A new volunteer opportunity

Out of college I worked for Bethphage, which is now Mosaic in Dallas.  Can't believe that has been nearly 10 years ago!  Mosaic is a faith based organization that provides services in communities across the US to individuals with developmental disabilities and special needs.  Consequently,  Mosaic has an office in Kansas City, KS.

I was approached by their Development Officer a few months back about joining their Community Relations Council- a volunteer board that assists the organization in partnering with community groups, development of grants, obtaining donations and running their special events.  Of course this is a role right up my alley so I made sure it wouldn't be a conflict of interest since in a way I work for a competitor, although in a neighboring County.  The higher ups deemed it "not" a conflict of interest so I agreed to my volunteer participation on their CRC!

Thursday was our first meeting and I left there so full of ideas and my brain going a mile a minute!  I thought of people in my social circle who could assist in Mosaic's development in the community and in what roles they may able to provide support. I thought of their current needs, art supplies, tennis shoes, men's and women's clothing, towels and bedding, dental services and all the ways I could network to help them achieve their goals.  Their biggest event is their Mosaic Masquerade which takes place in October 2011 at the Mosaic Lounge in Kansas City's Power and Light District.

I'm thankful for this volunteer opportunity. I think it will help me grow as a person, allow for networking, meeting new people and in conjunction with this year's theme, continue to give back.  It's funny how God works in mysterious ways. I am someone who has to stay busy, have dates on the calendar and plans in the making. I was wondering what the heck I would do with all my time after the walk is over and here God already has laid a foundation of something new for me.    

Free Tree Day

Most people know I am a sucker for coupons, etc. If you  live in Kansas City I would encourage you to sign up for 435 South Magazine email list.  They inform you of lots of great deals and events in Johnson County.  In fact every Tuesday a place located South of 435 offers a lunch deal for $4.35.  This week however in the 435 South Magazine e-newsletter, they publicized that on April 2nd the City of Overland Park is offering a FREE TREE or shrub seeding to any Overland Park resident between 9am-12pm. My only problem will be planting it but thankfully Papa Craig is making his way to KC on April 7th! To learn more about the free tree or shrub seeding click here. 

Putting a little Swagger in my step

I had my first experience dining at a restaurant featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" last night. Our Thursday night dinner club went to Swagger in Kansas City, Missouri.  Two words, deliciously fantastic! Not sure if those are even words but seriously I can't wait to go back! I checked out the Pulled Pork sandwich which was featured on the show and I have never had such a good Pulled Pork sandwich. A million times better than Oklahoma Joes which is the prime BBQ spot in KC.  A must check out if you are visiting the area.

Friday food for thought

This week, when traveling into unknown territory, my Garmin directed me to exit off the interstate and then promptly re-enter on to the interstate. I am still wondering what the h*ll that was about.

My friend Lindsay is doing the Race for the Cure in Indianapolis in honor of her mama who is currently battling stage 4 breast cancer.  Lindsay's passion for breast cancer awareness amazes me.  Support her here.

Whenever I see somebody get a flower delivery I get excited for them.  Who doesn't love fresh flowers?

As the 5K gets closer I have noticed my wine supply  has quickly dwindled. Uh-oh. Stress or just starting the celebration early?

I went from being in  3rd place in our March Madness pool to 7th. Damn it Duke!

I am so moved by people's generosity and kindness each and every day.

To whichever family member put the "Poo Log, a Record Keeper" book in my stocking at Christmas. I have successfully passed it on by leaving it in the bathroom of an unsuspecting friend. I am still giggling.....

I got this in a fortune cookie this week, "A day worth of worry is a weeks worth of work." (yes, most of my friends that know me well are wondering how the heck I got a fortune cookie since I don't even like Chinese food, see below.)

The Wok and Roll Chinese Express, two blocks from my house,now has Sushi. I tried it. It really wasn't that good. :(

I've seen this several times and I love this, "you may not remember what somebody said to you but you will always remember how they made you feel."

I am a diet coke feign and when you go a restaurant and they sneak in a diet pepsi, that just doesn't cut it.

I have come to the conclusion that often times bottles of wine that you buy at local wineries really aren't that good. I opened a bottle this week and about gagged and I tried to sip down a glass. Perhaps after you do several wine tastings in a day, you'll buy anything...

I got a call this week from a Hot Dog vendor wanting to bring his Hot Dog cart to the 5K. I know there are people that love Hot Dogs, Mary and MA :), but really? Hot dogs at a 5K. And yes, I am still giggling.....
 
This week I saw a posting from a KU fan on facebook that read, "Richmond LOL." Pure cocky-ness my friends. Pure cocky-ness.

Greater Kansas City Myasthenia Gravis Walk, Run and Roll Update

Much to my disbelief, see yesterdays post, I woke up this morning and could walk! I decided with the nice weather I would go walk the route at Heritage Park that participants will be doing for the mile stroll and part of the 5K.  What a great morning at Heritage Park. So peaceful and serene.

Work continues this week as donations continue to come in. A collaboration of Myasthenia Gravis supported Firstgiving pages has accumulated just under $3000.  If you cannot participate in the event in person please consider donating here.  If you are participating in the event you can set up your own Firstgiving page by going to www.firstgiving.com/mgakc. If you are planning to run or walk please take a second to register. There are 10 days left to pre-register. Pre registering helps us tally the amount of people we plan to have in the park for the JCPRD.  A fun little fact is you have to have so many porta potties per so many bodies. Who knew?!

My friend Holly has filled me in that there are media sources who have put us on their radar for April 9th.  Another very exciting feat. Each time I see the registration list and see which faces are coming out for this event it truly puts a smile on my face.  I can't wait to see everybody while raising awareness for this little known disease.

We are wrapping up sponsorships this week so that work can begin on putting the t-shirt together.  Our committee will meet this week and finalize the events and tasks that need to occur in the final 2 weeks! Wow, this is really happening. Thank you again for your continued support!

Add this to the wish list

I never thought I'd say this but it's about time I bought a wheelbarrow. I know, I can hear the giggles, the laughter. What girl dreams of buying a wheelbarrow.  Suddenly I do.

After spending the entire morning dragging bags of mulch to the backyard I've come to the conclusion that I should probably invest in the invention.  There is a strong possibility that tomorrow I will not be able to bend over let alone walk or even sit on the toilet.  Holy moly.  By the last bag I am not going to lie, I was dragging it from the trunk of the car to around the side of the house through the back gate. Well that was until I turned around and saw the bag had ripped and there was a trail of red mulch from the trunk of the car all the way around the gate. 

When I first bought my house Papa Craig and I were on a trip to Home Depot or maybe Wal Mart and I spotted a HOT pink miniature wheelbarrow- yes probably for somebody age 8 or under but it was fun and oh the possibilities of what I could drag around the yard with that.  He dismissed it and told me to keep walking. Just like he dismissed my HOT pink tailgating chair which he now drags to every Cyclone sporting event for me! On this particular day we kept walking but I cuss at how helpful that HOT pink beauty would have been this morning.

I saw this collapsible wheelbarrow in Real Simple magazine recently. Anybody whose been in my garage would question where the heck I would store a wheelbarrow and still be able to get out of the car.  So Santa Claus, add this one wheeler to the wish list.
  

Food for thought

Random thoughts for the week:

I got carded this week, yes I got carded but what makes this funny was I went to happy hour with a co-worker age 24. She did NOT get carded but I did.  I’ll take that thank you very much.

I despise the way your hair smells after you’ve been in a coffee shop.

I’ve got the 7 year itch- Kansas City has been my home for 7.5 yrs and I’ve got the itch….

Go to http://www.dunkindonuts.com/ and sign up for their email club- they’ll  send you a coupon for a free coffee or iced tea.

The human spirit never ceases to amaze me.

Closing one door means opening a window for something else.

Brad Wommack for sure chose the wrong person on the Bachelor, hello, come to Kansas City already.

There is some work that just never ends.

Seeing flowers start to bloom in my yard makes me embarrassingly excited.  Now I just can’t  wait to plant more.

I’m slightly fearful of taking the cover off my grill. Each morning I wake up to the insulation from  the cover being strewn all over the deck.  What type of creature has taken up camp inside of there?

I miss my family. A LOT.

I voted for you Mr. Obama and I like you Mr. Obama but Kansas. For real? Please don’t give the Jayhawks anything more to brag about. They brag enough. You try living here sir. Makes you about want to throw up in your mouth.