get to know us: q's for barb

1) In one sentence, explain who you were when you were:

16: 1959 - I was a teenager about to be a junior in high school and I thought that I knew more than anyone about everything. I found out later that I was wrong.

23: 1966 - I was married and working at Harzfeld’s downtown as the Assistant Buyer in the Couture Department. I was living and loving all things fashion!

46; 1989 - I was divorced, as all good things come to an end, with 2 wonderful children and worked at Trinity Lutheran Hospital full time as the Volunteer Director. I worked there for 18 years and was also Development Director.

Now: 2020 - I am living my happy retirement life working 16 hours/week at Do Good Co. managing the donations and doing other tasks as needed.

2) What is your job title? Work title? Home title? Fantasy Island title? What do people call you?

Work/job title: Do Good Co. Donation Manager/Office Assistant

Home title: Breadwinner for myself and my wonderful four-legged companion

Fantasy Island title: I always thought that I would be a great queen

People call me: Barb, Barbara Lynn, Baba (grandkids), GrandBarbara (othergrandkids)

3) What is the craziest thing that ever happened to you?

A friend and I were having a sleepover and wanted to go to a late party. We pushed per parents car out of the garage and down the driveway and left. Great party! When we returned several hours later, we pushed the car up the driveway, back into the garage, congratulated ourselves and went into her kitchen - where her parents were sitting waiting for us! BUSTED!

4) Who did you look up to growing up?

When I was young, I was enamored by all of the movie stars (Paul Newman, James dean, Sophia Lauren, Natalie Wood, etc.). I wanted to be just like them.

Then I matured. I looked up to Marjorie Powell Allen, a mother, educator, businesswoman and woman’s rights advocate and philanthropist right here in Kansas City. I worked for Marjorie when she was running for the US Congress. Her kindness, sense of good, and compassion for everyone will always be the example that I strive to equal. She is an angel who left a giant footprint.

5) Do you have any siblings?

I have two sisters: Janet Curran and Starr Wagstaff.

6) What do you enjoy spending your time doing?

I am an avid reader of almost anything (except science fiction). In the fall and spring, I love to be outside in the fresh air listening to the sounds of nature. When the bugs and heat arrive - not so much! When I am motivated, I do water aerobics several times a week.

7) Do you have any pets? If so, how many?

I have a 3 year old border collie named Geneva (Neva). She is my constant companion and best friend. Until about a year ago, I have always had 3-4 older dogs from shelters. Some of the dogs living with me were hospice dogs. They taught me so much.

8) What is the first thing you’re going to do as soon as we’re done social distancing?

Being an expressive person, I will want to be closer to people - I miss having meals and conversation with friends and family. I miss hugs! I miss shopping without wearing a mask and gloves. I want the feeling of freedom and safety!

9) What are you going to conquer today?

During this period of social distancing, it has been very easy for me to sit and read books for most of the day. SO - I am going to structure my time each day to include work projects and home projects (cleaning and purging). Today I am getting these questions answered for Ashley and starting the Policy & Procedures Manual for the store.