Wanna Ditch the Logical.

Angel of mercy--how did you find me? How did you pick me up again? Angel of mercy--how did you move me? Why am I on my feet again?
"Mercy"--One Republic

Toping the Charts:

1. Highlight of the week? There is no better feeling than the feeling of knowing that you're good enough. This week, I found a job listing that peaked my interest and the more I read, the more I was intrigued. Can you imagine getting the opportunity, the absolute experience that would come from spending a summer working with youth? Not only youth, but children who could use that extra little bit of love and encouragement? I found a job listing for the summer that entails working with youth with disabilities caused by primarily spinal cord injuries. The theory they base their organization on is the idea that too much rehabilitation is done within the walls of a building--which not only doesn't interest a child but doesn't give them a lot of hope either. By introducing them to their physical activity program, they interest the kids while helping them build back their motor skills as well as the hope that is necessary for life. Sounds completely amazing, right? Right. What's even more amazing? They want to interview me, not even twenty-fours after I submitted my application.

2. Ever spent a morning in a wheelchair? Until this week, I would have had to answer that question with a 'no'--but this week I had an eye opening experience. The first part of the lab for my "Assessment of Individuals with Disabilities" class was 'just for kicks', we all had a great time racing around the pavillion, around the track and weaving in and out of pylons--first forward...then backwards. The highlight of this portion was making Mike fall over in stitches as I tried to wheelie in the chair (a skill we had to practise so we could try going off curbs and stairs) and inevitably, I fell over backwards--tipping and collapsing my chair in a pile full of giggles. As I learnt, the technique for tipping the chair is to:
- Tuck your chin to prevent your head from hitting the pavement
- Use your arms to create a barrier between you and your legs as the wheelchairs does collapse and you will find your knees coming at you with the force of your weight...and gravity.
It was all fun and games, right? Not exactly. We were then assigned a task in small groups to accomplish that were all around campus. Our jobs were not only to complete the task but to watch how people a) looked at us and b) treated us. So we left the pavillion and our task was to first look at hoodies in the university bookstore followed by having to check out a textbook for a particular class in the lower level of the students union building. What I found? The bookstore's clothing area is not accessible to individuals in wheelchairs--the lay out doesn't allow the width of the chair to fit to get anywhere near the hoodies. This was actually really sad. As we found our way around using ramps and elevators, we finally made it to lower level students union building to find the book we were supposed to check was on the top shelf--far out of the reach me in the chair. Again--truly sad.

3. I've never really 'won' anything--ever. I enter every possible draw that I can get my hands on and still, nothing. This week, in the midst of all the good experiences and laughter, I get a phone call...turns out I can no longer say "never". What did I win? A three month membership to the city's finest workout facilities and gym.

Here's to the nights we felt alive...