Damas y Caballeros,
Feliz Navidad! Well, almost. I know this Christmas in Wyoming will be spectacular! The other evening we received about 6 inches of the fluffy white stuff that glistened in the night. Downtown Casper has really morphed into this Winter Wonderland. From the traditional garland around the lamp posts to adorning every tree and bush with lights, and blaring Christmas music to even displaying a life-size version of the nativity scene, downtown is the place to be this time of year. I can't help but to be merry walking around downtown in 4 degree weather with a smile on my face; IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME!
Christmas caroling at assisted living facilities with church folks made me overwhelmed with joy. The residents just lit up when we were singing (even though we were off a few times ;-)). I couldn't believe 37 of us went caroling; which is a good thing considering I'm not a singer by any means of the imagination.
Playing Santa's Helper during the Elf Shop event was a neat experience, too. Kids who came from little means were able to go shopping for Christmas gifts for everyone in their household. I was able to see the kids face light up when they saw Santa and tell them what they wanted for Christmas. My favorite request was from this little boy who told Santa that all he wanted was a piece of CAKE! After visiting with Santa I took kids around the "shop" and helped them pick gifts for their-loved ones. Each child was able to choose from a variety of brand new items for free, thanks to the generosity of the community.
Ice-skating with Santa Claus just topped it all off. Nikki, Stephanie, Erin, Raj, Justin and I were like little kids grinning from ear to ear skating, scooting and trying not to fall across the the very choppy ice. End the end, we all decided that we will have to become regulars of the ice rink.
If Thomas Kinkade's artwork could come alive, I imagine it would be just like Casper. It's cold, snowy, glistening and the perfect backdrop to spend Christmas.
Merry Christmas/ Feliz Navidad/ Frohliche Weihnachten!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sitting In The Airport Feeling A Bit Uninspired
Damas y caballeros,
I'm sitting in the Mobile International Airport and I'm feeling a bit lethargic and a tad bit bored. I'm not sure what this work week has for me, but the tasks waiting for me when I return to the office tomorrow keeps racing through my head. I have a feeling it's going to be a--hmmm how shall I put this?--super 'active' week. I guess only time will tell on this one.
On a brighter note, I had a super FANTASTIC time in Mobile. Over the past few days, I've been getting a crash course to the HandsOn Network and what many of the nations affiliates are experiencing in their local chapters. On my last two days in Mobile, I learned about being prepared when a disaster strikes and how to run a Volunteer Reception Center (VRC). I would encourage all my loved ones to come up with a plan in the event of a disaster and get to know your where your local VOAD (Voluntary Organization Active in Disasters) chapter is located. Disasters happen everywhere, so please remove the notion that disasters can't or won't happen to your community. This is not a 'sermon' on living your life in fear, but rather a way to emphasize the realities that, yes, disasters (big & small) happen, but there are ways to prepare yourself and your loved ones before, during, and after the storm. I rather you have the important numbers and not have to use them, than needing the right contacts and not have them.
Okay, now that I'm off my soap box, let me end with two completely random conversations that I overheard at the airport that I thought were funny at the time (but maybe now not so much):
I'm sitting in the Mobile International Airport and I'm feeling a bit lethargic and a tad bit bored. I'm not sure what this work week has for me, but the tasks waiting for me when I return to the office tomorrow keeps racing through my head. I have a feeling it's going to be a--hmmm how shall I put this?--super 'active' week. I guess only time will tell on this one.
On a brighter note, I had a super FANTASTIC time in Mobile. Over the past few days, I've been getting a crash course to the HandsOn Network and what many of the nations affiliates are experiencing in their local chapters. On my last two days in Mobile, I learned about being prepared when a disaster strikes and how to run a Volunteer Reception Center (VRC). I would encourage all my loved ones to come up with a plan in the event of a disaster and get to know your where your local VOAD (Voluntary Organization Active in Disasters) chapter is located. Disasters happen everywhere, so please remove the notion that disasters can't or won't happen to your community. This is not a 'sermon' on living your life in fear, but rather a way to emphasize the realities that, yes, disasters (big & small) happen, but there are ways to prepare yourself and your loved ones before, during, and after the storm. I rather you have the important numbers and not have to use them, than needing the right contacts and not have them.
Okay, now that I'm off my soap box, let me end with two completely random conversations that I overheard at the airport that I thought were funny at the time (but maybe now not so much):
"I ate at the original oyster house in Mobile. Gene, can you spell cheese-grits?"--An airport patron. O, the things you hear in public places.
"Run!!! FASTER you're going to miss it!"--Volleyball player to an Airport attendant
Originally written Halloween Weekend.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Long Time No See
Hola mis amigos!
Lo siento!!! (Sorry) For not writing in a while. I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving. I can't believe that it is already December!
Mom was able to fly to Casper and spend the holiday with me. We had a great time despite the fact that the snow kept her in Salt Lake City for an extra day which took away from our time together.
VISTA life has kept me SUPER DUPER BUSY!! Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) in Salem, OR was AMAZING!!! I was given some valuable tools and met some fantastic people from all over the United States. It was in Salem that I finally got to meet the newest VISTAs for ServeWyoming. Anna and Stephanie are amazing women! We all clicked immediately it was pretty wild.
At PSO, I was fired up and ready to return to work in Wyoming with a deeper understanding of why I became a Volunteer In Service To America (VISTA), to serve my country by building capacity in a community.
This has been a great journey and I have no regrets...well maybe just one, I wish YOU were here with me experiencing the SNOW, WIND, NEGATIVE TEMPERATURES ;-)
Lo siento!!! (Sorry) For not writing in a while. I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving. I can't believe that it is already December!
Mom was able to fly to Casper and spend the holiday with me. We had a great time despite the fact that the snow kept her in Salt Lake City for an extra day which took away from our time together.
VISTA life has kept me SUPER DUPER BUSY!! Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) in Salem, OR was AMAZING!!! I was given some valuable tools and met some fantastic people from all over the United States. It was in Salem that I finally got to meet the newest VISTAs for ServeWyoming. Anna and Stephanie are amazing women! We all clicked immediately it was pretty wild.
At PSO, I was fired up and ready to return to work in Wyoming with a deeper understanding of why I became a Volunteer In Service To America (VISTA), to serve my country by building capacity in a community.
This has been a great journey and I have no regrets...well maybe just one, I wish YOU were here with me experiencing the SNOW, WIND, NEGATIVE TEMPERATURES ;-)
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