For those of us who are fortunate to have all four limbs, some of us tend to take things for granted.
But how would you adapt if you didn't have any arms?
Take Tisha UnArmed, a 25-year-old woman who was born without arms. What we normally do with our arms, she does with her feet. Tisha created a video blog on YouTube of how she goes about her daily life. In her videos, Tisha tells a bit about herself and shows us how she does the following things: getting dressed, making and eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, eating sushi with chopsticks, operating a vehicle and taking a shower.
To view Tisha's videos on YouTube, go to http://www.youtube.com/user/tishaunarmed
Friday, September 14, 2012
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Joel Burns: The speech heard around the world
Let me be one of the first to admit that I had never heard of Joel Burns prior to October 12, 2010. Then again, I don't often hear about city council meetings making national headlines.
Burns is the councilman in Fort Worth, Texas who gave this heartfelt, poignant and emotional speech about bullying and teenage suicide. If you're the type of person who sheds tears easily, I strongly urge you to keep a box of Kleenex close by.
"One day when I was in the ninth grade I was cornered by some older kids who roughed me up," Burns said, sharing his own personal story about the time he was bullied as a teenager in his hometown of Crowley, Texas. "They said that I was a f*****, and that I should die and go to hell where I belonged. That erupted the fear that I had kept pushed down, that what I was beginning to feel on the inside must somehow be showing on the outside. There must be something very wrong with me, I thought. Something I could never let my family or anyone else know."
He then attempted to recall one of his darkest moments following that incident but decided it would be too difficult for him to read aloud out of respect for his parents.
"I think I’m going to have too hard a time with the next couple of sentences that I wrote. And also, I don’t want - I don’t want my mother and father to bear the pain of having to hear me say them…" Burns said as he began to cry.
He paused a while before continuing.
"I have never told this story to anyone before tonight - not my family, not my husband, not anyone," he said through sobs. "But the numerous suicides in recent days have upset me so much and have just torn at my heart. Please stick around to make those happy moments for yourself…Give yourself a chance to see how much better life will get. Yes, high school was difficult, coming out was painful but life got so much better for me. Please, live long enough to be there to see it. To those who are feeling very alone tonight, please know that I understand how you feel, that things will get easier. It may not seem like it tonight, but they will."
If any of you are having problems because of past bullying experiences or are just curious as to what bullying victims like Burns have or had to go through on an almost daily basis, just watch this video in its entirety. You will be touched by it - I know I was. I've learned the hard way that although there may be some difficult points in our lives, it goes to show that it will indeed get better. And it has gotten better for me. We should live our lives the way we want to and never, ever, let any bullies dictate that for us. I sincerely hope that we all take Burns' words of wisdom, hope and encouragement to heart and give ourselves a chance at life.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Daylight Saving Time
For those of you who observe Daylight Saving Time, don't forget to set your clocks an hour forward at 2 a.m. on Sunday.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
25 random things about me
1. I have lived in 3 different states - Louisiana, Oklahoma and California.
2. I took my first plane trip when I was just a month old, flying with my family from Baton Rouge to Oklahoma City so that my father could finish his graduate studies at Oklahoma State.
3. When I was 9 months old, a bout with the flu left me with minor brain damage.
4. I learned to read before I spoke my first words.
5. I love to write as it has been one of my lifelong passions.
6. I used to be active in Girl Scouts.
7. I was named for both of my grandfathers.
8. I have a weakness for anything sweet and will occasionally splurge.
9. I prefer watching sports over soap operas.
10. I have a scar on my left ankle from getting my foot caught in a bicycle wheel when I was 2 years old.
11. I am trying to save some money for a trip to France next year - it will be my first trip outside North America.
12. I will turn the big "4-0" on August 11th. No plans as of yet.
13. I have a unique sense of humor which I inherited from my father.
14. I started dedicating my life to Christ in 1996. Since then, I've rarely missed church except for a couple of times.
15. I'm a big person with a big heart, always willing to help in a pinch.
16. I have five spoiled cats, all of them "senior citizens."
17. I am blessed to have a lot of church friends.
18. I am a shy person by nature but will open up once I get to know people.
19. I always sleep with the fan on at night, no matter how hot or cold it is.
20. I collect autographs.
21. I like to take pictures and believe in the expression, "A picture is worth a thousand words."
22. I always make sure to bring my camera when traveling or going to events such as a wedding, party or shower.
23. I have narrow feet which sometimes makes it hard for me to find shoes that fit.
24. I always like to read the sports section while I am eating breakfast.
25. I always make sure to thank God for everything.
2. I took my first plane trip when I was just a month old, flying with my family from Baton Rouge to Oklahoma City so that my father could finish his graduate studies at Oklahoma State.
3. When I was 9 months old, a bout with the flu left me with minor brain damage.
4. I learned to read before I spoke my first words.
5. I love to write as it has been one of my lifelong passions.
6. I used to be active in Girl Scouts.
7. I was named for both of my grandfathers.
8. I have a weakness for anything sweet and will occasionally splurge.
9. I prefer watching sports over soap operas.
10. I have a scar on my left ankle from getting my foot caught in a bicycle wheel when I was 2 years old.
11. I am trying to save some money for a trip to France next year - it will be my first trip outside North America.
12. I will turn the big "4-0" on August 11th. No plans as of yet.
13. I have a unique sense of humor which I inherited from my father.
14. I started dedicating my life to Christ in 1996. Since then, I've rarely missed church except for a couple of times.
15. I'm a big person with a big heart, always willing to help in a pinch.
16. I have five spoiled cats, all of them "senior citizens."
17. I am blessed to have a lot of church friends.
18. I am a shy person by nature but will open up once I get to know people.
19. I always sleep with the fan on at night, no matter how hot or cold it is.
20. I collect autographs.
21. I like to take pictures and believe in the expression, "A picture is worth a thousand words."
22. I always make sure to bring my camera when traveling or going to events such as a wedding, party or shower.
23. I have narrow feet which sometimes makes it hard for me to find shoes that fit.
24. I always like to read the sports section while I am eating breakfast.
25. I always make sure to thank God for everything.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Barack Obama becomes U.S. president
I, like many of you here and around the world, have witnessed history being made. Barack Obama has been sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America, becoming the first African-American to hold the nation's highest office.
Let us all support him in his endeavors.
Let us all support him in his endeavors.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Abby: King’s message still rings true today
I got this from today's "Dear Abby" column.
Dear Readers:
Today we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. — the great American civil rights leader, martyred in 1968, who dedicated his life to furthering equal rights for all Americans.
When King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, he said: “Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”
With bloodshed and violence still such destructive forces in this world, there is much to be learned from his insight, his wisdom and his example.
~ABBY
Today is the day we observe the birthday of the greatest civil rights leader to have ever lived. Like Jesus, Dr. King sacrificed his life so we could fight for ours. We should do what we do best and continue to honor his legacy.
Dear Readers:
Today we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. — the great American civil rights leader, martyred in 1968, who dedicated his life to furthering equal rights for all Americans.
When King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, he said: “Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”
With bloodshed and violence still such destructive forces in this world, there is much to be learned from his insight, his wisdom and his example.
~ABBY
Today is the day we observe the birthday of the greatest civil rights leader to have ever lived. Like Jesus, Dr. King sacrificed his life so we could fight for ours. We should do what we do best and continue to honor his legacy.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Some more law-related articles on autism
Special-needs Girl Scout troop rejects girl with autism, saying she poses a "danger" to others
http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/AutismNews/story?id=6325522&page=1
Woman fights church decision to ban autistic son from attending services
http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/Autism/story?id=4980885&page=1
Autistic kids allegedly cuffed, told to fight
http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=5825945&page=1
Father outraged that teacher convicted of hitting his autistic son still being paid
http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/Local/article/165790
http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/AutismNews/story?id=6325522&page=1
Woman fights church decision to ban autistic son from attending services
http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/Autism/story?id=4980885&page=1
Autistic kids allegedly cuffed, told to fight
http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=5825945&page=1
Father outraged that teacher convicted of hitting his autistic son still being paid
http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/Local/article/165790
8-year-old autistic girl taken from school in handcuffs
http://www.kxly.com/global/story.asp?s=9669140
http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=6640478&page=1
After reading these articles, I think school officials went a little too far. They should have found a better way to handle the situation without resorting to arrest. She should have simply been allowed to wear what she was wearing to the party. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=6640478&page=1
After reading these articles, I think school officials went a little too far. They should have found a better way to handle the situation without resorting to arrest. She should have simply been allowed to wear what she was wearing to the party. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Atlanta Braves go east to find a free agent - Far East, that is
After being spurned repeatedly in their attempts to sign free agents, the Atlanta Braves managed to land one - from Japan.
Kenshin Kawakami, a 33-year-old right-handed pitcher, becomes the first Japanese player in franchise history. Kawakami, who played 11 seasons for the Central League's Chunichi Dragons, signed a three-year contract.
Kawakami, along with another free-agent signee, Derek Lowe and offseason trade acquisition Javier Vazquez, should help boost the Braves' starting rotation in 2009. Third baseman Chipper Jones, who had earlier criticized the team for failing to re-sign longtime ace John Smoltz, said that Kawakami has the ability to succeed in the American major leagues.
Kenshin Kawakami, a 33-year-old right-handed pitcher, becomes the first Japanese player in franchise history. Kawakami, who played 11 seasons for the Central League's Chunichi Dragons, signed a three-year contract.
Kawakami, along with another free-agent signee, Derek Lowe and offseason trade acquisition Javier Vazquez, should help boost the Braves' starting rotation in 2009. Third baseman Chipper Jones, who had earlier criticized the team for failing to re-sign longtime ace John Smoltz, said that Kawakami has the ability to succeed in the American major leagues.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Don't know if Paul Harvey really said this, but it is wonderful
HOORAY, HOORAY, HOORAY for Paul Harvey. I myself have been grumbling and wondering how a handful of people have been able to take our right to pray in public places away from us.
Folks, this new year is when we RE-TAKE AMERICA .
Paul Harvey says:
This is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles.
One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations.
Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep.Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying.
God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well, just sue me.
The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we tell that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn't care what they want. It is time that the majority rules! It's time we tell them, You don't have to pray; you don't have to say the Pledge of Allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right; but by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back, and we WILL WIN!
God bless us one and all ... Especially those who worship Him , God bless America, despite all her faults. She is still the greatest nation of all. God bless our military who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God.
Let's make 2009 the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions .. And our military forces come home from all the wars.
Keep looking up.
'AND THAT'S THE REST OF THE STORY' .
Folks, this new year is when we RE-TAKE AMERICA .
Paul Harvey says:
This is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles.
One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations.
Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep.Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying.
God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well, just sue me.
The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we tell that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn't care what they want. It is time that the majority rules! It's time we tell them, You don't have to pray; you don't have to say the Pledge of Allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right; but by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back, and we WILL WIN!
God bless us one and all ... Especially those who worship Him , God bless America, despite all her faults. She is still the greatest nation of all. God bless our military who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God.
Let's make 2009 the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions .. And our military forces come home from all the wars.
Keep looking up.
'AND THAT'S THE REST OF THE STORY' .
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Random acts of kindness
Although the economic situation may be uncertain, simple acts of kindness may be one of the few supplies we have an abundance of. A generous act, whether it be by a close friend or a complete stranger that we've never met, can brighten the mood of both giver and receiver.
Here's an example of one: At the produce stand at the Wachovia building downtown in Atlanta, GA, two strangers paid for an elderly woman’s purchase. They apparently didn’t know each other and/or her but split the cost between them. The act touched many people, including the elderly woman.
I'm sure that we've all been touched in one way or another, whether we have done something for somebody else or they have done something for us. Offering to pay bills. Picking up the tab in a restaurant. Buying clothes and supplies for people who are poor or homeless. Helping somebody carry groceries to their car. Mailing a card/letter to or visiting somebody who lives alone. Visiting elderly or disabled people who are in the hospital or live in a nursing home. Babysitting the young ones in an emergency. Giving a ride to somebody who lacks transportation. Lending an ear to somebody who needs to get something off their chest.
The opportunities are endless.
Here's an example of one: At the produce stand at the Wachovia building downtown in Atlanta, GA, two strangers paid for an elderly woman’s purchase. They apparently didn’t know each other and/or her but split the cost between them. The act touched many people, including the elderly woman.
I'm sure that we've all been touched in one way or another, whether we have done something for somebody else or they have done something for us. Offering to pay bills. Picking up the tab in a restaurant. Buying clothes and supplies for people who are poor or homeless. Helping somebody carry groceries to their car. Mailing a card/letter to or visiting somebody who lives alone. Visiting elderly or disabled people who are in the hospital or live in a nursing home. Babysitting the young ones in an emergency. Giving a ride to somebody who lacks transportation. Lending an ear to somebody who needs to get something off their chest.
The opportunities are endless.
Check out this site
Here is the link to a blog written by my friend Arlene Culpepper:
http://www.whatisupwiththisworld.blogspot.com
Being a legal professional, she always has an interesting perspective about what is going on around the nation and around the world. Feel free to check it out.
http://www.whatisupwiththisworld.blogspot.com
Being a legal professional, she always has an interesting perspective about what is going on around the nation and around the world. Feel free to check it out.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Aspergers family
Here is a great blog about a family with Aspergers, go check it out:
http://www.mylifewithaspergers.com/
http://www.mylifewithaspergers.com/
Sunday, January 4, 2009
New year, new beginnings
New year, new beginnings…We try to put whatever happened in the past year behind us and focus on what lies ahead of us. In other words, we should try to start off with a clean slate and not one that is all written on. We eat black eye peas to bring us good luck and make resolutions which we sometimes forget about. So let’s cast all our worries aside and start fresh for 2009.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year
Wishing everybody a Happy New Year!! :-)
I'm watching college football all day and eating black-eye pea jambalaya with cabbage. There isn't a better day to relax and kick back.
I'm watching college football all day and eating black-eye pea jambalaya with cabbage. There isn't a better day to relax and kick back.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Recipe for a wonderful new year
Recipe for a wonderful new year
First, take twelve finely-aged months and see that they have been thoroughly peeled and cleaned of any lingering bitterness, resentment, envy or spite. Pick off any unpleasant memories that may remain and wash away all feelings of anger and hatred. Make sure that these years are completely cleansed of the past.
Divide these months into parts, 30-31 per month (one month may only have 28). A full batch will keep for a year, so do not attempt to prepare the entire batch at once. Prepare one day at a time, as follows:
Into each day mix these ingredients:
Faith
Patience
Courage
Work
Hope
Devotion
Faithfulness
Liberality
Rest
Prayer
Meditation
Knead all ingredients together with love, grace and kindness, then place on a well blessed sheet of honor.
~ Bake with joy and optimism! ~
~ Author Unknown ~
First, take twelve finely-aged months and see that they have been thoroughly peeled and cleaned of any lingering bitterness, resentment, envy or spite. Pick off any unpleasant memories that may remain and wash away all feelings of anger and hatred. Make sure that these years are completely cleansed of the past.
Divide these months into parts, 30-31 per month (one month may only have 28). A full batch will keep for a year, so do not attempt to prepare the entire batch at once. Prepare one day at a time, as follows:
Into each day mix these ingredients:
Faith
Patience
Courage
Work
Hope
Devotion
Faithfulness
Liberality
Rest
Prayer
Meditation
Knead all ingredients together with love, grace and kindness, then place on a well blessed sheet of honor.
~ Bake with joy and optimism! ~
~ Author Unknown ~
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Another new year fast approaching
One more day and then another year will have come and gone. Boy, does time fly when you least expect it to. Be safe wherever you are.
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