georgiesmybaby

Anyone with a FB account who has not voted twice for NIP? I have 3 gift votes available. *waves to everyone*

Happy Birthday Fear! Hope it was wonderful because you deserve it!

OMG. This CD is stellar. I can't pick a favorite....and Clay made me cry y'all...and I am not a crier. So beautiful. Love, love, love, it! BTW, I finally went over to the OFC and really spent a little time. Friended a few people but for the life of me I can't keep up with people's different screen names, so please do friend me. I'm Georgiesmybaby there, too.Same name almost everywhere just makes life easier...for me.

FromClaygary, can you please add one more guest for me and Cheri? Michelle Starks is going to be with us. So that should be, me, Cheri, Sammie, Terra & Michelle ETA Oops, I thought we had Terra down already, but didn't see her listed...am I just missing her? Pam

Lotus sorry, these weren't regular seats. I had posted prior to the presale regarding accessible issues, but suppose I should have clarified that these were accessible seats. They only have 6 accessible + 6 companion seats in the auditorium...and once again we were left hanging as to how/where we would be able to purchase accessible seats in the presale...hence calling the theatre. My friend has two daughters with disabilites-one in a wheelchair, but the other not able to sit alone either, so the 2 ticket limit was a problem. Her "other" daughter is going to use my "companion" ticket, which will allow my friend to sit between her two daughters. I called early because Progress Center has a history of screwing with accessible seating-and because we were trying to work it out to get our seats together. I have been left out completely in the past. ETA FromClaygary, the breakfast arrangements sound great! Not sure about anyone else with disabilities, but I'll manage...with a little help from my friends;) It couldn't be any worse than that day a few galas ago when we wandered around looking for a place to eat before finally discovering Tirnanog. At least this time, even if we have to walk , we can take a more...ummmmm...direct route. After I survived NYC in a wheelchair...this is a piece of cake.

Ditto as far as the ticket front FromClaygary. I was searching for two for Claylove and there is nothing coming up except occasional back balcony...mostly getting "nothing available." So glad she decided to take the mezzanine that came up in the presale. Whew. Getting any Progress tickets is truly luck and good fortune, I think. I *did* manage to get accessible seats for myself, Karen, Vickie & Jessica the other day...but ONLY because I called early. They started selling them at 11:00AM so if I had called later...I wouldn't have a seat. They were nice, but that policy SUCKS. I felt badly for anyone actually calling at the "appointed hour." Oh well, drama done...let's party! Can'twait to see everyone!

Good luck with the ticket tango everyone! Hope you all get great seats! I am so nervous that I couldn't even sleep. There are only 6 accessible seats in the entire theatre. The only area that is even accessible by wheelchair is the dress circle-everything else involves steps. Color me worried. Very worried.

:nature-smiley-014: *waves* I am so excited to see everyone March 12 weekend! And Claylove's coming for a visit. Whoever is handling the FCA breakfast, if you need some help let me know. I would be happy to make some calls...or help in any way I can. Good luck with tickets everyone! Historically Progressive is not the best place for purchasing accessible seating, so I will have to make some calls. Meymandi, one of the other Progressive venues, where the 04 Christmas shows were held, doesn't use ticketmaster at all for accessible seats. You must deal directly with the Box Office, and for that show, they decided at the last minute (morning tickets went on sale) NOT to sell them by phone, either. For over an hour that morning they refused to even answer their phones. After tickets were sold out they told us that the "decision" regarding accessible seating had been announced at their morning meeting. Most of us who needed accessible tickets were shut out completely-or ended up driving to Atlanta to see the show. Memorial is showing a Ticketmaster order form for accessible, but who knows if they will be available for the presale. Rather than ending up with no seat, I think I may hedge my bets and try to purchase a regular seat, too. I just hope I don't end up with a regular seat in the middle of the aisle. Would not be such a good thing. :Tour4: So sorry, I haven't been posting. I have been around, reading, trying to keep up with everyone, but I've been struggling with viruses & infections. At best, recovering from WFI always takes awhile for me. Being exposed to the public so much, along with the exhaustion, usually ensures that January is sort of a blur for me, however, this year has been especially ROUGH. But I'm still here-in case anyone was wondering. And I think I am finally getting past all of the crud. Geez, I still owe our group a WFI wrapup. Fear and everyone else, it's coming soon. Really. Couchie, congrats on the new job! Fantastic news! {{{Clayzy}}} :thewave:

{{{jmh123}}} You and your family are in my prayers.

AOL kept throwing me off. I tried to post this three times already, so I hope it posts on Mozilla.lol. Happy Birthday Canfly!! :2164:

Trying to get in touch with Lori..the link she posted is wrong...it is the link that is cut off and leads to Rockdale's for profit store. This is the link for our Deck the Halls for Inclusion store: It is a re-directed link from their main store so if it asks permission say "yes." FYI: Our store is 2 pages and the banner says "National Inclusion Project." http://inclusion.rockdalewreaths.com ETA The problem we're having is that you cannot use the "add link" function where you get a pop up box and then can rename the link...that truncates the link and/or misdirects at most sites. Instead just copy and past this link in the text...and it works. I hope that is a little clearer.

Happy Birthday Cindilu2!!

Posting this here because this is a running problem, and it is very important: RE: Deck the Halls links If you are posting anywhere in a blog or FB, please use this link: http://inclusion.rockdalewreaths.com For some reason, online sites truncate links (cut off the last part of the link) and in this case, that's the part that identifies our National Inclusion Project store. Just include a message for the buyer to list a Beta Alpha chapter or group in the comment section, if they have a preference. This link will not do it automatically. Also, many of the message boards do the same thing IF you use their "add link" system. If you just include the link as text, it's fine, but if you ask the board to create a link, most will also truncate. So definitely test it if you do post it and/or if there's any question, use the above link. It's a redirect just for us and it will ALWAYS get you to our store, no question. Thanks everybody! Pam

To all of the clack gatherers, thanks so much for doing what you do so incredibly well. PermaSwooned, your photos are gorgeous! Thanks also to the Houston posse & friends for providing a lot of laughs today. Clayizzy Canfly, feel better soon. I need to get a message to the main blog owners RE: Deck the Halls. Carolina Clay...or anyone who knows...is there some sort of contact list?

What a great weekend! So proud of the National Inclusion Project, which truly is making a difference in the lives of thousands of children nationwide. Loved meeting everyone at the Gala and brunch. It's always wonderful to be able to put a face and real name to board friends. Sometimes at events such as the Gala or in restaurants and crowds, I am at a disadvantage because my chair prevents me from manuevering around and mingling the way I want to, so please come by and introduce yourselves and speak, if you have a chance. I really would like to meet everyone and I don't bite...well not most of the time, anyway. Merrieeee, I am so sorry-I don't think we managed to connect- maybe next time? Safe travels to all FCA friends traveling over the next few days. Thanks to FromClaygary for all of her hard work putting the brunch together. Also, thanks to Fear for her Beads for Life commitment-pretty things, for a great cause...can't beat that! And Fear, thanks for being my ride, my road wheels as I call them. There are a lot of times I would not be able to participate without the kindness of friends like you. And that is also inclusion in action! We had no internet in our rooom at the Sheraton all weekend, so I'm just geting ready to download my first clack. Clay's voice may not have been perfect last night, but I still prefer an imperfect Clay Aiken to any other voice on the planet. I thought My Eyes Adored You and Moon River were beautiful. I heard that Faye's mother was sitting with her, and there's a part of me that wonders if that also might have affected his concentration on Grace of God, or maybe I am just projecting. I love that beautiful, funny, caring, compassionate guy...probably more than I should. I thought he seemed a bit subdued all night, but understandably so, so I say please cut him some slack. To be honest, I could not see his face very well at all last night, but from the photos I've seen today....I just want to give him a hug. Or fifty. So much more I could say about the Gala, but for now: Back for More....yeah baby. :04: Congratulations to FromClaygary and all of our Canadian friends on creating the first international Beta Alpha, InCanada!! You rock!

luckiest and merrieeee, I haven't forgotten the emails for you. Have to create them, and have still been really sick....and the Deck the Halls stuff has to be finished to go out to organizers tomorrow. Your emails are next after that. Promise. Hugs, Pam

Happy Birthday Goldarngirl!!! And Happy Birthday a little late Liney23 & keepingfaith!!! FromClaygary and Liney, I haven't forgotten the emails for Christie's. I am going to try to create a bunch and send by tomorrow. Had a couple of really bad days as far as seizures and alertness are concerned. Started some new meds this week, please pray they help, even a little would be great. If anyone else is willing to use some addresses and vote, let me know. I have almost 5,000 available with our Beta Alpha .org and we should be able to get quite a few used between now and the 15th. ETA :04: The Charity Navigator news is huge and fantastic!!! It should help with individual donations, and I know that it will help with obtaining sponsors and corporate donations!! Can you tell that I am just a wee bit excited about this news! :04: :04:

We Won!!!! Thanks to our cheerleaders...and you know who you are Now, if we could just get the Project into second place in the Christie's competition, I would be over the moon. I have resorted to begging people to vote on FB. It's such an important cause and NIP could really use that money. I have over 2,000 friends thanks to NIP, Clay, my personal friends...and FB games. If each of them would just vote once. Darn it. FromClaygary and anyone else who might be interested. I have quite a few unused email accounts associated with our Triad Voices domain. I would be happy to set up temporary email accounts for anyone who would be interested. Just PM me. Fear yay for Beads for Life, yay for the Gala dress! Oh dear, I hope the foot is much better sooon and that you don't have to go to the Gala hillbilly style.lol. It certainly wouldn't be the first time there were barefeet at the Gala...was it Kristy who was running around shoeless a few years ago? I seem to remember that. Still looked really adorable, though. Can't wait to be together with my bestest friends. I am practically counting the hours. Also, I am really looking forward to meeting new friends, and getting to know some of you better. Depending on where we are, it's not always easy for me to get around in the wheelchair-John's Pizza & Carmine's anyone? lol The Gala is usually very difficult for me to get around, except in the foyer, so do stop by our table if you can. And anywhere else that weekend-just come by and grab me and introduce yourselves,k? Stay for a chat, if there's time. I'd really like that. Claylove, I know you'll probably see this. I am hoping writing this will clear my head so that I can finish up what I need to send to you. I have been trying all day...and last night...but having "issues" and you know what I mean. I am frustrated, but determined to get it to you tonight. {{{Claylove}}}

Ldyjocelyn, so sorry this a is a little late. I hope you had a wonderful day! Fear I really do wanna talk to you. lol. I'm gonna try to call you tonight...or you can try me, if you prefer. It's about WFI. Sorry I missed your call. I was sick all weekend with a nasty virus, hit me right after we talked the other day. I cannot seem to shake this mess lately.

Could someone on CH please let Clandy know that the National Inclusion Project's Aron Hall spells his name with one "A"-Aron? She asked to be informed if there was anything that needed to be corrected. I have seen several posts at CH where it was spelled "Aaron" so I think some people assume the correct spelling is a typo. The voting for Christie's Cookies does have a space for "contact," so it would be nice to have it spelled corrrectly. Thanks y'all.

Happy Birthday yesterday ausdon!!!

Late afternoon...still counts, right? I love this emoticon. I realize my posts this week have been a bit one note. Sorry, tough week. I am working on getting my happy on so just wanted to post something fun. :nature-smiley-014: :nature-smiley-014: :nature-smiley-014: If Ive mised any birthdays lately, belated happy birthday wishes. And no...I won't say the obvious about one of today's b-days, even though it's the perfect set-up...and it would be sooo easy {{{Muski & kitty}}} Ldyjocelyn, I have enjoyed the photo contest so much- fab job! Thanks so much for that gorgeous idea! Hey I've even voted...and I am not much of a voting person. There were a few days I couldn't decide and wanted to wait and ponder a bit...and then waited too long. Which indicates either: 1. I am too indecisive or 2. Someone really did a bang up job choosing the photos. Or maybe a bit of both options. Hmmmm...Let me think on it and get back to you. Hope everyone at FCA is having a great weekend, whether a holiday weekend here in the States, or "just a weekend" somewhere else around the globe!

Wow, ldyj thanks for bringing that over! I've seen a number of pieces on K-na, but that one is really excellent. I hope that's the one they're using on the Telethon. I want to share with all of you "Because You Loved Me" was K-na's favorite song, so it is fitting that it was set to that. I hope that MDA gets a lot of donations this weekend. That, and the National Inclusion Project, were her passions. And Clay, of course. She was an angel. And she is already missed. One of her best friends, another Clay fan who also has MD, is just bereft. And K-na's death also made those of us with disabilities keenly aware of the threat H1N1 can pose. We'd heard it before, but this brought it home to us in a major way. I had some qualms about inviting NIP donations, but I was asked to do it by a group of other friends, including one who also has MD. As they said "it is what K-na would have wanted."

Fear I was just able to get a donation through...no problems, so not sure what is happening with you. *perplexing* ETA Thank so much {{{Annabear}}} ETAA Thank you very much jmh. I appreciate it.

My FCA family, I am also posting this at OFC, CB & CV. Please feel free to take this to any other boards and/or send to friends. IF someone could post this on CH I'd appreciate it-I did see the announcement posted there on main last week. K-na was a wonderful person, and she will be missed. She was one of the first people to join the Cause on FB when TBAF changed its name...and now whenever I go there, I see her name...and cry. Hopefully the sadness will fade and the joy will return, but it will take time. As some of you already may be aware, since it was posted on some of the boards late last week, the Clay fan community has lost a huge fan; one who was also a big supporter of the National Inclusion Project. Khrystyna Serednytsky, K-na to her many friends, was only 22 years old, and had courageously battled Muscular Dystrophy all of her life. In the end, however, it was H1N1 that took her from us. K-na was an amazing person, but for those who were not blessed to know her personally, KETV in Omaha did a lovely story on her. The copy and video can be found here: Khrystyna KETV News Khrystyna was taken from us far, far, too soon. It's only been a week, and already her family and friends miss her joyous laughter and her passion for life. Those of us who knew and loved K-na will never forget her, and while we are comforted by the fact that her love and kindness will live on with us forever, we need to do something to honor Khrystyna. Khrystyna was passionate about inclusion for children and adults with disabilities, and was a huge supporter of the National Inclusion Project, formerly The Bubel/Aiken Foundation. K-na cared so much about making sure that children of ALL abilities are able to participate fully in life, and we would like to invite you to honor her memory with donations to the National Inclusion Project. You may donate here: National Inclusion Project Donation Please mark the donation in memory of "K-na." The Project will be notifying Khrystyna's family of the donations in her honor. And Khrystyna? She will be smiling down on all of us, thrilled that even now, she is able to inspire and help others, just as she always did in life.