Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Is Life Good

Last Friday I had the opportunity to head west and speak to the kids at the Montezuma Grade School. As we were driving over, we ran into rain – a rare commodity in our part of the country right now – so I just took that as a sign from above that my presentation would be well received.

I was more than right! After we arrived, I was escorted to Mrs. Holderness’s room where I was introduced to her 4th grade class and learned of their rules, class motto, and what each student most likes about 4th grade.  I was pleased to hear that part of their motto and what they strive for in the classroom is what I “preach” in my presentation.

 

After meeting the fourth grade class, Mom and I got in line and made our way down the gym where the K-5 classes awaited. It was then I began my presentation, but after 15-20 minutes in, I noticed some of the kids were starting to fidget so I did what any great speaker would do. I opened it up for questions! (Okay, so it was more like it was the only thing that came to mind at the time…I’m no professional speaker, you know...well, not yet anyways!)

Nonetheless, children’s minds amaze me…they are much more observant than anyone gives them credit for and they aren’t afraid to ask anything – they have no filter. That reason right there is why I was more than looking forward to the Q&A time; plus, it gives me an opportunity to introduce them to someone with a disability and a little about what life is like.
 


I was asked numerous questions beginning with the phrase, “How do you…” Combing my hair, texting, brushing my teeth, getting dressed, writing, coaching volleyball, getting down steps – all these topics and more were covered! I even got to show them my handy, dandy cuff and pencil that I use ALL the time. I also had a few serious questions, but the best one of the afternoon came from a little boy who I would say was a kindergartners or a first grader. After calling on him, he quietly asked, “Is life good?”

How profound is that?! My answer of course was that life was not only good, it was great, but this is exactly what I’m talking about…little minds are amazing and these kids were so sincere!

 

All in all, Friday afternoon rocked - I had an AMAZING time speaking with the kids at Montezuma Grade School...it rained the entire time we were in Montezuma and all of the way home...I got to spend some time with Scott, Megan and the boys...and I had some fabulous blueberry pie at Eva’s!

A big thank you to Mrs. Holderness and the staff at Montezuma Grade School for having me and  to Scott, Megan, Eli, Carson, and Vicki for coming to listen! It all means so much.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

#TBW Prom

I forgot to post my #TBW blog yesterday...whoopsie daisy! Nonetheless, better late than never, right? So word on the street tells me that it is BHS's Prom this weekend and I thought why not share with you the best prom date I ever had!


Quest and I practiced our dancing for weeks prior to my senior prom and let me tell you that man can do the Pee Wee Herman dance with the best of them! I will never forget him laughing at my pink Chuck Taylors while we were in line for pictures that night, or "Baby's" head sticking out of his pocket in our official photo. 

It was quintessential Quest and I...it was perfect!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Kingsdown Love

On Sunday I had the opportunity to take part in an evening full of fellowship, sisterhood, laughter, and most of all, love. It was the Kingsdown Presbyterian Ladies’ Annual Love Fest.

Months ago when I received the call from Marilyn asking me to speak, I said yes in a heartbeat because although I am Catholic, the Kingsdown Presbyterian Church has a special place in my heart – I attend their Christmas Eve Service every year with the entire Evans family and since my accident, the church members have constantly kept me in their prayers and provided me with a monthly treat which Doris delivers on Sunday mornings after church.

After a welcoming prayer, we ate a delicious meal provided by the event committee and then Doris read a few devotionals about love. I was up after Doris and gave my story and testimonial.

After my reign as MWKS and speaking in front of hundreds of people, you might think that one wouldn't bat an eye about speaking in front of thirty or so women, but that’s not the case here. Those thirty women in that room are all women that not only do I know, but they are women that I admire and look up to…to sit in front of them and speak about overcoming my hardships is somewhat daunting because I know some of the hardships that they themselves have overcome.

To hear their questions and their kind, encouraging words just inspires me to get out more and to share my story. It is evenings like Sunday that I look for and cherish…and it reminds me of why I started this journey.

We ended the evening on a high note, singing a song about love.

Friday, I’m heading to Montezuma to speak with the South Gray Grade School – I’m pretty excited and hope they are too! Stayed tuned for the recap!!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

#TBW 313

Holy smokes, I almost forgot that today was Wednesday! Nonetheless, about two weeks ago I sat down with my bosses and asked the impossible...Okay, so maybe not the impossible because 1) they've allowed it before and 2) they said yes! 

Are you anxious enough yet? Want to know the big question? Well perhaps today's #TBW will give you a hint. It's from just a few short years ago, circa 2008!



That's right! This girl is headed back to the 313, the big D, for the month of July! 

I asked if it would be possible to take some time off and work remotely while undergoing extensive physical therapy at CSCIR. 

2008 was the first year I made the trip to Detroit after hearing about CSCIR from my good friend TK. I went back in '09 and '10, but haven't been back for therapy purposes since and trust me, I am more than ready! July can't come fast enough!!

(Note - I work for the best people ever! Thank you BTI for the opportunity to go!)

Monday, April 15, 2013

It's Tea Party Time

When I hear the words tea party, a smile automatically comes to my face and my mind reverts back to the days of sitting around Grandma Bea’s kitchen table. Teapot on the stove, cookie dish on the table, and Rummy cards in our hands…it was the perfect afternoon event! I vividly remember my Grandma Bea saying, “Pinkies out, we’re dining with the Queen of England today.” It’s no doubt that tea parties hold a special place in my heart.

On Sunday, I had the opportunity to experience a tea party away from my Grandma Bea’s kitchen, in Ashland. After my speaking engagement at the Ashland Civic Club, I had been asked to be a guest and speak at the United Methodist Women’s Annual Spring Tea.

 

I truly didn’t know what to expect, but was delightfully surprised when I walked in and saw beautifully decorated tables and warm, smiling faces. The committee picks eight women each to be the host at a certain table – being in charge of the table decorations and the table setting. I had the chance to sit at Mrs. Leanne Pike’s table and I quickly found out that she shares the same love for tea parties as I do. Not only was she our hostess for the Spring Tea, she hosts tea parties with her granddaughter as much as possible.

The tea was poured and the goodies were passed around as each table chit-chatted. Not much longer and I got the tap on my shoulder…it was my turn at the mic.

After my presentation and a round of questions, I was able to mingle a bit more and get to know some of the ladies in Ashland. It was an absolutely wonderful afternoon and I was so glad they asked my mother and me to join them.

Like I said in my post, Clark County Bound, no trip to Ashland is dull and today was once again, no different…plus it allowed a trip down memory lane, and that’s always a plus!  

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

#TBW Let's Celebrate

Today's a pretty special day! Why you ask? Well let me tell you...today is not only National Siblings Day, but it also is my Dad's 59th birthday!

Now to kill two birds with one stone, I thought why not use #TBW to showcase both my brothers and my dad throughout the years.






Looks to me like we have two great reasons to celebrate...
Love all three of these guys with all my heart!

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

When I Grow Up

When I was a little girl, my aspirations ranged….I wanted to be a professional ice skater like Michelle Kwan, a famous singer like Trisha Yearwood, an Olympic gymnast like Shannon Miller, and a chef like Julia Child. However, it didn’t take me long to figure out that ice skating was out of the picture – I could only practice when the pond froze over in the winter…I definitely can’t carry a tune very well, and I was entirely too tall to become a gymnast. As far as cooking goes, I love it, but I am definitely no Julia Child.

 I took Accounting Basics as a freshman in high school and instantly fell in love - using spreadsheets, balancing accounts, and crunching numbers – I loved the challenge and was completely satisfied when I had my balances and budgets aligned. However, it wasn’t until I began working at BTI my sophomore year of high school, that I knew this was what I wanted to do when I grew up.

 It was decided…after high school I would play volleyball and study accounting at Pratt Community College and then transfer to Fort Hays State University. I was ready to take on the world and let me tell you I had big plans. After graduating from FHSU and becoming a CPA, I saw myself walking into a tall, glass building…briefcase in hand…somewhere in the big city. After 10 or so years of that, I would move somewhere smaller and teach business and accounting classes at a junior college.

Those plans obviously changed late in the year of 2006, but I knew where I belonged…back at BTI. Truthfully, I hadn’t been gone too terribly long because I had been working at our Greensburg location when I had my accident, but in May 2007, I rejoined my colleagues at BTI and have never looked back sense.

 This July, I will hit my ten-year mark and I cannot believe it! I absolutely love my job and took on the position as HR Coordinator after I received my degree in 2009. This allows me to facilitate employee orientation and do various things such as assist in recruiting. When my HR cap isn’t on, I work alongside my mentor, Vivian, and assist her in various bookkeeping tasks.

 Now-a-days, I can’t picture myself anywhere else…there is no need for the city, a tall, glass building or a classroom full of students. I am more than content crunching numbers behind my desk in small town Bucklin, KS. Because it is here I have work that is challenging, yet fun…coworkers that have become great friends and known me better than I know myself some days…and an employer who supports me in all that I do.

 Although my ice skating or singing career never panned out, I feel as if I’m a pretty lucky girl…I love where I am and love what I do. Now, I don’t know about you, but happy is all I want to be when I grow up…and I can definitely say that I’m on the right path!

#TBW Warmer Weather

It was fairly nice this morning when I drove to work, then 9 o'clock rolled around and BAM! it was snowing outside. Seriously mother nature, snow in April...especially after a 70 degree Easter Sunday? Nonetheless, today's throwback comes courtesy of warmer weather.

In November 2004, my Grandma Bea decided she wanted to go live in Hawaii for 6 months...


and my Aunt Nancy and I both took it upon ourselves to take a little vacation!


I think it's about time to go back!