Please consider giving a $10 donation in order to help the BAF to receive $50,000 and a mention in Parade Magazine. We need to stay in the top 4 spots to make this happen. All it takes is a $10 donation to help make this happen!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Five for Fighting : Autism Speaks
The band, Five for Fighting, is generously donating $0.40 to Autism Speaks for *each time* the video is viewed. The funding goes toward research studies to help find a cure. When you have a moment, please visit the link below to watch the video and pass
it along to your friends and family. It is a great & sad video.
They are aiming for 10,000 hits, but hopefully we can help them
to surpass this goal.
http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/408214
it along to your friends and family. It is a great & sad video.
They are aiming for 10,000 hits, but hopefully we can help them
to surpass this goal.
http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/408214
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Omaha M & G re-cap
Let me start this off by saying my learning of my M & G couldn't have come at a better time. I had only had electricity back for two days after being without it for nearly a week due to an ice storm.
Fast forward to the night of the concert .....
PuddinsJoy, Erica& I drove in from Kansas arriving at our hotel across the street from the Orpheum about an hour an a half before the 5:30 M & G time. Thank goodness they were there to help me get ready! I was so nervous.
As I glanced out the window before we left the hotel, I saw toni7babe who had just arrived.
We made our way across the street and a nice man from the Orpheum opened the door and asked if I was there for the M & G. I told him I was and he let me in. There were a few other winners there including toni7babe. We hugged and began chatting. By 5:45 we were all there and a lady from the Orpheum came and told us they moved the M & G to 6:30. We could leave if we wanted, but all chose to stay. Everyone showed each other what we brought to have signed. I brought an 11 x 14 print of Clay from Kimmel.
At about 6:20 or so, Jerome came out and asked if we had our passes. We said no and they didn't have them at will call. He called back to Mary and another person from the venue brought our passes to us. She passed them out and by that time Jerome was gone again. She said she and another runner from the venue were taking us back to the M & G location backstage. She took hrystya another way that was accessible for her wheelchair and the other runner took us outside and around the side. We walked down and began to round the corner when Jerome came and said they weren't ready it would be another 20 minutes. He had them take us to the theater so we stopped by a few deserted dressing rooms for everyone to have a bathroom break. We went up a lot of stairs and to the theater and we sat in there for awhile. He told us that the piano tuner didn't show for either of the two appointments they had made for the day and they were waiting on a different piano tuner to show up. He also told us he ordered Clay a greasy cheeseburger with ketchup, mayo & mustard (in that exact order).
Jerome came in and talked with us for awhile about his dogs and Durham. He said he worries about Durham when he's around people he doesn't know. He loves people he doesn't know but Jerome's afraid he'll bite. He had bitten Jerome a few weeks earlier. We also talked about his daughters. His older daughter and two grandkids were there for the Cleveland show and he said they had a great time. He also joked about how his youngest daughter knows how to work on her daddy to get what she wants. Presently for Christmas she wants a Macbook. Jerome joked that even Clay couldn't afford his daughter. He also apologized several times for us having to be moved around so much and the M & G being delayed.
They were practicing the lighting for the evening and even practiced the special All Is Well lighting even though at the concert we didn't get All Is Well.
Right before it was time to go back he told us the three rules.
Rule #1 - The only person who can take pictures is Jamie.
Rule #2 - Please have whatever you want autographed ready. If it's a book, please turn it to the page you want signed.
Rule #3 - No inappropriate touching of Clay.
The only other thing Jerome suggested were to make sure our questions weren't interview type questions. He said to make them fun. He said, "For example, don't ask : 'If you had only 30 days to live, what would you do in those 30 days?'"
He asked Mary if they were ready and then we all headed backstage.
As we walked down the hall, the rooms had signs on them. The first was wardrobe, second was Quiana, third was Angela. Quiana opened her door and walked out as we walked past. She was wearing a robe and had her hair up ready to get dressed. She said, "You all would have to walk by while I'm dressed like this!" She said hi to us and rushed over to Angela's room. The next room was a room with 6 chairs and a table with a few more chairs and a laptop. There was a guy sitting there who introduced himself as Joe. He worked with Clay up until last year. He was touring with 311 and had also toured with G & R recently and was visiting with Clay as he lives in Omaha. We all sat down. I was on the end closest to the door and toni7babe was next to me.
Jamie walked in and had the camera. She chatted with toni7babe who complimented her on her new haircut. Mary came in and got on the laptop. As we all chatted amongst ourselves, the door swung open and in came Clay with Faye!
He was wearing his Carolina hoodie, gray pajama pants and black slippers. His hair was blonde and he was wearing glasses. He walked up to each of us and we all told him our names. He sat down and asked us where we were from. He got down to the end of the row and Faye said, "Raleigh."
"I know where you're from, Mom!" he laughed.
At that time, Jamie was passing out post it notes to put the correct spelling of our names down for Clay to autograph our items.
Then he told us where Jerome, Jamie and Mary were from. As he told us where Mary was from, she turned to the side and said, "Don't believe a word he says!"
We all laughed and toni7babe said to Mary, "You're not from Alaska?" He looked at me and said, "What? You don't believe me?"
"No! I believe you. It was Sam." (Pretty nice of me, huh?)
She said what Mary had said and he asked Mary where she was from. She told us and Clay turned back around to us and said, "Thank you!"
Then he told us it was time for questions. He asked if anyone had a question and toni7babe raised her hand.
"Not you. You didn't believe me."
By that time we were all busting up laughing.
Then we started asking questions. These might not be in the right order, but these are what I remember.
What was one thing we wanted most for Christmas as a child?
Clay told us Brett was into Power Rangers as a child, but he couldn't remember what he wanted. Faye told him he wanted a Teddy Ruxpin. He said, "Oh yeah! You all remember those?" while looking right at me. I'm an 80's child (born in '80) so of course I did!
What is your favorite board game?
He said he doesn't play a lot of board games, but Faye said he used to like to play Concentration. One M & G'er asked if he liked the game Apples to Apples. Jamie said they had played it not to long ago. That apparently was the M & G'er's gift to Clay and he said he'd give it to Jamie and said not to tell her. :lol
If you were going to sing in a concert to be broadcasted nationally and could only sing one song, what song would you sing?
This was toni7babe's question. He asked, "One song?" She told him yes. He said if it was only one song, he wouldn't do it. :roflmao Then he asked where it was being broadcasted from. She told him China. He was thinking and asked Faye. Faye said it would probably be BOTW or Solitaire. He said they like the sappy songs.
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
He said he was going to let her think of another question because he didn't really have an answer. He had special memories of family things.
What do you think about while you are singing?
He asked if we really wanted to know and then when we said yes, he went into this talk about how 25% of his brain is focusing on the song and 75% is focusing on something else. He said something about how he thinks of food and other things. He asked Jamie or someone to get Quiana. Apparently they all have different things they think about. We told Clay we had just seen Quiana and she was in her robe. He said, "Oh. Never mind!" and gave us this funny look. He said when the 75% of his brain which is focused on something else goes up to 76% or higher, that's when he forgets the words. Then toni7babe said, "Like in 'Mary Did You Know'?" He nodded and laughed.
He asked if I had a question and I asked ...
How close are we to reaching the million dollar fundraising goal for the foundation?
He said, "Mom?" Faye told us we were over half-way there. Clay said that it wasn't a realistic goal to reach that high of an amount by year's end. They were pleased at where we were at and that it was just something to push the fundraising forward when Jerry Aiken come aboard. He said at their last executive meeting they actually had too much money and were figuring out how to use some of the money before year's end.
At one point, Clay noticed that toni7babe and I were smiling at each other and tapping each other on the arm when he said something funny. He asked, "Do you two know each other or something?"
We both said yes. He asked how we managed to get into the same M & G. I said it was just luck. I had just posted I had won mine and she posted right after me. He asked if we knew each other's real names? Where each other lives? Each other's phone numbers, because "if you didn't that would be really freaky!" He laughed with us. Then toni7babe told him we didn't know each other before him. I told him since we lived in the same area of the country we attended pretty much the same concerts. He said, "Gotcha!"
Someone asked about him going to the movies.
He said Faye goes to the movies nearly every weekend but other than I Am Legend, he hadn't seen anything really recently. Jamie said they saw Dreamgirls, but Clay told her that was a year ago. Ha! He also said that he saw Dan in Real Life with Steve Carell from The Office, but said it was just okay. He said TV shows on DVD were the best invention ever! You can watch a whole show in 45 minutes and go back to any episode whenever you want to.
He signed all our items as we asked the questions. He remarked how different the spelling was of hrystya's real name which is Khrystyna. He asked if that was really how she spelled her name. She said “I’m originally from Ukraine, so it was my parents. Pretty funky spelling, right?”
He said, “No, it’s very interesting!”
As he told us how the picture taking process would work he got the last question.
What is your favorite Christmas movie?
"Home Alone. That's a Christmas movie isn't it?"
Mary had assigned us all numbers and #1 (who was toni7babe) was to line up against the wall and while they were getting that picture #2 was to be "on deck". I was #2 and when Clay pointed where I should stand I got right there. I was not going to disobey Teacher Clay.
He made a goofy face right before he and toni7babe took their pic and we all laughed.
My pic had to be taken twice since Clay closed his eyes the first time. Jamie said the second was better.
After the last picture, Clay told us all Merry Christmas and strolled on out of the room.
We all walked backstage and out to the theater where we got a little fangirly and had a group hug before we went to our seats.
It was an amazing experience and I'll be sharing the pic later (of me & Clay ). I am so happy that after 4 years, I finally won a M & G!
Fast forward to the night of the concert .....
PuddinsJoy, Erica& I drove in from Kansas arriving at our hotel across the street from the Orpheum about an hour an a half before the 5:30 M & G time. Thank goodness they were there to help me get ready! I was so nervous.
As I glanced out the window before we left the hotel, I saw toni7babe who had just arrived.
We made our way across the street and a nice man from the Orpheum opened the door and asked if I was there for the M & G. I told him I was and he let me in. There were a few other winners there including toni7babe. We hugged and began chatting. By 5:45 we were all there and a lady from the Orpheum came and told us they moved the M & G to 6:30. We could leave if we wanted, but all chose to stay. Everyone showed each other what we brought to have signed. I brought an 11 x 14 print of Clay from Kimmel.
At about 6:20 or so, Jerome came out and asked if we had our passes. We said no and they didn't have them at will call. He called back to Mary and another person from the venue brought our passes to us. She passed them out and by that time Jerome was gone again. She said she and another runner from the venue were taking us back to the M & G location backstage. She took hrystya another way that was accessible for her wheelchair and the other runner took us outside and around the side. We walked down and began to round the corner when Jerome came and said they weren't ready it would be another 20 minutes. He had them take us to the theater so we stopped by a few deserted dressing rooms for everyone to have a bathroom break. We went up a lot of stairs and to the theater and we sat in there for awhile. He told us that the piano tuner didn't show for either of the two appointments they had made for the day and they were waiting on a different piano tuner to show up. He also told us he ordered Clay a greasy cheeseburger with ketchup, mayo & mustard (in that exact order).
Jerome came in and talked with us for awhile about his dogs and Durham. He said he worries about Durham when he's around people he doesn't know. He loves people he doesn't know but Jerome's afraid he'll bite. He had bitten Jerome a few weeks earlier. We also talked about his daughters. His older daughter and two grandkids were there for the Cleveland show and he said they had a great time. He also joked about how his youngest daughter knows how to work on her daddy to get what she wants. Presently for Christmas she wants a Macbook. Jerome joked that even Clay couldn't afford his daughter. He also apologized several times for us having to be moved around so much and the M & G being delayed.
They were practicing the lighting for the evening and even practiced the special All Is Well lighting even though at the concert we didn't get All Is Well.
Right before it was time to go back he told us the three rules.
Rule #1 - The only person who can take pictures is Jamie.
Rule #2 - Please have whatever you want autographed ready. If it's a book, please turn it to the page you want signed.
Rule #3 - No inappropriate touching of Clay.
The only other thing Jerome suggested were to make sure our questions weren't interview type questions. He said to make them fun. He said, "For example, don't ask : 'If you had only 30 days to live, what would you do in those 30 days?'"
He asked Mary if they were ready and then we all headed backstage.
As we walked down the hall, the rooms had signs on them. The first was wardrobe, second was Quiana, third was Angela. Quiana opened her door and walked out as we walked past. She was wearing a robe and had her hair up ready to get dressed. She said, "You all would have to walk by while I'm dressed like this!" She said hi to us and rushed over to Angela's room. The next room was a room with 6 chairs and a table with a few more chairs and a laptop. There was a guy sitting there who introduced himself as Joe. He worked with Clay up until last year. He was touring with 311 and had also toured with G & R recently and was visiting with Clay as he lives in Omaha. We all sat down. I was on the end closest to the door and toni7babe was next to me.
Jamie walked in and had the camera. She chatted with toni7babe who complimented her on her new haircut. Mary came in and got on the laptop. As we all chatted amongst ourselves, the door swung open and in came Clay with Faye!
He was wearing his Carolina hoodie, gray pajama pants and black slippers. His hair was blonde and he was wearing glasses. He walked up to each of us and we all told him our names. He sat down and asked us where we were from. He got down to the end of the row and Faye said, "Raleigh."
"I know where you're from, Mom!" he laughed.
At that time, Jamie was passing out post it notes to put the correct spelling of our names down for Clay to autograph our items.
Then he told us where Jerome, Jamie and Mary were from. As he told us where Mary was from, she turned to the side and said, "Don't believe a word he says!"
We all laughed and toni7babe said to Mary, "You're not from Alaska?" He looked at me and said, "What? You don't believe me?"
"No! I believe you. It was Sam." (Pretty nice of me, huh?)
She said what Mary had said and he asked Mary where she was from. She told us and Clay turned back around to us and said, "Thank you!"
Then he told us it was time for questions. He asked if anyone had a question and toni7babe raised her hand.
"Not you. You didn't believe me."
By that time we were all busting up laughing.
Then we started asking questions. These might not be in the right order, but these are what I remember.
What was one thing we wanted most for Christmas as a child?
Clay told us Brett was into Power Rangers as a child, but he couldn't remember what he wanted. Faye told him he wanted a Teddy Ruxpin. He said, "Oh yeah! You all remember those?" while looking right at me. I'm an 80's child (born in '80) so of course I did!
What is your favorite board game?
He said he doesn't play a lot of board games, but Faye said he used to like to play Concentration. One M & G'er asked if he liked the game Apples to Apples. Jamie said they had played it not to long ago. That apparently was the M & G'er's gift to Clay and he said he'd give it to Jamie and said not to tell her. :lol
If you were going to sing in a concert to be broadcasted nationally and could only sing one song, what song would you sing?
This was toni7babe's question. He asked, "One song?" She told him yes. He said if it was only one song, he wouldn't do it. :roflmao Then he asked where it was being broadcasted from. She told him China. He was thinking and asked Faye. Faye said it would probably be BOTW or Solitaire. He said they like the sappy songs.
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
He said he was going to let her think of another question because he didn't really have an answer. He had special memories of family things.
What do you think about while you are singing?
He asked if we really wanted to know and then when we said yes, he went into this talk about how 25% of his brain is focusing on the song and 75% is focusing on something else. He said something about how he thinks of food and other things. He asked Jamie or someone to get Quiana. Apparently they all have different things they think about. We told Clay we had just seen Quiana and she was in her robe. He said, "Oh. Never mind!" and gave us this funny look. He said when the 75% of his brain which is focused on something else goes up to 76% or higher, that's when he forgets the words. Then toni7babe said, "Like in 'Mary Did You Know'?" He nodded and laughed.
He asked if I had a question and I asked ...
How close are we to reaching the million dollar fundraising goal for the foundation?
He said, "Mom?" Faye told us we were over half-way there. Clay said that it wasn't a realistic goal to reach that high of an amount by year's end. They were pleased at where we were at and that it was just something to push the fundraising forward when Jerry Aiken come aboard. He said at their last executive meeting they actually had too much money and were figuring out how to use some of the money before year's end.
At one point, Clay noticed that toni7babe and I were smiling at each other and tapping each other on the arm when he said something funny. He asked, "Do you two know each other or something?"
We both said yes. He asked how we managed to get into the same M & G. I said it was just luck. I had just posted I had won mine and she posted right after me. He asked if we knew each other's real names? Where each other lives? Each other's phone numbers, because "if you didn't that would be really freaky!" He laughed with us. Then toni7babe told him we didn't know each other before him. I told him since we lived in the same area of the country we attended pretty much the same concerts. He said, "Gotcha!"
Someone asked about him going to the movies.
He said Faye goes to the movies nearly every weekend but other than I Am Legend, he hadn't seen anything really recently. Jamie said they saw Dreamgirls, but Clay told her that was a year ago. Ha! He also said that he saw Dan in Real Life with Steve Carell from The Office, but said it was just okay. He said TV shows on DVD were the best invention ever! You can watch a whole show in 45 minutes and go back to any episode whenever you want to.
He signed all our items as we asked the questions. He remarked how different the spelling was of hrystya's real name which is Khrystyna. He asked if that was really how she spelled her name. She said “I’m originally from Ukraine, so it was my parents. Pretty funky spelling, right?”
He said, “No, it’s very interesting!”
As he told us how the picture taking process would work he got the last question.
What is your favorite Christmas movie?
"Home Alone. That's a Christmas movie isn't it?"
Mary had assigned us all numbers and #1 (who was toni7babe) was to line up against the wall and while they were getting that picture #2 was to be "on deck". I was #2 and when Clay pointed where I should stand I got right there. I was not going to disobey Teacher Clay.
He made a goofy face right before he and toni7babe took their pic and we all laughed.
My pic had to be taken twice since Clay closed his eyes the first time. Jamie said the second was better.
After the last picture, Clay told us all Merry Christmas and strolled on out of the room.
We all walked backstage and out to the theater where we got a little fangirly and had a group hug before we went to our seats.
It was an amazing experience and I'll be sharing the pic later (of me & Clay ). I am so happy that after 4 years, I finally won a M & G!
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Almost Time for Vegas!
I simply cannot wait! What could be better than Vegas with Clay friends and seeing Clay at the same time?
I have had so much fun this year! Things have been a roller coaster this year and I am happy to be able to do something that brings a smile to my face.
So then, it will be on to the Christmas in the Heartland tour. Clay in Kansas the first night of the tour ... 45 miles from my house?
Kill.me.now. I am so excited!
I have had so much fun this year! Things have been a roller coaster this year and I am happy to be able to do something that brings a smile to my face.
So then, it will be on to the Christmas in the Heartland tour. Clay in Kansas the first night of the tour ... 45 miles from my house?
Kill.me.now. I am so excited!
Monday, July 23, 2007
3 concerts down, 3 more to go!
After a nearly week long adventure thru Texas and Oklahoma, I grudgingly made my way back to Kansas.
Two week from Friday I will once again Clay trek. This time to Cary, Asheville and Knoxville.
Would you blame me for wanting to see this again?
Two week from Friday I will once again Clay trek. This time to Cary, Asheville and Knoxville.
Would you blame me for wanting to see this again?
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
The Bubel/Aiken Foundation Makes Donations to Tornado Victims
On Friday, May 4, 2007 at 9:45pm, the town of Greensburg, Kansas was hit straight on by an EF-5 tornado, destroying over 95% of the town. More than 1,200 citizens were suddenly without homes, belongings, schools, churches and nearly all local business, which meant most were also without employment. Twelve residents of Greensburg and surrounding communities lost their lives.
When The Bubel/Aiken Foundation learned of the tragedy, they contacted the Beta Alpha chapter "KC Voices Making A Difference" and asked how they could help. Within days, 100 blankets and more than 200 t-shirts were on their way to a Jen Layne, the chapter contact, who distributed them to Greensburg residents.
The items were handed out to citizens during the city's first church service since the storm, where more than 1,000 huddled under a makeshift tent and reconnected with neighbors and friends. They were also distributed at high school graduation where everything for the 25 seniors - caps, gowns, diplomas, class rings, and letter jackets, were donated to replace those that were lost. Each graduate received a TBAF blanket that day for which they were very grateful. It was quite a day for them, as their graduation day should be.
Shirts and blankets were also given out during a youth group meeting - all the young teens are members of destroyed Greensburg churches, who, even though they are now living in different communities and attending different churches and schools, come back together weekly for fellowship and strength. Their youth leader told the difficult story of how their newly remodeled Teen Center had been completely destroyed. Like so many others in town they want to rebuild, but they do not know if and when they will find the resources.
It was at that meeting that 15-year-old Payton told the story of how he and his younger sister, who did not have a basement in their home, were told by their mother to huddle around and hold onto the bathroom commode when the tornado hit. Usually the bathtub is deemed the safest place—you learn that when you grow up in Kansas—but they did as she said, and when the tornado hit, it took everything including the bathtub. All that was left were the three of them and the commode—all unharmed.
Another family told TBAF volunteers that all that was left of their home was one yellow wall of their mom's kitchen. They joked that they were going to carry that wall around with them and somehow incorporate it into the new home they were going to build. However, in the end, it was taken with the rest of the debris. That family is now dealing with insurance agents, building contractors, and car dealers and trying not to worry about where they will find jobs. Both were only 8 years from retirement and are now starting all over.
They also found humor. During the first day of digging out, a resident went to check on his neighbors and asked if they were missing a chest freezer because there was an extra one in one of his trees. Another story was told of a bed's mattress that had been in the basement of a home, which was now hanging over an electrical wire more than 40 feet in the air - the rest of the bed, as well as the rest of the home, was never found. Then there was the sheared-in-half vacuum cleaner that somehow ended up inside a minivan. If they did not laugh, they would cry—there were really no other emotional options.
More than 1,200 people lost everything that night, yet smiles on their faces were still readily available. They are finding strength they did not know they had—they are pulling together and are resolved to rebuild Greensburg better than ever before. They are also very grateful for the groups and individuals who stepped forward with donations, manpower, and support. Because of the generosity shown, including that of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, the residents of Greensburg are slowly filling their hearts with hope, which will help carry them through the months and years of rebuilding that stretch before them.
To see the beginning of their journey back, click here to see a YouTube video slideshow or to download for better quality, click here.
The members of the Beta Alpha chapter "KC Voices Making A Difference" wish to add our own thank you to The Bubel/Aiken Foundation for helping the citizens of Greensburg begin their journey back. We feel very blessed to have been asked to be a part of this touching experience.
Special thanks to Jen Layne for coordinating this effort and recapping her experiences for us all to share.
When The Bubel/Aiken Foundation learned of the tragedy, they contacted the Beta Alpha chapter "KC Voices Making A Difference" and asked how they could help. Within days, 100 blankets and more than 200 t-shirts were on their way to a Jen Layne, the chapter contact, who distributed them to Greensburg residents.
The items were handed out to citizens during the city's first church service since the storm, where more than 1,000 huddled under a makeshift tent and reconnected with neighbors and friends. They were also distributed at high school graduation where everything for the 25 seniors - caps, gowns, diplomas, class rings, and letter jackets, were donated to replace those that were lost. Each graduate received a TBAF blanket that day for which they were very grateful. It was quite a day for them, as their graduation day should be.
Shirts and blankets were also given out during a youth group meeting - all the young teens are members of destroyed Greensburg churches, who, even though they are now living in different communities and attending different churches and schools, come back together weekly for fellowship and strength. Their youth leader told the difficult story of how their newly remodeled Teen Center had been completely destroyed. Like so many others in town they want to rebuild, but they do not know if and when they will find the resources.
It was at that meeting that 15-year-old Payton told the story of how he and his younger sister, who did not have a basement in their home, were told by their mother to huddle around and hold onto the bathroom commode when the tornado hit. Usually the bathtub is deemed the safest place—you learn that when you grow up in Kansas—but they did as she said, and when the tornado hit, it took everything including the bathtub. All that was left were the three of them and the commode—all unharmed.
Another family told TBAF volunteers that all that was left of their home was one yellow wall of their mom's kitchen. They joked that they were going to carry that wall around with them and somehow incorporate it into the new home they were going to build. However, in the end, it was taken with the rest of the debris. That family is now dealing with insurance agents, building contractors, and car dealers and trying not to worry about where they will find jobs. Both were only 8 years from retirement and are now starting all over.
They also found humor. During the first day of digging out, a resident went to check on his neighbors and asked if they were missing a chest freezer because there was an extra one in one of his trees. Another story was told of a bed's mattress that had been in the basement of a home, which was now hanging over an electrical wire more than 40 feet in the air - the rest of the bed, as well as the rest of the home, was never found. Then there was the sheared-in-half vacuum cleaner that somehow ended up inside a minivan. If they did not laugh, they would cry—there were really no other emotional options.
More than 1,200 people lost everything that night, yet smiles on their faces were still readily available. They are finding strength they did not know they had—they are pulling together and are resolved to rebuild Greensburg better than ever before. They are also very grateful for the groups and individuals who stepped forward with donations, manpower, and support. Because of the generosity shown, including that of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, the residents of Greensburg are slowly filling their hearts with hope, which will help carry them through the months and years of rebuilding that stretch before them.
To see the beginning of their journey back, click here to see a YouTube video slideshow
The members of the Beta Alpha chapter "KC Voices Making A Difference" wish to add our own thank you to The Bubel/Aiken Foundation for helping the citizens of Greensburg begin their journey back. We feel very blessed to have been asked to be a part of this touching experience.
Special thanks to Jen Layne for coordinating this effort and recapping her experiences for us all to share.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Back for more ....
The tour is getting closer and I'm finalizing my plans. Can't wait to see all from friends from the different boards!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
How many times do you have to see him in concert?
I have been asked way too many times "How many times do you have to see him in concert?" with him being .... you know ... Clay!
Well, let me assure everyone once is never enough. He'll definitely get you hooked on his music, his humor, his heart and his smile. That is why I am seeing him 6 times this tour. Yes, 6 times! I save up all the time to see Clay and to visit my friends. Put a little back every paycheck and it adds up!
I absolutely cannot wait for "An Evening with Clay Aiken"! Sounds like fun to me.
So ..... Dallas, Houston, Tulsa, Cary, Asheville and Knoxville here I come!
Well, let me assure everyone once is never enough. He'll definitely get you hooked on his music, his humor, his heart and his smile. That is why I am seeing him 6 times this tour. Yes, 6 times! I save up all the time to see Clay and to visit my friends. Put a little back every paycheck and it adds up!
I absolutely cannot wait for "An Evening with Clay Aiken"! Sounds like fun to me.
So ..... Dallas, Houston, Tulsa, Cary, Asheville and Knoxville here I come!
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Where have I been?
Can I just start this out by saying how much I love my friends?
I went to North Carolina for the first time a few weeks ago and finally got to meet in person, some of the people I've been talking to for 4 years!
I attended the NAG in Raleigh and had a wonderful time.
And who could forget the slumber party the last night I was there at Michelle's apartment? Good times! No pictures. :)
I can see why Clay loves NC. I plan on heading back this summer for 2 concerts. Anyone care to join me?
I went to North Carolina for the first time a few weeks ago and finally got to meet in person, some of the people I've been talking to for 4 years!
I attended the NAG in Raleigh and had a wonderful time.
And who could forget the slumber party the last night I was there at Michelle's apartment? Good times! No pictures. :)
I can see why Clay loves NC. I plan on heading back this summer for 2 concerts. Anyone care to join me?
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Youth Service America
National & Global Youth Service Day 2007 is April 20-22. If you haven't heard about this amazing event, here is a little bit of info on what this day includes :
Millions of youth will participate in National & Global Youth Service Day, the largest service event in the world, on April 20-22, 2007. They will tutor young children, engage in disaster relief, register new voters, educate their communities about good nutrition, distribute HIV/AIDs prevention materials and meet many more community needs through their service. National & Global Youth Service Day supports youth on a life-long path of service and civic engagement, and educates the public, the media, and elected officials about the role of youth as community leaders.
Please consider volunteering and you will see what a difference you can make.
For more info on what you can do to help, please click here.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Help Support the BAF!
Kevin Bacon has created a wonderful new Website to bring everyone and their charities one degree from Kevin Bacon -- SixDegrees.org -- where everyone can make badges to promote their causes.
This is the BAF's badge .....
Kevin Bacon is going to match up to $10,000 for the top six badges that have the most donations between January 18th and March 31st at 11:59pm ET.
You must donate using the link on this badge for your donation to make a difference in this program. Your donations go directly to TBAF and are tax deductible.
The deadline is March 31st at 11:59pm ET.
This is the BAF's badge .....
Kevin Bacon is going to match up to $10,000 for the top six badges that have the most donations between January 18th and March 31st at 11:59pm ET.
You must donate using the link on this badge for your donation to make a difference in this program. Your donations go directly to TBAF and are tax deductible.
The deadline is March 31st at 11:59pm ET.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to the Clay Nation and of course to Clay!
This year has been exciting and it can only lead to bigger and better things.
May you have a joyous and blessed day with those you love!
This year has been exciting and it can only lead to bigger and better things.
May you have a joyous and blessed day with those you love!
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Wrapping for Inclusion
If you are able to, please volunteer or donate to the BAF by supporting your local WFI booth.
You can find the nearest location to you by going to http://www.bubelaiken.org and clicking on the Wrapping for Inclsusion link. You should be able to spot where to click from there.
Let's make this another successful year!
Sunday, December 10, 2006
It's already been over a week?
It's hard to believe that a week ago today I returned from the first 2 concerts of JNaT 06. It was a wonderful weekend full of crazy adventures, new friends and lots of pretty pictures.
I think Clay better post those dates for the next tour. And please let it include the midwest!
You hear that, Clay?
Look me in the eyes.
Closer.
Okay. What was I asking again?
Oh yeah.
Will you please tour the midwest?
Oh Lord!
On second thought, thank you for giving me at least a few more months to recover.
I think Clay better post those dates for the next tour. And please let it include the midwest!
You hear that, Clay?
Look me in the eyes.
Closer.
Okay. What was I asking again?
Oh yeah.
Will you please tour the midwest?
Oh Lord!
On second thought, thank you for giving me at least a few more months to recover.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving
As we gather together today with family and friends, let us all consider how blessed we are. Not only do we have family and friends at home, but we have the most wonderful friendships in the Clay Nation and the man that brought us all together.
Have a Very Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Monday, November 20, 2006
Oops!
I am so embarrassingly late on posting another blog here it isn't even funny.
The Symphony Tour is upon us shortly and I will be embarking on another trip. This one will be the first 2 concerts : Waukegan, IL and Merrillville, IN. I cannot wait to meet Marilyn finally and catch up with my many Clay friends.
Wrapping for Inclusion also kicks off this week. If you need more info, please visit http://www.bubelaiken.org and support the BAF.
Also, Clay's birthday is next week. Happy birthday to the man who brought us all together! May we have many more years of fun and memories!
Monday, October 02, 2006
Meesa Goes Hollywood
Monday, September 25th
After a nice sleep on the hard floor of my cousin Matt's apartment, Matt's wife Melissa woke me up to get ready to head out to the airport. Matt had worked late, so it proves how much he loves me that he drug himself out of bed early just to take me to KCI. What a lovely drive to KCI in rush hour traffic! Matt and I had a nice discussion. Usually he picks on me for liking Clay and by the end of the drive, without me even saying anything, he wanted to beat up anyone who picked on Clay. I arrived at KCI two hours before my flight and had no problem checking in my 2 suitcases (one was shoes ... no I am not kidding!) and took my burberry bag and purse to the terminal. I tried to call Beverly to see where she was. She was going to her boss's house. Her boss was flying to LA on the same flight for other reasons. I finished an entire book while I waited for Beverly and her boss to show up. A flight left for Denver and then it was just me and some people who obviously didn't listen to the "Don't leave any of your belongings/luggage unattended" message. Alas, Beverly showed up and we squealed like the fangirls we are and talked about how much we missed Clay.My phone rang as we were getting in lines to board. It was Audra. She was already on the plane, about 50 feet from the door and we kept losing our connection. Hilarious! I boarded ahead of Beverly and found Audra. As soon as I dropped my things on the empty seat, we had to hug! We hadn't seen each other since Kansas City JNT 05 last November. Finally we prepared for take off. We knew the others were in route as well. A little over 3 hours, a Southwest packaged snack pack and gross cup of coffee later, we were finally in LA. I watched some clack on Audra's laptop on the way there until the battery died. We got off the plane, headed toward baggage claim and saw Lauren holding up a sign for Audra that said "STLClaycrazy". We also found out due to some sort of a power problem (or something) Sarah, who was supposed to have been at LAX before us, was in Las Vegas. While Audra and Lauren tried to find out what was going on with Sarah's flight and find Carolyn, Beverly and I took her boss with us to get the rental van. We found the van, dropped her boss off and headed back to pick up everyone. Audra called and said she found Sarah.It took us driving around the LAX terminal area twice to get to where the rest of our group was standing. Thank goodness Beverly was driving! We packed all the luggage in and headed to the hotel using directions from the general manager there. Before we got to the hotel, we realized it was getting late and we hadn't had lunch. Lauren had been craving Jack in the Box and there was one on the way. I had never had anything there before. Not too bad! We all ordered and sat down, but not before Carolyn tried to pay with her Canadian money. Bwah! The cashier looked confused.My cell phone rang. Clay was singing "Right Here Waiting" to everyone and I saw on my caller ID it was Clandy (ILClaymate). She said Clay was sick and cancelled his KTLA interview and I really thought she was joking. Why? She was laughing! I think all of the people in the eating establishment thought something was wrong with me because I practically yelled "You're lying!" I told the girls what Clandy said and we started worrying. We didn't fly halfway across the country and in Carolyn's case, over the border, to miss this opportunity.We packed it back into the van and made it to the hotel. Now, the hotel was just gorgeous! Here was the view from our room.
After a quick call to Virgin, we found out that there were nearly 50 people already in line to get wrist bands.We decided quickly to shower, grab any clothes we would need for the next day and head to Virgin. Everyone showered and Johanna (Clayharmony) met up with us at 7 p.m. We all packed into the van and I rode with Johanna. We stopped to get gas in her car and at a drug store for snacks and chairs. Audra and Lauren bought pink soccer chairs and Sarah got a UCLA chair. We headed on past Rodeo Drive and to our destination. We parked at the Kodak's parking garage and set up our place in line. Bev and I went across the street for supper with Johanna at the Hamburger Hamlet. Not at all a fast food place and wonderful food. We had a nice talk and then headed back to the line. Johanna headed home and we sat in line so the others could go eat.I got to meet plenty of people. Some I had seen at previous Clay gatherings, concerts and parties. People slowed down and asked what we were waiting for. We proudly told them Clay would be there tomorrow to sign autographs. People were amazed that we were there already. Virgin played Clay songs for us while they were still open, had a sign promoting the appearance ...
(I took this pic while laying on the sidewalk.)
and Clay posters everywhere!
Time wore on and we talked and talked and listened to Clay. Sleep was out of the question for me since I had nothing to lay on but my burberry bag and Hollywood Blvd.
Tuesday September 26th
People can be idiots. Someone drove by and threw eggs at some people in line. Then there was the guy in the 80's pants and fake black leather USA jacket. He carried a display for an energy drink and talked to it. Then he talked to some of the people in line who didn't hear a thing since they were asleep. Thankfully he didn't come near us.
Most people were asleep, but not us.
All the Clay fans took turns going in groups to the bathroom, so we wouldn't be alone. And wouldn't you know it? Starbucks and The Coffee Bean were closed! We had to wait until 6:30 for more caffeine. Since it was readily available and we were together, Bev and I posed with our boyfriend.
To be continued ....
After a nice sleep on the hard floor of my cousin Matt's apartment, Matt's wife Melissa woke me up to get ready to head out to the airport. Matt had worked late, so it proves how much he loves me that he drug himself out of bed early just to take me to KCI. What a lovely drive to KCI in rush hour traffic! Matt and I had a nice discussion. Usually he picks on me for liking Clay and by the end of the drive, without me even saying anything, he wanted to beat up anyone who picked on Clay. I arrived at KCI two hours before my flight and had no problem checking in my 2 suitcases (one was shoes ... no I am not kidding!) and took my burberry bag and purse to the terminal. I tried to call Beverly to see where she was. She was going to her boss's house. Her boss was flying to LA on the same flight for other reasons. I finished an entire book while I waited for Beverly and her boss to show up. A flight left for Denver and then it was just me and some people who obviously didn't listen to the "Don't leave any of your belongings/luggage unattended" message. Alas, Beverly showed up and we squealed like the fangirls we are and talked about how much we missed Clay.My phone rang as we were getting in lines to board. It was Audra. She was already on the plane, about 50 feet from the door and we kept losing our connection. Hilarious! I boarded ahead of Beverly and found Audra. As soon as I dropped my things on the empty seat, we had to hug! We hadn't seen each other since Kansas City JNT 05 last November. Finally we prepared for take off. We knew the others were in route as well. A little over 3 hours, a Southwest packaged snack pack and gross cup of coffee later, we were finally in LA. I watched some clack on Audra's laptop on the way there until the battery died. We got off the plane, headed toward baggage claim and saw Lauren holding up a sign for Audra that said "STLClaycrazy". We also found out due to some sort of a power problem (or something) Sarah, who was supposed to have been at LAX before us, was in Las Vegas. While Audra and Lauren tried to find out what was going on with Sarah's flight and find Carolyn, Beverly and I took her boss with us to get the rental van. We found the van, dropped her boss off and headed back to pick up everyone. Audra called and said she found Sarah.It took us driving around the LAX terminal area twice to get to where the rest of our group was standing. Thank goodness Beverly was driving! We packed all the luggage in and headed to the hotel using directions from the general manager there. Before we got to the hotel, we realized it was getting late and we hadn't had lunch. Lauren had been craving Jack in the Box and there was one on the way. I had never had anything there before. Not too bad! We all ordered and sat down, but not before Carolyn tried to pay with her Canadian money. Bwah! The cashier looked confused.My cell phone rang. Clay was singing "Right Here Waiting" to everyone and I saw on my caller ID it was Clandy (ILClaymate). She said Clay was sick and cancelled his KTLA interview and I really thought she was joking. Why? She was laughing! I think all of the people in the eating establishment thought something was wrong with me because I practically yelled "You're lying!" I told the girls what Clandy said and we started worrying. We didn't fly halfway across the country and in Carolyn's case, over the border, to miss this opportunity.We packed it back into the van and made it to the hotel. Now, the hotel was just gorgeous! Here was the view from our room.
After a quick call to Virgin, we found out that there were nearly 50 people already in line to get wrist bands.We decided quickly to shower, grab any clothes we would need for the next day and head to Virgin. Everyone showered and Johanna (Clayharmony) met up with us at 7 p.m. We all packed into the van and I rode with Johanna. We stopped to get gas in her car and at a drug store for snacks and chairs. Audra and Lauren bought pink soccer chairs and Sarah got a UCLA chair. We headed on past Rodeo Drive and to our destination. We parked at the Kodak's parking garage and set up our place in line. Bev and I went across the street for supper with Johanna at the Hamburger Hamlet. Not at all a fast food place and wonderful food. We had a nice talk and then headed back to the line. Johanna headed home and we sat in line so the others could go eat.I got to meet plenty of people. Some I had seen at previous Clay gatherings, concerts and parties. People slowed down and asked what we were waiting for. We proudly told them Clay would be there tomorrow to sign autographs. People were amazed that we were there already. Virgin played Clay songs for us while they were still open, had a sign promoting the appearance ...
(I took this pic while laying on the sidewalk.)
and Clay posters everywhere!
Time wore on and we talked and talked and listened to Clay. Sleep was out of the question for me since I had nothing to lay on but my burberry bag and Hollywood Blvd.
Tuesday September 26th
People can be idiots. Someone drove by and threw eggs at some people in line. Then there was the guy in the 80's pants and fake black leather USA jacket. He carried a display for an energy drink and talked to it. Then he talked to some of the people in line who didn't hear a thing since they were asleep. Thankfully he didn't come near us.
Most people were asleep, but not us.
All the Clay fans took turns going in groups to the bathroom, so we wouldn't be alone. And wouldn't you know it? Starbucks and The Coffee Bean were closed! We had to wait until 6:30 for more caffeine. Since it was readily available and we were together, Bev and I posed with our boyfriend.
To be continued ....
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