Look for the Helpers

After this made the rounds back in April after Boston, I find new meaning in it. There are so many caring people that it buoys up everyone here affected.

I just want to give everyone in this whole area a hug right now. The amount of devastation is well, devastating. Did you hear about the Zoo? A zookeeper risked his life by guarding a window with a rifle in hand so a hippo (the most dangerous animal) wouldn't escape. The poor giraffes might not make it either since they were so exposed to the cold! 

In the way of heartwarming, kindness is everyone. I am seriously so proud of this city.

Today went like this; first day of work which including the first part of training. I'm happy to be working at a place where I'll be able to help people rebuild and be involved!

 I'm orange aproned! 

I came home, took Jack on a walk with my cute neighbor girl, and hitched a ride with some friends down to a different flood devastated area. We went by a few addresses we were given and upon finding the people there had things under control, we went exploring for more people. We ended up in a one bedroom apartment with some other volunteers. The homeowners were nowhere to be found. After that, we came across a cool guy with two 120 year old homes right on the Elbow River. We had a good chat with him and helped him prep for the 10 firemen that are coming in the morning. All the while people came up to us with bug spray, cookies, pizza, beer and coffee for those who like it, donuts, and fresh fruit and trail mix. 

Even though we're surrounded by the ugliest piles of rubble and sludge, I have been finding the brightest and beautiful people. Truly diamonds in the rough. I just happy to be a part of it. 

 Parking within the neighborhoods is a huge issue because there has to be room for the homeowners, the dumpsters, and the volunteers.

 This area was caked with more wet piles of mud that made parking difficult.

 So this is me in the apartment looking semi normal compared to the full shot-

I'm so knock-kneed it is even funny. I seriously thought I was standing like a normal person. Oh what can you do.   on another note...Go Flames Go?

Another day, another amazing humbling day. Keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers, especially those in High River. They haven't even been back to their homes yet and I'm sure nothing is left. For those of you reading this outside of this area, you can help by making a donation to the Red Cross. For those of you who do live close, make sure you just go find something to do and someone to help!

I found this via Pinterest:

Are you dying? I am. This is the cutest. 

Until next time!

Love,

MM

Overwhelmed and Oversludged

Today was spent caked in mud and dirt hauling out ruined belongings, saturated carpet, and drywall from destroyed basements. Throughout the day, the group of us were able to help out in at least eight homes. These houses were actually lucky, no flooding had reached the main floor. I seriously have so many amazing memories of this day. I can't record them all but I'll try!

 I was doubly dirty by the end of the day. Awesome. (That's not sarcasm, it really was fun).

We saw so many books going into the dumpster. This one seemed a little too ironic not to document!

Today was marvelous. It felt so good to finally be doing something that actually makes an immediate difference. Almost all of the people we helped had little to no family or friends available to help so we really could step in. I met so many new friends today and I feel like I have a new little neighborhood to love. This kind of destruction is all over this city and surrounding area, not to mention High River is still a lake. Everyone is really stepping up and smiles and hope is all around!

I'll be back for more!

Extra love,

Megan

PS First day of work tomorrow! Let's sell some construction supplies!

This Bulging River

To help lighten the mood.. I tried and failed to find the clip of "the Bulging River" from Waiting for Guffman. If you happen to have the old relic on DVD I'd watch the quality deleted scene. It really sets the mood here.

I surely have experienced a bulging river with bountiful banks. With the flooding in my city of Calgary starting on Thursday, I had no idea what kind of damage would be done. Keep in mind many parts of the city and area are still under water and there is no estimate on the damage. I've been so fortunate to be far enough away from the flood plain; my life (If I stayed in my neighborhood and didn't watch the news) would be definitely business as usual.

On Friday I woke up, got ready for my second interview at The Home Depot and lo and behold..

I am now employed! I'm so grateful. I've applied to at least 20 places since I got home at the beginning of May and this job is perfect timing. Just a few nights ago I had a real hard time sleeping since I was worrying about not having a job yet! Plus I know the store will be really busy since so many homes have been flooded. Even though people have to buy their own supplies and it is a business, I still feel like I can be of service to those that are struggling.

Friday continued with my dad coming home from work early since nothing was happening, being glued to the screen(s) watching the news, getting steel toed boots, getting pizza, and a bike ride down to see the crazy crazy river, along with the rest of the neighborhood.

{On another note, Saturday brought my extra zeal to get in shape. I bought a pass to the local yoga studio and went to a hot yoga class. I love it and it shall continue. }

Tonight my dad and I took a drive around to see some of the damage. Apparently the river has receded quite a bit so that is better news!

 I have seriously been so impressed by the spirit of everyone in this city. It is honestly a little celestial. Even though destruction is everywhere, there is optimism and there is plenty of helping hands. I am honestly so proud to live here, and I'm going to do my part since I have been so blessed. I could say so much more about this but I gotta get to sleep so I can wake up and clean up!



So here's this cute weirdo

 and how nice is this? This is just one of many kindly deeds.

So check out CNN-

That's our Stampede grounds! Seriously I hope The Big Show can and will go on.

and The Calgary Herald-

Those are just a few I've been frequenting. And honestly I only visit CNN to confirm that this normally under the radar city has made front page American news. Dis is real man.

It's late, I've managed to post on a Sunday night with a now unusual post. I should be back next Sunday night (and before that) with my Short Sunday Sampling because those lists are fun.

Keep it up Calgary, I sure do love you!

-MM

S.S.S. Vol. 3

Well, I said I would blog before Sunday came around, and here we are! But at least I'm consistant with one thing so far.

Today is quite the day, it's father's day and my mom's birthday! I love you both, so much.

On to today's festivities- 

Favorites from Pinterest this week:

This outfit 

This room.

I'm pretty sure I would like to dress like this everyday. 

written on my face

A video to change your life for the better:

Current (well, constant) wannabe love of my life:

What's not to love? His album has been on repeat in my car which brings me to the next catagory:

Favorite song:

Oh this song just melts my heart and turns me into butter. Plus when I sing it I feel like I have some soul and flava in me!

Tried and true recipe that you should try too:

Avalanche bars! They are so easy, so delicious, and quick. Here's a link to the recipe. It says no bake, but I put in the oven for a minute or two to melt the marshmallows and chocolate chips. They taste even more amazing the next day and if they are put in the fridge.

A new week is here, my summer break is what, nearly half over? Good thing there is a lot more to look forward to!

Love,
MM

Short Sunday Sampling (volume two)

Hello everyone!
This week was spent babysitting, reading, finishing season two of 24, and other scholarly pursuits.
Since tonight was Tony night, I'd thought I'd feature a dash of musical theater glory in tonight's mix.
Here we go!

Favorite Musical:

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella

image one 

image two

Is it possible to be in love with a show I've never seen? Yes, oh yes. Sure I know all the music from the Brandi/Whitney rendition, but something about this cast seems so magical. It helps that I'm a dedicated viewer of Laura Osnes's Princess Diary for Broadway.com. (enjoy here). She should have won the Tony tonight, she is simply brilliant. And did you see that costume change? Thank goodness they won for best costume.

Favorite New (used) Books:

All these beauts for the lovely price of $5! (Now I'm hooked. I'm heading back to another store to trade in my books for more!)

In Theaters:

typography info here

Gatsby truly is great! Everyone, this movie lived up to the hype. It's probably one of the few movies I've seen that is so similar to the book, and avoids making you angry because they left something out or changed things. Plus this movie was just so visually mesmerizing, and the whole vibe is some sort of fantasy into the '20's decade of my dreams. Old sport, old sport.. must see.

Which brings me to-

The current swoonworthy babe of all babes:

found here

 HELLO LEO! Gatsby, he was. Did anyone else hear a chorus of angels when he first gives his toast? Well done, world. Well. done.

New Sewing Machine!

It's beautiful. We had this old Walmart Singer that we tried to fix, but with no success. So we found this Husqvarna on sale. It works really smooth and I have some projects getting started! 

This Week's Britain Prep:

The Young Victoria

best

I have no idea why it took me so long to finally see this movie! What a gorgeous film. Gorgeous clothes, gorgeous Albert. Victoria truly rocked the monarchy. 

From Pinterest:

this bag

favorite kitchen

+

cottage

That's all the prettiness for this week! I should be back before next Sunday, but for now, enjoy.

Love,

MM

Short Sunday Sampling

Or a Short, Sweet Selection.
Here are a few of my favorite things this week.
{Did you all have a lovely weekend? I sure did! Shopping, sleepovers, movies, and an interview.}

From Pinterest:

via

Hagar

via

dots on squares

In Theaters:

I'm pretty sure this isn't the actual movie poster, but isn't it prettier? via

I just got back from this movie, and can I say, it was worth every penny. Now every fight scene I see in a movie will be sub-par because there are no magic tricks involved. Sometimes exceedingly star-studded casts can be cluttered and overbearing (hello Valentine's Day?) but this one had the right balance. Go see this and enjoy it, you only get one shot to believe the tricks! (And make sure you can avoid the overwhelming feeling to pee throughout half the movie, the nuisance. I wish I had downloaded this app beforehand!)

Which brings me to

The Current Uh-Huh:

gq

Dave Franco, are you kidding me? Who is this genetically inclined? Did any of you see him be all cat-loverly and innocent on Ellen this week? He totally killed it as a magician. I'd fall for any of his tricks. 

On Netflix:

I'm hanging out with Jack Bauer a lot. I'm currently in the middle of season two. 

A few thoughts I have:

1. Kim Bauer (love her) needs to seriously stop being so.. stupid.

2. I'm so relieved Tony's soul patch from season one is gone.

Top Snack/Food/Beverage/Life:

This fairly healthy shake has been happening nearly everyday. Yum, Yum, Yum. Deliciouso. 

Books:

I'm currently in the middle of both of these beauts.

cover

much prettier art than my current cover

This one is on the top of my wish list:

via Anthro

Happy Monday!

Love,

M