Happy Birthday Gretchen!!

Today my oldest sister turns 35! Although I haven't known her for her entire 35 years I have been around for most of them! She is not only my sister but one of my best friends! Throughout the years she has been there for advice, direction, laughter, and encouragement. She has brought a great brother in law into my life along with four of the sweetest nieces and nephews. She is an amazing mom, wife, sister, and friend. My other sister and I always joke that Gretchen is perfect and although, this might be a bit of an exaggeration, it comes pretty close to the truth.
So....

Happy 35th Birthday to one of the most deserving birthday girls out there!

Triathalon

This weekend was pretty uneventful...it was planned that way!
I spent the day Friday with my sisters, which is always a good time. An amazing sushi lunch followed by an equally amazing authentic Mexican dinner. Coy and I laid around on the couch and watched a movie (we had planned on two, but apparently are grandma's). We watched an oldie, but a goodie, Mr. and Mrs. Smith. I had forgotten how funny that movie is.

I got up bright and early Saturday morning to watch several friends run in a sprint triathalon. I had orignally gone to support one of my best friends for her first triathalon, which she had spent several months training for. However, I had forgotten how many people were participating that I knew and could cheer for. It was such a fun day. I was so proud of everyone and have so much respect for people who go out and do these things, especially for the first time, when it is something they had never considered doing before. I love screaming so it was bound to be a good time. It was so much fun seeing everyone's enthusiasm. Although it didn't motivate to be a participant next year, I will definitley be back to cheer others on.  Here are some pictures from the day...

Two athletes and two supporters after the race!

Christy showing off her tri-medal!

Saturday I finally joined the Iphone family! It was many months waiting, but so far is well worth the wait. Coy and I spent another night in front of the tv! We had bought Lincoln Lawyer earlier that day. Although we had already seen it in the theatre, it is just a good movie! I would highly recommend.

The weekend was complete on Sunday by seeing The Help. I LOVED the book and was so pleased with how well they made this book into a movie. Such a great story and I think I cried five or six different times!

A Dream Come True

Periodically the Refugee Program receives a donated car from someone in the community. Clients fill out applications of who would like to receive this car, and whoever is picked receives a free car. Since being in my position I have helped give 4 clients new cars. Out of everything that I do this is one of the most rewarding activities. The clients are always SO excited. They feel so blessed and it is always a reality check for me to remember to never take my own car for granted. A few weeks ago we got the word about a donated car and began the process of picking a client to receive the car. I went back and forth on who to pick and one day a coworker mentioned to me an asylee client. I hadn't thought of this client before but once she mentioned his name I knew that he was the perfect person to receive a car. Unlike a refugee, an asylee is an individual who has essentially come to the United States on their own accord and sought refuge once they are here. I first met Patrick several months ago after he had received his offical asylum status. Since then he has been a regular in my office, at first just popping in to say hello and get help and information, but it didn't take long and he was volunteering his time to clean our company cars and help move furniture. He has never stopped being grateful for any help he was to receive. I called him last week to let him know he was chosen to receive a car and was so confused by this over the phone he came into the office to confirm that what he thought he had heard was true!
Yesterday, Patrick, an asylee from Kenya received a car! He was so excited. He escaped Kenya several years ago after being imprisioned and physically harmed by the government because of speaking out against corruption. He left behind his four sons and other family members in order to save his life. He is starting from scratch in the United States but is off to a great start.
Here is an email I received from Patrick last night.

Hi Michele,

Thank you and thank you very much . You are a woman of big heart  and God's love. I 'm excited twice more than you. This was like a dream come true. Yes sometimes dream comes true but after some time . But this dream of mine was instant.I never took long to get my dream. I  got my dream  from sleep. You can not dream and get what you dream there on the sport like it has happened to me.It is a miracle .God lives here on earth with us. Let God be praised for this gift and may you be blessed for executing God's wish when he spoke with you that i should be the one to be given the car.

I like the car it is in good condition and gas consumption is good. It will help me a lot and now i will have no problems  reaching my place of work in time and meeting my appointments .I feel now comfortable when i want to travel within Indianapolis i can go anywhere anytime.I dont have to rely on the Bus schedule.

Thank you and good night.

Patrick

 Here is Patick checking out his new ride.

 Patrick and Merlin, from the organization Faith, Hope, and Love who partner with

Catholic Charities to help clients receive these cars.

So proud and excited!

Weekend Festivities

I am never a fan of Monday's, but especially this Monday in particular. I am STILL tired from the weekend. It was too cold outside this morning. AND I just ate some less than pleasant organic nonfat vanilla yogurt.

That being said, here's a small recap my weekend - which was nothing like my sour yogurt, and was great!

Friday, Hubs and I spent the evening in our sweatpants, curled up on the couch, watching movies.

Although I heard this was good we never got the chance to see it in the theatres. And while some liked this movie a lot, I was not particurally impressed. In other words, glad it was only a RedBox rental. Interesting storyline and intersting ending but a little too over the top for me!

This movie, on the other hand, I loved! It was a true story from history, which always seem to be a little more slow motion. Depsite this, I loved the storyline and loved the actors and actresses. I highly recommend this one (if you are one for historical movies).

Saturday was spent celebrating my friend Amy's upcoming wedding! She is getting married in just three weeks and it was a fun day/night celebrating her last night of 'singlehood.' We spent the afternoon laying out at her parents pool. Later, checked into the hotel suite, ordered in Qdoba, opened gifts, and of course talked about all of the dirty and inappropriate things you talk about at bachelorette parties. Although I am not much of one to enjoy going out these days (because as Coy likes to say, 'You are almost 30 and too old for that.') it was SO much fun!

The Stand

I have always loved this song. It's a little older, but still SO good! We heard it at church on Sunday and then today again in the car on my way to work.
I think so often in songs we sing them without really thinking about the words. So, to end this dilemma I have added the lyrics with highlights of my favorite parts and words in the song!


The Stand - Hillsong United

You stood before creation
Eternity within Your hand
You spoke the earth into motion
My soul now to stand

You stood before my failure
Carried the Cross for my shame
My sin weighed upon Your shoulders
My soul now to stand

So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You

So I'll walk upon salvation
Your Spirit alive in me
This life to declare Your promise
My soul now to stand

So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You

So I'll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all

So I'll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours

In case you have never heard the song here is You Tube video on the song. It is a little long, but it's the best version I could find!

I love the end of the song and the message it sends about the act of surrendering all to God and giving our hearts in full abandonment to Him. When we are in a relationship with God how can we not constantly be in awe of Him and give him all of the adoration and praise that our hearts have to offer. When I think about all that He has done for me, all the provisions, blessings, peace in times of turmoil, and especially his dying on the cross I cannot help but stand with my arms raised high. Although I am guilty of not living my life this way every single day, this song reminds me of all the Christ did for me and that He wants all of me (even the part of me that neglects Him). He wants my hands raised high in praise to Him daily, both literally and figuratively.

Hopefully in some way this song speaks to you also. Maybe not in the same way it has spoken to me, because God speaks to us in different ways, but if nothing else let it be a reminder of his amazing love.  

Hairspray!

Yesterday I went to see Hairspray at Carmel Repertory Theatre. Although it wasn't Broadway, they did such a good job! There were a few times I was a little shocked because the stage version is a little more on the dirty and inappropriate side compared with the movie version. This was only made more uncomfortable by the large amount of elementary school aged girls in the audience, accompanied by their equally appalled parents. Despite this, it was a great show and I can't wait for Annie to show there in November!

I don't normally like to get into political debates...

but I came across this recently and thought I would share.

Pet Pleasures

There has been a LOT of pet/animal talk going on at work lately. As with many jobs...it is not always all business and no play. This month I celebrate my 2 years with the program! However, I have to say things have gotten a little more interesting and entertaining over the past year. Case in point, the animal talk.

While I am a normal animal lover and own dogs I cannot say the same for some of my coworkers...

Lian, who has been fairly secretive about his love for birds, finally broke down and revealed it to another coworker, who in turn told me (and about everyone else), who in turn did some of my own digging on Facebook.

The best part about these particular pets is their names. Please meet:

Britney Spears

Rambo

Arnold

Victoria

While the first two names are clearly from actual inspirations the second two are a little more intriguing. I have not found out the exact logic but I am hoping that Arnold is named for Arnold Schwarzenegger and Victoria is named after Victoria Beckham. I will have to confirm this with Lian and get back to you.

Lian, who is from Burma, didn't understand the hilarity of his bird's names and simply replied, as he has many times before, "I don't get American jokes."

Unlike Lian, since day one, Teresa has not been shy about her love for guinea pigs. In fact, if you go in her office there are probably several pictures around.
So, here are Hamilton and Lou.

This is Teresa's old pig, Pete. However, when I originally posted this I didn't realize he was deceased. Pete

 unfortunately died from lymphoma last year.

I have added another picture of her pigs (the ones that are currently living).

This is Lou.

This particular picture is entitled, "Hamilton: Pig in a Blanket."

Last week while talking about my dream of one day owning a monkey of some sort someone brought up the 2009 attack of a woman by a chimpanzee. Today I came across an article talking about this woman and her recent face transplant. (Please only view if you have a strong stomach) Needless to say I will not be getting a chimp anytime soon, or ever if Coy has anything to say about it.

So, for now (and probably forever), I'll stick with my dogs.

I am thinking that a work 'playdate' might be in order for Murphy, Sophie, Hamilton, Lou, Britney Spears, Rambo, Arnold, and Victoria.
I'll let you know how that goes...

God is still in the business of miracles

I read this article today and thought I would pass it along. I especially love the mom's quote at the end of the article. "If he chooses to take Dale to heaven, and if he still chooses that, then he's still good," she said. "And if he chooses to bless us and give us back our son, he's still good." This is such a great statement of faith in trusting God with both the good and the bad.

Fried Zucchini and Zucchini Bread

Last week Coy's Mamaw gave us a GIGANTIC zucchini.
The first adventure was making fried zucchini. The weekend before I had made fried green tomatoes...which were good, but demanded a little more. This being said, Coy wasn't sold on them. The timing of the largest zucchini I've ever seen was perfect, because I could try something else that hopefully Coy would like this time.

Fried Zucchini:
I didn't follow a recipe for the fried zucchini but just added some stuff together!
For the white corn meal mix, I used some garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and italian seasonings for flavor.
After slicing the zucchini into circular sizes (some people do strips - I went with a circle this time) I dipped the zucchini into eggs, which I had beaten.
Next, I dipped it into a white corn meal mix. (I recently purchased this at Adcock Pecans in Georgia on our way home from Florida).
I double dipped the zucchini in the egg and corn meal again to add an extra layer of batter.
I then fried the zucchini in a skillet pre-heated with olive oil. You can also use vegetable oil, but I chose olive oil because it is a healthier option.
I added some more salt once the zucchini was done and dipped it in ranch dressing! It was delicious and even Coy was pleasantly suprised.

Zucchini Bread:
Since I had so much zucchini left over I decided to make zucchini bread. Coy had been talking about it for a while and I had never made it for him so I decided to give it a try.
I got this recipe from my sister and it was HUGE success. Don't tell Coy's Mamaw...but he said it was the best he had ever had!
This recipe makes two loafs. After 3 days we finished off the first and are working on the second! If you prefer to take your time with the bread...you can always throw the second loaf in the freezer.
I was originally planning on serving the bread with some icing on top; however, this didn't go as planned and since I ruined the first and second batch of icing, we just stuck to butter...but it was delicious!

Zucchini Bread

3 c flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
3 tsp. cinnamon
3 eggs
1 c vegetable oil
2 1/4 c sugar
3 tsp. vanilla
2 c grated zucchini

1)  Preheat oven to 325.

2) Sift first 5 ingredients together.

3)  Beat next 4 ingredients together and add sifted ingredients.  Blend well.  
Stir in zucchini.

4)  Bake in 2 pans 40-60 minutes.  (I would start with 40 and the re-check in 10 minutes if it is not done yet) Cool on rack 20 
minutes then remove and cool completely on rack.

Some exciting news!

This past weekend I received some exciting news...I got accepted into the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma. More specifically the Global Mental Health:Trauma and Recovery certificate program offered through Harvard (Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma website). This program is a six month program with on-site learning for two intensive weeks in Orvieto, Italy (about an hour north of Rome) followed by six months of online learning.

This month marks two years that I have been with Catholic Charities Refugee Program. I have fallen in love with the refugee population over these past few years. Since starting here I have run a mental health wellness group with the refugees off and on. I have a history working in the mental health field and have a huge desire to focus on the mental wellness of the refugee population; something that is signicificantly lacking currently. While exploring better ways to do this I found out about the Global Mental Health program and applied. At the same time I, as well as my boss, started looking into grants that would not only fund the certificate program but would also help with the start up of a more extensive and in-depth mental health program at Catholic Charities.

The first step is done: I got into the program. Now, it's just a waiting game for the next couple of weeks to see if we get the grant! Without the grant I will most likely not be able to afford to complete the program. Although we will still implement a mental health component to the Refugee Program without the grant, receiving the grant will allow for so much more development.

I sent in my official acceptance into the program today in hopes that we will receive the grant! If you think of it, keep your fingers crossed and your prayers high! Not only for myself, but because of the great ways this grant can impact the refugee community of Indianapolis.

A weekend at the lake

This past weekend Coy and I spent a few days at our friends lake house in Culver, IN on Lake Maxinkuckee. We were invited up a few months ago and have been looking forward to the trip ever since. Several people from our church were there and it was a great time! Coy and I got to the lake Friday night, followed by losing cornhole, and then Coy miraculously winning Rummy 500. Everyone else arrived Saturday morning for a day filled with golfing, boating, swimming, laying out, wakeboarding (this activity did not include me), and talking about babies. Although I was only one of two without children...the other part of that two is due in October with her first baby! I got a little caught up in the baby fever...but no worries...this has once again passed and we are still on the no baby bandwagon.

Although Coy tried wakeboarding out on Saturday he was only able to get up for a few seconds. Now, he's no professional wakeboarder at this point, but he did get up for a good amount of time on Sunday and is already looking forward to perfecting this new hobby. Also on Sunday our friend Ben wakeboarded with his 3 year old son. I felt like it was the olympics and took about a million pictures of this. I would include these photos but they are still on my camera so for now you will just have to settle for pictures I took from other people from the weekend!

As of now, this is our last summer hoorah. It was a great way to say goodbye to the days of summertime.