Safety and Elvis

Today included a beautiful drive to Northeast Mississippi for an Agriculture and Garden Day at the fairgrounds.  I was pleased to be invited to share ATV Safety with a new group of folks.  When I arrived, I got to catch a little of a demo and educational talk on soap-making and herbs.  Such great information, and I plan to try some of her soap!

With a briefing and the sad news of a recent ATV accident, I was reminded of why I chose to do what I am doing. I braced myself and looked at the sweet faces before me waiting to hear what I had to share.  I went through my tips for safety which are Having FUN by playing it SAFE.  I do ask if the kids have been on an ATV, and if they had fun (of course, they had fun!).  We discuss how each tip gives them an opportunity to use the ATV safely.  With each tip they do correctly, they are greatly decreasing the chances of an accident, especially a severe one.  On the opposite end, each thing they do incorrectly ADDS to the likelihood of a severe injury or death. (For more on my safety tips, follow my facebook page to receive tips and updates.)

On the upbeat side, it was great to see the sincere appreciation in the faces of those I met who told me they were glad to see me promoting the safety, and that it is needed.  This, of course, does not mean that others are not promoting safety as well.  It just means that it is much needed.  I am honored to work alongside, as well as follow, those who have and do promote safety of our youth and families.

I had a great time taking pictures and signing autographs of my ATV Safety sheets.  My good friend, Kendra will be sending me the pictures she took.  I will share a couple with you until then.

If you are wondering where Elvis comes in....I was looking for another festival I had just heard of this morning, when I passed the birthplace of Elvis.  Now, you just can't pass by the Elvis home, and museum and not stop!  What a cool place to meet people from all over!!  Renovations are underway, and I enjoyed meeting the man behind it all.  He told me he is looking at being finished in June.  If you are ever near Northeast MS, make plans to stop by!  People come from all over the world.

Wishing you safety and smiles!
Traci

Fun Friday

Today turned out to be a great Friday- nevermind that it was Friday the 13th!  My daughter and I wore purple in support of Purple Up! for Military Kids (my son had on some maroon...which you could say is in the purple family, and common here in MSU Bulldog Country!).   I hope the kids of those deployed, or recently deployed, realize how much we appreciate the sacrifice made by their families.

With the busy schedule lately, tonight was a much anticipated night with my kids before heading out early in the morning for a safety promo as Mrs. Mississippi International.  After my son suggested we purchase the Chipmunks Shipwrecked movie, we began our plans.  Even though we had seen it together at the theatre, is was just as fun to plan tonight.  I purchased M&Ms, had the popcorn ready and waiting, and the root beer (a naturally sweetened favorite that is a treat).  Just yesterday, something reminded me of the homemade corndogs my mom used to make when I was growing up.  So, I purchased my favorite hotdogs (minus the dye and artificial stuff), and searched for a recipe.  Those who know me well may not believe I purchased hotdogs, much less fried them!   But, this was a special night that called for a special meal.  My daughter helped me get the hotdogs ready, and we turned them into corndogs...DELICIOUS corndogs!  They were even gluten-free and who knew?!  My son said they were better than the school corndogs, and that comes as a BIG compliment.

We had a great time watching the chipmunks, and all that Alvin gets into.  My husband even surprised us and made it in a little early from his roadtrip.  So, with a wonderful Friday with my family behind me, I can look forward to a great trip tomorrow and enjoy the more than five hours on the road.  Life is good, and God is great!

Wishing you safety and smiles~
Traci

More than just a Crown

Some of you may have wondered why I would step out of my normal routine to be Mrs. Mississippi International.  Why be in a pageant?  Why go around with that crown on your head and wearing a sash?

The Mrs. International Pageant is remarkable because it highlights the accomplishments of married women.  As married women, and especially moms, we can get so buy taking care of everything else, and everyone else that little time is left to devote to ourselves.  The Mrs. International pageant brings together a wonderful mix of women from around the world as they share what is near and dear to their hearts.  Although many of us may have several areas of interest, we choose what we most feel important in reaching others.

Being Mrs. Mississippi International has opened up opportunities to share my platform with families and organizations that I would not have found as a 4-H Agent. Another thing that is so appealing about the pageant is that the interview counts for fifty percent, while physical fitness and evening gown each count 25%.  I love that physical fitness is included, as it is a constant reminder to me that it is okay to carve out exercise time for myself.  And I must say that the evening gown competition is very special since I will be escorted by my handsome husband!

I hope you see how special this pageant system is, and know that it is more than just a crown or a title.  It is a crown of compassion, caring, and sharing.  For that reason, I feel blessed to be a part of it.

Wishing you safety and smiles,
Traci

Safety Day in Mississippi weather

It was a cool day, a dusty day,... a rainy day, a hot day.  Yes, it was all of those things within a few hours!  Talk about a bad or confusing hair day! You have to love Mississippi weather; at least there are days when you have several choices throughout the day.

The day started with thunderstorms as I made the drive to Houston, MS.   I was concerned about the rain starting since I was on the outside edge of the metal county agriculture building.  My colleague assured me not to worry, that it would pass.  They had delivered a nice, large ATV for me to use as a visual aid. It was just a little wet with the rain that had started, but it would make a great point of reference when talking to the 5th graders. 

I went over my points of ATV Safety, and how I came about promoting it as Mrs. Mississippi International.  I knew from talking to groups prior, and from observations, that riding the wrong size ATV is one major mistake made by many.  I use the demonstration that I could drive their bus back to their school, and I can barely reach the brakes, and barely reach the steering wheel; but, hey, I can drive it!  I ask them to stretch out their arms as far as they could and stretch out one leg as if the brake pedal is far away.  This is what happens when a young child gets on an adult or teen sized ATV.  Yes, they can turn the engine on; yes, they can use the throttle. Hopefully, they can stop it at some point.  However, they are not equipped physically or mentally to operate a larger ATV.  Steering, turning to avoid obstacles, and using the brakes are not easy for a child when the ATV is too large.  I think and hope the point came across, and that it is remembered the next time they are tempted to hop on an ATV that is not their size.

I enjoyed sharing the other tips on my list.  Of course, helmet use was a top priority as well.  It was especially nice to have youth members of the Pilot International Club there; they are called Anchors as youth until they are old enough to become Pilot members.  They have brain safety and education as the main focus of the group.  I turned parts of the education over to them to share with some of the 5th graders.  I reminded the teens that the elementary students looked up to the them and respect their opinion.  The two teen boys handled the task very well, and told the kids "That's not cool... (in their "cool" voice) when the elementary students would give an example of something they had done incorrectly. "It' s not cool to do stunts...you will get injured doing that."  Then, a female teen gives the group an example of  how doing several things wrong can turn into big trouble. I just love the way the teens are taking a lead and not waiting for adulthood to step up to the plate.

I could write more, but I will post a few of the pictures instead.

Wishing you safety and smiles,

Traci

Brain Inury Awareness Month & More

It may be the end of March, and March may be the designated month for Brain Injury Awareness, but that does not mean the focus of this important topic will fade away.  This month has been full of conversations with a variety of people on the topic of brain injuries and how to be safe.  I really do feel blessed to have met and connected with those of you I met.  We each have something unique to offer, and together we can make a difference.  Whether as a mom, a daughter, a son, a father, a professional, a volunteer, an elected official, a grandparent, an ASI (ATV Safety Institute) instructor, a 4-H agent, or a football coach.  What I have to offer as Mrs. Mississippi International is completely different from a football coach, but each contribution is important and unique.  We can each make the most of what we have been given to make a difference.  That is what is so wonderful about coming together for a common cause.  The crown would not work well for the football coach, and I would be a terrible coach!  But I know that I am fulfilling my purpose by sharing my platform as Mrs. Mississippi International.

Please help me spread the word that education on brain injuries can and does make a difference.  Yes, ATV or motorized helmets are super important.  Just as important is a bicycle helmet for biking or skateboarding.  For those in group sports, I am learning that education on sports concussions is of upmost importance.  The Brain Injury Association has taken an active role to promote simple legislation to better protect youth from long-term effects of multiple concussions.  What can you do?

Get involved, and be a role model by wearing a helmet, teaching a child, or sharing your special gift.


Wishing you safety and smiles,
Traci

Legislative Day with Brain Injury Association

In Mississippi, March 22 was Legislative Day at the Capital of MS.  This was a great opportunity to show my support for a great organization that works closely with our State 4-H and works hard to keep our youth safe from brain injuries.  From the moment I arrived as Mrs. Mississippi International, I was greeted and warmly welcomed by staff and fellow supporters.  I was blessed to first meet several special ladies and men- brain injury patients.  They were there as stroke victims, or survivors of accidents that left them with a brain injury.  I love the fact that they have the common goal of supporting the Brain Injury Association and all that it does!  As Dana of the Brain Injury Association told me, "They are our support."

I enjoyed taking pictures with each of them and listening to them as they shared about themselves...some more than others.  It was a pleasure to meet Wesley, a young man with the legislation concerning sports concussions bearing his name.  He suffered from a severe injury while playing high school football.  It was amazing to hear him tell his story at the press conference, and then to meet his family and see how he bragged on his mom and dad supporting him through the near-death experience and coma.  The legislation is simply to protect youth eighteen and under so that they do not experience multiple concussions and have the severe complications that can go along with that.

Spending time talking to Wesley was one of the highlights of my trip.  We share a passion for not only prevention of brain injuries...but for Ariat boots as well!  As we stood around talking, he commented that his feet were tired.  I pointed to my heels and asked how he though my feet were feeling!  He said actually he loved his boots.  I commented on how I love my Ariat boots, and even threw them in my car this morning....just in case...you never know!  He smiled, and pulled up his pant leg to show a little of his boot.  "That is what mine are!" he exclaimed. We shared a "high five" and had fun laughing about our boots, and how one of us mispronounced it!   I sure hope our paths cross again soon in our fight to prevent injuries and keep youth safe.

Well, I have much more to tell later, but I am signing off for now. More pictures to follow later.  Please take care and remember to not take things for granted. 

Blessings to you and your family,
Traci

Busy Month for Brain Injury Awareness!

Hopefully you are following on my facebook page, as that is where I do most of my posting.  If not, you may find me as Mrs. Mississippi International, Traci Mongeon.

Now, on to brain injury awareness!  This month is recognized as Brain Injury Awareness Month by the Brain Injury Association.  You may wonder what this has to do with you.  Glad you asked!  The slogan this year is "Anytime, Anywhere, Anyone: Brain Injuries do not Discriminate."  From children playing, to high school athletes, to adults, to stroke victims - all are affected by brain injuries.  The Brain Injury Association is the advocate of the brain injury victim.  Not only that, they work to help prevent injuries in the first place because prevention is the only sure cure for brain injuries.

What can you do this month...or anytime?  You can donate to worthy causes like the Brain Injury Association in your state.  You may also check out Pilot International which is another great organization promoting brain health and works with a wide variety of brain associated disorders, including Alzheimer's. Like the Brain Injury Association, they also work with youth to prevent brain injuries.  Two more organizations which I work closely with include ATV Safety Institute and 4-H Youth organization.  Both of these groups joined forces to offer trainings for teaching youth, as well as adults, how to properly and safely operate ATV's.  All of the above organizations are doing great work in helping to keep our kids and families safe.  Consider becoming a member of one or more of the groups or giving your time to help the cause.  And of course, you could set a good example by sporting your helmet while biking or on motorized vehicles like ATV's.

It has been a blessing meeting many new wonderful people behind the scenes in these organizations.  Tomorrow I get to reconnect with a great lady from Brain Injury Association of Mississippi, and meet the Director behind it all.  I look forward to being at the Mississippi Capital to show support for the Brain Injury Association on the special Brain Injury Awareness Day.

It is a special week in the Mongeon household for sure!  Cupcakes and cake baked with the help of a very special young chef having a birthday this month.  I still think there is a light dusting of flour in one corner of my kitchen.  I will just remember the special time we had together as I find more flour.  Special memories....I love it!