newlink: /Jennifer+Bedford/Array ( [id] => 723 [title] => Random Acts of KINDNESS.... [alias] => [title_alias] => [introtext] =>

The saying that started it all (well, for me anyways!); the 4 words that made me think about embarking on this journey... Random Acts of Kindness.

Kindness (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

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The saying that started it all (well, for me anyways!); the 4 words that made me think about embarking on this journey... Random Acts of Kindness.

Kindness (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

[comments] => Comment (1) [avatar] => )

newlink: /Jennifer+Bedford/Array ( [id] => 611 [title] => Random Acts of JENNIFER.... [alias] => [title_alias] => [introtext] =>

Happy June!  So this post is long overdue- somehow May just got away from me.... it could be that I was wrapped up in everything having to do with me, myself , and I (no pun intended from my last post).  This could primarily be due to my impending (and now past) birthday.  May 30th, at 4:19 p.m. (my parents contact me at that exact time each year to wish me a happy birthday- isn't that adorable!)  marked the celebration of the day I was born, thirty two years ago.  It's funny how birthday celebrations change throughout the years:  starting with character themed kid-fests, moving into teenage-style excursions, then freedom and independence set in where a birthday is just another excuse to hang out with friends and be as silly as you want, because heck, it's YOUR birthday for goodness sake! 

I have managed for several years to s-t-r-e-t-c-h my birthday to a week of events: a cupcake and candle with the customary out-of-key birthday tune at work;an italian style dinner with my hubby (YUM!); celebration with my family; another celebration with my hubby's family (speaking of which, my mother-in-law made me a birthday shoe out of clay that I put out 7 days before my birthday; then a birthday elf "sneaks" gifts in each day leading up to the BIG day- she says it's her inner-jew that came up with the idea!); a day for myself; a day with friends; and an extra day that's really just an excuse to not have to feed the dogs or do any other chores because my birthday was this week- day!  So when I turned 30- I felt accomplished, proud and as though I was just coming into the prime of life.  At 31- I was excited to be able to answer the question: "how old are you?" with "31, just like the ice cream flavors" (clever- yes, silly- of course, well received- depended on the scenario and audience).  So now, at 32, it feels like a different world.  Strange that only two years can make that kind of impact.  I considered writing Baskin Robbins (http://www.baskinrobbins.com/) and making a case for a 32nd flavor to get me through another year (can you imagine that letter: "Dear Mr. Robbins- I know you've been doing this for 62 years, but perhaps you would entertain the thought of adding another flavor to your repertoire so I can continue to use my humorous answer about my age, which by the way, also means free advertising for your company.  It would really help me out; Seriously,  think about it!").  Instead, 32 leaves me with a desire to evaluate myself: where I am and where I'm going.  Scary, sure.  Exciting, I suppose.  Enlightening, I sure hope so!  

With all that being said, Random Acts of JENNIFER will have many moving parts.  In order to explore all that I am and am going to be, I have many people to credit and thank.  So here is the plan that has been 30+ days in the making:
1) Starting from today and working my way backwards, make a list of anyone and everyone who has made a positive impact on my life. (Note to self: try really hard not to forget anyone, but if you do, remember you are only human...)
2)  Track them down: address, phone #, friend, facebook, in person (without resorting to stalker tactics)...
3)  Find a way to ackowledge that person: write a note, send a card, an email, take them to lunch, leave them a "secret pal" gift, walk up and give them a big, warm, thank you hug!  Just do it...

My recent work experiences are the freshest, and lucky for me, my 10 year anniversary with the company just passed on April 11th.  In honor of the occassion I wrote a seuss-inspired poem (below for your reading pleasure, note: my occupation is property management= apartments) in which I plan to print and personalize for each person that has provided me with guidance, support, and advice in my tenure thus far...

April 11^{th :} What this day means to me...

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Happy June!  So this post is long overdue- somehow May just got away from me.... it could be that I was wrapped up in everything having to do with me, myself , and I (no pun intended from my last post).  This could primarily be due to my impending (and now past) birthday.  May 30th, at 4:19 p.m. (my parents contact me at that exact time each year to wish me a happy birthday- isn't that adorable!)  marked the celebration of the day I was born, thirty two years ago.  It's funny how birthday celebrations change throughout the years:  starting with character themed kid-fests, moving into teenage-style excursions, then freedom and independence set in where a birthday is just another excuse to hang out with friends and be as silly as you want, because heck, it's YOUR birthday for goodness sake! 

I have managed for several years to s-t-r-e-t-c-h my birthday to a week of events: a cupcake and candle with the customary out-of-key birthday tune at work;an italian style dinner with my hubby (YUM!); celebration with my family; another celebration with my hubby's family (speaking of which, my mother-in-law made me a birthday shoe out of clay that I put out 7 days before my birthday; then a birthday elf "sneaks" gifts in each day leading up to the BIG day- she says it's her inner-jew that came up with the idea!); a day for myself; a day with friends; and an extra day that's really just an excuse to not have to feed the dogs or do any other chores because my birthday was this week- day!  So when I turned 30- I felt accomplished, proud and as though I was just coming into the prime of life.  At 31- I was excited to be able to answer the question: "how old are you?" with "31, just like the ice cream flavors" (clever- yes, silly- of course, well received- depended on the scenario and audience).  So now, at 32, it feels like a different world.  Strange that only two years can make that kind of impact.  I considered writing Baskin Robbins (http://www.baskinrobbins.com/) and making a case for a 32nd flavor to get me through another year (can you imagine that letter: "Dear Mr. Robbins- I know you've been doing this for 62 years, but perhaps you would entertain the thought of adding another flavor to your repertoire so I can continue to use my humorous answer about my age, which by the way, also means free advertising for your company.  It would really help me out; Seriously,  think about it!").  Instead, 32 leaves me with a desire to evaluate myself: where I am and where I'm going.  Scary, sure.  Exciting, I suppose.  Enlightening, I sure hope so!  

With all that being said, Random Acts of JENNIFER will have many moving parts.  In order to explore all that I am and am going to be, I have many people to credit and thank.  So here is the plan that has been 30+ days in the making:
1) Starting from today and working my way backwards, make a list of anyone and everyone who has made a positive impact on my life. (Note to self: try really hard not to forget anyone, but if you do, remember you are only human...)
2)  Track them down: address, phone #, friend, facebook, in person (without resorting to stalker tactics)...
3)  Find a way to ackowledge that person: write a note, send a card, an email, take them to lunch, leave them a "secret pal" gift, walk up and give them a big, warm, thank you hug!  Just do it...

My recent work experiences are the freshest, and lucky for me, my 10 year anniversary with the company just passed on April 11th.  In honor of the occassion I wrote a seuss-inspired poem (below for your reading pleasure, note: my occupation is property management= apartments) in which I plan to print and personalize for each person that has provided me with guidance, support, and advice in my tenure thus far...

April 11^{th :} What this day means to me...

[comments] => Comment (0) [avatar] => )

newlink: /Jennifer+Bedford/Array ( [id] => 501 [title] => Random Acts of "I" (Part 2)... [alias] => [title_alias] => [introtext] =>

April 16th and it’s Earth Day- yipppeee kiyaaaa! As follow up to my last post, and in continuing the theme of the Lorax and Random Acts of "I"… here is my weekend plan (sam-I-am!!!):

 

Plant a tree (not sure where or how- but it will be done)

 

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April 16th and it’s Earth Day- yipppeee kiyaaaa! As follow up to my last post, and in continuing the theme of the Lorax and Random Acts of "I"… here is my weekend plan (sam-I-am!!!):

 

Plant a tree (not sure where or how- but it will be done)

 

[comments] => Comment (0) [avatar] => )

newlink: /Jennifer+Bedford/Array ( [id] => 488 [title] => Random Acts of "I".... [alias] => [title_alias] => [introtext] =>

"UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.  It's not."  The Lorax, Dr. Seuss 1971

Now, you too, have a chance to speak for the trees!!!  While in the bookstore the other day (shopping for books to read to my little niece) I noticed a copy of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax printed on recycled materials.  It had a sticker (also made out of recycled material) that said to learn more about helping the earth visit "The Lorax Project".  Being an avid Dr. Seuss fan (avid may not even be the correct term, obsessive compulsive could be more appropriate if it didn't sound so stalker-ish...) you can only imagine my excitement!  So I logged on: http://www.seussville.com/loraxproject/ and what do you know; A Seussian earth-friendly initiative, now we are talkin'! 

This may seem geared more toward school-aged children but heck, you are only as old as you feel (or act!).  I took the pledge, a pledge to: be a friend to the environment and help the Lorax!  What does this mean?  Well, there are 20 things I am committing to, like turning off the lights when leaving a room, using a cloth towel to dry my hands instead of paper towels, consuming less, and bringing my own reusable bags to the store for use.  Okay, and I have to admit- I printed the certificate of my pledge because it was so freakin' cool (but I did so on recycled paper!).  My goal this week is to share this with you and 25 other people so we can all care a lot and make a difference....

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"UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.  It's not."  The Lorax, Dr. Seuss 1971

Now, you too, have a chance to speak for the trees!!!  While in the bookstore the other day (shopping for books to read to my little niece) I noticed a copy of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax printed on recycled materials.  It had a sticker (also made out of recycled material) that said to learn more about helping the earth visit "The Lorax Project".  Being an avid Dr. Seuss fan (avid may not even be the correct term, obsessive compulsive could be more appropriate if it didn't sound so stalker-ish...) you can only imagine my excitement!  So I logged on: http://www.seussville.com/loraxproject/ and what do you know; A Seussian earth-friendly initiative, now we are talkin'! 

This may seem geared more toward school-aged children but heck, you are only as old as you feel (or act!).  I took the pledge, a pledge to: be a friend to the environment and help the Lorax!  What does this mean?  Well, there are 20 things I am committing to, like turning off the lights when leaving a room, using a cloth towel to dry my hands instead of paper towels, consuming less, and bringing my own reusable bags to the store for use.  Okay, and I have to admit- I printed the certificate of my pledge because it was so freakin' cool (but I did so on recycled paper!).  My goal this week is to share this with you and 25 other people so we can all care a lot and make a difference....

[comments] => Comment (0) [avatar] => )

newlink: /Jennifer+Bedford/Array ( [id] => 449 [title] => Random Acts of the HUMAN KIND [alias] => [title_alias] => [introtext] =>

As the world heard of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan on March 11th, my heart sank.  As the tsunami warnings began, my mind raced.  As the radioactive nuclear news was broadcasted, my body ached.  In a matter of minutes (to what has now been weeks), a disaster went from horrific to catastrophic; All without even knowing the full affect these events will have in the years ahead.  A reality to close to home, knowing that California could be next (as we are by the same design): Earthquake activity- check; Tsunami potential- check; Nuclear plant- check.  Is it only a matter of time?  

I wish I had the ability to make grandeous gestures, like Sandra Bullock and Demi Lovato, who each contributed 1 million dollars to the relief efforts in Japan.  Instead, I took a page from the www.RandomActsofKindness.org website and have committed to doing 7 things this week for the HUMAN kind.  Here goes:
                              1.  Read Dr. Seuss to my adorable niece (3/22/11)  
                              2.  Donated blood (3/23/11) ouch!
                              3.  UP at 3 a.m. (not typical) & grabbed breakfast for my colleagues (3/25/11)
                              4.  Mowed my neighbors lawn (3/26/11)
                              5.  Cared for my mother in laws animals (3/27/11)
                              6.  Helped my brother with his business plan proposal (3/28/11) Good Luck! 
                              7.  Went onto www.globalgiving.org and donated to the Japanese relief efforts, using pay pal funds where I sold some old junk (vintage) items! (3/29/11)
And my efforts won't stop there.  I will continue to be creative and find ways to make a difference by giving back!  In the meantime, for this week, I know I've shared some niceness, said some kind words, and helped. 
Beyond that, I wish the people of Japan and their family members happiness, health and good fortune.  Let mayhem turn into meaning, for all.

Thank you for continuing on this journey with me....

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As the world heard of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan on March 11th, my heart sank.  As the tsunami warnings began, my mind raced.  As the radioactive nuclear news was broadcasted, my body ached.  In a matter of minutes (to what has now been weeks), a disaster went from horrific to catastrophic; All without even knowing the full affect these events will have in the years ahead.  A reality to close to home, knowing that California could be next (as we are by the same design): Earthquake activity- check; Tsunami potential- check; Nuclear plant- check.  Is it only a matter of time?  

I wish I had the ability to make grandeous gestures, like Sandra Bullock and Demi Lovato, who each contributed 1 million dollars to the relief efforts in Japan.  Instead, I took a page from the www.RandomActsofKindness.org website and have committed to doing 7 things this week for the HUMAN kind.  Here goes:
                              1.  Read Dr. Seuss to my adorable niece (3/22/11)  
                              2.  Donated blood (3/23/11) ouch!
                              3.  UP at 3 a.m. (not typical) & grabbed breakfast for my colleagues (3/25/11)
                              4.  Mowed my neighbors lawn (3/26/11)
                              5.  Cared for my mother in laws animals (3/27/11)
                              6.  Helped my brother with his business plan proposal (3/28/11) Good Luck! 
                              7.  Went onto www.globalgiving.org and donated to the Japanese relief efforts, using pay pal funds where I sold some old junk (vintage) items! (3/29/11)
And my efforts won't stop there.  I will continue to be creative and find ways to make a difference by giving back!  In the meantime, for this week, I know I've shared some niceness, said some kind words, and helped. 
Beyond that, I wish the people of Japan and their family members happiness, health and good fortune.  Let mayhem turn into meaning, for all.

Thank you for continuing on this journey with me....

[comments] => Comment (2) [avatar] => )

newlink: /Jennifer+Bedford/Array ( [id] => 435 [title] => Random Acts of a GROUP... [alias] => [title_alias] => [introtext] =>

Despite my being behind in documenting my Random Acts so that I can share them with you, I have in fact been doing them =) Who says it’s the thought that counts??? For this journey it is definitely the action that matters! And for Random Acts of a Group I had a unique opportunity to walk in honor of striking out cancer on March 12th.

 The Cancer Treatment Centers of America help people with the curse of cancer. They implement "the Mother Standard® of care, CTCA cancer doctors provide patients with the same warmth, unconditional support and respect we would extend to our own mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, or other loved ones. They combine the latest medical, surgical and radiation therapies with supportive therapies like nutrition, naturopathic medicine, mind-body medicine, oncology rehabilitation, and spiritual support. This whole-person approach gives those fighting cancer new options and hope."  http://www.cancercenter.com/about-us.cfm

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Despite my being behind in documenting my Random Acts so that I can share them with you, I have in fact been doing them =) Who says it’s the thought that counts??? For this journey it is definitely the action that matters! And for Random Acts of a Group I had a unique opportunity to walk in honor of striking out cancer on March 12th.

 The Cancer Treatment Centers of America help people with the curse of cancer. They implement "the Mother Standard® of care, CTCA cancer doctors provide patients with the same warmth, unconditional support and respect we would extend to our own mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, or other loved ones. They combine the latest medical, surgical and radiation therapies with supportive therapies like nutrition, naturopathic medicine, mind-body medicine, oncology rehabilitation, and spiritual support. This whole-person approach gives those fighting cancer new options and hope."  http://www.cancercenter.com/about-us.cfm

[comments] => Comment (0) [avatar] => )

newlink: /Jennifer+Bedford/Array ( [id] => 391 [title] => Random Acts of FAMILY... [alias] => [title_alias] => [introtext] =>

So… a family of two (plus 3 dogs), living under one roof, has recently evolved into a family of six (plus 5 dogs and 1 cat) living under the very same roof.  Sometimes random acts find a way of presenting themselves….

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So… a family of two (plus 3 dogs), living under one roof, has recently evolved into a family of six (plus 5 dogs and 1 cat) living under the very same roof.  Sometimes random acts find a way of presenting themselves….

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newlink: /Jennifer+Bedford/Array ( [id] => 383 [title] => Random Acts of ENERGY... [alias] => [title_alias] => [introtext] =>

So I have decided; Being part of the solution and giving back doesn’t always come by way of monetary acts. A lot can be said for the sense a person or individual possesses, that can be shared. Every day I am afforded the opportunity to interact with many different people- most of whom I work with, some who I talk with and some who I live with (love you all!). But even beyond that I interact with complete strangers every day. Unfortunately, I can’t say that every interaction is a pleasant one, but more times than not, they are. What takes that interaction from pleasant to GREAT? What impact can I make on someone else’s life in a brief moment? I am not trying to be profound or preach "memorable moments for all"- BUT I am a naturally enthusiastic individual and nothing excites me more, than when someone else is excited, because I am excited. Make sense? 

I can reflect back on several situations in the past week where I have been less than enthusiastic: because of the situation, how I felt, who I was talking to, or for many other different reasons. BUT, what would happen if I had the wherewithal and took the time to be positively enthusiastic? What if when I declined the offer of ketchup or hot sauce in the drive-thru, I replied with a smile and said "Thank you for offering. You have a great smile! Go ahead and save it for the next person!"; or if when the telemarketer calls in the middle of dinner and asks if this is a bad time, I replied "Not at all. I thank you for taking the time to call for my opinion and to offer me the great service/ product you are proud to represent" (okay that one could come off as sarcastic if said in the wrong tone, so I may want to practice it first!).
What I am getting at is, every single piece of communication is an opportunity: whether it be an email, text, phone call, in person, or by pigeon carrier (yes, I wrote pigeon carrier, it could happen!) and I want to make the most of what I have! I want to feel free to be positive and energetically thank a complete stranger. I want to continue to be positive at work and spread energy like bed bugs (sorry for the reference, it’s just the latest "epidemic" in my world right now). I want to revere that same kind of positive energy I have for others and share it with those that are the closest and most important to me. So that is one of my missions on this journey: to have random acts of ENERGY! I want to give a compliment that goes farther than money; I want to share a kind word that means more than gold; I want to be sincere and clear and make a difference. Here goes…

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So I have decided; Being part of the solution and giving back doesn’t always come by way of monetary acts. A lot can be said for the sense a person or individual possesses, that can be shared. Every day I am afforded the opportunity to interact with many different people- most of whom I work with, some who I talk with and some who I live with (love you all!). But even beyond that I interact with complete strangers every day. Unfortunately, I can’t say that every interaction is a pleasant one, but more times than not, they are. What takes that interaction from pleasant to GREAT? What impact can I make on someone else’s life in a brief moment? I am not trying to be profound or preach "memorable moments for all"- BUT I am a naturally enthusiastic individual and nothing excites me more, than when someone else is excited, because I am excited. Make sense? 

I can reflect back on several situations in the past week where I have been less than enthusiastic: because of the situation, how I felt, who I was talking to, or for many other different reasons. BUT, what would happen if I had the wherewithal and took the time to be positively enthusiastic? What if when I declined the offer of ketchup or hot sauce in the drive-thru, I replied with a smile and said "Thank you for offering. You have a great smile! Go ahead and save it for the next person!"; or if when the telemarketer calls in the middle of dinner and asks if this is a bad time, I replied "Not at all. I thank you for taking the time to call for my opinion and to offer me the great service/ product you are proud to represent" (okay that one could come off as sarcastic if said in the wrong tone, so I may want to practice it first!).
What I am getting at is, every single piece of communication is an opportunity: whether it be an email, text, phone call, in person, or by pigeon carrier (yes, I wrote pigeon carrier, it could happen!) and I want to make the most of what I have! I want to feel free to be positive and energetically thank a complete stranger. I want to continue to be positive at work and spread energy like bed bugs (sorry for the reference, it’s just the latest "epidemic" in my world right now). I want to revere that same kind of positive energy I have for others and share it with those that are the closest and most important to me. So that is one of my missions on this journey: to have random acts of ENERGY! I want to give a compliment that goes farther than money; I want to share a kind word that means more than gold; I want to be sincere and clear and make a difference. Here goes…

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newlink: /Jennifer+Bedford/Array ( [id] => 376 [title] => Random Acts of DETERMINATION and DANCE… [alias] => [title_alias] => [introtext] =>

DETERMINATION: the act of coming to a decision or of fixing or settling a purpose.
 
So, here’s a question: how can one person tell if they’re making a difference? I wish I had an answer to this- while I am well intentioned and putting good things out into the world, I am not physically involved in seeing the outcome of these efforts.  How does it make one feel? For me, it is more about the determination to do good. If I have done my due diligence, researched what I could, listened to my gut and made a decision to make a contribution then in a way, it is what it is. I truly care about the homeless person on the corner of the freeway off ramp and wish him well- hoping the few dollars I gave him will buy him food; I feel confident that the Newborns in Need organization will pass on our charitable donations to babies in need; and I have faith in Coin Star and WWF to insure my gift will be used in helping to make a change. At the end of the day it is not about making a decision by knowing the outcome, it is about a decision that has the ability to make a difference.  It is my self declared purpose to give back and be part of the solution, even if I don’t know what that looks like yet. What are you determined to do?

DANCE: to move the feet and body rhythmically, usually in time to music.

Dancing takes on 2 meanings, for me, this week- first, the President of the Company I work for (that employs over 1,000 people, based out of Irvine, CA) has extended a challenge. This challenge started when she announced a commitment to do a "Dancing with the Stars" type presentation for a charitable organization.  "Dancing For A Cause" is in support of Laura's House (http://laurashouse.org/), an organization that works to end the silence of domestic violence by changing social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.  As our Company President shared the experience to prepare for the event (grueling lessons, concerns with her dance ability, outfit mis-decisions, and lack of athletic ability) several employees made comments like "I'd pay to see that- put me down for $100 towards the charity!".  As a result, our President (to remain nameless here, however, the charity website has more on the event, if you know what I mean!) extended a challenge, that if our company's team members donated a total of $5,000 to the charity organization, she and her dance partner would "do their thing" on stage at our annual company event in March!  So, today I am proud to say- that as a combined effort between the team I work with and myself, we are writing a check for $300.00 towards this goal (which had already surpassed $2,000 earlier this week)!  This contribution is as much our desire to see Laura (ooops!, did I just write that???) dance as it is to helps others in need.

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DETERMINATION: the act of coming to a decision or of fixing or settling a purpose.
 
So, here’s a question: how can one person tell if they’re making a difference? I wish I had an answer to this- while I am well intentioned and putting good things out into the world, I am not physically involved in seeing the outcome of these efforts.  How does it make one feel? For me, it is more about the determination to do good. If I have done my due diligence, researched what I could, listened to my gut and made a decision to make a contribution then in a way, it is what it is. I truly care about the homeless person on the corner of the freeway off ramp and wish him well- hoping the few dollars I gave him will buy him food; I feel confident that the Newborns in Need organization will pass on our charitable donations to babies in need; and I have faith in Coin Star and WWF to insure my gift will be used in helping to make a change. At the end of the day it is not about making a decision by knowing the outcome, it is about a decision that has the ability to make a difference.  It is my self declared purpose to give back and be part of the solution, even if I don’t know what that looks like yet. What are you determined to do?

DANCE: to move the feet and body rhythmically, usually in time to music.

Dancing takes on 2 meanings, for me, this week- first, the President of the Company I work for (that employs over 1,000 people, based out of Irvine, CA) has extended a challenge. This challenge started when she announced a commitment to do a "Dancing with the Stars" type presentation for a charitable organization.  "Dancing For A Cause" is in support of Laura's House (http://laurashouse.org/), an organization that works to end the silence of domestic violence by changing social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.  As our Company President shared the experience to prepare for the event (grueling lessons, concerns with her dance ability, outfit mis-decisions, and lack of athletic ability) several employees made comments like "I'd pay to see that- put me down for $100 towards the charity!".  As a result, our President (to remain nameless here, however, the charity website has more on the event, if you know what I mean!) extended a challenge, that if our company's team members donated a total of $5,000 to the charity organization, she and her dance partner would "do their thing" on stage at our annual company event in March!  So, today I am proud to say- that as a combined effort between the team I work with and myself, we are writing a check for $300.00 towards this goal (which had already surpassed $2,000 earlier this week)!  This contribution is as much our desire to see Laura (ooops!, did I just write that???) dance as it is to helps others in need.

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newlink: /Jennifer+Bedford/Array ( [id] => 363 [title] => Random Acts of CHANGE... [alias] => [title_alias] => [introtext] => [fulltext] => [state] => 1 [sectionid] => 16 [mask] => 0 [catid] => 66 [created] => 2011-02-08 00:00:00 [created_by] => 55471 [created_by_alias] => [modified] => 0000-00-00 00:00:00 [modified_by] => 0 [checked_out] => 0 [checked_out_time] => 0000-00-00 00:00:00 [publish_up] => 2011-02-08 07:00:00 [publish_down] => 0000-00-00 00:00:00 [images] => [urls] => [attribs] => [version] => 1 [parentid] => 0 [ordering] => 126 [metakey] => [metadesc] => [access] => 0 [hits] => 365 [metadata] => [rating] => [rating_count] => 0 [permalink] => /Jennifer+Bedford/random-acts-of-change/ [author] => Jennifer Bedford [authorLink] => /Jennifer+Bedford/ [categories] => Untagged  [jcategory] => MyBlog [createdFormatted] => Feb 08, 2011 [readmore] => 0 [text] => [comments] => Comment (1) [avatar] => )