Hello All!
Last month, I happened upon a job opening in Fresno with Best Buddies. I had heard of this organization while working in Arizona. What I did not know, at that time, was that it in a national and international company. So, I was very excited to see an opening in my own city. I applied on a Saturday or Sunday and was emailed for a follow up on Monday. The interview was great and the interviewer actually knew what AmeriCorps was all about. After a little while, I got the job! Today is only my second day but I am so excited to be working for such a great organization.
Six years ago this fall, I applied for a handful (or more) positions with AmeriCorps VISTA. I was eventually selected for a position in Washington State north of Seattle. I worked as the School Buddies Coordinator. This evolved into more duties on campus like volunteering in the classroom and helping coordinate other volunteers within the school. I loved this position and working with AmeriCorps was rewarding.
I continued to do two more terms of AmeriCorps VISTA in two different states; California and Arizona. All three of my years were very different from each other, but good learning experiences in the long run. When I could not find a nonprofit position after my second year, I thought negatively about AmeriCorps not providing enough help with jobs after your term. This was my fault, not their's.
When I finished my third term, I had a great handful of interviews in Phoenix. People started to compliment my accomplishments and experience. But, due to personal (and unforeseen reasons) I would not stay in Phoenix. I left Arizona in October but decided to stay unemployed for health reasons. My health is still an issue, but you cannot live your life on hold waiting to get sick.
There is one interesting connection with my experience with AmeriCorps and my new position with Best Buddies: The Kennedy's. John F. Kennedy originated the idea of VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program before his death. The program took start in 1965, two years after his assassination. Now, Best Buddies is my newest connection to the legendary family. The organization was started by Anthony K. Shriver, the nephew of John F. Kennedy and son of Eunice Kennedy, who helped start the Special Olympics.
Another connection to the Kennedy Family. My grandfather, Roger Wickland, met Robert F. Kennedy at some point before his assassination. We still have the photograph to prove it! I find the Kennedy's fascinating and I hope Joe Kennedy III runs for president someday!
Please click HERE to learn more about Best Buddies!
Please click HERE to learn more about AmeriCorps and their variety of programs!
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Live Inspired
As humans, I feel we all need inspiration during hard times. My life has felt like a hard time for the last seven months, so I have searched for inspiring people, books, speeches, and even a trip to church.
Here are two different things that have helped me in the long run and most recently.
Amy Purdy.
If you have not heard of Amy Purdy, please go Google her right this minute. At the age of nineteen she contracted meningitis and lost her feet, plus her kidney function. I did not even know about my own health struggle when I discovered her. first learned of her when she was on Dancing with the Stars in 2014. She blew me away with her dancing skills...including dancing without legs before the knee. Are you kidding? Amy danced with different styles of prosthetic, including running blades. She came in second place with Derek Hough and all of that just weeks after competing in the Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia. Also to note, her and her husband's nonprofit were a huge part of getting snowboarding into the games and this was the first year they were included!
To learn more about Amy Purdy, you can watch her Ted Talk for free here or purchase her book here.
Church.
I am not a religious person. I have gone to church services (not including weddings) maybe two times. I have always found it interesting and found good lessons in some stories from the bible. I do not and will not believe there is an almighty being watching over everyone. But two weeks ago, my friend (JS) invited me to her church's Wednesday night series "Unstuck." I have been trying to say yes to more opportunities and events, ya know, broaden my horizons?
So, I went with my friend and her daughter. (PS I love these people.) It was the second night in a trilogy and tonight's theme was "Inspired and Included." Perfect for me! There were two pastors that spoke. I guess it was a low-key sermon with funny videos included. Then he gave every talking points to discuss with your table. Each table had 8-10 people, ours was all women.
Everything he spoke about was related to worship, but I listened and gave me own spin to it. You can replace words like worship and faith to fit life. What the pastor spoke of was a new way of looking at your own life, your hobbies, your job, and appreciating the people around you.
At the end of the group discussion, my friend shared with the group what I had been going through lately. She spoke with love. The group then prayed for me and even though I do not believe in prayer, it really touched me in a profound way. I cried in public, which I do not like doing. I felt inspired and included, so good job with the title.
Some food for thought from the discussion. Credit to New Covenant Church in Fresno, CA. I took out God and faith, made it my own...
1. How have relationships with others helped you grow?
2. People often seek out relationships when they are going difficult times. What is the benefit of having relationships with others before you go through the difficulty?
3. Why do you think some people are resistant to joining a Life Group? What can you do to help them overcome their resistance?
Here are two different things that have helped me in the long run and most recently.
Amy Purdy.
If you have not heard of Amy Purdy, please go Google her right this minute. At the age of nineteen she contracted meningitis and lost her feet, plus her kidney function. I did not even know about my own health struggle when I discovered her. first learned of her when she was on Dancing with the Stars in 2014. She blew me away with her dancing skills...including dancing without legs before the knee. Are you kidding? Amy danced with different styles of prosthetic, including running blades. She came in second place with Derek Hough and all of that just weeks after competing in the Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia. Also to note, her and her husband's nonprofit were a huge part of getting snowboarding into the games and this was the first year they were included!
To learn more about Amy Purdy, you can watch her Ted Talk for free here or purchase her book here.
Church.
I am not a religious person. I have gone to church services (not including weddings) maybe two times. I have always found it interesting and found good lessons in some stories from the bible. I do not and will not believe there is an almighty being watching over everyone. But two weeks ago, my friend (JS) invited me to her church's Wednesday night series "Unstuck." I have been trying to say yes to more opportunities and events, ya know, broaden my horizons?
So, I went with my friend and her daughter. (PS I love these people.) It was the second night in a trilogy and tonight's theme was "Inspired and Included." Perfect for me! There were two pastors that spoke. I guess it was a low-key sermon with funny videos included. Then he gave every talking points to discuss with your table. Each table had 8-10 people, ours was all women.
Everything he spoke about was related to worship, but I listened and gave me own spin to it. You can replace words like worship and faith to fit life. What the pastor spoke of was a new way of looking at your own life, your hobbies, your job, and appreciating the people around you.
At the end of the group discussion, my friend shared with the group what I had been going through lately. She spoke with love. The group then prayed for me and even though I do not believe in prayer, it really touched me in a profound way. I cried in public, which I do not like doing. I felt inspired and included, so good job with the title.
Some food for thought from the discussion. Credit to New Covenant Church in Fresno, CA. I took out God and faith, made it my own...
1. How have relationships with others helped you grow?
2. People often seek out relationships when they are going difficult times. What is the benefit of having relationships with others before you go through the difficulty?
3. Why do you think some people are resistant to joining a Life Group? What can you do to help them overcome their resistance?
Monday, May 14, 2018
Lemons
When life gives you lemon after lemon, it is hard to picture lemonade.
The last seven months of my life have not been easy. First, dealing with a breakup that was shocking and brutal. Second, dealing with the never ending kidney disease. Third, dealing with depression and other feelings.
I have spoken about my breakup before. I am finally feeling better about it. There is no way to change what happened and, obviously, that person does not want me anymore. This is painful and you must grieve the life you shared. You must also grieve the life that you pictured with that person. Things will arise, like they have in May, to remind you of memories with that person or the life you shared. Feel it and move on.
My health is "better" than it was in Arizona or even in February. I have been dealing with the UCSF transplant team to move forward with surgery. I have a matching donor and we both completed every test that they requested. But numbers have move up and down, the latest number being 23 which is 3 points too high for surgery. Cool. I will just sit and wait to get worse.
Depression. It is a big word and an even heavier feeling. I have always struggled to see things as a positive. When your life (that you finally thought was working out) crumbles into almost nothing, it is hard to see the positive. I had been dumped by the person I loved, no longer had a job, needed a kidney, and was dealing with the pain of a family member's health on top of mine. Life could obviously be worse, but that is still a lot to deal with.
I have attempted to pick myself up from all of this and I am still struggling around the edges. It takes time and effort to make your life feel good again. There aren't any fair godmothers or magic spells.
The last seven months of my life have not been easy. First, dealing with a breakup that was shocking and brutal. Second, dealing with the never ending kidney disease. Third, dealing with depression and other feelings.
I have spoken about my breakup before. I am finally feeling better about it. There is no way to change what happened and, obviously, that person does not want me anymore. This is painful and you must grieve the life you shared. You must also grieve the life that you pictured with that person. Things will arise, like they have in May, to remind you of memories with that person or the life you shared. Feel it and move on.
My health is "better" than it was in Arizona or even in February. I have been dealing with the UCSF transplant team to move forward with surgery. I have a matching donor and we both completed every test that they requested. But numbers have move up and down, the latest number being 23 which is 3 points too high for surgery. Cool. I will just sit and wait to get worse.
Depression. It is a big word and an even heavier feeling. I have always struggled to see things as a positive. When your life (that you finally thought was working out) crumbles into almost nothing, it is hard to see the positive. I had been dumped by the person I loved, no longer had a job, needed a kidney, and was dealing with the pain of a family member's health on top of mine. Life could obviously be worse, but that is still a lot to deal with.
I have attempted to pick myself up from all of this and I am still struggling around the edges. It takes time and effort to make your life feel good again. There aren't any fair godmothers or magic spells.
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Happy Mother's Day
Today, we celebrate the love we have for our mother's. They made you, birthed you, took care of you, and sent you on your way...eventually. They are probably the strongest connection with another person that you can have in this life.
My mom is slowing slipping away from us due to Parkinson's Disease. She has had this for a long time now, but the symptoms and drug reactions have practically taken over her life and my dad's. It is one of the saddest things I have witnessed in my entire life. This coming from someone who enjoys sad movies and serial killer documentaries. She is still my mother, but the person who was my mom all those years is pretty much gone. Everyone loved this woman, when I met people: Her coworkers, her friends, community members, and my friends. I will always love her and remember to call her, even if it is painful for me. Happy Mother's Day!
My sister is far away, but we still talk via text or the occasional video. We may not be the closest, but we are still sisters. She has an awesome husband, two great kids, and a cat in a perfect neighborhood near Portland. It is always fun to visit her and go to the tea store. I have always been slightly jealous of her throughout our lives, but we are different for a reason. I wish her all the happiness this world can give. She could probably conquer the world if she wanted. Happy Mother's Day!
My friends (KH, MHY) who are moms amaze me. How can you handle so much in one day? I babysit for a whole day and I am exhausted. You two are the best examples of what a friend and what a mom should or could be. Do not doubt yourself for a second, you've got this. KH, I am so excited for your future in multiple ways. MHY, a new house for your family and a yard for the boys. Happy Mother's Day!
My second moms (Carol, Caroll, Jaye) who have helped me more than once. Some people do not have blood family in this life. I have a that, plus three extra mothers. Carol, you love your wine and your family. It shows everyday and it is such a blast to hang with the Burger family. Caroll, a long time ago you bought be a dress (literally minutes before prom) and I have never forgotten that. You always made me feel invited in your home and lucky to be friends with Jess. Jaye...you have been such a light in my life. I have needed you too many times to count and you have always come through more than I can express in words. Happy Mother's Day!
Don't forget to thank the mothers in your life, even if they did not give birth to you. It will be appreciated, trust me!
My mom is slowing slipping away from us due to Parkinson's Disease. She has had this for a long time now, but the symptoms and drug reactions have practically taken over her life and my dad's. It is one of the saddest things I have witnessed in my entire life. This coming from someone who enjoys sad movies and serial killer documentaries. She is still my mother, but the person who was my mom all those years is pretty much gone. Everyone loved this woman, when I met people: Her coworkers, her friends, community members, and my friends. I will always love her and remember to call her, even if it is painful for me. Happy Mother's Day!
My sister is far away, but we still talk via text or the occasional video. We may not be the closest, but we are still sisters. She has an awesome husband, two great kids, and a cat in a perfect neighborhood near Portland. It is always fun to visit her and go to the tea store. I have always been slightly jealous of her throughout our lives, but we are different for a reason. I wish her all the happiness this world can give. She could probably conquer the world if she wanted. Happy Mother's Day!
My friends (KH, MHY) who are moms amaze me. How can you handle so much in one day? I babysit for a whole day and I am exhausted. You two are the best examples of what a friend and what a mom should or could be. Do not doubt yourself for a second, you've got this. KH, I am so excited for your future in multiple ways. MHY, a new house for your family and a yard for the boys. Happy Mother's Day!
My second moms (Carol, Caroll, Jaye) who have helped me more than once. Some people do not have blood family in this life. I have a that, plus three extra mothers. Carol, you love your wine and your family. It shows everyday and it is such a blast to hang with the Burger family. Caroll, a long time ago you bought be a dress (literally minutes before prom) and I have never forgotten that. You always made me feel invited in your home and lucky to be friends with Jess. Jaye...you have been such a light in my life. I have needed you too many times to count and you have always come through more than I can express in words. Happy Mother's Day!
Don't forget to thank the mothers in your life, even if they did not give birth to you. It will be appreciated, trust me!
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Second Leading Cause...and I got it!
It is officially the first day of May, which is high blood pressure awareness month. Please read below my connection with blood pressure.
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You know when you go to the doctor, they always take your blood pressure, right? It is the black or blue thing that wraps around your arms and squeezes really tight. It is important to track this number often and early in life.
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You know when you go to the doctor, they always take your blood pressure, right? It is the black or blue thing that wraps around your arms and squeezes really tight. It is important to track this number often and early in life.
My blood pressure was always high, but I always brushed it off as White Coat Syndrome (fear of doctors.) I never had a doctor or nurse sit me down for a few minutes to relax then retest it. They just believed me that is was a fear of their office or the doctor. But, apparently this was not the case for me.
In 2015, I went to the emergency room for a stomach issue. My blood pressure was 171/110 , this is compared to normal blood pressure which is 120/80. This is crazy high for a 27 year old woman that was healthy and exercising. During this visit was the first time a medical professional told me to get it checked further.
*Side note on this ER visit.*
They ran a kidney panel and did not disclose the information. I went into my records recently and discovered it myself. I could have been diagnosed with CKD a year earlier.
So, my body had been fighting itself with high blood pressure for years, possibly all of my life. It has damaged my kidneys beyond repair. I was born with a small left kidney, which wound have been fine if I did not have high blood pressure. It has been such a long time that they can not diagnosis the cause of my high blood pressure either.
After lots of trial and error with medication plus three different doctors, I take Lisinopril 10mg and Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg every day to control my blood pressure. My number bounces around a tiny bit, but is always much closer to normal now.
After lots of trial and error with medication plus three different doctors, I take Lisinopril 10mg and Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg every day to control my blood pressure. My number bounces around a tiny bit, but is always much closer to normal now.
The moral or lesson of my story, don't brush medical information of as nothing. It could be life threatening.
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