This was just a weekend of charity for me! Though last night it was as an attendee, not a volunteer.
Eric and I became supporters of Indiana Landmarks after we donated to them in honor of someone's wedding (they requested donations rather than gifts, and had a suggested list of charities). We found there were quite a few things of interest with them, and when we got an invite for their Rescue Party after that initial donation, we decided to check it out. As a bonus, that first one we attended was also in a historical building they restored to be their headquarters. Both Eric and I had wanted to check out since its completion. It's still in that location, but now we've seen the building, so we can focus more on the real reason for the party now.
So what is a Rescue Party, you ask? It's kind of a cool concept, and I can't tell you if it's original to them, or if they pulled the idea from a similar organization... but it's cool, none the less. Indiana Landmarks is basically a charity that tries to save historic buildings/structures, either by funding the restorations, or marketing them to someone who can. Or just appreciating/acknowledging those who have done restorations. The Rescue Party is the annual fundraising even where they list the top 'endangered' historical structures that could disappear by means of destruction or neglect in the next year or so. 
Anyway, it was a pretty packed house last night, which is good to see. And despite the beautiful, restored location it's in, that reinforces their mission, they might have to move it some place bigger if it continues to grow! Regardless, it was still a nice date night for Eric and I. For me, it was so low key compared to Friday night - fewer people, not as formal, and no really 'big names' that I saw (not that it makes a difference). But we were able to grab some hors d'oeuvres and a drink before heading out. Like I said... a nice date night.
As some of you know, my favorite charity is Make-A-Wish. I fell in love with the organization after listening to their Request-A-Thon over a decade ago, and it inspired me to start volunteering with them (and donating to them on a regular basis). But for some reason, it took me awhile before I started volunteering for what has now become my favorite event, the annual Big Wish Gala!
This is you 'typical' black-tie event where all the important people show up. At least that's what we like to tell ourselves. But it IS hosted, annually, by former Colts player, Dallas Clark, and we had Mayor Ballard go around thanking us for out time this year. So that's something. Even as volunteers, we break out our LBD's - at least the ladies do. It's that kind of atmosphere.
And it's magical! Last night, we had it at the JW Marriott. We didn't have quite as many Wish Kids there this year, but the ones who come are just as dolled up as the rest of the attendees... sometimes more! And every year, a 'princess' grants one of their wishes, live. It's joyfully tearful! I keep telling Eric we're going to actually attend one of these years, instead of me volunteering. I just want to experience the full event, at least once...
Aside from the admission and live 'raise your paddle' donations, there's auctions, of course. Usually around ten live auction, and this year, over 100 silent auction items! And the system they use is slick! It's all done on your phone - no signing your name on a sheet and constantly going back to look at it. You simply register your phone with one of the silent auctioneers, and click the link that's then sent to you, and you're off! You can view and bid on any of the items, plus, you get texted when you're outbid.
It's actually dangerous... and TOO easy! A good number of volunteers get involved with it, too... I even won this year. But it's for charity, right?? Without divulging too much (until later), let's just say I'll be checking something off of my bucket list.
All in all, it was another fabulous event and I'm sure they raised a lot of money, which they normally do at this event. I know at least one of the live auctions went for $10k!! Thankfully, the silent auction items don't go that high... well, thankfully for the little guys, like me! One year, Eric and I will go. It's too fabulous not to experience it from the other side!
I assume I'm not the only one that wonders 'what if?' or "could I have been...?" when it comes to what I do in life. Sure. I'm an engineer. And from what I've been told, I'm pretty good at what I do. But just like every job, it has its high and low points. But is that true? DOES every job have high and low points?
That's what I find myself wondering sometimes. Did I follow the path I was supposed to? And when I think about what else I might have done with my life, I think back to things I enjoyed in school, early on, and aside from physics and taking things apart (maybe I went into the wrong engineering field?), I always liked writing. I actually enjoyed some of the term papers I wrote (as long it was a topic I got to pick, to some extent, I did, at least).
And then there's this blog... why would I have started (and somewhat kept up with) this blog if I didn't enjoy it. Sure, it's often riddled with errors, but that comes from the rush I'm usually in to get something blogged. But in general, I enjoy it. Especially when I have something real to write about. You know... something actually about my life...
With Facebook reconnecting me to so many old friends, I've seen a few who ended up in the journalism field. I think most are writing pieces for various magazines, but there's one that's a contributor to more of a political magazine, which is what triggered my latest wandering mind. He's writing about his life experiences, for the most part. They always say to write about what you know, which if you can pull from your own life experiences, making it personal, it's even a better piece. So what if I would have been educated in the matter and actually 'trained' to write, not just ramble on a blog?
Add that to my photographic eye and I wonder even more. I can honestly say I'd love to chronicle something (more than my own life) in words and photos. That just sounds so appealing to me.
Is it just 'the grass is greener' theory taking over my mind? Most writers have deadlines, just like I do. So that would be the same pressure. Or would it? I've toyed with the idea of writing a semi-autobiographical book... but honestly, I've yet to really know how to start it. Literally. But that would probably fill this weird void I feel. But I have no time. Which is what it always seems to come back to.
I guess for now, this blog will have to continue to be my outlet. Maybe I'll win the lottery and can take a year off of work to fulfill this supposed 'need' I have to write. Which means doing something more interesting. At least I can dream, right?
Typically, with Tax Day being in mid-April, you don't associate it with snow or really cold weather. There's usually hope involved with Tax Day, in that you have the sunshine and warm spring breezes to cheer you up outside.
Not this year. Woke up to snow/ice on the car, with snowflakes whipping around in the wind most of the day. Nothing you want to look out the window and see this time of the year. Cold, blustery winds that make you dig out the winter coat you just put away, along with gloves and your ice scraper for your car.
Oh, and of course everyone already forgot how to drive in this weather, which made for a fun rush hour.
The good news with all of this, aside from the fact that Eric and I did our taxes a long time ago, is the fact that this IS just a one day thing. The weekend is supposed to be spectacular, again. But that actually makes today that much more annoying... why can't we just get to spring weather and stay there??
Once again, I digress. I'm tired of rambling about the cold weather. Here's hoping this really is the last time until next winter.
We have a new pro-sport in town... well, semi-pro, at least. It's not the Majors, but we'll see big stars come through. At least, they're big stars if you follow the sport. What sport, you ask? Soccer.
It still amazes me how popular soccer has become in the US. Not a bad thing, at all... nice to finally have a common sport with the rest of the world be so popular in the US, too. Locally, there was a big push to get a professional team here, even if it wasn't the MLS level. Which they finally did.
And they've done it right. All the right publicity and promotion to get people hyped up about it. They sold out their season tickets well before the season (Eric and I even bought some), and their first game (last night) was sold out. And the hype? Even if you don't follow soccer, you can't help but follow it - the excitement is just too real... there's no commercial machine behind it, it's just a pure passion for the game by longtime fans.
So the team? Again, they did it right by having a team name (Indy Eleven) with a history/background to it that made it interesting to everyone... they didn't just throw out some mascot. 
They strategically drafted and announced everyone one the team, from the coach to the last player, just weeks before the first game. They have a fan club, the Brickyard Battalion, that leads all the chants and songs during the games. It's even very kid/family friendly.
So last night was the first game, and even I was excited about it. And though the match was a draw, it did not disappoint in excitement. I can only imagine it'll get better as the team's chemistry grows. And we have a whole season to watch it unfold!
I'm not sure if it's because I live in a cold northern state, or if it's an epidemic brought on by spoiled millennials... but when did Spring Break become such a big deal outside of the college form of Spring Break??
I know I sure as hell never went anywhere for Spring Break growing up - I was just happy to have a week off school! Granted, I already lived in FL... but I kid you not, I know of at least six coworkers/clients that are 'away on Spring Break' this week. WTH? When did this become the norm to actually take a family vacation on Spring Break?? Working and actually being productive (because you can converse with people who you need to) is almost as impossible as it is the week between Christmas and New Years!
I get this was a crappy winter. But really? You have an obligatory need to actually go on a vacation, just because the school calendar gave your kids a week off? You'd think that since 'spring' is finally here, you'd want to just enjoy that and the fact that you can enjoy your own outdoors. I don't see where taking a week off of work makes any sense, especially from the standpoint that everyone else seems to be doing the same thing.
I grew up in FL. This time of year annoys the crap out of Floridians. I think it's worse than snowbirds. At least snowbirds, while old and mostly slow, don't all flock to the exact same place for a week straight. They kind of take up residency and have a clue. It's no wonder Disney can charge $100/ticket now.
Is this jealousy speaking? Maybe. But I didn't grow up with the thought of spring break as anything more than a break from school. Even in college I was a little baffled by the party mode that happened. At least then, the age for partying made it seem a little more tangible.
I digress. I call this week over and pointless in the realm of productivity. Sure.. I want to go to FL, too. But not with everyone else. I'll just go visit my family another week.
Eric and I became supporters of Indiana Landmarks after we donated to them in honor of someone's wedding (they requested donations rather than gifts, and had a suggested list of charities). We found there were quite a few things of interest with them, and when we got an invite for their Rescue Party after that initial donation, we decided to check it out. As a bonus, that first one we attended was also in a historical building they restored to be their headquarters. Both Eric and I had wanted to check out since its completion. It's still in that location, but now we've seen the building, so we can focus more on the real reason for the party now.
