2008 has been great!

Just a quick entry today to announce some exciting news:

I am so excited about this month so far! I just booked a local commercial for Mercedes, and a Pilot for A and E. The pilot is untitled as of right now, but as I know more, I will share.
I also just signed with a new commercial/host agent in town, and we finalize everything on the 28th! I will officially announce it then!
Miss America is next week and I can't wait! Then the following week, I fly to Alabama to get my Clay Spann photos!
On top of all the exciting days ahead, I also have so many things happening with Lung Cancer Awareness - I am especially excited to be a part of the upcoming Advocate Summit in May. We are working to finalize the agenda and the official name, but this will be so educational and empowering. More information to follow soon....

Living with Lung Cancer

I remember when my mom was first diagnosed with Lung Cancer; I remember the call from my aunt "to come home now". I was planning a trip home to be a bride's maid in my best friend's wedding and I needed to get home a few days earlier, as my mom had fallen, from what seemed to be a stroke. I remember walking in after a 12 hour drive to see my mom somewhat dazed and partially paralyzed. I was in shock, but I had to be the strong one, always the strong one. After countless hours at the doctors office, we were sent to an oncologist at the hospital (why I wondered, as everyone was secretive), only to have her go through tests, a biopsy, CT Scans and back to a room where I was given the news. THE news. My mom had stage IV inoperable cancer. Nothing could be done, only radiation treatments...it had spread to her brain. That is why we thought it was a stroke. When I think back on that day, I remember not being able to share that news with anyone...my mom WAS my anyone. My husband was driving up for the wedding (we didn't own cell phones then), my best friend was getting married (didn't want to depress her) and I couldn't dare tell my sweet daddy. I carried the burden by myself for some time, as my mom didn't understand all that was going on and she, well, wasn't herself.
The reason I bring up all of this sad stuff, is I ran across a blog posted on National Lung Cancer Partnership that blogs the day in the life of a cancer survivor. I found myself crying, knowing what she is going through. Yet, she is so hopeful and truthful. She has beaten the odds and has survived 6 years so far. I would have given anything to have my mom more than the 7 weeks she survived, but every person is different - with the same outcome though.
THIS is why I fight for awareness and funding for Lung Cancer! Hope. Survival. Beating the odds and living life! I only wish I had more power to make it happen faster. NOBODY deserves Lung Cancer! It is the most horrible of cancers, just read the statistics. Hope...the future...we do have that!
Please read the blog: http://www.nationallungcancerpartnership.org/blog/

Optimism!

Abraham Lincoln said, "An optimist is one who sees opportunity in every difficulty. A pessimist is one who sees difficulty in every opportunity." He was right.

Optimism is an attitude, an outlook and a perception all in one. There is an organization directed toward optimistic people, as well as toward pursuing change in a pessimistic society. The members have an international creed that is worth repeating: "Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. Make all your friends feel there is something in them worthwhile. Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true."

You see, adversity or difficulty can make you tender or tough, bitter or better - it all depends on you.

Think only the best, work only for the best, do only your best and expect only the best!

The New Year

I received this email from a dear friend today, so I thought I would share:

I am the New Year

Life, I am the new year.
I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.
I am your next chance at the art of living.

I am your opportunity to practice
what you have learned about life
during the last twelve months.

All that you sought
and didn't find is hidden in me,
waiting for you to search it out
with more determination.

All the good that you tried for
and didn't achieve, is mine to grant
when you have fewer conflicting desires.

All that you dreamed but didn't dare to do,
all that you hoped but did not will,
all the faith that you claimed but did not have-
these slumber lightly,
waiting to be awakened
by the touch of a strong purpose.
I am your opportunity to renew your
allegiance to the Spirit who said,

"behold, I make all things new"

New Year's Resolutions and saying goodbye to 2007

When I think back over the year 2007, I can honestly say it was a year of humility. I went through a lot this year, but each challenge was an opportunity to better myself and learn lessons I needed to learn. For the first time in a long time, I think I actually progressed and benefited from the "mistake" or missed opportunity. I became more in tune with myself, with what I truly want in life and what goals I need to focus on! I became more focused, more streamlined, more in tune with the Lord and what He wants me to do. I can't really explain it all, but I had to turn a lot over to Him. I know that in the past, I have been a bit self-serving, thinking of MY goals in MY timeframe, not His timeframe. I know now that I can't push; I have to work hard, but have more faith that things will happen. As an actress and as a pageant competitor, there is a lot of the same stress - the fear of failure.
The end of 2007 has been like taking the "lemons" of the year and making "lemonade". I have a new and terrific Manager for my acting career, I am so blessed to have the title of Mrs. Indiana International (and I know that was the title I was meant to have!), I have the love and support of friends, sponsors, and family, and I have a great job that allows me the freedom to work here and not have to travel too much! Gone is the worry that I had in 2007, and it is replaced with faith, hope, anticipation, goals, and a true desire to make a difference - not for a crown or acknowledgment, but for a bigger cause than me.
Happy New Year! God Bless!