Tis the Season

WOW!!! It’s already the Holiday season and I can’t believe how this semester has flown by!  I thought what better time to reflect on these past few months, and update you on the latest events as well as events to come, then when I’m making my LONG (15 hour) journey back home!  Alright....so let me start with....drum roll please.....THE COAT DRIVE!  This would probably have to be one of the highlights of my semester.  I can’t believe what a success this was, and how exciting it was for me.  I was so amazed that my thought about this coat drive was able to become a reality.  My grand total of coats collected was 40.....yes, 40 coats all different sizes!!!!  I can’t tell everyone how much I appreciate your donations toward this coat drive....clearly, it is your donations that allowed this event to be such a success.  I dropped off the coats at Cor Unum on the 16th, and they were so appreciative of all the coats that were collected.  They are thrilled to be able to provide coats to so many individuals during this Holiday season.  This coat drive was so enlightening, and motivating for me; I was able to take this idea I had, and act on it!  It made me realize that you can do anything you put your mind to.....it may take hard work and planning, but your actions can make those ideas a reality.  While, I recognize that a simple coat drive may not compare to say.......becoming the President of the United States, if you don’t try and take steps towards your dreams, then you’ll never know if it was possible!  Furthermore, this coat drive has helped me build confidence as I take on my next endeavor.....the Book Drive!  I will keep you posted on the details of the book drive!

As for Cor Unum....well over this semester it has been such an incredible opportunity to volunteer there.  I have had the chance to meet so many individuals who have helped me grow as a person and develop more of an appreciation for the “little things” in life.  As I’ve stated in previous blogs, my appreciation for having choices; not just choices about what to eat, but the choices of what to wear, to go out or stay home, the ability to go to the doctor if I’m not feeling well....all things that I have a choice for and take for granite, while so many don’t have that same option.  I’m hoping to return back to Cor Unum when I return for the Spring semester.....however, I don’t have the luxury of 4 day work weeks during my upcoming clinical ,so I may have to wait until March.  Either way, on of the individuals working there, has told me I am welcome back any time or day that I am available.

Next on the agenda.....HAITI.  Well, it’s OFFICIAL, I will be traveling to Haiti from June 6th - June 15th, with the organization All Hands.  My classmate and I received our confirmation, and have already booked our flights.......and we are SO EXCITED!  In all of this excitement about getting to volunteer there and complete our service learning project, I had neglected to look through the details about what to bring, where we’ll be sleeping, what I’ll be eating, how we get cleaned up, etc.  I’m sure you’re dying to know these details.....well here you go:

• We are not exactly sure about the sleeping arrangements in detail, but we know we will be staying in an OLD night club, that is not entirely covered
• We were told to bring tents, mattress pads, mosquito nets
• We will be eating rice and beans for all of our meals (however, we can bring food with us)
• We take cold bucket showers
• I will spare you the details of the bathroom situation

Needless to say, this experience will be ONE IN A MILLION.  I am prepared to challenge myself in ways that I could have never imagine, and grow a great deal as a person.  I think that to go on this experience you really need to want to go....my friend and I have no quarrels about the circumstances that we will be enduring, because we so want to be apart of this experience.....we want to make a difference.  I’m sure many of you may be thinking I’m crazy, and that I’ll never make it (especially with the food), but I know it will be a life long memory, and lesson.....appreciating how fortunate I am to have been given all the opportunities in my life thus far. If you want to find out more about the organization, and what we’ll be doing here’s the website: www.allhands.org.  Becca (my counterpart on this exciting trip) and I will be putting together a blog for you to follow as we prepare for this trip, as well as posting about each day we experience while we’re there!  I look forward to updating you as we further prepare for this trip, and about our experiences while we’re there.

Now, lastly, I have some exciting news regarding my training.  Over this past month I have managed to complete some successful training runs, and am well on my way to participating in my first half marathon.  Just prior to heading home, I completed a 6 mile run, 4 mile run, and my first ever 10K!  While they weren’t very fast, I didn’t have to take any breaks....and if the treadmill didn’t have time restrictions I feel that I probably gone further.  Unfortunately, since I’ve been home I have not managed to maintain this running regimen....but once I’m back in MA, I will be picking up right where I left off.  These runs have been very encouraging, and motivating for me.....up until I completed the run, I was concerned that I wasn’t going to meet my half-marathon goal, however seeing as I conquered one (little) milestone, I now believe that I will be able to “go the distance.”  I’ll keep you posted as my training continues.

Until next time...Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!

Love,

  Bec

Coats, Coats, Coats

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind work, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." ~Leo Buscaglia 

     So I know that it hasn't been that long since I last posted, but I feel that so much has happened over the last week that I just wanted to fill you in......starting with last Saturday.  So, last Saturday (Thanksgiving Saturday) was yet another first for me, and such a wonderful experience.  My friends sister was one of several individuals organizing a charity basketball tournament, in memory of a girl who passed away in a car accident during her Freshmen year of college.  The event " Courts for Courtney" was in it's 4th year, and helps raise money to provide scholarships to graduating girls who play basketball at the High School she had attended and played basketball.  Now, for those of you who know me, you might be thinking.....since when do you play basketball......and yes, that was my thought when I was asked to participate in the event!  I never played basketball, I'm short, and honestly, while I watch 90% of all sports.....basketball has never been one I've payed much attention too.....thus, I don't know the rules!  But, I thought, what the heck....it's for a good cause and would be a great experience.  So, I joined up with 3 friends, to play 3-on-3 basketball!  We were placed in the adult league.....YES, the ADULT LEAGUE......even though there was a college league! (Since when did this happen.....I'm still in college......man, that made me feel old)!  There were 4 teams in our bracket total, so we played 3, 12 minute games (or first to 11 points/baskets).....and let me tell you, for those of you who have never played basketball before.......12 minutes of basketball straight without breaks (and having no idea what you're supposed to be doing, who you're guarding, how many dribbles to take, when to shoot) is VERY tough!  I'm sure I looked pretty ridiculous.....but I was having fun.....and laughing the whole time!  The good part (or maybe bad part) was that 1/2 of our team didn't have any previous basketball experience (one being me), so it was a major learning curve!  As much as I'd like to say that we pulled off a miracle........well, that just didn't happen......we put up a good fight, but lost all 3 games!  I am however proud to say that I was able to score a couple of baskets.....so I wasn't a compete disaster!  The event itself was incredible; I had never anticipated the turnout to be as large as it was......there were games going on, on 6 courts from 9am til 3pm, with minimal breaks.  There was a slideshow of the girl who had passed away, as well as a poster with the recipients of the awards shown on it.  What was remarkable about this event was that over the years they have been able to provide more scholarships to students, by increasing the number of people participating in the event.  I would have to say that the atmosphere was just wonderful, watching everyone playing basketball in support of a great cause, and in memory of one individual was just a great experience.  I couldn't help but reflect on how precious life is......I kept thinking how lucky I was to be able to be at the event, and play basketball; and how tough that day must have been for Courtney's family!  Here's a link to the website if you want to read more: http://www.courtsforcourtney.com/index.php.  Also, here's some pictures from the event..... and let me point out the red score is our teams!

     Alright, so next on the list of excitement.....RARA!  As I was telling you about this in my last post, I have some exciting information.  Today I went to visit RARA (Remarkable Active Resilient Adults), and had the opportunity to view the entire facility, meet fellow staff, volunteers and clients.  The individual I met at the meal center, who connected me with RARA  had been communicating with me ever since Thanksgiving for a day for me to come in.  We had set up for me to come in today, and in my e-mail I had sent her one of the flyers I had made for the coat drive (this will be important to know later)!  I arrived at RARA and Karen (the one I had been talking to) was there to show me around, and was incredibly welcoming.  She had told everyone about me, and introduced me each person.  What I found out was she had forwarded the information about my coat drive onto her fellow workers, and to my GREAT SURPRISE was greeted by one of the workers with 4 COATS!!! (MY FIRST OFFICIAL COAT DONATIONS).  As I was getting the grand tour, I think both Karen and I  were so excited....I was excited to be there, and seeing all the program has to offer, and she was excited to have a new and young volunteer.  She gave me the volunteer information to fill out, with a list of events that are being held.  Unlike volunteering at the meal center, I won't be volunteering on a specific day of the week, I will be volunteering to help with different events, activities, and general organizational help.  One specific question that the form asked was: do you have any particular interests (i.e., sports, bowling), so of course I put dance...jazz, and tap.....so, as I was leaving, we went to say bye to come of the clients, and she told/asked them how they would feel about doing some tap dancing......they asked if they could sit in the chairs and tap!  I could already tell by the time I was leaving that this is going to be a great match.  (Also, just a heads up, my next "drive" will be a book drive.  At RARA, they need to gather funds in order to participate in events, such as special olympics, and to be able to travel to such events.  They collect books, in which they give to a profitable organization, and in return they receive some funds towards their events.  So.....if you're going to be getting rid of any books....please save them for me.....especially you Californian's....I'll be home to take them off your hands this month!)  I look forward to providing you with  more info about RARA!

MY FIRST 4 COATS: 

     What a perfect transition...COATS!  So, I decided to print a bunch of flyers to handout for my coat drive.....and thus far there has been a TON of interest.  While, I have only collected 4, so many people have notified me that they have coats to donate.  In fact, when I went to make copies of my flyers at Kinko's the employee helping me out read the flyer and told me she had 3 coats she would like to donate.  It really is remarkable how generous people are, and I can't tell you how exciting it is for me to get each coat.....I feel like a little kid on her Birthday!  I do have to make one clarification.....the coats need to be in good shape......meaning, please no holes, rips, animal hair, etc.!  Thanks so much for your support thus far and I look forward to giving you the final count of coats!
     I just have a few more brief details:  First of all, a wonderful new website has been brought to my attention: http://www.groupon.com/.  It's a great website for discounted deals.  I however really brought this to your attention for another reason: I've noticed on the website there is often an advertisement for donors choose.  From my understanding donors choose allows you to donate to specific organizations (that are listed); the catch being, groupon advertises that if you donate for example: $25, the total donation will be $50.  I know that it's not always available, but if you're looking to make a donation this a great way to do it......keep your eyes peeled.  I've linked the groupon website on the right side of my page, if you're interested in checking it out!
     Another announcement:  A classmate and I have applied to go to Haiti.....we are hoping to go there as a part of a service learning project for our final semester!  The idea is we would go for 1-2weeks, help with anything needing to be done, and at the same time help in terms of therapy.  We recently attended a meeting about this trip, and learned that a majority of tasks this specific organization is completing include: building, lifting, pulling, carrying etc!  Our hope is to use our PT skills and help improve their techniques when working, and create a safe working environment, so the volunteers are not injured while helping out.  We would be participating with all the other volunteers, doing that building, and lifting, we are just adding a little component.  Ultimately, either prior to, or following the trip (depending on when we go), we would like to create a tutorial for all volunteers looking to travel and work on building tasks.
     Now, for my last announcement:  I am proud to announce that I have lost 10 LBS!!!  Yes....this is very exciting!  While, I have no real "diet" my strategy has been going to the gym (or participating in some type of activity....dance, basketball) > 4 days/week, and eating better, and less!  It's very motivating....especially as we come to the hardest time of the year!  For those of you looking for a specific healthy diet however, I have recently heard about a book called the 17 day diet!  The author has been on Dr. Phil, and the Doctors.....and it seems like a great book!  The 17 days refers to stages.....each stage is 17 days.....so you're switching up the type of foods you eat!!!


Until next time.....Happy Hanukkah
Love,
   Bec