introducing an "us"

Good Morning,

Lately i've discovered this occupational hazard i have with writing; whatever the mind is consumed with is just below the surface...whatever the heart feels is then guaranteed expression.

So, this morning i'd simply like to share that i've met someone...her name is Shannon.

okay, i'll repeat

I have met someone. And...her name is Shannon. I'm hoping this doesn't need any further explanation but just in case here's the link on where and how we met. just taaaake your time studying the page it'll sink in...

www.AfterEllen.com

i know this may sound weird, odd or foreign to you. there's never been a time when i spoke about an "us" or filled out the "Amanda and Guest" wedding invitation RSVP with anything but "I" accepts and noooo, regrets.

but it's not.

what is perhaps odd is the level of in-depth discussion and analysis that gets done about the newly forming relationship when one has a background in psychology the other a doctoral degree (almost) in communications or "forensics."

***Warning***

When I was born i'm quite sure i came out backwards. Not in the breech position but in how i share things. the larger and more invisible the group, the more apt i am to share. so, instead of having individual conversations in private with each of you in which i will turn several shades of red, i thought i'd share this here in the Monday Morning News.

Introducing an "us"

My first "suave" question: "Are you loud?"

Her first "suave" answer: "I can be any volume I need to be."

My second suave question: "so you're loud?"

Her second suave answer: "my voice is my instrument."

conclusion: hmm, that's not good

My first uncool confession: "i have a spinal cord injury. i mean...i walk into things."

Her first equally uncool confession: [edit]

conclusion: um, that's not good

Shan says things like "jumping out of a plane is a rush!"

I say things like…I think that is perhaps not very wise.

First cool realization: Shannon is a national champion in speech and debate (I finish most of my inner dialog with because Jesus said so!)

Second cool realization: She encourages teasing from the outside of her faults and imperfections. I prefer straight self-deprecation.

conclusion: there's a lot i can learn here.

She came to the realization she was gay at age 38 after in-depth study of scripture; my realization probably came at age 8 when i found myself kissing my autograph photo of Miss Ohio!

Caution Flag! Hazard up ahead...

Shan's into imagining life on a grand scale “doin’ it big!” I spend my evenings listening to Buddha talks trying to achieve nothingness.

She says "I have plans, my plans have plans." I've seen a collection of planners from 1992-'08 that have details crammed into every half hour…I keep my life in fat marker on Post-its.

First Understanding

She thinks things like tandem bicycles are cool. I can flat out say "No Shan, i think they’re goofy lookin’."

Second Connection

She works in an office with mahogany shelves and leather topped tables for meetings with families and recruits.

Right now, I work in the break room and am routinely asked "Do you mind if I eat lunch in here?"

We've established yes, this is funny.

okay...

She thinks I’m amazing. I think she’s weird.

I think she’s cool. She thinks I’m hot.

She says Life is a game

I say no Monopoly is a game.

We agree people are NEVER a game

and that's why it just works.

training inspiration

Good Morning,

I have some very fun "cool" news to share this morning. Hold on, I have to go put on my leotard...

wheewh, okay, I'm back. my cool news is that i passed my Personal Trainer Certification exam. after a few good romps on the floor with Recessa-Annie (i.e., CPR doll), i will be able to offer my counseling and training experiences as a personal trainer.

This has been a life long goal of mine-i love ideas, the mind-body connection and a good sweat!

i guess this is why i was a little off guard last Monday when I shared my triumph with my boss and her startled reply was

"well, what do you get to do with that?"

Open a taco stand? What else does someone do with PT certification? My mind has yet to consider all the possibilities but mostly i am certain that i will find some form of employment at a gym.

(I work for an agency that HELPS PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES find employment. not discourage it!)

As is the case in most of these situations, my boss quickly re-routed her course and we both started to laugh...

In a voice filled with swirling possibilities...and the challenges of spotting the 500lbs. deadlift, i gave what my Buddha mind deemed the most appropriate response..."well I guess right now I get to be really excited!"

so as i wait for talent, skills, and opportunity to align i've come up with

10 ways i can bring value to my profession (term used loosely. i am first and mostly a writer)

1. Bring self-identifying dishes to my pot lucks…on the dessert table mine will be the Angel food cake topped with whipped air

2. Set my goals high. i already put in my application at Sky Sport! (noooo, Jackie W. is a Kettering, OH girl...also a little touched by the crazy)

3. Audition for infomercials : )

4. Annoy family by suggesting a Christmas jog

5. wear my Spandex outfits 24-7

(excuse me while i go change...gotta see which one of these babies is gonna work best)

okay...i'm back

6. Flex in front of every mirror in my apartment at least once a day

7. Give demos on how to do things at the office (this could be veeeery effective. my workspace is technically in the break room : )

8. Yell out spontaneous encouragers when I see people struggling with difficult chores... ("GO ON you can do it! HURDLE the HOSE!)

9. Design programs like "partner-yoga-scuba" (do that one in the pool) or orthotic shoe camp (disabled version of boot camp)

10. or simply race people with my cart at the grocery store

okay, and a bonus one...hmm, maaaybe Not so discretely put my hands all over hot people.

you got it baby!

Happy Monday,

Amanda

"making the world a better place one sweat bead at a time!"

My buddha teacher Gil says...

Good Morning,

My Buddha teacher Gil says it's important to know when to speak, when not to speak.

He says in order to practice "Right Speech" before saying anything you should try very hard to practice these 3 general rules:

Ask yourself...

1. is it true?
2. is it skillful (necessary)?
3. is it kind?

sometimes it's very clear to me the Buddha did not live during modern times...

i'd like to share an example from my daily teachings.
: )

**refresher on my job

I work for a small company where we help people with disabilities find jobs. Most referrals come from a state agency, most clients/consumers arrive with referral form in hand that reads:

“Chuck E Cheese took an ice cream without paying. Got fired.”

So...

Hannah had all the young and innocence of an 18yr. old who’d never worked before. A big girl with a soft airy voice and a big round moon face.

My co-worker/boss launched the following question in her typical friendly and upbeat manner.

"So Hannah, I’m going to ask you some questions about job skills. What type of work do you like to do?"

Hannah replied, "Well, I like digging. You know (pause) like digging?"

We looked to Hannah's mother for help. she added, "yes, Hannah likes, you know digging in the yard."

Jen/the boss turned to me "Do you have any suggestions?"

I was supposed to be thinking of appropriate job opportunities that might accommodate these skills.

So i asked myself…

is it true?
Is it necessary?
is it kind?

yes, no, maybe

"Undertaking?" I suggested, "That might work?"

And that’s when I realized they’re either going to laugh or I’m going to get fired.

Wo-hoo I did not get fired! First Hannah, then her mom…then Jen/ the boss laughed.

My Point: the world is always larger than you think.

i realized in a world where I may have been embarrassed if I watched my 18yr. old daughter sit at the head of a conference table (arms folded, hands clasped, in a tube-top) and say "I like digging!" There’s also going to be a kind of unconditional love out there that makes a mom proudly say “yes, she makes mud pies.”

okay, Happy Monday. keep on keepin' on!

amanda
licensed oopsiologist