Life Lessons Taught in West Virginia

I will never be able to describe the love I have for West Virginia, the people, or the service that I am blessed to do each and every day. Through my time here I have learned a few life lessons that I want to share with the inter-web, complete with gifs that make me enthusiastically too happy.

Amber's Life Lessons

1. "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." (Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen) Except in my case, it's any single, Christian woman, with a job MUST need a husband. With every person, over the age of 45, I have had the same conversation: 

Oldie: "So, do you have a boyfriend?"
Me: "Nope."
Oldie:"Well, we can definitely fix that for you, I know quite a few men that could use a young lady, like you, to straighten them out."
Me:"oh...." (As I back out of the room, social anxiety guns ablazing.)
Oldie: (cackles) "You wouldn't be the first girl who's parents blamed me for keeping their daughter in West Virginia."
Me: (terrified, walking out the door as quickly as socially acceptable.)

I am pretty sure that I have had this conversation more in the past four months, than in my four years of living in Utah. No joke, no lie. I still don't know how to handle that situation though, so I'm stuck doing the same face every time.

Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

2. Haven't had a bad day in 40 years. Larry, a volunteer that was here for a couple months, helping out around the Center. Would say that every time you asked how his day was, "I haven't had a bad day in over 40 years." It really struck me and I've tried to enforce it in my life. I've always been optimistic, but he helped me to realize that days are only "no good, dirty, rotten, terrible" days if you let them become that.

It has made such a difference in my life, my attitude is better, I am even more likely to let things go and return back to the happy state that I was previously in, it's been incredible. Life is too short, and too beautiful, to be ticked off, bitter, and miserable all the time. Take a deep breath, relax, and just keep swimming.

3. Live for the incredible volunteers. The past two weeks we have had absolutely amazing volunteers. We had a group from Maryland that involved two men Dad's age that take part in one of the most solid bromances I have ever seen in my life. In fact, it was joked that they have slowly eased the 'b' out of their bromance. ANYWHO, these two were incredible and it was a pleasure laughing so much, talking about life, and just forming a friendship that would not have happened anywhere outside of ASP. PLUS, they bought us  Mexican food, is it possible to hate someone who buys you free burritos?

Last week was a treat though, we actually had volunteers that were actually our age from Hoboken. It was fantastic having conversations with people in our generation that we had things in common with. It's incredible to create that instant friendship and bond, but it makes it so much harder when they have to leave. To share our love and appreciation Carly, Nicki, and I took them to Country Karaoke on Saturday night, along with waking up at 6 a.m. just to part ways. Luckily though, I head to New York in a month and a half and plans are already in the works for a reunion of sorts. I really do have such an amazing job where I get to meet all sorts of inspiring, beautiful, and magnanimous human beings working to change the world in their own little ways.

4. The families we serve become our family. The people in Appalachia have been so incredibly open to us. I have an adopted grandmother, an invitation to every Sunday dinner at my Branch President's house, and families that have adopted me into their folds. One of our homeowners cried the other day just thinking about how the other Lilly Fellows and I were going to be leaving in four months. It was incredible to see that she loved us as much as we have grown to love her. It's amazing how whenever I answer the phone with "ASP, this is Amber." I normally get a "Hey honey, it's ______. Can you tell me..." I love being surrounded by this kind of love.

5. Having ideas turn into realities. Exciting, yet stressful news in the life of one Amber Renee; on County Info Day, Car and I met a man who does Public Affairs stuff with one of the coal mines in WyCo who was willing to give us some money. After having lunch with him today, once again it was Mexican, the proposal is in the works! It's an idea that I generated where local volunteers serve our local families, in hopes that it will inspire, create unity, and form the kinds of bonds needed to bring Wyoming County out of poverty and this depression. The stressful part is that I need this proposal done by Wednesday so that Ryan and his boss can come take a tour of the Center and see some of our out-of-state volunteers at work by Friday. Talk about exciting stress, but mainly, I'm still ecstatic that I am creating a program, through ASP, this coal company, and the local community college, that will inspire hope in WyCo.

6. There's something about nicknames... I love nicknames, I feel like they show love, friendship, and a connection. Though, I've realized lately how much I actually care about them. On a "Get To Know You" sheet I wrote out for our Staff, I put that my family calls me "Ber Ber." No big deal, Brit and Goob couldn't say "Amber" when they were little, it still happens, just like Gabby is still "Goob" as a teenager. But, this week a volunteer thought it was cute and decided to adopt it, as well. It just was weird coming from someone I hardly knew. Segway into how in WV it's "Am" and not "Amb," like it was at school. Though "Ambbbbrrrraaappp" and other such names have occurred. This is a random lesson, but cherish your nicknames (the good and uplifting ones) and the people who gave them to you, because one day you are going to realize that you miss being called "Amb" or "Bambi" by the people who use to mean the most to you.

7. There's magic here in West Virginia. The kind that makes you never forget and always yearn to be here. All of the people who have suggested marriage material to me, have also suggested my permanent placement in Southern West Virginia normally with a "I moved here in '76 thinking I was going to stay in West Virginia for five years tops... I've never left! ahaha" It is kind of terrifying and makes me feel like I am in quicksand, but also, How bad would it truly be to live in West Virginia? I have green, I have mountains, and bodies of water, though none that I want to swim in.  Who knows, maybe I do need to start looking for a way to stay in West Virginia. Though I would desperately need a location with cell service. This no phone thing isn't going to be a normal thing.

I am so lucky that I still have four months to spend with my incredible roommates, the families, and the volunteers who continue to inspire me and lift me up.

Love to all of you, I could never be who I am, or be where I am, without the love and support I have received in all stages of my life. I'm outta here.

Peace and Blessings,

Amber

Like A Boss.. Reppin' ASP in Charleston

Yesterday I got to head to Charleston for Wyoming County Day with Carly. It was an incredible experience and it was so cool to be representing an organization that I care so much about.

My day started at 5 AM, I got to finally dress up for work! We left by 6:15 and after a quick turn around for Carly's name tag we were on our way. The drive was filled with the Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons, snow, and gorgeous scenery. It's hard to be crabby and tired when your drive is absolutely gorgeous.

We figured out where the guest parking was for the Capitol Building AND where to jump on the shuttle so we wouldn't have to walk numerous blocks to get there. It was pretty impressive. A kind lady in the building showed us how to get to the Upper Rotunda and we set up our table. I don't want to brag, but I think it was the best one there!
                                                Also, we looked mega awesome and classy.

 We met lots of representatives from various organizations and businesses around Wy. Co. and made plenty of new community contacts that I am so stoked to form a relationship with. My favorite happened to be a Public Affairs guy from a coal company, when he offered us money this was my initial response,

After composing myself, and having a conversation with a woman from one of the Community Colleges in Wy. Co., I have started formulating a plan to get community members serving community members, which would definitely inspire some hope here. I hope it all works out, though it might not since every time Carly and I saw him after that we tried to be super flattering,

Though we were REALLY trying to be genuine friends with him as well, there are few people in Wyoming County our age that we relate to. But this is probably an accurate representation of his reaction,

Besides the Coal guy, we met the people in charge of the Wyoming County Historical Museum, who are willing to open the museum for tours to our volunteers! We met women from other non-profits who will be amazing to work with, and one of the Head Honchos for the Hatfield and McCoy Trail Tours. He offered us a free day tour on ATVs!

 I am so beyond stoked for this future venture. I've realized that if you work at a non-profit that is benefiting the community, if you make an effort to be a part of the community and make friends, you will receive lots of perks. Oh, but I forgot the best part! We made a fantastic and new friend who is ONLY TWO YEARS OLDER, and very very awkward. He worked in the basement of the Capitol building and caught our attention by making fun of how two state senators were walking ahead of him. He continued to make awkward statements, tell us about his life, and teach us how to make secure passwords. It was great to laugh that much, and to have a great conversation with a human being who actually realized and accepted his awkwardness.

After hanging out in the Capitol Building, we were invited to the Governor's Mansion! How many people do you know that get to go chill with the governor in his mansion?!? Well, I am now one of them.

We toured the mansion, loved the music, hung out with our new friends/community contacts, and ate lots of "heavy hors d'oeuvres." It was a beautiful and magical experience. There was pasta that was served out of a  WHEEL OF PARMESAN CHEESE! Talk about the greatest experience ever. 

The drive back was uneventful, but I would like to think that Mary and Nicki were definitely jealous of all the swag we got. We received super nice (and huge) umbrellas that say "Wyoming County" on them, neon cups from the EDA, a Wy.Co. sticker, and seat cushions. Talk about hitting the jack pot!

After waiting so long for Wyoming County Day, having it be over is kind of depressing, but it has been so cool to be emailing and planning things out with my new friends. Ironically, Carly and I have gone back to our casual work attire, sporting snapbacks, hoodies, and jeans, very different from our fantastic business attire yesterday.

Look at the pretty, gold roof! It really is the most beautiful Capitol Building that I have ever been in, or seen.

Obvious Happy Note: We get an Easter Break and will be leaving Wyoming County on Thursday, Carly and I have been doing our happy dances and high-fiving as often as we remember!

I just loved every one of these dances! But our roommates always look at us like this,

They don't understand what it's like to be from the Great State of Michigan, and the Awesome Town of Kalamazoo. If they did, they'd want to come back with us too!

If you have successfully made it through my extremely long blog, CONGRATULATIONS! I am quite happy about life and wanted to fill everyone in on the awesomeness that is surrounding me!

Love, Blessings, and Rockets,
Amber

What a Week.

The past few days have been ALL over the place. There's been poor communication, lots of stress, and crazy stuff all over the place. Not my idea of a good time, but I know that it is all helping me to grow and form into a better version of myself.

But through all of this I try to remember who I'm here for and the incredible people that I get to serve and be surrounded by everyday. So, here is a list of things that have made me happy, or realize why I am here over the past week.

1. We had an incredible group of volunteers last week who reminded me of my fraternity boys and knew how to play Euchre.

2. I watched a work crew of volunteers say goodbye to the family they had served and it was such an incredible moment. It was a true testament that serving brings you close to those whom you serve. There were tears and such gratitude on both sides, it helped me to remember how blessed I am to be a part of this work.

3. Got to start a garden with Carly on Sunday, which is incredible. But while we were digging, hammering, etc., a woman pulled her car over just to thank us for the work that we are doing in the county. She had tears in her eyes as she spoke of all the pain and suffering in Wyoming County, and how she knew that we had made a choice to move down here to make a difference and to instill hope. It was true affirmation to have a complete stranger stop her car just to thank us, though we've never fixed her home, and will probably never run into her again.

This is before I broke my shovel...

4. I love my siblings. I got to Skype with Mason on Sunday night and it was so great to talk to my baby brother, who isn't really a baby anymore. He always stuns me with his "wise beyond his years" wisdom. He reminded me that life isn't always going to be perfect, to stay positive, and love the life that I have. This chat also include a lot of laughs and Anchorman quotes (of course!). It was exactly what I needed.

 Isn't he so handsome?

5. I have an incredibly wise mother. She gives the best advice on how to handle any given situation, even if that's not the way that I wanted to go about whatever problem. I took her advice this week, along with another of my roommates and it went over way better than if I would have gone about everything my way.

6. I love spending time with my roommates, any of them. It's always fun, lighthearted, and uplifting. Carly and I are extremely alike in about a thousand ways, so it gets a little scary sometimes, but at least we have each other to laugh at our jokes. Nicki is an incredible soul, who is actually a misplaced hippie just looking for her forest and yurt. While Mary has the energy enough for 100 five year-old kids, with ADD, which is a VERY good thing. She actually makes us be social in life when we think we want to sleep.

Who wouldn't want to bond with this group of crazy hellions?

7. In January I found this County Info Day thing at the Capitol and registered our Center for it. Carly and I are going on Monday and I cannot express my excitement. It will be a great day to talk to WV politicians about ASP and the work that we are doing in Wyoming County.

Can't wait to spend Monday and the long drive to and from K-zoo with this girl!

8. THEN, three days later, I get to head back to Kalamazoo for an Easter Break. I cannot wait to go home, be in the land of cell phone reception, and to be with my friends and grandparents. It will be great to get a break and to be able to spend some much needed time with some of the most uplifting people in my life.

9. I get to help my best friend in the whole entire world go wedding dress shopping while I'm home. It's a terrifying, yet exciting, thing. I cried when she tried her first one on in December. Hopefully I can keep my composure during this outing. :)

Well, that's my life. The good, the struggles (kind of), and the joys that my life happens to be filled with. It's really hard to let the negatives get you down when you are surrounded by gorgeous scenery, amazing community contacts, volunteers, and families to serve. It's always incredible to know that I have a family that loves me (and misses me), along with friends who haven't forgotten about me entirely. ;)

Some videos to brighten YOUR day:
I love Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Leavitt, plus this song is so up tempo.

One of my favorite 90s Bands redoing their most favorite song better than the original.

And finally, a video to make you laugh. Poor brother can't be a single lady :(

Love, Blessings, and Rockets,

Amber

After All This Time.

After forever, I have finally decided that it might be a good idea for me to start blogging again, not that I was ever that avid with it anyways. Well, except for with Xanga, because that was as legit as AIM as a 12 year old. One of my roommates is incredible at keeping up with her blog and it makes me feel like a definite under achiever.

Anyways, LIFE UPDATE.

I live in Appalachia (App-a-latch-a), more specifically in Wyoming County, West Virginia. I am surrounded by mountains, rivers, and all sorts of trees that will be turning green any day now. I work for a non-profit that fixes homes in the county and through it I have met incredible volunteers and families.

Sometimes my job is like this:

But most of the time it's pretty awesome:

Though, this is also an accurate fact:

I have three fantastic roommates/co-workers who make my days great, a church branch who loves on me constantly, and I get to serve people in one of the most gorgeous areas in the world.

If only I was closer to the amazing family that I have and my fantastic friends who are still great enough to keep in touch during my stint in no man's land. Having no cell phone service has been tough to get use to, but I'm starting to wonder if I will ever be so connected to one again once I'm back in the land of Cell Phone Reception.

But I do get little miracles and spurts of awesomeness. Like Friday when I drove to Beckley to get groceries for our new volunteers. Not only was it a beautiful day, the windows were down, I had a great driving playlist, caffeine, and I finally found the one thing I wait the entire year for STARBURST JELLY BEANS. Be still my soul, that was a perfectly happy and content Amber Renee.

A lot of other really great moments and memories have already happened here over the last few months, and I am positive that many more will take place before my Fellowship is done. Also, with a new found love for tumblr, I will have to do a lot more gifs. They make my life almost as happy as pinterest does.

Love, Blessings, & Rockets,
Amber

Women Who Inspire Me

I read Jordan Christy's "How To Be A Hepburn in a Hilton World" this week in preperation for her Lecture at USU in January. Marie and I need to discuss with her the topics we wish for her to speak on, so I thought I should actually read her book before we talked with her.
The book was incredible! It made me think about so many things and helped me to realize important things about myself. Christy also gave little tips and tidbits on how to better yourself. Some of these included doing a 9 Type personality test ( I am a Type 2), a "Smart Girl List", and then a list of women that inspire you and why they inspire you. So I thought that there was no better place to publish such a list then on my blog.

List of the Incredible Women Who Happen to Inspire Me

• My mother: She has always shown me how to be an incredible, headstrong, independent woman. She is the strongest woman I have ever known and has always taught me to rely on the Gospel and that I always have a family who loves me.
• My Grandma A. is another influential figure in my life. I was raised my whole life surrounded by my grandparents, aunts, and uncles, I like to credit them with helping to raise me with my parents. Grandma is the most compassionate person, always worrying about everybody else, she is the one who holds my family together and I miss her dearly. I called her on her birthday and was near tears because I miss her so much.
• My Grandma H. is a role model in my life too. She is such an independent woman, she has been on her own for so long and it is incredible to me. She also has an intense love and respect for family. My grandmothers and the rest of my family have instilled such a love and importance for family.
• Aunt Jamie has always been my favorite Aunt, I know that's not supposed to be said aloud, but it's always been the truth. I remember when her and Uncle Jon first eloped and I called her "Aunt Jamie" upon their arrival at Grandpa and Grandma's. It was such a tense and awkward moment that I have never forgotten it. But over the years she has shown me love and friendship, she always treated me like an adult, and friend, along with teaching me how to be an incredible woman. She has shown me that budgetting and raising a family is possible no matter what the circumstances. I love her and miss her dearly. 
• Brittany is also an influential person in my life. I look up to her more than she will ever understand. Even though she is the little sister, I feel like she teaches me every time I talk with her. She is so independent, dedicated to making the world a better place, she is so strong in the Gospel and she lights up my life. Whenever I am having a bad day she makes it better in an instant. I love her so much and I wish she would just transfer up to USU so we could be together constantly. 

There is a longer list, but these were the 5 main women who do inspire me in my daily life. They are real women who I have known all of my life, which I feel is ten times better than some scantily-clad role model in a magazine. These women are real, I miss them incredibly everyday, and I love them so much. Jordan Christy's book is an inspiration and I loved watching it.

Love and Rockets,

Amber Renee

Summer Reading

One of my favorite things of Summertime is the fact that I am able to catch up on all of the books I tend to buy over the school year. (It's funny that after three years I am still convinced that I can find time over the Semesters to read) I've already reread books from my youth, along with this fantastic book called "I Don't Care About Your Band"

It was so funny and I saw so much of my dear friends in it. I found it like "He's Just Not That Into You", except better and so much more believable, real to life. I definitely recommend it to those who seek a fantastic read about bad relationships and good advice, BUT only if you don't care about reading things that aren't exactly clean.

I have so many other books to read on my list! I am finishing "The Advanced Genius Theory" today, which is an interesting argument about the new kind of 'Genius' because our society has grown so attached to the word and it's overuse has led to it's ruin. Hence, the new phrase and the theory that has been developing for the past 15 years, you can check out their blog at http://advancedtheory.blogspot.com/ to learn more. It mainly focuses on pop culture, which probably makes sense on why I like it so much! I, also, need to finish 1,001 Arabian Nights, I've been reading it for a while, but there are soooo many stories, it gets so overwhelming, especially when the tales are over 40 pages long!

I will definitely keep you all updated on my fantastic reads of the Summer! They make me so happy! I have been taking Stats this Summer, at 7:30 a.m., I can't stand the time, but the instructor is entertaining and I do love my designated nap time after class. I should do fantastically on the class, but I cannot wait for it to end!