Are you a jaywalker?

My most recent class for school (I am 6 months out on a BA in Behavioral and Social Sciences from George Fox University) was a course on Addiction Disorders. One of our assignments was to either visit a local treatment facility or attend a 12 step (or equivalent) meeting in the area and write a short paper about what we see, hear, feel during the observation. I chose to attend an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in NE Portland with a couple of other class mates.

What an amazing experience. It was so encouraging to see these strong people taking this step, making this commitment to themselves and their families. There was such a feeling of hope and courage in the room, the stories shared were touching and insightful - I am so thankful to have had the experience. The leader shared a story or parable at one point in the meeting that is called "The Jaywalker" and can be found on page 37 of what AA calls the 'Big Book.'

This parable really touched me and I could see where many of us (if not all of us in some way) have experienced a time where we looked at our choices or our actions and recognized how crazy, destructive or emotionally damaged they have been. I believe we all have something to learn and reflect on from this story, my challenge to you is to read and honestly reflect on how this parable might resemble your actions in some form and the ways you can make a positive change for the future.



"Our behavior is as absurd and incomprehensible with respect to the first drink as that of an individual with a passion, say, for jay-walking. He gets a thrill out of skipping in front of fast-moving vehicles. He enjoys himself for a few years in spite of friendly warnings. Up to this point you would label him as a foolish chap having queer ideas of fun. Luck then deserts him and he is slightly injured several times in succession. You would expect him, if he were normal, to cut it out. Presently he is hit again and this time has a fractured skull. Within a week after leaving the hospital a fast-moving trolley car breaks his arm. He tells you he has decided to stop jay-walking for good, but in a few weeks he breaks both legs."

"On through the years this conduct continues, accompanied by his continual promises to be careful or to keep off the streets altogether. Finally, he can no longer work, his wife gets a divorce and he is held up to ridicule. He tries every known means to get the jaywalking idea out of his head. He shuts himself up in an asylum, hoping to mend his ways. But the day he comes out he races in front of a fire engine, which breaks his back. Such a man would be crazy, wouldn't he?"

"You may think our illustration is too ridiculous. But is it? We, who have been through the wringer, have to admit if we substituted alcoholism or any addiction for jay-walking, the illustration would fit exactly. However intelligent we may have been in other respects, where alcohol has been involved, we have been strangely insane. It's strong language but isn't it true?"

High Fidelity - Andrea Bocelli

I spent a good portion of my morning at work melting to the sound of Andrea Bocelli singing lovely Italian words into my ears through my new noise cancelling earbud headphones (the noise cancelling thing is sooo worth it, it literally is just you and the music - fabulous and mine were super cheap!).  But I digress...

Geez, can Signor Bocelli sing.  I could listen to him all day.  Sigh.  I first discovered Andrea Bocelli about 6-8 years ago when I was impatiently following my parents through an antique store one day (this was before I discovered how truly awesome antiquing is) and I passed a table where they had a boombox set up and were playing an Andrea Bocelli CD.... Sogno in fact, which is one of the three songs I will link below.  I was immediately drawn in by his beautiful and unique tenor voice, there is just something about it.  I hope you enjoy these as much as I do...

Sogno

Melodramma

Canto Della Terra

Signor Andrea Bocelli

WWJD?

Was nosing around Huffington Post today and came across this article linked on the front page... the author eloquently states many of my same feelings regarding this 'issue' - I simply cannot understand how someone who claims to be a Christian can hurt, ostracize and bully all in Jesus' name.  Jesus loved everyone, why is is so difficult for those of us who follow his word to do the same?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/derek-flood/jesus-homosexuality_b_1442195.html

+/= of the week

As today was one of those "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days" I figure it is the right time to take a look at what is going well in life..

+      I am looking forward to babysitting my adorable niece Meredith on Saturday evening while my sister and bro-in-law go to a Timbers game.  I'm hoping for sunshine, for them to enjoy at the game and for Miss Meredith and I to enjoy before dinner!  I am also super excited to see my bestie Kristal on Sunday when she is in town for the weekend.  It's been way too long again (since January!) and I'm looking forward to catching up with her.  Oh, and in my first week back on plan (Medifast) I lose 7.5lbs.  Yay!

-      My knee has been hurting today and I hate limping around. And this isn't even the knee with the repaired torn meniscus and still torn ACL.  UGH.  I'm looking forward to continuing to loose more weight and easing up on some of the pressure I put on my poor knees on a daily basis.  I also have a CRAPLOAD of homework to do over the next two weeks.  Aack!

High Fidelity - Gotye

This song has become ridiculously popular super fast - when I went on iTunes last night to download it I expected to have to search for it but it was number one(!) on the list.  Craziness.  At least I'm not the only one who has fallen in love with this unique song :)  Popular or not, I love it (the video is odd but that seems to be pretty common for alternative singers/groups. Lol)

Gotye

High Fidelity - The Raconteurs

I was listening to some music on YouTube and stumbled across this live version of "Level" by The Raconteurs.  While I've been a fan of the band for some time, I LOVE this version of this song.  It's raw, garage band sound and awesome guitar and drumming bring a whole new level (ha!) to the song. Plus I just love Jack White.  :)  Hope you enjoy!

+/= of the week

+      I am looking forward to Easter lunch tomorrow with my sister, bro-in-law, beautiful niece and parents. My niece will undoubtedly be super excited about the Easter bunny making an appearance the next day and I'm excited to continue my spoiling of said kid with an early bonus Easter basket.  :)  Oh, and of course celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday!  He is Risen!

-      I guess I really can't think of a minus... apparently I'm in a good mood right now.  Lol  I suppose the only thing I approach with trepidation in this next week is that I am planning on restarting Medifast again.  While I am hopeful and excited for the success I know I will have it (based upon a previous 68 pound loss, of which I have gained it all back - ew) is not an easy process on the body and psyche and I know there will be challenges and serious tests to my willpower in the coming months.