My Feet Get Some Camera Time

So let me introduce you to my little piggy's! They are always reliable, never let me feel broken glass (I might have dropped a glass or two, or..) and BEST of all......
if they get stepped on I will never lose my smile. I have to feel it first, right :)

Way To Go Sarah & ESPN

(Taken from Runners Web) GUILFORD, Conn. -- Sarah Reinertsen, author of the recently released memoir IN A SINGLE BOUND, lands on magazine covers nationwide this week on one of six different covers for the controversial first-ever "Body Issue" of ESPN THE MAGAZINE (pictured).

A triathlete who holds the world record for the marathon for above-knee amputee women and was the first female leg-amputee to complete the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, Reinertsen is one of 80 athletes to be featured in various states of undress for the magazine, and one of six chosen for the multiple covers.

USA Today sports writer Reid Cherner posted the cover image on his blog "Game On!", and states, "the cover on Sarah Reinertsen...will probably be one of the most talked about."

Sarah Reinertsen was born with proximal femoral focal deficiency, a congenital defect that left her without enough tissue to stimulate growth in her left leg. As a child, she was repeatedly fitted for leg braces--often unpaid for by insurance companies--until the age of seven, when her doctors decided it would be best to amputate her leg. IN A SINGLE BOUND is the story of how a feisty little girl from Long Island became one of the world's most famous disabled sports figures.

In a statement from Kona, Hawaii, where she is promoting IN A SINGLE BOUND at the Hawaii Ironman Competition , Reinertsen expressed her emotions on this evocative and ground-breaking cover. "It feels like the next step forward for me," she said. "After emotionally exposing myself in the book, now I can let the world see my body as well. I've struggled with body image issues my entire life. Now, to be included in the ranks of great athletes like Serena Williams, Dwight Howard and Adrian Peterson...I'm thrilled."

Reinertsen appeared in 2006 as a participant in CBS's reality television show The Amazing Race 10. She has competed in triathlons, marathons, and bicycle races throughout America, and has given motivational speeches worldwide. Sarah has appeared on Good Morning America, Nightline, and The Early Show. She lives in Orange County, California!

Peace,
Jen

Its All About The Neighborhood & Beyond

I'm celebrating 3 years with my hubby tonight! What a fast three years it has been. We love good food and celebrated with our tummies! But, not only did we celebrate, we had such an awesome experience I had to share.

So, we enter this great new place with the objection of a one good wine & beer then on to the next place for dinner. But, as we started salivating over the menu, my suggestion was to have an appetizer then dinner at location 2 (undisclosed to me by the way -- all top secret surprise).

The waiter brings out an awesome appetizer dish! But, wait, the fork I was given was so large, it didn't fit into my eating utensil. No problem, Plan B is always to ask for a plastic fork. as they always fit Guess what....they are the only place in town who doesn't carry them (even for carry-out). Our truly amazing waiter says, "hang on". A few minutes later I was treated to a plastic fork that was made for my utensil. The real story??? We found out, without effort, he left the restaurant (his place of work), ran to a nearby 7-11, to make my situation easy. Talk about going over & beyond to make someone feel right at home. Super cool.

As we left we talked about how cool our experience was and how we planned to write the establishment and waiter a note. But then, location 2 happened. We ordered more food, as you do, and I was asked by our new waiter if I needed chopsticks. Of course I'm laughing on the inside thinking of how this moment could be the next Top Chef "challenge", when he noticed my hands.

He looked down at my hands and tried really hard to act like he never asked me that. He moved quickly away and tried to find words. I just said "Oh, thanks for asking, but I have my own version". We just smiled and went on. As the night progressed I realized we had such good people taking care of us & I started thinking of how he felt. When things like this happen, I truly feel bad for them not me. I have found so many ways of getting through it but for many others, it's their first time. He noticed my eating gadget after a while & commented on how cool it was. Also his way of acknowledging the moment without bringing it back up. I understood.

It's this idea of being patient with people & realizing the intentions are usually good. So, patience, understanding & laughter can make every night a good night.

See the strength in emotional vulnerability!!! I'm looking forward to going back.

Love,
Jen

The New Cruiser

We had an awesome opportunity arise on Saturday. Nick and I were given tickets to see the Texas Rangers 7th row back from home plate.

We had two extra and decided to see if my aunt Rae Jean and uncle Dave were up for going with and they couldn't decline with the weather being so clear and cool.

We could touch the dug out as well as see every minor detail going on out in the field. It is interesting how much more you enjoy a baseball game with the seat perspective you have. It was so cute to watch the kids trying to get the attention of players and hope for a foul ball.

There is a minor issue with the cramped leg room and prosthetics, but staying the whole 9 innings is worth it when you are so close to the drama of the umpire. Directly in front of me were two guys who thought they were way to cool to sit directly next to each other.

So, they created a "we are cool" gap and sat with one chair between them. Ah, so great for me. I stretched my legs out on top of the chair like a baseball junkie relaxed with my drink and watched every detail of the game. The "cool gap" made my night. Thanks guys.

New way to travel: bicycle cruiser. I finally got a new bicycle today and can't wait to break it in. I'll be riding myself silly I'm sure. I'm looking forward to be rolling around Dallas!

Love,
Jen

Poker Faced, Jordan Thomas

My purse collects so much stuff I could have a weekly yard sale at times. I was cleaning everything out when a stack of business cards dumped all over the floor. Yikes.

Tough gig without fingers. I sat and thought. Then all of a sudden a light bulb flickers. I used a card and put it between my palms and slid it underneath one on the floor and pushed it up against my foot until it flipped up.

I then could just grab the elevated portion that had popped up, repeat a couple dozen times and the problem was solved.

I felt like I was on candid camera and began to laugh at myself. By the way, why does it always seem awkward to laugh hysterically when you are the only person in the room?

Meet Jordan Thomas and his foundation or on CNN. Being in my situation, I'm following our healthcare reform from a much different perspective than most individuals and I am humbled to have the challenge. Jordan is taking the cost of prosthetic care to Washington and I think it is just another example of what a courageous spirit is capable of.

He has been active in Washington advocatinig for private insurance companies to cover prosthetics without caps or unfair restrictions. He lost his legs in an unfortunate boating accident in 2005 but has gone on to assist young people with gaining access to prosthetics. I am inspired for his efforts and hope others will get behind his passion.

I challenge you to become involved, passionate and motivated by something that is important to you. One gesture can make a difference.

Love,
Jen