Groceries and More.

I'm not a good grocery shopper. It's one of my least favorite chores. I decided to change things up a bit recently and visit a larger store in an entirely different neighborhood.

It's a neighborhood known for its vibrancy, for the young professionals who call it home. So I was sort of surprised to share the aisles with a very different demographic.

Let's call them seniors. Better yet, let's call them independent seniors, because that's without a doubt what they were.

Shopping. Chatting. Patiently waiting for their bus or other ride. Going about the same weekly chore I was.

More than a few of my fellow shoppers no doubt could share a story of how United Way touches their lives.

They may spend the occasional afternoon at a local United Way-supported senior program, socializing with friends and sharing memories.

Or they may receive transportation to and from doctor's visits.

Little things that go a long way toward helping older adults maintain independence and a good quality of life.

By the time I left the store, I'd found a whole new layer of vibrancy in that neighborhood. And for me, a good reminder of why I'm Living United.

I Wear It On The Inside

Someone just made a comment about my four inch heels.

She was struck by how tall I appeared today - with these babies on, I hit just about 6'. I have no idea why I was compelled to wear a skirt and heels this morning - maybe it's the spectacular summer weather or a desire to put the pants on pause. Whatever the reason, I'm a little bit more dressed up than usual.

Black skirt. Black top. Long, flowing fushia scarf. A sparkly pendant around my neck.

What you don't see is my LIVE UNITED shirt.

Every day, I wear my LIVE UNITED shirt on the inside. Whether in jeans and a T or my little black dress, I am always committed to giving my time and talents to help others.

I'll be wearing my LIVE UNITED shirt tomorrow while volunteering at an event benefitting the Cincinnati Parks District. Granted, I'll really be wearing black pants and a white button down shirt, but inside, I'll know I'm doing something to make this community a little better.

Cincinnati's parks are a treasure, and I am glad I have a chance to give them a bit of my time.

A couple weeks ago I really did wear my LIVE UNITED shirt while volunteering at a United Way agency partner. I joined other members of United Way's Emerging Leaders' Society to sort and fold clothes for the agency's Clothing Closet. The store helps people buy gently worn clothing at a significant discount, funneling more money back into the agency.

Good wardrobe basics can carry a hefty price, and I am jazzed my time will help someone else fill their closet affordably.

Next week, as I put on a nice pair of slacks and a blouse to volunteer for a local women's organization, no one will see my LIVE UNITED shirt - but I'll be wearing it on the inside. The organization is committed to training and development for its members, as well as supporting programs that assist women and children.

I love being a part of something that I know is making a difference in Greater Cincinnati, as well as preparing me for leadership opportunities in the years ahead.

Today I'm wearing a skirt and heels.

Tomorrow? Maybe jeans.

But next time you see me, look a little more closely. You just might see my LIVE UNITED t-shirt, too.

Virtual Reality.

Today's the day UWGC goes virtual. The 2009 campaign kicks off online for the first time ever in our community.

We're gathered in a war room, blogging and chatting away. Any minute now we'll be joined by a handful of local celebs -- a Red, a Bengal or two, and various media personalities.

To say we're excited is an understatement.

The help and hope United Way provides to those in our community is critical. If you want to LIVE UNITED, and explore the stories of folks who already are, visit www.wecanliveunited.org.

School Days.

Alex is my friend's 2 year-old. I spent a Saturday morning with him a few weeks back while his mom was at an appointment. After he waved goodbye at mom, we settled onto the floor in front of the toy box.

First he pulled out a lion. "Lion, roarrrrrr," he pronounced, handing it to me. He waited a second for me to figure out my role, decided I didn't get it, so pulled out another toy and handed it to me.

Ah. My turn.

Uh oh. What exactly was this thing? Bendable, purple and obviously well-loved, I didn't have a clue. I looked at Alex, his big blue eyes eager, an expectant grin on his face.

"Horsey, neeeeigggh," I tried.

He scowled at me, shook his head. "Dog. Woof," he corrected me, taking the toy back and holding it close.

Seriously? I'm being schooled by a 2 year-old.

Granted, I don't have kids of my own. And it's been years since I spent every Saturday evening babysitting the little boy down the street. Back then, the routine was I read to him, watched him play in his sandbox, then put him to bed and he fell asleep. I watched television until his parents came home. Not exactly two-way interaction.

Alex and his mom have had their routine since the day he was born. They talk. They read together. They explore. While mom's at work, he's safe and happy at one of their city's highest- quality child care centers.

There's a lesson there.

Need a reason to give to United Way this year? Here’s one: I recently heard this from a young mother who was a recipient of United Way-funded housing assistance: she needed an affordable place to live, and had to make a choice - live under a bridge with her children, or move into substandard housing with mold growing under the carpet, and “just buy a lot of bleach.” She chose the bleach option until it got unbearable, then found help from a United Way agency that located a safe, affordable apartment for her family. I can feel lucky that, in my life, I have never had to face choices like this. For those that do, I know my United Way gift can go a long way in providing a young mother peace of mind.

Welcome!

Thanks for stopping by!

Check back often to read how we LIVE UNITED in Greater Cincinnati. We'll share stories from our community, and yours -- highlighting folks who aren't just wearing a t-shirt, but living it.