my name is lisa

This is a short film made by some of our best buds. I know I am biased, but I love it and would encourage you to watch. Especially if you are interested in aging, mental heath, or family systems. Congrats guys on your awards/accomplishments thus far! My professional background, social work and psychology, allows me to especially appreciate your focus on a personal story- while tying in the impact on both the family and individual living with mental illness- In this case, Alzheimer's.

AND-Now that I have figured out this you tube connection to my blog, I may be hooked!

i still don't like needles

For all you who know me even remotely well, you know needles are not my strength. Well, I thought I was "growing up" a little bit, but I guess not. I still can't handle it. This morning Jon and I went in for round one of our vaccines for Ethiopia. On the way there Jon asked if I was doing OK. I said, "Yes, this isn't like getting blood taken. It is just shots, I won't pass out or go into hysterics. It doesn't mean I like it, and yes my stomach hurts a little, but I will be OK." 

Ha ha. 

And the condensed version goes-

*After 2 shots*

Nurse: "Are you OK?"

Me: "Yeah.. I think so, I am fine.." 

Minutes later my husband tries to get moving: "See no big deal.Good job. Can you stand up?"

 I walk into the lobby- 

Me: "Did this shot go into my muscle? It really hurts.. I can feel it now...."

Nurse looks up: "Oh umm go sick back down.....Oh...OK you're OK. Here you go, just put your head between your legs."

In sum: Jon was late for work because "My wife doesn't respond well to needles and I need to make sure she has recovered from her shots." God bless him. 

Anyway. I was actually more frustrated today than anything. Why am I such a weirdo?? This past year several people in my life have gone through major surgeries, cancer, intense and scary childbirth situations, and other overwhelming medical situations. It makes me feel so ridiculous when I can't even handle a few shots! I feel so blessed to be healthy and can't imagine going through what others have endured. I have so much respect for these folks and admire their strength. I am confident God gives people the strength they need to get through situations whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual. I trust that it would be the same for me, somehow I would get through- even if I can't handle a few measly shots!

 Oh well, in the meantime I guess it was wishful thinking that I would get over this. It is just one (among many) of my body's funny little quirks. I used to think it was a phobia but don't know anymore, because I was actually much calmer today. But like I said- it was "just a shot". 

We'll see what happens when I get get to go back for more in a couple weeks....

Well I know we have a long way to go (and have complete faith we will!), but wow... we have been together 7 years! Crazy! To think it all started with a set up. Who knows what would've happened without the help of good friends. I was far too stubborn at the time and not willing to get into anything too serious. HA! I now must say I am a big fan of the NPU tradition, Roommate's Revenge. It wasn't such a revenge this time...we ended up married :)

My favorite part is that on our first date we came up with a practical joke to play on friends (it was APRIL FOOLS day) and there was no hesitation on either part to do such an awful (but harmless) thing.

All in all, it is a blessing and a mystery to look back and see how God places people together at the perfect time.
(Undergraduate Art Final Project)

P.S. The white dots on the photos are reminders of the good old days when I actually developed these myself. Shows what tiny dust molecules can do without technology stepping in :) Perfection in photography was VERY hard back then...a mere five years ago

Run for Hope

A year and a half ago I conquered 13.1 miles and finished the Chicago 1/2 Marathon under my goal time. When I crossed the finish line one of the first things I said was, "How do people do this twice!?! There is no way I will ever do a marathon!" Well I guess I just needed some time to let the memory of how hard that race was fade, because I am signed up to run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon this October. (Maybe its kind of like when women give birth and say I will never have another child.. OK, not THAT painful...)

Actually, we are both signed up! My hubby surprised me one evening a few weeks ago when he said, "You know, I think we should sign up for the Marathon. It would be something good for us to work towards together." Jon is a wonderful husband and I was deeply appreciative of his gesture- but let's be honest- he's not big into running. He can do it, and he has, but he also doesn't particularly love it. If he actually follows the training plan, it is likely he could finish the race faster (I hate boys for this reason..) ...but I think he is also smart enough not to let that happen :) He knows I get competitive and this might not be the best marriage builder.

We are very excited to be running for a great cause! We are running as a part of Children's Hope International's Team. (Where I have been interning) The team's goal is to raise $10,000. If you are interested in joining our team or sponsoring us- click here or contact me.

The mission of Children's Hope is something we are both passionate about and actually ties in with our another major event coming up for us in May- a trip to Ethiopia. We are very excited for the opportunity to be able to get back to Africa. For some time now, we have felt led to go back and work with Orphans impacted by HIV/AIDS. The number of orphans in Ethiopia is likely to surpass 5 million by the year 2010. It is estimated that by 2010, 43% of these children will be orphaned as a result of AIDS. Needless to say, it will be a very hard trip, but we know we are being sent for a reason. Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in learning more about how you can support us in regards to this trip.

Updates

Brief post from the Peterson's....

Jon just returned from his Grandfather's funeral which was in his hometown of Santa Barbara, CA. All your thoughts and prayers have been much appreciated! Everything went well and it was a beautiful service.

Things continue to move along at a rapid pace and we are looking forward to discovering what the future holds (while at the same time trying to manage the anxiety that comes with unknowns and major transitions). All in all, it is proving to be a very exciting year that we have ahead of us. In case you haven't heard through the grapevine...

* Stacy graduates May 8th
*We are going to Ethiopia for 2 weeks in May
* We are running the Chicago Marathon 2008

We will try to get more details up about these things ASAP, but in the meantime we welcome any personal questions or comments. It is hard to keep this blog up to speed these days!

Gone..gone..gone

Well not only have I been gone from my blog- now I am totally taking off! I am headed to Florida for about 6 days with my Mom (thanks again Mom for the chance to take a vacation!!). The past few weeks have been pretty hectic filled with a flu bout, midterms, church stuff, interning, etc. BUT I am very ready for a break and a chance just to get away from my hectic routine. Unfortunately my vacation reading stack is pretty pathetic. Jonny laughed when he picked up my carry on item... text books, computer.. what do you expect! I am actually looking forward to spending some serious time with my books though- I don't think I'll have a problem with my only obligations being the beach, pool side, or if worse comes to worse and it rains... a hotel room. Honestly, I never thought I would say it, but even if it does rain- I am still on a break. Praise the Lord!

On another note- I got to see two of my bestest buds yesterday. Here are a few pics. Love these gals' we've been through it all together! ( And no we did not coordinate on purpose!)

Abbi, Me, Andrea

Griffin (Cuteness Credit goes to Abbi & Ryan!) Me, Andrea