Insecurities have been on my mind a lot lately. We all have them they just look different for everyone, and lately I've come to realize that my insecurities can't be hidden or brushed aside. Within the past 2 weeks I've been extra sensitive to this part of my heart...and I'm trying to grasp what God intends for me through it all!
My insecurities are always visible for people to see or hear 24/7. It's my hearing aids and speech impediment in case you hadn't guessed already :]
For some reason I've gone though my whole life trying to brush both of these things aside, trying to act as "normal" as possible. However, as I get closer to a professional world of first impressions and necessary communication skills I am made extremely vulnerable to the fact that I am not normal on a communication aspect.
I'm having tons of conversations and seeking loads of help from audiologists and speech therapists, but the frustrating part is that there is little help financially in covering both of these items. Insurance companies do diddly squat, and most speech therapists are not trained to help adults. Let me know if you have any resources or connections in these areas, because I am saving up and trying to make these insecurities something I'm proud of :]
For the time being I'm just going to keep wearing these pesky weaknesses on my sleeve with a smile and I challenge you to do the same with yours. Imagine the vulnerability level the world would reach if we all just lived confidently with our insecurities instead of trying to hide them.
It's be phenomenal.
speaks to the heart.
"The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.
Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all, mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."
George Carlin
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.
Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all, mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."
George Carlin
SUMMMMMMMER!
I am officially on summer break! 11 summer credits and twelve weeks later and I am 28 credits away from a degree!
Wow. It's an amazing feeling knowing that I have no discussion boards to respond to, no papers to write, and no text books to read! Praise God for giving me the patience and perseverance with my hectic class schedules and catch up courses. I have no idea how I've made it this far, but there is no doubt that if God has brought me this far He will bring me to the end.
So cheers to summertime...I'm sleeping in until 6 a.m. tomorrow! WAHOO! Then hanging out with friends all night. It's going to be great.
Enjoy the start to summer too friends. Or if you've been at it for a while, keep it up...autumn is right around the corner (my f avorite season!)!
Love you all.
Woj
Wow. It's an amazing feeling knowing that I have no discussion boards to respond to, no papers to write, and no text books to read! Praise God for giving me the patience and perseverance with my hectic class schedules and catch up courses. I have no idea how I've made it this far, but there is no doubt that if God has brought me this far He will bring me to the end.
So cheers to summertime...I'm sleeping in until 6 a.m. tomorrow! WAHOO! Then hanging out with friends all night. It's going to be great.
Enjoy the start to summer too friends. Or if you've been at it for a while, keep it up...autumn is right around the corner (my f avorite season!)!
Love you all.
Woj
i-tunes
I love i-tunes. I just purchased four new songs to add to my paper writing play list. I am currently listening to them over and over and over and over :]
JOURNEY: Don't Stop Believing
Just a small town girl, livin in a lonely world
She took the midnight train goin anywhere
Just a city boy, born and raised in south detroit
He took the midnight train goin anywhere
A singer in a smokey room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on
SUGARLAND: Life in a Northern Town
A Salvation Army band played
And the children drank lemonade
And the morning lasted all day, all day
And through an open window came
Like Sinatra in a younger day
Pushing the town away, away
Ah-heya ma ma ma, into the night-ahh
Hey-ah ma ma ma, hey-ay-ay-ay, ah
Life in a northern town
Ah hey ma ma ma ma
AMY GRANT: Better Hands Now
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth
JOURNEY: Don't Stop Believing
Just a small town girl, livin in a lonely world
She took the midnight train goin anywhere
Just a city boy, born and raised in south detroit
He took the midnight train goin anywhere
A singer in a smokey room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on
SUGARLAND: Life in a Northern Town
A Salvation Army band played
And the children drank lemonade
And the morning lasted all day, all day
And through an open window came
Like Sinatra in a younger day
Pushing the town away, away
Ah-heya ma ma ma, into the night-ahh
Hey-ah ma ma ma, hey-ay-ay-ay, ah
Life in a northern town
Ah hey ma ma ma ma
AMY GRANT: Better Hands Now
It’s hard to stand on shifting sand
It’s hard to shine in the shadows of the night
You can’t be free if you don’t reach for help
You cant love if you dont love yourself
There is hope when my faith runs out
Cause I’m in better hands now
It’s like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down
It’s like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground
So take this heart of mine there’s no doubt
I’m in better hands now
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth
ten-ISH days.
Let's just say I'm having trouble keeping up with time...but one of my co-workers husbands told me "When time speeds up, God has something really important He wants you to get to."
I like that idea. I'm really excited about that too!
Here are my past ten-ish days in nutshell.
I like that idea. I'm really excited about that too!
Here are my past ten-ish days in nutshell.
- 'Thou shall not waste their days trying to prolong their life."
- I miss our WYLDlife girls.
- Dark Knight, Stepbrothers, and Mama Mia
- No Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants...date with Kortarba soon?
- Co-worker's farewell to corporate Starbucks
- Tried brie cheese
- Pictonary with coworkers...try drawing "Recall"
- Had to decline opportunity to be a work crew boss (one of my dreams)
- 4 a.m. or 4:30 a.m. wake up calls 7 out of the past 10 days.
- No more speech therapy...frustration.
- "It's not complicated...it's just hard"
- Iced tall non-fat coffee misto with one pump of mocha or SF vanilla :]
- 10 page Research paper on illegal immigration: compare and contrast the effect humanitarian groups have on improving human welfare.
- Panera (location right now) and Grand Traverse Pie Company are my writing places
- Too many naps.
- Dad's 56th birthday yesterday! Successful gifts were purchased...credit goes to the twin.
- I spent 2+ hours with a MSU police officer yesterday in front of the MSU Library.
- I have no idea what to do with all my stuff during my two-day limbo between houses.
- I can't wait for 581 Hagadorn.
- I'm going to miss 274 Milford. And Amy. And Teal. And Chels. And Mere. And my closet room.
- Selma is a fantastic musician, she captured my heart.
- Fun new facebook!
- I've officially been AIM-free for 4 months and three days.
- I've missed way too many phone calls. Sorry for that.
- A bit sad Sleeping Bear Dunes isn't going to work out, but I'm looking forward to a catch-up weekend.
- Went to Illinois to see my 75 year old Nonno and 50 year old aunt!
- An Italian dish with the words, CAPRI...SCAMPI..and CAPARELLI?
- My seven year old and YOUNGEST cousin is in a relationship before me :]
- Allison Jenney is home. Shannon is home. Dilyn is home. Flessland is home. AHHH! I LOVE IT!
- Maryclaire Micallef is simply the most amazing person you'll ever meet.
- Jesus is and always will be the bomb.com....speaking of which... "More than a Carpenter" is a great. So is Paul and everything he writes in Colossians and Ephesians.
- Ephesians 4 is where it is at.
- I'm procrastinating writing this paper.
pimple.
I've got a pimple. Its a monster of an iceberg resting on the left corner of my often moving bottom lip. It's surfacing like a child getting it's first tooth. It doesn't want to move and I swear it talks back to me in the mirror.
I imagine it having a thick German accent, "Looking good today Miss Wojcik...and might I say I'm a great addition to the lower half of your face. [chuckle chuckle]."
"How long do you plan on residing on the better half of my smile?" I ask out of frustration while trying to find my old and never used concealer.
"Well considering I only visit about three times a year, I figured I'd lay low for a few days until we get to know each other. Hopefully with your help, I'll continue to grow and peak until I'm so full of your love I want to burst!" Said Mr. German Pimple.
"Great. That is just awesome. I'll be glad to love you all you need...especially through tight squeezes and nail popping hugs." I slyly say.
"Oh no no no. You squeeze or pinch or poke...and I promise I will be here forever. You know how easily your skin scars. Nothing but tender love and occasional low-alcohol cleanses please." Smiles Mr. German pimple.
Mrs. Wojcik doesn't know if she can resist the temptation to pop this little German man. He seems nice and maybe she could learn a thing or two from him. Yeah, this will be good, lesson learned to drink more water, wash off makeup before bed, and to lay off the stress and chocolate.
Whoops. See you later Mr. German man. Sorry if the squeeze was a little to tight. :]
I imagine it having a thick German accent, "Looking good today Miss Wojcik...and might I say I'm a great addition to the lower half of your face. [chuckle chuckle]."
"How long do you plan on residing on the better half of my smile?" I ask out of frustration while trying to find my old and never used concealer.
"Well considering I only visit about three times a year, I figured I'd lay low for a few days until we get to know each other. Hopefully with your help, I'll continue to grow and peak until I'm so full of your love I want to burst!" Said Mr. German Pimple.
"Great. That is just awesome. I'll be glad to love you all you need...especially through tight squeezes and nail popping hugs." I slyly say.
"Oh no no no. You squeeze or pinch or poke...and I promise I will be here forever. You know how easily your skin scars. Nothing but tender love and occasional low-alcohol cleanses please." Smiles Mr. German pimple.
Mrs. Wojcik doesn't know if she can resist the temptation to pop this little German man. He seems nice and maybe she could learn a thing or two from him. Yeah, this will be good, lesson learned to drink more water, wash off makeup before bed, and to lay off the stress and chocolate.
Whoops. See you later Mr. German man. Sorry if the squeeze was a little to tight. :]
I'm IN!
Noel posted about this on his blog and I am totally going to give it a go. Sic weeks from now...I should be able to do 100 pushups! WAHOO!
Sweet Home...Chicago
the FAMILY (pictures are of Arizona and Chicago Cousins)I haven't gotten to see my family in Illinois yet this summer and I am starting to feel a little bit bummed about that.
Ever since I was a little girl my family has always been my most prized possession and the most important thing in my life. I was always the girl who was homesick at a slumber party, cried for my parents at a week long camp, and just never wanted to be away from my family. The same is true with all my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. It's not that I have outstanding or super close relationships with anyone, it's just the comfort of family and the memories that come from our time together.
My dad's siblings live in Arizona and Seattle and my mom's entire side of the family is from the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Up until the end of high school, we would always go into Illinois in the summer and spend a week hanging out with my cousins and chatting with my grandparents (Nonni and Nonno). Before I knew it, we were all heading off to college, getting demanding summer jobs, and going in became more and more difficult. Even now it's hard to sacrifice a few days of pay to go in and see the people I love most.
This little reflection in my life has lead me to determine that I don't think I could ever be far from my family, I wouldn't want to. But the hard realization is that we are already starting to spread out...My Dad is always telling us that "You need to go where you can find a job" and I know its true, but it makes me tear up a little bit! In fact, I might just have to spray my teddy bear with my mom's perfume like I did when I was 6 :]
My sister has done amazing for herself in Arizona, my brother is looking at Grad Schools around the nation, my parents want to retire out west, and my cousins are all starting their BIG high school and college adventures or are already in Texas and Washington... I'm starting to think about life after college and where my path is going to lead. Maybe I'll have to take a leap of faith and teach PE classes in Zimbabwe? Who knows.
My family always reminds me what my favorite part about my relationship with Christ is. No matter where I am, Christ will be there too. I can always find a community of other believers who I can love just like I love my family. Thank you God, for the people and the relationships you have blessed in my life.
bugs and soreness :]
I bought a bike before school last year and not even a week after I owned it, someone took from our garage and stored at the YL house as a prank (thank you very much :) ), but I didn't find it until about four rusty months later.
This entire year I was without a bike and always wishing I had one. At the beginning of the summer I added it to my "List of Things to Save Up For" and after many unexpected expenses and higher gas prices, I was finally able to settle for a lower end bike off the shelf at Meijer (with my Mom's discount)! Let's just say that I am VERY excited!
Tonight I went for a ride all the way out to Chandler (State Road) and back around campus, was gone for about an hour and rode somewhere around thirteen miles. It was quite the learning experience. What did I learn you ask?
I will always be a runner, but I'm thankful for a little bit of a change up in my exercise routine.
This entire year I was without a bike and always wishing I had one. At the beginning of the summer I added it to my "List of Things to Save Up For" and after many unexpected expenses and higher gas prices, I was finally able to settle for a lower end bike off the shelf at Meijer (with my Mom's discount)! Let's just say that I am VERY excited!
Tonight I went for a ride all the way out to Chandler (State Road) and back around campus, was gone for about an hour and rode somewhere around thirteen miles. It was quite the learning experience. What did I learn you ask?
- Cars like to race bikers.
- Don't open your mouth unless you want a misquito sandwich on your ride.
- Take the path less traveled.
- It's better to warn people that you are passing them so they aren't scared (they could wear hearing aids and not be able to hear bikers coming....like me!).
- Dogs are not intimidated by bikes, sooooo... Stop for Dogs.
- Get some extra butt cushioning, if that still doesn't help then take IBprophen.
I will always be a runner, but I'm thankful for a little bit of a change up in my exercise routine.
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