I've never known anyone in Joplin. Actually, I don't think I've ever known anyone from Missouri.
Still, I feel especially horrible for the people of that area after the recent tornado. Obviously, the damage is devastating. And something unescapable. Those poor people had such little notice, and even if they had had more time to prepare, it wouldn't have made much difference. They were face to face with a monster 7 miles long and 1 mile wide. I did a 5K on Sunday and realized that's not even HALF of the length of the tornado that tore through Joplin on the same day. I can't even fathom a storm that large.
I want to do something. I don't have money to just throw at them. I don't have the time needed to go help on the ground. Yet, I desperately want to help the victims of this horrific storm.
What can I do? Make stuff. I can make blankets, quilts, bags, anything of the like. But where do I send it? If anyone has any contacts in Joplin or nearby (as I'm sure mail is quite hindered), please let me know.
Obviously, it won't be much, but it's something. And I encourage you to do something too, if you can...or help me!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
You know what....
Writer's block sucks.
I really don't like the times when I want to write a blog post, but I can't think of anything to write about. I suppose this one will be free-styled tonight.
While the last week or two have been pretty uneventful, the months coming up are going to be busy! Not that you're interested, but since I am not able to think of anything else, you'll be the lucky audience to hear about my summer-and-beyond plans :)
First plan - Leah is moving to Dallas! That means a realllllly long car ride for Megan as Devin and I bicker at each other for all 14 hours of it. Sorry, Meg! Then, we all get the joy of packing up Leah's crap to drive it all back to the big D. And then, of course, after all that is said and done, she'll take us all out to a nice dinner. Thanks, Leah!
Second plan - Another trip to the Hoosier state for Manda's nuptials! There will be lots of celebrating for the happy couple :) And maybe even a little for my 25th birthday!
Third plan - Ashley comes to visit!! That's about all that needs to be said. It'll be an awesomely-fun weekend with one of my favorite people!
Fourth plan - Indiana-bound again for Chad and Danielle's Indy wedding! A little bit of traveling and a whole lotta fun with great friends!
The next few months should be very busy, but very fun! I can't wait :)
Not too shabby for starting off with no idea of where to go in this post, if I do say so myself :)
I really don't like the times when I want to write a blog post, but I can't think of anything to write about. I suppose this one will be free-styled tonight.
While the last week or two have been pretty uneventful, the months coming up are going to be busy! Not that you're interested, but since I am not able to think of anything else, you'll be the lucky audience to hear about my summer-and-beyond plans :)
First plan - Leah is moving to Dallas! That means a realllllly long car ride for Megan as Devin and I bicker at each other for all 14 hours of it. Sorry, Meg! Then, we all get the joy of packing up Leah's crap to drive it all back to the big D. And then, of course, after all that is said and done, she'll take us all out to a nice dinner. Thanks, Leah!
Second plan - Another trip to the Hoosier state for Manda's nuptials! There will be lots of celebrating for the happy couple :) And maybe even a little for my 25th birthday!
Third plan - Ashley comes to visit!! That's about all that needs to be said. It'll be an awesomely-fun weekend with one of my favorite people!
Fourth plan - Indiana-bound again for Chad and Danielle's Indy wedding! A little bit of traveling and a whole lotta fun with great friends!
The next few months should be very busy, but very fun! I can't wait :)
Not too shabby for starting off with no idea of where to go in this post, if I do say so myself :)
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Vacation Planning!
For as long as I can remember, I have said that I will go to Hawaii some day.
Sure, I was there when I was about two or something, but really, do you think I remember anything from it? Actually, I do. I remember getting bitten by a bird at the zoo when I stuck my finger in its cage. I also remember drinking bubbles because I couldn't comprehend that to make bubbles you had to exhale through the straw instead of inhale. Any of the cool stuff? Just lost in my sub-conscience.
The top thing to do while there: Visit Pearl Harbor. Aside from my obsession with the Pacific portion of WWII, my Gramps was in Pearl Harbor. To visit the Arizona memorial is on my list of top 5 things to do, ever. It's our history. There are men entombed in that ship for eternity because they died in service to our nation. That's powerful stuff. And I, for one, can't wait to see it for my own eyes.
Also, it's Hawaii. Duh. What more reason would you ever need to make this trip?? It's gorgeous, with a capital G. I know, I know. So many people say it's too popular and overcrowded. I don't care. It's Hawaii. It's America's own little paradise.
Plus, my name is Lani. Doesn't get much more Hawaiian than that, folks. It's almost like I'm obligated to go. Honestly, I don't mind having that obligation.
So....let the saving begin! Remember, personal checks can be made out to me ;)
Just kidding!
Hawaii, here I come!
Sure, I was there when I was about two or something, but really, do you think I remember anything from it? Actually, I do. I remember getting bitten by a bird at the zoo when I stuck my finger in its cage. I also remember drinking bubbles because I couldn't comprehend that to make bubbles you had to exhale through the straw instead of inhale. Any of the cool stuff? Just lost in my sub-conscience.
The top thing to do while there: Visit Pearl Harbor. Aside from my obsession with the Pacific portion of WWII, my Gramps was in Pearl Harbor. To visit the Arizona memorial is on my list of top 5 things to do, ever. It's our history. There are men entombed in that ship for eternity because they died in service to our nation. That's powerful stuff. And I, for one, can't wait to see it for my own eyes.
Also, it's Hawaii. Duh. What more reason would you ever need to make this trip?? It's gorgeous, with a capital G. I know, I know. So many people say it's too popular and overcrowded. I don't care. It's Hawaii. It's America's own little paradise.
Plus, my name is Lani. Doesn't get much more Hawaiian than that, folks. It's almost like I'm obligated to go. Honestly, I don't mind having that obligation.
So....let the saving begin! Remember, personal checks can be made out to me ;)
Just kidding!
Hawaii, here I come!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Victory
"Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival." - Winston Churchill
This weekend was full of victory, and very important victories, at that. Yes, there are some insignificant victories. And, yes, I had a few of those this weekend too, but writing about them here would just water-down the power of the most important ones.
There were many victories at the Relay for Life this weekend here in Grapevine, TX. It began with the survivor lap. Those men and women walking around a middle school track have been victorious against cancer - the terror, to which Winston Churchill referred. We were there to celebrate their victory, and to try to help others be victorious as well by raising money to find a cure. We honored the memory of those who were lost too early to the terror, and we continued to relay for those who still have a chance at survival.
"Victory at all costs" - We walked all night; we pushed ourselves.
"Victory in spite of all terror" - Even when it seems that our fight, cancer patients' fights, will be useless, we continue to fight.
"Victory however long and hard the road may be" - We didn't get a break because cancer doesn't give breaks. It's a continuous battle until we find a cure.
"For without victory there is no survival." - We fight because we have no other choice. And we will continue to fight. Until hope becomes a cure. We will find a cure.
And, of course, we have the victory over a very literal terror - Osama Bin Laden was killed by US forces after almost 10 years of searching. His terror reigned over us since September 11, 2001. He is solely responsible for thousands and thousands of American lives lost. He ignited a fire in the American people that day, and we vowed to be victorious over him. Finally, we were.
"Victory at all costs" - Thousands of men and women sacrifice their lives in the armed forces in pursuit of our freedom. Their lives and the sacrifices of those among them are the unmatchable costs of this victory. We should all be forever grateful.
"Victory in spite of all terror" - When the deck was stacked against us, many in this country doubted our mission in the war against terror, in our mission against the enemy. There were points where the enemy was winning, but eventually, we got our man, despite the terrors we faced along the way.
"Victory however long and hard the road may be" - It was a long road, and we still have a good deal of road ahead of us. We will get there. This victory is a step along that road.
"For without victory there is no survival" - That's it. There is nothing more to say. We will continue to be victorious against terror because there is no other option.
Winston Churchill said it best.
This weekend was full of victory, and very important victories, at that. Yes, there are some insignificant victories. And, yes, I had a few of those this weekend too, but writing about them here would just water-down the power of the most important ones.
There were many victories at the Relay for Life this weekend here in Grapevine, TX. It began with the survivor lap. Those men and women walking around a middle school track have been victorious against cancer - the terror, to which Winston Churchill referred. We were there to celebrate their victory, and to try to help others be victorious as well by raising money to find a cure. We honored the memory of those who were lost too early to the terror, and we continued to relay for those who still have a chance at survival.
"Victory at all costs" - We walked all night; we pushed ourselves.
"Victory in spite of all terror" - Even when it seems that our fight, cancer patients' fights, will be useless, we continue to fight.
"Victory however long and hard the road may be" - We didn't get a break because cancer doesn't give breaks. It's a continuous battle until we find a cure.
"For without victory there is no survival." - We fight because we have no other choice. And we will continue to fight. Until hope becomes a cure. We will find a cure.
And, of course, we have the victory over a very literal terror - Osama Bin Laden was killed by US forces after almost 10 years of searching. His terror reigned over us since September 11, 2001. He is solely responsible for thousands and thousands of American lives lost. He ignited a fire in the American people that day, and we vowed to be victorious over him. Finally, we were.
"Victory at all costs" - Thousands of men and women sacrifice their lives in the armed forces in pursuit of our freedom. Their lives and the sacrifices of those among them are the unmatchable costs of this victory. We should all be forever grateful.
"Victory in spite of all terror" - When the deck was stacked against us, many in this country doubted our mission in the war against terror, in our mission against the enemy. There were points where the enemy was winning, but eventually, we got our man, despite the terrors we faced along the way.
"Victory however long and hard the road may be" - It was a long road, and we still have a good deal of road ahead of us. We will get there. This victory is a step along that road.
"For without victory there is no survival" - That's it. There is nothing more to say. We will continue to be victorious against terror because there is no other option.
Winston Churchill said it best.
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