Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Dancing Makes Me Feel Alive
I knew that this year was going to bring so many new life experiences, but I wasn't fully prepared for them to happen in the first week. Hurricane Irene was in full force headed to the city that never sleeps this past weekend, and for the most part we seemed to scare her away. While for the most part the city seems untouched, there are a few places outside Manhattan that have a different story to tell. Relieved to have not been effected by the storm, but also a little bummed. You see Molly and I were fully prepared for the end of the world. Thanks to both of our loving and worried mothers, we followed direction and stocked up on water, junk food, flashlights, batteries, and candles. When the news of losing power hit our apartment, we weren't nervous, but rather excited. Spending Saturday night indoors allowed for our creativity to fill the room. Needless to say, one very well built fort and three DVD's later Molly and I were ready for anything. So when we managed to have power throughout it all we were a little bummed. After 10 minutes that wore off, still more thankful than anything.
In search for a job, I somehow managed to get a feel for both ends of the spectrom (never was the greatest at spelling). Once immediately hired on the spot (in a pizzeria across the street) I was asked to answer phone calls for delivery, fine by me. Until I found out I was the only one to not speak Spanish, and the reputation of the restuarant was anything but reassuring. After having a mini pannick attack it was by pure faith that I was called into another interview. This time at a high end French cuisine type dealio. After a very proper and comforting interview I was told to report tomorrow at 10AM for training as a hostess. So I briskly went to the closest department store to buy some work clothes (I didn't have a fancy black dress to meet the occasion). I am equally relieved and excited. Although I will have to work on finding some clothes to wear to work, I feel much more comfortable knowing everyone working there speaks English. Praise God.
I truly an thankful for having a joy that keeps me smiling. I can not express how much dancing fills me with a joy without words, yes that might possibly be an oxi-morron. Not only this, but it continually surprises and inspires me as well. Taking a commercial jazz class tonight left me on cloud nine and a half. A feeling I could not put a price tag on. So as I continually worry about the future, I am reassured by the understanding of that all will be well. And that the joy of dancing in this world won't compare to the joy of dancing above.
In search for a job, I somehow managed to get a feel for both ends of the spectrom (never was the greatest at spelling). Once immediately hired on the spot (in a pizzeria across the street) I was asked to answer phone calls for delivery, fine by me. Until I found out I was the only one to not speak Spanish, and the reputation of the restuarant was anything but reassuring. After having a mini pannick attack it was by pure faith that I was called into another interview. This time at a high end French cuisine type dealio. After a very proper and comforting interview I was told to report tomorrow at 10AM for training as a hostess. So I briskly went to the closest department store to buy some work clothes (I didn't have a fancy black dress to meet the occasion). I am equally relieved and excited. Although I will have to work on finding some clothes to wear to work, I feel much more comfortable knowing everyone working there speaks English. Praise God.
I truly an thankful for having a joy that keeps me smiling. I can not express how much dancing fills me with a joy without words, yes that might possibly be an oxi-morron. Not only this, but it continually surprises and inspires me as well. Taking a commercial jazz class tonight left me on cloud nine and a half. A feeling I could not put a price tag on. So as I continually worry about the future, I am reassured by the understanding of that all will be well. And that the joy of dancing in this world won't compare to the joy of dancing above.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Back where I belong
Yesterday started off a little on the gloomy side by a monsoon at 4AM. This left me unable to fall back asleep before getting up at 5:30 to begin my journey east. Little to my surprise the day would bring more than one episode by mother nature. As I was landing my excitement seemed to be lost amung confusion. Earthquake? Apparently all of LGA Airport was in mass chaos, or so it seemed. People everywhere were not happy, to say the least. As I made my way to baggage it was clear that something went down that I simply missed out on. Praise God I did!
Being reunited with a close friend ranks pretty high up on my list of things I cherish. As we carried my two oversized and bulky suitcases up the stairs I couldn't help but smile. This was my home. The night was spent getting organized and laughing at the past year we spent, as well as giving virtual tours VIA skype to our roomies not yet here. Finally home!
Today we spent roaming the city, being New Yorkers and all. Central Park was gorgeous, as well as seeing another friend from the past year. Dancing again with Molly was what I needed all summer.
Today was perfect, all is well here.
Being reunited with a close friend ranks pretty high up on my list of things I cherish. As we carried my two oversized and bulky suitcases up the stairs I couldn't help but smile. This was my home. The night was spent getting organized and laughing at the past year we spent, as well as giving virtual tours VIA skype to our roomies not yet here. Finally home!
Today we spent roaming the city, being New Yorkers and all. Central Park was gorgeous, as well as seeing another friend from the past year. Dancing again with Molly was what I needed all summer.
Today was perfect, all is well here.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Blessings in Disguise
It is so easy to take daily life for granted. It happens to everyone. For me, it seems to be the little things that hit me in the face saying 'don't forget, you are alive and well'. This summer has been full of them. I find myself looking back (as the summer comes to an end) with a happy heart to have been able to share these memories with my family. A flourishing garden, 'family of four' graduating to five, and surprisingly a kidney stone. This summer has been simple, yet forever rewarding.
It never ceases to amaze me how God provides. Growing up with my Aunt has proven to be such a blessing, as she has always been a second mom to us. She has the biggest heart. Her garden seems to be a reflection of all her love. Every time I smell that fresh mix of vegetables and flowers I am amazed. It truly is one of the most gorgeous things.
I have been blessed to have found a family of friends. They hold a special place in my heart, always will. Ashley is truly phenominal. Words can not describe the memories we have made. Our little 'family of four' has now become the 'family of five' as we welcomed Miguel into our clan. I can not be happier for Ashley. I feel honored to have been invited to their wedding. Gathered in the gardens of a mansion outside of Kansas City, a very small number of family and friends watched as the two became one. Not a dry eye in those white picket chairs. One word, love. That is what that weekend was filled with.
Pain is subject to the beholder. Kidney stones rank pretty high up there. This last weekend I was blessed with the gift of a little pebble nesting in my kidney. As I look back, I am saddened to see how much it took for me to realize how much there is to appreciate in life. While the pain was very real, so is the pain suffered by homeless, hungry, and sick. I am alive and well.
It never ceases to amaze me how God provides. Growing up with my Aunt has proven to be such a blessing, as she has always been a second mom to us. She has the biggest heart. Her garden seems to be a reflection of all her love. Every time I smell that fresh mix of vegetables and flowers I am amazed. It truly is one of the most gorgeous things.
I have been blessed to have found a family of friends. They hold a special place in my heart, always will. Ashley is truly phenominal. Words can not describe the memories we have made. Our little 'family of four' has now become the 'family of five' as we welcomed Miguel into our clan. I can not be happier for Ashley. I feel honored to have been invited to their wedding. Gathered in the gardens of a mansion outside of Kansas City, a very small number of family and friends watched as the two became one. Not a dry eye in those white picket chairs. One word, love. That is what that weekend was filled with.
Pain is subject to the beholder. Kidney stones rank pretty high up there. This last weekend I was blessed with the gift of a little pebble nesting in my kidney. As I look back, I am saddened to see how much it took for me to realize how much there is to appreciate in life. While the pain was very real, so is the pain suffered by homeless, hungry, and sick. I am alive and well.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
New Beginnings
Here I am, sitting on my couch listening to the neighbor's dog barking, basking in the fresh cool breeze and the smell of fresh strawberry jam. In one short week my life as I know it will change forever. I will take that step into the unknown trusting that there indeed is a plan for me. Last night my mom and I purchased that one way ticket to the city of dreams one more time. This time it was a different feel, this time we knew it was certain. Last year at about this time we were at the same place, but under the impression I would be home at Christmas to stay. But as everyone knows, change is inevitable. It won't be long and I will see them again, but there was something very exciting and nerve racking this time around.
As I prepare for yet another great journey life takes me on I can't help but be thankful for where I am from. The midwest mentality grows deep in my bones, as it was instilled as a child that nothing comes without hard work and dedication. But let us not forget the love and compassion of my family. Without them I would be a lost soul on this crazy earth. But most importantly the faith to be confident that there is a plan that I can't see, and that I am covered in His grace and love. All of these things make me who I am today, and for that I would not trade grwoing up in small town Iowa for anything, although Hawaii is very tempting!
I hope that this journey will only make me stronger, which I know it will. Learning by; trial and error, mistakes, and opportunities not taken... But also by successes, goals reached, and pure luck- I know that this year will be filled with everything one can hope for and more.
So here goes, ready or not!
As I prepare for yet another great journey life takes me on I can't help but be thankful for where I am from. The midwest mentality grows deep in my bones, as it was instilled as a child that nothing comes without hard work and dedication. But let us not forget the love and compassion of my family. Without them I would be a lost soul on this crazy earth. But most importantly the faith to be confident that there is a plan that I can't see, and that I am covered in His grace and love. All of these things make me who I am today, and for that I would not trade grwoing up in small town Iowa for anything, although Hawaii is very tempting!
I hope that this journey will only make me stronger, which I know it will. Learning by; trial and error, mistakes, and opportunities not taken... But also by successes, goals reached, and pure luck- I know that this year will be filled with everything one can hope for and more.
So here goes, ready or not!
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