PICKING UP THE PACCE w/ELLITE 2

I am very excited to tell you that I will now be jogging and walking much faster! This even includes a much improved gate up and down stairs. I can actually walk the stairs without looking like I am about to kiss the floor

The anticipation of adding to my hot leg collection has had me dreaming of all kinds of scenarios. The photo above is only the interior of my new foot but, it’s the most important part. It is called the ELITE 2 and is made for high impact and avid sports enthusiasts. Also, it is made of carbon fiber so it allows flexibility that my current foot doesn’t.

Currently, every step I take is from a very flat foot and there is absolutely no spring or “give”. Now, I feel like MJ. I can get some spring, jump, etc. while using less of my own energy. It’s fantastic.

This coming week I will be a changed women so look out and stay off the roads

Have a great holiday weekend!

~ Jen

Amputee Basketball & The voice of The Mavericks

It’s amazing what you can find when you have a belief. Several weeks ago I was reading an article that really inspired me and lead me to a basketball game that EVERYONE needs to see. The story and passion will give you a very quick perspective of life.

Welcome to AMP 1 (www.amp1basketball.com). A group of single-leg amputees who all met through YouTube and came together with a passion for basketball and dedication to proving an amputee basketball team CAN be done.

Scott Odom (right pic) is the founder of AMP 1 and the one who invited me to the game! The team is from all over the country so we took advantage of them being in town & met up before the game! I was so in awe of their stories, ages (18-57), and how it all came together.

But, here is the coolest thing, it’s all done for charity. AMP 1 plays against able-bodied teams and whatever money is raised from the event goes to a charity the team has partnered with.

So, last night we drove out to Joshua, Tx. to watch AMP 1 vs. Cook’s Children’s Hospital and loved it. Not only does AMP 1 have game, their story got to the heart of Bob Ortegel (aka Voice of the Mavericks). Bob emceed the event and did a half time interview as well as gave a great talk after the game. It was such a fun event! Thanks for the inspiration guys!

This is a group of guys you don’t want to miss!!!! P.L.A.Y. is already spinning ideas. Be on the look out for an upcoming game.

GRADUATION & A LITTLE MORE SELF

Hi Everyone!

I have been attending a leadership course (The Power of Self) over this past year and finally graduated this past weekend!!

It’s amazing to think how fast it has gone but also so great to know the tools I have learned can’t be taken away. So what are some things I learned? Well, I’m definitely an Extrovert, I like challenges but apparently I really like developing & growing others. We also learned how to talk about “elephants” in the room, have difficult conversations and push ourselves to growth and new heights.

We had the opportunity to take several tests and study our brain, personality, strengths and uh, yes, the wonderful weaknesses as well. It has opened up so much understanding of how I learn and interact with others and I wish EVERYONE had this opportunity. It was truly a gift.

The good thing is that I’ve graduated. The interesting thing is this……as I said above, I’m a developer and a true believer in this program so if we cross paths soon you will probably be learning something new! Ha.

Run Away Grocery Cart

I hope all the wonderful mom's had a day of pampering! We celebrated with my mom and ate some great great food, did a few things, then ate more food. Thank you mom for making me who I am today. Love you.

So, have you ever had a grocery cart leave you when you need it most? Let me give you a picture of what this looks like.

At first, the scene feels like a typical set up at the car. The cart is nestled up closely (so you think) between your door and the next car, if there is one. In my case there was a car next to me so I felt extra good. But then, right as you get the sack/bag inside the car situated nicely, you turn to grab the next batch of goodies and your stomach drops. No cart. The cart has gone awry.

I looked up feeling as if this had to be a joke and sure enough, the only laugh was coming from the food in the cart. The foodies in the bag must have felt like they were in a roller coaster ride. I was just waiting for their little hands to go up as they rode down the hill and yelled "woohooo".

Apparently, the cart was on a slight incline and felt he needed a bit of a rush. The cart was rolling as a car was headed right for it. What is a girl on prosthetics to do?

I had about 2 seconds to act so, I walked as fast as I could (pretty funny site by the way) until I grabbed the cart and then freaked the guy out who was driving the car (which is about to hit the cart) as he notices the cart is being steered by a girl without hands!

Whew, what a shopping experience.

Until my next episode, laugh it off :)

~ Jen

Cleaning Up West Dallas

Look out kids, you may not recognize your school. We had a great time Sunday @ Edison Middle school in West Dallas.

Giving back is such a good feeling especially when its with paint. Yes, I had brush in hand and for 3 hours painted the teachers lounge yellow. There were tons of volunteers doing anything from landscaping to painting. The hallways were painted with bright red stripes and other rooms had great bright colors.

Christy & Nick were stuck on the walls when this photo was taken or else we would have taken over the bathroom for this photo!! I hope this brings cheer to everyone going from class to class.

All we needed was my 6'2" brother, Ryan, and this would have been done in 1/2 the time. He could have done a wall and ceiling at one time :)


If all else fails, or you are having a bad day, try giving back it will cure anything.

Looking forward to the next mission!

Dallas Pilates Intensive

My body is still sore from the workout I had last Sunday! We just received the photos so thought I would share. I'm the one with the leg touching the nose :). All of the presenters/instructors are in the top photo and were so amazing. Their bodies can do things I didn't even know were possible.

Working out, no matter your situation, is always good. But, I honestly attribute part of my success to pilates. The strength in my stomach and legs helps me everyday with walking and balancing. It has also pushed my mental strength beyond words. For the times I feel as if I may not be able to do something, Donna is there to say "What? YES, you can!!".

If you don't already have it, find something that pushes you every day. We all need those positive pushes!

Love, Jen