angel couriers to the rescue

Everyone has a horror story to share. Those stories are exhausting to live through and even more exhausting to listen through. Life happens. We become feed to FUDsters. Humanity disappoints us and we are left to pick ourselves up.

A well meaning friend asked about my car accident and then shared his avalanche of terrible car accidents and incidents he's lived through. The only way I could lift both of our energy boats from sinking was to share stories of good things that happened to me that has built my faith in humanity.

Freshman year in Boston. I was GREEN!!! I moved to the big city having been raised in sheltered suburbia and military bases. You would think in a city with a zillion souls, I'd be invisible. I managed landing my first "grown up" job to supplement my work-study stipend from school as a personal assistant to very kind important man in venture capital. I was the only art student in an office of law and business grads. But it was a great place and everyone was just as kind as the captain of the big ship.

I rode my bike from Back Bay to work in the Financial District and marveled at everything; gardens, gorgeous trees, restaurants, hotels, churches and shops. I would meet a thick of people once I hit Downtown Crossing; on foot and on bikes. Little did I know that someone was watching me.

At the end of one particular day, I found someone waiting at my bike. He told me that I didn't know how to properly secure my bike. He showed me my error and then taught me how to lock it. He introduced himself as Matthew and told me that he and a bunch of courier friends had taken turns to watch my bike until I got out from work. They had stopped a guy from stealing my bike.

After sharing a couple hellos with his friends, he also taught me how to adjust my bike seat to take care of my knees and back. He was great. This stranger gave me a lesson on city living and riding in good form. He and I walked our bikes all the way back to school where I introduced him to my friends and then I never saw him again.

It would've been great to write of a wonderful friendship that grew from that day. But that is how the story ends. Matthew, wherever he is, I further my thank you into the universe by sharing what he and his friends did.

My friend with the avalanche of horror car stories started to slow down and listen. I told him another instance. People that showed up and disappeared. My league of angels.

M: "Wow, JNET. You should be on the Ellen Show. They like these types of stories."
JNET: "I wouldn't want to be on any show. You would have to tell the story for me. You would enjoy the attention more than me."

He made room for another angel story.....which I will share in another post.

The world is full of amazing people. A lot of people want to be amazing. When I feel the weight of life, I remember the people that shined their light while on my path. Their part in my story has become my treasure.

JNET

a day teaching in the cactus garden

Teenagers are prickly beautiful creatures and so are their parents.

I found myself consoling a tearful student after her and her dad had an emotionally charged conversation over recording her playing. While she excused herself for a moment to collect herself, her dad vented his frustration. A simple request did not land well, buttons were pushed and the moment lit up in flames.

"Do not have children, Miss JNET!!! They are a never ending headache."

My student returned to the piano bench after her dad left the room and we recorded a bit of the piece she was working on. She was embarrassed and hurt. She had apologized earlier before stating her peace to her dad. It was an uncomfortable moment but I was impressed how respectful she spoke to her dad to disagree. It still broke her heart a tiny bit to hit upon a rough moment relating to her dad.

I didn't tell her dad we recorded the piece. At the end of the lesson, he walked me to the door still fuming a bit. I told him his daughter was a good girl. Yes, she's strong-willed. Some may choose to say difficult or stubborn. Strong, unshakable people who have their North Star are the sorts that change the world. Perhaps he was overwhelmed with the task at hand. He and his wife are very mindful of their role to guide their one and only child.

I sent the video the following morning . And I hoped that they will be okay in order to set off and enjoy their spring break vacation. I suggested that if he wants recordings of his camera shy daughter, he might want to sit on the stairs and record himself enjoying listening to his daughter's playing. I reminded him again that he had a good daughter and the good work of building family shines despite the less than shiny moments. His teenager daughter adored him.

They are going through a prickly stage. They are going to be alright. They are absolutely gorgeous.....like this cactus.

JNET

duct tape to the rescue

Maybe I needed chocolate, a glass of wine or a nap. My nerves of steel frayed this past week. I missed my old self. I told my massage therapist that I loved salsa, flamenco and tango dance and had planned going back to dance for the new year; get on a new groove. Chiro says no dancing for a bit. The Universe thought it best that I slow down.

I have nothing against slowing down. I wish I didn't have to hurt so much.

Wednesday morning started with an MRI, lying very very still inside a loud machine that whirled and howled with sound. Three scans at 15 minutes each. It was surreal. Imagine the muppets, Beaker and Animal in robot versions talking and playing didgeridoo for a 45 minute concert.

A part of me is still in disbelief...

I'm feeling hurt from something that happened in December????

My Wednesday appointments didn't allow for time to grab lunch so I began my teaching day on an empty stomach and a mind full of self-pity. I broke down in tears during my commute. It was the first time I cried since the accident. Me! Crying! My world is definitely upside down.

I didn't feel as terrible last week. What have I done differently this week? I'm brainstorming here how to hack my body. I wore high heels one day for a couple of hours. Was that it? I finally found a roommate. Perhaps, I did not have time to feel as much pain because the stress of interviewing people masked it?? What's different? The weather???

I didn't cancel my Friday night date. I hadn't mentioned being in a car accident. Too many more interesting things to talk about like bitcoin! We met for sushi and had a good time getting to know each other. He knew nothing of bitcoin and has never heard the word "blockchain" but he was sweet and kind.

He undestood pain can be annoying and that some people like to keep their complaining to a minimum so that they can soldier on with life.

My date was, after all, a stage combat instructor; a stunt guy. Stunt people are a special breed. I once met a guy who duct taped himself so he can continue filming. I have friends who light themselves on fire, drive monster cars, and roll down stairs while wearing high heels all in a day's work. These folks literally smile through the punches.

I called it a night before 10pm. I needed to soak in the tub, rest, duct tape myself.

I wore a corset the next day and found it gave my back support. Yay. Pain managed for a day; inspired by remembering a friend who duct taped himself. I played the piano for a couple of hours and restored a piece of my spirit.

I hope I enjoy another good day at the piano today. Time to duct tape (corset) myself.

JNET