From a sentimental free spirit's perception
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
10 Awesome Things...
In Lieu of your five awesome things..and the blog I showed ya..I figured I would do my five awesome things as well!
1. Yoga Class. First of all..I have never ever found a yoga class that made me sweat. Usually they are peaceful and easy going. I usually use yoga for a good stretch before the hardcore workout. The yoga class that I just started attending last month is killer!!! Although the instructor has kind of a whiny voice I am truly starting to love this class!!! It really pushes my limits and forces me to work on my upper body strength. Wonderful! I look forward to it every Tuesday. :)
2. Paul Mitchel's tea tree oil shampoo and conditioner-thanks to mom for letting me steal some of her hair products I discovered this wonderful shamppoo and conditioner to help with the winter blahs of my blonde. :D
3. The song "The Dog Days Are Over" by Florence and the Machines--everytime I hear this song I can't help but be happy..and it never gets old for me!!
4. Time with the fam. Living with someone else's family makes me often miss my own..almost more then if I lived on my own. I've really been cherishing long conversations with my mother, picking on my brother, and play boxing with my dad..I also feel very grateful for Alex and Tommy getting closer in their brotherly relationship :)
5. Sahale Snacks! yummmmmmmmmmm...as an outreach worker you pretty much have to have a portable office in the backpack Volunteers of America provides for you. Sahale Snacks have saved me a million times..they are so yummmy
1. Yoga Class. First of all..I have never ever found a yoga class that made me sweat. Usually they are peaceful and easy going. I usually use yoga for a good stretch before the hardcore workout. The yoga class that I just started attending last month is killer!!! Although the instructor has kind of a whiny voice I am truly starting to love this class!!! It really pushes my limits and forces me to work on my upper body strength. Wonderful! I look forward to it every Tuesday. :)
2. Paul Mitchel's tea tree oil shampoo and conditioner-thanks to mom for letting me steal some of her hair products I discovered this wonderful shamppoo and conditioner to help with the winter blahs of my blonde. :D
3. The song "The Dog Days Are Over" by Florence and the Machines--everytime I hear this song I can't help but be happy..and it never gets old for me!!
4. Time with the fam. Living with someone else's family makes me often miss my own..almost more then if I lived on my own. I've really been cherishing long conversations with my mother, picking on my brother, and play boxing with my dad..I also feel very grateful for Alex and Tommy getting closer in their brotherly relationship :)
5. Sahale Snacks! yummmmmmmmmmm...as an outreach worker you pretty much have to have a portable office in the backpack Volunteers of America provides for you. Sahale Snacks have saved me a million times..they are so yummmy
Friday, February 18, 2011
new job..new outlook
Starting my job working as an outreach case manager through Volunteers of America has been such a learning experience and a jump back into reality and into my true passion: working with a vulnerable population. So far it's been an incredible experience and I can't wait to see what's next and who else I'm going to get the chance to meet :) I am so grateful to have this experience and can't believe that I am back connecting with the chaos of the streets.
Last week I had the opportunity to go out with some of the finist of Spokane's outreach workers, those that work at Chas.They are both two incredible people with intrigueing stories. I always love gaining an insight about the lives of my co-workers as much as my clients. The woman outreach worker(name hidden for protection) informed me that, she too, used to be homeless and is a recovering alcoholic. The male outreach worker used to be addicted to heroine and told me some pretty intense stories about the desperate measures he took to acquire his much needed drug. They both are such strong and respected people in their community and have their struggles to help them and give back to those most in need within the Spokane community.
The two outreach workers took the other outreach worker, and I under the bridges, along the river, and into the campsites of those homeless and in hiding..trying to survive on the icy day we ventured out on. Some of the people we ran across were so young and it really did break my heart to see someone trying to survive that type of lifestyle...because that's what it really is..surviving..not living. No one should ever have to "survive" through life. Some choose to, though...some don't.
I also got to venture through the Shalom ministries and hang out with all the folk getting a breakfast early in the morning and trying to find support through the ministry. I will never forget the yearning, sadness, and addiction that I saw in some of the men's and women's eyes. I had to stop myself from giving everyone a hug and trying to hold them close and offer them comfort. The House of Charity was another stop, where I tried to get someone into detox...this was also increidbly heart wrenching...witnessing the desparity of addiction. ugh...onto a brighter note...I also saw some clients connect with the outreach worker that was showing us the ropes and inform her of their successes of getting into an apartment or getting into a justice program. This was inspiring. So much happened in one day..I couldn't believe it. By the time I got home I was exhausted and drained. When I crawled into bed I couldn't shut off my mind. I kept thinking about all those that were crawling under the bridge into their beds and I couldn't brush off the feeling of gratitude I really was starting to have for the warm comfy place I had to live. I am so thankful for my room and my comfy bed. I wish that I had the ability to offer that to everyone I met that day...
Just goes to remind me how much of a priveleged individual I truly am and how much I truly love the feild that I am in, and am hoping to acquire a graduate degree in. Fingers crossed for that next step...I've never prayed so hard in my life..I prayed all day for each person I met..I only hope that God offers some of the people I met that day hope and freedom from struggle. I love my homeless peops.
Last week I had the opportunity to go out with some of the finist of Spokane's outreach workers, those that work at Chas.They are both two incredible people with intrigueing stories. I always love gaining an insight about the lives of my co-workers as much as my clients. The woman outreach worker(name hidden for protection) informed me that, she too, used to be homeless and is a recovering alcoholic. The male outreach worker used to be addicted to heroine and told me some pretty intense stories about the desperate measures he took to acquire his much needed drug. They both are such strong and respected people in their community and have their struggles to help them and give back to those most in need within the Spokane community.
The two outreach workers took the other outreach worker, and I under the bridges, along the river, and into the campsites of those homeless and in hiding..trying to survive on the icy day we ventured out on. Some of the people we ran across were so young and it really did break my heart to see someone trying to survive that type of lifestyle...because that's what it really is..surviving..not living. No one should ever have to "survive" through life. Some choose to, though...some don't.
I also got to venture through the Shalom ministries and hang out with all the folk getting a breakfast early in the morning and trying to find support through the ministry. I will never forget the yearning, sadness, and addiction that I saw in some of the men's and women's eyes. I had to stop myself from giving everyone a hug and trying to hold them close and offer them comfort. The House of Charity was another stop, where I tried to get someone into detox...this was also increidbly heart wrenching...witnessing the desparity of addiction. ugh...onto a brighter note...I also saw some clients connect with the outreach worker that was showing us the ropes and inform her of their successes of getting into an apartment or getting into a justice program. This was inspiring. So much happened in one day..I couldn't believe it. By the time I got home I was exhausted and drained. When I crawled into bed I couldn't shut off my mind. I kept thinking about all those that were crawling under the bridge into their beds and I couldn't brush off the feeling of gratitude I really was starting to have for the warm comfy place I had to live. I am so thankful for my room and my comfy bed. I wish that I had the ability to offer that to everyone I met that day...
Just goes to remind me how much of a priveleged individual I truly am and how much I truly love the feild that I am in, and am hoping to acquire a graduate degree in. Fingers crossed for that next step...I've never prayed so hard in my life..I prayed all day for each person I met..I only hope that God offers some of the people I met that day hope and freedom from struggle. I love my homeless peops.
Monday, January 3, 2011
2011!!!
Now....since I am a person who absolutely loves making lists..I might as well kick off the new year with a list of why I've decided 2011 will be the best year yet!
2011 will be the best year because I'm getting married!!!! Woooo!!!! This is only the beginning of bridal showers, registry, artsy photos, bachelorette parties, vacations with the girls, tieing the knot, honeymoon, and moving out to live with the man that I love with all my heart and starting our lives together! :)
Not only am I getting married but 2011 will also be wonderful because I am starting school! I'm starting the masters program of Mental Health Counseling and finally getting to do what I love best...learn. :) Okay, so this also means homework and late hours studying, but I'm so excited to hit the books again...like the nerd I am.
Also, I know that this year will be my opportunity to be bold and strong. I plan on not taking crap from anyone. Or as my gommy would call it--I don't want to be a soft piece of toast anymore. haha. I plan on sticking by getting healthy for the wedding and losing some weight and sticking by my opinions and decisions for my wedding. I also plan on being strong in my decisions and not letting anyone bring me down on one of the most wonderful decisions and commitment of my life.
No looking back. This is also the year of not looking back. This is the year that I will move forward in my life and learn and move forward from my past. I plan on shedding all those doubts, worries, and fears of being accepted by others and just accepting myself. :)
Faith. Now this is a big one for me. The one thing that I need to work on the most is my anxiety!!!! yeeesh. I need to have faith and surrender to God and not try to take everything on myself. Just relax, take it easy, and enjoy each day as it comes.
Taking life too seriously!!! This is my last few months of singlehood and my last few months to really learn alot about myself and my world..and how to best mesh that with my new hubby. :) Not take everything so seriously..and just be the easy going preson I am meant to be.
Enjoy my friends!!! :) 2011 will be incredible because I know there will be even more opportunities and events set to enjoy with the incredible friendships I have! :)
Being alone. This year will be the year that I finally learn to thrive in being alone and making the most of my time :)
2011 will be a year of change, excitement, and LOVE. :)
2011 will be the best year because I'm getting married!!!! Woooo!!!! This is only the beginning of bridal showers, registry, artsy photos, bachelorette parties, vacations with the girls, tieing the knot, honeymoon, and moving out to live with the man that I love with all my heart and starting our lives together! :)
Not only am I getting married but 2011 will also be wonderful because I am starting school! I'm starting the masters program of Mental Health Counseling and finally getting to do what I love best...learn. :) Okay, so this also means homework and late hours studying, but I'm so excited to hit the books again...like the nerd I am.
Also, I know that this year will be my opportunity to be bold and strong. I plan on not taking crap from anyone. Or as my gommy would call it--I don't want to be a soft piece of toast anymore. haha. I plan on sticking by getting healthy for the wedding and losing some weight and sticking by my opinions and decisions for my wedding. I also plan on being strong in my decisions and not letting anyone bring me down on one of the most wonderful decisions and commitment of my life.
No looking back. This is also the year of not looking back. This is the year that I will move forward in my life and learn and move forward from my past. I plan on shedding all those doubts, worries, and fears of being accepted by others and just accepting myself. :)
Faith. Now this is a big one for me. The one thing that I need to work on the most is my anxiety!!!! yeeesh. I need to have faith and surrender to God and not try to take everything on myself. Just relax, take it easy, and enjoy each day as it comes.
Taking life too seriously!!! This is my last few months of singlehood and my last few months to really learn alot about myself and my world..and how to best mesh that with my new hubby. :) Not take everything so seriously..and just be the easy going preson I am meant to be.
Enjoy my friends!!! :) 2011 will be incredible because I know there will be even more opportunities and events set to enjoy with the incredible friendships I have! :)
Being alone. This year will be the year that I finally learn to thrive in being alone and making the most of my time :)
2011 will be a year of change, excitement, and LOVE. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)