First snowfall!!

Here are a few more pictures. We got our first snow of the year this past weekend. I was driving home last night with a lady from church and the roads were really bad. Felt like February or something. So this morning when I woke up, I was pleasantly surprised to see how much it had snowed. I decided to go for a nice, brisk morning walk and took some pictures along the way. There is just something pure and magical about the first snowfall. Isn't there? And I have also attached a picture of my lovely basement room. Since the weather has been colder lately, I have needed to bundle up a little more in my chilly room.

The smell of crazy cake is filling the nooks and crannies of our house right now and I must say, it smells divine. Today has been a nice, cozy Saturday filled with chicken soup, movie time, and hot cocoa.

Reflecting back on this past week: it is amazing to see how one day could be so horrible and the next could be so great. Work keeps me very busy and I feel like I am constantly on the go. I get home from work and then by the time I eat supper and do my daily documentation- it feels like it's time for bed and to start another day! This past week was another busy learning experience. Thursday was not the greatest day I have had. It was filled with frustration and fatigue and I lost my patience many times. One of my assigned participants for the day is a very dominating male and he likes to "play games" with the instructors. His behavior is that of an unruly teenager and much of what he does is for attention. We have a rule at work called keeping line of sight. This means that you should know where your assigned participants are at all times. Leaving buildings, using the restroom alone, etc. are all considered breaking line of sight. So on Thursday, K had a tantrum after lunch and decided to walk off. I repeatedly called his name, asking him to come back so we could leave to go bowling. On top of that, my other participant was urgently signing to me that he needed to use the bathroom. And I had to keep an eye on 2 other participants. So my hands were full. Luckily, my co-workers jumped in and one ran off to speak with K- who at this point was out of my sight and nearing a busy highway. We eventually got K to come back but he still wouldn't get into the vehicle. This went on for 10 minutes. Finally, his ultimatum was either coming with us or calling his house and having someone pick him up. He finally got in the vehicle. I had to set some guidelines with him before we entered the bowling alley. He agreed to them but then once inside he decided not to bowl. An hour later he was wandering off and running up and down the bowling alley, kicking arcade games along the way. We called someone to come pick him up, but then he wouldn't leave the bowling alley. Anyways...long story here- but it was a very long, crazy day. K needs to continue to learn the reinforcement behind consequences and has some anger issues to deal with. And I am learning how to keep my cool in situations, as well as leaning on others to help me. I could not have got through the day without my co-workers. They were so supportive.

Fast forward to Friday- the total opposite of Thursday. Fridays are field trip days for the adult participants. We went to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. It was lot of fun to explore with the participants and check out exhibits on dinosaurs, space. wildlife, etc. Friday it felt like I finally clicked with co-workers and participants. It felt like I was finally "myself" and it was amazing to see how much other people opened up when that happened!! Then to top off the good day at work- I went to a ladies night with some women from church. We went to a woman's house from church and we had an awesome tea, clothing exchange, fondue, hot tub (in the cold) party! It was so relaxing and very nice to have a night filled with feminine conversation :) So that topped off the end of my week.

This past Sunday at church the sermon was on Job and questioning why God lets bad things happen to good people. The sermon was given by a man getting his PhD in theology and pop culture. He had some good insight and questions about the story of Job- plus some personal experience. Some things to think about when reading that story are: when you have time off- take time off; listen to your inner voice; and look at the bigger picture, looking beyond what the world sees. God does not send pain to test our faith and He doesn't make bad things happen because we are bad. It is often easy to question: Where was God when...? We put blame on things, other people, and even God. But we need to remember God's response in the story of Job. According to the preacher, God gives not a moral, but poetic answer to Job. A basic "Stop whining and enjoy yourself for awhile". Those people who have been open to God and seen the beauty and mystery of His creation and love- can testify. We can begin to understand that because of our love for others, ourselves, and God - that is why we keep believing despite the pain, hardship, and inequality of life. Bad things happen so that God's love can be shown.

Peace-

Lindsey