Free Write

October 1, 2020 (One Year Milestone)

I cannot even believe one year ago next month-- I will have reached my one year mark with being a part of the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council. I have definitely learned and grown so much more as a self advocate within the disability community than I ever imagined possible. I have enjoyed getting to do so many more things with people who are so dedicated and passionate about what they do everyday. It's given me a lot more stuff to focus on in my life and trying my hardest to be a good board member with every single virtual meeting that we have several times throughout the year. 

December 18, 2020 (Back Up Plan)

USILC was originally going to end up being my back up plan if things didn't work out with this other council that I mentioned above. It has been an emotional rollercoaster for me as I've had to learn about maintaining boundaries and trying to keep my anxiety in check as things continue being online. I have certainly had my fair share with tears rolling down my face and trying not to make a complete fool of myself with people I see every three months. I have really struggled with trying to find my place on a council where everybody around me knows way more than I do. There have been so many laughs and smiles given away to not only me, but other people who work tirelessly to make things become a legit reality for people with disabilities. I am grateful for their patience and teaching me the hardest lessons ever which if you ask me I didn't want to necessarily experience in the first place... But it has given me reasons to keep pushing forward with each day that passes on. 

USILC Interim ED Care Package 2021 

I genuinely wish there was not a rule to dismiss from giving you a little extra tender, love and care as you tackle on this new position within the independent living community. You are such an amazingly talented in every way possible and continuously amaze me with your ability to see the good in every situation life hands to you. 

This care package would include:

Tissues (whenever you need a good cry at any given moment)

Snacks (Variety of the things you love to munch on and bring a smile to your face)

Ice Cold Drinks (Diet Dr. Pepper, Water, Lemonade, etc.)

Cozy Warm Blanket (Something to snuggle up in when those chilly fall days arrive)

Ear Buds (Listening to your favorite songs or something to calm you down)

Homemade Banana Bread (I'd love to make this for you some day!!!) 

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NINJA Alumni Call (Highlights)

Getting a chance to spend virtual time with my ninja friends is always a treat for me :) I love getting to catch up with each other and see their faces after some time was much needed, which if you ask me is never anything I take for granted. I have greatly missed not getting to be with my friends in person and getting to tell stories, laugh until it hurts, stay up late into the evening hours, etc. We also participated in doing a virtual scavenger hunt and it was really fun to search around for items that had to be a particular texture, shape, color, etc. I definitely may have had a little too much fun trying to not waste my time with looking for items that we were asked to find around inside our homes, but loved every minute of it :) I am grateful to have had a chance to participate on this call and hopefully more of them will take place into the future!!!

Anniversary Of 911

It's been twenty years since the events of this anniversary when our lives were changed forever and I am grateful despite the heartache that was left behind-- We need to be prepared for when our lives get turned upside down in any situation. I am grateful for the many lives we get to remember this month and think about how much of an impact they left on our hearts from this experience. I was scared to imagine how people from another far away country, would specifically target us as Americans to help us realize what we have on a regular basis is something they were upset about. I remember walking around the museum and memorial of this event back in New York in 2012 to see the rusted objects that were saved for people to see and look at every year. I am certain a lot of those things were important to someone who had either lived through that tragedy or did not know what was going to come of them later on. I may not have been able to visibly read what was said on those objects or know how they got found---but I am grateful for the chance I had to reflect on how lucky I am to be a citizen of this nation. #NeverForget

Eight Weeks

This is how many weeks are left until my best friend ties the knot with her soon to be husband & if you ask me along with my best friends--there is plenty of excitement in the air. I am excited for her to begin this new chapter of life with someone she loves so much and looking forward to what their future holds for them. 

Our best friend Camille made a quick stop by the house and handed me, my twin sister Cassidy a light colored greenish envelope with a hand written letter alongside money to help us purchase our bridesmaids dresses. We did not waste any time long after she left to look online for what options we'd want to pick from & just make sure it was as close to the color scheme that they had. We received news earlier today that our dresses are being shipped and will be arriving in the next two weeks--which if you must know, cannot show up nearly if not soon enough!!! We sent off the pictures of our dresses to Camille and luckily for us--she was happy with them to say the least after she got a chance to see what they look like. 

LONG STORY SHORT---There are probably more updates and untold stories to come in the fairly distant future!!! I am so excited for the chance to be a bridesmaid once again (in what has been like nearly almost ten years ago when my older sister got married.) This special occasion cannot be more than the biggest & most unforgettable highlight for me, my twin sister and our two best friends!!! We are definitely going to have such a blast getting to walk around with flower bouquets in hand & the biggest smiles on our faces all night long :) Hahaha--Seriously though!!! I am not sure what else to expect other than an unforgettable night to remember with my best friends!! 

(To Be Continued)