Flying!

I love to fly, truly I do. Every since I got back from the Peace Corps my nervous flierness went away and I just enjoy being in an airport and on the plane. It is great people watching and since I am not bothered by much even having a delay is not all that bad. My favorite time is fly is really early in the morning with all the business people or at night. It is amazing to have a window seat when you are flying into Detroit, the city just lights up. when you are flying at night and get on the correct side of the plane you can watch the sun set which I was currently doing while typing this. See pictures below!



Since I have flow with my sister, her husband, Austin, and McKenna, I love to listen to Mothers and what they tell their children because I have been there. For example: Mom "Please do jumping jacks before getting on the plane" Child: Jumping and doing somersaults while waiting for the plane! I also find myself texting my sister something funny a mom told her child because I could see my sister saying the same thing. Even though Austin and McKenna were great while we were flying, I have a better understanding of travel with children and find I am little more patience, smile a little more as a child is crying because he/she is really just trying to get comforty to sleep, or when the boys behind me kick my seat every once in a while.




I hope next time you fly, you have a little more patiences and understanding for that little home, laugh when you over hear a Mom tell her son to do somersaults to get ride of extra enegry or offer a hand to parent who is struggling with their stroller. Also, if you happen to fly Southwest, I recommend the Hot Chocolate, the stirrer will make you smile :)

Life is So Good!

She is my JOY!

Why you may ask... well let me tell you! Yes, I am always a half filled kind of lady!

Getting an amazing 7 hours of sleep... being able to Skype in one of my fav PCVs so she can see her Aunt's Wedding... being surrounded around my Denver Family... the joy they bring me... cuddle time with a little baby... the things that little ones say... being a kid again as I am jumping on a bouncing castle... beautiful sunshine... endless laughing... a friend who knows when I am fading and offers to take me home that moment... fireworks... outdoor music... friends that care... realizing it is not about aksing Why but rather Why not.... making DA food... taking a morning walk while the sun is raising... chips and salsa... party scarfs... memories going through my head that make me laugh out loud... Talking with my bestest PCV

Yes.. that was my weekend in a nutshell!

Bittersweet!

As many of you know I am now living in Denver. I am getting my Masters in Social Work out there and so far so good. I see the mountians every morning and it reminds me of Dominica, I have a core group of social work friends, I am part of the volleyball community and I have been adopted by a Peace Corps volunteer family. Life is truly good.

Why bittersweet you ask? Well, currently I am typing this on my laptop in a plane 30,000 in the air,cool huh? I have two amazing worlds I live in all the time, the life in Michigan (where I was born and raised) and the life in Colorado (where I am now developing). It is always bittersweet to leave Michigan. For the last 10 days I have been filled with so much joy, activities, laughter, time to relax, naps on my fav couches, cuddle time with McKenna, and play time with Austin. It has been amazing but it is time to go back to CO and I am ready. I have learned something about myself, I am a woman of routine, even though I like to move and shake, I need my feet planted.

It is bitter sweet because once again I am leaving my lovies, I become Skype Chucky to my Austin and McKenna, phone calls to my best friend, and a distance relative. I have chosen this life style and my family supports it but it still carries a bittersweet feeling every time I have to leave MI to go back to CO!

Sharing

Maybe my blog will turn into, "Why my day was great!" I am not sure!

But here is why my day was amazing!

Today I was able to gather around with all my social work friends and share a meal together from my favorite restaurant that I did not have to pay for. The University did a welcome back luncheon! I had an amazing Yoga class that simply cleared my mind and a workout that left my abs sore! I am feeling good that I am a little ahead of the game in school.

What made today marvelous was I was able to meet a dear social work friend at the half way point between our house and delivery her some freshly, just out of the oven, still hot banana! JOY! Then walking back into my apartment to the smell of bread!

Now, I am going to go to my neighbor to see if she is home and offer her some banana bread as well!

Life is good if you look at the little joys!

Lovely Sunday!

Today I had an amazing day that must be shared!




Went for a quick dog walk (I do NOT own a dog but was dog sitting!) this morning before the sun came up! Spent the afternoon hiking in the mountains with great convos with one of my favorite fellow social workers! Took an amazing afternoon nap! Got caught up with some school work so I do not feel overwhelmed! Saw my babies and got a computer hug and kiss from Austin and a close smile from McKenna! They light up soul! Then played a wonderful game of volleyball! Made some marvelous veggie pizza that I am thrived to eat for lunch tomorrow! Finally, cleared out some clutter in my personal life (plate was a little full!)! Now it is off to bed!

Live IN the Moments!

Happy Birthday To Me!

Today is My Birthday! What a better post than showing off the students I have worked with over the last 1.5 years! They have brought me so much joy, a little frustration but have improved their skills!


- Grade 2 - Yes, this pictures sums up all their little personalities!



- Grade 3 -


- Grade 3 -


- Grade 1 -

A Thank You!

I want to share with you a sweet and thoughtful letter the woman I work with gave me. I will carry these kind words with me as I continue my career as a social worker and for the times I believe I have not made a change.

“ I was pretty excited in making my first craft doll as a small token of appreciation to my councilor. She is regarded by me of importance and great help. The various topics dealt with were educational and will be of great help for the enhancing of growth and improvement. Thank you for your help Michelle”



As a Thank You and good bye gift she made me a doll (who I believe looks like me, brown hair and sunglasses too big for the face!)! The dress is the Dominican Flag at the top with the liberation colors for the puff at the end. The other item is a mat made out of a rice bag and local fabrics. When she handed it to me she said, “Michelle, this is American and Dominica!” It took me a minute but if you look closer it is a map of Dominica with each parish being a different color and around the edge is red, white and blue fabrics! They were very thoughtful gifts that I will cherish for a life time!