I LOVED this article from Arthritis Today and had to share!
http://www.arthritistoday.org/about-arthritis/signs-and-symptoms/types-of-pain.php
Monday, March 10, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Bream Center Pre K
I had the incredible opportunity to visit Bream Center in Charleston, WV where I spent time with the Pre K class! We talked about my title, our lives (including LOTS of talk about furbabies), read 4 books and took pictures! Visiting the children in our state has been, by far, one of my absolute favorite parts of being Mrs. West Virginia International. The memories are ones that I will hold onto forever!
A Day With My Miss WV International!
My Miss West Virginia International, Kalyn Bordman and I had the awesome opportunity to visit the Davis Children's Shelter in February to spend time with the residents. We brought tons of goodies for them and about 50 heart-shaped sugar cookies and decorations. We had a great time talking and decorating cookies and they did, too! :)
Go Red Kickoff - Charleston, WV
I had the incredible opportunity to speak at the Go Red Kick Off event with the American Heart Association at Thomas Memorial Hospital in Charleston, WV.
This year has given me the opportunity to speak and serve as a voice for so many wonderful organizations and this one touched my heart, as it is the official platform for the Mrs. International Organization!
This year has given me the opportunity to speak and serve as a voice for so many wonderful organizations and this one touched my heart, as it is the official platform for the Mrs. International Organization!
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Winter 2014 - It's Cold!
It's been a few weeks since I last posted. After the Holidays, it seems like we are ready for the cold weather and snow to be over, but instead, it's just snowed MORE and gotten COLDER! (At least, in WV it has)
My arthritis feels the temperature change and it sure lets my body know. When it goes from warm to freezing in a matter of hours, the pain sets in.
This winter, I've tried to manage my pain a few ways:
My arthritis feels the temperature change and it sure lets my body know. When it goes from warm to freezing in a matter of hours, the pain sets in.
This winter, I've tried to manage my pain a few ways:
- Staying Warm. I've really limited how much time I spend outside
- Eating Right. I've watched my diet to make sure my nutrition keeps me feeling great
- Heating Blanket & Heating Pad. I've used these to help keep cold joints warm!
Pain management is different for everyone, but take time to pay attention to what works for you and your pain. I'm usually an Ice Pack Girl, but this winter, I've really embraced the power of warmth on my cold joints.
Think Spring...It will be here soon! :)
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
The Night Before I Was Crowned Mrs. West Virginia International
Today, I am sharing a personal story.
As pageant girls know, the weeks leading up to a big pageant, things get a little crazy. Extra time is filled with those extra workouts, manicures, pedicures, alterations and finalization of wardrobe, modeling practice and interview practice. Then, as the days come before the pageant, here comes the spray tan...And coming from a redhead, I can promise you that this is an important piece of the pageantry preparation puzzle.
Two days before the Mrs. West Virginia International Pageant, I headed to Glow on the Go in Hurricane, WV for my showtime spray tan. I got my first few coats with plans to come back the next day for a final coat for that perfect stage tan.
The night before Mrs. WV International, WVU had a baseball game at Power Park in Charleston and my nephew, Gage, had been selected to throw out the first pitch. He was so excited for the event and my whole family was going to go watch him.
Usually, the night before the pageant, we're packing and preparing and a nervous wreck. And in this case, I was thinking about my final spray tan, so I didn't plan on attending the game.
I had a total change of heart the day of the game, though. Thinking about missing his big first pitch broke my heart and I decided that I had worked so hard for this title...If it was my year, it was going to be my year to win regardless of whether or not I had a final coat of spray tan or not.
I threw on clothes and met my Hubby at the game and we had the most incredible time with family and friends and watching Gage on his big night. The usual nervous jitters were eliminated because I wasn't focused on the next day, I was focused on something far more important than any title, any crown, any sash...I was focused on my family.
I learned a very important lesson that weekend, as I was crowned Mrs. West Virginia International the next day. Don't ever take things for granted. Spend time with your family and remember that everything happens for a reason. Those important moments with your family only happen once...don't let anything take you away from the things that matter most. :)
(PS: My spray tan was still rocking, regardless of the final coat. Thank you, Misty McMinn at Glow On The Go for always making me look like a rockstar!)
As pageant girls know, the weeks leading up to a big pageant, things get a little crazy. Extra time is filled with those extra workouts, manicures, pedicures, alterations and finalization of wardrobe, modeling practice and interview practice. Then, as the days come before the pageant, here comes the spray tan...And coming from a redhead, I can promise you that this is an important piece of the pageantry preparation puzzle.
Two days before the Mrs. West Virginia International Pageant, I headed to Glow on the Go in Hurricane, WV for my showtime spray tan. I got my first few coats with plans to come back the next day for a final coat for that perfect stage tan.
The night before Mrs. WV International, WVU had a baseball game at Power Park in Charleston and my nephew, Gage, had been selected to throw out the first pitch. He was so excited for the event and my whole family was going to go watch him.
Usually, the night before the pageant, we're packing and preparing and a nervous wreck. And in this case, I was thinking about my final spray tan, so I didn't plan on attending the game.
I had a total change of heart the day of the game, though. Thinking about missing his big first pitch broke my heart and I decided that I had worked so hard for this title...If it was my year, it was going to be my year to win regardless of whether or not I had a final coat of spray tan or not.
I threw on clothes and met my Hubby at the game and we had the most incredible time with family and friends and watching Gage on his big night. The usual nervous jitters were eliminated because I wasn't focused on the next day, I was focused on something far more important than any title, any crown, any sash...I was focused on my family.
I learned a very important lesson that weekend, as I was crowned Mrs. West Virginia International the next day. Don't ever take things for granted. Spend time with your family and remember that everything happens for a reason. Those important moments with your family only happen once...don't let anything take you away from the things that matter most. :)
(PS: My spray tan was still rocking, regardless of the final coat. Thank you, Misty McMinn at Glow On The Go for always making me look like a rockstar!)
West Virginia Association of Fairs & Festivals Pageant....Good Luck and Sending My Love to the Current Titleholder, Nichole Greene!
Throughout my year as Mrs. West Virginia International, I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet pageant girls throughout the state. I have judged, emceed and helped with pageants, so I've made a whole new pageant family of directors, competitors, families and friends.
One of the biggest opportunities for West Virginia titleholders begins tomorrow: The West Virginia Association of Fairs & Festivals Pageant. Miss Division competitors from fairs and festivals all over our state come together (totaling over 90 girls) to compete for the reign over the West Virginia State Fair.
I am blessed to say that the current Miss WV Association of Fairs & Festivals, Miss Nichole Greene and her mom have both become close friends of mine this year. I remember judging her when she won the Golden Delicious Festival Pageant and thinking that she was seriously one of the cutest things I had ever seen in my life. Any girl who talks about Beauty & The Beast and being a bookworm gets an A+ from me, haha. Getting to know her family and spending time with them at events all over our state has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life, and let me tell you why:
1. Nichole is a true example of being beautiful on the outside and the inside. She cares about others and she is genuine. Those are two things that are so important when it comes to a titleholder.
2. She competed to win Miss WVAFF for many years before capturing the crown. She worked very hard, competed many times and continued to try until she made her dream come true. It proves that hard work and dedication really do pay off!
3. She truly embraces pageantry and has developed strong friendships through it. She is always kind and she is a humble winner. She is a true role model for other competitors.
4. She embraced her year as Miss WVAFF and traveled miles and miles and spent so much time taking it all in all year long. It's such a joy to see someone take this title and represent our state to beautifully. The girls who win this title are always such classy girls who love the state of West Virginia and she truly continued the tradition and made it a year she will never forget.
5. She continues encouraging future competitors by serving as a role model and always offering kind advice and words of wisdom along the way. She knows the hard work it takes and she shares that wisdom to make an impact on the lives of others.
As she begins preparing for her final days as Miss West Virginia Association of Fairs & Festivals, I hope she is proud of the year she has had. She has been an incredible representative and I cannot wait to see where her journey takes her next.
And to ALL of the amazing girls competing this weekend. Embrace this time! You have a few days to spend time with girls from all over the state who have represented and who truly do want to make a difference. Talk to them, get to know them, make friends and be remembered. You each have worked hard to win your title - now it's time to rock it! :)
Love you all!
One of the biggest opportunities for West Virginia titleholders begins tomorrow: The West Virginia Association of Fairs & Festivals Pageant. Miss Division competitors from fairs and festivals all over our state come together (totaling over 90 girls) to compete for the reign over the West Virginia State Fair.
I am blessed to say that the current Miss WV Association of Fairs & Festivals, Miss Nichole Greene and her mom have both become close friends of mine this year. I remember judging her when she won the Golden Delicious Festival Pageant and thinking that she was seriously one of the cutest things I had ever seen in my life. Any girl who talks about Beauty & The Beast and being a bookworm gets an A+ from me, haha. Getting to know her family and spending time with them at events all over our state has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life, and let me tell you why:
1. Nichole is a true example of being beautiful on the outside and the inside. She cares about others and she is genuine. Those are two things that are so important when it comes to a titleholder.
2. She competed to win Miss WVAFF for many years before capturing the crown. She worked very hard, competed many times and continued to try until she made her dream come true. It proves that hard work and dedication really do pay off!
3. She truly embraces pageantry and has developed strong friendships through it. She is always kind and she is a humble winner. She is a true role model for other competitors.
4. She embraced her year as Miss WVAFF and traveled miles and miles and spent so much time taking it all in all year long. It's such a joy to see someone take this title and represent our state to beautifully. The girls who win this title are always such classy girls who love the state of West Virginia and she truly continued the tradition and made it a year she will never forget.
5. She continues encouraging future competitors by serving as a role model and always offering kind advice and words of wisdom along the way. She knows the hard work it takes and she shares that wisdom to make an impact on the lives of others.
As she begins preparing for her final days as Miss West Virginia Association of Fairs & Festivals, I hope she is proud of the year she has had. She has been an incredible representative and I cannot wait to see where her journey takes her next.
And to ALL of the amazing girls competing this weekend. Embrace this time! You have a few days to spend time with girls from all over the state who have represented and who truly do want to make a difference. Talk to them, get to know them, make friends and be remembered. You each have worked hard to win your title - now it's time to rock it! :)
Love you all!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Happy New Year!
2013 has blessed me in more ways than I can explain!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, December 27, 2013
10 Resolutions for the Arthritis Warriors
It's that time again...a new year is rapidly approaching and as I sat down to decide on my resolution as I enter 2014, I thought about a few things we can all think about as individuals with arthritis. Maybe one of these will help keep you positive and will decrease your pain a little bit, too! Fight On, Arthritis Warriors!
10 Resolutions for the Arthritis Warriors
2. I will follow a diet that I know is better for my arthritis
3. Even when I am in pain, I will still get moving...even if it is limited
4. I will share my arthritis story with others and talk to them about signs & symptoms
5. I will not let arthritis control my life
6. I will try different pain relieving techniques
7. I will listen to my body
8. I will think about my arthritis and plan accordingly - Car trips, long days, etc.
9. I will always bring a pair of flat shoes with me...wherever I go
10. I will continue promoting The Arthritis Foundation
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Merry Christmas!
Sending a warm Merry Christmas wish to all from my Hubby & I! This year has been one I will never forget and I could not feel more blessed or thankful for the wonderful opportunity I've had as Mrs. West Virginia International!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Thankful Thinking
As I sit here in the Christmas Spirit with Pandora Holiday Music playing, I'm trying to figure out how to write a blog about things I am thankful for without it taking someone 15 years to read. I'll be honest...it's a long list this year.
I'll start with the obvious. I am SO thankful for my family. Not just my immediate family, either. I mean my Hubby, Mom, Dad, my two brothers, my mother-in-law, both of my sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, my nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, grandparents, cousins....the list goes on. I'm thankful for every darn one of you. And, to all of my friends who have truly become family, too.
This year I've had the opportunity of a lifetime as Mrs. West Virginia International and I want to say how EXTREMELY thankful I am to have had this opportunity. This includes The Arthritis Foundation, my official platform - I have had such a wonderful time with this organization all year and I have met some of the most outstanding people who have pain, just like me.
I'm thankful for my home, my pets and my neighbors, too. They all make my world a better place.
We are at a point when times are hard. I am thankful to have a career that I love and enjoy.
I'm thankful for the many organizations I am a part of - this includes, but is not limited to Leadership WV, The Arthritis Foundation, WV International Pageants, Alzheimer's Association, Jackson County Animal Shelter, WEXCR, Read Aloud WV....I feel like I am forgetting something. Anyway - not just the organizations that I am a part of, but also the volunteers and people who take the time to be involved in something they care about. It's so important. Volunteers are role models...and you should be proud of what you do.
New babies this year, too. Leeann and Sean, I'm so thankful for your happy and healthy baby boy and Jessica and Jarrod, I'm so thankful for a Kennedy on her way!
Thank you to those who may not be able to be with their families because they are fighting for our freedom and thank you to those who are lucky enough to be back.
Thank you to Sephora for coming to the Charleston Town Center, too. That really has been a highlight of my year - and a hit on my paycheck each month.
While my list can go on and on, I will stop here, but there's one final thing I want to list. Thank you to everyone for supporting my year as Mrs. West Virginia International. The year has changed my life, it has inspired me to do more, be more and help more and more importantly, it's given me the opportunity to meet people across our state, nation and the world. I am blessed.
I'll start with the obvious. I am SO thankful for my family. Not just my immediate family, either. I mean my Hubby, Mom, Dad, my two brothers, my mother-in-law, both of my sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, my nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, grandparents, cousins....the list goes on. I'm thankful for every darn one of you. And, to all of my friends who have truly become family, too.
This year I've had the opportunity of a lifetime as Mrs. West Virginia International and I want to say how EXTREMELY thankful I am to have had this opportunity. This includes The Arthritis Foundation, my official platform - I have had such a wonderful time with this organization all year and I have met some of the most outstanding people who have pain, just like me.
I'm thankful for my home, my pets and my neighbors, too. They all make my world a better place.
We are at a point when times are hard. I am thankful to have a career that I love and enjoy.
I'm thankful for the many organizations I am a part of - this includes, but is not limited to Leadership WV, The Arthritis Foundation, WV International Pageants, Alzheimer's Association, Jackson County Animal Shelter, WEXCR, Read Aloud WV....I feel like I am forgetting something. Anyway - not just the organizations that I am a part of, but also the volunteers and people who take the time to be involved in something they care about. It's so important. Volunteers are role models...and you should be proud of what you do.
New babies this year, too. Leeann and Sean, I'm so thankful for your happy and healthy baby boy and Jessica and Jarrod, I'm so thankful for a Kennedy on her way!
Thank you to those who may not be able to be with their families because they are fighting for our freedom and thank you to those who are lucky enough to be back.
Thank you to Sephora for coming to the Charleston Town Center, too. That really has been a highlight of my year - and a hit on my paycheck each month.
While my list can go on and on, I will stop here, but there's one final thing I want to list. Thank you to everyone for supporting my year as Mrs. West Virginia International. The year has changed my life, it has inspired me to do more, be more and help more and more importantly, it's given me the opportunity to meet people across our state, nation and the world. I am blessed.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Charleston Veteran's Day Parade
On Veteran's Day, I had the incredible opportunity to ride as the final car in the parade with Arthur The Elf (The official mascot of the Jingle Bell Run) and my tiny hero, Ayla!
Ayla is a child living with juvenile arthritis who keeps a smile on her face every single day. I am so thankful she has become a part of my life. She had the perfect beauty queen wave, too...I see a future Miss WV ;)
Arthur The Elf joined us to promote our upcoming Jingle Bell Run (December 7th in Charleston, WV - Join now. I'll include a link at the bottom of this article.)
This was such a special event because arthritis is the number one cause of disability among our Veterans. So, what better way to honor them than to hopefully raise awareness for something that directly affects them.
It was an honor to ride with you. It's an honor to be the granddaughter of veterans and I thank my lucky stars EVERY day that we have men and women serving our country for our freedom.
God Bless America!
2013 Jingle Bell Run
Ayla is a child living with juvenile arthritis who keeps a smile on her face every single day. I am so thankful she has become a part of my life. She had the perfect beauty queen wave, too...I see a future Miss WV ;)
Arthur The Elf joined us to promote our upcoming Jingle Bell Run (December 7th in Charleston, WV - Join now. I'll include a link at the bottom of this article.)
This was such a special event because arthritis is the number one cause of disability among our Veterans. So, what better way to honor them than to hopefully raise awareness for something that directly affects them.
It was an honor to ride with you. It's an honor to be the granddaughter of veterans and I thank my lucky stars EVERY day that we have men and women serving our country for our freedom.
God Bless America!
2013 Jingle Bell Run
Monday, October 28, 2013
Shoals Elementary West Virginia Day
I had the great opportunity to attend West Virginia Day at Shoal's Elementary! This was such an incredible experience. I had my own tent with a very carefully stenciled Mrs. West Virginia International sign and the kids made my day.
I have to admit, getting to know the children in West Virginia has been one of the most rewarding experiences of being Mrs. West Virginia International. They are always so excited to see me and have the best stories to tell.
Thank you so much, Shoals Elementary for welcoming me to your school on this great day!
Thank you so much, Shoals Elementary for welcoming me to your school on this great day!
Monday, October 14, 2013
Black Walnut Festival
On Saturday, I hit the road toward Spencer, WV - a small town with a lot to offer! It is home of the Black Walnut Festival. I had the opportunity to ride in one of the largest parades I have seen in West Virginia!
This was truly something I will remember for a long time because the Newton Volunteer Fire Department allowed me the amazing opportunity to ride with them! This is special because my Pawpaw, Doyle Tawney, was a huge part of starting this Volunteer Fire Department. He's been involved with it for as long as I can remember!
It was so great to meet the volunteers and those who risk their lives to save others. I'm so thankful for the many opportunities I have as Mrs. West Virginia International - this one is surely one to remember!
This was truly something I will remember for a long time because the Newton Volunteer Fire Department allowed me the amazing opportunity to ride with them! This is special because my Pawpaw, Doyle Tawney, was a huge part of starting this Volunteer Fire Department. He's been involved with it for as long as I can remember!
It was so great to meet the volunteers and those who risk their lives to save others. I'm so thankful for the many opportunities I have as Mrs. West Virginia International - this one is surely one to remember!
World Arthritis Day Rocked!
Saturday was World Arthritis Day! Did you know that!?
I am so excited that I had the opportunity to talk on-air on Electric 102.7 with Coach Kidd and Morgan and on 97.5 WQBE about my arthritis, my mission and my involvement with The Arthritis Foundation.
Here are a few things that came up that I found super interesting.
- I was able to talk about Juvenile Arthritis! We MUST raise awareness that arthritis can happen to ANYONE at ANY AGE! It's not just a disease for the older population, which is what is believed.
- Of course, we talked about the Jingle Bell Run! I still hope people are going to join my team or donate - check out www.jinglebellruncharleston.kintera.org for more information or to join a team or donate!
The guys and gal at the radio station were so great. They asked awesome questions and it really gave me the opportunity to spread awareness about this unacceptable disease! Sending a special thanks to you guys today - and sharing a few photos, too!
Friday, October 11, 2013
A Real LOOK At My RA
What does RA look like? Today, I had a good example. This is it...in its smallest of forms. Red, swollen, hot, painful.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Great Foods for an Arthritis Diet!
Fish, Fruits & Veggies, Olive Oil & more...The Arthritis Foundation has shared this awesome article about foods that are best for a person with arthritis! Take a look...it's a great article!
The Arthritis Diet
The Arthritis Diet
Monday, October 7, 2013
10 Feelings I Have About Arthritis:
1. I hate it.
2. I can't believe people still think it's only a disease for older individuals. It does not discriminate...it can happen to anyone at any age.
3. Sometimes, I'm exhausted because pain keeps me up at night.
4. Meeting others like me and getting involved with The Arthritis Foundation has really helped me cope and have a better understanding of the disease.
5. Sometimes, I can't hide how bad it hurts...It's the one thing I hate MOST about arthritis because I know it worries my family and my husband.
6. It really ticks me off when I can't fix my hair or put makeup on because arthritis is in my arms, shoulders or hands.
7. I have a fear of not being able to wear high heels.
8. I want a Pediatric Rheumatologist to come to West Virginia. Children don't deserve to hurt like this.
9. Low Carbs make me have less pain...I think this is just mean.
10. I really want people to join my Jingle Bell Run team. Here's How :)
2. I can't believe people still think it's only a disease for older individuals. It does not discriminate...it can happen to anyone at any age.
3. Sometimes, I'm exhausted because pain keeps me up at night.
4. Meeting others like me and getting involved with The Arthritis Foundation has really helped me cope and have a better understanding of the disease.
5. Sometimes, I can't hide how bad it hurts...It's the one thing I hate MOST about arthritis because I know it worries my family and my husband.
6. It really ticks me off when I can't fix my hair or put makeup on because arthritis is in my arms, shoulders or hands.
7. I have a fear of not being able to wear high heels.
8. I want a Pediatric Rheumatologist to come to West Virginia. Children don't deserve to hurt like this.
9. Low Carbs make me have less pain...I think this is just mean.
10. I really want people to join my Jingle Bell Run team. Here's How :)
Brickhouse Cardio Club & World Arthritis Day
Check this out! On World Arthritis Day, Brickhouse Cardio Club is teaming up with The Arthritis Foundation to make a difference.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Does Running Give You Arthritis In Your Knees? It Doesn't Appear So...
Check out this article of over 75,000 runners which seems to prove that if a knee was healthy to start with, it is not likely that running, or continuing to run or jog as you age, causes arthritis in the knees.
My second favorite part of this article - it's great exposure about arthritis in the NY Times!
Here's the full story: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/25/why-runners-dont-get-knee-arthritis/?_r=2&
My second favorite part of this article - it's great exposure about arthritis in the NY Times!
Here's the full story: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/25/why-runners-dont-get-knee-arthritis/?_r=2&
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