Lend a hand

Throughout our lives, I am sure we have all at some point been overwhelmed (in a good way) by the generosity of others and overall goodness in people. This past week was one of those beautiful moments.

One of the aspects of my job (as a Program Manager for Best Buddies) is assisting with overall planning for some of our larger state-wide events, including our gala that is coming up in less than a month. This event like many black-tie affairs includes a silent auction and our entire office, board members and supporters work together to obtain as many auction items as possible to make the event a success. Well, I decided on whim to send a message to some friends on Facebook to see if they or anyone they knew would be willing to donate a gift certificate from their work, handcrafted items, beauty items, etc. Not really expecting to receive many hits (and certainly would not be offended), but thought why not try. Low and behold, generosity was rampant and from a widespread of friends I have come in contact with throughout my life. I am forever humbled and grateful after receiving so many responses from:

* Two friends from high school
* Mother of a friend
* A sorority sister
* Two fellow coach's wives
* Former colleague
* A friend of a fellow coach's wife

A thousand thanks for the generosity of these and many others throughout my life. Whether you are donating an auction item, opening a door for a stranger, offering a thoughtful sentiment...generosity and paying it forward is one of the greatest acts that has an incredible, positive ripple effect.

No excuses and solo dates

Yes, as the title states, there are no excuses for my absence from the blogging world (except maybe that the Johnson household is not the most exciting); nevertheless, back at it...for what it's worth. Yes, I realize that I have not blogged since April 8, 2010. Pathetic to say the least, but I have been enjoying life and everything it throws our way. So as we are optimistic that the Bulldogs will venture on a winning streak (just got the win in Cleveland), I will attempt to venture on a blogging streak. Good luck to both of us!

Speaking of the win in Cleveland, T as you many know is currently out of town (however, set to arrive momentarily) and I have been attempting to find ways to entertain myself...solo dates on a Saturday can be quite lovely. So if you are ever finding time alone and need some solo entertainment here are my suggestions:

Step 1 - Begin the morning with some time at the gym
Step 2 - Take a shower, because you probably stink
Step 3 - Bundle up and head (in the snow, ice, what have you) to the local coffee shop for a bagel, latte and paper
Step 4 - Go to the movie theater (movie choice of the day: Kings Speech - incredible), especially if you are too nervous to watch the Butler game and need a way to kill a good two hours
Step 5 - Come home and cuddle with your pooch

This made for a quite enjoyable, solo Saturday amidst the snow and ice. And as that last statement was typed, a message from T..."just landed". This makes for one happy me.

Koko circa snow day 2010

Incredible Journey

Yes...it has been quite a while since I posted (before Christmas to be exact). But it is only fitting that my last post was about "believing in something" and well this basketball season and through the tournament, Butler gave the entire nation something to believe in, something immeasurable, something truly inspiring.

Below is an article from Luke Winn, a sports writer from Sports Illustrated, that perfectly exemplifies the joy, pain, pride and thankfulness that encompasses the National Championship game, but most importantly this TEAM.

"The Butler Legend: All But the Miracle"

(Photo courtesy of Indystar.com)

Believe

One my all time favorite stories around Christmas time is "Yes, Virginia. There is a Santa Claus", the famous letter from little Virginia to the editor of the New York Sun in 1897 that asks that one question -- Is there a Santa Claus?

This story is close to my heart for several reasons:

#1 - My middle name is Virginia, which is also the middle name of my grandma. Over the years, I have grown to love my middle name for its uniqueness and the truly inspiring woman that I was named after.

#2 - When we were younger, my sister and I acted in several plays at our local community theatre and one of the characters Carol portrayed was Virginia in this beloved Christmas story.

#3 - Whether you believe in Santa Claus or even the idea of Santa Claus, belief in anything is important and can truly add value to your life.

So, my question to everyone this holiday season is - What do you believe in?

Macy's, the department store, declared this past Friday, December 11th as National Believe Day and although an ad campaign for the hectic holiday shopping season, this one quote provides legitimacy to the entire idea:

"Macy's has declared Dec. 11 National Believe Day in honor of everyone across the county who wants to believe in something"

I believe in - love, family, sunshine, Butler basketball, chocolate chip cookies, the world, coffee in the morning, a higher being, acceptance, holidays, Koko, music and friendship.

What do you believe in?

Live the Good Life

Checking back in after the Thanksgiving holiday. My entire family (mom, dad and sister) traveled out to California to spend time with Terry and the Butler family at the 76 Classic. The trip was wonderful, minus the outcome of some of the games. It was great to spend time with everyone and soak up the warm Cali sun. Here's a quick recap/highlights:

- Thanksgiving dinner at cousin June's condo with Terry's side of the family.
- Disneyland and California Adventure Park and getting to see the newest addition to the Disney princess family (Disney at Christmas is the best of both worlds)
- Trip to Laguna Beach & Newport Beach and making footprints in the sand
- Dinner at Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Restaurant for an early birthday dinner (best meal ever)
- Watching the Dawgs play ball and a W against UCLA
- Laying by the pool with a good book

So thankful for these opportunities, the sunshine and most of all spending time with family and friends. Missing Cali, but so happy to be home with Koko and getting ready for the holiday season. Life is good.

Love the Christmas decor in warm, sunny California!!

While we were sleeping...

The COLTS pulled out an improbable win!

Definitely wishing we could have stayed awake just a little bit longer...those 8:30 pm games are tough, especially when 5:30 am on a Monday morning comes quick.

Below is the hail mary catch made by Wayne (photo courtesy of Indianapolis Star). Who gives Payton the ball at his own 30-yard line?!?

Go Horse!

Slumber Party for Dogs

Our life is consumed with dogs...Bulldogs, our cute little cavador (Koko) and my parents' dogs--two little affenpinschers--Monty and Roxy. My parents often travel from Southern Indiana to Indy for Butler games and this weekend was no different. They normally bring their two little stinkers--Monty and Roxy--with them, and Koko just loves the company.

This weekend was slightly different, in one aspect.My parents celebrated their 28th anniversary and we got to dog-sit, while they stayed at the Conrad. During the night we didn't want Monty and Roxy to stay in the kitchen while Koko was in our bedroom, because they would cry all night long. So we brought their beds into our room.

Needless to say, not much sleeping was going on. The three little munchkins basically had a slumber party all night and woke Terry and I up several times. It was all quite comical. Especially when Roxy (the littlest one) took over Koko's large, plush bed and Koko was quite beside herself. She found herself sleeping on Roxy's little bed, until the wee hours of the morning and then she had enough and curled up next to Roxy and fell fast asleep.

Koko looking at Terry probably thinking --
"Daddy what am I suppose to do with this one? Help!"

Cuddle time--much to Koko's dismay.

Because they were all so active throughout the night, they were not in the mood to get up this morning to go out. These three, as with all dogs, never cease to amaze me with their stubbornness and human-like attitudes.

Absolutely love these rotten-little ones! (P.S. Bulldogs win! Butler 73 - Davidson 62)

Koko - all tongue.

Roxy - all cuteness.

Monty - all attitude.