Showing posts with label english. Show all posts
Showing posts with label english. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

It's Official!

Hey Everyone!

I just wanted to do a quick post and let you all know that yesterday, I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in English in the mail which would make it official that I have graduated!

Here it is:

Now there's a few things left to do: picking up my cap & gown, walking with the rest of the class on May 19th, and finding a job.

Everything's coming together at least it seems to be. I will most likely write another post when the commencement happens in two months. Wow two months. Crazy.

Well that's it. I told you it was going to be a quick post.

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Where Have I Been?

Hey Everyone!

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

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

Anyways, here we go. 

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

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

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


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

I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Update!

Hey Everyone!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

Thursday, January 8, 2015

New Books For Me to Read

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

Hey Everyone!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

______________________________________________________________________


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


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



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


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


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


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


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



Monday, December 29, 2014

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

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Updates!

Hey all!

So it's been a few months since I have written a post. I am sorry! I really did mean to write more but life has gotten in the way but I am hoping to write more as the time goes on now, especially now that the new season has begun and I have a feeling all great things are to come this year! But that's for another time. Right now, for this post, I thought why not catch you up with what I have been up to since December (my last post). What do you all think about that? Great? Good. And so we're off!

  • January marked the beginning of my second semester of my third year in college. Can't believe it's been three years already since I graduated high school in 2011! This semester, I am taking interesting classes that will help me further my writing skills, computer skills, and knowledge. I am taking the following classes this semester:
      1. Disabled Person in American Society
      2. Media Journalism
      3. Writing Fiction
      4. History of Rhetoric in Writing
      5. Writing for Cyberspace
    • So far, this semester is going great and I have already learned so much! There is still about a month and couple of weeks left of this semester and I am looking forward to what else I will learn. For my Writing for Cyberspace class, I am working on a group blog with two of my friends in that class called Bark. and it is all about dogs (how to take care of, treats, food, parks & beaches, etc.) so I was wondering if you all could go check that out! You can click here - Bark. and also for this class, I am working on a Paralympic Movement website so I hope you check that out when I have it done!
  • February marked the beginning of a new sports season! I have been going to the gym with my team since around October but now all the sports have started up again! February 27th was our team's opening dinner which brought most of the members of Children's Lightning Wheels back together, as well meeting new teammates/friends. Then March 6th was our first indoor practice = we're off! Some of the members of the team had a swim meet on the Saturday after our opening dinner and did very well. Archery is plan to start this upcoming Monday, and as planned this Thursday will be our first outdoor practice if the weather agrees with us!  I have a feeling this season is going to be another great one and I am looking forward to meeting new people, enjoy the sports that I have, help new members learn new things, and reach my goals that I have set out for myself for this season!
    • Oh also, I have started a newsletter for my team which helps all the members and non-members keep up with what we are are doing and if you would like one, please let me know through twitter, instagram, Facebook message (if we're friends), or even on YouTube. All links to my social media sites are on the right  side bar -------->
  • Raise your hand if you watched the Paralympics, last month, on television! (How many of you actually raised their hands? lol) How awesome were the Paralympians and sports? Awesome right! I know a lot of it was in the middle of the night, that's what happens when the country is about 11 hours ahead of us, but anyways it was still awesome that they were LIVE on television. United States won two gold (one of them being the US men's sled hockey team beating Russia), seven silver medals, and nine bronze medals. This was a great step towards the Paralympic Movement especially when I saw many comments from people who want even more television cover for the Games and also the great support the sled hockey teams got from Olympians and NHL teams, here in the U.S. This was a great experience, getting able to watch these sports on the television and hopefully there will be more hours to come. Remember to keep a lookout for 2016 for the Rio Summer Paralympics for some more amazing athletes and sports in the summer! :) 

So that's basically what I have been up to lately, also working on some side things with my writing that I hope you all will be seeing soon and I have a good feeling that you will. What stuff am I working on? Well, time will tell because I don't like ruining surprises. So, I hope you all have a great start to the Spring, especially after that crazy Winter we had, and have enjoyed this updated blog post. I promise my next one will not months and months away. Thank you!

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3 

Friday, November 15, 2013

Rutgers Bus Driver Fired Controversy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3


Sunday, November 10, 2013

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 







Saturday, October 19, 2013

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