Oscar Sunday

One of my teammates recommended watching Roma. I didn’t know what the film was about, so he explained it to me. I immediately thought of Carmen.

While watching the film, the plot was so much slower than I was expecting. I kept wondering what the point was. Where is this going?

Now that I’ve watched it, I have thought about it every day. Although the film was based on life in Mexico in 1970, it still speaks to life today. Most of the scenes were similar to what I experienced in Bolivia. 

Carmen, setting the table for breakfast. Carmen, cleaning the floors while everyone was at school or work. Carmen, cleaning up after the dog. Carmen, cooking lunch. Carmen, hanging the laundry.

Carmen, tending to me while I was ill. Carmen, making hot tea in the afternoon. Carmen, smiling and resting her hand on my shoulder while I sat at the table.

Carmen, carrying bags of fresh produce through the market. Carmen, instructing me to stay and wait. Carmen, stopping to chat with the store owners, getting the best prices on eggs.

Carmen, taking us to the ice cream shop for a treat on the way home. Carmen, arranging the roses in a vase by the front door. Carmen, opening the gate to let the car into the driveway in the evening.

Day after day.

Yes, the Casita kids touched my heart and I still carry them in my thoughts. Yes, the people at the church befriended me and let me into their world by sharing meals, time, and good company.

But Carmen changed my life. Watching her, day after day, carrying the family in her heart. She cared deeply about making sure everything was in order, just as Mario and Iris had asked. Strong and steady. Resilient and ready. Dependable beyond measure.

Carmen, bendecida por Dios.

Future Dreams

My career saga continues onward, and it’s headed in a good direction. I have peace about the future; I don’t know what it’s going to look like, but I feel superb about the steps I am taking to get there.

     I am finishing up my massage therapy license requirements in ND. I have under 100 hours to complete.

     To finish some of my practice hours, I’ve reached out to the Ronald McDonald House and the Sanford Eating Disorder Unit to see if I can bring my massage chair in to give free chair massages to staff, patients, and guests over the next six months. Both organizations are near and dear to my heart, and I want to give back in whatever way I can.

     Never one to be in a hurry, this process has been about 15 years in the making. 😊 If I had gone the traditional route, the classes and licensing exam would have taken me about one and a half years. But why do it in under two years if I can do it in 15?

·       A few months ago, I signed up to be a recovery mentor through ANAD. I have been in touch with my mentee for almost a month, and I am enjoying taking this step outside my comfort zone. We text a couple times a week.

Initially, I was scared I might say or do something that would set her back or cause further problems.

However, I know from experience that even though it may not seem like much, having someone there to encourage and speak hope can have long-lasting positive impacts. I still look back at past emails or notes from people who have believed in me over the years when I was ready to give up.

·       Wellness! Lol. I don’t know what that word means anymore. I got out of a fitness routine after BIO Girls completed last summer. Although winter shoveling has kept me active, lean, and ripped (why yes, I do flex in the mirror), I need to commit to a schedule of physical health for the sake of my mental health. I’ve been walking the seven flights of stairs at work a couple times a week to regain cardio strength. I ventured out to the free gym a couple times last weekend to lift (and just to get some alone time). 

     The highlight of late has been going to a local open gym to shoot hoops. I was surrounded by middle-schoolers, and absolutely loved it! I am going to make it a point to go at least once a week. Best part? My company sponsors us on wellness activities and equipment, so I got some sweet new basketball shoes for free, courtesy of the greatest place to work. Yes!

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