"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind work, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." ~Leo Buscaglia
So I know that it hasn't been that long since I last posted, but I feel that so much has happened over the last week that I just wanted to fill you in......starting with last Saturday. So, last Saturday (Thanksgiving Saturday) was yet another first for me, and such a wonderful experience. My friends sister was one of several individuals organizing a charity basketball tournament, in memory of a girl who passed away in a car accident during her Freshmen year of college. The event " Courts for Courtney" was in it's 4th year, and helps raise money to provide scholarships to graduating girls who play basketball at the High School she had attended and played basketball. Now, for those of you who know me, you might be thinking.....since when do you play basketball......and yes, that was my thought when I was asked to participate in the event! I never played basketball, I'm short, and honestly, while I watch 90% of all sports.....basketball has never been one I've payed much attention too.....thus, I don't know the rules! But, I thought, what the heck....it's for a good cause and would be a great experience. So, I joined up with 3 friends, to play 3-on-3 basketball! We were placed in the adult league.....YES, the ADULT LEAGUE......even though there was a college league! (Since when did this happen.....I'm still in college......man, that made me feel old)! There were 4 teams in our bracket total, so we played 3, 12 minute games (or first to 11 points/baskets).....and let me tell you, for those of you who have never played basketball before.......12 minutes of basketball straight without breaks (and having no idea what you're supposed to be doing, who you're guarding, how many dribbles to take, when to shoot) is VERY tough! I'm sure I looked pretty ridiculous.....but I was having fun.....and laughing the whole time! The good part (or maybe bad part) was that 1/2 of our team didn't have any previous basketball experience (one being me), so it was a major learning curve! As much as I'd like to say that we pulled off a miracle........well, that just didn't happen......we put up a good fight, but lost all 3 games! I am however proud to say that I was able to score a couple of baskets.....so I wasn't a compete disaster! The event itself was incredible; I had never anticipated the turnout to be as large as it was......there were games going on, on 6 courts from 9am til 3pm, with minimal breaks. There was a slideshow of the girl who had passed away, as well as a poster with the recipients of the awards shown on it. What was remarkable about this event was that over the years they have been able to provide more scholarships to students, by increasing the number of people participating in the event. I would have to say that the atmosphere was just wonderful, watching everyone playing basketball in support of a great cause, and in memory of one individual was just a great experience. I couldn't help but reflect on how precious life is......I kept thinking how lucky I was to be able to be at the event, and play basketball; and how tough that day must have been for Courtney's family! Here's a link to the website if you want to read more: http://www.courtsforcourtney.com/index.php. Also, here's some pictures from the event..... and let me point out the red score is our teams!
Alright, so next on the list of excitement.....RARA! As I was telling you about this in my last post, I have some exciting information. Today I went to visit RARA (Remarkable Active Resilient Adults), and had the opportunity to view the entire facility, meet fellow staff, volunteers and clients. The individual I met at the meal center, who connected me with RARA had been communicating with me ever since Thanksgiving for a day for me to come in. We had set up for me to come in today, and in my e-mail I had sent her one of the flyers I had made for the coat drive (this will be important to know later)! I arrived at RARA and Karen (the one I had been talking to) was there to show me around, and was incredibly welcoming. She had told everyone about me, and introduced me each person. What I found out was she had forwarded the information about my coat drive onto her fellow workers, and to my GREAT SURPRISE was greeted by one of the workers with 4 COATS!!! (MY FIRST OFFICIAL COAT DONATIONS). As I was getting the grand tour, I think both Karen and I were so excited....I was excited to be there, and seeing all the program has to offer, and she was excited to have a new and young volunteer. She gave me the volunteer information to fill out, with a list of events that are being held. Unlike volunteering at the meal center, I won't be volunteering on a specific day of the week, I will be volunteering to help with different events, activities, and general organizational help. One specific question that the form asked was: do you have any particular interests (i.e., sports, bowling), so of course I put dance...jazz, and tap.....so, as I was leaving, we went to say bye to come of the clients, and she told/asked them how they would feel about doing some tap dancing......they asked if they could sit in the chairs and tap! I could already tell by the time I was leaving that this is going to be a great match. (Also, just a heads up, my next "drive" will be a book drive. At RARA, they need to gather funds in order to participate in events, such as special olympics, and to be able to travel to such events. They collect books, in which they give to a profitable organization, and in return they receive some funds towards their events. So.....if you're going to be getting rid of any books....please save them for me.....especially you Californian's....I'll be home to take them off your hands this month!) I look forward to providing you with more info about RARA!
MY FIRST 4 COATS:
I just have a few more brief details: First of all, a wonderful new website has been brought to my attention: http://www.groupon.com/. It's a great website for discounted deals. I however really brought this to your attention for another reason: I've noticed on the website there is often an advertisement for donors choose. From my understanding donors choose allows you to donate to specific organizations (that are listed); the catch being, groupon advertises that if you donate for example: $25, the total donation will be $50. I know that it's not always available, but if you're looking to make a donation this a great way to do it......keep your eyes peeled. I've linked the groupon website on the right side of my page, if you're interested in checking it out!
Another announcement: A classmate and I have applied to go to Haiti.....we are hoping to go there as a part of a service learning project for our final semester! The idea is we would go for 1-2weeks, help with anything needing to be done, and at the same time help in terms of therapy. We recently attended a meeting about this trip, and learned that a majority of tasks this specific organization is completing include: building, lifting, pulling, carrying etc! Our hope is to use our PT skills and help improve their techniques when working, and create a safe working environment, so the volunteers are not injured while helping out. We would be participating with all the other volunteers, doing that building, and lifting, we are just adding a little component. Ultimately, either prior to, or following the trip (depending on when we go), we would like to create a tutorial for all volunteers looking to travel and work on building tasks.
Now, for my last announcement: I am proud to announce that I have lost 10 LBS!!! Yes....this is very exciting! While, I have no real "diet" my strategy has been going to the gym (or participating in some type of activity....dance, basketball) > 4 days/week, and eating better, and less! It's very motivating....especially as we come to the hardest time of the year! For those of you looking for a specific healthy diet however, I have recently heard about a book called the 17 day diet! The author has been on Dr. Phil, and the Doctors.....and it seems like a great book! The 17 days refers to stages.....each stage is 17 days.....so you're switching up the type of foods you eat!!!
Until next time.....Happy Hanukkah
Love,
Bec
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