An Underground Run

Today marked the 30th annual Groundhog Run, and it was my pleasure to experience this event for the very first time. The Groundhog Run is a race- which includes a 5K and a 10K- hosted by Children's TLC (Therapeutic Learning Center). Those who participate assist in fundraising for Children's TLC, a school that provides educational and therapeutic services to children with disabilities. The race takes place in an underground venue, which really makes the "Groundhog" experience come to life. 

Although I wasn't brave enough, (and let's be honest...in shape), to run the race, I did volunteer with a group of classmates from my CSD senior seminar class. Our task was to work at a water station, providing water to thirsty runners. It was actually a much more stressful job than I anticipated! We definitely weren't prepared for the rush of runners during the 5K, so we had to work pretty fast. By the time the 10K began, however, we had mastered the art of filling water cups. Overall, it was a really good experience. We actually met a runner who was an alum of Children's TLC from 1972, which I thought was really cool. Throughout the race, runners who stopped by our table were so appreciative of our help, which made me feel like I was doing something meaningful. If I remain in Kansas City next year, the Groundhog Run is definitely something I would like to help out with again- whether I choose to run in it or, most likely, volunteer again!

A Weekend in an Igloo

The closest experience to hanging out in an igloo that I've ever had was once when my brother and I built a fort in the snow. That is, until last weekend. After moving back into the "Treehouse" (the name my roommates and I have given our on-campus house) and getting all situated, it wasn't long before we noticed a draft of cool air flowing through the house. Checking the thermostat, we saw that the household temperature was at 62 degrees. We also noticed that the air vents were only producing a little puff of warm air. Oh great, we thought. Just in time for this cold weather! We called our RA and informed her that something was wrong with our heater, and she called for reinforcements. However, since it was a Friday night, no real help could come until the following Monday. My housemates and I then did the only logical thing to do in this situation...we threw a sleepover! We pulled out our blankets and pillows into the living room and made a cozy little space. We dressed in layers of sweatshirts and socks, and were sure to wear our gloves and earmuffs. As the night progressed, the temperature of the house seemed to be dropping more. Thank goodness for some great movies to help distract us!

A couple days later, Rockhurst Security brought us over a couple space heaters, which did wonders! Thank goodness for their help! The temperature of our house steadily increased, and we became brave enough to lose a few of the layers we had piled on. We are currently back in business with a fixed heater and a warm house. We're so lucky to have an RA who takes such great care of us!

When you wish upon a star

Happy New Year, readers! I hope you all had a happy holiday season and are holding strong to those New Year Resolutions! My Christmas break was so fun-filled that I don't know where to begin! What better place than at the beginning though, right?

Just a few days after finishing my finals, I decided to give myself an early present: a haircut. I had been letting my hair grow for quite some time and I decided it was time for a change. Overall, I lost 8 inches of my hair. It was scary watching it as it all fell to the ground! However, it was great to feel so light afterwards.

The following week I found myself on an airplane flying to Orlando, Florida, along with my boyfriend David. His parents asked us to join them in a Disney World vacation for a week. In addition to his parents and us, his grandparents, uncles, aunt, and cousins were present! Needless to say, it was a full house! (or condo...) If I attempted to write everything we did while we were there, this post would be impossibly long. Instead I will just give a brief overview:

• we visited all 4 Disney parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Hollywood, and Epcot
• I rode the scariest roller coaster I have ever been on, called the Rockin' Roller coaster
• went to an art class where I learned how to draw the Sorcerers' Apprentice Mickey Mouse
• attended a Pixar Parade
• went to a behind-the-scenes show that demonstrated how special effects are created in movies.
• watched a Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, and Lion King Show
• got to enjoy a Disney characters electrical lights parade
• saw a firework show that took place in front of the Magic Castle
• saw another very impressive firework show at Epcot 
• went on an African safari
• and my favorite: Fantasmic! A show where Mickey's imagination is threatened by the various Disney villains, but he overcomes it with good. Almost all Disney characters were in it! 

the Rockin' Roller coaster

I had a such a great time while in Orlando. What's great is that our passes are valid for a year. You know what that means.....hellooo Spring Break!!