Match Meeting

Last night I met my Little match from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program!  She was a bit shy at first - a lot of shrugging, quietness, and "I don't know" - but then she came out of her shell.  I'm hoping that shyness leading to slight pushiness will result in friendliness and fun outings with open communication, mutual respect, and good role-modeling.  For now, I'm content with the quick trip into a Chinese restaurant where we ordered an incredible amount of food, allowing us to take home enough leftovers to feed a small army.  Next week might be an arcade day...or a Halloween party...or pretty much anything not McDonalds or outside in the cold.

Big Changes

Yesterday was a pretty great day all-in-all. I slept in until 8am which is pretty late for me, considering I'm usually up between 5:30-7am. The morning and afternoon were spent folding laundry and watching numerous hours of 'Buffy: The Vampire Slayer' - the latter part of that being exponentially better than the previous. Just before leaving to hostess at Biaggi's, I received a phone call from a staff member of Big Brothers Big Sisters...I finally have a Little Sister match, an 8-year-old who has been waiting two years for a Big Sister! Next Wednesday I'll get to meet her and her family and start making plans to hang out with her regularly. Now we all just need to cross our fingers that she has fun with me and I manage to in some way make a positive difference in her life.

In other news, I left my job at the sign shop (they threw me an awesome going away party with pizza, cupcakes, and chocolate chip cookie bars) and started as a full time Sales Associate at a local jewelry store. Having absolutely no knowledge of jewelry and very limited experience in sales, its a slow learning process. But, there is learning going on. My Team Members are all incredibly pleasant, encouraging, and patient. Although I'm working more hours, I feel productive and the time passes quickly. My commute is ten times the 2.5 minutes that it was to Signs By Design, but that means more time to sing in the car.

Recognizing Blessings

Through a very steady, cold, downpour I walked in the Race for the Cure this morning with my mom, younger sister, and her friend while another friend competed in the timed race. Our walk was long and drenching while his run was fast and accomplishing, earning him 26th place overall and 3rd place in our age range. Rather surprisingly, my team also succeeding in raising nearly $150 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

However, the more important event of the day was seeing both of my sisters. I wish my brother had been there too! There are days when I take my siblings for granted and don't appreciate them quite as much as I should. Today was not one of those days. I had not seen my older sister for at least three months, and so much has happened over the course of those three months that it seems like a lifetime. I talk to her and to our younger brother and sister often on the phone or through text messaging, but seeing them in person warms my heart and encourages me in ways I cannot describe. It's amazing how we support and take care of each other in ways that seem both completely natural and also extraordinary. My siblings are blessings in my life for which I thank God.

Mary Kay Party with a Purpose

Tonight I hosted a Mary Kay Party With a Purpose which was surprisingly successful for the small number of people who attended - my mom, my little sister, and one friend.  We had some laughs, enjoyed the products, and placed some orders, but most importantly we fund-raised for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Twenty-five percent of the consultant's profits from my party are being donated to my Race for the Cure team which definitely needs the help!

Learn more about Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Donate to my fundraising efforts.
If you're local, you are also welcome to join my team!

Place a Mary Kay order.
Mention me within the next week and 25% of the profits will be donated.

Products I have used and recommend:
- Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover, $15
- TimeWise® 3-in-1 Cleanser, $18
- TimeWise® Miracle Set®, $90
- Oil Mattifier, $15
- Mineral Powder Foundation, $18
- Satin Hands® Pampering Set, $34
- Cream Eye Color, $13
- Ultimate Mascara™ , $15

Thank you!

One Month Until Race for the Cure

In one month, I will be walking in the Evansville Race for the Cure!  I am excited and nervous because I still have a lot of fundraising to do and need more people for my team.  At this point, I am the only person on my team, so it doesn't really count as a team.  If you are interested in donating to this great cause, or live in the Evansville area and would like to register to be on my team, please following the link to do so!

More Information from Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Evansville Affiliate:

- About Breast Cancer

- History of Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

- I AM THE CURE®

Big Brothers Big Sisters

I know that between three jobs and two puppies I should feel more than content with my current commitments; however, over the past month I have felt like something is missing.  When friends started talking excitedly about returning to college soon, I realized that I was kind of jealous.  Most definitely not because I wish I was still taking classes - I cannot explain how ecstatic I am to have graduated - but, because I can no longer be involved in student organizations.  I made them such a big part of who I was in college, and now that's over.
So, I started thinking about what I could do to fill that void without giving up every last moment of free time that I occasionally have.  Community engagement is what I feel I am missing, so it is what I sought.  I remembered that I met some ladies from Big Brothers Big Sisters at a Chamber Networking News meeting during my internship with the American Red Cross.  Shortly after sending a couple emails, filling out the appropriate paperwork, and waiting for reference checks, I was accepted and asked to an interview.  I was (unnecessarily) somewhat nervous about the interview.  What if I say the wrong thing?  What if I don't know how to answer a question?  Turned out I was silly to feel that way.
I have just gotten home from the best interview ever - at least for me.  I met with two ladies from Big Brothers Big Sisters at Barnes & Noble and chat-chitted about everything that popped into our heads while also discussing the responsibilities of a Big, the potential obstacles that might be experienced with a Little, and appropriate boundaries to set with the Little and the Little's family so as not to feel burdened.  It was wonderful to sit in an interview where everyone was sharing.  In fact, we were there for three hours.  I left feeling like I had known these women for years, and even have plans to meet one of them at the church I was already planning to check out near my apartment.  So, be on the look-out for my post about my Little match, because I'm really excited!