Updates

Passion only matters if you use it. I fear I've been complacent about raising money for the American Heart Association. Yes, the economy is not exactly lush, and yes, people are preparing for the worst. However, I haven't been asking. That is the first step to receiving and I have not been persistent enough. That is changing today. Change is good. I will pursue fundraising for my team, Lane County Hearts, and for the hearts who need funds for their health.

Very excited about Heart to Heart. I have training plus visits quite a few times this month! Which really is exciting for me! May is going to be very busy!

Into the Woods should begin rehearsals in late May and hopefully I will be volunteering in Portland during the Rose Festival as Mrs. Lane County. I am looking forward to meeting the other ladies. It will be great.

Mrs. Lane County America 2010

Well, I have been accepted as Mrs. Lane County America 2010. Yay! I have been so excited to start working in the community and make a difference to those who have heart health problems. Tomorrow I will meet the person I will shadow at Sacred Heart! Having a title doesn't make any change to me, but it merely provides an open door for my platform. This means that I have the opportunity to expand my current work. It really is great to be healthy enough to do this! I remember when I had a difficult time walking from the car to the mall entrance. It was difficult. It was challenging to accept that my body was not acting how I prefer it to act, and that I couldn't carry on my daily life how I would like. I am reminded of this every time I realize I get to be a support to those who are in the place I was just over a year ago.

Miss Lane County

It's been awhile since I've been involved with the pageant circuit. Last night I had the pleasure of helping backstage with the Miss Lane, Miss U of O, Miss Linn-Benton County (3 Miss titles in one competition), Outstanding Teen, and the MAO Princess competitions. It's amazing how it comes back to you! Nicole Akins did an amazing job! Seriously! She was so prepared. It was great. Her family was supportive and involved, which I think makes a huge difference; I know that many of my accomplishments are due to the support of my family. Anyway...plus the Miss Lane County Board is dedicated and put on a very smooth and GREAT show! All elegance! It was refreshing to meet so many accomplished young women who are talented, composed, well-spoken and intelligent. Girls, you really impressed me. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed seeing strong ladies speak out on what matters in their lives. Also, the very young ladies, the Princesses, reminded me how much I miss working with children. Hopefully, that will be remedied very soon by teaching theatre again; keep your fingers crossed.

I have just sent my application in to compete for Mrs. Oregon. We will see...the current Mrs. Oregon, Joelle Rankins-Goodwin, is great. We shared some laughs (and probably blisters today) last night. It was stimulating to be in the company of other active, involved and giving women. I loved it! Zannie and Zella; it was fun.

Heart to Heart

It has been 13 months since my heart surgery. I'm feeling so much better! I have energy to do more than just do my job and rest all evening. This is extremely exciting when you have been stuck in an unwanted sedentary lifestyle for nearly two years. But, now it is my turn to give back.

When I was told "it looks like you will definitely need surgery again" it literally shattered my hope. I knew that this time it would be much more serious and recovery would be difficult and extended. I knew that it would change my life, but I didn't realize how fast and severe my body would react to the sub-aortic stenosis ( basic definition= muscle band growth abnormality just below the aortic valve causing turbulent blood flow). I was exhausted all the time, not to mention in surprising pain and immobile, at times. So, the long process of actually getting TO the surgery was trying to say the least. I remember feeling helpless, stuck, frustrated and hopeless. Those are not traits I would normally associate myself with. Which brings me to the entire point of this blog:

I have a meeting next Wednesday to hopefully become a part of "Heart to Heart" with Sacred Heart Medical Center. It is basically a mentor program for pre- and post- cardiac surgery patients. I will have the chance to encourage and hopefully make a difference in the life of someone who is caught off guard by their emotions and physical response. I wish there would have been someone there for me at that time that really understood the whirlwind. I am hoping to be that calm the storm for someone. Even one. Wish me luck.