So I told you in December about Liz Jordan's live on air marriage proposal. Well, now you can SEE it! Scroll down and pause the music first!
And yes, I bawled like a baby when I watched it this morning! Felt like I was watching a second sister get engaged. Love her so much!
Please continue to pray for Liz and DK as they plan their May 1, 2010 wedding day! :)
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
"Front of the Class"
Last night I watched the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie "Front of the Class" which tells the true story of Brad Cohen and his life with Tourette's Syndrome. It left me beyond inspired!
Tourette's Syndrome is a disability that causes involuntary movements and ticks. While my disability is VERY different from TS, I could relate to the story in SO many ways.
From the teachers and people that told him he couldn't do something because of his disability, to the people that pushed him to keep believing in himself and reach for the stars.
One of the main things thins that bother me about my Cerebral Palsy is that it causes me to startle easily. I jump at EVERYTHING. I remember being SO embarrassed so many times in college when someone would simply sneeze and I would jump out of my skin. Making matters worse was the fact that I usually sat in the front of the class (because it was closest to the door) so that meant everyone behind me noticed, which caused more than a few people to chuckle. Then I would get tense about it and would then jump at every little thing until class was over and I could roll out and breathe a sigh of relief. It is probably the thing I am most self conscious about physically.
When I saw how Brad's classmates reacted to his ticks and outbursts that he couldn't help, my hear went out to him. Although, I know my struggle pales in comparison to his, I truly knew how he felt during those moments. But he didn't allow it to hold him back.
I can now laugh about my jumpiness with my friends and family. They know it's part of the CP and it doesn't phase them. When I get in a social situation where people DON'T know that fact however, it can be rough and I struggle not to let it bother me.
This movie is a MUST SEE for EVERYONE but especially teachers....Of ANY subject or age! I encourage you to go to Brad Cohen's website to learn more about his incredible story! You can also learn more about the movie, and even buy a copy of the movie and book if you wish! Check it out....You'll be be so glad you did!
Tourette's Syndrome is a disability that causes involuntary movements and ticks. While my disability is VERY different from TS, I could relate to the story in SO many ways.
From the teachers and people that told him he couldn't do something because of his disability, to the people that pushed him to keep believing in himself and reach for the stars.
One of the main things thins that bother me about my Cerebral Palsy is that it causes me to startle easily. I jump at EVERYTHING. I remember being SO embarrassed so many times in college when someone would simply sneeze and I would jump out of my skin. Making matters worse was the fact that I usually sat in the front of the class (because it was closest to the door) so that meant everyone behind me noticed, which caused more than a few people to chuckle. Then I would get tense about it and would then jump at every little thing until class was over and I could roll out and breathe a sigh of relief. It is probably the thing I am most self conscious about physically.
When I saw how Brad's classmates reacted to his ticks and outbursts that he couldn't help, my hear went out to him. Although, I know my struggle pales in comparison to his, I truly knew how he felt during those moments. But he didn't allow it to hold him back.
I can now laugh about my jumpiness with my friends and family. They know it's part of the CP and it doesn't phase them. When I get in a social situation where people DON'T know that fact however, it can be rough and I struggle not to let it bother me.
This movie is a MUST SEE for EVERYONE but especially teachers....Of ANY subject or age! I encourage you to go to Brad Cohen's website to learn more about his incredible story! You can also learn more about the movie, and even buy a copy of the movie and book if you wish! Check it out....You'll be be so glad you did!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
"24 Hours at Daytona" Sunday
Photo used with the permission of Juha Lievonen. My thanks to him.
5:55 Let me just say that while I really do consider myself a morning person, ONLY Patrick Dempsey would be able to get me up out of my very warm bed, THIS early on a Sunday! If he ever reads this (yes people, I know he won't) I hope he at least gets a smile out of the fact that I'm here, with bed hair, NO Starbucks, and bleary eyes...Because he (and the team) are worth it. And truth be told, right now, he's having a harder time than I am. Honestly, I think the LeMans race was easier because I didn't go to sleep AT ALL. This time I did, and I'm trying to get my brain to wake up enough to focus. Alright, enough of my blah blah blah...Here we go....
At this time, according to Live timing, Patrick Dempsey is in the #40 in eighth place. Dave Lacey is in 17th place in the #41 Team Seattle car.
6:00 Live coverage is back! Good morning to all the happy and very bright and shiny people of SpeedTV.
6:12 A Dempsey/Foster commercial! What a way to get me smiling!
So, while we have a minute, let me tell you about last night....I got off the computer around midnight or so because my back was begging for mercy. I had a friend watching Live timing for me (Thanks, Di) and she would send me periodic updates. At one point, I got a text saying Patrick was in the car in 8th place. Not even five minutes later I get another text saying, "stand by, I'm hearing the #40 is out." So, my mind starts spinning.....
6:25 Shot of Patrick Dempsey driving....Morning Patrick!
....Back to my story....I get the news that the #40 may be out and of course all I know is that Patrick is in the car and minutes ago things were fine. Did he spin out? Did he wreck? Is he hurt? Yes, I know, I worry too much....
6:29 A promo shot of PD talking about what it would mean to win the Rolex 24...Commentators are talking about his scruffy look. Hey, I can promise you that he looks a lot scruffier NOW than he did in that taped piece...
Once again, back to my story....So after what seemed like forever, I get a text saying that apparently it was just a long pit, but that now nobody can figure out who's driving, because Live timing keeps putting up different people. As long as everybody was safe, I didn't care. And that seems to be the case, Thank God!
6:42 Not DR related, but I just watched as an engine fire was put out...This is why I pray and get so flippin' nervous! I wonder if I would feel any better if I were personally able to see all of the things done to the car and all of the things the drivers do to keep themselves safe. Guess I'll only be able to test that theory out only if by some miracle I'm able to go to a race one day. I know Joe Foster and Patrick Dempsey have both said how safe everything is, but still, I worry.
6:49: Patrick Dempsey currently in 7th place.
7:43 Patrick Dempsey out of the car after a stint. Said he was hearing/feeling lots of vibration so the team was checking things out. "Better to be safe than sorry at this point" he said. And added that "people were being gentlemen" in terms of how the DP and GT cars were getting along on track. Patrick's smiling and laughing....Way to make my morning Patrick, Thanks! :)
7:57 Scott Maxwell in the car now for Dempsey Racing, currently in 9th place.
My poor dog just came in and looked at me like I had two heads for being up already. She promptly left my room after she figured out I wasn't going back to bed. Sorry, Tazzie!
8:09 Scott Maxwell now in 8th place.
8:21 Scott Maxwell in 7th place while Leh Keen is in 15th in the Team Seattle car. That car has had problems throughout the night but is hanging in there!
I wonder if Patrick is as tired as I am of everybody constantly reminding us that "Patrick Dempsey plays Dr. Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd on ABC's "Grey's Anatomy." I would LOVE to read at least one racing article that doesn't even mention that fact. I'm convinced (and have been for awhile now) that Patrick is not an actor who races, but rather, a racer who acts. I just wonder if it'll be any different once Patrick no longer plays Derek Shepherd. Probably not, they'll just change it to, "Patrick Dempsey who once starred in ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" as Dr. Derek Shepherd...." It just bugs me, but I guess I get it. He has definitely brought more fans (myself included) into the sport of racing. Sorry, it's early, I'm sleepy and rambling...Did you enjoy my "off track" moment? Yes, the pun was intended.... ;)
8:50 Headed to church. More to come this afternoon! Go DR!
11:53 Back from church and done with lunch. Came back to find Joe Foster in SIXTH place! WOW!!!! Go Dempsey Racing! Zoom Zoom!
11:59 had the t.v. on for less than ten minutes and have seen A LOT of the number 40....Looking SO great, but now I'm SO nervous for my team! Just be careful, stay consistent, stay focused! I know, I'm talking like they can will hear/read this but hey, it's helping ME! Note to Jim Jordan: TOTALLY biting my nails right now! I know you said that was your job, but you've got company right now! AHHHHHH!!!!!
12:16 Just saw a pic of the latest DR shirts....Oh my goodness....I WANT ONE!
12:27 Mazda voiceover! "I will never give up, give in, or buckle under..." How appropriate for the moment! :)
12:30 Patrick Dempsey taped piece talking about true champions. On a personal note, Patrick IS a true champion in my eyes....For reasons that have nothing to do with racing or acting! He's my hero and a true champion indeed!
12:33 I find it funny that the folks at SpeedTV seem to already think that Dempsey Racing won't have a top ten finish as they said, "I'm sure Patrick Dempsey & those guys would have liked a top ten finish..." Ummm...Excuse me but last I checked there's still two hours of race time left. It's not over until it's over....Never count out Dempsey Racing. Ever!
12:43 I LOVE the Dempsey/Foster commercial...Makes my day every single time it airs!
12:46 Talking to Team Seattle as we watch the 41 go round the track. Talking about all the money being raised for the Seattle Children's Hospital. Also gives a plug to the Dempsey Center as well...Thanks, SpeedTV commentators!
1:02 Camera on the #40 and we get a camera shot of Joe Foster in the car for several minutes! I say it often, but the #40 car looks AWESOME!!!!!!!
1:22 According to SpeedTV, Patrick Dempsey is in 14th place. Live timing just isn't cutting it...Still has Patrick as 7th place at a time when Joe Foster was actually the one driving. Sigh...
1:37 I'm very confused...SpeedTV has Dempsey in seventh place in their running order, but just had him in 14th moments ago....Which is it?
1:45 Just got clarification...The # 40 is in seventh and the #41 is in fourteenth. Thanks, Di!
Sigh...If I can't meet or even talk to Patrick Dempsey, I'd at least love a Mazda hat or one of the new DR shirts...
2:27 Five minutes to go in the race
2:28 #40 in sixth place
2:32: Dempsey Racing #40 finishes the 24 Hours at Daytona in sixth. Team Seattle #41 finishes in fourteenth! What a great race for both!!! Thanks to those of you who prayed for them this weekend!
It is such an honor to be a Dempsey Racing fan, I'm SO proud to support this team and EVERYONE involved with it. It's going to be a FANTASTIC season for DR (there will be a podium finish...Just remember folks, you read it here first!) and I look forward to being there (even if only in spirit) to cheer them on and support them in any and every way possible. Go Dempsey Racing....Zoom, zoom!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
"24 Hours at Daytona" Saturday
Here is my 24 Hours at Daytona play by play... Focused on Dempsey Racing and the teams two cars, #40 and #41. Go Dempsey Racing!
Quick Patrick Dempsey interview with a SpeedTV reporter whose birthday is today and who gets a happy birthday wish from Patrick. I'm positive there's nothing like Patrick Dempsey wishing you a happy birthday.
Camera pans and I see the 40 on the track. Camera pans and we see Joe Foster giving the camera a wave...Hi Joe!
Race officially begins....Behind the pace car due to the rain. Safety first!
TONS of tweeting going on at my @PDempseyFan twitter account! Switched from my personal one (@NatNicole1981) to my PD one for the race.
No rain falling, still under yellow about 2 laps away from the green flag...
2:48 pm. checking in with Joe Foster of Dempsey Racing in the #40 car giving a description of the track! The car looks AWESOME and Joe sounds focused and ready! LOVE that we get a camera with the car this year!!!!!
2:51 GREEN FLAG!!! Go Dempsey Racing/Team Seattle!!!
2:59 #40 is in 13 place, driven by Joe Foster.
3:02 Leh Keen #41 in THIRD PLACE!!!!!!!
3:06 See the AWESOME looking #41 on the track
I know they train to race in the rain, but it still makes me nervous. Glad the rain is slowing and hopefully the track will dry up quick.
3:22 under caution
Every time someone talks about Patrick Long my ears perk up! HAHA!
3:29 Back to Green
3:37 The commentators with SpeedTV tried to blame Dane Cameron's car trouble on the #40. Me here: "What??" After a replay. It's clear the number 40 never touched Cameron's car.
A PD Mazda voiceover during the break.... "Zoom zoom forever." Have I mentioned that I want a Mazda hat?
4:04 Leh Keen in 11th place in the #41 Joe Foster in 13th place in the #40.
4:06 Leh Keen in 10th, Joe Foster in 11th....WOW!
Patrick Long is out of the car for driver change. Now maybe I won't get whiplash from turning to my t.v. every time the name "Patrick" is said. That is until MY Patrick gets in the car....
4:10 BOTH Dempsey Racing cars are in the top ten and Speed TV says NOTHING?!? Come on, guys! Give DR their coverage!
4:16 We must have pitted. Joe fell back a few spots.
4:21 Leh Keen #41 pitting now....Driver change, Have no idea who is in at this point. Grand Am keeps changing it. Don't even know if it was Keen driving.... If anyone from the team is reading this and would like to let me know, please do! Love the Team Seattle car...My name is on it! :)
Was getting up to go make some hot chocolate and my Mom was already bringing me some so I wouldn't miss any DR action! My Mom rocks! Thanks, Mom! :)
4:32 Patrick Dempsey in the car!
Another PD voiceover! I love it! :)
5:14 Dave Lacey about to get in the #41 for Team Seattle.
5:15 and there's the INCREDIBLE looking # 4o driven by Patrick Dempsey. Several minutes of camera time as we get a profile view of Patrick driving. Apparently they're having trouble communicating with Patrick right now on the mic. Hopefully it gets resolved soon!
5:20 Patrick Dempsey interview as he gets out. "I lost the radio on lap two which is really difficult because you don't know who's coming up behind you. I didn't have the confidence I would like, but thank goodness the cars in good shape, it's early on. We just have to be really patient."
SpeedTV is loving those PD voiceovers! Another one just aired!
6:48 Team Seattle #41 car is in 12th place with the #40 car right behind him in 13th. I think they like sticking close to each other.
7:06 Dinner break for me...
7:41 Back from dinner with the #40 passing the number 41 to put #40 in TENTH place and #41 in 11th. Go Dempsey Racing!
7:54 Some GREAT things being said about Dempsey Racing as a whole while we watch Charles zoom zoom around the track looking awesome!
8:41 interview with Charles. Talks about the car being okay after some contact with debris. "We at Dempsey Racing are here to overcome and hopefully we'll still be here tomorrow morning." Also had good things to say about Patrick and the team as a whole. What a sweet guy!
8:59 Live coverage on speedtv ends until 6.a.m. tomorrow morning
Hope you've enjoyed my play by play of the first part of the race. I'll be recapping tomorrow's part of the race as well. Have a great night everybody! And prayers continue for the team as they race through the night. Go Dempsey Racing! :)
Quick Patrick Dempsey interview with a SpeedTV reporter whose birthday is today and who gets a happy birthday wish from Patrick. I'm positive there's nothing like Patrick Dempsey wishing you a happy birthday.
Camera pans and I see the 40 on the track. Camera pans and we see Joe Foster giving the camera a wave...Hi Joe!
Race officially begins....Behind the pace car due to the rain. Safety first!
TONS of tweeting going on at my @PDempseyFan twitter account! Switched from my personal one (@NatNicole1981) to my PD one for the race.
No rain falling, still under yellow about 2 laps away from the green flag...
2:48 pm. checking in with Joe Foster of Dempsey Racing in the #40 car giving a description of the track! The car looks AWESOME and Joe sounds focused and ready! LOVE that we get a camera with the car this year!!!!!
2:51 GREEN FLAG!!! Go Dempsey Racing/Team Seattle!!!
2:59 #40 is in 13 place, driven by Joe Foster.
3:02 Leh Keen #41 in THIRD PLACE!!!!!!!
3:06 See the AWESOME looking #41 on the track
I know they train to race in the rain, but it still makes me nervous. Glad the rain is slowing and hopefully the track will dry up quick.
3:22 under caution
Every time someone talks about Patrick Long my ears perk up! HAHA!
3:29 Back to Green
3:37 The commentators with SpeedTV tried to blame Dane Cameron's car trouble on the #40. Me here: "What??" After a replay. It's clear the number 40 never touched Cameron's car.
A PD Mazda voiceover during the break.... "Zoom zoom forever." Have I mentioned that I want a Mazda hat?
4:04 Leh Keen in 11th place in the #41 Joe Foster in 13th place in the #40.
4:06 Leh Keen in 10th, Joe Foster in 11th....WOW!
Patrick Long is out of the car for driver change. Now maybe I won't get whiplash from turning to my t.v. every time the name "Patrick" is said. That is until MY Patrick gets in the car....
4:10 BOTH Dempsey Racing cars are in the top ten and Speed TV says NOTHING?!? Come on, guys! Give DR their coverage!
4:16 We must have pitted. Joe fell back a few spots.
4:21 Leh Keen #41 pitting now....Driver change, Have no idea who is in at this point. Grand Am keeps changing it. Don't even know if it was Keen driving.... If anyone from the team is reading this and would like to let me know, please do! Love the Team Seattle car...My name is on it! :)
Was getting up to go make some hot chocolate and my Mom was already bringing me some so I wouldn't miss any DR action! My Mom rocks! Thanks, Mom! :)
4:32 Patrick Dempsey in the car!
Another PD voiceover! I love it! :)
5:14 Dave Lacey about to get in the #41 for Team Seattle.
5:15 and there's the INCREDIBLE looking # 4o driven by Patrick Dempsey. Several minutes of camera time as we get a profile view of Patrick driving. Apparently they're having trouble communicating with Patrick right now on the mic. Hopefully it gets resolved soon!
5:20 Patrick Dempsey interview as he gets out. "I lost the radio on lap two which is really difficult because you don't know who's coming up behind you. I didn't have the confidence I would like, but thank goodness the cars in good shape, it's early on. We just have to be really patient."
SpeedTV is loving those PD voiceovers! Another one just aired!
6:48 Team Seattle #41 car is in 12th place with the #40 car right behind him in 13th. I think they like sticking close to each other.
7:06 Dinner break for me...
7:41 Back from dinner with the #40 passing the number 41 to put #40 in TENTH place and #41 in 11th. Go Dempsey Racing!
7:54 Some GREAT things being said about Dempsey Racing as a whole while we watch Charles zoom zoom around the track looking awesome!
8:41 interview with Charles. Talks about the car being okay after some contact with debris. "We at Dempsey Racing are here to overcome and hopefully we'll still be here tomorrow morning." Also had good things to say about Patrick and the team as a whole. What a sweet guy!
8:59 Live coverage on speedtv ends until 6.a.m. tomorrow morning
Hope you've enjoyed my play by play of the first part of the race. I'll be recapping tomorrow's part of the race as well. Have a great night everybody! And prayers continue for the team as they race through the night. Go Dempsey Racing! :)
Photo used with the permission of Juha Lievonen. My thanks to him.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Prayers, Please!
I've got a few prayer requests:
I've been dealing with some major spiritual warfare for the past week or so. I've never been the most secure person when it comes to other people's perceptions of me and Satan is having a hay day with that insecurity right now. Please just pray that I will stand on God's truth and that I will know that I am genuinely loved, not merely tolerated.
Tomorrow (Friday) I will basically be on my own at the church office. Ramona is out for the next two weeks recovering from back surgery so I have more responsibility than usual while she's out. Please pray for patience with myself and others around me. Please pray that I am able to do what needs to be done, that I am able to answer any questions people may call in with and that I may shine brightly for Him while doing so. Please also pray for Ramona as she continues to recover.
Patrick Dempsey and Dempsey Racing will take part in the 24 hours of Daytona this weekend. The team is already in Daytona doing practices and for the first time, the team will have two cars out on the track. It's a grueling 24 hours for the team as they race non stop. I plan on watching, just as I did for the 24 hours of Le Mans. Please pray for the team's safety, for a clear mind, for a great race, and that everything goes well. I am debating whether or not to do a play by play here. We shall see. Just please pray for them this weekend.
Thank you in advance for lifting these requests up! :) God bless!
I've been dealing with some major spiritual warfare for the past week or so. I've never been the most secure person when it comes to other people's perceptions of me and Satan is having a hay day with that insecurity right now. Please just pray that I will stand on God's truth and that I will know that I am genuinely loved, not merely tolerated.
Tomorrow (Friday) I will basically be on my own at the church office. Ramona is out for the next two weeks recovering from back surgery so I have more responsibility than usual while she's out. Please pray for patience with myself and others around me. Please pray that I am able to do what needs to be done, that I am able to answer any questions people may call in with and that I may shine brightly for Him while doing so. Please also pray for Ramona as she continues to recover.
Patrick Dempsey and Dempsey Racing will take part in the 24 hours of Daytona this weekend. The team is already in Daytona doing practices and for the first time, the team will have two cars out on the track. It's a grueling 24 hours for the team as they race non stop. I plan on watching, just as I did for the 24 hours of Le Mans. Please pray for the team's safety, for a clear mind, for a great race, and that everything goes well. I am debating whether or not to do a play by play here. We shall see. Just please pray for them this weekend.
Thank you in advance for lifting these requests up! :) God bless!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Help For Haiti
I think most of us are feeling pretty helpless right now as we look and see the devastation caused by the Earthquake in Haiti. As a friend of mine said earlier, "I wish I could do more." The good news is, God CAN do more! If we do what we can, I fully believe God will do what we can't! Below are just a few ways you can help if you feel inclined.
Help Compassion Children Affected by Earthquake
Donate to the Red Cross
World Vision
Mission of Mercy
All of these are great ways to help. Most importantly though, please pray for those affected and those going to help with the relief efforts. Thanks!
Pray big, believe big, because GOD IS BIG ENOUGH!
Help Compassion Children Affected by Earthquake
Donate to the Red Cross
World Vision
Mission of Mercy
All of these are great ways to help. Most importantly though, please pray for those affected and those going to help with the relief efforts. Thanks!
Pray big, believe big, because GOD IS BIG ENOUGH!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Happy Birthday, Patrick!
Happy Birthday, Patrick Dempsey! I hope your next year is FABULOUS! You deserve nothing but the best. Thank you for being a constant inspiration to me. I thank God for you every single day! Have an amazing birthday! God bless!
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