Twas the Day before the Night before Christmas

I woke up this morning in what I would call my seasonal funk. The skies were grey, the news was grey, memories of my parents who passed, grey, my husbands deployment, grey. I cried myself to sleep last night. I was grey. As a parent of a special needs child sometimes even when things aren't personal,they are personal because it hits so close to home and my heart breaks for them. Just grey. Seriously, Christmas can be a tough time of year especially when your are surrounded by the Hallmark Channel and LMN. I cried at Bambi and the Lion King so, go figure, I cry at many many many holiday films! So I sat back and thought, Andy always tells me when I am not feeling well (or Grey), get out and walk and drink a lot of water. This comes from his wrestling days but it does work! He went to West Point and wrestled for them and before each match he would walk and drink a lot of water and so I did.

Carter and I walked and walked. I went for a last minute grocery store stop for my Christmas dinner and I went to Starbucks. Gotta love a Starbucks. No, I did not buy the $400 gift card but what to my wonder eyes did appear but a GIANT Snowman cookie that was shedding no tears. So I bought it, ok two of them. At 390 calories a piece, that is my Christmas Day meal and although not "heart healthy", oh so good for the heart.

After Starbucks, we continued to walk. I found myself saying Merry Christmas to what is probably a 90% Jewish Orthodox community and was greeted by so many smiles and returns. After all, who does not love a good Hannukah bush;)

As Carter and I strolled back to the house with the cookies, my ice coffee and groceries in tow...its started to snow. Our first in DC for the season and I smiled and Carter laughed. What Christmas lights that were lit you could see in the daylight and I felt like I was in a greeting card.

My phone started to ring and I looked down and it was Skype. It was Andy. 1000 miles away, literally and he was walking with us.

So on the day before the night before Christmas, the grey turned to light and Santa does exist. As Andy said to me, we have us, we have our furry family, we have our little man and we have 55 plus more years together.

I am so blessed

The Heart Truth

Life and heart health

I questioned posting about this because I am always concerned about how I may look. Too desperate,  too sad, too sick when in fact I am none of the above. What I am is a normal women who has had normal issues.  I use the word normal loosely. To clarify, I am not special and these problems happen every day to women ( and men) everywhere. I have had many fertility issues, heart issues, shingles and most recently the confirmation that at a moment in April when I just thought I was too stressed, my brain MRI shows "markers" that I indeed had a stroke....again.

After April, I re-evaluated my life. I lost what I thought were friends who were at the hospital on that day because frankly people don't like sick and they certainly don't like an emotional break down. I was so scared and all I could think of was my son and husband. I was blessed that after some time I regained all my functionality and just went straight into nut case mode. I was so dedicated to my obligations in life that I showed back up in the very same ER dressed as Heart Man because that was my job and I had to be there. This after leaving AMA just 9 hours earlier. Yes, there was probably a different room I should have been in. What can I say, I have always been committed...ok ok, maybe at time I should have been committed!

I am petrified of hospitals because my parents never left  so I will give myself a little slack. Carter also spent 165 days plus plus plus in moments of question. So a good patient I am not. Just ask my PCM who gladly told my husband prior to deployment that I am not. It took me 7 mos to follow up on April but like many I just figured if I was functioning and they had not called me, I was fine.


The reason why I am writing this is because I advocate for heart health and yet I have not been great with follow up. Its scary but I do know my numbers:)

I made the choice when my husband was confirmed that he was was being deployed to leave the American Heart Association as an EMPLOYEE to focus on my son and to get back to what volunteering does, it allows you to advocate. In development, like any company, you need to make your quota but for me, heart is about heart.

I am blessed and honored to work for, advocate for and be an ambassador for the AHA. 90% of all funds that are raised for the Heart Walk go back into the mission. There are not many non profits that can say that. Its been 11 years for me.

I made some unwise choices this year as far as my health but it also makes me understand why people do what they do. I am so blessed that Adventist Health care, Dr Chen, Walter Reed and of course my husband all had my back and my heart:)

As 2013 approaches, I will heed my own advice and listen to my heart...and head.

The Season of Giving

I can talk a lot, I am filled with emotions and one of my favorite things to do and be involved with is ANYTHING to do with children. If you look at the heart beat of most nonprofits, you will find a strong arm in the future. The future is our children. The American Heart Association, USO, Children of Fallen Soldiers Reelief Fund, St Jude, Mental Health Initiatives, CASA and so many more. This is why I am just at such a loss on the tragedies that have been happening in our society. It seems like no place is off limits whether its the mall, movie theatre or the unimaginable such as yesterday in Conneticut....a school. This is the season of giving. It is the season of faith. It is the season of miracles. Most of all, it is the season for children. I don't understand and will never understand the mind of the insane. How can you hurt anyone, especially a child. I am a Mom and my son is my heart beat. I can't imagine the hurt that is running through so many parents hearts right now.

I found this is wanted to share. Thank you to the Middletown Press

Newtown Youth & Family Services to collect donations for families affected by elementary school shooting

Published: Saturday, December 15, 2012

 

By Viktoria Sundqvist
The Middletown Press

For those wishing to help Newtown residents directly affected by Friday’s elementary school shooting, the Newtown Youth & Family Services is collecting donations.

Donations can be sent via “Caroline’s Gift,” a fund set up in the 1990s by a local family in memory of their daughter. The Caroline’s Gift fund offers financial support to families who are dealing with a child’s terminal or catastrophic illness.

“Any donations made to Newtown Youth& Family Services will be donated directly to those affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting,” a message on the organizations website says.

Newtown Youth and Family Services is located at 15 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook, CT 06482. For more details on how to donate, call (203) 426-8103 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (203) 426-8103 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting .

Another group accepting donations is the Newtown Parent Connection, which accepts donations right on its website, www.newtownparentconnection.org. Donations can be made via Paypal or any major credit card, and the organization says all donations will be donated directly to those affected by the shooting. For further details, call (203) 270-1600 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (203) 270-1600 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting .

The United Way of Western Connecticut is also accepting donations in a partnership with Newtown Savings Bank. Check donations may be mailed to: Sandy Hook School Support Fund, c/o Newtown Savings Bank, 39 Main St., Newtown CT 06470, or you can drop off a donation at any Newtown Savings Bank branch location. You can also donate by credit card directly online here: https://newtown/uwwesternct.org

“To several staff, volunteers and contributors, Newtown is home,” the United Way of Western Connecticut says on its website. “We will stand with the community and everyone affected directly and indirectly by this tragic event as we face the days and weeks ahead.”

Stuffed animals are also being collected today (Saturday) until 8 p.m. at Macy’s Westfarms for the children at Sandy Hook Elementary School by Kiss 95.7 FM.

“Something to hold onto and hug in the wake of this tragedy,” a Facebook post from the radio station says.

The radio station will also collect stuffed animals for the children on Sunday at Winterfest at Bushnell park in Hartford from 2 to 4 p.m.  

 

The Facebook group R.I.P. Sandy Hook Elementary School Children, which as of Saturday morning had more than 1.1 million likes, is encouraging everyone to wear blue and yellow – the school’s colors – on Monday in honor of the victims.    

 

For those wishing to help Newtown residents directly affected by Friday’s elementary school shooting, the Newtown Youth & Family Services is collecting donations.

Donations can be sent via “Caroline’s Gift,” a fund set up in the 1990s by a local family in memory of their daughter. The Caroline’s Gift fund offers financial support to families who are dealing with a child’s terminal or catastrophic illness.

“Any donations made to Newtown Youth& Family Services will be donated directly to those affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting,” a message on the organizations website says.

Newtown Youth and Family Services is located at 15 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook, CT 06482. For more details on how to donate, call (203) 426-8103 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (203) 426-8103 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting .

Another group accepting donations is the Newtown Parent Connection, which accepts donations right on its website, www.newtownparentconnection.org. Donations can be made via Paypal or any major credit card, and the organization says all donations will be donated directly to those affected by the shooting. For further details, call (203) 270-1600 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (203) 270-1600 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting .

The United Way of Western Connecticut is also accepting donations in a partnership with Newtown Savings Bank. Check donations may be mailed to: Sandy Hook School Support Fund, c/o Newtown Savings Bank, 39 Main St., Newtown CT 06470, or you can drop off a donation at any Newtown Savings Bank branch location. You can also donate by credit card directly online here: https://newtown/uwwesternct.org

“To several staff, volunteers and contributors, Newtown is home,” the United Way of Western Connecticut says on its website. “We will stand with the community and everyone affected directly and indirectly by this tragic event as we face the days and weeks ahead.”

Stuffed animals are also being collected today (Saturday) until 8 p.m. at Macy’s Westfarms for the children at Sandy Hook Elementary School by Kiss 95.7 FM.

“Something to hold onto and hug in the wake of this tragedy,” a Facebook post from the radio station says.

The radio station will also collect stuffed animals for the children on Sunday at Winterfest at Bushnell park in Hartford from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Facebook group R.I.P. Sandy Hook Elementary School Children, which as of Saturday morning had more than 1.1 million likes, is encouraging everyone to wear blue and yellow – the school’s colors – on Monday in honor of the victims.

TEN YEARS OF SAVING LIVES WITH GO RED!

In 2003, the American Heart Association faced a challenge;Cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year, yet women were not paying attention. In fact, many even dismissed it as an “older man's disease.” To dispel these myths of heart disease as the No. 1 killer of women, the American Heart Association, along with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute created National Wear Red Day® to raise awareness of this critical issue. Each year, on the first Friday in February, millions of women and men come together to wear red, take action and commit to fighting this deadly disease.
One year later, in 2004, the AHA also created Go Red For Women - a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health as well as band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges women to know their risk for heart disease and use the tools that that Go Red For Women provides to take action to reduce their personal risk.
Funds raised by Go Red For Women allow the American Heart Association to help women by offering educational programs, increase women's understanding about their risk for heart disease and support research to discover scientific knowledge about heart health. We turn science into materials and tools that healthcare providers and decision-makers can use to help women. Scientific guidelines on women and healthcare providers receive the most up-to-date strategies and treatments tailored to a woman's individual risk.
Since the first National Wear Red Day 10 years ago, tremendous strides have been made in the fight against heart disease in women, including:

• 21% fewer women dying from heart disease
• 23% more women aware that it's their No. 1 health threat
• Publishing of gender-specific results, established differences in symptoms and responses to medications and women-specific guidelines for prevention and treatment
• Legislation to help end gender disparities

But the fight is far from over as still hundreds of thousands of women still die each year. It's time to stand stronger, speak louder and join us in the fight this National Wear Red Day.
It's time to Go Red. Join us.

I kind of feel like I have lost my words in the last few months. Its something that we as military spouses probably should not feel or say out loud. Here is my story, I am married to an amazing man and I come with baggage. Don't we all:)

I met Andy a month after my Mom passed at 56 and my Dad at 54. Both heart related but lets face it I came with baggage. My Mom always said you will know when you know and although never married before I was engaged. With Andy, it just fit. Maybe it was our Chesney moment or him trying to feed me but Nashville built this house.

In our eight years of marriage we have gone through multiple deployments,a very special child, a not so great vessel (me)but at the end of the day...God gave me you. The most amazing Dad EVER.

I love you Andy and please come back to me and us...I need you. You are the me in we and I am forever your Pineapple and you are forever my Cuddlebug.

Dear Friends and Family,

Little Patriots Embraced www.littlepatriotsembrced.org  has over 6700 military kids to serve this holiday! Up from 2100 last year!!
And we have several families in need of our help!!!

An Example: One of our families is a family of four. He is a Marine who has deployed several times and is home now to care for his wife who is very sick. She is 32 years old and has a disease with no cure. They have two little girls. They have no money due to this battle that they are fighting against this horrible enemy! We want to be there for this family. We have adopted them for all of 2013, beginning with this Thanksgiving! We need YOUR help to serve them and other military families in need!

Here is how You can help us serve these Military Kids, and the families we have adopted over this holiday season:

1. Little Patriots Embraced has partnered with Heartland Banks in St. Louis to gather toys for Military Children. This ends Nov. 30th.
Please see our flyer attached to this message. Drop off your unwrapped new toys at any Heartland Bank no later than Nov. 30th. OR If you are in the St. Louis area consider an office Toy Drive at your office! Call us for pick-up between Nov. 30 –Dec 7th

2.  Make your Donation of $10.00 or more using the link below. This is our campaign page on our web site.
And we have a FACEBOOK Campaign happening now! Go on LIKE LPE’s page and SHARE! Help us get the word out!
JOIN US in our national campaign to MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A MILITARY FAMILY!
Your $10.00 (or more) donation today will change the life of one military child this Christmas. One child’s life will be better this holiday because YOU CARED and SHARED.
Please click on this link to see our new holiday campaign!
http://littlepatriotsembraced.org/holiday-campaign/
3.


Thank you so much for your help this holiday season! Without YOU we couldn’t help these families who have sacrificed so much for us.

www.littlepatriotsembraced.org
Find us on facebook, Little Patriots Embraced

 Little Patriots Embraced is a non-profit organizations who's primary focus is to show support for the immediate family members of military personnel as they face the psychological and emotional stress of deployment. Please visit our website at www.littlepatriotsembraced.org or on Facebook at Little Patriots Embraced.

Veterans Day

I am a very proud military spouse and on this Veterans Day, I think its important to know the history coutesy of winkepedia. God Bless America and all who have served or are serving in the United States Military Services!

 

 

Veterans Day
Joseph Ambrose, an 86-year-old World War I veteran, attends the dedication day parade for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1982, holding the flag that covered the casket of his son, who was killed in the Korean War.
Type	National

Veterans Day is an official United States holiday honoring armed service veterans. It is a federal holiday that is observed on November 11th. It coincides with other holidays such as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other parts of the world and also mark the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.)
Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day; Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving.^[1]
Most sources spell Veterans as a simple plural without a possessive apostrophe (Veteran's or Veterans').

History

U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the holiday, he said

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."^[2]

The United States Congress passed a concurrent resolution seven years later on June 4, 1926, requesting that President Calvin Coolidge issue another proclamation to observe November 11 with appropriate ceremonies.^[2] A Congressional Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U.S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday: "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day'."
In 1945, WWII veteran Raymond Weeks from Birmingham, Alabama, had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who died in World War I. Weeks led a delegation to Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, who supported the idea of National Veterans Day. Weeks led the first national celebration in 1947 in Alabama and annually until his death in 1985. President Reagan honored Weeks at the White House with the Presidential Citizenship Medal in 1982 as the driving force for the national holiday. Elizabeth Dole, who prepared the briefing for President Reagan, determined Weeks as the "Father of Veterans Day."
U.S. Representative Ed Rees from Emporia, Kansas, presented a bill establishing the holiday through Congress. President Dwight Eisenhower, also from Kansas, signed the bill into law on May 26, 1954.^[3]
Congress amended this act on June 1, 1954, replacing "Armistice" with "Veterans," and it has been known as Veterans Day since.^[4][5]
The National Veterans Award, created in 1954, also started in Birmingham. Congressman Rees of Kansas was honored in Alabama as the first recipient of the award for his support offering legislation to make Veterans Day a federal holiday, which marked nine years of effort by Raymond Weeks. Weeks conceived the idea in 1945, petitioned Gen. Eisenhower in 1946, and led the first Veterans Day celebration in 1947 (keeping the official name Armistice Day until Veterans Day was legal in 1954).
Although originally scheduled for celebration on November 11 of every year, starting in 1971 in accordance with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October. In 1978, it was moved back to its original celebration on November 11. While the legal holiday remains on November 11, if that date happens to be on a Saturday or Sunday, then organizations that formally observe the holiday will normally be closed on the adjacent Friday or Monday, respectively

Bella

Its so easy in life to be just about me. Me being we and lets face it, at that single moment when your nail is broken there is no fix. We all have stories and we all read like a Danielle Steel novel. I love DS but I would prefer  a good Oprah or Ellen moment. Life is what it is.

When I met my husband 8 years ago I was clearly in a place of me. I was single and yes, had lost my parents but I was career driven. Then God and even before, gave me the not about me family.

I met my husband. He was so different and challenged me in  different way. He didnt understand me but he clearly got me.

I met his family and I am sure in my 5 inch heels and who I am was a bit much but like Lois Lane, I was blessed was some amazing sisters. I was blessed with Carrie and Mic.

Carrie. How do I begin. Clarity. Such a beautiful soul that has 5 children. Bella boo is all so special. Bella has VLCAD.

VLCAD is a recessive gene disorder and one that is rare. Her's is cardiac.

The picture is her rock star Halloween princess photo. Yes, much like my Rocky, she is a rock star.


ghr.nlm.nih.gov/.../very-long-chain-acyl-coa-dehydrogenase-deficie...

Bella is 5

Learn more and help if you can raise awareness. Hopefully. one day we can find a a cure. The reality is that there aren't a lot of statistics of patients after the age of 20. Our reality and my belief is in the reality of who believe because with science being what it is, we can save lives and promote change.

Grandma Carter

I feel like I should say something profound today. I just dont see that happening. I am sitting in what has come to be a normal place for me, and I dont say that as a martyr but just a part of life, but preparing for yet another funeral service. Our Grandmother passed away yesterday from heart disease. She went through two heart surgeries and just did not want another. Grandma Carter and yes Carter's namesake and Great Grandmother.

Good and bad things always come from funerals. After my parents there was the suicide and just the craziness. With all of that, I no longer have a sister in my life that I probably should but family wounds are the hardest to heal because they are personal and we as a human race are just stubborn.

The good is that the family will come together. We will look at each other with flaws in our mind. Did she gain weight, does he have a job, why werent they ther enough and the list goes on and on. The end of the day, we are together and probably drunk.

We and I say we because I am one of the guily one's....do not make time on a daily basis to say hey, how are you...thinking of you....love you. Yet somehow we find the time at funerals. Time to not say...hey, I love you....miss you...and so much more.

Phyliss Carter was an amazing lady, Mother, Grandma and so much more. May your golden wings fly and might I add that I hope they have shrimp and some white zin in heaven. love you.

Growing up we had some family. It was always the family that was not your day to day but your respite. My Grandpa gave me $.25 for 711 and it was the best. That and when he had me chasing squirrels tails because if I sprinkled salt on them I could pet them. That was the best in retrospect but at the time I never caught a one but spent HOURS trying:)

Carter was named after my husbands family. the "Carter's". Phylis Carter and I did marry her grandson and Carter is after her. Thomas is a joint union.

She isnt doing well and I hate this.

Please pray

Lady Gaga and Oprah

I am a music junkie and it has gotten me through so much in my life. I have come to realize the reality is not so real for me anymore but I still love me a good tune or two:)

I was watching an interview with Lady Gaga and Oprah and as a born sceptic, wow. It was honest and real.

The lady Gaga foundation, Be Brave, is amazing. I was NEVER EVER EVER the popular girl in school and frankly to this day I think my reunion invites have been lost in the mail. High
school was rough for me and awkward.

I feel blessed everyday in my life and to quote Lady Gaga, I was born this way and frankly how fun are those reunions anyway?

Cooking shows and I love them!

So I am sitting here wtching probably my 5th cooking show of the day. Even all of the morning shows have segments and some shows are just about the food. I do love me some Rachel Ray and the Chew but when they are followed by Dr Oz and the Doctors, what choices should we make?

As a heart attack survivor with a 70% blockage in my LAD and stent placed, it makes me wonder what am I doing wrong? I love Hells Kitchen and Master Chef also so my daily obsession has brought me into my night time viewing.

I work out most days and "try" to make those healthy choices but problem one is I have a child problem two a husband. My hubby certainly is not up for a pale of kale chips and soy milk when he gets home so how do you find the balance?

My new wish list is the Rachel Ray cookware set. Is it odd that I have that on my Christmas wish list? My only request is with her 30 minutes mels, fab personality and the Rachel Ray show, can we not do a heart healthy show or two? There is Gluten free but what about a segment on tasteful heart healthy dishes. AHA has many and would love to see them featured. I am no better than the norm and I need reminders to but heart healthy goes way beyond egg whites.

My dream cooking show...Rachel Ray cooks for Dr Oz...for the military! Well until then I'll just keep looking for my Rachel Ray cookware:)

Heres to your heart!

Army Wife...the real one

Its hard for me sometimes to accept certain aspects of life. I know it is said that God does not give you anything you can't handle but at times I just would like to have a one on one with God to say, you have a lot more belief in me than I do myself. Andy and I have been married for going on 8 years and each year brings another challenge. With me came special baggage for him as my Mom passed just a month before we met and my Daddy was already in the heavens. No doubt, I was an emotional wreck and I can't say 8 years later than I am the Georgia peach my Momma was.

Our first year and a half of marriage included 12 months in Iraq for Andy. The next year was transition. We lived in Germany, Alabama, Mass and then and now DC/MD. This was followed after many tries the great gift of my son. Carter Thomas Linz. He, I always say, is an over achiever, arrived 4 months early at 23 weeks and spent 6 months in the NICU and many surgeries. The next year I had a heart attack and a stent placed. Move forward to 2012 and we are facing yet another deployment. Yes, Andy is deploying to Afghanistan.

I am trying so hard to wrap my head around it because everyone is coming back...so said the ever informed media outlets but the fact is we are still deploying.

I am so proud of my husband and I love him so much. He is an incredible man and in some weird warped state I just say to myself God will not take him from me because he knows he is my world and I have no one else in my life to be my rock. Not that he should be but he is my best friend and my one and only true love. If you know Andy, you know that he is a great man, a strong man and yes he does battle me on my shoe addiction but at the end of the day, in his arms is wjere I am meant to be. We do family hugs too, including the furries. EVERYDAY. We may never have the biggest house on the block but we have a lot of love in our family.

I am scared, I am mad and I am so proud of him.

I am an Army wife and accepted that the day I said I do. I have no regrets but I am filled with worry. Carter needs his Daddy and I do too. So do the furries.

I am an Army wife....when will this war ever end?

HSN

I think, ok, I know that I wear my heart on my sleeve.

In all of my emotional turmoil, this week has brought me back to  great place in my life and yet a sad today. I worked for the Home Shopping Network, re branded as HSN for many years. I was on air and also as a buyer. In total 9 years and yes they helped me through college and sponsored a dress for Miss Florida USA. Well Roy and Barry did.

Thank you to Roy for believing in me and Phylis for making me laugh.

We all lost two amazing people this week....laughter and love. Forever irreplaceable

Wounded Warrior Heroes

As today started I was reminded of two things. My husband was gone on military duty and will be deploying soon and I had my son's appointment at Walter Reed.When I arrived I was early. That is a definite new feeling for me but it was a seating clinic for Carters new equipment. Carter has Cerebral Palsy and is in a wheelchair. He is so amazing. Stronger than I am on most days and still fed through a gtube. He is my hero. To him, its smiles and music. He loves music, much like his Mommy.

I was looking around and the situation just humbled me. Wounded Warriors came to mind. Walter Reed does so much and people do not realize all that serve and have served and the sacrifices that had made.Prosthetics were the source of moving forward in the day and I was in the company of other heroes.I urge you to log on to www.uso.org  the wounded warriors to find out how you can help.

I know its an election year and I won't proclaim to be any point of knowledge but I am of emotion, Our military and their families are our countries heroes and should be acknowledged as such.

Looking forward to hearing some Presidential debates.

I had the most amazing time at Mrs International and so blessed and honored I made top 10!!!!! It was just  great week and I met a lot of new friends. I promise I will post pictures! I have just been busy getting back to the day to day and I still need to order them!!!!

I have received quite a few emails since I returned as to what made me go back from fellow contestants. I think in the hours, days after EVERYONE needs to decompress and re-evaluate. I admit, I am a dreamer and a self proclaimed one at that. I have made top 5, not made top 10 and then I have been half way in the middle. I had a judge ask me the very same question. It was a fair one.

First I want to say that I have never once in my years of competing thought that "I" should have won over anyone else. Frankly, I just find that a very silly statement and when I look back at all of the winners for Mrs International, they have all been truly remarkable ladies. I had the pleasure of getting to know Sarah this year and she is AMAZING, kind, beautiful and I know she will be, like those before her, a fabulous Mrs International. I don't think I can even say enough about her in 50 pages of script. Just beautiful. Inside and out.

Why I came back or continue to come back. Hum....pageantry is a sport and with that comes one winner. We know that going into it. We also are asking 5 strangers form an opinion of us in 5 minutes or less and then of course we judge ourselves worse than anyone else could.

I have been blessed to have a husband that supports me, sponsors who believe in me. Why, I question that sometimes but I am so grateful that when I start to doubt myself, they pick me up. It is a pageant and not the worlds answer to the health crisis so yes a reality check is always good.

I became introduced to Mrs International years ago as a Miss. This started for me the year my Father died in 2000. He passed pageant week in Florida and all I kept think was that he would not want me to quit. I placed 3ru in Florida as a Miss but went to Knoxville to watch the Mrs compete. Marianne Oden won and Pam Tillis sang. It was just an AHHHHHH moment for me. Yes, Matt Davenport produced that year and again nothing but amazing.

Move forward to 2006. I got married in 2005 and was living in Germany. Andy deployed and I just felt like I needed to get out of "my world". You see, my Mom died in July of heart related complications. Again, it gave me something to hold on to and before you judge, when your world crashes, sometimes  life jacket is in order.

I competed again in 2008 and made 3ru to Laine Berry. Laine and I had met a few years prior and I have to say she was a FANTASTIC Mrs International. She is stunning, still is stunning and I think has done a lot to raise awareness of heart disease. I am not sure where the left turn happened but for the record, I really think she was an amazing title holder and has FANTASTIC style.

I came back in 2010 & 11. In 2010, I was 1st ru in MD and came back at large. My son, WHO WAS WITH ANDY AND I AT THE PAGEANT, was with us in Chicago. Carter had spent 165 days in intensive care and the pageant just lifted me out of a place of chronic sadness. I did not make top anything in 2010 or 11 but I have no regrets about being there. How can you regret a situation where you make new friends, are given a microphone of opportunity (for me that is the AHA/ASA, AVON and the USO) and hey, I parked my track suit for a week for some sparkles and 5 inch heels!

Through my pageant journey I have been introduced to some of my best friends. Jervaun Trier, Sarah Brown, Hilary Gushwa (no offense against anyone but she would be the most amazing Miss International), Joey, Clay, Thomas, Drew, Terry, Michelle, Sylvia, AJ, Juliana, Jade and so many more. I really got through the week with Mrs PA, Kimberly and her family as my neighbors. LOVE THEM!

Why do I come back....I believe that the opinion of 5 people is valuable but it does not define you. You define yourself in everything you do.

I say keep believing and keep doing. You will know when it is time to stop but that is YOUR decision to make and no one else.

The International pageant system is my passion, my belief and my family. Win or loose, they are still my family .


Dare to dream. I do

Mrs Maryland International 2012

Deanna Linz

Mrs International 2012. I made top 10!!!!!!

I really don't know how to begin! I didn't blog
much last week or even take photos because I just wanted to be in the moment. Look around, meet new friends, catch up with old one's and snuggle with my family every morning and night. It was an amazing week.

I am sure in retrospect I would of loved to be taller, thinner, younger but hey, I am just me and I am proud of myself. My platform, the American Heart and Stroke Association is my life, and I had so many ladies who came and asked my story and how I knew I was having a heart attack. I didn't but I will tell you when they asked it made me realize why I was there. Hopefully if someone is feeling "different" from a medical perspective, they will be proactive and get checked. It saved my life.

Let me start by saying WOW! What an amazing group of ladies. So beautiful, so true and so inspiring. We all as humans have stories but frankly in a day to day busy world the average person would not take the time to listen. We are all novels.Chapter by chapter.

I met my new BFF :) Sarah Brown, Mrs WV International at orientation. She is 5 months preggers and rocks the belly like no other. Seriously, you would not have known. God put her beside me and yes, I said God. Listen, I have lost both parents,Andy's deployments, had a heart attack, lost children, told my son would never live and if he did it would be Grimm after 165 days in the NICU and he is not so yes GOD.

I am not saying we all would end up in the same place for all of the Gods we fight for and defend but I am a Christian and I believe there is a higher power and I thank him everyday my husband, son, health and happiness. Whomever you bow your head to at a meal time is for you to relish. There is never wrong in a prayer.

I felt all week something different. It was a peace. It was family. I also learned that perhaps vertical stripes are not the best for me and I will never win photogenic but I smiled and laughed a lot.

I woke up everyday, worked out , met my day and my hubby and son where right by my side. Stand Out Salon, Thomas, Drew and Michelle are just great people and gave me color, did my hair and became a part of my family. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Did I say thank you? XXOO.

At dinner, twice, I sat next to Sarah Bazey, your new Mrs International 2012. I remember coming back to my room telling Andy just how amazing she was. Truly beautiful. Her story just is one like no other and although lets face it we all wanted to be Mrs International, Andy said I literally seemed more excited for her than me when she was called into top 16, top 10 and won. I am. I find her one of the most beautiful, engaging, warm and inspiring women I have ever met.She truly sparkled!

Ok, so now a few funny moments in retrospect. They were not so funny at the time but thank goodness for angels. On prelim night, my gown zipper just had a life of its own. I had just zipped it up prior but the zipper fairy was not in my court. Ren from Florida and Nancy Ellen Martin who literally sewed me into my dress just were so incredible. What are the odds that someone would have that skill!!!! So blessed and truly reminded me of the friendships that pageantry builds. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU and thank you to Joey from the Competitive Image for somehow getting it fixed on Saturday. Nancy and Ren, again thank you for not leaving me and love you. To Russia with love, thank you for waking me when I fell asleep in the dressing room at rehearsals:) That will teach me to get up at 4am to work out!

I love love love Clay, Joey and Terri. (and Cloey) I have placed, not placed...regardless they are the BEST when it comes to wardrobe, photos and just being so fab!!!!! Again, family!

My husband (6 out of 7 years of marriage) has been with me at Mrs International. He is my Mr International!!!!! Thank you honey.

Carter love, you are my love and Mommy when I hope you read this one day, wants you to know how special, smart , handsome and incredible you are. You are my Carter love...always and forever.

To AJ (Amy Gregorio), where to begin? You are incredible and I love you. Your love and support are tireless.

To Lori Thomas, thank you for all your support and love. Your coaching, inspiration and belief truly leaves me speechless!
To Holy Ernst, Jervaun Trier, Bill Hall, Deshawn ,Tracey,Laura, Hilary Gushwa(love love love you), Suzy Bootz, Susan Botek ( thank you for my paperwork;)), Joe Peri, Leah Peri, Bill and Argo Campbell and the Mckee's, I am eternally grateful for your love, friendship and belief.

I had an amazing week with an amazing group of ladies. I am blessed

To SC, Audrey, thanks for the memories. I have forever learned to expect the unexpected. No expressions can truly express how I feel.
I am soooo excited for whats to come and remain blessed.

Mrs International 2012 week begins!

DoubleTree Northshore Hilton! Hotel sign nnounced the International Pageants arrival!

The car packed! Have toys will travel!

I am beyond excited to be in Chicago at Mrs International. The past few years have been  journey for me. Deployment,Lois breast cancer (always my hero), Carter's premature birth and 6 mos in the NICU, my own heart attack and surgery and today I found out my Grandmother has stomach Cancer. This is life but the one thing I have learned is to hold on. Hold on to what you believe in, what you believe to be true and the belief that tomorrow will always be better than today. Saying all that, yesterday was pretty darn good!

Josie and Jack ! Halo was in my lap

We arrived in Chicago on Sunday after a great weekend at the in laws with friends (and to drop off the furry family because I don't kennel:). My poor husband is so amazing as he loaded and unloaded the car. He deserves huge props!!!! Patient is an understatement! We have been married 7 years and 6 of those we have spent at the International pageants in Chicago. So do I want to be Mrs International, heck yeah!!!!! Are we ready for the job....HECK YEAH! I do realize that to some it might seem crazy but the International system has gotten me through a lot because it has given me a voice and the legs to impact lives and make change. It truly is a system that promotes family, faith and service.  Regardless of the outcome, I am sooooo blessed to be surrounded by the love of my family and friends, to have the MOST AMAZING SON and HUBBY and to just have been given the opportunity.

Willis Tower

With all of that being said, we are making the most of it! Yesterday we went to Willis Tower after my morning workout. I try and work out at least 6 days a week for my heart health and of course fitness. Its hard to believe that although I lived in Chicago back when it was the Sears Tower, I never went. Funny how sometimes we don't take the time to see what is in our back yard. I will admit, I did fight it a bit with my hubby because I am terrified of heights but for him and Carter I put on my big girl 5 inch heels and went out on the ledge. Literally! I just did not look down!!!! We had some lunch and then headed back to the hotel.

Last night I saw the amazing team from Stand Out Salon and then I was off to bed.



I attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in California but was accepted into Second City. A missed opportunity for me for sure! I love comedy. A laugh can cure a million ailments! Chicago has been the launch pad for so many great artist!!!!!

Gym time this morning and some iced coffee and today began. I am trying to give my hubby some time to see a movie etc today because once orientation begins tonight at 6pm, the week will fly by!!!!!

Excited to meet the ladies tonight!!!!!

The American Heart and Stroke Association CEO breakfast

Something that is so important to all non-profit organizations are their volunteers. One thing I have learned with the AHA/ASA is that volunteers come in many forms but we need them to save lives. The American Heart Association saves lives everyday and often you don't see that. Why? The AHA is MISSION driven. What this means is that the money that is raised through its various initiatives goes back into to mission and not as much into the marketing. When I had my heart attack and had a stent placed due to a 70% blockage in my main artery, they were in the room. Its the research dollars and funding that supplies the hospitals with the vital tools they need to save lives.

This brings me back to volunteers. One arm of the volunteer army comes from leadership in various organizations. Its about spreading the message and encouraging involvement. The CEO breakfast was a great way to do that. The CEO and senior leadership from around the Greater Washington Region were invited to a morning of networking, a very heart healthy breakfast and some very inspiring stories.

As I looked around it was great to see a community come together to help save lives. The speakers were so inspiring and their stories really hit home. The special mission moment speaker was Kevin J Payne, President and CEO, DC United. His story reminded me of so many that I had heard as far as not acting on what I call "God's warning signs". I cannot possibly do the story justice but I will say this, his wife is his guardian angel and to the surgeon who just thought your should pain was joint related and gave you surgery...well that is why they call it practicing medicine, right? So frustrating but I am glad you continued to advocate.

The keynote speaker was Kenneth M Duberstein, Chairman and CEO, Duberstein Group, Inc and formally a chief of staff for President Ronald Reagan as well as deputy chief of staff to the President for legislative affairs. His stories were amazing and also spoke on what they used to give those who left the White House. The used to give cigarettes with the Presidential seal. They changed that to M&M's. Everything in moderation and certainly 1000% better than smoking!

It was indeed a great morning for a great cause that saved lives.

In loving remembrance

As I woke up yesterday morning and looked in the mirror, I scared myself. My eyes were so swollen because the night prior I cried myself to sleep. I am not sure what possessed the moment but I decided to go through my Father's wallet. I had never done that before yet had it in my possession for 10 years. No, I didn't take it from him but it was part of his belongings when he passed.

I had placed it in my jewelry box and with Father's day approaching it just became fresh again to me. I miss him. I think what triggered the tears is that as a daughter with an amazing older big Brother, I never felt I ranked with my Dad. He always had my back but was strong and tough and frankly my Brother and him where close and I was just the little sister and daughter.

I found a piece of paper in his wallet that he must have had for a while. My numbers where listed first. Seems strange, I know, but somehow it reminded me how much my Dad loved me and that I was not last on his list.

My Father passed on June 7 2000 in Clearwater, Florida. He had congested heart failure and blew out his mitro valve. His symptoms....he started feeling full. This started around 9am and finally after 5, he entered the hospital with my Brother's assistance. He would not let me help him or call the ambulance.

He was a strong man but I am still so very angry at him. If he would have gone earlier in the day, he would still be here.

He had valve replacement and never left the hospital. He was 54 and my Daddy.

So on  June 7, 2012, I continue to cry for him and miss him. Today I want to yell at him. If only he would have listened.

God saw he was getting tired
And a cure was not meant to be
So He put His arms around him
and whispered, "Come with Me".

With tearful eyes
we watched him fade away
Although we loved him dearly,
we could not make him stay

A golden heart stop beating,
working hands were laid to rest
God broke our hearts to prove to us
HE ONLY TAKES THE BEST

Harold Thomas Pemberton~ I love you Daddy.

Listen to your heart

As I sit hear this morning and yes very early, I am completely surrounded by love. All of the furs are in bed with us so we have our blond,brunette and red head and Carter is snuggling. Life is good. My day started out rough. It was just one of those days but I hit the gym and felt immediately better. Strange how that works, thank you Dr Oz for the advice!

June is hard for me as we approach Fathers Day. My Father passed on June 7th. This date is forever in my head yet society thinks I should be over it. I have lost both parents to heart disease and they were young. 54 and 56 and no.....you are NEVER over  it.

I had a rough day and would have given anything to have been able to speak with my parents. Thankfully my big bro stepped in.

Heart disease is a silent killer. It has taken me off guard and done it like a pro. I just wish the silence was not on the other end of my phone.

I hate January, June and July. (my Mom passed in July)

Time passes yet the dates remain the same.

 Listen to your heart.

Shady Grove, Washington Adventist Recognized for High Quality Stroke Care
 
 

Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Gaithersburg, Md., and Washington Adventist Hospital (WAH) in Takoma Park, Md.– both part of the Adventist HealthCare system—received the Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association (AHA) for their expert, high quality stroke care.

 

 

This award, which is part of the AHA’s Get With the Guidelines stroke program, recognizes each hospital for achieving at least a 75 percent compliance rate on six stroke quality measures over 12 consecutive months while also achieving at least an 85 percent rate on all of the Get With the Guidelines stroke achievement measures.

Both Shady Grove Adventist and Washington Adventist Hospital have acute stroke units, integrated emergency response systems and multidisciplinary stroke teams including neurologists, surgeons, emergency department physicians, nurses and a stroke program coordinator. Members of the WAH stroke team are pictured with their award.—Story by Susan Griffiths

Hearts Delight Wine Tasting and Auction

I was so excited to have volunteered at the American Heart Associations Wine Tasting and Auction last Saturday. This was my third year at this event and it is sooooo amazing and a lot of fun!

A little about the event:

13th Annual Hearts Delight Wine Tasting and Auction

Heart’s Delight is widely recognized as a premier destination event where master winemakers, culinary greats

and our distinguished guests gather to play and bid in the Nation’s Capital. This distinctive event is a four-day

celebration of exceptional food and wine with unique touches woven throughout.

Wednesday

evening is our new United States of Wine celebration showcasing the best of American wine.

Highlighted wines will be presented by owners and winemakers and will include a live auction featuring large

format bottles direct from the winery.

Thursday

offers a series of intimate wine dinners with an international flair in homes, restaurants and

Embassies with a host, chef and winemaker at each.

Friday

features an exclusive Vintners Dinner highlighting the wines of a first growth from Bordeaux. The

dinner is followed by a live auction led by Sotheby’s Jamie Ritchie. There will also be an award presented to

the Congressional Honoree.

Saturday

begins with a virtual tour of Bordeaux including a unique wine tasting of the 2009 vintage and an

older vintage selected by the visiting Château owners and wine directors. The adventure continues with

exciting seminars and food prepared by some of the nation’s top chefs, making Heart’s Delight the place to

discover the latest in epicurean trends and new talent. During the Grand Tasting Reception guests will have

the opportunity to bid on exclusive travel packages, dining experiences and rare and exceptional wines during

the spirited silent and live auctions.

Why

?

With our 12 year history of incredible generosity from around the world, Heart’s Delight has raised more than

10 million dollars for the American Heart Association. The American Heart Association’s mission is to build

healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. We are also very proud that 84 cents of every dollar

raised through Heart’s Delight goes to this mission.

Heart disease is the number one killer in the nation and stroke is number three. While Heart’s Delight has

surpassed all expectations, continued support of qualified research projects and tailored educational

opportunities is still needed to bridge the gap between current knowledge and future lifesaving techniques.

Heart’s Delight attendees fit the guest profile below:

Male

: 58% Female: 42%

Median Age Range

: 48-56 years

Affluent

: average annual household income of $400,000+

Educated

: 91% of guests hold an advanced degree

Epicurean

: well-traveled, experienced diners, collectors

Experiential

: prefer to test items before purchasing

Leaders

: prominent figures in government, national and regional businesses, health care, hospitality

Benefiting the American Heart Association

Celebrity Golf Tournament for the AHA!

The 28th annual American Heart Associations Celebrity Golf Tournament was held on April 30th 2012. This was my second year volunteering at this event and it was a lot of fun. I was again placed on the 50/50 challenge on the RTJ course at Lansdowne. My only complaint is with the weather man. It has been such an odd year as far as the weather goes so on this day it was 50 degrees and breezy.

My day started out at 7am and ended around 4 with the majority of that sitting on the 4th hole in a golf cart! I was able to raise over $600 for the American Heart Association so my chills were worth it!!!

Thank you to all who participated!

American Heart Association

28^th Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament

The American Heart Association Celebrity Golf Tournament is a captain's choice scramble that supports the fight against heart diseases and stroke. Senior level executive leaders from across the metropolitan DC region compete in the tournament. The event day includes breakfast, silent auction, exciting challenges, raffle items, lunch and post-event awards dinner. In 2011, participants raised more than $250,000 for the mission of the AHA - building healthier lives free from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
2012 EVENT CHAIR: Jerry Kohlenberger - President and Managing Director, Ilium Ventures LLC
WHEN: Monday, April 30, 2012, 8:30am to 5:00pm
WHERE: The Golf Club at Lansdowne Resort
By supporting the American Heart Association, you save lives!
Heart diseases are responsible for 1 out of every 3 deaths, making them the nation's number one killer, while stroke is the nation's number four killer. These diseases affect everyone - men, women and children. Golfers are at elevated risk of cardiac arrest and a golf course is the fifth most common place to suffer from cardiac arrest. Your local AHA is working to stop these tragic statistics by raising the critical funding needed for research, education and community programs that lead to healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
The dollars raised through the Golf Tournament are transformed into funding local and regional life-saving medical research and community education initiatives. Whether the AHA empowers children in Washington DC's Ward 7 and 8 (the area with the highest rate of childhood obesity in the nation) to make healthy behavior changes and become peer advocates for healthy living, or ensures the overall quality of care a heart or stroke patient receives, your support makes a significant difference.

   

American Heart Association Teaching Gardens

I am mission driven with AHA and so proud to be. Today was one of those days that reminded me "why" the mission is so important.

I am a fundraiser. Perhaps a less glamorous version of my job title but that is what I do. A question I get asked is where does the money go? Who does it help? Beyond research and advocacy, todays was a great example of how the AHA funds are used and why it matters.

I was at Braddock Elementary for their teaching gardens planting day.

Obesity is one of the most expensive health care problems in America. One third of U.S. children are overweight or obese putting them at higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

The American Heart Association is taking a new approach in the fight against childhood obesity. We’ve teamed with noted child-nutrition activist and philanthropist Kelly Meyer to create the American Heart Association Teaching Gardens planted in elementary schools across the country that become real-life learning laboratories for students to learn what it means to be healthy.

Aimed at first graders through fifth, we teach children how to plant seeds, nurture growing plants, harvest produce and ultimately understand the value of good eating habits.

Garden-themed lessons teach nutrition, math, science and other subjects all while having fun in the fresh air and working with your hands.

Together, we can dramatically change the way America thinks about and consumes food.

Thank you to Braddock Elementary for allowing me and the AHA in your home....or back yard:)

American Academy of Dramatic Arts

As I logged into my computer tonight it went to a site called vegetables. Yes, there are MANY MANY books on planting and my hubby is very excited for this years garden. My how times change.

I then started to reflect after watching my DVD inspired colection of TV shows.
Ok so this may age me at the tender age of 29 (again) but there was a show called "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous". I wonder where my "gene" came from and it really was my Dad.

We were watching the show on our colorful 90x80 Box TV barely out of the dial and the show came on. The feature segment was talking about AADA East and AADA West and there it came. I do realize that my Dad liked to poke me. You never will, you need to exercise, your not really that good and my favorite...we don't want to come watch you to see you loose. Insert therapy here.

So he dared me to audition. I was 18 and had done a "modeling school" at the ripe height of 5'5 but they had no problem feeding the dream. It along with my Dad, so I auditioned. It was probably one of the scariest moments for many reasons. First, it just was and the second was that the audition was in this old amazing house and Kathy who was my first audition was just scary in a militant kind of way.

I went through with it and just figured it wasn't going to happen.

Weeks passed, heck episodes passed and NOTHING. Cricket, Cricket.

The one day when I really didn't believe, I received a thin letter in the mail. Thin by most college standards is just not good. (in paper only)

I opened, took a breathe and there it was. I was accepted to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Pasadena California.

I played my latest soundtrack of Flashdance on cassette and a few weeks later I packed up my Ford Escort Wagon (yes wagon) and off I drove from Florida to California at 18.  I did also travel with my pink bunny.

Dare to dream

Go Red Por Tu Corazon

ACERCA DE GO RED POR TU CORAZÓNGo Red Por Tu Corazón celebra la energía, la pasión y el poder que tenemos como mujeres hispanas de unirnos para erradicar las enfermedades del corazón, la causa de muerte número 1 entre las latinas.
Historia de Go Red

Desde 2004, Go Red For Women de la American Heart Association® ha captado la energía, pasión e inteligencia de las mujeres para trabajar conjuntamente a fin de erradicar las enfermedades del corazón, la causa de muerte número 1 entre las mujeres. Go Red Por Tu Corazón invita a las mujeres hispánicas - y a los hombres que las aman - a abrazar la causa.



Historia de la AHA

Fundada en 1924, la American Heart Association (AHA) es la organización de salud voluntaria más antigua e importante del país que se dedica a construir vidas más saludables, sin enfermedades del corazón ni ataques cerebrales. Mientras que estas enfermedades, las causas de muerte número 1 y 3 en Estados Unidos, cobran la vida de casi 870,000 personas al año, actualmente la AHA se encuentra más comprometida que nunca a combatir todas las enfermedades cardiovasculares.

National Walking Day!- Yep that's me in the heart costume!

Mrs Maryland International, Deanna Linz (Heartman) with Senator Frank Shore

April 4th was National Walking Day with the American Heart Association. I woke up in the morning at 5, showered and put on my best heart man face.

Stretching with Maria Jurlana, BSN and one of Heartman's favorite nurses

Walking the Walk!

I started out at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital as we tried to excite and encourage those to get out and get walking! Thank you to Alex Pirez and Debbie Truxillo. You both made 6am fun!

Furry love in attendance

Next I was off to Westfield Montgomery Mall with Adventist and a few of my favorite people from Washington Adventist Hospital.

Heart man then went off to Shoppers Food and Pharmacy and Lockheed Martin. He was busy:)

So "Heartman" (aka me:) stretched, walked and enjoyed the day on National Walking Day!

Take steps today...make heart health your mission!