KU Basketball Has Nothing On This

Most of you all know that I am a K-State fan…Bill Snyder is awesome, I dig the color purple, and who doesn’t love Aggieville? However, I learned yesterday that I am a K-State fan with a VERY soft spot in my heart for some elementary school students from Lawrence, KS. Yesterday, while in town for a Community Resource Expo, I had the privilege to visit two groups of the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence.

After just one missed turn and only a few blocks of backtracking, we made it to Woodlawn Elementary School where I was able to speak with the 4^th and 5^th grade girls in the Boys and Girls Club. They were all playing outside when I arrived so when they walked into the art room where I was waiting for them, I think they were quite surprised. Earlier in the week, I had emailed their director asking if the girls would make a list of what makes them unique. We went over their lists and talked about how our unique characteristics are often the root of insecurity. I think insecurity is something we all deal with, no matter how old we are, but it is such a hard thing to face as a young girl; especially when they are trying to fit in with their classmates and peers. The 4^th and 5^th grad girls at Woodlawn are absolutely amazing; they are unique in the best way and are extremely talented girls.

4th and 5th Grade Girls of the Boys & Girls Club at Woodlawn

My next stop of the day was at Quail Run Elementary where I had the privilege to speak with the entire Boys and Girls Club of Quail Run. After telling my story, we spoke about the importance of respecting both others and ourselves as well about how a positive attitude can affect your life in so many ways. 

Girls and Boys Club at Quail Run

After speaking with the whole group, I had the chance to speak to the 4^th and 5^th grade girls by themselves. Like with the girls at Woodlawn, I spoke on how we are all unique. I think that if we know our differences, insecurities, and what makes us vulnerable gives us the upper hand you know how to handle adversity and any negative comments. The entire Girls and Boys Club group at Quail Run were great and the 4^th and 5^th grade girls were wonderful. They listened intently and had some really good questions.

4th and 5th Grade Girls of the Boys & Girls Club at Quail Run

After my speaking engagement at Quail Run, we made our way over to the Free State High School where the Community Resource Expo of Douglas County was being held. I spent most of the Expo cruising up and down the aisles visiting other booths and with all the people. There were a lot of booths and a lot of great information.

Ms. Wheelchair Kansas Booth at the Community Resource Expo of Douglas County

We arrived back in Bucklin around 11pm and I was exhausted, but I would not have it any other way. It was an amazing day and I enjoyed everything about it – especially all the kids in The Boys and Girls Club! Hopefully I’ll be able to make it back to see them soon!  

Full Steam Ahead

After a weekend full of storms and bad weather, I was happy to see the sun shining this morning and hear that it is supposed to be in the 60s and 70s all week!

I’m really excited for this week as I will be able to don my crown and sash for multiple appearances throughout the state. On Wednesday, I am off to Lawrence where I will be talking to the Boys and Girls Club groups at both Woodlawn and Quail Run in the afternoon and from 4-6 PM, I will be at the 12^th Annual Community Resource Expo at the Free State High School.

This Saturday I will be heading back to my alma mater in Hays, KS to take part of and speak at the KS-Agri Women Annual Meeting which is being held on the Fort Hays State campus.

I look forward to meeting and speaking with all these groups this week – I know it’s going to be a great experience for all! Now…if I can just get rid of this head cold!!

Instant Gratification

“I want it…and I want it now!” Sounds like something a four-year old would scream in the toy aisle when a mother tells them they can’t have the Mickey Mouse doll that sings AND dances, right? I’ve certainly seen this happen a few times, but today I’m referring that statement to the mindset of so many young people today.

I am 100% aware of the fact that I am only 25 years old and still very green, but I look at my generation and the generations below me and think to myself – we want instant gratification and expect  it as well. We want to win every football game, ace every test, and make triple figures right out of college. All of which are possible, if one exerts some effort and is willing to work hard, but I think that’s often the problem.

Now, please don’t get me wrong – there are definitely kids and young adults out there with great attitudes and work ethic, but it often seems to be as if those characteristics are fading a bit. It was instilled to me at a young that if you wanted anything, you worked to get to get it. That even applied to supper at our house; I vividly remember my mother saying “This is not a restaurant, if you want your food, you have to come and get it yourself!

In order to achieve your goal or get whatever it is that you want, I think you must do the following things:

1) Respect – You must have respect for whatever it is that you are doing or want. Want   to be a winning football team – respect the game, the coaches, and your teammates. Desire to make good grades – respect your teacher. Want to get a new car – respect that car, knowing you will treat it well and not tear it up.

2) Care – Along the same lines as respect – you must care for what you are doing. Having passion and heart takes you to another level and it makes you work that much more towards your goal. When you are in a team setting, be selfless and care for your teammates. It creates a mutual respect for each other than will elevate your game.

3) Work Hard – You must make an effort and put everything you have into your goal. Attend and work your butt off in practice, study hard, and work an extra shift. Hard workers are always noticed and usually rewarded.

4) Listen – Take advice and hear suggestions. You have coaches, mentors, and bosses for a reason – they are in their position because they chose to be and want to help you grow and better yourself.

With this all said, I’m not sure I can say it any better than the Rolling Stones with, “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometime you just might find, you get what you need.” 

Good Things Come in Pairs

As a kid growing up, I was asked, “You’re an Evans aren’t you?” and as soon as I replied yes I got another question, “Which one do you belong to, Ricky or Ronny?” After replying Ron, I always got some story that started similar to...”When your dad was in high school, me, him, and Rick…”  

I’ve grown up on these stories and probably have learned more about my dad’s (and my uncle’s) extracurricular activities from other people. For some odd reason, Dad will not tell me a lot of stories of the good ‘ole days – I always get told “Let’s just say I was lucky to not get arrested ever.” I have gotten a few out of him though…certain road trips taken, putting so-and-so’s car in between 2 trees, and perhaps an incident or two with the Hearne boys.

It seems as if my Dad and Uncle Rick have always been a bit ornery, providing comic relief whenever necessary. This still stands true today, but when it all boils down – they are two of the most kind-hearted people you’ll ever meet.

For those of you who don’t know my dad or Uncle Rick, they are identical twins. Growing up, you couldn’t tell them apart…and now the only way some people can is to know that Rick has a beard and Ron doesn’t. However when my Dad does grow his beard out ever January for the Living Last Supper play, it really confuses some...even my Grandma can’t keep them straight.

Growing up, just a few of the memories I will never forget are “driving” Dad’s white Dodge through the pasture as he’s in the back pitching hay, falling in the lake while fishing with Dad and the boys, and riding combine with both my Dad and Uncle Rick during harvest.

Like many fathers and daughters, my Dad and I have a special bond. We have always been close and can tell each other anything and everything. He knows how to push my buttons and make me smile at the same time. However, we cannot watch TV together, unless it is MASH or Hogan’s Heroes. Him and his commentary about drive me crazy.

I wanted to dedicate this blog post to my Dad and Uncle Rick as today is their 58^th Birthday.

Happy Birthday you two! I love you both more than words can even describe!

(Perhaps when you’re a little older and a bit senile, I’ll finally hear some of those stories…maybe find out exactly what happened in that pink trailer, Uncle Rick)  

For the Love of the Game

As I sit here watching the Voice on television, I have a few thoughts running through my head. 1) I’m glad Cee Lo is not wearing that wig again, 2) Christina Aguilera looks so much better without the hair extensions and not having her breasts one sneeze away from popping out. 3) I wish I could sing like this, and 4) these competitors have so much passion for what they do…it’s amazing!

I cannot carry a tune to save my life…the only time you’ll catch me singing is in the car.  Although I love all kinds of music, it was never my thing. I never took vocal in junior high or high school, sports was more my thing. Specifically, volleyball. It caught my attention at an early age and it still is something I love.

I played all through high school under the coaching of Mr. Wyrick – I learned how to be both a good player and a good team member. In my four years of high school, I think we had a winning season every year, won Regionals a time or two and almost won Sub-State. We always had a good group of girls who trusted each other, worked well together, and kicked some butt. I learned a lot from my teams and coaches in high school.

BHS Volleyball

After high school, I had opportunities to play at a few junior colleges and KCAC schools, but chose Pratt Community College under Coach Hall. That man taught me so much in a short time and the girls I played with are still near and dear to me. We didn’t have a great season so-to-speak, and I was plagued with a back injury...but we had heart, a love for the game, and we had a lot of fun as well.

PCC Volleyball

I didn’t get a second year at Pratt or another season anywhere else because of my accident. Throughout all my therapy, I was known as the volleyball player from Kansas, but I felt nowhere even close to being that girl…I was so far away from it – it almost made me sick to think about. I would never feel the slam of a ball off of my hand again; I would never have that camaraderie of a team.

That all changed in the spring of last year when Mr. Wyrick approached me to help him and Bev coach high school volleyball. I accepted his proposition in a heartbeat, but I had my doubts…How am I going to be able to coach when I’m in a wheelchair? Are the girls going to think I’m a joke? Will anybody take me serious in this chair? …I had tons of questions of doubt running through my head. The doubt quickly left as soon as I wheeled into practice the first day. All of the girls disregarded my chair, listened intently to what I had to say, and accepted me as part of the team immediately.

2011 BHS Volleyball Team

As the season went on, I quickly found myself leaning towards the logistics side of the game with stats, rotations, and what not. Obviously, I couldn’t demonstrate plays and drills, but was able to explain what was in my mind and what needed to be said. This team brought back a love for something that I didn’t think could exist anymore.  The girls were absolutely amazing and they totally kicked butt on the court. The Lady Aces ended up the season 23-18 and were the first BHS volleyball team ever to make it to state.

State Tournament 2011

I may not ever be able sing like these people on the Voice, but my passion and love for the game of volleyball is plenty for me.

Not Just Any Friday

No meat today…small meals…no snacks. No, I am not going on a diet, it’s just Good Friday. Wait, JUST Good Friday? The word just should not be in that statement, just as the perception of Easter is all about bunnies, candy, and egg hunting. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great and fun family activity, but it is not what Easter is about.  Good Friday is the day we commemorate the death of Jesus Christ and Easter Sunday celebrates His resurrection. I truly think that society has shadowed the true meaning of such an important holiday.

Now, as I step off my soapbox, I must say that I read an article today that had the quote “We live in a Good Friday world, but we are Easter people.” The writer went on to explain that a Good Friday world is a world full of suffering, questioning, unfairness, trouble, mistakes, losses and grief. The explanation fit in perfectly of what Good Friday celebrates and while he didn’t go on to what he meant by Easter people, just think about.

We live in a world where there is total devastation all around us – it is the man who has terminal cancer; the military jet that crashed into an apartment building; the girl who became paralyzed; the car accident; the parents who lost their baby boy too soon; and the soldier on his 4^th tour. These situations and all of our troubles can be heart wrenching. We suffer, we question, we grief. 

We are Easter people. We have hope that our troubles and our devastations will resolve. We pray for the courage to get through the tough times and devastation and we pray for an eternal hope. We have faith that God will help us through our time times and present us with new.

When I had my accident, I questioned why this happened to me…I’m not sure I’ll ever know and that is okay (see My Plan or His), but I always knew I would be okay. When my brother pulled me from that river and held my hand while I laid on the shore waiting for an EMT, I was calm. I didn’t know what had happened to me and I knew I couldn’t move my legs, but I was calm. When I was laying in the Emergency Room in Tulsa, I was calm when that doctor told me I’d never walk again…in fact I responded back and told him I thought he was wrong.  I had a feeling come over me…I knew I was going to be okay. I continued to pray and I hoped for my healing, for my resurrection.

The story of Easter week did not end on Friday, the hope lies on Sunday.

“We are Easter People” by Diane Cameron http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2006-04-09-forum-easter_x.htm

If only I was 17 again...

I am a Pinterest fanatic. I spend entirely too much time “pinning” clothes I can’t afford, recipes I’ll most likely never make, and hairstyles I’m not even capable of doing!  Alongside of all my wishful projects and pins, I have created a board called “Words of Wisdom” and it currently has over 50+ quotes and phrases that relates to life in general. Yesterday I pinned a blog post from Kate Elizabeth Connor titled “Ten Things I Want to Tell Teenage Girls” to this board and it has had me thinking if I had ten things to tell teenage girls, what would it be?

Well here it goes…My list of Ten Things I Want to Tell Teenage Girls  

1)   Do not post every single aspect of your life on Facebook or Twitter. Nobody needs to know every boy you’ve kissed or dismissed or if you are feuding with your friends. When you post these statuses, you are drawing negative attention to yourself and creating a reputation for yourself that you most likely do not want. 

2)   Respect your parents, especially your mother.  I know you think they are out to get you and embarrass you at any chance possible, but trust me that’s not true. They care about you and want the very best for you.  They know more than you think and have been exactly where you are. They deserve your respect so give it to them. Also, know that one day you’ll realize that you can’t live without your mom…she will become one of your best friends. 

3)   Please do not revolve your teenage years around boys.  I’ve read that only 5-10% of high school relationships turn into marriage. You have plenty of time to fall in love so enjoy these years. Spend time with your friends; participate in as many activities as possible, and most of all have fun! 

4)   Never be ashamed of who you are. There will always being someone judging you and sometimes what they say will be harsh. Do not let other peoples’ words tell you who you are and how you feel about yourself. You are wonderful – don’t ever forget that. 

5)   Don’t do something just for the sake of “being cool”.  I’ve been there…I’ve thought if I don’t drink this beer, flirt with this boy, or partake in toilet papering houses (whatever the situation is) my friends are going to think I’m not cool and “too good” for them. Trust me, this is not the case. If you want to do something, do it, but don’t do things just to impress another or to “be cool”. 

6)   Whether you like it or not, you are a role model. There is some little girl who looks up to you and aspires to be like you.  Be conscious of your words and your actions – they are paying more attention to you than you think. 

7)   Learn to manage money. Start learning to save now. If you have a job, put back a certain percentage each paycheck.  Think and plan purchases, do not buy things on impulse. 

8)   You, and only you, are responsible for your future. Set goals for your future and work hard to complete those goals. You’ll be faced with numerous situations and decisions in life (some you can control, some you can’t) – I suggest you take plenty of advice and suggestions and do your research, but do not let anyone make your decisions for you. You are responsible for your actions, thoughts, and decisions in life – don’t rely on someone else to plan your life! 

9)   Embrace your age. When you’re 13, you want to be 16…when you turn 16, you want to be 18, and when you are 18, you wish to be 21. Please stop trying to look older than you are. Enjoy your teenage years…one of these days you’ll will you were 18 again! 

10) Being unique is wonderful. Do not try to fit yourself into a cookie cutter mold. Society will tell you that you’re not thin enough, you’re too tall, your teeth aren’t white enough, or how you need to dress. Embrace your body, your hair, and how you look – being unique makes you stand out from the crowd. 

Teenage girls are often all over the place. I know I was a little bit wild, a little bit defiant, a lot boy crazy, and gosh knows what else. I was young and I had a lot of fun, but I needed to be aware of a few of these things!