The more I am exposed to the nonprofit and corporate philanthropy realms, the deeper I believe in entrepreneurial philanthropy. While I certainly understand the push back for nonprofits falling in line with business principles, I think a new view, openness and approach are on the horizon. When nonprofit organizations have the drive and ability to become self-sustaining, amazing things can happen. Society's views of the purpose of philanthropic funds and charitable giving has to change. Understanding that an organization is not a pure funnel of money is critical to the success of solving societal issues. Additionally, it is imperative to understand that well-meaning, passionate individuals are not always the only ones to grab when trying to solve for a larger issue. Strategic thinking, financial understanding and talented partnerships are rare gems that are starting to make more frequent appearances. I love the below article and take on the issue...
"There are many philanthropists and volunteers who act locally, giving tirelessly, donating their time and money to help the sick, poor and other individuals most in need. But why stop there? Philanthropic work on the local level is wonderful, but time and again it has proven incapable of reaching the scale we need to foster economic development and leading to the monumental changes we all seek.
Doesn’t philanthropy deserve, indeed require, the same level of audacious hope and limitless opportunity as do our business ventures? Our power to impart positive change goes well beyond our communities. We can surely think about both–our communities and the world beyond–and act on the same." Naveen Jain, Forbes Read More....
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Friday, July 19, 2013
The Hamptons: Learning to dance in the rain.
I fell in love with Emily Giffin's awkwardly charming NYC love story, Something Borrowed in the years leading up to our big move. When I watched the movie, I fell in love with the Hamptons. We all know I am a travel junkie, and of course, the Hamptons is just one move beautiful travel spot to check off the list. But what I really fell in love with, yearned for, was the fun free-flowing group of friends that traveled to the popular beach spot together. I wanted to pack up a car (a real live car, friends!), see the views of the city through the back window and laugh uncontrollably all the way to the beach and back. I wanted that cute, comfortable, stunning, oh-my-gosh-I-will-never-own-a-home-like-this, rental to play games in, swim and make lasting memories.
I know this is going to be a shocking statement. Did you know that trips with a large group of people can be stressful? I know, you are dying to know how that can be true. It just so happens that everyone plans a trip through a different lens, with different expectations. And here is the real newsflash... we are all different. What?! "You don't drive that way?""You eat when?""You think that is actually fun?!" I believe your best of friends are the ones that you travel with... the ones that you travel with and don't end up killing each other. You learn to accept the strange things they do, say, and eat - because you realize they are putting up with just the same from you. I know, second shocking statement... you are not perfect. Flexibility starts with a big "F"... for FUN! Because the more flexible your learn to be, the more fun will ensue. A lesson I continue to learn from my husband.
And I'm really glad that I've been practicing the big "F", because I walked away from an amazing experience. I danced in the rain, in a swimsuit, in a parking lot. I jumped into the freezing cold ocean, danced with a polar bear, and played baseball and football...or some iteration of it. I stayed up way past my bedtime, ate lots of dessert and shared intimate secrets. Steering away from my pre-planned scheduled even allowed for a spontaneous trip to Brooklyn on the way home.
Years down the road, I won't remember the stress of planning a large group trip. I will remember those beach snapshots, secrets shared and how we had so much fun playing football, the cops came. I pray that everyone has the opportunity to experience the fun that flexibility can lead to... and if you receive a noise violation, you know you did something right.
I know this is going to be a shocking statement. Did you know that trips with a large group of people can be stressful? I know, you are dying to know how that can be true. It just so happens that everyone plans a trip through a different lens, with different expectations. And here is the real newsflash... we are all different. What?! "You don't drive that way?""You eat when?""You think that is actually fun?!" I believe your best of friends are the ones that you travel with... the ones that you travel with and don't end up killing each other. You learn to accept the strange things they do, say, and eat - because you realize they are putting up with just the same from you. I know, second shocking statement... you are not perfect. Flexibility starts with a big "F"... for FUN! Because the more flexible your learn to be, the more fun will ensue. A lesson I continue to learn from my husband.
And I'm really glad that I've been practicing the big "F", because I walked away from an amazing experience. I danced in the rain, in a swimsuit, in a parking lot. I jumped into the freezing cold ocean, danced with a polar bear, and played baseball and football...or some iteration of it. I stayed up way past my bedtime, ate lots of dessert and shared intimate secrets. Steering away from my pre-planned scheduled even allowed for a spontaneous trip to Brooklyn on the way home.
Years down the road, I won't remember the stress of planning a large group trip. I will remember those beach snapshots, secrets shared and how we had so much fun playing football, the cops came. I pray that everyone has the opportunity to experience the fun that flexibility can lead to... and if you receive a noise violation, you know you did something right.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
My friend with a big heart.
I love all-things that make me ask why - especially when it comes to people. This is a trait that I find often goes hand in hand with quirkiness, another trait I love. I suppose this is how I ended up with my quirky tattoo that makes people ask why, almost 10 years ago. I have been counting down the days until my former co-worker turned great friend came to NYC. When I first met Brenda Diaz, I couldn't keep up with her fast, fast, fast talking. I knew she would fit right in with this fast-paced city.
My friend with a big heart came to New York to visit this past weekend, explore and check-off another travel spot. She came with five girls under the age of 18. Yes, five. All girls. Hormonal, fashion-loving and boy-searching girls. She told me that someone recently asked her about her five girls, and one of the older girls was quick to answer that only two were from the same father - so a total of four men helped to create these funny, giggly girls. You really have to love their honesty.
What I love about my friend, is that she has been a foster mom to so many kids over the years that I have lost count. She also has two girls of her own. She's a rockstar foster mom in a world of frustrating government red tape, meetings on top of meetings, language barriers, and a range of issues that spread so wide I didn't know they existed. Sad, frustrating and heart-breaking issues that show you just how cruel this world and the people in it can be. I know this because we used to have offices next to each other. Oh yes, she holds down a full-time job too. I've watched her coordinate schedules, paperwork, language classes, school projects and government I.D.'s - all in hopes that these children will have a better life and become so well educated that they not only never return to their former lives, but that they become advocates and role models for others in those same situations.
It's situations like this that make me want to ask why when I see something a little quirky, a little off-beat. The good stories usually flow in the natural lives of those around us and unless we ask why, we just might miss the because and I live for the because in this world of uncertainty. I'm thankful for friends that show me the love of God in their every day actions, decisions and lives.
And I'm always, always, always thankful for the Texans that make the trek to the Big Apple.
My friend with a big heart came to New York to visit this past weekend, explore and check-off another travel spot. She came with five girls under the age of 18. Yes, five. All girls. Hormonal, fashion-loving and boy-searching girls. She told me that someone recently asked her about her five girls, and one of the older girls was quick to answer that only two were from the same father - so a total of four men helped to create these funny, giggly girls. You really have to love their honesty.
What I love about my friend, is that she has been a foster mom to so many kids over the years that I have lost count. She also has two girls of her own. She's a rockstar foster mom in a world of frustrating government red tape, meetings on top of meetings, language barriers, and a range of issues that spread so wide I didn't know they existed. Sad, frustrating and heart-breaking issues that show you just how cruel this world and the people in it can be. I know this because we used to have offices next to each other. Oh yes, she holds down a full-time job too. I've watched her coordinate schedules, paperwork, language classes, school projects and government I.D.'s - all in hopes that these children will have a better life and become so well educated that they not only never return to their former lives, but that they become advocates and role models for others in those same situations.
It's situations like this that make me want to ask why when I see something a little quirky, a little off-beat. The good stories usually flow in the natural lives of those around us and unless we ask why, we just might miss the because and I live for the because in this world of uncertainty. I'm thankful for friends that show me the love of God in their every day actions, decisions and lives.
And I'm always, always, always thankful for the Texans that make the trek to the Big Apple.
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| Dylan's Candy Bar - NYC |
Monday, July 1, 2013
Delaware & Maryland...our last 2 states! Plus DC.
Washington, D.C.
Nationals Game, Sights
We were pretty excited about this trip, our final two states. We had already been to Washington, D.C. together...but as you know, I travel there pretty often for work. Which meant, it was pretty easy for Richard to come "down South" and meet up with me! We kicked off his arrival at D.C.'s Union Station by seeing the Capitol and then walking through the National Mall to the Washington Monument. That night we went to a Nationals Game with my co-workers, and had a great time meeting everyone's other half. It's always fun to see personalities when their partner in crime is around! Before catching our train to Baltimore, we enjoyed a nice long brunch and stopped for a quick photo at the White House. Oh yeah, and the shower threw up on me that morning... apparently sewage issues are common. That's a nice shot of caffeine. Until next time, D.C.!
Baltimore, Maryland
Inner Harbor + Fells Point
Baltimore's Inner Harbor was really pretty, and even more touristy. So we walked a mile to Fells Point and fell in love. We took ourselves on a crabcake tour and breathed in the warm weather, delicious aromas, adorable quirky neighborhoods and local conversation.
Stop 1: kali's mezze Our favorite crabcake of the night. This cute restaurant in the center of Fell's Point was a recommendation from a food-loving friend. The crabcakes were filled with crab, I know this is shocking - but seriously, hardly any other filling. Just pure, amazing crab. And the bar tender was extremely helpful and created our itinerary for the rest of the night.
Stop 2: one eyed mikes This bar spot was hilarious - it is home of the world's first grand marnier club. They really take their grand marnier seriously. Fun atmosphere, good food - this spot ranked #3 on our crabcake tour.
Stop 3: riptide by the bay A definite local hotspot. Busy atmosphere, crazed restaurant staff and really good crab. We got to sit outside on the busy street and watch the locals drink up their Saturday night with friends and family. A fun spot that ranked #2 on our crabcake tour!
Stop 4: salt tavern Next we took a fifteen minute walk through the quiet neighborhood to a local hidden gem, salt tavern. The plan was to grab dessert, but we ended up splitting two appetizers first. I tried liver pate for the first time...and I am a huge fan! But the exciting part was the dessert - salted goat cheese donuts dipped in honey with a side of cappuccino ice cream. Loved this adventurous restaurant.
Stop 5: b and o - american brasserie After a quick cab ride back to our favorite hotel chain, Kimpton - Monaco, we had to stop at the hotel restaurant. After all, Kimptons are known for their quirky, delicious menus. We went out with a bang...fried oysters and espressos! So good that we returned the following morning for breakfast pizza!
When near crab... eat like a fat kid? No? That's not a saying?
Wilmington, Delaware
Riverfront Walk
And then it happened. We arrived at our final destination...
We stumbled upon Wilmington's eye-catching Riverfront. After strolling along the river, checking out the fun birdhouses and taking photos, we did the thing we know best... found a great riverfront dining spot and ordered the tallest seafood platter we had ever seen.
Once we recover from the amazing food and let our 50 state travel adventure sink into our minds...we will recap one of our biggest little adventures so far!
Nationals Game, Sights
We were pretty excited about this trip, our final two states. We had already been to Washington, D.C. together...but as you know, I travel there pretty often for work. Which meant, it was pretty easy for Richard to come "down South" and meet up with me! We kicked off his arrival at D.C.'s Union Station by seeing the Capitol and then walking through the National Mall to the Washington Monument. That night we went to a Nationals Game with my co-workers, and had a great time meeting everyone's other half. It's always fun to see personalities when their partner in crime is around! Before catching our train to Baltimore, we enjoyed a nice long brunch and stopped for a quick photo at the White House. Oh yeah, and the shower threw up on me that morning... apparently sewage issues are common. That's a nice shot of caffeine. Until next time, D.C.!
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| Some big white house we found...wonder who lives there. |
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| DC Metro |
Inner Harbor + Fells Point
Baltimore's Inner Harbor was really pretty, and even more touristy. So we walked a mile to Fells Point and fell in love. We took ourselves on a crabcake tour and breathed in the warm weather, delicious aromas, adorable quirky neighborhoods and local conversation.
Stop 1: kali's mezze Our favorite crabcake of the night. This cute restaurant in the center of Fell's Point was a recommendation from a food-loving friend. The crabcakes were filled with crab, I know this is shocking - but seriously, hardly any other filling. Just pure, amazing crab. And the bar tender was extremely helpful and created our itinerary for the rest of the night.
Stop 2: one eyed mikes This bar spot was hilarious - it is home of the world's first grand marnier club. They really take their grand marnier seriously. Fun atmosphere, good food - this spot ranked #3 on our crabcake tour.
Stop 3: riptide by the bay A definite local hotspot. Busy atmosphere, crazed restaurant staff and really good crab. We got to sit outside on the busy street and watch the locals drink up their Saturday night with friends and family. A fun spot that ranked #2 on our crabcake tour!
Stop 4: salt tavern Next we took a fifteen minute walk through the quiet neighborhood to a local hidden gem, salt tavern. The plan was to grab dessert, but we ended up splitting two appetizers first. I tried liver pate for the first time...and I am a huge fan! But the exciting part was the dessert - salted goat cheese donuts dipped in honey with a side of cappuccino ice cream. Loved this adventurous restaurant.
Stop 5: b and o - american brasserie After a quick cab ride back to our favorite hotel chain, Kimpton - Monaco, we had to stop at the hotel restaurant. After all, Kimptons are known for their quirky, delicious menus. We went out with a bang...fried oysters and espressos! So good that we returned the following morning for breakfast pizza!
When near crab... eat like a fat kid? No? That's not a saying?
Wilmington, Delaware
Riverfront Walk
And then it happened. We arrived at our final destination...
We stumbled upon Wilmington's eye-catching Riverfront. After strolling along the river, checking out the fun birdhouses and taking photos, we did the thing we know best... found a great riverfront dining spot and ordered the tallest seafood platter we had ever seen.
Once we recover from the amazing food and let our 50 state travel adventure sink into our minds...we will recap one of our biggest little adventures so far!
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| Baltimore's Inner Harbor |
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| The winner of our crabcake tour |
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| Baltimore - Penn Station |
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| THE final state...and first incorporated. |
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| Riverfront - Wilmington, DE |
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