Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Overthrowing Christmas

I haven't been out shopping, but maybe once or twice during this Christmas season. We are trying to make this season more about being together and celebrating the birth of Christ than about having the most elaborate decorations, extravagant gifts, and an excessive amount of food. Yesterday, I had an opportunity to get out of the house without the kids, so took advantage of that time and drove into town. The traffic was ridiculous, the crowds were out of control and worst yet, everyone was in a fowl mood. I was feeling rather chipper and I wasn’t going to let anyone spoil my time to browse around at the different shops so, when someone pushed, grunted, or snarled at me I smiled and said, “I hope you have a happy Christmas!” My joy was met with several shocked expressions and a few death stares. It reminded me of the year I was working at a home décor store. I was ringing a customer up when I heard someone yell at one of the other employee, “You have ruined my whole Christmas!” As it turned out, she wasn’t going to be able to enjoy her Christmas because our store was sold out of a particular ornament that she wanted.
Is this what Christmas has be come? I think it’s time we all stepped back and took a look around. I doubt there is anything we can do about the traffic or the crowds, but we certainly don’t have to walk around in our self-centered, self-serving bubble bumping into everyone we encounter trying to make Christmas something special. It already is special. All we have to do is enjoy that glory. It’s not too late; join the conspiracy!


Wednesday, December 8, 2010

IS Foundation


I think most of you know that I am committed to doing my part to help preserve the environment and will support anyone I can in their efforts. That's why I want to encourage you to support the Ian Somerhalder (IS) Foundation. The goal of the IS Foundation to ”…empower, educate, and collaborate with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures.” Today is the official kick off and the foundation is asking for donations. Ideally, they would like for you to donate $32 to help celebrate Ian’s 32nd birthday, but it doesn’t have to be $32. If you are unable to give that much or if you have more to give, you can just click on this link and donate what you can afford. In addition Vampire Support, who’s mission is to “…raise awareness of the Gulf oil spill…” is selling t-shirt and donating the profits to the IS Foundation. The shirts feature one vampire biting a bunny with the words human rights activist and another vampire biting a human with the words animal rights activist. You can check out the design and purchase a t-shirt here. I hope that you will consider donating to this worthy cause, I know I will.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” mahatma gandhi