Why Am I a Writer? Why Do I Want to be a Writer?

Hey Everyone!

I hope you're all having a great New Year's. Can you believe it? It's a new year. Welcome to 2016. To me, 2016 is going to be a big year. I don't know. I have a good feeling about this year and we'll see how that feeling goes as the year begins.

Now what is this post about? Well, I haven't exactly been the questions yet but I know they will come. So I thought why not answer the questions now. What questions? ----> Why am I a writer? Why do I want to be a writer?  (This blog post is only an introduction to the answers to the questions)

Those who are writers are always asked these questions. The question is why? Because many believe writing is so unbelievably hard, not interesting, time-consuming, etc. however, all of those believers are wrong because writing is more than "a job" and is fun to do, not hard at all.

Writing is not just what I do but it's also who I am and there are many reasons why I enjoy writing. For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed writing. I used to have notebooks full of different stories (some didn't make sense and some did) and in different types of writings: scripts, short stories, novels; and then in different genres: mystery, romance, young adult, etc.

Why am I a writer? Because I enjoy creating characters that deal with real life situations and have relatable characters who my readers can relate to. I like bringing words together to create a story. I also enjoy hearing feedback from my peers on what I write. There are different types of writings that I enjoy writing: blog posts, newsletter articles, novels, scripts, and more. It's not just one thing that I write, I write multiple and again, I enjoy bring the subject (characters) to the reader and have the readers interested in what I am writing.

Why do I want to be a writer? The same answers as to why I am a writer. But am I a "professional" yet? No (but you can still write without being a "professional"). I blog, I posted stories on fanfiction, I write stories, etc. I am working towards on being a writer (novelist/scriptwriter and official blogger [why I'm writing more posts than previous]) and again to create more needed characters that people are able to relate to (disabled characters, those who deal with grief, family situations, etc.).

There needs to be more writers who are comfortable with what they are writing. I am one of those writers and plan to continue on writing. As you may have read in my previous posts, you know that I am working on novels (I am currently working on a different one, one that I did my senior project on). Writing is again, who I am. I can't picture my life without writing.

Why are people writers? Because they feel their characters. Because they love words. Because they want to reach an audience in a different way. The list can go on and on as every writer is different and has their own reasons.

I have decided to create a section in my blog that will be strictly on writing (and reading). I will take what I have learned in my schooling (English-Writing major here) and show how much writing is important and also show that you don't have to be a writer to write. There is a lot to write about!

I hope you join me on this writing experience and maybe even start writing on your own (if you haven't already).

Let me know what your thoughts of writing is and if you will be on board with this writing section of my blog.

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

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

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. 

Updates!

Hey Everyone!

As you can see, I have only posted three posts for my weekly plan so it hasn't worked out as I planned. BUT if you have been following me on my public Facebook page, you will notice that I have decided to come up with another plan that might work. That plan is doing song of the week every week (might not be the same day each week) and also I will try to do a TV show/movie a week but alternate each week. Not sure how that will work out as, for me, doing a TV show and movie seems to be harder for me to write about but we'll see how things work out.

Now for this post, I wanted to update you on what has been going on. The first part was to update you on my original weekly plan which the previous paragraph is about. Other updates include my education and writing careers.

Education:
I am currently on winter break. For the fall semester, I took six classes (Writing about Writing; Script Writing; Business & Professional Writing; Poetry; Worlds of History; and Infant and Toddlers in Diverse Settings). So far, I have received three grades (A in script writing, B in worlds of history, B- in Poetry) which I'm proud of as this was one of my toughest semesters. As of now, I will only have two semesters left which will leave me to be finished with my Undergraduate studies in the fall!

Writing:
Currently, I am working on my first novel. I am 1 1/2 chapters away from completely finishing it. I have previously thought I finished it but throughout editing it, I decided to add two more chapters to bring more out of the novel. My goal is to finish the novel completely by this upcoming weekend then work on a query letter to send out to agents. We'll see how things go from there.

Well for now that is all I have to update for you. I mean, there is some more that I can update with you all but I'll let you know about more, later on. My next post on here would be possibly be a song of the week song but I won't know until I figure it out. Remember if you want to follow my writing career or anything of the sorts, you can follow me on any of the social networks on the right.

I hope you all had a great holiday and have a great New Year's!!

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

Show of the Week - Week One - Boy Meets World/Girl Meets World

Hey Everyone!

This is the first post for show of the week! I decided that it would be on Boy Meets World, as well as Girl Meets World as it is the spin-off.

Boy Meets World was about the life Cory Matthews, his family and friends. It started out with him in six grade dealing with middle school, then he goes to high school dealing with bullies, relationships, life choices, and then it continued on to college. For seven seasons, Boy Meets World was on Fridays on ABC during the 90s.

Cast were as followed (actor: character) [from IMDB]:

Ben Savage: Cory Matthews
William Daniels: Mr. George Feeny (history teacher/professor and neighbor)
Rider Strong: Shawn Hunter (best friend of Cory)
Betsy Randle: Amy Matthews (mother of Cory)
Will Friedle: Eric Matthews (older brother of Cory)
William Russ: Alan Matthews (father of Cory)
Danielle Fishel: Topanga Lawrence/Matthews (girlfriend/wife of Cory)
Lindsay Ridgeway: Morgan Matthews (second Morgan) (little sister of Cory)
Matthew Lawrence: Jack Hunter (brother of Shawn  and Eric's roommate)
Trina McGee: Angela Moore (best friend of Topanga and Shawn's girlfriend)
Anthony Tyler Quinn: Mr. Jonathan Turner (high school teacher and once was unofficial Shawn's guardian)
Maitland Ward: Rachel McGuire (Eric and Jack's roommate then Angela's roommate)
Lily Nicksay: Morgan Matthews (first Morgan) (little sister of Cory)
MORE 

Throughout this series, in every episode - there was a life lesson that was taught. Whether it has to do with family, friends, school, bullies, etc., there was a lesson to be taught. Mr. Feeny became everyone's favorite teacher as he was the guy teaching those lessons. Cory and Topanga became the couple who everyone looked up to, including Shawn. Cory and Shawn were the best friends that taught everyone that it is important to have a close friend in their lives.

From sixth grade to college, you can see changes throughout the characters. They grow mature, build strong relationships with one another, and learn the life lessons they need to continue.

Some of the quotes from Boy Meets World:

"Mr. Fe... he... he... heenay!" - Eric
"Believe in yourselves. Dream. Try. Do Good." - Mr. Feeny
"It's not what you look like on the outside that matters. It's what kind of person you are." - Topanga
"Lose one friend. Lose all friends. Lose yourself." - Plays With Squirrels (Eric)
"Unfortunately we live in a society where they tell us we have to look a certain way so we're all under pressure to live up to unrealistic expectations." - Mr. Feeny

There are plenty more of quotes from the show but there are too many good ones to put them all in this post.  I have found a tribute video on YouTube that someone has made for Boy Meets World and I placed it on here. Check it out:

There are still reruns of Boy Meets World on both ABC Family and MTV so go check it out! Boy Meets World may have ended in 2000 but it will always be around.

This leaves me to the next show! Little more than a decade has passed since Boy Meets World ended and of course, we all miss the characters and life lessons so Disney and the creators of BMW have decided to bring it back! Girl Meets World aired it's first episode on June 27, 2014.

Girl Meets World is about Cory and Topanga's daughter, Riley who is now going to be facing life lessons through her family, friends, and school just as her parents did. Cory is now a history teacher in the school, as well as being her teacher. Riley has a best friend, Maya who seems to be the Shawn in GMW, she also has a friend named Farkle who is the son of Stewart Minkus (another character from BMW), and a new friend, Lucas who seems to be the Topanga of the show. At least, this is what everyone sees as these characters. Only time will tell.

Cast is as followed:

Rowan Blanchard: Riley Matthews
Ben Savage: Cory Matthews
Sabrina Carpenter: Maya Hart (best friend of Riley)
Peyton Meyer: Lucas Friar (new boy in town and friend of Riley)
Danielle Fishel: Topanga Matthews
August Maturo: Auggie Matthews (little brother of Riley)
Corey Fogelmanis: Farkle Minkus (friend of Riley and Maya)

So far, in my opinion, this show has great potential to be something big. Will it be as big as Boy Meets World? No one really knows and can say as BMW was a classic. Do I think people should keep giving Girl Meets World a chance? Yes. Because kids today need a show like this around. A show where life lessons are taught, just as Boy Meets World was for us. If you're an adult (as I am), you should also be watching because it brings back memories of the past, especially when familiar faces start to pop up.

There isn't much more to say about Girl Meets World as it is still growing. Let's keep it growing by watching it every Friday on Disney Channel at 8 PM ET! Shawn will be returning soon for a holiday episode, as well as the parents so keep an eye out for that!

Here is the trailer for Girl Meets World (from Disney Channel's YouTube page):

Remember to continue to support the Girl Meets World cast!

Hope you enjoyed the first Show of the Week post. This Friday will be the first movie of the week post. Have an awesome day!

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

Song of the Week - Week One - The Heart Wants What It Wants

Hey Everyone!

I have decided that I will do my weekly plan that I wrote about in my last post. Well, right now the plan is that on Mondays, I will be doing a song of the week; on Wednesdays, I will be doing show of the week; and on Fridays, I will be doing movie of the week. Now remember these are going to me my personal favorites and I am open for anyone to comment on the posts (even on my other posts that don't involve the weekly plan). As I am doing the weekly plan, I will continue to write other posts when things come up.

So here we go! Time for Week One.

The song for this week will be Selena Gomez's new single "The Heart Wants What It Wants."

Even before we start listening to the song, we can picture what the song is about by just looking at the title and also looking into "who" the song could be about. The title makes an impact on many things but with this particular title - many people go through heartaches and deal with people telling them that what they are doing is wrong because it's hurting themselves but what if you can't help it? what if what your heart wants is not good for you? Do you listen to your heart or your brain? Especially if each one is telling you something differently. This is exactly what this song is saying.

We all know who this song is about. Even before Selena confirmed it to Ryan Seacrest on his radio show. We can just look at her relationship, the relationship that has been public for the past few years. The relationship that everyone seems to have an opinion on. Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber. (I am keeping my personal feelings about Bieber out of this post) Their relationship has been up and down for the past year/longer than a year. We don't know for sure everything.

But with this song, we can a glimpse of the inside, the inside of how Selena was dealing with everything has has been going on. She says this song was written and the video was filmed, a year ago. It makes you wonder, if it was written now or filmed now - would it be even more emotional than it is now? Honestly, either way - it is an emotional song that even if you haven't gone through what she has gone through or feel the kind of up and down love before, you can feel the emotion. Everyone has at least asked once in their life - should I listen to my heart, my head, or the people around me?

In order to feel the real emotion behind the song, you need to watch the video - listen from the beginning (starting with Selena's monologue), listen to every lyric, watch every moment. Don't miss a second. You can watch the video below:

To me, this song right now is one of Selena's best songs that she has sung. First, would be Who Says and then this song would be second. That is my opinion. Both songs have a powerful meaning behind them that anyone can listen to and feel something while listening to them.

There are many supporters behind Selena for this song. Selenators who have supported her since the beginning of her career, new fans because of this song (some who used to think she couldn't sing until this song), and her friends & family. But, there also have been those who haven't changed their thoughts about Selena but even have mentioned that she's "using" Bieber for fame, she's playing the "victim," etc. I, honestly don't know what to say to those people.

You have a girl who is 22 years old still trying to find out who she is in life and she has been through things that not many of us know about and she is sharing a small glimpse of her life with Justin. Singers and songwriters use music to let their emotions out instead of hiding them away inside which can be unhealthy. I give Selena a lot of credit for her sharing this song with the rest of the world. She could've just kept this a secret for just herself, for longer than a year (that she has).

I love this song and I can feel the emotion through the song; and I feel that more people should be listening to it and letting it touch your music soul. Also, if you want more background behind the song - make sure you watch Selena's interview with Ryan Seacrest about the song!

This Sunday, November 23 - Selena Gomez will be performing "The Heart Wants What it Wants" LIVE for the first time at the American Music Awards on ABC starting at 8 PM ET.

Well, that's it for the first song of the week post! Hope you enjoyed it. Please leave comment below if  you would like!

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

Kanye West...

Hey everyone!

It's that time where I bring out the passionate side of me back out.

So as you can tell with the title, who this is going to be about. "Victim" Kanye West...

Now, before I explain why our dear friend, Kanye is getting his own "special" post - the 5th anniversary of the MTV VMAs where Kanye interrupted Taylor Swift as she was getting her first VMA for Best Female Video. If you want a recap, here is the video of it.

Now, moving onto this year, actually this week. If you haven't heard what happened, here we go. During one of his concerts, in Sydney, Australia - Kanye stopped his concert to tell everyone to "Stand up!" His direct quote is "I can't do this show until everybody stand up. Unless you got a handicap pass and you get special parking and s**t." That's not all but I want to stop here for a moment. How can you say that? Especially when there are fans of yours who are disabled and need that "special parking". Also, when he mentioned "special parking and s**t, his whole audience started laughing. Great role model there.....

Now, let us continue. Shall we? Kanye then goes on and finds two people still sitting and he looks at them and starts basically "taunting" (Don't like the word...too bad) them. Everyone even started booing and chanting "Stand up! Stand up!" at the two who couldn't. Kanye also said "Do you all want the show to continue or boo the people won't stand up." He spent four minutes, halting his show, just because people wouldn't but couldn't stand up, or even those who didn't want to stand up. He kept saying "If he's a wheelchair, then it's fine." but he wouldn't stop there. He had his security guard CONFIRM that he was in a wheelchair. Would you like to see the video? Here it is:

You can take the video however you want but watch it closely because everything I said above is what really happened.

Now. I'm not done. There are people out there who defend Kanye saying it was all just a "misunderstanding" and that he "apologized." Well newsflash, saying "It's fine" and then continuing the show is not apologizing. Also, it was NOT a misunderstanding. I watched the same video everyone else did. First, if I pay to see a show and if I was able to stand up, but didn't want to stand up then I wouldn't stand up just because someone who I PAYED to see, wanted me to stand up.

If you are to pay your own money to see someone "entertain" you, would you really stand up if you didn't want to? Like I said, if I could, I wouldn't. If I was everyone at the concert, I would've either sat down or walked out - not booing and making Kanye's ego even bigger.

Now, let's get back to the apologizing situation. Here's a hit about how to apologize. "I'm sorry." "I'm sorry for humiliating you in front of thousands of people." "I'm sorry to the audience for stopping my concert for stupid reasons." and so on. That's how you apologize. Sincerely apologize. Now say "It's fine" and then just continue on the show like nothing happened.

Now I know you are probably wondering why I put "victim" before Kanye West above before I started talking about everything. It's because Mr. Kanye "perfect" Kanye thinks he's the victim here. He thinks the media targets him. Well another newsflash - if you don't want the media to "target" you then stop opening your mouth and having these unnecessary rants.

A few days after the Sydney incident, he is now at another one of his shows where once again he stops his show midway so that he can rant about the media. This time it's for about five minutes. He claims "I'm a married Christian man with a family." Yeah, I can tell with your rants and your music. Idiot.  Here is another video that you can watch which is the video where he "defends" himself and calls himself a target and tell the media to pick another one:

As you can see, he never apologizes about the incident. It's all about "me, me, me, me" and never once "I'm sorry that I did what I did." And he never does. Ok, he "apologized" for the Taylor Swift situation but we all know how that was...Not only was he defending himself, but so was his wife. Kim Kardashian-West (she deserves her own "special" post but that's for another time) tweeted "Its frustrating that something so awesome could be clouded by lies. Kanye never asked anyone in a wheel chair to stand up & the audience videos show that. He asked everyone to stand up & dance UNLESS they were in a wheel chair." Well then, she and I must not be watching the same videos and once again he never said "unless they were in a wheel chair," he said " Unless you got a handicap pass and you get special parking and s**t," which is a HUGE difference.

There is more that I can say about this situation but I believe someone else had written a great thing to this and that was Harshada Rajani who wrote an open letter to Kanye. Everyone should read it and share it!

Now, I think that's all so far I can say about this. Like I said, there is more that I can say to this but for right now, this is all I have.

If you have defended Kanye, I hope you rethink who you are defending because you should be defending the fans, not the "artist" who claims that he's the greatest thing that God has created, which he isn't at all. "Genius," "Jesus," "God," "President," and whatever else he calls himself is not who Kanye is. He is a narcissist, idiot, moron and is self-absorbed and I can tell you that you will never see me buy anything that has something to do with him. (Also, I rarely call people names so you know that I'm serious about this)

I hope others follow lead because that is the only way you can prove to someone that enough is enough.

Feel free to leave a comment to this, whether you agree or disagree.

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

End of the Semester

Short Blog Post:

Well, it's finally the end of my Fall 2013 semester.  Am I relieved?  Very much so.  So far this was one of the longest/hardest semesters of my college career but I believe it was well worth it.  I think it seemed long and hard because of how many papers, we had to write but like I said, it was well worth it.  Why? Because I learned a lot more than I thought I would this semester.  Here is a short list of what I have learned:

1) How to do my own research without using other's work.
2) How to analyze my own and others' writings.
3) How to write news (Journalism class).
4) How to write scenes for a play.
5) Health issues, people deal with every day.
6) The Earth (Earth Science class)
7) Writing a paper with more than eight pages is not at all that terrible (lol).

Like I said, that is a short list of what I have learned. Now that this semester is over, I am definitely looking forward for winter break, could use a break before next semester.  I hope all my fellow college students had a great semester and have a nice relaxing winter break! Also for other students, I hope you enjoy your winter break as well before you return to school after the Holidays. :)

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 

My First Post!

Hey everyone!  I'm very excited that I have decided to write to you all!  I had people telling me that it was a good idea to start a blog and I have finally decided to give it a chance.  Technically this isn't my first blog writing experience because I have a blog for one of my classes in school but this is my first blog writing about whatever I want to! :)

Now how about some background about myself - I am 20 years old.  I graduated high school 2 1/2 years ago. (One One - We're Done! lol) That makes me to be in my third year of college which is very exciting and is making me realize that time is going by so fast!  When I was three years old, i was diagnosed with kyphoscoliosis (meaning abnormal curvature in the spine) and I had many back surgeries.  There were complications in those surgeries which led me to be paralyzed from the waist down.  This means that I use a wheelchair.  BUT have no fear, I have never let my disability get the best of me.  The year I turned six years old was the year I started doing sports which have kept me busy and taught me that my disability does not define who I am.  You will learn more in this blog about my sports and the sports team I am involved with.  Not only am I an athlete but I am also a writer! :) I have always enjoyed writing for as long as I could remember which leads me to my English/Writing major that I am in college.

Now above is the short version of who I am...amazing right? lol...no worries, you will learn more about me as you continue reading my blogs if you decide to stick with me throughout my experience of blog writing.  Now, I know you are asking - what am I expecting out of this blog?  What should you be expecting to read from these blog posts?  Well, to answer the first question - I am expecting to share my thoughts about everyday life and to have others understand that people may have a disability but they (we) are the same as anyone else, we just see things in a different perspective :) Now to answer the section question - I am planning on writing about my life, the media (music, television, movies, etc.), sports (I am a HUGE New York Yankees, New York Jets, and New Jersey Devils fan as you will learn), disability awareness, maybe fashion (don't know yet), etc.  I'm giving you a warning now, I can be very opinionated when it comes to things I'm passionate about (right friends/family?..lol..)

Well, I think that's about it for my first post...Oh wait, I forgot to talk about the title of this blog..lol..I'm sure you are all wondering where did Wiki-Wheelz come from.  Well one of my friends gave me the nickname one New Year's Eve night because I was able to name all the singers, songs that were played, and presenters of the Dick Clark's New Year's Rocking Eve...lol...and the nickname has stuck with me ever since, as well as many other nicknames I have...You will also learn throughout my blog that I have some crazy friends but they are the best friends I could ever ask for...They're more than just friends to me but they are also family :)

Well ok, I was so not expecting to write this much for my first blog post but there we go.  So I hope you will give me a chance throughout this blog experience and I hope you get something out of it as well! :)

BTW - you can follow me on twitter and instagram @CGoerlich.

Until next time

CGoerlich <3