September 29, 2005
30's the new 20!
Oh, if I knew then what I know now......
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As you might know, today is my 30th birthday. I know many are waiting on an entry about my trip to Vegas ~ no doubt with baited breath, though I'll surely disappoint ~ but since it's taking me longer than I thought to get it together, it'll wait until later (today, hopefully?)
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About being 30. It isn't so much that I am fearing 30 - I am excited about it, really. I am getting in shape, I'm in a great marriage, I have incredible kids, I have a slew of great friends.... It is more that I am feeling a bit shell-shocked, I suppose.
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How did I get to be 30? Not that I try to deny it, but I really am an adult now. Have I been reluctant to see it? I have no idea why, but it seems I've been "playing house". As if my mind has yet to catch up with my life. I find it difficult to believe that my sweet V has become such a big girl at 5 - and that my baby, Little A, is going to be 4 in a few very short months. My baby.
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So, friends, 30 isn't looking the greatest (yet), but I am empowered much moreso than I was at 20. To give a comparison of life from then and now:
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When I was 20, I had a severe drinking problem so bad that my stepmother cashed in a flight voucher for a one way ticket to send me to Florida to live with my uncle. This was after my dad's mom kicked me out of her house on Thanksgiving evening.
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Now that I'm 30, I drink so rarely that a glass or two of wine is enough to send me reeling. I have no relationship with my stepmother, after spending many years beating myself up over the fact that she wants nothing to do with me (as if putting me on a plane to Florida to wash her hands of me was not indication enough back then). And I have a fabulous relationship with my grandma, knowing that her kicking me out was one of the best things she could have done for me.
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When I was 20, I had no direction, I'd dropped out of college, I had no car. That year, I had 4 different jobs after my move to Florida - that's not counting the 2 jobs I had before my move.
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Now that I'm 30, I still have pretty much no direction, but at least I feel like I'm accomplishing something in raising two wonderful daughters. I have an idea what I want to be when I grow up and I'm looking forward to start soon doing some volunteer work with the local crisis pregnancy center.
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When I was 20, I did not have the best judge of character, but still somehow managed to meet one of the best friends I will have in my life. And if you read this, dude, I want my computer stuff! And you know how much I love you and you, and now your family, mean to me.
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Now that I am 30, I am blessed beyond reason with incredible friends. Friends who fill the gap when my family falls short. Friends who like me just the way I am. Friends who I would do anything for ~ who make me want to be a better friend!
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When I was 20, I couldn't get over the fact that I'd lost my dad just a year before and that it ripped my family apart. That the only contact with my mom's family was with my cousin and uncle and their family - and this is who I moved to Florida to be with. I felt incredibly alone and rather unwanted by both sides of my family. There were many many days I didn't move from bed except to go to the bathroom.
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Now that I'm 30, I have a pretty amazing family myself. A husband and children who far exceed any dreams I may have had. I've built a pretty good relationship with my mom, spanned some bridges with the rest of her family. I am blessed with incredible in-laws. The "normal", stable family unit that I didn't know growing up. And the holes are filled in with the above-mentioned friends.
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When I was 20, I had a body that was nearly perfect. I wasted it and took advantage of it. I disrespected it and disregarded its health.
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Now that I'm 30, I am working very hard to restore my body to good health. I appreciate the wonders of my body - that it was able to help produce 2 amazing daughters, that it is capable of being a strong and sexy force in my marriage.
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When I was 20, I just didn't know what lay ahead. I was scared out of my mind of what life had in store for me. I had no idea what to do next, how to set a goal, how to follow through.
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Now that I'm 30, my goals are different than I could have imagined and I just trust that the Lord will pull me through the rough patches. I trust that the Lord will give me greater follow through than I could ever have on my own. I trust that the Lord's plan is greater than any dream I had as a girl, or even at 20, when I was sure I was no longer a girl.
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Now that I'm 30, I appreciate what I've been blessed with. I work hard to nourish relationships (maybe not always the best I could do, but I'm a work in progress). I know that God's presence in my life is real and has changed me - definitely for the better.
And I know that now it is time to take my girls out for bagels for my birthday breakfast. Then to the grocery store. :) Ah, being 30 rocks, don'tcha think?
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Speaking of rocking: Becca, you are wonderful!!! What a beautiful surprise to come home to after breakfast out with my girls! Thank you so much!!!
September 27, 2005
I'm Back! *Edited*
We had a fabulous time in Las Vegas! Mostly magical.
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Jet-lagged, details and pictures to come - probably this afternoon.
***Until I can get to posting details, I did upload some photos from our trip. You can see them HERE. If you click on the arrows under the little picture on the right, you can still see the titles/captions for each picture. I think. I'll work on a post soon.***
September 20, 2005
Signing Off For Now
As you know, I'm heading to Vegas. I am not going to be online tomorrow (except maybe to check on Nino). :) .
I won't be back until next Tuesday at the earliest (we fly back overnight Sunday and arrive Monday, but I have a feeling I'll be pretty darn exhausted from not sleeping on the 4 hour flight and then having a 3 hour layover in the airport from hell). Then A gets into the airport 2 hours after I do, so it will be a while before I can actually head home. I'll fill the time between our arrivals by going to get my precious girls and their things from the weekend with friends and family.
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So, friends, I shall see you on the flip side of my trip. I am incredibly excited - we've decided to stay the entire time at the Luxor, in spite of the ridiculous weekend rates. I've already booked a time for a massage and facial for Thursday afternoon. I am absolutely looking forward to a weekend where my husband and I indulge ourselves a little and take in the sights of a city that never sleeps. Though, you can bet we'll be sleeping. :) As he does every year, my husband proclaims the week before my birthday part of the "Birthday Extravaganza!" So, even though this is a trip for both of us, we're indulging since we are officially at the end of our twenties this week. Next week, I will turn 30. I have no idea how this is happening, truly. I remember clearly when both of my parents were 30. And well, I am not sure how I got to this age. But, I am determined to do as Nino suggested last month when Rae turned 30 - and let's just call 30 the new 20! Maybe then I won't be crying into my cosmos this weekend. lol!
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God Bless you and may He keep all those in the path of Rita safe. I'm seriously wondering if it is smart for us to continue to live on the Gulf Coast.....
September 18, 2005
Let me take you on a trip, around the world and back....
This afternoon, the girls and I taxied our Man to the airport to send him to Vegas. V insisted on getting 16 kisses - one for each morning and night she wouldn't see him, while Little A settled for about 10. :) They are so sweet. Since I will be seeing him in a few days, I only got one. :)
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On the way home, I was thinking of the multitude of things to accomplish in the next couple days before my own trip begins. And then the closer I got to home, the heavier the sadness was on my heart. My love is going to be thousands of miles away for the next few days and I just can't stand being in the house alone at night. Yeah, I know, I know the girls are here. But the fact is, it is freaking scary here at night. There are woods behind the house and the house on one side isn't finished yet, so no neighbors there and the house on the other side is just finished and the owners haven't closed and moved in yet. So, I feel like I am far removed from neighbors. And those woods, well, our bedroom window faces them and I swear I see and hear things at night.
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Anyway, I got home and was watching a classic 80s movie - any guesses? - and I thought of an old (boy) friend. So, I gave him a call and we talked for a while and caught up on what's going on in the other's life. Then the other phone rang, so I said goodbye and best wishes and I'll talk to you in another year or two.
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One of my (local/best) friends (Al) called and I talked her ear off - she had never heard of this old (boy) friend. And then after I realized she called me, I asked if there was something she wanted to talk about. And she told me about a trip she is in the infancy planning stages.
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Come with me to Italy!
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A couple of the (female) teachers at her school told her they wanted to go to Europe next summer. Since Al's husband plans trips for students (my husband and I have each been on a trip with him, chaperoning high school students around Europe), they knew she would be able to put something together for them for a reasonable price. So, she wanted to know if I want to come and if I know anyone who might like to come. And I want to open this up to you, my internet friends and even those I know in person who read this blog.
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We are looking at a 10-15 day trip in July 2006. The cost will be somewhere between $2000-$2500 per person and includes airfare, all hotels and breakfast and supper daily. It also includes all the planned outings for the trip, much sightseeing and all travel between cities and within each city. It includes a personal tour director as well and if I have my way, we will have the Parisian guy who directed the tour I went on last year - he was a lot of fun and incredibly knowledgeable. This tour is being planned as a women only excursion, but if you have an older daughter you wanted to bring along, be aware that you will be responsible for her at all times - meaning, if we plan an outing to a nightclub or something and she is too young to get in, you can't just leave her at the hotel. :)
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I have talked to my mom and I think this might be something that we'll do together - she has never been outside the US and never thought she would, so I was thinking this might be an excellent way for her to have some fun and do something she never thought she'd be able to do. I also think this is going to be a trip that I will definitely not want to miss. To think of touring through Italy/Switzerland/???? with a group of women who just want to have some fun? I think it will be awesome!
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As I said, if you are interested in more information, or know of someone else who might be, email me - my email address is on the lower left of my blog.
If you are interested, please email me privately to get more information.
September 15, 2005
Pretty Vegas
I haven't really talked about this much, I guess because I've had other stuff on my mind, but we're going to Vegas, baby!
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Since A has to go to a conference there next week (he actually leaves this Sunday), we thought it would be great to take advantage of the opportunity and I am going, too. I don't leave til Thursday, but we'll stay through to Sunday night and we are on separate red eye flights back to the east. I can't imagine what it will be like to spend 4 days without my children. Or what it will be like spending 3 days with my husband without our children. Though I know we'll have a great time and completely enjoy our time together, I also know that I will be so happy to have my children in my arms again that Monday morning. It makes me nervous to be so far away from them - that both parents are going to be basically on the other side of the country.... Holy cow, I shouldn't think of it, it is making panic close in. But, really, we have plans to go to a show or two, but mainly just enjoy our time in a city that never sleeps (though you can bet your pants that we will be spending some quality time with zzzz's above our heads).
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We are staying here my first night there (his conference is nearby, so this is where he'll be all week). Since A is no good at planning ahead, he didn't have the company make his reservations for the whole stay at the great rate for the conference. So, we will be paying an exhorbitant amount of money to stay off the Strip at a different resort hotel. I won't say where because I feel kinda creepy about it, in lieu of what happened on the Gulf Coast a couple weeks ago. I guess that gives it away... We're really looking forward to experiencing this incredibly popular city and since A is a hotel freak, we'll be going around checking out all the cool features at each hotel. Who says you gotta gamble in Vegas? Funny thing is, neither one of us even wants to. .
The title of the entry is the title of my new current favorite song, written and performed by JD F0rtune on Rock$tar: INX$. Next week is the finale of the show and even though I don't like JD the best as a person (though, truthfully, he's grown up a lot since I started watching about a month ago), I think he's perfect for INX$ and is incredibly talented, even nice to look at. You can look at a gallery of photos of JD by going here. Or you can just get a glimpse below.
You can hear a clip of the song here. Or if you dig around on http://rockstar.msn.com, you can find the video stream and watch the whole performance with Dave Navarro on guitar. Pretty freakin cool.
For now - for me - it's all about Vegas, baby.
September 13, 2005
A Frustrating Day
I had a test scheduled for yesterday morning and then an appointment with my therapist in the afternoon. Just in case the first appointment didn't do me in emotionally for the day, let's delve deep into my past to figure out why I'm feeling like I am these days.
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Well, I came home and was bloodshot in the eyes. The stress is not overwhelming, but completely freaking me out. Not what's going on, just the stress....
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The good thing? It seems to me like we had a nice weekend. We spent Sunday afternoon at my mom's in the pool before heading to church, where A is rocking out on the drums with the band every other week.
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Not much to say here today..... feeling wiped out.
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Must. Do. Schoolwork.
September 09, 2005
Oh No! I can't see!!!
As we were sitting at the table having lunch, Little A was goofing around and somehow knocked her glasses from her face. As they were falling to the floor, she screamed: "Oh NO! My glasses! OHMYGOSH! I can't see!!!!"
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It was hysterical. And for your viewing pleasure: My girl who accessorizes her near nudity:
And a shot that is a bit cuter:
Have a blessed weekend.
Action!
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They're sending him back to Washington. They say he sucks at this relief stuff and the Coast Guard guy is doing a better job. So, now the Coast Guard guy has been handed control of the FEMA effort on the Gulf Coast.
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Amen!
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Anyone want to start taking bets on how long this guy will have his job in Washington?
September 08, 2005
The Matter of Opinion v. System
There is this matter that is weighing heavily on everyone's minds these days. You know what I'm talking about. This whole issue of who is to blame for the (lack of) relief response following Hurricane Katr*na.... Everyone, of course, has their own opinion. I want to record mine here. Not because I want to blast anyone or make enemies of my friends. But because I have a feeling that this is going to be an historical time period and my kids might care what I was thinking during this time of tragedy.
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First of all, I will give an example. Let's say corporation X owns and manages about 100 hotels throughout the country. During the 2004 hurricane season there was one hotel in the company that sustained damage from 3 hurricanes. Let's say the construction company didn't come when they were supposed to to repair the damage to the hotel. Well, I am not going to turn to the CEO of X and say "You are at fault that the construction company didn't show up when they were supposed to. Why weren't YOU here patching the walls and the roof of the hotel? YOU are the one who is ultimately in charge!" This is not exactly realistic. But I will turn to the Regional VP or the Regional Director and say "Hey, it was YOUR job to line up the construction company. You didn't. The hotel has rain pouring into it." I might even turn to the hotel's General Manager and say, "Hey I know you are not directly responsible for contacting the construction company, but it's your hotel. You should have been calling the RVP or RD every 5 minutes until they got you what you needed." The fact is, the CEO assumes that the RVP and RD and GM are doing their jobs. After all, that is what they were hired to do. Maybe he doesn't freak out in public, but you know he's wondering where is the construction company and he's working behind the scenes to find the answers. And it is his responsibility to hold those accountable who didn't do their jobs to begin with. But let's face it, there were 5 total hotels hit by hurricanes and the CEO can't possibly run the company by micromanaging each hotel. That's why there are general managers, then regional directors and then vice presidents above them.
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This leads me to now. While yes, it would have been nice to see Bush totally freak the he(( out , it isn't very realistic to expect to see or hear accounts of the leader of our nation having a freakout. We are still in danger of having terrorists come after us, our military is still on a mission to bring the new Iraq government into full power and control of their country. Still more of our military is still on a mission to locate the Taliban leaders and take them down to prevent funding and organizing of terrorists. It would make no sense for our leader to show weakness, even in a time of complete disaster in our country. Yes, it would probably make the citizens feel better to see our leader emoting in the same way we've felt all week. It might even make some finally give him a chance. But, in the world environment, it wouldn't be good for our country for our leader to appear to have any weaknesses.
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But let's take a look at other facts:
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The city government is responsible for executing evacuation plans. They knew the risks and dangers, yet they didn't have a reasonable plan in place. They didn't use ONE city bus to help those less fortunate of their citizens flee the city during a mandatory evacuation. They had planned all along to use the Superdome as a megashelter, yet they did not have security or medical personnel lined up to attend the masses of people that sought shelter there. They did not have stockpiles of food and water at the ready at this megashelter - even knowing and planning ahead of time that this structure would be used as such. Then, when the city filled with water, as they expected it would following a hurricane, all the leader of the city could do was get on the radio and swear and yell at others for not being more prepared. It was his city to run to begin with. It was his dome that was used as a shelter. It was half his police force that walked off the job. Yes, there were extenuating circumstances. Yes, it was horrendous. But these public servants failed to serve their public. There was clearly not a plan in place to protect those who were unable to get out on their own. There was clearly not a plan in place to provide water and food in the event people would be holed up in the Superdome, no plan to provide medical or security for these people.
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Okay, so now that we've established the local government failed big time, let's look at the state government. Where was their governor? Was she making sure her state's largest and most vulnerable city had adequate plans in place? Was she on the ready to provide aid as soon as possible? Did she have the National Guard and FEMA on her speed dial to hound these agencies until aid was rushed in? What the hell was she doing while her state's citizens were suffering and many dying in the aftermath? She looked clean, fed, alert. She obviously had a safe place to ride out the storm. Where was she when these folks needed food and water? In some conference room telling the reporters that she was overwhelmed and saddened by the devastation. At least Bush went and hugged some people and told them they'd get whatever they needed. There was not one picture of the governor out in the heat handing out bottles of water or hugging even one of her statespeople. Not one account of her outrage that FEMA and the National Guard weren't swooping in immediately to stop the mayhem. The state government clearly failed here.
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Then we get to the federal level. Obviously, FEMA dropped the ball. Obviously, Bush is going to have to address this with the Dept. of Homeland Security. Probably going to have to fire a few folks for not doing their jobs. Ultimately, yes, he does have to apologize to the nation that his government did not respond appropriately or quickly enough. But, Bush as an individual and as a president didn't really do anything differently than he did during the week of say, 9/11/01. Except this time he didn't hide in an underground bunker.
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The facts are, friends, that our government is set up in such a way that there should be checks and balances. When the local government doesn't do their job, it is the state's responsibility to make it happen. If the state is not doing the checking and balancing, the federal government can't do their jobs appropriately. Clearly the state of LA did not investigate New Orleans' plan in the event of a hurricane. And if the state told the federal government they were prepared to the best of their ability, why would the feds second guess them? It is unrealistic to blame the president for what has happened - he just can't micromanage all 50 states and the cities within each state. Does he have to address it and institute some other system of checks and balances? Maybe. Maybe he needs to make it clear to those below him that they better do their jobs in checking and balancing those below them and so forth. The facts are it is NOT the president's job to micromanage each city in the country. If that were his job, it would never get done - that is why there are separate branches of government, different levels of government. Because one man can't be responsible for it all - that would be a dictatorship, not a democracy.
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So, let's step back and stop pointing fingers. There will be plenty of time for that in the future. Let's band together and do everything in our power to helps those affected by this disaster. Every family has the ability to do SOMETHING. I'm not just talking about donating to the Red Cross or giving money through your local church. I'm talking about DOING something - sending letters, sending clothing, sending toys, helping find jobs or homes..... Send handwritten letters to the Astrodome letting someone know you are praying for them.
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Can you imagine what it would be like if every person in this country did something nice for someone else who was affected by this disaster? Can you imagine what that would feel like to be a country who cares? One that pulls together in support and love for those who've suffered? Can you imagine what it would feel like just to know that you were the only one who reached out to a family or person in need? That your efforts helped someone feel human and appreciated and cared about.
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This is the time to prove what we are capable of. The stories of hope and heart are already sprouting from the ruins. Just watch or read the news. Read about the 6 year old boy who led 6 other younger children and babies to safety. How they were reunited with their parents and families who had been moved to another state. Read how a fellow blogger has welcomed her home to a single mother and her children. I personally know at least 3 people who have others in their home, evacuees and now displaced citizens. Read about the teachers in already strained classrooms opening their doors to welcome affected and displaced students.
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This is a story of hope. There is so much to be done, we have no idea how to tackle it all. But if we take the lead and eat the elephant one bite at a time, those who have suffered will suffer just a little less and have a lot more hope for the future.
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I, personally, don't know what I will do above what we've donated monetarily. I have a strong pull to open my home to a family or children who have no place to call home right now. We are praying and hoping God will give us the answer of what he wants and expects of us. I am waiting to be matched with a family that can use personal donations of clothes and toys and other items. I may forego the matching and just send the stuff to a friend who is currently housing 21 people in her home in Atlanta.
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That story in itself is amazing! These people want to find jobs and apartments and rely on themselves, rather than rely on someone else or wait for government assistance. The government is going to be stretched to its limit helping the hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people who will need aid of some type. It is encouraging and hope-giving to hear the stories of those who are already settling into other communities and finding jobs and trying to do something other than sit and cry. I know that is all I would want to do in their shoes - sit and cry. It takes a strong person to pick themself up and go on. To realize life is what you make of it. And it is our responsibility as American citizens to help others get back up and find a new way of life.
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If you made it this far into this rambling post, I thank you. And I beg you to do something, anything, tangible to help those in need of love and concern.
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Until next time, God Bless You and God Bless the Gulf Coast and all its people.
September 05, 2005
Extra, Extra!! Read All About It!
Go on over to Dirty Laundry and read the comments on Week 5 Update! Something exciting is going on! See if you can figure out which comments are the most interesting.....
September 04, 2005
Top Music of 1993
I saw this on Shelly's blog and thought it was fun. I needed something to distract me from my CNN/MSNBC/FNN obsession.
These are the songs that were the top 100 when I graduated high school and started college. I've bolded those songs I really liked and made tiny the ones I didn't care for. Those I have no idea what they even are are in italics, and the ones that bring back strong memories are in red. You can find these music lists on MusicOutfitters.
1. I Will Always Love You, Whitney Houston
2. Whoomp! (There It Is), Tag Team
3. Can't Help Falling In Love, UB40
4. That's The Way Love Goes, Janet Jackson
5. Freak, Silk
6. Weak, SWV
7. If I Ever Fall In Love, Shai
8. Dreamlover, Mariah Carey
9. Rump Shaker, Wreckx-N-Effect
10. Informer, Snow
11. Nuthin' But A "G" Thang, Dr. Dre
12. In The Still Of The Nite, Boyz II Men
13. Don't Walk Away, Jade
14. Knockin' Da Boots, H-Town
15. Lately, Jodeci
16. Dazzey Duks, Duice
17. Show Me Love, Robin S.
18. A Whole New World, Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle
19. If, Janet Jackson
20. I'm So Into You, SWV
21. Love Is, Vanessa Willlams and Brian Mcknight
22. Runaway Train, Soul Asylum
23. I'll Never Get Over You (Getting Over Me), Expose
24. Ditty, Paperboy
25. Rhythm Is A Dancer, Snap
26. The River Of Dreams, Billy Joel
27. I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles), Proclaimers
28. Two Princes, Spin Doctors
29. Right Here (Human Nature)-Downtown, SWV
30. I Have Nothing, Whitney Houston
31. Mr. Wendal, Arrested Development
32. Have I Told You Lately, Rod Stewart
33. Saving Forever For You, Shanice
34. Ordinary World, Duran Duran
35. If I Had No Loot, Tony! Toni! Tone!
36. I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That), Meat Loaf
37. Slam, Onyx
38. Looking Through Patient Eyes, P.M. Dawn
39. I'm Every Woman, Whitney Houston
40. Baby I'm Yours, Shai
41. Come Undone, Duran Duran
42. I Don't Wanna Fight, Tina Turner
43. I'd Die Without You, P.M. Dawn
44. Whoot, There It Is, 95 South
45. Hip Hop Hooray, Naughty By Nature
46. Another Sad Love Song, Toni Braxton
47. Will You Be There, Michael Jackson
48. Comforter, Shil
49. Good Enough, Bobby Brown
50. What's Up, 4 Non Blondes
51. All That She Wants, Ace Of Base
52. 7, Prince and The New Power Generation
53. Dre Day, Dr. Dre
54. One Last Cry, Brian McKnight
55. Just Kickin' It, Xscape
56. I Get Around, 2Pac
57. Bed Of Roses, Bon Jovi
58. Real Love, Mary J. Blige
59. Here We Go Again!, Portrait
60. Cryin', Aerosmith
61. Cats In The Cradle, Ugly Kid Joe
62. What About Your Friends, TLC
63. I Got A Man, Positive K
64. Hey Mr. D.J., Zhane
65. Insane In The Brain, Cypress Hill
66. Deeper And Deeper, Madonna
67. Rain, Madonna
68. The Right Kind Of Love, Jeremy Jordan
69. Bad Boys, Inner Circle
70. That's What Love Can Do, Boy Krazy
71. Do You Believe In Us, Jon Secada
72. Angel, Jon Secada
73. Forever In Love, Kenny G
74. Again, Janet Jackson
75. Boom! Shake The Room, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince
76. When She Cries, Restless Heart
77. Sweat (A La La La La Long), Inner Circle
78. It Was A Good Day, Ice Cube
79. More And More, Captain Hollywood Project
80. How Do You Talk To An Angel, Heights
81. Rebirth Of Slick (Cool Like Dat), Digable Planets
82. What Is Love, Haddaway
83. To Love Somebody, Michael Bolton
84. Give It Up, Turn It Loose, En Vogue
85. Alright, Kris Kross
86. Check Yo Self, Ice Cube
87. Fields Of Gold, Sting
88. Ooh Child, Dino
89. Faithful w/ Go West
90. Reason To Believe, Rod Stewart
91. Break It Down Again, Tears For Fears
92. Nothin' My Love Can't Fix, Joey Lawrence
93. Three Little Pigs, Green Jelly
94. Livin' On The Edge, Aerosmith
95. Hey Jealousy, Gin Blossoms
96. If I Ever Lose My Faith In You, Sting
97. Anniversary, Tony! Toni! Tone!
98. One Woman, Jade
99. Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Taylor Dayne
100. Two Steps Behind, Def Leppard
September 01, 2005
Relief and Sadness ~EDITED~
I find it incredibly weird today to blog about something mundane or try to be witty about the boringness of my life. So I won't.
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But I will remind you to do WHATEVER you can to reach out to our neighbors on the Gulf Coast and let them know that all is not lost. Now is a time to come together as a nation and help our neighbors. It is devastating to see bodies lying dead in the street because help can't get there fast enough. People who survived the initial devastation of the hurricane but who couldn't get the medical attention they needed or the nourishment to sustain their lives. It breaks my heart - and looks like a third world country, not the blessed United States of America.
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You can go here to make a monetary donation. I know there are places around the south that are taking all types of donations to help the victims - water, food, clothing, batteries... Check your local information if you are in the south and can drop off some items to help. Every place I looked for making donations mentioned specify FOR VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA on your donation. You can find a list of aid groups here. And MOXIE has set up quite a list. ~And this is incredible.~ .
~IF YOU ARE WILLING AND ABLE TO ACTUALLY ADOPT A FAMILY, GET INFORMATION HERE~ .
If you don't have the means to make a monetary donation, prayers are always needed. Especially during a time of this much need.
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God Help Them All. And help US help them too.
