Tough Week

Last week was rough--I pushed my body too hard last Sunday during the 1/2 marathon and then paid for it.  Muscles acted up and it was really hard to walk. My leg and side were constantly spasming.  Baclofen really helped the spasms and allowed me to at least function during the day. Spent Saturday inside the entire day just resting and then attempted to go for a walk.  However, the arms and legs were incredibly weak. 

Last week made me angry.  I hated that I was unable to run and do other activities that I would have wanted to do. I was angry that my body was acting the way it was.  

I was in New Paltz, NY yesterday afternoon and was able to spend some good time at a coffee shop journalling and getting my thoughts and feelings out. I was also able to spend some time in prayer, which I realized I lacked all week. 

This week is already off to a better start....only taken one pill today and my legs are co-operating!!!!

Maine

    Sail boats in the Portland Harbor. York Beach 

While in 5th grade, geography class focused on studying all 50 states, requiring students to be knowledgeable not only of all the states and their geographic location, but their capitols as well.  Projects were also required of each student to write a report about each state. My state was Maine. Since writing the report, a dream and goal of mine was to go to Maine.  16 years later, that dream came true. My co-worker, Emily, and I went to York for her to run in a 5k race and for me to run a 1/2 marathon. We then adventured to Freeport and to Portland. I excelled in eating my first lobster, walked the sandy, crittered filled beach, enjoyed the multitude of New England Clam Chowder, wore my winter coat in the 48 degree evening temperature, ate my first Whippie Pie, and heard the term "wicked" in almost every phrase or sentence.  It was a gorgeous, fun-filled weekend away from the city and being a 4 1/2 hour drive--it's a perfect weekend gettaway. 

Governor's Island

Governor's Island looks like an old college campus; however, the buildings are no longer occupied. Instead, the island is owned by the army.  In the 1920s, the Orville brothers flew a plane for the first time over water from the island.  The mayor at the time, La Guardia wanted to build an airport on the island. After much debate, the island was considered not adequate. 

The picture on the right is a picture taken from the ferry of Manhattan on our way to the island. The picture below (left) is the jazz festival that was taking place.  The band, dancers, and people were dressed from the 1920s.  The picture on the bottom right is my friend Megan, who was trying on fancy, fun hats. 

                                     

Brooklyn--How Sweet It Is

1. The view of Manhattan
2. The Hasidic Jewish population
3. Park Slope Presbyterian Church 
4. Prospect Park
5. Beaches
6. Jacques Torres
7. Block Parties
8. Brownstone 
9. Grimaldi's Pizza
10. One Girl Cookie
11. Parking spots on the street
12. Neighbors watching out for me

Storms

Hannah is extremely popular in New York-- engulfing the media, news, and topics of conversation.  Rain and high winds are expected.  After experiencing tropical storm Erin last year in San Antonio with 11 inches of rain in one day, poor sewage systems and signs that said "don't drown, turn around," I think I can handle Hannah. 

Being in New York and living in the city has definitely been a learning experience about material possessions, especially my car. As apart of my job at the New York Eye and Ear, I travel to Westchester County (north of Manhattan) to the elementary and middle schools to provide audiological services to the hearing impaired students.  Two weeks ago, while on the highway in Queens, I got hit from behind. It hurt my back and caused minimal damage to my car. Through insurance, I got my car fixed (they also fixed all the bumps incurred from people hitting while parked on the street).  I had a perfectly good bumper for one week. While in the elementary school parking lot yesterday, I was hit again.  This time, part of the bumper fell off and became dented. I put the bumper back on and now it's just has a dent and some "wrinkles."

A car is just a car, nothing more. It still works and I'm safe.  Many people have been telling me that I should have the mom in the mini van pay for the damage--but I did not want to go through my insurance again. Accidents happen. My bumper is going to continue get bumped/hit.  Getting mad or upset definitely won't improve the situation or change what has happened. My car is just going to have extra character from living in the city. 

Where I live

Brooklyn, NY

My new home. 

What I have found interesting so far:

• I can't find breakfast tacos ( I have found 1 breakfast burrito)
• coffee shops are everywhere
• Dunkin Donuts out numbers Starbucks
  
• There are 12 rats per every human
• I can go to Brighton Beach and feel like I'm in Russia. 
• When I miss Cincinnati, I can go to Coney Island
• My car will never look the same
• Hebrew is as common as English

I did it Kelly!!!

No matter how much I try to keep my life simple, there are always uncertainties--life becomes crazy-- I don't get enough sleep, my room becomes a mess, and I eat too many chocolate chips.  I am constantly looking and seeking new activities such as traveling to a new place, hiking, camping, climbing, and even running into a new neighborhood. 

Despite all my sins and imperfections and when I become engulfed in the busyness of life, the Lord remains constant--always there and never leaving. Trying to rely on Him and let Him lead my life.

My life is a journey, an unfinished one...