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Paul, Nicole, and little Jackson White are not related by blood, but they are family in any other sense of the word. The Whites are just a few of our friends that we refer to as our Jax family. Brought together initially as classmates at the Naval Academy, this group has grown with each new marriage and birth of a child. At one point we were lucky enough to have almost everyone stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, but we have since been spread out over several states, soon to be over three different countries.
On Saturday, April 18th, the few of us scattered in the DC/Maryland area gathered to celebrate Jackson's 1st Birthday. It was a beautiful day because of both the weather and the people we shared it with. And it was a special day like all first birthdays are, but even more so because of the trials and triumphs this family has been through over the past year. (You can read up on their journey here.) This party was a celebration of life and of family. We were truly blessed to spend so much time with Paul and Nicole, each of their own families, Amy and Steve, Molly, and everyone else who was there. We are so thankful to have part of our Jax Family so close.
If there was one thing we heard more than anything else when people found out we were new to Southern Maryland, it was that we had to go to the Tiki Bar Opening. You would never know it at first glance, but this little shack on Solomon's Island is the hottest thing to happen all year down here. (I am not kidding when I say its rural here.) The Opening of the Tiki Bar signals the start of the "season" for Solomons. That season includes everything from boating to fishing to summer tourism. On Friday, April 17, 2009, this otherwise sleepy town located at the point where the Patuxent River flows into the Chesapeake Bay was magically transformed into a tropical paradise. Thanks to hot temperatures and plenty of sun, the 30th annual opening of Tiki Bar did not disappoint.
Keris and I were joined by Amy and Steve, some very dear friends of ours from DC. We had an amazing time enjoying the good weather, the tasty drinks, and just good 'ol people watching over the sea of Southern Maryland locals. With the sounds of a live steel drum band and sand dumped everywhere on the streets, I really felt like we had just transported to a beach in the Bahamas. It was a little of slice of paradise. And its right here in our backyard...at least for the next four months. Until you are able to join us for a visit, enjoy the pictures!
Dance has always been a part of my life in some way. And it has always been by God's grace that I was able to make the most of what little training I had and pursue some of my biggest dreams. To me there is nothing like the rush of performing in front of a huge crowd. I got my first taste of performing in a pro sports venue while I was still in high school. My dance team was one of several that had the opportunity to perform at halftime for the Cleveland Cavs. It was at that point that I knew I was not going to walk away from dance after college. More specifically, it became my dream to continue performing as a professional sports dancer, aka pro cheerleader.
Shortly after college graduation, I began my pursuit of this dream, auditioning for 6 separate teams, through 8 separate auditions over the past 7 years. I have been through it all. The hard work at prep classes. The anticipation of tryout week. Being cut right away one year. Making it all the way to finals another year. Just to be cut again in round one the next year. I have traveled to several different states. I have cried in disappointment. I have laughed in joyous celebration. I have even trembled uncontrollably from nerves and from excitement.
Each audition brought a new set of challenges and a new set of triumphs. I have grown in both my dance performance and in my attitude. After all these years I can now walk into an audition with my head held high, feeling confident, knowing I will do my best. At the end of the day, no matter the outcome, I can look back feeling accomplished for just trying and being thankful to God for his will in my life.
And so it is with a thankful and content heart that I am able to hang up my dancing boots. This past March was my last attempt at becoming a pro cheerleader. I won't say that I am not sad about closing this chapter of my life. I have worked hard for this dream, but it is one that at this time I am choosing to move on from. Not giving up on. Just moving on to other things. I also won't say that I will never try again in the future. Someday I just might be one of those crazy 40 year olds who just auditions for the fun of it - because I can. Until then I will look fondly on my days as a performer, and I will wait expectantly for what God has planned next.
In case you are curious about my audition timeline:
2002 Cleveland Cavs Dancers
2003 Buffalo Bills Cheerleaders
2004 Buffalo Bills Cheerleaders and Ambassadors
2006 Jacksonville Jaguars Cheerleaders (Made it to finals!)
2007 Jacksonville Jaguars Cheerleaders
2007 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (lifelong dream fulfilled just auditioning for them)
2008 Jacksonville Axe Maiden Cheerleaders (Made this team! Semi-pro, but its a start!)
2009 Washington Redskins Cheerleaders and Ambassadors
Pictures:
NOHS Eaglets
Mount Union College dance team
Jacksonville Axe Maidens
Audition Pics
I can't believe it has been almost two months since I last posted. So much has gone on since then. I just have not taken the time to write. Follow along over the next couple posts as I bring y'all up to speed on our life in Southern Maryland.
Today was one of those days that made me stop and think, "am I doing enough for those around me?"
After being pummeled with over a foot of snow between last night and this morning, I finally bundled up and went outside to tackle clearing the driveway. I soon realized that after living in Florida for three years, we did not own a snow shovel or any shovel for that matter. So I got creative and grabbed a rake and a dust pan. I figured I could sweep away the top layer of snow, then bend down to shovel what was left with the dust pan. I must have looked ridiculous, but it had to be done. We don't know our neighbors yet, or else I would have asked to borrow something, anything that would make the work easier. In fact, one neighbor was out shoveling at the same time, but when he finished he put his shovel away and walked inside. I didn't expect any offer of help. I am young and strong enough to handle a little bit of snow. I am from Cleveland for goodness sake. But just as that same neighbor started backing out his big SUV over his clean driveway, an angel was sent my way.
Timothy drove into the neighborhood, down the street, made a u-turn and pulled up in front of my house. Immediately I knew what he was doing - hoping to make some money off of poor, weak little me - or so I thought. He got out of the car and asked if he could help. I told him I was fine, just wish I had better tools to do the work. As he pulled out his shovel from the car, I told him I had no cash on hand to give him (which is true; I never carry cash). He replied that he was only wanting to do God's work and be a blessing to others today. And so for the next fifteen minutes, Timothy and I chatted about the area, the snow, what line of work we were both in, all while he shoveled away. My mind raced to think of something I could give him for his troubles. But when he was all done, and all I could say was thank you, he shook my hand and asked that I just remember him in my prayers.
You see, Timothy is out of work right now. And yes, he probably was hoping some change would fill his pocket by the end of a long day of shoveling driveways. I don't know if he has a family to take care of or not, but he was determined to do something - anything - today to get out and make a difference. Make a difference for someone else. Make a difference for himself. He did pass on his business card, hoping that maybe we would someday need his services as a painter. But what struck me most about Timothy, was that he was not just waiting for an opportunity to find him. He knew there would be a need today, and he acted upon it.
Too often I sit and think about serving others without ever acting upon it. And other times I just think too late and miss the opportunity to help. Timothy was a good reminder to me that there are those in need all around us. Whether its as simple as a hug or literally giving someone else the shirt off one's own back, I can always extend a helping hand.
Today I stopped and thought "will I do more for those around me?" And then I prayed that God open my eyes to the endless opportunities.
