Self Defense

One of my dear friends, Shayne Jasper, made this hilarious YouTube video about self defense. Tips include an open-handed slap and stomping on the perp's feet.

A little story relating to the good we put out into the world returning to us- I helped Shayne to start his business last year: Train with Shayne. During that time he has been one of the driving forces behind my regaining my health and moving from a size 12 to a size 6. As I've gone through life's challenges this past month, he's been there holding me high- like a brother. Thanks for helping me to tap back into my authentic strength Shayne. I hope the world spreads the entertainment of your funny video.

Thanks

A genuine and vulnerable message to friends and family:

I am grateful for your love and support. It's been a hard time. To remain authentic, I have not posted any vibrantly happy pictures during the last month. This post is just to let you know that the ground is solid and I am landing on my feet. Dylan is visiting his grandparents in Portland as I mange our life transition. We will soon be back in Ohio for an extended visit to heal and feel the warmth and security that embraces children when they visit mom. Mom, I can imagine your hug now.

As for this traumatic experience, it has been an unexpected gift. Friends have placed supportive hands under my arms, as I pull myself back to my feet. Furniture, construction help and prayers have come in endless supply from local business friends and our spiritual center. An electrician even volunteered to finish the half-done project of our kitchen that won't pass inspection. Friends will teach me how to place the shingles that leave our home vulnerable to the weather. By surrendering to grace, a contract came in that will ensure that Dylan and I can keep our home. When we received the call, I shared tears of joy with Melina (my biz partner). Our clients saw the results of our work and asked for more- at what was really the moment of truth. With God's perfect timing, after two month's of panic attacks related to finances and a fear of abandonment that actually came true, the contract came in the day after the negativity and dishonesty walked out the front door. (Said with compassion that it is not meant to shame someone I care for so deeply.) When it appeared all was lost, all there was to do was pray. The results are affirming, reminders to choose faith over fear.

The state of shock is passing. Life is getting better every day. The heartbreak and empathy is still raw. It's hard to decisively let go of someone you love when they are making destructive choices, but necessary. And what appears as destructive or selfish from my perspective is different from another's shoes. It is a healthy choice for the people we love to be real, even when the person they choose to be harms us. We can't be what someone else wants us to be, even when it is humane or loyal- if it is not who we are. I'm just glad to see the truth now. Thank God it was just during financial crisis not while facing illness or tragedy. My love for myself and the man I've loved so well- remains steadfast even with the need to maintain the separation. That love lives in the belief in our separate, personal growth.

As Einstein lived so profoundly, "In adversity there is opportunity." Yes, I am saddened by the disappointment. Concurrently, I am joyous about the opportunity for personal growth and to surrender to God's grace. Beyond those profound gifts, like never before I am able to see and receive the love-of friends, family and community. As the truth unfolds more and more beautiful opportunities are emerging. We must be on the right path. The good I am putting out into the world is coming back to me magnified by ten.

I have remarkable work to do in the world. Thank so many of you for sharing these words. I am listening and ready again to instigate goodness.

Be well. As will I.

Deep gratitude to you: Marilyn, Melina, Robbi, Scott, Shayne,Lois, Ed, Jenn, Joshua, Mom, Jon, Jess, my neighbors, David, Vic, Stacy, Mary and Jim, Reider, Brian, Dad, Grandma, Jake, Linda and Sue. Your love is a treasured gift.

Garden of Goodness

My mom surprised me by flying out to Tacoma from Ohio last weekend. Random? Yes, but I needed her. I'd worked myself to exhaustion on those CDFI U.S. Treasury grants. I don't think Luke knew what to make of it. Given that he leaves at 6 AM and gets home from work at 7:30 PM, we both need to keep ourselves as balanced as possible in our work/home life. There's not a lot left to give to each other at the end of an exhausting day. Personal responsibility is an important strategy for maintaining happiness. Working 18 hours a day for the month, honestly caused me to be a little down in addition to the physical exhaustion.



Mom gave love so freely that it was contagious. I couldn't believe it when she texted me that she would fly out the next day. She arrived at noon with her "joy spreading" ready to jump off the plane. She brought my brother Jon over and we went to work planting the most energizing cottage garden. My bro even buried bricks to create an adorable border. We planted squash, leeks, tomatoes, beans, peas, peppers, kale with sunflowers lining the back. There will be a feast this summer. Come our way in August. All the while Luke sawed, stained and hung the accent beam in our kitchen. I am so grateful for a weekend dedicated to family and loving our home. It was needed.

Mom wants regular garden updates, so this blog may transition to a few veggie pictures for the summer.

Hey mom the lima beans and sunflower seeds sprouted yesterday!

Love you.

Thank you Mrs. Butterfield

My friend Scott Butterfield is a master with numbers in a way that I may never know in this lifetime. So it is that Scott and I are connected at the computer-hip this month as our team writes US Treasury Grant Applications.

His wife Lora is his mental match, the Executive Director of the Bonney Lake Chamber of Commerce and a domestic goddess. To break the monotony of the hard work and impact on our families, Lora and Scott invited Dylan, Luke and I over for an after work BBQ on Sunday



After hours of toiling over numbers, I joined Luke and Dylan for a jump on the Butterfield's trampoline.


























Lora's strawberry shortcake was the sweetest part of the evening.

2 National Emmy Nominations

Three years ago I did something scary- and thankfully was supported by one beautifully persistent woman, Roxanne Kruger, a genius, Stacy, Augustine, and the greatest diplomat ever known to the cooperative movement, John Annaloro. So it is today, I am incredibly proud to receive a text message with huge news.

The PBS kids financial literacy program we introduced to be underwritten by the largest grant in the history of the National Credit Union Foundation and America's Credit Unions-- was nominated for TWO national Emmy Awards.

I cried tears of joy thinking about the good intentions we had, the promises we kept and the impact credit unions are having on young people across America and internationally.

It's days like these that the sleepless nights of work put into projects like BizKid$ all make sense. I can only hope that a few children out of the millions of viewers learn enough to stay away from high interest credit cards. (smile and coy reference to the American Debt Relief Challenge.)

Get involved:

1. Share Bizkid$ with your kids.
2. If you work at a credit union, underwrite BizKid$. It still needs your support. Conact RoxAnne Kruger or learn more.
3. Talk to your kids about money, don't just charge trips to Disney Land.

Much Love,

Jamo