Two Years Later

Hey Everyone!

Well...it's been awhile. Two years to be exact. So you're probably asking: "Where have you been?" "Why haven't you written any new posts?" "What's been going on?" Well...I'm ready to answer all THREE questions and to give an update on where this blog is going 😊

Where Have You (I) Been?
I've been in the same place I've been when I was writing a couple years ago. I'm still working at Kohl's. I'm still competing in adaptive sports: field (shot put, discus, and javelin), table tennis, and archery. But, I am now a part of the Tri-State Wheelchair Athletic Association (TSWAA) board. And I'm still working on writing my book(s).

Why Haven't You (I) Written Any New Posts?
Honestly...I think it had to do with writer's block and procrastination. I had ideas of what to write on here but didn't know how to start or where to go with it so I would say "I'll write it next week," then it would be the next week and I'll say it again. Then, it ended up being a month later and then months went by and now two years went by. That's really all to why I haven't written anything.

What's Been Going On?
Ok so the answer to this question can be the same as the answer to the first question. BUT, I do have more to share and add. It has to do with my YouTube channel. I've always had a channel but now I'm actually using it and posting videos on it. Videos like 'My Top 10' where I share my top 10 favorite things of a top (for example: my top 10 favorite Disney Channel Original Movies [DCOMs]), Disability Awareness (for example: National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month), about myself, and other fun videos. Make sure you check out my channel and SUBSCRIBE & press the bell so that you're alerted every time I post a new video. And again, I'm still working on my book(s) and in the process of something that I will soon (hopefully) let you all in on 😉

NOW, I want to let you know that since I'm writing this post - it does mean I am planning on writing some more and officially return to my Wiki-Wheelz blog. YAY! I have a plan set up for how I'm going to do my blog and my YouTube channel. What is that plan? Well...press the play button below and watch as I explain what it is 🔻

So what do you think? Do you think I'm going to be able to keep up with both YouTube and my blog? Only time will tell and I hope I definitely will be able to keep up with it. That's my goal. I definitely won't let another two years go by before writing another post.

Make sure you enter your email into the top right corner (if you haven't already) so that you can be alerted every time I update the blog. AND don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you can watch all my new videos! Also, if you haven't yet - check out all my previous posts so you can see what kind of posts you can expect from me on here.

That's really all I have for now. But stay tuned for future posts & videos!

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

Bright Side's "Be Grateful For What You Have" Video

Hey Everyone!

So I know it's been almost a couple weeks since my last post as I wasn't completely sure of what to write but now I have a topic to write about. It's about a video that has gone viral for the past couple weeks and I just watched the video myself.

It's the "Be Grateful For What You Have" video made by Bright Side:

Look on the Bright Side
Posted by Bright Side on Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Now you're probably wondering why I'm dedicating a post to this video. Well it's because of the message behind the video.

Look, I was enjoying the video because it is a great message. We should be grateful for what we have. We can't look at what others have and need the want to have what they have. It is an important message that we all need to look at.

The first 48 seconds was the best part of the video. At the end of the video, you will notice that the last person they show is a person in a wheelchair saying "He can go wherever he wants." This is the part of the video that had upset me.

In the past few years, there's been talks and talks about the disabled group as I'm sure you know (especially since if you read my blog). Some of those talks aren't positive and some are. The end of this video with this character is one of those negatives moments.

I know you're probably thinking or wondering, what's exactly wrong with it? You're always writing and talking about being included and here it is, you have a disabled character in a video. Ok yes I'm happy that there's a disabled character in this video but it's the way they are portrayed.

Again, I understand the true meaning behind the video is to be grateful for what you have but the way the disabled character is portrayed isn't right. I mean, it has him sitting on the balcony looking out towards a person walking and he says "He can go wherever he wants."

You know what that's telling people who are in wheelchairs? That they have to stay put. That they don't get to wherever they want. And you know what? That's wrong. Just because you're disabled or have something in your way, it doesn't mean that you can't do what others are doing.

I've read so many comments under the video and there are some who say the same as I'm saying and there are others who don't understand those who are complaining about the ending of the video.

Have you ever thought that maybe there are those who are in wheelchairs or have a disability do more than what you do in your life? That they go farther and more places than you can ever imagine? You wouldn't if if you looked at this video. because there's no one after the disabled character. It's just them.

If I truly thought "he can go wherever he wants" the way the video is portraying that we (disabled people) do then I would've never joined the Lightning Wheels, started this blog, go to college, go across the country for the National Junior Disability Championships, and others. I wouldn't change a thing about my life and that includes being in a wheelchair. Because you know what? I and many others who have a disability can go wherever HE wants.

(Of course there was a time when I was younger where I wondered if I could be able to walk again and do what those who can walk but as I got older, I appreciated the life I live and continue to do so. I also realized that I can do what "he" wants. Just do it in a different way. My way.)

We may not be able do what you do exactly like how you do it but we do it our way. I have friends who have traveled to other countries whether it's for sports or not. I have friends who are working towards their dream jobs. I have friends who do what they want to do because they can. It's time to end this stigma about people with disabilities.

How about we get included the right way rather the wrong way? Check out my other posts under the Disability Advocacy tab above and think about how to make videos the right way and why you're truly sharing this video.

It's a great video and for a good meaning but it could've been done with a better ending. So I ask the 100+ million viewers, 4+ million sharers, and the 2+ million those who liked the video - what do you think of the video? How do you see the ending of the video? Re-look at the comments made by those who complain about the video - do they have a point to their comments?

Do I think we should be grateful for what we have? Of course. Do I think the ending of this video could've been better? Duh, I wouldn't have written this post if I didn't.

Please let me know what you think about the video and this post.

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

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 

Movie of the Week? Song of the Week?

Hey everyone!

So, if you follow me on Twitter or LIKE my public Facebook page - you will know that I have postponed the first movie of the week post. I will explain more in depth at why I decided that. I was ready to have a movie of the week post done but the movie(s) that I was planning to do it on was going to lead to a very long post and for some reason nothing was coming to my mind at how to start the post. I posted on Friday on my twitter and public Facebook page that I was going to do it on Saturday but some where along the way, Saturday came and gone, and I still wasn't happy with the post that I was writing. So I decided that I would not post it for week one. I am planning on using the same movie(s) for this week so I am going to try my hardest to have a movie of the week done for this week, it's either going to be Friday or Saturday (most like Saturday as Friday is usually part two of my family's Thanksgiving festivities). I hope you all understand. I explained to you when I first came up with this idea that there would be a couple times where there won't be a post that day.

So now we are onto week two. As you see in the title of this post, there is a question mark after song of the week meaning I do not think there will be a new song of the week for this week because well I'm having a hard time to pick one..lol..I have over 1,000 songs on my iPod. But that's not the only reason - another reason is because I want to continue from last week which was "The Heart Wants What It Wants" by Selena Gomez.

I'm not really going to discuss too much more about the song (see song of the week post for more) but I want to talk about Selena's performance at the AMAs last night (November 21, 2014). Have you seen it? If not, here is the video from her Vevo page:

I was looking forward to this performance ever since I first heard the song because I knew it would be an emotional one. There were critics that said she can't sing live, she will ruin the song, etc. But, I have to say yes she's not the best singer but she holds her own and I enjoyed this performance. It was very real. You could feel the emotion coming through the television/computer screen. The background was perfect. It went right with the song. The whole performance was simple but emotional. She also at one point near the end of the song whispered to herself "Thank you Jesus." Yes, beliebers, it was "Thank you Jesus," not "thank you Justin," or "I love you Justin." Please....be real here.

I have read some of the comments under performance video and there were many supporters and of course many critics. I was disappointed at some of those critics. Some were saying that Selena should just get over him. "Stop singing about him." "We're tired of it." Well excuse me, how come it was ok for Justin to write a whole album about Selena but it's not ok for her to sing one? Do you know what she went through? Do you know what they went through? No. None of us truly do. But her. But him. But their friends and family. Stop judging someone who you personally don't know. She is using this song to bring peace back into her life as she has said that sharing this song has already slowly but surely is helping her.

It has been said that it is important to let things out, rather than keeping it hidden away. Like I have said, in the first post about this song, she kept this to herself for a year. It was probably not helping her to keep it just to herself so she decided to share it. Why can't you let her have this one thing? Let her use music to help her move on, help her heal, help her bring peace to her life. She is just like the rest of us. She is human. Let her be.

I am proud of Selena for being brave and sharing with us, the rest of the world, this song that is so personal to her. I am also happy that she has friends like Taylor Swift who can be there for her before and after her performance; and through what caused the pain.

I will always support her, no matter what happens and I'm glad that she has other fans/supporters that do the same.

Also before I end this: as of right now - the single is now #2 on the iTunes chart and the music video for the song is #1.

Well, I think that's it for now. I will leave you with one more thought. We all go through things. We all have our own different ways to move pass those things. Do not judge someone's different way if they aren't the way you believe is right.

Thank you and that is all for tonight.

Until Next Time!

CGoerlich <3

New Weekly Plan!

Hey Everyone!

I have been trying to figure out a way to update my blog more often! I tweeted out yesterday asking my followers, other tweeters, and bloggers if they had any ideas for what I can post but unfortunately, I received no feedback...HOWEVER, once I tweeted that tweet - ideas just started coming to my mind. I thought about writing about music, movies, and shows. but I realized that one post would not be enough for either of those subjects so I have thought about a way how I can write a lot without writing a lot.

This brings me to the title of this blog post - New Weekly Plan! - and I will explain exactly what that is or what it could be. I was thinking about doing a weekly thing where I write a post about a particular song, movie, or show. The title of these posts would be - Song of the Week; Movie of the Week; Show of the week. These will be of my favorite music, movies, and shows. Now, I'm not sure if I'll do all three every week but that is an option that I am thinking about doing.

I, of course, will still be writing other posts if and when anything else comes up in my life but I thought this would be something exciting to try and a great way for you, my readers, to be involved! You can share your input on what I choose at the song/show/movie of the week.

I am still figuring out the exact details of with me doing this but I am excited for this plan of mine and I'm hoping that you will be too! I am also hoping that I will stick with this because I'm not sure if I'll have as many shows/movies as I do with songs, but we will see what happens as the time goes on.

Please let me know what you think in the comments below. (I am going to try and get started this weekend with my first weekly posts) Have a great day and week!

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

What's Been Going On?

Hey Everyone!

So it's been a month since I last posted about something. I thought that I would let you all know what I have been up to. It hasn't been much, really so this isn't going to be that long of a post.

Mostly, I have been doing is school, writing, and sports.

School: I am taking six classes this semester (I know what you're thinking - You're crazy!). Three are English classes (Business and Professional Writing, Poetry, Advance Composition) and three are electives (Script Writing, Worlds of History, Infant and Toddlers in Diverse Society). This is my fourth year in college and I am planning on my final semester to be next Fall (Fall of 2015), as I still need 10 classes (mostly electives) after this semester.

Writing: Starting back in August, I decided to bring one of my unfinished novels back around. I am really focusing on the possibility of getting this novel published. At first, I thought editing was all that was needed but I have noticed that there were missing pieces in it, so I have decided to add a few chapters which right now would make the novel to be 25 chapters long. I have finished one of my new chapters but I am still in the process of writing the other two new chapters.

If you would like to stay up to date with my writing career - you can go LIKE my new public Facebook page. I post quotes about writing, updates on how I'm doing with my writing, etc. Also, if you would like a preview of my writing - you can go read some of the stories that I wrote for Fanfiction. Letting you know, it's High School Musical fanfiction but if you know me - you know how much of a fan I was/am of the High School Musical franchise.

Sports: The sports season, currently, is over until February/March but we did have a month of practice for our last meet of the season. At the last meet, I won Outstanding Female in Table Tennis. It was a fun time as usual. I have been having archery practice, which might be coming to an end as the winter air is coming and the sun is setting earlier. We are starting up the gym program again, this coming Tuesday so that should be fun. Next season marks the final season of my Junior career, which is crazy because I have been doing this and been a part of the Lightning Wheels since I was five years old. I'm going to enjoy next season and will continue the sports as I enter the adult division, after next year.

Besides being busy with the sports that I compete in, I have also been busy supporting the professional sports. Hockey is back! Let's Go Devils! I have gone to the final preseason game when the beat the New York Rangers, and I am hoping to get to a regular season game for this season. For baseball - unfortunately the Yankees did not make the playoffs but it was one of those "it was meant to be" moments as Derek Jeter ended his career with a walk-off win at home and RBI-single at Fenway. (I may do a Derek Jeter post so I will not be going into great detail in this post). This Tuesday starts the World Series (San Francisco Giants vs. Kansas City Royals). I am not picking a favorite as I picked both teams to make the World Series, so I will be fine with whoever wins. Now for football, ehh, we can skip that right? The Jets aren't doing that great. Are we surprised? No? Yeah, me neither.

In football, my family take part in the Weekly Pick'Em on NFL.com where we pick the winners of each game, each week. I am currently in fifth place of the group and I am hoping to move up some more, but we'll see what happens. Yay football!

Well, I think that's everything that has been going on in the past couple months. If there are anymore updates, I will let you know and write another post. My next post might be about Derek Jeter, as I feel I should write one since I'm a huge fan of his and have a lot to say about him.

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

It's Been Awhile

Hey Everyone!

I know, I know...It's been awhile, more like two months. I was going to try and write a post each day that I was in Iowa but even though there was time, there wasn't time. So, I have decided that before I start back up in school for my fourth year, I will update you all on how this Summer has gone and is going. What do you all think about that? 

Let's first start with the National Junior Disability Championships (NJDC) that were held in Ames, Iowa during the week of July 5th-12th. After having tons of fun on the bus ride on the way to Minnesota, we decided to do another road trip with the bus, as well with the same awesome bus driver! First half of the ride out to Iowa was fun, watching movies, reading books, listening to music, laughing and talking with each other. One of the movies that stood out to me, of course, was watching Eight Below (my favorite of Paul Walker's [RIP]) which was one of the movies that I brought. Reason why it stood out was because of what happened when this following scene happened:

The whole bus jumped in surprise when the seal came out of the whale because it was something that no one but my mom and I were expecting it (even I jumped, it gets me every time). It was a little funny seeing everyone jump out of their seats because it brought be back to the day when I saw the movie for the first time in the theaters and everyone jumped up. Sorry team for not warning you! 

Now, another moment that stands out on the bus ride was when broke down in Indiana due to mechanical issues with the bus. We had stopped a few times before our bus driver pulled off at a rest stop while we could get our bus be fixed. We were stuck in Indiana for a about five-six hours but once we got back on the road, we were about seven hours away from our destination. 

Now, after the road trip, we are now in Ames, Iowa getting ready to compete! My first competition was the first day of competition and that was archery. I had a rough time during the first round due to issues with my bow and arrows but I improved during the second round. I shot a 100 which wasn't my worst but not my best either. My next competition was table tennis and I had very close matches that led to game 5 but overall, I won one match but two of my teams made top three of all the athletes! Two days later, I had both field and track which was my final day of competition. For my 100 meters race, my time was 34.22 seconds and I was also in a relay which did great/awesome! For my field events, the following distances were my best that day: Discus - 5.93m, Javelin - 7.49m, Shot Put - 2.88m. All distances were close to personal bests. Overall, I had a great week in competitions and had a fun time with my friends, teammates, officials, event organizers, coaches, families, and more. Children's Lightning Wheels won 2nd place in the large team division! Yay team! 

Our ride home seemed like it went quicker than the ride out there and we got home a little earlier than planned which always feels good. Here are some pictures from the week. Also, if you want more information for the week of this year's Nationals: NJDC 2014. 

 

So, that is the update for Nationals. What else have I been up to this Summer? Well, two days before we left for Nationals, my sister had a new baby - a boy! I met my new nephew the day after we came home from Nationals and he is very adorable. Also, my other nephew (7 years old) stayed with us for a week, a couple weeks ago. It was an interesting week.  When Summer comes around, I always go to work with my Mom to help her with shredding, filing, putting together packets, etc. 

So far, I have done two other things Summer that were a blast. Last Monday, I went to the Somerset Patriots game with my parents, aunt, and uncle which I always enjoy doing. It was a hot day so I wasn't able to stay in the spot where I normally sit the whole time so I moved to the back for the shade. Good chicken fingers and french fries which is usually what I get when I go to ball games. I don't like hot dogs. Well, I do but I don't. That's a story for another time. Sadly, the Patriots lost but it was still a fun day.

The final event that I just recently was at the 19th Annual Softball Benefit Tournament for Children's Lightning Wheels, this past Saturday, which is an event that I go to every year. This tournament is held every year to raise money for my team and I always have a blast. This year was no different, maybe even more fun than other years (don't know why..lol). I have a new nickname from the guys (players, umpires, event organizers), and it is The Commissioner (Commish) which I will enjoy having from now on. I had lots of fun seeing, hanging out, and laughing with the players who I have known for awhile and meeting many new ones. I can't wait for next year and excited for it because it will be the 20th Annual Tournament and it's going to be awesome! Also can't wait to see everyone next year. 

I have more pictures from the event, but the above collage are four of my favorite pictures from the day. Once again, on behalf of the Lightning Wheels, thank you to all the players, sponsors, umpires, and event organizers for another great day!

Well, that is everything that I have done this Summer. Oh! I forgot to mention that for my Spring 2014 Semester for school, I made the Dean's list. I was very happy when I achieved that honor and I'm going to push myself for my last couple (few) semesters to make the list again. 

I hope everyone has/had a great Summer and if you are returning to school, have a great year and push through everything. 

I am not sure when my next post will be but it will be sooner than two months (maybe). 

Until Next Time 

CGoerlich <3

Rutgers Bus Driver Fired Controversy

Warning - Here is my first of many very opinionated posts!

So in the past week, there has been a controversy about the firing of Pastor Stan McNeil, a "beloved" bus driver at Rutgers University in NJ.

Stan McNeil claims that Rutgers only fired him because he touched a disabled girl on the head, praying for her to heal.  He has done it before and was asked not to do it again.  But in reality, people, there is more to the story which many just have skipped right over.  Even journalists skipped over it!  Which makes me even more mad but let's get to the bottom line shall we?

Here's some background if you don't know what's happening.  Stan McNeil was a popular Rutgers University bus driver who is also a Pastor and every day on the bus, McNeil always had inspirational speeches.  I never experienced these speeches personally, well because I don't go to Rutgers but that's the not reason of this post.  Many students say that always looked forward to getting on the bus because he would always lift up their spirits if they are having a bad day.

Well good for them, but what about the students who are in wheelchairs that are bouncing around on the bus because he didn't tie them down?  Because that's the REAL reason why he got fired.  Not because he was praying on a girl who was in a wheelchair, to be healed.  Yes, that may play some role since well she did complain and he was told not to do it again.  But, he wasn't tying down the chairs which is a big safety hazard!
Sharp turns = student with chair bumping their head on the side of the bus or even they end up at another part of the bus.  A short stop = the chair going harshly forward where the person could land on their front and/or banging their head.  And if the person doesn't get a seat belt put on and they don't have a seat belt on their chair (because not everyone has one!), the person could be knocked out of their chair if any of the previous things happen.

All of the above could have happened if McNeil kept on with the job because he wasn't tying down the chairs and you want to know why?  Here is a quote from a newscast NBC did on him:

"Personally I was a little concerned about the time because you're spending time putting them on the bus and getting them hooked up so you're losing time," says Stan McNeil when asked about tying down the chairs.

Like really? Did he really say that? I have been saying that since the moment I heard him say that.  Right after he did, my mom and I looked at each other and just asked at the same time, "Did he really just say that?" So, of course I was expecting many people to talk about it and do a report of what he said but it's been two days now and nothing.  Many people are still supporting him and there are already over 6,800 signatures on a change.org petition to bring him back.  You know why?  Because they think he was just fired for religious reasons, not because of the safety reasons.

Time? Like really? Time was the reason you couldn't tie someone down? I hope you all realize that it probably doesn't take more than four minutes to get a person with a wheelchair on the bus plus strapping in.  And you're losing time? What time is exactly lost? Four minutes. Wow. That's a lot of time....Not. If you notice in the quote, he does say "them" so meaning he hasn't just not tied down one person, but he has done it numerous time.

As a student with a disability, I am definitely upset.  I rode the school bus throughout all of 13 years of public school and do you think there was once where they didn't tie me down? Nope. And you know how long it took to get me on the bus plus tying me down? I'll say it again - not even more than four minutes. I don't understand how someone can say that time is why they weren't tying down a chair down.  That's like saying you're not going to take a moment to put on your seat belt.

I mean, come on people.  There were more than religious reasons for this man being fired.  But did you research all of the reasons?  Of course not.  Only NBC, that I know of, has gotten something about safety reasons.  Yes, I noticed other news reports that do mention safety reasons were for the reason but you know where in those article that information was?  At the bottom, oh and not to mention, no where in the title of the article which is normally the first thing readers see and remember.

As you can tell, I'm very passionate about people knowing the real reason because I want to make sure that this does NOT happen again and that others learn to read EVERYTHING before they make assumptions.  I know that some already know the real reason and agree what I have said in this blog post but there are still so many who still don't understand the real reason behind this.

I hope you all understand where this is coming from and that you will share this with your friends because this is a very important subject.

Here is the link to the video of where Stan McNeil says the quote above - Video to NBC newscast of Stan McNeil's Firing (It is the top video that auto plays itself)

Feel free to comment on this post what you believe (whether you agree or disagree) and please share this post! :)

Thank you for giving me your time and listening to my opinion about this matter!

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

CSH Lightning Wheels = My Second Family

"Family isn't always about blood. It's the people

in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who

accept you for who you are. The ones who would

do anything to see you smile & who love you

no matter what." - Unknown

For the past 14 years, I have been a part of a great sports program based out of Children's Specialized Hospital (CSH) called the Lightning Wheels.  When I was about six years old, one of the physical therapists asked my parents if I would be interested in joining the sports team for the hospital.  After we met the head coach and I raced around the halls for fun, we officially decided that I would join the team and the rest was history.

I started out only doing track & field but as time went by, I added table tennis and archery to the list of sports I do.  There was a point where I also did fencing for two years.  Being a part of this team, it has taught be how to be independent, care for others, see other places, sportsmanship, making friends, and many more.  I have build so many friendships where I consider everyone my family which is why the quote at the top is the lead quote to this post.

Getting ready for Opening Ceremonies at NJDC in Minnesota

The above picture is the recent picture of our team.  Over the years, we have had members come and go but no matter what, once you've been on the team, you are always considered as a Lightning Wheel.  The picture also proves that we are a fun, crazy team but we would never change a thing.  This past summer, we went to Rochester, Minnesota for the National Junior Disability Championships (NJDC).  We took a bus there so can you imagine over 20 hours driving was like with a crazy team like ours?  It was awesome!  I think the 20 hours brought us even closer together if that is even possible.  We watched movies, listened to music, laughed, some slept if could, played games, and anything else you can think of was done on the bus. 

We had the best bus driver anyone could ask for.  After a tight fit getting into the hotel with the bus, we all trusted him with our lives for the rest of the week.  He became an honorary member of the team and remind you, nationals was back at the beginning of July - we still talk about how much we miss him and hope we get him again next year, if we are for sure taking the bus again which we all hope we are.

Some memories from NJDC (credit to one of my best friend's)

One of the best things about going to different states every year for NJDC for a week, yes to hang out with your best friends but also meeting new people whether they are athletes or just some local people and/or volunteers.  Over the years, my friends and I have met some very interesting people that only us would ever run into..lol..It has become a tradition.  Some of those interesting people are: someone who asked to take a picture with me at an aquarium, a bunch of drunk people at different times (started with one, then four the next year, and then lost count the year after that), and others.  There were also nice people we also met along the way like the people who worked at airlines, the hotels we stayed at, softball players, and many of the volunteers.  If it wasn't for the team, I wouldn't have had the opportunity in meeting all of these people who have become some part in my life even if I never see them again. 

There are so many memories that I would love to live over again: getting pushed at my first nationals' opening ceremonies because it was a big track (lol), dirt conversation that started everything, reliving every nationals that I have gone to, meeting each person who has made an impact in my life, softball fundraisers, running into the drunks, finding Lucky Ducky, playing with Gameboy/Nintendo DS/other consoles, track meets, and other memories.  I hope and I know that the next two years which will also be my last two years will bring many more memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.  I honestly don't know where I would be or who I would be if I didn't have this team, my second family. 

Oh and you can NEVER forget the duckies!!! lol Since 2009, we have gained a mascot when one of our coaches found a rubber duck on the street of a Walk & Roll event.  Ever since then, we have collected ducks over the years.  We started out with just one, Lucky Ducky, and now we have probably more than anyone can count.  

Minnesota Ducky with our 2nd place trophy from 2013 NJDC

Well, I think that's all for now.  I know there's more the team than what I have wrote about in this post but as I continue writing posts, you will learn many more about the members and the team.  There are going to be pictures below of me doing some sports I do.  Hope you enjoy! 

Until next time

Caitlin <3