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

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

Qualified and Ready

Hey Everyone!

As you know, I am a part of the Children's Lightning Wheels Paralympic Sport Club and I do the sports of track & field, table tennis, and archery. Between May and June, we had three meets (for the Tri-State area), one Invitational meet (my team's meet) and two qualifying meet (Tri-States & Mason's).

I am happy to say that I have qualified in all six of my events that I needed to qualify for (three field events, 100 meter track, table tennis, and archery). This means, I get to compete this summer at the 2014 National Junior Disability Championships (NJDC)!  This year's Nationals will be held in Ames, Iowa.  Looking forward to it as many of my teammates are as well.  We are excited for another week of fun, as well as the bus ride there, as we had an awesome time on the bus last year!

Before we leave, we have about four more practices for all the sports so we can get ourselves ready to take on the rest of the nation. NJDC is during the week of July 5th-12th with a different schedule every day. We also get to meet many other athletes/coaches/volunteers from across the country which is one of the best things about this week. If you want to see what this week is all about, you can check out the website here ---> NJDC 2014.

I may have another post before we leave for Nationals and I am thinking about writing a post, every day as I am there but it would depend on if I have time during the week to do so but I am going to try! :) I hope you all are having a great day and is looking forward towards the official start of summer!

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