... Going Mobile!

After years of cycling, walking and running, I've finally decided to at least get a driver's license. Ho-hum! Of course, this would facilitate (or legitimize) driving a four-wheeled transportation device. :0 This decision is not an easy one by any means. However rural living necessitates the repeated use of vehicles. I was so spoiled by the CTA and Pace that I never gave easily accessible public transportation a second thought in moving to the rural south. Anywho, I'll keep you updated on my progress!

Salut!

Global Health Conference

Unite For Sight 6th Annual Global Health Conference

"Achieving Global Goals Through Innovation"

Saturday, April 18 - Sunday, April 19, 2009

Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

200 Speakers, Including Keynote Addresses by Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, Dr. Sonia Sachs, Dr. Susan Blumenthal, and Dr. Harold Varmus

NOW OPEN: Register Online For 6th Annual Global Health Conference

Interested in submitting an abstract for presentation? Submit your abstract online by September 15

Unite For Sight's innovative, high-impact conference is an idea incubator:

-Convenes 2,500 participants interested in international health and development, public health, eye care, medicine, social entrepreneurship, nonprofits, philanthropy, microfinance, human righs, anthropology, health policy, advocacy, public service, environmental health, and education.

-Provides tools to identify global problems, engage in social entrepreneurship, and create change and real solutions.

-Connects individuals, organizations, universities, the public, and communities, to collaborate on sustainable solutions.

-Inspires leadership, talent, and ideas.

-Encourages learning and innovation by providing a forum to share information and best practices across all disciplines of global health and international development.

-Harnesses enthusiasm, idealism, and innovation with practicality.

Saturday Morning Disappointment

After months of speculation, Senator Joe Biden has been selected as Senator Barack Obama's running mate for the upcoming presidential election -- rather than a candidate outside of Washington -- today. By the way, did y'all get "the text message"? While Senator Biden exceeds any qualifications for public office, I am skeptical of his role in a campaign that has instilled a call for change. (Hey, what's there not to like about a well-respected public figure who just happens to be Catholic?)

Senator Biden's most notable contributions include more than 30 years in the Senate, served at various times not only as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee but also as head of the Judiciary Committee, with its jurisdiction over anti-crime legislation, Supreme Court nominees and Constitutional issues. He is an insider.

It becomes clear that this decision was made to offset some of the weaknesses in Obama’s own résumé. For all his self-confidence, he worries that he could not beat Republican John McCain without help from a seasoned politician willing to attack. The Biden selection is the next logistical step in an Obama campaign that has become more negative.

August Care Team Volunteer Opps

Traveling Food Circus
Mondays, August 25th, September 1st,8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th

Our weekly project. Join us to distribute organic groceries thanks to a generous donation from Trader Joe's to Cabrini residents.

Cabrini Service Connector
1230 N. Larrabee
public transportation driving map
3:30pm-5:00pm


Oral History Project
Wednesdays, August 27th, September 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & October 1st

Here's a project continuing for the next 6 weeks. Join us at Hostel International where we will work with HI/Chicago volunteers to create an Oral History Project for Hostelling International USA's upcoming 75th Anniversary. We will interview and record participants sharing their hostelling experiences.

Afterwards, gather with us for a light meal.

Hostelling International - Chicago24 East Congress ParkwayChicago, IL 60605
public transportation driving map
5:30pm-7:30pm

Ongoing ...


Team M3 - Chicago Student MentorRun
Enjoy your Saturday Morning on Lake Michigan!

With over 100 Chicago teens and their adult mentors training each Saturday morning at the Lakefront, we'd love your support to ensure our students are well-hydrated and encouraged to go the distance.

Contact Coach Cathy at cathy@mgrf.org

Need directions to a CareTeam event?
Click the links below each event address, or visit www.mapquest.comFor directions by public transportation,
visit http://yourcta.com.

StoryCorps ...

... not for the tender-hearted!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92650667

This morning's edition of StoryCorps made me think of my own Papi. So many people have made these types of journeys and have perished. As the product of two such souls, I thank their bravery and tenacity. Anywho, before I go on a tirade, I just melt whenever I hear the word "papi".

Zucchini Ricotta Cheesecake

In searching for new zucchini based recipes, I came across this new jem!

Thanks 101 Cookbooks!

Enjoy!

Ingredients:
2 cups zucchini, unpeeled & grated
1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
2 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
2 shallots, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
zest of one lemon
2 large eggs, well beaten
1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled
drizzle of olive oil

Preheat oven to 325F degrees, racks the middle. Butter/oil a 7-inch springform pan.

In a strainer, toss the shredded zucchini with the salt and let sit for ten minutes. Now aggressively squeeze and press out as much moisture as you can. Set aside.In the meantime, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, shallots, garlic, dill and lemon zest in a medium bowl. Stir in the eggs and continue mixing until well combined. Now stir in the shredded zucchini. Fill the springform pan with the ricotta mixture and place on a baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for sixty minutes. If there is any moisture left on top of the cake at this point, carefully use a bit of paper towel to dab it off. Now sprinkle with the goat cheese and return to the oven for another 20 -30 minutes or until the goat cheese is melted and the cake barely jiggles in the center (it will set up more as it cools).

At this point, if the cake is baked and set, but the top isn't quite golden, I'll zap it with the broiler (just about a minute) to get a bit more color on top. Remove from the oven and let cool five minutes, then release the cake from its pan. Cool completely, serve at room temperature drizzled with a bit of olive oil and a few sprigs of dill.

Serves 8.

IKEA ...

aka: THE Mothership! Well, second to Target! :0

One must not miss a shopping trip to IKEA on the way home! This picture is of the IKEA at Schaumburg, Illinois. If you've never been to an IKEA store before, you are in for a retail experience compared to no other. Three floors of modern-utilitarian furniture and other must-haves beckon you to buy. If you didn't anticipate spending an entire day shopping and in need of some grub, not to worry. There is a restaurant that serves Swedish foods such as potatoes with meatballs, cream sauce and lingonberry jam and hot dogs. The lingonberry jam is fabulous!

I always go with the intention of looking and not buying. My bank statements will tell you otherwise!

Sweet Home Chicago!!!

There's absolutely no greater city in the world than the one in my own backyard!!! (More on my trip later on.)

The conditions of my latest visit were less than ideal but I had such a blast! Mini-mom, you are my constant source of inspiration. I look forward to more international coffee moments with you! :)



Now ...

I want to thank everyone for the their concern and prayers directed towards my papi's well-being. In due time, his better days will come.


Take care and God bless!

Once

WATCH IT!

May Care Team Volunteer Opportunities

Traveling Food Circus
Mondays, May 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th

Our only weekly project. Join us to distribute organic groceries to Cabrini residents and make some nice appetizers for the folks waiting in line!

Cabrini Service Connector
1230 N. Larrabee
public transportation driving map
12:30-2pm


Afternoon Tea
Saturday, May 17th & 31st
Like to play Bingo? So do the ladies and gents at Salvation Army Booth Manor. Have courage, as Bingo is a competitive sport around there. We are not joking. We bring prizes.

The Salvation Army Booth Manor
1500 W. Madison St.
public transportation driving
1-3pm


Team Trivia!
Wednesday, May 14th & 28th

A classic CareTeam project returns. The gentlemen at REST Men's Shelter get into teams with you, dear volunteers, to answer trivia questions. The quiz topics can vary, and the everyday relevance of such topics is not to be questioned.
REST Men's Shelter
941 W. Lawrence
public transportation driving
8-9:30pm


Dignity Idol!
Tuesday, May 20th
You've been waiting for it. We've been waiting for it. Even your friends have been asking: When is the next Dignity Idol? Relax. If you have talent you'd like to share among us, please email us at careteam@mgrf.org. And if you'd just like to be part of our audience, you're welcome.

Holy Covenant United Methodist Church
925 W. Diversey
public transportation driving
6:30-8:30pm


49th Street Beach Cleanup
Saturday, May 24th
Join us at our first cleanup of the season at our adopted beach: 49th Street Beach. We'll need your help on a monthly basis to maintain the beach's cleanliness and to test its water for e. coli. Then we'll have picnics after the cleanups. Enjoy the summer with us.

49th Street Beach
49th Street & Lake Michigan
public transportation driving
10am-12pm

If you need driving directions to any of these events, please try www.mapquest.com. For public transportation, try http://yourcta.com. If you need a ride, please select "Need Transportation" when you sign up.

Is Bad News Ever Good News?

It's all relative.

Recently I came upon some bad news concerning someone whom I absolutely cannot stand! The mere sight of this person conjures up some not so kind (sane) thoughts, followed by physical illness. For the most part, I have been fortunate not to see this person too often - thankfully! When I heard of this person's misfortunes, I actually felt glad. After this short-lived happiness, I was mad at myself.

Mad at the fact that I allowed this person to crawl under my skin, to make me wish harm onto another human being - regardless of how they treated me. Usually I do not allow people the pleasure of 'getting to me' - especially for them to know that they've achieved something only a few people have managed to do - but this person did their homework! After a few moments of simmering down, I finally came to the conclusion that this person is not worthy of ill thoughts. They are most definitely not worth all the energy of carrying on something that only bogs me down. Granted, this person made choices I would not have made - which ultimately led to their own demise. However I do not think this necessarily excuses this person's behavior.

In the end, I am not this person ... wallowing in negativity is like being this person. I want to someday be able to steer myself clear of all of this negativity and be able to move forward in whatever path I chose to take. A little bruised? Yes. There is no doubting it will take time but I have made that choice. A choice we can all make.

April CareTeam Volunteer Projects

Traveling Food Circus
Mondays, April 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th

Our only weekly project. Join us to distribute organic groceries to Cabrini residents and make some nice appetizers for the folks waiting in line!

Cabrini Service Connector
1230 N. Larrabee
CTA Clark/Division stop map | driving map
12:30-2pm NEW TIME


Afternoon Tea
Saturday, April 12th & 26th

You might need to slow down your life a bit and enjoy a lazy afternoon. Hang out with some friendly and interesting seniors while enjoying a cup of tea. Or coffee. Whichever you like.

The Salvation Army Booth Manor
1500 W. Madison St.
1-3pm


Playing Around
Sunday, April 13th & 27th

Your whole mission on these Sunday afternoons is to play with the kids and young adults of KEEN. KEEN provides recreation to youth with disabilities. You can play sports, make up a game or even go swimming (just bring your bathing suit and cap)!

High Ridge YMCA
2424 W. Touhy
2:15-4:30pm


Community Artwork @ Dignity Diner
Tuesday, April 22nd

To aid inspiration, we'll listen to several different types of music to influence the artistic work of Dignity Diner patrons. And you, of course. We'll have the paint, markers, pencils and charcoal ready.

Holy Covenant United Methodist Church
925 W. Diversey
6:30-8:30pm


If you need driving directions to any of these events, please try www.mapquest.com. For public transportation, try http://yourcta.com. If you need a ride, please select "Need Transportation" when you sign up.

Mississippi Walk for Lupus Now!

In short, lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body's natural defense system attacks its own tissues instead of attacking foreign substances like bacteria and viruses. This causes inflammation. Inflammation causes swelling, pain, and tissue damage throughout the body. If you develop severe lupus, you may have problems with your kidneys, heart, lungs, nervous system, or blood cells. The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) conservatively estimates between 1.5 - 2 million Americans have a form of lupus. One of them includes yours truly.

Now ... the walk!!!

This year, thousands of walkers will participate in more than 30 chapter events across the country. They will be walking to raise funds to save lives from lupus. The Mississippi chapter is kicking off its inaugural walk at Hiller Park in Biloxi, MS on September 20th! In order to participate in this walk, you must register. To register, go to www.walkforlupusnowms.kintera.org. From that site, you will be able to start a team, join a team or sign up as an individual walker. Then personalize your webpage - tell others why you are walking! Invite others to join your team. You can send an email through Kintera, via your personal email provider, or in person.

Thanks y'all! It means the world to me that you become informed and walk on behalf of those who are crippled by lupus.

Have yourself a happy Friday!!!!

Feliz Cumpleanos ...

Mami!!!

It is so hard to believe my mami is not here to celebrate her birthday. She would have been 55 years old on the 25th -- not her real birthdate though. As a gift, she wouldn't have asked for much. All she wanted was for us to be together as a family, usually over bombastic meals! I (we) might have strayed but it is never too late to make amends.

Bueno ... estas son tus "Mananitas", Mami. Te estranamos, queremos mucho.

Tu hija para siempre!



"Las Mananitas" is a traditional Mexican birthday song. In this case, it is being sung by Pedro Infante - a legend like no other. In my book, it sure beats "Happy Birthday".

Green Guide Tip of the Week