Stress is bad.
Who knew? It leads to sleepless nights, headaches, crazy dreams, colds, and cold sores. The antibiotics can take away the cold sores, but not the stress. Unfortunately.
Reasons I could be stressed?
Work.
I don't really have a crazy personal life of drama at this point in my life (which is a HUGE blessing) and I have a wonderful family (of whom are really far away) but my job, isn't exactly a stress-free environment (as I know most jobs aren't). Social Work though, I think is in the same category of Doctors. MD's help heal the body. Social Workers try to heal the soul. Key word being, try, but as most Christians would know...People need Jesus, not other people. I get caught in the trap sometimes (ok often) that I can help heal people by giving them lots of Jackie. Actually all of me. Jackie can bring a smile, laughter and maybe some relief for a time, but Jesus can bring Healing, Life and Redemption for all Eternity. Hmmm.
Yes, Self Care is important... I know this from working a day in this field, but apparently my body is telling me to "TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!" and PRAY. HARD.
I will De-Stress by:
*Spending Time With My Maker
*Praying For My Kids, NOT Worrying
*Hitting The Gym
All of these, I hope to accomplish tonight. Ok...I better get going on my list! :) If you think to, pray for me and that I would be committed to giving the people around me Jesus, not just jackie.
Goodbye Stress!
Love, Jackie
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Well, Hello There
What a great way to end the weekend.
The doctors office.
Who would have thought? I made an appt tonight and after a "quick" walk back from Ken Cafe with my iced vanilla chai latte and a stop to my bestie's house for the second Harry Potter book, I made my way over to Kaiser. Not usually something I'm pretty stoked about, ya know, the doctors isn't like the place to be on a Saturday night or a relaxing Sunday evening event...but let me tell you! I've never had a better experience.
The doctor's name was Muhammad Ashori. Now don't tell me that kind of makes you nervous. Nothing against the Middle East (shout-out Venish!) but there's something comforting about having a name that sounds familiar. Well, all of this was out the window the second this incredibly gorgeous Arabic/White man walked in the room. It was one of those times you think... so glad I'm not in here for something like: HIV status results or anything more awkward than the common cold... but needless to say... What a guy! He was beautiful!
AND ridiculously sarcarstic and hilarious. I proceeded to tell him about northern california kaisers and why they don't share records, he responded with "bastards." Then I was telling him about my job and he responded with "Yeah, so you totally have like the easiest job ever. No stress at all." We ended the visit with him telling me to email my primary female doctor with this exact email: "Dude, Get me some refill meds or I will shank you." "We respond well to threats. Us doctors, we're actually total wimps." Muhammad Ashori, I love you. You're Totally Wicked.
Ah, well I am feeling better (after M Dawg Ashori ;) and am getting myself pumped for Monday. You just have to be ready. Its like, if you walk into the office at 9am not 100% prepared, you're setting yourself up to fail. I like to be prepared.
Hope I get sick again really soon,
<3
The doctors office.
Who would have thought? I made an appt tonight and after a "quick" walk back from Ken Cafe with my iced vanilla chai latte and a stop to my bestie's house for the second Harry Potter book, I made my way over to Kaiser. Not usually something I'm pretty stoked about, ya know, the doctors isn't like the place to be on a Saturday night or a relaxing Sunday evening event...but let me tell you! I've never had a better experience.
The doctor's name was Muhammad Ashori. Now don't tell me that kind of makes you nervous. Nothing against the Middle East (shout-out Venish!) but there's something comforting about having a name that sounds familiar. Well, all of this was out the window the second this incredibly gorgeous Arabic/White man walked in the room. It was one of those times you think... so glad I'm not in here for something like: HIV status results or anything more awkward than the common cold... but needless to say... What a guy! He was beautiful!
AND ridiculously sarcarstic and hilarious. I proceeded to tell him about northern california kaisers and why they don't share records, he responded with "bastards." Then I was telling him about my job and he responded with "Yeah, so you totally have like the easiest job ever. No stress at all." We ended the visit with him telling me to email my primary female doctor with this exact email: "Dude, Get me some refill meds or I will shank you." "We respond well to threats. Us doctors, we're actually total wimps." Muhammad Ashori, I love you. You're Totally Wicked.
Ah, well I am feeling better (after M Dawg Ashori ;) and am getting myself pumped for Monday. You just have to be ready. Its like, if you walk into the office at 9am not 100% prepared, you're setting yourself up to fail. I like to be prepared.
Hope I get sick again really soon,
<3
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Working overtime and loving it.
Gosh, its a weird feeling to come home to an empty house. Who likes that in general? (If you live with roommates) But you would think after a long, tiring, weekend I would be stoked! Well...its nice and quiet
...but I miss my kids!
What a crazy realization that I am 100% fully and completely in the perfect job. For how long? Who knows! But I absolutely L O V E these transition age youth. I love everything about them: their stories, their jokes, their ghetto-ness, their smiles, their tears, and their hearts. I spent all weekend with 'em. I miss 'em already.
To sum up a very FUN. AMAZING. and EXCITING week/weekend, I went up to Sacramento for a youth conference about advocacy! The organization is California Coalition for Youth and I'm thinking about applying to sit on their board of directors. I took 2 of my kids from my program and both were stoked to go. We laughed, we sat in conferences, we saw some KiNgs play, we sat in jacuzzis, swam in the pool, walked to the Capitol, talked with Marty Block and other legislative staff, ate lots of food, and spents lots of quality time. I usually meet with my kids (on average) once a week with maybe a phone call in between because they are college kids and for the most part, pretty self-sufficient. Therefore, I was kind of nervous (is that the right word?) about having so much time together. Its like...you either gonna love 'em or you're gonna hate 'em by the time the conference is over....and I. just. freaking. love. them.
My girl I brought was pretty clingy to me and at first, I have to admit, I was kind of annoyed. Then... it dawned on me. She really wanted to hang out, she wanted to talk and tell me all about her, she wanted love, she wanted attention, she wanted guidance. She wanted more of me. It was really interesting to watch this all play out but let me tell you, after a 4 hour conversation last night following the many others... I think all the beans got spilled. :) Tears. Laughs. and God made all that over-time worth it. Its like adrenaline starts pumping through my veins when people start letting walls down. I get this surge of LIFE and energy and PASSION and it feeds me. I. love. people. I love loving broken kids! I will never stop loving them! They need love. Real. Love.
After notes back and forth during seminars about God. Questions. Concerns and Long Conversations of me explaining that God is the only thing that can filling our longing souls for love, relationships, intimacy, our weekend ended with her telling me on the plane today that she stayed up last night "reading the same thing you probably were. The bible" (I showed her mine and told her to start in John)
...I don't think I can describe the eternal reward for this moment but the tears are filling my eyes now as I pray for her delicate, torn heart to be pieced back together by The One and Only Healer of all.
...but I miss my kids!
What a crazy realization that I am 100% fully and completely in the perfect job. For how long? Who knows! But I absolutely L O V E these transition age youth. I love everything about them: their stories, their jokes, their ghetto-ness, their smiles, their tears, and their hearts. I spent all weekend with 'em. I miss 'em already.
To sum up a very FUN. AMAZING. and EXCITING week/weekend, I went up to Sacramento for a youth conference about advocacy! The organization is California Coalition for Youth and I'm thinking about applying to sit on their board of directors. I took 2 of my kids from my program and both were stoked to go. We laughed, we sat in conferences, we saw some KiNgs play, we sat in jacuzzis, swam in the pool, walked to the Capitol, talked with Marty Block and other legislative staff, ate lots of food, and spents lots of quality time. I usually meet with my kids (on average) once a week with maybe a phone call in between because they are college kids and for the most part, pretty self-sufficient. Therefore, I was kind of nervous (is that the right word?) about having so much time together. Its like...you either gonna love 'em or you're gonna hate 'em by the time the conference is over....and I. just. freaking. love. them.
My girl I brought was pretty clingy to me and at first, I have to admit, I was kind of annoyed. Then... it dawned on me. She really wanted to hang out, she wanted to talk and tell me all about her, she wanted love, she wanted attention, she wanted guidance. She wanted more of me. It was really interesting to watch this all play out but let me tell you, after a 4 hour conversation last night following the many others... I think all the beans got spilled. :) Tears. Laughs. and God made all that over-time worth it. Its like adrenaline starts pumping through my veins when people start letting walls down. I get this surge of LIFE and energy and PASSION and it feeds me. I. love. people. I love loving broken kids! I will never stop loving them! They need love. Real. Love.
After notes back and forth during seminars about God. Questions. Concerns and Long Conversations of me explaining that God is the only thing that can filling our longing souls for love, relationships, intimacy, our weekend ended with her telling me on the plane today that she stayed up last night "reading the same thing you probably were. The bible" (I showed her mine and told her to start in John)
...I don't think I can describe the eternal reward for this moment but the tears are filling my eyes now as I pray for her delicate, torn heart to be pieced back together by The One and Only Healer of all.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Work and Margaritas
There's something to say about working overtime without getting paid...and not minding that.
I love my job.
...and margaritas.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not
I am your friend, your partner
I am here to help you and make you stronger.
A am full of good hard work and sweat
Something you do, you will never regret.
When you come back to me, I cut you slack
I love you, but do you love me back?
The Gym
I am here to help you and make you stronger.
A am full of good hard work and sweat
Something you do, you will never regret.
When you come back to me, I cut you slack
I love you, but do you love me back?
The Gym
Monday, March 15, 2010
Marvelous Mondays
Things I enjoyed today:
1. Renting Books From the Library (and Gardeners)
2. Wearing sunglasses after I get off work (and feeling like its 3pm)
3. This Car (and the color purple)
1. Renting Books From the Library (and Gardeners)
2. Wearing sunglasses after I get off work (and feeling like its 3pm)
3. This Car (and the color purple)
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Saving Daylight... Why do we do this?
It doesn't take much for me to consider you a great weekend, I mean, I'm pretty easy to please.
This was Saturday & Sunday for ya...
1. Shopping: Check! (2 jackets, New MAC eye liner, brush and some Hair Products later)
2. Relaxing: Check! (Love some down time)
3. Family & Friends: Check! (Saturday night with some of my girls & Chipotle and a nice talk with my parents!)
4. JESUS: Check! (Found an awesome church that I think might be home)*
5. Exercise: Check! (Hike to Cowles this afternoon was so beautiful)
I'm feeling pretty good about Monday. With a nice weekend like this under my belt, Monday shouldn't have any CODM affects on me. I'm looking forward to next weekend and my trip to Sacramento for the Taking Action 2010 Conference with my youth! I'm way stoked but even before that, we have a Ladies Night this Friday with our girls focusing on Healthy Relationships. Rubios, I Can Do Bad All By Myself and some fun conversation will make for nothing less than a good story. :)
Its already 8:30?!? Oh yeah...we saved some daylight for later. I better not feel how I did this morning, tomorrow! (7:20a was a little too ambitious)
* http://www.newbreak.org/
This was Saturday & Sunday for ya...
1. Shopping: Check! (2 jackets, New MAC eye liner, brush and some Hair Products later)
2. Relaxing: Check! (Love some down time)
3. Family & Friends: Check! (Saturday night with some of my girls & Chipotle and a nice talk with my parents!)
4. JESUS: Check! (Found an awesome church that I think might be home)*
5. Exercise: Check! (Hike to Cowles this afternoon was so beautiful)
I'm feeling pretty good about Monday. With a nice weekend like this under my belt, Monday shouldn't have any CODM affects on me. I'm looking forward to next weekend and my trip to Sacramento for the Taking Action 2010 Conference with my youth! I'm way stoked but even before that, we have a Ladies Night this Friday with our girls focusing on Healthy Relationships. Rubios, I Can Do Bad All By Myself and some fun conversation will make for nothing less than a good story. :)
Its already 8:30?!? Oh yeah...we saved some daylight for later. I better not feel how I did this morning, tomorrow! (7:20a was a little too ambitious)
* http://www.newbreak.org/
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Can't we ever just have a salat or somesing?
What do you get when you mix broccoli, apple slices, advocado, bits of monteray jack cheese, sweet tender chicken chunks and caesar dressing? Strawberries? ...An AMAZING SALAT!* Salads are SO GOOD! Praise God!
For a while, I was like "if I see one more leafy green thing, I might gag" so I was eating anything but salads. I'm pleased to announce...My love has returned. Ok so I know Caesar dressing is not like the "skinny girl dressing" but shoot, its good. Any salad topped with caesar dressing (Girards to be exact) is perfection. I've been totally into fruit and since I had marinated my chicken (Which was totally nast when I ate it with plain brown rice) in teriyaki sauce...It turned out to be a great sweet combination! Yum! Ok...enough about salats.
Today was another "Laughing until the tears are streaming down your face" kind of day at work. Ahh. :) I think what did it today was the 20 minute conversation at the end of the day sharing cat stories. I had about 9 of my own and my bosses and co-workers combined with some ridiculous stories from the show "Hoarders," which he loves, created the laugh-fest! One of my co-workers abhors cats and I couldn't even finish the story about running over our cat's tail that left a skid mark without tears streaming down my face. I love laughing...its medicine to my soul. I personally think it needs to be apart of every work day to even balance the other side of our work. With budget cuts on the horizon, things have the potential to be grey around the office.
The situation: In social services, it all comes down to funding. Programs either get funding or they don't. Our budget is now on the chopping block due to the proposed budget eliminating the entire THP+ program this coming fiscal year (July). Bummer. You know what's incredible cool though?
I rest in the peace and plans of my Savior and King. I was realizing last night that in times of trial (or potential trial) God completely delights Himself in being our strength. God works in all situations of our lives, but there is something very special about being at the complete mercy of God's strength and power. Desperation frees us to cling to the One and Only thing that we need, never get enough of. Oh may God draw me closer as I learn to trust in His good plans for my life!
God willing, we will find out around April what our job situation looks like and about how many youth we serve will be instantly homeless. Needless to say, I'm praying for some funding.
On a fun note, I got chosen to represent our agency with two of my service partners at the Taking Action Conference 2010 in Sacramento! We will be flying up there March 21st, staying in the Embassy Suites, hitting up a Kings game (my boys!) and marching to the capitol to speak with legislators and Senate/Assembly members about youth programs and budget cuts that will impact these programs. We are hoping to voice our opinions about the new proposed budget...and make a difference. It will be an awesome time with my kids and a fun trip! I hope to sneak in some time to see the family too, if I can. :)
Well I'm off to study some of God's word in my Beth Moore study. More revelations later...
Trust Him with you life, Beloved!
*Nacho Libre
For a while, I was like "if I see one more leafy green thing, I might gag" so I was eating anything but salads. I'm pleased to announce...My love has returned. Ok so I know Caesar dressing is not like the "skinny girl dressing" but shoot, its good. Any salad topped with caesar dressing (Girards to be exact) is perfection. I've been totally into fruit and since I had marinated my chicken (Which was totally nast when I ate it with plain brown rice) in teriyaki sauce...It turned out to be a great sweet combination! Yum! Ok...enough about salats.
Today was another "Laughing until the tears are streaming down your face" kind of day at work. Ahh. :) I think what did it today was the 20 minute conversation at the end of the day sharing cat stories. I had about 9 of my own and my bosses and co-workers combined with some ridiculous stories from the show "Hoarders," which he loves, created the laugh-fest! One of my co-workers abhors cats and I couldn't even finish the story about running over our cat's tail that left a skid mark without tears streaming down my face. I love laughing...its medicine to my soul. I personally think it needs to be apart of every work day to even balance the other side of our work. With budget cuts on the horizon, things have the potential to be grey around the office.
The situation: In social services, it all comes down to funding. Programs either get funding or they don't. Our budget is now on the chopping block due to the proposed budget eliminating the entire THP+ program this coming fiscal year (July). Bummer. You know what's incredible cool though?
I rest in the peace and plans of my Savior and King. I was realizing last night that in times of trial (or potential trial) God completely delights Himself in being our strength. God works in all situations of our lives, but there is something very special about being at the complete mercy of God's strength and power. Desperation frees us to cling to the One and Only thing that we need, never get enough of. Oh may God draw me closer as I learn to trust in His good plans for my life!
God willing, we will find out around April what our job situation looks like and about how many youth we serve will be instantly homeless. Needless to say, I'm praying for some funding.
On a fun note, I got chosen to represent our agency with two of my service partners at the Taking Action Conference 2010 in Sacramento! We will be flying up there March 21st, staying in the Embassy Suites, hitting up a Kings game (my boys!) and marching to the capitol to speak with legislators and Senate/Assembly members about youth programs and budget cuts that will impact these programs. We are hoping to voice our opinions about the new proposed budget...and make a difference. It will be an awesome time with my kids and a fun trip! I hope to sneak in some time to see the family too, if I can. :)
Well I'm off to study some of God's word in my Beth Moore study. More revelations later...
Trust Him with you life, Beloved!
*Nacho Libre
Friday, March 5, 2010
The Perfect Age
Blog, bloggity blog...what to write about? Oh! I turned 25!
I didn't even know it because this week was spent ditching and dodging a darn cold! I worked last weekend (all weekend I might add) with 20 little kids up at Harrahs, babysittin' for some sweet cash. The end result...$300 paycheck and a cold. :( I also think one of my kids had strep last time we met for case management. Awesome!
I'm a pretty good fighter though because as I sit here, I'm feeling great! Not so good this morning at work but I think my spirits are lifted as I'm lounging after a great dinner with friends on a Friday night. I'm getting pretty excited for some rainy birthday celebrations tomorrow night...but before that, let's recap my actual birthday on Wednesday.
March 3, 2010 I turned Twenty-Five.
Yep, quarter of a century and I feel as young as ever! After my 40 year old boss said "Happy birthday" he said ..."and if I hear any comments about getting old, they won't be without a rolling of my eyes."
I'm young friends... YOUNG! 30 is the new 20 and I'm not even in the late twenties yet. Nope, right smack dab in the middle. "The Perfect Age" as my boss describes it. Lots of people seemed to add to their birthday wish that "this was going to be my year." Not sure what that means, but I like it.
Wednesday was great...first thing my co-workers said was "Happy Birthday" [Always good when they remember] I got an awesome free mexican lunch and after work two of my best friends and I went to Babycakes in Hillcrest for a birthday cupcake and a coffee. What could be sweeter? :) We talked the night away and stayed out late* All in all, a great way to bring in the Perfect Age.
Tomorrow I'm looking forward to a morning rain hike with the roomies. Its predicted to rain, but we decided RAIN or shine...we're hittin' Torrey Pines. Then (my latest idea) of a pedicure directly following the hike...how awesome to just cruise right in there and peel off those socks? HA! jk, I'll shower first. Then maybe take a nap, watch a movie, read a book, etc. etc. then begin getting ready for dinner out with all the good friends! I'm very thankful for all of the great people in my life and I'm excited to share my bday party with none other than my roomie, Kamar. Her birthday is the 25th (like my mom!) so we are joining our birthdays. My goal is to make memories, take some dang pictures and enjoy the Perfect Age. I only get this age for one year...I better make the most of it!
[25.The Best Year Ever including a list of goals coming soon] :)
For now, its off to continue fighting the cold so I can get some beauty rest for the fun events tomorrow.
*late=10pm
Peace & Love,
I didn't even know it because this week was spent ditching and dodging a darn cold! I worked last weekend (all weekend I might add) with 20 little kids up at Harrahs, babysittin' for some sweet cash. The end result...$300 paycheck and a cold. :( I also think one of my kids had strep last time we met for case management. Awesome!
I'm a pretty good fighter though because as I sit here, I'm feeling great! Not so good this morning at work but I think my spirits are lifted as I'm lounging after a great dinner with friends on a Friday night. I'm getting pretty excited for some rainy birthday celebrations tomorrow night...but before that, let's recap my actual birthday on Wednesday.
March 3, 2010 I turned Twenty-Five.
Yep, quarter of a century and I feel as young as ever! After my 40 year old boss said "Happy birthday" he said ..."and if I hear any comments about getting old, they won't be without a rolling of my eyes."
I'm young friends... YOUNG! 30 is the new 20 and I'm not even in the late twenties yet. Nope, right smack dab in the middle. "The Perfect Age" as my boss describes it. Lots of people seemed to add to their birthday wish that "this was going to be my year." Not sure what that means, but I like it.
Wednesday was great...first thing my co-workers said was "Happy Birthday" [Always good when they remember] I got an awesome free mexican lunch and after work two of my best friends and I went to Babycakes in Hillcrest for a birthday cupcake and a coffee. What could be sweeter? :) We talked the night away and stayed out late* All in all, a great way to bring in the Perfect Age.
Tomorrow I'm looking forward to a morning rain hike with the roomies. Its predicted to rain, but we decided RAIN or shine...we're hittin' Torrey Pines. Then (my latest idea) of a pedicure directly following the hike...how awesome to just cruise right in there and peel off those socks? HA! jk, I'll shower first. Then maybe take a nap, watch a movie, read a book, etc. etc. then begin getting ready for dinner out with all the good friends! I'm very thankful for all of the great people in my life and I'm excited to share my bday party with none other than my roomie, Kamar. Her birthday is the 25th (like my mom!) so we are joining our birthdays. My goal is to make memories, take some dang pictures and enjoy the Perfect Age. I only get this age for one year...I better make the most of it!
[25.The Best Year Ever including a list of goals coming soon] :)
For now, its off to continue fighting the cold so I can get some beauty rest for the fun events tomorrow.
*late=10pm
Peace & Love,
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