Autumn Hendrix Blog Post About Me...

autumnhendrix

Congratulations Autumn Hendrix on your 1st blog post from last year! 
Monday, July 4, 2016

Prevalent

If you don't shift gears in a car you will burn up the transmission. There's no question about it. In life if you don't shift gears, adapt to the ebbs and flows of your life, you'll burn out. I've recently started seeing the difference of one year to the next. My mother and grandmother were just in town, in from Michigan. They spend 8 days with Michael, my boyfriend, and I. It was just over a week but when you're use to being alone, with no kids or roommates, one or seven days seems like a month or two. It wasn't the company nor the time but the fact that we get to adjust our time, our schedules, to our wristwatch. We cherish our life, whether it be solitude or highly engaginng.

I mention one year to the next because I've seen a huge difference from this past year to the previous before. I'm in love, a fact and a relationship that wasn't there a year before. I've seen other relationships in my life prosper over the year that were struggling in certain areas. I have to say that I'm happy, the happiest, in certain ways that I never knew I could or would. In particular I've found that I can have a best friend, lover, and partner all in one person. I had always heard about this phenom, but I've never had it. My life always had me playing a certain role. I was a mother or wife, a provider or parent, a friend or a spectator. Today I'm more than any of those and all of those things. I feel I've arrived somewhere I didn't know was possible.

Last week I had my granddaughter for a few days. It was great to have four generations under one roof. I have to say the reason I breathe is because I live to see my grand baby, my baby. Don't get me wrong, I'm deeply in love with my children, but this little girl steals my breathe. But I'm not going to get into that love tonight, that will be for a different time, but I'm here to tell you a quick story. A story about innocence, prevalent love, and thankfulness.


Lillie, my granddaughter, just turned 3 yrs. old in April. She likes to smile and do funny little thigs that grab your heart. While visiting she loves to stake her claim on me from Michael. Her little body, her little self loves to grab me in front of my boyfriend to let him know that I belong to her. It becomes a game during her visits. My Lillie will grab me and whisper, but in a loud way, "MY GRANDMA!". So at different times Michael will grab me and loudly whisper, "MY AUTUMN!". This goes on the entire time. But this last visit, Lillie took it up a notch.



Michael does a certain thinng that only he and I know. He touches my face with his hand or hands in a loving way. He'll put the back of his hands and front of his hands gently on my face. It's loving me in his own unique way. He does it, I feel it, and it works well. It may be done with cards or poems in other relationships, but in this one, my guy touches me in a way that a hundred cards or even one thousand poems couldn't compete with. I knew what it was the first time he did it. and since then, it's become our thing. One of those things, a private gesture, that only you and your lover knows. Well, that's what I thought, anyways.


Little Lillie was watching Michael doing something and waited for his attention to look her way. When he did, she put the back and front of her hands on my face. She did it gently, as if she was handling a precious piece of china, her hands moved as smoothe as a surgeon would with their patient, and with cofidence as a ball player would, with only seconds left on the clock, bound and determined to make the buzzer beating winning shot. I hope you get the picture, but to put it in an elementary scope, she was acting like Michael touching my face. Lillie was loving me and did it mockingly towards Michael.


I tell you this because a little girl, who you're not sure could or would recognize these sorts of things or gestures, is old enough to see the love that comes my way. She's present enough and old enough to see my love. To know my Michael loves me in a certain way that I thought was only visible and recognizable to me. But Lillie was beating Michael at his own game, his own gesture. I must say that this past year has been really nice. I'm loved, I know it. I'm loved and a little girl, my baby, knows it. This love, a prevalent love, is smoothly flowing in my life and is noticible through the innocent eyes of a child, who loves her grandma.

About Me

Autumn Hendrix

View my complete profile

Powered by Blogger.

Visit Autumn Hendrix's blog:
http://autumnhendrix.blogspot.com/2016/07/prevalent.html?m=1

So what did you learn?

It's so hard to admit failure. I have a friend who talked about opening a restaurant for years. We'd drink beers together throughout the years and he always went to the same subject - his place, his restaurant. The food, the layout and his bar. He had the recipes and his head cook, he had already picked, would execute his dishes with perfection and crowds of patrons would rush to his beautiful place. He eventually opened that place and it lasted just over a year.

I was with him after that and asked how he felt about it and his answer was perfect - I did it. It wasn't about why it failed, how it wasn't his fault, or anything of the sorts. It was a simple statement, I did it. I had so much respect for his simple short 3 word response. I walked away learning something having that conversation. So many times we want to blame it on something or someone but there's times, maybe it comes with age that you accept the facts. I failed but at least I did it, I tried.

I have a whole book of failures. I am at the age where I ask myself, what did I learn from those experiences. The answer, I learn lessons and quickly grasp what not to do regarding certain aspects of business and relationships. I am at the place where I can see the positives of my failures. Although I have failed at so many things I never waiver from the fact that I shall succeed at what I'm supposed to do.

I know that I can make a call to anyone, I can structure deals and I am strong. I know that no matter what I can make it another day and I have hope. I am intelligent and I get invited to places where my opinion matters to people who matter. I have what every entrepreneur wants, individuals who will take my call on their cell phone and ho have the ability to move on an idea, concept, business venture. I can create excitement and pass my hope to others. I can still see or envision my road map. I have hope that I can create a better mousetrap.

Recently I've accepted that I am dysfunctional, but who isn't. I have a hard time being in any relationship - personal or business. I think that's because it was always my way but that isn't realistic. To have a well rounded life you have to be vulnerable. You can sacrifice, you have to give in and you have to know what battles to fight and which one's aren't worth fighting even if you think you're right. Unlike years before I don't have to be right. I don't like to fight anymore.

Instead of being right or ready to fight, I want to be invited to the party, be part of something, and have something to offer even if it's only my opinion or knowledge, Being confrontational or combative with only one side, your side, only shows one's ignorance. It guarantees you won't be invited to the next party, the next gathering.

My thoughts and my experiences are just that, mine. I can't judge anyone and I won't. I'll pick who I spend my time with but I won't judge. I might be a complete fool at somethings but I am smart enough to know that if I come up short I have no one to blame. I did it, and although I may have to fall down a dozen times before ever getting it right I'm still going to try my best at whatever I do, I'll do it so I can say I did it!

Something Isn't Right

I made it through the scare of losing Kaylee to leukemia. A roller coaster ride that lasted years. But just as that nightmare ended, another one started. My son Landen, a beautiful and healthy 20 yr. old boy, was killed while riding his skateboard in San Marcos, CA. The death, delivered by a hit and run driver, has left me lost and devastated. My head hasn't been right and my heart hurts beyond words. I'm damaged.

I know you're suppose to grieve and come to terms with situations but I feel like I am sick. The illness that struck Kaylee combined with the loss of Landen has left me drained. It has sunk me so far into depression that I pray each night for the strength to make it through the next day. I have no one to talk because I feel like no one understands. I find it hard to go to sleep because I don't want to wake up or face the next day. I haven't received any professional help, which I need badly, because it's a service I can't afford at the moment. My family is also suffering. They know something isn't right with dad.

I'm so disappointed with myself because I feel I've let so many people down. I spent so many years trying to help others and do kind things but now I can't even help myself. So many things have turned bad. I have always taken care of my family but I have fallen down and I haven't been able to pick myself up. Financially I have went belly-up. My drive and ambition disappeared January 13, 2012. The day Landen was pulled from life support.

Sometimes I think how bad things were when we spent nearly two years in the hospital with Kaylee. I try to find strength in those sad days. Days we sat there not knowing what was going to happen next. Days we would have given anything to have our little girl's health back. But it's hard to compare because I have to deal with the fact that my boy is dead. A young man who had a whole life ahead of him. I sometimes wish I was with him because I don't want him to be alone.

Sadness, sadness from heartbreak and loss, physically hurts. My heart beats but it feels broken. I had so many things I needed to say to him. I wanted to watch him surf. I wanted to watch him get married. I wanted to see him become a man. A great man. Those things will never come now and it hurts. So many people say he's in a better place but that doesn't always help. It's something you say because there isn't anything else to say.

Kaylee had a shoulder replacement last week. She's been in bed recuperating. She's been sleeping propped up with a shoulder sling that looks so uncomfortable. The doctors predict she may need the other shoulder replaced sometime as well as her knees. There's also talk of her ankles needing a fuse job. Unbelievable. She just turned 20 yrs. old and she's having work done that an unlucky 80 yr. old would have. The prolong chemo and steroid use has devastated her little body. A tough thing to watch. But I begged God to leave her here, and he did, so I can't be too sad or mad. It's the hand we've been dealt.

You never know what life is going to give you. Some say that God only gives the strong the big loads. If that's true, I need to get a message to him soon so I can let him know that my legs are weak and my back is hurt and I can't take another load. It's funny how you can go through life and feel invincible until something hits you hard. I do believe there is something behind all this but I just haven't figured it out yet. I guess its what I do with it and how I come out of it.  
  

Appreciation

This morning I went to McDonald's at 7:30 am. I made my selection through the drive-thru and proceeded to the first window to pay. After dishing out my $8.24 for breakfast for two, I headed to the second window to pickup my order. The window opened and there stood a woman in her mid-forties. Her smile was genuine.

I often go to this McDonald's because it is close to the house. I know most everyone there because I have a habit of talking to anyone and everyone. I had never seen this woman so I assume she is new. Since the wind was a little chilly this morning I told her she needed a coat. Her response was that she was fine and that it was warm enough inside the restaurant. She said all that without losing her smile on her face. I could tell that this lady was sincerely happy.

The unusual part of this whole transaction was that I got the feeling that this lady was happy to be where she was. We all frequent drive-thrus weekly if not daily and to take notice of something as simple as a fast food worker was out of the ordinary for me and probably for any of us. But that smile was intriguing to me.

I came to the conclusion that this woman was happy that she was employed and it didn't matter where it was. I was impressed. Most of us wouldn't want to be working in a McDonald's but you never know when being accepted will come as a blessing. I am totally speculating about this whole scenario, but I couldn't help but play out the different reasons how Ms. McDonald arrived at the window serving me my meal. I thought she may have applied at several different jobs without any response. McDonald's may have been her only offer and she was happy to take the employment - regardless.

Why I took the time to ponder this lady and her situation was and is somewhat puzzling. I actually felt wonderful for her and it made me feel great. Seeing someone with a smile on their face makes me feel good. I get pleasure from happy people. I think I'm in love with happiness. To see people content and with joy fills me with admiration but sometimes it's envy that I feel.

So often I am restless and unsatisfied. Not that I should be but I think it's human nature to want more, to sometimes think you should be somewhere else or that you deserve more. The unfortunate thing is that we don't realize we are on the path that we are suppose to be on until we get to where we're going. I often want to fast track the process but it doesn't work that way. You sometimes have to go through the shit to get to the gold.

I was sidelined for an entire year due to an injury last April. I was in the hospital for nearly a month and was confined to a rented hospital bed for four months wondering - why me. I couldn't figure out what the plan was for me and how broken bones fit into the plan. I still have trouble walking and the pain in my legs becomes unbearable sometimes but I have realized that God took my wheels away from me because I was on a crash course. After Kaylee's sickness I was making up for lost time by going out more than I should have. I was socializing with a crowd who had little responsibility and time to kill. That association nearly cost me my life.

Today I know where I am going and the reasons why I had time to gain clarity. It was part of my road to stop and evaluate my life and take stock. It was the best thing that happened to me. I found a new appreciation for my life and the direction I'm heading in. The nasty accident wasn't what I would have wished for but it was delivered and I have to thank God my brain wasn't injured. My strengths are my creativity and drive. So after my encounter with Ms. McDonald I am going to smile a little more and be thankful that I have a goal and mission in life. Slinging Egg McMuffins might not be for me but I do appreciate that there is something for everyone!

ACT TWO

My beautiful daughter, Kaylee, is 18 yrs. old now and attending NW Missouri State. It's her Freshman year. The name fits appropriately because it's a fresh start for her. The thought was always there but when her school didn't submit her picture in the yearbook it sealed it for me. She needs a fresh start.

Tonight I picked her up at school in Maryville, MO for her appointments and commitments she has with Children's Mercy Hospital tomorrow. It was my first time there because when she moved a few weeks ago I was in a wheelchair and it was 100 degrees and I would have been in the way. If you didn't hear I was attacked on April 25th at a bar by several young men and was left with a broken arm and leg. I was in St. Luke's for nearly 30 days and acquired blood clots during my nice stay. Oh, I also was in bed for nearly four months but that's a different blog and old news.

Kaylee's room is cozy and Tammie made it very comfortable. Kaylee is roommates with her best friend Alyssa. Her friends Amanda and Halley are three doors down from them as well. Kaylee looked so grown-up when she came down to let me and Tam in her dorm. The ride wasn't bad and when she was with us going home it felt really nice. I miss her madly but I don't call her much. It's not that I don't want to call but I find it easier to not get caught up calling and pestering. I think she's known me long enough to know that it's my way of letting her go into the big world without me.

It's amazing how everything moves. People grow and change and their scenery changes too. I have been a few places and have come across many different people because I too branched out. I first left at 19 yrs. of age for California. I lived in San Diego with several guys from KC. It was so fun. I tried college for a couple semesters but it was never my thing. I wish I had a degree right now especially since my livelihood relies on me to hustle a buck to feed my family. I wonder what it would be like to go to work and collect money from someone else besides myself. This last few months have been a challenge. I've been laid up and it seems like one set back after another.

I've decided to write again. This time I'm going to do it because the release I received last time from my writing was very healthy but it won't be for survival this time around or to get me through the day. This time it will be because I can use the release again but not necessarily for survival but for the therapeutic adjustments it produce within myself. This time it won't be so much about Kaylee but about me and my travels. I am at a crossroad in my life personally and how it unfolds is going to be interesting. At least to me and those around me who depend on me. For some reason I lost myself over the course of the last few years and I need to regroup. It might work out or there's a good possibility that I might fall on my face. I really can't afford to fall on my face right now so I have to get busy and take control of the reigns of my life and succeed at whatever I do.

I have been in advertising for sometime now and I just dropped that from my new business plan. I am going to concentrate on networks, the assembly of networks, and new products. The effort and time it takes to sell ads is just to demanding and took control of my life. Do good and you're a hero, sell nothing and you're a zero. I want to create and make money and put people to work. The advertising world is made up of people who aren't like me. I conformed to that instead of going in the direction I wanted to because it paid the bills. Like one of my partners once said, "you shouldn't be in the ad biz if you don't want to sell ads" and he was right. As a matter of fact so many people were right and I turned into the person that wasn't me. But into the person that I thought everyone else wanted me to be. Not sure if that sounds right but it makes sense to me. I had people invest in me because I was creative then all of a sudden I was suppose to shelf this creative person and turn into an Advertising Executive. Not me. I am going to sell but its going to be products and services and everyone else can do the selling of advertising to fuel the machine but it won't be me!

"Friends are God's way of taking care of us."

Kaylee was at CMH today getting her blood work and counts taken. All chemo had been suspended for the last week or so to see were she stood on her health before they continue pumping her with that poison they call chemo. Sickness over took her last week so the doctors wanted her to get some rest. She is doing fine on her immune system and blood so the bombarding restarts tonight! The chemo has to continue for one more year 10/10/09 to follow the protocol she is on. We follow the rules and advice to ensure the treatments will work and eventually make my daughter cancer free for the rest of her life.

I was in Lawrence this afternoon. InAd TV is going to launch there and I'm pretty excited. We have had offers from across the country to enter different markets but I think Lawrence is a good choice. It is close to home and easy to enter the market because most venues know what my business is and what it does. I am also going to work with a major media group there and feel the fit is perfect. Keep your fingers crossed for my family and for my business.


Well I am comfortable to night and I'm having fun with this Facebook thing. Please add me to your friends michael@inadtv.com if you do it. I can't believe the friends that I'm reuniting with through this service. Incredible.

I want to comment on a profile that I came across. Her name is Deanna Ziegler of Kansas City. I know Deanna and I am related to her ex-husband through marriage. I look at her pictures and it is so apparent that all her gang of friends love each other. I saw her out one night and there she had 10 of her friends with her. Now let me make this clear, I can run with 10 guys but it isn't the same. This group is friends, husbands and wives, and even ex-husbands. It makes me envious, although the word is better replaced with admire, but I look at their friendship and think how valuable that bond is. Why I'm saying this is simple. You can have money, you can have the best looks, but you can't just have valuable friendships. Great friendships take some sort of investment, substance, or work. My hat goes off to you Deanna because you obviously deserve great friends because you must be a great person! Just my little observation.

"Friends are God's way of taking care of us." - Danielle N. Redfield

Shirley Temple

I joined Facebook! Kaylee is embarrassed but I have so many people I've reconnected with that I'm going to stay on it regardless. That site is amazing. It is reconnecting me with so many people I haven't talked to in such a long time. The fun thing for me has been reuniting with people that I lost contact with when I left the KCK school district. Although I love my folks from Shawnee Mission North it is nice to reconnect to your roots.

The people I have connected with look so good and seem to be doing great. As I get older (and wiser?) I sincerely feel good when I know others are doing good. Some people could careless if others are doing good, but I love to hear when life is treating others well. I guess I think we all deserve a good life.

Life is what you make of it. Last night I had to go to the hospital to visit a friend, a family member, Paul Vega. He was assaulted at a nightclub Thursday and was hurt severely. His head was fractured and his nose was broken. Paul is the toughest man I know and it goes to show you don't always win every battle. But when I was there I observed his gown, his hospital issued booty's, and his swollen face. I couldn't help but think that he is only human and didn't deserve the hurt he received. Tammie told me to take a good look at him and consider what could happen if you put yourself in the wrong situation. I did. Although it was a random attack it was just being there that led to his admission into ICU.

After leaving there I was suppose to meet a few guys out for some drinks but I went home instead. What happened to Paul could happen to me. It never fails that every time I go out someone always brings up how tough I was as a kid. This usually begins with someone mentioning it to me and whatever group I'm with. Then they point it out to others I don't know. Well you never know who wants to see if you still have it. I suspect that's what may have happened to Paul. I even have guys with me that will start trouble just knowing I'm there. Little do most of them know that it breaks my heart to think of anyone having to spend one night in the hospital. Especially if it was me!

Almost all of us have people that love us. I have kids, a wife, a mother, sisters, all of whom would be devastated if I was to get hurt. It wouldn't matter how I got hurt they would be heartbroken. I watched Paul's kids cry as their father lay there unrecognizable from his injuries. I looked at those same injuries and couldn't help but think how fragile our existence is. Tough to think how injury, sickness, or death can hurt and heartbreak a family.

It was sometime back that I was mad that Kaylee had gotten sick. The anger was there and Tammie was scared when I would go out. She worried that it might set me off if I was out and someone did something to trigger it. I would tell her she was crazy and continue to get dressed. But she was right. Drinking and socializing in places with strangers can be dangerous if you come across the wrong person. Hell, it could be me who could hurt someone. How ironic would that be. Me, so in tune with hurt and heartbreak and I accidentally hurt someone. That would be my luck. My irresponsible actions would place a kid, a wife, mother and sisters next to some poor guy in a hospital bed.

So from this point forward I'm drinking Shirley Temples and hanging out at the local Chuck E Cheese! Well maybe not the Chuck E Cheese but you get the point.

Grandma: Part 3 The Conclusion

Kerry's grandma finally received a green light from the U.S. to enter the country. We have been told that all the paper work is done and waiting for her at the U.S. Consulate in Honduras. We are grateful. It took some time but it appears that it worked out, we just need to get her here quickly. Kerry isn't doing so well.

Kerry has been on a ventilator and her situation hasn't improved. The doctors told Claudia that she needs to get better soon or problems could occur. So I ask everyone to say a prayer for this young girl. I went to see her today and she is sick. He poor little body is so swollen. I hardly recognized her. A drastic change from last week. I wish I would have taken a picture with here months ago when she was feeling healthy. I'll just wait until she gets healthy again I guess. My connection with the family is solid and I feel they appreciate me and the effort I've put into helping them get their grandmother/mother here.

It must have been in March or April when Claudia told me she needed help. That was when I decided I would try to help Claudia bring her mother here from Honduras. It sounded easy but the reality is there's so many laws, rules, and regulations that getting anything done is a toss up. Although I tapped resources and worked hard for the family, it was Christina Jasso who did the paper work and followed up. It would have never happened if it wasn't for Jasso.

Today I went by First Watch and grabbed Claudia a cheese omelet, sausage, and a biscuit. When I arrived at CMH the waiting room was packed. Kerry's family and friends were gathered there. Christina Jasso was taking one person at a time back to Kerry's room. She was giving Claudia a break. Her kindness is so inspiring. I think she has to be tired too. This fight has consumed her and she's become attached to Kerry and the family.

The best advice I could give anyone who might face a tough battle with sickness is find the good in the situation. This journey with Kerry has opened my eyes to the random kindness of strangers. The outpouring of support from people who have never met her is unbelievable. The experience has renewed my faith in my fellow man/woman. I was blessed with the opportunity to see good things happen in the midst of an ugly thing called cancer.

I'm done writing about Kerry and her family. It's time for them to move forward privately. My objective was to get a Visa for the grandmother and it looks like we may have succeeded. Since I'm done with my part I am going to concentrate on my family now. For those of you who wonder why I've been writing so much about the family, it was because they needed their story told so others would intervene and help at this desperate time. It worked. I hope that Kerry wins her battle and I encourage everyone to say a prayer for this beautiful child.

Start with a prayer.

I went to see Kerry Magana today. I brought lunch to her mother and got to spend some time with Kerry. She is very sick and depends on a ventilator to bring oxygen to her lungs. She is fighting and I ask everyone to say a prayer for her. We have a Kansas City Star article coming out this Monday. If you get a chance please pick up a copy and look for the Mary Sanchez column.



It is hard to comprehend how tiring it must be her mother. Sickness can wear you out just because of the sickness but throw in that Claudia has been there at CMH for 2 months straight. Kerry is in Intensive Care so what comfort Claudia had in the Bone Marrow floor disappeared when they moved Kerry. Claudia has to sleep with a mask, gloves, and sterile bib. The sounds and beeps from all the machinery would keep anyone awake but toss in that you have to make sure the oxygen mask stays on Kerry's face. So tough.



Claudia has to be there 24/7 so she hasn't worked. She has to feed herself while she is there. That food costs money and I know it can add up quickly. So sad. I can't believe that no one has offered her some sort of food voucher at the hospital. Another tough element in all of this is that Kerry's 13 yr-old sister is having to survive by herself. This means eating alone if her brother is working. She is 13 yrs-old and needs things like all other kids her age. Her shoes have went bad and I know that there's no money for shoes. This young child is frequently at the hospital with her mother and often wants to eat. Her mom doesn't always have the money to feed both her and her daughter. I couldn't imagine. How much can one person take?



It is so easy to listen to these stories and tune it out. If I had to do this alone I would break. If you only knew how stressful it is to spend weeks or in this case, months in the hospital. Those of us who had partners it was still hard as hell. To fight alone is unimaginable. The heartbreak, the financial burden, the fright!



Someday I hope I can advocate for families like Kerry's. It is my calling. I hope someday that I can make enough money in business to free me up to do these things. If anyone can help this mother in any way please do so. Start with a prayer.

InAd TV goes with a homestyle recipe

For Immediate Release
CONTACT: MICHAEL QUIJAS
MICHAEL@INADTV.COM
http://www.inadtv.com/
(877) 4 INAD TV

April 7, 2008 – The InAd TV Network will celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Stroud’s Restaurant & Bar with much enthusiasm today like so many others, but the company’s excitement goes beyond the signature cinnamon rolls and home style fried chicken dinners. InAd TV is pleased to announce their newest location in the much acclaimed historic Stroud’s Restaurant.
InAd TV Network is a Kansas City-based digital network channel that can be easily recognized by the signature TV’s that are placed above urinals and in the restroom mirrors of KC’s finest restaurants and nightclubs. This unique channel gives advertisers an opportunity to capitalize off the successful crowds that frequent their locations by prominently displaying full video commercials with sound to a captive audience.
Stroud’s South will open today at 11:00 a.m. at 4200 Shawnee Mission Parkway in Fairway, KS. For more information on how to get your business noticed please contact Michael Quijas or Ken Campbell at 877.446.2388 or visit www.inadtv.com

The InAd TV Network partners with Mcfadden’s

For Immediate Release
CONTACT: MICHAEL QUIJAS
MICHAEL@INADTV.COM
http://www.inadtv.com/
(877) 4 INAD TV

JANUARY 31, 2008 - Mcfadden’s Sports Saloon located at 1330 Grand Blvd. in the Power & Light district is the latest addition to the rapidly growing and ever popular InAd TV Channel Network.
InAd TV is a Kansas City-based digital network channel that can be easily recognized by the signature TV’s that are placed above urinals and in the restroom mirrors of KC’s finest restaurants and nightclubs.
The on-air programming includes in-house promotions like specials, upcoming events, and featured menu items.
In addition to the in-house promotional tool, InAd TV gives advertisers an opportunity to capitalize off the successful crowds that frequent their locations by prominently displaying full video commercials with sound to a captive audience.
For more information on how to get your business noticed please contact Michael Quijas or Ken Campbell at 877.446.2388 or at www.inadtv.com

2 Hold Outs and a Smile...

I can't tell you how great I felt today. Besides Kaylee having to go to CMH for blood work this morning, I had a great day. I was happy and I was productive. I'm not trying to toot my own horn, but I hardly ever get mad during my day and I feel I treat everyone fair. I laugh a lot and generally have fun doing whatever it is I'm doing. I want to be the kind of person I'd want to be around. I sometimes get around people and I want to leave as soon as I get there. Misery can be contagious if you're not careful.



I gave a presentation at 11:00 am at the Bernstein-Rein Advertising office this morning. There were 9 employees from the media department waiting for me in the conference room. I took the seat at the head of the table and did my thing. I think that the speeches I've given over the last year have really helped in my cool and calm department. I use to get really nervous but I've figured out that you need to stay cool and calm, and never act as if you're out of breathe.



I always pretend like I'm the boss. The old saying was "pretend everyone in the room is naked" but I just pretend that I'm the big guy who calls the shots. Crazy? Well it works for me. I envision everyone wanting to be me! Try it, it works. When I talk about my product or service I imagine that I am sharing financials with stockholders. When someone from the crowd makes eye contact I pretend I'm going to offer this person the employee of the month award. It works.

When I arrived this morning for the meeting I was feeling great. It wasn't because I was going into a meeting with 9 different personalities, or because I was going to try to sell myself for an hour. Misery! It was because I had a moment right before I walked in the door, I thought how lucky I was I to have so many people waiting to talk to me. Silly but who would have thought that you could create a product and demand attention. I was going into a room full of people wanting to hear about this thing they call InAd TV! My dream, my creation, my morning.

Out of the 9 people in the room, I only meshed with 7. The two hold outs were not my personality type. The others were receptive. The last two kept their distance and their smile to themselves. Well I did my thing and ended my presentation and threw in some personal advice. I told everyone to smile during their day and enjoy life. They knew I had a child fighting cancer because someone asked me to tell them a little about myself. So I did. I think that these mothers, fathers, and ad people related when I suggested that they smile. If I can smile having a sick kid, then anyone can. They smiled and said thank you. I finished up the presentation with a funny story on how Bernstein-Rein Advertising and I got introduced. The story was so funny that everyone in the room including my 2 hold outs started laughing. It was only a matter of time before I had 9 out of 9 ad exec's laughing and smiling.

Well I'm out of words, and out of time, but I'm not out of breathe!

The story behind 10 Kids Insured...

I officially started my non-profit "10 Kids Insured" on January 16,2008 in the state of Missouri. I have a 501 (c) 3 application pending. I'm not sure about the wording on all that but the attorney does. I am providing health care insurance to children who are lacking coverage. I am providing children an opportunity at health. (I like that phrase, I think I'll use that somewhere in the literature.) I announced the idea on December 21, 2007 as a gift to families to mark the six month anniversary of Kaylee and her battle against cancer. For those that don't know about Kaylee, she is my beautiful fifteen year-old daughter who was diagnosed with leukemia (A.L.L.) on June 21, 2007.

I had the idea for sometime but I wasn't sure how I would raise the money for such an endeavor. I decided to use my business as a tool to generate money for the cause. I own a unique company in Kansas City called InAd TV. InAd TV is a digital signage company in Kansas City that specializes in restroom installations. We place TV's above urinals and in vanity mirrors. My network consists of 100 LCD screens covering the Metro area. My business is to install the system then have sales teams sell the advertising on the screens. We always have excess commercial time and I thought that I could turn that unsold air time into insurance premium money for the kids. Sounds good.

The problem with that is I will have to wait to get it all lined out and then reconsider, toss it around, and find reasons not to do it. I decided to do it differently. I would find the money for the kids. I just needed the kids. Low and behold I received a phone call. There is a group of girls in the city that want to play a sport but they can't because they don't have health insurance. I guess there's a rule requiring coverage. The insurance broker got wind of it and called me. I thought about it for a second and thought, "I can handle that!"

Providing insurance to kids that want to play sports is a perfect fit for us. My daughter, a cheerleader, has been sidelined and bedridden for nine months. She has not been able to participate in any activities this year. She has not stepped into one classroom. Hasn't had a chance to sit in her favorite chair at lunch. These fifteen girls can make it up for Kaylee. They can play for Kay. I am going to stay tight lipped about the organization I'm helping until it is finalized.

I told family and friends about my mission and the connection with Kaylee and everyone threw in money. I raised money this first round from people who want to help me help the kids. I'm amazed by the generosity of people. I get to launch my first kids in honor of Kaylee, Fifteen girls who want to play on a team. Maybe one of these kids will meet her best friend, Maybe it will keep a child busy and she won't get into trouble because she'll be at practice. Maybe one of these girls will find that she has so much talent and maybe just maybe this kid will get a scholarship because her talent is noticed.

The insurance issue is a touchy one for me. I want kids to be able to go to the doctor when they are sick. Waiting in the emergency room at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City, MO is torturous. It takes hours to get in and the treatment is brisk due to the volume of patients. I'm sure being able to see a doctor on your own appointment terms will be a luxury to any of these kids. The hospital is a life saver to many, but an all day event to say the least.

As much support as I've had, I've also had to deal with negativity and mixed emotions. I look at this as an opportunity to help kids live healthy lives, provide peace of mind to parents, and a way for me to give it back to the community. Some people have told me to wait and search for the right kids. What? If your child has no insurance and I can help, and all other options have been exhausted then you're my candidate. I'm convinced that if you don't chase your dream or implement your plan you'll wake up one day with regret. I don't want any regret in my life or my family's life.

Driving for the Family...

The hardest thing about watching your child fight sickness, especially something called cancer, is witnessing your child lose their innocence. I can’t explain the whole situation because I don’t completely understand it my self. This little blessing you create is your angel. If you have no children it might be hard to understand, but if you’re lucky enough to have the experience of raising children then you know what I mean.

My child wanted to cuddle and snuggle nine months ago. Sickness hit then things changed. There are so many other things going on besides being daddy’s little girl now. That is the worst for me. I want to love but it’s an inconvenience for her at times. Sickness rules the house and everything else is secondary.

Kaylee left for the emergency room around 9:30 tonight for blood. She is running low and needs it badly so we decided to take her tonight instead of waiting until tomorrow. We are so close to the final phase, we want to be safe and we want Kaylee to feel as healthy as possible. I stayed home with Christian.

I went in to check on the little guy and he was sleeping. This is unusual for him. We normally have to tell him to go to sleep. He was sleeping when I went in around 10:30. I suspect he wanted to end the day because of Kaylee and the fact his big sister had to pack up and go to the hospital so late. As I went to turn the TV off I looked at the top of his head. The only thing exposed beneath the covers. I felt for him. He is part of a family that has to make concessions for the sickness. I love him for taking it and never complaining.

I took Christian to baseball tonight. I let the dog go as well. As I watched him I could not help but think how incredibly talented he is. He is so good at baseball. So good that he gets noticed by everyone that passes by any field he is on. His talent is not being inflated by a proud father but being relayed from a spectator who happens to be his proud father.

Being good at something doesn’t guarantee you’ll be noticed. Christian is noticed and I hope he continues to get the notoriety from his hard work & talent. I think being good at something is important. I was okay at wrestling. But sports never fully engaged me. They still don’t. I had a ticket for tomorrow's basketball tournament but I decided I have more important things to get done.

I like what I do for a living. Today I was finishing up where my construction guy fell short and I felt something. I was watching people working in the Power & Light District this morning and I couldn’t help but feel the feeling of working for someone else. I don’t have much experience working for others but I do have certain memories. My memories usually involve a pit in my stomach. I hated being somewhere because someone told me to be there. Weird but true. I never really found that place with anyone else’s business. I would arrive do what was expected but I never truly fit in. That’s okay. I respect everyone that can earn a living whether it be for their selves or for the other guy.

I had to leave at 6:00am this morning to get to the jobsite. As I was driving I felt a great feeling. It wasn’t because I was going to my awesome job, but for all the people driving to theirs. I couldn’t help but think that the majority of those driving were doing so to feed their families. They were up early to make things happen for those loved ones probably still at home sleeping. Maybe it was me that I was watching in those other cars!

Style...

I was thinking about style. I'm not sure if I have much if any. I'm not saying that to be harsh on myself but I lost my need to be the best dressed and the one with the fastest car. I say I wouldn't mind having those qualities or material possessions but they are not priorities. They were at one time but not today.

It was so important to have the best looking this or that but I lost it. Where did it go? I used to have fancy labels on my clothes and it was common to have a Mercedes or Cadillac. Today I have 2 suites and one Hyundai. Oh I have a Jeep that is over 10 years-old as well. Why am I telling you this? I have to go to an Ad Agency where an old classmate works. I just found out about it recently and I must be honest, I was wondering how I look 20 yrs. later. I know I've gained weight, turned gray, and struggle each day. Am I supposed to be slimmer, colored, and wealthy?

This is irrelevant with what I have going on. Some might read this and say it doesn't matter, those things are unimportant. I agree but we all want to feel good. I've made a decision to sacrifice today for tomorrow. What does that mean? I am doing without today so I can have a better tomorrow. I invest everything in InAd TV. I pass on the fancy clothes because I can buy a TV and computer to further my business. I can't afford a nice car, one that would stroke my ego as I arrive to the meetings because I can't afford any extra financial debt.

The other day I wore a pair of straight leg jeans. Someone told me I should never wear those things ever again. They weren't stone washed, but they were straight legged! I gave a buddy a ride home a few days ago and he said that I should be driving an SUV instead of my compact Hyundai. I wore a baseball cap with my oxford the other day because my hair is too long and I haven't gotten a hair cut. I just don't care, but I do.

So I am scheduled to go visit an old classmate at a successful Ad Agency. What do I have going for me? I own a company that has a presence in every part of KC. Ninety percent of all people in KC who are under the age of 30 knows or have seen InAd TV. I work or know most everyone at every major media outlet in KC. I'm viewed as a business owner instead of someone that works at the ABC Co. I've started something unique and different. I often have people want me to tell them my story. Do people usually want other people's story? Is that the norm or is my story worth asking for?

I often tell myself that I'm an authority of digital signage. I have one of the biggest digital networks in KC and I specialize in a certain field, so I am important. I might not be curing a disease but I am on the fore front of whats to come in my chosen profession. I think that I have ideas and capabilities to add to the growth of this movement. I feel like an inventor. I'm often called an entrepreneur. So that's my story and I'm sticking to it even if I don't have style!

Tammy Cochran...

There was a murdered woman found in Olathe, KS on 3-05-08. Her name was Tammy Cochran and she was a friend. I hadn't seen her in years but we went to school together. I would see her occasionally from year to year but that was the extent. I was called yesterday and told the tragic news.



The picture they ran of her at first made me feel good for her family. Tonight I saw Fox 4 News running her mugshots from the last few years. It broke my heart. If getting murdered and set a fire wasn't enough for any family, now they have to deal with the stories being aired. I can see the police doing their investigating and looking at all angles but for the news to write and report of her troubles is troubling.




I didn't know her son, I never had dinner with her or her family but I wish she could have had a little dignity to her name and legacy after a sudden and senseless death. I've had friends call and say she was sick with this or that but she is gone and who cares. I'm the first to say if you play with fire you'll get burned but she's gone. Let her have peace. Let her family have peace.


We all have problems of some sort. We all know someone who has been affected by bad decisions. Drug addiction, crime, and dysfunction is around everyone. You might live a righteous life but that doesn't mean you don't have a cousin battling demons. Your neighbor could be fighting to save his child from addiction. That co-worker could be living through hell even though he or she smiles as they drink that coffee. Who are we to pass judgement.

I agree that we all look at someone and say they should get their shit together. But I've learned that I'm not going to try to be that moral monitor because I do not know what people are going through or what path they've walked. It is so easy for people to say that you get what you deserve. I disagree. I think that all of us come to a cross road at some point in our life. Most of us won't go a certain path but I know a lot of good people who did go the wrong way but came back. It was direction that most look back at and say why? But they had the opportunity to come back. This poor person was a mother, daughter, and sister. She may have fought her way back, but we'll never know.

I can't restore any thing for any one, I'm trying to restore health at the moment. I wanted to write something good about a person that I knew a long time ago who I knew as a good person. So Tami Cochran rest in peace and I'm sorry you didn't have the opportunity to fight back. You're at home now and I'll tell people good things about you!

Her story can be viewed by clicking on this link, http://blogs.kansascity.com/crime_scene/2008/03/olathe-pd-inves.html

Break the Darkness...

Kay is feeling much better these days. She is starting to get back to that comfortable state. I think we do the long chemo treatment on Wednesday. She gets chemo then the flush. I hope we have little side effects. At this point its so hard to judge how Kays body will react. We need to take our medicine on a routine basis but it would be nice to get a break for more than a week. Treatment is our priority.

Today was an OK day. I stayed up too late last night and getting up this morning was a challenge of sorts. If I see Kaylee's light on then I stay up later. I never want Kaylee to fight the night alone. Kaylee has been sleeping longer and getting up later. Such a change from a week or so ago. I feel better knowing that Kaylee has one of us up to keep her company if she needs it. Night time can be a lonely time. Night time is a little more fun when your Dad is Michael Quijas and he resides in a room just a few steps from your door. I will go for the late night food run. Coffee if you can handle it. Hell, I've been known to take a late night cruise just to break the darkness!

Bigger things to worry about...

I was thinking about how certain things or circumstances don't really get me upset as they once did. I sit here ready to give examples and I can't think of any. Lets just say that there's almost nothing that can upset me. As long as it doesn't threaten me, I'm fine. Something about this sickness.

Since we started this recovery process I'm convinced that there are so many other things in life to get worked up over. Bad news, tragedy, and disppointment might be a few but petty issues aren't going to cloud my days. I choose to focus on good things. If something doesn't pose a danger or a need for immediate action then I pass these days on any kind of conflict. This makes me feel like I've grown as a person. Who would think that something like sickness could make you grow as human. It has opened my eyes to for the better.

I went to a Bone Marrow Drive this morning. The drive was for Kerry Magana. She is fourteen and battling leukemia like Kaylee. Just like Kaylee, she has A.L.L.. Kerry relapsed and needs a marrow transplant. I battled the weather and made it down for the drive. I was connected to the event by circumstances of health. If that doesn't make sense or the wording was wrong, I was also connected by my mild participation in promoting this important event. I received the info for the drive and had Kerry on the Hispanic radio on Friday, in the Hispanic News Daily Newspaper this last week and posted in charitable organizations across town. I felt compelled to help in one way or another. I feel her family's pain.

So what did you today? Well I hope you stay happy and conflict keeps away. If you need to find clarity in your life then look for good things even if it means sifting through things you think are bad. I would recommend that you stay from the events that guided me to see things different. But if heartbreak and saddness does appear I suggest you take whatever good you can find and try to do something great with it. Treat your family well and try to contribute to your community. You might make a difference.

I have to get home...

My bank was held-up yesterday. The bank sits directly behind my house and it is a place I frequent almost daily. A sad and scary situation for my ladies in the bank. To say I'm paranoid would be strong but I have to be observant about my surroundings at all times. I have to make it home daily. I say that because as much as I'm appreciated at home I'm also needed at home. The thought crossed my mind, what if I was in the bank? I'm not going to sound crazy and say I would be a hero but my ass is going to make it home. If that means smacking a robber around than so be it.

I mentioned before that Tammie has always said be careful when I go out and it never registered. Well it does these days, and I intend to make it home. It is scary that someone could come in your place of work and harm you. Thinking about that angers me. Our life is challenging right now with two of us juggling appointments, admissions, and care. I think how hard it would be for one parent if you had to do it alone. Today I look at all angles. The bottom line is I have to get home every day and no one is going to stop me!

Did You See The Paper Today?

http://www.kansascity.com/business/emerging/story/485477.html

About the business: The company, which has five employees, installs TVs above urinals in men’s restrooms and in vanity mirrors of women’s restrooms in restaurants. The channel plays advertisements along with the restaurant menu, specials and events. About 100 LCD screens are in operation across the area.

Owners: Michael Quijas and Zach Lund

Owners’ roles: “My responsibilities have me overseeing new construction, sales and research and development,” Quijas said. “Zach helps facilitate a smooth-running back office, takes care of the financials of the company and helps plan the strategy.”

How long did it take you to start your business:
“I started my business in April 2005. It was called In Ad Advertising. My business was putting plastic billboards on grocery carts. I sat for weeks waiting for the green light from a grocery store chain. My downtime felt like an eternity. So I started exploring new ideas and came up with the TV idea. I shifted gears (that fall) and put the grocery cart project on the back burner.
“I realized that restaurant owners were more likely to let me install digital screens in their restrooms compared to the old worn-out poster boards that indoor billboard companies commonly use. I found a new business off the old business. Fuel American Made Bar & Grill and Raoul’s Velvet Room at 119th and Metcalf (in Overland Park) were the first two restaurants to participate.”

How did you come up with this idea?
“I was involved in the indoor advertising industry in San Diego. This is where a company puts a sign on the back of a restroom stall door or above the urinals.
“When I was at Best Buy one afternoon, I was observing all the TVs on display when something hit me. The screens all had the same thing playing. This piqued my curiosity. So I asked the clerk how something like this is made possible. The clerk took me to the video switch and showed me how it all worked. That was the afternoon that my wheels started turning.”

What challenges have you faced?
“The sacrifice my family made for this dream was substantial. We couldn’t always afford to do the things that other families were doing. I’m embarrassed, but my health insurance lapsed more than a couple of times for lack of payment. Two months after re-enrolling, my 14-year-old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia.
“Appointments, sales and deadlines totally got lost. They didn’t matter. But the bills would continue to come. I knew I had to come up with a system that could have me juggle my day shift at Children’s Mercy Hospital with my daughter and somehow include time for business. My wife did nights at CMH, and I took over the days. I set up an office out of CMH. I worked in the room, in the hall, in the cafeteria. This helped me get back into the swing of things without leaving the most important girl in my life alone.”
How did this challenge affect you and your business?
“It has given me great appreciation for people, families and life. I am more aware of the fact that I have no idea what anyone is going through. I don’t know if someone is crashing financially; I don’t know if the guy driving slowly is on his way to sit next to his sick kid. All I know is that business and personal matters do connect. If you are lacking on the business side, it can affect your family. If you are unhappy at home, it can affect your work.”
What advice would you give to someone starting a business?
“Believe in yourself. Take each mistake as a lesson. Remember that the road will curve from time to time, and it can also get bumpy. I have learned that each obstacle or adverse situation has made me grow and has delivered me to where I am.”

Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell, special to The Star