How I spent my polar vortex

Spring is just around the corner – and not a moment too soon! After this winter’s record-setting snow and cold in central Indiana, the OSD team is looking forward to warmth and sunshine. But we’re also looking back on a winter that was memorable for many of us – and not just because of the polar vortex.

Here are just a few of the ways we spent the past few frozen months. We’d love to hear your good news, too! Share with us in the comments or on our Facebook page.

Happy spring … finally!

- Paige

Epic Battle - Movie Trailer from Dan Brinkruff on Vimeo.

Suddenly, dad’s job is pretty cool

By Dan Brinkruff

Until recently my two boys (6 and 8) have never really showed interest in what I do for a living – shooting video footage, directing actors, editing and animating. Their eyes would instantly glaze over and they'd be off playing Hot Wheels or reading the latest Captain Underpants book, before I could even say “HTML5 video.”

That changed this winter when, much to my surprise, they came to me wanting to know more about what I do at work. I decided to change my approach this time. Instead of telling them, I'd let them experience it themselves. I quickly downloaded iMovie for the iPad, walked them through the basics, and then let them run with it.

I was shocked to say the least. What they produced in mere minutes would have taken me days to create back when I was in school. Toby looked at me after watching his creation for the tenth time and asked, with wide eyes, "You really get to do this for your job?"

Yep. I'm a lucky guy.

- Dan

Planning the Dash for disAbilities

By Pam Conder

With all the crazy weather we’ve had, it’s hard to believe that spring will ever arrive. But it will! And so will the annual Mephibosheth Ministries Dash for disAbilities. As the director of the Dash, winter is when I begin laying the groundwork for the event, which will be held on Saturday, May 17 this year.

The funds we raise at the Dash go to The Way Community, day program for adults who have disabilities. The program provides participants a place of belonging, friendship and purpose. Activities are focused on developing independence and life skills, learning, sharing and serving others. I spend my Thursdays volunteering at the day program. It is one of my favorite things to do!

Thanks to generous sponsorships and 400 participants last year, the Dash raised more than $13,000 to help keep this free program rolling along. OSD has been a Gold Sponsor of this event for over five years. I am looking forward to another great event this year! 

If you’d like to learn more, download this brochure.

- Pam

Luke, I am your brother

By Matt Amos

This winter delivered a new baby boy to the Amos family. John Patrick “Jack” Amos was born on January 26, weighing in at just over 7 pounds. He was quiet and sweet from the moment he arrived and continues to be a great sleeper and cuddler. 

Our older son, Luke, who is 19 months old, was a little wary of his new little brother at first but he has matured quickly in attitude and action. When Jack cries, Luke will go get him a “fire” (pacifier) and put it in his mouth – or at least try to. When Jack coughs or sneezes, Luke gets concerned and says “Bless you!” I think they are going to be the greatest of friends.

Jack still has a surgery looming later this summer / fall that has us all nervous. The pediatrician had some concerns about the shape of his head and forwarded him on to a specialist at Riley Hospital who diagnosed little Jack with bilateral craniosynostosis, the early fusing of some of his skull plates.  We are worried about him hurting, but it’s hard to worry too much when you have such a cuddly, happy, good baby!

- Matt

Pausing for some puppy love

By Mike Peck

I will always remember the polar vortex of 2014. My wife and I decided that it was time for another dog. We’ve always been dog lovers. However, we did not foresee the implications of potty training a small dog in the frigid cold and the deep snow of winter. What were we thinking?

There is something funny about a small dog disappearing in the white snow and then bounding out in joy, enthusiasm and surprise. There is something special about a late-night walk, surrounded only by dancing snowflakes and the quiet of winter, that causes one to think about the larger moments in life and the bigger picture than the cold hush of the present.

This winter was but one season, albeit a long and chilly one, that caused me to reflect on the larger moment of life events and the many gifts these events present – both challenges and opportunities. May we come bounding out of the polar vortex with the same enthusiasm that Greta had when she looked at me with snow over her little face seeming to say, “That was great. What’s next? Bring it on!”

- Mike

Blogging for a good cause

By Roberta Gardner

Mother Nature’s winter tantrums really slowed down my normal activities and kept me home more than usual. An unexpected side effect of the extreme weather was extra time that allowed my latent creativity to resurface.

Have you ever pinned an idea on Pinterest with the intent to get to it “one day?” I do that a lot. But this time, I followed through and really did one of those projects. I created a cover for my new Kindle Fire by repurposing a vintage children’s book, a well-worn baby blanket and some other household items. 

The project turned out so well, I submitted the idea to write about it to the editor of GoodStuff, a DIY blog of Goodwill of central Indiana. She liked the concept, and I had the opportunity to pursue another creative goal: guest blogging. You can read my DIY tutorial here.

I can’t say I’d wish for another polar vortex, but I appreciate the lesson that good things can happen when you slow down and allow yourself space to create.

- Roberta

Every blizzard is better with pizza

By Michael Kritsch

The coldest, snowiest winter in Indiana history wasn’t enough for me, so I packed up the family and headed north!

We made two trips to Chicago during the polar vortex, the first was during a snow storm in December. We planned our trip well in advance of the storm and I was determined to get the family the Broadway show Elf, the Musical, and to enjoy downtown Chicago during the Christmas season. The drive up I-65 was treacherous and I have never witnessed so many accidents first hand. We also received an early report that 65 was closed further north, but we pushed forward with the hope that it would be open again by the time we inched our way that far.

In the end we made it safely, enjoyed the show and found Gino’s East pizza to be all the better after a day of traveling, a fun musical, and a cold walk around downtown Chicago. It was a great trip we’ll never forget.

- Michael