Stereotypes. How many do you buy into?

I’ll be honest and say that I probably buy into way more than I should. I truly try not to, but you know how that goes. One of them is that I absolutely believed that all High School cheerleaders are snobs and biotches. Well guess what? They’re not! And I’m very proud to say the cheerleaders who smashed that stereotype are right here in Colorado!

JEFFERSON COUNTY – The Evergreen High School cheerleading squad has always imagined itself as somewhat different. So when the new girl at school, who is disabled, tried out for the team, there really was no doubt what would happen.

Coach Tammy Dufford has heard it so many times, the old line that high school cheerleaders are among the most judgmental people around.

“Generally, high school cheerleaders are known to be an elitist sort of group and kind of exclusive,” said Dufford.

However, Dufford says she had no doubt her girls would accept a fellow cheerleader with different abilities. Someone like freshman Megan Bomgaars, who has Down Syndrome.

Bomgaars is new to Evergreen this year. One of the first things she did was march into Dufford’s office and announce she intended to be a cheerleader. And she now is an Evergreen cheerleader.

“I just want to have friends at school,” Bomgaars said.

And she has found those friends in her fellow cheerleaders at her new school.

“I love this place,” she said.

Bomgaars is a smiling and enthusiastic face on the football sidelines, but sometimes struggles to keep pace with her teammates quick moves and rapid cheers.

This is the time of the season when teams, including Evergreen, go from cheering at games to competing at tournaments.

Megan’s mother, Kris, expected that her daughter would travel with the cheerleading team, but not compete.

“She said, ‘Tammy, I totally understand if you don’t think Megan can be part of that. I don’t want her to bring down the girls’ scores,” Dufford recalled.

Dufford checked with state cheerleading officials. She says they informed her there is no direct precedent of a cheerleader with Down Syndrome competing in mainstream tournaments. Dufford says she was told it would be up to judges on how to handle the situation.

The coach left the final decision up to her players. No discussion was necessary. They insisted that Bomgaars remain on the team for the competitive portion of the season.

“We always just assumed she’d be right there with us,” said cheerleader Katy Evezich. “She’s part of the team.”

“We could get graded off if she’s a little bit off on her dance,” said cheerleader Stephanie Dufford. “But we’d rather have her on the squad and get a lesser score than not have her at all.”

For a group that’s supposed to be so concerned with judging, they sure don’t seem to care.

The Evergreen High School cheerleaders, every one of them, will compete in the Jefferson County League Tournament Wednesday at Columbine High School.

(from 9News.com)

Is that cool or what! I’m so proud of those girls. Hopefully if this story gets around enough, more cheerleaders will follow suit and change that stereotype which plagues them all!

Cheerleaders, Snobs, Evergreen Cheerleaders, Stereotypes

Have any of you ladies joined Curves? We have one here in my town, and my daughter and I are thinking of becoming members. I like the fact that it’s for women only, and they don’t have those gigantic windows that everyone and his brother can look through and see you working out! I think I’ll call and get the specifics on prices and stuff. I wonder if they have something like a family plan? Anyway, if any of you have been or are currently a member of Curves, can you please give me your opinion?

Thanks!

Curves, Working Out, Gym for Women, Curves for Women

Ladies — and you, too, men — when was the last time you received flowers from anyone? I actually did receive some beautiful flowers from my daughter and her best friend about a month ago. They were so sweet. They went shopping at Wal-Mart to pick up a few things for me, and ended up bringing me some gorgeous flowers, too. Before that, I can’t remember the last time I was sent flowers.

What kind of flower is your favorite? I have so many favorites. I adore roses and lilies and daisies and orchids! I especially love Calla Lilies. Aren’t they gorgeous? They always remind me of Katherine Hepburn in “Stage Door” when she said “The calla lilies are in bloom again”. They’re such an intriguing flower; exotic and unique. I always like a little intrigue, don’t you? I would be completely intrigued if you sent me flowers. No, really, I would. ;)

Flowers, proflowers.com

Happy Thursday. Seems more like Friday. lol

Our County Fair started yesterday. My daughter goes each and every night until it’s over, which will be Sunday night. She doesn’t really go for the rides. Know what she loves about it? The food! I gotta’ admit, the Fair food really is good. Everything from turkey legs to corn dogs to funnel cakes to hamburgers to cotton candy — totally yummy!

Her boyfriend drives cars in Demolition Derbies around the state, so of course he’ll be running in ours. In fact, aside from Greeley’s (the biggest in the state, where he finished 4th this year!), ours is the one he looks forward to the most. She helps him build/work on his cars all year long so that he’ll be ready for the derbies, and she LOVES it! She’s so cool.

Hey, guess what? I have my first article at Digg.com! I was wondering if ya’ll could do me a favor and give me a Digg! I would be forever grateful.

Thanks, you guys, and have a happy day!

Demolition Derbies, Derby Cars, County Fairs, Digg.com

I blogged a couple of days ago about Hubs remodeling the bedroom upstairs for our daughter, remember? I didn’t mention, however, that we have a whole laundry list of Home improvements we want to do. Everything from new floor coverings to paint to new drywall is on that list. We’d also absolutely love to have a screened-in area off the house with a hot tub and comfy furniture on which to relax and share time with our family and friends.

In the UK, such rooms are called Conservatories, and Anglian Home Improvements has been the place to go for thirty-six years for high quality home improvements. I have a very good friend who lives in the UK, so I was interested in seeing exactly what Conservatories looked like. Wow! They are absolutely beautiful! That is exactly what we have in mind for our house. In perusing Anglian’s web site, I can certainly see why people prefer them over others — not only are their products gorgeous, but they come with a 10 year guarantee, as well. Right now I sure wish we lived in the UK! ;)

Anglian Home Improvements, Conservatories