terrible thing to be thinking, I now know. However she did tell me that Amy's Nails was a few doors down. Well I didn't know that, for some reason I thought this was Amy's Nails. I headed out the door and went went to Amy's Nails, pulled my clippers of my duffle bag and in approximately 5 seconds later she she was done. Things we take for granted. Let me recommend Amy's Nails to anyone who gets their nails done in any form or fashion because unfortunately I do not.
Next I was headed to Starbucks to get Grandpa's coffee. It made me so excited that Grandpa actually wanted coffee again! I unintentionally ran into Megan who has two absolutely adorable boys. They were curious about me and my wheelchair. I explained my situation and read my books to her boys as they were very engaged and had wonderful questions. Megan and I were talking and she explained that her husband works for the Air Force as a civilian.
Trying to stay within my Starbucks budget,  I was jokingly throwing a fit about the total being over the normal price. Unfortunately there happened to be someone behind me (normally I order when there is no one behind me because I take a long time to make decisions) and he decided to pay for it. Robert and I talked for at least 20 minutes as alarms were were going off on my phone to be places but I have become so accustomed to ignoring them- - that makes two habits I need to break: taking forever to order at Starbucks and ignoring my alarms. I was excited to learn that Robert's daughter has special needs - - an instant connection! I became so excited! Although I told him I work for a middle school I forgot to tell him that I work with special-needs students! I was super excited at that moment but I'm sad that I forgot to mention that so he couldn't share my excitement.
I want to Verizon and have some minor repairs made to my phone - - actually I was just learning how to use it. I was later sent to Best Buy as I was told that they may have what I needed in stock. I got there and Best Buy did have what I needed. My excitement went through the roof when speaking to a cashier because she had an English accent - - I love making connections between people I've known and people I meet - - her English accent totally reminded me of my dad's next door neighbor! Then I headed back to Verizon because I recently found a clicker that I thought I remembered was for camera on my phone. I handed it to them and asked them to make sure it's connected to the new phone. They sent me back to Best Buy where the employee and I had a great conversation while he pulled a few magic tricks and figured it out! I went back to Verizon to get assistance with a phone function and as I was heading out the door and I began to cry. I had no idea what I was crying about although I wish to a thousand things in my head  but I could be crying about this time but they were all things out of my control so I just laughed. By the end of all this my head was killing me and I just needed to go home and sleep but even after I took a cat nap my head was still pounding and I needed Soft Kitty to be sung to me.
Oh wow so this is two in one because this is Friday and Saturday, on Saturday.
Saturday was not very eventful and I was totally discombobulated. I got ready to do my normal morning routine and things were altered. I got to the office and there was an amazing fifth grader who asked me about my wheelchair. I told him use my car and ended him my book and he read it to me. Talk about an amazing reader! Later I talking to the men in the comfy chairs. And they were describing meditation. Although I have not researched the site yet, one of the men explained how he was suffering from PTSD and other ailments and mentioned the Inner Warrior Project and how meditation has helped him. See the link below for more information.

https://www.facebook.com/innerwarrior8/posts/2151039554910444

They're Everywhere They're Everywhere!

They're Everywhere They're Everywhere!
My mind had so many things going on this morning I wondered if I should even go to the office or not. But then I thought, “ Kimi, you need to quit thinking about yourself and think about good things that happen at the office.” So I did my part in settling what was happening in my mind and headed down to the office. I rolled in and of course the morning rush was there although I didn't seen any of my friends. I am afraid I may have missed them. There was a lady and her children sitting at the wheelchair table but they were having breakfast and looked to be about finished so I went over to another table to collect my thoughts and not invade their breakfast time. Of course I started talking to the little girls and one of them was very shy and a little scared of my hot rod. I pulled out my children's book and their mom read “I Can't Walk But I Can Roll” to them. It was so exciting to see the little girl's face light up when her mom explained that girl is me.

On a good note, I am getting my excitement under control; even though I was so excited that when I woke up this morning I didn't text anybody right then. I waited until after I worked out and then I even told myself to wait until after I showered and I listened!?!  A lot thought sorting happens in the shower. I have been reminded at many meetings (my counselor, pastors, random counselors, coworkers) that sincerely asking for forgiveness and prayer are the most that can be done on my part when I feel like I may have wronged someone  or period after that it is out of my hands.

When I first arrived I noticed two lovely ladies but they seemed to be into their conversation so I minding my business for a bit however there came a time when speaking to the ladies seemed all the okay I heard them mention something about teachers and then elementary school. The door for conversation-- wide open! As if I wasn't excited enough, I got super excited to find out that the daughter (Kristy) of one of the ladies (Chari) will work at West Elementary next year. And the other lady (Brenda) is a retired teacher.
I expectedly, unexpectedly got to go on an adventure with my niece and her boyfriend who took me to get my medicine. Rei and were so funny--! she is the best uber driver ever!

About to finish the blog for tonight because I was feeling a little under the weather I haven't run into a person sitting at the new high chair long table Haley. Come to find out she's a history teacher at Mitchell High School! My goodness, educatord in some form or fashion are everywhere! They're everywhere, they're everywhere!

I am going to start including bullets of my random thoughts at the end of each blog.

Katie this Norwex optic cloth hanging off the side of my purse is so convenient and amazing!

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands! Starbucks/ Devine Appointment #71618

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands!

Waking up not having a laid out schedule of one my day, I was a little uneasy. I knew I had a meeting with Frank this morning but being that there was a 15-minute difference in travel time from one of the coffee shop to the other (Peak Place or Pikes Perk), there was an issue. Both of them have PP as an acronym- the mnemonic device I use to remember things so I was unsure of the exact meeting place. I can credit my over planning and short-term memory failure here. This was put in my calendar on the day the appointment was made and it had alerts starting at 4 this morning this morning. However, I pushed those alerts aside to Facebook Mr. Frank at 4:30 this morning panicking about where we were supposed to meet. But all turned out well and we had such an amazing meeting!! The way God orchestrated everything we talked about was absolutely incredible! Ya know, most of the time 1 exciting encounter would be enough for the day and being that today I only had a couple hours to meet people, I went to Starbucks to dictate the incredible meeting.

Wanting some quiet time to reflect on do you have that address took place I rode my hot rod from one coffee shop to the other. Just about the time I was approaching the other coffee shop, God said, “Oh no. don't think it's over yet! I have so much more for you!“ before I even made it Starbucks there was a lovely couple walking their bikes on the side of the sidewalk. I thanked them for moving over and we started talking. He mentioned how we had met before and his mom is Jayme McConnellogue  What?!? Since getting promoted I have only seen her once!

Getting to Starbucks I was ready to tell them about my pleasant mishaps and purposely not getting my tea after I paid yesterday. Expecting the worst, I was prepared for being sad. Why I get so uptight and worry about frivolous things is beyond me. The first barista that I explained it to was actually just working at this Starbucks for the day but talked to the supervisor, Ashley as another barista, Courtney wrote me a note. When explaining the situation to Courtney I took at least five minutes but it was so wonderful to hear her explain to Ashley what happened using clear and concise language. I have a lot to learn :-)

As I'm sure you've read my previous blog about meeting Emily Hanenburg, the wonderful Rocky Mountain Classical Academy teacher at Barnes & Noble; today  I was so excited to learn that the three ladies in Starbucks at the tables next to me all work at The Classical Academy in some form or fashion! I absolutely love to make connections between people so I can remember them easier and I think everyone should know everybody else even if the connection formed in my head is really no connection at all.  After meeting Emily who works at a branch of the Classical Academy and then meeting 3 women who all work at The Classical Academy each in different disciplines, none who knew my recent friend or the first teacher I knew who worked at The Classical Academy a while ago... I am learning that the world is kind of a big place. However it's mind-blowing to think that we serve a God who's got the whole world in His hands!

Sunday 7/15/18!

The Flash! Devine Appointment # 71418

Woke up first thing this morning crying for no reason. After getting ready (and for a reason unbeknownst to me) I put on the clothes laying on my bed-- a Flash shirt. With tears still dripping, I headed for the bus. I got on the bus to go to Wal-mart because it was open this early and the other two stops that I needed to make, Verizon and Michael’s were not. I got to Wal-mart and I wasn't sure why was there so I was going back home when I realized why I was was there - Bible cover, that's what I needed (they had one online so of course they would have it in the store, right)! However they ended up not carrying Bible covers but someone suggested Barnes & Noble so I headed over there. Barnes & Noble did not open until 9 and it was still super early. I met a few people and chatted until the store opened
Still crying I was looking around Barnes & Noble when a conversation began with the manager. Shortly thereafter another customer, Emily, and I began chatting.  As she shared what she did I got very excited, struggled to recall a friend's name but could describe her, she blurted out the name. In my head I got super excited and did a few toe touches. Quickly it became very clear that our meeting was a divine appointment. Although Starbucks is where I usually go to write, the past few blogs have shown me that it doesn't have to be in any particular place, God is everywhere! Emily and I prayed and had a great conversation.  I love how God is showing up all the time--especially when I’m darting around (with no sense of direction) like The Flash! Now why I didn’t wear this shirt to the movies (and wore it today) is clear!
I made my way around town in My Hotrod like the Flash!

Give me a break!

Went to Church last night with Jess Jao and didn't realize till I arrived at church that I was wearing a totally inappropriate dress. The only time it mattered was at the beginning when I was running into people I haven't seen in awhile, in the middle when I ran into more friends, and at the end running into pastors and oh-- more friends. This was a completely bad idea! Wait, idea?  I didn't take two seconds to look at what I had on .  Anyhow the service - the real reason I was there, was absolutely amazing! I learned that I would definitely need to listen to the next day because entirely too much stimulation was created that late in the evening. All of that to explain why I wasn't getting up at 4:30 this morning and it was running a little late. But wait, there's more... when I finally got done working out and headed to the office it was clear it was going to rain. I got there and realized I forgot something at my house so I went back home to pick it up and then got back to the office. As soon as I got there I've looked at my text messages and realized that my Bid would soon be at my house to work on my printer and I needed to be home. So I turned around and went back home. When all was said and done in my house I open the door and it was raining. So here I sit writing more than I would ever would have gotten written at the office, at my house. I woke up and totally wanted to cry this morning but so many activities were taking place I didn't have time and then I wanted to cry later but activists superseded crying anyways.

Western Omelette

Western Omelette
I was told before heading to bed that I would be picked up for breakfast in the morning. She told me then where we going but after all of the excitement at Starbucks I had completely forgotten. I texted her to find out but after I got home and all the commotion was gone I thought about it and I remembered where we were going. On the way to breakfast we had an awesome conversation about how God's Will is going to happen when all is said and done. And we both described a time that we thought we knew the perfect way but it didn't end up that way but the way it ended up will be good and perfect no matter what we think.
Arriving at the restaurant, Western Omelette, I noticed it was already extremely busy. Bill, the man at the front counter, got my attention shortly after we walked in and described how he was and is disabled. He later described how God kept him strong through everything that he has dealt with and told me a little about it. Growing up on a Navajo reservation with a disability must have been so difficult; having a disability with all of the accommodations city life offers is hard enough. To me, having a disability seems to create a connection with other people who are disabled or have gone through a significant loss. I've had a mother who lost a child make a connection because she sees her loss as similar to the loss I had when I lost abilities and independence. There have been a whole host of reasons that I have observed people explain as to why they feel a connection. Weather it's a perfectly abled person who's dealt with a loss of some sort, to another disabled person, and even caregivers - - I am completely amazed at the connection some people make. It is finally starting to make sense why I was once told that I make friends wherever I go. It's not so much I'm always intentionally trying to make friends, but I have been put in this position, obviously disabled with an outgoing personality, to foster conversations involving other’s outlook and/or acceptance of life with a disability. This as well as gaining further acceptance of my own disability and way of life. At least my conclusion for today :-). I hope you have the most amazing Sunday yet!

Devine Appointments Starbucks #7718

Divine Appointments Starbucks #7718

After going to see Ant-Man and the Wasp with Jason, I went to The Office. With the inside not being very busy, I was going to head home to write. As I first entered, I noticed a lady sitting alone. After I got situated I waited a little while before striking up a conversation, but I just couldn't ignore the Voice telling me to speak to her. I had a conversation starter planned-- she reminded me of my Aunt Regina. Fortunately God had a much deeper plan-- there was much more to this Divine appointment.

This lady, Patty, shared her struggle in dealing with the “lack of community” feeling she has in Colorado as opposed to in the South (Waco, Texas) and after living in Mississippi for about a decade, I could empathize with her. God opened many doors to a very meaningful conversation and it was evident why I ended up there today, but wait, there’s more!

Searching for words to express my thoughts, I asked Bradley for help but he directed me to Ashley. She gave me great ideas but because I didn’t put them in my notes immediately that train (of thought) departed. I found out that she goes to Calvary Worship Center and excitement overflowed my heart!

Ready to head home I realized that I messed up my hot rod and thought to ask Bradly if he could fix it. Luckily he was off the clock and took the time to fix it before he left. Boy oh boy am I so thankful for the people God puts in my life! Bradley fixed my chair and I headed home. As God used me to remind Patty to be on the lookout for the many ways that God shows up, I too needed to be reminded of that; there is always more than I anticipate to any and every Divine appointment.

Reunion?

I woke up this morning super excited about the coffee get together with the Summer Coffee and/or Hillside group. When I first arrived at Peak Place I was instantly drawn to Frank Sinclair. Come to find out Frank was a pastor.Athough I know it but at the moment never realized it, even though this wasn't my normal Starbucks, God put these people in my path. Frank and I talked for a little while as more teachers showed up to Peak Place. Before going to sit down and talk with the teachers, I noticed a few people who were signing. I turned away from what I was doing and went over and started signing. Find out, one of them is the assistant wrestling coach at CSDB! I talked to him for a little bit with my very limited sign language and then I turned my attention to the educators. I was going to say teachers however I'm not a teacher and neither is Mrs. Mehlhop. I believe at one time everyone had been at Westsider so there was a common thread. Although it has probably been many years, in my brain it seems like yesterday that I worked with Angel Chavez and Denise Gutierrez (I am throwing an internal party right now because I spelled her name before looking it up). Oh wow! I also was able to visit with Jean…. Speaking of feeling like yesterday, I didn't realize until just now that Jean Mehlhop no longer at West-- wow! This was a reunion type event… that is why a few people were saying that… but I just went along with it. If you were in my brain, you would see me doing me sign for  “oh, I got it!”

Although  I don't remember her name, I met this awesome lady! I don't even remember what grade she teaches but if any of you were there, she sat next to me (Kim, and I think she teaches SPED?). And no, there were no other EAs there, but that did not matter to me. Sorry that this is not very incoherent, but I'm just writing my random thoughts now. I hope you guys have an amazing weekend and don't forget smile! Thanks Daddy!

I absolutely love being included in this and thank you guys so much!

Starbucks Adventure #7518

After not having a morning episode of sadness, I was so sad that I was slow on the elliptical; I heaven to my office. Right after I rolled in, there were two absolutely beautiful cowgirls? cow ladies? Sierra Silva Girl of the West and Kayla Summers Aide to Girl of the West and Barbra. I instantly thought of Pastor Boyd and the Spruce Hill Church, boy do I miss them!

Soon after the ladies of the West departed I ran into Eric Galloway and then Dave when all the sudden I realized I have to run errands! But wait... there's more.

I was leaving the office when I saw a gentleman that was sitting far away from me and I was going to talk to him however he got up and was leaving as well and held the door for me. I'm not sure if it was planning on sitting outside or if he was trying to leave, nonetheless a conversation between us began. His name is Matthew Miller and he's the Pastor at Grace Baptist Church. We had a nice little chat and I was invited to speak at Church he pastors! Being that my hours at the office are limited today, it is incredible how God orchestrates each thing in His children's lives. Who would have thunk?

Then I ran into Bonnie and her niece Olivia who is Persian Cuban in European so I was able to meet her fruit salad family (Bonnie's term not mine :-)). Just about the time I had to leave Sherry came in  and made me so excited 🤓!

The Dream of a Lifetime

It's that time again....the next, updated version of my dream....

“The Dream of a Lifetime”

Have you ever had a dream that seemed so real that when you woke up you let out a sigh of relief or maybe even disappointment realizing it was only a dream? The dream I had was neither of those because my dream turned into the story of my life.

One day I was “fighting” with my high school, in Mississippi, convincing them to let guys be on the cheer squad; the next thing I knew I was in a “jail cell” (hospital bed) and couldn’t even move. I was told I had been in a severe car accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). For those of you who don’t know, this really messes with your memory. I wasn’t able to talk, walk, eat, or even remember who this lady was that claimed to be my mother.

I was in was a strange place, but it was full of people I knew except, they were from all sorts of different places and times throughout my life. My step-mom and Dad were there and they are from Colorado (I lived in Mississippi at the time). My sister and her family were there too, and they live in Texas. To top it off, my old gymnastics coach who had moved to Jackson (a town 200 miles away from Saltillo, the town I thought I was in, was there! People were there from my high school, but they were the only people in this “dream” that should’ve been there; I was in high school. It turned out that they were all there to see me. Why, what did I do that was so great? I was filled with anticipation. This was definitely a dream, but how would it end?? This place wasn’t my house or a place I’d ever been to or even seen before.

Soon I realized I couldn’t move, and there were strange people who came in to move my limbs for me. I was given several tests, daily, to see if my cognition had improved. I was asked things like, “If you look out the window, is it night or daytime?” I was asked what year it was and who the president was. I was asked to do simple things like tie my own shoe, and to my surprise, I couldn’t do it! I was scared, I wanted my mommy!! I was going to get to the bottom of this. I had to find out if this woman who called herself my mom really, indeed, was her. To figure this out, I had to be mean. I knew I could do anything to her; if she was really my mom she could take anything. My mom was superwoman. In the process of determining if she was my mom, I dislocated a finger or two of hers and bit her hard enough to draw blood. I went on by interrogating her about everything. I told my so called mom that I didn’t like this game and didn’t want to play it anymore. I was told several times that I had been in a severe car accident, but couldn’t grasp the idea of being hurt. In disbelief, I asked who, if anyone, was with me. I was told a girl’s name that I hadn’t ever heard of, so I knew, that it was everybody else that was crazy. It wasn’t until a while after I got home that my mom convinced me that she was my real mom, and it still wasn’t until I had friends visit me, who could tell me about my past (which I thought was present), that I realized I had really been in a car accident.

Through the beginning stages of the healing process, people at Church (First Baptist Church, Saltillo, Mississippi) would shake my hand and I would, nonchalantly, bite or flip them off. At home when people would come to visit, I would show off and I mean that literally, my aunt would say, “Kimi, you’re as naked as a jaybird.” I didn’t care because I had visions of my Savior coming, and He wouldn’t take me Home unless I went to my tomb just like I came out of my mother's’ womb; in my birthday suit (Job 1:21). Even to this day I can’t remember the two years before the wreck, but I think that it is my body’s way of protecting me from the trauma. When reminded about certain events and the people that were around, the memories vaguely resurface, and I still sporadically regain crazy memories. This whole healing process is much like growing up, all over again, anticipating what each day will bring, but I’m just like everybody else in the sense that I’m learning too. I am just learning everything all over again. So a dream isn’t always a dream; when it seems as real as life, it could be.

After many years, I graduated with my Associates’ of Arts degree from a community college and then my BA from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS). I am still unable to drive, but it’s ok because in February of 2010 I started taking classes at Kaplan University…ONLINE!!! My need to drive had lessened.

My first book was a children’s book is a children’s book that introduces diversity. Although it is a “children’s book,” I am sure the audience that benefits from this book has no age limit. My first job after my accident was 10 years later and I was a greeter at JCPenney for the holidays! Shortly after finishing the seasonal job at JCPenney, I interviewed for a school position and after the interview portion I had the job except sadly my physical limitations gave the job to another applicant. Soon after that I was employed at Harrison School District as an Educational Support Substitute. Over Easter weekend I proofread the first copy of my very first book! This book, I Can’t Walk, But I Can Roll can be ordered at Amazon.com.

As the school year was coming to a close I was called to substitute more often than normal. While I was talking with school employees I mentioned my book. Much to my delighted surprise I was asked to share my book with students at Oak Creek Elementary school. I had and still have huge dreams of becoming a well-known author/speaker and everything starts somewhere.

During a visit to Mississippi to attend my 10 year High School reunion I was invited to Saltillo Primary and Saltillo Elementary school where I spoke to and shared my book with Kindergarteners thru Fifth graders. Once I got back to Colorado I was invited to have a booth at the Explosive Expo which is primarily an athlete/heath conscious expo. Surprisingly I felt right at home. I was able to sell books and make initial contact with individuals who had interest in my book as well as my public speaking!

In November of 2012 I got another seasonal job and this time it is at Target and thank God it takes less than 10 minutes to get to via hot rod and is less than a block from my house (last year the seasonal job took an hour long bus ride to get to) – better yet my boss this year is married to my boss at JCPenney, my seasonal job from last year! I am able “pick up” office substitute jobs as time allows, and will be starting school to get my teaching license soon! I also became a leader at Young Life’s Capernum group and met some AMAZNG people that God must have put in my life to adjust my sad, ho-hum outlook of still being single. A group of mostly older than me (by a year or so hehehe) single ladies took me by the hand (quite literally at times) and invited me to join in different activities-- that was a total answer to prayer! I also started learning how to play the guitar by my neurological incident (NI) friend and a friend from Church.

I am now (1/13) taking classes at UCCS to get my teacher’s license so I can get paid for my tutoring.

(4/23/13) I am currently in school earning my teaching license and I spend most of my time earning my hours towards that license in local school districts. If life goes as planned, I will begin my professional year in the Summer of 2014.
(6/1/13) Was in my first 5k!

The greatest thing since my accident is that  SISTER HAS A FIANCE!!

• This story is true-I was the person in the car accident. I was T-boned on the driver's side and I was driving.

• ** This is definitely a story from God because I typed the beginning parts of this story shortly after I came out of a 6 week coma. I add to the end as my life progresses.

I have learned that my story makes some have speculations about meeting me. While I've thought that removing it was a smart move to make, leaving this in my profile will remove the people who do not believe that JESUS HEALS!!

…. The Dream of a Lifetime continues…

Most little girls have the dream of falling in love with prince charming and living happily ever after. I am your average girl and although I can't remember a time before my life altering accident that I dreamt about prince charming, since God has kept me alive after facing a major life obstacle I have many what seem like unrealistic hopes.

The first "unrealistic hope” that I had actually never seen as unrealistic but was definitely unrealistic to much of the world-- I simply wanted to graduate high school after getting a Traumatic Brain Injury. After I accomplished that I wanted to graduate college. This is really no feat for the average person, but I had just faced a near-death experience. I eventually graduated from high school, graduated from community college, and then graduated from a university. Overall, life was excellent!

After I got my degree, I thought the next logical step would be to get married and maybe adopt or have a family. I spent a few years where I seemed to be way too focused on life happening by-the-book and during this time I seemed to have forgotten that every person writes their own book, making it as unique as one's fingerprints. However I still desired to find prince charming-- at one point in college I was so focused on finding prince charming that I completely denied everything that is and instilled inside of me. All of my self-worth and values disappeared. I seemed to be chasing after the wind and expecting to find stability. You can't expect to find a trained kitten among a pack of wolves. \Needless to say, sometimes I'm like the wind and can be blowing in different directions, but can also be found in very still state. The bottom line is I have my degree… Now what?

Although my friend called me "Princess" throughout our time in class together and another friend made me stickers that read "Princess on Wheels” along with making a bumper sticker for the vehicle that carried my wheelchair everywhere, I couldn't see myself as a princess. How could I if I did nothing but scare every prince off. Now I began to wonder, if my prince could be scared off (or vice versa, if he makes me crazy and scares me off), is he MY prince? I was coming to the conclusion that maybe I don't have a prince. I am getting older (well, older than I was yesterday hahaha) and the world around me seems to be getting younger. Another unfortunate result of my accident that may one day prove to be fortunate is that it is very easy for me to act younger as my brain seems to revert back to my younger days (prior to I'm brain injury) easier than it forms new memories (a lot of that is what I was taught that happens to the brain so I assume it as fact (however I totally enjoy proving people, scientific studies or statistics wrong). So how can I be a princess with all of these issues that no prince (or anyone for that fact) wants to deal with these issues with me?

Then I saw [his] face, now I am a believer! (The Monkey's)

Not a trace of doubt in my mind.

Could he be? Could he be my prince?

The Prince backed out realizing he wasn't fit for this princess, but every day the King of Kings reminds me that my Prince is coming.

On October 8th of 2014 I started my very first real job in School District 11 as an EA (Educational Assistant). Currently I work at an elementary school helping with a computer program called ST Math. Primarily I work in the computer lab where I feel most comfortable walking—essentially I am getting paid to do physical therapy!! The computer program (ST Math) has roots in psychology — the field I earned a bachelors in! Could it be true that I actually use my college degree in the first “real” job?

ST Math is game-based instructional software for K-12 and is designed to boost math comprehension and proficiency through visual learning. Integrating with classroom instruction, ST Math incorporates the latest research in learning and the brain and promotes mastery-based learning and mathematical understanding. The ST Math software games use interactive, graphically-rich animations that visually represent mathematical concepts to improve conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills (http://www.mindresearch.org/programs/).

In addition to my exciting days spent working in the computer lab, I have also been able to share my book and answer many of the questions children have regarding my disability and disabilities in general—this is why the book was written! The school year all too quickly came to an end but before I stopped receiving a paycheck from the school district I was blessed to be hired by the same school! God’s blessings never cease to amaze me!!!

That position was dissolved into a requirement of the teachers, however before the next year started I was hired by the middle school! The interview for the position was AWESOME—it was basically a meeting with my friends (coworkers from the previous year as the school is one where the elementary school and middle school are in the same building. I unknowingly met the teacher I would work with the next year at the staff/faculty Christmas party!

Every day I go to work is such a blessing, the students unintentionally encourage me just by being themselves!