Target Practice

Tonight I realized that my whipped cream container skill was a bit lacking. I was trying to squeeze whip cream onto chocolate mousse when it sprayed all over the wall and missed their target! Luckily, Nick understood the concept of "it's the thought that counts". We laughed while cleaning up the mess but realized that the best part of the desert was being wiped off the wall.  

I've learned a bit these past few weeks about staying on target and keeping your motivation going. I tend to get questions about staying focused, keeping my head up, and what's next in my life. I've discovered a lot of these answers through writing and observing. I've learned that listening vs. talking gets you farther than you think. 

Working with Sky (our new service dog, for those who didn't know) has been fun but it has also challenged emotions that I didn't even know were there. You get a lot of people wanting to touch and ask questions which I'm getting used to. It's not that I mind the dog, it's the mindset of others. I was in a store when I was told that I wasn't allowed to have a dog in this particular place. Rather than jumping on it and explaining myself, I decided to let her learn the situation. I took a step back from her and let her tell me again that I couldn't have a dog. I was a bit conflicted because it was somewhat obvious, but she came up to me again and said "I just realized this was a service dog" and she let it go.  We chatted and I understood her lack of education and understanding of the situation. 

This is to be expected but, it brought up some uncomfortable emotions. I think I just wanted her to "get it" without drawing attention.  However, that is a bit much (and selfish) of me to ask. I realized just how powerful knowledge really is and 90% of misunderstandings and confusion is stemmed from lack of knowledge. So, educate, educate, educate and talk, talk, talk. Be true to your emotions and yourself and you can work through it.

I have also observed my 84-year-old grandmother go through a double by-pass surgery this past week and come out on top. She told me that it was all going to be fine and she's right. She is an amazing woman that took a train from Missouri to Kansas with only a $1 in her pocket to find work and start a family. Talk about inspiring!

I stay on target and keep motivated by my experiences, the love in my life, and the constant opportunities I see to educate and help others. We don't always hit the target but you can't stop practicing and expect to hit the bullseye.  

Challenge yourself to educate when you would rather get upset or just want someone else to "get it". It can change the outcome. By the way, I've taught myself to play basketball in our driveway. I had two baskets last week! Look out Kobe.

Love, Jen

National Disability Awareness Month

In 1945 Congress enacted a law to educate the public about the issues related to disabilities. Now, it's a month recognized by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles (in spirit), Helen Keller and many more.  

Do you know how many famous people, people we look up to, and people that you would be surprised by have disabilities? Dyslexia, blindness, autism, etc. Just goes to show how a "difference" doesn't define you. So many have become instruments of inspiration on so many levels.

A video project I highly suggest you take a look at: Right to Risk. It follows 8 individuals with disabilities on a 15 day whitewater rafting trip on the Colorado River. To learn about more significant months like October, I suggest you surf the Library of Congress' homepage.

On another note,  I have been spending 2 to 3 hours a day with Sky and I'm excited to say he will be moving in on Saturday the 18th of October. We went shopping and he grabbed the plastic bag and carried it out to the car! The lady who was checking us out, looked at me in amazement and said "do it again, do it again". It was pretty funny.

Nick and I and Dean (a good friend of Nick's), went to a lecture this week about "the new American Dream" which was presented by John Zogby. If your not familiar with him he has been a pollster since 1984. It was fabulous. What I enjoyed so much was the intellectual thoughts of the younger audience. 

It was at SMU and the students (really everyone) were so engaged. It had me thinking how we treat everyone around us and where the ideas and thoughts of the polls come from. It's truly fascinating to see results and how life affects outcomes!  Check out the book The Way We'll Be: The Transformation of the American Dream. His thesis focused on the transition of American materialism and isolationism to the future of our political, cultural and spiritual awakening. I let you know how I liked the book sometime soon!

As a little suggestion for the week: don't take yourself so seriously. I have found that laughing is so great for the soul. I came home the other day and tripped on something and landed right on the floor. It was pretty ugly but I laughed so hard because I thought about how lucky I was that I was home and not in a movie theater!

Love,

Jen

Sky Update

Just a quick update on our new family member! We are finally at the point of transitioning training to the immediate family! Starting this Saturday I will be spending quite a bit of time with our new assistance dog, Sky, for the next few weeks then she will be coming home. We are really excited and really looking forward to the added companion.

Even though she is not home yet, I am in a state of such excitement. There is a wonderful group of friends that have made this possible and I can't thank you enough. The idea of what you all have done, with many who had never even met me, is just amazing and a great example of what the human spirit can do.

Love,

Jen

The New Mrs. Whipple

So, I don't have the photos yet but we added (and blended) new family members this weekend. My younger brother Matt, got married in a beautiful outdoor setting. It was so pretty and the setting was very quaint.  We had a great time. Christy is such an awesome friend and source of "life" for our family.

Nick and I were both in the wedding (bridesmaid & groomsmen) and we had to walk around a pool to get to where we had to stand. It wasn't until after that I had so many people tell me they were taking a breath when I turned a corner. The number of people thinking I was going to fall was quite large, ha! Nick was great and provided support and it went perfect.

Little Matthew got some singing in and entertained the rehearsal dinner with 3 tunes. He was so excited to tell his teacher today. He had fun.

Another very fun part of the evening was that P.L.A.Y. was awarded a very nice check from Justin who ran in the Leadville, Colorado race (earlier post). He ran for P.L.A.Y. and people donated for his cause. We got some great photos which I will share with you. Thanks again Justin!

I had the opportunity to see so many people that had supported me during the hospital that I have to say was a bit overwhelming.  It seems like no matter what we run into in our daily lives, as long as we have a place to call "home" things don't seem to be so bad. 

I have many long distance relationships and every time I see them I miss them. But, it also makes me appreciate how taking time for things that matter leads to such a wonderful array of friends, in all walks of life. Time is such a precious commodity, we need to make the best of every minute and reach out to people. Too much time passes and it shouldn't.

Love,

Jen

Fashion with Compassion

I am very honored to share some exciting news with everyone. A dear family friend, Nashville songwriter, singer, guitarist & jewelry designer, Shantel Nicole Grace, has created a line to help benefit the P.L.A.Y. Foundation. 

There are 10 vintage earring designs titled "Jenny's Collection". From now through December 2008, 50% of the profits collected from the earrings sales will go directly to the foundation. To view this beautiful collection, go to Designs by Shantel

and click on "Jenny's Collection" on the left hand side. For more information, click on Fashion with Compassion. We are so excited to be in partnership with such a talented and dynamic artist. Shantel is an amazing soul, truly. Sh sang at our wedding and made that time the most intimate ever. She is on iTunes, selling CDs & traveling to London for music opportunities. How in the world did I get her at my wedding? ;)

Designs by Shantel are founded on the highest standards of social and environmental  responsibility. Be a part of her collection and her spirit.

Love,

Jen