Passing on the gift

“For most of the poor in this world, stretching out their hand for help weighs heavily on their conscience. When these receivers are capable of giving to someone else, a feeling of dignity beyond explanation overcomes them. After all, the idea of changing someone’s life for the better with a selfless gift, even one as simple as an animal, is a revelation in itself. If every one of us in this world, old or young, gave what we could afford to someone less fortunate than us, the world would be a better place to live in. “ -- Heifer

I finally donated this blog’s Amazon proceeds to Heifer again. It was nearly $25 since December. No wonder we’re in a recession, people! You aren’t purchasing enough! (Kidding!) As always, thanks for remembering to click through the ad in the left sidebar. Every bit helps someone get on their feet.

You can read about more Passing on the Gift ceremonies here. Brings me to tears every time.

Oh, and if you are vegan, they have tree donations now. I'm just saying.

Magna-tiles

I realized yesterday that I haven’t ever publicly recommended one of our favorite toys. We’ve had these for years, and we still use them constantly. In fact, I have posted at least one photo with them before. So, as usual, I’m a little late for anyone looking for good Christmas gifts, but I’m sure someone’s special birthday is coming up!

They are pricey, but I always like to think of the cost of toys as purchase price divided by hours used, and the hourly rate on these is very reasonable. Plus, grandparents often need new gift ideas!

FYI: I have donated the proceeds from this blog to Heifer again this month. Thanks for remembering to link from your pal Bluestem.

Please help me give to charity this holiday season

I have tons to do at work today, and many other things I want to blog about, but I realize that I need to remind you all that all Amazon proceeds from this site go to Heifer International. And here we are, getting ready for the big holiday shopping extravaganza. Please remember to click through from Bluestem! Thanks, all!

Fish, vegetables, recycling

May was Easter Seals month for my little Amazon ad, but sadly no purchases were made. Luckily I had hit up some friends for online donations and we raised $350 dollars that way! Thank you to Tish, Adam, Wolf, Pam, Steve, Greg, John, and Beth. We love Easter Seals and fully believe in their mission, values, and incredible help and support that they make affordable to thousands of families in Illinois and nation-wide.

So now my Amazon link will raise funds for Heifer again. I looked at their WorldArk newsletter today, and there was a lot of useful information. I thought I’d sum up some of it here.

Seafood Watch: eco-friendly seafood selector, including pocket-sized guides you can carry with you.

Plant a Row for the Hungry: how to donate extra vegetables from your garden to local food banks.

MyBoneYard: recycles cell phones, computers, etc. They pay for shipping and then pay you for your device. Anyone use this before? Please report back and let me know how it went.

Sound like the sort of newsletter you’d like to receive? Sign up here!

Using money for good

If you are someone who is watching their wallet and has a kid, do NOT visit the Garnet Hill spring line. Definitely do NOT view the pirate sandals. Or the swimsuits. Or the dresses.

Later today I'll be sending another $27 to Heifer, mostly due to Goz!* Thanks, everyone!

* I only know it was Goz because he told me. Your shopping identity is otherwise secret. In case you were wondering.

Favorite words

I don't trust people who can't list a few favorite words off the top of their heads.

Lollipop is so, so excellent. (Don't you hate it when people say "sucker"? It practically makes me mad!)

and ... fav word ever ... Epidemiology

If you want to think about words a little and raise food for the hungry, there's always Free Rice.


By the way, I did go and make our collective donation to Heifer. Just in case someone out there was wondering.

Heifer update

The total for the Heifer fundraiser is $23.16! Because of the kind and generous person I am, I will round it to $24 before mailing it in. Maybe even $25. More importantly, I’ve decided that since you all were nice enough to support my little venture in blogville, I’ll just continue with the Amazon ad on this site, and I will donate the proceeds whenever the total reaches $50 or at least once a year, whichever happens more frequently. Thanks for helping raise this money! It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

As a thank you, here is a wonderful little nature video for you to enjoy: a bird moonwalking.

Bonus joke:

How many people of a certain ethnicity does it take to change a light bulb?

A certain finite integer. One to hold the bulb and the rest to act in a fashion stereotypical of that ethnicity.