May 6th, 2009 
Dear Miss A,
I first wanted to say how much I admire you for all the work that you do. I’ve been an avid reader of your blog for awhile now and it really makes me happy to see that there are people out here in DC who aren’t just here to make a name for themselves, but who really have a big heart and want to help those less fortunate. Of all places to be able to do this in, DC is a great place to be, so thank you for all of your charitable work!!
So I wanted to ask you for your advice. For one, I am a very social person and I love being around people and helping others. I’ve already contacted a number of charities out there to see what I can get involved in and the response has been very positive. I’m also doing the same for job hunting, and that hasn’t been to easy. The job will eventually come, I know, but I really want to get involved in the Rapid City community. I love planning events, I want to get my generation out and about in the area and help them realize that they too can make a difference, and just try to really bring the community together.
Do you have suggestions on how I can start from the ground up and immediately get active in the community? Do you have suggestions for events I could plan? I am interested in planning something like the Blondes vs Brunettes flag football (I played powder puff in high school and that was always such a blast) that would benefit some wonderful charities. I want to jump into Rapid City and get my hands dirty – I’m just a bit fearful of the culture shock once I get out there. Any information or tidbits of life examples you could give me would be very much appreciated.
I think I’ve rambled enough. Thanks so much for taking the time to read this email! Keep up the hard work you do and please know that there are many of us out there who really appreciate you!
Moving Advice
Dear Moving Advice,
Don’t say “there is not a whole lot to do out there that I would be interested in”. I always tell my readers not to put yourself in a box and say things like “I’m not an athletic person”, “I can’t cook”, “I’m not artistic”, because you may and can change. Be open to change. Someone who wasn’t a runner in high school can run marathons in her 30′s or 40′s. So try to stay positive and open to new things.
Also, just because you’ve been like all of us here in DC — Type A, glued to the Blackberry, hyper-involved, and keeping yourself busy–doesn’t mean it won’t be good to find a slower pace in South Dakota. Try to find peace in just being. Being still sometimes is a good thing. If we’re always on the go, we don’t have time for reflection, which is so important in life. I think some people keep themselves super busy to numb themselves. When we’re always moving, we don’t have time to feel. And it’s important to feel and consider which way our life is headed. If you don’t take time to do that, life will pass you by without your being able to chart a proper course.
I would be happy to introduce you to Ryan Triplette and Sara Abbott – they have been taking Blondes vs. Brunettes national. BvB is now held in several major cities. They would probably love to have you bring the event to South Dakota.
Don’t try to make South Dakota, Washington, DC. It never will have all the museums, the Kennedy Center, and all the Type A personalities. Appreciate it for what it is. It may be the perfect place for you to have a little down time, and start a family with your husband. Living there may give you the time to focus and appreciate your little ones before your career or your husband’s career moves you again. I’m sure your passion for running will help you connect with others in the area –there are bound to be some 5K’s in South Dakota, and help plan these events in addition to running in them.
Please be in touch and let me know how it goes. I think my readers would like to hear how your story progresses! Life is a journey, Honey! I wish you the best!
- Miss A
