First Things First

Monday, August 29th

 

The second part of the First Things First Foundation benefit was the golf tournament.  This was the big event I had been practicing for and was so excited when I finally got approval from Adam.  Tee off was 8 AM and it was a four person scramble.  Our team included Adam Wright, Mark Pollack, and our faculty area chair Neal Sleaton.  We knew we didn't have a chance at winning so we just went to have fun and laugh.  The morning started with our cart screeching down a hill because my bag wasn't tighten into the cart and flew off.  What a great/embarrassing morning.  Overall the golf game wasn't too bad.  Of course it wasn't good, but I didn't walk away looking like in idiot (or I don't think so).  We shot 5 over par, which for a 4 person scramble was nothing to brag about.  We succeeded with just laughing!

This event was so well ran and had so many great sponsorships.  We had drink coolers at every other hole, a huge bag of goodies (shown below), smoothie king, Chick-fil-A chicken mini's, and Auntie A pretzels.  Kurt and Brenda came around and took pictures with everyone on the course.  At the end, before lunch Kurt took a picture with me.  He is so genuine and really leads the life he talks about!  I'm so blessed with this opportunity to attend--this was right up my alley!

Don't mind the same golf outfit.  I'm not that serious to have 2.

Mark and I

A Night of Champions

Sunday, August 28th

Each year the University of Phoenix donates money to the Kurt Warner First Things First Foundation.  Since we donate, there are 2 days of festivities that are included.  This year I was so excited because I couldn't wait to participate in both Sunday and Monday activities.  The best part of the entire two days was the chance to see Sam Bradford--guest speaker.  Ever since Sam was the starting quarterback in Oklahoma I kind of knew I needed to meet him.  I thought for sure I was THE Mrs. Bradford.  That might still be the case, but I did learn he was younger than I thought!  Oops..only 23 years old, but single!

We had four tickets to attend the dinner before the big golf game.  Marianne and JB (work for the University of Phoenix in operations) attended and I got to bring Amanda.  We all dressed up and looked our best for the chance to meet Sam.

JB, Marianne and I

There were several restaurants from the St. Louis area that had samples of their food for the event.  For about 2 hours you could eat and look at auction items.  Then Joe Buck came out and transitioned our attention for the reminder of the evening.  Joe told some very funny stories including making fun of himself for running into a shower door in the middle of the evening and now having stitches in his forehead.  Brenda Warner started the evening off with a prayer and then Kurt came and talked about what it takes to be a champion and excellence.  The Warners set such a great Christian example of how to put God first and then to love others.  Through the evening they have inspired me to look to see how else can I help someone else.  Kurt introduced Sam and Joe came back onto the stage to lead a panel discussion between Sam and Kurt about the Rams, practice, and life.  Brenda came back on stage and said, "enough football talk, let's get to the good stuff."   She asked the best questions about Sam's personal life! Afterwards the audience got to ask questions, but we never got to meet Sam.  I was so lucky to be able to attend an event like this, so how could I be disappointed. 

Joe Buck

Kurt Warner

Sam Bradford

Panel

City of Fountains

Kansas City is known as the city of fountains and no better place to visit several fountains than the Plaza.  Lauren, Amanda, and I headed to one of my favorite restaurants to start Saturday off, Fred P. Otts.  After tennis matches, this was always a favorite place to hang out.  Even back in high school we would come eat here and I found where I signed the wall.  After eating, we did walk the entire Plaza, but came up empty handed.



I signed to the Right of the Light.  "Sara Lipira '00 Central Tennis Rocks"



Lauren and I

After the Plaza, Lauren's friends were heading to the Sporting KC soccer game and tailgating.  We went over to the Legends to see for ourselves this amazing soccer team.  We were told they never lose at home, and they didn't disappoint.  Groupon had discounted tickets, so the stadium was almost sold out.  We scapled tickets and when we got into the stadium we noticed they were standing room only tickets.  We did spot a few open seats and took our chances sliding past security to find a great seat.

Bags, A tailgate favorite

One always needs an adventure in their life and Saturday after the game, the adventure began.  We walked over to the Legends to eat dinner, but decided on Mexican.  After strolling through the restaurants, there was no Mexican places to eat so that led us to Abuelos.  Now we were on a race with the clock to make it there before it closed.  The challenge:  a fence between us and the car.  We forgot to look at this detail as we were taking "short cuts" to get back to the car to beat traffic.  I decided why not give it a try.  I'll climb the fence and bring the car around to pick up Lauren and Amanda.  I can't tell you the last time I climbed a fence and this iron monster was probably at least 8 feet tall.  Somehow I managed to heave myself over the fence (in one piece) and the plan was in motion--I'd drive around and pick them up.  I did drive around and switch places with Lauren when I forgot to turn the headlights on!  Those can be helpful.  There was no time for pictures, but now I wish we did!

Victory was ours--we made it to Abuelos with time to spare.  I ordered 2 non menu items and the waiter instantly remembered who I was.  (Does that I mean I ate there alot?)  I love the HOT peppers and hot salsa!  Kevin, our waiter, kept us entertained the entire night by answering our random questions!  Lauren also had a great lesson about Mexico and where the sophisticated spots are in case she vacations there soon! 

HOT peppers!

Sunday we had to leave early, but we finished our visit with breakfast.  Thanks Lauren for the great mini vacation!  Also, Happy Birthday Beya!  My little nephew is 4 today!

Kansas City, Kansas City Here I Come

August 25th-28th

Kansas City, MO/KS

Zack and I

Amanda planned over six months ago a trip to Kansas City and at the time I was laughing about how far in advance we planned to visit Lauren--needless to say, it's a good thing since time speeds by.  My brother just moved back to Columbia for college, so our first stop was to feed him!  We took Friday off, so Thursday after work we headed to Addison's for a great dinner and tour of Zack's new apartment.  I would say Zack is living in style! 

Parents Pool

After Columbia we headed to St. Joe so Amanda could tour the big city!  It was such a beautiful day so we spent most of the day at my parents pool.  We took a mini break from the sun and met Grandma at Barbosa's, a St. Joe favorite!  I love days of no agenda!  Brad came over on his lunch break and visited for a few minutes!

Brad

Friday Night we headed to Power and Light.  At lunch my grandma mentioned my cousin getting a job at Drunken Fish.  We meet up with Wesson and the food and service were incredible.  I had vegetable rolls but it was rolled with cucumber!  After dinner there was a special band that was playing on the Live stage, Survivor.  Yep, one hit wonder...Eye of the Tiger.  I hope to get some pictures soon to post since they were still stuck in the 80s, big hair and all!  Good thing part of the 80s are back in style!



Winery and Rivers

August 20 and 21, 2011

The weather in St. Louis has been beautiful the past few weeks and this weekend was no different.  On Saturday, we had a birthday/going away party at Chandler Hill Winery.  It is so relaxing to sit outside in the shade of a patio all afternoon, hanging out with the most genuine people. 

The Girls

 

Elizabeth and Pat

Pat introduced me to all these wonderful people!  Thanks Pat!

Sunday, Steve and Mary Crawford took Cinnamon, Elizabeth, and myself out on the muddy Mississippi.  We ventured north on the river to the Illinois river where we were able to get out and swim.  We visited Grafton and Alton, Illinois by river. This was my first experience on a river since growing up in St. Joe we never got in the Missouri River, we always went to the lake.  The entire day was amazing and filled with laughter.  I am so blessed!  At one point I even got to kneeboard--talk about a great arm workout.  We ended up getting dropped off at another friends boat who had wave runners and away we went.  7 hours later we were exhausted, tan, and hungry but loved every minute on the water.   I think I could handle a life on the river!

Cinnamon, Elizabeth,and Mary

Yes, that's right.  Cinnamon braided all of our hair!

Pirate Ship



Captain Steve



Meeting up with friends!

Thanks Crawfords for such a great afternoon!

New Do

Finally I broke down and upgraded my hair style.  I feel like I've had the same style for years, so as I was sitting in my friends salon I saw a picture of Emma Stone and knew I needed bangs.  The last experience with bangs was not ideal, so I braved my past and snip snip.  I was a little unsure about the color, but after a few days I feel it's blending better.  You can see a few darker streaks, but I'm manging!  It especially helps when people say, "You are looking tanner!"  I think it's a keeper for now!

America's Favorite Pastime

August 13 and 14th, 2011

My best friend in St. Louis is so great about knowing how to get involved in St. Louis.  She is a member of the United Way and always seems to know how to help someone else out.  This Saturday was no different.  We started the weekend off by playing with foster children while their parents were being trained.  It was such a fun experience that took me right back to my teaching days.  We played several games that you would find school children playing in a gym and I jumped right in and organized the kids in an orderly fashion.  At first I told Amanda to not tell them I was a gym teacher, but I couldn't resist when the kickball line was being dominated by the bigger kids.

On Sunday, I ventured out to the Ballwin Golf course with my friend Elizabeth.  It was beautiful weather with temperatures in the 80s, so who couldn't resist a little afternoon golf game.  Of course to play, one must look good.  So, after buying a golf outfit I thought this little afternoon game might turn out to be expensive.  I am used to tennis skirts, which are twice as short, but in the end it all worked out once I became comfortable with a longer look.  Overall, I was pleased with my results even getting par on a few holes.  I was very nervous and we were paired with a father/son team, but they ended up being great!  We had so much fun and I can't wait to hit the course again!

Vancouver

 On our final day of our Northwest adventure we headed to Vancouver and the sites were breathtaking.  We had no idea what to expect, so we rented a car and headed north.  After somehow finding our way downtown we found a "Big Pink", a double decker tour bus.  The traffic was terrible because it was Happy BC day! We climbed on board and away we went through Stanley Park finding our way to Granville Island. We got off the bus and took a ferry over to the island for a scenic lunch.  It was probably around 65-70 degrees dressed for a fall afternoon while all the locals were in swimsuits.  After lunch we walked around the island just hanging out.  I wish we had a lot more time in Vancouver.  We ended up sending so much time on the island that we barely made the bus back to our car and we didn't finish the tour.  We had the tour route, so we decided to finish the tour ourselves going by the opening ceremony of the Olympics and the Vancouver Canucks arena. 





On Big Pink

I forgot to add this from the Duck Ride