#27: Family

This was a pretty family-filled month!

1) Greensboro Road Trip
After acquiring a car that can actually handle highways and long distance driving, I was itching to go adventuring! My younger brother was game for some travel-fun, and he went with me to check out the International Civil Rights Center and Museum in Greensboro, and then his old stomping grounds of Elon University in Elon, North Carolina.

If he kisses her, will she becoming a human?

Vics Vapor Rub was created here in Greensboro.

Gotta catch all of the cool statues and sculptures!

The Woolworth four who started the sit-in.

Yay! We don't know what's up with the sculpture, but it's cool!

Yay! Lost people! One of North Carolina's mystery-history stories.

Obligatory pose with the sign.

Where freshman orientation apparently happened.

2) Beach Trip 

Mom and my siblings and I went to stay on North Topsail Island. I realized along the way that it had been a full five years since the last time I had been to a Carolina beach. It was good to get back to those sunny, warm, lazy beaches! This island though.... the only thing preventing the houses from sinking into the ocean were the walls of sandbags around this northern side. It was fascinating to see. It was nice and quiet where we were, hardly any other people along the beach. So we were always able to find a nice place to set ourselves down. 

North Topsail Beach - note the walls of sandbags. Absolutely necessary to keep the houses from washing away into the ocean.

Chillin' in the sun tent.

3) My Furbaby

My little girl was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism - aka she had the symptoms of constantly running a marathon. She was starving all of the time, her hair was shedding like rats on a sinking ship, her little heart was beating in overdrive, and she was tired all of the time. She's on meds now, but she is getting pretty old for a kitty. I think this may be a sign of a winding down over the next few years. I don't think I'm ready for this...

Looking classy in her little pink bandages after the vet took blood samples! :-3 Those are the curled fists of happy kneading. What you can't tell from the picture is all of her loud purring.

K Jets

#3 Tithing : Kiva, Micro-Loans

This month had World Refugee Day, so I decided to focus on tithing my money in ways that would be helpful for those who are displaced, and those who are left behind.

I decided to use my money to give micro-loans through Kiva. It is a lot like crowd funding, but the money is paid back eventually.

The first person I contributed to was Mr. Eddine in Lebanon. He lives and works now in Lebanon to support his wife and kids back in Syria.

The second person I contributed to was Mrs. Sumod, who is actually around my age. She is currently married with three children, living along the Gaza Strip in Palestine. Her home was destroyed during the war, and she is currently renting while her home is rebuilt. This loan is to help cover her rent.

Although I want to do something for those who have had to leave and are now on foreign soil, I chose to first put my money towards those who are trying their best to stay in their home. This is not a reflection on whether or not I think they should come to Europe/my home country. To be clear, I understand that they are doing what they need to in order to survive, and that is a tough as hell decision to have to make, which I believe deserves mad respect. But I believe that the average human in the world would prefer to remain where their home is, where they've grown up, and where their whole family lives. So, I felt contributing to help make staying home more feasible would be the best first step. I would like to volunteer or make financial contributions to displaced individuals as well, but I see that as the second step.

Also! Not that it's my personal donation (mom's technically owned the car) ...  but my old car has been successfully donated to the Purple Heart foundation! My lovely companion of a car will be used - most likely he will be dismantled and used for parts and materials -  to continue to improve the lives of others. Rest in peace,  my rock solid,  rock-star of a car.  You will be missed.


K Jets

#15 : House work (we finished the deck!)

Completed!

We have finished installing new treads for the entire deck! It was nice and quick work today, which is good because it was a scorcher (98 degrees F [37 Celsius ]).

Looking West

Looking East

There is some talk of replacing the railing and stairs next, if Tim comes over to help us paint. He is also set on *not* staining, but instead painting. Apparently there is a thermal-reactive deck paint that helps keep the surface cool even when it's been getting direct sun all day. 

Even if the rails and stairs don't get replaced this year, it's fantastic to have smooth, fresh boards to walk on with bare feet!!

K Jets

May Review (Month 5 of Quests)

May 2016 Questing Report

Quests Completed

Quest # 19: Live Active - Boss Battle

I successfully completed a 5k race! The Comics for a Cure 5k benefited St. Jude's Children's Hospital, and was held at a popular local comic book shop on national Free Comic Book Day. I was one of only two people dressing up as a Dr. Who character (yes! Dr. Who has a comic book series, I'm not making this up. Published by Titan Comics, look it up ;-p ).

Quest #28: Acquire Transportation

Finally had to make the tough call on Walter, my '91 Camry. He was a tough, super solid old dude of a car, but when I found out it would take nearly $2,000 to fix him up to pass the safety inspection, I had to tap out. His repairs and maintenance were getting to be just too much. I took that money and put it down on a newer car. The great thing about this is, now I can travel regionally with ease and freedom! Like unlocking access to more rooms on a map, or new cities; I finally have my Epona to take me throughout Hyrule!

Quests-in-Progress

Quest # 1: Biographies

May was a two-parter: Stan Lee's Amazing Fantastic Incredible: a Marvelous Memoir, and Felicia Day's You're Never Weird on the Internet [Almost]. These were in honor of the national Free Comic Book Day on May 7th this year. I cannot recommend Felicia Day's book highly enough. As a former homeschool kid myself, and a grown-up geek, I related to a lot of her story (although, these qualities are NOT required in order to get a lot from her autobiography). Her story of how she has persevered through anxiety, depression, and ::gasp:: sexism in Hollywood (and the gaming world :,-( ), and on to personal success was truly, honestly inspiring.

And... of course, Stan Lee's comic-book-styled autobiography was a blast. It's Stan Lee. Is counting comic books towards your yearly goals on Goodreads fair? Or is that kind of like cheating?

Quest # 2: Finances

Commission work has been good to my bank account. Buying the (much needed?) new used car was not. Seems to me that, whenever one has collected a lot of money, there is always new gear one needs to spend it all on, in order to continue to the next level. So, the finances quest was bittersweet this month: so thankful and happy to have enough to pay some money down and get that car I needed; a bit remorseful for having car payments now.

Quest # 3: Tithing

Catharsis has a name, and that name is Donations.

Or something like that... My whirlwind of donations this month helped allay my anxieties caused by watching/reading too much news, especially on the topic of politics (which ... is necessary to stay informed. I wish there was less sensationally-written news floating around)

Quest #6: Exhibits

Shakespeare's first folio (one of the extremely rare copies circulating North America) was on exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of History. I tagged along with my older brother and his wife - both Shakespeare / English studies nerds - to check it out! There were a few really cool things that I learned in that exhibit... but the one that really stuck out was a realization that one of the main characters in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Titus Andromedon, appears to be a nod toward Shakespeare:

"Titus Andronicus" was one of the plays included in Shakespeare's First Folio. Coincidence?

I also went to "Artsplosure," a yearly collection of local artists and musicians downtown, set up street-fair style. I even ate some friend foods! I decided I need to start my own company, maybe a cafe...? Someplace with walls, for sure, so that I can purchase a bunch of art and write it off as a business expense. There was just so much beautiful talent! I want to buy all of it and be a patron for at least a few good artists... but could only really afford a few postcards. This time around. I will be back with a business card and a decorating budget someday....

"Artsplosure" festivities included chalking an intersection downtown.

Quest #12: Utilize Pinterest

Used Pinterest to get ideas for my TARDIS costume for the race!

::ooooOOOEEEoooo EEE OOO OOOOO:: (attempting the opening song/theremin noises)

Quest # 13: Garden

I have little peas growing on the plant ^_^  ::so much joy::. I've got poor drainage in that pot though...so it looks like maybe the plants are rotting from the roots up. I don't know if I'll be able to expect much more out of them this year...

My hanging herb garden. Lookin' healthy in this photo.

Baby peas!

Quest # 16: Job Work

I'm getting faster, but still not super happy with my quality. There were slightly fewer reports the latter half of May, so I was able to catch my breath a bit. I love when I have time to get out of the office for a bit for lunch, or to stay but leave a little early to go to the gym (or Gladiator Camp. So. Much. Fun.). It's a little harder to focus now though, without all the adrenaline of "Oh sh*t, this report is due tomorrow" coursing through my veins. This feels like deja vu...maybe student behavior is a little indicative of your work behavior.

Quest # 18: Exercise

I've been taking advantage of a two-week friend-pass to join my sister-in-law at her Gladiator Camp workouts. Holy cow it's a fun challenge! Reminds me of my high school days, learning hapkido: laughing through the pain and struggle, and loving (just about) every minute. Not sure if I want to switch spending money on a gym membership to spending money on this... the gym comes with a shower (which is good when I spend the night at the office), but Gladiator Camp is wayyy more fun. (Dear Reader, if there is a Gladiator Camp group meeting near you, I recommend trying it out if you can).

Quest # 20: Meal Plan

:: musical interlude:: "Say something, I'm giving up on youuuu...."

Quest # 24: Floss

The one constant on this list. If there is but one healthy thing I shall succeed in...

Quest #27: Family

The Superhero Run at the beginning of the month with my older brother and his wife was good bonding, especially with my sister-in-law. She was such a huge support while I struggled through my walk-running of the 5k. I know she said she was glad for the walking bits, that she was kinda tired too... but I kind of suspect she was being generous about that. She's pretty darn fit.

Coming up next:

Quest # 1: Biographies

The Girl With Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee, a memoir by a North Korean defector. I chose this one in honor of World Refugee Day in June.

Quest # 13: Garden

Revive and possibly replenish the garden! The mint died... totally peaced-out. But I may be able to cure the rot for some of the other plants and resurrect the sage plant...

Quest # 15: House Work - deck remodel.

I think Tim and I will really be able to finish the deck this month... As long as the weather and our schedules allow for it (which it didn't last month).

and... continue with the above Quests-in-Progress!

KJets

#6 Exhibits

"Artsplosure" in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. It is a yearly festival of local artists and some performers; set up in a farmer market/fair style

First sight I see: Magical Poodles!

Chalk art and rows of artist's stalls.

Jeghetto: a wooden puppet creator/performer

Deep fried Reese's!!!!

Frida Banksy. That's me. But don't give away my identity to too many people, shhhh...

Impressive sand castles in the "Kid Zone."

KJets

#19 Live Active

Boss Battle: "Participate in a race, or something similar."

The Race: Comics for a Cure, a 5k charity race (with superhero costumes) to benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital.


I only realized now that I don't have a picture of me actually running, or even with my racing bib on... but I promise, I DID run the race! I wouldn't lie about dressing up as a fictional character to help raise money for sick children!

The whole getup: I dressed up as the TARDIS (a machine that travels through space and time), from Dr. Who.  

I had a whole theme going: Space tights; a tutu with twinkling fairy lights, as if it was a nebula full of stars; and a hand-made Police Box/TARDIS top. Finished it off with TARDIS blue nail polish and ribbon in my hair. Being my first foray into something kind of like cosplay (we won't count a typical school girl outfit worn to an Anime con), I have to say, 1) I enjoy nerdy dress-up, and 2) I have so much appreciation and respect for people who have actual, high quality, handmade costumes.

We made friends during the race!  (Side note: my sister-in-law makes a great Wonder Woman when she poses.. totally looks the part...)

Right after mentioning the fact that I wouldn't have the guts to wear a Flash shirt/costume to a race, up jogs two guys, one wearing The Flash shirt, and the other a Batman. They were down for the weekend for a friend's wedding, and figured a superhero 5k would be a great way to occupy themselves the morning of the wedding. Can't argue with that logic. Flash made a most excellent comic book recommendation: Gotham Academy. It really is like a DC comic version of Harry Potter. Totally adorable, exciting, and fun! 

KJets

#3 Tithing

For May, I first had to make up for missing the April tithing goal - donate to Rebuilding Together. Serendipitously, it goes nicely with my May tithing goals! (which... I planned after I failed April...which makes it not so much a surprise....but...shhhh... let it happen) These new goals are outlined in the following pleasantly passionate paragraph:

I have been so darn frustrated by politics and current issues lately, which I suppose is to be expected. I'm pretty sure everyone gets frustrated with politics during election years. But I want to do something constructive about my frustrations and anxiety. I'm sick of feeling helpless every time I listen to, or read about, politics in the news. To re-empower myself and "put my money where my mouth is," I went on a donation spree, giving to causes I feel most passionately about:




Publicly funded news (non-big corporation): My local NPR station





Sexual health and education - Planned Parenthood





Human rights and equality - (global) Human Rights Watch





Affordable housing/home repairs - Rebuilding Together



There are plenty more charities and non-profits I would love to donate to, even within just these four categories. I'm constantly learning about more opportunities to donate from sources like my favorite actors, Humans of New York (HONY), and various charity events happening in my area. Certainly, there is never a shortage of places to send my money off to, or ways to financially do good in my local, national, and global community.

A good website to get ideas of charities to donate to is: Charity Navigator
They rate the effectiveness of the charities - how much of your donation goes to the actual project versus the CEO's wallet, as well as the effect they've had on their cause- so you have a better idea of who/where to invest in, in order to have the effect on the community you want.


KJets