winter storm 2010 part deux

Bonner Party? After hearing from a few of my neighbors on facebook, that are updating by candlelight on their I-phones because their power has gone out, I am getting a little worried.

Ironic, as I had previously posted on facebook:

"snowmageddon"?! Who coined that phrase? Chicken Little??? Puleeze! People who live in the mountains are laughing at you! It's just a snow storm... Sit back and enjoy a warm beverage and a good book and relax already!6 hours ago

Not so easy to relax now.

This is a wild storm. Unpredictable. I have never heard of snow lightning before this year. Yet the kids and the pup had a blast.

Wish us luck. If you don't hear from me in the near future, please send the National Guard to dig us out.

Cha Cha Cha Changes...

The last few months have been about changes.

Changes in our family. Changes in health status. Changes in professional pursuits. Changes in academic pursuits. Changes in mobility.

I have been rolling (funny considering I am part-time in a wheelchair) through a lot of these changes, trying to do so, without a lot of thought...just to survive. Thinking too much, hurts.
I have a mental checklist, where I set basic goals and just try to get through the day.

By some fluke, I ended up taking a health and wellness course on-line this semester, to fulfill my Phys Ed credit requirements. This is forcing me to really think about my physical health, my mental health and life in general.

In the course, there was an ABC dateline video, of a young woman, an amputee, who decided to plow though the pain, and trained to compete in the IRON MAN competition! She didn't finish first, but, she didn't finish last...most importantly, she finished.

She looks at people with 2 legs, who don't use them to their capacity, and thinks "what a waste."

No matter what our disabilities are, we all have gifts and skills at our disposal. Sometimes it takes some trials and tribulations in our lives to realize what these gifts are. Sometimes it is the gift of pure drive and determination, or positive attitude, or if you're really lucky, a group of really supportive family and friends who stand by you. When one gift may falter, hopefully another gifts picks up the slack...and then comes grace.

Which brings me to the inspirational portion of this blog session...it was one of my grandmother's favorites.

God has not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives through.

God has not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.

God has not promised
We shall not know
Toil and temptation,
Trouble and woe;
He has not told us
We shall not bear,
Many a burden,
Many a care.

But God HAS promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the laborer,
Light for the way,
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love.

(author unknown)