Prosthetics for Allison—The Sea Turtle

Not to worry if a turtle looses a flipper! There was a sea turtle—named Allison—who was found on South Padre Island missing 3 flippers.

What is the solution? Prosthetic flippers—how awesome! Rather than swimming in circles (talk about getting sea sick), Allison will now have a "direction". These are apparently made from the silicon that is used from human facial prosthetics.

According to the Dallas Morning News, she will be the "first sea turtle to get a prosthetic but not the first animal. At least two dolphins have been fitted."

I would love to be a marine biologist (in another life) and am fascinated with the world that lives below us. Now that scientists are working on something like this, it makes me feel like the possibilities are endless!

As slow as turtles are, perhaps they can speed Allison up with these flippers and make her life just as rich and fulfilling as with regular flippers! I wonder if the turtle and dolphins with prosthetics will be an inspiration for a new exhibit at Sea World? :)

Love,
Jen

Limbs for Life Masquerade Limb Ball

Ever been to a Mardi Gras & Masquerade ball? Well, Nick and I went Saturday night for a fundraiser and had such a fun time. It's interesting meeting people for the first time with masks on—they all seem suspect from the get go. :)

The night was to benefit Limbs for Life and everyone seemed to benefit in more ways than one! This organization benefits those who can't afford prosthetic care and people in impoverished nations.

This night really opened my eyes to those who are behind the scenes supporting people in a situation like me. When I was in rehabilitation, I talked to a board member—Craig Gavras. I had several people talk to me when I was in the hospital and hey seemed to be in a different place than I was, both mentally & spiritually.

Then, I was introduced to Craig. He lost a leg and had the best attitude and a very active lifestyle. This guy took a cycling trip, with others, from Oklahoma City to Austin—oh, did I mention this was after his accident? When he talked to me I remember feeling that "yes" feeling and remembering that I needed to surround myself with others like him.

So, talking with Craig gave me one perspective but the organization sounded as if they really did great things. Then, we go to this annual party and I realized about 400 people who thought the same thing that I did.

Everyone was in great costumes and were ready to bid on some really cool items. Needless to say we went home empty handed but had a great table to sit at.

One observation I had was actually about me. They showed a great short film on what a person goes through after loosing a limb. This is the one piece of this experience that is really mine and really personal. This was harder for me to watch than I thought it would be.

I don't see myself as challenged until I see a film such as this which brings out all the emotional stuff that I work through on a daily basis. It made it much more real but gave me the venue to be vulnerable around some people that could really relate (very few amputees were there). It was a nice evening among great company. Support is something that is truly priceless.

Another observation is the fact that there really are good people in this world—you just have to make the choices to surround yourself with these type of people. I have to admit, God has helped to surround me with some of the most supporting and genuine people and for that I can only feel blessed. But, for those times that life seems to be a bit off, seek the opportunities that can build that support, don't just accept.

Not to be cliché, but don't take things at face value. Don't just follow the crowd. Don't accept life as it is. If we did that we would never get anywhere. If no one said that we needed a solution for prosthetic care, we wouldn't have Limbs for Life or all the other organizations.

Treat yourself like your worth a million bucks and your heart will lead you in the right direction!

Love,

Jen

Without Making a Political Statement

So, what have I been up to lately? This past week has been really inspiring and allowed me to get a sense of the opportunities that are in my future.

Nick and I went to Atlanta over the weekend and what an experience that was! We were to arrive around 11 but got in around 2 AM due to weather. The hotel we stayed in was a little less than kosher. :) Nick is in charge of the hotel next time for sure.

While we were there we met some really wonderful people and I have started to look at life in a community sort of way. It's not that I haven't felt this way before, I just haven't had the time to act on it.

What if we all had a place to be a part of, feel good about helping the community, look at cool things while we were at it and feel like you were part of something special.

I have been blessed with a lot of time at the moment to which I am sure, was granted so that I can do something good for others. I hope to bring this to your community soon! I'm keeping my elbows crossed.

As my week progressed, I had the opportunity to hear Barack Obama speak in Dallas. What a treat this was. A special friend took me with the VIP treatment. A year ago I would never have guessed that I would have the opportunities that I have had, simply from thinking walking would be too difficult.

I stood for 2 hours and even ended up giving my seat to a girl that became ill. I was really tired in this picture as it was the end of the day but, I remember, not too long ago, how hard it was to stand for even 20 minutes. It is such a great feeling to be so much more "able" even though I get that "dis" attachment every now and then.

It's been a very moving week and I hope to keep the momentum going. I feel as if my life has been put into fast motion sometimes and I get excited about all the possibilities. Because of that, I was recently given some great advice: focus on one thing and do that one thing really well, everything else will follow.

I am starting to believe!

Love,

Jen

UNICEF World Water Day—March 22nd

Good morning! I am sitting in my kitchen with my door open so that I can hear and smell the rain. It's a bit chilly but it's so refreshing at the same time. What is it about rain or water in general?

My husband and I often sit outside or look for the sound of water running. We tend to gravitate towards nature in many ways and with a bit of a push from my hubby I have found such an appreciation of the beauty in the outdoor life. I tend to believe surfing in Australia would give him that appreciation. I'm so jealous. :)

Because we live in a world that we can take water for granted due to the accessibility, I challenge you to recognize what a privilege this truly is. I participated in World Water Day last year and had the opportunity to share this at People Newspapers (search my name if you are interested). The event was very successful and created a lot of awareness!

Let me take a step back and explain why this captures my heart. Nearly 1.1 billion (roughly 20% of the world's population) lack access to safe drinking water. The lack of clean, safe drinking water is estimated to kill almost 4,500 children per day. Out of the 2.2 million unsafe drinking water deaths in 2004, 90% were children under the age of 5.

A third of the earth's population lives in "water stressed" countries and that number is expected to rise dramatically over the next two decades. The problem is worst in developing countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Because of this, we can do the smallest things to not waste water and support change in this area. If your ever in Starbucks and need water, the proceeds from the Ethos water bottles support this cause.

I have really been able to understand the value of taking things for granted and it makes me look at life in a way that I can say "is it that important?" Do we need to run water as we brush our teeth, do we need 20 minute showers?

I will be out of town for the event this year but I challenge you to educate yourself at World Water Day Dot Net and explore the simple opportunity to make someone else's world a better place. The event is one day but the cause should be a lifetime. Get this on your calendar!

Love,

Jen

"Love, comforteth like sunshine after rain." William Shakespeare

Happy Valentine's Day! Today is a day to just "be" and to allow yourself to reflect on how much love is in your life.

For those of us that are married, dating, engaged, or otherwise tied up, let this be the one day that we don't find fault in anything. The lights could be shut off, don't argue, just love.

Argue about it the day after. :) We all need one day, if not every day, to remember why we are together. For those of you who aren't married, dating, engaged, or otherwise tied up, Valentine's almost seems like a marketing ploy! Ha!

I found this Valentine's Day inspired short film on YouTube. Check it out—it's really clever.



Life truly is full of friends, family and partners that should make us smile. We create the meaning of this day into what makes us feel good—no matter what that may be. :)

Love,
Jen

The Pilates Engagement

For the best information of the weekend, my brother proposed to his wonderful girlfriend of a year and a half Friday evening! We are so happy for them and can't wait for the big day. This next year will be our year to have nothing but smiles and laughter. Pilates was wonderful! I'm going to let my brother, Matthew fill you in on this portion as he has a perspective that only he can express:

Yes, it's true! I gave Christy a ring this weekend and I couldn't wait to do it. She means the world to me and is the most amazing and beautiful women ever. Early Friday evening I was talking to Jen about my proposal and she said "the cool thing is right now you have a girlfriend and tomorrow you'll wake up with a fiancé." That was powerful and exciting. I love her very much!

Saturday night, Christy, Jen, Nick, Matthew #2 and myself, went out to dinner to celebrate and had a great time. We really regret our families weren't here with us but we will see them very soon.

So, today was Jen's Pilates seminar. For those who are wondering what this event is, I'll explain it by saying that it involves roughly 50-60 seasoned instructors from all over the world that gathered this weekend to share ideas and thoughts dealing with the art of Joseph Pilates. There were several instructors that have worked with some A-list people, including Madonna and Sting—pretty impressive.

A few learned from Joseph himself. Jen's instructor and good friend, Donna, is a great teacher. She and Jen had their own room today to display some of the exercises and poses that they've been working on over the last few months.

Jen was incredible. A women who was watching said Jen had better form than some of her clients of two or three years! Another lady asked "she has prosthetic legs!?" The machine they work out on is called a cadillac reformer and allows you to focus on all parts of the body especially the core. This thing is very innovative and now I can see how Jen has that six pack.

After three or four exercises Jen took a short break to tell her story to the people in the room and she did so very well. It was yet another reason that makes me so proud to sit in the same room and say that's my sister. She would talk liberally throughout the session and several questions were asked to which she answered with confidence and strength.

I told her tonight that all that she has gone through has miraculously allowed her to express herself more comfortably than I've ever seen in the past. The whole event was very cool and we did take some good pics of Jen working out with Donna.

Donna told the people in the room that "Jennifer has changed my life." That was really special to hear, and the closeness they have through Pilates and just life in general is something that they will both treasure forever.

Family and friends, I am tired and worn out from a busy weekend and it's time I get some shuteye. Remember, anything is possible with faith and love.

Godspeed,
Matthew

An Owl, Seriously?

So, I was walking out of Kinko's with a friend of mine when she says "Jen, watch out!" I look up and hit my head on an owl that was hanging from the overhead of the building. We laughed so hard, you kinda had to be there. :)

But, what on earth is the purpose of this thing? It is definitely not "art", not a bird feeder, it doesn't talk or greet you, nothing! My advice? Next time you are at Kinko's, always watch your step and wear a helmet!

Super Tuesday & Sweetest Hands

It's about 9:30 and I'm trying to fall asleep but seem to be addicted to reading about politics. I have found some great podcasts with great material. When you start debating out loud to your computer, it's time to take a breath, close the computer down, and try starting over. Things like that can get you called "Britney".

Anyway, this year's candidates are very interesting and, wow, look how far we have come on so many levels. I'm not going to endorse a candidate on the blog but, I have noticed that if you really believe, change can occur.

In my daily life I have the option to believe or not to believe that change, growth, patience, and strength can occur. But, if we never try, or go that extra mile, or take that extra step, or push ourselves, then its up to us to take responsibility for what we don't do. We can't expect others to change things that we can't even change ourselves.

However, we can look to others to give us hope. I was asked to go with Marcella to a doctor appointment yesterday as she was getting new prosthetics. She is so precious and always with a smile. She put them on and couldn't balance very well, she is only 5.

The sweetest thing occurred. She put her palm on mine and we walked together. It was such a touching moment in my day. She was walking but is going to need a lot of practice. Before I left, she gives me the best hug and then starts laughing, ha! It just warmed my heart. If she only knew the strength she had.

Having something or someone to believe in can give a person a sense of realness. It's all about building each other up as humans and giving each other the support to feel that we can run for president—if that's your thing.

On a lighter note, my hands are healing but doing well. I tried to color my hair—uh, well, scary. Don't think I'll be doing that again. Let's just say the reddish/blonde thing is not my look. I'll be getting that fixed as soon as possible. :) I am reading more and more and am hoping to get back to work in the near future!

I have so much more to share but I'm finally getting tired. I'll write in a few days!

Love,

Jen