4.30.12-Teach me to be humble....

A Nurse's Prayer
When I falter, give me courage.
When I tire, renew my strength.
When I weaken because I'm human,
Inspire me on to greater length.
If doctors and patients become demanding,
And days are too short for all my duty,
Help me remember I chose to serve,
To do so with grace, and spiritual beauty.
In humility, Lord, I labour long hours,
And though I sometimes may fret;
My mission is mercy.
Abide with me, that I may never forget.

4.28.12-Hello, Gorgeous!

Check out my video---they took all the theme music from major motion pictures and placed their own words to the music.  It's very shaky, because I had a hard time from not dancing in my seat and not laughing.

And then the best video, their version of "I'm Sexy and I know it"--which is way better, by the way...

3.29.12-A Joy Deep in My Heart

National Youth Sunday 2012
Bridging the Gap (Romans 15:5 – 7, NLT)
Scripture Jam 2 by Marissa Witkovsky

Narrator:  May God…

Lord, why don’t they listen?  Why can’t they see my side?  Obviously this is good!  This is so bad.

Just because I’m…old.  Young!  Conservative.  Because I’m liberal.  Quiet. Loud.

Just because I’m me. Just because I’m different.

All:  Doesn’t mean I’m wrong!

Narrator:  May God, who gives this patience and encouragement…

Are they listening to me?  I don’t want to listen to them.  I don’t want to hear this.  Are they hearing me?

Narrator: Help you live in complete harmony…

For once I’m being stubborn.  I am going to make them hear me.  I won’t give in.   Why should I give in?

All:  It’s their fault.

Narrator:  Live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ…

I am drawing my line in the sand.  My line in the sand.  My line.  I’m drawing my line.

All:  And I’m not crossing it.

Narrator:  Then all of you…

 I don’t know what to do.  What should I do?  I don’t know how to do this.  What now?

Narrator:  All of you can join together with one voice…

I’m not the one who is wrong!  They should come to me!  I am not going to fold.  I will stand here as long as necessary.

Narrator:  With one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…

But we worship together.  We work together.  We are neighbors.  They’re my family.  They’re my friend.  My sister in Christ.  My brother in Christ.

Narrator:  Therefore, accept each other…

But I’m not comfortable!  Not comfortable talking.  Not comfortable listening.  I’m not comfortable with this!

Narrator:  Accept each other…

It makes me so angry!  Scared.  So sad.  Ashamed.

All:  Uncertain.

Narrator:  As Christ has accepted you…

What if they ignore me?  What if I ask a question and they laugh?  What happens if it turns into a “blame game?”  What happens if we can’t fix this?  What if we can’t move on?  Why can’t we compromise?  Why can’t we learn from each other?  Why can’t I cross that line?

Narrator:  So that God will be given glory…

 Just because I have a different idea.  Because I’m not on a committee.  Because I’m new to the church.  Because I don’t have a degree.  Just because I don’t always understand.  Because I disagree.  Because I have a different opinion.  Just because I’m not you.

All:  Doesn’t mean I’m wrong.

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.

4.27.12-Advanced Practice Nurses in DC

The United States Capitol and surrounding Senator and Representative Offices

Benefits of the Affordable Care Act: A Conference Call with Nurses

We spent a very short time lobbying to our Senator about Healthcare.  The ACA (Affordable Care Act) is going to be crucial for me, as I will graduate with a Master's in Clinical Nurse Leadership (CNL), making my title, Heather Galang, RN, MSN CNL.  Nursing Leadership is going to play an important role in the way we look at healthcare, no longer focusing in on treating afterwards, but focusing in on prevention, wellness, and well-being by early prevention and detection, routine and early screening.  Change is coming, and people that are set in their ways by avoiding exercise and diet changes are in for major changes, either financially or through their lifestyle.

3.25.12-Signs

So I had a crazy dream last night (what's new?!).  I feel as though it was preparing me for the news I was to find out this morning, but it could have done a better job.  It's just a reminder to me that I'm going to go about five steps forward, but it is inevitable that there is going to be an encounter that takes me a step backwards.  What drives me crazy is I wish I could know when things like this would happen....like a warning sign.  You have one when dangerous roads are ahead, speed bumps are ahead, or oncoming traffic is going to merge.  Why not with the crap that happens in your life too?  I'd love a warning sign for that too, and one that is a little more blatant than a weird dream that I have.

I just took a small step backwards today, only a small step, not even a baby step, though.

3.24.12-Burma Pack

Getting ready to send in my deposit and information, and still counting down.  Just under 9 months to go, I have three books started, and I check the weather everyday.  When people ask me what I'm doing...they look at me and half-smile, like I'm absolutely crazy and half-smile like it's a really bad and stupid idea.  They are confused and think it's ridiculous.  I get lectured about safety and lectured about priorities.  In the back of my mind, I think about the people of Burma and their safety, the people of Burma and their priorities, and the people of Burma and whether they think education about their country is ridiculous.  I smile and nod to those confused and carry on, because I know it's where I'm supposed to be and go.

3.22.12-Red + Moscato=Roscato

I found my new favorite wine. It's a Red Moscato, which equals Roscato.  

Yummy!

3.21.12-An Evening for me

When the one thing you're looking for
Is nowhere to be found
And you're back stepping all of your moves
Trying to figure it out
You wanna reach out
You wanna give in
Your head's wrapped around what's around the next bend
You wish you could find something warm
'Cause you're shivering cold
It's the first thing you see as you open your eyes
The last thing you say as your're saying goodbye
Something inside you is crying and driving you on
It's the first thing you see as you open your eyes
The last thing you say as your're saying goodbye
Something inside you is crying and driving you on

'Cause if you hadn't found me
I would have found you
I would have found you

3.20.12-Sometimes I talk to the Moon...

Well, it's a marvelous night for a moondance
With the stars up above in your eyes
A fantabulous night to make romance
'Neath the cover of October skies

And all the leaves on the trees are fallin'
To the sound of the breezes that blow
An' I'm trying to please to the callin'
Of your heart strings that play soft and low

And all the nights magic seems to whisper and hush
And all the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush
Can I just have one more moondance with you, my love?
Can I just make some more romance with you, my love?

Well, I wanna make love to you tonight
I can't wait 'til the morning has come
And I know now the time is just right
And straight in to my arms you will run

And when you come, my heart will be waiting
To make sure that you're never alone
There and then, all my dreams will come true, dear
There and then, I will make you my own

And every time I touch you, you just tremble inside
And I know how much you want me that you can't hide
Can I just have one more moondance with you, my love?
Can I just make some more romance with you, my love?

Well, it's a marvelous night for a moondance
With the stars up above in your eyes
A fantabulous night to make romance
'Neath the cover of October skies

And all the leaves on the trees are falling
To the sound of the breezes that blow
And I'm trying to please to the calling
Of your heart strings that play soft and low

And all the nights magic seems to whisper and hush
And all the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush
Can I just have one more moondance with you, my love?
Can I just make some more romance with you, my love?

One more moon dance with you
In the moon light, on a magic night
All the moon light, on a magic night
Can I just have one more moondance with you, my love?

3.18.12-Just say no....

I don't know why I find this so funny, but it was.  The man at Jalisco's didn't think it was funny that I thought it was. 

3.17.12-Play that funky music....

3.16.12-Tree Hugger

I Meant To Do My Work Today

by Richard Le Gallienne

I meant to do my work today,
But a brown bird sang in the apple tree,
And a butterfly flitted across the field,
And all the leaves were calling me. 

And the wind went sighing over the land,
Tossing the grasses to and fro,
And a rainbow held out its shining hand--
So what could I do but laugh and go? 

3.15.12-The End of an Era

"Some times people try to knock it out of me, but I believe in music the way some people believe in fairy tales.  Maybe the notes I hear, are the same ones they heard, the night they met.  Maybe that's how they found each other.  Maybe that's how they will find me.  I believe that once upon a time, long ago.  They heard the music and followed it. "  -August Rush

I am overwhelmed by happiness that I was apart of such a unique group of people, including the trips we shared.  These were some of the greatest moments of life.  Here are just a few memories that make me smile everytime...

• Munich, Germany-The power goes out at the Hoffbrau House, so they put candles on the table with a bunch of drunk people.  This is followed by Eric Belcher challenging a group of Asians to a drink-off, in the dark, with candles on the tables, in German.  
• Sliding down a fire pole in our host family's house.
• Being offered Heineken and Ice Cream during my first Chorale Tour in Kentucky.
• Singing "Bridgewater Fair" as we drove back into Bridgewater
• Going commando in our choir robes the very last concert choir concert...
• Singing outside of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, Austria
• Fine wine in Paris, and Goulasch in Budapest, Hungry.
• Singing Rent very loudly on the bus ride home, from a 8GB iPod.
• Spending countless hours in malls on Saturday afternoons between concerts.
• Ringing the bell after our very last concert.
• Singing Bridgewater Fair outside of the Vatican on Epiphany.
• ...and the list goes on....

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

3.14.12-Stony Man

I used to be afraid of giving up
The road was just too tough
Out here on my own
My path was so alone

But now I see clearly
Everything within me
Is reaching out to the sky
I can see the world with open eyes

You can’t let it pass you
Just take hold and grasp it
Now’s the time to take a chance
With the strength of a thousand men
Climbing to my feet again

So dry those tears from your eyes
And everything will be alright
You know the rainbow’s just in sight
Dust your wings off as you pass
If your heart feels overwhelmed
Just know you’re never by yourself
Put your hands in mine, hold your head up high
And together we’ll rise

That’s what left your head up to the sky
And find yourself asking why?
Never see them out at night
With the hardships of life

But faith is where my heart is
Let energy replace my doubts
Won’t my trials get the best of me
I’m marching forward towards my destiny

4.13.12-Lucky

We are young So let's set the world on fire We can burn brighter than the sun....

Found a really good wine at Bluestone Vineyard, Crooked & Weedy, and it makes my heart happy.  You know what else makes my heart happy?  Bryan Elijah Smith & the Wild Hearts.  

It was the start of an excellent weekend, sharing food, wine, and truly amazing friendships, and some really great music.  Funny how life comes around full circle.  I took a wrong door several years back, an opportunity that wasn't quite mine.  But God's purpose was still to see me happy.  Unfortunately, free will led me off His path for a while.  But how can God truly teach me happiness without first teaching me grief?  I'm so glad he taught me grief, because He brought me to these amazing girls in my small group---they are such a blessing to me and I'm so grateful for them everyday.  They are prayer warriors, shelter when the world is cold, laughter and giggles, and the most honest form of friendship I could ever explain.  They accepted me at my weakest point, and didn't ask why I was there, but just wanted to know when I would be back.  My world is just not the same because of them. 

4.12.12-You don't choose a life, you live one.

Most people don't have the luxury of just leaving it all behind.  

But I did. 

 I feel as though I'm kind of on a path of my own...venturing down new paths that are taking me to unexpected places.  It's no el Camino de Santiago, but it is the way of me, and the way that I am being led.  I read today, in my book, a passage that touched me in a way nothing has for a while.  The passage read, 

"Not long after I sat down the shopkeeper came over to me and, yelling above the noise of the storm, asked where I was from.  When he heard I was American, he expressed surprise that I had been allowed into the country at a time like this and hurried to the back of the shop to fetch a digital camera, which he handed to me excitedly.  The photograph showing in the display panel was of a human corpse lying face down in a paddy field.  The man told me that he and his friends had been to Kunyangon to hand out rice and cooking oil to cyclone survivors.  Pointing at the photograph, he said simply, "The dead are still waiting for peace." 

I can relate to this, and am quieted by stinging silence as well.  I came across this movie today, not by chance I'm sure.  It is a FASCINATING story of the pilgrims seeking peace along, THE WAY.

...donde se cruza el camino del viento con el de las estrellas....

...where the path of the wind crosses that of the stars...

4.7.12-Happiness is...

4.11.12-Yes, Dad. I am a Nurse.

I think for the first time, dad realized that I am a nurse.  Not a toy nurse, not a "let's just get dressed up in ugly Caribbean Blue Scrubs and wear a stethoscope" nurse, and not one that walks around pretending.  I worked really hard to get here, to know my stuff, and to keep the knowledge.  When it came to life and death, and for his case, a walking time-bomb situation---he realized. It took the entire cath lab nurses, two cardiologists, a physician's assistant, a floor nurse, and PCT...AND my nurse manager for him to realize---"oh yeah, she's a cardiac nurse."  Took 12 months, but...

...He realized I'm a nurse, I know what I'm talking about, and when it comes to your heart, I know my shit.  Kind of ironic, if you think.  Eh?

4.9.12-Bad Brownie Advice

Really?!  I think a brownie can be whatever size you want it to be.  In this case, no, size DOES NOT matter.

4.8.12-What did you expect to find?

I don't think words could describe this picture, or this morning.

Without an alarm clock, without a plan, I woke up at 545am on Easter Morning, and the first thought before everything else?  I should make it to a sunrise service.  Frantic, I left quickly without a camera--because who takes a camera to church?  When I got there, clearly I was upset that I wasn't able to capture what I saw.  But my phone captured this one picture...Thank you, Jesus.  No really, thank you.

Like Gotye says, now you're just somebody that I used to know...

4.3.12-This is not where I belong...

Sometimes I think What will people say of me When I'm only just a memory When I'm home where my soul belongs Was I love When no one else would show up Was I Jesus to the least of those Was my worship more than just a song I want to live like that And give it all I have So that everything I say and do Points to You If love is who I am Then this is where I'll stand Recklessly abandoned Never holding back I want to live like that I want to live like that Am I proof That You are who you say You are That grace can really change a heart Do I live like Your love is true People pass And even if they don't know my name Is there evidence that I've been changed When they see me, do they see You I want to live like that And give it all I have So that everything I say and do Points to You If love is who I am Then this is where I'll stand Recklessly abandoned Never holding back I want to live like that I want to live like that

4.1.12-Rise Up

Rise up!

I don't hate the way things were; in fact I'm glad they were the way they were.

Without a valley, you don't have a mountaintop.

Without hate, you don't have love.

Without failure, you don't have triumph.

Seriously, some traditions should never change, 

even if they mean breaking into dark memories and pushing past fatigue and exhaustion so that you can make them into memories of gold. 

I ask not for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders.  

Jewish Proverb

 Rise Up, Eddie Vedder

Such is the way of the world
You can never know
Just where to put all your faith
And how will it grow

Gonna rise up
Burning back holes in dark memories
Gonna rise up
Turning mistakes into gold

Such is the passage of time
Too fast to fold
And suddenly swallowed by signs
Low and behold

Gonna rise up
Find my direction magnetically
Gonna rise up
Throw down my ace in the hole

3.31.12-Having a wild time...

Getting our sass on with Mickey-wonder if Mickey's face inside was sassy?

bahahahah!

This was by far the funniest sets of pictures taken this trip around.  Front seats for the Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade, and this was our entertainment.  I love the innocence of children, their naivety, their vulnerability, and their zest for life. 

I think we can learn a lesson or two from children, --maybe learning to be more honest, more upfront, more willing to take chances and learn our lessons through our mistakes instead of holding back.

3.30.12-The flower of adversity

Mexico Pavilion, International Flower & Garden Festival, EPCOT

United Kingdom Pavilion, International Flower & Garden Festival, EPCOT

Torrential downpour the moment the bus dropped us off at the International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney's, EPCOT

The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all. 

 

The earliest Florida Hurricane in the history of time. I ran a marathon, through the Tsunami/Hurricane into Epcot, dodging tree branches, lightning, and crying children, all while in a dress. I'm ready for the Princess Half-Marathon next year...

 

While running, I felt free.  

No shoes.

Mud, even worms, all over me.  

No worries.

I wasn't running from something-I was running towards something.

No hesitation.

There is a freedom in not knowing, in not understanding.

 

3.29.12-Acknowledge Reality

International Flower & Garden Festival, EPCOT

I have been pondering and sharing with friends this scripture over the past several weeks...

 1 Corinthians 15:33-34

Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.  Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.  

After reading the Message version, I feel compelled to not only give this advice, but take it.

The Message:  v 34-Think straight. Awaken to the holiness of life. No more playing fast and loose with resurrection facts. Ignorance of God is a luxury you can't afford in times like these. Aren't you embarrassed that you've let this kind of thing go on as long as you have? 

Would I really be speaking to you the same way I would someone else?  Would I be carrying on conversations about things with you that I would someone else? No.  And if the answer is no, then why am I only simply thinking and not being?  Saying and not doing?  Why am I hopeful that bad character will somehow be beneficial to my vulnerable heart?  How can I ignore God's reality, though sometimes harsh, and seek my own?  Acknowledge reality.  Through giving up the need to understand, we find more answers than in continually seeking to understand.

3.28.12-Will you promise?

Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Wishes Fireworks Celebration

Every evening brings an ending. Every day becomes a legacy.
Every sunset leads to morning with the promise of opportunity.
We can reach for the stars we find along the way, dreaming as we learn to love everyday.
Promise you will take my hand as tomorrow comes. We’ll go on.
We’ll go on growing closer through the years.
Moving on through the good times and the tears.
Ever on, another thousand circles round the sun, we’ll go on.
There is music, if you listen, in the rhythm of each breath we take.
Destinations undiscovered, revelations from every choice we make.
And I know there are diamonds dancing in the sky. All we have to do is open our eyes.
Promise we’ll walk side by side as a new day dawns; we’ll go on.
We’ll go on growing closer through the years.
Moving on through the good times and the tears.
Ever on another thousand circles round the sun.
And we live to keep the promise – we’ll go on.

3.27.12-Ohhh, Shake it!

Mickey invited us to breakfast, and it was tasty.

The Lapu Lapu

Mad Hatter Tea Pots after a Large Lapu Lapu at Ohana

Extreme Dance Central Dance Party with Mickey's Friends

Just a few highlights from the day...

1. Mickey Mouse Waffles at Chef Mickey's.
2. Sunbathing at the pool at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.
3. Our new friend Stephanie (maybe 7yo?) that told us about the water slide.  She said, "Let me just say, the wider you are, the bigger the splash you will make.  Another way of saying it is, the fatter you are, the bigger the splash.  And you are fat.  Do you have a baby in there?"  All in front of the mighty fine life guard.  Thanks, Stephanie.  And no, there is no baby in there.
4. Realizing that you should not fall asleep outside at the pool in the fierce Florida sun.  You will turn red.
5.  O'hana's all you can eat steak and their large Lapu Lapu.
6.  Riding the Mad Hatter's Tea Pots after the large Lapu Lapu and all you can eat steak--makes for moments of extreme dizziness and nausea.
7.  Seeing Brittany on the Monster's Inc Laugh Floor screen making a fool of herself.
8. Character Dance Party with Mickey's Friends.  Seriously...this was great!  Check out our video...
9. Wishes Fireworks front and center of castle.
10. Front row seats to the Electrical Parade.
11. Extra Magic Hours from 10pm-1am at the Magic Kingdom that made all of this possible ...

3.26.12-Unheard and unseen...

Set me free, leave me be. I don't want to fall another moment into your gravity.
Here I am and I stand so tall, just the way I'm supposed to be.
But you're on to me and all over me.

 

This is my project.  What is my project?  Amidst a world where we build our own kingdoms, maybe we should be a little bit more quiet, a little less visible, and a little more faithful.  He is telling us to love this person, touch this life, go unheard and unseen in my name.

 

I experienced pain so you would learn.