Easy Choice

Where did those first three years go?? I can't even believe that my first three year term with the UDDC is almost coming to an end. How did that happen so quickly and not feel like I had just applied to be on this council yesterday. It has definitely been a rewarding experience for me to see first hand how valuable and important it is to share my opinion about things in the disability community, that either need to be fixed or immediately revamped in some way. I have grown so much in the first three years than I ever imagined--- which if you ask me is not an understatement. It has given me a lot of opportunities to travel to other states and learn more about what other DD councils are working on, which if you ask me is quite impressive as I reflect on the impact they want to have for individuals with disabilities. I am very passionate about being a good self advocate for others in the disability community who need their voices heard whether or not they feel confident to speak up. 

Serving on the UDDC has been nothing short of a dream come true!!! I didn't make it into the council four years ago, because I was involved with other leadership capacities and felt like it was the perfect route that needed to be taken so I could be where I am today. I am grateful to be a small part of something I can truly admit is a lot bigger than myself which if you must know is something I had always wanted to do. I am so blessed to continue serving alongside the best of the best and learning from them about what a true leader should be like has been amazing. I know there is a lot more for me to still learn and take away from this-- experience so I would love to continue seeing what other ways I can leave an imprint on the hearts of my colleagues. 

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Shout Out

 Happy Heavenly Birthday, Scooter!!! Thank you so much for being a part of my life for 14 and a half--almost fifteen years. You truly brought a smile to my face whenever I needed it most and made me feel extra special every time I was around. I am grateful that you taught me to have unconditional love and always see the best in every situation that life had to offer. Thank you for teaching me how to be a good person in this world and making others around me the exact same way. I love and miss you so much but know that you are watching over me everyday. I look forward to our happy reunion in heaven!!! 

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LATER THIS WEEK---I will be co presenting with one of my colleagues about a topic that neither one of us has ever presented on before. We are going to be presenting on the subject in regards to social security and work incentives for people in the disability community. I am hopeful things will run smoothly for us and we can make an effort to spread awareness of how important this is when it comes to living an independent life. I am grateful to have a few extra days to practice reading the script along with the slides I have to go with them. It's definitely paid off with being able to keep track of where I need to be and not over work myself too much.

It's always a delightful experience for me to present on topics that affect the disability community and being able to educate others about the potential we have to follow our dreams. I am grateful to have just recently hit the six year mark with being on the speakers network last month and doing whatever it takes to make sure my voice is being heard. 

Self Advocacy Conference (Two And A Half Weeks)

Nothing much about this as of yet---I can only hope to have an unforgettable time and learn some new things in regards to self advocacy efforts. I definitely look forward to making memories with my friends and doing all I can in my power to be an even better self advocate in the disability community. I can only hope to have an experience that leaves an imprint on my heart and continue growing more as a person in this community of people with disabilities. 

(To Be Continued)

Texas Getaway

My family vacation to Texas last week was certainly one for the books!!! I absolutely loved the pleasant weather we got to enjoy while being there and getting to spend much quality time with cousins was just a treat all by itself. It was such a delight for me to see where my cousins' families live and wow I never did quite realize what an unforgettable experience it would turn out to be. I definitely enjoyed all of the many sites and sounds Texas had to offer which if you ask me was not anything close to an understatement. I'd like to share with you some of the highlights from this vacation that I genuinely hope doesn't take all of my family another twenty years to do again.

Favorite Highlights:

- Sea World & going on some of the bigger rollercoasters was a lot more than I expected :) We also went to a couple of shows that you have to see to believe!!! I really liked getting to see my niece and nephew's excitement for some of the kid rides that I was able to go on with them. We had the best time ever getting to enjoy snacks at the park itself and learning about the variety of water animals that are currently at the park getting the help they need.

- Minus how incredibly popular the Alamo was in Downtown, San Antonio-- I really liked getting to learn about the battle that took place there and how many individuals sacrificed their lives to keep Texas what it is today was incredible. Luckily, it was not even that crowded with a lot of people and considering it was a day before the parade would take place. We also toured my cousin's dental office where he works & I can't even tell you how amazing it was to walk through as well as enjoy some delicious chocolate candy while being there!!!

- Visited the San Antonio Zoo and got to see a couple of animals who were there. It was obviously one of the hotter days we had but it was great to watch my niece and nephew feed a giraffe up close which was pretty cool to watch!!

- Spent quality time with my aunt and uncle who live in Georgetown, TX which is about a two hour drive from San Antonio. All of us were spoiled with delicious meals and treats galore which I'll admit was more than I think we needed, but none the less it was generous of our aunt and uncle to have nine of us stay with them.

Other Highlights:

- Poppy Festival

- Tour of Southwestern University where my uncle works :)

- Had a chance to meet my cousin's new puppies, which were adorable in more ways than one!!

- My cousin and his wife have a farm with three dogs, sheep, chickens, pigs, swimming pool and hot tub that I heard is really pretty under the stars at night, etc. I really liked getting to play with their five and energetic kids who never stopped to take a breather. We also played a card game that I was clearly not familiar with called: "Happy Salmon." I will admit that my cousin's kids were the real experts as it came to playing the game correctly and not messing up as much as I did. We also had a delicious lunch at their house and spent quality time being able to visit with each other. Did I forget to mention the part about one of the dogs chasing a chicken in the yard?? We also played baseball together which is one of those things that nobody in our family would think is fun and yet incredibly grateful that my cousin Amber encouraged me to participate!!! #LikeNoKidding #SoMuchFun.

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