Kelly: Picture this; you read something on Facebook about so and so's rant about x topic/place/person. There's a slew of "right on's!" and "you tell them!" and "you're right!" You see a friend of yours crying because they're upset something didn't go right, then a few people gather around, hug them, tell them everything's ok. You work with kids/teenagers and one of them starts throwing a fit, so all of a sudden all of your attention has to go away from everyone who's behaving themselves to the one person who's acting out.
Does any of this sound familiar to any of you? I'm guessing probably so.
So now picture this; you see someone walking down the street, and they're happy go lucky, not a care in the world. You walk on by and let them be without asking. You read something on Facebook about how so and so had a good day. Chances are, you probably just skipped right over it and didn't even think about it.
And now I've probably got you thinking. Have you noticed that in today's world, attention goes on negative attitudes/behaviors? Or is that just me? Has anyone else but me wondered why that is? I'm fairly certain we've touched on this subject before, but it bears repeating, at least I think it does. It's kind of frustrating to me, you know? I think I find it most frustrating because I don't have an answer to the very question I'm posing. Why????? It just seems so backwards. I know it's something I'm guilty of too, and it happens a lot, especially where I work. Some days it seems like all I do is put out bombs caused by temper tantrums, and it really takes away from the time I want to spend praising those for having a good attitude. I'm trying to be more mindful of how I am too and about what I share on social media. Is what I'm posting really going to help someone? Encourage someone? Or am I just using it as a platform to excuse my lack of better word, bitch about something that I have no control over? Just a little food for thought.
Holly: Yes, I notice it. I notice it a lot. Or, on another extreme...if you're positive, "bubbly", or just a good-natured person, sometimes you're asked "what's wrong with you?" Like, why are you like that all the time? I once had a boss tell me I was too nice.
What?
I don't get it either. I mean, from personal experience, the longer I spend time with someone who is just perpetually in a crappy mood, the more I find that I'M starting to get affected by it. I'm turning more cynical, negative. Why do we, or others, find it irresistible to feed into drama, rants, general negativity? I don't get it. Someone please explain!
I too am doing my best to be mindful...hence my 365-day gratitude/thankfulness picture project I'm doing on Facebook (so is Kelly). I know it's not much. But I like to post things on Facebook to encourage, make someone laugh, invoke joy. Positivity! They say nice guys finish last and I just don't think that's true. We should always be kind to one another and build one another up. And one way you can do that, definitely, is through social media. But don't just stop there. Really try to be a positive example wherever you go. I'm working on it every day. Because, truthfully, I'd much rather be told I'm "too nice" than the opposite.
Showing posts with label Perspective. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Perspective. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Jesus and NUMB3RS
Holly: About four and a half years ago (ish) I came across a Facebook note I wrote after I watched one of my favorite episodes of ER. I tied in the plight of the episode to that of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. You can read the whole thing here...and if you can't for some reason...well, sorry about your luck :P
Fast forward to last night. I still binge on ER every now and then, but last night I was watching another one of my favorites, NUMB3RS. Kelly and I have mentioned it on here a few times. I was watching one of my favorites, "Friendly Fire", and again, I couldn't help but notice a parallel between my faith and this show that I really enjoy. I jotted this down not long after. Every day I'm learning that God really is in all things :) Enjoy, and happy Easter!
Good Friday, 2015. Sometimes it’s hard for me to see the “good” in it. This is the day that Christ gave up His life. To sit and watch Christ die a most terrible death is something I don’t think I’ll ever be able to wrap my head around. So much heartbreak. Thank goodness that this particular story has a happy ending! I am so thankful that because of Jesus, death doesn’t have the last word!
Fast forward to last night. I still binge on ER every now and then, but last night I was watching another one of my favorites, NUMB3RS. Kelly and I have mentioned it on here a few times. I was watching one of my favorites, "Friendly Fire", and again, I couldn't help but notice a parallel between my faith and this show that I really enjoy. I jotted this down not long after. Every day I'm learning that God really is in all things :) Enjoy, and happy Easter!
Good Friday, 2015. Sometimes it’s hard for me to see the “good” in it. This is the day that Christ gave up His life. To sit and watch Christ die a most terrible death is something I don’t think I’ll ever be able to wrap my head around. So much heartbreak. Thank goodness that this particular story has a happy ending! I am so thankful that because of Jesus, death doesn’t have the last word!
I think so many of us, myself included, forget that Jesus
walked this earth as a human. He was
human! I think there’s such a strong sense of fragility and vulnerability in
this. I was reminded of just that- the
fragility of being human- this evening, while watching one of my favorite
episodes of Numb3rs. I think I’ve seen
it half a dozen times by now. A longtime
mentor of Don’s, Fox, is under suspicion after a bank robbery that ends up with
two federal agent fatalities. Don backs
him and defends him 100%...until the end, when the data Charlie has drawn up
becomes too overwhelming to ignore- things are stacking up against Fox, and
definitely not for the better. In a
stand-off between Don and Fox, Fox’s true colors come forth and the complete truth
behind the robbery is revealed. For the
first time in years, we see Don’s guard drop and his coming to grips with reality-
is someone he’s looked up to for so long really capable of such things? As Fox reloads his firearm, he says that he
can’t and won’t go down for this, this that would most assuredly end his career
as he knew it, and he would rather take matters into his own hands than allow
Don to turn him in. I won’t reveal what
happens next, but let me just say that it destroys
Don (And me too!). The armor finally
cracks. For five seasons we’ve seen Don
shouldering the weight of his team stoically and effectively, burying any and
all emotion for the sake of justice and doing his job. But the end of this particular episode, maybe
the last 5-10 minutes, it really does
something to me. It’s so powerful, yet there’s
a moment subtle enough to miss if you’re not paying attention. It’s a heart-wrenching reminder that we are
human. We fall. We break.
We are rattled and moved by events in our lives and sometimes there
isn’t anything else to do but let our guard down. That moment just stops my heart.
The truth is that we are broken people, much like Don at the
end of “Friendly Fire”. We are not
immune to tragedies that may occur in our lives, and we are not immune to how
we may deal with said tragedies. However,
I’m thankful that I can run to God when life becomes too much. I’m thankful that He understands the
humanity within us. He knows! There are plenty of circumstances in this
world that warrant apologies, but you should never have to apologize for being
human. Like I said, God understands, and
He can handle it. Newsflash: No one
expects you to hold it together all the time.
I need that reminder often. And that includes you too, Don!
(Anyone else felt like giving him a hug at the end there, or was it just
me?)
Thursday, March 20, 2014
"Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
Kelly: I just read on Yahoo! that the main front runner for Westboro Baptist church passed away today. If you are not familiar with WBC, please spare yourself the images and their viewpoints. To sum them up in the Kelly Korb fashion, Westboro Baptist Church are a family based in Kansas who's websites displays "God Hates Fags." They picket at soldier's funerals, thank God for the death of soldiers and other individuals and preach in my opinion messages of sheer hate and intolerance. But yes, the main church leader has passed on. Without a doubt he has met Jesus face to face and has gotten what God will give him. I will be completely honest, when I first read the news I had mixed feelings. Anger, relief, pity, the lot. I'm ashamed to say at first I thought to myself that perhaps this guy got what he deserved. But the more I thought about it, the more I thought of this; it doesn't matter what I think or feel about this guy and this "church" and their views of others and the world. This guy claimed to follow Christ, as I do. He read his Bible, prayed with his family and went to church every Sunday. I do the same thing. So really, we are the same, but perhaps not. I think it's our understanding of God that makes us different.
I have ZERO tolerance for hate or disrespect of any kind, because the God and Jesus I know and have read about does too. I also know that God is a vengeful and jealous God and He hates sin and sinners...have you read the Old Testament? But here's me; I will flat out say that picketing the funerals of soldiers and saying God hates "fags" is wrong. Flat out wrong. The Bible says Jesus loves all of us, each and every one, right down to the hairs on our heads. I will not picket this guy's funeral or parade around Berea holding signs that say "God hates Westboro Baptist Church," because frankly God loves them too. But I will continue to spread the love of Christ in what I say and do to others, no matter who I meet. I will continue to show the world of the God that I know and love. I will pray for WBC not that they would be changed, but that they too would learn or re-learn of the same love that God has extended to the "fags," the soldiers they protest and to them.
Holly: I'll admit, the first thing I thought when I read of Mr. Phelps passing was something like "I imagine he and Jesus had a pretty interesting conversation." Then again, I can't claim to speculate what our own encounters with Jesus at the end of our lives will be like.
Straight up, I do not agree with the views of Westboro Baptist Church. I think it's even a bit of a stretch to call Westboro Baptist Church a "church". I don't think Mr. Phelps was leading a church; I think he was leading a cult. But that's just my opinion. Some of the things he said were just downright frightening. It's frightening to go on their website and see "God Hates Fags" as plain as day, plastered all over it. That is NOT the love of Christ I've learned about. That is NOT the love of Christ which drew me into a relationship with Him.
He and his church were notorious for picketing and protesting funerals of soldiers, celebrities, and others. I've read numerous comments saying his own funeral be picketed. But how does that make us any different from them? We're "fueling the fire", so to speak, and you and I both know that that doesn't solve anything. The truth is that people, ALL people, are going to think, speak, believe, feel, differently than we are. Perhaps that message never quite got through to WBC. Maybe it did. I'm not really sure. On the flip side of all of this, my human, Christ-following, compassionate side comes out: Mr. Phelps was a father, a grandfather, a leader of a church, someone's friend. This father, grandfather, leader of a church, someone's friend, has passed away. Death is a sad thing, regardless of your immediate feelings.
Having said all of this, I will say that because of WBC, I will strive to further spread the love of God, the God who is a God of LOVE. I will show love to my neighbor: my gay neighbor, my Hindu neighbor, my male neighbor, my black neighbor. No exceptions. I will pray for WBC, that they would come to know the God of love that I love.
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. -1 Corinthians 13:13
I have ZERO tolerance for hate or disrespect of any kind, because the God and Jesus I know and have read about does too. I also know that God is a vengeful and jealous God and He hates sin and sinners...have you read the Old Testament? But here's me; I will flat out say that picketing the funerals of soldiers and saying God hates "fags" is wrong. Flat out wrong. The Bible says Jesus loves all of us, each and every one, right down to the hairs on our heads. I will not picket this guy's funeral or parade around Berea holding signs that say "God hates Westboro Baptist Church," because frankly God loves them too. But I will continue to spread the love of Christ in what I say and do to others, no matter who I meet. I will continue to show the world of the God that I know and love. I will pray for WBC not that they would be changed, but that they too would learn or re-learn of the same love that God has extended to the "fags," the soldiers they protest and to them.
Holly: I'll admit, the first thing I thought when I read of Mr. Phelps passing was something like "I imagine he and Jesus had a pretty interesting conversation." Then again, I can't claim to speculate what our own encounters with Jesus at the end of our lives will be like.
Straight up, I do not agree with the views of Westboro Baptist Church. I think it's even a bit of a stretch to call Westboro Baptist Church a "church". I don't think Mr. Phelps was leading a church; I think he was leading a cult. But that's just my opinion. Some of the things he said were just downright frightening. It's frightening to go on their website and see "God Hates Fags" as plain as day, plastered all over it. That is NOT the love of Christ I've learned about. That is NOT the love of Christ which drew me into a relationship with Him.
He and his church were notorious for picketing and protesting funerals of soldiers, celebrities, and others. I've read numerous comments saying his own funeral be picketed. But how does that make us any different from them? We're "fueling the fire", so to speak, and you and I both know that that doesn't solve anything. The truth is that people, ALL people, are going to think, speak, believe, feel, differently than we are. Perhaps that message never quite got through to WBC. Maybe it did. I'm not really sure. On the flip side of all of this, my human, Christ-following, compassionate side comes out: Mr. Phelps was a father, a grandfather, a leader of a church, someone's friend. This father, grandfather, leader of a church, someone's friend, has passed away. Death is a sad thing, regardless of your immediate feelings.
Having said all of this, I will say that because of WBC, I will strive to further spread the love of God, the God who is a God of LOVE. I will show love to my neighbor: my gay neighbor, my Hindu neighbor, my male neighbor, my black neighbor. No exceptions. I will pray for WBC, that they would come to know the God of love that I love.
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. -1 Corinthians 13:13
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
A true Berea gem
Holly: I'm actually getting a little sad writing this. Tillie really is one of a kind.
We first met Tillie our junior year at Berea. Of course we had heard about her: she was the dog that would come hiking with you at the Pinnacles (random side note, if any of you non-Berean readers ever find yourself in this charming little town, you must explore the Pinnacles; they really are extraordinary). While she did not accompany us on our hike, I remember her quiet, gentle presence on the grounds, taking drinks from student's water cups, laying patiently as she was swarmed with children.
We've seen her a few times since then, and nothing has changed. Unfortunately, her time on earth is coming to an end. The entire community is rallying around her. It's amazing how one dog that was just a grungy, skuzzy stray has charmed her way into thousands of hearts. I'm sure her spirit will live on in those mountains and woods. Kelly and I are hoping to make one last pilgrimage to pay homage to this special creature. She is an angel, in my not so humble opinion. Or perhaps a guardian. Or both.
Kelly: When I was last up there, which was in March, she did not accompany us. However, when I was there in October, I noticed she had found her way up the mountain with a small group. Only once did she actually accompany me while I was on a hike; that was my junior year. I was on the college's orientation team and was with some freshmen hiking up the Pinnacles. Most of them opted for the more demanding and steeper West Pinnacle; I chose East. But before we split and departed, I managed to capture this shot. Tillie opted to follow the West group, but I remember it being particularly warm that day. She was a bit thirsty and soon made a new friend.
We first met Tillie our junior year at Berea. Of course we had heard about her: she was the dog that would come hiking with you at the Pinnacles (random side note, if any of you non-Berean readers ever find yourself in this charming little town, you must explore the Pinnacles; they really are extraordinary). While she did not accompany us on our hike, I remember her quiet, gentle presence on the grounds, taking drinks from student's water cups, laying patiently as she was swarmed with children.
We've seen her a few times since then, and nothing has changed. Unfortunately, her time on earth is coming to an end. The entire community is rallying around her. It's amazing how one dog that was just a grungy, skuzzy stray has charmed her way into thousands of hearts. I'm sure her spirit will live on in those mountains and woods. Kelly and I are hoping to make one last pilgrimage to pay homage to this special creature. She is an angel, in my not so humble opinion. Or perhaps a guardian. Or both.
Kelly: When I was last up there, which was in March, she did not accompany us. However, when I was there in October, I noticed she had found her way up the mountain with a small group. Only once did she actually accompany me while I was on a hike; that was my junior year. I was on the college's orientation team and was with some freshmen hiking up the Pinnacles. Most of them opted for the more demanding and steeper West Pinnacle; I chose East. But before we split and departed, I managed to capture this shot. Tillie opted to follow the West group, but I remember it being particularly warm that day. She was a bit thirsty and soon made a new friend.
I don't know if I'll ever see this beautiful creature again. I hope I get the chance to. But I hope that her owners realize number one, how lucky they were to have her for as long as they did. And number two, I hope they realize how lucky we were to have her as well. At the bottom of this post I have attached a news link from one of the local TV stations. Enjoy.
 |
| Took this in October. She took a snooze after I gave her a cup of water. |
Friday, April 12, 2013
30 Days of Writing: Something you feel strongly about
Kelly: Freedom, if used appropriately. Now what do I mean by appropriately? Well, take it as a judgment call; if you feel it's a good time to speak up, then do so. If not, then for the time being keep quiet. This is something that I particularly struggle with at times, but it is something I'm doing my best to work on. It's so simple to sometimes just blurt out whatever is on our hearts or minds. Yet we have the freedom to do that...and sometimes that can bite us in the bum. We also have the freedom to choose; how we think, how we feel, what we say or don't say, what we do or don't do, and how we treat others. We also have the freedom to listen or to turn the other cheek and ignore. It's all a choice. We also have the freedom to have our opinions, yes, even if they hurt others. Hence why I feel about using freedom appropriately.
We also have the freedom to accept Christ as our Savior or not. He gave us that choice. Heck, he gave us the freedom for ALL of the choices we have in life. Either way I won't force my beliefs down any one, but I will freely love all people, no matter what race, color, gender, sexuality, or relationship status. I will freely choose to speak words of love and kindness, especially to those who wrong me...because in my opinion they're the ones who need it the most. I will freely think positively of others and do my best to give people the benefit of the doubt; we don't know what burdens the world is carrying at any given time. Simple, but difficult at the same time.
Holly: Love.
I believe that love is one of the most powerful forces on this planet. People do all kinds of things in the name of love. But I think love goes beyond just being nice to people, which we should be doing anyway. Imagine how the world would change if we intentionally did things for other people, not expecting anything in return, but because we ought to love those above ourselves. I think wars would stop from things like this. We aren't on this world to live for ourselves; we're here for God, and for others. It's kind of hard to love others when you have the me-blinders on. Loving people, for me, means putting other people's well-beings, feelings, and needs above my own, but also meeting them right where they are, regardless of my feelings, beliefs, opinions. I believe love and acceptance go hand-in-hand; I think it kind of has to. To truly love someone is to accept them regardless of ALL their flaws, weaknesses, difficulties...I mean, Jesus does that for us every single day.
Some of you may not agree with me, and that's ok. But sometimes I think we get just being nice to people and loving people mixed up. I know I still have a long way to go, trust me on this one. But like I said before, imagine how vastly the world would change if we simply did things for others. Love is acceptance. Love is cooperation. Love is smiling at a stranger, even if you're having a bad day. Love is holding the door for someone when your own hands are full. Love is reaching out to those who are hurting, even if you yourself feel stuck in an abyss of neverending darkness and loneliness. Love is being the first one to say you're sorry. Love is trying to find a way to work through international issues, instead of threatening nuclear missiles at one another. Love is laughter. Love is holding your kitty in the kitchen first thing in the morning.
To me, love wins. It always should.
We also have the freedom to accept Christ as our Savior or not. He gave us that choice. Heck, he gave us the freedom for ALL of the choices we have in life. Either way I won't force my beliefs down any one, but I will freely love all people, no matter what race, color, gender, sexuality, or relationship status. I will freely choose to speak words of love and kindness, especially to those who wrong me...because in my opinion they're the ones who need it the most. I will freely think positively of others and do my best to give people the benefit of the doubt; we don't know what burdens the world is carrying at any given time. Simple, but difficult at the same time.
Holly: Love.
I believe that love is one of the most powerful forces on this planet. People do all kinds of things in the name of love. But I think love goes beyond just being nice to people, which we should be doing anyway. Imagine how the world would change if we intentionally did things for other people, not expecting anything in return, but because we ought to love those above ourselves. I think wars would stop from things like this. We aren't on this world to live for ourselves; we're here for God, and for others. It's kind of hard to love others when you have the me-blinders on. Loving people, for me, means putting other people's well-beings, feelings, and needs above my own, but also meeting them right where they are, regardless of my feelings, beliefs, opinions. I believe love and acceptance go hand-in-hand; I think it kind of has to. To truly love someone is to accept them regardless of ALL their flaws, weaknesses, difficulties...I mean, Jesus does that for us every single day.
Some of you may not agree with me, and that's ok. But sometimes I think we get just being nice to people and loving people mixed up. I know I still have a long way to go, trust me on this one. But like I said before, imagine how vastly the world would change if we simply did things for others. Love is acceptance. Love is cooperation. Love is smiling at a stranger, even if you're having a bad day. Love is holding the door for someone when your own hands are full. Love is reaching out to those who are hurting, even if you yourself feel stuck in an abyss of neverending darkness and loneliness. Love is being the first one to say you're sorry. Love is trying to find a way to work through international issues, instead of threatening nuclear missiles at one another. Love is laughter. Love is holding your kitty in the kitchen first thing in the morning.
To me, love wins. It always should.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
A Bad Egg
Kelly: On the way to campus this morning, Holly and I were talking about bad days. Like I said in an earlier post from Facebook this week, it had been no surprise that I have been sort of a grump these past few days. That has since changed and I'm not a grump anymore, but I found myself wondering why I was grumpy. Well, I had a lot to do in a short amount of time, things at work were a bit hectic as we were trying to get ready for our open house tomorrow night, and of course my clinical schedule. That in of itself is like having an additional job on top of my already job. Anyway, I soon realized that it was a lot of little things that were happening throughout the week but not on the same day. Murphy's Law kind of week I suppose. This morning I was a bit on edge as well, as I haven't been feeling the greatest all day. Going to the doc tomorrow. But I was talking to Holly and I said "you know, despite all that's going on, I can't even remember the last time I had a bad day." Then it had me thinking...what constitutes a "bad day?" Is it the whole day or just a part of the day?
For many I know, it's a part of the day. For a while that was my definition too. There's one tiny part of the day that goes sour and then boom. The whole day suddenly sucks. After a while though, again, like many of these posts with the label "perspective," mine changed. Why do we always let one moment ruin our entire day? WHY? It's like getting feedback on a paper or presentation; there's one negative comment and a lot more positive comments. But what one do we always focus on? The one negative. And then we dwell on it and dwell on it...or at least I do. What is it about negativity that attracts us? So what I'm trying to do is not let the one negative thing constitute as a bad day in my book. Why let one small bad egg ruin the rest of the batch? It doesn't have to!
Holly: Trust me, this used to be me. One thing would go wrong and I'd be all "well that's it now today just sucks!" Life doesn't have to be that way. We are not in bondage to all those stupid little things that go wrong in life; we are in control of how we deal with them, and I think the way we deal with such things says a lot about our character. You can completely lose your crap, or just take it in stride, let it go, and move on. Because in the grand scheme of things, we really don't have it as bad as we think we do.
Why are we so ingrained on focusing on the bad, but not the good? It's like you get a review at work or something, and you can have 32345 GOOD things said about you and then ONE bad thing, and what do we immediately focus on...the ONE bad thing? Bad things are usually not personal, they're usually someone on the receiving end out to get you. Seriously. Trust me on this one.
I'm with Kelly on this one...I honestly can't remember the last time I had a "bad day". Want my advice? That one thing someone says/does that gets under your skin? Forget about it. That little snide remark someone made about you? Laugh it off. That person you're holding a grudge against? Let it go. Negativity is POWERFUL...I believe any time that we are mulling in our negative junk we are being robbed of time that we could be spending laughing or spreading positive energy to others...or just simply being freaking happy! Don't ever let anything or anyone steal your joy in life! We are so much more than that!
For many I know, it's a part of the day. For a while that was my definition too. There's one tiny part of the day that goes sour and then boom. The whole day suddenly sucks. After a while though, again, like many of these posts with the label "perspective," mine changed. Why do we always let one moment ruin our entire day? WHY? It's like getting feedback on a paper or presentation; there's one negative comment and a lot more positive comments. But what one do we always focus on? The one negative. And then we dwell on it and dwell on it...or at least I do. What is it about negativity that attracts us? So what I'm trying to do is not let the one negative thing constitute as a bad day in my book. Why let one small bad egg ruin the rest of the batch? It doesn't have to!
Holly: Trust me, this used to be me. One thing would go wrong and I'd be all "well that's it now today just sucks!" Life doesn't have to be that way. We are not in bondage to all those stupid little things that go wrong in life; we are in control of how we deal with them, and I think the way we deal with such things says a lot about our character. You can completely lose your crap, or just take it in stride, let it go, and move on. Because in the grand scheme of things, we really don't have it as bad as we think we do.
Why are we so ingrained on focusing on the bad, but not the good? It's like you get a review at work or something, and you can have 32345 GOOD things said about you and then ONE bad thing, and what do we immediately focus on...the ONE bad thing? Bad things are usually not personal, they're usually someone on the receiving end out to get you. Seriously. Trust me on this one.
I'm with Kelly on this one...I honestly can't remember the last time I had a "bad day". Want my advice? That one thing someone says/does that gets under your skin? Forget about it. That little snide remark someone made about you? Laugh it off. That person you're holding a grudge against? Let it go. Negativity is POWERFUL...I believe any time that we are mulling in our negative junk we are being robbed of time that we could be spending laughing or spreading positive energy to others...or just simply being freaking happy! Don't ever let anything or anyone steal your joy in life! We are so much more than that!
Monday, December 31, 2012
"Enjoy the journey of life and not just the endgame." -2012 in review
Kelly: Great quote by a great individual. Starting tomorrow is 2013. WOW!!! It is amazing to me how fast this year has gone by! So many wonderful blessings have been achieved by this year that I can't even begin to comprehend. Moving into our own place, falling in love with 2 of the greatest kitty cats in the world (just a bit biased), getting introduced to Sherlock and LOTR, and for me, being one more semester closer to graduating with a BSN degree!!!!! May 5 is the day! Almost four months to go.
Now normally, next would follow a list of cookie-cutter resolutions, such as I want to lose weight, get closer to God, save my money, etc. I'm not doing that for 2013. I have resolved to not make any resolutions. Instead of resolving, I am going to ENJOY. Enjoy what God has given to me, how He has blessed me and I am going to enjoy growing in Him more as a follower instead of merely a fan. I'm going to enjoy being healthier, because I am healthier, but I'm going to enjoy a treat every now and then and not feel guilty about it. I'm going to enjoy my last semester as an undergraduate and not just seek the end result which is to walk across a stage for 10 seconds, shake Dr. Roelof's hand and have him give me my degree. No. I'm going to do my best to enjoy my last semester and take advantage of every opportunity to be joyful and to thank God for His joy that comes through knowing Him.
I'm ready. I'm ready for what 2013 has in store for me. Though I'm not entirely sure what it will bring, I am prepared for whatever may come my way, good or bad. If the good comes, I will do my best to give credit where it is due. If bad comes my way, I will do my best to not run from the situation but instead face it and rely on God and my own strength to get through it. I refuse to be stagnant, go through the motions and blame others for my own wrong doings. I will be responsible for my words and my actions. But most importantly I will continue to grow as the daughter in Christ I am destined to be. How will I do that? I don't know yet, but He knows. And I have resolved to give everything to Him. Ready or not 2013, here I come!
Holly: We have come to the end of another year. I think this one has gone faster than any I can remember in a long time. When I started out the year I was still in school. Since then I've graduated, gotten my degree, bid "see you later" to some pretty amazing people, moved out on my own, had a couple "real" jobs.
I did note some resolutions at the beginning of the year. I honestly don't remember them (all except 1...ask me about it, it will give you a good laugh! lol). I could do that now, but like Kelly, I'm not going to. Instead, like her, I'm going to enjoy LIFE!!! I'm going to smile, laugh, cry, be enthralled, swept away, mesmerized, scared, worried. I'm going to make time for my friends, both near and far. Saying "please", "thank you", and "I love you" go SO far! There are people in my life who have inspired me, challenged me, in numerous ways...I want to tell them! I'm going to read an ACTUAL book! Or several, Lord willing. I'm going to thank God every day for what I have and ask for His mercy to shower those who are not as fortunate as I am. I'm going to wait with bated breath for the return of Sherlock and our first glimpse at Smaug. I have several potential job opportunities awaiting me even as I type this; I'm going to get my bearings, investigate, and move forward, always seeking God's will. I don't know if that includes Old Navy. We will just see. Most importantly, I'm going to do my absolute best to live like Christ.
I honestly don't know what awaits me in 2013. Maybe I'll get a job I could have never imagined...or there's one waiting for me right now and I just don't know it yet. Maybe I'll meet my future husband. Who knows? But I'm 22, I'm still young and eager for life! 2012 was such a great year for me; 2013 can only get better! :)
I hope that all of you who read this are able to look back at 2012 with smiles, laughter, and even perhaps a few tears. In 2013 I hope that if you are weak, you will look to those you love for strength. I hope that if you are weary, tired, that you will get rest. I hope that if you have been in the despairing shadow of unemployment, opportunity will come. I hope that if you have been faced with some difficult circumstances, that you will summon your inner strength to accept them with grace and move on.
Be safe, everyone. Thank you for an amazing year. See you all when the ball drops. :)
Now normally, next would follow a list of cookie-cutter resolutions, such as I want to lose weight, get closer to God, save my money, etc. I'm not doing that for 2013. I have resolved to not make any resolutions. Instead of resolving, I am going to ENJOY. Enjoy what God has given to me, how He has blessed me and I am going to enjoy growing in Him more as a follower instead of merely a fan. I'm going to enjoy being healthier, because I am healthier, but I'm going to enjoy a treat every now and then and not feel guilty about it. I'm going to enjoy my last semester as an undergraduate and not just seek the end result which is to walk across a stage for 10 seconds, shake Dr. Roelof's hand and have him give me my degree. No. I'm going to do my best to enjoy my last semester and take advantage of every opportunity to be joyful and to thank God for His joy that comes through knowing Him.
I'm ready. I'm ready for what 2013 has in store for me. Though I'm not entirely sure what it will bring, I am prepared for whatever may come my way, good or bad. If the good comes, I will do my best to give credit where it is due. If bad comes my way, I will do my best to not run from the situation but instead face it and rely on God and my own strength to get through it. I refuse to be stagnant, go through the motions and blame others for my own wrong doings. I will be responsible for my words and my actions. But most importantly I will continue to grow as the daughter in Christ I am destined to be. How will I do that? I don't know yet, but He knows. And I have resolved to give everything to Him. Ready or not 2013, here I come!
Holly: We have come to the end of another year. I think this one has gone faster than any I can remember in a long time. When I started out the year I was still in school. Since then I've graduated, gotten my degree, bid "see you later" to some pretty amazing people, moved out on my own, had a couple "real" jobs.
I did note some resolutions at the beginning of the year. I honestly don't remember them (all except 1...ask me about it, it will give you a good laugh! lol). I could do that now, but like Kelly, I'm not going to. Instead, like her, I'm going to enjoy LIFE!!! I'm going to smile, laugh, cry, be enthralled, swept away, mesmerized, scared, worried. I'm going to make time for my friends, both near and far. Saying "please", "thank you", and "I love you" go SO far! There are people in my life who have inspired me, challenged me, in numerous ways...I want to tell them! I'm going to read an ACTUAL book! Or several, Lord willing. I'm going to thank God every day for what I have and ask for His mercy to shower those who are not as fortunate as I am. I'm going to wait with bated breath for the return of Sherlock and our first glimpse at Smaug. I have several potential job opportunities awaiting me even as I type this; I'm going to get my bearings, investigate, and move forward, always seeking God's will. I don't know if that includes Old Navy. We will just see. Most importantly, I'm going to do my absolute best to live like Christ.
I honestly don't know what awaits me in 2013. Maybe I'll get a job I could have never imagined...or there's one waiting for me right now and I just don't know it yet. Maybe I'll meet my future husband. Who knows? But I'm 22, I'm still young and eager for life! 2012 was such a great year for me; 2013 can only get better! :)
I hope that all of you who read this are able to look back at 2012 with smiles, laughter, and even perhaps a few tears. In 2013 I hope that if you are weak, you will look to those you love for strength. I hope that if you are weary, tired, that you will get rest. I hope that if you have been in the despairing shadow of unemployment, opportunity will come. I hope that if you have been faced with some difficult circumstances, that you will summon your inner strength to accept them with grace and move on.
Be safe, everyone. Thank you for an amazing year. See you all when the ball drops. :)
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Memoirs from an MRI scanner and a recently unemployed young aaaahdult
Kelly: The Christmas music has started, the cats are hyper and I've been awake since 6AM. Just another day of livin-la-vida-loca! The reason I've been awake so long is that I had another MRI today; hopefully the last for a long while. This one was done because last week, one awesome doctor FINALLY has a name for all my ankle problems!!!! After 2 and a half years of groveling, knocking on doors, pain and frustration, YES. There is a name! Anyway, this MRI was done to see the extent of the problem and what is the next step treatment wise for me; casting first or surgery. She said (the good doctor) that surgery is very unlikely, so keep your eyes open as I will be posting updates. I don't go back to see her until the 10th, so again another waiting game continues.
Anyway, during the scan today the tech asked what radio station I liked to listen to, and I said I'm very fond of K-LOVE; they played music for me since MRI's tend to be rather noisy...if you've never had one, take my word for it. I've had 3. So anyway, I was laying on my back, drifting in and out of sleep and then the radio DJ's who do the morning show were talking about something they read about this guy who was his own "minister of happy." What this guy did was just that...he was just happy. But what he did was change his mindset. The radio DJ's kept talking and mentioned the encouraging word which was from 1 Corinthians 15:58. The premise of this verse is that everything we do is not useless and that we're to work in all things for Christ. One of the DJ's said that with that kind of mindset, daily, it can provide the same eternal gratitude as leading someone to Christ. What a concept. Just something for us to take home; instead of "going through the motions" and going through the daily grind, how's about we take our mundane every dayness and use any and every moment possible for God? Thoughts and actions like that could change us...even the world.
Holly: This especially struck me today. Last Tuesday was my last day at my job. Which means yes...I am now unemployed once again. With the exception of my Mary Kay. To say I'm anxious, uneasy, worried, all are understatements. Most of the time I try to keep the faith but sometimes it's hard to not get discouraged. But when I heard about being our own ministers of happy, it was like a light switch. Yes, times are scary and uncertain for me right now. God is taking me through a season that is uncomfortable, boring, scary...I feel sometimes as if I'm on pins and needles, waiting for an email, phone call, ANYTHING. But that isn't how it has to be.
So how does someone like me be a minister of happy even in the dark times? I know for me that I have to undergo a serious change of perspective. I know that I need to use this abundant spare time for God, for rest, for prayer, and being serious in my faith to the point that I solely rely on God for my utmost needs and desires. Which at this point is work. I need to work! I need to stay busy! But what I keep praying is that regardless of where I end up I want to be used by God. For now, I wait. And do things. Like tonight: I auditioned for a dance ensemble at Berea. I have absolutely no idea if I'll even get into a piece, but it was the most fun hour and forty five minutes I've had in a LONG time. I'll plan my party. I'll sleep. And pray. And keep faith. Because we do what we have to do.
Anyway, during the scan today the tech asked what radio station I liked to listen to, and I said I'm very fond of K-LOVE; they played music for me since MRI's tend to be rather noisy...if you've never had one, take my word for it. I've had 3. So anyway, I was laying on my back, drifting in and out of sleep and then the radio DJ's who do the morning show were talking about something they read about this guy who was his own "minister of happy." What this guy did was just that...he was just happy. But what he did was change his mindset. The radio DJ's kept talking and mentioned the encouraging word which was from 1 Corinthians 15:58. The premise of this verse is that everything we do is not useless and that we're to work in all things for Christ. One of the DJ's said that with that kind of mindset, daily, it can provide the same eternal gratitude as leading someone to Christ. What a concept. Just something for us to take home; instead of "going through the motions" and going through the daily grind, how's about we take our mundane every dayness and use any and every moment possible for God? Thoughts and actions like that could change us...even the world.
Holly: This especially struck me today. Last Tuesday was my last day at my job. Which means yes...I am now unemployed once again. With the exception of my Mary Kay. To say I'm anxious, uneasy, worried, all are understatements. Most of the time I try to keep the faith but sometimes it's hard to not get discouraged. But when I heard about being our own ministers of happy, it was like a light switch. Yes, times are scary and uncertain for me right now. God is taking me through a season that is uncomfortable, boring, scary...I feel sometimes as if I'm on pins and needles, waiting for an email, phone call, ANYTHING. But that isn't how it has to be.
So how does someone like me be a minister of happy even in the dark times? I know for me that I have to undergo a serious change of perspective. I know that I need to use this abundant spare time for God, for rest, for prayer, and being serious in my faith to the point that I solely rely on God for my utmost needs and desires. Which at this point is work. I need to work! I need to stay busy! But what I keep praying is that regardless of where I end up I want to be used by God. For now, I wait. And do things. Like tonight: I auditioned for a dance ensemble at Berea. I have absolutely no idea if I'll even get into a piece, but it was the most fun hour and forty five minutes I've had in a LONG time. I'll plan my party. I'll sleep. And pray. And keep faith. Because we do what we have to do.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Tips for being happy, healthy and wholesome!
Holly and Kelly: It never fails that over and over again we get asked how we maintain a positive attitude. If you know us, you notice that we are usually have very bubbly personalities. Sure we get angry, sad and stressed and we don't automatically dismiss them when those emotions come along. Our personalities have often been described as "contagious." The secret to how? We have compiled a list of "how Holly and Kelly carry their contagious positive attitudes" on a seemingly daily basis. Now we are not robots. Some of these things are harder/easier than some, and we fall constantly in one or more of these things. But we're really trying to make an effort.
Take intiative. Take a chance. Sometimes that means you have to pick up the slack. I struggle with this a lot, especially at my job. There's a pile, no...a MOUNTAIN of dirty dishes in the sink. Nobody is assigned to clean the kitchen at my job; we have an honor system...that usually works. Sometimes it crashes and burns. But what do you do? Leave someone else to do it? Assume someone else will take care of it? Yeah I do that sometimes. But other times I just do it myself. Then you always feel better when it's done.
ASK for help when you need it. Face to face! This simple truth took me 9 semesters of college to reach. It's a pride thing, for sure. Since I've taken this 100 level Biology class, I've learned more by going outside of class and talking things over that I don't understand. It makes me more confident. And confidence=happiness.
Make a plan and stick with it. Seriously. What I've been doing in regards of school work is writing weekly to-do lists and crossing things off as I finish. I wish I would have done this last year during my hardest year of school. But better late than never. Also, Holly and I are planning on returning to Europe in 2015 (our 25th birthday European hullabaloo). We've ALREADY started planning....like little stupid things. But hey. Little stupid things turn into great big things if you keep building on them!
Pray. Constantly. Not just for the bad things but praise for the good. And be honest with God. You ain't going to hurt His feelings! If you're happy, tell Him. If you're pissed off, tell Him. If you're unsure about what He's doing in your life, tell Him. I feel like God was real with us when He sent His son Jesus to die for us; I feel it's the least we can do.
Pace yourself. This is the one who tries to do 666634513049852341452345819574 things on a daily basis. It's so easy to get caught up in this, that the other and XYZ and heeeey macarena that you're on the floor at the end of the day collapsed with exhaustion. This holds true for me with my ankle problems; i INSIST that I can do all the things! I have to remind myself that sometimes I have to take a step back, slow down and just take a break. I relate this also to academia; I'm slow. Not a slow reader, but slow as in the MASTER PROCRASTINATOR. So like my weekly to-do lists, I also write to start something earlier than its due. Saves me a lot of cramming and disappointment when I get that paper back that I worked on the night before and see how crappy it really is. Been there, done that. Not doing it anymore.
Say "no" sometimes. And this is hard. This is really hard because I am such a people person and I love hanging out with others and having fun. My friends mean the world to me and I love spending time with them. But if you know you have something due or if you're just too busy, you may not get to do those fun things. Or if you don't have the MONEY to do those fun things because you've got those bills due that aren't going to go away. Ever. This has been especially hard for us this year since we're on our own now, but it gets easier. It does.
Don't settle for anything less than your best in ALL areas of your life. Yes, this means I've had to be ok with "D's" sometimes because I walked out of there knowing I did my best. I always tell people "yeah I'm not a straight A student and I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed. But you bet your bottom dollar I will work SO HARD and will never give you anything less than 110%." Easier said than done, but the outcomes definitely outweigh all the tears and blood spilled to get to those outcomes.
Be open minded. I really don't think I need to go into any more detail.
TRY!!!!! When we were younger, our mom would always make us trying food before we decided we didn't like it. And we have kept that same mentality now that we are in our 20's. You never know unless you try. Sure your photograph didn't win the contest. Doesn't mean you should stop photographing. Giving up and quitting has never done any good for me. If I had given up my dream of going to Berea, I'd be probably still living at home going to a local college. And I'd be miserable. If I hadn't listened to my friend when she gave me the GlobaLinks catalog, I NEVER would have discovered Scotland. What's the worst that can happen? Or be like me (Holly) and take that crazy risk and be a Mary Kay consultant!!! I've only been going at it a week and I have SO MANY ideas and so much support and I can't wait to see what God is going to do with this thing that I have now.
See people. I like faces. I have fostered some of the best relationships here at Berea simply by putting myself out there. Going to a new church with a new denomination. Going abroad. Being AT Berea exposes you to so many different people, and I hid most of my freshmen year because I wasn't used to well...everyone being all up in your business. Then I realized that not all people want to be all up in your business; they just want to love you and they want you to do the same.
Act and don't just speak. We have based this largely on our new healthy habits plan. For years we would tell ourselves "we should eat healthier" or "let's try this exercising thing" or whatever. We would try those new habits and new exercises for a while, then slowly slip back into our old routines. Finally, this May, we made it simpler and made goals more attainable. The results have spoken VOLUME. We feel better, we're not as tired during the day, we have more energy, our clothes are fitting looser, and we hold each other accountable and keep each other on track. And we don't get bent out of shape if we slip; we get back up and start trying.
Fake it. This is similar to just trying. Some of the times when you see me and I'm happy and bubbly that does not mean I woke up that way. I used to be miss crabby face when I would get up in the morning, but I faked being happy and cheerful. And eventually me faking be happy and cheerful turned me into a happy cheerful person. This happened in BME a lot when our fearless leader would say if we didn't feel like singing or worshipping, fake it. Eventually you just would get lost in the music and let God open up your mind and heart that you would really feel it and let Him in. If I wake up in the morning and I'm tired or grumpy for some reason, I just tell myself: "I do not have to feel this way. It is not going to do me any good to be a Debby downer for the rest of the day. I am going to at least TRY to smile and be happy." Then I pray. It is amazing that when I try this how I change from the beginning of the day to the end of the day. Friends, this isn't always easy. In fact, it's never easy. But it is worth it.
Get up and MOVE every once in a while. Kelly and I do something that EVERY SINGLE PERSON should know how to do (unless you're a baby): walk. We walk. Every day. Not for long, but still, it's something, it's exercise, it's our time to talk and catch up and just connect with the outside world and nature and God. If you're on a track to lose weight it is absolutely imperative that you exercise!!! Changing your diet alone does not work! (Trust me, we've tried). And Kelly and I don't even need to lose weight, we're just simply trying to be healthier. If you're physically healthy, then all the other "healths" will be strengthened too.
Take a break. I made a New Year's Resolution back when I was still in school that when times got stressful, break out into bad dancing. Obnoxious pop music optional. Sometimes while I'm cooking, or at work standing in the hallway with a dog, or just sitting in the living room I blast loud music and just start dancing and acting stupid. It's a great release! (Kind of goes hand in hand with getting up and moving.....). Sometimes you just have to break down your barriers and walls and just act stupid with no regards. We shouldn't take ourselves too seriously!
Well there you have it. Secret's out! It ain't rocket science.
Take intiative. Take a chance. Sometimes that means you have to pick up the slack. I struggle with this a lot, especially at my job. There's a pile, no...a MOUNTAIN of dirty dishes in the sink. Nobody is assigned to clean the kitchen at my job; we have an honor system...that usually works. Sometimes it crashes and burns. But what do you do? Leave someone else to do it? Assume someone else will take care of it? Yeah I do that sometimes. But other times I just do it myself. Then you always feel better when it's done.
ASK for help when you need it. Face to face! This simple truth took me 9 semesters of college to reach. It's a pride thing, for sure. Since I've taken this 100 level Biology class, I've learned more by going outside of class and talking things over that I don't understand. It makes me more confident. And confidence=happiness.
Make a plan and stick with it. Seriously. What I've been doing in regards of school work is writing weekly to-do lists and crossing things off as I finish. I wish I would have done this last year during my hardest year of school. But better late than never. Also, Holly and I are planning on returning to Europe in 2015 (our 25th birthday European hullabaloo). We've ALREADY started planning....like little stupid things. But hey. Little stupid things turn into great big things if you keep building on them!
Pray. Constantly. Not just for the bad things but praise for the good. And be honest with God. You ain't going to hurt His feelings! If you're happy, tell Him. If you're pissed off, tell Him. If you're unsure about what He's doing in your life, tell Him. I feel like God was real with us when He sent His son Jesus to die for us; I feel it's the least we can do.
Pace yourself. This is the one who tries to do 666634513049852341452345819574 things on a daily basis. It's so easy to get caught up in this, that the other and XYZ and heeeey macarena that you're on the floor at the end of the day collapsed with exhaustion. This holds true for me with my ankle problems; i INSIST that I can do all the things! I have to remind myself that sometimes I have to take a step back, slow down and just take a break. I relate this also to academia; I'm slow. Not a slow reader, but slow as in the MASTER PROCRASTINATOR. So like my weekly to-do lists, I also write to start something earlier than its due. Saves me a lot of cramming and disappointment when I get that paper back that I worked on the night before and see how crappy it really is. Been there, done that. Not doing it anymore.
Say "no" sometimes. And this is hard. This is really hard because I am such a people person and I love hanging out with others and having fun. My friends mean the world to me and I love spending time with them. But if you know you have something due or if you're just too busy, you may not get to do those fun things. Or if you don't have the MONEY to do those fun things because you've got those bills due that aren't going to go away. Ever. This has been especially hard for us this year since we're on our own now, but it gets easier. It does.
Don't settle for anything less than your best in ALL areas of your life. Yes, this means I've had to be ok with "D's" sometimes because I walked out of there knowing I did my best. I always tell people "yeah I'm not a straight A student and I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed. But you bet your bottom dollar I will work SO HARD and will never give you anything less than 110%." Easier said than done, but the outcomes definitely outweigh all the tears and blood spilled to get to those outcomes.
Be open minded. I really don't think I need to go into any more detail.
TRY!!!!! When we were younger, our mom would always make us trying food before we decided we didn't like it. And we have kept that same mentality now that we are in our 20's. You never know unless you try. Sure your photograph didn't win the contest. Doesn't mean you should stop photographing. Giving up and quitting has never done any good for me. If I had given up my dream of going to Berea, I'd be probably still living at home going to a local college. And I'd be miserable. If I hadn't listened to my friend when she gave me the GlobaLinks catalog, I NEVER would have discovered Scotland. What's the worst that can happen? Or be like me (Holly) and take that crazy risk and be a Mary Kay consultant!!! I've only been going at it a week and I have SO MANY ideas and so much support and I can't wait to see what God is going to do with this thing that I have now.
See people. I like faces. I have fostered some of the best relationships here at Berea simply by putting myself out there. Going to a new church with a new denomination. Going abroad. Being AT Berea exposes you to so many different people, and I hid most of my freshmen year because I wasn't used to well...everyone being all up in your business. Then I realized that not all people want to be all up in your business; they just want to love you and they want you to do the same.
Act and don't just speak. We have based this largely on our new healthy habits plan. For years we would tell ourselves "we should eat healthier" or "let's try this exercising thing" or whatever. We would try those new habits and new exercises for a while, then slowly slip back into our old routines. Finally, this May, we made it simpler and made goals more attainable. The results have spoken VOLUME. We feel better, we're not as tired during the day, we have more energy, our clothes are fitting looser, and we hold each other accountable and keep each other on track. And we don't get bent out of shape if we slip; we get back up and start trying.
Fake it. This is similar to just trying. Some of the times when you see me and I'm happy and bubbly that does not mean I woke up that way. I used to be miss crabby face when I would get up in the morning, but I faked being happy and cheerful. And eventually me faking be happy and cheerful turned me into a happy cheerful person. This happened in BME a lot when our fearless leader would say if we didn't feel like singing or worshipping, fake it. Eventually you just would get lost in the music and let God open up your mind and heart that you would really feel it and let Him in. If I wake up in the morning and I'm tired or grumpy for some reason, I just tell myself: "I do not have to feel this way. It is not going to do me any good to be a Debby downer for the rest of the day. I am going to at least TRY to smile and be happy." Then I pray. It is amazing that when I try this how I change from the beginning of the day to the end of the day. Friends, this isn't always easy. In fact, it's never easy. But it is worth it.
Get up and MOVE every once in a while. Kelly and I do something that EVERY SINGLE PERSON should know how to do (unless you're a baby): walk. We walk. Every day. Not for long, but still, it's something, it's exercise, it's our time to talk and catch up and just connect with the outside world and nature and God. If you're on a track to lose weight it is absolutely imperative that you exercise!!! Changing your diet alone does not work! (Trust me, we've tried). And Kelly and I don't even need to lose weight, we're just simply trying to be healthier. If you're physically healthy, then all the other "healths" will be strengthened too.
Take a break. I made a New Year's Resolution back when I was still in school that when times got stressful, break out into bad dancing. Obnoxious pop music optional. Sometimes while I'm cooking, or at work standing in the hallway with a dog, or just sitting in the living room I blast loud music and just start dancing and acting stupid. It's a great release! (Kind of goes hand in hand with getting up and moving.....). Sometimes you just have to break down your barriers and walls and just act stupid with no regards. We shouldn't take ourselves too seriously!
Well there you have it. Secret's out! It ain't rocket science.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
If we had a dollar....
Holly and Kelly: So, just in case any of you live under a rock, we are twins. Duh. Blatantly obvious. But over the years, during our numerous encounters with various people and situations, we have been asked a plethora of ridiculous, humorous, silly, stupid, and just flat out "what the heck" questions. Here are some of them (by the way, the parentheses after the questions are our mental responses, i.e. we would never say them aloud):
"Are y'all TWINS???" *short pause while we process, then say yes* "Are y'all related?"
(um...if we just said we're twins, then...we're....probably........related.....MMM, we'll give you a minute to think about it...)
"Are y'all sisters?"
"Do y'all ever fight?" (No, it's just puppies and rainbows all OF COURSE WE DO. We're so freakishly alike it's scary; of course our opinions will clash.)
"Do you have the same birthday?" (Not even joking. Although there are twins that don't..i.e. one born at 11:59 and one at like 12:01, etc...but no. We do not)
"Do you all like the same stuff?" (For the most part, yes...but we do have different tastes. For some reason that question just irritates us. Sorry)
"So if I poke your sister in the arm, will you feel it?" (No. Next question)
"Does that whole sister ESP thing work? Like, do you know what she's thinking, or feeling?" (Again...no.)
"Have ya'll ever switched places before?" (What are we, cruel? People have a hard enough time telling us apart sometimes. I'd rather not add to the torture)
"Are ya'll the same?" (Same DNA. COMPLETELY different people. Though we are both extroverts, Kelly tends to be more extroverted and expressive with emotions. Holly is more reserved. Not a bad thing. NEXT).
"Do you all ever run out of things to talk about?" (This is actually a good question. And no we don't.)
"Do ya'll share clothes?" (Hmm....again, let me give you all a minute. You have an instant double wardrobe. OF COURSE we share clothes!)
"Do you like being a twin?" (Gee....)
"I think I would hate being a twin." (You would be quite surprised. It's like any relationship; both parties have to work at it and be willing to make the commitments necessary to keep it steady and strong)
And the best one for last...
"How can I tell you apart from your sister?" No parentheses for this. This is what I say. Holly ALWAYS wears her hair up and I don't. That's the easiest way for someone who is at first getting to know us to tell us apart. When you get to know us a little bit more, our family and friends have different ways of telling us apart. To close, we both LOVE being a twin and wouldn't have it any other way! :]
"Are y'all TWINS???" *short pause while we process, then say yes* "Are y'all related?"
(um...if we just said we're twins, then...we're....probably........related.....MMM, we'll give you a minute to think about it...)
"Are y'all sisters?"
"Do y'all ever fight?" (No, it's just puppies and rainbows all OF COURSE WE DO. We're so freakishly alike it's scary; of course our opinions will clash.)
"Do you have the same birthday?" (Not even joking. Although there are twins that don't..i.e. one born at 11:59 and one at like 12:01, etc...but no. We do not)
"Do you all like the same stuff?" (For the most part, yes...but we do have different tastes. For some reason that question just irritates us. Sorry)
"So if I poke your sister in the arm, will you feel it?" (No. Next question)
"Does that whole sister ESP thing work? Like, do you know what she's thinking, or feeling?" (Again...no.)
"Have ya'll ever switched places before?" (What are we, cruel? People have a hard enough time telling us apart sometimes. I'd rather not add to the torture)
"Are ya'll the same?" (Same DNA. COMPLETELY different people. Though we are both extroverts, Kelly tends to be more extroverted and expressive with emotions. Holly is more reserved. Not a bad thing. NEXT).
"Do you all ever run out of things to talk about?" (This is actually a good question. And no we don't.)
"Do ya'll share clothes?" (Hmm....again, let me give you all a minute. You have an instant double wardrobe. OF COURSE we share clothes!)
"Do you like being a twin?" (Gee....)
"I think I would hate being a twin." (You would be quite surprised. It's like any relationship; both parties have to work at it and be willing to make the commitments necessary to keep it steady and strong)
And the best one for last...
"How can I tell you apart from your sister?" No parentheses for this. This is what I say. Holly ALWAYS wears her hair up and I don't. That's the easiest way for someone who is at first getting to know us to tell us apart. When you get to know us a little bit more, our family and friends have different ways of telling us apart. To close, we both LOVE being a twin and wouldn't have it any other way! :]
Friday, September 28, 2012
Change thinking to change feelings
Kelly: The last few weeks I have noticed a change in myself. And no, it's not just the 8 pound weight loss. This again is another change for the better. I have been happier. Much happier than I was this time last year. I remember thinking about this time last year; I was so on edge. About everything! The littlest things set me off and it was because I was just so...burned out, stressed out, worn out, worn down, and exhausted. Getting up at 4AM on Tuesdays was extremely draining and it was just go, go, go 24/7. No rest for the weary. And now? I'm not stressed (as much), I'm not tired, and I can't even remember the last time I had a genuinely bad day. What does that even mean anyway, to have a bad day? It's all relative. Anyway, but everyone keeps asking me what my secret is? How did I lose 8 pounds? Why am I so happy and cheerful?
It's GOD.
It was, it has been and it will be. Every morning when I wake up I consciously think in my mind "God, I'm here now. I want you to shine so brightly through me that people notice. I want to have a smile on my face and pass it on." Those thoughts vary daily, but for the most part I start my days with God just changing and transforming my mind. And let me tell you it is AMAZING how good I feel!!!! I smile more, I laugh more and I think positively more. This is also benefiting me because I have more time to PRAISE instead of PLEAD. Not that pleading to God is bad, but I can think of more times when I've said "Dear God, thank you for now" instead of "Dear God just get me through this!" There have been times when some troubles have come my way but I've learned (and am still learning) to just deal with them as they come. And I pray ALL the time "God have Your way in this situation." I don't ask to take it away because we might miss something if we just lock up all our stresses and worries in boxes and pray that they just disappear. I've EMBRACED those challenges and saddled up the courage to face them. Finally. Now bear in mind, these changes I've made have taken many many months of pre-meditating, thinking and praying. But also these changes have come from inside me as well. I've had to pluck up courage from my strength (which comes from God) to just GO. To just go and live, because it is not God's will for me to live in bondage of all that holds me down. And here's something else; words are just words. Make a plan, pray about it, think about it, and follow through.
Holly: But God...
I am speaking from experience, as well as in concordance with Kelly, but every single word she says is true. This way of thinking has completely revolutionized my day-to-day ways of looking at things, situations, bad drivers, work issues, scary bills, crappy attitudes, cats that won't chill out, etc etc etc...But ever since I've taken the focus off of me and MY schedule, and MY current feelings, and all that I have to do for the day, and turning it into "Hey, God, um, thanks for EVERYTHING, I'm not sure what's going to happen today, but I totally trust You," things have just gotten better. By all rights I should be having a conniption fit. I don't have a job in two months, I have student loans to pay off, we're getting zero help from the college in terms of living expenses next semester...there's just a lot stacked against us. I have hardly zero anxiety. Seriously. Because I rest and stand firm in the simple fact of all that God has brought us through, and I strongly believe He will not have brought us to Berea, to here right now, only to just be like, "Well, just kidding." No. That's not the God I serve and love.
The thing about faith, though, is that even though God has more than enough faith for you and me, sometimes we have to have faith in ourselves. I've had lots of conversations with people about how stressed they are, how they're not sure they're going to make it, and they trust God, I can see that....but maybe it's themselves that they don't trust. Let me tell you: there were plenty of times in my last semester of school where I wasn't sure if I was going to pass this one class. I decided to shift my focus on GOODDD, saying, God, you've brought me through four years of school. I'm giving this class to You! I did that, but I also just kept telling myself, Holly, you're going to make it. You are. You have to! You have so many people rooting for you!!
If you haven't been reading a word of this, please read this: YOU. ARE. NOT. ALONE. Someone out there is rooting for you. Someone has faith in you. Please know this. :)
My challenge is this: just try to shift your perspective, the way you think. It takes time, believe me. But it's worth it, I promise. Let us know if you need encouragement, prayer, etc.
"You have to change the way you THINK in order to change the way you FEEL." -Robin Roberts
It's GOD.
It was, it has been and it will be. Every morning when I wake up I consciously think in my mind "God, I'm here now. I want you to shine so brightly through me that people notice. I want to have a smile on my face and pass it on." Those thoughts vary daily, but for the most part I start my days with God just changing and transforming my mind. And let me tell you it is AMAZING how good I feel!!!! I smile more, I laugh more and I think positively more. This is also benefiting me because I have more time to PRAISE instead of PLEAD. Not that pleading to God is bad, but I can think of more times when I've said "Dear God, thank you for now" instead of "Dear God just get me through this!" There have been times when some troubles have come my way but I've learned (and am still learning) to just deal with them as they come. And I pray ALL the time "God have Your way in this situation." I don't ask to take it away because we might miss something if we just lock up all our stresses and worries in boxes and pray that they just disappear. I've EMBRACED those challenges and saddled up the courage to face them. Finally. Now bear in mind, these changes I've made have taken many many months of pre-meditating, thinking and praying. But also these changes have come from inside me as well. I've had to pluck up courage from my strength (which comes from God) to just GO. To just go and live, because it is not God's will for me to live in bondage of all that holds me down. And here's something else; words are just words. Make a plan, pray about it, think about it, and follow through.
Holly: But God...
I am speaking from experience, as well as in concordance with Kelly, but every single word she says is true. This way of thinking has completely revolutionized my day-to-day ways of looking at things, situations, bad drivers, work issues, scary bills, crappy attitudes, cats that won't chill out, etc etc etc...But ever since I've taken the focus off of me and MY schedule, and MY current feelings, and all that I have to do for the day, and turning it into "Hey, God, um, thanks for EVERYTHING, I'm not sure what's going to happen today, but I totally trust You," things have just gotten better. By all rights I should be having a conniption fit. I don't have a job in two months, I have student loans to pay off, we're getting zero help from the college in terms of living expenses next semester...there's just a lot stacked against us. I have hardly zero anxiety. Seriously. Because I rest and stand firm in the simple fact of all that God has brought us through, and I strongly believe He will not have brought us to Berea, to here right now, only to just be like, "Well, just kidding." No. That's not the God I serve and love.
The thing about faith, though, is that even though God has more than enough faith for you and me, sometimes we have to have faith in ourselves. I've had lots of conversations with people about how stressed they are, how they're not sure they're going to make it, and they trust God, I can see that....but maybe it's themselves that they don't trust. Let me tell you: there were plenty of times in my last semester of school where I wasn't sure if I was going to pass this one class. I decided to shift my focus on GOODDD, saying, God, you've brought me through four years of school. I'm giving this class to You! I did that, but I also just kept telling myself, Holly, you're going to make it. You are. You have to! You have so many people rooting for you!!
If you haven't been reading a word of this, please read this: YOU. ARE. NOT. ALONE. Someone out there is rooting for you. Someone has faith in you. Please know this. :)
My challenge is this: just try to shift your perspective, the way you think. It takes time, believe me. But it's worth it, I promise. Let us know if you need encouragement, prayer, etc.
"You have to change the way you THINK in order to change the way you FEEL." -Robin Roberts
Monday, September 24, 2012
An Open-Ended Letter to BC and MF....ok, and to the rest of Team Sherlock. And the fans too. Wow, this is a long title.
Dear BC and MF,
nah, scratch that:
Dear BC, MF, and Team Sherlock,
.................
one more time:
Dear All who love Sherlock (but mostly to BC and MF because that's why we watched the Emmys last night),
Hi. Guess we gave it away now. So we watched the Emmys last night. We hates them. I mean, don't get us wrong, of course we weren't born under rocks. We're familiar with the big shows that were on: Mad Men, The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, Homeland, etc etc etc....BUT.
What happened last night is the very reason why we typically don't watch shows like that. Because ONE show usually sweeps all the wins. It's nothing more than a popularity contest. We're not trying to bash television...obviously, because the American people deem the aforementioned shows worthy of such an honor. But SERIOUSLY...
Mad Men had 81 nominations. EIGHTY. ONE?!?!? What the crap? That's insane. Wasn't even aware that you could be nominated for an Emmy in 81 different categories. Jeebus. Despite all of this, despite all of this big-name shows, stars, etc, that's not why we stayed up to watch the Emmys. We had one reason and one reason only:
Team Sherlock.
We waded through TWO HOURS of awards before they finally came to the "Miniseries/Movie" category. Oh, you would not believe the tension and excitement we had. Literally on the edge of our seats. But...no. Nothing.
Should we be surprised? No, I guess not. Because, like I mentioned, it's a glorified popularity contest and not much else. In the grand scheme of things, we're not really sure if you all were bummed, surprised, nonplussed, whatever, that you left empty handed. But then we got to thinking: at least you all were THERE. In LA. Next to big time stars, shows, etc etc. And for a show that has a predominantly British audience that only started a couple of years ago, that is pretty awesome.
But we know that there's more to Sherlock than just Emmy nominations. For us, it's taken us to entertainment in a level that we never knew existed. It's taken us to new places emotionally, physically, we've never related so closely to characters as this. It's more than that. You helped us to believe in true friendship, loyalty, the power of the human mind, the fragility of the human spirit, that even the most stoic and complex of individuals can be shaken to their very core and reach out to their one and only friend in their hour of need. We've laughed, we've cried, we've run down the streets of London and Baker Street right beside y'all. And we, the fans, will wait, eagerly, perhaps even a little frustrated, anxious, angry, and tense, for having to wait a year to see what will happen next. We are waiting. We are Sherlocked.
BC and MF, if there was an Emmy for passion and versatility, then you would win it, hands down, no argument. The obvious passion and versatility for your job and your utter brillance and talent you bring to Sherlock is nothing to be matched to the Emmy speeches we saw last night. If there was an Emmy for Sherlock fans, we would win it, hands down, no argument. The fan base that we see on a regular basis can't top some of the big-time shows and stars we saw last night. Because the two of you are REAL. You're RELATABLE, you're BRILLIANT, you're so GENUINE, it's refreshing to us, us that are so sick and tired of fake, plastic, superficial. So please, please know that we, and so many others, were rooting for the two of you so hard at the Emmys last night. Even though you ultimately didn't win, we are still SO PROUD to continue to root for you, to be your fans, to wait and see whether Sherlock survived the fateful hospital plunge.
Thank you, both of you, for reminding us what true talent and TV is. Oh, and just a warning to the entertainment world:
You's about to get your FACE rocked off. Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo. Baggins. That's all we have to say about that.
Very truly Sherlocked,
Holly and Kelly
nah, scratch that:
Dear BC, MF, and Team Sherlock,
.................
one more time:
Dear All who love Sherlock (but mostly to BC and MF because that's why we watched the Emmys last night),
Hi. Guess we gave it away now. So we watched the Emmys last night. We hates them. I mean, don't get us wrong, of course we weren't born under rocks. We're familiar with the big shows that were on: Mad Men, The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, Homeland, etc etc etc....BUT.
What happened last night is the very reason why we typically don't watch shows like that. Because ONE show usually sweeps all the wins. It's nothing more than a popularity contest. We're not trying to bash television...obviously, because the American people deem the aforementioned shows worthy of such an honor. But SERIOUSLY...
Mad Men had 81 nominations. EIGHTY. ONE?!?!? What the crap? That's insane. Wasn't even aware that you could be nominated for an Emmy in 81 different categories. Jeebus. Despite all of this, despite all of this big-name shows, stars, etc, that's not why we stayed up to watch the Emmys. We had one reason and one reason only:
Team Sherlock.
We waded through TWO HOURS of awards before they finally came to the "Miniseries/Movie" category. Oh, you would not believe the tension and excitement we had. Literally on the edge of our seats. But...no. Nothing.
Should we be surprised? No, I guess not. Because, like I mentioned, it's a glorified popularity contest and not much else. In the grand scheme of things, we're not really sure if you all were bummed, surprised, nonplussed, whatever, that you left empty handed. But then we got to thinking: at least you all were THERE. In LA. Next to big time stars, shows, etc etc. And for a show that has a predominantly British audience that only started a couple of years ago, that is pretty awesome.
But we know that there's more to Sherlock than just Emmy nominations. For us, it's taken us to entertainment in a level that we never knew existed. It's taken us to new places emotionally, physically, we've never related so closely to characters as this. It's more than that. You helped us to believe in true friendship, loyalty, the power of the human mind, the fragility of the human spirit, that even the most stoic and complex of individuals can be shaken to their very core and reach out to their one and only friend in their hour of need. We've laughed, we've cried, we've run down the streets of London and Baker Street right beside y'all. And we, the fans, will wait, eagerly, perhaps even a little frustrated, anxious, angry, and tense, for having to wait a year to see what will happen next. We are waiting. We are Sherlocked.
BC and MF, if there was an Emmy for passion and versatility, then you would win it, hands down, no argument. The obvious passion and versatility for your job and your utter brillance and talent you bring to Sherlock is nothing to be matched to the Emmy speeches we saw last night. If there was an Emmy for Sherlock fans, we would win it, hands down, no argument. The fan base that we see on a regular basis can't top some of the big-time shows and stars we saw last night. Because the two of you are REAL. You're RELATABLE, you're BRILLIANT, you're so GENUINE, it's refreshing to us, us that are so sick and tired of fake, plastic, superficial. So please, please know that we, and so many others, were rooting for the two of you so hard at the Emmys last night. Even though you ultimately didn't win, we are still SO PROUD to continue to root for you, to be your fans, to wait and see whether Sherlock survived the fateful hospital plunge.
Thank you, both of you, for reminding us what true talent and TV is. Oh, and just a warning to the entertainment world:
You's about to get your FACE rocked off. Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo. Baggins. That's all we have to say about that.
Very truly Sherlocked,
Holly and Kelly
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Excuses and Generosity (With a Twist)
Holly: Excuses. They're like noses, everyone has one. Except Voldemort, of course. But why are we so insistent upon making excuses? It's almost like a reflex, in some cases. "I'm too tired". "I'm stressed." "I just don't feel like it." "I don't know what to do anymore." "I just didn't know what to do." And the list goes on and on...
In my own experiences as of late, I've learned that excuses don't really solve anything. They don't solve the problem. When I was a student and I had a deadline or something due looming over me, I wanted nothing more than to rid myself of the cloud of stress hanging over me. In short, I would get things done really really early. It didn't make sense to me to just have that THING hanging over you; GET RID OF IT was my mindset. Why? Why have that hanging over you? Just DO IT! And honestly, that mindset saved me so much time...as well as my sanity. Now that I have a full-time job, I've adopted this mindset as well. If I notice something that needs done, I just do it. It doesn't matter if I cleaned the same thing the previous day, or if I tested that one dog recently. Just do it. It makes me happy, and it makes my co-workers happy too because things are getting done. Which is the ultimate goal.
My challenge is this: if you have something you know you need to do, just do it. Make a plan, stick to it, intentionally set time aside. Just DO the bloody thing and GET. IT. OVER.WITH. Trust me on this one, you'll feel so much better when it's all said and done.
A quick plug about generosity (part 2 of the blog title): Kelly and I were talking earlier about our excuses and how sometimes this leads us to performing at less than 100%. Especially concerning professors we have encountered or are encountering now. They do SO MUCH for us and to us, it just seems reasonable and inexcusable (pardon the pun) to give them nothing less than 110%. We both know profs who stay later, make exceptions for students, extend deadlines, literally bend. over. backwards for them. For all they do to accommodate OUR needs, giving them just an inkling of something so precious they've given us...time...is the very least that we can do. Current students, let that be a challenge from me as I pass the alumni-student baton off.
Kelly: Having grown up with parents who are teachers, this conversation has stuck with me. I have seen my mom and dad bend over BACKWARDS for certain students, or a certain student just so they will do well. And that right there I think is the greatest act of generosity that a teacher can do. And those teachers who make those exceptions are depending on those students to follow through. And I have seen students disappoint my parents; and it genuinely hurts them. Ok enough about that. I know that when I get something done, especially something that we get assigned in the beginning of the semester, it is such a great feeling when it's all said and done! Example; when I took my summer class we had to do an 8-10 page paper. I started my research about 2 weeks before the paper was due and finished it a week before it was due. Meanwhile, while my class was scrambling around trying to get theirs done. And I was...done. Completely done! And trust me, there is no greater feeling. Stress is not good for anyone, but it aggravates my messed up joints, especially my ankle. So this semester I am going to do whatever it takes to ensure that extra pain doesn't happen.
Call me an over-achiever. Call me crazy. Whatever. It's just the way that I roll and I wouldn't have it any other way. I have been blessed to have wonderful professors who actually give a crap and take those extra steps to make sure that I'm succeeding. And I try to take advantage of as many of those opportunities as I can; in a way I feel like we owe it to them. I really do. And if you take just the small steps to take that initiative, then they're going to notice. Again, living example of that. I remember being in high school and getting stellar remarks on my report cards. "Kelly is such a hard working student," "Kelly always does more than what is asked." And just recently, I was told that a professor "likes my spirit." LITTLE things. It's always the little things that make a difference. And I'm not trying to brag or boast. I wasn't "raised" to be a good student; I just knew to. I knew to give 110% to my teachers and professors because I gave 110% to my parents. Again, it's the little things.
I feel that at 22 I am much more mature than I was last year. Even 6 months ago. And it's because I've had to grow up a lot. I went in kicking and screaming at first, but eventually the hand holding has to decrease. Especially with the rigors of my nursing academia, I had several wake-up calls in which I realized nobody was around to carry me. Except God. I feel that if you let God carry you through the hard times and the excuses, then you'll have the strength to carry yourself over the humps and away from the temptations. I hope that this blog can be a lesson to some of you, but it's also a lesson and a reminder for me. As a friend of mine always says: Choose happiness. Seek opportunity. Be encouraged. Make a difference.
In my own experiences as of late, I've learned that excuses don't really solve anything. They don't solve the problem. When I was a student and I had a deadline or something due looming over me, I wanted nothing more than to rid myself of the cloud of stress hanging over me. In short, I would get things done really really early. It didn't make sense to me to just have that THING hanging over you; GET RID OF IT was my mindset. Why? Why have that hanging over you? Just DO IT! And honestly, that mindset saved me so much time...as well as my sanity. Now that I have a full-time job, I've adopted this mindset as well. If I notice something that needs done, I just do it. It doesn't matter if I cleaned the same thing the previous day, or if I tested that one dog recently. Just do it. It makes me happy, and it makes my co-workers happy too because things are getting done. Which is the ultimate goal.
My challenge is this: if you have something you know you need to do, just do it. Make a plan, stick to it, intentionally set time aside. Just DO the bloody thing and GET. IT. OVER.WITH. Trust me on this one, you'll feel so much better when it's all said and done.
A quick plug about generosity (part 2 of the blog title): Kelly and I were talking earlier about our excuses and how sometimes this leads us to performing at less than 100%. Especially concerning professors we have encountered or are encountering now. They do SO MUCH for us and to us, it just seems reasonable and inexcusable (pardon the pun) to give them nothing less than 110%. We both know profs who stay later, make exceptions for students, extend deadlines, literally bend. over. backwards for them. For all they do to accommodate OUR needs, giving them just an inkling of something so precious they've given us...time...is the very least that we can do. Current students, let that be a challenge from me as I pass the alumni-student baton off.
Kelly: Having grown up with parents who are teachers, this conversation has stuck with me. I have seen my mom and dad bend over BACKWARDS for certain students, or a certain student just so they will do well. And that right there I think is the greatest act of generosity that a teacher can do. And those teachers who make those exceptions are depending on those students to follow through. And I have seen students disappoint my parents; and it genuinely hurts them. Ok enough about that. I know that when I get something done, especially something that we get assigned in the beginning of the semester, it is such a great feeling when it's all said and done! Example; when I took my summer class we had to do an 8-10 page paper. I started my research about 2 weeks before the paper was due and finished it a week before it was due. Meanwhile, while my class was scrambling around trying to get theirs done. And I was...done. Completely done! And trust me, there is no greater feeling. Stress is not good for anyone, but it aggravates my messed up joints, especially my ankle. So this semester I am going to do whatever it takes to ensure that extra pain doesn't happen.
Call me an over-achiever. Call me crazy. Whatever. It's just the way that I roll and I wouldn't have it any other way. I have been blessed to have wonderful professors who actually give a crap and take those extra steps to make sure that I'm succeeding. And I try to take advantage of as many of those opportunities as I can; in a way I feel like we owe it to them. I really do. And if you take just the small steps to take that initiative, then they're going to notice. Again, living example of that. I remember being in high school and getting stellar remarks on my report cards. "Kelly is such a hard working student," "Kelly always does more than what is asked." And just recently, I was told that a professor "likes my spirit." LITTLE things. It's always the little things that make a difference. And I'm not trying to brag or boast. I wasn't "raised" to be a good student; I just knew to. I knew to give 110% to my teachers and professors because I gave 110% to my parents. Again, it's the little things.
I feel that at 22 I am much more mature than I was last year. Even 6 months ago. And it's because I've had to grow up a lot. I went in kicking and screaming at first, but eventually the hand holding has to decrease. Especially with the rigors of my nursing academia, I had several wake-up calls in which I realized nobody was around to carry me. Except God. I feel that if you let God carry you through the hard times and the excuses, then you'll have the strength to carry yourself over the humps and away from the temptations. I hope that this blog can be a lesson to some of you, but it's also a lesson and a reminder for me. As a friend of mine always says: Choose happiness. Seek opportunity. Be encouraged. Make a difference.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Some days you're the gun...some days you're the smiley face on the wall...
Kelly:
In case you're wondering about the title of the blog...well, the above video describes it. I'm sure you've all heard the phrase (or something similar) "some days you're the bug and some days you're the windshield." The title of today's blog post is that same analogy, except I added a Sherlockian twist. Today has definitely been one of those days. Today I am definitely the smiley face.
Yesterday our water heater sprung a leak. A pretty big leak. Catherine noticed it yesterday, so for all we know it could have been running and running for days...which is sort of a scary thought. Apologies...hard to type with hang nails on BOTH of your ring fingers. >.< Anyway, so after church I ran out and called our water company on the way home. The guy basically said it wasn't his problem and told us to call the landlord...which we did. While at the grocery store, our landlord called me and said he'd be there within the hour. Long story short so I can get to the point, some valve needs replaced and will be fixed on Wednesday. Hurrah!
Anyway, coming to the point of this post. Today at church there were a few eye-opening moments. The ending theme was about being wealthy. My pastor asked the congregation if we considered ourselves wealthy. Thinking to myself...I said no. No I really didn't. Then some things were said and my thinking changed. Perspective. That's what it's about. Really. Again...felt like the smiley face on the wall. To be honest, if you REALLY think about it, we are pretty wealthy. Now that I've left church I consider myself pretty wealthy all things considering. Even if we have to survive without hot water for a few days. We've got it pretty well made. I'm listening to this song right now called "Good to be Alive." The song speaks for itself.
I wanna live like there's no tomorrow
Love like I'm on borrowed time
It's good to be alive.
Holly: Something to think about the next time you drive to work, go to your kitchen, or sit down with your family at dinner:
8% of the world's population owns a car.
1 billion people don't have access to clean water.
800 million people won't eat today. 300 million of those will be children.
In order to provide basic nutrition, water, and resources to those who don't already have them it would cost roughly $20 billion. In the grand scheme of things that doesn't sound like much, but that amount is roughly what Americans spend on ice cream each year.
Talk about counting your blessings. Definitely a smiley-face-in-the-wall moment for me. Our culture is so skewed in terms of perspective: our gotta-have-it-all-right-this-very-second, bigger, better, best, I-have-more-stuff-than-you attitude is just really crappy, bottom line. Even in my barely moved-into apartment I STILL feel like I have too much stuff. And in the grand scheme of things, I do. I know I do, and I try my best to downsize. But over the years, especially in college, I've come to realize just how pointless stuff really is.
Every day I'm trying to thank God for the things I do have, and also thanking God for when people pull through. Like today. I'm trying to be thankful for the things that matter in my life: my friends, my family, my church, people I work with. We just become so attached to our things, our money, that we completely lose sight of what's important. That is such a dangerous cycle. But I find that when I put my focus on God, everything else just falls into place.
Use things, not people. Love people, not things.
Yesterday our water heater sprung a leak. A pretty big leak. Catherine noticed it yesterday, so for all we know it could have been running and running for days...which is sort of a scary thought. Apologies...hard to type with hang nails on BOTH of your ring fingers. >.< Anyway, so after church I ran out and called our water company on the way home. The guy basically said it wasn't his problem and told us to call the landlord...which we did. While at the grocery store, our landlord called me and said he'd be there within the hour. Long story short so I can get to the point, some valve needs replaced and will be fixed on Wednesday. Hurrah!
Anyway, coming to the point of this post. Today at church there were a few eye-opening moments. The ending theme was about being wealthy. My pastor asked the congregation if we considered ourselves wealthy. Thinking to myself...I said no. No I really didn't. Then some things were said and my thinking changed. Perspective. That's what it's about. Really. Again...felt like the smiley face on the wall. To be honest, if you REALLY think about it, we are pretty wealthy. Now that I've left church I consider myself pretty wealthy all things considering. Even if we have to survive without hot water for a few days. We've got it pretty well made. I'm listening to this song right now called "Good to be Alive." The song speaks for itself.
I wanna live like there's no tomorrow
Love like I'm on borrowed time
It's good to be alive.
Holly: Something to think about the next time you drive to work, go to your kitchen, or sit down with your family at dinner:
8% of the world's population owns a car.
1 billion people don't have access to clean water.
800 million people won't eat today. 300 million of those will be children.
In order to provide basic nutrition, water, and resources to those who don't already have them it would cost roughly $20 billion. In the grand scheme of things that doesn't sound like much, but that amount is roughly what Americans spend on ice cream each year.
Talk about counting your blessings. Definitely a smiley-face-in-the-wall moment for me. Our culture is so skewed in terms of perspective: our gotta-have-it-all-right-this-very-second, bigger, better, best, I-have-more-stuff-than-you attitude is just really crappy, bottom line. Even in my barely moved-into apartment I STILL feel like I have too much stuff. And in the grand scheme of things, I do. I know I do, and I try my best to downsize. But over the years, especially in college, I've come to realize just how pointless stuff really is.
Every day I'm trying to thank God for the things I do have, and also thanking God for when people pull through. Like today. I'm trying to be thankful for the things that matter in my life: my friends, my family, my church, people I work with. We just become so attached to our things, our money, that we completely lose sight of what's important. That is such a dangerous cycle. But I find that when I put my focus on God, everything else just falls into place.
Use things, not people. Love people, not things.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The flaw of today's healthcare in the eyes of a US citizen
Kelly: I will begin by offering this disclaimer; these are merely my observations and opinions. I am not putting myself on a pedestal and deeming myself an "expert." But, I feel that what I have seen and heard cannot be unnoticed. I just saw and heard some very heavy duty stuff, and this is my opportunity to process it all. I borrowed a video from one of my professors titled Sicko. I wasn't really sure what to expect. The first half hour (this is a documentary) discussed several US commonfolk who faced current health problems but because of lack of health insurance or flawed insurance were denied medical coverage. The first two examples were no health insurance, and a guy literally HAD TO CHOOSE which of his fingers to reattach. One would cost over 50k, the other just a little over 10k. Which do you think he chose?
There was more to the video, but two parts of this movie disgusted me the most. The first scenario took place in LA, and there was a guy who worked at some sort of free clinic. He was talking about how one day he was watching the cameras and a staff member escorted a confused and disorientated woman inside...while she was still in her hospital garb. Turns out, the staff of the hospital she came from found out she couldn't pay her bills, so they put her in a cab and drove her to the free clinic.
I'm sorry, but....WHAT?!
Oh no, it gets worse. Turns out when the hospital gets wind that patients can't pay their bills, they dump them. Yes, as in put them in a taxi and drop them off.
I'm sorry, but....WHAT?!
Another scenario focused on several 9/11 volunteers who helped victims get found amongst the rubble. I will say this again, these were volunteers...as in...NOT employees. However, because they were not properly protected because they were just you know, trying to do the right thing, they developed some health complications. But because their care was "too expensive" according to their insurance, they could not get the full care that they needed. Cut to....Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. This is where some of the 9/11 terrorists ended up as prisoners. They receive...and I quote straight from the film "top of the line healthcare." Yes, along with France and England and other European countries covered by the NHS (National Health Service), and Canada, they receive FREE HEALTH CARE.
Now I know what you're thinking: You mean to say that TERRORISTS who were responsible for 2,000+ lives over 10 years ago receive BETTER healthcare than average US Citizens?
Yes.
So later, the movie director gets a BOAT, takes these volunteers and boats them from Miami to Guantanamo Bay so they can get some good healthcare. But...according to the media, Cuba is one of our enemies. Or so you thought...the 9/11 volunteers are not only NOT turned away, but they also receive the diagnostic tests, cheaper prescriptions and procedures that some of them needed.
At this point in the movie I was crying. I really was. Not only because the volunteers got the healthcare that they truly deserved, but that they had to go to a "enemy" country to receive it. And they got exactly what they deserved, by golly! It's just appalling that this flawed healthcare is what our country, my country I live in, has come to. Refusing to pay for care, dumping helpless patients, denying people health insurance is just...sick. I can't come up with any other word.
What upsets me the most are two things: number 1, I will be working in this. I can't escape it, unless give up everything I love and have worked hard to build and move to another country. I'd make a heck of a living, but the trade off is higher tax dollars. Hmm...yeah, I'd pay higher tax dollars for free health care. Sign me up. Second, I too am fighting tooth and nail with insurance. Apparently, the rest of my physical therapy that I completed almost a year ago won't be covered until I go to the Billing Department and fill out this form that NOBODY bothered to tell me about. My mom had to call my insurance company.
I apologize that this post is so long, but I feel that we need to read this. And even if you're not a health care professional, PLEASE see this movie in some point during your life. It will change your life, maybe for the better, maybe for the worse. But if nothing, your eyes will be opened wide, as mine are. All I have to close with is this; we can do better.
To close, I would like to give the credit to the movie Sicko and all of the directors, participants and producers. Thank you for opening my eyes. Our country as a whole may not be "the best," but as a future healthcare provider I will do MY best to be THE best.
There was more to the video, but two parts of this movie disgusted me the most. The first scenario took place in LA, and there was a guy who worked at some sort of free clinic. He was talking about how one day he was watching the cameras and a staff member escorted a confused and disorientated woman inside...while she was still in her hospital garb. Turns out, the staff of the hospital she came from found out she couldn't pay her bills, so they put her in a cab and drove her to the free clinic.
I'm sorry, but....WHAT?!
Oh no, it gets worse. Turns out when the hospital gets wind that patients can't pay their bills, they dump them. Yes, as in put them in a taxi and drop them off.
I'm sorry, but....WHAT?!
Another scenario focused on several 9/11 volunteers who helped victims get found amongst the rubble. I will say this again, these were volunteers...as in...NOT employees. However, because they were not properly protected because they were just you know, trying to do the right thing, they developed some health complications. But because their care was "too expensive" according to their insurance, they could not get the full care that they needed. Cut to....Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. This is where some of the 9/11 terrorists ended up as prisoners. They receive...and I quote straight from the film "top of the line healthcare." Yes, along with France and England and other European countries covered by the NHS (National Health Service), and Canada, they receive FREE HEALTH CARE.
Now I know what you're thinking: You mean to say that TERRORISTS who were responsible for 2,000+ lives over 10 years ago receive BETTER healthcare than average US Citizens?
Yes.
So later, the movie director gets a BOAT, takes these volunteers and boats them from Miami to Guantanamo Bay so they can get some good healthcare. But...according to the media, Cuba is one of our enemies. Or so you thought...the 9/11 volunteers are not only NOT turned away, but they also receive the diagnostic tests, cheaper prescriptions and procedures that some of them needed.
At this point in the movie I was crying. I really was. Not only because the volunteers got the healthcare that they truly deserved, but that they had to go to a "enemy" country to receive it. And they got exactly what they deserved, by golly! It's just appalling that this flawed healthcare is what our country, my country I live in, has come to. Refusing to pay for care, dumping helpless patients, denying people health insurance is just...sick. I can't come up with any other word.
What upsets me the most are two things: number 1, I will be working in this. I can't escape it, unless give up everything I love and have worked hard to build and move to another country. I'd make a heck of a living, but the trade off is higher tax dollars. Hmm...yeah, I'd pay higher tax dollars for free health care. Sign me up. Second, I too am fighting tooth and nail with insurance. Apparently, the rest of my physical therapy that I completed almost a year ago won't be covered until I go to the Billing Department and fill out this form that NOBODY bothered to tell me about. My mom had to call my insurance company.
I apologize that this post is so long, but I feel that we need to read this. And even if you're not a health care professional, PLEASE see this movie in some point during your life. It will change your life, maybe for the better, maybe for the worse. But if nothing, your eyes will be opened wide, as mine are. All I have to close with is this; we can do better.
To close, I would like to give the credit to the movie Sicko and all of the directors, participants and producers. Thank you for opening my eyes. Our country as a whole may not be "the best," but as a future healthcare provider I will do MY best to be THE best.
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