I'd hope to never complain again about working "late" on a work day. Doubling up with an internship of 20 hours a week and my regular 40+ is making me realize how delightful a "normal" day would be.

I'm at the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance - The Bridge Shelter at nights. It houses over 200 men and women adults for the night. They can bathe, wash their clothes, get medical assistance for medication and injuries through Parkland clinic located on site. They receive assistance through case managment, VA, and the Job Corp.

The Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance has an initiative to end homeless in Dallas within 10 years. This new building/shelter is almost 2 years in and receiving remarkable results. The crime rate in downtown Dallas has reduced. The homeless population of Dallas, although too large to fill in The Bridge, is receiving a wide range of services, all at one location.

There's a program for women and men who want to end homelessness for themselves also. A program is provided through Transitional Housing that allows them to seek full guidance, assistance, and learn how to get back to a real home.

I've managed to make it through two classes on Thursdays, where I've faciliated a discussion and support group. These women are of all races - ages - vices - and are trying to communicate? Wow. My initial thought upon assignment was "FANTASTIC! I get to engage a population in topics I love - self discovery and self determination!"

Well, sure Abby. Hopeful, logical and excited. Upon my first class, I felt confident. I'd actually say that I've always felt confident since I started here, due to my experience with CPS, but if I was a ship, setting sail - and the women were the waves, they came strong, hard and fierce. Well, a few of them.

I don't stray from a truth ... and no it's not Biblical, but it's experiential true: "People migrate and associate with those just like them." We like people just like ourselves. It's in our nature. We don't want to believe it but it's true, and I am not scared to say it.

I spoke on self-awareness, engaging them to discuss their strengths and weaknesses. From awareness, individuals are able to address needs, support strengths, and seek guidance in areas to improve. Who wants to not continue to move forward? I hope I never stop.

Well one sista wasn't happy. Which evoked all the other sisters. Her argument "Why can YOU come in here and ask us to be vulnerable? You know we are in a shelter. You know we are fuck ups!" Taken aback, (thinking - do they know I am totally in this? that I want to love them and be here if the want it? surely that wasn't anger) I responded ... appropriately (I believe). But wow. Opposition. No one likes change and whomever brings that change will be brought down ... is what I've experienced.

I'm 26. I'm white. I'm female. I'm not married & I have no children.
But nobody has to know it.
And no one knowing, is where I get all my power.
besides being white and younger looking.

happy february 1st! hope its a bright, fun month!

I have some things to report:

1. The Morning Show on Kiss FM has been good lately. For awhile, I would turn it on and get annoyed because there were doing that Kenzie voice over thing everrrrrryday. But the past couple weeks have been funny. I laugh out loud J

2. When I hear people say things lately, the response I have in my head {to their comments} is “Worrrrrd, to big bird”. Do you think I should actually start saying this out loud?

3. I love Sharpie pens. The new ones. They are on sale at Staples right now, come in a 3-pack.

4. I’m trying to run a 5K. Running hurts my body. But I’m doing it for @NatalieJagers {and myself}.

::: greeting cards :::

i have to admit, i used peruse over the words on a greeting card and not think too much about them. but today, i received a card from my mother in law and really read the words on the card. i've noticed i have started doing this more with a lot of things lately...really reading or listening to things and deciding for myself whether i believe them or whether or not they resonate with me.

the card said,

"life comes with one simple guarantee-

God loves you.

Perfectly.

Unendingly.

And there's no better reason to hope than that.

I will say my faith has been tested as of late, and i find my heart deciding what it really believes and doesn't. i believe the words of the card are true. today i read this verse from hebrews on my break:

¹²See to it, brothers, that none of you has an unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. ¹³But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

so, long blog short, i confess my hardened heart and believe that there is not better reason to hope than in the love of christ.

today would have been mom's 57th birthday. wish she was here to celebrate and go to dinner...

i bet she doesn't wish to leave her new home though :)

B&N

Last night Scott and I went to Barnes and Nobles, just to go. I just love going to book stores. While Scott went in search of his next read, I sat down in the Interior Design section and looked through books. I could do this ALL night. I love looking at design books and being inspired by beautiful spaces and photography. A particular book, Dowtown Chic, had a delightful mix of emotion and design within its pages. I enjoyed these quotes from some famous and not so famous people, as they described the spaces and faces that filled them.

i'm alive. i swear. work + internship + a class + post 10 pm social life = little sleep and lots of time management. see you in may my sweet blogging world!

linds, you will have to keep up with our blog.

::: martha :::

l.o.v.e these images from martha's website. organized and clean spaces, with great color.

This morning:

Woods and I getting ready. Her for a big-wig law firm interview. Myself for regular court. We share a bathroom. A one-sink bathroom. Bitty I'd say. Music playing from the kitchen (her laptop and speakers).

Abby: Hmmm. What language is this?

Woods: Portuguese. I can change it if you'd like.

Abby: (Thinking I have no idea what she is singing). No it's fine.

Woods Walks into the kitchen. The music goes off. Walks back in the bathroom. Then music begins.

Abby: (Listening to the music). Is this Spanish?

Woods: Yes. I changed it for you.

Considering I studied Spanish and have a desire to understand it better, I acknowledge Woods' efforts. I found it hilarious she changed it from Portuguese to Spanish. I must say, I still prefer English speaking music.

modern family + scott

not only do they have the same exact sense of humor, they also have the same hairline!