Day 244: She may not be the President…

… but she’s still famous, at least for Kansas City! Last night we had the pleasure of watching Ida McBeth perform at the Zona Rosa Jazz on the Square concert series. Ida McBeth is a renowned performer at the Blue Room, and I can see why. She has such a strong, full voice, and she’s just full of spirit and energy! I couldn’t pick just one photo. Which is your favorite?

Ida McBeth performs at Zona Rosa Jazz on the Square, Sept. 1, 2011.
Ida McBeth and her band performs at Zona Rosa Jazz on the Square, Sept. 1, 2011.
Ida McBeth performs at Zona Rosa Jazz on the Square, Sept. 1, 2011.

By the way, I do have a friend who was lucky enough to photograph the president when he came to Joplin this spring after the tornado.

Day 243: With a Heavy Heart

This morning when I arrived at the office, my neighbor’s office, my absolute favorite co-worker’s office, was empty. This economy is affecting everyone, including the non-profit sector. It’s unfortunate when people who are doing everything they can to fight cancer are hit hard because fundraising is down, and they have to be let go. My friend is the most positive, faithful coworker anyone could ask for. She will be missed by everyone in the office – especially me. I think I was more sad to lose her than she was to lose her job, because she has faith that everything will work out for the best. And I believe that too. She’ll go on to do amazing things, and some day I’ll be asking for her autograph!

Yesterday's "see ya later" lunch with my best work-friend and several other coworkers.
Yesterday’s “see ya later” lunch with my bestest work-friend and several other coworkers.

Day 241: Reflections

I love this time of year when it starts to cool off, especially when I get the chance to go outside during the work day. Jerod and I met for lunch at a downtown park yesterday, and this building was part of our view.

A building in downtown Kansas City, Mo. reflects the sky and nearby buildings.

Days 239-240: Family Fun in T-Town

This weekend we hung out in Topeka to celebrate my sister’s birthday. I’ll be nice and not tell the whole world how old she is. πŸ™‚

My sister Amy opening gifts for her birthday as her 8-year-old son watches.
Playing a game of family croquet at Gage Park.

Day 237: One In Eight.

Did you know one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime? And one in three women, and one in two men will be diagnosed with some type of cancer. Yesterday morning was the 3rd annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer kick-off breakfast in Kansas City. The American Cancer Society holds a huge breakfast for all of those interested in forming a team for the 5k Strides walk in October. If you’re passionate about breast cancer, you can get involved in this walk in Kansas City or in many other cities across the U.S. makingstrideskansascity.org.

A breast cancer survivor holds a pink rose at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer kick-off breakfast at Arrowhead Stadium.

Day 234: Growth Spurt

It’s hard to believe I’ve already had my turtles for six years. When I got them, they were the size of a quarter. Ever since then they’ve been growing … and growing … and growing. If you look at the details in Michelangelo’s shell, you can see how it grows. In fact, he has just started shedding his shell. Yet again. Some day we’ll have to build a pond in our backyard for them.

My red-eared slider turtle, Michelangelo's shell.