http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/searchEverything.kickAction?as=31351&mediaType=blog&sortType=recent All new blogs on The Courage Community Fri, 20 Aug 2010 03:31:47 GMT Fri, 20 Aug 2010 03:31:47 GMT webmaster@couragecommunity.org (GinoM) webmaster@couragecommunity.org (GinoM) KickApps Feed Builder 2010-08-20T03:31:47Z 48 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/searchEverything.kickAction?as=31351&sortType=recent 0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Expertise-Associated-Upon-Auto-Donations-Greathearted-Organizations/BLOG/2567304/31351.html Each to each day, someone in the united states agree tos the action to donate one of their vehicles. Although a purely small number of persons make the decision to donate their cars, many more think about doing so, but end up not. One of the calculates in favor of this is because ample individuals think a autocar donation is too much work, despite the good that could from it. The reality is that motor vehicle donations are appreciably arduous if you make them. There are a number of ways that you can go about making your next auto donation a smooth and easy one.Imaginably, one of the ambitions why many individuals conceal that a motor vehicle donation is too much work is because they try and donate their motorcar on their own. With this, you must find and contact local charities or non-profit organizations. This could be beyond compare time consuming and there is even a chance that you will not find anyone who wants to accept your motor vehicle donation. However, there is a way that you could make your next car donation count, a much easier arrangement.Instead of trying to donate your automobile on your own, you are advised to seek professional assistance. That assistance should come from a donate car program. Motorized vehicle donation programs exist all across the United States. Their goal is to make sure that non-profit organizations are given cars or, at least, the money for those cars. They do this by, personally, collecting the cars themselves. Then, they will spend their own time trying to find a non-profit organization for your motor vehicle donation. Essentially, this makes donating a truck as easy as it could possibly be. As previously mentioned, most donate car programs will arrange for the pick up of your motorcar donation, but not all will. For motorcar donation at its easiest, you are advised to request a pickup. If one is not available, you will want to find a program that offers this additional feature. You will find that it will not only save you time, but even gas money. A well-known and reputable automobile donation program or center should be more than willing to pickup your donation for you, even if they do not outright advertise that they will.If you plan on using your auto donation as a deduction on your taxes, you will need to get the proper documentation. When using a motorcar donation program, you will not always be provided with these documents upfront; they will often be sent to you after your vehicle has "officially," been donated. To ensure that you do get the proper credit for your motor vehicle donation, you are advised to request a small certificate of donation or pickup. This will ensure that you will be protected, in the event that anything should go wrong with the automobile donation program that you used. Although it is almost guaranteed that everything will go right, you are advised against taking any unnecessary risks. donate carBy keeping the above mentioned points in mind, you should be able to donate your unused or unwanted vehicles with little or no hassle. It is likely that your donation will be greatly appreciated, by whoever gets it. To learn along about our selected autocar donations visit here ==> donate car Each to each day, someone in the united states agree tos the action to donate one of their vehicles. Although a purely small number of persons make the decision to donate their cars, many more think about doing so, but end up not. One of the calculates in favor of this is because ample individuals think a autocar donation is too much work, despite the good that could from it. The reality is that motor vehicle donations are appreciably arduous if you make them. There are a number of ways that you can go about making your next auto donation a smooth and easy one.Imaginably, one of the ambitions why many individuals conceal that a motor vehicle donation is too much work is because they try and donate their motorcar on their own. With this, you must find and contact local charities or non-profit organizations. This could be beyond compare time consuming and there is even a chance that you will not find anyone who wants to accept your motor vehicle donation. However, there is a way that you could make your next car donation count, a much easier arrangement.Instead of trying to donate your automobile on your own, you are advised to seek professional assistance. That assistance should come from a donate car program. Motorized vehicle donation programs exist all across the United States. Their goal is to make sure that non-profit organizations are given cars or, at least, the money for those cars. They do this by, personally, collecting the cars themselves. Then, they will spend their own time trying to find a non-profit organization for your motor vehicle donation. Essentially, this makes donating a truck as easy as it could possibly be. As previously mentioned, most donate car programs will arrange for the pick up of your motorcar donation, but not all will. For motorcar donation at its easiest, you are advised to request a pickup. If one is not available, you will want to find a program that offers this additional feature. You will find that it will not only save you time, but even gas money. A well-known and reputable automobile donation program or center should be more than willing to pickup your donation for you, even if they do not outright advertise that they will.If you plan on using your auto donation as a deduction on your taxes, you will need to get the proper documentation. When using a motorcar donation program, you will not always be provided with these documents upfront; they will often be sent to you after your vehicle has "officially," been donated. To ensure that you do get the proper credit for your motor vehicle donation, you are advised to request a small certificate of donation or pickup. This will ensure that you will be protected, in the event that anything should go wrong with the automobile donation program that you used. Although it is almost guaranteed that everything will go right, you are advised against taking any unnecessary risks. donate carBy keeping the above mentioned points in mind, you should be able to donate your unused or unwanted vehicles with little or no hassle. It is likely that your donation will be greatly appreciated, by whoever gets it. To learn along about our selected autocar donations visit here ==> donate car Fri, 20 Aug 2010 03:31:47 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Expertise-Associated-Upon-Auto-Donations-Greathearted-Organizations/BLOG/2567304/31351.html alfl1956 2010-08-20T03:31:47Z The Courage Community Each to each day, someone in the united states agree tos the action to donate one of their vehicles. Although a purely small number of persons make the decision to donate their cars, many more think about doing so, but end up not. One of the calculates in favor of this is because ample individuals think a autocar donation is too much work, despite the good that could from it. The reality is that motor vehicle donations are appreciably arduous if you make them. There are a number of ways that you can go about making your next auto donation a smooth and easy one.Imaginably, one of the ambitions why many individuals conceal that a motor vehicle donation is too much work is because they try and donate their motorcar on their own. With this, you must find and contact local charities or non-profit organizations. This could be beyond compare time consuming and there is even a chance that you will not find anyone who wants to accept your motor vehicle donation. However, there is a way that you could make your next car donation count, a much easier arrangement.Instead of trying to donate your automobile on your own, you are advised to seek professional assistance. That assistance should come from a donate car program. Motorized vehicle donation programs exist all across the United States. Their goal is to make sure that non-profit organizations are given cars or, at least, the money for those cars. They do this by, personally, collecting the cars themselves. Then, they will spend their own time trying to find a non-profit organization for your motor vehicle donation. Essentially, this makes donating a truck as easy as it could possibly be. As previously mentioned, most donate car programs will arrange for the pick up of your motorcar donation, but not all will. For motorcar donation at its easiest, you are advised to request a pickup. If one is not available, you will want to find a program that offers this additional feature. You will find that it will not only save you time, but even gas money. A well-known and reputable automobile donation program or center should be more than willing to pickup your donation for you, even if they do not outright advertise that they will.If you plan on using your auto donation as a deduction on your taxes, you will need to get the proper documentation. When using a motorcar donation program, you will not always be provided with these documents upfront; they will often be sent to you after your vehicle has "officially," been donated. To ensure that you do get the proper credit for your motor vehicle donation, you are advised to request a small certificate of donation or pickup. This will ensure that you will be protected, in the event that anything should go wrong with the automobile donation program that you used. Although it is almost guaranteed that everything will go right, you are advised against taking any unnecessary risks. donate carBy keeping the above mentioned points in mind, you should be able to donate your unused or unwanted vehicles with little or no hassle. It is likely that your donation will be greatly appreciated, by whoever gets it. To learn along about our selected autocar donations visit here ==> donate car car, charity, donate, to nonadult false Expertise Associated Upon Auto Donations Greathearted Organizations text blog car,charity,donate,to 37 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=24603268&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/icons/defaultMember_31351_portrait160X120.jpg false 0 0 2567304 24603268 Member 345 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_A-Sunset-Philosphy/BLOG/1822887/31351.html <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> Admittedly, I'm a control freak!  My daddy sent me this beautiful photo which he took as the sun set in Anna Maria Island where my parents live.Attached to the phenomenal picture of the awe-inspring sunset was this important message:A Sunset Philosophy(adopted from Dr. Carl Rogers) "I have come to think that one of the most satisfying experiences I know and also one of the most growth promoting experiences for the other person is just fully appreciate this individual in the same way I appreciate a sunset. People are just as wonderful sunsets if I can just let them be. In fact, perhaps the reason we can truly appreciate a sunset is that we cannot control it. When I look at a sunset as I did the other evening, I don't find myself saying, 'Soften the orange a little on the right hand corner, and put on a bit more purple along the base, and use a little more pink in the cloud color.' I don't do that. I don't try to control the sunset. I watch it with all as it unfolds. I like myself best when I can experience my staff member, my son, my daughter, in the same way, appreciating the unfolding of a life... A person who is loved appreciatively, not possessively, blooms, and develops his own unique self. The person who loves non-possessively is himself enriched." <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> Admittedly, I'm a control freak!  My daddy sent me this beautiful photo which he took as the sun set in Anna Maria Island where my parents live.Attached to the phenomenal picture of the awe-inspring sunset was this important message:A Sunset Philosophy(adopted from Dr. Carl Rogers) "I have come to think that one of the most satisfying experiences I know and also one of the most growth promoting experiences for the other person is just fully appreciate this individual in the same way I appreciate a sunset. People are just as wonderful sunsets if I can just let them be. In fact, perhaps the reason we can truly appreciate a sunset is that we cannot control it. When I look at a sunset as I did the other evening, I don't find myself saying, 'Soften the orange a little on the right hand corner, and put on a bit more purple along the base, and use a little more pink in the cloud color.' I don't do that. I don't try to control the sunset. I watch it with all as it unfolds. I like myself best when I can experience my staff member, my son, my daughter, in the same way, appreciating the unfolding of a life... A person who is loved appreciatively, not possessively, blooms, and develops his own unique self. The person who loves non-possessively is himself enriched." Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:22:15 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_A-Sunset-Philosphy/BLOG/1822887/31351.html CROSSROADS 2010-02-08T20:22:15Z Crossroads Reflections The Courage Community <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> Admittedly, I'm a control freak!  My daddy sent me this beautiful photo which he took as the sun set in Anna Maria Island where my parents live.Attached to the phenomenal picture of the awe-inspring sunset was this important message:A Sunset Philosophy(adopted from Dr. Carl Rogers) "I have come to think that one of the most satisfying experiences I know and also one of the most growth promoting experiences for the other person is just fully appreciate this individual in the same way I appreciate a sunset. People are just as wonderful sunsets if I can just let them be. In fact, perhaps the reason we can truly appreciate a sunset is that we cannot control it. When I look at a sunset as I did the other evening, I don't find myself saying, 'Soften the orange a little on the right hand corner, and put on a bit more purple along the base, and use a little more pink in the cloud color.' I don't do that. I don't try to control the sunset. I watch it with all as it unfolds. I like myself best when I can experience my staff member, my son, my daughter, in the same way, appreciating the unfolding of a life... A person who is loved appreciatively, not possessively, blooms, and develops his own unique self. The person who loves non-possessively is himself enriched." a sunset philosophy, carlana, control, crossroads, reflections, stone nonadult false A Sunset Philosphy text blog a sunset philosophy,carlana,control,crossroads,reflections,stone 452 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=7523045&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/icons/defaultMember_31351_portrait160X120.jpg false 0 Crossroads / Reflections 0 1822887 7523045 Platinum 11770 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_WHATS-PARALYZING-YOU/BLOG/1822855/31351.html Terrible things can happen at anytime. To any one of us.Sometimes we can see them coming, and other times they can hit us like a line drive and shatter everything we know in one seemingly endless moment.The journey back from tragedy is not always easy or pain-free. Adversities are challenges. We can allow them to consume us or we can use them as tools to become better human beings.I might have lost the use of my legs, the most critical element of my identity (during that phase of my life;) however, I found something much stronger and more everlasting.Essentially, my paralysis has put me in the unique position to see how alike we all are. I've learned along the way that paralysis comes in many forms. A divorce, the loss of a job or losing a loved one - these things can leave us feeling emotionally paralyzed.I believe our mutual struggles help us gain strength and insight from one another.Through sharing our challenges, my hope is for us to realize a chance to grow together. Terrible things can happen at anytime. To any one of us.Sometimes we can see them coming, and other times they can hit us like a line drive and shatter everything we know in one seemingly endless moment.The journey back from tragedy is not always easy or pain-free. Adversities are challenges. We can allow them to consume us or we can use them as tools to become better human beings.I might have lost the use of my legs, the most critical element of my identity (during that phase of my life;) however, I found something much stronger and more everlasting.Essentially, my paralysis has put me in the unique position to see how alike we all are. I've learned along the way that paralysis comes in many forms. A divorce, the loss of a job or losing a loved one - these things can leave us feeling emotionally paralyzed.I believe our mutual struggles help us gain strength and insight from one another.Through sharing our challenges, my hope is for us to realize a chance to grow together. Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:02:02 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_WHATS-PARALYZING-YOU/BLOG/1822855/31351.html CROSSROADS 2010-02-08T20:02:02Z Crossroads Reflections The Courage Community Terrible things can happen at anytime. To any one of us.Sometimes we can see them coming, and other times they can hit us like a line drive and shatter everything we know in one seemingly endless moment.The journey back from tragedy is not always easy or pain-free. Adversities are challenges. We can allow them to consume us or we can use them as tools to become better human beings.I might have lost the use of my legs, the most critical element of my identity (during that phase of my life;) however, I found something much stronger and more everlasting.Essentially, my paralysis has put me in the unique position to see how alike we all are. I've learned along the way that paralysis comes in many forms. A divorce, the loss of a job or losing a loved one - these things can leave us feeling emotionally paralyzed.I believe our mutual struggles help us gain strength and insight from one another.Through sharing our challenges, my hope is for us to realize a chance to grow together. carlana, crossroads, paralyzing, reflections, stone, what's paralyzing you nonadult false WHAT'S PARALYZING YOU? text blog carlana,crossroads,paralyzing,reflections,stone,what's paralyzing you 308 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=7523045&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/icons/defaultMember_31351_portrait160X120.jpg false 0 Crossroads / Reflections 0 1822855 7523045 Platinum 11770 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Denial-Aint-Just-a-River-in-Egypt/BLOG/1822846/31351.html <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->When you're in denial, there's nothing more annoying than someone wanting you to talk about things like feelings and fears. I've learned (still am) that when I'm in denial, Fear Dominates! Following most traumatic occurences in my life, I tend to run from reality and masterfully devise the perfect escape route. A hide-out. Kinda like the treehouse i remember as a kid. I would retreat to that treehouse in a desperate attempt to protect myself from the evil that lurked all around me. For me, Denial had become a matter of self-preservation, in addition to my overwhelming desire, my need to protect my family from more pain. More hurt. As far as I was concerned, the task that lay before me while daunting at times, was still something I could handle... alone. I mean, c'mon. I was a gymnast. I was strong. I was a survivor. I just wanted to spare everyone I loved from any more pain. I mean, I can handle it. I just couldn't stand seeing how much pain this whole thing was causing them.  However, in retrospect, I realize that by doing so, I created the proverbial situation of no one wanting to address the elephant in the room. I've learned over the years, that at some point, in order to make it through - in order to Evolve - we must acknowledge the beast! <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->When you're in denial, there's nothing more annoying than someone wanting you to talk about things like feelings and fears. I've learned (still am) that when I'm in denial, Fear Dominates! Following most traumatic occurences in my life, I tend to run from reality and masterfully devise the perfect escape route. A hide-out. Kinda like the treehouse i remember as a kid. I would retreat to that treehouse in a desperate attempt to protect myself from the evil that lurked all around me. For me, Denial had become a matter of self-preservation, in addition to my overwhelming desire, my need to protect my family from more pain. More hurt. As far as I was concerned, the task that lay before me while daunting at times, was still something I could handle... alone. I mean, c'mon. I was a gymnast. I was strong. I was a survivor. I just wanted to spare everyone I loved from any more pain. I mean, I can handle it. I just couldn't stand seeing how much pain this whole thing was causing them.  However, in retrospect, I realize that by doing so, I created the proverbial situation of no one wanting to address the elephant in the room. I've learned over the years, that at some point, in order to make it through - in order to Evolve - we must acknowledge the beast! Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:56:38 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Denial-Aint-Just-a-River-in-Egypt/BLOG/1822846/31351.html CROSSROADS 2010-02-08T19:56:38Z Crossroads Reflections The Courage Community <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->When you're in denial, there's nothing more annoying than someone wanting you to talk about things like feelings and fears. I've learned (still am) that when I'm in denial, Fear Dominates! Following most traumatic occurences in my life, I tend to run from reality and masterfully devise the perfect escape route. A hide-out. Kinda like the treehouse i remember as a kid. I would retreat to that treehouse in a desperate attempt to protect myself from the evil that lurked all around me. For me, Denial had become a matter of self-preservation, in addition to my overwhelming desire, my need to protect my family from more pain. More hurt. As far as I was concerned, the task that lay before me while daunting at times, was still something I could handle... alone. I mean, c'mon. I was a gymnast. I was strong. I was a survivor. I just wanted to spare everyone I loved from any more pain. I mean, I can handle it. I just couldn't stand seeing how much pain this whole thing was causing them.  However, in retrospect, I realize that by doing so, I created the proverbial situation of no one wanting to address the elephant in the room. I've learned over the years, that at some point, in order to make it through - in order to Evolve - we must acknowledge the beast! ain't just a river in egypt, carlana, crossroads, denial, elephant in the room, reflections, stone nonadult false Denial... Ain't Just a River in Egypt text blog ain't just a river in egypt,carlana,crossroads,denial,elephant in the room,reflections,stone 331 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=7523045&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/icons/defaultMember_31351_portrait160X120.jpg false 0 Crossroads / Reflections 0 1822846 7523045 Platinum 11770 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_CONFRONTING-THE-ELEPHANT-IN-THE-ROOM/BLOG/1822833/31351.html <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->Well, let’s see, I’ve been sitting here for 23 years now. So yeah, I think it’s safe to say that it’s pretty permanent. I’ve learned to bathe and clothe myself. I use a wheelchair but I can still drive a car, however I prefer riding my Harley. I can’t walk, but I can fly…  Whether it’s been a reporter interviewing me for my first solo flight as a paraplegic, or someone I meet on the street or in a grocery store or night club - Each and every time I go out, I hear the same questions asked. My responses, at times, may sound “rehearsed” or “polished,” or not genuine enough – probably because I’ve answered them close to a million times.  So, let’s address the proverbial elephant in the room…  Here are some of those questions I get …  HOW WERE YOU INJURED? IS THIS PERMANENT?WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH THE OTHER PEOPLE WHO WERE IN THE CAR THAT NIGHT? DID Y’ALL EVER TALK ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED?HAVE YOU FORGIVEN THE PERSON DRIVING THE CAR? HOW DO YOU THINK THE DRIVER FEELS? HAVE YOU EVER FOUND YOURSELF IN DENIAL?WHAT ABOUT FEELINGS OF GUILT? DO YOU EVER HAVE DAYS WHEN YOU FEEL SORRY FOR YOURSELF?DID YOU EVER CONSIDER KILLING YOURSELF?WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU’VE FACED BEING IN A WHEELCHAIR?DO YOU EVER GET JEALOUS OF PEOPLE WHO CAN WALK?CAN YOU STILL HAVE SEX?ARE YOU STILL ABLE TO HAVE CHILDREN?  From time to time, I'll be posting some VERY candid responses to these questions (not necessarily in order) No holds-barred honesty.Here, you’ll see me raw and real. You’ll see me for who I truly am. Rules here are… there aren’t any… not when it comes to asking questions. So, fire away. Ask anything you want. If I’m not ready to answer it, I’ll let ya know. And hopefully you’ll feel safe enough to show yourself and share your own unique story and your struggles.  Because we are not alone.  <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->Well, let’s see, I’ve been sitting here for 23 years now. So yeah, I think it’s safe to say that it’s pretty permanent. I’ve learned to bathe and clothe myself. I use a wheelchair but I can still drive a car, however I prefer riding my Harley. I can’t walk, but I can fly…  Whether it’s been a reporter interviewing me for my first solo flight as a paraplegic, or someone I meet on the street or in a grocery store or night club - Each and every time I go out, I hear the same questions asked. My responses, at times, may sound “rehearsed” or “polished,” or not genuine enough – probably because I’ve answered them close to a million times.  So, let’s address the proverbial elephant in the room…  Here are some of those questions I get …  HOW WERE YOU INJURED? IS THIS PERMANENT?WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH THE OTHER PEOPLE WHO WERE IN THE CAR THAT NIGHT? DID Y’ALL EVER TALK ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED?HAVE YOU FORGIVEN THE PERSON DRIVING THE CAR? HOW DO YOU THINK THE DRIVER FEELS? HAVE YOU EVER FOUND YOURSELF IN DENIAL?WHAT ABOUT FEELINGS OF GUILT? DO YOU EVER HAVE DAYS WHEN YOU FEEL SORRY FOR YOURSELF?DID YOU EVER CONSIDER KILLING YOURSELF?WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU’VE FACED BEING IN A WHEELCHAIR?DO YOU EVER GET JEALOUS OF PEOPLE WHO CAN WALK?CAN YOU STILL HAVE SEX?ARE YOU STILL ABLE TO HAVE CHILDREN?  From time to time, I'll be posting some VERY candid responses to these questions (not necessarily in order) No holds-barred honesty.Here, you’ll see me raw and real. You’ll see me for who I truly am. Rules here are… there aren’t any… not when it comes to asking questions. So, fire away. Ask anything you want. If I’m not ready to answer it, I’ll let ya know. And hopefully you’ll feel safe enough to show yourself and share your own unique story and your struggles.  Because we are not alone.  Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:50:55 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_CONFRONTING-THE-ELEPHANT-IN-THE-ROOM/BLOG/1822833/31351.html CROSSROADS 2010-02-08T19:50:55Z Crossroads Reflections The Courage Community <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->Well, let’s see, I’ve been sitting here for 23 years now. So yeah, I think it’s safe to say that it’s pretty permanent. I’ve learned to bathe and clothe myself. I use a wheelchair but I can still drive a car, however I prefer riding my Harley. I can’t walk, but I can fly…  Whether it’s been a reporter interviewing me for my first solo flight as a paraplegic, or someone I meet on the street or in a grocery store or night club - Each and every time I go out, I hear the same questions asked. My responses, at times, may sound “rehearsed” or “polished,” or not genuine enough – probably because I’ve answered them close to a million times.  So, let’s address the proverbial elephant in the room…  Here are some of those questions I get …  HOW WERE YOU INJURED? IS THIS PERMANENT?WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH THE OTHER PEOPLE WHO WERE IN THE CAR THAT NIGHT? DID Y’ALL EVER TALK ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED?HAVE YOU FORGIVEN THE PERSON DRIVING THE CAR? HOW DO YOU THINK THE DRIVER FEELS? HAVE YOU EVER FOUND YOURSELF IN DENIAL?WHAT ABOUT FEELINGS OF GUILT? DO YOU EVER HAVE DAYS WHEN YOU FEEL SORRY FOR YOURSELF?DID YOU EVER CONSIDER KILLING YOURSELF?WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU’VE FACED BEING IN A WHEELCHAIR?DO YOU EVER GET JEALOUS OF PEOPLE WHO CAN WALK?CAN YOU STILL HAVE SEX?ARE YOU STILL ABLE TO HAVE CHILDREN?  From time to time, I'll be posting some VERY candid responses to these questions (not necessarily in order) No holds-barred honesty.Here, you’ll see me raw and real. You’ll see me for who I truly am. Rules here are… there aren’t any… not when it comes to asking questions. So, fire away. Ask anything you want. If I’m not ready to answer it, I’ll let ya know. And hopefully you’ll feel safe enough to show yourself and share your own unique story and your struggles.  Because we are not alone.  carlana stone, crossroads, elephant in the room, interact, questions, reflections nonadult false CONFRONTING THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM text blog carlana stone,crossroads,elephant in the room,interact,questions,reflections 357 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=7523045&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/icons/defaultMember_31351_portrait160X120.jpg false 0 Crossroads / Reflections 0 1822833 7523045 Platinum 11770 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Pin-Pricks/BLOG/1822811/31351.html <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->Okay.  As promised, I'm addressing that big bad elephant in the room. DO I EVER HAVE DAYS WHEN YOU FEEL SORRY FOR YOURSELF?THEN...I remember being in physical therapy - and the first "assessment" - I remember being pricked with sharp pins in my legs. I watched as the doctor inserted the sharp pin into my leg, however as i looked on, I felt nothing. My legs were as numb as my emotions. I outright refused to accept what was happening to me. To me! What have I done to deserve this? Well, I rationalized, I made the choice, I paid the price. Suddenly, i felt my world crumbing all around me. "Will I ever be 'normal' again?" I was panicked. But not one living soul was the wiser to my crafty ability to conceal the pain - the Fear -that was stewing inside of me. And to add insult to injury, following the "pin-prick" test, they measured me for my new wheelchair. Again, I grew distressed and this time, angry... which in my mind, is just another form that Fear takes on. "Why did they think I needed my own chair? Obviously, they don't understand who they were dealing with. This is just temporary" I thought. But somewhere, submerged in my subconscious, I knew. They knew. This isn't just "temporary." Everywhere I looked were signs of deep-rooted change. My legs were thinning. My ass, once solid as a rock, was beginning to lose its form. These images of the ever-changing landscape of my body raced through my mind - the things so central to my being...my identity. I was literally coming apart and there was nothing in the world I could do to stop it. The unbearable was quickly becoming the new normal. <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->Okay.  As promised, I'm addressing that big bad elephant in the room. DO I EVER HAVE DAYS WHEN YOU FEEL SORRY FOR YOURSELF?THEN...I remember being in physical therapy - and the first "assessment" - I remember being pricked with sharp pins in my legs. I watched as the doctor inserted the sharp pin into my leg, however as i looked on, I felt nothing. My legs were as numb as my emotions. I outright refused to accept what was happening to me. To me! What have I done to deserve this? Well, I rationalized, I made the choice, I paid the price. Suddenly, i felt my world crumbing all around me. "Will I ever be 'normal' again?" I was panicked. But not one living soul was the wiser to my crafty ability to conceal the pain - the Fear -that was stewing inside of me. And to add insult to injury, following the "pin-prick" test, they measured me for my new wheelchair. Again, I grew distressed and this time, angry... which in my mind, is just another form that Fear takes on. "Why did they think I needed my own chair? Obviously, they don't understand who they were dealing with. This is just temporary" I thought. But somewhere, submerged in my subconscious, I knew. They knew. This isn't just "temporary." Everywhere I looked were signs of deep-rooted change. My legs were thinning. My ass, once solid as a rock, was beginning to lose its form. These images of the ever-changing landscape of my body raced through my mind - the things so central to my being...my identity. I was literally coming apart and there was nothing in the world I could do to stop it. The unbearable was quickly becoming the new normal. Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:38:57 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Pin-Pricks/BLOG/1822811/31351.html CROSSROADS 2010-02-08T19:38:57Z Crossroads Reflections The Courage Community <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->Okay.  As promised, I'm addressing that big bad elephant in the room. DO I EVER HAVE DAYS WHEN YOU FEEL SORRY FOR YOURSELF?THEN...I remember being in physical therapy - and the first "assessment" - I remember being pricked with sharp pins in my legs. I watched as the doctor inserted the sharp pin into my leg, however as i looked on, I felt nothing. My legs were as numb as my emotions. I outright refused to accept what was happening to me. To me! What have I done to deserve this? Well, I rationalized, I made the choice, I paid the price. Suddenly, i felt my world crumbing all around me. "Will I ever be 'normal' again?" I was panicked. But not one living soul was the wiser to my crafty ability to conceal the pain - the Fear -that was stewing inside of me. And to add insult to injury, following the "pin-prick" test, they measured me for my new wheelchair. Again, I grew distressed and this time, angry... which in my mind, is just another form that Fear takes on. "Why did they think I needed my own chair? Obviously, they don't understand who they were dealing with. This is just temporary" I thought. But somewhere, submerged in my subconscious, I knew. They knew. This isn't just "temporary." Everywhere I looked were signs of deep-rooted change. My legs were thinning. My ass, once solid as a rock, was beginning to lose its form. These images of the ever-changing landscape of my body raced through my mind - the things so central to my being...my identity. I was literally coming apart and there was nothing in the world I could do to stop it. The unbearable was quickly becoming the new normal. carlana, carlana stone, crossroads, elephant in the room, feeling sorry for myself, pin pricks, reflections, self-pity, stone nonadult false Pin Pricks text blog carlana,carlana stone,crossroads,elephant in the room,feeling sorry for myself,pin pricks,reflections,self-pity,stone 359 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=7523045&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/icons/defaultMember_31351_portrait160X120.jpg false 0 Crossroads / Reflections 0 1822811 7523045 Platinum 11770 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Fortune-Cookies/BLOG/1822788/31351.html <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> Tonight, John and I had Chinese take-out. Orange Chicken? Scrumptious.Spicy Kung Pao. Any day of the week.Lo Mein. Yummy. While a tasty Chinese dinner satiates my palate, nothin beats that Fortune-telling delight to finish it off. I love fortune cookies. While I do notice whether the cookie's fresh and crunchy or old and chewy, it's pretty irrelevant to the fortune inside that predicts my fate. At times, I'll freely admit, I've found myself searching desperately for any sign of Hope. Yup... even a fortune cookie. Diggin into the now (almost) empty bag which enveloped the cartons containing the tasty Chinese dinner, I reach in to grab the fortune-telling cookie. There's no mistaking these cookies are predestined for their recipient. You know the rules. Whichever cookie is pointing toward any given person, that's the one that predicts our future. Mine read: "You will have full contentment by summer's end." I taped it to my computer. More often than not, I find myself latching onto something in the future as holding the promise of hope. But in my mind, I know how critical it is for me to stay in the present. In the moment. All I have is right now. If my mind is so fixated on what "tomorrow" might bring, what happens to today? What am I missing out on this very second? I've discovered that I miss all of the promising things that our Now has to offer. The longest stretch of highway, they say, is from the mind to the heart. I'm working on living in the Now. <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> Tonight, John and I had Chinese take-out. Orange Chicken? Scrumptious.Spicy Kung Pao. Any day of the week.Lo Mein. Yummy. While a tasty Chinese dinner satiates my palate, nothin beats that Fortune-telling delight to finish it off. I love fortune cookies. While I do notice whether the cookie's fresh and crunchy or old and chewy, it's pretty irrelevant to the fortune inside that predicts my fate. At times, I'll freely admit, I've found myself searching desperately for any sign of Hope. Yup... even a fortune cookie. Diggin into the now (almost) empty bag which enveloped the cartons containing the tasty Chinese dinner, I reach in to grab the fortune-telling cookie. There's no mistaking these cookies are predestined for their recipient. You know the rules. Whichever cookie is pointing toward any given person, that's the one that predicts our future. Mine read: "You will have full contentment by summer's end." I taped it to my computer. More often than not, I find myself latching onto something in the future as holding the promise of hope. But in my mind, I know how critical it is for me to stay in the present. In the moment. All I have is right now. If my mind is so fixated on what "tomorrow" might bring, what happens to today? What am I missing out on this very second? I've discovered that I miss all of the promising things that our Now has to offer. The longest stretch of highway, they say, is from the mind to the heart. I'm working on living in the Now. Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:23:51 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Fortune-Cookies/BLOG/1822788/31351.html CROSSROADS 2010-02-08T19:23:51Z Crossroads Reflections The Courage Community <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> Tonight, John and I had Chinese take-out. Orange Chicken? Scrumptious.Spicy Kung Pao. Any day of the week.Lo Mein. Yummy. While a tasty Chinese dinner satiates my palate, nothin beats that Fortune-telling delight to finish it off. I love fortune cookies. While I do notice whether the cookie's fresh and crunchy or old and chewy, it's pretty irrelevant to the fortune inside that predicts my fate. At times, I'll freely admit, I've found myself searching desperately for any sign of Hope. Yup... even a fortune cookie. Diggin into the now (almost) empty bag which enveloped the cartons containing the tasty Chinese dinner, I reach in to grab the fortune-telling cookie. There's no mistaking these cookies are predestined for their recipient. You know the rules. Whichever cookie is pointing toward any given person, that's the one that predicts our future. Mine read: "You will have full contentment by summer's end." I taped it to my computer. More often than not, I find myself latching onto something in the future as holding the promise of hope. But in my mind, I know how critical it is for me to stay in the present. In the moment. All I have is right now. If my mind is so fixated on what "tomorrow" might bring, what happens to today? What am I missing out on this very second? I've discovered that I miss all of the promising things that our Now has to offer. The longest stretch of highway, they say, is from the mind to the heart. I'm working on living in the Now. carlana, carlana stone, crossroads, fortune cookie, hope, now, reflections, stone nonadult false Fortune Cookies text blog carlana,carlana stone,crossroads,fortune cookie,hope,now,reflections,stone 287 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=7523045&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/icons/defaultMember_31351_portrait160X120.jpg false 0 Crossroads / Reflections 0 1822788 7523045 Platinum 11770 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Surprises/BLOG/1457180/31351.html I know still talking about my husband’s deployment but you know how these things go ….can’t let it go!The issue is, I never realized how much influence Uncle Sam had over my marriage until this past summer when we learned about the Surprise Deployment. It was supposed to be a time when my husband wouldn’t, even better couldn’t, deploy because he’s back in training. He told me repeatedly that while things are never really sure in the military, the next three months would certainly, even for military standards, have him home.Then in May he came home from work while I was cooking dinner (a rarity in itself) and furtively looked from me, to the stove, to the kitchen counters and back to me without uttering a syllable.I think he was assessing my mood on my Italian scale — hot, steaming or burning — hot being my steady state. After a few minutes of feeling his eyes on the back of my neck, I told him to go ahead and tell me what was wrong “for crying out loud!”“I’m deploying in a few days” was his response.My mood instantly shot up to burning, but I didn’t say anything. After a few minutes of compulsively stirring a saucepan — a giveaway that I wasn’t pleased — I told him that we would manage just fine, we’ve done it so many times. No big deal.Truthfully, I can manage most practical issues extremely well. I’m efficient and organized and keep everyone busy. I don’t get overwhelmed by the kids or our day-to-day living. However, the one thing suffers the most in these situations is our relationship. My husband and I have been fighting a lot since he told me the news of his upcoming deployment.It’s not that simple or straightforward. We don’t consciously decide that we’ll be on each other’s nerves or pick fights about insignificant details – it’s just the way stress comes out.This stress is directly related to deployments and constantly having the rug pulled from under our feet. Like most marriages, we’ve had our ups and downs but when we spend some time together we get along well. With him home since February, we’ve gone on dates, saw a couple of movies, wrote silly cards to each other, and felt like we were actually getting to know each other all over again.Then the unexpected deployment comes around and the stress mounts again. I start arguing in my usual Italian manner and my husband retreats into an impenetrable emotional fortress.I don’t like to think that Uncle Sam is such a big presence in my marriage but he clearly is. Deployments create a lot of problems for us, not unsurpassable ones, but real ones nonetheless.I know, I know … tough it out and stop complaining, we signed up for this, no one forced us, and so on. I also know that my husband is part of special operations which means more intense and unpredictable rotations. But the deployment stress adds one more layer of pressure on the family.I don’t have any great suggestions for how to fix the volatile nature of military life. Particularly in a time of war, all of us in the military make sacrifices. I guess I’m just blowing off a little steam, in the hope that maybe my Italian mood level might drop back down to being merely “hot,” and my husband and I can enjoy a short, stress-free time before he heads out the door. I know still talking about my husband’s deployment but you know how these things go ….can’t let it go!The issue is, I never realized how much influence Uncle Sam had over my marriage until this past summer when we learned about the Surprise Deployment. It was supposed to be a time when my husband wouldn’t, even better couldn’t, deploy because he’s back in training. He told me repeatedly that while things are never really sure in the military, the next three months would certainly, even for military standards, have him home.Then in May he came home from work while I was cooking dinner (a rarity in itself) and furtively looked from me, to the stove, to the kitchen counters and back to me without uttering a syllable.I think he was assessing my mood on my Italian scale — hot, steaming or burning — hot being my steady state. After a few minutes of feeling his eyes on the back of my neck, I told him to go ahead and tell me what was wrong “for crying out loud!”“I’m deploying in a few days” was his response.My mood instantly shot up to burning, but I didn’t say anything. After a few minutes of compulsively stirring a saucepan — a giveaway that I wasn’t pleased — I told him that we would manage just fine, we’ve done it so many times. No big deal.Truthfully, I can manage most practical issues extremely well. I’m efficient and organized and keep everyone busy. I don’t get overwhelmed by the kids or our day-to-day living. However, the one thing suffers the most in these situations is our relationship. My husband and I have been fighting a lot since he told me the news of his upcoming deployment.It’s not that simple or straightforward. We don’t consciously decide that we’ll be on each other’s nerves or pick fights about insignificant details – it’s just the way stress comes out.This stress is directly related to deployments and constantly having the rug pulled from under our feet. Like most marriages, we’ve had our ups and downs but when we spend some time together we get along well. With him home since February, we’ve gone on dates, saw a couple of movies, wrote silly cards to each other, and felt like we were actually getting to know each other all over again.Then the unexpected deployment comes around and the stress mounts again. I start arguing in my usual Italian manner and my husband retreats into an impenetrable emotional fortress.I don’t like to think that Uncle Sam is such a big presence in my marriage but he clearly is. Deployments create a lot of problems for us, not unsurpassable ones, but real ones nonetheless.I know, I know … tough it out and stop complaining, we signed up for this, no one forced us, and so on. I also know that my husband is part of special operations which means more intense and unpredictable rotations. But the deployment stress adds one more layer of pressure on the family.I don’t have any great suggestions for how to fix the volatile nature of military life. Particularly in a time of war, all of us in the military make sacrifices. I guess I’m just blowing off a little steam, in the hope that maybe my Italian mood level might drop back down to being merely “hot,” and my husband and I can enjoy a short, stress-free time before he heads out the door. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:55:31 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Surprises/BLOG/1457180/31351.html Anita 2009-11-03T13:55:31Z The Courage Community I know still talking about my husband’s deployment but you know how these things go ….can’t let it go!The issue is, I never realized how much influence Uncle Sam had over my marriage until this past summer when we learned about the Surprise Deployment. It was supposed to be a time when my husband wouldn’t, even better couldn’t, deploy because he’s back in training. He told me repeatedly that while things are never really sure in the military, the next three months would certainly, even for military standards, have him home.Then in May he came home from work while I was cooking dinner (a rarity in itself) and furtively looked from me, to the stove, to the kitchen counters and back to me without uttering a syllable.I think he was assessing my mood on my Italian scale — hot, steaming or burning — hot being my steady state. After a few minutes of feeling his eyes on the back of my neck, I told him to go ahead and tell me what was wrong “for crying out loud!”“I’m deploying in a few days” was his response.My mood instantly shot up to burning, but I didn’t say anything. After a few minutes of compulsively stirring a saucepan — a giveaway that I wasn’t pleased — I told him that we would manage just fine, we’ve done it so many times. No big deal.Truthfully, I can manage most practical issues extremely well. I’m efficient and organized and keep everyone busy. I don’t get overwhelmed by the kids or our day-to-day living. However, the one thing suffers the most in these situations is our relationship. My husband and I have been fighting a lot since he told me the news of his upcoming deployment.It’s not that simple or straightforward. We don’t consciously decide that we’ll be on each other’s nerves or pick fights about insignificant details – it’s just the way stress comes out.This stress is directly related to deployments and constantly having the rug pulled from under our feet. Like most marriages, we’ve had our ups and downs but when we spend some time together we get along well. With him home since February, we’ve gone on dates, saw a couple of movies, wrote silly cards to each other, and felt like we were actually getting to know each other all over again.Then the unexpected deployment comes around and the stress mounts again. I start arguing in my usual Italian manner and my husband retreats into an impenetrable emotional fortress.I don’t like to think that Uncle Sam is such a big presence in my marriage but he clearly is. Deployments create a lot of problems for us, not unsurpassable ones, but real ones nonetheless.I know, I know … tough it out and stop complaining, we signed up for this, no one forced us, and so on. I also know that my husband is part of special operations which means more intense and unpredictable rotations. But the deployment stress adds one more layer of pressure on the family.I don’t have any great suggestions for how to fix the volatile nature of military life. Particularly in a time of war, all of us in the military make sacrifices. I guess I’m just blowing off a little steam, in the hope that maybe my Italian mood level might drop back down to being merely “hot,” and my husband and I can enjoy a short, stress-free time before he heads out the door. anita, deployments, fights, marriage, tedaldi nonadult false Surprises text blog anita,deployments,fights,marriage,tedaldi 349 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13110560&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/photos/PHOTO_5519194_31351_13110560_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 1457180 13110560 Silver 1560 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Long-distance-intimacy/BLOG/1457176/31351.html I often receive questions about relationships from other women. Being from Italy, the land of passion, my reputation as a Latin lover at times precedes my reputation as writer. Recently, an anonymous reader I will call Jane asked me if I had tips to stay intimate with a partner during long absences and in her particular case deployments.I started responding to Jane and realized that the answer was harder than what I thought. For starters, this topic can be embarrassing for the writer and the reader. I know you don’t want to know specifics of my sex life, and probably don’t especially want to share yours. But being too broad and dispensing advice that is obvious doesn’t work either. Intimacy is a crucial part of any relationship and we should work on it by communicating and being honest, but what exactly does this mean when it comes to the physical part of intimacy, in the context of long absences?I’m not reducing intimacy to sex. Intimacy is much more than physical closeness, it includes the emotional, mental, and the visceral desire to be with another person. Open communication and honesty go a long way when we only have phone calls and emails. But my experience has been that the scale is tipped toward all other aspects of intimacy and that when it comes time to talk about sex, people turn purple and start talking in generalities.It’s embarrassing. Women in particular have a hard time discussing sex and admitting that they miss it – which doesn’t mean that one should go out and look for it elsewhere. But it does mean that acknowledging our physical frustration can help bring us closer to our partner and strengthen other areas of our relationship. Personally, I have ignored this aspect of my marriage on more than one occasion when my husband was gone. I didn’t know what to say or how to share my thoughts with him. I loved him and he loved me, but should I send him a steamy letter about our sex life or suggest that I can take care of my needs on my own while he’s gone? (There I said it, now you don’t have to feel badly about thinking it!).When I started hinting at things or being upfront about these issues, my husband and I got much closer.The best thing that I can say to my friend Jane is that if she wants to be intimate with her husband while he is apart, she needs to find out what intimacy means to her personally. Is it sharing a fantasy, is it a steamy letter or code words on the phone? Is it buying special toys while her loved one is gone and telling him about it? Or is it much less steamy, a heart and sweet words letter?I can’t give Jane the answers. But I can say that sex within the context of a loving relationship needs to be acknowledged and that oftentimes, for men especially, it validates their emotional needs.Absence is never easy. But with a little attention to each other’s needs, it can, as the expression goes, make the heart grow fonder. I often receive questions about relationships from other women. Being from Italy, the land of passion, my reputation as a Latin lover at times precedes my reputation as writer. Recently, an anonymous reader I will call Jane asked me if I had tips to stay intimate with a partner during long absences and in her particular case deployments.I started responding to Jane and realized that the answer was harder than what I thought. For starters, this topic can be embarrassing for the writer and the reader. I know you don’t want to know specifics of my sex life, and probably don’t especially want to share yours. But being too broad and dispensing advice that is obvious doesn’t work either. Intimacy is a crucial part of any relationship and we should work on it by communicating and being honest, but what exactly does this mean when it comes to the physical part of intimacy, in the context of long absences?I’m not reducing intimacy to sex. Intimacy is much more than physical closeness, it includes the emotional, mental, and the visceral desire to be with another person. Open communication and honesty go a long way when we only have phone calls and emails. But my experience has been that the scale is tipped toward all other aspects of intimacy and that when it comes time to talk about sex, people turn purple and start talking in generalities.It’s embarrassing. Women in particular have a hard time discussing sex and admitting that they miss it – which doesn’t mean that one should go out and look for it elsewhere. But it does mean that acknowledging our physical frustration can help bring us closer to our partner and strengthen other areas of our relationship. Personally, I have ignored this aspect of my marriage on more than one occasion when my husband was gone. I didn’t know what to say or how to share my thoughts with him. I loved him and he loved me, but should I send him a steamy letter about our sex life or suggest that I can take care of my needs on my own while he’s gone? (There I said it, now you don’t have to feel badly about thinking it!).When I started hinting at things or being upfront about these issues, my husband and I got much closer.The best thing that I can say to my friend Jane is that if she wants to be intimate with her husband while he is apart, she needs to find out what intimacy means to her personally. Is it sharing a fantasy, is it a steamy letter or code words on the phone? Is it buying special toys while her loved one is gone and telling him about it? Or is it much less steamy, a heart and sweet words letter?I can’t give Jane the answers. But I can say that sex within the context of a loving relationship needs to be acknowledged and that oftentimes, for men especially, it validates their emotional needs.Absence is never easy. But with a little attention to each other’s needs, it can, as the expression goes, make the heart grow fonder. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:52:18 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Long-distance-intimacy/BLOG/1457176/31351.html Anita 2009-11-03T13:52:18Z BuildingBridges The Courage Community I often receive questions about relationships from other women. Being from Italy, the land of passion, my reputation as a Latin lover at times precedes my reputation as writer. Recently, an anonymous reader I will call Jane asked me if I had tips to stay intimate with a partner during long absences and in her particular case deployments.I started responding to Jane and realized that the answer was harder than what I thought. For starters, this topic can be embarrassing for the writer and the reader. I know you don’t want to know specifics of my sex life, and probably don’t especially want to share yours. But being too broad and dispensing advice that is obvious doesn’t work either. Intimacy is a crucial part of any relationship and we should work on it by communicating and being honest, but what exactly does this mean when it comes to the physical part of intimacy, in the context of long absences?I’m not reducing intimacy to sex. Intimacy is much more than physical closeness, it includes the emotional, mental, and the visceral desire to be with another person. Open communication and honesty go a long way when we only have phone calls and emails. But my experience has been that the scale is tipped toward all other aspects of intimacy and that when it comes time to talk about sex, people turn purple and start talking in generalities.It’s embarrassing. Women in particular have a hard time discussing sex and admitting that they miss it – which doesn’t mean that one should go out and look for it elsewhere. But it does mean that acknowledging our physical frustration can help bring us closer to our partner and strengthen other areas of our relationship. Personally, I have ignored this aspect of my marriage on more than one occasion when my husband was gone. I didn’t know what to say or how to share my thoughts with him. I loved him and he loved me, but should I send him a steamy letter about our sex life or suggest that I can take care of my needs on my own while he’s gone? (There I said it, now you don’t have to feel badly about thinking it!).When I started hinting at things or being upfront about these issues, my husband and I got much closer.The best thing that I can say to my friend Jane is that if she wants to be intimate with her husband while he is apart, she needs to find out what intimacy means to her personally. Is it sharing a fantasy, is it a steamy letter or code words on the phone? Is it buying special toys while her loved one is gone and telling him about it? Or is it much less steamy, a heart and sweet words letter?I can’t give Jane the answers. But I can say that sex within the context of a loving relationship needs to be acknowledged and that oftentimes, for men especially, it validates their emotional needs.Absence is never easy. But with a little attention to each other’s needs, it can, as the expression goes, make the heart grow fonder. anita, bridges, building, buildingbridges, deployment, distance, intimacy, long, military, tedaldi, war, wife nonadult false Long distance intimacy text blog anita,bridges,building,buildingbridges,deployment,distance,intimacy,long,military,tedaldi,war,wife 425 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13110560&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/photos/PHOTO_5519194_31351_13110560_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 BuildingBridges 1 1457176 13110560 Silver 1560 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Intimacy/BLOG/1457165/31351.html I often receive questions about relationships from other women. Being from Italy, the land of passion, my reputation as a Latin lover at times precedes my reputation as writer. Recently, an anonymous reader I will call Jane asked me if I had tips to stay intimate with a partner during long absences and in her particular case deployments.I started responding to Jane and realized that the answer was harder than what I thought. For starters, this topic can be embarrassing for the writer and the reader. I know you don’t want to know specifics of my sex life, and probably don’t especially want to share yours. But being too broad and dispensing advice that is obvious doesn’t work either. Intimacy is a crucial part of any relationship and we should work on it by communicating and being honest, but what exactly does this mean when it comes to the physical part of intimacy, in the context of long absences?I’m not reducing intimacy to sex. Intimacy is much more than physical closeness, it includes the emotional, mental, and the visceral desire to be with another person. Open communication and honesty go a long way when we only have phone calls and emails. But my experience has been that the scale is tipped toward all other aspects of intimacy and that when it comes time to talk about sex, people turn purple and start talking in generalities.It’s embarrassing. Women in particular have a hard time discussing sex and admitting that they miss it – which doesn’t mean that one should go out and look for it elsewhere. But it does mean that acknowledging our physical frustration can help bring us closer to our partner and strengthen other areas of our relationship. Personally, I have ignored this aspect of my marriage on more than one occasion when my husband was gone. I didn’t know what to say or how to share my thoughts with him. I loved him and he loved me, but should I send him a steamy letter about our sex life or suggest that I can take care of my needs on my own while he’s gone? (There I said it, now you don’t have to feel badly about thinking it!).When I started hinting at things or being upfront about these issues, my husband and I got much closer.The best thing that I can say to my friend Jane is that if she wants to be intimate with her husband while he is apart, she needs to find out what intimacy means to her personally. Is it sharing a fantasy, is it a steamy letter or code words on the phone? Is it buying special toys while her loved one is gone and telling him about it? Or is it much less steamy, a heart and sweet words letter?I can’t give Jane the answers. But I can say that sex within the context of a loving relationship needs to be acknowledged and that oftentimes, for men especially, it validates their emotional needs.Absence is never easy. But with a little attention to each other’s needs, it can, as the expression goes, make the heart grow fonder. I often receive questions about relationships from other women. Being from Italy, the land of passion, my reputation as a Latin lover at times precedes my reputation as writer. Recently, an anonymous reader I will call Jane asked me if I had tips to stay intimate with a partner during long absences and in her particular case deployments.I started responding to Jane and realized that the answer was harder than what I thought. For starters, this topic can be embarrassing for the writer and the reader. I know you don’t want to know specifics of my sex life, and probably don’t especially want to share yours. But being too broad and dispensing advice that is obvious doesn’t work either. Intimacy is a crucial part of any relationship and we should work on it by communicating and being honest, but what exactly does this mean when it comes to the physical part of intimacy, in the context of long absences?I’m not reducing intimacy to sex. Intimacy is much more than physical closeness, it includes the emotional, mental, and the visceral desire to be with another person. Open communication and honesty go a long way when we only have phone calls and emails. But my experience has been that the scale is tipped toward all other aspects of intimacy and that when it comes time to talk about sex, people turn purple and start talking in generalities.It’s embarrassing. Women in particular have a hard time discussing sex and admitting that they miss it – which doesn’t mean that one should go out and look for it elsewhere. But it does mean that acknowledging our physical frustration can help bring us closer to our partner and strengthen other areas of our relationship. Personally, I have ignored this aspect of my marriage on more than one occasion when my husband was gone. I didn’t know what to say or how to share my thoughts with him. I loved him and he loved me, but should I send him a steamy letter about our sex life or suggest that I can take care of my needs on my own while he’s gone? (There I said it, now you don’t have to feel badly about thinking it!).When I started hinting at things or being upfront about these issues, my husband and I got much closer.The best thing that I can say to my friend Jane is that if she wants to be intimate with her husband while he is apart, she needs to find out what intimacy means to her personally. Is it sharing a fantasy, is it a steamy letter or code words on the phone? Is it buying special toys while her loved one is gone and telling him about it? Or is it much less steamy, a heart and sweet words letter?I can’t give Jane the answers. But I can say that sex within the context of a loving relationship needs to be acknowledged and that oftentimes, for men especially, it validates their emotional needs.Absence is never easy. But with a little attention to each other’s needs, it can, as the expression goes, make the heart grow fonder. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:43:27 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Intimacy/BLOG/1457165/31351.html Anita 2009-11-03T13:43:27Z The Courage Community I often receive questions about relationships from other women. Being from Italy, the land of passion, my reputation as a Latin lover at times precedes my reputation as writer. Recently, an anonymous reader I will call Jane asked me if I had tips to stay intimate with a partner during long absences and in her particular case deployments.I started responding to Jane and realized that the answer was harder than what I thought. For starters, this topic can be embarrassing for the writer and the reader. I know you don’t want to know specifics of my sex life, and probably don’t especially want to share yours. But being too broad and dispensing advice that is obvious doesn’t work either. Intimacy is a crucial part of any relationship and we should work on it by communicating and being honest, but what exactly does this mean when it comes to the physical part of intimacy, in the context of long absences?I’m not reducing intimacy to sex. Intimacy is much more than physical closeness, it includes the emotional, mental, and the visceral desire to be with another person. Open communication and honesty go a long way when we only have phone calls and emails. But my experience has been that the scale is tipped toward all other aspects of intimacy and that when it comes time to talk about sex, people turn purple and start talking in generalities.It’s embarrassing. Women in particular have a hard time discussing sex and admitting that they miss it – which doesn’t mean that one should go out and look for it elsewhere. But it does mean that acknowledging our physical frustration can help bring us closer to our partner and strengthen other areas of our relationship. Personally, I have ignored this aspect of my marriage on more than one occasion when my husband was gone. I didn’t know what to say or how to share my thoughts with him. I loved him and he loved me, but should I send him a steamy letter about our sex life or suggest that I can take care of my needs on my own while he’s gone? (There I said it, now you don’t have to feel badly about thinking it!).When I started hinting at things or being upfront about these issues, my husband and I got much closer.The best thing that I can say to my friend Jane is that if she wants to be intimate with her husband while he is apart, she needs to find out what intimacy means to her personally. Is it sharing a fantasy, is it a steamy letter or code words on the phone? Is it buying special toys while her loved one is gone and telling him about it? Or is it much less steamy, a heart and sweet words letter?I can’t give Jane the answers. But I can say that sex within the context of a loving relationship needs to be acknowledged and that oftentimes, for men especially, it validates their emotional needs.Absence is never easy. But with a little attention to each other’s needs, it can, as the expression goes, make the heart grow fonder. military, intimacy, long distance relationship, anita tedaldi, deployment, Iraq, veterans nonadult false Intimacy text blog military, intimacy, long distance relationship, anita tedaldi, deployment, Iraq, veterans 39 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13110560&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/photos/PHOTO_5519194_31351_13110560_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 1457165 13110560 Silver 1560 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Dara-Torres/BLOG/1457162/31351.html I interviewed Dara Torres and I wanted to post some of the interview I conducted. First of all, Dara’s abs are every woman’s dream, but her personal story is what’s truly inspirational. I like that in her book, Age is Just a Number, she doesn’t only talk about her amazing success but also about some of her difficult times and the obstacles she overcame.ANITA: What advice do you have for moms who feel they are indeed too old to do something or to try something after they have children?DARA: My advice for these moms would be not to think that way. You’re never too old to do or try to do something, including after you have children.ANITA: What was it like to train for the Olympics in your early forties? Is training different for you now that you’re older than it was when you were younger?DARA: Training for the Olympics in my forties was a lot different than when I was younger. At my age, I have to be much more aware about what of my body can and can’t do. Recovery time for my body is very different now than what it was when I was training for the Olympics as a teenager.ANITA: Is your relationship to the sport different now that you are older?DARA: Yes, my relationship with swimming has definitely changed with age. I see it from a different perspective and appreciate it so much more than I did when I was younger.ANITA:Has being a mom made a difference in your experience as an athlete and at the Olympics?DARA: Being a mom made me realize that being an athlete and making it to the Olympics is not the most important thing. Realizing that really helped take the pressure off as I was training for the 2008 Olympics.ANITA: You talk about infertility in your book – what got you through those tough times?DARA: There were a lot of ups and downs and it was a really tough time in my life because I had no control. As an athlete, I’m used to having power over the outcome, I know what I have to do in order to win a race; but with this, there wasn’t anything I could do and there were no guarantees that I would have a baby.ANITA: All women struggle with body image. You truly look amazing yet you’ve struggle with an eating disorder. Do you have insights you can share about your own experience and how you overcame bulimia?DARA: I was embarrassed about my eating disorder and was afraid to talk to someone about it. Getting over the embarrassment was difficult for me but I got tired of keeping my bulimia a secret and consented to get help.ANITA:Do you still have tough days?DARA: No, I am over my eating disorder completely.ANITA: Your father passed away and you write about how difficult it was. What helped you make it through those sad times?DARA: The first year was really hard; it was an emotional roller coaster for me. I felt like my father was still with me and that helped make it easier.ANITA: Do you consider competing at the next Olympics?DARA: Yes but I would have to take a lot of things into consideration. I’m going to have to see what happens this summer with Nationals and Worlds.ANITA: Do you have future plans for what you’ll do after you’re done swimming professionally?DARA: No, I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up.I loved the last thing she said. I too feel that I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up. Thinking about Dara I can’t help but envy her six pack….but as I stare at a picture of her super-defined stomach I realize that I’d settle for a two pack and it wouldn’t even have to look half as good as hers… I interviewed Dara Torres and I wanted to post some of the interview I conducted. First of all, Dara’s abs are every woman’s dream, but her personal story is what’s truly inspirational. I like that in her book, Age is Just a Number, she doesn’t only talk about her amazing success but also about some of her difficult times and the obstacles she overcame.ANITA: What advice do you have for moms who feel they are indeed too old to do something or to try something after they have children?DARA: My advice for these moms would be not to think that way. You’re never too old to do or try to do something, including after you have children.ANITA: What was it like to train for the Olympics in your early forties? Is training different for you now that you’re older than it was when you were younger?DARA: Training for the Olympics in my forties was a lot different than when I was younger. At my age, I have to be much more aware about what of my body can and can’t do. Recovery time for my body is very different now than what it was when I was training for the Olympics as a teenager.ANITA: Is your relationship to the sport different now that you are older?DARA: Yes, my relationship with swimming has definitely changed with age. I see it from a different perspective and appreciate it so much more than I did when I was younger.ANITA:Has being a mom made a difference in your experience as an athlete and at the Olympics?DARA: Being a mom made me realize that being an athlete and making it to the Olympics is not the most important thing. Realizing that really helped take the pressure off as I was training for the 2008 Olympics.ANITA: You talk about infertility in your book – what got you through those tough times?DARA: There were a lot of ups and downs and it was a really tough time in my life because I had no control. As an athlete, I’m used to having power over the outcome, I know what I have to do in order to win a race; but with this, there wasn’t anything I could do and there were no guarantees that I would have a baby.ANITA: All women struggle with body image. You truly look amazing yet you’ve struggle with an eating disorder. Do you have insights you can share about your own experience and how you overcame bulimia?DARA: I was embarrassed about my eating disorder and was afraid to talk to someone about it. Getting over the embarrassment was difficult for me but I got tired of keeping my bulimia a secret and consented to get help.ANITA:Do you still have tough days?DARA: No, I am over my eating disorder completely.ANITA: Your father passed away and you write about how difficult it was. What helped you make it through those sad times?DARA: The first year was really hard; it was an emotional roller coaster for me. I felt like my father was still with me and that helped make it easier.ANITA: Do you consider competing at the next Olympics?DARA: Yes but I would have to take a lot of things into consideration. I’m going to have to see what happens this summer with Nationals and Worlds.ANITA: Do you have future plans for what you’ll do after you’re done swimming professionally?DARA: No, I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up.I loved the last thing she said. I too feel that I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up. Thinking about Dara I can’t help but envy her six pack….but as I stare at a picture of her super-defined stomach I realize that I’d settle for a two pack and it wouldn’t even have to look half as good as hers… Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:39:14 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Dara-Torres/BLOG/1457162/31351.html BuildingBridges 2009-11-03T13:39:14Z BuildingBridges The Courage Community I interviewed Dara Torres and I wanted to post some of the interview I conducted. First of all, Dara’s abs are every woman’s dream, but her personal story is what’s truly inspirational. I like that in her book, Age is Just a Number, she doesn’t only talk about her amazing success but also about some of her difficult times and the obstacles she overcame.ANITA: What advice do you have for moms who feel they are indeed too old to do something or to try something after they have children?DARA: My advice for these moms would be not to think that way. You’re never too old to do or try to do something, including after you have children.ANITA: What was it like to train for the Olympics in your early forties? Is training different for you now that you’re older than it was when you were younger?DARA: Training for the Olympics in my forties was a lot different than when I was younger. At my age, I have to be much more aware about what of my body can and can’t do. Recovery time for my body is very different now than what it was when I was training for the Olympics as a teenager.ANITA: Is your relationship to the sport different now that you are older?DARA: Yes, my relationship with swimming has definitely changed with age. I see it from a different perspective and appreciate it so much more than I did when I was younger.ANITA:Has being a mom made a difference in your experience as an athlete and at the Olympics?DARA: Being a mom made me realize that being an athlete and making it to the Olympics is not the most important thing. Realizing that really helped take the pressure off as I was training for the 2008 Olympics.ANITA: You talk about infertility in your book – what got you through those tough times?DARA: There were a lot of ups and downs and it was a really tough time in my life because I had no control. As an athlete, I’m used to having power over the outcome, I know what I have to do in order to win a race; but with this, there wasn’t anything I could do and there were no guarantees that I would have a baby.ANITA: All women struggle with body image. You truly look amazing yet you’ve struggle with an eating disorder. Do you have insights you can share about your own experience and how you overcame bulimia?DARA: I was embarrassed about my eating disorder and was afraid to talk to someone about it. Getting over the embarrassment was difficult for me but I got tired of keeping my bulimia a secret and consented to get help.ANITA:Do you still have tough days?DARA: No, I am over my eating disorder completely.ANITA: Your father passed away and you write about how difficult it was. What helped you make it through those sad times?DARA: The first year was really hard; it was an emotional roller coaster for me. I felt like my father was still with me and that helped make it easier.ANITA: Do you consider competing at the next Olympics?DARA: Yes but I would have to take a lot of things into consideration. I’m going to have to see what happens this summer with Nationals and Worlds.ANITA: Do you have future plans for what you’ll do after you’re done swimming professionally?DARA: No, I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up.I loved the last thing she said. I too feel that I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up. Thinking about Dara I can’t help but envy her six pack….but as I stare at a picture of her super-defined stomach I realize that I’d settle for a two pack and it wouldn’t even have to look half as good as hers… buildingbridges, bulimia, dara, divorce, father, infertility, interview, olympics, passing, swimming, torres nonadult false Dara Torres text blog buildingbridges,bulimia,dara,divorce,father,infertility,interview,olympics,passing,swimming,torres 311 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13110087&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/photos/PHOTO_5519004_31351_13110087_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 BuildingBridges 0 1457162 13110087 Silver 1600 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Children-and-inspiration/BLOG/1457158/31351.html <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; line-height:115%;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}I'm excited to start my journey here at the courage community. I hope you'll join me soon. I'm traveling this week, but will be back in touch next week to share some of this crazy ride with all its twists and turns.BTW if you are traveling a straight road - in life that woudl be - let me know which one it is I still haven't found one.I want to share a little bit about my children who are such a big part of my life. I have five daughters.My kids inspire me to be a better person. They test my patience, they make me laugh, they make me cry, they humble me.I can always do better for them.My daughter Anna has a special place in my heart. One that includes uneven bars, a beam, a bouncy floor and a vault. Anna is six and a half years old. She’s a competitive gymnast.Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1107304683 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; line-height:115%;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}Gymnastics is tough. It demands everything and more. Anna trains twenty hours per week. Her love of gymnastics is far older than her young age. It’s so big I wonder if her little heart can hold it all in one place. That’s why sometimes I carry that love in my heart. That’s why sometimes my heart skips a beat when she tumbles through the air.But then I look at her face and there she is, my Anna. Smiling at her coach. She has hard calluses on her hands from all the time spent on those uneven bars. She’s so proud when she gets a rip, when she does a kip with straight arms. She doesn’t stop when it’s tough. Even if the high bar looks far from where she’s standing. And she just goes for it. Some days she sticks it. Some days she falls on her butt. But she keeps going back and striving for more.[image]I stand on the sidelines because I can’t make it happen for her. No one can. It’s all within her. I can bring you to the road she wishes to take but she walks this path alone. I’m here, I watch and smile and kiss her little cheek. And shed a tear when she falls and gets hurt. Sometimes I wonder if it’s too much for a small child, but she can’t seem to stop practicing no matter where we go. she's determined and strong and she's one of the loves of my life. How do your kids inspire you?      <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; line-height:115%;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}I'm excited to start my journey here at the courage community. I hope you'll join me soon. I'm traveling this week, but will be back in touch next week to share some of this crazy ride with all its twists and turns.BTW if you are traveling a straight road - in life that woudl be - let me know which one it is I still haven't found one.I want to share a little bit about my children who are such a big part of my life. I have five daughters.My kids inspire me to be a better person. They test my patience, they make me laugh, they make me cry, they humble me.I can always do better for them.My daughter Anna has a special place in my heart. One that includes uneven bars, a beam, a bouncy floor and a vault. Anna is six and a half years old. She’s a competitive gymnast.Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1107304683 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; line-height:115%;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}Gymnastics is tough. It demands everything and more. Anna trains twenty hours per week. Her love of gymnastics is far older than her young age. It’s so big I wonder if her little heart can hold it all in one place. That’s why sometimes I carry that love in my heart. That’s why sometimes my heart skips a beat when she tumbles through the air.But then I look at her face and there she is, my Anna. Smiling at her coach. She has hard calluses on her hands from all the time spent on those uneven bars. She’s so proud when she gets a rip, when she does a kip with straight arms. She doesn’t stop when it’s tough. Even if the high bar looks far from where she’s standing. And she just goes for it. Some days she sticks it. Some days she falls on her butt. But she keeps going back and striving for more.[image]I stand on the sidelines because I can’t make it happen for her. No one can. It’s all within her. I can bring you to the road she wishes to take but she walks this path alone. I’m here, I watch and smile and kiss her little cheek. And shed a tear when she falls and gets hurt. Sometimes I wonder if it’s too much for a small child, but she can’t seem to stop practicing no matter where we go. she's determined and strong and she's one of the loves of my life. How do your kids inspire you?      Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:37:16 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Children-and-inspiration/BLOG/1457158/31351.html BuildingBridges 2009-11-03T13:37:16Z BuildingBridges The Courage Community <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; line-height:115%;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}I'm excited to start my journey here at the courage community. I hope you'll join me soon. I'm traveling this week, but will be back in touch next week to share some of this crazy ride with all its twists and turns.BTW if you are traveling a straight road - in life that woudl be - let me know which one it is I still haven't found one.I want to share a little bit about my children who are such a big part of my life. I have five daughters.My kids inspire me to be a better person. They test my patience, they make me laugh, they make me cry, they humble me.I can always do better for them.My daughter Anna has a special place in my heart. One that includes uneven bars, a beam, a bouncy floor and a vault. Anna is six and a half years old. She’s a competitive gymnast.Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1107304683 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; line-height:115%;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}Gymnastics is tough. It demands everything and more. Anna trains twenty hours per week. Her love of gymnastics is far older than her young age. It’s so big I wonder if her little heart can hold it all in one place. That’s why sometimes I carry that love in my heart. That’s why sometimes my heart skips a beat when she tumbles through the air.But then I look at her face and there she is, my Anna. Smiling at her coach. She has hard calluses on her hands from all the time spent on those uneven bars. She’s so proud when she gets a rip, when she does a kip with straight arms. She doesn’t stop when it’s tough. Even if the high bar looks far from where she’s standing. And she just goes for it. Some days she sticks it. Some days she falls on her butt. But she keeps going back and striving for more.[image]I stand on the sidelines because I can’t make it happen for her. No one can. It’s all within her. I can bring you to the road she wishes to take but she walks this path alone. I’m here, I watch and smile and kiss her little cheek. And shed a tear when she falls and gets hurt. Sometimes I wonder if it’s too much for a small child, but she can’t seem to stop practicing no matter where we go. she's determined and strong and she's one of the loves of my life. How do your kids inspire you?      bars, buildingbridges, carlana, children, community, competitive, courage, floor, gymnastics, how, inspiration, military, stone, to, travel, uneven, vault nonadult false Children and inspiration text blog bars,buildingbridges,carlana,children,community,competitive,courage,floor,gymnastics,how,inspiration,military,stone,to,travel,uneven,vault 323 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=13110087&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/photos/PHOTO_5519004_31351_13110087_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 BuildingBridges 0 1457158 13110087 Silver 1600 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Ride-for-Courage-09-Days-of-Summer-Survival/BLOG/1065052/31351.html <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->Next coupla days were spent riding through the blazin' ass 120 degree heat of the Arizona and California desert - packin ice bags down any open cranny we could find on our leathered-up torsos and extremities. Upon departure from one truck stop, I went from a 34 D to a rock-hard, 42 DDD - but moments later, those triple D's drooped like my grandma's as the ice quickly melted into warm H2O.in the desert heat, i learned quickly that a bra packed with ice packs doesn't hold up like silicone implants!As we made it closer to home, I charged like a quarterhorse racing towards the barn... home to my baby's arms - better for the wear... and STILL comin down from the oh so surreal experience.  <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->Next coupla days were spent riding through the blazin' ass 120 degree heat of the Arizona and California desert - packin ice bags down any open cranny we could find on our leathered-up torsos and extremities. Upon departure from one truck stop, I went from a 34 D to a rock-hard, 42 DDD - but moments later, those triple D's drooped like my grandma's as the ice quickly melted into warm H2O.in the desert heat, i learned quickly that a bra packed with ice packs doesn't hold up like silicone implants!As we made it closer to home, I charged like a quarterhorse racing towards the barn... home to my baby's arms - better for the wear... and STILL comin down from the oh so surreal experience.  Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:07:18 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Ride-for-Courage-09-Days-of-Summer-Survival/BLOG/1065052/31351.html Carlana 2009-10-12T11:07:18Z Ride for Courage 09 The Courage Community <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->Next coupla days were spent riding through the blazin' ass 120 degree heat of the Arizona and California desert - packin ice bags down any open cranny we could find on our leathered-up torsos and extremities. Upon departure from one truck stop, I went from a 34 D to a rock-hard, 42 DDD - but moments later, those triple D's drooped like my grandma's as the ice quickly melted into warm H2O.in the desert heat, i learned quickly that a bra packed with ice packs doesn't hold up like silicone implants!As we made it closer to home, I charged like a quarterhorse racing towards the barn... home to my baby's arms - better for the wear... and STILL comin down from the oh so surreal experience.  coming home, desert heat, ride for courage 09, ride for courage '09 nonadult false "Ride for Courage '09 - Days of Summer - Survival text blog coming home,desert heat,ride for courage 09,ride for courage '09 323 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2689829&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/photos/PHOTO_5549635_31351_2689829_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 Ride for Courage 09 1 1065052 2689829 Platinum 7645 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Ride-for-Courage-Day-12-MOAB/BLOG/1064877/31351.html <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->TRIP HOMEDAY 12PART I  Moab. It just doesn't get any more beautiful than the twisty windy roads off the 191 that lead ya into and throughout Moab. It was nearly impossible to keep my eyes on the road. With no guardrails which have always give me some sense of safety from the cliffs that hang below such moutainous roads, with each and every turn around the bend, the splendor grew. I just kept saying, actually screaming, Wow. Wow. Wow. No word exists that can truly capture the true essence of such natural beauty. I was completely awe-stricken. Speechless. A rare thing for me indeed. We stopped at Eddie McStiff's and had lunch. Met some of the locals, though really, most of “the locals” were tourists who had visited Moab, and never really left. We jumped back on the road and with each turn, another gasp. Another wow. We blazed past Lake Powell. Ahhh. I just longed for some way to capture this beauty so I could bring it home to John and share the experience with my family, my friends, everyone! I guess that's part of what makes something like this so special – the fact that it's your experience. You can't bottle it. You can't even be sure that the person riding ahead of you, or behind you sees or senses the same thing you do. It's just so personal. It's somehting that lives in your heart. You can't share it even if you tried. It belongs to you and only you. It's healing, cathartic and just meant for me. That moment changes you. It also addressed some much needed work I've need to do on myself for some time. Living in the moment. And for the first time for as long as I can remember, I was 100 % present. I wasn't thinking about all of the challenges awaiting me at home... lookin for work, tending to the garden, etc. That's about the time I started really getting homesick. Even though I was surrounded by all this wander, but we'd been on the road, almost 2 weeks. It was literally 110 degrees and the days seemed so long, even though we stopped each day by 4 or 5 pm. After Moab and Lake Powell, we headed into a sleepy little town, Blanding, Utah. It was just before dusk and we pulled into a gas station there. As I was filling up, a man pulled up and began asking how I liked my Trike. He actually owned 4 Harleys. He was with his 2 grandkids, teenagers, who also loved to ride. We told him we were headed home to California, and were plannin on riding on another hour or so before stopping for the night. He and his wife had been riding for years. He's also a Vietnam Vet and his son served in Iraq. Since he lived right around the corner, he knew the area well and warned us about deer being on the road and recommended we stop in Blanding for the night. We made a collective decision and decided he was right. Darlene & I followed him over to his house and met his wife. They're great people. I shot a video of them on my phone and asked permission to post it here. To me, they embody the message of the Courage Community and all that we stand for. It's wondrous, ya just meet good people everywhere ya go.   The next morning we left Blanding and rode through the Ceremonial grounds of Kayenta. I lost myself in the grandiose beauty and magic of my surroundings. I pulled over to one of the roadside tents where some of the Natives were selling their crafts. I bought my momma an arrowhead. My pawpaw used to collect arrowheads. He would have loved Kayenta. We stopped at a little place for lunch and drank about 4 gallons of water. It was HOT! And the longer we rode the hotter it got. We ascertained that it was another 130 miles to Arizona. At this point, things started getting a little wearisome. The heat was taking a toll on our bodies. But we decided to forge on. It was a collective decision to go ahead inspite of the heat. We Not once did we ever take any chances regarding our safety. We were a team, and made each decision along the way as a team. There was no fear of expression any hesitation or self-doubt. Had one of us voiced any hesitation -sensitive of each others needs and made decisions as a group. But we forged on. We finally reached the southern tip of the Grand Canyon. We stopped for a final fuel up and the cashier told us about a town Seligman which was only an additional 40 miles up the road. We had made it to the I-40 and since the hot sun had begun to seep below the canyons, bringing in the welcomed cool evening air.We rode along the southern tip of the grand canyon and rode on another 40 miles when we decided to stop for the night. We checked into a quaint little motel on Route 66 in Seligman, AZ. After settling in, I rolled over to the Roadkill Cafe! I hung with the locals, knocked back a few, swapped stories and shared some laughs ... and tears. Happy ones though, reflecting on our personal journeys and how we all seem to find that common niche through the struggles we face in life. <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->TRIP HOMEDAY 12PART I  Moab. It just doesn't get any more beautiful than the twisty windy roads off the 191 that lead ya into and throughout Moab. It was nearly impossible to keep my eyes on the road. With no guardrails which have always give me some sense of safety from the cliffs that hang below such moutainous roads, with each and every turn around the bend, the splendor grew. I just kept saying, actually screaming, Wow. Wow. Wow. No word exists that can truly capture the true essence of such natural beauty. I was completely awe-stricken. Speechless. A rare thing for me indeed. We stopped at Eddie McStiff's and had lunch. Met some of the locals, though really, most of “the locals” were tourists who had visited Moab, and never really left. We jumped back on the road and with each turn, another gasp. Another wow. We blazed past Lake Powell. Ahhh. I just longed for some way to capture this beauty so I could bring it home to John and share the experience with my family, my friends, everyone! I guess that's part of what makes something like this so special – the fact that it's your experience. You can't bottle it. You can't even be sure that the person riding ahead of you, or behind you sees or senses the same thing you do. It's just so personal. It's somehting that lives in your heart. You can't share it even if you tried. It belongs to you and only you. It's healing, cathartic and just meant for me. That moment changes you. It also addressed some much needed work I've need to do on myself for some time. Living in the moment. And for the first time for as long as I can remember, I was 100 % present. I wasn't thinking about all of the challenges awaiting me at home... lookin for work, tending to the garden, etc. That's about the time I started really getting homesick. Even though I was surrounded by all this wander, but we'd been on the road, almost 2 weeks. It was literally 110 degrees and the days seemed so long, even though we stopped each day by 4 or 5 pm. After Moab and Lake Powell, we headed into a sleepy little town, Blanding, Utah. It was just before dusk and we pulled into a gas station there. As I was filling up, a man pulled up and began asking how I liked my Trike. He actually owned 4 Harleys. He was with his 2 grandkids, teenagers, who also loved to ride. We told him we were headed home to California, and were plannin on riding on another hour or so before stopping for the night. He and his wife had been riding for years. He's also a Vietnam Vet and his son served in Iraq. Since he lived right around the corner, he knew the area well and warned us about deer being on the road and recommended we stop in Blanding for the night. We made a collective decision and decided he was right. Darlene & I followed him over to his house and met his wife. They're great people. I shot a video of them on my phone and asked permission to post it here. To me, they embody the message of the Courage Community and all that we stand for. It's wondrous, ya just meet good people everywhere ya go.   The next morning we left Blanding and rode through the Ceremonial grounds of Kayenta. I lost myself in the grandiose beauty and magic of my surroundings. I pulled over to one of the roadside tents where some of the Natives were selling their crafts. I bought my momma an arrowhead. My pawpaw used to collect arrowheads. He would have loved Kayenta. We stopped at a little place for lunch and drank about 4 gallons of water. It was HOT! And the longer we rode the hotter it got. We ascertained that it was another 130 miles to Arizona. At this point, things started getting a little wearisome. The heat was taking a toll on our bodies. But we decided to forge on. It was a collective decision to go ahead inspite of the heat. We Not once did we ever take any chances regarding our safety. We were a team, and made each decision along the way as a team. There was no fear of expression any hesitation or self-doubt. Had one of us voiced any hesitation -sensitive of each others needs and made decisions as a group. But we forged on. We finally reached the southern tip of the Grand Canyon. We stopped for a final fuel up and the cashier told us about a town Seligman which was only an additional 40 miles up the road. We had made it to the I-40 and since the hot sun had begun to seep below the canyons, bringing in the welcomed cool evening air.We rode along the southern tip of the grand canyon and rode on another 40 miles when we decided to stop for the night. We checked into a quaint little motel on Route 66 in Seligman, AZ. After settling in, I rolled over to the Roadkill Cafe! I hung with the locals, knocked back a few, swapped stories and shared some laughs ... and tears. Happy ones though, reflecting on our personal journeys and how we all seem to find that common niche through the struggles we face in life. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:04:59 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Ride-for-Courage-Day-12-MOAB/BLOG/1064877/31351.html Carlana 2009-10-12T11:04:59Z Ride for Courage 09 The Courage Community <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->TRIP HOMEDAY 12PART I  Moab. It just doesn't get any more beautiful than the twisty windy roads off the 191 that lead ya into and throughout Moab. It was nearly impossible to keep my eyes on the road. With no guardrails which have always give me some sense of safety from the cliffs that hang below such moutainous roads, with each and every turn around the bend, the splendor grew. I just kept saying, actually screaming, Wow. Wow. Wow. No word exists that can truly capture the true essence of such natural beauty. I was completely awe-stricken. Speechless. A rare thing for me indeed. We stopped at Eddie McStiff's and had lunch. Met some of the locals, though really, most of “the locals” were tourists who had visited Moab, and never really left. We jumped back on the road and with each turn, another gasp. Another wow. We blazed past Lake Powell. Ahhh. I just longed for some way to capture this beauty so I could bring it home to John and share the experience with my family, my friends, everyone! I guess that's part of what makes something like this so special – the fact that it's your experience. You can't bottle it. You can't even be sure that the person riding ahead of you, or behind you sees or senses the same thing you do. It's just so personal. It's somehting that lives in your heart. You can't share it even if you tried. It belongs to you and only you. It's healing, cathartic and just meant for me. That moment changes you. It also addressed some much needed work I've need to do on myself for some time. Living in the moment. And for the first time for as long as I can remember, I was 100 % present. I wasn't thinking about all of the challenges awaiting me at home... lookin for work, tending to the garden, etc. That's about the time I started really getting homesick. Even though I was surrounded by all this wander, but we'd been on the road, almost 2 weeks. It was literally 110 degrees and the days seemed so long, even though we stopped each day by 4 or 5 pm. After Moab and Lake Powell, we headed into a sleepy little town, Blanding, Utah. It was just before dusk and we pulled into a gas station there. As I was filling up, a man pulled up and began asking how I liked my Trike. He actually owned 4 Harleys. He was with his 2 grandkids, teenagers, who also loved to ride. We told him we were headed home to California, and were plannin on riding on another hour or so before stopping for the night. He and his wife had been riding for years. He's also a Vietnam Vet and his son served in Iraq. Since he lived right around the corner, he knew the area well and warned us about deer being on the road and recommended we stop in Blanding for the night. We made a collective decision and decided he was right. Darlene & I followed him over to his house and met his wife. They're great people. I shot a video of them on my phone and asked permission to post it here. To me, they embody the message of the Courage Community and all that we stand for. It's wondrous, ya just meet good people everywhere ya go.   The next morning we left Blanding and rode through the Ceremonial grounds of Kayenta. I lost myself in the grandiose beauty and magic of my surroundings. I pulled over to one of the roadside tents where some of the Natives were selling their crafts. I bought my momma an arrowhead. My pawpaw used to collect arrowheads. He would have loved Kayenta. We stopped at a little place for lunch and drank about 4 gallons of water. It was HOT! And the longer we rode the hotter it got. We ascertained that it was another 130 miles to Arizona. At this point, things started getting a little wearisome. The heat was taking a toll on our bodies. But we decided to forge on. It was a collective decision to go ahead inspite of the heat. We Not once did we ever take any chances regarding our safety. We were a team, and made each decision along the way as a team. There was no fear of expression any hesitation or self-doubt. Had one of us voiced any hesitation -sensitive of each others needs and made decisions as a group. But we forged on. We finally reached the southern tip of the Grand Canyon. We stopped for a final fuel up and the cashier told us about a town Seligman which was only an additional 40 miles up the road. We had made it to the I-40 and since the hot sun had begun to seep below the canyons, bringing in the welcomed cool evening air.We rode along the southern tip of the grand canyon and rode on another 40 miles when we decided to stop for the night. We checked into a quaint little motel on Route 66 in Seligman, AZ. After settling in, I rolled over to the Roadkill Cafe! I hung with the locals, knocked back a few, swapped stories and shared some laughs ... and tears. Happy ones though, reflecting on our personal journeys and how we all seem to find that common niche through the struggles we face in life. community, ride for courage 09, ride for courage '09, road kill cafe nonadult false Ride for Courage - Day 12 -MOAB text blog community,ride for courage 09,ride for courage '09,road kill cafe 251 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2689829&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/photos/PHOTO_5549635_31351_2689829_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 Ride for Courage 09 0 1064877 2689829 Platinum 7645 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_or-Courage-Day-10-Trip-Home-Part-II/BLOG/1064692/31351.html <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->TRIP HOMEDAY 11PART II  So the next morning, I got up early,and went over to see if Bob was working. I also wanted to have them look over the trike to make sure everything was in good shape for our upcoming trip through the dry desert heat. Sure enough, Bob (who I found out is actually the service manager) was working and even though I hadn't scheduled an appointment, they took her right in and gave her the once-over ... even gave her a bath! And, they wouldn't accept a thing for it. All “on the house” Bob said. I swear, you meet the nicest people on the road and in the biker community. I mean, I had only met Bob that one time, and visited with him for an hour on our way one week before. Seeing him again was like running into an old friend. We just clicked. While Bob and the guys in the shop were checkin' on “Destiny,” I hung out indoors, talking to some of the others who worked there. I was downing lots of water... staying hydrated is critical when you're riding in extreme temperatures. I met a chick, Lynda, who works in “motorclothes.” I told her how excited I was about our upcoming trip through Moab. I'd never been there. Pat had told me, “gotta stop at Eddie McStiff's” – he said. Lynda seconded that. Lynda was very familiar with the area as she has ridden through Moab countless times. With pen and paper in hand, she began jotting down the most beautiful routes and more hotspots to check out along the way. What a doll. <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->TRIP HOMEDAY 11PART II  So the next morning, I got up early,and went over to see if Bob was working. I also wanted to have them look over the trike to make sure everything was in good shape for our upcoming trip through the dry desert heat. Sure enough, Bob (who I found out is actually the service manager) was working and even though I hadn't scheduled an appointment, they took her right in and gave her the once-over ... even gave her a bath! And, they wouldn't accept a thing for it. All “on the house” Bob said. I swear, you meet the nicest people on the road and in the biker community. I mean, I had only met Bob that one time, and visited with him for an hour on our way one week before. Seeing him again was like running into an old friend. We just clicked. While Bob and the guys in the shop were checkin' on “Destiny,” I hung out indoors, talking to some of the others who worked there. I was downing lots of water... staying hydrated is critical when you're riding in extreme temperatures. I met a chick, Lynda, who works in “motorclothes.” I told her how excited I was about our upcoming trip through Moab. I'd never been there. Pat had told me, “gotta stop at Eddie McStiff's” – he said. Lynda seconded that. Lynda was very familiar with the area as she has ridden through Moab countless times. With pen and paper in hand, she began jotting down the most beautiful routes and more hotspots to check out along the way. What a doll. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:02:12 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_or-Courage-Day-10-Trip-Home-Part-II/BLOG/1064692/31351.html Carlana 2009-10-12T11:02:12Z The Courage Community The Courage Community <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->TRIP HOMEDAY 11PART II  So the next morning, I got up early,and went over to see if Bob was working. I also wanted to have them look over the trike to make sure everything was in good shape for our upcoming trip through the dry desert heat. Sure enough, Bob (who I found out is actually the service manager) was working and even though I hadn't scheduled an appointment, they took her right in and gave her the once-over ... even gave her a bath! And, they wouldn't accept a thing for it. All “on the house” Bob said. I swear, you meet the nicest people on the road and in the biker community. I mean, I had only met Bob that one time, and visited with him for an hour on our way one week before. Seeing him again was like running into an old friend. We just clicked. While Bob and the guys in the shop were checkin' on “Destiny,” I hung out indoors, talking to some of the others who worked there. I was downing lots of water... staying hydrated is critical when you're riding in extreme temperatures. I met a chick, Lynda, who works in “motorclothes.” I told her how excited I was about our upcoming trip through Moab. I'd never been there. Pat had told me, “gotta stop at Eddie McStiff's” – he said. Lynda seconded that. Lynda was very familiar with the area as she has ridden through Moab countless times. With pen and paper in hand, she began jotting down the most beautiful routes and more hotspots to check out along the way. What a doll. bob, friends, grand junction harley, ride for courage 09, the courage community, trip home nonadult false or Courage- Day 10- Trip Home Part II text blog bob,friends,grand junction harley,ride for courage 09,the courage community,trip home 279 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2689829&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/photos/PHOTO_5549635_31351_2689829_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 The Courage Community 1 1064692 2689829 Platinum 7645 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Ride-for-Courage-Day-Trip-Home-10-Part-I/BLOG/1064410/31351.html <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->TRIP HOMEDAY 10 PART 1  After leaving Denver in the morning, we jumped on I-70 South. Pat had uploaded some Samples to my phone. I rode down I-70 – listening to the Samples, and Animals... yup -Pink Floyd. Isn't it funny how you can listen to a song, and immediately, you find yourself back in that moment. I don't know, with me, music has always connected me with memories. So with the mountain fresh wind in my face, the beautiful mountainous backdrop and “Nature” booming in my ears, I relished in the fabulous memories of the good ole college days, many of which I had just recounted during the CU mini-reunion in Denver. I had to make a quick stop by Keystone Lodge and pick up my extra things, which I shipped home. Ya really learn how to pack when you have limited space and you're living out of your suitcase.... throw in the limited space on a motorcycle. I had practically packed my entire wardrobe. Just didn't want to hassle with it, so in a box it went and shipped it home. Big worry off my mind. I met with the grounds manager at Keystone Lodge – what a sweetie pie. I just made one last ditch effort by calling to see if they had somehow miraculously found the cushion. They hadn't. Can y'all believe she actually walked the grounds herself looking for that cushion???? I mean, she had never laid eyes on me. I was so lucky I got to stop by and meet her in person and thank her face-to-face. We hugged and promised to stay in touch. She even let me shoot a quick interview with her. Check it out on the videos here. Leaving Keystone, we jumped back on the I-70 and stopped for the night in Grand Junction. The next morning, I visited my buddy, Bob, over at Grand Junction Harley. We met him on our way out to the conference– he brought out the bottled waters, showed us where the ladies' room was and just treated us like we were family. I promised Bob to swing by on our way back through. <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->TRIP HOMEDAY 10 PART 1  After leaving Denver in the morning, we jumped on I-70 South. Pat had uploaded some Samples to my phone. I rode down I-70 – listening to the Samples, and Animals... yup -Pink Floyd. Isn't it funny how you can listen to a song, and immediately, you find yourself back in that moment. I don't know, with me, music has always connected me with memories. So with the mountain fresh wind in my face, the beautiful mountainous backdrop and “Nature” booming in my ears, I relished in the fabulous memories of the good ole college days, many of which I had just recounted during the CU mini-reunion in Denver. I had to make a quick stop by Keystone Lodge and pick up my extra things, which I shipped home. Ya really learn how to pack when you have limited space and you're living out of your suitcase.... throw in the limited space on a motorcycle. I had practically packed my entire wardrobe. Just didn't want to hassle with it, so in a box it went and shipped it home. Big worry off my mind. I met with the grounds manager at Keystone Lodge – what a sweetie pie. I just made one last ditch effort by calling to see if they had somehow miraculously found the cushion. They hadn't. Can y'all believe she actually walked the grounds herself looking for that cushion???? I mean, she had never laid eyes on me. I was so lucky I got to stop by and meet her in person and thank her face-to-face. We hugged and promised to stay in touch. She even let me shoot a quick interview with her. Check it out on the videos here. Leaving Keystone, we jumped back on the I-70 and stopped for the night in Grand Junction. The next morning, I visited my buddy, Bob, over at Grand Junction Harley. We met him on our way out to the conference– he brought out the bottled waters, showed us where the ladies' room was and just treated us like we were family. I promised Bob to swing by on our way back through. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:57:31 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Ride-for-Courage-Day-Trip-Home-10-Part-I/BLOG/1064410/31351.html Carlana 2009-10-12T10:57:31Z The Courage Community The Courage Community <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->TRIP HOMEDAY 10 PART 1  After leaving Denver in the morning, we jumped on I-70 South. Pat had uploaded some Samples to my phone. I rode down I-70 – listening to the Samples, and Animals... yup -Pink Floyd. Isn't it funny how you can listen to a song, and immediately, you find yourself back in that moment. I don't know, with me, music has always connected me with memories. So with the mountain fresh wind in my face, the beautiful mountainous backdrop and “Nature” booming in my ears, I relished in the fabulous memories of the good ole college days, many of which I had just recounted during the CU mini-reunion in Denver. I had to make a quick stop by Keystone Lodge and pick up my extra things, which I shipped home. Ya really learn how to pack when you have limited space and you're living out of your suitcase.... throw in the limited space on a motorcycle. I had practically packed my entire wardrobe. Just didn't want to hassle with it, so in a box it went and shipped it home. Big worry off my mind. I met with the grounds manager at Keystone Lodge – what a sweetie pie. I just made one last ditch effort by calling to see if they had somehow miraculously found the cushion. They hadn't. Can y'all believe she actually walked the grounds herself looking for that cushion???? I mean, she had never laid eyes on me. I was so lucky I got to stop by and meet her in person and thank her face-to-face. We hugged and promised to stay in touch. She even let me shoot a quick interview with her. Check it out on the videos here. Leaving Keystone, we jumped back on the I-70 and stopped for the night in Grand Junction. The next morning, I visited my buddy, Bob, over at Grand Junction Harley. We met him on our way out to the conference– he brought out the bottled waters, showed us where the ladies' room was and just treated us like we were family. I promised Bob to swing by on our way back through. day 10- trip home part i, ride for courage 09, the courage community nonadult false Ride for Courage Day - Trip Home 10 Part I text blog day 10- trip home part i,ride for courage 09,the courage community 242 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2689829&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/photos/PHOTO_5549635_31351_2689829_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 The Courage Community 0 1064410 2689829 Platinum 7645 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Ride-for-Courage-Day-1-Part-I/BLOG/1063988/31351.html <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->Day 1Part I We all managed to meet up the early morning of August 16, 2009 for the 1000 plus trek to the Colorado Rockies from Southern California. There was Debbie, the ringleader,Debbie was unquestionably the ring-leader, tassels flowing from her crimson suede jacket as she leaded the posse. And her Harley, adorned with Debbie's signature style -Tricked out with fishtail pipes - down to the leather tassels blowing in the wind. Debbie is a force to be reckoned with. She rides, speaks, acts, with such confidence and complete jurisdiction that you don't dare question it. She's honest and unapologetic for the person she is and the life she leads. Debbie is a caretaker by nature, - she's earned her stripes and proven her unwavering commitment to those whom she's coddled under her protective wing.She's got a story of personal ownership, integrity and unshakable self-esteem. Debbie prides herself on her individuality and personal statements. Her character and demeanor mock that of the unique trait of her dressing and style of communication. She's there to make sure everyone is taken care of. No guessing when it comes to her. That's for damn sure. You don't mess with Debbie. A force to be reckoned with. this woman has undoubtedly found her right of passage... and taken it on the road. In less that 6years, Debbie has logged over 110,000 miles on her bike. And she's just getting started. Eldonna AKA "pinkbikerchic" - master of her domain. very feminine yet badass. great combo. she's a retired Master Sgt in the AirForce - need i say more???Then there was the ever so confident and quiet, Syl _ who rides a "Naked Ducati" - to be perfectly honest, i was anticipating a naked chick on a Ducati... oh boy. did i have a lot to learn. Sylvia, to me, is silent strength. a woman who is unbreakable, unstoppable, and knows no boundaries. a woman after my own heart. if only i could tap into her "quiet sense of strength" AND even moreso, lack of ego. -she's in it for the personal payoff. i truly believe there is a lot to be said for that. it defines courage. absolute peaceful resolve. in a way, i resent her for that, but even moreso, ADMIRE her and want to learn from her. it hits you "spot on" the minute you meet her. this bitch ain't no victim!!! i believe fate brought Darlene and me together. I met Darlene literally 5 days before we left. julia dillon and i were hangin out at Starbucks in Los Feliz. I was out telling everyone i knew about the ride, asking to join us on CourageCommunity.org - Ride for Courage - and that's when we met. she doesn't ride but was at a major crossroads in her life. Fate brought us together. Darlene, though not a biker, yearned for some adventure in her life and within 5 minutes of us meeting one another, expressed a desire to join the cause. and come Sunday, the 16th, she showed up at our front door, ready to go... looking more like she was ready for a photo shoot than a 1000-mile cross-country trek on, riding "bitch" on my trike. Darn, this girl's got guts cuz this was the first long cross country trek i'd EVER participated in. BUT NOW I:VE CAUGHT THE BUG!!!  Not bad company. AND THIS JUST MARKED THE BEGINNING!     <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->Day 1Part I We all managed to meet up the early morning of August 16, 2009 for the 1000 plus trek to the Colorado Rockies from Southern California. There was Debbie, the ringleader,Debbie was unquestionably the ring-leader, tassels flowing from her crimson suede jacket as she leaded the posse. And her Harley, adorned with Debbie's signature style -Tricked out with fishtail pipes - down to the leather tassels blowing in the wind. Debbie is a force to be reckoned with. She rides, speaks, acts, with such confidence and complete jurisdiction that you don't dare question it. She's honest and unapologetic for the person she is and the life she leads. Debbie is a caretaker by nature, - she's earned her stripes and proven her unwavering commitment to those whom she's coddled under her protective wing.She's got a story of personal ownership, integrity and unshakable self-esteem. Debbie prides herself on her individuality and personal statements. Her character and demeanor mock that of the unique trait of her dressing and style of communication. She's there to make sure everyone is taken care of. No guessing when it comes to her. That's for damn sure. You don't mess with Debbie. A force to be reckoned with. this woman has undoubtedly found her right of passage... and taken it on the road. In less that 6years, Debbie has logged over 110,000 miles on her bike. And she's just getting started. Eldonna AKA "pinkbikerchic" - master of her domain. very feminine yet badass. great combo. she's a retired Master Sgt in the AirForce - need i say more???Then there was the ever so confident and quiet, Syl _ who rides a "Naked Ducati" - to be perfectly honest, i was anticipating a naked chick on a Ducati... oh boy. did i have a lot to learn. Sylvia, to me, is silent strength. a woman who is unbreakable, unstoppable, and knows no boundaries. a woman after my own heart. if only i could tap into her "quiet sense of strength" AND even moreso, lack of ego. -she's in it for the personal payoff. i truly believe there is a lot to be said for that. it defines courage. absolute peaceful resolve. in a way, i resent her for that, but even moreso, ADMIRE her and want to learn from her. it hits you "spot on" the minute you meet her. this bitch ain't no victim!!! i believe fate brought Darlene and me together. I met Darlene literally 5 days before we left. julia dillon and i were hangin out at Starbucks in Los Feliz. I was out telling everyone i knew about the ride, asking to join us on CourageCommunity.org - Ride for Courage - and that's when we met. she doesn't ride but was at a major crossroads in her life. Fate brought us together. Darlene, though not a biker, yearned for some adventure in her life and within 5 minutes of us meeting one another, expressed a desire to join the cause. and come Sunday, the 16th, she showed up at our front door, ready to go... looking more like she was ready for a photo shoot than a 1000-mile cross-country trek on, riding "bitch" on my trike. Darn, this girl's got guts cuz this was the first long cross country trek i'd EVER participated in. BUT NOW I:VE CAUGHT THE BUG!!!  Not bad company. AND THIS JUST MARKED THE BEGINNING!     Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:50:09 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Ride-for-Courage-Day-1-Part-I/BLOG/1063988/31351.html Carlana 2009-10-12T10:50:09Z Ride for Courage 09 The Courage Community <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->Day 1Part I We all managed to meet up the early morning of August 16, 2009 for the 1000 plus trek to the Colorado Rockies from Southern California. There was Debbie, the ringleader,Debbie was unquestionably the ring-leader, tassels flowing from her crimson suede jacket as she leaded the posse. And her Harley, adorned with Debbie's signature style -Tricked out with fishtail pipes - down to the leather tassels blowing in the wind. Debbie is a force to be reckoned with. She rides, speaks, acts, with such confidence and complete jurisdiction that you don't dare question it. She's honest and unapologetic for the person she is and the life she leads. Debbie is a caretaker by nature, - she's earned her stripes and proven her unwavering commitment to those whom she's coddled under her protective wing.She's got a story of personal ownership, integrity and unshakable self-esteem. Debbie prides herself on her individuality and personal statements. Her character and demeanor mock that of the unique trait of her dressing and style of communication. She's there to make sure everyone is taken care of. No guessing when it comes to her. That's for damn sure. You don't mess with Debbie. A force to be reckoned with. this woman has undoubtedly found her right of passage... and taken it on the road. In less that 6years, Debbie has logged over 110,000 miles on her bike. And she's just getting started. Eldonna AKA "pinkbikerchic" - master of her domain. very feminine yet badass. great combo. she's a retired Master Sgt in the AirForce - need i say more???Then there was the ever so confident and quiet, Syl _ who rides a "Naked Ducati" - to be perfectly honest, i was anticipating a naked chick on a Ducati... oh boy. did i have a lot to learn. Sylvia, to me, is silent strength. a woman who is unbreakable, unstoppable, and knows no boundaries. a woman after my own heart. if only i could tap into her "quiet sense of strength" AND even moreso, lack of ego. -she's in it for the personal payoff. i truly believe there is a lot to be said for that. it defines courage. absolute peaceful resolve. in a way, i resent her for that, but even moreso, ADMIRE her and want to learn from her. it hits you "spot on" the minute you meet her. this bitch ain't no victim!!! i believe fate brought Darlene and me together. I met Darlene literally 5 days before we left. julia dillon and i were hangin out at Starbucks in Los Feliz. I was out telling everyone i knew about the ride, asking to join us on CourageCommunity.org - Ride for Courage - and that's when we met. she doesn't ride but was at a major crossroads in her life. Fate brought us together. Darlene, though not a biker, yearned for some adventure in her life and within 5 minutes of us meeting one another, expressed a desire to join the cause. and come Sunday, the 16th, she showed up at our front door, ready to go... looking more like she was ready for a photo shoot than a 1000-mile cross-country trek on, riding "bitch" on my trike. Darn, this girl's got guts cuz this was the first long cross country trek i'd EVER participated in. BUT NOW I:VE CAUGHT THE BUG!!!  Not bad company. AND THIS JUST MARKED THE BEGINNING!     ride for courage 09, women in the driver's seat nonadult false Ride for Courage- Day 1 Part I text blog ride for courage 09,women in the driver's seat 294 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2689829&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/photos/PHOTO_5549635_31351_2689829_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 Ride for Courage 09 1 1063988 2689829 Platinum 7645 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Hello/BLOG/632143/31351.html I just found this website after reading about it in "Thunderpress" magazine.  It was so exciting to hear and watch Carlanas' excitement about riding.  I know how she feels and share her love for riding.  I am also in a chair, but only for the past 2 years.  Life has turned into a challange everyday, dealing with all the obsticals.  I look forward to talking to others and finding strength from them and helping those that I can help.  Please feel free to contact me.  I don't know how all this works, but hope to learn and in the process meet and share with others that are fighting battles, those that have won theirs and those who, like me, are still fighting. I just found this website after reading about it in "Thunderpress" magazine.  It was so exciting to hear and watch Carlanas' excitement about riding.  I know how she feels and share her love for riding.  I am also in a chair, but only for the past 2 years.  Life has turned into a challange everyday, dealing with all the obsticals.  I look forward to talking to others and finding strength from them and helping those that I can help.  Please feel free to contact me.  I don't know how all this works, but hope to learn and in the process meet and share with others that are fighting battles, those that have won theirs and those who, like me, are still fighting. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:17:10 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Hello/BLOG/632143/31351.html ReggieCake 2009-09-03T18:17:10Z The Courage Community The Courage Community I just found this website after reading about it in "Thunderpress" magazine.  It was so exciting to hear and watch Carlanas' excitement about riding.  I know how she feels and share her love for riding.  I am also in a chair, but only for the past 2 years.  Life has turned into a challange everyday, dealing with all the obsticals.  I look forward to talking to others and finding strength from them and helping those that I can help.  Please feel free to contact me.  I don't know how all this works, but hope to learn and in the process meet and share with others that are fighting battles, those that have won theirs and those who, like me, are still fighting. member, new, the courage community nonadult false Hello text blog member,new,the courage community 244 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=12146926&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/icons/defaultMember_31351_portrait160X120.jpg?t=1252000285439 false 1 The Courage Community 1 632143 12146926 Member 340 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Pain-Clinic/BLOG/573717/31351.html Pain Clinic USAThe management of chronic pain has long been a necessity for many patients, whether the pain stems from a previous injury, disease, underlying health condition, or any other source. The fact of the matter is that when a patient has constant or consistent pain, it must be treated in the safest and most efficient way possible. There are no universally accepted classifications of pain management techniques in the medical field. Instead, pain management techniques are roughly organized by how invasive they are. Some techniques, such as physical therapy, are considered entirely non-invasive and do not inherently involve the use of any pain medications. Other pain management techniques, such as pain medications (including pain rubs, salves, and lotions), are purely pharmacologic in nature, meaning that they only involve the use of medication. Still other techniques fall into more than one category, such as pain management injections, which invasively introduce pain medication into the body. There are multiple over-the-counter (non-prescription) and prescription medications that can be helpful in relieving pain. Careful attention to pain management is a critical component of a patient’s eventual recovery and rehabilitation (if that is seen as possible), as acute or chronic pain can lead to depression, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty exercising and stretching, all of which in turn can exacerbate and prolong your pain. Some of the most common medications for chronic and acute pain management are:Acetaminophen and AspirinNarcotic Pain Medications (Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Vicodin, Percocet, Oxycontin, Roxycontin)Muscle Relaxants (Soma, Flexeril) Our pain management centers and mobile pain management physicians are dedicated to assisting you in managing your chronic pain. We have physicians in all 50 states to perform physical, face-to-face visits with you and get an idea of what your pain management needs and goals are, and design a pain management plan to fit your individual needs. Contact our pain management physicians today for a same-day appointment in your city! Pain Clinic USAThe management of chronic pain has long been a necessity for many patients, whether the pain stems from a previous injury, disease, underlying health condition, or any other source. The fact of the matter is that when a patient has constant or consistent pain, it must be treated in the safest and most efficient way possible. There are no universally accepted classifications of pain management techniques in the medical field. Instead, pain management techniques are roughly organized by how invasive they are. Some techniques, such as physical therapy, are considered entirely non-invasive and do not inherently involve the use of any pain medications. Other pain management techniques, such as pain medications (including pain rubs, salves, and lotions), are purely pharmacologic in nature, meaning that they only involve the use of medication. Still other techniques fall into more than one category, such as pain management injections, which invasively introduce pain medication into the body. There are multiple over-the-counter (non-prescription) and prescription medications that can be helpful in relieving pain. Careful attention to pain management is a critical component of a patient’s eventual recovery and rehabilitation (if that is seen as possible), as acute or chronic pain can lead to depression, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty exercising and stretching, all of which in turn can exacerbate and prolong your pain. Some of the most common medications for chronic and acute pain management are:Acetaminophen and AspirinNarcotic Pain Medications (Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Vicodin, Percocet, Oxycontin, Roxycontin)Muscle Relaxants (Soma, Flexeril) Our pain management centers and mobile pain management physicians are dedicated to assisting you in managing your chronic pain. We have physicians in all 50 states to perform physical, face-to-face visits with you and get an idea of what your pain management needs and goals are, and design a pain management plan to fit your individual needs. Contact our pain management physicians today for a same-day appointment in your city! Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:49:20 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Pain-Clinic/BLOG/573717/31351.html squirtsnapper 2009-08-25T00:49:20Z The Courage Community Pain Clinic USAThe management of chronic pain has long been a necessity for many patients, whether the pain stems from a previous injury, disease, underlying health condition, or any other source. The fact of the matter is that when a patient has constant or consistent pain, it must be treated in the safest and most efficient way possible. There are no universally accepted classifications of pain management techniques in the medical field. Instead, pain management techniques are roughly organized by how invasive they are. Some techniques, such as physical therapy, are considered entirely non-invasive and do not inherently involve the use of any pain medications. Other pain management techniques, such as pain medications (including pain rubs, salves, and lotions), are purely pharmacologic in nature, meaning that they only involve the use of medication. Still other techniques fall into more than one category, such as pain management injections, which invasively introduce pain medication into the body. There are multiple over-the-counter (non-prescription) and prescription medications that can be helpful in relieving pain. Careful attention to pain management is a critical component of a patient’s eventual recovery and rehabilitation (if that is seen as possible), as acute or chronic pain can lead to depression, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty exercising and stretching, all of which in turn can exacerbate and prolong your pain. Some of the most common medications for chronic and acute pain management are:Acetaminophen and AspirinNarcotic Pain Medications (Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Vicodin, Percocet, Oxycontin, Roxycontin)Muscle Relaxants (Soma, Flexeril) Our pain management centers and mobile pain management physicians are dedicated to assisting you in managing your chronic pain. We have physicians in all 50 states to perform physical, face-to-face visits with you and get an idea of what your pain management needs and goals are, and design a pain management plan to fit your individual needs. Contact our pain management physicians today for a same-day appointment in your city! nonadult false Pain Clinic text blog 526 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=10558310&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/icons/defaultMember_31351_portrait160X120.jpg?t=1251161289227 false 0 0 573717 10558310 Member 275 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Ride-for-Courage-09-Jane/BLOG/516828/31351.html [image]This us Jane. She is a cancer survivor and her husband has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Jane need us all to pull together and help her find the COURAGE to triumph in this struggle. I snagged a hug from Jane when I met her just before leaving Mesquite. Jane has been working at Virgin River Hotel & Casino for 11 years. She's not giving up but we all need to show our support. Please hear this and other stories from the road on Ride for Courage '09.  --Carlana [image]This us Jane. She is a cancer survivor and her husband has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Jane need us all to pull together and help her find the COURAGE to triumph in this struggle. I snagged a hug from Jane when I met her just before leaving Mesquite. Jane has been working at Virgin River Hotel & Casino for 11 years. She's not giving up but we all need to show our support. Please hear this and other stories from the road on Ride for Courage '09.  --Carlana Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:06:12 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Ride-for-Courage-09-Jane/BLOG/516828/31351.html CCadmin 2009-08-17T22:06:12Z Ride for Courage 09 The Courage Community [image]This us Jane. She is a cancer survivor and her husband has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Jane need us all to pull together and help her find the COURAGE to triumph in this struggle. I snagged a hug from Jane when I met her just before leaving Mesquite. Jane has been working at Virgin River Hotel & Casino for 11 years. She's not giving up but we all need to show our support. Please hear this and other stories from the road on Ride for Courage '09.  --Carlana carlana, community, courage, crossroads, ride, ride for courage 09 nonadult false Ride for Courage '09: Jane text blog carlana,community,courage,crossroads,ride,ride for courage 09 308 10 5.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2591482&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/icons/defaultMember_31351_portrait160X120.jpg?t=1241302813047 false 0 Ride for Courage 09 1 516828 2591482 Platinum 10760 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_I-finally-get-it/BLOG/424020/31351.html I've heard Melissa and Chris talk about feeling angry and alone. I've read about putting up walls and building barriers. There's always been a disconnect with me - a feeling that this isn't my husbands career, he didn't "choose" this, he's just enlisted so we could get on our feet. He's not a soldier. He's my husband. He's Bella's daddy.How could I be so naive? So stupid? It doesn't matter if he "chose" this or not; it's happening either way. And as I sit here and wait, I feel every single one of those feelings Melissa and Chris have described. I'm angry. I'm unbelievably sad. I cry at the drop of a hat. I try to be strong- for him and for our daughter. I nag. Nag him to pay attention, to make friends with other guys in the unit - if he learns what he needs to know and has friends watching out for him, then he'll be ok. I worry every minute of every day. Pray that they don't call him today, pray that we have enough time to adjust to him leaving before he has to go.Still, even knowing we are living on borrowed time, I feel the walls already. When did they get there? How did they get there? He rolls over in bed to hold me and I move as far away as possible. He leans down to kiss me in the kitchen and I turn my cheek to him. This isn't what I want. I don' want to spend the little time we have left arguing, crying, fighting over nonsense. But I can't help it. I don't know how to help it.How do people live this way?  I've heard Melissa and Chris talk about feeling angry and alone. I've read about putting up walls and building barriers. There's always been a disconnect with me - a feeling that this isn't my husbands career, he didn't "choose" this, he's just enlisted so we could get on our feet. He's not a soldier. He's my husband. He's Bella's daddy.How could I be so naive? So stupid? It doesn't matter if he "chose" this or not; it's happening either way. And as I sit here and wait, I feel every single one of those feelings Melissa and Chris have described. I'm angry. I'm unbelievably sad. I cry at the drop of a hat. I try to be strong- for him and for our daughter. I nag. Nag him to pay attention, to make friends with other guys in the unit - if he learns what he needs to know and has friends watching out for him, then he'll be ok. I worry every minute of every day. Pray that they don't call him today, pray that we have enough time to adjust to him leaving before he has to go.Still, even knowing we are living on borrowed time, I feel the walls already. When did they get there? How did they get there? He rolls over in bed to hold me and I move as far away as possible. He leans down to kiss me in the kitchen and I turn my cheek to him. This isn't what I want. I don' want to spend the little time we have left arguing, crying, fighting over nonsense. But I can't help it. I don't know how to help it.How do people live this way?  Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:41:37 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_I-finally-get-it/BLOG/424020/31351.html LaBellaVida 2009-07-07T17:41:37Z The Courage Community I've heard Melissa and Chris talk about feeling angry and alone. I've read about putting up walls and building barriers. There's always been a disconnect with me - a feeling that this isn't my husbands career, he didn't "choose" this, he's just enlisted so we could get on our feet. He's not a soldier. He's my husband. He's Bella's daddy.How could I be so naive? So stupid? It doesn't matter if he "chose" this or not; it's happening either way. And as I sit here and wait, I feel every single one of those feelings Melissa and Chris have described. I'm angry. I'm unbelievably sad. I cry at the drop of a hat. I try to be strong- for him and for our daughter. I nag. Nag him to pay attention, to make friends with other guys in the unit - if he learns what he needs to know and has friends watching out for him, then he'll be ok. I worry every minute of every day. Pray that they don't call him today, pray that we have enough time to adjust to him leaving before he has to go.Still, even knowing we are living on borrowed time, I feel the walls already. When did they get there? How did they get there? He rolls over in bed to hold me and I move as far away as possible. He leans down to kiss me in the kitchen and I turn my cheek to him. This isn't what I want. I don' want to spend the little time we have left arguing, crying, fighting over nonsense. But I can't help it. I don't know how to help it.How do people live this way?  nonadult false I finally get it text blog 233 10 5.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=7736420&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/photos/PHOTO_3844722_31351_7736420_ap_160X120.jpg false 2 0 424020 7736420 Bronze 715 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_How-do-you-choose-your-Jewelries/BLOG/362282/31351.html Hot crystals are a wonderful way to make your costume look great and are therefore often used for apparel. This kind of crystals should be applied only to objects that can withstand high temperatures. It would be not wise, for example, to use them on electronic devices.Rhinestone is a very popular Hot Fix Crystals and it is very often used to imitate diamonds. Rhinestones became very popular in the late 18th century thanks to George Friedrich. It was him who decided to imitate diamonds by using glass coated with metal powder.Rhinestones are attached to the fabric with glue that melts at a temperature of around 360 degree F, so make sure you use them on fabric that are resistant to high temperatures.These stones can be applied with your household iron or a heat press. A specialized tool, the "as seen on TV" BeJeweler can also be used. The BeJeweler will pick-up round rhinestones, heat them until the glue begins to melt so that you can attach them to your fabric. Its quick, it' clean and its easy. The weakest link in the rhinestone system is its mirror backing, the coating on the back of a rhinestone is a mirror bonded to the glass. This mirror does not have a very strong bond with the glass and can be pulled free of the glass over time. This is why you may see a silver spot where a rhinestone used to be. With rhinestones, only the back of them is attached to the fabric. Because of that, after some time the stones might become loose and eventually fall off. It is therefore advised that you hand wash all your clothes that have rhinestones attached to them.The rhinestone jewelry includes a wide selection of crown pins for pageant and dramatic brooches for statement pieces. Do not dry clean any garment that has any kind of glued stones on it, be it glue or heat fix. Regardless of the manufacturer, the cleaning fluids can denature the glue, cause it to become yellow and brittle, or just plain dissolve it. Hot crystals are a wonderful way to make your costume look great and are therefore often used for apparel. This kind of crystals should be applied only to objects that can withstand high temperatures. It would be not wise, for example, to use them on electronic devices.Rhinestone is a very popular Hot Fix Crystals and it is very often used to imitate diamonds. Rhinestones became very popular in the late 18th century thanks to George Friedrich. It was him who decided to imitate diamonds by using glass coated with metal powder.Rhinestones are attached to the fabric with glue that melts at a temperature of around 360 degree F, so make sure you use them on fabric that are resistant to high temperatures.These stones can be applied with your household iron or a heat press. A specialized tool, the "as seen on TV" BeJeweler can also be used. The BeJeweler will pick-up round rhinestones, heat them until the glue begins to melt so that you can attach them to your fabric. Its quick, it' clean and its easy. The weakest link in the rhinestone system is its mirror backing, the coating on the back of a rhinestone is a mirror bonded to the glass. This mirror does not have a very strong bond with the glass and can be pulled free of the glass over time. This is why you may see a silver spot where a rhinestone used to be. With rhinestones, only the back of them is attached to the fabric. Because of that, after some time the stones might become loose and eventually fall off. It is therefore advised that you hand wash all your clothes that have rhinestones attached to them.The rhinestone jewelry includes a wide selection of crown pins for pageant and dramatic brooches for statement pieces. Do not dry clean any garment that has any kind of glued stones on it, be it glue or heat fix. Regardless of the manufacturer, the cleaning fluids can denature the glue, cause it to become yellow and brittle, or just plain dissolve it. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:15:33 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_How-do-you-choose-your-Jewelries/BLOG/362282/31351.html eddiex_james140z 2009-06-16T20:15:33Z The Courage Community Hot crystals are a wonderful way to make your costume look great and are therefore often used for apparel. This kind of crystals should be applied only to objects that can withstand high temperatures. It would be not wise, for example, to use them on electronic devices.Rhinestone is a very popular Hot Fix Crystals and it is very often used to imitate diamonds. Rhinestones became very popular in the late 18th century thanks to George Friedrich. It was him who decided to imitate diamonds by using glass coated with metal powder.Rhinestones are attached to the fabric with glue that melts at a temperature of around 360 degree F, so make sure you use them on fabric that are resistant to high temperatures.These stones can be applied with your household iron or a heat press. A specialized tool, the "as seen on TV" BeJeweler can also be used. The BeJeweler will pick-up round rhinestones, heat them until the glue begins to melt so that you can attach them to your fabric. Its quick, it' clean and its easy. The weakest link in the rhinestone system is its mirror backing, the coating on the back of a rhinestone is a mirror bonded to the glass. This mirror does not have a very strong bond with the glass and can be pulled free of the glass over time. This is why you may see a silver spot where a rhinestone used to be. With rhinestones, only the back of them is attached to the fabric. Because of that, after some time the stones might become loose and eventually fall off. It is therefore advised that you hand wash all your clothes that have rhinestones attached to them.The rhinestone jewelry includes a wide selection of crown pins for pageant and dramatic brooches for statement pieces. Do not dry clean any garment that has any kind of glued stones on it, be it glue or heat fix. Regardless of the manufacturer, the cleaning fluids can denature the glue, cause it to become yellow and brittle, or just plain dissolve it. nonadult false How do you choose your Jewelries? text blog 167 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=8089176&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/icons/defaultMember_31351_portrait160X120.jpg?t=1244842252275 false 0 0 362282 8089176 Member 275 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Nursing-Degree-online/BLOG/345560/31351.html Having a bachelors or masters degree in nursing gives the holders more opportunities. RN, BSN and MSN online degrees are the way to go, given their convenience and cost, especially in today’s economy. The programs are very flexible and as practicing RN, students can study in their own time. It is also a perfect way to save on things such as commuting.An online nursing program will provide the student with the classes and support they need to obtain their advanced nursing degree. Clinical experiences can be arranged in the students local area. Often online access to other students is available, so you can share your experiences with other students.It is also expected that the number of positions outside the hospital settings will increase as well. Most of them will however require a bachelor’s or masters degree. There is growing demand in areas such as case managers, administrative nurses, educators, and personnel for nursing informatics. To be able to apply for those positions one need to have at least a bachelor’s degree.There are plenty of reputable online institutions and programs to choose from. The best way to locate the institution that meets the student’s needs is to visit an online site that features colleges and universities that offer online nursing programs. These sites will provide the future students with information about courses offered, accreditation, financial resources, and academic support.For the employee who is forward looking in this economy, and online nursing degree program is one way to promote advancement and job security. With the average range of salaries for nurses being between $57,000 and 69,000, having an advanced degree may put the nurse at the highest end of the scale at $83,000. It will not take long for the student to recoup the expense of an online nursing program.A smart nurse is the nurse who seeks to increase all of his or her potential academically and financially. Information on various programs are available online for the potential student. Having a bachelors or masters degree in nursing gives the holders more opportunities. RN, BSN and MSN online degrees are the way to go, given their convenience and cost, especially in today’s economy. The programs are very flexible and as practicing RN, students can study in their own time. It is also a perfect way to save on things such as commuting.An online nursing program will provide the student with the classes and support they need to obtain their advanced nursing degree. Clinical experiences can be arranged in the students local area. Often online access to other students is available, so you can share your experiences with other students.It is also expected that the number of positions outside the hospital settings will increase as well. Most of them will however require a bachelor’s or masters degree. There is growing demand in areas such as case managers, administrative nurses, educators, and personnel for nursing informatics. To be able to apply for those positions one need to have at least a bachelor’s degree.There are plenty of reputable online institutions and programs to choose from. The best way to locate the institution that meets the student’s needs is to visit an online site that features colleges and universities that offer online nursing programs. These sites will provide the future students with information about courses offered, accreditation, financial resources, and academic support.For the employee who is forward looking in this economy, and online nursing degree program is one way to promote advancement and job security. With the average range of salaries for nurses being between $57,000 and 69,000, having an advanced degree may put the nurse at the highest end of the scale at $83,000. It will not take long for the student to recoup the expense of an online nursing program.A smart nurse is the nurse who seeks to increase all of his or her potential academically and financially. Information on various programs are available online for the potential student. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 07:49:39 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Nursing-Degree-online/BLOG/345560/31351.html onlinenursingdegrees 2009-06-12T07:49:39Z The Courage Community Having a bachelors or masters degree in nursing gives the holders more opportunities. RN, BSN and MSN online degrees are the way to go, given their convenience and cost, especially in today’s economy. The programs are very flexible and as practicing RN, students can study in their own time. It is also a perfect way to save on things such as commuting.An online nursing program will provide the student with the classes and support they need to obtain their advanced nursing degree. Clinical experiences can be arranged in the students local area. Often online access to other students is available, so you can share your experiences with other students.It is also expected that the number of positions outside the hospital settings will increase as well. Most of them will however require a bachelor’s or masters degree. There is growing demand in areas such as case managers, administrative nurses, educators, and personnel for nursing informatics. To be able to apply for those positions one need to have at least a bachelor’s degree.There are plenty of reputable online institutions and programs to choose from. The best way to locate the institution that meets the student’s needs is to visit an online site that features colleges and universities that offer online nursing programs. These sites will provide the future students with information about courses offered, accreditation, financial resources, and academic support.For the employee who is forward looking in this economy, and online nursing degree program is one way to promote advancement and job security. With the average range of salaries for nurses being between $57,000 and 69,000, having an advanced degree may put the nurse at the highest end of the scale at $83,000. It will not take long for the student to recoup the expense of an online nursing program.A smart nurse is the nurse who seeks to increase all of his or her potential academically and financially. Information on various programs are available online for the potential student. nonadult false Nursing Degree online? text blog 216 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=7991213&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/icons/defaultMember_31351_portrait160X120.jpg?t=1244674994329 false 0 0 345560 7991213 Member 275 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Suggestions/BLOG/344234/31351.html Ok...so I'm the one who suggested this group, however I have no computer experience...in fact my husband does 75% of all our electronic stuff...The reason I suggested this group is to find other military and military spouses who are living overseas...as we are currently stationed in Germany and this is my first time living overseas I'm really nervous and want to know how others have handeled or are handling these changes??Thanks for you time,Megan Ok...so I'm the one who suggested this group, however I have no computer experience...in fact my husband does 75% of all our electronic stuff...The reason I suggested this group is to find other military and military spouses who are living overseas...as we are currently stationed in Germany and this is my first time living overseas I'm really nervous and want to know how others have handeled or are handling these changes??Thanks for you time,Megan Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:40:54 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Suggestions/BLOG/344234/31351.html lugers88 2009-06-11T12:40:54Z The Courage Community Ok...so I'm the one who suggested this group, however I have no computer experience...in fact my husband does 75% of all our electronic stuff...The reason I suggested this group is to find other military and military spouses who are living overseas...as we are currently stationed in Germany and this is my first time living overseas I'm really nervous and want to know how others have handeled or are handling these changes??Thanks for you time,Megan deplyoed, families, military, overseas, stationed nonadult false Suggestions... text blog deplyoed,families,military,overseas,stationed 251 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=7960840&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/photos/PHOTO_4058703_31351_7960840_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 344234 7960840 Member 365 http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Social-Worker-Diary-The-Beauty-of-Courage-for-Healing/BLOG/333792/31351.html Working with clients has been challenging and so rewarding. I am amazed at the struggles that people have overcame. It can be so painful to hear about people's difficult family backgrounds, unfortunate accidents and losses in their lives. I am moved daily by this. It takes a lot of courage to face one's past and to be able to move to another level. It is hard to see when someone closes down due to hurt, disappointments and low self-esteem. I like to help someone get out of their shell and to reach another perspective. It can be difficult to do change and to let go but it's how true transformation occurs. You can read some social work change articles and discuss things.Challenges can sometimes pull us down but it helps to remember that the journey will get us beyond where we are stuck. Working with clients has been challenging and so rewarding. I am amazed at the struggles that people have overcame. It can be so painful to hear about people's difficult family backgrounds, unfortunate accidents and losses in their lives. I am moved daily by this. It takes a lot of courage to face one's past and to be able to move to another level. It is hard to see when someone closes down due to hurt, disappointments and low self-esteem. I like to help someone get out of their shell and to reach another perspective. It can be difficult to do change and to let go but it's how true transformation occurs. You can read some social work change articles and discuss things.Challenges can sometimes pull us down but it helps to remember that the journey will get us beyond where we are stuck. Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:35:38 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Social-Worker-Diary-The-Beauty-of-Courage-for-Healing/BLOG/333792/31351.html wiseliving2 2009-06-04T01:35:38Z The Courage Community The Courage Community Working with clients has been challenging and so rewarding. I am amazed at the struggles that people have overcame. It can be so painful to hear about people's difficult family backgrounds, unfortunate accidents and losses in their lives. I am moved daily by this. It takes a lot of courage to face one's past and to be able to move to another level. It is hard to see when someone closes down due to hurt, disappointments and low self-esteem. I like to help someone get out of their shell and to reach another perspective. It can be difficult to do change and to let go but it's how true transformation occurs. You can read some social work change articles and discuss things.Challenges can sometimes pull us down but it helps to remember that the journey will get us beyond where we are stuck. the courage community nonadult false Social Worker Diary: The Beauty of Courage for Healing text blog the courage community 370 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=7923578&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/photos/PHOTO_4004412_31351_7923578_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 The Courage Community 0 333792 7923578 Member 330