Well hello 2012! Last time I wrote was I don't remember when and I honestly meant to write and update on the latest happenings. But things got crazy over the Christmas holidays. For starters, my bro-in-law ended 2011 and started 2012 in the hospital. He gave us a real scare! He's still in the hospital and slowly recovering so we appreciate any prayers you can send up on his behalf!
ok so I thought the crazy drama would end there but it didn't...and to be honest, I'm not really concerned with any of it so we won't discuss it. But Ricardo and I did spend the most time, we've ever spent together as in the same city...same vicinity, etc...you get it?
He spent Christmas break in Lubbock. So after the festivities with both our families, we made the trek with Miss Fancy in tow to Lubbock. This was huge for a number of reasons but mainly because this would be the test to see if our relationship works because it works or if it works because we live so far away from each other! lol
I laugh about this but I was probably just as serious/scared about the results as Ricardo was. Mainly because we were closing in on our two year anniversary. According to our early plans, we should've been married by now but for one reason or another just hadn't gone in that direction.
Looking back, I think it was for good reason. There are just some things that sometimes need to happen to naturally evolve you to the place you need to be for certain life events to be in their right timing.
anyhow..there is no speculation about marriage, etc so don't go drawing conclusions or making assumptions. what is fact is that Ricardo and I celebrated two years together and it was good. we were able to reflect on the last two years and if anyone tells you that relationships are clear cut and simple, stay away from their advice cause they've been drinking from the "lala land" punch bowl.
relationships are anything but and for some odd reason it finally clicked that there are no right or wrong answers to relationships but that it really is about honesty, communication, trust, and vulnerability.
Ricardo and I passed the can we live in the same vicinity test and honestly, it was nice to have him close by. so we're working on remedying the whole "living half way across the state from one another" situation. that makes me happy...and honestly, i'm happy with where we are and how our relationship has naturally progressed.
I finally realized I just needed to sit back and enjoy where we are at. It won't always be like this and time is short. that's been the major lesson as of late (given my bro-in-laws health situation). you cant take anything for granted.
i've done some travelling with my brother in the last month. so we've had lots of conversations about life and living. Ricardo and I have talked about it as well. I dont know how long my time on earth will be, but if I'm called home - I want to be able to look back at my life and know that I did what I could and should, took advantage of every opportunity afforded me, that I loved deeply - loved hard - with deep meaningful relationships leaving nothing unsaid. I want all that so that I could go in peace knowing it was my time to go.
peace is a funny thing because it's not something that arrives with huge fanfare. no it quietly creeps in and is what puts our souls at ease and calms our fears. it gives us hope that everything is going to be ok. doesnt leave us in a frantic state but leaves us calm with understanding. it is the peace that passes all understanding. that is what I wish for those that i love deeply who are in my life: peace.
its what i feel about Ricardo, feel and know about our future together and what I have about where i'm at now and what I need to be doing to prepare for my future. i trust 2012 to be in God's hands and know that whatever we face, we'll face together as a family. we'll laugh, cry, be silent but we WILL be. God's promised to never leave us alone and I find that so true now in my family life and the things my family is enduring.
I have such hope for my sister and her family...for my two nephews whom I love and adore. their smiles mean the world to me. I never knew that two little boys could completely turn my world upside down but they along with Ricardo in differing ways have stolen my heart.
2011 was the year of endings and beginnings. 2012 will bring additional changes both welcomed and not so welcoming. but that is life. a cycle of seasons. the point is to find the joy and beauty in each season for it will endure but a brief moment.
Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a moment for all things. for joy, laughter, sorrow, sadness, giving, mourning, etc. so take time in this moment to live, embrace, and put your brave face on. for the next season is already on its way.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Monday, November 21, 2011
pizza boxes + starbucks' coffee cups = epic saves
ever have a monday you wish you could rewind and start over? I've just had one thing after another happen these last few weeks.
today I had another major epic fail...it involved walking and a starbucks' coffee cup.
the morning started off foggy, dreary, cold, and wet. that should've been my warning sign.
so i get to work and get to working on a few things and then realized that I had a 1pm meeting at one of our other campuses. my co-worker and I decided to grab a quick lunch and then head over to our meeting.
no big deal - except it was starting to drizzle by the time we finished lunch.
sign number 2.
we make it over to our one o'clock meeting and decided to grab some starbucks downstairs before heading to our 2:30pm appointment. no big deal. i was craving a chai tea latte.
we run downstairs - grab starbucks and start to head back to the elevators...
that's when it happened...
the epic fail.
i could feel my left foot start to slip out from under me and just as i thought i was recovering from my slip, my ankle rolled. the descent down began....so i've got a portfolio in one arm with my purse on my shoulder and my coffee cup in the other...
i started to panic looking at my portfolio and coffee cup wondering which one I should sacrifice.
i'd completely lost my footing and didnt know what to do so i just went with the motion - landing on my side taking out my foot, leg, arm, and elbow...
I stood up - got my bearings and realized i'd slid down the hall on my hip and had spilled some chai tea on my slacks...luckily i was wearing black.
the adrenaline pumping through my veins kept me from feeling the impending pain. it wasnt until i sat through my meeting and then stood up that i realized how big of an epic fail that was...and how hard i had fallen.
however, i managed to save the majority of my chai tea....it must be a skill because i've also had a similar incident involving a pizza box. same sort of circumstances...except this time it wasn't missed steps causing my fall.
either way I feel like I strained my core (which I already injured in a car accident several years ago). I'm sore in places that were a bit surprising like my side, forearm, and shoulder. didn't necessarily hit those parts when I hit the ground but my body tensed up.
yeah - so ready for wed to be here. not to mention my car battery died and i need to get it over to the shop to get it replaced because while i'm handy - i'm not that handy. that's presented some challenges. and there's been a slew of other things i'd rather not discuss. just to say there's been alot of disappointment and just when I feel like i'm starting to tread water - boom - something else happens.
just trying to keep my head up and take care of myself so that I wont fall apart (emotionally or physically). there's been alot going on that I've not talked about...just to say that today was hard. hard on a number of fronts.
the upside is that i know time is about seasons and while this season may endure longer than I'd like and may be the hardest, I know a new one will eventually arrive. so i'm focusing my energy on seeking out the silver lining in the cloud.
my main concern is my back which I had a bulging disc during the summer which had been healing up nicely. a little concerned about what tomorrow will feel like getting out of bed. thinking i may feel like I was in a car accident which makes sense since I did take a pretty hard fall.
well ladies and gents - off to ice the ankle and hip - and break out the bengay....
today I had another major epic fail...it involved walking and a starbucks' coffee cup.
the morning started off foggy, dreary, cold, and wet. that should've been my warning sign.
so i get to work and get to working on a few things and then realized that I had a 1pm meeting at one of our other campuses. my co-worker and I decided to grab a quick lunch and then head over to our meeting.
no big deal - except it was starting to drizzle by the time we finished lunch.
sign number 2.
we make it over to our one o'clock meeting and decided to grab some starbucks downstairs before heading to our 2:30pm appointment. no big deal. i was craving a chai tea latte.
we run downstairs - grab starbucks and start to head back to the elevators...
that's when it happened...
the epic fail.
i could feel my left foot start to slip out from under me and just as i thought i was recovering from my slip, my ankle rolled. the descent down began....so i've got a portfolio in one arm with my purse on my shoulder and my coffee cup in the other...
i started to panic looking at my portfolio and coffee cup wondering which one I should sacrifice.
i'd completely lost my footing and didnt know what to do so i just went with the motion - landing on my side taking out my foot, leg, arm, and elbow...
I stood up - got my bearings and realized i'd slid down the hall on my hip and had spilled some chai tea on my slacks...luckily i was wearing black.
the adrenaline pumping through my veins kept me from feeling the impending pain. it wasnt until i sat through my meeting and then stood up that i realized how big of an epic fail that was...and how hard i had fallen.
however, i managed to save the majority of my chai tea....it must be a skill because i've also had a similar incident involving a pizza box. same sort of circumstances...except this time it wasn't missed steps causing my fall.
either way I feel like I strained my core (which I already injured in a car accident several years ago). I'm sore in places that were a bit surprising like my side, forearm, and shoulder. didn't necessarily hit those parts when I hit the ground but my body tensed up.
yeah - so ready for wed to be here. not to mention my car battery died and i need to get it over to the shop to get it replaced because while i'm handy - i'm not that handy. that's presented some challenges. and there's been a slew of other things i'd rather not discuss. just to say there's been alot of disappointment and just when I feel like i'm starting to tread water - boom - something else happens.
just trying to keep my head up and take care of myself so that I wont fall apart (emotionally or physically). there's been alot going on that I've not talked about...just to say that today was hard. hard on a number of fronts.
the upside is that i know time is about seasons and while this season may endure longer than I'd like and may be the hardest, I know a new one will eventually arrive. so i'm focusing my energy on seeking out the silver lining in the cloud.
my main concern is my back which I had a bulging disc during the summer which had been healing up nicely. a little concerned about what tomorrow will feel like getting out of bed. thinking i may feel like I was in a car accident which makes sense since I did take a pretty hard fall.
well ladies and gents - off to ice the ankle and hip - and break out the bengay....
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
epic fails
i've been promising this one for a while and even though I know some of you would like to see pics - I cannot oblige.
I've actually had quite a few epic fails in the last few weeks. one being - breaking my small toe on my foot. i was trying to take out some christmas decorations. the incident involved a collapsing stack of folding chairs, a concert step, and a chancla bearing foot. hence, a broken toe.
ok so prior to that i failed to use my better judgement i decided to take matters into my own hands...i'm talking about my hair. i was tired of my super long bangs and made the erroneous decision to cut them (GASP).
not one of my better choices and trust me, i've been paying the price since...
so now my self-cut has forced me to get my hair professionally cut. AGH! and i was trying to grow it out.
logical reason would dictate that if I wanted to grow my hair out then I wouldn't of cut it. but it was one of those days were frustration overpowered my logical reasoning and before I knew it the snip snip of my scissors had done their dirty deed.
the lesson learned - leave these kinds of things to the professionals!
hence the EPIC FAIL
I narrowly escaped the "female mullet." God save me!
either way, i will not cut my hair..at least not anytime in the near future and/or until this recent memory has faded into the oblivion.
I've actually had quite a few epic fails in the last few weeks. one being - breaking my small toe on my foot. i was trying to take out some christmas decorations. the incident involved a collapsing stack of folding chairs, a concert step, and a chancla bearing foot. hence, a broken toe.
ok so prior to that i failed to use my better judgement i decided to take matters into my own hands...i'm talking about my hair. i was tired of my super long bangs and made the erroneous decision to cut them (GASP).
not one of my better choices and trust me, i've been paying the price since...
so now my self-cut has forced me to get my hair professionally cut. AGH! and i was trying to grow it out.
logical reason would dictate that if I wanted to grow my hair out then I wouldn't of cut it. but it was one of those days were frustration overpowered my logical reasoning and before I knew it the snip snip of my scissors had done their dirty deed.
the lesson learned - leave these kinds of things to the professionals!
hence the EPIC FAIL
I narrowly escaped the "female mullet." God save me!
either way, i will not cut my hair..at least not anytime in the near future and/or until this recent memory has faded into the oblivion.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
too soon
tonight was a harsh reality of what is to come. i'm not sure how much has been made public but many of you know my bro-in-law had a major transplant about two years ago. his health is now deteriorating and the family is preparing for a tough road ahead.
we'd been told this day would come but i don't think we ever expected it to come so quickly. we all know that death is part of the life cycle but until you're faced with it, you really don't comprehend the far reaching impact it has on loved ones.
i see it now...and am slowly understanding the impact this life event will have on my sister and the two little boys I love so much. i don't know what could be more heartbreaking than to see your loved ones hurting.
my oldest nephew called me tonight...he'd been crying and he's begun to understand the toll this illness is and will have on his Daddy. in the same conversation, i saw the innocence of his heart and the hope that God could fix his daddy.
I believe that God can and in His infinite wisdom will do what He is going to do. It would indeed be a miracle because of everything my bro-in-law has been through...but my nephew is still to young to understand that these last two years have been a miracle in themselves.
We're not dwelling on what is to come but dwelling on today and now...doing what we can now to make these moments count. For me, it is a challenge because I live so far away - but I'm doing what I can to be there, support, and love my sister, bro-in-law, and nephews...
these aren't only my sentiments but also of those who love my sister and her family and then those of my immediate family. just over a year ago, i didn't think my immediate family would ever be the same - strange how situations like this will draw you close and put into perspective the things that really matter.
there are, in fact, many unknowns right now...not just in this situation but in my life. so i cant really see into next week or next month. i can only see right now and this moment...and i'm trusting that the rest is in God's hands. its all i know to do and all i can do...
We've heard it said before: death is no respecter of age, race, or position...and we are not guaranteed tomorrow. so never leave words and/or feelings unsaid: live each day as if it was your last.
the challenge now - is to live each day in its fullest and provide as much stability as possible for my sis and her family. to let my nephews know they're going to be taken care of, they're loved, and its ok to talk about their feelings.
to say i was prepared for tonight's conversation with my nephew is a HUGE understatement but i learned something from my bro-in-laws grace shown in his conversation with my nephew. the road will not be easy but we can rest in knowing that the Father will see us through...and that in Him - death is not the finality: it's merely the goodnight.
we'd been told this day would come but i don't think we ever expected it to come so quickly. we all know that death is part of the life cycle but until you're faced with it, you really don't comprehend the far reaching impact it has on loved ones.
i see it now...and am slowly understanding the impact this life event will have on my sister and the two little boys I love so much. i don't know what could be more heartbreaking than to see your loved ones hurting.
my oldest nephew called me tonight...he'd been crying and he's begun to understand the toll this illness is and will have on his Daddy. in the same conversation, i saw the innocence of his heart and the hope that God could fix his daddy.
I believe that God can and in His infinite wisdom will do what He is going to do. It would indeed be a miracle because of everything my bro-in-law has been through...but my nephew is still to young to understand that these last two years have been a miracle in themselves.
We're not dwelling on what is to come but dwelling on today and now...doing what we can now to make these moments count. For me, it is a challenge because I live so far away - but I'm doing what I can to be there, support, and love my sister, bro-in-law, and nephews...
these aren't only my sentiments but also of those who love my sister and her family and then those of my immediate family. just over a year ago, i didn't think my immediate family would ever be the same - strange how situations like this will draw you close and put into perspective the things that really matter.
there are, in fact, many unknowns right now...not just in this situation but in my life. so i cant really see into next week or next month. i can only see right now and this moment...and i'm trusting that the rest is in God's hands. its all i know to do and all i can do...
We've heard it said before: death is no respecter of age, race, or position...and we are not guaranteed tomorrow. so never leave words and/or feelings unsaid: live each day as if it was your last.
the challenge now - is to live each day in its fullest and provide as much stability as possible for my sis and her family. to let my nephews know they're going to be taken care of, they're loved, and its ok to talk about their feelings.
to say i was prepared for tonight's conversation with my nephew is a HUGE understatement but i learned something from my bro-in-laws grace shown in his conversation with my nephew. the road will not be easy but we can rest in knowing that the Father will see us through...and that in Him - death is not the finality: it's merely the goodnight.
Friday, October 14, 2011
A calling
To my recollection, I don't think I've ever talked about why I chose healthcare in the course of my MBA education. For as long as I can remember I've been told that I have a "calling" in ministry and I suppose that to a degeree that is right. But then again, don't we all if we believe in the tenets of the Gospel of Christ AND the faith of Christian living?
Over the years, I've learned that some are called to full-time ministry, others to be bi-vocational, and others to what I term as secular ministry. Doesn't the world need Christian hair dressers/stylist who listen to people's problems and can pray for them instead of the usual "gossip shop" stereo-types? or Mechanics who can help a family in need, or HVAC Technicians who assist churches in emergencies....or writers, doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc....who in some way challenge us to be better people and meet the needs of others so that doors may open for what i've come to know as "sacred moments."
I'm a strong proponent of education...just about any kind of education from technical schools to junior colleges all the way to doctoral programs...we should promote education but I also feel we should challenge students to find their passion in life, find their calling in life.
A calling in life....
Something I think I had been searching for, for quite some time...I've never felt completely at home solely in ministry circles or even in just my vocational ones until I came into healthcare. Like most I don't believe in coincidences; just as I don't believe that Ricardo came into my life when he did.
I believe that when I set out on the journey to complete my education I set out on a journey to discover my destiny or calling in life.
I never thought in a million years that my logical and statistically-driven professor would make the connection for me on my very first day of class or even that a situation in my professional career would lead me to a job at Blue Cross Blue Shield (in what some would consider an entry level job). This "entry level" job would lay a strong foundation in my understanding of healthcare and it's delivery that ultimately wuuld guide my path to pursuing an education in health organization management/healthcare administration.
I would've never imagined it possible but that's exactly how it happened...
The first words my professor spoke to us that first class were: "I'm not looking for students looking to collect a paycheck, or looking to gain fame: I'm looking for students who see healthcare as a calling."
At that moment, I felt that eerily familiar feeling I get when I know that God's trying to get my attention and instantly thought "I think I've found what I've been searching for."
From there this calling has been affirmed in more ways than one...i've since gone on to work for a childn's non-profit clinic...continued to help them in terms of fundraising, etc....because I strongly believe in their mission.
My brother now serves on their board of directors...and this weekend they'll kick off a fundraiser that he and I assisted in developing which I hope and pray will become annual event for them! They've done all of the hard work and I'll continue to support them as I can and am able. They (LCHC Clinic staff and administrators) taught me some very important and valuable lessons that I will carry with me thru my career and have given me a strong foundation of purpose.
Then there's my newest work experience. One which I am super excited about. It's a rare opportunity to join a strategy team so young in my career but as always God opened the right doors at the very right time. My previous experiences played into this new opportunity and oddly enough this eclectic collection of work experiences would play to my benefit in this position.
I work for a faith-based organization and while it's not the denomination I adhere to, this organizations promotes a Christ-centered mission. Meetings open with prayers and reflections...verses are read over loud speakers and our mission, to bring whole body healing, is always mentioned.
It's been here in this position that I'm seeing my potential realized and all my talents put to use and where I'm experiencing growth in understanding the connection between my faith and work.
I was nominated to particiapate in a leadership program of connecting your faith and work. It has been one of the most eye-opening experiences and the first time I publicly acknowledged my story of how I came across my calling in life.
We were asked to bring an artifact..and I chose two pictures....one of my parents and me when I was a little girl and one of my deceased grandmother..
Why those two pictures?
You see my parents nurtured the journey of finding my calling even when I felt I was flailing about in life....they never gave up and always encouraged me to pursue what they could see in me that I could not see for myself...i owe them my life in this regard....but more so for their patients as I stumbled in my journey...and for their support as I began to discover exactly what that is.
The second for my grandmother who fought and succumbed to a battle with colon cancer. During the course of her treatment, I saw how she was treated with dignity and grace by all who cared for her. I witnessed how that medical condition forever changed the make-up and composition of my family and then there's my uncle who didnt have access to healthcare. The tragic lack of medical attention took his life far too young and once again our family composition changed and with it a part of my mother...
I don't wish the latter example of my uncle for anyone and wish for all patients to be treated with love, dignity, and respect...just like my grandmother received...so those two pictures sit in my office to remind me of my purpose and calling...so that each day I'm challenged to give my very best with that understanding that patients lives hang in the balance...someone's mother, father, grandmother, or uncle...
Finally, my bro-in-law who has defied the logic of modern medicine with multiple surgeries and a transplant now dealing with deteriorating health. All of these events have changed my view of medicine, the practice and delivery of.
In this line of work, it becomes easy to see patients just as numbers or percentages or as cost and revenues...but that is a very clinic approach but the truth of the matter is that patients are people with families and loved ones. For each strategical recommendation or analysis I conduct, I take that reminder with me which challenges me to give my best knowing someone's loved one could be affected.
I hope that is my opportunity to affect positive change to the benefit of all...and that is how I approach my everyday work..so very thankful to work in a place that welcomes prayer and encourages sacred moments with patients.
Over the years, I've learned that some are called to full-time ministry, others to be bi-vocational, and others to what I term as secular ministry. Doesn't the world need Christian hair dressers/stylist who listen to people's problems and can pray for them instead of the usual "gossip shop" stereo-types? or Mechanics who can help a family in need, or HVAC Technicians who assist churches in emergencies....or writers, doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc....who in some way challenge us to be better people and meet the needs of others so that doors may open for what i've come to know as "sacred moments."
I'm a strong proponent of education...just about any kind of education from technical schools to junior colleges all the way to doctoral programs...we should promote education but I also feel we should challenge students to find their passion in life, find their calling in life.
A calling in life....
Something I think I had been searching for, for quite some time...I've never felt completely at home solely in ministry circles or even in just my vocational ones until I came into healthcare. Like most I don't believe in coincidences; just as I don't believe that Ricardo came into my life when he did.
I believe that when I set out on the journey to complete my education I set out on a journey to discover my destiny or calling in life.
I never thought in a million years that my logical and statistically-driven professor would make the connection for me on my very first day of class or even that a situation in my professional career would lead me to a job at Blue Cross Blue Shield (in what some would consider an entry level job). This "entry level" job would lay a strong foundation in my understanding of healthcare and it's delivery that ultimately wuuld guide my path to pursuing an education in health organization management/healthcare administration.
I would've never imagined it possible but that's exactly how it happened...
The first words my professor spoke to us that first class were: "I'm not looking for students looking to collect a paycheck, or looking to gain fame: I'm looking for students who see healthcare as a calling."
At that moment, I felt that eerily familiar feeling I get when I know that God's trying to get my attention and instantly thought "I think I've found what I've been searching for."
From there this calling has been affirmed in more ways than one...i've since gone on to work for a childn's non-profit clinic...continued to help them in terms of fundraising, etc....because I strongly believe in their mission.
My brother now serves on their board of directors...and this weekend they'll kick off a fundraiser that he and I assisted in developing which I hope and pray will become annual event for them! They've done all of the hard work and I'll continue to support them as I can and am able. They (LCHC Clinic staff and administrators) taught me some very important and valuable lessons that I will carry with me thru my career and have given me a strong foundation of purpose.
Then there's my newest work experience. One which I am super excited about. It's a rare opportunity to join a strategy team so young in my career but as always God opened the right doors at the very right time. My previous experiences played into this new opportunity and oddly enough this eclectic collection of work experiences would play to my benefit in this position.
I work for a faith-based organization and while it's not the denomination I adhere to, this organizations promotes a Christ-centered mission. Meetings open with prayers and reflections...verses are read over loud speakers and our mission, to bring whole body healing, is always mentioned.
It's been here in this position that I'm seeing my potential realized and all my talents put to use and where I'm experiencing growth in understanding the connection between my faith and work.
I was nominated to particiapate in a leadership program of connecting your faith and work. It has been one of the most eye-opening experiences and the first time I publicly acknowledged my story of how I came across my calling in life.
We were asked to bring an artifact..and I chose two pictures....one of my parents and me when I was a little girl and one of my deceased grandmother..
Why those two pictures?
You see my parents nurtured the journey of finding my calling even when I felt I was flailing about in life....they never gave up and always encouraged me to pursue what they could see in me that I could not see for myself...i owe them my life in this regard....but more so for their patients as I stumbled in my journey...and for their support as I began to discover exactly what that is.
The second for my grandmother who fought and succumbed to a battle with colon cancer. During the course of her treatment, I saw how she was treated with dignity and grace by all who cared for her. I witnessed how that medical condition forever changed the make-up and composition of my family and then there's my uncle who didnt have access to healthcare. The tragic lack of medical attention took his life far too young and once again our family composition changed and with it a part of my mother...
I don't wish the latter example of my uncle for anyone and wish for all patients to be treated with love, dignity, and respect...just like my grandmother received...so those two pictures sit in my office to remind me of my purpose and calling...so that each day I'm challenged to give my very best with that understanding that patients lives hang in the balance...someone's mother, father, grandmother, or uncle...
Finally, my bro-in-law who has defied the logic of modern medicine with multiple surgeries and a transplant now dealing with deteriorating health. All of these events have changed my view of medicine, the practice and delivery of.
In this line of work, it becomes easy to see patients just as numbers or percentages or as cost and revenues...but that is a very clinic approach but the truth of the matter is that patients are people with families and loved ones. For each strategical recommendation or analysis I conduct, I take that reminder with me which challenges me to give my best knowing someone's loved one could be affected.
I hope that is my opportunity to affect positive change to the benefit of all...and that is how I approach my everyday work..so very thankful to work in a place that welcomes prayer and encourages sacred moments with patients.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Unreal
I thought today was going to start like most weeks with the exception that my bro-in-law has been hospitalized. With each hospital visit it gets scarier and scarier...I started a new leadership development class at work and had been looking forward to it for some time.
It's the first work experience where i've been able to truly express my faith without fear or repercussion: for that I'm most grateful. Again I feel my life's calling confirmed...but no sooner had I returned to my office when I discovered some jarring new.
I'm not at liberty to go into details but I find myself in the land of unknowns...I have no cue as to what the next few months will bring but it's also kind of exciting?
I'd been praying about some next few steps and this type of situation just might be the answer i've been seeking. I can only say that time will tell and I'm content to roll up my selves and get to work.
And then there's the hoping and praying for my sister's husband to have a recovery...
Can't really speak to the situation but just to say i'm trying to figure out how to best support my family. That's my focus and my heart right now..better days will come-this I know but it doesn't make the painful moments any easier....
My next post will be about epic fails!
It's the first work experience where i've been able to truly express my faith without fear or repercussion: for that I'm most grateful. Again I feel my life's calling confirmed...but no sooner had I returned to my office when I discovered some jarring new.
I'm not at liberty to go into details but I find myself in the land of unknowns...I have no cue as to what the next few months will bring but it's also kind of exciting?
I'd been praying about some next few steps and this type of situation just might be the answer i've been seeking. I can only say that time will tell and I'm content to roll up my selves and get to work.
And then there's the hoping and praying for my sister's husband to have a recovery...
Can't really speak to the situation but just to say i'm trying to figure out how to best support my family. That's my focus and my heart right now..better days will come-this I know but it doesn't make the painful moments any easier....
My next post will be about epic fails!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
acquaintances not forgotten
this week was an odd one.
last weekend I found myself in Austin with Ricardo who took me to see my nephews and sister. I always love spending time with all of them. It had been a while since I'd seen my sister and nephews and the time was much needed even if it was only for a few short hours.
we'll make the trip again next weekend for Timothy's birthday party! Definitely looking forward to that...
last Saturday I learned about the deaths of old acquaintances...acquaintances, i'd not seen for a long while. brought up some mixed emotions. these guys were young - fairly young - but then again death is no respecter of age, race, or position.
I have several close friends, who knew these guys fairly well and so it's been hard to see them hurting and go through mourning but it's also a very stark reminder that we should make the most of each day and to not leave words, feelings, and thoughts unspoken.
fast forward to mid-week, we learn of Steve Jobs passing....
I think about how his innovation changed how we interact, how we obtain information, and how it changed many industries including mine - healthcare. when we demo new software for our system - we always ask - is there an app? most of our physicians have iphones, droids, or ipads...the ipad/tablet is a tool of EMR's and the delivery of healthcare services. it's because of Steve Jobs innovation that we have a mouse an graphic interface as my brother reminded me yesterday over dinner...so many accomplishments and yet he too was not exempt from death...it is a destination we all will arrive at.
it's that reminder that will sort your priorities and change how you live life. the scare we had with my mom two summer's ago was enough for me. maybe it's age/maturity - but everything surrounding those events caused me to evaluate which relationships are important and why. I can honestly say that that reflection changed my approach in many relationships. Some I completely cut out of my life and others I try and extend as much grace as I can.
there's more I'd like to say but i've not yet processed through it all. just to say that i'm beginning to see things i' not seen before...or rather begun to understand them...some of them good and some of them not so good. so it feels like a season of pruning. don't jump to assumptions here...those in the know, know what I'm talking about.
i'm most grateful for the stable forces in my life...namely my parents, close friends, and Ricardo...their love and support have helped to steady the helm in the midst of rocky storms...
even now, as I adjust into the work world - i'm grateful for their support as I experience growing pains. it's an exciting time because like everyone else - i dont know what the future will bring...
so i continue to live each moment as best i can and to make sure the people i love know how i feel...tomorrow is the Texas Tech vs A & M game. pretty excited about it since my parents will be in town. always enjoy spending time with them!
last weekend I found myself in Austin with Ricardo who took me to see my nephews and sister. I always love spending time with all of them. It had been a while since I'd seen my sister and nephews and the time was much needed even if it was only for a few short hours.
we'll make the trip again next weekend for Timothy's birthday party! Definitely looking forward to that...
last Saturday I learned about the deaths of old acquaintances...acquaintances, i'd not seen for a long while. brought up some mixed emotions. these guys were young - fairly young - but then again death is no respecter of age, race, or position.
I have several close friends, who knew these guys fairly well and so it's been hard to see them hurting and go through mourning but it's also a very stark reminder that we should make the most of each day and to not leave words, feelings, and thoughts unspoken.
fast forward to mid-week, we learn of Steve Jobs passing....
I think about how his innovation changed how we interact, how we obtain information, and how it changed many industries including mine - healthcare. when we demo new software for our system - we always ask - is there an app? most of our physicians have iphones, droids, or ipads...the ipad/tablet is a tool of EMR's and the delivery of healthcare services. it's because of Steve Jobs innovation that we have a mouse an graphic interface as my brother reminded me yesterday over dinner...so many accomplishments and yet he too was not exempt from death...it is a destination we all will arrive at.
it's that reminder that will sort your priorities and change how you live life. the scare we had with my mom two summer's ago was enough for me. maybe it's age/maturity - but everything surrounding those events caused me to evaluate which relationships are important and why. I can honestly say that that reflection changed my approach in many relationships. Some I completely cut out of my life and others I try and extend as much grace as I can.
there's more I'd like to say but i've not yet processed through it all. just to say that i'm beginning to see things i' not seen before...or rather begun to understand them...some of them good and some of them not so good. so it feels like a season of pruning. don't jump to assumptions here...those in the know, know what I'm talking about.
i'm most grateful for the stable forces in my life...namely my parents, close friends, and Ricardo...their love and support have helped to steady the helm in the midst of rocky storms...
even now, as I adjust into the work world - i'm grateful for their support as I experience growing pains. it's an exciting time because like everyone else - i dont know what the future will bring...
so i continue to live each moment as best i can and to make sure the people i love know how i feel...tomorrow is the Texas Tech vs A & M game. pretty excited about it since my parents will be in town. always enjoy spending time with them!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
a collection
“Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations.”
“Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me … Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful… that’s what matters to me.”
“We’ve gone through the operating system and looked at everything and asked how can we simplify this and make it more powerful at the same time.”
“Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.”
“I want to put a ding in the universe.”
“I was worth over $1,000,000 when I was 23, and over $10,000,000 when I was 24, and over $100,000,000 when I was 25, and it wasn’t that important because I never did it for the money.”
“The only problem with Microsoft is they just have no taste. They have absolutely no taste. And I don’t mean that in a small way, I mean that in a big way, in the sense that they don’t think of original ideas, and they don’t bring much culture into their products.”
“My job is to not be easy on people. My job is to make them better.”
“We made the buttons on the screen look so good you’ll want to lick them.”
“Click. Boom. Amazing!”
“You can’t just ask customers what they want and then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they’ll want something new.”
“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”
“A lot of companies have chosen to downsize, and maybe that was the right thing for them. We chose a different path. Our belief was that if we kept putting great products in front of customers, they would continue to open their wallets.”
“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
Steve Jobs
“Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me … Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful… that’s what matters to me.”
“We’ve gone through the operating system and looked at everything and asked how can we simplify this and make it more powerful at the same time.”
“Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.”
“I want to put a ding in the universe.”
“I was worth over $1,000,000 when I was 23, and over $10,000,000 when I was 24, and over $100,000,000 when I was 25, and it wasn’t that important because I never did it for the money.”
“The only problem with Microsoft is they just have no taste. They have absolutely no taste. And I don’t mean that in a small way, I mean that in a big way, in the sense that they don’t think of original ideas, and they don’t bring much culture into their products.”
“My job is to not be easy on people. My job is to make them better.”
“We made the buttons on the screen look so good you’ll want to lick them.”
“Click. Boom. Amazing!”
“You can’t just ask customers what they want and then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they’ll want something new.”
“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”
“A lot of companies have chosen to downsize, and maybe that was the right thing for them. We chose a different path. Our belief was that if we kept putting great products in front of customers, they would continue to open their wallets.”
“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
Steve Jobs
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