STriVe

   Three weeks, several tanks of gas and a positive attitude: the only requirements I had to fulfill. What I gained in return: joy, confidence and fulfillment, an unbelievable experience that shall remain with me forever. My first month of summer was spent at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt playing with hospitalized children, relieving haggard parents and spreading smiles. 

   After training, focused on hospital etiquette and protocol, 16 carefully chosen teenagers were released into the miraculous hospital with close supervision and direction. A team of Child Life Assistants, Interns and sassy directors guided our routines. I explored the wonders that compose Children's Hospital, both the staff and physical environment, each day. Enhancing these already fantastic explorations were my teammates and fellow adventurers, the patients. We journeyed to many distant worlds, through printed pages, in countless playrooms. We re-created a home (and wardrobe) with paper, scissors and tape. We bedazzled medical equipment and turned frowns upside down! 

   Not a single moment of boredom or regret flashed through my exhilarated mind, I was in awe. Four year olds became my heroes, CLA's became angels and stickers became a stocking of presents on Christmas morning. I find each exciting memory to be quickly replaced by a different one. I smile as I type…and laugh too. My summer could not have gone any better! My STriVe (Summer Teen Volunteer) experience will forever hold a place in my changed heart. Learning to serve is the most rewarding thing possibly imaginable; I now choose to serve. This program instilled in me a sense of fulfillment that can only be attained through service to others. Words are inadequate to express my profound gratitude, amazement and joy I feel toward the team that selected me to be a STriVe, you changed my life. Hopefully I will inspire and bless others, just as you have for me.

STriVe Volunteens with CLA Amanda.

Lace, Leather & Tea Rebellion

   As true Southern ladies, women of the Presbyterian church donned their lace gloves and last string of pearls as they meticulously tied bows around their baskets of goodies. The Presbyterian Women's High Tea was a welcome excursion of crossing southern tea and the now popular british tradition, high tea. On May 5th, Shelbyville met Dowton Abbey, not Mexcixo City. 

   Our Christian hosts welcomed any lady of the church, their girlfriends and their female family members. Women sprouted from different generations sat in a historic alcove of the church. They munched on tea cakes and complemented one another on ancient hats, broaches and handbags. 

   Polite conversations, silent chewing and discussions surrounding due dates & weddings filled the air. Due compliments regarding wardrobe were dispersed and mental comparisons were made. I was a proud grandaughter as my grandmother was dressed to the nines. Her floral skirt was only the second most colorful item in the room, the first being her hat. 

   Dancy had called twice, with the ever-present "do not come for me but for yourself." I decided to go last minute, of course for her, and arrived late per usual. I entered in a Downton Abbey worthy, high necked plum dress, pearls and grey feminine combat boots. As I walked to her, she gave me a complete visual analysis. High eyebrows shot up with the notice of the boots. She was polite, complimented my dress, and then surprised me. My boots "added a touch of new generation spark" to my dress. Though I did not expect a chastisement of the shoe selection, I did not strike it from the list of possible reactions. 

   All in all, the tea was lovely! Politeness and elegance graced the atmosphere as Southern ladies accented British high tea. 

Feelin' Like a Possum

   In the past week, there have been no fewer than 6 opossums dead on the road. The warm weather has inspired humans and animals alike to venture away from their hidey-holes and go on an adventure! (ha...if the humans can find the time). "Road kill" has has taken on a new meaning since I began driving. I can no longer squeeze my eyes shut and turn away from the gruesome sight, all I can do is think happy thoughts and try not to run over the corpse. I feel sorry for the tongue-out creatures that plague my field of vision. Lately I have felt a connection to the dead animals. Jr year is pressing in all around me and I feel forced into the traffic, trying to dodge the fast moving deadlines, comprehensive tests and boring essays. I hope I do not end up like the hairy rodent my car narrowly avoided this morning. I seriously doubt this is even remotely likely but one never knows. I shall continue to go on my adventure and complete assignments and will sincerly do my best not to decompose while doing so. Hopefully my fellow opossums will stay away from fast moving vehicles and return to their hidey-holes.

update

Well I guess it has been a coconut cake new year (see previous post). The month of love flew by (hallelujah), I still haven't hit anyone or anything and my grades were somewhat decent (haha.) The fourth quarter began 3 days ago and the year is closing in fast. I am trying to appreciate these last few weeks because next year I will be a Senior, and we all know that will go by faster than the speed of light. I am anxious and excited. Presently I choose to focus on the remainder of Jr. year and that light at the end of the tunnel known as summer. The dance recital is making serious progress. It looks like we are going to be able to pull it off, though the same doubts and worries threaten our confidence, just like every other year. We always pull through, and I am confident that this recital will be wonderful. How could it not? the theme is about vacations! (Hear that, it's the whisper of summer.)

Snow Snow Snow

Snow in TN! Miracles do happen! I think this is God's way of telling people to stay home, relax and do not to infect others with your flu-ish illness...exactly my plan. Stresses of jr year are getting to me....and the rest of Shelbyville. So I am grateful for this snow day. Off to dreamland. Enjoy the snow cream!

Coconut Cake New Year

Well it is the end of the first month of the new year and I have already made numerous mistakes. Now I have not ran over anyone (new driver) and I have managed to contain some pretty serious emotions (hello! stupid teenage boys and menopausal old women!). Let's say I have started the year with a bang. I have some pretty good feelings about 2013. Who says 13 is a bad number?! So far we have had a new addition to the family and my b.f.f. Plum [nickname] and I have already had a few laugh-til-you-cry sessions.
   Though the month of love is right around the corner I'm feelin' the love now. I have discovered some happiness in a few mistakes and I think everyone has been in pleasant moods since the end of the Holidays.....it's because of the coconut cake.