Good deeds

Last weekend was very busy. My sisters, friends and I volunteered at the Planned Parenthood Book Sale again. It was fun and quite successful.

We also participated in a 5k race to raise money for Families of Spinal and Muscular Atrophy (SMA). I exceeded my fund-raising goal (thank you mom, bff, and Ted!)

My sisters and I with the awesome ladies Jenny and Janine.

Running for a good cause

I have registered for a 5k run in September, supporting a good cause. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is the number one genetic killer of infants. It is an often fatal disease that destroys the nerves controlling voluntary movement, such as, crawling, walking, head and neck control, even swallowing. One in 6,000 babies born is affected with SMA. There are 7.5 million Americans that carry the gene that causes SMA.

Please visit my fundraising page and donate if you can. I really appreciate your support.

Good company + food + books = awesomeness

It has been a fun weekend so far. I spent time with some of my favorite people - my sisters and my bff Spomi. On Friday, sisters and I went to our favorite Italian restaurant, and then we spent some time in a bookstore. Typical night for us - food and books. :)
On Saturday, we volunteered at the Planned Parenthood Book Sale. I had my first stint as a Volunteer Coordinator. The lines were endless, and the six hours went by pretty quick.
Afterwards, Spomi and I went to the El Bait shop to eat some delicious fish tacos and share a pitcher of Margaritas. Good times!
I was pretty tired after it all. Sunday is supposed to be a little more low-key. I am planning to get some house chores done.

Call to action

If you watch the news, you have probably heard of the earthquake in Haiti and its devastating aftermath. My heart goes out to these people. I made a small donation to the Doctors Without Borders, and invite you to do, too - if you can.

I am more at peace knowing I contributed - however little - to people in need.

PPGI Fall 2009 Book Sale

Sisters and I volunteered at the Planned Parenthood Book Sale tonight. Our checkout station was super-efficient. I was asked to be the Volunteer Coordinator starting in the Spring 2010 Book Sale. Sweet. I am a super-volunteer.
We were so busy the entire time we were there. Most people were super-friendly. There were also some "interesting" characters. I also got to see my ex-boyfriend's parents. That was a bit awkward.
Once again, a pretty fun time spent with my sisters, while doing something good for the community. I am so exhausted now, though, I am going to bed.

Book cases for kids

B and I volunteered this morning, painting book cases that will go to local daycare centers. We started out with a blank canvas, and we were eager to do this.
The painting supplies they provided were lacking a bit, so we struggled and had some frustrating moments. But the end result wasn't that bad.
There is the finished product, with our "price-is-right" model B.
Hope the kids like it.

2009 Des Moines Arts Festival

I volunteered again at our city's arts festival. It attracts great artists from all around the country. This year, the art has been exceptionally impressive.Above is the view of the festival location.
I helped set up the booths for the artists. It wasn't open to the public till 4pm, so I got to see all the art without having to deal with crowds.
I also always meet very interesting people at these events. It's definitely worth doing every year.
There was so much different media of art there, from textile, woodworking, mixed media, oils, photography, sculpture, jewelery, etc. My heart aches to own a neat piece of art - and there were so many amazing pieces I wanted. Alas, I can't afford it. So I only admire it from the distance. :(
If you haven't been, I would recommend you go check it out. Next year, it is taking place on June 25-27. I plan on being there again. I have a blast every time.

Now I got to go prepare for the trip to Minnesota this weekend. I won't have internet access, so I won't blog until we get back on Tuesday. But I shall come back with lots of pictures and things to blog about. Yay!