Halloween Bandit Strikes Again!

Sample Bandit-ry

Decorations supplied by the bandit. Rigging to block office door done by officemates who are funny after original event in question.



Bandit Exhibit A

Prosecution: Your honor, I present to you the case of the Halloween Bandit.

Judge: State your case.

Prosecution: Your honor, at some point between 8 pm on Thursday, October 20th and 7 am on Friday, October 21st, the Halloween Office bandit struck a Santa Monica location.

Judge: Enough. Hasn't this happened before?

Prosecution: Yes, your honor. On record at least since 2009, this Halloween Bandit has spread gouhl-y spirit. It remains an open case, the Bandit has yet to be identified. Detectives believe to have multiple leads to the case but every year it remains a mystery... and then the bandit returns again. Cobwebs, spiders, pumpkins everywhere. Skeletons and trinkets on desk, just to rile up workers in every little way.

Judge: Well I'd say this bandit is good at what he/she does. Isn't this the point of the bandit? To remain unseen?

Prosecution: Why, yes, you may say so, your highness. However, prosecution is baffled by this yearly occurance and continues to seek answers!

Judge: Well who are your suspects?

Prosecution: Two main suspects, sir. One male, one female. Both likely have some part in the act, however both plead innocence.

Judge: And why do you suspect this duo?

Prosecution: After speaking to occupants of office and co-workers of said suspects, these two remain in question. Plus, concrete evidence of bandit-ry follow these individual's patterns.

Judge: How so?

Prosecution: You see, your highness, one office suspect, goes by Jessica, loves the dollar store the most of anyone in the office. All items (seen above) left by the bandit are in line with dollar store purchases.

Judge: And the other?

Prosecution: A male, sir. Blake. Of all officemates, this one has most loyalty to the office chalkboard (exhibit A, above).

Judge: Is this all the evidence you have, prosecution?

Prosecution: Yes, sir. This is all the evidence that the bandit leaves.

Prosecution: If it helps the case, sir, an official office poll taken revealed 8 votes for the male, 3 votes for the female, 5 votes for the male/female team.

Pause... and silence in the courtroom...

Judge: Remind me again why we are spending time on this?

Prosecution: Your honor, without your support and city and county resources designated to this effort, the bandit will strike again.

Judge: Well let the bandit be a bandit! Goul-y cheer among office mates does only good! Prosecution, case closed. Bandit strikes again! Enjoy the cheer, Prosecutor. The Bandit is out to do good!

Shortbread Cookies

One of the highlights every year - for about the past 20 - is shortbread cookie fundraiser time. I remember days of waking up very eary in the morning to go to the Kalama School cafeteria to mix up 100 cups of flour with 100 cups of butter & other ingredients to make these delicious treats. Ten cookies per bag, iron the bag closed, and take them to the streets. Soccer fundraisers, band fundraisers, lots of good reasons to enjoy shortbread cookies.

And the reason I still look forward to shortbread cookie time is because my father, Clyde, without fail, sends me packages of cookies every year. Sweet, right?! I never "expect" the cookies to come, I never hear about it being shortbread cookie time. Every fall they simply arrive at my doorstep as a little piece of home, sent with a lot of love, for me to enjoy.

Most of the time, I enjoy it all by myself. There are few things in life that I won't share with anyone out of pure selfishness. Shortbread cookies from the fundraiser are one of them. They bring such happiness and I appreciate that my good dad sends them just for me! Trust me, he sends me enough to share probably with intentions for me to share. But I'm a big girl and I can make these decisions not to share on my own. 

Thanks, Dad, for always sending me a lot of love, nicely packaged in the form of shortbread cookies! 

Maui Farmer Helps Feed Homeless

Farmer helps agency feed the hungry - The Maui News

Click on the link above to read more about Oliver Ignacio, a farmer who donated over 50,000 of food - in one year! - to Maui organization, Feed My Sheep.

Photos by Maui News Matthew Thayer

myTeam Triumph

myTeam Triumph is an athletic ride-along program for children and adults who would otherwise not have an opportunity to race.

Inspired by the father-son team of Dick and Rick Hoyt, myTeam Triumph allows "captains" to race in triathlons, 5Ks, 10Ks, half-marathons, and marathons. Team provides all the necessary equipment for the Captain-Angel team including wheelchairs for run races, boats and harnesses for swims, and trailers for bike rides.

Check out the local races in your area and support myTeam Triumph.

Travel for Good!

Travelocity sponsors a Travel For Good program encouraging green traveling, traveling that makes a difference around the world, and sponsors a volunteer service grants each year. It's an awesome approach to traveling.

Twice a year, Travelocity awards four $5,000 Volunteer Vacation grants. Participants send in a 2 minute video showing their inspiration for a volunteer trip, the good they are already doing in their community, and why they should win. Winners are based on 50% fan vote and 50% Travelocity chosen based on their video.

Below is a link to an individual 365 Days of Service recommends followers to vote for. Her name is Ashley Walters and she is AWESOME. She's already an accomplished woman of service and now she hopes to reach out to those in Tanzania. Ashley says, "I may not be a superhero, but I believe I can make the difference in the lives of others... " and shes asking us to believe the same.

Watch Ashley's video and vote!

Empanada Night!

Empanada Night!

I'm very fortunate to be friends and co-workers with a lovely woman named Karin who annually hosts an Empanada Night for friends. Tonight was our night.

The best part? Karin always says empanadas are best to dish up for large quantities, thus we are the lucky ones who can "help" her baking extravaganza! And these aren't any cookbook empanadas. Oh no, these are Argentinian host mom empanadas.

Karin and Jesse, along with their kitty, Mia, and rescue dog, Sammy (who I call Sandy because of her sandy color and because I misheard her name when we were introduced) open their home to one and all and we have a lot of fun.

Here's the list of great things about tonight:

• Empanadas - authentic and delicious!
• A host mother recipe!
• Good time with friends
• Celebrating Karin and Jesse's recent marriage and looking through their beautiful photos!
• Nintendo (yup, real old-school nintendo, not even the super version)
• Karin and Jesse fostering a rescue dog
• Everyone brings a treat to share. Also, on the menu: caprese skewers, assortment of fine cheese and crackers, chocolcate covered strawberries, pumpkin cheesecake, wine and more wine
• Homemade cheese! Karin really made homemade cheese and it was awesome!
• Chouch - or something like that. A chair-couch they are proud to own.
• Teaching others how to empanad (the word for the active learning of making empanadas). Karin taught Kristin to make empanadas. Kristin was so happy. She says, "My place is in the kitchen" with a big smile and much happiness to learn a new recipe and a new awesome food to cook.
• Good friends! We are fortunate to work with such incredible individuals every day. And, it's so awesome to enjoy our incredible every day people in a very relaxed, warm, and fun setting.

Thanks Karin, Jesse, Mia, and Sammy (Sandy!) for hosting such a wonderful evening for all of us. We loved every minute and loved every bite!

Thumbs up!

"If you can read this, thumbs up!"

Yup, that's how awesome these kids are.

I've gathered this to be a study hall type room for kids in a local soccer gym. As the 7 pm games ended and a large number of adults filed their way out of the gym, this was in the window.

I saw the binder at first and didn't think too much about it. Thankfully, I took a second look!

"If you can read this, thumbs up!" (Please also take notice of the drawing of the thumbs up)

The kids were watching all the adults pass by at first. Then I was fortunate to catch this gem of a moment with such cool kids!

Pretty simple, right? Thumbs up? 

Binder + dry erase marker + venue for adult passers by + kids imagination = awesomeness.

They lifted my spirits for sure. The joy coming out of that room from those kids - amazing!

C'mon, you have to love this!

Give back on your big day!

I recently heard of a friend who is giving back on her big day? How? Many ways!

Guidestar published this article back in 2003 informing others how everyone benefits when charitable donations are made in honor of wedding bell bliss. Couples support a cause that is meaningful to them and worthy charities benefit.

How do couples do this?

• Include a non-profit organization in your wedding registry
• In leiu of wedding favors, make a donation to a charity in honor of your guests
• Wedding party gift cards: purchase charity gift cards for your wedding party and they go online and donate the gift card to the charity of their choice
• Create a wedding registry with a partner store who will donate up to 10% of proceeds to your charity of choice
• Earn money for your charity when you're shopping for your wedding. Partner stores donate up to 10% of proceeds from your wedding purchases to your charity of choice

Organizations like the I DO Foundation help support couples support charities. It's cool. Check it out! And, if you're getting married, consider giving to charity too!

Save our Open Space & Agricultural Resources

Save our Open Space & Agricultural Resources: Protecting Open Space from Urban Sprawl.

SOAR:
The SOAR measure is a General Plan Amendment.  California law allows for lawmaking by initiative, including the amendment of city and county General Plans.  The SOAR measure prevents changes in specified land use categories of the General Plan unless the land use change is approved by a (simple) majority of voters.  In other words it locks in certain land use categories and puts the keys in the hands of the voters.
SOAR is working to stop urban sprawl and build vibrant and sustainable communities. Once cities sprawl together, each city loses the unique character vital to a real sense of community. SOAR is working to stop runaway, ill-planned growth before the problems associated with urban sprawl get out of hand.
SOAR ordinances call for well-planned cities that work, focusing development within existing urban areas, and strive to protect farming and greenbelts in Ventura County.
What's also cool about SOAR? The SOAR Trail Running Series. A series of 5 trail runs that support SOAR. Raising funds,raising awareness, and getting people out on the trails.

Support your local school

The idea for the day? Support your local school.

Thought about it because I was invited to a local school film festival. Support the school and support the students.

So I googled, "How can I support my local schools." Found an article from Great Schools and here's what they suggest:

• Join the PTA: In addition to learning more about your school, investing in your school's progress, connecting with school teachers and administration, you're also able to connect with other parents.
• Attend School Board Meetings: Be informed on the decisions being made that will affect your local schools. Voice your input as well!
• Support school clubs: support the extra-curricular activities of your local school (like their film club!). Offer supplies, funds, or an extra set of hands.
• Offer your skills: Great schools suggests that if you have strong technical skills, you offer these skills to your local school. Set up computers, evaluate equipment. Spread that a little further... what are your strongest skills and how can you use these to provide services to your local school?
• Volunteer your time and talents: Volunteer time in the classroom, read stories to school children, offer your time in any way that it can be used!
• Organize a workplace tour: Work somewhere cool where kids can learn? Organize a time for a class to take a fieldtrip to your office and learn about your organization or company - and your job!
• School Clean Up Day: What a great idea and so simple! Offer to schedule a school clean up day to help keep schools clean!
• Garden: Could the schools use some landscaping, a few extra trees, flowers to brighten every day? Offer to help increase the green!
• Drive: Offer to drive for a fieldtrip or serve as a fieldtrip chaperone!
• Volunteer at the school library: Some schools who are short on the funds to hire a librarian rely on parent volunteers to run the library. Help give kids easy access to books - and a world full of knowledge! 

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

For the past 27 years the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month organization: has partnered with national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to screening services.
Everything from your local stores and sports teams are supporting National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Check out the supporters in your local area!
 

Maxwell House Drops of Good

The Maxwell House Drops of Good program asked individuals to vote for 10 community houses where they could make a difference. Over 2 million people voted. Five houses received $50,000 renovation awards. Five others received $5,000 renovation awards.  All 10 community houses are making a powerful impact in their respective communities. Learn more about these houses.

Share a YouTube video

It is really amazing, actually, how YouTube has changed the world. People who could have easily gone undiscovered are now sensations and "viral" has a whole new meaning.

And, one of my favorite benefits of YouTube: community building. Yes, YouTube has the power to bring people together. Even when we're physically together, because of YouTube we share laughs, have more inside jokes in common, and genuinely enjoy one another's company gathered around a YouTube playing on a small computer screen.

Here's the series of most recent YouTube hits that friends and I enjoyed together. I'll be honest, I've watched this series of videos a couple of times because it's that cheerful. Plus, this is one of my new favorite songs.







And if you've continued to read to the bottom of the post, I fully disclose that some of my favorite YouTube videos are funny and you wish it wouldn't be. And the world wouldn't know about it if it weren't for YouTube. Sorry. Grape stompers. That's all I'm saying. So sorry.

Pacific Crest Trail Association

The Pacific Crest Trail zigzags dedicated hikers through 2,650 miles of adventure and discovery from Mexico to Canada.  The mission of the Pacific Crest Trail Association is to "protect, preserve and promote the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail as an internationally significant resource for the enjoyment of hikers and equestrians, and for the value that wild and scenic lands provide to all people."

The trail boasts the greatest elevation changes of any of America's scenic trails and takes travelers through 6 of the 7 American eco-zones. About 300 individuals attempt to complete the entire trail annually and many more enjoy the PCT for weekend or day hikes. The PCT offers 5 disctinct sections: Southern California, Central California, Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. Through these different areas, hikers journey through landmarks such as the Mojave Desert, Yosemite National Park, Crater Lake, the Sierra Nevada and Mount Whitney, Mount Shasta, Mount Hood, Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Rainier, and the Northern Cascades. 

Learn more about the Pacific Crest Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail Association.

Share a run and save me from a snake

Who has the right of way? Snake or me?

This is when he started to get mad.

I've been very fortunate that a co-worker of mine, Mirla, has kindly offered to take me for runs around the lovely area of Lake Hughes. Over 4 years of being a part-time Lake Hughes resident, I've hardly ever ventured outside of the road in and road right out. And "beautiful" wouldn't have been far down the list of accurate adjectives to describe this small town. But with the encouragement of Mirla, I've ventured out into the Lake Hughes mountains and discovered the beauty of the mountains surrounding me!

For the past couple of weeks Mirla has invited me to go running. She takes me on a different trail every time and sticks with me while we run. We go at a comfortable pace for both of us and while we get a very good workout, her priority is always making sure that I'm comfortable and having a good run. She let's me choose which way we should go, points out different sights to see, including taking me for runs on the Pacific Crest Trail.

And, to top it off, she also saves me from snakes (see above). On our run last Thursday we came across this creature. When we see snakes at camp the next question is, "Does it have a maraca?" Yes, this one did. A rattlesnake, and not just any rattlesnake, a big one! Of course, Mirla among the top of the most awesome human beings on the planet proceeded to scare this rattlesnake (measuring at least 2.5 feet long!). He slithered into the bush and out of our path. Mirla asked us if we wanted to turn around and run a different way or continue on our path. My thought? With Mirla with me, I can do anything! She kept an eye on the snake (who kept his eye on us!) and the 3 others of us running that afternoon safely passed. We continued on for a great run and didn't see our not-so-friendly snake again.

Running with Mirla is fun for many reasons:

1. It's good for our health!
2. It stops me from working and gets me out running
3. It's a good time to chat and get to know one another better
4. Mirla is funny and makes runs fun
5. It's a good way to see more surrounding areas and it's beauty
6. Mirla is a badass who saves us from snakes

Writer's note: Badass is in the dictionary, by the way, so I thought that deemed it an appropriate word for blog.  

National Ability Center

I recently met a kind woman who introduced me to the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah. Their program supports the development of lifetime skills for individuals of all ages and abilities through affordable recreational and outdoor activities and experiences.

FoodCorps

From the FoodCorps Website, here's how Food Corps serves:

FoodCorps places motivated young leaders in limited-resource communities for a year of public service. Working under the direction of local partner organizations, we implement a three-ingredient recipe for healthy kids. Our Service Members:

• Deliver hands-on nutrition education
• Build and tend school gardens
• Bring high-quality local food into public school cafeterias

Our Mission

Through the hands and minds of young leaders, FoodCorps strives to give all youth an enduring relationship with healthy food.

Our Vision

We envision a nation of well-nourished children: children who know what healthy food is, how it grows and where it comes from, and who have access to it every day. These children, having grown up in a healthy food environment, will learn better, live longer, and liberate their generation from diet-related disease.

We envision a bright future for our Service Members: young leaders who, having invested a year of public service creating healthy food environments for children, will go on to become farmers, chefs, educators and public health leaders. These visionaries, armed with the skills to improve school food, will improve all food.

In partnership with the Whole Foods Foundation, over 2 million dollars has been raised to support school gardens.

Why do they dig school gardens?

1. Students learn about farming and where food comes from
2. THey provide hands-on learning opportunities that integrate math, science, and health lessons
3. They encourage physical activity
4. Growing food promotes healthy eating habits
5. School gardens provide children access to local, healthy and nourishing foods

Learn more about school garden grants or donate today!

Whole Kids Foundation

Whole Kids Foundation's mission is to improve children's nutrition and wellness with the goal of ending the childhood obesity epidemic. Through partnerships with innovative organizations, schools and educators we work to provide children access to healthier choices. The Whole Kids Foundation aims to help children reach their full potential through the strength of a healthy body.

The Whole Kids Foundation strives to do this through 3 major initiatives:

• Supporting school gardens
• Sponsoring school salad bars
• Nutrition education for teachers

Through the Whole Kids Foundation you can sponsor a salad bar or follow the Lunchbox Blog, a free online resource for schools who want to improve their lunch program.

Share a handy craft and support the planet too!

I'm sure that the majority of people have some form of t-shirt collection. Don't want to give them up? Put them to good use and make one of your t-shirts into a reusable shopping bag!

Watch a video to learn how!

Let's Move!

Let's Move! is an action plan to raise healthier children across America.

Did you know:

• Nearly 1 in 3 children are overweight or obese?
• Childhood obesity rates have tripled over the past 30 years?
• If nothing is done, 1 in 3 children born after 2000 will have diabetes?
• 8-18 year olds spend an average of 7.5 hours per day using some form of entertainment media (cell phone, computer, movie, video games, etc.)

Here's how Let's Move is fighting against childhood obeisty:
Let’s Move! is a comprehensive initiative, launched by the First Lady, dedicated to solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation, so that children born today will grow up healthier and able to pursue their dreams. Combining comprehensive strategies with common sense, Let's Move! is about putting children on the path to a healthy future during their earliest months and years. Giving parents helpful information and fostering environments that support healthy choices. Providing healthier foods in our schools. Ensuring that every family has access to healthy, affordable food. And, helping kids become more physically active.

And they encourage us to know that everyone is responsible.

Everyone has a role to play in reducing childhood obesity, including parents, elected officials from all levels of government, schools, health care professionals, faith-based and community-based organizations, and private sector companies. Your involvement is key to ensuring a healthy future for our children.

Join the movement!

Jamba Juice helps keep kids healthy

Go to your nearest Jamba juice right now! (If you can.)

Over a 24-hour period, Jamba Juice is promoting the "Let's Jump Team Up for a Healthy America" jumping jacks event. From 3 pm EST October 11 - 3 pm EST October 12, Jamba Juice is attempting to get 20,425 individuals to do jumping jacks for one minute in an effort to break the Guinness Book of World Records "Most people doing jumping jacks" record.

Join in today. So I've heard that you have to jump for 60 seconds and they have to get a picture of you jumping - not to be posted anywhere.

All of this is also a part of Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign that encourages kids and families to be healthy and active. The First Lady herself is kicked off the event by doing 60 seconds of jumping jacks in the White House at 3 pm EST today.

I'll be there before noon, CA time tomorrow. Join me - if not at a Jamba then feel free to just jump! 

Back to Blogging

Dear readers,

Here I offer my sincerest apologies for not keeping up to the daily task of blogging about service.

Have no fear, there wasn't a day that I didn't see tremendous acts of service by others. Individuals who have committed themselves to do good every single day - one small act after another.

And all throughout, I've been humbled. And now I'm catching up.

Please, read back some to learn about some new organizations, new people, and lots of good still going on!

And from now until November, you bet that this will be updated daily! Thanks for following!

Peanut Butter Pie for Mikey - Service Highlight

Shared by blogger extraordinaire, Kristin Friedersdorf



A husband that loved Peanut Butter Pie. A wife that loved her husband.

Others, near and far, shared in support.

Innovative Concept Academy

Jimmie Edwards, Juvenile Court Judge in St. Louis, MO, offers troubled teens a lifeline of help - an education.

Innovative Concept Academy is the only school of it's kind in the US. For students who are disruptive in other schools, or expelled, Innovative Concept Academy offers them a place where they earn a mainstream education and one that teaches them not only academic lessons, but life lessons too.

Learn more about this amazing school.

Meet Sherrie Gahn

Center for Non-Profit Management

A non-profit organization that helps to build strong leaders for non-profit organizations across Southern California.  Read more about The Center for Non-Profit Management.

Portland Ukulele Association

On a recent trip to Portland, Oregon, I was introduced to PUA, the Portland Ukulele Association.

Growing up in HI, I've always had an appreciation for the beautiful sounds of the ukulele and I've been wanting to learn. It is my goal over the fall to take lessons and start to play. And now I wish I had a PUA in my own backyard.

The Portland Ukulele Association is a collection of individuals who gather monthly to play the ukulele. All levels are welcome - beginners to advanced players - to join in a monthly 2-hour jam session held at a local church.

The best part of PUA? Everyone gets to play. Sometimes picking up a new hobby, interest, instrument can be challenging but PUA makes it inviting to everyone. Beginner lessons are available at the start of PUA, loaner ukuleles are too.

If you live in Portland, I highly recommend you check PUA out!

Carter Work Project - Habitat for Humanity in Haiti

For 28 years, Habitat for Humanity has a Jimmy & Rosalyn Carter Work Project. This year's project, Building Hope, 100 Houses for Haiti.

“Like the rest of the world, Rosalynn and I were heartbroken to see the devastation and despair that the earthquake brought onto a country already so impoverished,” said President Carter.

“We have witnessed and been a part of the life-changing work Habitat has done around the world. We are pleased to join Habitat volunteers and the Haitian people to rebuild homes and to bring attention to the ongoing support needed for Haiti’s recovery.”
Eighty to ninety percent of buildings in Leogane, Haiti, were distroyed during the January 12, 2010 earthquack. This project plans on building 500 homes in Leogane.

World Habitat Day

Today, October 3, is World Habitat Day.

Today Habitat for Humanity kicks off a 6-week stretch of projects that highlight the need for safe, affordable housing.

The purpose of World Habitat Day:

• To call attention to the current global state of the human habitat.
• To push toward adequate housing for all.
• To dismantle and alter the systems that reinforce and entrench poverty housing.
• To make an affordable, decent place to live a reality for all.

Learn more.

Top 10 CNN Hero: Derreck Kayongo

Derreck Kayongo recycles hotel soap to save lives around the world.




Learn how to help him fight disease.

Top 10 CNN Hero: Bruno Serato

Bruno Serato provides free pasta dinners to children, most of whom live in motels.  



Learn more about Caterina's Club.