Part Two

It actually doesn't sound that bad.

One Iowa

Heya. So as many of you know, I've been volunteering/working with a gay rights group called One Iowa since last summer fighting to keep marriage equality here in Iowa. I was apparently a really good volunteer/intern as they awarded me the John Karn award for volunteer service at the 2nd Anniversary Gala on Saturday. Here are pictures. They're mostly for my mom.

Caitlin, me, and Jason arrive at the gala with our super hip name tags from the reception earlier. I brought friends so I wouldn't have to talk to anyone. I'm not a good mingler.

Sarah saying nice things about me.

Me getting my award.

Me panicking and trying to figure out what I'm supposed to do. (Also, for the record, it's a shame this photo only goes to the knees as I am wearing some spectacular spats that you cannot see.)

Someone eventually pointed me towards the podium and I am told I said some nice, vaguely inspirational things. Go me. There might be a video of this. I will post it if/when it becomes available. Providing I don't look/sound too stupid in it.

Me and some of the other award recipients: Dean Genth, Courageous Six Award recipient; State Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, Sharon K. Malheiro Award recipient; State Rep. Kevin McCarthy, Sharon K. Malheiro Award recipient.

Mostly the same but with the addition of Carolyn Jenison, Oustanding Service Award recipient and former executive director of One Iowa.

There are more photos (of not me) here if anyone is interested. Also, while you're at it, congratulate Iowa on two years of marriage equality with the gift of cold, hard cash. Donate at OneIowa.org.

*All photos taken by the esteemed Matty Smith

Snowing

I fucking love snow, you guys. This is literally the most snow I have ever seen in my entire life and, officially, THE AWESOMEST THING EVER!!!

Here are some pictures.

Jason trudges to work while I laugh hysterically and frolic in the snow.

Well good thing I won't be needing that anytime soon.

There are strange snow structures hanging off the edges of the roof.

Now I'm off to sip cappuccino and eat tim tams while snuggled comfortably in blankets!

A Return to Blog

Hello, blog. Long time, no see. I'd catch you up but that seems weird. Instead, I will share with you my latest obsession: plants.

Jason (new boyfriend for those of you in blogland) got this book on growing plants in terrariums and it's all I've wanted to do since. We did a run to all the local thrift stores and picked up all sorts of glass things to plant stuff in. We're yet to use most of it though. There's a lot of planning to do. Figuring out what plants you want, finding those plants, finding those plants in terrarium-friendly sizes. It all turned out to be a bit harder than we thought it would be. So we're working on that. But we have gathered a few things. I've been orchid crazy for the past while and picked up some really cheap ones from Lowe's and a slipper orchid with a crazy bloom from the orchid lady at Sycamore Mall. Also, bought a bag full of moss spores which will be our first attempt at actual terrarium-ing. Between those, the handful of houseplants I've picked up over the years, and the few that Jason has, it's starting to get very green in here. Anyway, until we get the moss underway, here are some orchids.

White Phal

Purple Phal

Slipper Orchid

Slipper Orchid Close-Up