Operation Beautiful

I had heard once or twice in passing about the organization Operation Beautiful before, but after reading a short article in a magazine about it tonight, I decided to check out their website. Basically the point of the organization is to anonymously leave notes in public places that encourage a positive self body image. I've spent the last hour looking at all the different post-its and signs people have created - it's fantastic and so inspiring. Check 'em out here.

I decided this is too cool of an idea/organization to not be a part of. Can't wait to start leaving my mark.

One Creative Cat

I have some super talented friends when it comes to the arts. Some of their creations blow my mind. Examples:

L:

Girl's got some fierce talent, right?

LW:

Wicked awesome.

JW:

One word - beast.

These 3 have inspired me to get in touch with my creative side tonight, and I hate to say it, but I think I may have surpassed them all with this masterpiece, I give you exhibit A:


...the verdict is in, I win. I mean, do you see the detail on that chimney? And don't even get me started on how fantastic the typography is.

It's a pretty complicated piece of art, as you can see. It took a grueling 10 minutes, along with some very complex tools:



This piece is already spoken for, but I have all kinds of ideas brewin' so stay tuned and maybe someday something like this can be yours.

I Like That

While getting a few groceries after work today, I overheard a conversation between a customer and a manager that made me smile. A girl had gone out of her way to approach the manager and told him that one of his employees really impressed her when she was there last Saturday. She told him that she witnessed an employee, who was out in the parking lot gathering up carts, stop what he was doing to chase after a runaway cart that was about to hit a parked car. Before walking away she said to him, "It seems pretty simple, but I was very impressed by that and thought he did a good job and I wanted you to know."

I like that. It made me realize that I need to do a better job of reporting good customer service experiences I have. It takes very little effort and time and is only encouraging continued positive customer service experiences. And, having worked retail, I know how much it can mean to an associate when your manager reports this positive feedback to you.

Stay Tunic

L and I have been eyeing a tunic dress at Fossil ever since we saw it in their fall catalog back in July. But the price tag was a little more than we were willing to shell out, so tunic-less we remained.

Our restraint paid off as L got the exact same thing in at her store at half the price! We now have yet another matching item hanging in our closets, to go along with the Adidas track jacket, Columbia jacket, and bow necklace, to name a few. After a successful try-on session, we're both ready to rock the tunic dress, and we've already started discussing all the ways we can wear it. "...and we're the two best friends that anyone can have..."

Thanks L!

The First Big Outing

A follow up post to "A Step In the Right Direction" :

Over the past few months, I've been really bothered by the fact that I feel like I don't contribute to any cause in my life. I get home after sitting at a desk for 10 hours and look back on my day and do not feel like I've made a difference. I knew action needed to be taken. I thought long and hard about what I could do and decided on the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. After 2 interviews, a background check, and a training/orientation session, I am happy to announce that I am officially a "big sister".

This afternoon I had my first outing with my "little". (whom I'll refer to as Lil from here on out) The agency was very emphatic about choosing a low key activity for the first few outings, so the little doesn't get high expectations, so in following their advice, I decided to take Lil to Smokey Row for an after school snack. Lil had never been there before so I was happy to already be introducing her to something new. After ordering, we sat down and just started chatting. I was a little nervous going into it, wondering how talkative she would be, but all worries were set aside very quickly because the girl can talk! We covered lots of topics - school, sports, the upcoming Homecoming dance, boys, and family. I could barely get a word in edgewise! When there was a small break in conversation, I decided to bring out the activity I had planned for us. I created a "getting to know you" puzzle of sorts. I printed out a sheet of blank puzzle pieces and labeled each one with a certain topic. A few examples include, "Favorite Movie", "3 Activities I Want To Do With You", "What I Want To Be When I Grow Up", "Something New I've Been Wanting To Try", and "My Expectations During This Experience". We each filled one out and then talked over each piece. It was a fun way to ask some of those questions without making it seem like an interview.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give my first outing with Lil a 9.5. We have some similar interests and she seems like a really nice girl. She was very polite and respectful and seems to be on board with this program. I'm hoping she can learn a few things from me and I'm willing to bet she'll teach me a few things along the way too. What was the highlight of the outing for me? While sharing the 3 activities I said I wanted to do with her, one of the things I mentioned was doing some volunteering or a service project together. Lil instantly got a smile on her face and said, "ooo, like a homeless shelter or something? That sounds like fun - lets do that next time!"

I'm feeling great after my first outing and hope for a successful second outing later in the month. I'm hoping to be not only a positive role model for her but a friend and confidant and ideally build a strong bond that will last for years to come.

Fall-ing into Fashion

Fall is just around the corner and although I'll be sad to see summer go, I am looking forward to the change in season - football games, cooler temps, leaves changing colors, and the re-introduction of certain items of clothing from my closet. Here are a few things I'm looking forward to breaking out:

*Hoodies/Track Jackets: As much as I love to get dressed up, sometimes there is nothing sweeter than throwing on an eye-catching pair of sneaks, jeans, and a hoodie. Love, love, LOVE hoodie weather!!

*Leg Warmers: May raise a few eyebrows with this one, but I love the idea of pairing of leg warmers with an outfit.

*Knee Highs/Thigh High Socks: Paired with some boots, booties, heels, flats - the options are endless. It's a great way to put a new spin on your minis or dresses.

*Shorts & Tights - I sported this look a couple of times last fall and was thrilled to see this look is "in" again this season.

*Tights: I have a serious addiction to fun tights. What makes a "fun" pair of tights? Patterned (such as argyle, polka-dotted, floral, etc) bright colors, and texture. (e.g. cable knit)

*Jackets/Coats: I have a strong "thing" for jackets - track, trench, pea coat, utility, military - you name it, chance are I'll like it.

*Hand/Arm Warmers - I have 3 pairs now and can't wait to start accessorizing with them.

Favorite Churches

Out of all the churches you've been to, which is your favorite? A couple of weeks ago, JW asked me this very question. It's a question that, for me, seemed easy enough, yet I couldn't come up with an answer right away. After some careful thought and consideration, I've come up with a list of 3. I've been to plenty of different churches throughout the years, of all different religious backgrounds, of all different places, but these 3 are the ones I kept coming back to. When JW first posed this question to me, I immediately started thinking about what the most beautiful church I've ever seen is. However, it turns out, sentiment beats beauty 2 to 1.

*St Patrick Church - Clinton, IA






Clinton used to have 5 different Catholic parishes, until 1990 when they all joined together to form one parish, Jesus Christ Prince of Peace. From 1983-1990, St Pat's was the church I belonged to. The orange padded pews and the hue of greenish paint was a great nod to the '70's....not the most beautiful church I've ever been in, but this makes the list because of pure nostalgia. My sister and I were baptized in this church and my sister received her First Communion in this church. Although I don't remember a lot about our pastor, Father Lou, I do know that we all thought fondly of him and that we all loved him. I can remember going down to the church basement after mass for donuts, which was the highlight of my Sunday as a little girl. I also remember my best friend and I tagging along with our moms as they helped out with bingo. We'd explore the kitchen and closets, and crawl underneath the head bingo table. Sometimes we even got to pull the numbers out. Unfortunately, this church is no longer standing, nor is the school that stood next to it, where I attended Kindergarten and first grade. But at least I have pictures to look at and memories to reflect on to keep this church alive in my heart.

*St Irenaeus Church - Clinton, IA





Once the 5 parishes merged into 1, for many years before our new church was built, most of the churches remained open for quite some time. St Pat's was the first church to close, and we soon frequented St Irenaeus as a family. I was very fond of this church. Not only was it beautiful, but I have many memories and a few "firsts" that go with this church as well. It was at this location where I served for the first time. And my first time as a Eucharistic Minister was at this church. I also gave my first "parish mass" (as opposed to a school mass) speech at this church (although I'll admit I don't remember what I was speaking about...something for the school I'm sure) I spent many Sunday mornings here - first celebrating the mass, then socializing with friends and family afterward. Unfortunately, like all the other Catholic churches in Clinton, with the exception of Sacred Heart, this church is not used anymore.

*Holy Name Cathedral - Chicago, IL






I don't have any emotional ties to this church, but it is just breathtaking. The architecture and the art is just so beautiful. I was in complete awe upon stepping into this church when JW and I were lucky enough to attend Mass here the night before our Shamrock Shuffle run.