December 24 2016 A Merry Mele Kalikimaka

2016, winding down. Most of us would agree we're not sad to see it go. And yet I find myself reflecting on the memories of this year anyway. It was a good year in a lot of ways too. As trying a time as my life has been post-bank robber encounter, I can honestly say it's been one of the best experiences I've ever gone through. Not that I recommend it to anyone, of course. Nor do I ever want to do it again. But, like the Grinch, my heart has grown three sizes since it happened. Not that my heart was an empty hole before, it's just brought me to a level of seeing that this really is a wonderful life (cue Polyanna music).
Anyhow, the latest news: I've upgraded to a soft neck brace this week, which I only wear when my neck is hurting. I no longer feel like this....

And the Christmas festivities have been merry and bright.

Reindeer games

And Siri thinks she's funny and has conveniently been auto correcting my name to Necki when I type it. She knows.

I made a Christmas CD for those who got Unbreakable 5K shirts, but thought I'd avoid being a Scrooge and let everyone have it, along with several more songs. If you look up my name on Spotify, the playlist is called Home For Christmas. You're welcome.

And here's a soft and sappy Christmas song that I love:
The Prayer by David Archuleta and Nathan Pacheco

Happy Christmas from your favorite crash test dummies, Necki and Nalu. See ya in 2017. 

December 18 2016 Christmas Miracles

This year has been a doozy, am I right? General consensus of 2016: It was the worst.
A lot of good friends and family had serious struggles this year. And three people at my company passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. Strange to think I was almost the fourth.
I did have some uplifting news this week though. I was on the local news last Monday, and two days later I received a Facebook message from a person I didn't know. I started reading, a bit confused why this person was being so apologetic, and about four sentences in I read this, "See, I am married to the man that hit you...".
Well that was unexpected. The email was heartfelt and sincere, overflowing with her pain and struggle with what her husband did. I knew she was in the process of divorcing him from her police statement back in August, so I never blamed her, but oh man how she blamed herself. Halfway through the email, she mentioned that she and her three children had seen the news segment, and her son knew right away that I was the person his dad hit. He stood up and told his mom he wanted to walk the 5K with me.
(I'll give you a few moments to wipe the tears from your eyes)
I'll leave you with that, because it was a very touching and personal letter, but I had to share this part of it. They will be participating in the New Year's 5K, to show me they don't approve of their family member's actions. It will be a huge step in the healing process for them as well as for me. Hallmark movie material, right?!
It comes down to this for me, something I saw on Pinterest somewhere: You are always responsible for how you act, regardless of how you feel. Remember that. 
Life sucks...and sometimes sucks a lot...but you choose how you respond to that suckiness. Yes, it's not always easy to do. Crying is allowed. And screaming. Once in a while throwing things is appropriate (as long as it's not at someone). But then you've got to make a choice. I had to make that choice. Do I wallow in my pain and misery, laying helpless and completely dependent on other people? Or do I fight to put myself back together, physically and emotionally, and try to make some good of a bad situation? I chose the latter, and it has made all the difference in the world. I'd go as far as saying it has even eased my physical pain. The mind is a powerful thing.

And this song couldn't be more perfect for this Christmasy week:

Maybe This Christmas by Ron Sexsmith

December 7 2016 In Other News...

I usually post every Sunday--but the last two weeks got away from me. I'll try to recap with a reader's digest version, and leave you with two great songs.

This was taken outside La Caille. Magical.

Thanksgiving! I spent the holidays this year with with good friends that feel like family. Thanksgiving itself was spent at a nice restaurant in Sandy, UT called La Caille. It was so nice to not have to cook, and even nicer to not clean up. Thanksgiving in a neck brace wasn't so bad.

Had my first airplane flight since the accident. It wasn't one of my favorite memories of these past weeks. Brutal. On the way home I did things right and got pushed in a wheelchair to where I needed to go.

I met a lady on the plane heading out that had been in a serious motorcycle accident a few years ago. Her face took most of the impact--and she had pictures to prove it. Poor woman. But several surgeries later things have improved immensely, and she was happy to be alive. She was so pretty!

I met a man on the plane heading back home that had a cane, leg brace, and a service dog. He told me he'd been shot in the back while serving in Afghanistan. It affected so much of his mobility. The dog kept him steady, and picked things up for him when he dropped them. He seemed a very kind man, and held himself so well. He, too, was happy to be alive.

These two people got me thinking. Life sure does throw us curve balls once in a while. It's so funny to think about my accident and what has happened with my life since then. Oddly enough, I would say it's been one of the best experiences of my life. Weird, I know. I got in a major car wreck that broke 14 bones and it was so amazing! Not so much like that. But the people that I've met, the service I've received, the lives I've touched, the pure love and charity of good people in this world....that is the best. Keeps me smiling. And laughing. And knowing this is a good life. Heard this quote yesterday that sums it up: "Don't fight the frustration. Let it be the catalyst for whimsy."--James Vietch

I'm walking the SLC Beat the New Year 5K on New Year's Eve this year. I might be crazy, but I mentally need it. It has been very motivating. And people are rallying for me all over the west! I can't believe the outpour of support that has come in with people buying the Unbreakable shirts. I just get choked up. And I'm so excited to see the pictures of my friends and family all over the country wearing these shirts and running/walking/hiking/biking in my honor. It will be so incredibly helpful and motivating for me to do mine that night. 

And check this out, I was on the news--

https://www.ksl.com/?sid=42472981

And this song!! Possibly the most darling cover of this song I've ever heard. And appropriate for my feels right now. 

With A Little Help From My Friends by Dodie Clark