COMING SOON!!!!!!!

Here is the skinny on why I have not been able to post lately. I just got my computer back after spending a week with the Geek Squad. They upgraded my disk space all along with cleaning stuff. By doing this they took out my programs, and had to reinstall them. It has been a pain in trying to find my old documents, my pictures, and music. I finally found most of it though. I use voice dictation to type. It is a device in which I talk into a microphone and it types for me. Well of course since they had to reinstall that software that means I had to retrain it for my voice, UUUGGGHHH! It is all time-consuming but know that you will be getting a posts soon, I Promise.
Miss S.

SR's 92- SMELLY ARMPIT (my 1st date)

When I got homecoming queen there was a light that went off for me telling me that I may could get some attention from boys! Up until that point I was of no interest to the male species, but I was still not holding my breath to be any different. My brother was dating a girl at the time (they are not together now) who lived in a town about 30 minutes away from us. I was friends with her, and went to stay the night and hang out with some of her friends. This was right after I got homecoming queen. We went over to her friend Smelly Armpit’s house (his last name was pit, and to distinguish him this is an appropriate name for him. Just roll with it!). Smelly A was not in the room when I got there so he did not see me walk all drunk. I was sitting on the couch when Smelly A entered. We were introduced, and Smelly A began quizzing me on who I was. Smelly kept saying how familiar I looked. Then Smelly A snapped his fingers, and said, “You were homecoming queen. I saw you on TV.” Smelly A proceeded to call his mom telling her that she wouldn't believe who was setting in the living room right now. That was the first time I really felt like a local celebrity! Until then I had never been given a shout out. We spent the evening at Smelly A’s house just visting. Smelly was so funny, and cute too! Then went home to my brothers girlfriends house at the time. Smelly A was invited to my friends house to play pool. On the way back to her house her and another girlfriend were saying to me that Smelly A was so sweet on me. That they had never seen Smelly A act like that before. I did not know what to say or any thing, I had never known what it is like to have someone like you. Smelly was cute, and a couple of years older. Smelly A did end up coming over, and we played pool until like 2 in the morning. At this time he saw me walk and I explained my disability to him. Smelly A was okay with it! Smelly A was a gentleman. Flirting a little, but mostly laughing. Smelly A made me feel comfortable. Before Smelly A left he asked me for my number. I was surprised at that moment that I even remembered it! We ended up talking on the phone for a couple of months before we went out. From our conversations I thought Smelly A was a good guy. Smelly A didn’t seem all that smelly! I was 17, and thinking that was a good age to have a first date. So my first date was on Friday the 13th! I will not go into big details for it was not all that and a bucket of chicken. Smelly A showed up late bringing a sour mood, and wearing a red buttoned-down shirt! That set the tone. I was not about to bring my wheelchair with me, and made the mistake of wearing these leather boot looking things that did not have much grip on the bottom. I do remember Smelly A giving me a piggyback ride to the theater doors because it started sprinkling. Wasn't that nice of Smelly A? We ended up going to see a stupid supposed to be horror movie called "people under the stairs." I give it two gigantic thumbs down! Smelly A was the one who really wanted to see it. I found out later in the car as we were discussing how sucky the movie was that Smelly A was not planning for us to watch most of the movie if you know what I'm saying! I do not know who Smelly A thought he was??? That’s when things started to get pretty smelly! From there we went to El Chico’s to eat, and our conversation was not good. Smelly A showed a completely different side of himself! Smelly A took me home, and I did give Smelly A a hug and we never spoke after that. It could have been worse I guess.

Since then my dating life has not been any thing to write home about. When I was 22 there was some boy drama that has taught me a life lesson that I will tell then. I told myself not too long ago that I was not going to throw myself pity parties anymore about not having a relationship. If it is part of God’s plan for me it will happen. So tell me about your first date? Inquiring minds want to know?

Thank you for taking the time to Read, Miss S

Sr's 92- IS IT A TRICK OR A 23TREAT!!!

It was a couple of week's before Halloween, and it was tradition for the seniors to have a spook house at the Halloween dance. So we (the seniors) began doing just that. I decided to be the bodyless girl. We used the old gym which was petitioned off by a wall going to the new gym. The new gym was where the dance would be, and the old gym was going to be the spook house. With a lot of thick dark trash bag looking things we made little rooms in there. We set up to do a lot of spookie things! Besides lots of help we had strobe lights, black lights, and lots of props. It was coming together nicely. We had a day where we went through a dry run to see how it would all work out. I sat in a chair with no arms which immediately made me nervous because of my balance. But stubborn me wanted to do this so bad that I would fight it. I probably could have asked for a chair with arms, but oh well. They then put a box with a circle piece cut out for the head over my head. Later they would put a sheet that was bloodied and an axe (not real) stuck in the box. They gave me a water gun so that as people went by I would yell, "My body where's my body and screaming" all while squirting the water gun through the head hole. I was so excited!

At school we celebrated Halloween on the Thursday before the actual day. The day started off well. The seniors had a Halloween costume contest in the morning. A lot of the seniors dressed up. I was at a racecar driver. My brother drove a Modified Odyssey (small race car) for several years. I borrowed his racing suit and helmet. If I remember correctly one of the gals dressed up as the Energizer bunny with a pink suit on and a really big drum. She won!! Everyone who dressed up and wanted to could get together and go to different classes parade around, and let the underclassmen see what you were wearing. I wanted to do it, but knew I would be wore out really quickly. They compromised to let me do a couple of classrooms with them, and then I would return back to my class. It was time to get ready for lunch. The majority of the time I would go to lunch with Tonya. We were in the same class right before lunch so the teacher would let her go get her car, and park it in the faculty parking lot for it was a closer. She would get me and we would try to leave as quickly as we could to beat the rush, and to be first in line to get our lunch that day. I got in her car and off we went. As she was leaving I was putting on my seatbelt. We were discussing where we wanted to go when she pulled out of the parking lot, and all of the sudden there was a loud noise. I hit my jaw on the dashboard pretty hard. At that moment it was like there was no sound coming from anywhere. I did not realize that the passenger front side (my side) was hit, and that the window had shattered till then. I put my hand to my face, and realized that there was blood. I did not feel deep cuts. I spoke and asked Tonya if she was okay. The first thing out of her mouth was, "My poor car!” O NO SHE DIDN’T!! not “I am okay are you okay?" This was her next question, that’s what I thought. She went into the office at school and told them what had happened, and that we were okay, and to call our parent's. My dad did not work very far from the school so he was there quickly and as was Tonya's dad. They had gotten me some wet napkins to see about the cuts on my face. It was nothing major. but would leave scrapes on my face. Because of the jaw my dad took me to the emergency room. My jaw was popping in and out of place, but did not hurt. So they did not do anything about that. They were concerned about the scraping on my face. There was even glass in the pocket of my leather jacket. It had been a while since I had a tetanus shot so they wanted to do that. Needles have always made me nervous even though I had gotten used to them. I saw a cute male ER nurse walking by the room and I told them I would do the shot with no problems if they would get that cute male nurse to hold my hand during the shot! They all laughed, but that is exactly what happened!! I knew what I was doing, LOL! We left the ER, and I went home. Tonya’s car was towed. She got the ticket for the accident but it was noone’s fault. There was a blindspot and she never saw the car coming. To this day my jaw still pops in and out. It gets stuck open sometimes especially when I yawn big. I just have to relax and massage my jaw to pop it back in. It still does not hurt. It could have been worse. It does not end there!

There was no way I was going to miss being at this spook house that evening. I had several phone calls from people inquiring of how I was doing, and that they did not expect me to be there. I told them they were out of their minds, because I was going to be there. I told them I was not hurt, and was ready to scare some folks! This was the first time taking my wheelchair to a school function. That was a big step for me. Everything was going to be in the gym, and that was wheelchair accessible without steps and only one floor. Nobody seemed to look at me differently being in it like I assumed. I arrived early so I could get my face painted. They worked around the side of my cheek with the scrapes to not get make up in those places. In order to get into this spook house it was a maze and you had to crawl on your hands and knees to get in. It was a little tricky for me, but I had help. When you left the spook house it was the same way. I sat in the chair with no arms and held on to the sides so I would not fall over. They put the box with a bloodied sheet and fake axe over my head. This also made me feel a little uneasy. They handed me the water gun, and left the room. I was by myself in the room, and waiting for the first victim! I could hear everyone else getting ready. We had a mad doctor next to me who was pretending to do surgery on someone. They put cooked spaghetti noodles on their stomach like it was their intestines. The other room next to me was a coffin, and a person who would jump out and scare you. We had a girl somehow hanging from a rope like she was hung. As everyone got in place they turned the lights off, put on the strobe lights and block lights. As those of you are aware people with the Ataxia do not have good night vision. All the other lights made me feel kind of dizzy. I stuck it out though, and I was gripping that chair like there was no tomorrow. When my first victim came I started screaming and yelling for my body, and the closer they got I hit them with some water from the water gun! They then took off. It was hard for me to try to balance myself and shoot the gun, so I dropped it on the floor and did not use it any more. After a little bit Bubba came over to tell me it was time for a break. I told him that I was going to need some help out of here. He said that he would tell the others and be back for me. Everyone left and all of the light's went off. I expected to see Bubba at any given moment... in just a second… at any time! I am getting very nervous with my balance in this chair for it is pitch black now. I cannot holler loud enough because the music for the dance next door is way too loud. Where was he? I wondered if my mind was playing tricks on me thinking it had been longer than what I thought. I had heard about five songs at this time. I thought about trying to remove the box from for my head. But I thought about what that might do to my balance to let go of the chair. What if I didn't get the box away from me, and it ended up that my whole body even my head is stuck in the box? If someone came they would have a hard time hearing me muffled in the box along with the dance music, and not see me so I would be in their forever!! I could hear and see two little kids running through the spook house. I told them to go get an adult, and let them know that Stephanie was in the spook house and needed help. They were being typical kids who probably didn’t even hear what I said , looking at me like I was crazy for not leaving. So they just continued running around in there. Finally, Bubba and a couple of other guys came to my rescue! Bubba just kept apologizing and telling me he was sorry. I found out later that as they were in the break room enjoying hot pizza one of the guys saw my wheelchair, and noticed me not in it. In asking where I was Bubba raised up, and said oh crap! Several guys darted to get me. What a nice way to end this story!!


Got a halloween story to share or a favorite costume? Thanks for taking the time to read,

Miss S

SMILE, YOUR ON CANDID CAMERA!!!!!!!!

Okay, I finally made it to a scanner and have added some pics to some of the posts. If you look at the post titles on the blog archives (on the right of this page) and they have the word [edited] on them that means they contain pics. Most of the posts have more than one pic on them. I scanned a bunch of pics, but some you will not see until I make the post. Once I [edited] it did not seem like a lot. Anywho I hope you enjoy!!

Miss S

Sr's 92-HOMECOMING QUEEN (part 3)

THE BIG DAY IS HERE!!!  10/4/91
I did not sleep well the night before for I was so excited about what was to come. The day was to be filled with such excitement. I prayed the day would go smoothly, but did not forget to give God so many thanks for the blessed day!

CORONATION ASSEMBLYI got up in time to eat, put on a pink and white vertical stripped buttoned blouse (I hardly ever wore shirts that buttoned (still don’t), because my fine motor skills sucked (still do)), and off my mom and I went to the hairdresser's to get my hair done for the coronation assembly that morning. My Dad left in the opposite direction to go get my dress fluffed at the dry cleaners. A friend of mine at the time(from Camp) met us at the shop to put on my make up. Keeta made my hair look beautiful in a eloquent updo

, and off I went to school. I went into a big room where all of the attendants were getting dressed and everything. I had tons of help getting in to my dress, and my slick white dress shoes. I was just praying I did not slip on those slick white dress shoes! Because I was physically disabled there were lots of revisions made throughout the whole day, and thank God for me! It gave me a chance to make fewer mistakes. I will tell you about them as I am talking about it. I was carried backstage into the auditorium and sat on a white wicker chair with royal blue ribbons weaved on the outside of the chair (school colors). Usually the homecoming queen walks down the aisle, but we can all picture how that would turn out! They gave me a long royal blue velvet robe that was tradition to wear. They helped me to place it where it would show, but not be sitting on it. The curtains remained closed as the audience made it to their seats. I could just hear a lot of commotion, and it made me nervous. Some of the band members began tooting their horns, and the curtains opened up. I was all by myself on the stage. I thought about making weird faces so everyone would laugh thinking that would calm my nerves, but I just sat there smiling.

Introductions of the royal court were first. The male attendants (called the braves, the warriors was our mascot) wore black tuxes with royal blue cumber buns and ties, and the Senior female attendants were wearing white gowns, and the other attendants wore royal blue gowns.

 

                                     (CAPTION:  Sr Brave LaFredreick & Attendant Kristy)

                                                 (CAPTION: Sr. Brave Steve & Staci)
They walked down the aisle together to the stage, and stood in a staircase formation with the Seniors on the top row and so forth. Next was the crown bearer (Bubba’s sis, 7 I think) wearing a white gown and carrying a white satin pillow that held my crown, and the spirit leader which was a senior who wore Indian clothes and carried a lance (tall brown spirit stick with feathers on it) came after.

After they were on stage the King (Bubba) came down the aisle looking sharp in his white tux as the audience stood to their feet.

After he was on stage they recognized me by standing to their feet and clapping.

 

The coronation began with the naming of the former Kings and Queens.

                                           
A local TV station even came to film a segment for the news! Then a song was then sang giving tribute to me, I felt so special. One of my friends in choir (shout out to Laura), Wendy, asked to sing during the assembly. She had a voice that would make Simon Cowell cry, Paula Abdul give her the biggest seal clap, and Randy Jackson call out all the dawgs for her if she were on American Idol! She had approached me earlier about wanting to sing, but that she would keep the song a secret until the day she performed it. As the song started I immediately got teary-eyed. It was "The Wind Beneath My Wings," by Bette Midler. I cannot hear that song now without it giving me major goosebumps.

 

It was now time for me to get the football from one of the senior attendants (it was suppose to bring good luck for the game for me to touch it, go figure). It is usually thrown to the homecoming queen, but as we know I can't even hit the broad side of a barn! For safety reasons he just handed me the football!

Then it came time for the crowning. Ladies first, so Bubba grabbed the crown from the white satin pillow that the crown bearer had, and place to it on my head. Being a typical male he was not noticing where to place the crown, and smashed it down right in the middle of my bangs! God love him, but he probably did the right thing to keep it in place with all of the hairspray going on there! At that moment I was crowned Miss Daniel Webster the 54th!!

I was asked to give an acceptance speech. As I mentioned earlier this speech was short but sweet. I had practiced it many times at home. But the minute those first few words came out of my mouth “I want to start by thanking my mom and dad…" I began to cry. What short speech I had left my brain with the tears. Bubba came prepared and handed me a Kleenex from his pocket. I tried to gather my thoughts and hold myself together so I wouldn’t look like Tammy Faye Baker! It was all a blur as to what I said, but I got through it! One of my really good friends to this day, Ricky, still gives me a hard time about the speech saying he was hungry, and that they couldn't leave because my speech was so long. He says I was thanking everybody and their brother, even the blades of grass! He cracks me up. It was Bubba's turn to be crowned. This crown was not the typical one that you usually see, but it was an Indian headdress with blue and white feathers. It looked heavy, but Bubba pulled it off very nicely. No, I did not place the headdress on his head. I would have knocked his eye out if I tried! He was then crowned Warrior Chief the 47th! He did an awesome job on his speech. This was a good thing, because I did not have any Kleenex for him! I was given a scepter while Bubba was given the lance. We had a few lines we had to say from memory and I was so nervous that I would forget them. But everything worked out smoothly. Due to the fact that everyone from the royal court had family and friends there to watch the coronation assembly made for not enough room to have the whole student body in the auditorium at one time. So there was two assemblies. We did the same in both with the exception of me not crying when I gave my speech the second time around. Nothing embarrassing happened so far. It all seemed so surreal to me.

                                                       (CAPTION: Dad, Mom, and I)

I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A TOAST….After the coronation assembly we went upstairs to the library for a reception with cake and punch. No, Bubba and I did not feed each other cake! This was not a wedding reception silly! I did not really eat or drink much for fear of spilling it on my white dress (which would've happened believe me). This was a chance to talk with the guests who came to see us at the assembly. I got tons of compliments on my dress!! It was nice (I did not embarrass myself thank you God!), but of course we were only there for may be an hour and a half because we had somewhere to be….


A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS…

After the reception we made our way to the picture studio to get our royal court pictures on! They were mainly taken for the yearbook, but we also took individual pictures as well. They brought the white wicker chair that I sat in during the assemblies for me to use for the group pictures. We had fun with the group pictures as we were singing the popular country song at the time, "Shameless," by Garth Brook's! YEEHAW!! Bubba and I took pictures together where I would just sit on a barstool with no back. I was confident that Bubba had my back (hehe), and was not going to let me fall backwards.
For my individual picture they had me set on this golden bench kind of sideways, and they spread out my dress to make it look full and to show off the pretty ruffles. They laid the scepter and dozen red roses beside me. You could even see my slick white dress shoes!
The picture turned out good and the 8X10 is sitting on the entertainment center in my parent's living room as we speak in a very nice frosty glass frame. No embarrassing yet! After the picture taking we were all hungry, and decided to meet up at a Mexican restaurant. But before we could do that we went home to change…

 

 GETTING OUR GRUB ON…After going home to change food was the first thing on my mind, and my stomach was making sure I knew that! The atmosphere of the restaurant, Casa Bonitas, could not have been more perfect. It was a very fun place with all different kinds of rooms you could eat in. They had a game room were you could win tokens to get prizes. A great place for all of us to uwind after an exhausting morn! You could be yourself and it was okay. You didn’t have to be stiff and proper. It was good for me because I know I spilled my Spanish rice on me and on the floor! I remember them having the best sopapillas! We were so busy getting our grub on that no one thought of bringing a camera!  As we left there we headed home to rest up for the evening halftime show…

TO REST OR NOT TO REST…It was nice to put on a long t-shirt, curl up on the couch with a blanket, and rest my eyes for a couple of hours while watching TV. I was not (and am still not) a napper, but resting I can handle. While I was resting the school called my parents to tell them that a limo service saw my article in the paper that morning, and would like to give me a ride in their limo to the halftime football game. They wanted to present me on the field in the limo, but the school would not let vehicles on to the playing field. So they agreed to drop me off onto the school campus. So I put back on the pink vertical stripped buttoned shirt and headed back to my hairdresser’s shop to get my hair and makeup freshened up. My hair had been laid on, and my bangs were squashed from the crown. After it was all set we headed home so the limo could pick me up. As I got dressed I knew I would be standing on the field so I needed to be sure I had that extra support. I wore my Reebok white hightop tennies! SSHHH don’t tell!! My dress went to the floor so you didn't see them anyway. I also wore jeans under my dress for it was cold that day (October 4, 1991), and my bones had a hard time acting right in the cold. I knew we would be outside for the game, and I wanted to stay as warm as possible. As the limo arrived at my house I could see some of my neighbors standing outside to get a glimpse. I felt like a celebrity! I asked for some bubbly and strawberries, but they jokingly told me they left them at their building! SHUCKS, LOL!!  Sad to say for but I do not have any pictures of this either! It was my first limo ride too, happy one at least!...

TOUCHDOWN!!!As the limo arrived in the circle drive to drop me off in front of the school the football game was in the first quarter. Some of my friends were waiting for me as I got out of the car. Most of the royal court met me there. Some of the guys were football players. Another revision came at this time for as we got ready to go to the field I rode a golf cart! I did not drive and that was a blessing! The driver's ed teacher did that one (How perfect)! When we got there the second quarter was about to be over, so we ended up huddling close together until time. It was so cold. The driver's ed teacher even gave me his thick leather jacket to put around my arms.

The local news station was at the game to catch a spot for the evening news. They had interviewed my Mom, my dad, and I. We had to go around to the opposing side and walk/roll down the 50 yard line. The driver's ed teacher and I were jokingly talking about knocking down some of the opposing players along the way! Bubba was walking beside me in the cart, and the rest of the royal court followed behind us. When we reached our mark everyone stood on a stage and was introduced. But Bubba and I took a different approach! He helped me to get out of the cart and we walked a few steps under a white arc. They announced my name and the crowd went wild. Shivers went down my bended spine! I teared up for I couldn't believe that they were for me. I never wanted that feeling to go away. It was almost like I completely forgot that I was standing. I was not worried about anything at that moment. After that we all stood in front of the stadium on the field. I had a death grip I'm sure on Bubba's arm along with one of the other braves as we sang the alma mater..."MID THE HILLS OF OKLAHOMA..."! I sat in the stands for some of the second half of the game and visited with some folks before proceeding to the gymnasium for the dance. God love the Warriors football team as  for for  for for we did not win the game that night…

IF BUBBA CAN DANCE I CAN TOO!.. (fyi, it is the title of a country song)As I entered into the gymnasium I saw a beautiful water fountain that was lit up in the center of the room. They had an arc that was decorated with navy blue and white balloons. There were big signs on the wall done beautifully by one of the Seniors!

(CAPTION: This picture cracks me up when I look at it because it reminds me of that scene in the movie 16 candles where there is a line of students standing against the gymnasium wall at the dance!)

 It was all decorated so awesome! It seemed like I had been waiting forever for Bubba to arrive so we could dance the first slow dance together. I was wore out. Bubba and a couple of the other football players who were on the royal court had to shower and change into their tuxes before coming to the dance. Thank God for me and the other gals, holding on to football sweat was not a good cup of tea! Gave me time to visit w/ fam & friends who came.

 

Right before they came the DJ came over to me, and asked if there was a slow song I would like for him to play. The slow song that was really popular at the time was "Everything I Do, I Do It For You" by Bryan Adams. I really liked that song, and so that is the one I chose. When Bubba and the other guys arrived we all stood behind an arc made of royal blue & white balloons, and as we were introduced we walked under the arc. The freshmen attendants and Braves were introduced first and so on. I knew that this was the most nerve-racking moment for Bubba for fear of dropping me. I tried to assure him that if anything happens it is not his fault. I was nervous for myself, because I was very tired. Standing is not the best option for me when I am physically tired. It was a good thing I had on my Reeboks. We were the last to be introduced, and there was lots of hollering and clapping. That gave me my second wind to get through the dance.

We went to the middle of the dance floor by the fountain, and I put my arms around his neck. He put his arms tightly around my waist. He held me so tight to make sure that I didn't fall that I had bruises on my rib cage! Just kidding, but he did have a pretty good grip on me which made me feel secure.

Somewhere in the middle of the song he said to me, "They had to pick the longest song!" I didn't realize how long that song was, and I wasn't about to tell him it was me who picked it out. I just agreed with him, and changed the subject LOL!

As the song ended you could hear somebody yelling, "Dip her Bubba!" I felt as though I was floating on a cloud the whole time. I remember thinking I just danced with a cute boy!! We stayed there for a few songs then headed for home.

Several friends of mine (from Camp) ended up staying the night at my house. One of my aunt's lent us her camcorder for the day so we watched everything that went on. It was like a dream, and I felt that if I went to sleep I would forget. I could not have asked for a better day, and filled with no mistakes! Bubba let me have majority of the spotlight that day, and for that I cannot thank him enough! What wonderful memories!! Because of the newspaper articles and TV interviews I was kind of a local celebrity. I was recognized for a while after.

This was a long one I know, but thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S

Sr's 92-HOMECOMING QUEEN (part 2) [edited]

PLANNING AND GETTING READY FOR THE BIG DAY
I had major outpouring of love and gifts during this time.

I have to admit I loved the attention, but still had a hard time justifying that reason that I got Queen. There was no time for justifying because I had a dress to find, an acceptance speech to write, and many more things to do and we did not have much time to do them in. Homecoming was about three weeks away. There were two attendants for each class (Seniors, Juniors, Sophmores, and Freshman), and it was my responsibility to tell them what to wear and how to fix their hair. Bubba was responsible for the guys. This must be what it is like to be a bride was what I thought (and I am still guessing on that one)! I had been good friends with one of the senior attendants, Kristy, and so I let her decide what kind of dress they should wear. After she picked out the pattern I had a meeting with all the gals and their moms. I told them I wanted this day to be as special for them as it was going to be for me. That I wanted them to do what they wanted with their hair, shoes, and jewelry decisions. On the same day that Kristy picked out the pattern for the attendant dresses I picked out my pattern for my dress. My aunt (moms sis-in-law) was going to make it, and so she was with us too. I visited with my hairdresser on a couple of different hairstyles we were thinking of doing. She wanted to do a hairstyle kind of like one that Julia Roberts wore in the movie “Steel Magnolias” for her wedding. Due to my hair being so fine it does not hold curl very well so she decided to do a trial run. She rolled it in rags! Where she learned this I will never know, but we were in Oklahoma, YEEHAW! It would have the shape of Nellie's hair on the Little House and the Prairie. When my mom took out "the rags" (that is exactly what they look like too) from a night of sleeping on them she had to struggle. When they were all out my hair it was in such tight ringlets that I could not even brush my hair. I had to wash it out to put a comb through it! It was funny. Needless to say we decided to use a curling iron and a bunch of maximum hold hairspray!! As I was at the hairdresser's she was telling me about the homecoming process at her daughters high school, and that they had to buy and wear their dresses before they found out who won. She said one of the girls had a very expensive and beautiful wedding gown. She did not win and never really got to wear the dress. She said she would have her daughter talk to the girl about borrowing it for a backup in case my aunts dress doesn't work. I was like okay, but I did not feel anything would go wrong with my aunts dress. My hairdresser had a nail technician in her shop, and set up an appointment for me to get my nails done before the bonfire the day before homecoming. The speech I wrote was short but sweet. During school we would have run throughs of the assembly, and of the half time show of the football game that night. On one occasion Bubba was helping me to walk by letting me hold onto him (he was not used to helping me walk). My knees gave out on me (this happened a lot), and I fell. I did not hurt myself but it scared Bubba pretty bad. He went over to Kristy and told her what happened and that he will never help again. He thought he was doing something wrong. Kristi set him straight and told him not to worry about it that it has happened with everyone who has helped her. The day before homecoming one of the local newspapers came to write a story on me being homecoming queen despite my physical disability. I felt all-important! After school I went to get my nails done. They were painted red and were long and pretty. Bubbas mom and little sis used my hairdresser too (Keeta was her name, and her shop was used by bunches in our area.) Bubbas mom told me that he is most nervous about dropping me at the dance (We were supposed to dance the first slow song together). I was surprised he mentioned that to be his most nervous moment. While we were there we picked up the backup dress.

Off we went to the bonfire. It was big and warm. Of course, we brought wire hangers and marshmallows! Loud cheers and clapping made the atmosphere.

Another local newspaper had come to interview me and Bubba. I was getting tons of attention because of this. I did catch some flack from being homecoming queen from the other students. I heard a few rumors that came from a couple of girls that I called friends, HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA!  One of the rumors was that I was giving one of the girls who was nominated dirty and snobby looks in the hall. So I called the girl (I considered us friends even though we did not hang out a lot or anything, but I had her number) to make sure this wasn't what she thought. She told me that we were cool and that she never thought those things. I told her who started spreading them. I guess she spoke to them. One of the girls came up to me at the bonfire to apologize. What jealous girls. There were a few other things that were brought to my attention. I tried to eliminate the rumors before they got out of hand. Other remarks I would just overlook. For the most part it was all good! After the bonfire my mom and I went to my aunts house to get the dress and try it on. For some reason it was not working though. My aunt kept going back upstairs to her sewing machine. The shoulder straps weren't hanging right. It was 11 p.m., and I was getting sleepy. We were all getting frustrated, but I am sure my aunt was the most frustrated. She makes clothes all the time. My mom went and got the backup dress out of her car. I tried it on, and it fit like a glove! It was beautiful with big ruffles going down the back. Everything happens for a reason! I was sad that my aunts dress didn’t work, but so glad at that moment we had the backup. Felt it was meant to be. I never did get to meet the generous young lady who let me borrow her dress.

Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S
Next post: THE BIG DAY IS HERE!!!

Sr's 92- 10/4/91 HOMECOMING QUEEN (part 1)

THE VOTING PROCESS
About 130 seniors piled into the auditorium for the first senior meeting of our school year in September. Everyone sat with their own little clichés. It was the band geeks (as they were called), the popular crowd (cheerleaders, football players and other jocks), the head banging crowd (the rockers who would smoke, drink, possibly do drugs, party all night and sleep all day), and the loners (who would set by themselves but would always do anything just so they could fit in). I felt like John Hughes was going to walk in at any moment to direct "The Breakfast Club: Part Two"! I did not really fall under any category for a certain clique. I made my way through everyone and did not dislike any one person (for the most part). I felt like some were just misunderstood, and I knew all too well what that felt like. That was my group. The purpose of the meeting was to nominate the years King and Queen. It was a very big deal, because it would mean that you would reign over the school for that year. The day is celebrated with a coronation assembly, a reception, pictures out of a studio, crowning at the homecoming football game, and a dance. Each senior wrote on a piece of paper the name of a gal and a guy senior who they thought would represent the class and school well. As we were doing this I thought I could hear whispers of my name. I thought I was hearing things, because I never even thought I stood a chance of this. Later that day on the intercom the vice principal called out names of the top 10 guys and gals who made it, and asked that they report to the Library. I was in complete shock when I heard my name. At that time my class was office help answering the main switchboard. There was one other student in this class with me,Waco, and he was nominated as the King. He was a very good friend to me. So off we went to the library together. On our way he asked me what I thought about being nominated. I told him I was going to drop out, and that this was a big joke. We quit walking, and he told me he was not going to let that happen because I had more friends than I know. He sat by me the whole time we were in the library to in sure that I did not raise my hand to quit. My thought at that time was “Okay, I can do this, because next the seniors will vote again for top five and there is no chance that I will get that." After the seniors voted again I made the top five. I got very nervous at this time. I did not consider myself popular enough, pretty enough, not to mention my physical problems. I just did not fit the mold. After the top five from the seniors were voted on it went to an all school vote. All of the nominees were introduced at a pep rally held in the football stadium the day before the first game that night. We had to stand in front of the student body. I remember walking out with one of the other nominees. I had white Reebok high tops on (I had a white and a black pair, and I wore them constantly. They were the most supportive shoe for me walking), a pair of jeans, and my class of 92 royal blue jersey shirt with my name on the back. Hoping I did not embarrass myself by tripping over my two left feet! I did it, I just stood there holding onto my friend and waving as they said my name. I surprised myself by not dropping out before the pep rally. My thought at this time was "okay, I can do this, because now it goes to an all school vote and there is no chance I will get that." They will have five people to vote from but only three will make it. One Queen and two attendants. I am for sure sweating buckets on the day everyone votes! The decision was in, and we were called in to a classroom that was not being used at the moment. First, they had to keep us gals in suspense by telling the guys who got it. My friend Bubba got King! Don't laugh, everyone from the south has a friend or relative named Bubba. Am I right or am I right? Bubba was who I voted for. He was (and still is) an extremely nice (looking) gentleman, and a friend of mine since kindergarten! He was one of the stars of the football team, and fit the mold for being our King. I was happy for him. Then they announced the gals. Of course, they mentioned the attendants first. My name was not one of them. I let out a sigh of relief thinking that I was not getting anything. The other two gals who were not named either were very deserving of the title. So I figured one of them would get it, and that I would have been happy just to be nominated! Then they mentioned my name as the homecoming queen. I was in shock, and thinking there should be a recount or something! Maybe my ears needed cleaning for I thought they said my name! I was looking around surveying the room to see what the reactions on the other faces. Nobody looked pissed off, and some were congratulating me. Tears started rolling down my face. I could not believe it and was waiting to wake-up from this dream.

 The first thing I did once I left the room was call my parents. They were very happy! The Vice Principal came into the room as I was calling them and jokingly told me congrats, and that I could pay him for stuffing the votes later, LOL! I loved him. I came home and told my brother. He was so happy that he wanted to drop me off at school, and help me to class that morning. He never wanted to do that before. I remember walking down the hall that morning with my brother getting stares and hearing whispers that I was the Homecoming Queen. That was one of the first times I felt that my bro was proud to have me as his sis.

Due to the fact me sharing my Homecoming experience is longer than expected I am going to spread it out into 3 separate posts. So be sure to check in so you can get the whole story. Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S
Next post: PLANNING AND GETTING READY FOR THE BIG DAY!

YO BABY YO, U GOTS 2 B A SENIOR '92 OR U GOTS 2 GO!!!

Being a senior is what I had been waiting for. Physically I did not know if I would be able to make walking at school. My knees were giving out on me a lot, and my balance and coordination seemed to have progressed more. Walking any kind of a distance would make me out of breath. I had started using my wheelchair in the house during the summer which I had not done before. My mom and I had a meeting with the principal about a week before school started to make sure we were on the same page where my accommodations were concerned. For example, leaving class 5 minutes early, having two people assist me in walking, and the length of my classrooms between them. We had done this every year I had been there. And every year there was something else added to the list. The day before the meeting as a family we discussed the possibility that due to liability I would be going to another school that would be wheelchair accessible. This frightened me. I was comfortable there, and mostly everyone already knew my drunken self. So I did not want to have to start over. I had been to school since elementary with some of my classmates. The principal did not bring that up at that meeting. That was a big sigh of relief. There was other authority figures there as well. It was like they didn’t want me to leave, and were willing to do anything to keep me there. Made me feel good.

THE NEW CONCERNS/ACCOMODATIONS: Due to the fact that my brother had graduated my mom was now taking me to school. She would drop me off about 30 minutes before classes would begin so she could get to work on time. I needed somewhere I could sit to wait on class. English was my first hour class, and directly across the hall was the vice principal's office. I loved him (Mr. Henlsley-VP) as did everyone else. Mr. Hensley was always joking around with us (he was my Aunts {dads sis} driver’s ed teacher, LOL). He was at the meeting and offered me to wait in his office, and that his secretary would gladly walk me over to class on time. I had known her for a long time. She was in PTA when my mom was during elementary school. Her cute son was in the same grade as my brother. Small world, huh? We became good friends even though she didn’t get me a date w/ her cute son! Mr. H would surprise me sometimes with a cinnamon roll and chocolate milk for breakfast from the cafeteria! What a good way to start my day! That was one concern taking care of, and the next one was the bathroom. Sometimes the bathroom was not close, and I would not have enough time to go to the bathroom and get to class on time. Even if I had a pass during class it may take longer than normal for me. They assured me that it would be okay. One of my classes was accounting, and the teacher had a rolling table in which I would sit on. One of the other students (girls) would push me to the restroom. It was down the hall. I looked so funny sitting on that long table. GO SPEED RACER GO!! I remember one time going into someone else's classroom when I was on the table just waving, and saying Hi! Another one of my classes was office help. I would answer the switchboard in the main office. They would let me use the restroom in there for employees instead of having to go to the restroom down the hall. It all worked out. I still got piggy back rides sometimes. After leaving the meeting I was wore out, and I knew what little I had walked was nothing compared to what I was going to do when school started. I was very sad and came very close to throwing up my hands, and telling my mom I wanted to go somewhere where I could use my wheelchair because I couldn’t handle it. I did keep going though, and am so glad that I didn't give up. My life would not have been the same at all as you will see in the upcoming posts. This year was filled with so many wonderful and funny memories that it will take about 9 posts to talk about. Those memories kept me going! Just to give you a heads up on these future posts, and to help my memory to not forget to talk about them I will give a short outline.

SENIORS 92*Homecoming Queen
*Is it a trick or a treat?
*My first date
*The Nutcracker (ballet)
*Senior activities (scavenger hunt, hayride, canoeing)
*Playing Loto!
*Every rose has it’s thorn!
*Treasure Island
*The Season Finale
Staying in the same high school taught me some major life lessons. It taught me to never give up. There is not one person who does not require some kind of accommodations for something. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it (even know I still struggle with this sometimes), and know you are not alone. Just be yourself! No matter how unbalanced or how uncoordinated I was I was more happy, relaxed, and liked when I was just being me. I would love to hear any life lessons you have learned and how?

Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S

IS THIS THING ON???

The summer after 11th my grade year (’91) was full of speaking events for MDA. Since having done my first speaking event with the MDA in 1989 I have done several up to now (91). Each time I would get more confident with what I was doing, and enjoyed it more and more. Being the center of attention for my disability was a good thing at that moment. There were a couple of events that I spoke at this summer that stand out for me.

The first event was something I spoke at for a couple of years. It was for Service Merchandise, and about a fundraiser they did every year called the Diamond Dig. The first time I spoke there it was with my mom. They asked us both to speak. My mom went first and started crying as she was telling of me being diagnosed and how hard it was for her to know that both parents have to be carriers of the gene in order to pass it on. So what did I do but cry as well. After two years of speaking to the employees they asked me to come back again. Only this time due to scheduling conflicts someone from MDA was not going to be able to represent. So they asked me if I could handle it alone. I got to know throughout the years some of the supervisors and was comfortable. So I got a VCR tape from MDA to show, and they also gave me percentages on where the money goes that is raised. After that, all I had to do was share about myself. I remember feeling so good, wanted, and needed. They asked me back so I guess it was all good!

The second event was one I started this summer (91). It was at the fire department's in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and for the fundraiser fill the boot. It was to motivate the firemen to raise money in their boots by standing on the street corners, and asking people for donations. I went to 33 fire stations in three days! I absolutely fell in love with these big hearted guys. They couldn't hardly keep down the flame that was coming out of me after seeing them! But I didn’t mind them trying though! I got to know these guys so well I was invited to dinner and lunch with them at their station. When I would come to talk to them they would make me cookies, and give me rides on fire truck. I still to this day volunteer in going to golf tournaments and fill the boot campaigns for the firemen whenever I get the chance.

I have met and done some of the most amazing things because of MDA! Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S

THE BEST BIRTH CONTROL EVER!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's take a few steps back to right before my 11th grade year began shall we? My aunt (mom’s youngest sister) was due to give birth to her second child sometime in August. She was planning to deliver the baby in a birthing room. There she would be able to invite as many people in the room she wanted. My mom was there to see her first baby born, and this time she was going to let my mom and I both be in the room. I was excited. The call came in the morning as her water broke, and she was admitted into the hospital. Once we got there she was not in one of the birthing rooms, but just a regular room. All of the birthing rooms were full, and so she got stuck in just a regular room. She was only allowed to have two people in the room at the time of delivery. Without a doubt I knew one of them was going to be her husband. I figured she would let my mom stay again. My aunt looked at my mom. My mom said she would let me stay. I was very excited and nervous for my aunt. One of the nurses came into the room, and told me I was going to have to leave as soon as the delivery was to begin. I asked why. She said because I was too young! I said I was 16 years old, and that there were kids younger than me having babies. I told her that my aunt agreed I could stay. I looked at my aunt and she told her it was fine. They told me to stay in the corner out of the way. I was using my wheelchair of course. So the pushing and stuff begins. I was trying to push as much as she was! I could hear some other ladies just screaming down the hall as they were giving birth. I had seen the TV shows, and how possessed women can act and figured my aunt would be like that. Mind you she had no drugs! She had few moments when she was in pain and you knew it, but for the most part she was very calm. At one point she turned and looked at me to ask me how I was doing. I think having me there helped her not to focus on the pain. After I told her not to worry about me she then told me that the pushing wasn't hard! My eyes were big enough and she was thinking that it was a walk in the park! What a brave woman! The doctor said, "I see the head." So I unlock my breaks on my wheelchair, and scooted up closer so I could see what was happening. It was amazing to see a living, breathing, life! It was a boy! After the nurses cleaned him up they went to give him to my aunt. She stopped them and told them to let me hold him first. What an honor. I will never forget that. That baby boy is a grown man now who is going to be starting college soon. Do I feel old or what?





























This was a big deal in my life to witness and I wanted to share. Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S.

11TH GRADE (FALL 90-SPRING 91)

After having such an awesome summer it was time to return to school. I enjoyed going back to school so I could see my friends one a regular basis. Even though I did not have a big abundance of true friends I had lots of acquaintances. One of the biggest things for me was that I was going to be an upperclassmen! Me a junior, I could not believe it. This meant I could go off campus for lunch. Tonya got a car that summer so her and I would always go to Taco Mayo, Carl’s Coney Island, Sonic, McD’s, or Arby’s. We would usually meet some friends there to eat. As the school year began walking to and from class wore me out quicker than before. I was not used to walking that much because I would mostly stay close to home during the summer. Of course it did seem to get a little easier the more that time went on (FYI, my high school was not wheelchair accessible in case you forgot). Like always I would set up my classes so I would not have to travel far. During this time I started having two people to help me walk. One person on each side to hold on to. I cannot remember who started it but I would get piggyback rides sometimes from the cute boys! You heard no complaints here! To be honest I think they did it just so they could get out of class early, but I didn't care because I was getting piggyback rides from cute boys!

I was enrolled in the same business class that my brother was when he found out that FA was a form of Muscular Dystrophy. I was also excited to be able to participate in the fundraiser for MD they were having that year. The club that was affiliated with the class was DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America). Every year they would hold a state wide competition in Oklahoma City. It was on a weekend and would be about business opportunities and politics. They held several different competitions throughout the weekend. One of them was for public speaking. Because I was in speech class and had gotten an award everyone wanted me to go represent in the public speaking category. I was nervous about going for none of my good friends were in that class and going to go, but I had agreed to go. The topic of my speech was to be about leadership, but writing the speech was the farthest thing from my mind. I was all worried about who my roommate was going to be in the hotel room, wondering about getting in and out of the shower, if things would be easy for me to be able to do my normal routine, and who would help me with the small things. I ended up borrowing a couple of dresses to wear during the weekend from Tonya. Then I only had a few dresses that I would wear to church on Sunday mornings. I had an extremely difficult decision to make. I knew what I had to do. Since I would be wearing dresses/dress shoes for the weekend it would be so much easier to bring my wheelchair. This was the first time that my classmates saw me in the wheelchair. I was so afraid they would look at me differently and not want to be near me. I was so afraid of what other people thought of me so much it would put a haze on who I really was. As usual I was the only physically disabled person there. Everything ended up being okay. Everyone excepted the wheelchair, and some even liked sitting in it and trying to pop wheelies! My classmates were helpful when asked. I still had issues with asking for help. In my mind I appeared more disabled when I would ask. So I tried to do things all on my own. Instead of trying to take a shower and fall or something I just would wash up at the sink using soap and a wash cloth. To avoid having anyone see me make a fool of myself I would spend and lot of my down time by myself. I do remember spending some time with several girls in one of their rooms singing at the top of our lungs to “Hotel California” on the radio. I ended up getting third place on my speech! I was exstatic considering my focus had not been completely on the speech. All in all I had a good time. It was stressful for me and was glad to be home, but was glad I did it.

Did you ever take an overnight trip with a class from school? Did anything crazy happen? Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S

BRINGING HOME THE BACON AND DESIGNER LABELS!!!

What a hilarious and wonderful summer this was for me. Summer camp was great as usual and then getting a puppy, what could be next? My friend Tonya and her sister worked for a survey company in the mall, and told me they would help me get a part-time job there. To think someone would want a drunken person to represent their company was hard for me to imagine. So I didn't hold my breath, but I thought how cool would it be to work in the Mall. So I put in my application, and J Lo and behold they hired me. Tonya and her sister would let me bum a ride with them when they worked as well. I always used my wheelchair. It made things easier on me, and thought of it more as an asset to use it. Even though the sadness didn’t go away. Tonya and her sister were those ladys that you would run from in the Mall so you wouldn’t have to participate in those silly surveys! Sometimes they would just ask them questions, and sometimes the company would offer money to try a product. A product like cookies, crackers, diapers, deodorant, and even tampons! Folks will try anything for money. Especially when you are at the mall. I was hired to be the holler back girl! So the folks would try the product out for a week or two, then I would call them and ask them questions about it to see if they liked it. Even about the tampons! Can you imagine? So I would sit in a cubicle in the back room by myself usually and just call away! It was okay, but sometimes my voice would throw the folks off, and frustrate me. Thinking I was a little girl and was going to ask them if there refrigerator was running? Embarrassing when I had to ask the ladies if the tampon leaked a lot, a little, or not at all!! I even had some ladies hang up on me. I ended up not calling for those type of products. I told my supervisor that there was not enough maturity in my voice to call back on some things. She agreed, and was more selective when she would give me stuff. The best thing about the job was the money!! Even though it was only minimum-wage and part-time I thought I was rich. I would sometimes have my parents drop me off early so I could purchase those designer labels that my mom would not get me because of the price. I also learned to be frugal with my money and save it up. Making the dollar made me learn the meaning of it.

I only did this job for three summers, and it was only part time. It gave me something to do, and gave me a little extra money to play with. Thanks so much to Tonya and Shannon for all their help. The last summer I worked there (I was 18) I ended up meeting two of the gentleman I “called back” over the phone. One of them I went with on a lunch date. Nothing major happened, we went to a little Italian place. He was a very nice guy, bit we weren't meant for each other. Don’t even think we spoke after that (normal occurrence for me). I do not remember his name, but I do remember he had thick, shiny dark hair. The other guy worked for the pro soccer team that my parents and I would go to see every home game in Okla. I love soccer! The guy and I just talked and found out that we were at the same place at the same time, and so we met. Nothing major he was nice.

That was my first job now tell me about yours? Thanks for taking the time to read,
Miss S

THUMPER 5/31/90 - 1/11/06

I had to mention my pride and joy for 15 1/2 years. I do not have a scanner/digital camera right now, but had this pic taken of him.

After Spanky died my parents were like exne on having any more pet's. One day while my mom, my aunt, and I were sitting outside in our backyard drinking tea and basking in the sun a few folks from my youth group came over for a visitation (personal invitation to come back to church) to see my brother. This guy (Sean) I had a major crush on was one of them! He was the same guy in the previous post who gave me his Bible to rest my head on. (This crush started in Middle School. In art class I drew his name out of macaroni, it was so cheesy I got the blues!!! LOL) As we were all in the backyard there were several little poodles next door that were outside. Sean asked me if I liked poodles. I said yes and that the dog we had lost several years ago (Spanky) was one of their brothers. He told me that he could get me a poodle for free. He said his mom breeds poodles. I looked at my mom with excitement, and gave her those begging eyes. She said she would have to talk it over with my dad first. For some teenage crush reason I thought it would bring the two of us closer by him giving me the dog. After much discussing, and pleading with my parents they said yes. I was so happy.

A litter was born at the end of May so we scheduled to come near the end of July to pick one out. It just happened to fall during the time I was recuperating again from knocking my knee cap out of socket. So I was in my wheelchair at the time with a knee brace on. I did not feel I was looking my best for Sean, but what ever I was getting a puppy! As we went to her house she brought out about eight puppies for me to choose from. The minute I saw Thumper I knew he was the one I wanted. He had an apricot color on his ears and down the middle of his back, he was the runt, the smallest one of the bunch and very energetic. Mom and dad saw this little chocolate colored poodle and fell in love with him. Knowing Mom and Dad would be doing most of the physical care taking I gave in, and we took the chocolate poodle home. After several days of being with us he did not seem he felt well. So we called the breeder, and took him back for observation. She said it was going to take a little while for him to perk up without his mother. She says It’s rare but some puppies do that, but he is okay. I was already attached to him. We named him critter. I understood that he needed to go spend some more time with his mother. She asked if I wanted to try another one and immediately without question I wanted the apricot one. So dad took me, and I never got out of the car.

On the way home I was holding him and we were thinking of names, but could not come up with any. A day or so later as he was in the front yard taking care of his business he went to throw up dirt using his back legs (their way of wiping). I am so glad us humans have other techniques like toilet paper! It was the cutest thing I ever seen because his legs were so short that he would just thump on the ground. It was then I said "look its thumper!" And that is how he got his name. (And my screenname!)

We all loved playing with him. He had a toy steak that when we would throw he would go get it then wanted you to chase him to get it back. He also loved pulling off your socks! Sometimes when he would come in from outside it was like he had gotten in to some loco weed! He would run around really fast and in circles. My dad would always say "He is just a funny guy, I wonder what he is thinking?" Thumper learned quickly that mom was his go to if he wanted anything. She was always giving him tablescraps. Ice cream was his favorite! He was a mama’s boy no doubt, and his throne was with her at the foot of the recliner. Anytime I moved he would stay w/ my parents. He would moan and act anxious if she were not there. He was a yapper and would bark at anyone that was not my mom, dad, bro, or I. There was only one exception, he never barked at my grandma (dads mom). We always used to say that he was my dog, born on my brothers birthday, and sleeped with my parents! He was not a big fan of being held. My mom could hold him the longest without him squirming. My dad would do it just to aggrevate him! He used to freak out at the thought of me holding him. My parents said he could probably sense the unsteadiness in my hands. We think he might have gotten claustrophobic from when he was born. Maybe the other puppies squeezed him. I am not sure it is a guess. When he was 14 he ended up having all of his teeth pulled except for 8 of them. His tongue would hang out of the side of his mouth. Gene Simmons had some competition during this time! He was no longer able to control his tongue and eat right. So we would hand feed him, and he was picky. Yes that we includes uncoordinated me. Can you just imagine that one! He would devour Chick-Fil-A nuggets from anyone’s hands though! That's my boy is all I am saying! He got that from me, I love me some Chick-fil-A as well! As time grew closer to his passing he began having troubles holding his bladder. Now I think he may have had troubles but he knew where he was making his deposits, because he would barricade me in with his poop! If I went anywhere I would roll over it. I have been there and done that, and having poop in your wheelchair wheels is no fun. So I would just sit there till someone came home. He was like having a kid or part of the family, and letting him go was so extremely hard on us all. My mom told me that her and my dad both cried themselves to sleep that night. I still find myself thinking of him and getting teary eyed. For example, typing this post has not made for a dry eye!

My parents are both saying exne on getting any more pets, but my moms knees get weak and her eyes light up when she sees another dog.

Do you have a pet story you would like to share? Thanks for taking the time to read,
Miss S

CAN U SAY 'EMBARISSING'???

At the end of May I turned 16 (1990). My brother and I never had parties growing up, but my grandma (dads mom) would always make us a cake, and we would get gifts from the immediate fam. As we got older we would just have a Twinkie, and put a candle in it while the fam would sing to us. Also, we would normally get money for our day to spend on what we wanted. So with money in my hands from the birthday, and from making A’s on my report card (we got a dollar per A!) My cousin Syl and I went shopping at the mall.

My wheelchair had come in that I ordered, so I decided I would use it at the mall, since there would be a lot of traveling. Going anywhere with Syl was great. She had a way of making me feel like I was no different. That is what helped so much for me to be comfortable taking my wheelchair. Beside that it was an awesome candy apple red color, and Syl's Mom wrote my name in calligraphy on the back!

Syl and I had been in the mall for several hours, and was yet to find a piece of clothing to try on. So we stopped at the food court to quench our thirst on a Chick-fil-A soda. We ended up getting a big gulp and sharing it. I am not a big drinker (alcohol or any other kind) but I was thirsty. It did not take long for us to finish the drink. The mall was going to be closing soon, and I had to go to the restroom. So off we went, but on the way there with this outfit hanging in the window and being to cute. It was just my luck that we have traveled every store in the mall and did not find a single outfit to try on except when the mall was ready to close. Not to mention that we were on a mission to make it to the bathroom. But I really liked this outfit. So I had an all important decision to make. I could go to the bathroom, or hold it and go try on the outfit. Syl told me that if I felt I could hold it that we would stop at a station when we left. I was going to her house to stay the night, and she did not live near the mall. I felt as though I could hold it even though I had to go pretty bad. So into the store we went (the store will remain nameless, and the reason you will see) grabbing the outfit, and heading for the dressing room. We had 10 minutes to do this, and anyone who knows me knows it will take more than 10 minutes. With Syl's help I knew I could do it. The pants was the first thing I tried on. They were long, black, with a stirrup style. I was surprised how easy that was to get on. Now comes the top. It was made to look like you had on two blouses. There was material sewn in to the sleeves, bottom, and top of the blouse giving it the layered look. Because the top of the shirt was sewn together so well it was tight getting it on over my head. I lost my balance as it went pitch dark from the shirt being pushed over my head several times with force because it was so tight! I fell against the wall. I hit hard the wall hard, and know the people next to us in the dressing room had to have heard it. I have a tendency at times to laugh when nothing is wrong. I was not hurt, so I began to laugh. Syl quietly told me to be quiet because the people in the next room would get suspicious of what we were doing in there. The visual that took place as I thought of what the people were picturing as they heard the noise on the wall from my head hitting it, and the laughter from the room made me laugh even more. At that moment my kidneys decided to release, and go right down the pair of pants I tried on! I was trying so hard to stop it before it became a stream, but it would not stop. The next plan was to get them off without Syl noticing. So I looked in a mirror quickly, and decided that the outfit was not for me (I wonder why?). She took off the shirt, and while she was hanging it back on my hanger I began taking off my pants. I was also afraid she was going to start smelling it (EEEWWW, I know)! I got the pants off in record time, and told her that I could hang the pants backup. So she let me. We left but not before putting back the outfit on the rack. Syl had no clue as to what just happened. I just wanted to leave quickly. As soon as we made it to the parking garage I started laughing at what I did. Another tip about me is that when I am laughing I cannot do anything else. Syl knowing this does not say a word to me until after I am in the car. She started the car, but would not drive off until she knew why I was laughing. Talking about it made me laugh too. It took her a minute to decode what I was saying, but she did. She couldn't hold back her laughter at that point! She was probably scared thinking that I might finish in her car if she didn't hurry!

So off we went to the Quick-Trip down the street. As we arrived I left my wheelchair in the trunk for it would take too long to assemble, and I still had some business to finish if you know what I am talking about! We go up to the cashier and ask him where his restroom is. He proceeds to tell us that they do not have a public restroom here that it is for employees only. Syl gave him the emergency look mixed with a little deer getting caught in the headlights look, and told him that I was disabled, and really needed to go to the restroom. So to please make an exception. Of course he didn't want to be the bad man who deprived the poor little disabled girl to potty:) So he agreed. After that we had to go by my house so I could change, and then we left. I laugh so hard when I think about this story, and even had a hard time typing it due to laughing!

Moral of this story: Wash everything you buy before wearing it, because you never
know who tried it on or what they did in it!

Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S

MY 10TH GRADE YEAR! 89-90

On a general spectrum 10th grade was okay. It was weird without my sidekick (Kari) around. I felt as though I didn’t have to try as hard at friendships. I automatically belonged just by being in her presence, so that made things different for me. Due to the new found confidence in myself that I got through my amazing friendship with her, my wonderful summer at camp, and that empowering event for MDA that made things easier for me. Yes, my bro was now a senior but we were Only bro and sis if you get my drift. Physically I did not seem that I really progressed much, and was still stubborn.

As the door had opened up for me the summer before with my speaking engagement I decided to take speech class the following year in school. This was also the first year that speech was offered in my school. Our teacher had informed us that there would be a contest near the end of the semester. It had to be a debatable speech and that we should start preparing for it. This was the first speech contest that our high school had ever been entered into. I wanted to give it a whirl, so me and a few other students signed up. I came home a nervous wreck not knowing what I was going to speak about. I told my parents what I was doing, and my dad goes “hold on a minute”. He goes into his bedroom, and comes out with a bunch of notecards. He said he did this speech in Junior College over abortion, and got a B on it handing me the notecards. I read it and it was really good. It was not pro-life or pro-choice per se it was more like I am going to give you the facts and let you decide which road to take. I read it over several times and every time I read it I liked it even more. Of course I had to do a lot of tweeking to it to make it sound like it was from 1990 and not 1965! I was happy with what I had done. My dad had a Barney Fife look (Andy Griffith Show), held his head high, and often reminded me that it was his speech and that I owe him! So off to the contest I went. Still being stubborn I did not bring a wheelchair and wore a dress with dress shoes! Everyone looked so sophisticated and very smart in their. That was intimidating to me, but I went in there with confidence of knowing I could bring it! Right before it was my turn to go on my palms got sweaty, and the butterflies were in full force in my stomach. When it was my turn I began to speak and all my anxieties went away as I was in my element. We went to an assembly where they gave out the awards. I knew I did well, but did not expect to get an award. There were people that had competed in these kind of contests for a long time, but J Lo and behold it I didn't get first place! It was an awesome feeling. Of course, my dad was strutting around like he was the winner. He couldn’t believe it because he only got a B on it! I told him that is what happens when you leave things up to a female!! LOL

Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S

I LOVE THE 80'S (THE OTHER HALF) [edited]

What a time of reflection, and a time to say "What in the heck was I thinking?" Where do I begin! I guess I will start with my fashion statement from my head to the toes.

THE HAIRSTYLE
The bigger the better! We used to call the waterfall look to my bangs the doener! Aqua net hairspray was my best friend as it was the only thing that would hold my hair so stiff that nothing could tear that baby down! For a couple of years I tried to go with a short hairdo. But needless to say I looked like Raggedy Ann as she got her finger stuck in a light socket! Several years ago as I was visiting my friend Jen I showed her some pictures of me back in the day. I showed her one when I was sporting this hairdo. She could not get over how hilarious it was. We call it the JT hairdo because it is like Justin Timberlake's hair when he was on N'sync. The group was popular at that time when I showed her the picture. I would sing, "It's gonna be me!!" That's all I have to say about that!


THE CLOWN FACEI started wearing makeup in sixth grade (85-‘86). I did not have a makeup trainer, and it showed! I was all about the blue eye shadow, and liquid foundation that I would use so much that it would leave a mark on my chin line. I was also wearing eyeliner and mascara. I know what you must be thinking, How do I still have eyes right? Even the mascara was blue. Forget the fact that I was a drunk, I think this was the real reason I never got any boys!! That's all I have to say about that!

THE WARDROBEAs far as the clothes arena goes the fashion police probably would have arrested me! I wore the long t-shirts that I would bunch to one side and weave through this jewelry thing. I don't even get that, but okay! There was no way that my mom would fathom the idea of spending $60 on a pair of jeans for the triangle label that said “Guess” on the back pocket. But one of my Aunts worked at a thrift store, and they had a pair of bright green carpenter guess jeans. Instead of the triangle logo on the back it was a little rectangular patch on the knee of the pocket. You had to be up close to see it. They cost me two dollars, and I wore those pants until I could wear them no more! I have long legs, and after a few washes I was wading in some high water, but that did not keep me from wearing them! And when I wanted to “get physical” Olivia Newton-John style I had some leg warmers and sweat bands! It was cool to own a pair of jelly shoes. I had a hard time walking anyway I do not know what made me look cool in jelly shoes. I also had a generic pair of Keds with the shoe laces that had the “totally awesome” sayings on them. I am still alive, and without therapy I might add! And that is all I have to say about that.

Music was even a bigger part of my life. As I would hold my tape recorder to my alarm clock radio so I could record the latest songs from Casey Kasem. Or sing along on my little Star Studio (Karioke machine). It was my refuge from the storm! Concerts were also an enjoyment for me to go to. My first concert was in 1986 when I saw Bryan Duncan, a Christian singer, with my youth group. I even got my picture taken with him at the time! He was a cutie patootie. I absolutely loved him, and saw him three more times in concert after that. I also had been to see George Strait and Clint Black during the 80s. It was awesome! It was around the time when YO MTV raps and hip-hop began to surface. My brother loved that. Two songs that I remember hearing that most was, "The Freaks Come Out at Night" and "Money, Money, Money, Money, Cash Money!" My cousin, who lived with us, was getting ready to go into the Army, and gave my brother and I a bunch of his stuff. He gave me his cassette by the group Poison called "Look What the Cat Dragged in!" I played that thing until the cassette tape broke. If my hair would have only looked as good as some of those 80s rock bands, LOL! I always thought Sebastian Bach from Skid Row’s hair was the bomb! Bon Jovi and his tush was up there to in my book!

In the movie category I was all in to anything directed by John Hughes. For example, 16 Candles, Weird Science, Pretty in Pink, and The Breakfast Club. There is more I know, but I cannot think. That was until 1987 when I put them in the corner so I could see Baby and Johnny have the time of their life! I was so obsessed with the movie Dirty Dancing that I remember buying a pound of peanut M&M’s, renting the movie, and watching it like four times in one setting while eating the entire bag of M&M's. The next morning I had the biggest zit on my nose. I wonder why? I knew that movie by heart, and had both of the soundtracks for it. I had the biggest crush on Patrick Swayze. I had five or six posters of him hanging on my pink walls! I bet I could have danced in a straight line with him as my dance instructor! I still show the movie my love and watch it every time I know it is on TV. I also have a DVD of it.

Most of my TV viewing pleasure was found on MTV, but there were few shows that I could not miss. My friend Tonya and I liked Doogie Howser M.D. so much that we would record it, and get several hours of it on their. The episodes would come on Wednesday night's when we were both at church. I would go over to Tonya's house, and we would watch it while sharing a big bowl of popcorn. On Saturday mornings I was starting the day getting my Zach Morris fix with Saved by the Bell! I also loved the show Life Goes On. Finally, someone with a disability gets an acting gig! LOL God love Corky!!

I cannot forget to mention that you were too cool for school if your locker in middle school was all decorated and guarded with a pound puppy. I also had a cabbage patch kid. Carrying the birth certificate around made me feel like a grown up!

This was fun reminiscing with you, and now it is to your turn to share. Thanks for taking the time to read, Miss S1