For those who read my last post, I had a few comments that said I went a little off course with that one. :) Ha! Okay, so for those who think the same, I was trying to make a point but rather than rehashing I will just save it for another day. Can't blame a girl for trying!
Anyway, hope everyone had a great weekend. I went to visit two of my best friends, by myself, and had such an awesome time. The first obstacle was getting through security without the help of others. Guess what? It took a little longer but I made it. I highly advise cutting in line, telling a security person your situation, and you will fly right through. The only difference is that you get searched a lot more and the conversations aren't that exciting! What is it with those people and humor?
I think this would have been a normal weekend except for the fact that this was my first trip with the girls since high school. I felt such a sense of independence this weekend but gained dependence for the friendships. These are the types of people and friendships that you can always count on in many ways. They will tell you when you are messing up as well as doing good. They spoiled me in the hospital, fussed at nurses when the service was a bit slow, made me a chart of when exactly I should be taking my medications versus taking them on Jen's schedule, and kept me smiling.
We are the same age but all in different places in our lives. As people go in and out of our lives we start to realize who will be in our corner and who won't. We also start to develop a network of people who are in our life for various reasons. Not everyone is in our life for the same reason, take everyone for who the are, not who you want them to be.
I have met really interesting people in various places. Over this holiday season make it a goal to meet someone new every week. People who may clean your house, take out your trash or hook up your cable may be the most interesting of all. Take time, at least once a week, to ask someone how they are and know if they have a family, have plans for the holiday, and so on.
I say this because if my friends would not have asked me a question or two. I wouldn't have the opportunity to be blessed with such great angels in my life. Not to mention my husband asking me if he could could "ring me" when he met me. Best question ever.
I have an understanding that life is too short. We should take advantage of the environment we have been provided with and take time to enrich ourselves, relationships, and to understand why we aren't doing those things we always wanted to. There is no sense in waiting when you never know what tomorrow will bring.
Love,
Jen
Monday
Wednesday
I'm In a New York State of Mind
I saw a great performance last night by Billy Joel. Whether you like him or not the music was so great. While I was there, I looked around and saw how many people seemed to be in such a great mood. There were big smiles, dancing and laughing. Music seems to connect so many people regardless of their social status, race, or handicap. :) By the way, I discovered that when I got excited and wanted to clap, I had to find a new dance move instead!
Being happy is truly a state of mind. Billy Joel has had some really rough times. At the end of the day, he is human, just like us. But, he has chosen to get back out and smile again while making others forget about everything just to watch him.
I want to expand your thoughts onto someone that Nick introduced me to. Jigme Singye Wangchuck was the king of Bhutan in 1972 and started the GNH or Gross National Happiness. It is an attempt to define quality of life in a more holistic and psychological way than what the traditional Gross National Product does.
Like many moral goals, it is somewhat easier to state than to define. Nonetheless, it serves as a unifying vision for the Five Year planning process and all the derived planning documents that guide the economic and development plans of the country.
While conventional development models stress economic growth as the ultimate objective, the concept of GNH claims to be based on the premise that true development of human society takes place when material and spiritual development occur side by side to complement and reinforce each other. The four pillars of GNH are the promotion of equitable and sustainable socio-economic development, preservation and promotion of cultural values, conservation of the natural environment, and establishment of good governance.
How cool would it be if we could just have one week to focus on what is really important. All the meetings, phone calls and stress can be put on hold. We need a concert, laughter, hugs, and true spiritual connection.
Next time you are out, take note of the people around you. We are all connected in a way that the wireless companies, computer companies, and technology companies think they understand, but it's the one's who want less, laugh more and connect through the heart who might just have it right!
I don't want to be anything other than what I've been tryin' to be lately.
Love,
Jen
Being happy is truly a state of mind. Billy Joel has had some really rough times. At the end of the day, he is human, just like us. But, he has chosen to get back out and smile again while making others forget about everything just to watch him.
I want to expand your thoughts onto someone that Nick introduced me to. Jigme Singye Wangchuck was the king of Bhutan in 1972 and started the GNH or Gross National Happiness. It is an attempt to define quality of life in a more holistic and psychological way than what the traditional Gross National Product does.
Like many moral goals, it is somewhat easier to state than to define. Nonetheless, it serves as a unifying vision for the Five Year planning process and all the derived planning documents that guide the economic and development plans of the country.
While conventional development models stress economic growth as the ultimate objective, the concept of GNH claims to be based on the premise that true development of human society takes place when material and spiritual development occur side by side to complement and reinforce each other. The four pillars of GNH are the promotion of equitable and sustainable socio-economic development, preservation and promotion of cultural values, conservation of the natural environment, and establishment of good governance.
How cool would it be if we could just have one week to focus on what is really important. All the meetings, phone calls and stress can be put on hold. We need a concert, laughter, hugs, and true spiritual connection.
Next time you are out, take note of the people around you. We are all connected in a way that the wireless companies, computer companies, and technology companies think they understand, but it's the one's who want less, laugh more and connect through the heart who might just have it right!
I don't want to be anything other than what I've been tryin' to be lately.
Love,
Jen
Sunday
Fly: When a Great Adventure is Offered, Don't Refuse It
It's Sunday night and I am thinking about how fast and furious this week went. BUT - very exciting week.
Before I start, I want to thank Jason Nigg for his comment. That was so incredible and just gave me so much of what I need to read sometimes. ;) It's just so wild how this has reconnected people in my life. Hope all is well with you.
I have some progress on my hands. I have surgery scheduled in January. As I said before, this will be an outpatient procedure and recovery time should be minimal. Prosthetics should be soon. The strange thing is that I have learned to do so much without them that you start to adapt as you are. :) I am happy to finally have a date a be able to move forward.
I met with a very special lady this week who introduced me to some very cool software. The funny thing is that it can help me tremendously, but I don't know why everyone wouldn't want this! You can do so much on the computer just by talking to it. Girls, you would love it. Even though I can type, my speed can get shaky after a while. This can just keep me going for hours― meaning lots more reading to come! :)
Nick & I have also had a wonderful angel by our side for a while that just made life a little easier. It seems that everytime we get comfortable with something new our life changes, again. Things are going well for us but we owe so much to others. We gain a new experience every week and I hope this continues for a long time.
I am still swimming and doing pilates. I keep going farther and farther but want to learn more. I am doing this totally for myself but hopefully I can inspire others to try something new. Just don't refuse what is right in front of you.
This week has just been filled with experiences that only a higher being is behind. My morning routine is getting so much faster, I am walking faster and faster (I was almost in a light jog this morning with Matthew) and am learning how to really be a partner. It's all being encouraged by something else―something bigger and unseen.
I am going to see Billy Joel this week with a great friend and looking forward to that. This is a busy week coming up, but this past week has experiences you can only do once.
Have a great few days and happy holidays!
Love,
Jen
Before I start, I want to thank Jason Nigg for his comment. That was so incredible and just gave me so much of what I need to read sometimes. ;) It's just so wild how this has reconnected people in my life. Hope all is well with you.
I have some progress on my hands. I have surgery scheduled in January. As I said before, this will be an outpatient procedure and recovery time should be minimal. Prosthetics should be soon. The strange thing is that I have learned to do so much without them that you start to adapt as you are. :) I am happy to finally have a date a be able to move forward.
I met with a very special lady this week who introduced me to some very cool software. The funny thing is that it can help me tremendously, but I don't know why everyone wouldn't want this! You can do so much on the computer just by talking to it. Girls, you would love it. Even though I can type, my speed can get shaky after a while. This can just keep me going for hours― meaning lots more reading to come! :)
Nick & I have also had a wonderful angel by our side for a while that just made life a little easier. It seems that everytime we get comfortable with something new our life changes, again. Things are going well for us but we owe so much to others. We gain a new experience every week and I hope this continues for a long time.
I am still swimming and doing pilates. I keep going farther and farther but want to learn more. I am doing this totally for myself but hopefully I can inspire others to try something new. Just don't refuse what is right in front of you.
This week has just been filled with experiences that only a higher being is behind. My morning routine is getting so much faster, I am walking faster and faster (I was almost in a light jog this morning with Matthew) and am learning how to really be a partner. It's all being encouraged by something else―something bigger and unseen.
I am going to see Billy Joel this week with a great friend and looking forward to that. This is a busy week coming up, but this past week has experiences you can only do once.
Have a great few days and happy holidays!
Love,
Jen
Part of Where I'm Going is Knowing Where I'm Coming From
It is Sunday evening and so cold. I'm with blanket and hot chocolate and thinking about my family and what a great time we had for Thanksgiving. I discovered a great game called Catch Phrase. Anyone know it? We had so many people playing and so many laughs it felt like a game show. It was loads of fun. Little Matthew was great; it's scary when a 9-year-old stumps you. :)
How about watching old family videos and sharing the cool 80s hair and very scary clothes with your husband for the first time! I think he is still traumatized. :) The family started watching and I felt like I could watch them for hours.
For the answer to the big question: yes, I beeped all the way through airport security. However, it was all handled so graciously that it was pretty much uneventful. The hockey game was more exciting! Also, we did get an early snow and I realize how much I do miss it!
This was my first holiday with my "new look". I had many, many thoughts running through my head. Before I share, you probably need to know a bit about my family during the holidays. Laughter, groups, jokes, traditions, food, love, friendships, food, and did I say food? :)
My family is not exactly quiet or shy and we have been told that we are like the mob.
That being said, I use to be much more involved than what I felt I was this year. I want to thank Christy so very much for taking care of things when I can't and for being so good to my family and mom. Your the extra special addition to everything. As everything happens for a reason, I truly feel that God placed Nick in my life and you in Matt's so that there was support in place for what he had planned.
I took in so much from this visit and really noticed the smiles, love and real friendship that is within my circle. I have to say that it is a bit tough not being able to help with certain festivities and be that person that people used to ask for help. I felt as if I was just an observer, which is fine but just a change/adjustment. I tested a lot of drinks and had good conversation.
The thing that is to be said is this: everything that has got me to this place in my mind, heart and soul was started way over 50 years ago with Bob and Eleanor meeting, falling in love, starting a wonderful family and being the best grandparents anyone could ask for. They raised three wonderful kids, one, my wonderful mom and the other two, my close friends. I looked at the photos from this week and think how awesome how two people started a great, great thing.
I also noticed this week that patience with emotions is a very powerful tool. Allowing yourself to feel the changes and to absorb the differences brings you closer to yourself. The first step to moving past a new feeling/emotion/experience is to allow yourself the patience of the emotion.
I have so many things I want to do by next years holiday but I have to experience this first. I'm not used to being in the background. Even though everyone understands, I know that it's extra work for others now and I truly want everyone to know how much of a team this is. I love you all so much.
I read your comments all the time and can't tell you how many days this gives me strength. Christy from Dallas: please let me know what is going on with your mom. My thoughts are still with you.
I hope everyone had a great holiday. Before I sign off, I thought I would also share a laugh with you all. Click on this link for a holiday boost. It's Nick and my brothers, and oh, me too. :) (http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9605131896)
I will write again soon!
Love,
Jen
How about watching old family videos and sharing the cool 80s hair and very scary clothes with your husband for the first time! I think he is still traumatized. :) The family started watching and I felt like I could watch them for hours.
For the answer to the big question: yes, I beeped all the way through airport security. However, it was all handled so graciously that it was pretty much uneventful. The hockey game was more exciting! Also, we did get an early snow and I realize how much I do miss it!
This was my first holiday with my "new look". I had many, many thoughts running through my head. Before I share, you probably need to know a bit about my family during the holidays. Laughter, groups, jokes, traditions, food, love, friendships, food, and did I say food? :)
My family is not exactly quiet or shy and we have been told that we are like the mob.
That being said, I use to be much more involved than what I felt I was this year. I want to thank Christy so very much for taking care of things when I can't and for being so good to my family and mom. Your the extra special addition to everything. As everything happens for a reason, I truly feel that God placed Nick in my life and you in Matt's so that there was support in place for what he had planned.
I took in so much from this visit and really noticed the smiles, love and real friendship that is within my circle. I have to say that it is a bit tough not being able to help with certain festivities and be that person that people used to ask for help. I felt as if I was just an observer, which is fine but just a change/adjustment. I tested a lot of drinks and had good conversation.
The thing that is to be said is this: everything that has got me to this place in my mind, heart and soul was started way over 50 years ago with Bob and Eleanor meeting, falling in love, starting a wonderful family and being the best grandparents anyone could ask for. They raised three wonderful kids, one, my wonderful mom and the other two, my close friends. I looked at the photos from this week and think how awesome how two people started a great, great thing.
I also noticed this week that patience with emotions is a very powerful tool. Allowing yourself to feel the changes and to absorb the differences brings you closer to yourself. The first step to moving past a new feeling/emotion/experience is to allow yourself the patience of the emotion.
I have so many things I want to do by next years holiday but I have to experience this first. I'm not used to being in the background. Even though everyone understands, I know that it's extra work for others now and I truly want everyone to know how much of a team this is. I love you all so much.
I read your comments all the time and can't tell you how many days this gives me strength. Christy from Dallas: please let me know what is going on with your mom. My thoughts are still with you.
I hope everyone had a great holiday. Before I sign off, I thought I would also share a laugh with you all. Click on this link for a holiday boost. It's Nick and my brothers, and oh, me too. :) (http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9605131896)
I will write again soon!
Love,
Jen
The One Thing Grander Than the Sea Is the Sky ... The One Thing Grander Than the Sky Is the Spirit of the Human Being.
I was thinking of what to write today while I was at the park. I was watching everyone walking by, running with their dogs, or getting family photos. I even saw many ducks being fed as well as birds flying all around. It is somewhat intriguing to know that so much goes on during the day, even while we are at a park.
While sitting there I realized that my life has really slowed down in the sense that I have time to appreciate and pay attention more. I have always felt that I have struggled to slow down and take time for what matters. I know this is relative as we all may have a different view on what matters in life, however, I'm not missing out anymore on things that are important to me.
There are days that I literally have to strategize every move I make and then I have the days that I fly through every move. The difference is that I don't have a choice on whether or not I want to skip the strategy; it's there and it's not going away. Because of this, I have learned patience and how to recognize the little things. At the end of the day I am only pushing myself to new heights. If it's hard, just look at how much stronger you will be after the rainbow starts to show itself again.
I was with a friend of mine yesterday seeing her little 4 year old niece. She is so precious. She could not take her eyes off my hands and she couldn't understand why I couldn't close my hand and make a fist. We had the cutest talk about me being a little different from her and I ended up telling her that I was just like her, she just didn't know it yet. She just responded with "I'm a princess", haha. Well I'm sure that was coincidence but I chose not to think so. :)
Nick, Matthew and I are flying to KS on Tuesday for turkey day and the whole gang will be there. We are really excited to be going. This is my first visit back since being in the hospital so its extra special.
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. Remember the human spirit in all that we do. Our spirit affects the next person, good or bad, as well as keeps our internal soul in tact.
There is so much to be thankful for, just take time to appreciate them.
Love to all and have a great time with your families,
Jen
While sitting there I realized that my life has really slowed down in the sense that I have time to appreciate and pay attention more. I have always felt that I have struggled to slow down and take time for what matters. I know this is relative as we all may have a different view on what matters in life, however, I'm not missing out anymore on things that are important to me.
There are days that I literally have to strategize every move I make and then I have the days that I fly through every move. The difference is that I don't have a choice on whether or not I want to skip the strategy; it's there and it's not going away. Because of this, I have learned patience and how to recognize the little things. At the end of the day I am only pushing myself to new heights. If it's hard, just look at how much stronger you will be after the rainbow starts to show itself again.
I was with a friend of mine yesterday seeing her little 4 year old niece. She is so precious. She could not take her eyes off my hands and she couldn't understand why I couldn't close my hand and make a fist. We had the cutest talk about me being a little different from her and I ended up telling her that I was just like her, she just didn't know it yet. She just responded with "I'm a princess", haha. Well I'm sure that was coincidence but I chose not to think so. :)
Nick, Matthew and I are flying to KS on Tuesday for turkey day and the whole gang will be there. We are really excited to be going. This is my first visit back since being in the hospital so its extra special.
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. Remember the human spirit in all that we do. Our spirit affects the next person, good or bad, as well as keeps our internal soul in tact.
There is so much to be thankful for, just take time to appreciate them.
Love to all and have a great time with your families,
Jen
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