UJ: happy new year!

This year will be a calm new year's eve for me. I have been working a lot during the holiday season....and this holiday is no different.

So...I will be boring this year. I will probably fall asleep before midnight since I have to be at work tomorrow at about 6:30am.

I kind of like having a quiet new years....and it reminds me that everyday is no different than another. Tomorrow...in many ways will just be like any other Wednesday. And I am quite content with that!

So...happy new year all. I hope I am as blessed in the year to come as I have been in this one....and the same to all of you!

UJ: cloning

So...the news story broke yesterday that there was the first human clone.

http://foxnews.com/story/0,2933,73987,00.html

Ok, that is just creepy...for a few reasons. One, cloning a human being...I wanted to be pro-science, but it just seems so wrong to me. I mean, there is a woman out there (if this is true) who just had a baby who is has the same genetic that she does. She will look just like her....now come on, isn't that creepy? I mean...imagine the implications. If this becomes standard than parents will have DNA frozen when they have their children and if by chance...something tragic happens or even if their children don't turn out as they planned, they can just implant that DNA into another embryo and have a whole new chance at raising that child. It's creepy....it's slimy...it just seems immoral to me. Well....my son turned out to be a murder, hmm...let's just have him born again and re-try. hmmpf....don't like that at all!

And...from all the other cloning research, they have been a high number of deformities. One of the sheeps which was cloned has been aging more rapidly than it is supposed to. And there have been a lot of problems with the cows.....missing limbs, etc. Obviously, it is not a perfect science, but yeah....let's just play around with it and play around with people's hope. *grumbles*

And my final complaint....is the group who did the cloning. I thought it must be a joke...but nope, the group who cloned them is called Clonaid and are a part of the Raelians cult. Yep...a cult who believes that life on earth was created by alien life form. hmm...say wha??? So...the crazy cult people have told us that they made a human clone. Now...this is just too much.

I just saw one of the Raelian scientists....Brigitte Boisselier....who talked all about proof and science concerning the cloned baby. Umm...ok, can you show me the proof and science that supports that human life was created by aliens?

*shakes head in disbelievement* These seems like a cheesy premise to an 80s movie....not something that is real. hmmpf....

UJ: christmas reflection.....

Christmas has come and gone....well, kind of in my world since I will also be having a belated Christmas with my family in the middle of January.

I was at Shalom in the morning....and driving was kind of an issue since there was about 6 inches of snow on the ground. I was out and driving before most people....so, the roads weren't really plowed and I did a horrible job of uncovering my car, so let's just say I was lucky to make it there.

But once I got there, my luck kept going. There were a few volunteers already there and waiting to help and before it became 7:30am....the place was full of volunteers. I am always so impressed with the amount of volunteers that we get on holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. It really is wondeful. It takes a special kind of person...a special kind of family to come out in the early hours of the morning on Christmas day and volunteer. I am constantly amazed....

There was this one family....mom, dad and a little boy who was about six years old. They showed up at about 8am and helped us for about two hours before they headed upstairs to go to church. I really felt the Christmas spirit from these people....especially the little boy. He hadn't opened his Christmas presents yet....and wouldn't be doing that until he got home this afternoon. I know I didn't have that discipline and dedication when I was his age....since to me Christmas was all about the presents! So, seeing this little boy....who put volunteering and helping others in front of what Santa brought him....was a highlight of my day.

And all around the day was cheery....we had some great food. We served a huge breakfast which consisted of biscuits and gravy, eggs, potatoes, sausage, and bacon. There was enough food to feed people three times over....which is always a nice sight to see. I have begun to really like spending my holidays at Shalom.

And after we closed the center at about 1pm....I drove home, carefully! And then called my friend Jenni to see how the roads were between Bloomington and Brownsburg. Well, they weren't that bad. They weren't good either, but I decided I was gonna go. And as I was driving...they were pretty good until I got right into Brownsburg and then suddenly they were horrible. I was driving about 5 miles an hour....but I got there safe and sound.

Jenni's family is so wonderful....we chatted for a bit. I got to see all the lovely gifts that they opened this morning and then her grandparents came over and we had a really nice dinner. And her mom is so great....she always remembers the vegetarian friendly food that I like...and makes them for me. I brought some of my mom's fudge and cookies, which they loved. Jenni's mom just loved my mom's fudge, which will make her happy.

And then we all sat and opened presents...and jenni's family was so wonderful to me. Jenni bought me a great Vermont Old Navy shirt and a sunflower hand towel. Jenni's parents bought me a nice scarf...a little figurine and a gift certificate to Target (since they find it deplorable that I had never been to a Target before moving to Indiana). And her grandparents also got me a nice gift certificate to a restaurant here in town. It was such a nice surprise and so unexpected. I was so honored just to be able to spend Christmas with her family....and I didn't expect them to get me gifts of any kind. Once again...I can't express how wonderful her family is...and how blessed I feel to consider them my Indiana family.

And after the present time, we just kinda sat around and chatted....and then since it was getting late...it was time for me to drive home. The roads were much better by the time I drove home...but since it was dark and I knew I wouldn't be able to see the ice if there was any, I drove quite slow. I made it home safe and sound....and quickly fell right asleep.

All in all....a pretty great Christmas!

*hugs*

UJ: christmas reflection.....

Christmas has come and gone....well, kind of in my world since I will also be having a belated Christmas with my family in the middle of January.

I was at Shalom in the morning....and driving was kind of an issue since there was about 6 inches of snow on the ground. I was out and driving before most people....so, the roads weren't really plowed and I did a horrible job of uncovering my car, so let's just say I was lucky to make it there.

But once I got there, my luck kept going. There were a few volunteers already there and waiting to help and before it became 7:30am....the place was full of volunteers. I am always so impressed with the amount of volunteers that we get on holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. It really is wondeful. It takes a special kind of person...a special kind of family to come out in the early hours of the morning on Christmas day and volunteer. I am constantly amazed....

There was this one family....mom, dad and a little boy who was about six years old. They showed up at about 8am and helped us for about two hours before they headed upstairs to go to church. I really felt the Christmas spirit from these people....especially the little boy. He hadn't opened his Christmas presents yet....and wouldn't be doing that until he got home this afternoon. I know I didn't have that discipline and dedication when I was his age....since to me Christmas was all about the presents! So, seeing this little boy....who put volunteering and helping others in front of what Santa brought him....was a highlight of my day.

And all around the day was cheery....we had some great food. We served a huge breakfast which consisted of biscuits and gravy, eggs, potatoes, sausage, and bacon. There was enough food to feed people three times over....which is always a nice sight to see. I have begun to really like spending my holidays at Shalom.

And after we closed the center at about 1pm....I drove home, carefully! And then called my friend Jenni to see how the roads were between Bloomington and Brownsburg. Well, they weren't that bad. They weren't good either, but I decided I was gonna go. And as I was driving...they were pretty good until I got right into Brownsburg and then suddenly they were horrible. I was driving about 5 miles an hour....but I got there safe and sound.

Jenni's family is so wonderful....we chatted for a bit. I got to see all the lovely gifts that they opened this morning and then her grandparents came over and we had a really nice dinner. And her mom is so great....she always remembers the vegetarian friendly food that I like...and makes them for me. I brought some of my mom's fudge and cookies, which they loved. Jenni's mom just loved my mom's fudge, which will make her happy.

And then we all sat and opened presents...and jenni's family was so wonderful to me. Jenni bought me a great Vermont Old Navy shirt and a sunflower hand towel. Jenni's parents bought me a nice scarf...a little figurine and a gift certificate to Target (since they find it deplorable that I had never been to a Target before moving to Indiana). And her grandparents also got me a nice gift certificate to a restaurant here in town. It was such a nice surprise and so unexpected. I was so honored just to be able to spend Christmas with her family....and I didn't expect them to get me gifts of any kind. Once again...I can't express how wonderful her family is...and how blessed I feel to consider them my Indiana family.

And after the present time, we just kinda sat around and chatted....and then since it was getting late...it was time for me to drive home. The roads were much better by the time I drove home...but since it was dark and I knew I wouldn't be able to see the ice if there was any, I drove quite slow. I made it home safe and sound....and quickly fell right asleep.

All in all....a pretty great Christmas!

*hugs*

UJ: christmas eve is upon us....

This morning when I woke up, it didn't really feel like Christmas eve. I woke up at a little after 5am just like every other day when I open at the center....so, it kinda just felt like any other day. I thought about how it didn't feel like Christmas Eve when I was driving into work and wondering what this year's Christmas was going to feel like, since it is the first year ever that I haven't been home with my family....

But then I got to work....and the day began. And it is one thing that is amazing about Shalom....it is amazing to me how the spirit of the holidays is alive and well with the guests and the community. We had more volunteers than I expected, which was a gift. We had some students who were out of school and some other community members who wanted to spend their Eve working in the kitchen....

And....I don't know if I was in the situation that some of the Shalom guests...not knowing where my next meal was going to be, living in a shelter by someone else's rules, etc...if I would have such a positive and uplifting attitude. These smiling faces were wishing those a "merry christmas" and just enjoying the time of year. I think I would be much more bitter if I was in their situation. Sometimes I learn more from the individuals I ahve worked with than I ever give to them...and they remind me to be thankful for all the graces and gifts in my life, no matter how small.

I have had people tell me how sorry they are that I have to work on Christmas day....and that I probably miss being with my family. Well, yes...I do. I will miss spending the day with my family, BUT....I don't feel sorry for myself for being at Shalom. It is actually quite the opposite. I feel grateful that I have some place like Shalom to be....I felt that way on Thanksgiving and I know I will feel that way tomorrow.

I think this might be one of the first year's which Christmas hasn't been about me. I'll admit it, I was one of the most spoiled children growing up. Christmas was all about me....when I wanted to get up, what I was getting for Christmas, Did I get more presents than my brother, etc... Christmas was about family, but most importantly it was about me and gimme, gimme, gimme. I guess that is normal, but I am not that proud of how self-centered I was growing up....in many ways. I was very blessed growing up and I think I took it for granted that everyone had the opportunities that I did.

So...this year, I see a much broader perspective. Christmas isn't about gifts...since I really am not getting any on the actual day. Christmas is about being surrounded by people you love and spending time together...celebrating! So, maybe for the first time...I have found what Christmas meant...sometimes I wish I had the perspective to concretely know before!

Happy Holidays to everyone! I hope you are all surrounded by people you love....

UJ: work craziness and memorial....

Today was crazy busy at work today....I think I had gotten used to working part time, but now I am really liking being back in the full time swing of things. Today I was a part of a committee which interviewed two candidates for the new positions in the new Family Resource Center. And then I interviewed the final candidate who will be doing her BSW practicum at Shalom next semester. I also went to a agency wide meeting in town for a couple of hours...and ran around doing errands for the center. So, I have spent a lot of time running from thing to thing to thing today....but right in the middle of the day, there was something quite wondeful.

Today we had the homeless memorial at Shalom. It is a service where we remember those who passed away in the last year who also were homeless. The pastor of the service really emphasized that no one is forgotten....in the eyes of God. And that the heart of God is large and encompassing. I am not a hugely religious person, but this meant something to me...it got to me. I do believe that there is a God of some sort and that God is loving and forgiving and compassionate. I don't believe in the hateful and vengeful God that so many religions do....and this service emphasized that point. I have seen a few of these ceremonies and they always mean a lot to me. The individuals we honored in many respects aren't remembered...and to most, aren't missed. That is truly sad....that some people's presence aren't missed or even noticed. To me...it is even sadder those people whose presence isn't noticed while they are still here. I work with many of these people everyday...and I wish people would take the time. I wish they would open their eyes and listen....because the people I see and chat with at Shalom have some of the greatest stories to tell.

One thing that lit a spark in me...is the reporter who came from the newspaper today. She sat in on the service and talked with many of the guests and staff. As she was leaving, I thanked her for coming. She said something as we parted. She said she was a member of this church and she attends the Christmas service every year with 500+ people...all singing the praises of the Lord, etc....but she said this small service at Shalom with maybe 20 or 30 people, was really what Christmas was about. Her comments were warming...they made me smile. And even more, they made me extremely pleased that a women with this perspective is writing an article about our agency and the work we do.

All in all...a great day! It's days like this that energize me...that refresh my enthusiasm. It would be an understatement to say today was a good day.

And now...off to a party. My friend Lindsay is graduating tomorrow and having a little shindig to celebrate!

*winks*

UJ: wet dog....

Ok, this is kinda a funny/embarrassing story, but I will share it with y'all anyway. Okay, here is the background. We have this man at the community center who has been bringing puppies for the last two weeks. Now these are the CUTEST puppies EVER! I mean, I don't think I have ever seen such cute puppies in my life. They are so little...and this adorable golden color and just so fuzzy! So, for the past weeks I have enjoyed petting and holding and playing with these puppies while I have been at work. Oh lord...they are just TOO cute.

So...today he brought the last two puppies in to the center today. And I spent probably an hour holding them and petting them. One of the puppies curled up on my chest and sat there for a while....when I was in the office and trying to get things done, but it is hard to concentrate when you have an adorable puppy to distract you.

Well, after work I had to run to UPS to pick up a package I had waiting...and it had been raining all day long and it continued to come down while I was driving home. So, I get out of the car at UPS and open the back seat to find my wallet which is hidden somewhere in my car. While I am out in the rain and getting kinda wet...I notice it kinda smells like wet dog. I look around to see if there is a dog around until I realize....

It's me....I smell like a wet dog!!!!! lol Since I had the dog all over my sweater and then it got wet...it was me who smelled like a wet dog! Yep...pretty dang funny eh?

Even if is a tad embarrassing....it is too good of a story not to share.

I hope everyone else's Wednesday is finding them well....and that they find something to giggle about!

love-

UJ: new job....yeah!!!!!

hey y'all....just wanted to update that I was OFFICIALLY offered the Director's position at the Shalom Family Center. It had been said that I would be the person, but nothing was official until today....

Well...it still isn't quite official just yet, but it is on me. I need to meet with the fiscal people and work out the contract and then it is my turn to accept or deny it. And of course, I will accept it!

So...good news for me!

And on a not so good note....Shelley is sick AGAIN! I love Shalom, but good god....it is a breading ground for colds. They say that you are sick the whole first year and then your body adjusts, so yep...I am sick again! It started with a sinus cold and then moved to coughing. I think I am starting to feel better....but you never know! *winks*

So...YEAH for me about the new job!! and *pouts* about being sickly....

much love-

UJ: vegetarian confession....

So, I have been a vegetarian for a few years now...and for the most part, I don't miss meat. I enjoy the food I eat and most of the time, just the smell of meat makes me cringe. Like the smell of BBQ...ewww....couldn't think of anything worse.

But...every once in a while, I will want something that is meat related. It is never anything fancy, but I will get a little craving. Now mind you...I don't eat meat, but sometimes I will get little cravings and wish that I could.

So...today I was running some errands. And I went to the grocery store and bought some yummy pasta and then I headed to another part of town. I parked in the Blockbuster parking lot to return a video...and right next to it, there was a KFC. Usually the smell of the fried chicken is not attractive at all, but today....mmm...it smelled good. I don't know why.....but something in me wanted some chicken. I didn't eat it...and I can justify it that it was 2:30pm and i hadn't eaten yet today, so my stomach and brain just wanted any kind of food, etc...

I have had these craving before...and it is always for some trashy fast food king of thing. Like...the 3/4 pounder with cheese from McDonalds. Some days....if I see a commercial, I will really want one.

So...today my vegetarian self was craving KFC....ick....boggles the mind!

UJ: shalom update

I haven't said much about this because I tend to live the philosophy of not counting your chickens until they hatch. And I always have that fear that talking about good things that *might* happen will jinx them! But oh well....here goes!

But...I have interviewed for a new position at Shalom. We are opening a new family resource center in January and I interviewed for the center's Director position. I had an initial interview about 2 weeks ago and then had a follow up interview last week.

The Director at Shalom aka my boss...she highly encouraged me to apply for the new position. She said she hired me with the advancement position in mind. It will be such an honor and a challenge if I am given this position....and I look forward to what it might bring.

And the director and the president of the Shalom Board, they are both so supportive of me. They are always sharing with me the strengths I have and why they think I am the perfect person for the job. Maybe they saw my doubts...but none the less....all they have been is singing my praises and reminding me what I bring to Shalom. I am grateful for them and how they remind me to sell myself and to show the world what I have to give.

So...now it looks like I should be given the position...if the uppity ups will just meet and sign off, etc. We did have one hiccup...when the people in charge of the money didn't think I was old enough to be the director of anything (they still might believe that) but it was wonderful to see the director and board president stand up for me and say how my age is an asset to the new center.....

So...the process has been such a gift to me. I have learned a lot about myself and what I bring to an organization. And I believe that I will be given this new position....and look forward to what it will bring.

And if you want to, feel free to cross your fingers for me! *winks*

UJ: shelley the mechanic

You know...all in all, I am very car ignorant. I never knew much about cars and I never really wanted to, but since I have had my car...and as it gets older, I have had to spend more time taking care of it. Well...in the past few days, I have felt more like a mechanic than anything else.

My power steering didn't seem like it was working well...the wheel was hard turning and it was sticking, especially when I turned to the left in my lovely parking lot. And my radiator has been leaking quite a bit lately....it isn't a large leak, but it has been sucking down coolant fluid.

So...when I was at Wal-Mart this week, I bought some power steering fluid and also bought a little stop leak kit for my radiator. I have been feeling like a little mechanic and so far...everything is fixed. The power steering is turning like it is brand new....and the radiator has stopped leaking for now. I know it will leak again, but it was a victory for me.

The best thing for me....was calling my dad to tell him. He is quite good with fixing cars...and usually I sound like the dumb girl who doesn't know about cars when I call him. I told him the things I did...and he seemed quite proud.

So...if this social worker thing doesn't work out, maybe I will just become a mechanic! *KIDDING* *BIG TIME KIDDING*

happy friday everyone....