Things Aren't Always What They Seem

When I was younger I got upset if my routine was changed and I got sometimes rattled easily. But now things are going super-well and I'm feeling stronger all the time. Things aren't always what they seem in life, in rationale, in school, and even on social media. I wanted to use this as a precursor for the DD Council Conference. By now some of you all who see Facebook regularly see all the fun we are having and all the excitement and while I rode the bull, line danced, went to Reno, ate plenty of good meals, went to the arcade, had a beer, swam 26 laps in a span of not many hours and spent time in the hot tub as well as a power workout and visited a few places on the way down, it hasn't been all fun and games. There has been several session on Developmental Disabilities, plenty of conversation with many people from other councils as well as our own, and lots of information on Developmental Disability rules. There has been a lot of conversations and history that was brought on by what the people have in their history and the excitement of what is needed for the Developmental Disability Council and the predicaments that we are in. I had to dress up every day until today too because while there was some fun had and a trip to Tahoe tonight, I am in fact representing the Idaho DD Council. I look at it as a complete honor and a completely high amount of respect and reverence for being chosen for both the Council and for the conference and being paid for to attend the conference. I also have continued to strengthen my ties with the staff on my council and have learned a lot on self-advocacy in other states and have learned some about strengthening the DD arena and continue to make sure that everyone is welcome. Some of my thoughts were challenged on living situations and some of the policy, while it didn't make much sense was necessary. I enjoyed having conversations with some people from elsewhere and have genuinely enjoyed having conversations with members of my own council on various entities. You see, this trip had plenty of play time but was also a time for learning and direction and genuine appreciation for what the council does. So while I've had fun, it's just like when I was younger and at school- things aren't always what they seem to the eye and you have to attach a point of change and reference to it sometimes- while this was a time to have fun, it was as much a business trip as anything else. Thank you to the DD Council and I hope for a lot longer to serve amazing people in my state and eventually beyond.

The Friends Who Have Changed My Life (10 Male/ 10 Female)

These are the friends outside of church at Southminster/group home that have changed my life forever (they are exempt because it would be all just them otherwise and that's not fair):
Women:
1) Alexis Traxinger
2) Jessie Candeub
3) Alex Kraibel
4) Mattie Danner
5) Mellissa Corn
6) Courtney Johnson
7) Taylor Lance
8) Jenny Foote
9) Cortni Welch
10) Kenzi Holland
Men:
1) Zack Mudd
2) Scott Jones
3) Jeff Wilson
4) Jason Von Huene
5) Roberto Eguia
6) Colton Evans
7) Paul Hemker
8) Dave Dekker
9) Tomas Wheaton
10) Cam Newton (The Frisbee One)
Honorable Mention For Women (5):
1) Ilinda Peeslee
2) Wendy Kulm
3) Darby Eberling
4) Marrissa Watkins
5) Taylor Klein
Honorable Mention For Men (5):
1) Phillip Bravo
2) Reuben Murray
3) Jim Hewitt
4) Jesse Curtis
5) Tyler Shockey
I have so many friends but these are the best ever. Friends that I can see being life-long and caring for me no matter the consequences. They are amazing people in my life and true champions.