Rock the Red Pump!

Hi all!  I know I've used my blog for causes before with Fight for Preemies - but I have one more for you.  March 10, 2011 women across the country will Rock the Red Pump to raise awareness about Women & Girls HIV/AIDS and to represent the strength and courage of women fighting HIV/AIDS or affected by the disease both directly and indirectly.  Rock the Red Pump is aiming to have 500 bloggers sign up to Rock the Red Pump in the next 50 days - 500 in 50.


Though I myself am not HIV positive nor do I have someone in my life that is, I know there are many women out there today living with this disease or supporting someone who is.  So I joined this movement for each of them.


This movement is sponsored by The Red Pump Project which aims to:

• Commemorate major awareness dates with various events or campaigns online and on the ground
• Partner with organizations doing work in HIV/AIDS in their initiatives and events around the country
• Obtain a Red Pump ambassador in every state
• Get women around the country to “Rock the Red Pump™” both online and on the ground
• Be involved in getting 1,000 people tested nationally
• Raise funds for HIV/AIDS service organizations

You can read more about The Red Pump Project and the Rock the Red Pump movement by clicking on the badge in my sidebar.  

Thanks for reading!!! :) 

Let's Go Wolves!!

This past weekend I was able to utilize our season tickets at work to go to the Northern State University Wolves basketball game!  My friend and coworker Karla and I caught the last quarter of the women's game and then the men's game against the Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks.

The Wolves played a great game, but came up just a little short against the Mavericks.  It was so fun to go to a college ballgame again though - albeit on a little bit smaller level than Mizzou or Creighton!  The whole community comes out to support the team it seems.  I saw tons of people that I knew and got to catch up with a few friends.  Hopefully I will get to go to another game before the end of the season - maybe even our courtside seats next time?

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow....and snow...and snow...

Many have pointed out to me that I failed to mention something pretty "adventurous" events in my New Years post. As many of you may know, Aberdeen and much of Northeast South Dakota was hit with not one, but TWO blizzards within a three day period over New Years Eve. It began on Thursday, December 30, as the snow began to fall and the wind began to blow. I was luckily sent home early from work - had I waited any longer, my little Ford Focus would have been stranded. The snow briefly let up that evening only to begin falling heavily again on Friday around Noon. New Years plans for much of the town came to a screeching halt. A friend of mine from church did however send her husband in his 4-wheel drive pickup to pick me up so I could spend NYE with them. Such sweet friends! I will tell you though, I was in disbelief that he even made it once I saw the side streets (My windows face an Emergency Snow Route so to me it didn't seem THAT bad). It was really a mess though. Most of it was cleaned up on Saturday and Sunday. Although many piles still stand tall on the street corners making visibility just a little bit challenging. Unfortunately I don't have any photos or videos from the event, but I did find the video below from KELO TV in Sioux Falls. It definitely makes me laugh a bit though - note in particular the reporter reporting from the side of the highway....in low-visibility blizzard conditions...while talking about people going off the road...now I ask you, should he really be standing there?? The link is below.

Back To Back Blizzards In Northeast

Oh and did I mention? It's snowing again today....and tomorrow...and the next day... time to grab some hot chocolate, marshmallows and a good book!!

Happy New Year!!

Happy 2011 Everyone!  As you can see, we have a new blog design again - don't worry - this one will be around for a while.  The font colors will be changing too, but I ask your forgiveness as I'm having trouble getting my customization to work!

And yet again I have to apologize for a lack of posts in December! An exciting but challenging project at work took up most of my month.  December was filled with holiday gatherings and time with family which was such a blessing.  This year my entire family on my mom's side was together for Christmas - including family from Texas! Truly this was the greatest gift we received this holiday season.

Since it is the new year and as tradition goes, resolutions must be made! I feel I have several this year, and although in my opinion resolutions can be made at anytime of the year, there just seems to be a more effective incentive with the New Year doesn't there?  A couple are typical and one is something I've been contemplating for some time.  So I'd like to ask your patience with me as I get a bit serious for a moment - blogging my resolutions for everyone to see - now how's that for accountability??

1. BLOG!  At least 2 times a month, I need to be having AND sharing more adventures here in Aberdeen.  
2. Find new ways to be fit & active.   A twist on the usual - I'm already a YMCA member and will be avoiding it until the rush calms down - but I want to find other ways to keep in shape that might also be adventures to share!  I'm thinking dance classes, cross country skiing, snow-shoeing, etc.
3. And now for our serious turn...Be Open.  

I know that might not make ANY sense but let me explain.  I have a tendency to believe that things should be a certain way (this won't come as any surprise to my friends who are all to familiar with my perfectionist ways) or that the right or wrong decision extends beyond my own opinion or feelings into the opinions or feelings of someone else.  So this year I am going to work to be open to many things but most importantly, to be open to following my own heart and my own calling.

This year will be another year of big life changes in one way or another.  I am nearly halfway through my fellowship and whether I remain in Aberdeen when I'm finished or head off in a different direction, I will definitely be starting a different job at some point and possibly in a different city.  It is my hope that I will be able to listen to my own heart and accept God's plan for me as the right one for ME and for no one else.  This will definitely mean a new job, maybe a new city, a new home, new relationships and who knows what else.  But I am excited for what 2011 will bring and want to be as open as possible to the opportunities and challenges that God puts in front of me - regardless of whether or not they fit into my plan.  So for many things I will try my hardest to Be Open, and I encourage you all to do the same.  Be open to change - be open to new ideas - be open to variety - be open to love.

I wish every one of you the most abundant joy in 2011 and pray that this year brings you among many other things - the love of family and friends, peace in the present and hope for the future.  It will be an exciting year my friends, stay tuned!!