Sometimes I really do get to do some fun things.  Although they are "work", it's neat!  I've realized there are so many fun things I get to see or do that  I don't share, especially when it comes to topeka and things that I get to do, and I'm going to change both of those!  How can I expect anyone else to have pride in their city if I don't?

I started off by having the opportunity to spend the evening with the most amazing group of women!  It was called a Wonder Woman night and I agree, wow.  Many of the  women owned small businesses locally came together to just find out how to make one another better.  And of course, that's right up my alley.  @Taradimick is a wise woman whom repeatedly has been placed in my life and I believe it because I have something to learn from her.  Tara made it happen to bring so many worlds together and I am so grateful!  Tara thru a heck of a party, (thanks to envista bank) at The topeka country club.

We mingled, got to know one another and taught tara how to get "turned up".  (I did have to step in and interpret might I add...  ). Topeka has so many leaders and having a chunk of them in your space is pretty powerful.  The laughter, bonding and learning really is something special.  ​

We had the annual state of the community luncheon at the ramada inn and it is impressive to see the turn out and the energy!  It was a packed room as you can see.  I am on the board of directors for the topeka chamber of commerce for 2017 and 2018.  I have also agreed to serve on a small business council, that is under the umbrella of the greater topeka partnership, and those that serve are small business owners (under 50 employees) in topeka and the surrounding areas.  the formation of the council is another way to get support for small businesses and have others learn what help we need as a mom and pop entrepreneurs.  

We have so many volunteers that rally around noto and what is all being done.  I get to serve on the noto arts district board of directors with other stakeholders and members of the community that are also wanting to better the area. We have done a lot without financial help and to watch the grass roots movement over the past six years has been fun, and of course most of you have followed along with this journey in one way or another.  

and then we have pie and politics.   They did have French silk pie which makes me pretty darned happy as a side to the politics.  I'm honestly not going to remotely be able to share what is the intent of the gathering,  other then allowing the community to ask questions of their elected  representatives?  politics hasn't been my thing until as of late and realizing if we want to complain we have to be willing to step up to help with a solution.  So...I am learning, and learning how to be a better Kansan, and be a better part of topeka.  I love topeka!  I am topeka, and quite honestly im proud of my colorful quirky town.  

If you haven't had a chance to visit the capital since it's renovations you should. It is just breath taking.  The limestone, the wood, all the history.  It is a spectacular place to visit and to show off to visitors.  I promise you, it's worth the trip.  

It's 3:09 am and my eyes are starting to cross although I have lots more adventures to share.  I would tell you how to "follow along" or whatever it is to get notifications of blog updates, but I don't know how to do that.  SO, maybe google or someone nice with comment below.  :). 

Talk soon,

​Jenny

sometimes I do get to enjoy fun things...of course, I think absolutely everyone should see a KU game in Allen Field house, but hard when you have someone on the opposing team you are cheering for. So fun to watch Iowa states #1 Nick Babb do his thing. Fun watching him grow into this talented man. Plus, when you can drag newbies to the game helps the heckling I received for my Iowa state cheers.

Xoxo
​Jenny

Happy New Year!  I can't believe another year has come and gone...time truly does fly when you're having fun.  I had an absolutely wonderful holiday season filled with lots of laughs, love and lots of blessings.  (Including a giant wooden "blessed" sign from my mom. )

Addison (my step daughter) and her partner Liz made it back thankfully from Michigan to spend the holidays in Kansas.  They do an amazing job of balancing all the demands of loved ones and all that comes along with living out of state, not to mention juggling of multiple families.  The girls and I were able to celebrate with my mom and sister for our crazy annual traditions so although it was brief it was great.  Family time is of course always wonderful, but catching up with lifelong friends and mentors definitely makes the holiday even better. 

I am not one to set resolutions per say, but I am most definitely a goal setter and kicking off this year is no different.  One of my commitments is to be more present on here! To share more of my crazy adventures and experiences that I get to be a part of it, to step up in more ways to be more of a change in my community and in my world.  

Anyone else set any goals?  Resolutions?  Would love to hear about and follow along on your goals also.  

More to come soon, stay warm!!

xoxo 

​Jenny