the globe rover

Denver, CO

Two unusual events happened last night. The first, I ate dinner at Chili’s - not a place that I normally eat at (nothing other than I’m not a fan of most chain restaurants). But yesterday was a special day as they were donating a portion of their proceeds from the day to St. Judes (for childhood cancer research). That’s my cause and I was happy to support it. Funny blond moment on the way - I accidentally went to Applebees (like I said, I don’t eat at “those” restaurants often). Needless to say, I got back to the pick-up area where they asked my name and looked at each other and said “you must have ordered from that ‘other’ restaurant”. They were not real happy but I told them my money was going to Chili’s for the cause. The best part of the dinner was that Chili’s was packed - that means more money for the kiddos!

My second big event yesterday was that last night was the first time I’ve slept in a house that I own :). Big day for me! Especially if you consider that the house is not finished and luckily has a toilet and sink albeit no hot water and no shower. It was an adventure though with no doors on the interior and listening to the different creaks throughout the night. It was nice though to think I’m finally not paying rent anymore.

Today is the last day of Childhood Cancer Awareness month. I’d like to think that great strides were made although I saw very little evidence of the “awareness”. I wore my gold ribbon pin all month and only one person asked me what it was for. That was a little disappointing but it is a start. Hopefully, each day and each month will bring more awareness.

Here’s to all the little kiddos out there fighting their battles (and of course all the angels watching over them)…

Denver, COI’d like to tell you about a project I saw on Members Project. It’s called “Project Brain Child,” and with your support it could get funding from American Express. American Express Cardmembers can vote for this project to receive potential funding by going to Project Brain ChildMembers Project is an exciting initiative that brings people together to make a difference in the world. It’s simple. People go online to share ideas for projects — and ultimately vote on which projects will share $2.5 million in funding from American Express.In 2007, Members Project provided clean drinking water to children all across Africa. What will Members Project do this year? The decision is yours. Please get out the vote about this project.Show Your Support
membersproject.com

Denver, CO

It is the one month a year designated to help bring more awareness to a terrible tragedy in our world - childhood cancer. There is so much we can do to work towards a cure. Please take the time to read about childhood cancer (the numbers are astounding). Cure Search is an organization dedicated to the cause. Read about Cure Search and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month here.

I’d also like to encourage everyone to sign the petition that I mentioned in an earlier post to help raise awareness of childhood cancer. The petition was started by a very dedicated father who lost is son to cancer earlier this year. Most people are unaware (as I was until recently) that a lot of the cancer organizations dedicate minimal funding to childhood cancer although it has such a large impact. I was shocked to discover that the American Cancer Society only dedicates 3% of their funding to childhood cancer. Needless to say, there is much work ahead to increase awareness. But we can start today!

Three of the major networks ran a special on Friday night called “Stand Up 2 Cancer” (you can watch the show here on NBC). Although it is a good start, there is still very little focus on childhood cancer.

We need your help.
Sign the petition.
Learn about childhood cancer.
Spread the word.
Increase awareness.
Too many beautiful children are suffering and becoming angels before they even get to grow up.

Please help us work toward the cure.

Denver, CO

To my faithful (three ) readers out there, thank you for the notes asking where I’ve been. There have been plenty of thoughts and adventures to share. But (lack of) time has been the factor. It must be something about trying to work full time, move out of one house, store my stuff in another, and move temporarily into a third (thank you my gracious friend) - this all while managing a complete renovation at not one, but two homes. Needless to say, that sums up my life. The renovation progress is coming along and I have learned a ton (and have a pretty phat set of tools these days). More on the renovations in another post (and all the adventures that has brought so far). But it leaves little time for much else…

I will do better to keep the globe rover following updated. And thanks for being interested!

Denver, CO

pas·sion [pash-uhn]
-noun
Any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate.

I am not much of a fan of the political parties for a lot of reasons (different topic for a different day). But as a citizen I do believe it is my duty to pay attention and learn about our candidates so that I can make an educated decision when I vote in November.

With both the two major political conventions held in the last couple of weeks, I have had plenty of opportunity to listen, observe, and learn. One thing I do love is the passion behind the parties. And especially seeing people of all ages and races stand up for what they believe in. That passion can and does make a difference (in both positive and negative ways although my focus here is the positive). It is uplifting to see the passion behind the parties and the number of citizens displaying their belief in different values or platforms (I observed this firsthand in Denver). Passion shows interest and involvement. Perhaps we need more of this in our country.

So as much as this season of political battles might cause a bit of unrest for me, I am so pleased to see the passion that the people have for their candidates. That belief exemplifies hope which is what we need for a better future. I believe that if you don’t put a stake in the ground and make a decision to support one candidate or the other (i.e. vote), how can you justify having an opinion on what happens in the future of the country?

Cheers to my fellow Americans that have a passion and believe in something!