Monday, December 28, 2015

Old Navy

Hey Everyone!

So about a month ago, while shopping for Christmas gifts - my mom and I had decided to stop at Old Navy to do get some gifts there and I also wanted to try on some clothes. Let's just say my experience with the Old Navy's fitting rooms wasn't so great. After my experience, I took it to Facebook and wrote a post about it using a picture that I saw hanging up in the fitting room. Want to read what I wrote?

Here it is:

IMPORTANT ------ So today while being at Old Navy in Livingston Mall, it took awhile to see the inside of the accessible...
Posted by Caitlin Goerlich on Saturday, December 12, 2015


As you see, there was a big problem here. They blocked the two accessible fitting rooms that someone who needs it wouldn't have been able to get in there which goes against ADA and many other situations. I have received feedback for this post: 13 comments (all supportive), 15 shares, and 31 likes. This was great feedback and one of the comments suggested that I post it on Old Navy's Facebook page and another suggested to share it on Twitter, both of which I did. 

On Twitter, Old Navy did respond which I think was a step in the right direction.

Old Navy's response on Twitter

But there still needs more to be done about these situations. Why are these situations still happening in this day and age? I'll never know. But I'm sure one of the main reasons why these things are happening frequently because they aren't being brought up in the media or shared as much as other situations are. Don't get me wrong, the other situations (shootings, terrorist, inequality with race, gender, and sexual orientation, etc.) that are brought up in the media and on the internet are important but YOU can't cover some of the types of discrimination and not all (especially leaving out one).

In one of my previous posts about adaptive sports programs needed in schools, I wrote about how 20% (49 million people) of the United States' population has some type of disability so why isn't there more spoken about things that happen in this group of people? I don't know. I can write another post about that which believe me I will. Look out for that one!

This post is about Old Navy. I love Old Navy. It's a great store, has great people who work there, and love the clothes that I buy but this situation needs to be fixed. I was told by one of my friends that this store in particular was the same way for about three months (could have been more) because she was there around Thanksgiving and spoke them about the fitting rooms, well as you can read from above, it wasn't fixed! 

Has it been fixed? I don't know. I haven't returned. But I will. If you have visited the Old Navy store in Livingston Mall and has seen a change or have not seen a change, let me know in the comments below. We need to seriously have these types of conversations. 

Now, I did go to another Old Navy at another mall and I have to say their fittings rooms was slightly better (they had one of the accessible rooms open but did have the other one blocked off). I'm not upset with theirs. At least they had one open but both need to be open especially if I had one of my friends with me or there was someone else with a disability in the store. 

Was this store like the one in Livingston Mall before I had my Facebook post? I'll probably never know. Had Livingston Mall changed? We'll have to see and don't worry, I will update you all after my return visit! 

Let me know what you think by writing a comment below.

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3 

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Song of the Week - Week Two - Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays

Hey Everyone!

So I have decided to try the weekly plan out again so this will be the second Song of the Week that I am doing and since Christmas is coming up and it's the Holidays season, I decided that the song would be a Christmas (Holiday) song. Drum roll please. 

The song that I am doing is Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays by 90s/early 2000s (were active 1995-2002 but made a few appearances together afterwards and had a brief reunion in 2013) boy band, *Nsync. The song is their hit single off of their second overall studio album which was their Christmas album, Home for Christmas (go buy it. You won't regret it!) 

Members:                          
Justin Timberlake
JC Chasez
Lance Bass
Joey Fatone
Chris Kirkpatrick

The reason why I chose this song to do is because I believe that it's a song that works for everyone (those who celebrate Christmas and those who celebrate other Holidays). I also feel that it's an underrated song compared to those that are played on the radio more often and thought it was necessary to do a post for it. 

Now, the actual song and lyrics are great but the music video that goes along with the song is probably one of my favorite parts of the whole package. It brings joy, happiness, family and friends, togetherness, and much more which is what the season and different holidays are supposed to do. 

Background of the music video: It opens up with Santa getting sick and Gary Coleman (Rest in Peace) is Santa's helper suggests that Nsync fills in for Santa and they show up asking "Whatchu Talkin' about, Gary?" and then agree to deliver the presents. 

Watch the video now: 


(Credit: Nsync, YouTube, director of video, and anyone else 
involved. I don't know own the rights to the song or video.) 


What I love most about this video is that you can truly see the enjoyment in the guys while filming this, especially the parts with the kids. It's one of those if you're down, take a listen and you'll pick right back up type of song. AND you can listen to this song at anytime of the year which there are times where I do as well. 

Christmas time is supposed to be joyous, excitement, and spend time with families which is what this song speaks highly of. I highly recommend sharing the video, as well as requesting your radio stations to play it. I also recommend, if you haven't already, buy the whole Home for Christmas album because the whole thing is amazing, yes even the covers (but it is mostly of originals). 

Well, I always look forward to the season, especially December because that's exactly when I start listening to my Christmas music (Nsync first, of course) but again, if it shuffles during the year, I have NO PROBLEM listening to it. 

Let me know what you think of this song of the week and if you agree (or have any other suggestions for any of the future songs of the week). 

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Adaptive Sports Programs Needed in Schools

Hi Everyone!

Back so soon? Yep. Well, I have written something for sports writing class that I thought would make a great blog post so I have decided to put it on here. I was going to put it next week but today is International Day of Persons With Disabilities so I thought it would be best to post it today. 

For one of my writings, we had to write a column and I wrote it on getting adaptive sports programs in colleges which is something that needs to be addressed (it has already but there needs to be more). I hope you enjoy this and feel free to share! 

Here it is:

Did you know that there are about 49 million people with a disability in the United States? If the numbers are so high then how come there aren’t more adaptive sports programs in colleges? Well that needs to change.
In the past few years, there has been a great deal of need of adaptive sports programs to be added to colleges and universities. In 2009, American Collegiate Society of Adapted Athletes was formed to spread awareness towards creating adaptive sports programs to help disabled athletes have somewhere to go when they graduate high school. Right now, there are only 23 colleges/universities that offer adaptive sports and there are more than 4,800 colleges/universities overall. See the problem here? It’s time that more schools start offering these sports programs as the number of disabled athletes too is growing.
            Ok, I can see why you’re going to say ‘uh why? Why is it really necessary for adapted sports programs?’ How many athletes are really going to be going to the school and will take part in the program? How exactly is the school going to pay for the new program? There will need to be money for salaries (new coaches), equipment (even though many athletes have their own), and whatever else that will be needed for the programs. Well honestly, every single question can be answered and yes, it is necessary for these programs to be formed.
            Now before I go into why adapted sports programs in colleges are necessary, let me tell you what my search for college was like. First, I am an adaptive athlete and do the sports of track & field, table tennis, archery and at one point, fencing. When I was looking into colleges, I was looking for schools that had sports programs whether adapted or open to adapted but do you want to know what I found? Nothing. At least nothing in New Jersey. So I decided to stick with focusing on education and continue being a part of the Children’s Lightning Wheels but even that has to come to an end at some point. What’s next?
            Do you know how much more diversed sports would be if colleges/universities included adapted sports? Athletes would get to know one another and learn about each other’s sports and how those athletes do their sports. Isn’t this country all about diversity and getting to know different cultures? Well this is exactly the same! A baseball player can get to know a disabled field athlete. A wheelchair track athlete can show a non-disabled track athlete how they use their arms instead of their legs. It gives everyone growth and it will lead to more diversity in other areas of sports, not just college.
            Hello! Can’t you see there will be many more opportunities open for people with disabilities? It’s time that people with disabilities get the same recognition as other groups. I mean, we are the biggest minority group in the world. Did you know that? Of course not. Why would you? We’re the last group people think about. But there are 49 million people in the United States alone that have a disability which is 20 percent of the country’s population. Shocking huh? Well if colleges bring adapted sports programs to their schools, people will start seeing people with disabilities as people and might actually consider looking more into how to better equality for those.
            Now having these sports programs in colleges will lead to more across the country like in public school (middle and high schools) and programs like the Lightning Wheels which will lead to more athletes. More athletes means more students and that could bring the tuition down because more students equals less to pay. Sounds like a plan to me. Don’t you agree? Also, these athletes will no longer be “hidden” away in their homes and take part in the world which could lead to a better economy. Don’t we all want that?
            You still don’t agree? All right then, how about this? Why don’t colleges allow people with disabilities take part in the sports programs that are in session now? Like if a school has a track team, let a wheelchair track athlete be on the team and create a wheelchair division, you know like how the high schools do it. If numbers rise in the amount of disabled athletes then the school can create a separate sports program for the adaptive sports. But I’m telling you right now, it might just be easier to create the adaptive sports program right off the bat. 

Well there we go. What did you think? Feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts! 

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3 

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Where Have I Been?

Hey Everyone!

How is everyone doing? It's been awhile hasn't it? Seven months. I don't know if you're interested in wondering where have I been or what I have been up to but as you are my readers, I'm going to say that you are and I will let you all know. Now let's see what should be first? I'm going to set up the post like I usually do and break it up in sections (below). 

But before I do so, I would like to say that I am definitely considering to bringing back the song, movie, and TV show of the week back. I know I only did one week of it (two for song but the same song) but at the time, I don't think I could keep up with it. Now I do. At least I might in about three to four weeks (you'll understand after reading Education section). I'm not going to be 100% on board with it until I do about three weeks (which will show that I can keep up with it). I might not start those posts until after four weeks from now. 

Anyways, here we go. 

Education: 
I am currently in my final semester in college. It will be 4 1/2 years in school. My final class will be in a few weeks (the week of December 16th) and I will be walking (wheeling) in graduation in May of 2016. I am looking forward in doing so. I have worked on my graduation papers this semester and felt a relief when I completed the papers needed for graduation. Now what am I learning this semester? A lot!, I know that. The following are classes that I am taking: Accounting, Social Media, Interpersonal Communication (a class I believe everyone should take), Sports Writing, and Senior Writing Seminar. In each class, I have learned so much more that I thought I would and will be looking to take what I have learned in these classes and previous classes with me as I move into the real world. Three weeks. That's all that's left and there is so much left to do - papers, tests, group projects, etc. So this is why I said, above, when I might update my blog next. But after that, expect reading many posts from me. 

Writing:
So as you know, from the previous post, I have finished one of my books and was looking into querying agents with the book but I have taken a break from that. But have no fear, I am still writing. I am not focusing on my senior project which I hope will turn into the book that I am going to definitely work on. I have not given up on the other book but I feel my senior project is something that I will be able to focus on more and have more of a chance with. I actually have a better feeling with this project but I'll always go back to the other one, possibly revising it once again. You (I) can never be finished with revisions!

Sports:
Well the 2015 sports season is coming to a close which also means that my career as a junior athlete is coming to a close. 17 years. 17 years with the Children's Lightning Wheels and I will never forget any of the time that I had with sports, teammates, coaches, parents, officials, competitions, etc. This year, we hosted the 2015 National Junior Disability Championships (NJDC) and it was a blast. We won 2nd place for the Large Team division and it was great getting to compete in front of friends and family. Thank you to those who came out and supported all the athletes. It was a great turnout and I hope that the future NJDC continue growing. It was also a bittersweet week as it was my final junior nationals and the final time in a racer (track). Thank you to all my coaches, teammates, parents, competitors, officials and anyone who I have met over the years for giving me a great ride and I will gladly take everything that I have learned from you with me as I move forward with my athletic career. I am looking forward to moving on to the adult word of sports, as well as helping coach archery with my junior team. Bring on Season 2016.


Well, I believe that is everything that I have done since my last post. I could be missing something and if I am, you will be the first to know! So like I said, I will be more involved with my blog starting in the next few weeks and I am looking forward to being more conversational with you all!

I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Update!

Hey Everyone!

How is everyone doing? I hope you all made it through that rough winter that we had. Boy, wasn't that a rough one? Well it's in the past now and we are in the process of having some spring weather. Today was in the 70s and it felt great!

So anyways, I'm sure you all can tell that I haven't update my blog since January. It's been awhile. I have failed that whole weekly plan thing that I wanted to do. I had a feeling that I would. There is still a chance that I might bring it back up. We'll see. But back to this post, I thought I should update one what has been going on in the last few months.

Education: 
I am currently in spring semester. So far, this semester seems to be going well. There is only about a month away. The classes that I am taking this semester are advanced journalism, history of New Jersey, U.S. History 1877-Present, public speaking, and film history. I am happy to say that I have registered for my final semester (still waiting for one class) which will take place this Fall and I will be finished this December, as an Undergrad. It feels like I just graduated high school which was four years ago and now I'm thinking about my final semester in college. Crazy.

Writing:
I have finished my book that I was working on. I am currently in the process of sending query letters out to different agents and so far, nothing as come about from that BUT just because one thing doesn't go the way I plan doesn't mean that I am going to stop. I am always editing the book and query letter so if it's meant to happen, it will. I believe that. Remember you can follow me on my social media accounts (you will see them at the right of the screen).

Sports:
The new season is now in session! This marks my final season as junior athlete which is crazy. 16-17 years with the Lightning Wheels. I am planning to enjoy this year. I will continue to do sports as I enter the adult division. Also more news about the season this year - the National Junior Disability Championships (NJDC) will be held in NJ this summer. You can get more information here ---> NJDC2015NJ. It should be a fun one!

Well right now, I think that's everything. I am going to try and update this blog more often and as the spring semester comes to a close, I will have more time to do so (maybe). I hope you all enjoy the spring weather and have a great day, night (depending when you're reading this).

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

Thursday, January 8, 2015

New Books For Me to Read

"The more you read, the more you things you know. 
The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."
- Dr. Seuss

Hey Everyone!

Recently, I have received new books in the past year. Most of them, as you see above, are Yankees books (Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera) and still have to read them. Also, as most of you know - I'm a major Yankees fan especially when it comes to the Core Four, particularly Derek Jeter (I'm surprised I haven't written a post about Derek Jeter yet..lol..there's still time though so who knows). Four of the books above, I received as 2014 Christmas presents, one of them I bought myself and the other was either a birthday present or a 2013 Christmas present.

Even though, I have not read these books yet, I am looking forward learning more of the ins and outs of being Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera directly from the sources of themselves. Two of Derek Jeter's new books (Jeter Unfiltered and The Contract) are his two first books under his own publishing company: Jeter Publishing and they already have made it to The New York Times Bestseller's List.

As a writer, that is one of my goals is to be on the The New York Times Bestseller's list but it is not a must as I'm more of enjoyment of writing. It would be awesome and I wonder how Jeter felt when he found out that he made it on the list not once but twice. I'm not really surprised he made it has everything Jeter is going to touch will turn to gold, his career already turned to gold, as well as The Player's Tribune, a website he created for athletes to share their thoughts and words without getting their words misinterpreted which to me is a great idea because it doesn't make the athletes hold back and lets them be true without having another name on the article or have to be restricted to 140 characters (twitter). I am looking forward to seeing more books come from Jeter's publishing company as I'm sure most or even all of those books will reach the list.

I am not normally into biographies or autobiographies unless you know they are the books of people I really care about and am a fan of like the guys in this post. Usually, I read romance fiction - one author in particular is Nicholas Sparks. I have read most of his books, not all but I know the ones I haven't read are just as good as the others. In 2014, I have bought two of his new books - Best of Me and The Longest Ride - I've read The Longest Ride and found it very good. It was interesting to see Sparks incorporate two love stories into one book. I highly recommend reading the book. I also recently saw the movie's trailer and yes, even though they have made changes, I am looking forward to seeing the movie. I have not read the other book that I have purchased, Best of Me, yet but I know that I will enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed all of the other Nicholas Sparks' books.

Nicholas Sparks have inspired me to write the book that I am currently working on now (one chapter left to be written). Writing is something that I have done for as long as I could remember and I have done much of it. I started out writing some mystery type things but as I got older, I decided to turn my genre to romance drama, family drama, and dramas in general. Not only did I make a change of genres but I also made a change of the type of writings I do. I used to just fully do books but I have also made the transition to screenplays (both movies and television).

Writing will forever be a part of my life so will reading. Reading and writing usually come into play with one another and I believe with doing so much reading that I have done in school and for fun, it has helped me with my writing. Also doing different types of writing also has strengthen my writing as well as the help of my writing classes in school. I have already seen a change in my writing for the better and I am looking forward to the day that you will too see that writing.

Well for this post, I think that's all for now. If you would like the summaries/descriptions of the books in the above picture, you can continue you on as I have written the summaries below this. The summaries are not in my own words but are the actual summaries that are in and on the book covers.

I, once again hope you all have a great day.

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

______________________________________________________________________


Here are the descriptions of those books in the above picture:


The Closer by Mariano River with Wayne Coffey: "The greatest relief pitcher of all time shares his extraordinary story of survival, love and baseball - Mariano Rivera, the man who intimidated thousands of batters merely by opening a bullpen door, began his incredible journey as the so of a poor Panamanian fisherman. When first scouted by the Yankees, he didn't even own his own glove. He thought he might make a good mechanic. When discovered, he had never flown in an airplane, had never heard of Babe Ruth, spoke no English, and couldn't imagine Tampa, the city where he was headed to begin a career that would become one of baseball's iconic. What he did know: that he loved his family and his then girlfriend, Clara, that he could trust in the Lord to guide him, and that he could throw a baseball exactly where he wanted to, every time.
                With astonishing candor, Rivera tells the story of the championships, the bosses (including The Boss), the rivalries, and the struggles of being a Latino baseball player in the United States and of maintaining Christian values in professional athletics. The thirteen-time All-Star discusses his drive to win; the streets behind his legendary composure; the story of how he discovered his cut fastball; the untold, pitch-by-pitch account of the ninth inning of Game 7 in the 2001 World Series; and why the lowest moment of his career became one of his greatest blessings.
                 In The Closer, Rivera takes readers into the Yankees clubhouse, where his teammates are his brothers. But he also takes us on that jog from the bullpen to the mound, where the game - or the season - rests squarely on his shoulders. We come to understand the laserlike focus that is his hallmark, and how his faith and his family kept his feet firmly on the pitching rubber. Many of the tools he used so consistently and gracefully came from what was inside for a very long time - his deep passion for his life; his enduring commitment to Clara, whom he met in kindergarten; and his innate sense for getting out of a jam.
                 When Rivera retired, the whole world watched - and cheered. In The Closer, we come to an even greater appreciation of a legend built from the ground up."



The Contract by Derek Jeter: "As a young boy, Derek Jeter dreams of being the shortstop for the New York Yankees. He even imagines himself in the World Series. But on the day of Little League assignments, Derek starts at second base instead of shortstop and is given jersey number 2, not the number 13 he has always had and that his father wore.
             He tries to make the most of the situation while wishing and dreaming for that shortstop spot, but then he realizes there is one way to get there - always play his best. And to make sure he stays focused on school, too, his parents make him sign a contract - with keeping his grades up a requirement for getting to play baseball. As the season progresses and his team experiences ups and downs, Derek learns the importance of being a great teammate and friend...and comes to realize that there are specific steps he can take to make his dream come true!
             Inspired by Derek Jeter's childhood, The Contract launches Derek Jeter's middle-grade baseball series, an important part of the Jeter Publishing program which will encompass adult nonfiction titles, children's picture books, middle-grade fiction, ready-to-read children's books, and children's nonfiction."


The Captain: The Journey of Derek Jeter by Ian O'Connor: "Every Spring, Little Leaguers across the country mimic his stance and squabble over the right to wear his number, 2, the next number to be retired by the world's most famous ball team. Derek Jeter is their hero. He walks in the footsteps of Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, and Mantle, and someday his shadow will loom just as large. Yet he has never been the best player in baseball. In fact, he hasn't always been the best player on his team. But his intangible grace and Jordan-esque ability to play big in the biggest of postseason moments make him the face of the modern Yankee dynasty and of America's game.
          In The Captain, best-selling author Ian O'Connor draws and extensive reporting and unique access to Jeter that has spanned some fifteen years to reveal how a biracial kid from Michigan became New York's most beloved sports figure and enduring symbol of he steroid-free athlete. O'Connor takes us behind the scenes of a legendary baseball life and career, from Jeter's early struggles in minor leagues, when homesickness and errors in the field threatened a stillborn career , to his heady days as a Yankees superstar and prince of the city who squired some of the world's most beautiful women, to his tense battles with former best friend A-Rod. We also witness Jeter struggling to come to terms with his declining skills and the declining favor of the only organization he ever wanted to play for, leading to a contentious contract negotiation with the Yankees that left people wondering if Jeter might end his career in a uniform without pinstripes.
           Derek Jeter's march toward the Hall of Fame has been dignified and certain, but behind that leadership and hero's grace there are hidden struggles and complexities that have never been explored, until now. As Jeter closes in on 3,000 hits, a number no Yankee has ever touched, The Captain offers an incisive, exhilarating, and revealing new look at one of the game's greatest players in the gloaming of his career."


Jeter Unfiltered by Derek Jeter with Illustrations by Christopher Anderson: "The Legend. The Leader. The athlete. The man. - Derek Jeter's twentieth and final season in Major League Baseball truly marks the end of a sports era The New York Yankees' shortstop - a five-time World Series victor, team captain since 2003, and one of the greatest ballplayers off all time - is a beloved and inspiring role model who displays the indefinable qualities of a champion, on and off the field.
          Jeter Unfiltered is a powerful collection of never-before-published images taken over the course of Derek's final season. For the first time ever, fans will have unprecedented access to "The Captain," as Derek takes us behind the scenes - inside his home, at the stadium, working out, at his Turn 2 Foundation events, and more - as he looks back with candor and gratitude on his baseball career. The result is an intimate portrait bursting with personality, professionalism, and pride.
          Also featuring more than 100 thrilling archival shots, Jeter Unfiltered is the definitive and only book looking back on his career authorized by the Yankees shortstop. This is Jeter as you have never seen him before - unguarded, unapologetic...unfiltered."


Derek Jeter: Born to Be a Yankee - The New York Post's Commemorative Book By the Writers and Photographers of The New York Post: There isn't a summary/description on the back cover or inside cover but by the name - you can see that this is a book filled with previous written articles about Derek Jeter in the New York Post, over the years. It starts with an introduction written by former Yankees captain, Don Mattingly and ends with an article written in 2014 by Mike Vaccaro.


Derek Jeter: Excellence and Elegance - The New York Times' Collection Compiled and Edited by Tyler Kepner: Again with this one, there isn't a summary/description on the back cover or inside cover but by this name - this is a book filled with previous written articles about Derek Jeter in The New York Times, over the years. This book opens with a foreword written by former Yankees manager, Joe Torre (Mr. T as Jeter calls him) and ends with an article written by Tyler Kepler about Jeter's final home game.