Monday, August 17, 2009

Counting My Blessings

We had lots going on in our household this weekend, which explains while there are still piles of laundry on the floor! But, I’ll get to that eventually.

I hit the ground running Saturday morning, picking up my friend, Tiff, for our Junior League Provisional Orientation. I’m looking forward to this season and getting involved with a number of worthwhile causes in the community, meeting some wonderful women and gaining valuable training skills.

I was a little concerned that I may be a bit “old” for just starting out in Junior League, but I found that’s not the case. While there were plenty of younger, fresh-out-of-college women there, I did meet others who are in my phase of life. We just get there when we can. All things happen for a reason and now it’s my time to join and give back.

In fact, that message was brought home to me in spades when one of the speakers, who is now a JL sustainer, spoke to the group. This dynamic woman has made quite an impact on our community and, in fact, helped establish a local chapter of Gilda’s Club. She, herself is a cancer survivor. She told the story of being at the cancer center meeting with executives in an effort to secure funding for Gilda’s Club. While there, she saw a woman get off the bus with a baby in her arms, enter the cancer center and sign in for her chemotherapy treatment. She then handed the baby off to people at the facility. After she was finished with her treatment, she took her baby and boarded another bus. Can you imagine? I thought, “There but for the grace of God go I.” It really made me sit and think about my life: I am educated, healthy and I have a great job; I am married to a loving man; and I have two smart, healthy and beautiful children. I have won the lottery of life.

So, there is so much to be done and so many people to help. And, I see JL as a great way in which to do that. I’ll provide more updates on how my provisional season goes, but, again, I’m really looking forward to the fall!

More weekend news…on Saturday night, Hubby and I ventured down to Midway, Ky. to dine at one of our favorite restaurants, the Holly Hill Inn. Delicious Kentucky food in a beautiful setting. It was good diversion – thanks again, Hon!

One more thing, I have a special treat for my readers this week! While counting my many blessings, I also want to give thanks for my followers and readers. Your kind words of support, compliments and advice mean the world to me. I get so much out of reading your blogs – y’all are so talented and creative! So, in your honor, I’m going to conduct my first GIVEAWAY! More news tomorrow – stay tuned!

8 comments:

QueenBeeSwain said...

You are going to ROCK at JL- I love it b/c I'd never say go to Peru to build an orphanage, but I would do things that are where I immediately am- peeps forget that there is need everywhere and what better way than to lend a hand and your time and skills to your local community! It is such an empowering organziation and you are going to love it!

PS- not everyone joins when they're 23!

Own it!

kHm

Seersucker Scrapper said...

Sounds like a busy but nice weekend. I look forward to hearing more about your JL experience.

Domestic Diva said...

So glad you are having a fabulous time with JL, it so does not matter when you join. As many of us who stated right out of college...you some times can get burnt out. Have a blast and can't wait to hear all about it!! Have a happy Monday!
xx me

Jessica Ryan said...

I joined the JL when I was 36. Then left not long after as well. My chapter seemed different. Less about helping and more about getting ahead and stepping all over people... seemed as if in the end people just wanted to help themselves. Was sad because that is not at all what JL is, I know. Congrats to you. I loved all the workshops and games of my provisional year. Great team building activities... and some great gals here and there too!

Under this Umbrella said...

YAY for you! It is now time that you took some time for you and do something for someone else at the same time. I hope you love the JL and can't wait to hear about your adventures. I have signed up for JL for next year...we moved after their deadlines. Keep us posted.

Have a great week. :)

Kalee said...

I love the Holly Hill Inn. I was lucky enough to grow up in central Kentucky and the Holly Hill Inn is a true gem. Good luck with the JL, it is a great opportunity to meet interesting ladies and work with worthwhile causes.

Elizabeth said...

i love holly hill inn.

i wish my city had junior league.

Amanda Profumo said...

Such a touching post... thanks for sharing. I've been thinking of joing the JLL for years and still haven't. Let me know how it goes!