The rising sun paints the sky
And makes the morning bleed
Oh, I don’t feel like moving
But rest's not what I need
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Crazy Week
Whew, what a crazy week. It was an exciting week (at least the last part of it)--good things and bad things.
First of all, some good. It was birthday week in my family. My mom, my older sister, and my brother had birthdays this week. Thursday (my mom and my sisters b-day), we went down to Fayetteville and went to Hohhot's (not sure on the spelling). It is a Mongolian BBQ joint. Great concept and good food. We got to pick our food-meat, veggies, mushrooms, peppers, sauces, etc., and then they cooked it on a giant grill in front of you in kind of a stir-fry way(Ciao in Mandarin-just in case you wanted to know what I learned in China...lol, though there was no wok), if that is possible. It was really good. I have such an amazing family, and they were all there!!! I ate too much, of course. On Friday, me, my bro, and my younger sis played board games for a while, and then my sis went to bed and her husband joined in as we played some Halo on XBOX. I am absolutely terrible, I mean REALLY terrible, at it, but it is good to hangout with the guys. Saturday, I seen my old boss (who is also a good friend) at Wal-Mart. I was supposed to go to my grandma's for a work day; instead I hung out with him for the day. That evening, for my brother's 18th b-day, we hit up some casinos and went to Olive Garden. Nobody really won big ( I think my sister won $30), but it was a good time at the casinos--the first time for my brother. Sunday, was another great day at church--always love being there.
And the bad...I guess there were 2 bits of bad news that I received on Thursday. I woke up that morning when my girlfriend called. She was supposed to be on her way to the USA from France (where she is from), but her uncle was taken to the hospital so she decided to stay to be with her family. I hope her uncle gets better and the family stays strong. It has already been 5 months since I have seen my girlfriend--I was so excited to see her--I hate that I will have to wait longer. We have spent more time apart (10 months) than together (8 months--1 of which I don't even remember after the fall) since we started dating. Long distance relationships are hard. That is a whole conversation in itself so I will go on. That afternoon, I had a consultation at the eye doctor. The good news is that they think my eyes may be able to improve. The bad news is that there are no guarantees of that, and they want to do a 40 week program. Unfortunately, they don't take insurance so I will have to pay out of pocket. It will be $5400, which is a lot, but at the same time, not that much. The problem is that I just paid close to $10,000 in hospital bills in China (nothing compared to the $250,000+ that Medicaid paid here) so I am pretty broke at the moment and do not even have that much money to my name. And to top it off, I can't drive or work to make money to pay for it. Vision is important, and if I can improve on mine, it will be worth it. I just hope I can find a way to come up with the money. Ok, that is my bad news paragraph. I am not too down or anything. I know I am still very lucky--just thought I would get out what I have been thinking about. Hope it all isn't too boring for you. To make it better, I will put a picture of me and my gal on here. It always makes me smile at least. :D
First of all, some good. It was birthday week in my family. My mom, my older sister, and my brother had birthdays this week. Thursday (my mom and my sisters b-day), we went down to Fayetteville and went to Hohhot's (not sure on the spelling). It is a Mongolian BBQ joint. Great concept and good food. We got to pick our food-meat, veggies, mushrooms, peppers, sauces, etc., and then they cooked it on a giant grill in front of you in kind of a stir-fry way(Ciao in Mandarin-just in case you wanted to know what I learned in China...lol, though there was no wok), if that is possible. It was really good. I have such an amazing family, and they were all there!!! I ate too much, of course. On Friday, me, my bro, and my younger sis played board games for a while, and then my sis went to bed and her husband joined in as we played some Halo on XBOX. I am absolutely terrible, I mean REALLY terrible, at it, but it is good to hangout with the guys. Saturday, I seen my old boss (who is also a good friend) at Wal-Mart. I was supposed to go to my grandma's for a work day; instead I hung out with him for the day. That evening, for my brother's 18th b-day, we hit up some casinos and went to Olive Garden. Nobody really won big ( I think my sister won $30), but it was a good time at the casinos--the first time for my brother. Sunday, was another great day at church--always love being there.
And the bad...I guess there were 2 bits of bad news that I received on Thursday. I woke up that morning when my girlfriend called. She was supposed to be on her way to the USA from France (where she is from), but her uncle was taken to the hospital so she decided to stay to be with her family. I hope her uncle gets better and the family stays strong. It has already been 5 months since I have seen my girlfriend--I was so excited to see her--I hate that I will have to wait longer. We have spent more time apart (10 months) than together (8 months--1 of which I don't even remember after the fall) since we started dating. Long distance relationships are hard. That is a whole conversation in itself so I will go on. That afternoon, I had a consultation at the eye doctor. The good news is that they think my eyes may be able to improve. The bad news is that there are no guarantees of that, and they want to do a 40 week program. Unfortunately, they don't take insurance so I will have to pay out of pocket. It will be $5400, which is a lot, but at the same time, not that much. The problem is that I just paid close to $10,000 in hospital bills in China (nothing compared to the $250,000+ that Medicaid paid here) so I am pretty broke at the moment and do not even have that much money to my name. And to top it off, I can't drive or work to make money to pay for it. Vision is important, and if I can improve on mine, it will be worth it. I just hope I can find a way to come up with the money. Ok, that is my bad news paragraph. I am not too down or anything. I know I am still very lucky--just thought I would get out what I have been thinking about. Hope it all isn't too boring for you. To make it better, I will put a picture of me and my gal on here. It always makes me smile at least. :D
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Day(s) of THANKS!
Day 30: FOOD: Maybe this is symbolic of the weight I have put on over the past few months, but one nice thing about being back home is that I get home-cooking. Mom is a great cook, and we are lucky enough to get a cooked meal about every night. I always eat too much, thus the addition of weight, but it is worth it.
Day 29: SPORTS: So this is two-part: the ones I watch and the ones I play. To start with, the ones I watch: this mainly consists of the Cardinals, Chiefs, and Razorbacks. The Cardinals are World Series champs in baseball!!! The Chiefs are not really any good, but watching the football games is great family fun. The Razorbacks (my college, University of Arkansas) really runs across many sports, but in football this year they have done quite well. They will play in the Cotton Bowl at the beginning of the year! I was lucky enough to play sports nonstop as a kid. Baseball, football, basketball, wrestling, tennis, etc... Lately, I have been playing racquetball with my bro and brother-in-law. My hand- coordination, depth perception, and balance are bad, but it is amazing that I am back to playing sports, even if I am not as good. It is still a lot of fun!!!
Day 28: FREEDOM: The fact that I am able to get on here right now and not worry about what I say is really great. We, as Americans, have the freedom of speech, as well as many other freedoms. I spent the last couple of years living in China; I have seen how a government can severely punish people for just what they say and also limit other freedoms (such as religion and peaceful assembly). We, Americans, like to complain about our government, but I am thankful for having one that is set on such solid fundamentals that give the power to the people.
Day 27: GIVING BACK: I think that life should not be just about us, but it should be about helping other people (And as part of that, God's will). I have been on mission trips around the world, but I know that if we are going to see a major difference in the world that we are going to have to start with our own communities. So finally to the reason that I being this up, I am thankful for Chris. Chris is the music director at our church, and he offers free guitar lessons to anyone who wants to come out. It is a great bonding and learning experience for us "students." I know he doesn't have to do this, but he does it because he has a heart for people and wants to help them through what he loves. It's great.
Day 26: ART: I bring this up because I went to watch a movie with my brother and a couple of his friends. But movies, music, and paintings all have the amazing ability to take us away from this world and it's problems, while at the same time reconnecting us with it as the same time. Teaching us new perspectives and giving us inspiration. I am so thankful for the ability to be creative. As a self-proclaimed artist (in a number of different areas), I think that using our mind in this artistic way is what keeps life from becoming boring. Though, the people that get homemade gifts from me might not appreciate creativity quite as much as I do. :)
Day 25: COLLEGE BUDDIES: I already talked about Daniel and Anthony so I will skip them. I tended to switch social circles a lot so this is hard to do. From the beginning, Melissa, Allison, and Sophia hung with me and Daniel to make quite a crazy group. The basketball and soccer girls, as well as, the architecture group were most of the people we hung out with then. Through the next couple of years, the Bolivians and Indians and most other international groups became close friends. Had a lot of great times with the amazing people at Christ on Campus. My last couple of years, Anthony and I kinda had our group that consisted of, but not limited to, Maria, Rosa, Shelly, Lydia, and Julie. A few of my closest friends, and ones that I have stayed in pretty good contact, are Anita, Jessica, and Hien. And, of course, there are my students...and teachers...and colleagues in the COMM Dept.
Day 24: THANKSGIVING: I think this is my favorite holiday, even if there are no presents. :) Football, food, and music--that's my idea of a good time. We go to my grandma's (actually, now to a church big enough to hold the huge family). The guys get to play a little backyard (cow-field) football while the food is getting ready. Always a good competition. Then, we pig out. Turkey, stuffing, yams, mashed potatoes, gravy, ham, veggies, and pies...yes, gotta have pies...apple, pumpkin, pecan, cherry!!!! So good. Then, we usually get around and play some guitar and do some singing. My family is quite musical. One of my favorite things to do--sit around and pick 'n grin. :D
Day 23: THE BIG 4: These four guys have always been there for me; I am thankful for them. Other guys (Wes, Tom, Ralph...) have been really close, great friends, but if I were to get married tomorrow, I'd ask these four to be my groomsmen. I know that doesn't explain it perfectly, but that's the best I can do right now.
ANTHONY: Anthony was my college roommate and travel buddy many times. I feel like I am probably myself around him than anyone else. I can talk about failures, dreams, girls...whatever I want and feel comfortable. And also, we are so goofy together; so, so much fun.
DANIEL: Daniel was really my first college friend, and then roommate for 2 years. And when I say roommate, I mean we really shared a room in the dorms. We got to know each other well. D is probably more like a brother to me, other than my real brother, than anyone else. We have a lot in common, including our competitiveness, which has made for good times, but also a few arguments.
KEN: Ken is my best friend from high school. We were basically inseparable. Man, we had some great times and did some crazy stuff together. I am pretty sure we were the greatest tennis doubles team in history. And if not the best, definitely the most exciting. From wrestling to Route 66 concerts to Graphics Design to Home Ec, we made everything fun.
Mike: My first friend, that's what I call Mike sometimes. We grew up together in good ol' Goodman. We would wrestle around as kids--oh, the good old days when I used to be able to beat him...now he beats me in like 10 seconds. One of the greatest guys that I know. Last year, I stayed in the U.S. for about 2 months extra just so I could be in his wedding. Fun weekend! A great, old friend.
Day 22: TANIA: Maybe I should have put this higher on the list in case she sees this. haha. Though this list is not according to importance. I recently received the bad news that I won't get to see my girlfriend for a bit longer, but I am still thankful for her. Yes, she is amazing for sticking with me and taking care of me after the fall. I know that scared her to death. But I was already thankful before that. I could talk about all the things she taught me and the great times we had while we were a couple in Shanghai. But I think I was thankful before that. I guess, really, I am thankful for the way she can brighten my day with a smile. I know it may sound cliche, but on a bad day, it is her that I want to see. That makes now, when I have my share of bad days, that much harder. Thank God, I have my family, but I wish she could be here with me for this recovery.
Day 21: BEING AMERICAN: Even though I have lived overseas, I have never, not for a minute forgot that I am an American. I love exploring new cultures, but this is mine. I never feel as comfortable as when I am at home. Beyond that, I have so much respect for the foundations of this country--even though we have rough moments, democracy works. I have been to many poor places over the years--the poor here is not the same as poor there. We have an amazing quality of life. I love my country, and I love its people.
Day 29: SPORTS: So this is two-part: the ones I watch and the ones I play. To start with, the ones I watch: this mainly consists of the Cardinals, Chiefs, and Razorbacks. The Cardinals are World Series champs in baseball!!! The Chiefs are not really any good, but watching the football games is great family fun. The Razorbacks (my college, University of Arkansas) really runs across many sports, but in football this year they have done quite well. They will play in the Cotton Bowl at the beginning of the year! I was lucky enough to play sports nonstop as a kid. Baseball, football, basketball, wrestling, tennis, etc... Lately, I have been playing racquetball with my bro and brother-in-law. My hand- coordination, depth perception, and balance are bad, but it is amazing that I am back to playing sports, even if I am not as good. It is still a lot of fun!!!
Day 28: FREEDOM: The fact that I am able to get on here right now and not worry about what I say is really great. We, as Americans, have the freedom of speech, as well as many other freedoms. I spent the last couple of years living in China; I have seen how a government can severely punish people for just what they say and also limit other freedoms (such as religion and peaceful assembly). We, Americans, like to complain about our government, but I am thankful for having one that is set on such solid fundamentals that give the power to the people.
Day 27: GIVING BACK: I think that life should not be just about us, but it should be about helping other people (And as part of that, God's will). I have been on mission trips around the world, but I know that if we are going to see a major difference in the world that we are going to have to start with our own communities. So finally to the reason that I being this up, I am thankful for Chris. Chris is the music director at our church, and he offers free guitar lessons to anyone who wants to come out. It is a great bonding and learning experience for us "students." I know he doesn't have to do this, but he does it because he has a heart for people and wants to help them through what he loves. It's great.
Day 26: ART: I bring this up because I went to watch a movie with my brother and a couple of his friends. But movies, music, and paintings all have the amazing ability to take us away from this world and it's problems, while at the same time reconnecting us with it as the same time. Teaching us new perspectives and giving us inspiration. I am so thankful for the ability to be creative. As a self-proclaimed artist (in a number of different areas), I think that using our mind in this artistic way is what keeps life from becoming boring. Though, the people that get homemade gifts from me might not appreciate creativity quite as much as I do. :)
Day 25: COLLEGE BUDDIES: I already talked about Daniel and Anthony so I will skip them. I tended to switch social circles a lot so this is hard to do. From the beginning, Melissa, Allison, and Sophia hung with me and Daniel to make quite a crazy group. The basketball and soccer girls, as well as, the architecture group were most of the people we hung out with then. Through the next couple of years, the Bolivians and Indians and most other international groups became close friends. Had a lot of great times with the amazing people at Christ on Campus. My last couple of years, Anthony and I kinda had our group that consisted of, but not limited to, Maria, Rosa, Shelly, Lydia, and Julie. A few of my closest friends, and ones that I have stayed in pretty good contact, are Anita, Jessica, and Hien. And, of course, there are my students...and teachers...and colleagues in the COMM Dept.
Day 24: THANKSGIVING: I think this is my favorite holiday, even if there are no presents. :) Football, food, and music--that's my idea of a good time. We go to my grandma's (actually, now to a church big enough to hold the huge family). The guys get to play a little backyard (cow-field) football while the food is getting ready. Always a good competition. Then, we pig out. Turkey, stuffing, yams, mashed potatoes, gravy, ham, veggies, and pies...yes, gotta have pies...apple, pumpkin, pecan, cherry!!!! So good. Then, we usually get around and play some guitar and do some singing. My family is quite musical. One of my favorite things to do--sit around and pick 'n grin. :D
Day 23: THE BIG 4: These four guys have always been there for me; I am thankful for them. Other guys (Wes, Tom, Ralph...) have been really close, great friends, but if I were to get married tomorrow, I'd ask these four to be my groomsmen. I know that doesn't explain it perfectly, but that's the best I can do right now.
ANTHONY: Anthony was my college roommate and travel buddy many times. I feel like I am probably myself around him than anyone else. I can talk about failures, dreams, girls...whatever I want and feel comfortable. And also, we are so goofy together; so, so much fun.
DANIEL: Daniel was really my first college friend, and then roommate for 2 years. And when I say roommate, I mean we really shared a room in the dorms. We got to know each other well. D is probably more like a brother to me, other than my real brother, than anyone else. We have a lot in common, including our competitiveness, which has made for good times, but also a few arguments.
KEN: Ken is my best friend from high school. We were basically inseparable. Man, we had some great times and did some crazy stuff together. I am pretty sure we were the greatest tennis doubles team in history. And if not the best, definitely the most exciting. From wrestling to Route 66 concerts to Graphics Design to Home Ec, we made everything fun.
Mike: My first friend, that's what I call Mike sometimes. We grew up together in good ol' Goodman. We would wrestle around as kids--oh, the good old days when I used to be able to beat him...now he beats me in like 10 seconds. One of the greatest guys that I know. Last year, I stayed in the U.S. for about 2 months extra just so I could be in his wedding. Fun weekend! A great, old friend.
Day 22: TANIA: Maybe I should have put this higher on the list in case she sees this. haha. Though this list is not according to importance. I recently received the bad news that I won't get to see my girlfriend for a bit longer, but I am still thankful for her. Yes, she is amazing for sticking with me and taking care of me after the fall. I know that scared her to death. But I was already thankful before that. I could talk about all the things she taught me and the great times we had while we were a couple in Shanghai. But I think I was thankful before that. I guess, really, I am thankful for the way she can brighten my day with a smile. I know it may sound cliche, but on a bad day, it is her that I want to see. That makes now, when I have my share of bad days, that much harder. Thank God, I have my family, but I wish she could be here with me for this recovery.
Day 21: BEING AMERICAN: Even though I have lived overseas, I have never, not for a minute forgot that I am an American. I love exploring new cultures, but this is mine. I never feel as comfortable as when I am at home. Beyond that, I have so much respect for the foundations of this country--even though we have rough moments, democracy works. I have been to many poor places over the years--the poor here is not the same as poor there. We have an amazing quality of life. I love my country, and I love its people.
Day 20: TRAVEL: I have been fortunate enough to have traveled quite a bit around this amazing Earth. I think, it is somewhere between 35-40 countries that I have travelled through. Each country has something to offer: unique views, unique food, and unique culture. I have met so many interesting people along the way--other travelers and locals. And man, the things that I have seen and done. It is more than most people get to see in a lifetime, and it is a miracle that I am still alive after all the crazy stunts I have pulled. The past 5 months that I have been home since my fall is probably the longest I have been in one country over the past 6 years. Its been fun...and I am not done yet.
Day 19: TIFFANY: Now, I would talk about my brother as it is his birthday, but I already did him. So to continue the family theme, I will talk about my baby sis. Ok, she is not a baby, she is 3 years younger than me, but she will always be to me. My sister is truly the funniest person I know. She can always make me laugh. She is so goofy, in the best possible way. I love going down there for game nights. She is so creative as she can make anything look cool. Tiffany was the messenger for me and my health when my parents were in China taking care of me. I have so many reasons to be thankful for her.
Day 18: DAD: If Mom pushed us at school, Dad pushed us in sports. That may not be much to some people, but to me it is very important as sports have played a large part in my life. From great childhood and high school memories to 26 intramural college championships to making friends in China on the basketball court or Gaelic Football pitch to helping with my PT in recovery, sports have always played a central role in my activities. Besides that, Dad takes care of my family financially...I just hope he knows that money is a lot less important to us than his time.
Day 17: MOM: I know I already had one for my parents, but this is specifically for my mom. Today, Nov. 17, is her birthday. Mom got married early and started a family. She sacrificed so much for us kids. We had great childhoods because she made them great. We did well in school because she pushed us. Now, I am so dependent on my mom. As I am not allowed to drive yet, I spend most of my day with her. Luckily, she is great company. She takes me to doctor's appointments, classes, church, guitar lessons...all without complaining. I am lucky to have a mom like her. Truly lucky.
Day 16: APRIL: My sister, not the month...though it is a good month. Her birthday is actually tomorrow, but it is the same day as my mom so I am moving my sister up one day and keeping my mom on the 17th. My sister is really one of the biggest influences on me. In reality, probably the reason I went to the University of Arkansas as she went there first. I also worked for her at a restaurant for a while...she is a good boss. I usually only get to see her about once a week when we go down there to watch football on Sunday (she has 2 big screens and a projector with games on). I could go on and on about her, but I think I will just say: I love you and I hope life gives you more than you could ever expect.
Day 15: GOOFINESS: One of the best things I like most about my friends is my ability to be goofy around them. Too much of my life is spent being serious. I like to crack corny jokes and be a total goofball around people. Around some people I am quiet and serious, while around others I am overly-talkative and silly--haven't completely figured out why yet. I'm guessing it is being comfortable around them, but what makes me comfortable around some people from the beginning? Anyway, I bring this up because I have my voice lessons on Wednesdays--I am constantly laughing, smiling, and joking while I am in there. Hopefully, I am learning something about music, but even if not, I am having a good time.
Day 14: Hope: I was originally going to put anticipation as my girlfriend flies in from France (her home) on Thursday, but I think hope may be a little more general and the good part about anticipation..the part that I love. My dad once told me that we have to keep goals and hope in our lives; that is what makes us happy--gives us a purpose everyday. The hope that tomorrow is going to be better, someway, somehow, is enough to keep us going forward--with a smile on our face.
Day 13: MIRACLES: I just watched a special on Congresswoman Gabby Gifford (she got shot close range in the head at an event in Arizona earlier this year). At first, they didn't know if she would survive-the news even reported her dead-but now she is walking and talking. It is a miracle how far she has come. A real inspiration for me as she is a fellow brain injury survivor. Something her husband said that I liked: she was beat up, but not beaten. I may be beat up, but I am going to keep fighting because I know I am not beaten--God still has a lot planned for me. I have seen his miracles in my survival and recovery, and I know I will see more as I go down my path.
Day 12: SPORTS: I bring this up because we went down to April's place (my older sister) to watch NFL action--3 screens (2 big screens and a projector)!!!! We also played some football in the yard: with my dad, sister, nephew, and Vinnie (my sister's boyfriend's son). And I can't mention sports without saying something about the WORLD SERIES CHAMPS: STL CARDINALS. The Razorbacks (my college) are doing well in NCAA football. So while I am thankful for sports in general, I mean watching sports this time. It is a good escape and, more importantly, bonding experience.
Day 11: ANIMALS: So we went to Dixie's Stampede today. For those of you that don't know, it is a place where you get a dinner and a show. The show is mostly horses, but have some other animals: pigs, chickens... It is really cool all the things that they can do on those horses. I grew up in the country so I have always loved animals. It is nice to see animals...not just pets (yes, I know they are animals, but not the same). Included in that is the deer that are by our house and the barrage of other animals nearby: armadillo, groundhogs, rabbits, and squirrels.
Day 10: HEALING: God made us, he can heal us. I mention this today because I played racquetball again last night. It is the second time that I have played against someone. Just a few weeks ago, I was struggling to even hit the ball as I have double vision, loss of coordination, and lack of depth perception. My brother, brother-in-law, and I played "cut-throat", which involves a rotations where it is everybody vs. everybody. So each game there is a first, second, and third. So far, we have played 4 games, I have won two of them. It is miraculous that I am able to play.
Day 9: MUSIC: I am thankful for this today (in particular) because I have my voice lessons today. I love how music can make the world fade away or it can bring it into clearer focus. Songs can make us forget our problems or remind us of important relationships or great times. To quote one of my own songs: “A song and a smile can cure anything.”
Day 8: MY BROTHER: I don’t mean to make it seem as if he is more important than my other siblings, but it just so happens that tonight my brother, Jeremiah, was inducted into the National Honor Society. He is crazy smart and very athletic. God has many great things ahead of him in this life. He turns 18 later this month; next year he will go off to college—I am so lucky that I get to be home during his last year here. I hope he knows how much I respect and love him.
Day 7: Not until my fall, in which I lost a lot of my vision, did I really think about how important it is. Looking at the beautiful changing leaves, I am thankful that I can still see that. Though I have many problems with my vision at the moment, I have faith that my eyes will get better and that they will see a lot of amazing things in this world.
Day 6: CHURCH: So I actually went to morning church with my sister in Arkansas, but I returned back to Missouri for church in the evening. I have been going to church most of my life, but I feel like I belong at this church more than any church in recent years. The people are super friendly, nice, and funny. I love it there. As an example of how kind they are, they helped pay for my parents to come care for me in China after my fall…even though I had never been to that church. What amazing hearts they have there. Besides my home, I spend more time at church than anywhere else (2 services on Sunday, Youth on Tuesday, Wednesday service, praise and worship on Friday).
Day 5: FREEDOM HOUSE: This is an orphanage/school in Africa. A great cause. A few people from my church are the main people so I offered my services. We had an auction, and raised about $21,000. That is amazing. People/businesses were so generous to donate items to sell, and people were compassionate enough to show up and bid for things (and also make cash donations). I am especially thankful for Amanda and Timo for having the courage to start something they believe in. I am sure that this will greatly affect a lot of children’s lives.
Day 4: MY PARENTS: I have amazing parents. Everybody should be thankful for their parents---without them, you would not be here. But I am especially thankful because I have exceptional parents. Let’s start with my mom: Mom was the one that really pushed me to learn, even from a young age-I have curious mind and had full college scholarship as a result of that. She has done so much for me over the years, through care and encouragement, but I’ll focus on now. I am dependent on Mom, she cooks for me, takes me where I need to go (Dr. appts., voice class, YMCA), and takes care of me in many other ways. Now, my dad: Dad has always been a role model to me. He worked with me in sports (often coaching) and taught me how to work. If you read my earlier post with the song I wrote about him, he taught me how to be a cowboy.
Day 3: LIFE: This can be taken two ways: First, it could be taken as thanks to my mom for giving birth to me, which I am thankful for, but I actually mean this in a second way—I am thankful to have survived 29+ years of living crazy. So many times I have done stupid things that could have killed me or some non-stupid thing could have gotten me. As most of my friends know, earlier this year, I fell from a 3rd story balcony to concrete below…head first. Most people die from falls like that. Of the few that survive, most are brain dead or have severe mental or behavioral problems. I am the exception. I have healed so much and am continuing to do so. Mentally, I am mostly normal. Physically, my balance is getting better every day and my eyes are functional. I am not back to 100%, but I am alive. That is enough to be thankful for after what I have been through.
Day 2: JESUS: I know, I know—this goes along with God, but this is in the redeeming power of Jesus. I am thankful for God, the Father, sending His Son to Earth, and I am thankful for Jesus’s suffering and strength to live a perfect life and die for our/my sin. Because of Jesus—because of his blood—I will get to see heaven. What an awesome thought!
Day 1: GOD—okay, so I know that this is the most general answer ever, but God is number 1 in my life so I feel like I should start with Him. To make it more specific, I am thankful for this wonderful Earth that God created. I can see him every time I see a snow-covered field or a majestic mountain range or beautiful hummingbird or a cute kid…the list could go on and on. So I am thankful for the awesomeness of God’s creation. Thank you, God.
So I stole this idea from my sister, who is doing this on Facebook, and I am sure got this idea from somewhere else. But anyway, I think it is a good idea so I will do it. The whole thing goes like this, I’m guessing since Thanksgiving is in November, I will pick one thing that I am thankful for each day.
So some days, it might be very general, while other days it could be specific or personal. Some are things that we should all be thankful for, while others are things in my life. Some are things that I am always thankful for, while others are things I tend to take for granted.
I will update this throughout the month. I have started with the first day being on the bottom so the newer ones will be on top. As we go through the month, I am sure they will get more interesting.
Monday, November 7, 2011
OLLIN (gold star for anyone who gets this [Ollin] reference)
You can breathe life in, or take the air out
Inspire greatness or create dread and doubt
When you got the reason, you've got the rhyme
Progress is made one step at a time
We need the storm that fuels desire
Forget the light, what we need is fire
Go all in or don't go at all
Greatness eludes those afraid to fall
Life passes by those who move too slow
When the earthquake hits, you gotta go
Inspire greatness or create dread and doubt
When you got the reason, you've got the rhyme
Progress is made one step at a time
We need the storm that fuels desire
Forget the light, what we need is fire
Go all in or don't go at all
Greatness eludes those afraid to fall
Life passes by those who move too slow
When the earthquake hits, you gotta go
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Dry Those Tears
After what you've been through
Go ahead and CRY those tears,
But cry them all tonight.
For when tomorrow comes
You better DRY those tears,
'Cause everything's going to be alright.
Go ahead and CRY those tears,
But cry them all tonight.
For when tomorrow comes
You better DRY those tears,
'Cause everything's going to be alright.
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