I have a confession to make...I am under the age of 30, I am employed full-time, I volunteer in the community, I am of able body and strong mind, and I am a mall walker. Yes, that's right. I'm not retired, crotchety, or a stay-at-home mom and I have resorted to laps around the shopping mall for exercise. I don't see others like me out there, but that's alright, I'm not afraid to be an original. I told this to my girlfriend Elaine, she went home and told her husband. His response - "that's embarrassing!!" It's not embarrassing. It's practical and absolutely free. So I am announcing it to the world - I am a proud mall walker and I am not going to hide it any longer (okay, I've honestly only been doing it since I moved and live close to the mall, but I still thought I should share).
I leave to India Friday. I will send emails each day from the journey.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Valentine's Day
Well...the dreaded V-day has come and gone. Someone referred to it as Black Tuesday, which I found rather amusing. I spent much of the day at the Kansas Capitol building in Topeka speaking with law makers (if you know anything about me, you know this was considered fun for me). I also participated in a tradition I have held for approximately five years.
In high school I decided I despise Valentine's Day. School organizations would sell balloons, candy and carnations to raise money. They would deliver the items to the student's classrooms. I was often a recipient of these gifts - I don't detest the day because I was left out, rather because it made other women feel left out. I remember at least two girls who ordered flowers or balloons for themselves so they could walk around the halls during the day and feel special. What kind of holiday reduces women to that level of desperation? I decided then that Valentine's Day is a worthless commercial holiday. People in relationships are often upset because reality never meets expectations; people alone feel lonely. Why do we do this to ourselves? I'm still not sure.
Anyway, sometime in my early twenties I discovered the remedy to my dislike for the holiday. I decided to make women, single women, feel special. For the past five years I buy bouquets and roses for women. I take vacation time from work and I act as the delivery person and deliver the flowers personally. Now I look forward to the holiday every year. It is amazing the joy that a single rose can bring. It isn't just the flower; it's that somebody acknowledged them, somebody cares for them, they matter to someone. For some it represents hope deferred, for some it reminds them of better days. It doesn't really matter. It is a meaningful tradition that I aim to keep. The only rule is - they have to be single. I do have one exception, I also deliver flowers to women who gave birth to a baby that year. Each year I buy a couple extra because I inevitably meet women along the way who need a little joy.
A few years ago a surprise rose was given to a widow who worked in the office of someone I was delivering flowers to. She asked my friend later why I had done that. The answer was so she would feel special. She has made my list of annual deliveries. I saw her yesterday and it brought a smile to her face. There are two single gals who have not dated for some time. When I showed up yesterday, one of them said, "Sheri, I can't believe you do this. How many years have you been doing this?" Before I arrived she looked down, when I left she had a smile and was smelling her rose. That was a beautiful picture, and well worth the effort. My surprise recipient this year is on the facilities staff at one of the offices I visited. I'm only vaguely familiar with her story. She looked like she was having a bad day, it was apparent in her face and body language. It was like she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. I gave her the flower, a hug and said, "Happy Valentine's Day." The weight lifted. She smiled, one of those genuine smiles that can light up a room. These little interactions have made a meaningless holiday a beautiful celebration of women - special women that offer their gifts to the world, but don't have a special someone to recognize their beauty. You guessed it, I had a wonderful Valentine's Day.
I was curious, so I looked up the history of the day. If you'd like to know, visit http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/valentine/?page=history
To all of the amazing women who are my friends and family - Happy Valentine's Day. I hope you know that you are special.
In high school I decided I despise Valentine's Day. School organizations would sell balloons, candy and carnations to raise money. They would deliver the items to the student's classrooms. I was often a recipient of these gifts - I don't detest the day because I was left out, rather because it made other women feel left out. I remember at least two girls who ordered flowers or balloons for themselves so they could walk around the halls during the day and feel special. What kind of holiday reduces women to that level of desperation? I decided then that Valentine's Day is a worthless commercial holiday. People in relationships are often upset because reality never meets expectations; people alone feel lonely. Why do we do this to ourselves? I'm still not sure.
Anyway, sometime in my early twenties I discovered the remedy to my dislike for the holiday. I decided to make women, single women, feel special. For the past five years I buy bouquets and roses for women. I take vacation time from work and I act as the delivery person and deliver the flowers personally. Now I look forward to the holiday every year. It is amazing the joy that a single rose can bring. It isn't just the flower; it's that somebody acknowledged them, somebody cares for them, they matter to someone. For some it represents hope deferred, for some it reminds them of better days. It doesn't really matter. It is a meaningful tradition that I aim to keep. The only rule is - they have to be single. I do have one exception, I also deliver flowers to women who gave birth to a baby that year. Each year I buy a couple extra because I inevitably meet women along the way who need a little joy.
A few years ago a surprise rose was given to a widow who worked in the office of someone I was delivering flowers to. She asked my friend later why I had done that. The answer was so she would feel special. She has made my list of annual deliveries. I saw her yesterday and it brought a smile to her face. There are two single gals who have not dated for some time. When I showed up yesterday, one of them said, "Sheri, I can't believe you do this. How many years have you been doing this?" Before I arrived she looked down, when I left she had a smile and was smelling her rose. That was a beautiful picture, and well worth the effort. My surprise recipient this year is on the facilities staff at one of the offices I visited. I'm only vaguely familiar with her story. She looked like she was having a bad day, it was apparent in her face and body language. It was like she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. I gave her the flower, a hug and said, "Happy Valentine's Day." The weight lifted. She smiled, one of those genuine smiles that can light up a room. These little interactions have made a meaningless holiday a beautiful celebration of women - special women that offer their gifts to the world, but don't have a special someone to recognize their beauty. You guessed it, I had a wonderful Valentine's Day.
I was curious, so I looked up the history of the day. If you'd like to know, visit http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/valentine/?page=history
To all of the amazing women who are my friends and family - Happy Valentine's Day. I hope you know that you are special.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Jayhawk Basketball
In case you didn't know, I am an avid KU Jayhawk basketball fan. I have been a season ticket holder for two seasons. I go to as many games as possible (less often lately). I took Prem Das to a game. What an exciting game it was!!! We played Oklahoma. At one point we were behind by 17 points - in the last four minutes we pulled it out. In the end we won by one point. Everyone in Allen Fieldhouse was standing and screaming for those last four minutes. It was sooo exciting! Prem Das said it was a truly unique American experience - college basketball. He said, "Indian commentary. The red team dominated. Then the white team stole it back in the end." He called his son immediately following the game. He said I gave him bruises. I couldn't help myself. Everytime we made a basket I would hit in the arm with jubilation to say - did you see that, can you believe we might actually win this! It was an edge of your seat victory. I was glad to share it with him. Enjoy the pic!
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Miraculous
Prem Das came from Tuni, India to Kansas City to visit for one week. By all accounts, the trip has been a success. He described a number of the events as "a miracle" - I will borrow that language because I don't have a better way to describe what happened in one weeks time.Miracle Number One: A non-profit organization in Kansas City has agreed to supply medical items for a start-up clinic in India. I will transport the first batch of medical supplies in a suitcase on my trip this month. It is totally legal - I promise! Prem Das said he has been praying for this opportunity for more than 15 years. He predicts this partnership will help 30,000 - 40,000 people and will meet a basic need for medical care. That would have been enough, but wait, there's more...
Miracle Number Two: A church in Kansas City has offered to fund a second children's home. This is a dream that Prem Das has carried for years. This orphanage will be near his home town. A small group will be traveling to India in late June (my second trip in 2006) to look at the possibility and logistics of making this dream a reality. Imagine...a second orphanage to provide shelter, food, clothing, education, love and hope to hundreds of children (estimated 300-500) in India. This impacts the region for generations! This will effect these children's children. Amazing!!! I have been designated the liaison by both groups. What an opportunity!
Miracle Number Three: A local construction company is willing to fund building materials and send man power to do building projects overseas. This would likely happen in 2007, the projects would be new homes in a village or infrastructure for the new orphanage.
Miracle Number Four: Another local NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) is willing to partner with us to take groups of 20 volunteers once per year to do the work. I will be the trip leader and the first "official" trip will likely be in 2007. The details are TBD.
Miracle Number Five: A local group grants funds for water projects abroad. They are excited about the possibility of helping in India and Sri Lanka tsunami regions. I will be working with my friend in California and his NGO to complete a grant process. If funded, he will have enough money to provide clean drinking water to thousands!
We have had other small victories in his time here, but I thought I would share the outstanding things that have happened in his short visit. Did I say, amazing? I am in awe.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Update
It seems the pace of my life never seems to reach less than break-neck speed! I have officially completed the application process for the PhD program. Now I wait. I should know the result in March some time.
I have moved. I took the Friday off prior to the move and packed. Fiona and her daughter Sheridan came over to help. I packed late into the evening, went to work on Saturday morning, then moved everything I own to the new location. It was raining that day. I have made a vow...I vow not to move myself again. In the future, I choose to pay someone to pack my life and move my stuff. Whatever the cost, it is worth it! With confidence I can say, I have very, very good friends. I was cranky, it seemed everything with the move was going wrong, the rain was a nice touch, but inspite of it all - people showed up to help. WOW!! Thank you to Fiona, Delenn, Elaine, Jeannie, Karen, Angela, Kelsey, Yasmine, and Gamil. The men had it rough!! I moved from a second story apartment to a third story condo. My furniture is heavy. The one benefit of moving, you realize how much junk you own. As I was packing. I looked at things and asked myself, "do I REALLY want to move this?" The answer was often, "no." I am still working on making it home, but I am glad to have the move behind me.
Prem Das has arrived from India, via Houston where he was visiting his son. We have already attended three meetings and have many more scheduled for the week. I will post some pics. One story I just have to share...when I picked him up from the airport and we were loading my car he said, "ahh, a jeep." Then nothing else. I didn't think much about it. The next day he told me he has always wanted to ride in a jeep. In India, jeeps are the vehicle of choice for dignitaries, the rich and important - I have a vehicle of the gods!! He also made a joke about the heated seats. He is going to return to India and tell the children that Sheri burnt him without fire. I guess there is some folk tale involving burning with no fire. We laughed about it until I was in tears and could hardly see the road. I am very grateful for the time I have with him. I know I respect him greatly and admire the work he is doing, but it is a privilege to get to know him on a personal level; share jokes, stories and experiences. I will post pictures soon.
I have moved. I took the Friday off prior to the move and packed. Fiona and her daughter Sheridan came over to help. I packed late into the evening, went to work on Saturday morning, then moved everything I own to the new location. It was raining that day. I have made a vow...I vow not to move myself again. In the future, I choose to pay someone to pack my life and move my stuff. Whatever the cost, it is worth it! With confidence I can say, I have very, very good friends. I was cranky, it seemed everything with the move was going wrong, the rain was a nice touch, but inspite of it all - people showed up to help. WOW!! Thank you to Fiona, Delenn, Elaine, Jeannie, Karen, Angela, Kelsey, Yasmine, and Gamil. The men had it rough!! I moved from a second story apartment to a third story condo. My furniture is heavy. The one benefit of moving, you realize how much junk you own. As I was packing. I looked at things and asked myself, "do I REALLY want to move this?" The answer was often, "no." I am still working on making it home, but I am glad to have the move behind me.
Prem Das has arrived from India, via Houston where he was visiting his son. We have already attended three meetings and have many more scheduled for the week. I will post some pics. One story I just have to share...when I picked him up from the airport and we were loading my car he said, "ahh, a jeep." Then nothing else. I didn't think much about it. The next day he told me he has always wanted to ride in a jeep. In India, jeeps are the vehicle of choice for dignitaries, the rich and important - I have a vehicle of the gods!! He also made a joke about the heated seats. He is going to return to India and tell the children that Sheri burnt him without fire. I guess there is some folk tale involving burning with no fire. We laughed about it until I was in tears and could hardly see the road. I am very grateful for the time I have with him. I know I respect him greatly and admire the work he is doing, but it is a privilege to get to know him on a personal level; share jokes, stories and experiences. I will post pictures soon.
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