Perspective

On the drive home from a recent week away in Central Oregon, something happened that I still can't quite believe.

An SUV five cars in front of us on a two lane highway crossed over into oncoming traffic, ran off the road, hit a tree, flipped over, and landed right side up again in an embankment.  We witnessed the entire incident. 

Ryan had officially been certified as an EMT less than a week before, and he immediately sprung to action.  We followed the car's path to the shoulder on the other side of the road and jumped out.  We were first on the scene where Ryan instructed me to call 9-1-1 as he ran to the car to check on the family inside, who thankfully were not seriously hurt.  The entire right side of the vehicle was crushed, and luckily the five year old girl in the backseat was buckled up on the left side, rather than the right.  

Aside from being noticeably and understandably rattled, the young man who had been driving his mother and little sister seemed unscathed.  The little girl was bruised and scared, but okay.  The mother suffered the worst of it, with a broken arm and likely head injuries.

But all things considered, they were okay.  From where I was standing, everyone in that car was extremely lucky to be alive.

I am so proud of Ryan for his quick thinking and knowledge of how to assess and deal with the situation.

Of course we know that things like this happen, but we're usually removed from them.  

We read about car accidents in the newspaper, hear about plane crashes from our friends and co-workers, and see reports of terrorism on the news.  But it's rare that we're close to them.  It's rare that we think they could affect us.

Ryan and I could have easily been directly behind the car we saw flip over, and not be able to stop in time to avoid hitting them, or something else.   

We also flew Asiana every time we went between Portland and Asia, and we could have been passengers on the flight that went down over the weekend. 

My take away from this?  

Unexpected things can happen.  

Life is precious.  Don't take it for granted.  

And if you can help someone else-do it.

In the Words of Mr. Rogers

In the wake of Monday's tragic events, I am overwhelmed with sadness, compassion and grief for all those who were affected by the violent acts.  

I am also overwhelmed with pride that at this very moment, my husband is pouring his heart building a career as a "helper." 

Moments like these make me so grateful for Ryan, my family, my friends, and the simple joys that we too often take for granted.

Live every moment.  Really live--because nothing is promised.

A Pep Talk From Kid President to You

This is life people.... that means it's time to do something :)

Thoughts on Travel

{This begins to sum up some of what we've learned from our travels. 

And for the record, I think it applies not only to young people, but all people.} 

* * * * *

 

 {source}

Awareness.

An extremely powerful and well done video to raise awareness.  

It also does a wonderful job of putting life's small frustrations into perspective.

Movember

It's officially the last day of November. 

Autumn is on its way out, with fewer orange and yellow leaves clinging to the trees every day. 

The beginning of December means warmer clothes, signs of the holidays, and hot chocolate for dessert.  Most obviously, December's start means that November (and therefore Movember) has come to an end.

During the month of November Ryan proudly refrained from shaving his mustache in an effort to create conversation and awareness about prostate cancer.  He teamed up with a group of friends here in Busan to raise money for cancer research.  Movember also hopes to motivate men to get regular health exams.  The team Ryan belongs to raised over $1,000.  South Korea as a whole raised nearly $10,000.

I'm very proud of his efforts and the statement he's made.

Day 10

 

Day 20

 Day 30

Don't worry, (because I know you would) the mustache isn't going anywhere for a few more days.... 

On Friday night all of Busan's Movember participants will gather to be judged on their 'staches.  I'll keep you posted on how Ryan measures up.

It's still not too late to donate to the cause.

Movember Update

Ryan's Movember mustache is now in full effect.

 

Pretty handsome guy, dontcha think?
I took this picture as he was cooking, which I think makes him even cuter :)

Don't forget to support the foundation behind the 'stache if you're able.

And have a wonderful weekend.  

Today I plan to start my holiday shopping, bake cookie bars, go on a surprise date this evening and then see a movie with my honey.  Last but not least, we'll be spending Sunday watching college football.  
Go Ducks!
 

Movember Awareness

Ryan has decided to join a group of Canadian friends here in Busan in an effort to raise awareness (and money) for prostate cancer and its research in a project called Movember.  The men involved will shave their faces on November first and will groom their facial hair into a mustache for the rest of the month.  Cancer among men is a growing issue and Ryan is hoping to help do his part in raising awareness of men's health.  

If this is a cause you feel you can support, please go to the donation website here and contribute to Ryan and his team's efforts.  Read more about Movember's details here and where the money goes here.  

I'll be posting pictures in later posts of his transformation.  Hello scruffy-faced husband.  I better get lots of kisses in over the next few days :)