I'm Loving...

It's good to take a break sometimes to just appreciate all the things that are going right in our lives, don't you think? I wanted to take time to celebrate a few things I'm loving lately...

My guy blog followers. I'm flattered that anyone reads my blog to be quite honest and I continue to be amazed - especially as the blog nears 30,000 views! Yikes. So humbling. But recently it's come to my attention that I have quite a few guy followers (most of them not official followers - but regular readers). And I like that. I try not to be too terribly girlie on here but I'm still excited to have some guys that have been enjoying my writing. Just wanted to publically say thanks. : ]

Edamame. I'm somewhat obsessed with edamame lately. I buy this big bag at Sams Club that comes with smaller steam bags of it (and individual sea salt packets). They're delish. A great snack. And a nice jolt of protein in the afternoon before my post-work-workout. Love.

LC! I love Lauren Conrad and the fact that she's on this months People Style Watch (which gave me some good outfit ideas for NYC)...




And I just bought a trench on sale at Kohl's from her clothing line...


My tailor. She is awesome and she took up the straps on my latest dress for 3 bucks. 3 bucks! I may or may not be totally obsessed with tailoring things lately. Ack.

New York City. I am loving planning and daydreaming about my trip to New York City with Bryn and Nancy. It's going to be the best trip ever - I can already tell.

Invisible Children. What an incredible organization. Buy a t-shirt from their site - show some support - they're changing the world.

Being in first place! I love to WIN! And right now I'm in the lead for fundraising for this years Walk for Life. Check out my site.

Volunteering. I took a recent from my challenge to start using my skills to contribute. I've been helping out with our softball league and I'm loving it. I've made new friends, taken lots of pictures (hey Dad, see! I didn't waste those 3 years of photography school), and really it's just been fun!

Life is good and I wanted to celebrate, especially in light of recent more serious (downer) posts about my health.

Love,

B

Using Your Gifts.

Are you using your gifts? This was a question that was recently posed to our church congregation on a Sunday morning but I think can go beyond those of faith. We all have gifts and talents and we are most fulfilled in life when we're able to use them, don't you think?

I have strange talents. I'm not particularly coordinated but I happen to be excellent at organizing things. I'm not sure if this came naturally or if it's the product of my OCD combining with my current career in administration/events that has built me into the organizational maniac I have become.

Well the rubber meets the road this week, kids, because I'm entering into a new volunteer role at least for the next 3 months (at which point I will reanalyze). I'm going to assist with the church softball league in helping them with schedules, rosters, data entry, photography (another gifting of mine), and in general just getting them organized and put together with the man in charge of the league.

Random, I know, for a girl who doesn't know much about any sport other than football - but time to branch out.

If you haven't thought about what you're great at lately and put it to good use, there's no time like the present. Get in there and use your gifts. If you need help thinking of creative ways to do that, well I might just be able to help. Shoot me an e-mail @ thequeenbc@gmail.com and I'll make some suggestions and talk it through with you.

Love,
B

Bowling in the Tropics.

In the name of completing yet another of my 'challenges' (search old entries if you're lost) I decided that instead of attending a charity event I would volunteer for one. I took some time in deciding which event I would attend because something I've discovered in this challenge is that no matter how much you doubt they will, people read what you write. The wonder of internet blogging is that anyone can have an audience, even me.

I didn't want to pick an event I cared nothing for and write about it. That seemed shallow and misguided. However, I don't see any reason why after volunteering a days time to an event I felt a valuable cause, I can't share that experience with you here. On the flip side, I will not be blogging about being set up by a friend. I'm sorry, that's just awkward to post on the internet. 

I volunteered for an event called 'Bowling in the Tropics'. It was held at Pin Chasers. I wish I had thought to snap a picture because the staff there had done a fabulous job of decorating the alley to the theme. The event was to raise money for Achieve Tampa Bay and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. I certainly have a heart for those who need assistance and so I was more than happy to lend a hand.

I paired up with one of their therapists for the day. I was able to ask her questions about the foundations and her job there. They are truly doing great things for the people who utilize their services. She and I also managed to sell $400 worth of raffle tickets to the generous bowlers. Money that will go towards helping the children and young adults I met who are receiving help from people like my volunteer - teaching them how to speak and effectively communicate despite the extra hardship this may be for them.

Props to Tampa Bay Buccaneer Ernest Graham who gave up his Sunday afternoon to sign autographs and take pictures with the kids and eager parents. He was delightful when I met him and was a great sport through endless questions, pictures, hugs, and autographs.

Better still, my friend and fellow Purdue Alum Lynn Enterline was there as well! She is working with the Bucs for the summer and was one of the staff assigned to accompany Graham to the event. So we were able to briefly catch up on her time in my neck of the woods and her plans after she finishes school at Wake Forest. I hope we will be seeing much more of her in Tampa in the near future.

Whether or not you're searching for friends, dates, or to pick up event planning tips - working charity events is a great way to spend the occasional weekend day. You can expect to see more of this from me in the near future with groups such as All Pro Dad, Walk for Life, The Warrick Dunn Foundation, and more.

Love,

B