To catch up I thought I would post a few stories to accompany some of the great photos I have from some previous events...

First, to give more credit to Jackie- she is the coordinator of the Lending Hands team at the 311 Citizen Contact Center and a member of the M.O.V.E (Mayor's Office of Volunteerism Engagement) steering committee. She always has something going and two more events waiting in the wings! I love it that she has so much of herself to give. She really does amaze me...

but, I digress....

The point is that I got involved in these events because of her- so thanks Jackie!

This first photo is from the American Heart Association Walk last year- I remember it was so hot... there were so many people there and it was awesome to think of all the money and support that was being raised for the cause. I worked for the City of Albuquerque then and we had the biggest group of walkers there that day. Here we are:(Well, a small portion of us!)

Here are some photos from The Special Olympics. We were the Bocce judges... none of us even knew what Bocce was so we googled it and had a crash course! The kids were awesome at it and we had a lot of fun learning the game with them. That was a great day- those athletes are so genuine and thrilled at the prospect at excelling at their sport. The parents and spectators were so refreshing and positive and the whole feeling about the day was just uplifting!

Then there was Mudd Volleyball to benefit Carrie Tingley Hospital... this was just pure fun!

Up until now...

I've always enjoyed volunteering...

In college (round 1) my good friend Sarah and I volunteered at a local elementary school in Las Cruces, I used to visit nursing homes with friends, gave money every paycheck to United Way, I even got my hair cut in the middle of the mall once for a cancer charity event... it was enlightening.

Then, I met Jackie. She made my charity involvement seem insignificant... she is incredible.

But, lucky for me, she is always in need of some extra "lending hands."

So, I jumped at the chance to get involved in the non-profit scene here in Albuquerque.

I'm happy to say that thanks to her, I have gotten the chance to be involved with some great charities, do great things for people, and meet some great friends!

One thing that I did though- without the help or encouragement from Jackie -was volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

It is something I always wanted to do- but was always moving around the country.

Now that I am settled... I signed up and have the coolest "Little" ever.

Lucy is a ton of fun and we laugh all the time together.

I hope that I can make a difference in her life and inspire her-

just like she so often inspires me.