I'M INSPIRED! Gerald R. Ford Job Corp September 29th 2008

Me with Mr. Williams

Presenting Mr. Marks with an inspirational photo- it says "I can't means I don't want to."

Performing.


Me with the security students of Mr. Marks

Me with the student governement.

John Pierre and I...He's awesome-at everything! He speaks 9 languages and did amazing at the stick drills I taught him right away!

What a blast! Today I went downtown Grand Rapids and met some amazing and very special people.

You never know who's watching so always do and be your best!
Back when I was about 8 or 10 years old, a man by the name of Craig Marks traveled the local martial arts circuit at the same time I did. He remembered me competing and winning a lot of weapons events. Then about 6 months ago, he read about me online and followed my journey through the World Championships and read about my community service work. When I got home, he sent me an email and we hit it off and he invited me to speak and perform at the Gerald R. Ford Job Corp where he is a teacher. He said he was a little nervous about whether a 14 year old girl could handle it. HMMM. That sounded like a challenge I couldn't resist!

I prepared my "Speech" , I practiced my lines, I polished my performances...I was ready to inspire!

Guess what? The tables were turned and I got inpired! I met some very cool people. I can't tell you how amazing it is to look into the eyes of others who have incredible obstacles in their lives and see someone willing to work hard to make things better for themselves. These are people who have had very difficult very hard lives and they are making a difference. They are taking control of their lives and their own destiny. They are not taking "NO" for an answer. They are making things happen for themselves, inspite of it all. If you you're reading this and you know of a 16-24 year old that needs a chance-to get their GED and career training along with housing and food-send them to the Gerald R. Ford Job Center. This is a program for people who just need a chance to prove themselves and an opportunity to learn and grow. I found out they have all kinds of programs all over the country. The one here in Grand Rapids has a Security Division, Culinary Arts, Contracting, and more!

Anyway, I had a lot of fun. First I performed, then gave a motivational speech(I think everyone liked it too!) Then I did one more performance. I got to tour a little of the facility, saw Mr. Marks Security Center and then had breakfast with the student government. Thanks Dennis for a great breakfast and to everyone who helped prepare it! Quiche, bacon, danishes...OH MY! YUM!

Thanks Everyone for the warm welcome and the inspiration!

Our Prayers are answered!

YAY! YAY! YIPPEE! WOOT! WOOT!
Parker Baby is Cancer Free! He has a bad virus and he'll be better soon!
GOD IS GOOD!

Prayers for my Parker baby!

Most of you know about my baby cousin Parker. He isn't even 2 yet and he is fighting Neuroblastoma, a very aggressive form of cancer. If you don't, please refer back to some of my older posts:

http://stickgirrl.blogspot.com/2007/07/touched-by-angel-today.html
http://stickgirrl.blogspot.com/2007/08/take-kick-at-parkers-cancer-big-success.html
http://stickgirrl.blogspot.com/2007/07/angel-baby.html




I am very sad today because I just heard that Parker's cancer might be back. He is very sick and isn't getting better and his eye is drooping again. He had several tumors before and one was behind his eye and caused his eye to droop before. This cancer is a horrible monster. He can develop tumors in days. He just had a scan about a month ago and it was clean. Please pray for our baby boy because he's in for a whole bunch of tests and stuff and we need him to be cancer free!

PINK ARROW PRIDE......WE ALL KNOW SOMEONE~

LOWELL VS CANCER




ME PERFORMING
PARADE OF PINK
WALK TO REMEMBER
PINK OUT


We all know someone, this is what my hometown and my football team did to raise over $80,000 for cancer~

IN MEMORY OF~
Grammy and Grandpa

IN HONOR OF~
PARKER McCAVITT, SENSEI CHUCK PIPPIN, ANNA ORGANEK, MARTHA WELLFARE

I did it! Backhandspring Baby! Where's coach Ron?!?!

I know, I know...it needs work, but hey! I didn't land on my head!

Nagasulong Tournament, Chicago Illinois October 12th, BE THERE!

To all my FMA Friends and Family: . Most of us have a desire and passion for the Filipino Martial Arts and also promoting the arts, increasing awareness, and in fellowship. This is your personal invitation to come, compete, make friends, and LEARN.

I am very excited to tell you about a very cool upcoming event. It is the Nagasulong Pacific Island Arts Tournament in Chicago Illinois on October 12th hosted by Midway Kodenkan Dojo and Guru John Bednarski at 5159 S. Archer in Chicago, IL
Questions? Please contact Guru John Bednarski at kali@midwaykodenkan.com

I have done several gathering/seminars with Guro Bednarski and have also had the honor of competing in the Pacific Island tournament now known as the Nagasulong. What a blast! I CAN'T WAIT! This event is incredible and it is a great step forward in promoting and encouraging the way of the Filipino Warrior. I have some new friends in Michigan that practice FMA and I am very excited to share this event with all my FMA Friends and competitors. I've been to so many tournaments that are the same old same old: The judges are not familiar with the style and just plain don't understand or appreciate the Filipino Style. This is not one of them. The Nagasulong event has the benefit of some very skilled and very knowledgeable and World renown Masters(like Master Buzz, Guru Mushtaq Ali, and Guru Bednarski and Multi World Champion Guru Steve Van Harn...and I am very honored to finally be able to meet and learn from Grandmaster Nene Tortal!) Nagasulong does not discriminate or restrict anyone because of age or sex either. If you can compete, YOU CAN COMPETE! And I'm proof! I'm a 14 year old Girl and Last year I took first in the Women's knife fighting event but they didn't make me stop there. I only had one competitor and I was really wanting and needing a good challenge. So I competed in the men's event and in the Men's stickfighting event! I wasn't treated special or different or gently...just EQUAL. Nagasulong is an event for everyone...including WOMEN. If you're looking for a challenge and some good, clean, tough competition with educated and qualified judging, this is your opportunity.

OH, and the best bonus ever! Don't expect another trophy for your collection....if this is anything like last year's event, those who place are in for a real treat and possibly a new best friend(for those of us who love weapons- hint hint)

I hope the Grand Champion event will also cover weaponry because I'm going to BRING IT!


From Grand Master Nene Tortal Sr:

The Meaning of "Nagasulong",

NAGASULONG is an ancient word with multiple meaning, of my Ilonggo dialect. a) I have passed down to my advanced and intermediate students describing low, explosive, overwhelming attacks like those of an infuriated serpent or cobra. A portion of my Herada(groundfighting techniques). b) To progress in an agressive manner to ensure victory. in both war and in friendly comptetition.

My best wishes to all attending and participating. NAGASULONG!

Hello Mariah,

I also look very much forward to meeting you as well. Along with Steve and Mushtaq. It will be a true pleasure after all of the positive things I have been told about you all from Guro Dalawa John and Lakan Guro Isa Jose' Duenas and Guru Mike Snow. Everyone working together so hard together as a family with such positive attitudes is what is making this event so successful and pleasant for everyone envolved. For all arts, FMA, IMA and MMA alike.

God Bless you all, Grandmaster Nene Tortal Sr.

From Last Years Nagasulong! Check it out!
You'll see World Champion Steve Van Harn, Master Buzz Smith, Me at 1:52 and lots more! Please tell Guro John you saw it here!