IWCC Black Tie 2015

Last Saturday we had the Iowa Western Community College Black Tie fundraiser. I love going to this every year and my mom always makes the best date. It has become a tradition of sorts to go together.

 

I wanted something other than black this year so stepped a little outside the box with this dress but got tons of compliments which was a win!

I loved my mom's fun shorter sparkly dress as well. It was a gorgeous fun evening.

 

Huge bonus = peach belinis during happy hour that were delicious. I challenged myself to more or less a month of no drinking prior to the event to give the body a much needed restart so was fun to splurge on champagne and wine that evening!

 

 

The event itself was followed up by an after party at Glory Days which was a lot of fun also. And turns out green is the new black! Several other girls also choose green over black (although the pictures don't really show it as well)

 

 

Always so much fun getting all fancied up, helping to raise money, and socializing with friends!

National Mall and Memorial Parks at Night

I was lucky enough to be in DC for a few days this week on a trip with the Council Bluffs Chamber to advocate for issues on behalf of my role on city council. One night dinner finished early so I laced up the running shoes and went for a run to the National Mall to stroll through the memorial parks at night.

I was so glad I took the time to do this. It truly was breathtaking at night. Soooo pretty all lite up against the night sky. If you're in DC visiting at night is a must. I am pretty certain there are even hop on hop off tours you can take.

It was the perfect way to get in extra exercise for the day and explore after a long day of successful meetings. I think I ended up with 23.000+ steps that day!

Celebrate CB Parade 2014

 

 

Luckily the bug is fixed and was back in parade ready status just in time for this year's event. 

 

Unfortuantly due to a decision by the Celebrate CB Parade Board  there was somewhat of a black cloud over our parade this year. A Veterans float was excluded and it caused many other groups to bow out to support the Veterans. I still participated as I felt as a member of the City Council I didn't want to let down all of the students, businesses, and nonprofits that spend hours or more creating floats, practicing their routines, and preparing for this parade.

We were blessed with a gorgeous weather day and my driver (thank you brother Erik) did amazing. Thankful for that and hopeful a solution will be worked out to ensure the Veterans are not excluded next year. All three of the Head kids particpated in the parade this year and our mom - quite possibly the greatest cheerleader ever - came out to watch us.

Seeking Four More Years on Council

 

The last four years have flown by! I will be the first to say it has been a lot of very very hard work and some stressful tough decisions but overall I've loved every minute of my time on council. Because of this I'm running for a second term - official papers were turned in yesterday. This brings a mix of excitement and nerves! Let the games begin.

CB Community Education Foundation Disco Prom

I was somehow coerced into being a Queen candidate for the Disco Prom to support the CB Community Education Foundation. An embarrassing old prom photo of me has also surfaced and is now floating around on flyers. Fun times!

It is a great cause though so I am happy to support and help raise money. I would love donations to help my race for Queen (more importantly to help the foundation). Even better come to the prom in your finest Disco attire and enjoy a fun evening out. If you happen to have any super cool disco gear - especially disco boots - I am in need of borrowing them!

Midlands Business Journal 40 Under 40

A part of me still gets super giddy when I see an article, photo, or quote captured in print for all to read. I know it’s bragging and self centered to be excited when you get published or an article is written about you. So I apologize in advance for posting this photo/article. I figured I would share a recent article about my Midlands Business Journal 40 Under 40 award – that way years from now I can look back and remind my grandkids (or myself if I continue on with the no kids no marriage path) I used to be cool.

Turn CB Pink Kickoff

Hey all you CB or Omaha readers!! Come support a great cause , get a really cool t-shirt, and enjoy food and drink with fun people! See you Friday the 30th at Barleys!

If you can't attend but would likea shirt they are only $10 and I am happy to take orders and deliver/ship!

Celebrate CB Parade

With all the flooding concerns I missed posting photos of the Celebrate CB Parade.



It turned out to be a perfect parade day with sunny skies and no rain drops.






There were over 80 entries for the parade and many many spectators lined up along the route.

One of my favorite moments was when we passed by a little girl and she exclaims “look the Princess car”. In reference to our car of females (right now four of the five city council members for Council Bluffs are women!!).

Huge thanks to the committee that organizes the parade, all the volunteers, participants, and spectators (and my mom the photog and greatest supporter on earth). They are what made this day so fun and enjoyable. Always nice to celebrate your hometown!


Capped off with a concert in the park that included one of my favorite musicians.

Please Don’t Rain on my Parade

Rain is in the forecast for the next few days. We need rain and I actually want a lil rain to help all my plants grow.

Once I started gardening I gained a new sense of appreciation for rain. That being said I would prefer said rain takes a vacation Saturday morning. I have a parade (Celebrate CB) to participate in and really don’t want rain messing things up! Weather Gods are you listening??

Thanks Miley!

I know this is very un-cool to admit but I already spilled the beans about attending her concert so really how much worse can it get? Miley Cyrus’s song The Climb has always been inspiring to me. Particularly these words:

“There’s always gonna be another mountain – I’m always gonna wanna make it move – Always gonna be an uphill battle – Sometimes I’m gonna have to loose – Ain’t about how fast I get there – Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side – It’s the climb”

When I was given the great honor of being the commencement speaker for Iowa Western Community College’s December graduation (I am an alumni!) I spent days trying to form a speech when suddenly I remembered the Miley song and it all came together. Set your goals high – believe you can and will do or be anything – never give up even if life throws you curveballs – take time to enjoy the climb and the moments – live a life of significance not just success. To say I was nervous is an understatement! I couldn’t even muster a full smile at first. But I tried to sound calm and collected as I shared my words of wisdom with the graduates.

I admit at times I felt like I was not the right person for the gig – that I wasn’t important enough. That same day Creighton had a General as their speaker and UNO an astronaut. My accomplishments do not even come close. But hopefully I was able to inspire a few in the crowd. I had a great time and still can’t believe I was invited to be the commencement speaker. After the speech was done and the only task left was to shake hands I was very relieved!

(President of Iowa Western Dr. Dan Kinney). Thank you IWCC, graduates, family, and friends for allowing me to enjoy and share in your commencement.

*All photos by Don Kohler

TOMORROW IS TURN CB PINK DAY

PLEASE REMEMBER TO WEAR PINK TOMORROW!!!
Daily Nonpareil Online
By Chad Nation, News Editor, cnation@nonpareilonline.com
Published: Wednesday, October 27, 2010 10:59 AM CDT
Citizens will have the chance to view the city through rose-colored glasses Friday.

People who live and work in Council Bluffs are asked to wear pink Friday to show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and numerous businesses have joined forces with the Council Bluffs Fire Department to raise funds for breast cancer research.

All month long, firefighters have been sporting pink T-shirts and polo shirts and have asked citizens to purchase the shirts to raise funds for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Fund.

Chief Alan Byers said so far only 300 of the 3,000 shirts ordered remain, and that number was dwindling Tuesday.

Capt. Jim Maaske said employees at Walgreen’s stores and U.S. Bank would wear pink shirts to show support for the cause, as well as teachers in some of the Council Bluffs Community Schools on their casual days.

Mayor Tom Hanafan signed a proclamation Monday at the City Council meeting declaring Friday pink day in the city.

“The City Council and I have bought T-shirts from the fire department and wore them to the last two council meetings,” Hanafan said. “I think it is a great way to show support.”
Hanafan said everyone at City Hall would be donning pink shirts or pink ribbons on Friday.

“It’s a pretty good message to send together,” he said. “A lot of people out there are suffering from cancer, whether it is breast cancer or another form.”

Hanafan urged residents and workers in town to show their support.

“It will be kind of colorful day around here, which I think is good.”