For seven years, I worked for KaBOOM!- a non-profit that works with communities to build safe playspaces. I traveled ALOT- 38 states and 4 Canadian provinces. I racked up many frequent flier miles, hotel points and lost luggage. I went places I would never go on my own and did things (like get really dirty) that I would not have done and although there were some really tough, cold, hot, rainy, snowy, windy days, I would not trade that time of my life. I learned so much and was challenged in so many ways to go outside of my comfort zone. I learned about sump pumps and well point systems, sono tubes and allen keys. I learned to use an auger and "shoot" holes to make sure they are level. I can look at bolts and know if they are 1" or 3/4" just by sight. I also learned the power of doing something as a community. I learned that although many people may not initially volunteer, that if asked directly, they are usually pretty willing to jump in. I learned that people who may not have much by the world's standards, usually give more than the rest of us. I learned what it feels like to be so physically exhausted you don't want to move for days but when you look behind you and see what you accomplished, you will travel to the next city and do it again. Whether there was 50 inches of snow in Calgary or it was 110 degrees in Reno, the job was to build a playground for kids who didn't have one and really, what could be better? I "retired" when we moved to Raleigh last year but all these emotions came flooding back last week when KaBOOM! and The Home Depot teamed up to build a playground on Lane Street in downtown Raleigh. My wonderful friends watched Jack and Madeline and I got to spend the day with my former co-workers, my wonderful husband who help organize the project on the HD end and the great downtown community. It was the perfect playground day!
The site- 8am
Getting started- 9am
Working hard- 10 am
The swings are in!!- Noon
Complete!!- 2:30pm
Clay leading the Home Depot cheer to get the day started
The 115 cubic yards of mulch that was moved by volunteers with tarps and wheelbarrels
The tools
Mixing concrete
Yep, all this was mixed in wheelbarrels!
The folks from Clay's store
A view from the basketball court
The board cutting
Me and Clay
The old Atlanta KaBOOM! office. Erica is now in DC and Jenna works for HD. Erica just got engaged which means that we all three will have married guys who worked at the HD corporate office!!
Team Picture
The night before the build we had Jenna, Erica and Cassie over for dinner. Jack provided the entertainment.
It was such a fun day and we loved having our KaBOOM! friends in town! If you live in Raleigh, check out the playground at Lane and Idlewild.
Clay and I were a Double Dare team!! We were ready for any physical challenge that came our way!
Barb, Emily, me and Jen
Full length Double Dare
Barb made Bret these Hammer pants Saturday afternoon! She is so talented!
The Disco Ball
Zach Ellet (Best costume!) and Sam Dickson
John and Robyn Callahan
Jacob (Richard Simmons)
The dance floor
Emily, Susy, me and Emily
Birthday girl blowing out her candles
It was a great party!! Clay was a sport to go to someone else's party on his birthday but I do think he enjoyed peg rolling his jeans! Happy 30th Susy!!
And tried to keep Madeline from eating it all!
