Many missing, but it was good to be in there presence
Happy Birthday to one of my besties, Scott Schardt.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
happy night.
tonight i baked a cinnamon coffee cake for scott to enjoy the morning of his birhtday {tomorrow} while chatting and catching up with a lifelong friend. happy night.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
I caught up on the Office this morning. This first quote is hilarious to me:
| Ryan: | Did you see Saw? |
| Dwight Schrute: | Of course I see-saw. Moses and I see-saw all the time. |
| Ryan: | No, uh, the movie. Did you see, the movie Saw. |
| Dwight Schrute: | Oh. Yeah. Great film. Almost as fun as going on a see-saw. |
| Michael Scott: | No!!! I can't keep it a secret any longer! Jim's stepping down as salesman I am going to be the sole manager once again. |
| Oscar: | Pssh, I should step into sales myself. |
| Michael Scott: | Why, is there an untapped gay market? |
| Oscar: | Sabre, has no caps on commissions. You can make a lot more money in sales. |
| Michael Scott: | Where did you get that information? |
| Oscar: | Manual. |
| Michael Scott: | Manuel who |
Kelly: | I guess Andy likes me. I never thought of him in that way. But, I guess in most romantic comedies the guy you're supposed to be with is never the one you never thought of in that way. You might of even thought he was annoying or possibly homosexual. |
| Andy: | These sure are pretty dogs. |
| Jo Bennett: | [chuckles] They love a good crotch. |
| Andy: | They sure do. |
| Jo Bennett: | You should take that as a compliment. |
| Andy: | Oh I do! |
--------------------
| Jo Bennett: | Do you always stay seated when a lady enters the room? |
| Dwight Schrute: | I am treating you the same as a man for whom I would also not stand. Unless it was the president. Or Judge Judy. |
| Jo Bennett: | I like that. |
Friday, February 12, 2010
The National Weather Service, as of Friday morning, said a record 12.5 inches of snow fell within 24 hours in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. . . And we enjoyed it! I felt like it was a direct gift from God to Me. Huh. Sure, whatever. Anyways, I loved going home early .. playing in the snow with them, chili with the Schardts, drinking cocoa, and sleeping in. A night off my internship and 24 hours of not having to be anywhere for work.
These pictures are from my 2G iPhone ... in the dark, so remember that. We had fun.
Jon brought snowboarding to Dallas.
We destroyed other snowmen.
And we made our own snowman.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
My big boss informed me he wants my response and perspective during my internship here at the homeless shelter. Like unedited thoughts? Professional or not? Yes. COOOOOOL. So here's what I've got for today. Enjoy.
Journal on Group Thoughts
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------02/04/2010
The group appeared to be better functioning than the week before. An African American, late twenty year old female was quiet. The week prior this guest was not quiet. She ran her mouth and collaborated with other women to challenge me. Turns out she was feeling ill. She had recently had surgery. Her illness allowed the rest of the guests to communicate during the group discussion of “bullying”.
Most of the women indicated times of bullying as gender oriented {which gender you might ask? MEN}. They referenced men cutting them down in line to dinner or throwing harsh words out just because.
One woman provoked majority of the other women: “I hate when a man refers to me as mama”. She indicated that she “Ain’t his mama and wants to be called by her name”. She said she deals with that issue by addressing him calmly in introducing herself with her real name. She said her temper flares – or loses control when he continues to pester her. Words are powerful.
Another female reported that she hates that if a man does threaten her, or bully her in line, that security doesn’t help. She said that even if they see it, they won’t do anything. We discussed alternate ways to address their rights not being violated. I encouraged her, along with a friend for support, to address an alternate staff or care manager in what she can and cannot expect from security [as I don’t know the rules]. Quickly, she said it wouldn’t help or it wouldn’t get what she wanted.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------02/09/2010
Today, one lady referenced her new husband [as of Saturday/confirmed by her new bling on the left finger] while I visited with her in her room. She said he lives at the Bridge and they met prior to being at the Bridge. She stated that she is raging with anger today. She indicated that she is angry because her husband wants her to be a wallflower. She said when he is with men, as he is downstairs right now, he wants her to shut her mouth and not say a thing. She reports him being incredibly giving and kind to her one-on-one. She said that this is a new behavior for him; to shut her out. She reported that she hates it and it makes her want to lose her temper.
It’s easy for me to think that some women ask for what they get because of how they treat people. There are also other women who don’t do anything wrong and get poorly treated. We discussed treating others as you want to be treated, without expectation of the outcome. We discussed rights, invisible boundaries and expectations. This social problem stems back to simple logic, respect, and communication between man and woman, woman to woman, and man to man. It addresses self-awareness, roles, expectations, and skills in which to address 1 – how something/someone makes you feel 2 – how to respond, not react to how this someone/something makes you feel. Where do you even start in creating change? I need a life time to engage a woman on this topic. . . not an hour.
We concluded with being responsible for one’s self. Conclusively, emotions are powerful. Women need to know how to control – not abandon how they feel to fit a mold, but control and constructively consider themselves and others when simply living life.
Her transparency continued into her reasoning of why she struggles with being okay that her husband is treating her poorly. She said that last year she got angry at him. She said she left him and went and prostituted herself, but got caught. She said she was picked up for a warrant and spent time in jail. She said she got doped up on crack right before Law Enforcement arrived. She said she chose this because she was feeling miserable about herself. She said that she knew she did wrong and was ugly in the way of getting back to him. She said she doesn’t want to just hurt his feelings when she is angry, she wants to ruin him. She said she knew how to do it - to get the big bucks and binge on crack. Instead of using the money for something more constructive {although from an activity that was in itself destructive} she got strung out. While discussing this with me, her diction was that she was disappointed in herself, but her body language and expressions [smiling, laughing] indicated that she enjoyed this activity very much.
This contrast made me ponder what it must be like to walk in the steps of prostituting. Also, what is it like to be strung out on crack? She indicates that it was to get back at a loved one. All of this was a consequence of anger?
I probed her for how she deals with anger now: “I talk about it. I yell and scream and get angry, but I stay put. I’ve learned here. But I get angry at pretty much anything”. I asked her if she felt the same deep emotion of joy or happiness, as she does anger. She said no.
Call me shallow, but the homeless population range in an array of descriptive physical features. Some look healthy and you would never be able to classify them as homeless, or even poor. This lady didn’t have teeth. I’m not sure where they went or what happened to them. Does she want to replace them? The process and budgeting side of my brain doesn’t understand having a multi-diamond ring on her left hand but not having any teeth. I’m not saying one has to have their teeth or even one tooth at all, but where’s the logic to this? I don’t even know the expense to creating a new set of teeth, but I figure it must be the same, if not less as a multi-carat diamond. Where’s the logic to most of the decisions these clients are making? Not anywhere near here.
Journal on Group Thoughts
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------02/04/2010
The group appeared to be better functioning than the week before. An African American, late twenty year old female was quiet. The week prior this guest was not quiet. She ran her mouth and collaborated with other women to challenge me. Turns out she was feeling ill. She had recently had surgery. Her illness allowed the rest of the guests to communicate during the group discussion of “bullying”.
Most of the women indicated times of bullying as gender oriented {which gender you might ask? MEN}. They referenced men cutting them down in line to dinner or throwing harsh words out just because.
One woman provoked majority of the other women: “I hate when a man refers to me as mama”. She indicated that she “Ain’t his mama and wants to be called by her name”. She said she deals with that issue by addressing him calmly in introducing herself with her real name. She said her temper flares – or loses control when he continues to pester her. Words are powerful.
Another female reported that she hates that if a man does threaten her, or bully her in line, that security doesn’t help. She said that even if they see it, they won’t do anything. We discussed alternate ways to address their rights not being violated. I encouraged her, along with a friend for support, to address an alternate staff or care manager in what she can and cannot expect from security [as I don’t know the rules]. Quickly, she said it wouldn’t help or it wouldn’t get what she wanted.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------02/09/2010
Today, one lady referenced her new husband [as of Saturday/confirmed by her new bling on the left finger] while I visited with her in her room. She said he lives at the Bridge and they met prior to being at the Bridge. She stated that she is raging with anger today. She indicated that she is angry because her husband wants her to be a wallflower. She said when he is with men, as he is downstairs right now, he wants her to shut her mouth and not say a thing. She reports him being incredibly giving and kind to her one-on-one. She said that this is a new behavior for him; to shut her out. She reported that she hates it and it makes her want to lose her temper.
It’s easy for me to think that some women ask for what they get because of how they treat people. There are also other women who don’t do anything wrong and get poorly treated. We discussed treating others as you want to be treated, without expectation of the outcome. We discussed rights, invisible boundaries and expectations. This social problem stems back to simple logic, respect, and communication between man and woman, woman to woman, and man to man. It addresses self-awareness, roles, expectations, and skills in which to address 1 – how something/someone makes you feel 2 – how to respond, not react to how this someone/something makes you feel. Where do you even start in creating change? I need a life time to engage a woman on this topic. . . not an hour.
We concluded with being responsible for one’s self. Conclusively, emotions are powerful. Women need to know how to control – not abandon how they feel to fit a mold, but control and constructively consider themselves and others when simply living life.
Her transparency continued into her reasoning of why she struggles with being okay that her husband is treating her poorly. She said that last year she got angry at him. She said she left him and went and prostituted herself, but got caught. She said she was picked up for a warrant and spent time in jail. She said she got doped up on crack right before Law Enforcement arrived. She said she chose this because she was feeling miserable about herself. She said that she knew she did wrong and was ugly in the way of getting back to him. She said she doesn’t want to just hurt his feelings when she is angry, she wants to ruin him. She said she knew how to do it - to get the big bucks and binge on crack. Instead of using the money for something more constructive {although from an activity that was in itself destructive} she got strung out. While discussing this with me, her diction was that she was disappointed in herself, but her body language and expressions [smiling, laughing] indicated that she enjoyed this activity very much.
This contrast made me ponder what it must be like to walk in the steps of prostituting. Also, what is it like to be strung out on crack? She indicates that it was to get back at a loved one. All of this was a consequence of anger?
I probed her for how she deals with anger now: “I talk about it. I yell and scream and get angry, but I stay put. I’ve learned here. But I get angry at pretty much anything”. I asked her if she felt the same deep emotion of joy or happiness, as she does anger. She said no.
Call me shallow, but the homeless population range in an array of descriptive physical features. Some look healthy and you would never be able to classify them as homeless, or even poor. This lady didn’t have teeth. I’m not sure where they went or what happened to them. Does she want to replace them? The process and budgeting side of my brain doesn’t understand having a multi-diamond ring on her left hand but not having any teeth. I’m not saying one has to have their teeth or even one tooth at all, but where’s the logic to this? I don’t even know the expense to creating a new set of teeth, but I figure it must be the same, if not less as a multi-carat diamond. Where’s the logic to most of the decisions these clients are making? Not anywhere near here.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
::: perspective :::
“Believer, look back through all your experience, and think of the way in which the Lord your God has led you in the wilderness, and how He has fed and clothed you everyday—how He has suffered your poor behavior—how He has put up with all your murmurings and all your longings after the flesh-pots of Egypt—how He has opened the rock to supply you and fed you with manna that came down from heaven. Think of how His grace has been sufficient for you in all your troubles—how His blood has been a pardon to you in all your sins—how His rod and His staff have comforted you…
Surely as we meditate on the love of the Lord, our hearts burn within us, and we long to love Him more.”
-Surgeon, Morning and Evening
From Laura Brittain's tumbler.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Monday, February 01, 2010
if I could attach a memo, i would.
Miss Life says "Abby" over and over and I've got it on tape.
Woods gets a little upset when this happens.
She tries to tell her to say "Woods!"
Then she ends up yelling at her "Say WOODS!"
Last night, I stopped in. Life was bathing. She kept saying "poop".
With distress, Larsen said "Life do NOT poop in the bath tub"
She smiled. Looked over at me. Said "pooooop"
So Larsen just plopped her on the toilet.
I think this is a one of a kind photo.
I love her. We are bonded.
I just wish I had more time with her.
I just wish I had more time with her.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)