The day our Nation will never forget

September 11th will never be "just another day" for our Nation. 12 years ago, our country changed forever. Where were you when the world stopped turning?

I will never forget September 11th, 2001. Less than a week after my 14th birthday, I was an eight-grader at Manheim Central Middle School in Manheim, Pennsylvania... Approximately 3 driving hours from New York City, approximately 3 driving hours from Somerset, PA and approximately 2 1/2 driving hours from Washington D.C.

I remember what it was like to fly before that day.

The first whispers of the first attack began in the middle of second period. By the bell signifying the change from second to third period, the halls echoed with the news. By the beginning of fourth period Manheim Central School District sent the entire student body home. I remember my brother and I getting to the house, sitting on the couch, turning on the TV and watching - neither of us saying a word.

There was nothing more terrifying than the footage playing over and over before our eyes. I don't know that there ever will be anything more terrifying. 

We can never forget. We stand as one. We honor the day. We fight for that day. We fight for our freedom, for our country's continuous safety. We fight in dedication to all those who were lost.

We fight so they can remember just as we will never forget.

I realize this is not the typical post you see on my blog. However, I feel it's necessary. I am asking all of you to take a few minutes out of your day and think back to 9/11/01, when you heard the news. And please, pray for those we lost and for those who are tirelessly defending our country. May God Bless them in every way He can.

#MCM

I should have posted this yesterday. I even had time to post this yesterday. But I was way to caught up in a book to desire to post this yesterday. It's true. Go ahead, judge me. But for those of you who have read the Divergent series/trilogy/two books that are currently out... you completely understand. I can't even begin to describe how awesome the first two books are. There is a trailer out for the first movie. Google it. Then buy the book. And nod your head in agreement.

Back on track....

This week's #MCM :: appropriate and professional social media posting for the collegiate age.

Yup. You read correctly. For those of you who have been through the trials and tribulations of college, you understand where the coach is coming from. AND if you are in a coaching position and have access to the internet, you REALLY know where he is coming from. Let me make one thing clear - the coach does not have a facebook, twitter, instagram or any other type of social media outlet. But his wife, mother, friends and coworkers do. And, he has a phone. What does that mean? When he is looking over my shoulder at my facebook or he hears someone talking about a picture or status that was posted about his students doing something they shouldn't be, he gets a little irritated.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Joelynn, you are a froggin' hypocrite for even posting this. And you're right. I am. However, I'm old. Above the legal drinking age. I have a career. I post some pretty nutso, blunt, rude and even somewhat humorous stuff on this here blog of mine. Since you see the way I am now, just imagine how I was in college.

Here's the difference - 8 years. In the past 8 years, social media has gone from "oh hey, what's a Facebook?" to "you DON'T tweet? You must be a loser". That doesn't make my past actions right. But it does mean that if you post something stupid on any forms of social media, it is just that - social. That means your dirty laundry or night long beer olympics is now viral. Anyone can access that information.

Just about every single employer now-a-days will run a standard "stalk-out" on a young person before they hire them. This way they can see what a person is actually like, not just the robot in the interview chair, trained to respond exactly as they should to impress their hirer. Heck, the coach had me facebook stalk each recruit as they came in - sorry guys! This is just what our society is leaning towards. If you don't like it, don't post stupid crap! Then you won't have to deal with the repercussions!

I'm not saying 'don't have fun' ... go ahead, act like underage idiots. Risk your future. See what happens. But I am saying keep that crap off the internet. You look trashy. You look lazy. You look like a depressed drunk. You look factionless (book worm humor).

*****

So here's the take-home message.... No matter what you post, the people you don't think will see or you don't want to see it, see it. So every time you are about to post something, think to yourself - would I say these words, show this picture or video or talk this way directly to my parents, my grandparents, my coach, my professors, my future employer, my future spouse, my future children or even my friends? If you hesitate or answer no to ANY of these people... backspace, delete, rewind and DON'T FROGGIN' POST IT!

*****

Oh, and if he breaks up with you... please.... for .... the .... love.... of... God.... KEEP THE TEARS TO YOURSELF! Twitter doesn't care.


Whew! That was fun.

Photo Friday, Awesome Edition

Yes, I've been neglecting my blog. I feel like I'm on repeat with that phrase... sorry.

Anyway... It's friday. Which means I should be writing a photo friday post. And I am... of sorts. It's also my birthday. I'm old, so I'm not going into details on age. It's sad and scary. I literally spent my day editing pictures and watching Harry Potter. Actually, it was wonderful.

That was until the coach decided to remind me that he is the most amazing person in the world. You see, my old trusty camera ( I call her old... she is just a few weeks shy of three years young ) has been acting like a rah-tard for the last few months. I know she just needs to be cleaned... but since her model is discontinued, I started getting nervous. I also knew I eventually wanted to upgrade to something a little more... I dunno... bada$$. The d700 is killer. I love her and I will never get rid of her (sorry for everyone who already asked if I would sell her). But, she ( you're dang right I speak of my camera like it's a child... and yes ... she is a she.... cuz she can be a moody B ) also doesn't have video capability which is something I am looking for. About two months (or more) ago I decided I was going to upgrade to the d4, the billy bada$$ of the nikon pro world. I had been saving up since making that decision with hopes to purchase it potentially as soon as Royal ( ... :) .... ) but for sure before Denver ( .... :).... ).

Fast track to today. The coach tells me a UPS package is coming with my Birthday present - insert excitement - and I will have to sign for it... AKA don't plan on leaving the house on my bday. Cool. I can handle that! Especially considering I made him bring me lunch :) He and Brice took the team to Hagan's .... mildly jealous considering that is the ONE workout I really should have gone to! .... so he wouldn't be able to wait around on UPS with me. I told him it was no biggie, I would just wait until he got back to open whatever the package was.

Or so I thought...

6:30 pm rolls around and big brown enters the driveway. Doorbell rings. I open it to find a cheerful looking guy holding the BIGGEST B&H BOX OF ALL TIME..... B&H??!?!?!?! And he expected I would actually be able to look at it and not open it. PSH!

I beg for permission over the phone. And since it is my stinkin' b-day, I succeed.

And open the box to MY brand new Nikon D4. Oh my lanta. This is real life.

My husband is the most amazing man in the world. I am well aware of the fact that I will be paying him back for this beaut.... but still... holy poo he is amazing!!!

So, yeah... that's my "photo friday"... SO AWESOME!


Now go google the d4... and drool ... or just look for my new edition with me in the ring, at the backdrop or in the picture pen ( ... :) ... ) - JA is BACK!