Thank You Criminal Minds

CREDIT: To whoever created the picture of all characters together.
I just edited it to include the "Thank You". 

Let me bring you back to a day in 2011 or 2012:

It was a Saturday night. It was about 11:30 p.m. and I was looking for something to watch. I noticed that Numb3rs was going to be on at 12:30 a.m. on CBS and it's been awhile since I've seen an episode so I wanted to watch it but there was a show on before it that I never wanted to watch (there are legit reasons why but don't need to get into it). 

So what did I do? I searched and searched and continued to search for something else to watch for that hour. But guess what? There was nothing else on. Nothing! So...I thought "Well..Here goes nothing." And turned CBS back on to watch the show that was on. What was it? You guessed it.

Criminal Minds. 

Now - you're probably wondering what are those legit reasons for not watching? Well, the main one was when I was younger, I used to have nightmares after watching CSI so I stopped watching that and thought Criminal Minds was similar so I never gave it a chance. 

But that night I did. And I remember my mom's reaction. She was on the computer and turned around when she heard one of the character's voices. I'm pretty sure it was Gideon (Mandy Patinkin). Then, she looked at me in disbelief that I actually was watching it. I was like - there's nothing else on! And she went back to face the computer. 

Do I remember what episode it was? No. But it was either Season 1 or 2 since Gideon was still in it. I don't remember much else about that night EXCEPT when my mom mentioned to me that Gideon's no longer in the show. And I, of course, was curious as to why and she explained how one of his final episodes ended (with the gun in his hand). BAD MOVE to tell me that because of course, I wanted to see it. I'm a curious person and she knows it. 

So what did I do? I ended up watching it the next night at 11:30 p.m. only to find out they didn't do the episodes in order from Saturday to Sunday. No...they go in order on Saturdays and in order on Sundays. So I ended up watching it again the following weekend. I wanted to see that episode. I wanted to see that scene. But guess what happened?

I got hooked. 

I ended up starting watching the show on Ion. I got connected to the characters. Gideon especially! (Thanks Mom) Then, I realized one day - Mandy Patinkin was one of my favorite characters from Princess Bride so that just made it worse. I went on and on watching it but hasn't showed up yet. So again, what did I do? Went on YouTube to find it. 

I thought watching it would have ended my new obsession. Right? Since I only kept watching it to see that scene. Nope. I was wrong. I kept watching. Because I still loved the other characters and I finally watched the whole episode. Still watched on Saturday and Sunday, as well as Numb3rs (which I'm still mad at CBS for ending). 

Then...I decided "Well...now I'm going to have to catch up." I believe at the time, Criminal Minds was in the middle of Season 7. But I was new to the show and I didn't want to just pick up watching new episodes on CBS without watching previous seasons. So...I asked my mom to buy me the first seven seasons on DVD. I told you...I got hooked.

And she did! So we spent that whole summer (I believe 2012, I could be wrong) watching the DVDs. Ended up watching about 6-7 episodes a day. And one day, my dad decided to watch with us so all three of us watched every day the episodes. 

One thing about joining the fandom late, however, is already knowing some of the cliffhangers (for an example - I knew Emily was still alive due to commercials I saw while watching other CBS crime dramas). But I still loved those episodes. 

And by the time the new season was starting, we finished all seven seasons and ready to watch the new season as it was on. But of course, since I already had the first seven seasons on DVD - I still asked for the new season for Christmas every year just so I can have them as a collection.

I always go back to that one Saturday night where I couldn't find anything to watch with a smile because that night brought be Criminal Minds and I now honestly can't think about what the last eight years would've been like without watching the show or falling in love with all the characters (even the new ones that came and went). 

It might have been one scene that I really wanted to see that made me continue watching BUT it was the actors, characters, chemistry, and stories that kept me watching until the very end. 

I wanted to write this as a Thank You to the producers, writers, directors, cast, and crews for putting together this great show and for putting the characters together. The chemistry between the characters never broke, even when new characters were introduced. Did I like all of them? No. Did I appreciate all of them? Yes.  

The characters felt real with all the ups and downs they each had to go through (deaths, breakups, new job opportunities, families, love, and so much more). And the actors & actresses brought those characters to life. I will miss them. I will miss the story lines. I will miss the laughter. I will miss the anger. I will miss the sadness. Overall, I will miss the show. 

I wish it didn't have to end. But like everything else, everything has to come to an end eventually. And I think right now - is that time. I enjoyed the finale. I like that the characters are moving forward even though the show isn't. And even though it was sad, I kinda liked that Garcia's the one that's moving on as she was always the one that hated change. It showed growth for her character. 

But did you really have to burn the jet??? I get it. I do. It was time to move forward.

I have one Christmas left where I will get a new DVD and it will be bittersweet. That will be the last time I get a Criminal Minds season and I will cherish it. 

Thank you Criminal Minds for being a part of my life. I will continue watching reruns and remember the good times I had watching every Wednesday. 

Thank you JJ, Reid, Garcia, Prentiss, Rossi, Morgan, Hotchner, Lewis, Alvez, Simmons, Blake, Strauss, Callahan, Greenaway, Lynch (Kevin), Anderson, Will, Walker, Seaver, and Gideon (you're the reason I kept watching). 

Also thank you to all the villains especially Ian Doyle, Peter Lewis aka Scratch, George Foyet, Tobias Hankel, and Frank (I hate that diner because of you). 

And thank you to all the other guest stars over the 15 seasons. 

Without any of you, there wouldn't be a show.  

I will miss you.

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3 

Request for #InclusiveBitmojis Video

Hey Everyone!

As many of you remember or previously read in one of blog posts, I started a campaign called #InclusiveBitmojis last year to request Bitmoji to include and create disability-related options to their app so we can better represent ourselves in our Bitmojis.

I am planning a new video about #InclusiveBitmojis to gain more traction towards the campaign and hopefully have Bitmoji show us that they are in fact really working on disability-related options rather than telling us (as they repeatedly have for years).

Also, again, I'm not just asking for wheelchairs as options for Bitmojis. I'm asking for ALL disability-related options (wheelchairs [power chairs], canes, walkers, prosthetic, orthotics, amputees, breathing tubes, hearing aids, and more).

A couple weeks ago, I came up with an idea about doing a NEW video for my YouTube channel. About what? About #InclusiveBitmojis, of course! I think it would be great to do a video where I can have multiple people (plus me) to ask Bitmoji for disability-related options because they feel misrepresented in their Bijmojis.

So, last week, I made a Facebook post asking for 30-45 second videos from my Disabled friends and others by February 10th. Here is the post:



So far, I have not received any videos and I understand that many may feel uncomfortable on screen or don't know if this is really that important (or if their opinion is important) But let me tell you - IT IS! And that's why I wanted to do this type of video.

I feel if Bitmoji hears from YOU and others about why it's important for you to have a Bitmoji that better represents us, disabled people - then THEY will finally do something about it. I feel the more people I get for this video, the better. The longer the video is, the better.

Yes, signing petitions are great (which by the way, if you haven't sign it yet - CLICK HERE). Yes, tweeting about is great (continue doing so!). But actually saying it, and saying it in a video with many others will get more to believe in it and see why it is in fact important.

And who knows? It could lead to more & better representation of disabled people.

So...if you or if you know anyone who would be interested in taking part in this video - read my Facebook  post above for more information on what you can include in the video (30-45 seconds) & when to send it to me by!

Please share this with your friends!

Let's get disability-related options for our Bitmojis!

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

Goodbye 2019 and Hello 2020!

Hey Everyone!

I wanted to write a quick post (I know it's been awhile since my last one) about 2019 coming to a close and welcoming 2020 with open arms.

2019 was a great year where many things happened: I started a YouTube channel, did some public speaking with DreaminOWLs (Follow our social media → Twitter, Facebook, Instagram), competed in the Ms. Wheelchair NJ competition again and was given the Ambassador title, participated in multiple sporting events, and so much more.

2019 was good to me and so was the 2010-2019 decade. SO MUCH HAPPENED during the whole decade like two graduations (high school & college), competing at multiple National Junior Disability Championships, started public speaking, ending my junior adaptive sports career, working at Kohl's, competing in two Ms. Wheelchair NJ competitions, starting this blog, and a lot more!

But what's next?

What is 2020 going to bring? And what about the rest of the decade?

No one ever truly knows what the future holds. But I have a feeling 2020 is going to be a good start to the new decade for me:

First, I will be speaking at a couple events with the DreaminOWLs. I am planning to start a new series on my YouTube channel (stay tuned for more info). I may also compete in the Ms. Wheelchair NJ competition again. I also will share more of my writing (more info coming soon). And of course, will compete in my sporting events.

2020 is going to be a year of possibilities and the beginning of a new chapter. I look forward to what is going to come and I always say "Bring it On" to whatever it may be.

I hope everyone has a Happy & Safe New Year. See you all in 2020!

CGoerlich <3

20 Years of Adaptive Sports

Hey Everyone!

20 years ago, in 1999, I was introduced to the Children's Lightning Wheels by one of my physical therapists who's also one of the assistant coaches. I participated in the sports of track & field, table tennis, and archery (even fencing for a couple years).

Joining the team was one of the best things that I could've done. Over the years, I've met many great people (teammates, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers, competitors, and many more). I've also competed at 12 National Junior Disability Championships (New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Arizona, Missouri, and Iowa) as a member of the Lightning Wheels.

As a member of the Lightning Wheels, I learned about independence, confidence, teamwork, friendship, sportsmanship, and so much more. I've also became stronger while taking part in the gym program and different practices. They have helped me strengthen my core muscles, as well as my other muscles.

I aged out of the Lightning Wheels in 2015 but still compete as an adult adaptive athlete. I decided to no longer do track (since track and I had our differences lol) but still do field events (shot put, discus, and javelin), table tennis, and archery.

Even though I aged out from the Lightning Wheels, I still help out with the team from time-to-time whether it's archery or if I'm at their track & field practices. I also help out whenever and wherever I can at sports meets (timing track events, helping the coaches with heat sheets, answer any questions members of the team have, etc.).

Adaptive sports has taught me a lot over the years and I wouldn't change a thing. I've made life-long friendships. I have a different point-of-view than many do. It's given me many opportunities that I definitely wouldn't have if I was never introduce to sports in 1999.

I always say that I know who I would be or where I would be if it wasn't for being a part of the Children's Lightning Wheels and adaptive sports. I still believe that til this day.

There is so much more that I can say about my 20 years of adaptive sports but instead of writing it all down here, I will be doing a video for my YouTube channel so STAY TUNED!

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

#InclusiveBitmojis

Hey Everyone!

I think it's time to start talking about #InclusiveBitmojis again! If you don't know what I'm talking about - here is some background:

#InclusiveBitmojis started about six months ago when I was planning to update my Bitmoji. And I did. I changed out of the winter clothes and into summer clothes. BUT there was something missing that I should've really noticed earlier (I think I did but didn't think too much of it at the time) and that was a wheelchair! I searched & searched the whole Bitmoji app for it, and there was nothing which got me thinking...

Bitmoji really need to add disability options and I'm not just talking about wheelchairs, I'm talking about all different kinds of options like prosthetics, orthotics, breathing tubes, canes, and more. So I had a thought of doing a video for my YouTube channel:

THEN, I also started a change.org petition to raise even more awareness towards getting Inclusive Bitmojis and hopefully to get a response from Bitmoji themselves.

After posting the video and petition, I received some feedback.  I believe I had about 50-100 signatures after a few days but to me, it still wasn't enough feedback. This is an important topic and needs more push towards it.

SO I took it to Instagram and posted the following picture with more info about the reasoning behind the importance of wanting Inclusive Bitmojis (diversity being the main reason):

View this post on Instagram

This is my #bitmoji and I love the app BUT there's something missing. And that is a wheelchair! Bitmojis are supposed to be a representation of who we are but for the disability community, we don't have the same feel for representation because @bitmoji doesn't have any disability options. 20-25% of the population have a disability and aren't being represented. I would love to be able to add a wheelchair to my Bitmoji because that is a better representation of me. I posted a video on #YouTube about my thoughts on wanting disability options for Bitmoji. I also started a petition and hope to reach a wider audience so we, the disability community, can represent ourselves better when we share our Bitmojis. The link to the petition is on my bio so please sign and share! 😀❤♿ #disability #awareness #representation #representationmatters #disabiityawareness #change #love #life #live #important #petition #inclusivebitmojis

A post shared by Caitlin Goerlich (@cgoerlich) on Apr 27, 2019 at 5:37pm PDT

REPRESENTATION MATTERS!

That's basically the main point of my Instagram post because it does. We see talks about representation mattering when it comes to other minority groups but there's never a huge talk when it comes to the disabled community (remember my Oscars' controversy post).

BUT anyways back to the Instagram post. After I posted it, I started getting more feedback and even more signatures towards the petition. AND it wasn't all me as it took one more person to see the post for it to really start reaching more people and that was one of my former teachers who helped a lot with the campaign, as well as one of my friends who too would like to see himself represented in his Bitmoji.

Ever since the initial Instagram post, we have done more videos - a PSA on Facebook & Instagram and a couple update videos on my YouTube page.

With all this push, the petition now has 1,600 signatures and I'm ecstatic about it! We even received a couple responses from Bitmoji on Twitter. The first response was a generic one (similar to one they've been giving for the past three years to others who have asked):

That was definitely a generic answer and they say they're "actively working" on it but they've been saying that for almost three years now and haven't shown any movement of having disability options for Bitmoji. So we kept at it and tweeting #InclusiveBitmojis, and after (I believe) a week, they responded again with a more real answer:

It's still NOT a great answer but it's a better one than their previous answer. But I still have a question: Is it really that hard? I mean...you have cars, you have lounge chairs (and other kinds of chairs), and more. It's not like we're asking for every sticker in the app.

We know some of the disability options won't work for some of the stickers. We just want to be able to see that we're included and that there are options & stickers for us. I no longer use the stickers where my Bitmoji is standing because I feel it truly wouldn't represent me if she's standing and I'm not.

It's time, Bitmoji! Even if is just one option...for now. Show us that you are serious about adding disability options. And remember, it's not just wheelchairs we want - we want ALL disabilities to be represented.

Now - the reason why I'm writing this post is to bring the #InclusiveBitmojis campaign back to life because it has slowed down over the last couple months and we need to pick it back up! Bitmoji hasn't shared any new disability options yet and I feel we should remind them that we are still waiting for those options.

As I'm writing this post, the petition has 1,607 signatures and I would LOVE that number to go up. So if you haven't signed the petition yet, please do so and if you have signed it, SHARE it everywhere you can: Bitmoji Needs Disability Options Petition

Along with sharing the petition, you can share this blog post or any of the videos that we have posted. There are a couple videos on Twitter, a couple on my YouTube channel, and Instagram. And don't forget to use the tag #InclusiveBitmojis in your posts. Also tweet Bitmoji on Twitter using #InclusiveBitmojis!

Let's get ALL people represented.

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3