missy headstand in nest

Missy’s birthday & foolish caregivers?

August 20, 2011 by Diana -

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Missy’s birthday is this Tuesday, three days from now. Jackie and I were talking the other day about ways we could celebrate. Of course we’ll have a big party for Missy and the other chimps – Robbi and Dick have already delivered bags overflowing with awesome new toys and party supplies.

We had the Troll Olympics to celebrate Foxie’s birthday. Jackie and I were both there, but didn’t participate in the games because I was overseeing the events and Jackie was filming and taking photos. We both had a great time, but, to be honest, we were a little jealous of the participants.

So, we came up with a plan…. we will take pledges from blog readers in any amount for Missy Games.

If we get a total of $500 pledged, we will run a Missy obstacle course on Young’s Hill that J.B. will design for us. If we get $1,000 pledged, I’ll “run” around Young’s Hill on the outside of the fencing. If that doesn’t sound like a big deal, well, it is. The hill itself is really steep and it’s quite the distance for a non-athlete like me, but I should start getting in shape to prepare for games of chase with Missy!

We’re really going to be making fools out of ourselves, but with your support, and in honor of Missy’s athleticism and goofiness, we’re willing to do it.

You can pledge by commenting on this post or emailing me: [email protected] and jackie: [email protected].

We are planning our outfits already – sweatbands and socks that Missy would like are a must.

missy leaping

35 Comments

  1. Candy (Tyler, TX) on August 20, 2011 at 6:10 pm

    I’m in for $50, I love Missy’s playfulness, she’s a hoot to watch.



    • Diana on August 21, 2011 at 9:51 am

      Thank you, Candy!



  2. Avatar Katelyn on August 20, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    OMG……these pictures made me laugh…out….loud!!! You guys are so great! I definitely think we should see pictures of you and Jackie catching air like Missy or standing on your heads in a nest! While wearing brightly striped socks. For Missy Chimpanzee, of course. 😉



    • Diana on August 21, 2011 at 9:54 am

      Agreed. Photo evidence of the Missy Games will be made available, at least for those who donate 🙂



      • Avatar Teresa in TN on August 22, 2011 at 10:37 am

        you mean the people who can’t afford to donate at this time won’t get to see the pictures?



        • Diana on August 22, 2011 at 11:50 am

          Teresa – you know us, we share pretty much everything with everyone. Those who donate might get some extra footage or embarrassing shots of us, though 🙂



  3. Avatar Dawn on August 20, 2011 at 8:35 pm

    What a good idea! I think all involved would enjoy this! I will certainly pledge $50.00 to such a wonderful, goofy and spirit lifting idea as this for Missy’s birthday! Can’t wait for the big day now! The chimps have a lot to teach us all. From Missy we can learn how a light spirit can be the way to survivie hard times, and that in foolishness there is grace and wisdom. Go, Missy! And Diana and Jackie too!



    • Diana on August 21, 2011 at 9:56 am

      Dawn – perfectly put. Thank you for your pledge!



  4. Amy M on August 21, 2011 at 7:00 am

    Of course, in Missy’s honor I assume you would wear only ONE sock at a time. 😉



    • Diana on August 21, 2011 at 11:07 am

      I think we will have to wear shoes, though – we don’t have tough chimpanzee feet.



  5. Avatar Theresa on August 21, 2011 at 7:35 am

    Foolish caregivers? I don’t think so. My philosophy is “anything for the chimps!” I can see Missy watching from the outdoor enclosure getting excited!



    • Diana on August 21, 2011 at 11:05 am

      We share that philosophy!



  6. Avatar Kathy on August 21, 2011 at 10:08 am

    okay how do we donate. count me in.



    • Diana on August 21, 2011 at 10:15 am

      Thanks, Kathy! We’re taking pledges now – so just let us know how much you want to pledge and we’ll see if we make it to $500 before the end of the day on Tuesday. To make the donation, you can send a check or make the donation online: http://chimpsdonate.kintera.org/



  7. Avatar Alison Chapot on August 21, 2011 at 10:51 am

    LOVE the opportunity to help celebrate my pal Missy’s birthday! I pledge $25 and will make the donation online. Thank you, Diana and Jackie, for your creativity and spirit. xoxo Alison



    • Diana on August 21, 2011 at 11:03 am

      Thank you Alison! I bet you’d do headstands for Missy too 🙂



  8. Avatar Audrey Spencer on August 21, 2011 at 10:51 am

    What a great idea!! 🙂 I can donate 25.00! I’ll put the check in the mail tomorrow! You should make sure to video it so you can show the video to Missy and the gang afterwards! They will love it!! 🙂



    • Diana on August 21, 2011 at 11:05 am

      Audrey – thanks! Good idea – I bet all of the chimps would be curious to see us running around on Young’s Hill. I did a trial run the other day in the morning and Foxie, Missy and Jamie were all watching me. Foxie and Missy seemed to think it was great fun to see me attempt to run and started chasing each other.



  9. Avatar Marcia Douthwaite on August 21, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    Whoo Hoo, it sounds like fun (and hard work for you two)1 I will donate $100 online. Hope there is a good breeze that day to keep you cool 🙂 You gals are the best–and so are the chimps.

    cheers, Marcia



    • Diana on August 21, 2011 at 1:11 pm

      Wow! Thank you, Marcia for your generous donation! We have a $50 pledge from Judi Schultz from our Facebook page, so we’re up to $300 definite pledges / donations!



  10. Avatar Jackie on August 21, 2011 at 1:52 pm

    AHH!! With only $200 left to go for the obstacle course, I guess I better start stretching! 🙂 Thanks guys!



    • Avatar Amy G. on August 21, 2011 at 4:41 pm

      I can’t give much but I’m in for Missy! I cannot wait to see this! XOXO



      • Diana on August 22, 2011 at 9:12 am

        Thanks, Amy!



  11. Avatar Margaret and Karen on August 21, 2011 at 4:55 pm

    We are in for $25. Anything to see the video of you two superstars running on Young’s Hill! 🙂



    • Diana on August 22, 2011 at 9:13 am

      Thank you Margaret and Karen!



  12. Avatar Madelaine on August 21, 2011 at 6:42 pm

    Happy Birthday, Missy!

    Count me in for $25 (the other check for t-shirt and sponsorship should arrive soon!).

    Madelaine



    • Diana on August 22, 2011 at 9:15 am

      Thanks Madelaine! We’re getting closer!



  13. Jeani Goodrich on August 21, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    I’m in for $50. If you raise $1500 will you do both the obstacle course and the run around the outside? Now there’s an incentive!!!! Thanks Diana and Jackie! Can’t wait to see the photos. What fun for the chimps to watch.



    • Diana on August 22, 2011 at 9:16 am

      Thank you Jeani! Your donation put us over $400 raised so far!



  14. Jessica Kosie on August 22, 2011 at 3:13 pm

    Happy Birthday, Missy!

    I would like to donate $25…and I’ll make sure to do a headstand in Missy’s honor tomorrow. 😉



    • Diana on August 22, 2011 at 3:25 pm

      Thank you Jessica! We received another $50 this morning, which means we’re just $20 away from $500. And thank you for participating by doing a headstand!



  15. Avatar Jody on August 22, 2011 at 7:51 pm

    I would like to donate $50 to help Missy’s BD and to support your exercise, Have fun and stretch before you run!



    • Diana on August 23, 2011 at 11:13 am

      Thank you Jody!! We’re gearing up for the course!



  16. Avatar Darby MacQueen on August 22, 2011 at 10:09 pm

    Would love to help Missy celebrate her birthday with a donation! You guys are so awesome for all you do for these chimps!!!



    • Diana on August 23, 2011 at 11:14 am

      Thanks, Darby!



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