It took me a while to decide whether or not to post this, but I learned a lot, so maybe you can too. First, the community group I am lucky to be a part of is absolutely astonishing. All. The. Time. Second, we just studied James.
To begin, James is Jesus’s half-brother (or most speculate). If Jesus was NOT drastically different than any other guy, his little brother would be trying to beat him up or cover up his embarrassing blasphemy rather than tell the world to worship Him. Next, James is all about action. Just Do It. No more of this talk, but step up and do something. Quite relevant to Dallas...
James has 5 chapters, and coincidentally, so does a work-week. This inspired me to do a little experiment: to literally and completely alter my life for a week. Each day had a very different predetermined action (some worldly, some biblically), based on the chapter. I'll post day-by-day how it played out…
Day 1: James 1
Major theme: Preservation through suffering, temptation
Action: Obviously the theme applies to every aspect of life. But, I wasn’t going to create a real-life struggle, so I had to make up something, which became a water only fast. Being diligent and hungry? It’s amazing how our “god is our stomach”.
Lessons learned: Not eating takes major focus, more than I expected. Several times, I almost ate something because I was hungry and had simply forgotten that I wasn’t eating. Avoiding temptation in regard to the things that we regularly struggle with takes intense focus as well. We have to consciously make a decision and stick with it. "...rather, train yourselves to be godly." -1 Timothy 4:7
Being hungry also makes one cranky, tired, sick-feeling, and overall less cheerful. To make a water fast more relevant to perseverance in trials, I purposely chose a day where I am expected to be the all-so-ever happy girl as well as be around food all day. It became amazing how much I had to rely on Christ to ensure I was appropriately representing Him, not being either fake or negative, and simply not eating. Hunger definitely heightens your senses in Twilight style proportions –okay maybe not that much –but God’s handiwork became increasingly obvious. Ex: the perfect song at the perfect time. Phenomenal worship to refresh me. Unexplainable peace. A phone call when needed. Also, I realized major opportunities that probably are always there but often go overlooked. It reminded me of 1 Corinthians 10:13 “...But when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” God always gives us another way, we just have to stop focusing on our sin long enough to see it.
This day also brought to mind how easily we justify and rationalize our actions. We tend to live in this world of grey, but sometimes things are simply black and white. Often, sin is black and white. Interestingly, the concept of ‘water only’ is very black and white, but I found myself coloring it grey. Did I really mean, ONLY water? What about tea, that’s mostly water? Can I put fruit in it to jazz it up a bit? Of course this is a silly example, but has real world application. I’m quite guilty of living in grey, being able to present a stellar case to convince myself and others that whatever I want to do is 'right' or within the will of God. But in actuality, sometimes it just isn’t. Granted, I’m not talking about what Christians often consider a “major sin” (all sin is the same, but that’s for another day) but rather the things we consider “minor sin”. If you tell a lie to not hurt someone’s feelings, surely that is justifiable, right? What about not confessing a struggle and just pretending it didn’t happen? If it only affects you, will that be okay? I’m not God, so I don’t know the answer. But, life can be difficult, confusing, and messy; maybe we should cherish the aspects that are black and white.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Occasionally, I wish I was a guy.
There is nothing remotely correct in your speculation of the reasoning behind this title, so keep reading.
Story time: Tonight, on the way to celebrate a friend’s birthday and stopped at a red light, I saw him. He had the appearance of any other normal guy I would know. He was about 27 and sporting the vintage rocker look, equipped with worn-out chucks, a V-neck solid white tee, a scruffy beard, and a green travel backpack. Yet, there was something distinctively different about him than other guys I know. He didn’t have anywhere to go tonight.
It was late, it was dark, and it wasn’t a location that people regularly ‘hang out’. Yet there he sat, facing against the traffic, without a jacket, and maintaining a very stoic expression. There was a sense of heartache and desperation in his dark eyes, eyes that were very distant from the cigarette at which he stared. It was apparent that he was floating, that he wasn’t just taking a breather or just had a fight with his girlfriend. He was a gypsy.
Questions immediately started flowing through my head, as I became intensely focused on this stranger. What is his story? Where is he from? How did he get here? Where is his family? Why can’t he stay with them? How long has he gone without a true home? What does he need? What is going on inside his head, his heart, and his soul? How can I help?
And that’s the moment I became frustrated with being female. Why couldn’t I just give this guy a ride, a free late night dinner, and a couch to sleep on while he has time to do what he needs to do? I honestly COULD provide all of those things for him, so why couldn’t I? Maybe it would completely supply his needs. Ahh the frustration of being of the ‘weaker sex’-to quote Peter. Why do we have to live in a world where it is unsafe and unwise for a 24 year old female to help a stranger, to be hospitable, and to take action with love? I knew in my head that everyone who loves me would kill me if I offered the man a ride. Regardless of the intentions.
Someone behind me honks. I snap back to reality, or my reality anyway. The light is green. I have no cash, no food, or anything beyond girly sunglasses and lip gloss to give him. At this point, tears were ruining my freshly applied makeup-as if that is something to be concerned about. How awful it is that I look at this man with a broken heart, and then consciously continue driving? I say a prayer for him because that’s all I safely know to do.
The rest of the drive I ponder his life and mine. He probably has four times as many stories, and he isn’t much older. He’s probably felt more pain and loneliness than I can fathom. He probably knows what really is important in life, and he probably doesn’t concern himself with my everyday struggles.
Life isn’t fair for him. Why is his situation what it is? How did I get the privilege of being born into a phenomenal family knowing I am loved, when not everyone else does? Why do I get to live in a one bedroom apartment, go out with friends whenever the situation arises, to have more books than shelves, and have enough shoes to go two months before repeating, and this guy probably sleeps outside? Why do I get to have an easy go at many aspects of life when some people have to persevere through constant contention? It isn’t fair.
And then I am so absolutely thankful that God isn’t fair. That His grace isn’t fair. That His mercy isn’t fair. That His love isn’t fair. And that His sacrifice isn’t fair. Fair would be bad news. Fair would mean I receive what I deserve. If my “righteous deeds are like filthy rags” then I really do not want what I deserve. Thankfully God is faithful, and he says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9. And because God’s justice isn’t fair, I want EVERYTHING to do with Christ. “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” –Psalm 5:11
Story time: Tonight, on the way to celebrate a friend’s birthday and stopped at a red light, I saw him. He had the appearance of any other normal guy I would know. He was about 27 and sporting the vintage rocker look, equipped with worn-out chucks, a V-neck solid white tee, a scruffy beard, and a green travel backpack. Yet, there was something distinctively different about him than other guys I know. He didn’t have anywhere to go tonight.
It was late, it was dark, and it wasn’t a location that people regularly ‘hang out’. Yet there he sat, facing against the traffic, without a jacket, and maintaining a very stoic expression. There was a sense of heartache and desperation in his dark eyes, eyes that were very distant from the cigarette at which he stared. It was apparent that he was floating, that he wasn’t just taking a breather or just had a fight with his girlfriend. He was a gypsy.
Questions immediately started flowing through my head, as I became intensely focused on this stranger. What is his story? Where is he from? How did he get here? Where is his family? Why can’t he stay with them? How long has he gone without a true home? What does he need? What is going on inside his head, his heart, and his soul? How can I help?
And that’s the moment I became frustrated with being female. Why couldn’t I just give this guy a ride, a free late night dinner, and a couch to sleep on while he has time to do what he needs to do? I honestly COULD provide all of those things for him, so why couldn’t I? Maybe it would completely supply his needs. Ahh the frustration of being of the ‘weaker sex’-to quote Peter. Why do we have to live in a world where it is unsafe and unwise for a 24 year old female to help a stranger, to be hospitable, and to take action with love? I knew in my head that everyone who loves me would kill me if I offered the man a ride. Regardless of the intentions.
Someone behind me honks. I snap back to reality, or my reality anyway. The light is green. I have no cash, no food, or anything beyond girly sunglasses and lip gloss to give him. At this point, tears were ruining my freshly applied makeup-as if that is something to be concerned about. How awful it is that I look at this man with a broken heart, and then consciously continue driving? I say a prayer for him because that’s all I safely know to do.
The rest of the drive I ponder his life and mine. He probably has four times as many stories, and he isn’t much older. He’s probably felt more pain and loneliness than I can fathom. He probably knows what really is important in life, and he probably doesn’t concern himself with my everyday struggles.
Life isn’t fair for him. Why is his situation what it is? How did I get the privilege of being born into a phenomenal family knowing I am loved, when not everyone else does? Why do I get to live in a one bedroom apartment, go out with friends whenever the situation arises, to have more books than shelves, and have enough shoes to go two months before repeating, and this guy probably sleeps outside? Why do I get to have an easy go at many aspects of life when some people have to persevere through constant contention? It isn’t fair.
And then I am so absolutely thankful that God isn’t fair. That His grace isn’t fair. That His mercy isn’t fair. That His love isn’t fair. And that His sacrifice isn’t fair. Fair would be bad news. Fair would mean I receive what I deserve. If my “righteous deeds are like filthy rags” then I really do not want what I deserve. Thankfully God is faithful, and he says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9. And because God’s justice isn’t fair, I want EVERYTHING to do with Christ. “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” –Psalm 5:11
Sunday, April 11, 2010
A little of this, a little of that
Not much time, so a few short and sweet thoughts from this week.
13 miles is a long way to run. But the nagging knee pain, cramps, nausea, and inability to move all day is NOTHING compared to runners high. Nothing. Honestly. Same brain centers that ecstasy stimulates. Nice work God!
23 years of perfect vision. 24, not so much. Unfortunately…
High expectations will always be better than low expectations, even if they are unmet for a while. High expectations require faith. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” –Proverbs 13:11 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” –Hebrews 11:1 “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” –Psalm 20:4
Practice board exams, not too scary and turned out fine. Real boards, $1000 test, a bit more scary.
Wellness project = athletic shoes. Went shoe shopping 3 times for school. A girl’s dream! And, the Finishline salesman was thoroughly impressed that I knew the back-story of Adidas and Puma. Wikipedia it. Also, Vibram toe shoes and Sketchers Rockers are not quite the spectacle as advertised.
Friends drop everything when needed. No. matter. what. :) “A friend loves at all times…” –Proverbs 17:17
Chris Tomlin = great praise and worship. Worth it, even if it ends up being a bunch of friends + a bunch of high school kids. Free tickets helped. “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;” –Psalm 84:10
Multiple friends called this week in freak-out moments because I’m the ‘calm’ one. Not sure if that is a compliment or not.
If Mike Modano retires, I might cry.
House is such a thought provoking show. However, his cane is in the wrong hand, and it drives me insane.
1 Large Movie Popcorn + butter has the same amount of fat as 8 big macs. Yes, EIGHT. Gross. This might have ruined my day.
Duke is still the National Champion, Incase you have forgotten. ;)
13 miles is a long way to run. But the nagging knee pain, cramps, nausea, and inability to move all day is NOTHING compared to runners high. Nothing. Honestly. Same brain centers that ecstasy stimulates. Nice work God!
23 years of perfect vision. 24, not so much. Unfortunately…
High expectations will always be better than low expectations, even if they are unmet for a while. High expectations require faith. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” –Proverbs 13:11 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” –Hebrews 11:1 “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” –Psalm 20:4
Practice board exams, not too scary and turned out fine. Real boards, $1000 test, a bit more scary.
Wellness project = athletic shoes. Went shoe shopping 3 times for school. A girl’s dream! And, the Finishline salesman was thoroughly impressed that I knew the back-story of Adidas and Puma. Wikipedia it. Also, Vibram toe shoes and Sketchers Rockers are not quite the spectacle as advertised.
Friends drop everything when needed. No. matter. what. :) “A friend loves at all times…” –Proverbs 17:17
Chris Tomlin = great praise and worship. Worth it, even if it ends up being a bunch of friends + a bunch of high school kids. Free tickets helped. “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;” –Psalm 84:10
Multiple friends called this week in freak-out moments because I’m the ‘calm’ one. Not sure if that is a compliment or not.
If Mike Modano retires, I might cry.
House is such a thought provoking show. However, his cane is in the wrong hand, and it drives me insane.
1 Large Movie Popcorn + butter has the same amount of fat as 8 big macs. Yes, EIGHT. Gross. This might have ruined my day.
Duke is still the National Champion, Incase you have forgotten. ;)
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Hello Dallas
So we all know that God made me a relatively joyful person, but life truly is fantastic. Honestly. "I will sing to the Lord for He has been good to me." -Psalm 13:6
So, I actually had no idea how much I loved Dallas, until I was in Aspen. Now don’t get me wrong, I love Aspen too, but I sincerely missed Big D!
Towards the end of the rotation, Dallas was calling my name. God seriously was telling me that is where I needed to be (at this time anyway). God Wink: I found an apartment via telephone on the drive home from Aspen. Nice, I know. Showed up. Loved it. Found out it was WAY cheaper than expected. Signed the lease. The movers showed up. Start-to-Finish about 3 hours. AMAZING!
For the first time in my life, I live alone. Originally, I expected this to potentially get lonely because my roommates have always been spectacular, but I actually love it. Maybe I’m a closet introvert or something, but there is calmness to a solo apartment. The décor matches. It remains clean (or just how I left it). Items live where I think they should. There are not strangers on my couch when I get home. I can dance and sing to ridiculous music. And I can wear whatever I want whenever I want. Really, it is nice, and Tara just lives down the street. Also, I've officially kept a plant alive for 2 years. I think I've qualified for a puppy now. ;)
Life is Dallas has been extremely spectacular since being home too. Friends are incredible and I’d missed them soooooooooooo much. Community group, The Porch, School, other friends, new experiences, everything. Love it! Catching up with people and hearing what God has been doing in their lives sincerely restores my soul. There have been some major life-transformations while I was gone, and it’s so refreshing to hear about them! Oh yeah, I’m running a half marathon that I didn’t train for. Awesome… You would think 7 years of school would make me more intelligent than competitive, but apparently not. School though is great. Some interesting projects, basically zero stress compared to previous semesters, and getting stories from everyone else's rotations. I like it. Also, its been a blessing to see the family often these days. Between Aspen, events, visits, Easter, we've all been together and it's been phenomenal. My nephew Royce makes my heart smile (even though the 2 year old boy can make better sound effects than I). Learning wisdom from my parents, all night Jesus talks with Brian, sitting on the kitchen counter as Mom cooks, solving the worlds political problems with Dad, and hugging everyone in Goldthwaite, TX are moments to remember.
Okay, so now that you all are caught up in the end of Aspen/beginning of Dallas, the blogs are going to change a lot. They will hold much more depth through lessons and insights that God is teaching me rather than a general description of my recent experiences. Hope that’s okay with you! No promises on the projected frequency, but I’ll try. Apparently “You will never have more time than you do right now”-JP.
Have a blessed day!
So, I actually had no idea how much I loved Dallas, until I was in Aspen. Now don’t get me wrong, I love Aspen too, but I sincerely missed Big D!
Towards the end of the rotation, Dallas was calling my name. God seriously was telling me that is where I needed to be (at this time anyway). God Wink: I found an apartment via telephone on the drive home from Aspen. Nice, I know. Showed up. Loved it. Found out it was WAY cheaper than expected. Signed the lease. The movers showed up. Start-to-Finish about 3 hours. AMAZING!
For the first time in my life, I live alone. Originally, I expected this to potentially get lonely because my roommates have always been spectacular, but I actually love it. Maybe I’m a closet introvert or something, but there is calmness to a solo apartment. The décor matches. It remains clean (or just how I left it). Items live where I think they should. There are not strangers on my couch when I get home. I can dance and sing to ridiculous music. And I can wear whatever I want whenever I want. Really, it is nice, and Tara just lives down the street. Also, I've officially kept a plant alive for 2 years. I think I've qualified for a puppy now. ;)
Life is Dallas has been extremely spectacular since being home too. Friends are incredible and I’d missed them soooooooooooo much. Community group, The Porch, School, other friends, new experiences, everything. Love it! Catching up with people and hearing what God has been doing in their lives sincerely restores my soul. There have been some major life-transformations while I was gone, and it’s so refreshing to hear about them! Oh yeah, I’m running a half marathon that I didn’t train for. Awesome… You would think 7 years of school would make me more intelligent than competitive, but apparently not. School though is great. Some interesting projects, basically zero stress compared to previous semesters, and getting stories from everyone else's rotations. I like it. Also, its been a blessing to see the family often these days. Between Aspen, events, visits, Easter, we've all been together and it's been phenomenal. My nephew Royce makes my heart smile (even though the 2 year old boy can make better sound effects than I). Learning wisdom from my parents, all night Jesus talks with Brian, sitting on the kitchen counter as Mom cooks, solving the worlds political problems with Dad, and hugging everyone in Goldthwaite, TX are moments to remember.
Okay, so now that you all are caught up in the end of Aspen/beginning of Dallas, the blogs are going to change a lot. They will hold much more depth through lessons and insights that God is teaching me rather than a general description of my recent experiences. Hope that’s okay with you! No promises on the projected frequency, but I’ll try. Apparently “You will never have more time than you do right now”-JP.
Have a blessed day!
Goodbye Aspen
Oh my gosh, life has been wonderfully crazy! I LOVE IT! Please forgive me for just now updating the blog.
Okay, so let’s wrap up Aspen. There truly aren’t adequate words to describe this incredible experience. Right now, as I ponder those 2 months, I can’t help but smile at how much God taught me in such a short time. It’s funny how the Lord works, because I never actually intended to go to Aspen. It definitely was not in MY plan. But, through other people’s decisions and a spontaneous moment, the Lord changed my life. “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” –Proverbs 16:9
For me, a constantly busy and overly involved person, God began to teach me about the peace and serenity in free time, mostly free time with Him. I worked adult hours, and all my new friends had about 3 jobs and therefore were going to work around the time my last patient left. This free time (because I didn’t have friends, lol) gave me such interrupted time with the Lord: time to read, study, podcast, and learn from wiser Christians. I now understand why Paul praises the season of singleness and the undivided time with God.
My best friend Tara came to visit, and it was PHENOMENAL! Despite the fact it took her 20 hours to get here thanks to the weather, we walked in 2.5 ft of snow at 2 am because the taxi couldn’t make the hill, and she had to take a shuttle from Denver because the flight was canceled, it was totally worth it (for me anyway). It was my birthday weekend, and I was quite homesick. We had a blast just catching up on lives, scoping out Aspen, skiing, staying up late talking, taking pictures, making random friends, and slipping on the ice in our cute shoes. Tara is definitely an irreplaceable friend!
My birthday week was so great! More cards, flowers, balloons, letters, and gifts from home were sent than I deserved. It was such a humbling and loving feeling, especially because I was far away from everyone I really knew. My Mom sent me this HUGE basket of food, and my coworkers said “oh wow, you are from the south.” haha. The clinic threw me a party, and we went out to celebrate a few times. Patients brought in cakes, balloons, and presents. Then my welcoming new friends from church took me salsa dancing! They honestly were an answered prayer.
Tying up the loose ends from work was decently easy. Although my coworkers have a special place in my heart, I was ready to move on to different challenges. Saying goodbye is always difficult though, and I might be terrible at discharging patients because I like them too much! Aspen Sports Medicine took great care of me, and we definitely celebrated. And, I will never drink sake again….
Saying goodbye to Pam and John probably was the most difficult part of it all. The experience of living with phenomenal people that basically adopted me for 2 months was definitely the work of God. They both are ALL IN for Christ, and their lives reflect their devotion. Every single day was filled with encouragement, lessons, advice, wisdom, and examples. Pam and I had such a heart-to-heart right before I left, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Honestly, praise God. Seriously, I’m not sure what I would have done without them. I tear up just a bit thinking about them!
Then…My family came to pick me up!!!! Is that not the most adorable thing you have ever heard? Yes, parents, brother, sister, in-laws = Family Vacation!! Oh my gosh we had a blast! Besides being just fantastic, our family is just so fun. It was an opportunity to share my new life, new friends, and experiences they have heard so much about via the telephone. We enjoyed the mountains, fun Aspen-y places, homecookin’, shopping, and just talking. The same ole thing- we all stayed up all night laughing. I LOVE IT! Seeing my family was just the icing on the cake for the entire experience. They made everything wonderful again (yes, that’s from a song).
Basically, in a nutshell, an experience of a lifetime directed by God.
Okay, so let’s wrap up Aspen. There truly aren’t adequate words to describe this incredible experience. Right now, as I ponder those 2 months, I can’t help but smile at how much God taught me in such a short time. It’s funny how the Lord works, because I never actually intended to go to Aspen. It definitely was not in MY plan. But, through other people’s decisions and a spontaneous moment, the Lord changed my life. “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” –Proverbs 16:9
For me, a constantly busy and overly involved person, God began to teach me about the peace and serenity in free time, mostly free time with Him. I worked adult hours, and all my new friends had about 3 jobs and therefore were going to work around the time my last patient left. This free time (because I didn’t have friends, lol) gave me such interrupted time with the Lord: time to read, study, podcast, and learn from wiser Christians. I now understand why Paul praises the season of singleness and the undivided time with God.
My best friend Tara came to visit, and it was PHENOMENAL! Despite the fact it took her 20 hours to get here thanks to the weather, we walked in 2.5 ft of snow at 2 am because the taxi couldn’t make the hill, and she had to take a shuttle from Denver because the flight was canceled, it was totally worth it (for me anyway). It was my birthday weekend, and I was quite homesick. We had a blast just catching up on lives, scoping out Aspen, skiing, staying up late talking, taking pictures, making random friends, and slipping on the ice in our cute shoes. Tara is definitely an irreplaceable friend!
My birthday week was so great! More cards, flowers, balloons, letters, and gifts from home were sent than I deserved. It was such a humbling and loving feeling, especially because I was far away from everyone I really knew. My Mom sent me this HUGE basket of food, and my coworkers said “oh wow, you are from the south.” haha. The clinic threw me a party, and we went out to celebrate a few times. Patients brought in cakes, balloons, and presents. Then my welcoming new friends from church took me salsa dancing! They honestly were an answered prayer.
Tying up the loose ends from work was decently easy. Although my coworkers have a special place in my heart, I was ready to move on to different challenges. Saying goodbye is always difficult though, and I might be terrible at discharging patients because I like them too much! Aspen Sports Medicine took great care of me, and we definitely celebrated. And, I will never drink sake again….
Saying goodbye to Pam and John probably was the most difficult part of it all. The experience of living with phenomenal people that basically adopted me for 2 months was definitely the work of God. They both are ALL IN for Christ, and their lives reflect their devotion. Every single day was filled with encouragement, lessons, advice, wisdom, and examples. Pam and I had such a heart-to-heart right before I left, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Honestly, praise God. Seriously, I’m not sure what I would have done without them. I tear up just a bit thinking about them!
Then…My family came to pick me up!!!! Is that not the most adorable thing you have ever heard? Yes, parents, brother, sister, in-laws = Family Vacation!! Oh my gosh we had a blast! Besides being just fantastic, our family is just so fun. It was an opportunity to share my new life, new friends, and experiences they have heard so much about via the telephone. We enjoyed the mountains, fun Aspen-y places, homecookin’, shopping, and just talking. The same ole thing- we all stayed up all night laughing. I LOVE IT! Seeing my family was just the icing on the cake for the entire experience. They made everything wonderful again (yes, that’s from a song).
Basically, in a nutshell, an experience of a lifetime directed by God.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Finally an update! Aspen, weeks 6 & 7
Okay, so I’ve been terrible the last few weeks about keeping you updated. Please forgive me.
Aspen Sports Medicine: Life in the clinic has been grrrrrreat! I’m finally beginning to independently get my own patients, and legitimately think like a therapist. Hopefully, lol. My favorite patient is an 11 year old ski racer who tore both ACLs….ouch. He is absolutely adorable, and a really fun kid to treat. We have many other exciting patients, some famous athletes, etc….Aspen definitely protrays a different world. There was also the opportunity to spend time with a renowned spine surgeon, and he is really a great teacher. The experience also reassured me that our spine class was extensive and we are prepared.
Other adventures: Went to Denver for a cheerleading competition of a girl I’ve babysat. Oh wow, it brought back a plethora of memories! While there, had the chance to meet up with Joy, Yvette, and Courtney who are doing rotations in the New Mexico/Denver area. Seeing familiar faces made my heart smile! The following weekend went out with the co-workers to celebrate my birthday, G getting into PT school, and Valentine’s day. We had a blast enjoying fancy Italian food, delicious wine, a great “Jack Johnson-ish” concert, dancing, chatting, etc. Loved it!
God: Have learned more about God than imaginable these past two weeks. Honestly. This is the first time my life really has ‘margin’ where the schedule hasn’t been consistently overlapping. The opportunities of learning are abundant in the middle of God’s creation with free time. Read a TON, prayed, journaled, etc. all apart from the busyness of life. It forces one to consider and ponder the things that activities and plans kept from the mind. This is a season in my life that I will cherish forever! There have also been a multitude of “God Winks” (I recently stole this term). Feel free to ask about them.
Aspen Sports Medicine: Life in the clinic has been grrrrrreat! I’m finally beginning to independently get my own patients, and legitimately think like a therapist. Hopefully, lol. My favorite patient is an 11 year old ski racer who tore both ACLs….ouch. He is absolutely adorable, and a really fun kid to treat. We have many other exciting patients, some famous athletes, etc….Aspen definitely protrays a different world. There was also the opportunity to spend time with a renowned spine surgeon, and he is really a great teacher. The experience also reassured me that our spine class was extensive and we are prepared.
Other adventures: Went to Denver for a cheerleading competition of a girl I’ve babysat. Oh wow, it brought back a plethora of memories! While there, had the chance to meet up with Joy, Yvette, and Courtney who are doing rotations in the New Mexico/Denver area. Seeing familiar faces made my heart smile! The following weekend went out with the co-workers to celebrate my birthday, G getting into PT school, and Valentine’s day. We had a blast enjoying fancy Italian food, delicious wine, a great “Jack Johnson-ish” concert, dancing, chatting, etc. Loved it!
God: Have learned more about God than imaginable these past two weeks. Honestly. This is the first time my life really has ‘margin’ where the schedule hasn’t been consistently overlapping. The opportunities of learning are abundant in the middle of God’s creation with free time. Read a TON, prayed, journaled, etc. all apart from the busyness of life. It forces one to consider and ponder the things that activities and plans kept from the mind. This is a season in my life that I will cherish forever! There have also been a multitude of “God Winks” (I recently stole this term). Feel free to ask about them.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Winter X Games; Aspen, week 5
My apologizes for the delay! I’m a few days behind the usual weekly update.
Winter X GAMES!!! Let’s start here. Phenomenal experience! Okay, so town was crazy crowded, equipped with parties and events and stereotypically ‘yo bros’ everywhere. It was a bit of a mess, and a lot of locals don’t necessarily like this week. However, the games themselves were soooooo spectacular to watch. I only went to a few events, but did get to watch the skiing super-pipe finals. We were standing on the edge of the pipe, literally within reach of the inside, and about half way up. We were at a perfect position where the skiers basically flipped OVER our heads. It was amazing!!! The fantastic tricks these athletes perform are sick! As a PT though, my mind was a bit warped in thinking ‘oohh that’s a concussion’ ‘there goes his ACL’ ‘lumbar spine injury’ etc rather than just enjoying the show. There were a few terrible accidents, but most of the competitors got up and back on the slope. Impressive. Other fun things: Held an X-game medal. Took pictures with a few champions (although not really sure who they are, or what they competed in). Paid $17 for a disposable camera, b/c my batteries were dead. Also, it was FREEZING.
Quotes of the Week:
“They will be back soon.” –a patient, as a few X Game athletes came into the clinic prior to competition
“Do you usually socialize with all the new people you meet a work?” -a patient
“Well typically my new friends are on crutches and taking Vicodin.” -me
“Only you can go on a date, without realizing you are on a date.” –Jodie
“Went drinking for the first time since before surgery, and I swear ALL the alcohol went straight to my knee." -knee patient with excessive swelling
"Ahh, it's free. Bring some beer, and we'll call it even." -ski rental guys
“Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." –Brad quoting Kate Moss
“Honey, I am from Dallas. These are flats." –back patient wearing heels! :D
“It is interesting what you just taught me about women. However, I am going to choose to ignore it, and still live in my man world." –Jeb
“You look exceptionally pretty today. Wait, that doesn’t mean you usually look bad, because you always look good. Not to be weird or anything. Okay, I’m just going to stop talking.” –a charming patient
Aspen Sports Medicine: LOVE LOVE LOVE my job! The patients are incredible, and I am now officially beginning to get some responsibility. One of my patients, an 11 year old ski racer with bilateral ACL reconstruction, always provides entertainment and innocent refreshment. He taught me how to play lacrosse on Tuesday, and adorably explained knee anatomy to me, lol. Other things, surgeries, MD rounds, business things, etc are continually a blast. 3 surgeries tomorrow!
Crossroads Church: Definitely changing my life! Praise God!
Winter X GAMES!!! Let’s start here. Phenomenal experience! Okay, so town was crazy crowded, equipped with parties and events and stereotypically ‘yo bros’ everywhere. It was a bit of a mess, and a lot of locals don’t necessarily like this week. However, the games themselves were soooooo spectacular to watch. I only went to a few events, but did get to watch the skiing super-pipe finals. We were standing on the edge of the pipe, literally within reach of the inside, and about half way up. We were at a perfect position where the skiers basically flipped OVER our heads. It was amazing!!! The fantastic tricks these athletes perform are sick! As a PT though, my mind was a bit warped in thinking ‘oohh that’s a concussion’ ‘there goes his ACL’ ‘lumbar spine injury’ etc rather than just enjoying the show. There were a few terrible accidents, but most of the competitors got up and back on the slope. Impressive. Other fun things: Held an X-game medal. Took pictures with a few champions (although not really sure who they are, or what they competed in). Paid $17 for a disposable camera, b/c my batteries were dead. Also, it was FREEZING.
Quotes of the Week:
“They will be back soon.” –a patient, as a few X Game athletes came into the clinic prior to competition
“Do you usually socialize with all the new people you meet a work?” -a patient
“Well typically my new friends are on crutches and taking Vicodin.” -me
“Only you can go on a date, without realizing you are on a date.” –Jodie
“Went drinking for the first time since before surgery, and I swear ALL the alcohol went straight to my knee." -knee patient with excessive swelling
"Ahh, it's free. Bring some beer, and we'll call it even." -ski rental guys
“Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." –Brad quoting Kate Moss
“Honey, I am from Dallas. These are flats." –back patient wearing heels! :D
“It is interesting what you just taught me about women. However, I am going to choose to ignore it, and still live in my man world." –Jeb
“You look exceptionally pretty today. Wait, that doesn’t mean you usually look bad, because you always look good. Not to be weird or anything. Okay, I’m just going to stop talking.” –a charming patient
Aspen Sports Medicine: LOVE LOVE LOVE my job! The patients are incredible, and I am now officially beginning to get some responsibility. One of my patients, an 11 year old ski racer with bilateral ACL reconstruction, always provides entertainment and innocent refreshment. He taught me how to play lacrosse on Tuesday, and adorably explained knee anatomy to me, lol. Other things, surgeries, MD rounds, business things, etc are continually a blast. 3 surgeries tomorrow!
Crossroads Church: Definitely changing my life! Praise God!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)