Project Valentine

Project Valentine is going great, I have had my church group working on projects, as well as my family. One of my goals was to initiate activities, and I did this through my youth group. I first had them create stress balls one night, then cards another. This is because I found out that this year they were in need of cards which was something we could easily do. I also had my family get involved one night to make cards and jewelry. My mom and Shari worked on making cards while my uncle Byron, shea, and myself made earnings. This leads into my next goal of learning new skills. I took a few beading classes at the local bead store, and I used those techniques to help make earrings. Here are some pictures;




After that long night, and the work of my family, my Uncle made 80 pairs of earrings, and my mom and shari made 450 cards! It was just amazing. We were able to attend the first inventory day where I met the people behind Project Valentine and see them love the stress balls, earrings, bookmarks, and cards my family, church group, and family had made.

The greatest part of all was look back in the inventory room and seeing all of the donations from companies and people. It was an amazing sight, that made me want to cry. When I was look around, I knew that I had been doing the right thing. Here are some ideas in case you want to donate, or just to see what others have done.

You can donate things like socks, or scarfs, or beanies. People going through cancer get cold easily and need to stay warm. Lots of knitted items are donated, because that is how Project Valentine got started. Check out the website for more info.

Jewelry always makes someone feel better, and this is a pair of earings my uncle made. so cute.

Here are some of the cards we made. They try to put 6 cards in each bag, and there is over 1000 patients going through chemo on valentines day, that alot of cards. Valentines cards are always welcomed.

Patients in chemo have sensitive skin, so any type of body products that are scent free and hypo-allergenic are awesome too!



Here is my mom and I holding up one of the bags that the goodies go into.

I am very excite because this year my mom and I get to bring the bags to the cancer patients on Valentines Day. Only "special" people get to do this, and the opportunity shall be worth it. I am almost done with this goal, but I still have a whole another year to go for next Valentines Day! I will do my overall reflection after valentines day.
Ciara

Progression in Taekwondo

I have been going back for 3 weeks now, and I just love it. I still can't run for very long without foot pain, but I am getting there. I almost have my forms mastered so I can learn the next new one. This last practice on Friday I found to be impactful because my master said, "There is a difference in doing the forms, and knowing the forms" What he meant by that was the easy part is to do the form, the hard part is understanding it. This meaning that we should know how many steps each form takes, or the meaning of the form. I really want to strive to work on this. I decided to do some research on this topic to find out what the forms mean and the orgin.

Our forms are technically "poomse's", and they help to form a pattern. Each form has a set of 3 lines, that are broken or connected in different ways. The closed lines represent yang, and the open ones ying. All forms together create unity being called T'ae-guk. The art piece for the forms of the ying and yang is below;

The following information is about each of the forms, along with their symbols, and meaning.
Poomse Taeguk/Palgwe Il Jang -- Heaven
(South, Father) The first Taeguk/Palgwe is the beginning of all Poomses. The associated trigram represents Yang (heaven, light), therefore, this Poomse should be performed with the greatness of Heaven.

Poomse Taeguk/Palgwe Ee Jang -- Lake
(South East, Youngest daughter) In the depths of the lake are treasures and mysteries. The movements of this Taeguk/Palgwe should be performed knowing that man has limitations, but that we can overcome these limitations. This should lead to a feeling of joy, knowing that we can control our future.

Poomse Taeguk/Palgwe Sam Jang -- Fire
(East, Second daughter) Fire contains a lot of energy. Fire helped man to survive, but on the other hand had some catastrophical results. This form should be performed rhythmically, with some outbursts of energy.

Poomse Taeguk/Palgwe Sa Jang -- Thunder
(North East, Eldest son) Thunder comes from the sky and is absorbed by the earth. Thunder is one of the most powerful natural forces, circling, gyrating. This Taeguk/Palgwe should be performed with this in mind.

Poomse Taeguk/Palgwe Oh Jang -- Wind
(South West, Eldest daughter) Wind is a gently force, but can sometimes be furious, destroying everything in it's path. Poomse Taeguk/Palgwe Oh Jang should be performed like the wind: gently, but knowing the ability of mass destruction with a single movement.

Poomse Taeguk/Palgwe Yook Jang -- Water
(West, Second son) Water can move a mountain. The movements of this Poomse should be performed like water. Sometimes standing still like water in a lake, sometimes thriving as a river.

Poomse Taeguk/Palgwe Chil Jang -- Mountain
(North West, Youngest son) Mountains will always look majestic, no matter the size. This Poomse should be performed with the feeling that all movements are this majestic and deserved to be praised.

Poomse Taeguk/Palgwe Pal Jang -- Earth
(North, Mother) The associated trigram of this Poomse is Yin: the end of the beginning, the evil part of all that is good. Even in this darkness, there is still some light. Performing this Taeguk/Palgwe, one should be aware that this is the last Taeguk/Palgwe to be learned, it also is the end of a circle, and therefore it is also the first, the second etc...

I hope to get better everyday on this long journey full of unexpected events. I shall get to my goal that I have had as a child to receive my black belt, along with a healthy exercise routine.
Ciara

SSSP To Do List

Today I made my to do list for the Shimmer, Sparkle, Shine Event on Feb. 25, 2012.
Need To:
1. Finish Invites and Distribute
2. Make basic cover for girls to decorate for Booster Book
3. Make Name tags
4. Create Gift Bags
5. Gather Decoration
6. Create Thank You Cards for Volunteers and Sponsors.

Gift Bags
1. Feel Good CDs (burn disc, and make CD covers)
2. Dove Self Esteem Book
3. Shimmer, Sparkle, Shine Buttons
4. Girly Supplies
5. Cinderella Shoe with quote (create quote)
6. Card from Carleigh and I
7. Treats

I also made an estimated cost list.
1. Black CDs ($10)
2. Frames ($20)
3. Buttons ($10)
4. Copy of Dove Handbook ($20)
5. Cinderella Shoe from Dollar Store ($6)
6. Bags ($10)
7. Decorations ($20)
8. Hair Stuff ($10)
___________________
Cost = $106

I somehow need to find funding. I also made an incentive schedule, but of course it is open to change.

10:00 - 11:00; Intro, Powerpoints, and discussions
11:00 - 11:45; Booster Book
11:45 - 12:15; Lunch
12:15 - 2:15; Beauty Time and Photo Shoots
2:15 - 3:00; Closing talk time, while we print photos
Ciara

Planning

With the Shimmer, Sparkle, Shine day scheduled, it is time to get to planning. Getting a full hair team was more difficult then I thought, so I approached IBSU to help me find girls who need the service hours to help out with the event, and do their hair for the photo shoot. The amount of responds was overwhelming, and it is awesome that so many people want to help. A volunteer meeting is in the future about more details. I have a design for the invites, and those should be going out this week. The basic things are done in basic preparedness, but I am still having a rough time finding a cater. I know I can find one, its going great! More info to come!

Taekwondo

It feels great to be back, but I am having more pain than expected when I run and jump. I have to work back into it more slowly then I thought. I am trying so hard on my forms, and I am trying to pay attention to little details to help with state in march. I want to be healthy, so I think days where they spare, I might go to the gym to build my strength and endurance until I am fit enough to spare again.

Im back

Today was my first day back to Taekwondo after my foot surgery injury in July, and surgery in October. It felt great to be back, I feel like I still remember the basics of my forms, and only need to work out a few small details. My master's wife also offered to help me starting next month on Saturdays, so that I can catch up even more. My goals are first;
1. Compete at State on March 31st
2. Earn my high red in the summer or begging of the school year
3. Earn my black belt in November/December
For now I have to work my endurance back up, practice my balance, and just keep improving.
Ciara

It is scheaduled!

Today I had a meeting with the YMCA of denver, and they had an amazing space for us use, that I think we could really decorate! It just seems to perfect! The problem now is that we have to find our own girls, but still! It is going to be huge! I am so excited!
Ciara

SSS

Last weekend Carleigh and I went downtown to meet with Claire from Clairs. She agreed to sponsor us to give the girls jewelry. The only problem is that the boys and girls club has not called us back like they promised. The YMCA has called us back so we are hoping to do it with them. We also went around to many local business downtown for sponsorship, but they were either not interested or we have to contact Corporate, which we do not have time for. Hoping I can find a hair team and somewhere to donate clothes. Either way, it is going to be great. Can't wait till this happens!
Ciara