New College Semester

This is the first week back from winter break. This semester, I am taking Biology II (lecture and lab) and Lifespan Psychology. In May, I will finally be graduating from Collin College with an associate's degree of liberal arts! I am so excited! Next semester, I am hoping to attend UNT and begin my journey towards a bachelor's degree in social work and a master's degree in counseling. I know that this will be a long journey but it is a dream of mine to counsel others and be able to share my story to patients.

Wish me luck!

Encouragement to Read the Bible

If you are someone that believes the world will end in 2012, why not let that belief be the motivator that pushes you to read the Bible? When Jesus does return, I'm positive that He would like to know He means enough to us that we chose to read the book gracefully given to us that speaks about Jesus' coming, His nature, His teachings, His life, His sacrifice, and how much He loves us. Born to die... what a life. May we all find the time for God and His Word this year. A great way is listening to the Daily Audio Bible Podcast (also on ITunes). It is a podcast that goes through the Bible in a year. I did it last year and it had an amazing impact on me. Will you set aside 15 minutes of your day this year for God? I feel that it is the least we could do for Him. Good luck and let me know if you're in! There are extraordinary rewards when we seek Him and follow Him.

http://www.dailyaudiobiblemedia.com/player/dab.html

Texas' Underage Alcohol Abusers Often Re-offend, Avoid Treatment

When a 17-year-old is arrested for DWI, he may be just a baby to mom and dad. But in the eyes of Texas, he's an adult.

"I cannot tell you the number of parents who cried and moaned, who walked into the court when I was trying a 17- or 18-year-old, saying, 'They just brought him home the first 10 times,' " said Clay Abbott, DWI resource prosecutor for the Texas District and County Attorneys Association. "I said, 'Yeah, he was a juvenile then. Now he's mine.' "

As adults too young to legally drink, 17- to 20-year-olds fall into a special category in Texas: "minor adults."

They can be ticketed for infractions such as merely being around alcohol; but, if arrested for driving while intoxicated, they are treated as adults.

Juveniles can't go to jail, their blood cannot be tested without permission, and their records can't be disclosed. Even when drinking and driving, they're usually only ticketed, and the system offers them numerous breaks.

But minor adults, like all adults, can be required to take blood alcohol tests, or their refusal can be used against them. They can be held in jail, with older, hardened criminals. The offense stays on the record forever.

Experts say minor adults pose a challenge for the criminal justice system: They're more likely to drink harder and faster, and they're more likely to re-offend - but they often avoid the help the system offers by taking jail time instead of probation with treatment.

Binge drinking

The 17 to 20 years are prime time for binge drinking at high school pasture parties and college frat blowouts.

At a recent alcohol awareness class for minors in McKinney, girls giggled and boys nodded their heads knowingly when instructor Rickey Haynes referred to various drinking games such as "Edward Fortyhands," where drinkers tape to their hands two 40-ounce containers of alcohol that they cannot remove until empty.

"I would say two-thirds of 16- to 20-year-olds are binge drinkers," said James Fell, senior program director at the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation. "They only drink to get drunk. They drink - males - five or more drinks in two hours, for females four or more drinks within two hours. They drink to get smashed."

The state says drivers under 21 make up about 6 percent of Texas licensed drivers, but are responsible for 12 percent of all alcohol-related fatalities.

Not every young adult arrested for DWI is addicted to alcohol, but treatment would help many underage drinkers avoid full-blown alcoholism .

Crawford, Selwyn, Jennings, Diane, and Spangenberger, Darlean. "Texas' Underage Alcohol Abusers Often Re-offend, Avoid Treatment." DallasNews.Com. 3 January 2011. Web. 4 January 2011. http://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/headlines/20110103-texas_underage-alcohol-abusers-often-re-offend-avoid-treatment.ece.

Christmas

I love Christmas time. It is so exciting. The temperature drops, the smell of pine trees is in the air, homes and streets are festively decorated, and family comes in town. But the most important part of Christmas is the rememberance of Jesus' birth. God went through so much for us. Born as an infant and crucified in humiliation for all our sins. What a blessing it is to be able to celebrate His birth!
____________________________________________________________________

Isaiah 9:6-7

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

"Isaiah 9." Biblegateway.com. New International Version, 2010. 26 December 2010. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah%209&version=NIV.
____________________________________________________________________

We had a great holiday. We went to Christmas Eve service. On Christmas, my boyfriend and I spent the morning at our house with my parents and sister, the afternoon at his Mom's house, and the evening at his Dad's. Billy is now into hunting and got a lot of hunting gear for Christmas. I bought him hunting boots and a massage gift card. I mainly got clothes, cds, and Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. My sister made a breakfast casserole, his Mom made oven-baked turkey and dressing for lunch, and we actually had 2 dinners! Billy's Dad made fried turkey and his twin brother Allan (who spent Christmas with Bill) made the famous Wood dressing. We loved it! My family made oven-baked ham, mashed potatoes, and steamed asparagus. I still feel full from that day!

Merry CHRISTmas to all!

Best Christmas Lights Display (HD)

Best Christmas Lights Display (HD): "Amazing Christmas display with 176 channels and 45,000 lights!"

Life

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.

- Mother Teresa

Happy Birthday Bill, Allan, & Aunt Lavelle!

Happy Birthday to Billy's Dad, Bill and his twin brother Allan who both turned 53! We spent the day at Bill's House and enjoyed family time.

Happy Birthday to my Great Aunt Lavelle who unfortunately spent the day in the hospital. Her daughter Rachel was in a horrible accident. Please keep her in your prayers!

Upcoming Speeches

Date: December 7, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm
Place: Allen Municipal Court
Address: 301 Century Parkway, Allen 75013
Audience: Teens and Community

Date: December 15, 2010
Time: 6:00 pm
Place: University Drive Courts Facility
Address: 1800 N Graves St, McKinney 75069
Audience: Adults

November 4, 2010

This morning I was invited to speak to Collin College's nursing students by their instructor and also a family friend of ours Debra Hurd. She wanted me to share my insight from my stay and care in the hospitals and also offer any advice I could to the nurses. I shared how I became paralyzed, how my care was in the hospitals, and how much of an impact they potentially have on their patients.

I remember that it was the nurses and one particular nurse tech I had that pulled me through my depression and gave me the inner strength I needed to recover enough to be able to go home. That in itself is proof that we all make an impact on everyone that we meet. We can never know for sure how a person is on the inside or how their life at home is. All we know is how a person behaves and feels around us. You could be the very person that pulls someone out of a hidden depression and also the very person that gradually nudges someone into a depression. You have been given a gift - the ability to be impactful. How do you plan to use it?

Anytime you use your God-given abilities to help others, you are fulfilling your calling." - Dr. Rick Warren

"Now you belong to him . . . in order that you might be useful in the service of God." - Romans 7:4 (TEV)

1 John 3:14 (CEV) – “Our love for each other proves that we have gone from death to life."

November 2, 2010

Yesterday, I spoke at Collin College on behalf of MADD and Red Ribbon Week. I have been speaking for MADD for officially one year this month and I finally felt ready to share my story with my fellow College students and faculty. Therefore, through the help of the Collin College Program Coordinator Michael Gregorash, we were able to set up this event and titled it "Drinking and Driving: Yes, It Can Affect You!"

An audience of about 65 attended including some personal invitations of mine: Denise Crabtree, Helen Doughty, Linda Greenwood, Renee Mooney, and Del Newberry. I feel that this was my best speech yet. I included drug and alcohol-related statistics and facts which were astounding to discover upon researching. Please visit http://www.madd.org/, www.AbovetheInfluence.com/facts, and http://www.acde.org/common/Contents.htm for more information on drugs and alcohol. We were able to film this speech and I plan to post it on my Website and on Facebook as soon as I am finished with finals.

Thank you Collin College for having me and thank you to everyone who attended!

Upcoming Speeches

Date: November 2, 2010
Time: 12:00 pm
Place: Collin College's Spring Creek Campus (Living Legends Conference Center)
Address: 2800 E Spring Creek Parkway Plano, TX
Audience: Collin College students and faculty, the community

Date: November 4, 2010
Time: 10:30 am
Place: Collin Higher Education Center
Address: 3452 Spur 399 McKinney, TX 75069
Audience: Nursing students

Last 2 Games

I'm confused. Did we or did we not make it to the World Series? Let's ACT like it Rangers!

October 25, 2010

Yesterday was an amazing day. It started with me speaking at Blue Ridge HS in the morning on behalf of MADD for red ribbon week. This was my first time speaking at a high school which is the main reason I wanted to team up with MADD. The school body was about 200 total. As the lights dimmed so that my powerpoint would display, the students entered the gym and I began to speak. The students were very attentive, more so than I expected based on my experience in school when we would have speakers come. After praying for the stuents for a couple of weeks - that they would be receptive to my message - I sensed that they those that needed to hear it and fully grasp it did. Afterwards, one of the students thanked me as they were dismissed as well as some of the faculty which was nice. Hopefully, my message will stick with them more than just a couple of days, but the rest of their lives.

Yesterday was also mine and Billy's anniversary! Billy and I celebrated 8 years together. We actually decided to start celebrating on Saturday, October 23rd. We ate at Chili's and rented the movie "Killers" with Ashton Kutcher. It was surprisingly very good. On Monday after I spoke at Blue Ridge HS, we went out to eat at IHOP with my Mom. We celebrated the rest of the night watching the Cowboys unfortunately fall apart... But atleast we have the Rangers doing well!

Red Ribbon Week

This week (October 24th - October 30th) is red ribbon week which is dedicated once a year to raising awareness of drugs and alcohol.

Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country ... Red Ribbon Week serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through a commitment to drug prevention and education and a personal commitment to live drug free lives with the ultimate goal being the creation of drug free America (Imdrugfree.com).


This is usually MADD's most busy time of the year. I'm dissappointed that my own city, McKinney did not request presentations from MADD. This is a serious issue that needs addressed especially to young people.

Just Say No!



"Red Ribbon Week." Imdrugfree.com. Preventionpartners.com, 2009. Web. http://www.imdrugfree.com/.

World Series Here We Come!

The Texas Rangers have finally made the WORLD SERIES!!! Come on Rangers! We know you can do it! Let's beat San Francisco! Woo Hoo!

Christmas List: Andrus Shirt!

Injured Rutgers player Eric LeGrand may benefit from new advances in spinal cord research

"Just last week, the first stem cell treatment for a spinal cord injury was administered in the United States. Various drugs are in the research pipeline. And there is optimism in the medical community that new treatments may be in the offing."

"The first embryonic stem cell treatment for a human in this country was administered Oct. 11 to a patient partially paralyzed with a spinal cord injury in Atlanta. Millions of embryonic stem cells were injected into the patient’s spinal cord, with the hope that he or she could recover some of their damaged nervous system."

Augenstein, Seth. "Injured Rutgers player Eric LeGrand may benefit from new advances in spinal cord research." The Star-Ledger. New Jersey Local News. 21 October 2010. http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2010/10/injured_rutgers_player_eric_le_1.html.

Surviving and Living with Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. The most common site for acquiring asbestos related diseases is the workplace. Shipbuilders, construction workers, and industrial workers are at the greatest risk. Secondhand exposure is also possible, and some mesothelioma patients have never been in direct contact with asbestos. Exposure probably occurred while touching the hair or clothing of someone who works with asbestos.

Because of the latent nature of the disease, victims do not begin experiencing mesothelioma symptoms until at least two decades after being exposed. The diagnosis comes as a complete surprise. In most cases, the cancer spreads unnoticed. By the time individuals seek medical attention, and the physician reaches a conclusive diagnosis, the cancer is already in advanced stages. The discussion often turns to palliative care and quality of life, rather than surviving and living with mesothelioma.

Living Examples

Surviving and living with mesothelioma is possible. Some patients are surviving fourteen years after the initial diagnosis. Survival largely depends on the will of the patient to continuing living, and the willingness to learn as much as possible about the disease and all available treatment options-both traditional and alternative.

Belle McGuckin is diagnosed in 1998. At the time, her physician gives her little hope of surviving and living with mesothelioma. Like many health care professionals, the discussion turns to palliative care. In an interview with WebMD, “McGuckin, her family and friends refused to give up hope. They researched the disease -- of which local doctors knew little -- searched the Internet for information, and subsequently contacted lawyers, doctors and research centers”.

Beth found a physician with the skill and knowledge to remove the mesothelium and the lung that was affected by mesothelioma. Relatively pain free, Beth continues to live a good quality of life at the time of the interview. It is years since one doctor gave her the fatal prognosis. Beth took the proactive approach and sought out treatment options most people do not take the time to consider.

Paul Kraus is another example of someone who chose living and surviving with mesothelioma. Faced with a grim prognosis, Paul begins searching for answers and different treatment options that are right for him. He begins immediately by changing his lifestyle, especially his eating habits. Paul’s opts to forego any traditional treatment options for peritoneal mesothelioma.

For example, Paul chooses ozone therapy. After much research, he learns that oxygenated cancer cells do not survive well. The therapy cycles his blood to be oxygenated and returns it to his system. Paul’s approach is to give the body tools to promote healing, in all aspects of life. While some may think his approach to cancer is radical, no one can deny that he is one of the longest surviving individuals living with mesothelioma.

Johnson, Alex. "Surviving and Living with Mesothelioma." Message to Tonya Winchester. 8 October 2010. E-mail.

Nix Reunion

Yesterday was our family reunion. We met at a family-owned restaurant in Forney, TX. I think about 50 came. It was so nice to see everyone but at the same time, I found myself feeling sad. My Grandma's siblings and spouses aren't doing well. It is a reality check when you finally get to see them but realize how old they have gotten. They are all in their mid-70's and 80's. The deaths of Uncle Billy, Uncle Johnnie, and Aunt Janette have really made an impact on the family. I think it has aged everyone. My Mom's Uncle Wesley was on oxygen, could barely move and now uses a walker since the death of his wife. I went to visit my Mom's Uncle Cecil and his wife after the reunion and they have aged just as well. I sensed a bit of lonliness in all of them.

Lord, I just pray that they will lean on you and know that you are with them. I don't know if they are saved but I pray for their salvation and a mighty strengthening of their faith. May they find comfort in you. May their pain and lonliness disappear. I pray for them to find peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

*Pictures to come.

Answering the Holy Spirit

I met two of my neighbors today for the first time and found out that one of them has stomach cancer. I felt a little voice calling me to pray for him. That was the first time I've ever prayed for someone I had just met. It is unlike any earthly feeling when you answer the Holy Spirit's calling. The joy that follows is amazing. :)

Please keep him in your prayers. His name is Mark Smith.

Ephesians

Today I have been busy studying for school but as I decided to take a break, I opened the word of God to Ephesians. What a wonderful book this is. It is very impowering and just what I needed. Thank you God. I wanted to share a few scriptures with you:

Living as Children of Light
Ephesians 4:17-32

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin:" Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

"Ephesians 4 (New International Version)." Biblegateway.com. 24 September 2010. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4&version=NIV.

The Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

"Ephesians 6 (New International Version)." Biblegateway.com. 24 September 2010. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6&version=NIV.

Nanny is in TOWN!

Today, Nanny (my Dad's Mom) came into town for the week. We haven't seen her since Christmas! She's my only grandparent left and I am so thankful for the blessing I have (as many don't) to be able to know her and for us to have a strong relationship. Too bad I am stuck with a lot of homework!

Happy Birthday!

Today is my Uncle Marty's birthday! Happy Birthday Uncle! I miss you! We need to get together!

Happy 25th Anniversary to My PARENTS :)

Today is my parent's 25th wedding aniversary! I'm so happy for you two! I love you and very much appreciate your love, hard work, and dedication you have put into your marriage and our family. I know what a loving relationship is because of you. All the sacrifices and trials you have faced... all I can say is that I love you both with all of my heart and want nothing but happiness for you. All the money in the world could not even repay you for being so selfless, giving, and loving throughout my lifetime and even moreso since my accident. Thank you for always being there. I'm so glad you were able to get away and take a vacation! :)

I love you Mom & Dad!

Happy Birthday!

Today is my friend (and Billy's brother's girlfriend) Sarah's 22nd birthday! Happy Birthday from me and Dexter!

Tacha is Coming to Town!

Tacha arrived yesterday and will be staying until next Sunday. She came to help take care of me while my parents go out of town to San Francisco next week for their 25th anniversary. Too bad I am swamped with a lot of homework!

7 Things You Should Always Buy Generic

1. Pain relievers and other over-the-counter medications

Acetaminophen — the active ingredient in Tylenol — is available in many generic products. Note that the generics aren't similar: they're identical. Why would you ever pay more for an identical product? This also applies to everything from cold medicine to eye drops — virtually every over-the-counter medication. The labels are right there — read them.

Name-Brand Acetaminophen: $10.99
Store-Brand Acetaminophen: $6.99
Difference: $4.00 (57 percent)

2. Water

Although I should certainly be used to it by now, I can't get over the fact that people go to the store to buy something in a bottle that they could be getting nearly free in their kitchen sink. But even if you can convince me that bottled water is worth the money, you'll have a heck of time convincing me that the gallon jug from Crystal Springs is noticeably better than the one from Publix. And if you're really concerned about water quality and/or taste — why aren't you buying a filter and making your own bottled water? I just don't get this entire concept.

Name-Brand Water: $1.25
Store-Brand Water: $.85
Difference: $.40 (48 percent)

3. Milk

I'm sure there are connoisseurs of moo-juice that could distinguish name-brand milk from store-brand — but I'm not quite sure how they'd do it. Bouquet? Finish? Sounds like a bunch of bull to me.

Name-Brand Milk: $5.45
Store-Brand Milk: $3.39
Difference: $2.06 (60 percent)

4. Margarine

It's already a substitute for butter. Is it really going to negatively impact your quality of life to substitute the substitute?

Name-Brand Margarine: $1.79
Store-Brand Margarine: $1.19
Difference: $.60 (50%)

5. Bleach

You're taking a cup of chlorine and adding it to gallons of water in your washing machine. How could any TV commercial possibly convince you that a brand name will make your clothes come out better?

Name-Brand Bleach: $2.25
Store-Brand Bleach: $1.67
Difference: $.58 (35 percent)

6. Cleaning Products

Many — if not most — cleaning products are already overpriced substitutes for stuff you already have around the house. Two of the most popular news stories we've ever done were Household Products Vinegar Can Replace and Do-It-Yourself Laundry Detergent. But let's assume that you have a fetish for spray bottles and insist on buying ready-to-use cleaning products: is the name brand getting your counter that much cleaner?

Name-Brand Cleaner with Bleach: $3.29
Store-Brand Cleaner with Bleach: $2.39
Difference: $.90 (38 percent)

7. Spices

Think your job is hard? Imagine if your career entailed convincing the public that your company's salt — the most basic of ingredients — was better than some other company's salt. The whole idea is preposterous. And yet, there they sit, side by side, with nothing but their labels and their prices to set them apart. And where spices are concerned, that's just the beginning — can you tell your oregano from mine?

Name-Brand Oregano: $5.48/oz.
Store-Brand Oregano: $1.24/oz.
Difference: $4.24 (342 percent)

I'm going to stop this exercise here. Not because I couldn't go on — I could turn this into a book — but those are all the specific prices that I wrote down while we were shooting the above story. There are literally hundreds — if not thousands — of examples of people routinely swapping hard-earned cash for something virtually worthless: a name brand. It happens in the grocery store, it happens in the clothing store and it happens at the car dealer. It happens everywhere.

Am I saying that name-brands are never worth the money? Of course not. I can tell the difference between Dunkin Donuts coffee and store-brand — that's why I pay extra for it. But I certainly can't tell the difference between brands of oregano, bleach, orange juice, bananas, cheese, spaghetti, flour, sugar and a plethora of other products.

Paying extra for name brands that don't offer higher quality in return is nothing less than stupid. If you can use that money to instead build a $342,000 nest-egg, you absolutely should. Even if you don't need the money, maybe you should still refuse to do what the commercials tell you and donate the difference to charity. In either case, the world ends up a better place.

Johnson, Stacy. "7 Things You Should Always Buy Generic." MoneyTalksNews. 11 September 2010. Yahoo! Web. 19 September 2010.

September 15

Last night, I spoke to a group of adults for MADD at the old McKinney Court House. I hope and pray that what I said made a difference in their lives. I really enjoy speaking and sharing my story. It gives me a rush and I always feel that God has directly brought me there to reach that particular group of people.

Your hands shaped me and made me. Job 10:8 (NIV)

Today is Billy's 26th birthday!

Happy Birthday babe! I'm so lucky to have you in my life! I love you and hope you had a great birthday!

We took Billy out to eat at his favorite Tex-Mex Restaurant, Jalepeno Tree!

September 7

Tonight I am speaking in Allen to a group of teens for MADD. Wish me luck!

Today is my best friend Kristen's 26th birthday!

Happy Birthday girl and congratulations on your pregnancy! :)