HearHear

First of all, Nicholas D. Kristof (the author/journalist I've been ranting and raving about alllll week) re-tweeted me. Granted - it was about his book, but whatev - I'm star struck. My 15 minutes of twitter fame. I LOVE it, and him. For real - if it wasn't for copyright laws I'd turn it's a small world into a Half the Sky  copy/paste project. More to come on the book, guaranteed. 

Second order of business - apologies. Maybe I've been masking it well for it via 'posting options', but I haven't been blogging everyday. GASP. The funny thing is - it's because I have TOO MANY THINGS TO SHARE. I'm feeling overwhelmed, because there are so many things I want to rant, rave, inform, and praise.

Where does a girl start? Normally, I'd start with coffee, but it's too late for that. So, I'll start with a promise. I'm working daily on finding motivation, tapping into my creative side, and having more fun. I've got some new pictures, books, products and quotes to share; local non-profits, friend travels and new stories to dig into. It's SUMMER. Here's to a revival. Keep reading, friends.

Rat Sniffing Bombs

While I'm on my Kristof kick ... if you have a father or know a father or know that this weekend is father's day - read this.

Whoooops

Sorry. Can't blog. Too busy attempting to soak up vitamin D between rain showers, play with my new kitten Dharma, catch World Cup games, work, go on interview(s), annnnnd spending every other second - absorbed in Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn.

Heads up - I'm starting to toy with the idea of  making it required reading for anyone who wants to be my friend.

World Cup Fever 1

I may know little about soccer (football), but a little bit of World Cup fever is too fun to pass up! & naturally, I'm a sucker for the idea of it all - countries of the world coming together to share a common interest and have fun while doing so?! Hell yes. 

During my time in Cairo I was fortunate enough to attend two FIFA Y20 Cup games, and they were fuuuun. Red, Black, and White painted faces. Drums, horns, and flags everywhere. MISR! MISR! MISR! I can only imagine the energy in South Africa for the big boy games! Sending waves and wishes of fun, safety, and a bit of jealousy to my dear friend Ian who is in the heart of it all!

Community & Change

I recently sat on a copy of the MN Women's Press. I've seen copies of the publication floating around, but it wasn't until I sat on one that I picked one up. & today - I couldn't put it down. 

In fact, I lapped up every. single. word. The articles are easy to read, inspiring, current, thoughtful, and local. 

This gets better - you can read it online! http://www.womenspress.com/ 

Feel like you don't have time to browse it all? Here ya gooooo (my favorites):
Think About It - OMG those Grannies stole my heart.
Trash Talk - 2 bags of trash per year?! Tips from one local women on how you can do the same!
A Wider Worldview - the importance of experiencing new things to expand your thinking, creativity, & overall life happiness.
Immigration Equity - immigration laws  - they affect more populations then you think!

True Dat

(Found here via Invisible Children)

Twin Cities World Refugee Day

FYI. 

Twin Cities World Refugee Day 
Saturday, June 5th 1:00-6:00 PM
Hennepin Ave. between 7th and 8th streets
Downtown Minneapolis
Metro Transit is providing FREE transit passes to get to and from the event - visit our website to download your pass today!! 

www.tcworldrefugeeday.org

Twin Cities World Refugee Day is a celebration of the more than 10,000 refugees living in Minnesota and then diversity of cultures and experiences they bring to our community.

Throughout the day you and your family can enjoy free live entertainment on two outdoor stages, food and vendors from around the world, children's activities, a community resource fair and interactive educational displays by the American Refugee Committee. Then stay into the nigh as we pass the torch to Minneapolis MOSAIC to enjoy more free arts, activities and performances exploring our area's diverse cultural heritage.

Celebrate all the refugees who call MN home!!

--
I'm so sad to be missing this - but I encourage you all to go!! Get out there, have some fun with culture.

Goodbye YES7

nuttinnew

Spent the day spending loads of money to fix my computer & playing with our new kitten. 

... when did my blog get so lame? I'm going on vacation next week. I promise - I'll return revived & hopefully, more interesting. xo

Open Windows

Windows are officially open in the Bauer household. Don't you just love this time of year? I was laying in bed the other night - enjoying the sound of - breeze, when suddenly this bug/bird (I say this, because I have no idea if this creature is in fact, a bug or a bird) started making crrrrazy noises. If only I could type them out - think: high pitches turned low with an almost circular noise, never ending. My desire for an open window was stronger than my hatred for the talkative bug/bird so I had plenty of interrupted sleep time to think about bedtime noise. Here is the product: Window Noise: Welch vs. Cairo - an official list.

Welch: faint campground noises (talking, music, children), crickets, birds, owls, the bug/bird, and on occasion - naughty Ringo.
Cairo: Cars, more cars, cars honking, cars being fixed/stolen/pounded on, next door parking garage, men (talking, yelling, laughing, singing), children (talking, yelling, laughing, singing, crying), the pet shop (cats, dogs, possible torture), pots and pans, doors opening/closing, stray cats (mating, howling, knocking things over), call to prayer, ambulances, TVs, water running.

Conclusion: I miss the Cairo noises and I'm spoiled in Welch. The end.