Month: August 2013

Volunteering at Feed My Starving Children

Yesterday I took my nephews to volunteer at Feed My Starving Children.  “It is a non-profit Christian organization committed to feeding God’s hungry children in body and spirit.  The approach is simple: children and adults hand-pack meals specifically formulated for malnourished children, and we ship the meals to nearly 70 countries around the world.” Source: http://www.fmsc.org

It is very organized.  We start with a video explaining the mission, ask/answer questions, wash hands, and put on hairnets.  Then we move to the packing room where we are told what to do.  Very simple.

Volunteering at Feed My Starving Children

Volunteering at Feed My Starving Children

Each bag of food has rice, soy nuggets, dehydrated vegetables, vitamins/minerals and must weigh between 380-400 grams.  If it is under we add more rice and if it is over then we remove some rice. When we complete 36 bags, we pack them into a box.

Volunteering at Feed My Starving Children

Volunteering at Feed My Starving Children

In order for a station to function efficiently there needs to be 6-7 volunteers.  Depending on the number of volunteers there may be enough to work at all of the stations.  In addition, there are some volunteers that pick up the completed boxes and take them to the packing room.  There the boxes are packed in pallets ready for shipment to the various countries.  Each shift is 2 hours but with the orientation and cleanup the actual volunteer time is about 1 1/2 hours. However, the time goes by fast because everyone is working fast, singing, and just having a good time.

Volunteering at Feed My Starving Children

 

Volunteering at Feed My Starving Children

At the end of the shift we get the opportunity to taste a sample of the food.  It is actually pretty good. Also, we are told how many boxes we packed during our shift.

Volunteering at Feed My Starving Children

Volunteering at Feed My Starving Children

It is a great experience!  This is my second time going but I hope to volunteer more often instead of going once a year.  My 10 year old nephew has agreed to coming along with me as well.

Just Keep Running!

July 2013 in Review

This month I ran 96.66 compared to 80.43 in June.

I ran two races: 4 on the 4th and Strike Out ALS 5K.  My favorite was the 4 on the 4th not only because I set a PR but the weather was just perfect for running.  As for the 5K, the race was in the evening and it was BRUTAL HOT.  I am waiting for the weather to cool down to run another 5K and set another PR.

This month I have one race: Fort2Base.  I am looking forward to this race.  It is a new race and a new distance (11.5 miles) for me.

Summer break is coming to an end.  I’ve had a good time relaxing and spending time with my nephews.  They wear me out!  I am excited about new things happening once I am back at school.  But I know that once I start, I will be counting down for winter break, spring break, and the last day of school.

I’ve worn my Brooks PureFlow 2 during my runs/races and they’re amazing!  I just love them so much. Recently, I received a pair of Pro Compression Trainer Low socks and let me just say that they’re great socks.  I am a big fan of their Marathon socks but will soon become a fan of the trainer socks too.  Be on the lookout for another giveaway

I applied to be a coach for Girls on the Run-Chicago.  I have CPR training on the 15th and then a training workshop on the 24th.  I’ve never done anything like this but I will be combining two things that I love:  running and working with kids. A few years ago I was a Wish Granter for the Make-A-Wish Illinois and I decided to do it again. I am really excited about these opportunities!  For sure I will have a busy schedule with these two organizations, work, and training for my multiple races.  But that is just OK with me.

Just Keep Running!

Three Things Thursday, August 1, 2013

1.  The winner of the Lock Laces Giveaway is Jennifer Harling.  Thanks to all that participated.

Three Things Thursday, August 1, 2013

2.  I cannot believe it is already August 1st.  That means less than a month for school to start.  I am sort of ready to go back to school.  I like new things so I am excited about the new students, principal and assistant principal, writing materials, and three additional 1st grade teachers.  The first day of school is August 26.  The students’ first day is August 28th.  Hopefully I can go set up my classroom on August 19.  It usually takes me 2-3 days depending on how early I go and how late I stay.  My goal is 2 days.

3. It looks like I’ve been “miscounting” on my goal to run a half marathon in each state.  Yikes!  I thought it was 21 states but in reality it’s 19 because I ran a full marathon in CT and LA.  The plan is to run the ING Hartford Half Marathon in October of this year and the Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans in February 2014.