Never Judge Your Day By its Beginning

Never Judge Your Day by it’s Begining
Waking up thinking I really wanted to go to the St. Patrick's Day Parade to see some of my favorite students play in West Middle School band, tears began to well up in my eyes. I heard my mother's voice “Have you taken your medicine yet?” knowing that I had not taken it yet as I had not eaten breakfast, I decided to cry a little longer while I finished preparing for my adventure of the day. When I finally sat down to eat breakfast I realized that I hadn't taken my medicine yesterday either!I could not help but crack up as Sherry’s voice echoed in my head saying, “Oh honey.” That totally  explains my absolute meltdown in Ktista's room Friday as Malcolm was explaining that the copier makes everyone crazy. Not knowing then that I hadn't taken my medicine I was thinking, “ Kimi what is your issue?” but now the chaos of yesterday, even though we didn't have students, all seems to make sense.
As I sit here waiting for the bus freezing my tail off I am not as sad that I could not go to the parade this morning and I understand the comment that was made during a math class Thursday. The teacher explained that she would be at the parade Saturday  all bundled up.
I finally made it to Starbucks and I have never seen this Starbucks so packed and none of the “regulars” that hang out at this Starbucks, are here :-(. However when I first got here, there was a lovely lady who spoke to me and explained then we had previously met. She introduced me to her beautiful daughter. Being so packed, the only place I could find to sit was at a very large table with a very helpful family. Soon after they left Mr. Bob, one of the regulars, came in! Then Mrs. Renae came in and then Dave, my favorite Chinese man, came in.  When I asked him for the 50th time if he is Japanese said no. As I apologized he said it was fine because “we all look alike.” I was completely surprised to hear this come out of his mouth! So many things that I have been told crossed my mind and I thought, “To each their own.” As I was pre-recording (actually recording last week’s devotions) I was being aware of my surroundings and overheard a conversation, I realized just how normal I am :-). Not mentioning any names, if you think that pertains to you, meaning that you think I'm not normal and have an awkward way of maintaining life, I may text you to explain my elation!

Duct tape

I woke up and felt amazingly wonderful and decided I was going to hop on the bus and go to Wal-mart to get colored duct tape, but before I got the bus I talked to Ma who let me know that she was at the store and was going to pick up duct tape for me! The next thing I needed to do was wait for my cousin to come over who had bought me a happy and while I waited for her I decided to pick out my clothes for next week and while doing that I tried to remember if there were any special outfit days next week-- Monday, I don't think so. Tuesday is Valentine's Day and I had a great outfit for that day. Friday is West spirit day and we can wear jeans, tennis shoes and West apparel. So I still had Monday Wednesday and Thursday to go.
    Not knowing that I had really been looking for crazy yet decent leggings, my cousin showed up with my “happy.”  She had emailed me me a picture of the  leggings she ordered and they were definitely crazy, but I had no clue that that they would be so perfect! While delivering the leggings, not only did she help me arrange outfits for the remaining days of the week, the leggings she got me matched so perfectly with the older West shirt that I happened be given the first year I worked at West. My new leggings have so many colors in them that they will match something every week that they happen to be clean!
    I was so very appreciative and excited about the new leggings I had been given that I almost forgot about my plans. I had to meet a friend at Starbucks... (oh no….glancing at a clock) in 5 minutes! It takes longer than 5 minutes to bring items back to my house and catch the bus to Starbucks or even to just ride my wheelchair to Starbucks! After contacting my Starbucks friend he was okay and could wait for a few while my cousin and I finished our random gallivant.. Next I was headed to Starbucks.
    Arriving at Starbucks in my hot rod, I simultaneously remembered that it was Sunday and the bus stopped running pretty early. I asked my friend that I had just made, Mark if we could run to Wal-mart so I could purchase wonderful things for the students and he had no problem with that. He even went above and beyond when deciphering what I should purchase. By the time we got back to Starbucks it was almost time for the last bus to run and he said he would rather take me home because it was so cold outside.
    After gathering additional strong man, my wheelchair was placed in the back of his truck. As we arrived at my house I had contacted Aaron and told him about the situation. He was on his way over to help me prepare other items for work tomorrow. Next my Minnesota friend, Aaron came over and assisted with many tasks that required fine motor skills and the new duct tape. In the midst of completing the tasks we decided that we should all have dinner together. After contacting Mark, he agreed to that and we made plans. I learned amazing information about Mark and Aaron and was pleasantly surprised when returning to the table to find Aaron and Mark talking as if I was the third wheel at their party.  As Aaron is still job hunting, I hope that the information they exchanged will become beneficial. I trust that God works all things for the good of His followers, and I hope and pray that magnificent opportunities will develop from the new connections made.  Thank you guys! THANK YOU HELEN!!!

The "simple" things...: Bringing a new meaning to Wobble Wobble

The "simple" things...: Bringing a new meaning to Wobble Wobble: Bringing a new meaning to Wobble Wobble It all started Wednesday morning… I was ready for work. I went through my exercises and was ready...

Your Totem Pole

Your Totem Pole

Recently I was asked how I am so happy all the time. At first I thought, “isn't everybody?” I found that apparently this question stayed in my mind until it was finally resolved. At 2:36 a.m.  I woke with a perhaps life-changing “aha moment.”

Growing up my life wasn’t perfect but you sure could not tell me that. I was one of the happiest polka-dotted jumpsuit wearing little girls that I can remember. Even though psychology does say that as situations are reflected on, one views them as better than they were. However that's neither here nor there --I had an awesome childhood!  I was taught to make the best of situations, so I did. Still today co-workers unintentionally remind me that I continue to view most situations like that. I view life through rose-colored glasses.

The study of psychology or maybe I was in biology class or the like, I remember it being mentioned that at a certain point in life, your emotional high becomes a few notches lower (okay so maybe that was when referring to depression, but bare with me) and I do notice how it does not take a lot to bring joy to many life-experienced individuals. It seems almost intuitive that  as one grows older, many things in life naturally establish a lower rank on the “excitement totem pole.” The high you once had when going to a children's birthday party with tablecloths, balloons,  hats that were all matching and leaving with a party favor as proof that you went to a party and had the best time of your life is something that one grows out of:. That excitement is shifted towards more adult- like, mature activities.   Perhaps it's a Scentsy party or heading to the flea market to find a new hunting device. Not being limited to this example, one's levels on a totem pole of excitement, change.

This is the best way for me to answer the question of how I am so happy all the time-- I have been reoriented on my totem pole of excitement!

So I ask myself is this bad? Am I being “fake”? Am I doing something wrong? My answer is no, we are all given different paths in life and as one is given many situations on their path, take each situation and make the best of it :-)!

It is now 4:16 a.m. and I need to get to sleep because Church is in a few hours!

Never a Dull Moment

Besides cleaning my house, I wasn't sure how I would spend my week off. After posting comments about discussions that I had over dinner with Dr. David, a comment was made on my post by a lady I met at earlier in the year at a coffee shop and was blessed by being able to  pray with her husband and her. She mentioned how life has her in a different place. She is now the Executive Director The Institute for Anatomical Research! This was a sweet little reminder of the power of prayer!   Writing/blogging, it may be your time as I have been reminded that although I may not be aware of the excitement taking place, in life there is never a dull moment!

Music to my ears

For the first few years of being back in Colorado I listened to KTLF (90.5) and KBIQ (102.7) as these station played “my type of music”-- the music from my middle school and high school years. I was then told about KGFT (100.7), a teaching and talk radio station and became a huge fan of this station. A time came when listening to sermons and searching scripture was almost all I did it really encouraged spending time with God. I would love how screw sure that had recently been brought to light in my life was being discussed or even sang I'm bout on the radio.

While I was at Starbucks several times over the summer, I would  like would  turn one of the tables into my “ office.” I would chat with nearly everyone that came through the door knowing that potentially I would get to hear a story. More often than not I would run into “regulars.” This was before I had earned that  title  and would ask  a bartista  about a particular person  describing their characteristics. They would smile and say oh she's a regular. This all happened before I earned that title and eventually became friends with many of the other regulars.

One of the people was and is Bob1. He and I got into a conversation about music and he started bringing me all sorts of music out of his collection: Celtic, Folk, Irish, African, and other types of very calming music. I am very appreciative of Bob1 reminding me that there is power in more than listening to sermons. I was also able to meet up with the other Bobs, Bob2 and Bob3, and spend time sharing about life while simultaneously gaining knowledge from their years of wisdom. One day my helper had to go to a class and would not be at my house. The lady who came is from West Africa and liked Bob1’s Mamadou music as it is from Africa. Although I occasionally listen to it, I never thought I would have a visitor who was so thankful that I had it.
       Starting this blog months ago, and just getting around to posting it, life has shown me many things, however I did see Bob1 today and was able to share the excitement of how God used his music in my home!

Turn Around

Turn Around
          Waking up in an incredibly crazy mood I tried not to get out of bed until things were more calm in my mind, but that was not happening. I prayed and asked God to calm my mind and the next thing I knew I was at my mom's house for breakfast and everything was awesome-- breakfast, the time I was able to spend with my aunt and my mom, and I even made it home in time to go to Rocky Mountain Calvary’s second Sunday service! AWESOME, right?
    Arriving to Church I was a little sad that I missed fellowshipping with my 9 o'clock service friends but this was before I had any idea of what God had planned. I sat down and slowly people began to trickle in. Stephanie, friend from years ago who had been away on a mission trip, happened to be home! Minutes later Vanessa showed up and sat right next to me. I was so excited to share where God has me currently and was really excited to talk about education for her son as the two are very closely intertwined.
    Soon it was time for Church. One of the things that stuck out to me during the sermon was that Christians need to stop being a judge and a lawyer, but rather be a witness. After hearing  that, thoughts of how many times last week I found myself talking about myself and how God is working in my life. I felt like I wasn't giving the other person time to talk. I started to feel bad but was reminded that by sharing how God has shown up in my own life helps others.
          Last week was a little rocky. It seemed as though storms were  coming in from every direction of life. Although I am not sure how this week is going to pan out, it has already been off to a fantastic start! After the fun and exciting surprise this morning, I was reminded that Ministry is waiting after the storm. I reflected on that for a few minutes and Pastor Eric also pointed out how difficulties that we go through better equip us to help others when they are in similar situations. Although it may not be an instant gratification type event that you are able to see immediately, in God's Time, His purpose become evident. 

Though my morning did not start out wonderful, after fabulous things started to unfold I was reminded that I should always be prepared and looking for God’s great turn-around!