Special Olympics Iowa

I just got done reading Dan Gable’s latest book of his short stories.  Incredible read by the way.  But in it, he describes the Fieldhouse in Iowa City where they held practice.  

I get that same rush of energy every time I check in to volunteer for the Mid-Winter tournament in Iowa City.  It was my 3rd year in a row volunteering.  You may find some in Mexico, some in Florida, but you will always find me in Iowa City helping (more cheering) a talented and hard-working group of athletes.  

My first year I helped with powerlifting, second I kept score for 3 on 3 basketball and then this year I got to do powerlifting.  I side-spotted the lifters.  The moment they lift the barbell off of the rack and bring it down to their chest I can’t help but yell, “Up, up, up!”  All while concentrating making sure that the barbell gets racked properly.  After that it’s time to cheer again.  I’ll be loud clapping, hooting and hollering, and high-fives all around!

To be continued tomorrow!



Mission of Hope!

In attempt to maximize my fundraising for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. I thought up of a challenge for myself to not only increase donations but more importantly push myself to try and make the world a better place. Not only would I jump and swim in frigid waters, but I basically gave each donor a coupon to have me do whatever it is they want me to do. I am doing one challenge a week for a year!
My first assignment was given to me by Shauntel Wagner. She asked me to volunteer in a soup kitchen at a homeless shelter. When I asked for a little direction she pointed me to Mission of Hope in Cedar Rapids.
I’ve never been to a shelter, nor have I even served food to anyone. (for those who know me, knows how clumsy I am) I was a little nervous walking up to the church.
Of course, everyone was very welcoming and my nerves were gone as soon as I introduced myself. Those helping prepare dinner were a mix of shelter members, regular volunteer/employees, and then me of course.
The head of the kitchen’s name was Mary. My first thought when I saw her was that she looked like Red from Orange is the New Black. Same hair color, style, and Red is also the leader of the kitchen in the prison.
For those who have seen this Netflix series, know that Red is MEAN. Mary may have looked like Red, but was very sweet.
I set up the dinner they had been cooking throughout the day. BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, party potatoes, chips, cookies, and more was on the menu. I got to fill and hand out kool aide. Almost all 58 members thanked me and smiled.
I truly felt appreciated even though I was just handing them Kool Aide.
After dinner was served I rinsed all of the trays before they were put in the dish washer.
After we cleaned up I helped organize all of the cupboards for my final task. Mary seemed so thrilled to have all of the canned foods together.
I said my goodbyes and couldn’t help but get a picture with “Red”.
I know that people think that I’m giving back and helping others. But if I didn’t enjoy new experiences, meeting amazing people, and that feeling I get when I feel like I am making a difference, I can’t say I would do it.
Week 1 complete! Thank you Mission of Hope for the amazing experience! If you would like to donate, volunteer, or get more information visit http://missionofhopecr.org

Day 23

Okay folks not only has my grammar been horrific (I type everything on my BlackBerry, and yes they still exist) but I’m not too sure what I was thinking when I said 32 days! November 2nd was the last day I consumed alcohol. So we are on day 23. Wishful thinking, I guess.
Today I was thinking how much I love alcohol. You would think someone like me would be like, “well if I can’t have it no one can!”. But I truly am glad that we are given the choice to consume alcohol. I’m glad that people like me who can’t enjoy it responsibly don’t ruin it for those who can.
I hope you don’t think that this blog is bashing alcohol, because I’m not. If you can do it responsibly (and you are of the legal age), do it! It’s fun!
I am excited to be at the stage in my sobriety where I can be comfortable in alcohol settings.
One of these days!

My Biggest Challenge

The biggest challenge that I face is learning how to have fun without alcohol again. Ever since I started drinking after high school, I found it necessary to use alcohol to have fun.
Some of you may know where I’m coming from, and some of you may think I’m silly. I need to re-learn how to have fun and socialize without alcohol.
It has been 32 days, and I have yet to hang out with my best friends. And trust me, they would love to hang out with me and would respect my sobriety. That’s why they are my best friends! I just find it so difficult to hang out with them without having a beer in my hand. Hopefully some of them read this and can talk me into hanging out.
It may sound as though I have not had ANY fun this month, but this is far from true!
Firstly, my job is the greatest and I will get into that in a different post! I have managed to find a few fun things to do when I am not working. My good buddy from work and I went to a Hawkeye basketball game and I had a blast.. GO HAWKS!
But yesterday was probably the most fun I have had in years.. Mom and I went to The Brass Armadillo in Des Moines. Basically a HUGE indoor flea market.. It took us a little over 3 hours to look at everything! You can question my sexuality all you want, but antiquing is something fun I can do without even thinking about alcohol. It gives me that natural high to look at a bunch of random junk! Whatever works right?
But the best part was getting to spend the day with my Mom. My best friend. I’m not exaggerating when I say that we took 7 wrong turns the entire trip (we made other stops in altoona at McDonalds, Walmart, Target, and Bass Pro) there and back. Most people would argue and bitch at each other, but after each wrong turn we took, we laughed harder and harder even though it truly was frustrating.
Thankfully, we made it home and will never leave home without a GPS device again!
I’m so lucky to have such great support from my friends and family. I know I can do this, and they know I can do this. I think if I make it to January 2nd, 2014, I’m home free.
Thanks for reading everyone and I appreciate the supportive comments!

The difference

I have been so afraid to write.. LIfe events put a hold on my love of writing, and it was for the better. I miss it, but these posts will be different.
Many posts will deal with my sobriety. I have tried time and time again to quit completely and after about 1 months of no drinking I find a way to drink and break that month.
It isn’t as though that I drink every day.. But the on day out of week that I would drink; I would tear it up, get horrible drunk saying and doing things that I don’t normally do. The law got involved and I have a few drinking charges, too.
I’m just tired of it. It has hurt me, the relationship with my family, and it has torn apart all of my replacements. It’s poison.
So I’m going to quit. For good. It has only been 31 days. Speaking with my counselor we came up with multiple goals to remain sober. One of those beeing writing :). I plan on posting here daily! So this was kind of an indroductIon on what you’ll seeing if you tune in! Thanks! I’ll be writing tomorrow!

It’s been a while…

Hey everyone I know it has been months since I have posted, but I promise I have not quit writing.  I am working on the ending which had been bothering me for the longest time.  How do you end a memoir when you’re only 23 years old?

I knew that I wanted something powerful, something that truly represents the theme of my book.  And finally I have figured out how I went to end it.  I can’t tell you what, but I can promise you that it will shock everyone.

I just wanted to let everybody know that I haven’t quit, or given up and that I will be able to show the world my story.  I love you all have a Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year. 

The American Dream

The United States of America is known as the land of the opportunity.  For hundreds of years, immigrants have come to the U.S.A. in hopes for a better life.  In hopes to live “The American Dream”.

But what really is “The American Dream” today?  Is there one common dream we all share no matter what race, social class, gender, or sexual orientation we hold?  Has the dream been distorted in the last 50 years?  If yes, how so?  I hear people talk about “The American Dream” often, but I’ve never stopped to think about what it really is.

Many of you may believe that all Americans share the same dream of having the stereotypical: wife/husband, the 2.5 children, the white picket fence, the steady job, etc.

If you believe that most people today either live or strive for that stereotypical dream, that’s a pretty narrow-minded theory. 

What about gay people?  What about the homeless?  What about the men and women who have all of that but leave it anyway?  Like everyone else, most gays, homeless people, and the men/women who choose to be single, are happy with their situation.

So it is safe to say that one person’s “American Dream” can be different from another’s.  My “American Dream” is most likely different than yours.

But let’s go back 50 years.  That stereotypical dream I mentioned would be what most Americans strived for.  It was much more simple back then.  You get married, the husband worked, the wife stayed at home because she couldn’t  work.  You stayed married whether you liked each other or not and stuck it out until death did you apart.

If you ask me, the term, “The American Dream” is outdated, and I think that is a good thing.  To me, you shouldn’t even put the word the in front of dream, because it’s our  dream.  It shows how far American Society has come in the last 50 years.

Don’t get me wrong we still have not reached equality, but we are continuing to go in the right direction.  Instead of being a slave, or being a housewife, or being in an unwanted marriage, we can choose to live our own “American Dream”

 

Mom’s Thank You Letter

Mom was so appreciative in regards to the support we received when my dad passed away.  She wrote a thank-you in the Marengo paper shortly after the funeral.  I think it’s very beautiful so that is why I would like to share it with everyone.

Corey and I would like to thank each and every one of you for all of the thoughts and prayers during the most trying time in our lives.  Our faith in God will pull us through

The memorials, food, flowers, and hugs were overwhelming in the most beautiful way.  Every card received opens my heart a little more.  You all have given so much.  You will never know how much it means.

Chad was loved more than he will ever know.  We all have to remember how much he loved us.  His memory will never die.  I will think of him every day of my life- especially when I look into Corey’s beautiful blue eyes.

When asked if, “I ever need anything,” my answer will always be… I need you to: 

Always stay in touch,

Always talk of Chad,

Always remind me of what he lived for.. You- Me- Us- Friends- Good Times- and Life

Wendy and Corey

Quotes I’ve Written

A compilation of some of the quotes I’ve written this year. Please copy and paste your favorite quote and put it as your facebook status along with the link to my blog! (Just copy and paste or type this in after your quote- https://coreyyardley.wordpress.com). I’m anxious to see what everyone’s favorite quote is, thanks!

“You may encounter obstacles through your journey to success. Go in, out, around, or through that obstacle. Keep your focus on the prize and block anything trying to hold you down. It’s never going to be easy, but show your strength and do whatever it takes to succeed.”
-Corey Yardley

“Never worry about trying to look or act perfect, because you might miss the person who loves you for you.”
-Corey Yardley

“Failure isn’t the worst outcome, the worst is not making the attempt or giving up. You never really get last place as long as you cross the finish line.”
-Corey Yardley

“The only thing that you should carry with you from a bad experience from the past is what you learned. Rid the negativity and bring forward only the knowledge gained in doing so.”
-Corey Yardley

“Love is real. It’s not a game, or a choice, or just a word. It is an element of life, like birth, death, the sun and the moon. Fear it, but don’t run from it. Keep it, but don’t break it.
Find it, and never lose it.”
-Corey Yardley

“We all get cut; some deeper, and some more often than others, but the beauty is the scar that’s left behind and how you heal.”
-Corey Yardley

“Everything happens for a reason. Even the worst things that have happened in my life have supplied lifelong gifts. God has a plan for everything big or small, good or bad.”
-Corey Yardley

“You can say what you want about me, I won’t let it get to me. I’m going to keep living my life and continue to push forward and pursue my dreams. If I wasn’t hated I wouldn’t matter, so, thank you haters.”
-Corey Yardley

“When life hands you lemons, eat them and take pictures of the funny faces you make with your friends”
-Corey Yardley

“Life isn’t about how empty or full a glass of water is. Life is all about you and what you do with it. I don’t care how empty you think your cup is, there’s always a way to fill it up.”
-Corey Yardley

“A step backward can be made into a step forward as long as you learn from your mistake that pushed you back.”
-Corey Yardley

” Actions speak louder than words. But my words will live forever because I write them down.”
-Corey Yardley

“If you say you can’t, you probably won’t. If you say you can, your odds certainly won’t decrease.”
-Corey Yardley

“Believe in yourself, you can. Learn to do this and the rest is easy.”
-Corey Yardley

“A boy can admit that he was wrong, but it takes a man to change his wrongdoings.”
-Corey Yardley

“Do not measure self-success by the progress of your journey, success should be measured by what you learn along the way no matter the distance traveled.”
-Corey Yardley

“I’ve always been told that one person can’t change the world. Fortunately I never listened.”
-Corey Yardley

“I don’t have all of the answers but I can play out the options.” -Corey Yardley

“When life gets tough, just make like a vacuum and suck it up!”
-Corey Yardley

“I’m not normal, I’m perfectly happy that I’m abnormal. Normal means you’re average, typical, and you blend in. There’s nothing wrong with being normal, but I will not be forgotten.”
-Corey Yardley

“Today I doubted myself. I said, ‘I can’t’. Always have faith in yourself, let anyone else in the world tell you that you can’t, but never yourself. I can, tell me I can’t, and I will.”
-Corey Yardley

“Hatred is unknowingly caused by jealousy and an inevitable aspect of life. Don’t let those who dislike you bring you down because its just not worth it. Those who love and care for you are far more important and worthwhile.”
-Corey Yardley

“Don’t waste your time and energy bitching about what you don’t have, instead take a look around and use what you have to get it.”
-Corey Yardley

“You know times are bad when Larry the Cableguy has his own TV show on the History channel.”
-Corey Yardley

“You either love me or you hate me.. And anyone in between is a waste of time.”
-Corey Yardley

Inspirational Quotes Written by Others

“Don’t be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality. If you can dream it, you can make it so.”
–Belva Davis

“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”
-Mohandas Gandhi

“Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but only empties today of its strength.”
-Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
-Abraham Lincoln

“Men’s best successes come after their disappointments.”
-Henry Ward Beecher

“The person who says something is impossible should not interrupt the person who is doing it.”
-Chinese Proverb

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.”
–B. Olatunji

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
-Wayne Gretzky

“Positive attitudes create a chain reaction of positive thoughts.”
-Buddha

“The future is not something we enter. The future is something we create.”
-Leonard I. Sweet

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
-Mother Teresa

“My life is my message.”
–Gandhi

“Don’t aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.”
-David Frost

“One who makes no mistakes, never makes anything.”
-English Proverb

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”
-Winston Churchill

“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.”
-Anonymous

“Losers live in the past, winners learn from the past and enjoy working in the present towards the future.”
-Denis Waitley

“A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.”
-Chinese Proverb

“Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you’d have preferred to talk.”
-Doug Larson

“The tragedy of life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.”
-Benjamin Mays

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
-Mahatma Gandhi

“Every great achievement was once considered impossible.”
-Anonymous

“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.”
-Henry Ford

“To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are.”
-Muhammad Ali

“It’s easier to go down a hill than up it but the view’s much better from the top.”
-Arnold Bennett

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”
-Jim Rohn

“Here is the test to find whether your mission on earth is finished. If you’re alive, it isn’t.”
-Richard Bach

“Failure defeats losers, failure inspires winners.”
-Robert Kiyosaki

“Build a dream and the dream will build you.”
-Robert H. Schuller
——————–
Thank you to all of the author’s above for sharing your knowledge and inspiring us with your words!