30 Great Trips around the Sun......

8th Birthday

1988, Paducah, KY

(I've always had bad hair)

As of 8:08 pm yesterday, it's official. My 20s are gone, and a new decade has been born. Hard to believe that I've had 30 trips around the sun. Some trips were better than others, but any trip around the sun, is a good one. I've met many people, learned many lessons, and fallen in and out of love. It's amazing how things that happened years and decades ago, seem like they were only yesterday. Here's to the past 30 trips around the sun, the many more to come, and the fabulous journey along the way!

A Party: 30 Years in the Making

This past Saturday, I had my Dirty Thirty party. Although I have a few days of my 20s left, this past Saturday was the time to celebrate. The theme was "A Funeral to my 20s", because I wanted to give them the honor and respect that I deserve. My 20s were filled with fun, adventure, laughter, and tears. Some of my closest friends even read to me eulogies to my 20s, in which they recalled their favorite memories. It was almost surreal to to sit back and think of the many things that have come and gone in this decade. The things we did and the things we should have never done.

I've also realized, that my life may not be where I "think" it should be, but it's right where it is suppose to be. Had the things that I "thought" were suppose to happen in my 20s took place, there is so much that I would have missed out on. My number of Dave concerts would be significantly lower, I may not have seen Times Square in NYC, or celebrated my 29th birthday in Vegas. I may not have the friends that I have now, and would not have those girls to laugh with and call up to cry with.

Turning 30 is only a stepping stone in my life. It's the dawning of a new decade in my life, new people, new places, and new things. Also, time to start thinking of my Fabulous Forty party!

When Fall Arrives....

For some reason, when ever fall arrives, I find myself getting a little homesick and missing KY. I can't help it or explain it. This time of year always finds me thinking back and wanting to go "home".

I'm not really sure what it is. Perhaps is that I miss the changing of the leaves. I remember every year when fall would come, my dad would rake and blow the leaves in the back yard and my sister, Kellie and I would run in the back yard and jump around in them. Maybe it's because I can't go to an apple orchard. A tradition of many in my hometown of Paducah, KY, was going to Schmidt's Farm, picking apples from the tree, taking a hay ride, and playing in hay stacks. And chances are it could be that some of my fondest memories of childhood are the annual Fall Festival at my school, Morgan Elementary. It always seemed as if it would fall on a night with the crisp autumn air was at its best. Or it could be because fall marks the beginning of college basketball season and I miss how excited we would get as the Cats began the road to the Final Four.

I guess there is a lot of truth to the saying that you don't know what you got until it's gone. I'm sure that I didn't always want to go to the apple orchard, that I thought the fall festival was uncool, and I would complain that that my dad was hogging the TV when the Cats played. I guess then, I didn't know that there would come a day when I would long for those moments.

Recently, someone questioned me as to why I love Kentucky basketball so much if I don't live there (as if to say that you must have a permanent residence somewhere to be a fan of their team). My response was simple. I politely looked at them and said, "If you left Louisiana, would you suddenly forget the things that made Louisiana special in your heart?" I think the understood after that.

Although I'm far away now and I truly believe that there is a reason as to why faith has taken me on the journey that it has. However, there will always be a piece of my heart that finds itself in the Bluegrass State.

The Evolution of a Blog=The Evolution of Me

As far back as I can remember, I've always enjoyed writing. I find it a stress free way to share my thoughts and feelings with myself and with the world when I choose to do so. I write all the time (more than most people realize it). If I ever kick the bucket early, chances are I'll be like Anne Frank in the sense that people will find my journals all over the place (for some reason I don't keep just one. I have tons of notebooks, pads, and journals that I have written in over the years).

When I first set out with this blog about a year ago, it's only purpose was to document my 29th year. However, it has evolved into much more than that. It has become my link to the rest of the world to share my thoughts, feelings, memories, hopes, and dreams. In writing and keeping up with this blog, I've feel like I have reinvented myself. I have found out more of who I am, who I was, and who it is I want to be. However, I am no where near done evolving. I believe that there is always room for change and room for improvement.

A year ago, I was literally terrified of turning 30. It scared the Hell out of me. For some reason, I had this notion that your 20s were the time in your life when it was OK to be silly and live for the day and that when I hit 30 I was going to be old and have to give up "childish" things. However, blogging has helped me to reflect on the past, present, and future. And in doing so, I have realized that turning 30 is just another bump in the road and there is a lot more living left to do. Although I've done a lot and lived to tell about it, I plan on doing much more. I'm no longer going to worry about what I perceive as the social norms of what I should be doing at this stage in my life. Rather, I'm going to live in the moment and cherish each day.

The other day I was thinking if I would have to change the name of my blog after my birthday. And after thinking, I realized that if it were not for "Katie's 20s Farewell Tour" I might not be as ready to turn 30. I will keep the title, keep up with it, and watch it evolve alongside me!

NCAA Tournament

NOLA 2010

GO BIG BLUE!!!

20s: The Dry Run Decade

I've spent the last year of my 20s living off of fear and faith. Fear that I'm getting old and may not do all the things that I want to and the faith that everything falls into place when it's time. Recently, while out in Dallas, I had a conversation about turning 30 with someone who was about to turn 40. And as I expressed to them my fears about entering a new decade, they gave me some pretty practical and good advice. Your 20s is pretty much a dry run for the rest of you life. Although it seemed a bit strange at the time, the more I thought about it, the more sense it made to me.

For me, my 20s was my first shot at being a real live, bill paying, 9-5 working adult. It's the first experience in being 100% self sufficient. I had to do my own laundry, get the oil in my car changed, pay bills on time, and along the way I made some mistakes and learned many lessons. It's almost like my 20s have been a dress rehearsal for the rest of my life. I've learned how important it is to save money, live on a budget, and have something tucked away for those unexpected expenses. I've also learned that if you let the laundry pile up for too long, you wake up with nothing decent to wear to work.

So, although I've been rather fearful of hitting this new decade, I'm slowly coming to grips with it. Although I'm sure that it will teach me many more life lessons, I also have the life experiences to go with it this time. So, if your out there listening 30: BRING IT ON! I'M PREPARED!

LaFonda's

2008

Nothing But the Road and the Radio

People often ask me how I can get in the car and drive alone (which I don't get. It's the 21st Century, girls can do that sort of thing now). I know that for many people that getting in the car, fighting traffic, and navigating for hours can be so tedious, but for me, it's complete and total relaxation.

We all have different ways of dealing with the stresses in our lives. Some of us run, some of us drink (ok, we all know I'm lying if I say I don't do that), some of us take a walk, but me, I prefer being behind the wheel of my car with nothing but the road and the radio (with a mix of junk food, Starbucks, and diet cokes). I have a very diverse mix on my iPod; country, 80s rock, 2 Live Crew, and everything in between. And when I'm behind that wheel rocking out, the stresses in my life seem to disappear momentarily and reflections of the past, present, and future run through my mind.

For me, a road trip provides me with an overwhelming sensation of excitement and relaxation. I'm excited because I'm heading to some place fun and possibly new to see a great friend and/or wonderful family member. And I'm relaxed because while in that car looking at the road ahead, my mind is at ease and I achieve a sense of peace. A sense of satisfaction because I have nothing to do for the time being except to enjoy the road and the radio. And I get to do it all while being a first hand witness to our beautiful country.

Guest Post from Senior Chief Petty Officer and Author: John Quinn

Recently, I was surfing the web for children's books that have characters with children of various ability levels for my classroom. The reason behind this is because I believe that being exposed to various abilities, is just as important as being exposed to various races, ethnicities, and cultures. However, as I was searching, I came across author John Quinn, who wrote the memoir: Someone Like Me, An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph over Cerebral Palsy. It is written in his own words and tells his story of over coming Cerebral Palsy and becoming a Senior Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy; the second highest rank for an enlisted person in the Navy.

As a special educator, I was very inspired by his story. Because one thing that I try to instill in my students early on, is that their disability is not a limitation on their life. Instead, I try to help them discover what their ABILITY is.

Mr. Quinn was gracious enough to be a guest blogger on my sight today to share with all of us his take on the word disability. I also invite all of you to read his book and check him out at: www.johnquinn.com

Pushing Yourself to Find Your Ability

The word disability really bothers me. Look at the word again. I am not an English major, but I know that the prefix “dis” means the absence of. So the word disability means the absence of ability. If that’s the case, then yes, I have a disability. I cannot do fractions. In fact, when it comes to anything having to do with math, I struggle mightily. When it comes to home improvements or car repairs, I don’t know which end of the screwdriver to hold. Another disability.

But there are many areas of my life in which I am very capable. Some big, others small. Everyone has some ability to offer this world. You just have to find it. It might be hidden deep down inside you, just yearning to come out. For my disabled friends, don’t let your handicap hold you back. Don’t listen to the people that tell you it cannot be done. My parents told me that I could do anything that I put my mind to and I believe that to be true for anyone, regardless of obstacles faced. If you don’t push yourself to find your ability, who will? Franklin Delano Roosevelt suffered with polio and became President of the United States. Albert Einstein didn’t talk until the age of three and was severely dyslexic. The English author/poet Milton lost his sight at the age of 43 and then wrote the classic tale Paradise Lost. How about Bonnie St. John who won silver and two bronze medals in the 1984 Paralympic Games as a ski racer; graduated with honors from Harvard University won a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford. Did I fail to mention that Bonnie has one leg? What would the world be like if these people had given up? Can you imagine FDR saying, “I can’t do it, it’s too hard.”

Have you always wanted to paint but thought it was a waste of time? Perhaps you've felt a strong desire to get up on stage in your community theater but were ridiculed when you shared your dream out loud? I have been laughed at. Most people thought it was nuts for a guy with cerebral palsy to even dream of joining the Navy. Mocking turned to cheers 20 years later when I retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. When I decided I wanted to write my memoir, some scoffed. “You’ve never written anything before. “What makes you think you can write a book?” Well, Someone Like Me, An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph over Cerebral Palsy was published this past April. It appears that I have the ability to put my thoughts down on paper is such a way that others enjoy reading them.

You might not become President of the United States, discover new math theories, or write an epic novel. But then again, you might. So I ask you. What’s your ability?

My Bucket List

With 30 looming on the horizon, it has really made me look at my own mortality. It's not that I think that I'm going to shrivel up and die once I hit the Big 3-0. It's just that it makes me realize how precious our time here on Earth is. After all, these 30 years have flown by faster than I would have ever imagined. It seems like only yesterday my PaPaw was walking me home from kindergarten. And here I am.

I have also realized that there are so many things out there that I want to see and do before I die. And if I don't write them down make the list immortal in cyberspace, I may never do them all. So here it is: Katie's Bucket List

1. Go skydiving. I can't really explain it. It is just something that I have always wanted to do; free falling through the sky and landing in nature. I can't think of anything more exhilarating and peaceful all at the same time.

2. Visit Australia. As far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to go to this country. I am fascinated by all it has to offer. It has such a vast array of people that extend from city goers to Aborigines.

3. Take a road trip to no where. Half the fun of traveling is getting there. Well, I say double your fun and make the whole trip about getting there! I just want to get in the car with nothing but a fun friend, good tunes, and my GPS and set out to NO WHERE! I think it's a wonderful way to experience life, culture, and our wonderful country!

4. Learn to scuba dive. Ever since my dad rented me Free Willy to watch on a snow day when school was canceled, I have been fascinated with marine life. I would love to one day be at one with them. Experience their world.

5. Visit NYC with my mom. My mom and I have both visited NYC on separate occasions and both have a love affair with the city. However, we have not been there together. We talk about it all the time, and one day, it will happen! I envision us going to the statue of liberty and visiting Ellis Island and walking through the same gates her great-grandfather came through when he came over from Ireland. I can't wait to see a Broadway show with her and eat a gourmet cupcake in Times Square. Hell, we might even dance the night away in Harlem!

6. Have Something Published. I have always had a passion for writing. It has something that I have enjoyed since I was a kid. Not sure why. I have always found at as a means of relieving stress and worries from my head. And although having your mother and friends tell you you have a knack for writing, nothing would make me prouder than to have something I created, published, for the world to see. And nothing would mean more to me than to have people, who have nothing invested into my life, to pick it up and enjoy what I have to write about.

7. Visit Every State in the United States. Although I have been to many different states, I want to see them all before I leave this world. I truly believe that we live in the greatest country on the planet. And I want to see every wonderful and different people, place, thing, food, and fun that it has to offer.

8. Go On A Game Show. I feel like I've already been cheated out of this one. When I was in college I tried out for college week on "Wheel of Fortune" and I made it all the way to the final and didn't get picked. But I WILL redeem this one day. I have a few games shows I would like to go on, but other than that I'm not picky about which one. However, I would prefer Wheel (if they'll have me this time), Price is Right, Let's Make a Deal, or Press Your Luck (if it ever comes back on!).

Skyline Chili

Cincinnati

2008

My Word: SPONTANEITY

My last blog was about the wonderful book/movie Eat, Pray, Love. For those of you who haven't read the book and/or seen the movie, one thing she does while on her journey is to find her word. The word the defines how she lives her life. And THAT is what I'm going to share with you today.

I had to think long and hard to find the word the defines how I live my life. I mean, there are many words that can define who I am. Sister, daughter, friend, teacher, writer, smartass. But I wanted the word that defines how I will live my life. That word is: SPONTANEITY. Which is the act of being spontaneous.

Although I believe that there is a certain amount of planning and organization that is necessary in order to carry on day to day, I love setting out with no plans and having the time of my life. The best memories of my life are from days, nights, and in the wee hours of the morning when I had absolutely no plans. I could go on for hours with the things I've done out of spontaneity, but I'll just give you a brief run down. There was Spring Break '99 when me and a life long friend of mine had a very adventurous night in Key West that involved a beach and a Navy base. Probably not one of the wisest choices that we ever made, but surely one of my fondest memories of high school. Then was when I got my tattoo. I was walking down Canal St. in NOLA with my girl Andrea and decided I wanted one (I had always wanted one, but was scared my mom would be mad at me!). So we stopped, and I did it. Got a shamrock on my back. And to this day, I don't regret it and don't think I ever will. I can't wait 'til my own children ask about it one day and I tell them about getting it. And how their grandmother didn't like it when she found out and still doesn't like it! Then there was the day I met Bill Clinton. I remember it was a Friday, because that year I didn't have students on Fridays. I read in the paper that Bill Clinton was going to be making a campaign stop for Hillary. Since I had always been fond of the Clintons, I wasn't going to miss this for the world! So I took a half day off, got there first, and shook hands with #42. When I told him I was a teacher, he thanked me for being a teacher. Words that echo through my head every time I have a bad day and feel defeated at work. Then there was the infamous 2 Live Crew Concert. I had gone out for sushi and drinks with some girls from work, and ended up sneaking into the show and danced to nasty music all night long. There are many other moments of spontaneity in my past. Many random road trips to NOLA and ending up in the only hotel in America with no phone book and a number to a cab that was disconnected. Going out for a quiet evening and partying 'til the sun comes up with complete strangers. There is even the time I found out my Cats were playing in the tourney in NOLA and minutes later I had tickets in my hand.

I love living life without a plan. It adds variety to what would be an otherwise mundane existence. I think there is a lot of truth to the saying "The best laid plans fall flat". Because the best memories of my life, were not planned out at all. I would like to say that I wish I knew what the rest of my life had in store, but that would that the spontaneity out of the whole thing.....

Katie & Jen

Leesville Toga Party

Circa 2007

Eat, Pray, Love

The novel Eat, Pray, Love has for a long time been one of my very favorite books. It is the wonderful and almost unbelievable, but true story of a woman's search for self-realization. Although her life is wonderful, she realizes that there is something that is missing. So she sets out for a year long journey to find out who she really is. She spends four months eating her way through Italy, four more praying her way through India, and the final four loving her way through Bali. At the end, she finally has a sense of peace and a better understanding of who she really is.

Now that this wonderful novel has become a motion picture, I have realized once again what a great story it is; a story I think that all young women should read and learn from. Last week, Julia Roberts was on Oprah, and Oprah asked her and others what the words Eat, Pray, Love mean to them. So, I've decided to share with the blogoshpere what those words mean to me.

EAT
Webster's dictionary defines the word eat as: to take in through the mouth as food : ingest, chew, and swallow in turn. However, there is much more meaning to it than that. For many women, including myself, the word eat and the action of eating is almost a taboo thought. From a young age, many women are made to feel that by eating, we will ruin our figure and in doing so, we will change or perhaps damage the perceptions that people have about us. However, as I get older, I realize that tomorrow is never promised, so while I'm here, I should enjoy eating the best foods and savoring them while I can. I should eat what I want, enjoy it, and not worry about how it may affect my love or social life. After all, like it says in the book and movie, no man ever left the room with a naked girl after he saw her stomach. He was just glad to be in the room with a naked girl. Also, I think that there is a social pleasure that also comes along with eating. I love getting together with friends both old and new over a good dinner or a girls lunch. It's such a pleasure to enjoy savory foods while catching up on each others lives.

PRAY
The word and action of praying takes on variety of meanings to people all over the world. I would even venture to say that most people would describe the word pray in vastly different ways and give it different meanings. To me, pray and praying takes place at the end of the night when no one else is around. It is accepting that there is something, a power, in this world that is bigger than me. Although I am not always sure who or what it is, I believe that there is someone or something out there pulling the strings of the universe. I honestly believe that there is no such thing as a coincidence and that things that happen, happen for a reason; even though we may not realize until way further down the line. So when I pray, I talk to the person pulling the strings. And for whatever reason, I whisper. Not sure why. Just what I've always done. Also, it's a part of my routine every night....I can't go to sleep without doing it.

LOVE
Initially, when we think of love, we think of flowers and roses and romantic dates. But I believe that love extends into having a passion. Whether it is a passion for a person, place, hobby, or thing. I believe that in order to add purpose to my life, I should try as hard as I possibly can to love every aspect of it...both good and bad. I love my job and the impact that it has on this world. I love to travel and experience new cultures so that I can better understand the world in which I live in. I love my friends and family because they are they keys to my past, present, and my future. I love the look on a parent's face when I told them their child spoke for the first time in class. I love the feeling I get every time I step off a plane in a new travel destination. I love the excitement that takes over my body every time the Cats win. I even love sleeping in on the weekends, drinking a cup of black coffee, and catching up on reality TV, because it truly is the little things that make life worth living.


With all that being said, I plan to Eat, Pray, Love, my way through the rest of my life. I feel that by doing this, like in the book and the movie, I will find the truer meaning of my purpose in this world.

And for those of you who have read the book and/or seen the movie, I'm still in search of my "word". The word that will define how I live my life!

Over Halfway There........

The other day, I recently realized that I am over halfway finished with my 20s farewell tour. And in just four short months, I will hit the Dirty Thirty. Although I'm still not thrilled about it, I'm slowly coming to terms with it. After all, it can't be that bad. People have turned 30 for years and have lived to tell about it.

I do have to say that so far, this last year of my 20s has been an awesome one. A roller coaster ride of sorts. I have learned more about myself and others than I ever thought I would. I used to think I liked red wine, and I've learned that I love white. I've even rediscovered my love for the Counting Crows through the magic of Pandora Radio. I'm also slowly learning that each and every year of my life has a significant purpose and lessons to be learned. Maybe 30 won't be as bad as I thought and I can't wait to discover what the next decade is holding in store for me. Life, after all, is all good.

Sometimes a Song Says it All.....

Late Night Ramblings

I'm a free spirit and I don't ever plan on changing.

I'm a free thinker and I use that to inspire my everyday life.

I love my job because I get to change lives and finger paint all at the same time.

I love to laugh so bring on the funny.

On the worst days of my life I have found something to laugh about.

I love to read and learn because it helps my brain grow.

I love to travel to new places because it opens up my world.

I love my friends and family because they are the links to my past and the keys to my future.

I believe that the differences in our world is what makes it worth living in.

Inspiration

http://www.parents.com/app/voting/index.jsp?id=/templatedata/parents/voting/data/1269982405784.xml&mediaItemID=/sharemy/06062010/20837085

I recently came across this link. It is the Parent's Magazine annual contest for the cover baby. This is Solona who was born with Down Syndrome. She is currently in first place. If she wins she will be the first baby with Down Syndrome to grace the cover. Let's make this happen and promote equality in our world.

When We Were Young

Recently, I stumbled across a shoe box full of old photos from my years at college. As I dug my hands through the box, I found moments in time captured on paper. Nights that I can't remember, with friends I won't ever forget. Looking through these pictures reminded me of laughing with friends, heartbreaks, secrets, and studying the night before an exam.




I remember vividly growing up hearing my mom tell stories of her college days. She told stories so animated that one would have thought that she had partied at Studio 54. When in actuality she was at Murray State University. Before I knew it, I was in college making my very own memories to share with my daughter someday.

I'm pretty sure that as we were out there making memories, we had no idea how fast time was passing, and in the blink of an eye, we would be grown. Too old to go to bars and dance on the table.

However, looking through this once forgotten box of photos, reminded me how important it is to hang on to the memories of our youth. Hanging on to these memories help us to remember the people we once were and what has happened in our lives to shape the people we are today.


I posted a few pics on Facebook and an old friend and sorority sister made the comment "We look so young". Well, it was because we were. However, being young is a very purposeful part of our lives. It is the only time in our lives where we can make bad decisions and have our friends help us to justify them the next day. It is the years where we are allowed to waste money on food, beer, and clothes, and call our parents because we need a little extra to make it to the end of the month. If we are never given the chance to be be young, we will never have the time and experiences needed that mold us into the adults we will later become. As I was looking through these photos, I realized that the same girls I would party and gossip with then, have become such magnificent women today. They are teachers, nurses, physical therapist, business women, and mommies just to name a few. Thanks ladies for helping making memories!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the man that gave me the genetic predisposition for a love of beer, sports, dirty jokes, horse racing, education, and rock music. I love you and wouldn't be here without you!

Katie Woodling, M.Ed

So part of the reason I was slacking in the spring, was because I was busy finishing up a little project, Grad School. But on May 15, 2010, I made it!

Katie's Paducah Sojourn

So, I've been a slacker lately...my apologies. I have no other excuse than general laziness. But I wanted to take a moment to discuss my trip back to Paducah, KY...my hometown. I was born there on Thanksgiving Day 1980. Although I left when I was 10, piece of me is always there and will always be there.



I just so happened to be lucky enough to visit during the Nation Quilting Expo (for those of you who may not know, Paducah is home of the National Quilting Museum and is know by Quilters near and far as "Quilt City USA".






I also mad a stop by one of my favorite hole in the walls in the world, Starne's BBQ. It hasn't changed a bit since I was a kid and I love it. The menu is very simple: pulled meat sandwiches, RC, and Tom's chips.




Also, while I was there, I sat on of my favorite riverbanks...where the Ohio meets the Tennessee. I spent so much of my childhood there. Playing, eating ice cream with my family, and enjoying the annual summer festival. And as faith would have it, I just so happened to unknowingly sit on a bench there that was dedicated to the memory of my late neighbors.





And there was even something new there: A WINERY! I thought I had died and gone to Heaven, but Donnie Wahlberg wasn't there with me. But I did enjoy some good wines and even bought a case to bring back!








And while I was there, I took a ride through my old neighborhood to see my grandparents house and the house that built me. Going there brings back many bittersweet memories. I love going back to visit and every time I'm there, I can't help but wonder what life would have been like had I never left....

Going "Home"

We all have things that are a special piece of our lives. Something that we carry close to our hearts. Many times these are things that mean so much to us and we love so much, that others just can't comprehend it. For me, it's Kentucky Basketball. As far back as my memory reaches, I have loved KY basketball. It really wasn't an option in my house. You loved them...end of story. I remember watching the games as a little girl and even dressing up as the KY Wildcat one year for Halloween. I remember the heartbreak in '92 and the return to greatness in '96. No matter where my life goes, I will always bleed blue.

Although I love where my life journey has taken me, I still get homesick for the Bluegrass State. I long to be where basketball is life, and the other sports are just details in the fall. I miss the excitement that came with March and how our teachers would let us watch KY play, rather than doing work on that day. I love taking part in that "GO BIG BLUE" cheer as the boys enter the stage. I miss it all.

But this weekend is a homecoming of sorts for me. My boys are playing in New Orleans in the tournament and I have tickets. I can't wait. I don't think my friends quite get why I'm so excited. But the thing is, I can't just get in the car and drive back to the Bluegrass, but I can go to NOLA to cheer on the boys with a few thousand of my closet friends. Who says you can't go home?

I will always be a part of KY and they will always be a part of me!

But for those of you who might not understand, this song says it all:

The Carnival: A Metaphor for Life....

I never imagined that I would be on the verge of 30 and being a real live grown up. But here I am. And like most people, I often had to hear my parents give that classic lecture "you'll be an adult someday and understand". And like most people, I rolled my eyes and said it wouldn't happen to me. But here I am. I GET IT!

I feel like I'm at a crossroads in my life. I'm 29, single, have a career, completing my Master's, and not a clue about what I want to do with the rest of my life. And like most people out there, I often compare my life to that of others. What they have done, where they have been, how they live. When in reality, no of us have any clue as to what internal struggles that others face. For all we know, they could look at our lives with envy. However, it doesn't change the fact that I'm having my own internal struggle with what it is I want to do with my life. I thought by now, it would all be laid out. But the fact of the matter is that I'm just as lost as I was as a little girl.



However, it occurred to me the other day, that a day that the carnival is a perfect metaphor for live. It is filled with fun and adventure. Some of the rides are fast and fun. Others are slow and relaxing. Sometimes, they even scare you. It is always filled with food that is not good for you and things on a stick that you try just for fun.

The people at the carnival also play a very important role. It is always filled with such a variety and mixture. There are people that go with a group of friends just to have a good time. There are people that are there for the adventure. Families come to create memories that will last a lifetime. Sometimes people are afraid of the rides, and sometimes they try something they never thought they would. Others stick to the ones they know are safe.

I realized, that I'm going to enjoy the adventure of the carnival. I'm going to try all the rides and get one the ones that I think are going to scare me. After all, trying new things that can scare you are just part of the fun.

In addition, I recently compared my life to looking into Pandora's Box. I just never seem to know what's going to pop out. But someone reminded me, there's always hope at the bottom of the box. That's what I needed to hear today.

You never know where you're going to find hope. After all, I ran into it the middle of Times Square once.

You live. You learn.

As I slowly make my exit from 20s and approach the 30s on ramp, I realize that there are a ton of ignorant people out there. On being Kansas state delegate Bob Marshall of Kansas. Who had the nerve to say that parents who give birth to children with disabilities are being punished by God because they had abortions. Seriously?

I have spent the past seven years and have dedicated my career to working with children with special needs and their families. Children with special needs are no punishment at all. In fact, I think that they are Gifts from God sent to us from Heaven. They teach us so much more about life than we could ever teach them. They teach us that the littlest things can equal the greatest of accomplishments. They teach us that you can be presented with the greatest adversities that life has to offer, over come them, and achieve beyond any means that we could have ever imagined in our own lives. Their families are presented with challenges that the average person would not dare to take on themselves. They take on this challenge without being asked.

And who does Bob Marshall think he is? Whom or what gives him the right to pass judgement as to why someone has a child with a disability? The schools in Kansas must have failed him. Most disabilities can be scientifically linked to a gene or a chromosomal abnormality (or is that reserved only to those of us that believe that science exist?).



http://www.newsleader.com/article/20100222/NEWS01/2220318

Me and Mr. Wiggins

This past weekend I got the opportunity to go see my Kentucky Wildcats play. It was awesome. It's hard to explain the passion that the Big Blue Nation has for its team. They're die hard, life long fans. They love their boys win or loose. They sell out every game. Their fans show up and hour and a half early for the games to see that warm ups. I was in Heaven at the game. Sitting with my fellow Big Blue Nation Followers chanting "Go Big Blue!".

While we were there early, we saw an gentleman by the name of Mr. Wiggins. He's truly a life long Wildcat fan. He has been to nearly 700 games in a row. Both home and away. I had to introduce myself to him, because someone who is that dedicated is just as much of the team as the players. I hope that one day I have the same passion as Mr. Wiggins.

Being 20 something...and trying to figure it all out.

Theres's a lot to be said for being in your 20s. And early 20s hardly compares to late 20s...I mean, how can they? When I was in my early, early 20s, my biggest worry was getting to class on time, meeting the girls for lunch, and keeping up on the latest drink specials. And now, I worry about bills, family, grad school, and figuring out what it is I want to do with the rest of my life. I mean, I kinda have an idea, but no real plans. I know that I want to work with children with special needs and truly make an impact on their lives. But other than that, I'm clueless. But, like the quote says, "We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned so as to accept the life that is waiting for us". My life may not be where I though it would be, but maybe that's a good thing. At one point in time I wanted to marry Kirk Cameron, and look at that crazy bastard now.

2010.....Let's Get It On!

Well, I can pretty much sum up the year 2009 with one of the suckiest years of my life. It's not that anything life altering or Earth shaking took place, it simply just wasn't my year. Oh, but I must get psyched up for 2010...after all I have a great big Dirty 30 party waiting for me in November!

Also, I plan to make 2010 the year that counts! I made a New Year's resolution to try one new thing each and every week. It may be big or small, simple or complicated, but I am going to do it. I'm also going to say what's on my mind more often, rather than keep it to myself because I don't want to upset others. They sure aren't worried about upsetting me. But most of all, I plan to make things happen this year....big things...new things....and changes!