20 Questions

1. Why does coffee taste so good in the morning?
2. Why does it taste even better in your favorite mug?
3. Why must landscapers start blowing leaves so early? mornings are supposed to be quiet and peaceful.
4. Why do we need a holiday to remember to be thankful?
5. Why can't I eat more on Thanksgiving? My eyes are always bigger than my stomach.
6. Why does breakfast taste so much better when you're sharing it with a little redhead cutie-pa-tutie? I can't NOT give her half of my bagel.
7. Why do kids sing so loudly and usually off-key but they sound so cute?
8. Why do bananas have to ripen so quickly?
9. Why are good friends so hard to find sometimes?
10. What would we do with friends?
11. What would we do without family or those we adopt into our family?
12. Why are we so scared of making mistakes?
13. Why are we scared of public speaking?
14. Why can you never think of birthday present until AFTER your birthday?
15. Why does Christmas sneak up on us every year? We know it's always the same day every year!

Ok...so I'm struggling to come up with 5 more questions (but 20 questions sounds better than 15.) If I think of 5 more creative, thought provoking questions, I'll let you know!!

Tearing Down the Walls....

Today they tore down the walls (and ceiling) of my kitchen (which may not seem like a good thing, but it is). I have to admit, it's a little chilly and there is a chlorine-like odor lingering around my apartment. Ugh. But, if I step back, I realize that this was a necessary thing. Plus, they were already weak and therefore would have fallen down eventually anyways.

"Why share this on a blog?" you might ask. How is this relevant? Well, we all put walls up around us that need to torn down. Walls that we put up so that no one can see who we truly are...so no one can see inside. We put these walls us for our own protection, or so we think. And we try to hide behind our walls. What if we tore down those walls? What if I showed you exactly who I was inside? Do I hide b/c I'm afraid of what others will think of real me? I truly believe that the world would be a more honest, genuine place if we all tore down our walls. It might us a little nervous. There might even be a new, no-so-great odor in the air. But as the saying goes: honesty is the best policy. Do you believe this? If so, will join me in living it?

This one's for you Nicole!

Ok, so HUGE news:

My older sister (my only sister), Nicole, is engaged. Engaged to none other than John, a fun, funny, energetic, smart and cool guy, and I'm so thankful that's he's going to be my future brother-in-law for two reasons. One, because I've always wanted a brother (Nicole was a good play-mate growing up, but she never wanted to play basketball with me- hence why I always wanted a brother- I'm kidding and serious at the same time. Two, because like John's roommate said the other day: some people can be grouped together by personality, but John, well, he's one-of-a-kind. And, to be quite honest, I am sure glad that he's one-of-a-kind. But I wouldn't want my sister to marrying any "average joe." She deserves a one-of-a-kind kind of guy. And that's why I'm so thankful that their engaged. They truly are perfect for each other. And what's perfect for Nicole, is perfect for me because she's my sister and my best friend (and I get to be her Maid of Honor...how cool is that??)

Regardless of whether or not we saw eye to eye about basketball, I have always looked up to Nicole. She has always been my #1 supporter and #1 encourager- and since before I can remember, I have aspired to be just like her. The way she always put others before herself. Her brains. Her beauty- inside and out. Her faith. I admire all these qualities and more. And most of all, if I never had Nicole as an example in my life , I'm really not sure what kind of person I'd be today. Everything I am, I am becuase of Nicole. She taught me how to be a leader. But also to have a servant spirit. She taught me how to work hard in school. And to work hard for the things that matter the most. She taught me how to be optimistic. And goodness knows, I needed to learn that! And she taught me that inner beauty is much more important than outer beauty. And sometimes, you are blessed with both...

So, this one's for you Nicole! I love you. I am so excited for you. And I can't wait to stand beside you on your wedding day. As your maid of honor and as your sister. Because you have always stood right beside me. And I wouldn't be who I am today, without you.

I love you both, John and Nicole. A HUGE congratulations!

I love my life.

Do ever think sun showers are funny? If not funny, at least fun. I don't what it is about them, but they make me smile.

My friend Kate used to say that there is a difference between liking something and loving it? For example, you might not like your younger brother or sister when they pull your hair and pinch your arm, but when it comes down to it, you still love them- because they're family. Can it work the same way with life in general? Can I not like my life sometimes, but still love it? I agree with my friend Kelly who always says: I love my life.

A couple mornings this week, I have not liked my life. I have woken up with pain, that I had thought had resolved itself a while back. I didn't like having to wake up, pop Advil, and then continue to suffer until the Advil started to work. The pain eventually subsided and I went about my day.

I think it was Wednesday, when the winds were really strong that forgot about wearing your favorite hat or using your sun umbrella. I was walking to school as I do everyone morning and I thought to myself- I love my life.

I love that I live somewhere where the season's change, the leaves on the trees starting to transform.

I love that I am still a student. and therefore can enjoy things only students can enjoy: mid-afternoon naps, mid-morning naps, mid-evening naps.

I love that I have an amazing family. Who still want to visit me, even if only for a few hours.

I love that I get to play scrabble, almost everyday. Even if I lose, almost everyday. It keeps my mind sharp!


I love that I can come home from school and skype mom, watching her cook dinner on the other end, and hearing about how she is such a social butterfly.

I love that I work at Trader Joe's- stocking shelves, searching the stock room for a customer's favorite product only to tell them we ran out, packing groceries, blowing up balloons for the kids in the store. Yea, it's a good job.

Finally, I love my life, because it's life. Real. Sometimes messy. Sometimes frustrating. But it's still life. And it teaches me something new everyday. Like the saying goes, "life is like a box of chocolates, you never know which one you're gonna get."

Words to live by...

Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourself. -Phillipians 2:3

I've been turning these words over and over again in my head recently. These are some of the questions I've been asking myself:

Do I count others more significant than myself?
The words I speak. The judgments I make (even if only in my head). The actions I take...or don't take. Are they glorifying to God? Or I am just trying to glorify myself?
Do I consider others around me when making decisions?
What is my motivation for saying and doing the things I do? Is it rivalry, conceit? Is it out of humility? Why or why not?

I will continue to ask these questions. But what can I do right now? "Be gracious in your speech...bring out the best in others" the Bible says. Yeah. I think I'll start there.

Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.
-Colossians 4:5-6 (The Message)

So excited for the weekend. Can tomorrow be Thursday, please?

Above. The Natalie on the left is getting MARRIED this Friday! The Natalie on the right is SOOOO excited for her.


Above. Left = my Angie. She's been cancer free for TWO YEARS (Praise God!) Middle= the Cutie-Pa-Tuttie (Angie's daughter). Right=Me. I'm celebrating Angie's life this SATURDAY

Top 20 Labor Day Memories

This labor day my friend Angie and her family came down to the Jersey Shore. Let's just say: it was magical! Here are my top 20 memories:

1. That minivan pulling up to the house, late at night. Being able to give Angie a real, in person, hug. They were really here! The Davis’s and Cavadini’s together at last.

2.Waking up extra early so that the kiddos wouldn’t be afraid of their new environment. Sitting under my blanket and watching the sun rise over the peaceful lagoon.

3.Seeing two little heads pop out of their rooms, wondering where they were. Giving them real, in person, hugs. Showing them the lagoon in my backyard.

4.Seeing a third little head through the screen door. When I gave her her life vest, she very happily exclaimed: “this life vest matches my pajamas!”

5.Watching my mom and dad with the kiddos, the surrogate grandparents for the weekend; seeing how quickly and honestly they loved the kids.


6.Watching Bri and Angie play with their baby girl in the ocean. Loving parents loving on their baby.

7.Searching for “unique” shells with the kiddos; “this one’s unique because it looks like a boat” Bear exclaimed.

8.Fighting the tide with Angie. “This makes me feel young,” I say. “Oh yea, I hadn’t noticed. I only noticed how out of shape I am” Angie replied smiling.

9.Bella’s bathing suit matched her hair! This made her happy.

10.Falling asleep at 9:00 p.m. Waking up only for a piece of peach pie.

11.Head massages!

12.Bella wanted her new best friend, my sister, to snuggle with her before bed (only a little jealoug b/c I wanted to snuggle)


13.Kayaking with dad. Exploring the lagoons; the lagoons look so much bigger from our small little kayak.

14.Boating with the Davis’s. Getting soaked. Watching those little faces light up as the boat speeded up. Looking out into the big old bay!


15.Captain Micah driving the boat in his blue sunglasses, taking his job very seriously. Sitting on Captain Chuck’s lap.

16.Bella in her pok-a-dot shirt. A little cutie-pa-tuttie.


17.Kissing and hugging the kiddos as often as we could; they were just too darn cute.

18.Hearing those little giggles.

19.Spending quality time with Angie. Hearing her southern twang. Thinking, "it doesn’t get much better than that (even if I did lose in Scrabble….again!)"


20.Two families meeting for the first time. Loving upon each other.

(Thanks for the pics Angie! I had to show them off)

I'm broke, but it was well worth it.

It's a strange feeling, coming home after 3 months of living in another county. Back to New York accents. Back to driving on the right side of the road. Back to a place you've known all you're life. And you feel both instantly comfortable but also out of place. Momentarily at least. Now, I can't teleport (not yet at least), but it almost feels like I have. Such an abrupt end to an amazing summer away. A sudden reality check. But a necessary one. And so, for the past few days, I've lived in unbelief. Yes, it's great to be home. There's no place like home. But it's surreal. Did this summer really happen? Did I really take the overnight bus from London to Paris and back again? Did I really play ultimate frisbee in the Queen's park (Green Park)? And where did all the pubs go??

Anyway, what I really set out to say in writing this blog was a simple thank you. Thank you to mom and dad, family and friends, professors at Arcadia University and those people who gave me the extra loans, for supporting me through this adventure and amazing experience. Thank you to the staff and patients at Queen Mary's for welcoming me to London, for taking me under your wing and leading me by example, for teaching me so so much about amputees, prosthetics and physio, for being my family, and for being my friends. I will cherish all the memories, and who knows, maybe I'll be back to visit some day. Thank you Leslie for being my roommate, for exploring London with me, for keeping me sane and calm as we waited on the side of the highway for our bus back to London, and just for being a friendly and familiar face day in and day out. (I still can't believe how small our room was!)

This whole "living in London" experience was a greater blessing than I could ever have hoped for. I am grateful for the memories and the lessons learned (both PT related and life lessons). But most of all, I am grateful for all the support from all of you. Thank you. Cheers.

Frisbee = Zen

I wanted to give a HUGE shout out to my fellow ultimate players! I have been blessed 10 times over by playing frisbee every (ok, most) Sundays while I've been here in London. As my friend Jim puts it, "playing frisbee is my zen." It clears your head. It's a great workout. And seriously, how much better can it get: playing frisbee in a beautiful park right in front of Buckingham Palace, most mornings getting serenaded by the "changing of the guards" marching band music. I wonder if the Queen looks out her window and smiles when she sees such fit young people (including you, Jim!) enjoying her park?!? I can dream at least. Anyway, being able to play has added so much to this whole experience abroad: what a treat it is to be able to join together with complete strangers and have good ol' fashion, light-hearted fun. So, thank you all for the fun and memories and for welcoming me so warmly.

Play on and may frisbee continue to a your zen!

Before and After

By popular demand, ...Natalie BEFORE the Haircut:


... Natalie AFTER the "best and worst" Haircut EVER:


Both silly pictures, oh well :)

My Latest Adventures

This past Friday, I was feeling rather spontaneous. On the bus to work, I contemplated what I wanted to do this weekend. And then out of blue, it came to me. Why not go to Paris? Sure, why not. Only live once. I decided that the overnight bus was my cheapest option, and I could catch a bus that very night. Come quiting time at work, I rushed to an internet cafe to buy my coach ticket. This was at 4:00 in the afternoon. Five hours later, I was sitting on the coach bus, on my way to Paris. At 11:00 p.m, I was warmly welcomed (ok, I was allowed in) into France by Border Patrol. Then the bus drove onto the ferry, I spent an 1 1/2 hr on the ferry, and then I got back on the bus for another 4 hr journey. Yes, it was a long journey. Thankfully, I slept through most it! Who says you can't sleep on a bus??

Anyways, there I was. In the coach station, in PARIS, at 7:30 in the morning! Map in hand and a Metro ticket from my sister, I was off to find the Louvre, then Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Sacre Cour and the Opera House. It was quite the adventure! and such a full day! And the craziest part is that I was only in Paris for 15 hours! At 10:00 I boarded the overnight bus, on my way back to London. This way I didn't have to pay for a hostel. And I could sleep on the bus again and have all day Sunday to recover. All in all, it was an exciting and fun weekend in a whirl-windy sort of way. I'm glad I did it though, thanks Nicole for the recommendation (and funding!)
___
And now for my biggest, bravest adventure thus far while in London.

Today I got my HAIRCUT!!How does this qualify as an adventure...I'll explain:

Again, today after work, I was feeling spontaneous. I walked into the little mall by Gloucester Road Tube Station, and the hair salon caught my eye. Haircut for 12.95 pounds (about $20). Sounds good, I could use a cut.

It started out on a very positive note. The hairdresser washed my hair for a good 10 minutes!! Shampoo, Massage. Conditioner, Massage. Another liquid, Massage. Probably the best head massage I've ever had.

Then I sat in front of the mirror and he starts fluffing my hair as hairdressers do, and I know what he's going to ask before he does: how do you want your hair cut?? I give him my generic answer (because I'm unadventurous when it comes to my hair): I want it a little above my shoulders, a few layers, a little more of a style.

"Do you want a French cut (point to my bangs) or a French side cut?" Uh, sorry, can you explain that? I'm a clueless American.

We decide on a French side cut (why not?) And so, the haircut begins. He divides my hair into sections. Nothing different there. But then he makes his first cut. Now, imagine how you would cut a piece of wrapping paper, using one long motion to cut all the way across the paper. That, is how he cut my hair. No "snip, snip, snip' of the scissors. It was an awful noise (rippppppppp), cutting straight through strands of hair. Is this guy really going to cut my hair?? I thought I took a deep breath and decided that it was only hair. He kept going. Eventually, he did go "snip, snip, snip," and this made me feel much better. For a little while. But then it was time for the French side cut bangs.

He left the division for my bangs for last. Normal. Twirling it into a knot at the top of my head. He then proceeded to "attack" my hair with his scissors, stabbing the twirl of hairs with open, sharp, scissors. In and out, In and out. "Shearing" I guess you'd call it. I'm pretty sure it was at this point that I had to started to laugh. This can't be happening.. But, it was.

At this point, I was convinced that he was finished. And I had to say, I was actually liking the cut, even after getting attacked by his scissors. But,no luck. He wasn't finished yet. He then went all around my head and used his open scissors to stab and attack and shear away hair in a random fashion. It's hard to describe. But it definitely wasn't a snip, or even a chop. Form of shearing again. (I'm guessing this part was to thin/fluff my already thin hair.) Who really knows at this point? He soon finished up, fluffed up my hair as he did in the beginning and asked me if I like the cut. The words, "yes, I like it" came out of my mouth, but my head wasn't so sure.

Let's just say, it was an eye-opening experience. I'm pretty sure my hairdresser at home will have her work cut out for her upon my next haircut. All I can say is that this was definitely the best and the worst haircut I've ever had.


(I think I'll stop being spontaneous for a while!)

Where in the world is Natalie?

...can you guess?

The tale of the Englishman

I'm learning many things here in London. Academically, I am learning all about how to work with persons with amputations. How to teach them to use their artificial leg (prosthesis) to increase their mobility and in many cases, to walk again. Today, one my patients, an amputee, "graduated" from walking school and he was discharged from the hospital after being there for 3 weeks. A long time to be away from home. But at 5pm today, his son-in-law was going to pick him up and drive him home. Home again to be with his wife. And the best part: he was going to WALK into the front door. It would be the first time his wife saw him walk since he had his amputation earlier this year. What a journey this man has been on. Yes, he lost his leg. Yes, it has been painful physically and emotionally. But yes, he would walk again. He is walking again. I can just picture his wife's proud face, smiling as he walked into the house today.

And I'm learning a thing or two about the English culture. First of all, I learned the difference between British and English. The true English are those who were born and live in England. British refers to any person born and living in the United Kingdom (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England).

I am adding many new words to my vocabulary such as "rubbish" "cheers" "cheeky" In context:
1. The weather today is just rubbish. There's nothing good on television. There's only rubbish
2. "Here's another cup of tea," says Sally. "Cheers," replies Andrew.
OR "Here's your change love," says the cashier. "Cheers" she replies trying to sound British but everyone knows right away, she's American.
3. "How did you get to England?" asked one my patients. "I flew." I replied. "You cheeky monkey, of course you flew!"

And last but not least, I'm learning a thing or two about romance. Yes, that's right. Yesterday, a near and dear patient of mine (a true "Englishman" he calls himself) was giving me dating advise. The conversation went something like this:

Englishman:(Insert English Accent) "Nat-a-lie, love. You really need to get married soon. It's best to get married when you're young. I can see you having a large family. Find yourself, a nice looking chap and go after him. And when you find him, give him a signal-So he knows you're interested. Give him "the look." You know, give him "the eyes." (Englishman gives me the eyes.)
Me: Ok, I'll keep that in mind then. (smiling and trying to look busy somewhere else)

10 minutes later

Englishman: Nat-a-lie, love. Come here. You see that fellow over there. He's a good looking fella. Take it from me. I know. You should go after him. Yes, he's a very good looking chap. Do you want me to say something to him? I'll tell him that you're interested.
(Insert Me with bright red cheeks)
Me: No, no. That's ok. Thank you anyway. I'd be so embarrassed.
Englishamn: Ok. Hey you, you're a handsome chap. Are you engaged??

Handsome Guy (insert thick Irish accent): No, I'm not sir. (Laughs, blushes I'm sure).
Englishman: Oh good good. Because this lady sitting right here. She's eligible. And she has eyes for you!

Me (in my head): Eyes for him. Well, he is good looking and his accent is cute, but where did this come from? Is this really happening? Did he just say this, right in front of me??

Handsome Guy: Oh, is that right? (remember: thick Irish accent = very cool).
Englishman: Yes, you should take her out to dinner. Isn't that a good idea? You'd both have a really good time.
Handsome Guy: Oh yea? I might just have to do that sir??
Englishman: Oh, brilliant. It's a date then?

Me (to Englishman): Ok, very good. I think it's that time. Your patient transport is here friend.

And Cut. Close the curtains.
Handsome Guy exits.
I exit. Beet red in the face.
Englishman goes home, only to return tomorrow.

And that is the tale of the Englishman. The tale continues of course, but that's enough for one day.

Overall, it was all in good fun.

And in case you were wondering, no there is no date in the near future.

Three Things I LOVE...

My family...


Sunsets from my apartment window...

The Beach (Brighton, UK)...

London Family Week in Review- Part 2

The weekend called for some serious sightseeing (being that I had to work during the week and wouldn't be able to play "tour guide" then). And can I just say, my hat goes off to those tour guides that are really good at their jobs! I was soon to find out that you really need to know your stuff, almost having an internal map, to be a guide. Plus, I have a confession. There was more than a couple occasions when I led my family to a totally different destination then was intended. Hopefully, I played it cool and like my dad always says, "getting lost helps you get to know the area better!" Thanks for that tip dad!

Saturday morning: off to Portabello Road. A huge street fair/market selling everything from antiques, to fresh produce and flowers, to leather handbags to cheap flea-market type items. At first, I wondered if this was the right choice for technically our first London sight (being that it was so crowded and it was starting to rain.) But lo and behold. I was saved. We found the food! Fresh doughnuts, breads and pastries. Paella simmering in huge frying pans. Real German Bratwursts. Fruit and vegetable stands everywhere. And so, we ate our way through the rest of the market before heading to the next memorable sight: the Whispering Gallery of St. Paul's Cathedral.
---
There she sat, playing "keeper of the backpacks." Dad, Nicole, John and I had decided to climb to the top of St. Paul's to view the city from above the city's rooftops. Back in the Whispering Gallery, mom patiently waited. Then she heard them. Voices. Whispers. But where were they coming from? Down below in the Cathedral? No. From behind the wall? No. And then looking around the gallery, she realized that the whispers were travelling AROUND the dome of the gallery. It was the coolest thing. If someone was standing on the other side of gallery, and he/she whispered softly against the completely cylindrical wall, you could hear their voices clear as day. Maybe you had to be there, but trust me, it was the coolest thing. When we returned from our climb, mom explained her discovery. It didn't take Dad long before he tried it out. "Free beer in the lobby," he whispered. Yes, that's dad for you. Talking about beer at church. Oh, how we love his corny sense of humor.

The rest of the night was spent, yes, eating and drinking. We found a pub, "The Mulberry Bush" off the beaten path and mom and John enjoyed another good english meal: Steak and Ale Pie. For the remainder of the week, mom couldn't stop talking about how impressed she was by the food in England. Especially the fish and chips and pie! Food. Gotta love it!

London- Family Week in Review.

Although London-Family Week was technically last week, I was WAY to busy enjoying my family to post anything before now. Hence, I dub this week, "London-Family Week in Review." Where do I even start? From the beginning...

Mom, dad,Nicole and John arrived on a friday morning. I was "working" when they arrived at Heathrow (ok, really I was watching the clock most of the day). Because I wasn't able to greet them, thanks to dad's supreme path-finding skills, and good ol' "Dot 2 Dot" bus shuttle (side note: dad loved the name DOT 2 DOT...if our boat didn't have a name, I bet Dot2Dot would be in the running) they made it to the Best Western no problem. My bus ride home from work was one of the longest yet, but well worth it when I arrived at the hotel and was welcomed by my FAMILY! It took me a while to accept this: yes, MY FAMILY was visiting ME in LONDON. cRaZy. Anyway, everyone was hungry so off to the pub we went. (side note #2: I think I ate at more great pubs last week than I had the entire 6 weeks prior...it was GREAT!)

Now, before I continue, there is one thing you need to know about my family. We love to eat! It's probably the Italian in us ;) So, just keep this in mind: IT'S ALLLLL ABOUT THE FOOD with this family.

At the pub, I ordered a pitcher of PIMM's (an extremely popular summer drink across of London-made with lemonade, pieces of fruit, mint leaves and Pimm's liquor...mmm mmm.) And then we ordered dinner. I had the Italian chicken (chicken, mozzarella cheese, bacon and marinara sauce). Dad had the battered fish and chips. Mom- fish and chips. Nicole- fish and chips. John- fish (with the skin on) and chips! I'm not sure if it showed, but I was totally smiling inside! Just like myself, when my family thinks of English food, they think of fish and chips. And I would have been right there with them, but I had fish and chips for lunch that day. In the end, everyone gave the Pimm's and the fish and chips two thumbs up! What fun! Like I said, it's all about the food.

The Big Easy, Flowers for a Fiver, and Chilled Leek Soup

Happy late 4th of July. And yes, people in London celebrated Independence Day. OK, maybe it was just the Americans in Britain that celebrated (myself included!) The afternoon of the 4th was a lazy one, and it wasn't until 8 o'clock that we were all ready to go out to a restuarant/bar called The Big Easy. Being a New Orlean's themed restuarant, American flags and those tacky extra-large christmas lights brought light into the dark bar. It all felt very rebellious. Almost like we were in a Speak Easy...drinking red, white and blue margharitas, listening to American music. Regardless, we enjoyed ourselves, celebrating our independence as fun-loving exchange students!

Sunday morning I headed to the Columbia Road Flower Market. Imagine the vendors of NYC calling out from behind their stand...NEWSPAPERS, GET YOUR NEWSPAPERS. Now, replace that with British accents (yet thick city accents) calling out...FLOWERS, 3 BUNCHES FOR A FIVVVVER. EVERYTHIGN A FIVVVER. 20 ROSES FOR A FIVVVER (a fiver being £5). Beautiful flowers. Beautiful accents.

Finally, sunday afternoon found me sitting in a pub watching Wimbledon with some friends I've met through playing ultimate frisbee (both British-born and Americans). Good fun watching a championship taking place less than 30 miles away. But what a surprise it was when lunch came out- CHILLED leek and potato soup. Apparantly when the menu said CHILLED, it really meant cold soup with ice cubes floating in it(I initially thought that just the leeks would be chilled...silly tourist!)Personally preference--I like my soup hot!! The bread was good though. Good crusty bread!

cheers!

My Night

My plan for tonight was to 1) find a library 2)grab quick dinner 3) go for a run around 9.

What did I actually do?
1) Found a library but it was closed.
2) Took the bus downtown and sat next to a lady who told me I smiled too much and that there was nothing to smile about.
3) Bought pizza- buy one get one free...sounds like i'm set for dinner tomorrow.
4) Sat next to a guy from Australia who just came from Amsterdam. Started to talk...he was also a physio...PT.
5) found a internet cafe.
6) listened to a radio station from LBI, NJ. Love the internet!
7) Skyped, chatted and laughed with good friends and mom!

Happy Father's Day

A flamingo kite. Can it get any more perfect?












Missing you dad this Father's Day! I love you so much and I couldn't have asked for a more fun or loving dad. Enjoy your day!

The Top of the World

This weekend I visited the Prime Meridian. Yes, none other than Greenwich, England. What an awesome place to visit! Tourists and locals alike gathered to picnic in the massive Greenwich Park- some locals even setting up full wine and cheese picnics. One such picnic was complete with white-tablecloth covered tables and accordion player providing the entertainment. Another family picnic within a flower-garden was having a potato-sack race (in black trash bags)- all laughing at themselves as the British seem to like to do.

The views are gorgeous once you climb the steep hill up to the Royal Observatory. The skyline is complete with a beautiful Christopher Wren building (Christopher Wren is a very, very, very well-known architect in London), St Paul's Cathedral and the massive O2 Arena (future sight of the 2012 Olympics-gymnastics and basketball finals). And there I was, upon the hill, on top of the world. I wondered around, asking friendly tourists to take my picture on the Prime Meridian (O degrees longitude), thus, the center of the earth. Then down the other side of the hill I went, and lo and behold, I stumbled upon a family fun fair! No summer is complete with a carnival or two. There was a petting zoo, free donkey rides (no, I didn't go on a ride), and greasy, wonderful carnival food- doughnuts, fish and chips, kabobs, cheese-steaks (a bit of Philly, but not quite). And the best part of it all- the kites! Hundreds of kites!

I took it all in. For myself. For my dad who loves kites. For my sister and mom. For the gift of being on what felt like the top of the world. A smile on my face, reminiscing on kite flying days with dad, and a bag of fresh doughnuts in my hand, I enjoyed the pleasure of having no schedule, nowhere to be, no "agenda." And so, I watched as kids of all ages (5 to 55 years old) flew their kites, some crashing, others flying high. And I was at peace. Even though I was many many miles away from home. Even though I was still missing family and friends. But thankful for this opportunity to be in this beautiful place. It was the kind of beauty you can never explain fully in words. And I realized that traveling by yourself is bittersweet but freeing at the same time. What a place it was- it felt like the top of world.

Extreme Skating

(If this guy was just stretching, that'd be impressive. But note the skates on his feet.This was indeed "Extreme Skating." He'd skate down the sidewalk, strike this pose, and then keep on skating without slowing down or anything. Truly, truly amazing! London talent at it's finest.)

Where's Natalie?

So,let's suppose that you were in London, and you wanted to find me but you couldn't reach my cell-phone because well, I don't have one! (This has been a very freeing experience, not having a cell; we'll see if I feel this way in a month though!)

Where would you find Natalie?

1. During the week, I'm at the hospital. Working hard. Being myself. Being a PT.

2. In my "flat." My home base. It's a cozy place. And because my computer is my only means of communication with friends and family at home, you will find me sitting up, sometimes late into the night (like tonight), "skyping" mom, my sister and anyone who has the same accent as me!

3. Running! Through parks. Around nearby neighborhoods. Stumbling upon places that are vaguely familiar. Running until the road ends and then turning around and running back. Running in straight lines is key, especially if you don't want to get lost! I'm finding that running this way, and in big loops, is the best way to scope out local cafes, pretty gardens and beautiful row-homes.

4. Searching for real coffee! There is a cafe at every corner in London, so you would think it'd be easy to find good coffee. You thought wrong. If you ask for a coffee at any cafe, you'll probably end up with espresso mixed with hot water and/or a cup of INSTANT COFFEE! Not a Quick Check, 7-11, Sheetz or Wawa in sight. Oh, the dreaded instant coffee! And so, I search for real, strong, coffee. "Filter coffee" as they call it. Such things I have taken for granted...but not anymore!

5. Playing ultimate frisbee in front of Buckingham Palace. This past Sunday, I joined a group of young Brits and few American students in a pick-up game of ultimate. It was "lovely" (as they say here)! As the sound of marching band filled the air, there I was, in London, playing one of my favorite sports...and getting to know new people at the same time!

6. At a pub. Pubs are a crucial part of the British culture. The other day I had a pint of "Hobglobin"...you won't find that in Philly!

7. Lost (although I'll rarely admit it...I get that from my Dad). I have been saved many many times my the maps of London stored in my iPod. And what a relief it is to see that big red circular sign with the word "Underground" on it: the Tube. My ticket home. I'm found once again!

Physiotherapy

I had one of my patient’s ask me to “give him an American exercise” (he was quite aware that I was NOT British.) I laughed and said that there’s really nothing uniquely American. Of course some techniques and philosophies differ from place to place, but I’m starting to realizing that physical therapy is physical therapy; it’s an universal language of sorts. Well, except that it’s called “physiotherapy” here. This similarity is refreshing for a “fresh-off the plane” American “Physio” student
I was properly welcomed and spent 2-3 days observing the basic operations of the clinic. As with anything new, I was a bit overwhelmed and to be honest, I guess I will be for a while. I see the other Physios splitting their time between their entire patient load while I am running around barely juggling the small caseload I’ve been given. It’s a bit overwhelming because the philosophy of the clinic is to allow the patients, all of whom have a “disability”, to use the abilities they have retained in order to be as independent as possible. Each patient is expected to be independent with transferring themselves and independently wheeling themselves in their wheelchairs. Over the course of a few days, each patient settles into his or her routine; I just hope the same will happen for me (I have confidence that it will.) By the end of the first week at clinic, I felt like I had learned a month’s worth of information and procedure. I learned things specific to persons with amputations: how to properly don and off a prosthesis, the proper names for parts of the prosthesis, and various other “tricks of the trade.” But most of all, I learned that PT is PT. No matter the country and even between specialty areas. I feel like my schooling has prepared me well, though I have only begun this exciting adventure.

Double "D" Day

Today is Double "D" Day because I finally was able to set on the top level of a Double-Decker bus this morning. I thought this would be easy thing to do, but for one thing, not every bus is a double-decker and for another thing, the trip has to be a long to make the upper deck worth it. nyhow, check riding the double-decker off my list of things to do while in London. A small but important accomplishment for this American student. Secretly, I think even the businessmen find it exciting to ride on the upper level. It's like climbing a tree and look out from above leaves. It more exciting being high up (unless you're afraid of heights of course).

Today was day 3 at clinic. So far, my experience has been all positive. There is so much more I need to learn, but I feel like I can and have held my own. Almost all, if not all, of the patients I will be seeing have had an amputation in the past- past being anywhere being 10 days and 40+ years ago. The clinic is a rehab setting with one big gym for both inpatient and outpatient amputees. The patients arrive at the gym in the early morning and then stay and work hard until 3pm. This schedule adequate exercise time that will hopefully promote the quickest and safest return to home and to their daily life.

My role, amongst other things, is to encourage and guide movement and activity. I try to make the activities fun and interesting. A huge part of my job is to make certain that a patient is safe to return home, and he/she is best equipped to return to their daily life. Yes, I promote exercise! But I also wear other hats (I like this variability in my job). I am a motivator and a friend. A listening ear and a problem solver. I think of exercises that will strengthen muscles but also boost self-confidence. And in my personal opinion, however bias it may be, I think the best thing about rehab and exercise and physical therapy is in general is that PT not only strengthens the body, but it also empowers the spirit. It is my job to tell you what you can do! Yes, you can return to a your life. Yes, you may have to be creative in the way you do tasks, even walk. You will need to work hard, without a doub. But if you persevere,and if I do my job well, even after something as as terrible as an amputation, life will continue on. And yes, you have the ability to continue living your life!

Cricket in the Park

I just loved the outfit. He was so serious about cricket too. Parks here are great for people watching.

Celebration Day!

The football jerseys worn by my neighbors gave it away: today was a big football day. Little did I know that it was the Final Game of FA Cup (Note: this means something to people that follow soccer and to nearly everyone who lives in Europe). The game was Chelsea vs. Everton. Walking along every street, and filling every local pub, Chelsea fans were supporting their favorite team. Not being a huge football fan, I went about my day, enjoying the blue skies and 24 degree Celsius air (77 F), forgetting about the game.

I wrote postcards in the park, had brunch at the Diana Cafe (a cafe filled with pictures of Princess Diana from High School age and up.) I bought a spinach, tomato and cheese quiche at the local farmer's market, which I later shared with my roommate for dinner. I called my parents in the early afternoon, a pleasant change from my late night calls during the week. Then, as I was relaxing in our flat, I heard singing coming from the streets. Maybe "chanting" was a better word. You could tell the mood was celebratory. Putting two and two together, I realized that Chelsea must have won the game. My roommate and I listened for awhile, trying to decipher what must have been the Chelsea Fight Song. The roar came in constant waves; yes, Chelsea had won! 2-1 over Everton.

A few hours later, as Leslie and I walked to tube stop, a big red double-decker bus passed us. Again, singing! The top level of the bus was filled with Chelsea fans in their blue jerseys, waving flags and celebrating. Celebrating loudly. We took the tube down to central London in search of some ice cream for dessert. And wouldn't you know that as soon as we were above-ground, we were welcomed by cheers of celebratiion. Down almost every street, especially when there were 2 or 3 pubs in one area, Chelsea fans sang on the top of their lungs. Leslie and I were thoroughly amused. Smiling, we headed toward a popular touristy area of the city (we figure it's still okay to do tourist things; we've only been here a week!) After enjoying our 2-scoop Haagan Daz ice cream sundaes, we walked around for another hour or so before heading home on the tube. And yes, even then, as we packed ourselves into the lifts of the Underground, men and women both were clapping, chanting, and celebrating Chelsea's victory. Yes, today was definitely a day worth celebrating here in London.

Public Transportation Day

Day 2: Canal Day

I think it was Henry Gray (author of Gray's Anatomy) who used to give each day a name in his journal. Or maybe it was Jon Krakauer (author of "Into the Wild"). Either way, I dub today "Canal Day."

This week is essentially supposed to be "orientation week" for Leslie (my roommate/partner in crime/fellow PT student) and I. However, it is quickly turning into "let's see as much as we can including all the touristy sights and other beautiful London sight before work starts to dictate the better part of our trip." Now, don't get me wrong, I am seriously looking forward to working at my clinic- I know it will be an amazing opportunity! BUT...I AM in London. And it is summertime. And there is SOOOO much to see and do her. And Arcadia is actually picking up the tab for most of this week (including a Tube Pass, an awesome boat ride today, and seeing "Wicked" tomorrow night). I think you can understand this...

So, why Canal Day? Because one minute I was walking around downtown London and the next minute I was taking a garden path in and around a corner and TADA! There it was: the "Regent's Canal." And along the canals there were these really old boats that my dad would have loved to have seen. My favorite boat name that I passed was "Pea Green Boat."

Today is Canal Day because these are the kind of sights that I absolutely love stumbling upon. They are in places you would never expect. Places you don't find just by looking at your map. And so, as we walked down the canals, (or rather I ran because our tour guide was on a mission to show us half of London in one day!), I thought to myself, WOW, I am so spoiled to be here, in London, seeing what I'm seeing, experiencing what I'm experiencing. I don't deserve this...but I sure am enjoying it!

3459 miles across the sea...

9:30 last night...

Made it through airport security without a problem. Not sure why I was so worried about it. Sat by the gate and made some last minute texts- last time to use cell phone for 3 months...will I miss that convenience? Stewardess sounds like my British professor (kind of looks like her too!)

Sitting on the plan now. Watching the safety video. Another British accent...what are the chances? (just kidding.) The flight is going to be a "relatively short one" says the Captain. First passing over Manhattan. Then up to Canada. Fly east to Bristol and then to final destination-Heathrow. I can't believe this is going to happen. I thank my lucky stars for this opportunity. Thank you Father God for your continual blessings and the exciting adventures you still have in store for me. Please be with me wherever this journey takes me.

Plane is taking off now. Should get some sleep. London here I come (at a ground speed of 298 mph!)

I just arrived in London!

It's a little after Noon (London time = 4 hours ahead). I am sitting in my very simple room, yet it will definitely serve it's purpose. Just picture a dorm room; 2 beds, 2 small desks, 1 closet (yea, the 1 closet may be tough for us girls). I will be sharing the room with a classmate whom I know well enough and whom I am looking forward to getting to know better.

Will right more soon. Off to make my bed with my brightly-colored fish sheets. Now that I think of it, I used these same sheets in college. In the words of Jason Mraz...La La La La La , Life is wonderful. La La La La La La, Life goes full circle.

Google Earth- Destination: London!

Let's say, you're going on a vacation....
better yet, let's say you're going to a foreign country on an extended stay. "What will this place look like?" you ask yourself. "Where will I be staying? I'm so anxious, I just want to be there."

The answer is simple = Google Earth!

In 15 short days I will be flying across the Atlantic Ocean...and living there for 3 not so short months!

Where will I be staying?














Where will I be working? (Here-ish)













Where will I go sightseeing?













Possibly,














I think that covers the WHERE. For some reason, it's comforting to actually see where I'll be living for the next three months(thanks, Google). I'll write more later on WHAT I'll be doing there. I am very excited about the WHAT.

Scrabble in the Park

Scrabble in the park
Mom grunts "I have bad letters"
Mom wins, like always

Comfort in the Unknown

I don’t know about you but personally, I am pretty uncomfortable with the unknown. I’m thinking about those times when you or a loved one is ill, but the doctors have no definitive diagnosis. Yet. That period of waiting is very very uncomfortable. My mom, like most moms couldn’t fall asleep until her daughters were home safe at nighttime. Not until she heard the garage door open could be sleep deeply and comfortably. Sometimes, I have a fear of the unknown because I am afraid of change. Sometimes, change can be a really good thing. A necessary thing. Nevertheless, change is uncomfortable before it become comfortable.

Can there be comfort in the unknown then? Comfort in not knowing something? Today I was talking with a friend about life and about the future. Because we are both recent college graduate (recent being 2 or 3 years), we were sharing about the many different places we’ve lived since moving away from home. And we came to the realization that over the past 6ish years, change has been one the consistent theme in our lives. And while it seems contradictory, we have found comfort in the facts that are futures are still unknown. Personally, I have another year of school which is non-negotiable, but after that, who knows where I’ve be living, what job I’ll have, or where life will take me? And as weird as it sounds, I am comfortable with that. I am more comfortable with the unknown than I would be if I knew exactly what the next 5 years looked like. Maybe it’s because there are so many opportunities available? Maybe, I’m just comfortable because it’s not time yet to make those hard decisions about where, when and how? Or maybe, there something else? Maybe my comfort comes from something within me saying that everything will turn out just as it’s supposed to. That God will and is presently taking care of my future. And if He’s in control, why be afraid? Sometimes, it’s just not that easy to let go and give over control. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try, does it?

I read this quote not too long ago on Of First Importance:
“Everything is necessary that he sends. Nothing can be necessary that he withholds.”
- John Newton

Can there be comfort in the unknown? I believe that there can me because although many things are unknown to me, my God knows ALL things. And that is something that I am very comfortable with.

What I loved about today...

I was extra blessed this Valentine's Day to have not just one Valentine, but seven Valentines (my mom and dad, my aunt, uncle and 2 cousins and my newly engaged friend). And although I cannot fully explain how much I LOVED spending this day with this day with them, I'm going to try anyways. Here are the things I loved about today:

I loved...

1. the way my dad and my uncle just took charge, loading and unloading furniture for my apartment, then taxiing Becky and I around tow, helping to rearrange the living room furniture, and running the cable up and around and behind and in front of my doors and closets. As Becky put it: they are both "quality men" and I am so thankful for their patience, kind hearts and loving spirits.

2. the way my mom and aunt never run out of things to talk about. Never. I love that they are sisters and friends at the same time. I love that they ask each other for advice and guidance. And then they apply the advice. I love that it is so natural for them to love others. To love me. To love my friends. Did I mention that they LOVE to talk. But more so, they love to love others. They are mothers through and through. I hope one day I will be a mother just like them.

3. the way my cousins so easily go with the flow. How they can entertain themselves while coming in and out of the present conversation. I love that they still greet me with a hug and kiss. They always bring a smile to my face. (We missed you Greg.)

4. the fact that Becky and I spent pretty much the whole day together (almost 12 hours). i love that we are still friends. College friends tend to come and go; they tend to come in and out of your life. But I love that Becky lives just 10 minutes away. That I can call her up and ask her if she wants to workout at the gym. That we can laugh and share stories. That I know about her life and she knows about mine. Secretly, I love that I was the first person to know that she and Caleb GOT ENGAGED. And that I was able to eat breakfast with Caleb before he left for Iraq.


I hope you too had a day full of love. Thankfully, my day was full of love AND family. Throughout my entire life, the two (love and family) have been one and the same. I couldn't have asked for more perfect Valentines.