This is going to be a quick update about something that I have been posting about for almost two years now. It's been a little over a year since my last update!
About a week ago, I went to Old Navy at Livingston Mall. The same Old Navy that started it all. I am happy to say that there is an improvement in the fitting rooms. If you need a refresher on what I've previously written, the following are the posts I have written:
So, again I said that there is an improvement from the previous times I have been there and wrote about it.
What improvements?
Well for one, both accessible fitting rooms were unlocked and empty (meaning - they weren't filled with racks of clothes). One of the rooms was, however, blocked by a rack of clothes but the associate working in the fitting rooms moved the rack out of the way.
There is still more that could be done - like changing around the floor plan in the accessible fitting rooms. Still have a problem being able to look at myself in the mirror (only can see the side of me).
Remember this picture?
Old Navy's accessible fitting room
The fitting room floor plan is still the same and that is one of the main things that I believe still needs to be looked into. We need to be able to see ourselves while we're trying on clothes and to fit in the fitting room because again, what if someone has a power chair???? They may not be able to get their power chair even close to the mirror.
So there were some positives and still a couple negatives but overall, I feel like it's going in the right direction. Thank you to everyone who has followed along in the last couple years. I hope you continue to do so as I'm sure this won't be the last update.
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).
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!!
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).
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:
Disabled Person in American Society
Media Journalism
Writing Fiction
History of Rhetoric in Writing
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!
