Maybe I'm Me

The older I get, the more I seem to question the way I am. Well, that's not true. I guess it was just when I realized I'm not like everyone else. I like to do things right. It doesn't matter whether that's an assignment, an exercise program, or speech. Someone at church tonight said, "It's good to question why you think the way you do." So, I did just that tonight. After digging in my memory bank, I found it.

When I was about nine all the way into my teen years, I was with one physical therapist. I would stop several times during the session and say, "Am I doing this right?" The physical therapist said, "I have never had someone be so conscientious." Well, at that age, I didn't feel conscientious. I felt weird. Most of the people I went to school with were overjoyed just to pass. It wasn't that way for me. If I knew I could have better, I wanted better.

Even as a college student, people called me insane for striving to get an A in Communication Law. I now realize I'm not weird, I'm just me. I can't apologize for that. One of my philosophies is if I don't do it right, why do it at all? Take exercising for example. If I rushed through them just to get it over with and go home, I wouldn't get the full benefit. My muscles wouldn't be stretched which means it would be harder for me to walk the next day.  Anyone who is close to me knows that I give 110% into whatever I'm doing. I'm only on this earth for a short while, and I want my time to count for something.

Maybe that makes me weird to some people. You know what, that's okay.  Maybe I'm too hard. Maybe I expect too much of people. I don't know. I struggle with that balance because I don't want to push people away. I don't want to change the fiber of my being, though, just to make someone happy for a short while.  I've never had many close friends because most of them couldn't relate to the physical suffering that I went through as a child and went our separate ways, even though it was beyond my control.

I'm twenty two years old, and continually strive not for the praises of man or an A+ paper. As I've said before, my papers, degrees, and certificates will rot one day. They will mean nothing. But, while I'm here, I strive to be the best representative of Jesus that I can and that includes giving my all. Jesus gave His all in whatever He did, so waking up each day, being a little weirder than those around me is okay if it means I am following Him. 

Summertime Fun and Website Building

Well, my summer has consisted of lots of playtime with my little nephew. Even though I try my hardest, he still hasn't said Auntie. His personality is developing more and more and his little laugh is beyond sweet! He has the most energy ever! He was going constantly for two days and only took one or two naps. If I had his energy, I could build a house, run a marathon, cook dinner, and who knows what else! Haha. It's so cute to see him explore my room and hide behind the door and then go play and find the door again and be SO excited! He has really brought joy to the everyday things. 

He also likes the toasted peanut butter crackers that come in little packs. These were originally for me because I love crackers as an afternoon snack, but after discovering that peanut butter can increase inflammation, I've decided to switch to almond or cashew butter. Not one to waste, I decided to let Mason have a taste. He loved them!

I'm also working on a final project for one of my classes that includes me trying to design a website using Flash CS5. If it turns out even close to what I envision in my head, I'll be happy. Seriously, there are no good step-by-step tutorials on how to do this. One site even called a "tutorial" a bunch of files with no instructions! I was beyond frustrated, but I'm going to get some advice from a friend of mine and trudge on through. That said, if anyone has any advice or any good websites that have easy to follow instructions on creating a website using Adobe Flash CS5, I'd be forever grateful!

Open Letter to Fulton County BOE Concerning Special Needs Abuse

Those of you who know me know I have a passion for special needs kids, so when my mom told me of special needs kids being abused at Hopewell Middle School in Fulton County, I was coming to my blog to take action. This link tells the stories of several children, some who can't even talk who were slammed into lockers, covered in feces, and subject to vulgar language by their so-called teachers.

This is an open letter to Fulton County Schools:

Dear Boards who hire Teachers,

Do a better job of monitoring the teachers. This abuse happened over several years. My question is why? Are you blind? Were you too busy to make sure that children who can't defend themselves were taken care of? All children deserve a safe environment. Although the teacher and principal who covered up the abuse are now gone, you need to take a serious look at your leadership. What happened to people with character and moral integrity? One teacher was discouraged from saying anything because nothing would be done. I can assure you if I ever witness that I would not stop until someone heard me. I have cerebral palsy, so I know what it's like to face challenges.

Those women did not deserve the privilege of being around such precious children. Shame on Fulton County for not investigating this sooner and taking swift action. It is utterly despicable what happened to these children! They didn't deserve this at all. With each news story, my confidence in the leadership in different areas of impact continues to decrease.

Where are the men and women who will stand up for the truth even if no one is standing with you?

The principal that was fired from teaching in Georgia is now teaching at the College of Charleston. How in the world is this woman allowed to be teaching anywhere? Our justice system is seriously messed up!

Where are the men and women who care about people and children instead of a paycheck?

I will warn you: That power that you have now can be stripped in an instant. If you are not doing your job, there's always someone else waiting in the wings. You are replaceable!

I applaud the parents for not being silent. Parents know their kids better than anyone, so please be aware at all times. The board of directors shouldn't have been paid because the parents did your job for you! Before you hire anyone in the future, please do a thorough job. I suggest you do surprise visits at least weekly. If you don't set the standard for education, who will? Instead of worrying about bigger buildings and better lunches, I urge you to take care of the children! They are our future!

Sincerely,

One voice who won't be silenced

P.S. If anyone is wondering how they can make a difference, get involved in your community! Don't just talk about doing something, do it. My mom has often told me, "Be the change you want to see."

Printrunner Giveaway Winner!

Even though my Printrunner giveaway ran for a week, only one person entered. That person was my mom, author of the blog, Dance Even in the Rain!

Congratulations, mama!!

Sweet Moments at Mason's 1st Birthday

My family and friends helped celebrate my nephew's first birthday this past weekend. I wanted to share a sweet moment that was captured on video by my mom. You can click the full size button to see the video better.

I thought it was so sweet that he wanted to share!

His little car from Mommy and Daddy that he LOVED! Could he be any cuter?!

I had a wonderful time celebrating my precious little man!  My life is so much richer than a year ago because of him.

Postcards from Printrunner!

 Jian from Printrunner recently contacted me about hosting a giveaway. This company allows you to print online using their easy tools. Among things like stickers, business cards, and flyers, the also offer custom postcard printing.

The prize is 100 5x7 postcards that will be printed on the front only using the 4 color printing system(CMYK). The paper will be 14 pt. with a UV coating on front. After the giveaway is over, you'll receive your postcards in 4 days! (You do not get to proof your order).

*Giveaway is open to US Residents only, ages 18 years old and above.

To enter: Leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite summer activity along with your email address so the winner can be contacted!

Optional entries (leave separate comments for each thing you do):

Like Making my Mark on Facebook

Blog about this giveaway linking back to this URL: http://dropletsonajournal.blogspot.com/2012/05/postcards-from-printrunner.html

Like Printrunner on Facebook

Winner will be announced Friday, May 18th!

DISCLAIMER: Thank you to PrintRunner for providing us this giveaway, I will receive a set of postcards for hosting this.

Best Insoles Sale!

I love sharing good things! A few months ago, I made my first purchase from Best Insoles, a fabulous website that carries insoles for different shoes among other things. Since I have a leg length discrepancy, I have to wear a heel lift in my one of my shoes. With all of my foot pain, I decided to go ahead and get a new one just to be safe. It is SO much smaller than the one I got from the guy who made my last pair of AFOs. Now I won't be so stressed when looking for shoes.

The best part is they're having a sale! They don't have a clue who I am, but I wanted to share the code with everyone I got in my email. Use the code SPORT10 for 10 percent off! They have insoles for men and women as well as things for orthopedic shoes and those who suffer from plantar fasciitis.

Swimming in Paper

Hey everyone,

In the midst of studying for a final and finishing a portfolio for a class this semester, I wanted to update you on things. I have been super busy with my internship and church stuff. My church just celebrated its 25th anniversary and we just finished hosting a four day conference. In the midst of that, I helped edit two mini books and help prepare and transcribe a 300 page book to be ready for printing. I just have to say that I LOVE holding books that our team worked so hard on in my hands! Sadly, that left little time for blogging. Summer is in the air  and that means more blogging!! I have some posts planned and a giveaway, so check back often!