Kony 2012 and Why I Want to Stay in Haiti

In the beginning, my dream was to go to Africa. I mean, doesn't everybody at some point or another have a vision of themselves in the Motherland doing something, whether it be missions work, humanitarian aid, or even just a safari? My initial interest was sparked after seeing the animated film, Hugo the Hippo. It turned me on to Zimbabwe and the political strife of the region. Later, as I started seriously thinking of what type of work I would do in Africa, I realized I wanted to work with children. I looked into several options. For a few years now I've been looking into positions with assorted NGOs and charities in Zimbabwe such as the Zimbabwe Project, a Canadian orphan care organization. But as I do not have a Master's degree in the areas they require, I had been unable to catch a break. I guess true experience and expertise in a field doesn't mean squat when you have shareholders to answer to. 

some much needed R & R

So I'm off of school for a few weeks and as of Wed will be off of work for a week and a half and next week my super awesome uncle is flying me to Vegas for New Years Eve. I am so looking forward to this. I feel like I have lost so much this year, I think I really really deserve some fun time.

Let's review:



I lost the job that told me who I was. I am in the process of losing my house. I lost my sister to Cancer, (but at least was able to reconcile with here first) but in the process, lost my family to petty BS. My 18 year old has decided he doesn't want to play by the rules anymore so I am losing him.

It's been a sucky ass year for me!

But here are the things I am thankful for (with caveats):

I got my sister back, if only for a brief moment in time (see above)
I got my bestest cousin back after 30 years (and I'm so glad to find out she's just as crazy/wonderful as me!)
I have my health (although this kick class is making me feel my age some days!)
I learned how to fall in love again (even if it was fleeting)
I have a wonderfully loving BFF who supports the hell out of me, even when I'm an asshole (even though she's a really bad influence on me and plies me with wine right before kick class!)
My BFFs children love the hell out of me, even when I tell them I have nothing for them for Xmas (and then I took them to see a movie instead, with pop and popcorn!)
I have wonderful friends who are more precious to me than any family member ever tried to be. (and I'm so glad they are all crazy/wonderful like me!)
I have two wonderfully fantastic friends who were friends of my mom's who have done more for me than they will ever know. (I feel like they have helped me get to know the woman that she was since I lost her before we got that far)
My crappy job has some fantastic perks (Pistons Suits, after hours events with drinking, hob-knobbing with impotant peeps)
The crazy Canadian Governor with the really big facial mole is paying for me to get an education so I can finally get the recognition for the skill levels I have. (even though I will never be able to find a good paying job once I get said degree!)
I was paid by DuPont long enough to have the money to buy a new car when my van finally crapped out on me. (I miss the van, but I love my little clown car!)
And last but definitely not least, I am loved by God. (though why I sometimes can't understand!)

So for now I'll cry in my wine and maybe spend a few days in bed, and then when I'm over that, I'll pack my bags and go to Vegas, where maybe I'll find a husband! Stranger things have happened!

Peace be to you during this crazy, frantic, mixed up time of the year that is supposed to be about the Savior and NOT about the savings!

Discretion is Highly Overrated

Bali has come out with a new bra designed to bring a little dignity back to being a woman. There are these neat little flower shaped concealers fitted into each cup to disguise the CWIs (cold weather indicators) we have all been embarrassaingly plagued with on occassion. Modesty restored. No more will you need to question whether your grades were earned by merit or by the cold climate of the lecture hall.

I must admit, I've been waiting for this product my whole life!

A recent poll of the men in the area indicates they would like to have this product recalled. They are starting a petition.

lol

Help Feed the Hungry!

Do you like word games? You can combine your enjoyment of word games with altruism and help a worthy cause...

http://www.freerice.com/

40 Days Of Gratitude

Stole this from my bff ( http://thinkingdiva.blogspot.com/ )

"Welcome to 40 Days of Gratitude.

Here's how it works: pick a person in your life (at home, at work, in the family, God counts too) to thank for something [anything] once a day for the 40 Days of Lent. Be unrelenting in gratitude. Think to thank. Set a low bar so you can clear it everyday. You don't have to bring the person you thank to tears of joy. Just a simple thanks for the simple things. At least once a day, every day, catch 'em doing something that a thankful person would be thankful for and pretend you're that person!

Of course, you're free to do it some other way if you like (I'm blogging it). But do something. Lent is the time frame that it takes most of us to form a new habit--roughly six weeks. Wouldn't it be great to have the new habit of daily gratitude? After Easter, you'll be a more thankful person."

okay, so because I'm a few days behind, today I am giving thanks to the following:

My BFF, my good friend Tim, and Jade, the pool room attendant at my gym. Here's why:


My BFF - for too many reasons to list. Mostly for swooping in when I most need it and keeping me from going face down in my chicken soup. - you rock!

Tim - for holding my hand through the last (2 months for me, 6 months for you) few months as we watched them rip the band-aid off so slowly. Some days you were the only thing keeping me together

Jade - even though your job sucks buckets! you are mostly in a good mood and always up for some good conversation. I'd probably still come to the gym if you weren't there, but you make the experience that much less painful.

Okay, so, see you next time!