Brain Injury

Dear Shannon, please visit with Koji(pictured left with Jen) to learn which way a helmet should be worn. Actually, I think Shan wore it backwards on purpose. Or did she? I went to see the movie Wipe Out which documents the lives of three extreme athletes who each received a traumatic brain injury. I found myself seeing my clients instead of the faces of the athletes. After the movie, there was a panel discussion and a drawing for prizes which included helmets, goggles, headphones, and skateboards. I crossed my fingers as the first number was read and then I yelled thinking my friend had won only to see the guy in front of me retrieve his free ski passes. My heart beat faster and faster as more numbers were drawn and I imagined myself riding a bike with a brand new helmet. At the end of the night, Jen and Shan each went away with a free helmet while Bethany and I left empty handed.

Twins

I love these girls!

My friend Allison is in town for a few days and Meags and I were able to spend time with her and her twin girls Rosie and Evie. I think I better plan a trip to visit Ben, Allison, and the girls soon.

Welcome, Winter

Pumpkin Carving 2010

Tonight was the annual pumpkin carving party with Jamie and her family, but we missed having Nicole and Marvin in attendance. We watched football, ate dinner, and then the carving began. Jamie was pregnant last year and struggled with cutting the top of the pumpkin and put the blame on pregnancy brain. What's her excuse this year?


I decided to do a polka dot pumpkin. Easy, right? The pumpkin was looking great until I decided to slice my thumb. Jamie looked up as the knife entered and exited my thumb and ran to get a band-aid. I calmly went to the sink and used my 1st Aid certification skills to use in an effort to stop the bleeding. The MVP of the night was Super Glue for fixing the stem of my pumpkin and my finger.

I am becoming Martha Stewart

My friend Corrine is quite the crafter and I mentioned that I would like to make cards with her someday. Well, that someday was today. I thought we would ease into crafting but instead I jumped off a cliff into a pool of cardstock, glitter, and stamps. The star box craft did not turn out as planned, but I can make magnets with the best of them. As for cards, I do well with copying Corrine's design. I apologize in advance if any mutual friends get the same card from Corrine and myself.

On The Road Again

Sharon and I were on our way to dinner tonight when we saw this:

Yes, they are both in wheelchairs and she is helping push his wheelchair.

Life Changes Quickly

One afternoon in June, I was watching the news and saw a story about a car accident involving a pregnant woman and I remember thinking, "do I know anyone who is 7 1/2 months pregnant and drives a Subara?" I would soon remember as I received a call from a friend asking if I had heard about Corrine's car accident. A man had a heart attack and drifted into oncoming traffic and hit my friend head on. Her unborn child saved my friend's life but did not survive the accident.
As I have watched my friend and her family over the past few months, I have renewed faith in the goodness of people and the strength of the human soul. Corrine spent weeks and weeks in the hospital and then a rehabilitation center before going home less than a month ago.
When I visit Corrine, she always asks about my life and that of our other friends and wants to know of our happiness, trials, and day to day life. I know she has difficult days where she wonders why this happened to her, and yet her courage and determination in her healing has taught me much. I am blessed to call her friend.

This just in...

For the record, even with the worst start of a football season since 1973, I am and always will be a BYU fan. And yes, I bleed blue.

Carry on.

God is awake

"I was in so much pain that I didn't have any fight left in me. I let go and decided that whatever was going to happen, would happen. I knew the hospital could not help me and there was nothing left to do except wait. The pain was so unbearable. In the past, I would keep fighting but this time, it wasn't in me."

I felt like I had been kicked in the stomach as I heard these words and I was speechless and yet, I knew that for those words to have been spoken, the pain must have been worst than ever before. My first thoughts we selfish-"You must be around when I get married. You have to meet my children." Quickly my thoughts turned to outward and I forgot about my somewhat trivial concerns.

Watching a loved one live with an illness has changed me...hopefully for the better.

"Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake."
Victor Hugo

Spin Wisdom

I attended a Spin class a couple of weeks ago and I can proudly declare that I completed lotoja. The instructor had competed in the race and felt we, as a class, needed to experience the same. There were many "highlights" during class but maybe the best was when the instructor decided we would do 1 minute pushes. Now, I'm no cycling pro, but I'm pretty sure 1 minute pushes are difficult while on STATIONARY bikes. I have now completed Road Biking 101 and have dropped out of this particular class. Oh, and slow country music does not help me make it up the hill.

Tonight, Rachelle and I attended our regular Monday night Spin and it was fabulous and crazy hard. The music is different every week, we sweat...a lot, and the instructor Lisa often sings along with her music selection. Tina Turner/Lisa told me I'm "Simply the best. Better than all the rest." Then Charlie Daniels informed me that "I'm the best that's ever been." Tim McGraw and Nelly reminded me that "it's all in my head" which pushed me up the hills. At the end, Pink Floyd sang it best with the words "I have become comfortably numb."

Thank you from work

Just a little something I received at the clinic today.

Redfest 2010

Lohra and I went to Redfest at the U last night to see Ben Lee, fun, and Mates of State. I was feeling rather old in the sea of 18 and 19 year-olds and came to the conclusion that I have no sense of fashion. Fast forward to Mates of State because this is where things became interesting. Lohra and I made our way through the crowd and found ourselves on the 3rd-ish row. Lohra touched the fence at the front so technically she can say she was on the front row, right? Wait. We did make our way to the front row by the end of the concert. I re-learned some important lessons while at the concert:

1) Hygiene lessons should be a requirement at any concert. In fact, deodorant should be handed out at the entrance.
2) Flip flops should only be worn at a standing room only concert IF you want to lose a toenail.
3) Going to a concert with a Superfan will make or break any relationship. Background information: A tall guy on the front row knew every word and was very passionate about Mates of State. Halfway through the concert, we noticed what we assume is his girlfriend, standing behind him. Oh, and she was not singing along but did appear to kind of enjoying the show or she was planning her escape.




4) The crowd will do whatever the singer asks. For instance: a comment was made about crowd surfing and soon a line of people were surfing to the front only to be pulled down by security.
5) If you wait long enough, you may get to meet the performers.

Winner!

My friend Rachel invited me to a cooking class this evening. The crowd was small but oh so entertaining. We learned to make caramel rolls, pretzels, and cheeseburger surprise which was a surprise I did not like. Rachel, Meags, and I felt eating the food was more important than actually learning to make the recipes. The head baker and her cohort have an interesting dynamic that I feared may turn into a fist fight at any moment. We entered our names in a drawing, patiently watched rolls sliced, dipped and baked, and then it was time to partake of the goodness. A mom with two young children 'happened' to walk by as the food was being served which meant she no longer had to buy anything since there was free food. A couple on the front row sat in the chairs and ate off the serving plate near the end of the event. Convenient for them? Yes. Not so appealing for the rest of us? Again the answer is yes. It was then time for the drawing and I openly hoped that people would leave so I could win. Meags won a pie and I won....frozen rolls.

I'm a Model

A friend called this morning asking if he could use a picture of me on Cozycush.com and after much deliberation, I said yes. He sent me the picture he wanted to use and I laughed. Find my testimonial* below.

" Its always nice to come home after classes and just relax and forget about the stress of school for a hour. My Cozy Cush is the perfect place to shut my brain off "
- Shelley M. Penn State

*No, I did not attend Penn State and those are not my thoughts about cozy cush products and yet, I do enjoy watching football while lounging on high quality foam.

Hot Stuff

As per tradition, my sister, nephew Syden, and myself met my dad for breakfast at the Eastern Idaho State Fair. Wimpy's has the best breakfast sandwich which I begin craving a week or two before the fair. We placed our order and talked with Glenn's(Wimpy) family. My nephew Syden turned to me and said "Shae, that guy is staring at you." What guy, I asked. "The guy over there." I'm still clueless and Syden says "Shae, the guy on the hot sauce is staring at you. You know, I can find someone like him if that's what you're interested in dating."

I believe

My nephew Syden and I went to the Bull Riding event at the Eastern Idaho State Fair. As we were leaving the fairgrounds, there was a 3 year-old boy being taken to Security because he had been separated from his family. My dad, Syden, and I briefly listened as the police questioned the young boy. On the drive home, Syden asked me over and over again "What happens if the little boy's family doesn't find him." "Will the parents remember they have a son?" As we walked into my parent's home, I asked Sy if he would like to pray for the young boy. My father offered a prayer and then as I drove Sy to his house, we were able to talk about my experience with prayers being answered. Although we don't know the ending of the story for the lost little boy, I believe Sy gained a greater understanding of faith and prayer. Each moment provides an opportunity to teach and learn.

Falling for...

I love fall for many reasons: leaves changing colors, cooler weather, and of course football.

Go BYU!

HOPE*FRIENDSHIP*COURAGE

This morning I was a volunteer during the Sweatin' For Sarah 5K, a benefit run for a friend who was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in June. Approximately 400 people attended the event starting at Highland High School, winding through the streets of Sugarhouse and passing Sarah's house before returning to Highland High. My spot was the turn before runners passed Sarah's house and it was emotional to see Sarah greet friends, family, and community members running to raise money for Sarah. I met a couple celebrating their wedding anniversary by running for a person whom they had never met. I'm sure it was overwhelming for Sarah to see how many people love her and support her during this fight. Often, we do not get to see how many people truly care for us while we are living and I vow to make greater effort in this area to give to those around me.

Dating advice

I went to Alaska last week(pictures to come. I promise.) and stayed with a family of four. The 7 year old daughter Ainsleigh spent time telling me about dating and marriage. I think my nephew must have talked to her before my trip because I felt I had heard her words before. "Be nice. Go on a date. Say yes when he asks you to marry him." Pretty simple. She gave this advice and then told me that she isn't get married because she wants to be a Spinster and stay home and watch tv all day. I wished her well.
The last night in Anchorage, we went out for dinner. Our male waiter was probably 23 years old and Ainsleigh decided I should date him. Each time the waiter came to our table, she would hit me and look up at the guy and smile. It was awesome. When it was time to go, Ainsleigh and I walked out together and we ran into the waiter. He smiled and said have a great night at which point Ainsleigh jumped up and down in excitement and continued to talk about my future with the waiter. If things work out with the guy whose name I don't know and will never see again, Ainsleigh will definitely be a bridesmaid.

Watch

I went to a funeral this morning and watched a friend and her husband grieve for the loss of their child who had yet to take a breath in this life. The daughter they had been waiting for and in one tragic moment, she was gone. My friend has spent the past seven and a half months protecting and caring for this child growing within her only to have the child act as a human band-aid in a car accident and save her mother's (my friend) life.
Her physical pains and injuries are and will continue to heal in the coming months and years. Her emotional pains will take longer.

Just Another Manic Monday

I arrived at my 1p meeting and was feeling confident, well dressed, and prepared...and then I realized my cardigan was inside out. Awesome. Luckily I discovered the problem as I entered the building and laughed all the way to the restroom to make the correction. I should note that I decided at the last minute to drive to Park City to look for a dress and apparently was in a hurry while in the dressing room. I bet I was quite the sight while walking out of BP. This is my life!

Idaho

I've spent a lot of time in Idaho this summer and I must admit that I love that place. Below are just two out of a kazillion reasons why I consider Idaho home.

Yes, that is a rope going from the tree to the pick-up.

And this is Martha. Please excuse her attire as her dress is being cleaned for winter.

Federal Court Update

Sentencing for the case in which I testified was scheduled for February and then moved to May. I left a message for the witness advocate after searching the internet and finding nothing on the case. This is the message I received: Vanessa was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release following the prison term, and required her to pay $1,054,260 in restitution to Medicaid. Co-defendant Bret passed away in March 2010.

So true

I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I'm Tough

My friends Dave and Lori talked me into going to a Krav Maga class. I was supposed to attend last week but instead decided to sit on the 7th row at the Jazz game. I enlisted Meags to attend with me and in preparation for the class, I watched Krav Maga videos. I'm not sure that was a good idea. We arrived for the class and Dave and Lori were nowhere to be found. We waited and decided that if they didn't show up by 7:14p, we would head home. At 7:13, Dave and his son drove into the parking lot and my heart stopped beating.
The class started and we ran in one direction. Dropped to the floor. Ran in the other direction. Push-ups. Jumping Jacks. We found a partner and did knee kicks and punches for what seemed like hours. Ran more and people then went outside to puke. Not me. I'm tough.
The next part of the class involved learning how to protect loved ones. I learned to take a gun from someone and then the choke hold. I'm pretty sure I will recall these moves if ever attacked, but I would kindly ask the attacker to recreate the exact things I learned in class to make it easier. I came away with some killer moves and a bruised jaw, courtesy of a Krav Maga instructor.

Note to Guys

Just a thought: "Wow. You gals look like you've had the work out of your lives" is probably not the best thing to say when greeting friends at the gym.

Exhaustion

Dear Olympics,

I counted down the days until the start of the Olympics and I've faithfully watched events almost every night for the past two weeks. Ice skating is not my favorite event, but I lasted through the short and long(very, very long) program to see Evan win gold. In addition, I spent many afternoons watching hockey, cross country skiing, and curling while at the gym or working from home. I researched stories on the athletes and feel as though we are friends. One might say I'm obsessed with the Olympics and I will have to agree. BUT, I'm tired and need a break. I could turn the television off, but if I have learned anything from the Olympics, it is that I should never give up. So, I will continue watching as many events as possible and then will go into hiding for a week to catch up on sleep.

Go USA!

Sincerely,

Shelley

Update: Missing

Gabriel, Jessica, and Kalea Morris were found this morning in Virginia. I am glad that no one was harmed during the arrest and yet, I know that this is ordeal is not over as there are many unanswered questions.

Message

I awoke this morning to find I had 650 emails. At first, I thought I misread the number of messages and then noticed that the emails kept coming. I then wondered if maybe all 650 of my friends had sent me an email wishing me a happy birthday but that was not the case. I soon received an email from the state explaining that the server was set to run the email notification for missing information every 25 minutes before the new version was deployed and the setting was not changed after deployment. The funny thing is that much of the 'missing' information has already been completed.

Missing

A childhood friend of mine, her husband, and their 4 year-old daughter are missing. They recently moved from Blackfoot, ID to Banden, Oregon and were last seen in the Mesa, Arizona area. My friends husband, Gabriel Morris, faces aggravated murder charges in the deaths of his mother and her boyfriend. Jessica did not show up for work at the beginning of February and her co-workers called the Coos County Sheriff's Office who then went to the home and found a crime scene.
I find myself searching the internet for any updated information and at times it seems unreal. I see the faces of missing children on milk cartons. I read similar stories in the newspaper and watch newscasts on missing persons and yet, I still felt disconnected. Until now.

Oblivious

I went to a meeting with a client this afternoon, and at the end I asked if there was anything else the client would like to talk about. "Yes, Shelley, there is something I need to say. I don't want you to marry Ivan." I was shocked as everyone in the room stared at me so I started to explain the situation. On Friday, I saw this client with a staff member at the Special Olympics Volleyball tournament and we talked for a few minutes. It took me awhile to figure out that he was flirting with me and soon other staff members were encouraging the relationship. Obviously my client had no problem figuring out what was going on during the conversation. Ivan warned me to be careful with some guys because they are jerks and psychos. Thanks for the tip. I reassured my client that I would not be dating his staff and he said it's okay if I date Ivan and receive a ring from him, but I am not allowed to marry him.

Bad Hair

I was talking to Pip this morning and she proceeded to tell me a story about my niece Avry Shae. Avry was upset about something and said "I want Shelley." Ah, my heart began to melt. Pip continued with the story. "Avry, do you want the cat or Aunt Shelley(Shae)?" Uh, wait a minute. There is a cat named Shelley?! Apparently, my niece and nephew think so highly of me that they decided to name a cat after me. Bless them. "I want Shelley. The one with the tangled hair." Whoa! I think this girl is confused. My hair is curly, not tangled.

Scared of the Tax Man

I approach the road that leads me home when I see him. The tax service sign holder. You know, the guy who wears the statue of liberty outfit and has a large red foam hand he waves as I drive by. At first, I would smile and wave, but now I avoid. I think he's memorized my ritualistic comings and goings and just when I think I've made it home without a tax man sighting, 'Ta-Da,' he appears out of nowhere.

*Disclaimer: I understand the tax man gets paid to wave at me and really, I should think of him as my own person welcome home committee. On the flip side, maybe I like to keep a low profile and I think he may be logging my every move in some secret notebook he keeps on his person.

Purpose

"To put away aimlessness and weakness, and to begin to think with purpose, is to enter the ranks of those strong ones who only recognize failure as one of the pathways to attainment, who make all conditions serve them, and who think strongly, attempt fearlessly, and accomplish masterfully." James Allen

A husband for Christmas

My 7 year-old nephew Syden asked to have a heart to heart talk. We sat down in the living room and he began to tell me his plan. "Shae, I saw a commercial for a website where you can enter your information and find a husband. I'm going to write all about you and then someone will marry you."

Merry Christmas to me!

Fire! Fire! Fire!

There are many times when I wonder if the fire alarm system at my place of residence actually works as the main system in the lobby often has a blinking error message. Today I learned that the alarm does work, even when there isn't a fire. I was getting ready to leave the condo when the alarm in our hallway started making a piercing sound that could wake even the heaviest of sleepers. I walked through the condo to make sure I wasn't a possible fire starter and then evacuated the building. Lights in the hallway were flashing and I'm pretty sure I sustained hearing loss from the blaring alarm while walking down the stairs. I stood outside with a couple of neighbors until the fire department gave us the okay to re-enter the building. I quickly gathered my bags and when I was safely in my car, I made an appointment with an audiologist to be fitted for hearing aids.

Perfect Lights

I love Christmas lights. Perfect Christmas lights. I like simple, classy lights. I may or may not scream when I see perfect lights on a house and may or may not have scared my friend in the process. Here are some lights I have seen in Utah and Idaho that do show perfect lights.

Creepy dolls enjoying the Christmas lights outside the window.

Christmas in Utah

You should see the front yard.

This house has a blow up carousel.

At a bookstore near you

* Two women in their 70s meet weekly to edit the book they are writing. Good news, Thelma has quit smoking.

* A man and a woman meet for the first time after chatting online. I'll keep my fingers crossed that Fred has once again found love.

* Cathy, the barista, greets customers by name. "Hi, Ryan." "Hello, Joan. How are your children?" This is the place where everyone knows your name. And your life story.

*Jim talks on the phone with his soon to be ex-wife(don't ask me how I know this. I just do) and argues about the children.

* I see a behaviorist whom I work with on a monthly basis. Good thing I have a monthly summary next to my laptop so it appears as though I am working.

Baby, it's cold outside

I was on I-15 South, heading to a party with a couple of friends when we saw a blue object jump out of the bed of the pick-up in the lane next to us and then heard a crash. We turned to look. I mean. The passengers turned to look while I stayed focused on the road. Yes, that's exactly what happened. The car behind the pick-up swerved to avoid the object and then placed a call on their cell phone. I imagine they were either calling the police or calling the number listed on the window of the pick-up in which the blue object once resided. My friends and I continued our journey to our destination when we saw a plastic swimming pool fly out of the same pick-up and shatter when it hit the pavement. The pick-up driver slowed down for a moment and the sped away. I'm sure they were upset about losing their swimming pool and having to explain to their children that swimming in 20 degree weather will have to wait. Or maybe they fill the pool with hot water and voila, the pool becomes a hot tub in only a matter of minutes.

Night to Remember

I was at the Energy Solutions Arena for a concert last night when I saw him. Matt Harpring. He is a Utah Jazz player who will not be playing this year because of injuries.

After meeting Matt, I was ready to call it a night and then remembered I was at the Arena for the Phil Vassar concert. I have seen Phil a few times and have met him and he is an amazing performer. Bombshell and Bucky Covington opened for him and they were entertaining but not as good as my Phil.

Black Friday

My sister Pip and her friend Cyndee convinced me to wake up at 2:30am to go shopping in Idaho Falls which is thirty minutes away. We arrived at Target and I learned that the store wasn't going to open until 5a and I was left alone in line while Cyndee and Pip went to a different store.

Standing in line

What a great way to transport a Christmas tree.

I was so tired that I decided to take a nap at a department store.

Objection

I testified in Federal Court in Idaho this morning. I'd like to think that I didn't say 'uh' a kazillion times and yet I know that I probably did. I drove home feeling relieved that the day I had prepared for had finally come and gone and that I survived facing my former employers in court.

Bright Light

I was walking from my car to the condo when suddenly there was a bright light and I turned around expecting to see a car with the headlights on bright. To my surprise, I saw a ball of fire sail across the sky and for a couple of seconds, the world was light enough to be noon instead of midnight.

Where am I?

I'm sitting in a bookstore working. Not only do I get to hear great music while writing reports, I also get to people watch. Life is good.

Jury Duty

My mom called a couple weeks ago to tell me she has been called for jury duty in Federal Court in Idaho next month which is ironic because I am testifying in Federal Court next month in the same state.

My Life

"Want me to help you?"

"No thanks. I've learned to adapt."

Love you much

The phone rang at 7:46a and I took a deep breath as I prepared myself for what was going to be said. You see, receiving a call from home at that time of the morning is rarely a good thing. "Shelley, Grandma passed away at 3a this morning. Your mom and I were with her until midnight and knew it wouldn't be long before she let go. " I numbly listened for a few minutes and then hung up the phone.
So many memories flooded my head as I thought about her life and all that she has taught me. In many ways, she was not only my grandma, but also a second mom. As a young girl, myself and my brother briefly lived with my grandparents while our parents were dealing with some major health problems and since that time I have had a special connection with my grandma.
My almost 4 year-old niece said it best when she spoke these words after hearing about grandma, "Heaven came and got Grandma Bingham."

Love you much grandma.

Favorite child

"Syden, do you know which of grandpa and grandma's children is their favorite?"

"Of course I do. My mom and Clay are the favorites because they have kids and you don't."

Note to self: Do not ask 7 year-old nephew any questions without first verifying that he knows the correct answer.

One day

A little library, growing larger every year, is an honourable part of a man's history. It is a man's duty to have books. A library is not a luxury, but one of the necessaries of life.

Henry Ward Beecher

Once a Duck. Always a Duck.

I spent the weekend in Oregon for my brother's PhD. graduation from the University of Oregon.

Here are some highlights from the trip:

Hogwarts professor or PhD graduate?

Visiting with Kaydi Rae.

Portland Rose Garden.

Blue Lake Regional Park.

Relief

I turned in my resignation letter this morning and my last day working for the state will be August 27th. I'll soon be a private support coordinator doing the same job I currently do, but working from home. In my free time, maybe I'll write a book. Learn to cook. Improve my musical abilities.

Life is good.

Shoot!

What did I do over the weekend? I'll show you.

Woodland creatures courtesy of photoshop.

*No animals were harmed during this shooting extravaganza. I cannot say the same for the watermelon, cantaloupe, or lettuce.

I'll Wait for You

My friends and I were leaving a fireside and noticed two guys looking at us. We got in the car and that's when things got interesting. One of the guys came to my window and handed me the following note:

(I have crossed out last names and phone numbers to protect the young, but not-so-innocent guys. If you would like their numbers to ask them out or last names so you can add them as a friend on facebook, let me know).

We responded with the following message and their response is also included:

Ah, the innocence of youth. At this point a guy on a motorcycle pulled up and asked what was going on and then drove off. Our response was "Good luck. Unfortunately, we are a little older than you." Our car was separated from the guys and we again saw the guy on the motorcycle. The driver of our car rolled down the window and let motorcycle guy know she did not appreciate him cheating on her with someone else. And no, I was not the driver.

I do hope Stephen has a great mission and may Sam find love.

Rise and Shout

My friend Kristen and her husband Rob bought a house 8 months ago and vowed in this post to paint over a blue Y on the basketball court. I visited their home yesterday for Kristen's baby shower and this is what I found in the backyard.

Go Cougars!

VIP

I love summer. I love concerts. I love summer concerts at Red Butte Gardens. I saw Chicago last night and Indigo Girls in July. My friend's employers gave us VIP tickets which meant we sat on chairs provided by Red Butte and had access to an unlimited supply of bottled water.