My Hero, My Friend Pt. 2

It was 8 years ago that I met up with Val in the parking lot in front of her shop. She had mentioned weeks before that if I knew of anyone that wanted to rent a room, to let her know. Little did I know at that time that my entire family would relocate to Arizona and I would be alone. But they did, and I was. So I found myself asking if her room was still for rent. It was and I moved in shortly thereafter.

 

It has been 8 years of personal growth, healing and love. At the enter of it all is my dear friend Val! We first met in 1979 when I came in to her shop to get my hair cut for a school dance. 30 years later, I can't imagine anyone that knows me better!  Honest when she needs to, loving at all times, Val is as true a friend as there could ever be! I count on her for advice, love and humour! She never lets me down.

 

Val is a hero to me because she is cheerful, hopeful, kind to a fault. She is at her best when helping others be at their best. I know being my friend is't easy. I am stubborn, moody and obstinate but Val just smiles and nods, knowing that the moods will pass with time and most often, caffeine.  She loves me when it is't easy! At the most painful times in my life she has been there with laughter and smiles to make me see it will all be fine in the end!            

 

I wish there were words that describe what an amazing woman my friend Val is! She is the kind of friend you hold on to for dear life!

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My Hero, My Friend Pt. 2

It was 8 years ago that I met up with Val in the parking lot in front of her shop. She had mentioned weeks before that if I knew of anyone that wanted to rent a room, to let her know. Little did I know at that time that my entire family would relocate to Arizona and I would be alone. But they did, and I was. So I found myself asking if her room was still for rent. It was and I moved in shortly thereafter.
 
It has been 8 years of personal growth, healing and love. At the enter of it all is my dear friend Val! We first met in 1979 when I came in to her shop to get my hair cut for a school dance. 30 years later, I can't imagine anyone that knows me better!  Honest when she needs to, loving at all times, Val is as true a friend as there could ever be! I count on her for advice, love and humour! She never lets me down.
 
Val is a hero to me because she is cheerful, hopeful, kind to a fault. She is at her best when helping others be at their best. I know being my friend is't easy. I am stubborn, moody and obstinate but Val just smiles and nods, knowing that the moods will pass with time and most often, caffeine.  She loves me when it is't easy! At the most painful times in my life she has been there with laughter and smiles to make me see it will all be fine in the end!            
 
I wish there were words that describe what an amazing woman my friend Val is! She is the kind of friend you hold on to for dear life!
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My Hero, My Friend

I veered off the monthly topic of heroes without honoring some wonderful ladies. This week I want to let you know just what makes them so wonderful!

I am going to start with an amazing woman! Selena has a masters from UCLA and is a LCSW. She was planning on working and raising a family until health issues put those plans on hold. While having things not turn out the way you plan is disappointing, Selena doesn't let it stop her! She is writing and sells Mary Kay. She didn't give up, she just revised the plan!

For example, while she is waiting to decide if raising children was the right thing to do, Selena adopted two wonderful dogs and became a great pet parent! She is training them and hopes they give back by being therapy dogs one day. There are hiccups on the way, but she is patient and determined, just like a parent should be!

Selena grew up in a dysfunctional family, much like mine! That doesnt' stop her either! When we both decided our sisters left something to be desired, we just adopted each other!

What makes Selena a hero to me is that although life hasn't turned out the way she planned or wanted it, she remains hopeful. She hasn't stopped living and tries not to let the disappointment get her down. I have seen people sidelined for far less than Selana has gone through and yet Selena keeps on keepin on! She reminds me that when life gives you lemons you make lemonade! She is smart, kind and very funny and a great friend! I couldn't ask for a better sister!

My Hero, My Friend

I veered off the monthly topic of heroes without honoring some wonderful ladies. This week I want to let you know just what makes them so wonderful!

I am going to start with an amazing woman! Selena has a masters from UCLA and is a LCSW. She was planning on working and raising a family until health issues put those plans on hold. While having things not turn out the way you plan is disappointing, Selena doesn't let it stop her! She is writing and sells Mary Kay. She didn't give up, she just revised the plan!

For example, while she is waiting to decide if raising children was the right thing to do, Selena adopted two wonderful dogs and became a great pet parent! She is training them and hopes they give back by being therapy dogs one day. There are hiccups on the way, but she is patient and determined, just like a parent should be!

Selena grew up in a dysfunctional family, much like mine! That doesnt' stop her either! When we both decided our sisters left something to be desired, we just adopted each other!

What makes Selena a hero to me is that although life hasn't turned out the way she planned or wanted it, she remains hopeful. She hasn't stopped living and tries not to let the disappointment get her down. I have seen people sidelined for far less than Selana has gone through and yet Selena keeps on keepin on! She reminds me that when life gives you lemons you make lemonade! She is smart, kind and very funny and a great friend! I couldn't ask for a better sister!

I love my doog

i have a Blog to post today about The wonderful weekend i spent With my aunt but i am having horrible problems with my computer. I have a dog a love With all my heart And soul but he just drooled all over my laptop while begging for poptarts so now IHave spacing problems and words That automatically capitialize. If I use my right enter key, Entire senteces highlight and disappear. it is horrible and Ihave Been Fighting It for 1/2 Hour now and I give up. so to keep uup with my Blog a day commitment i am posting this horribly capitalized and badly spelled blog better luck tomorrow....when The keys dry Out (ke

I love my doog

i have a Blog to post today about The wonderful weekend i spent With my aunt but i am having horrible problems with my computer. I have a dog a love With all my heart And soul but he just drooled all over my laptop while begging for poptarts so now IHave spacing problems and words That automatically capitialize. If I use my right enter key, Entire senteces highlight and disappear. it is horrible and Ihave Been Fighting It for 1/2 Hour now and I give up. so to keep uup with my Blog a day commitment i am posting this horribly capitalized and badly spelled blog better luck tomorrow....when The keys dry Out (ke

Too Much Reality

I wear it like a badge of honor. I feel it speaks highly to my character and intellegence. It makes me feel "high and mighty", as my roommate likes to call it. It is my disgust and disdain for reality T.V.!

What frustrates me is that there are well written scripted shows (Chuck) that struggle while shows that pander down to the lowest parts of ourselves thrive! Reality shows take very little money to produce and very little brain power to watch. Is this why they are so popular? We don't have to think at all to watch? Or is it the pleasure of watching someone who's life maybe a little more crazed than yours?

I thought the end of the world was truly at hand when Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montage ascended to the top of the "D" List! Fresh off their roles in a series called "The Hills", they became famous by virtue of them being the most annoying, boorish and generally ignorant people on earth!

Just when I thought Heidi and Spencer were as bad as it gets, along come another duo hell bent on ruining their lives for fame and money. What makes them even more pathetic than "Spiedi", as if that were possible, is that this new duo is dragging the lives of 8 innocent children thru the muck as well. I am of course talking about Jon and Kate Gosselin and their "8".

"Jon and Kate Plus 8", as I have heard, was a mildly entertaining show about a young family raising multiple kids. Then, it has been reported, fame went to the parents heads and it became a show about a couple falling apart! They became tabloid fodder and people became transfixed. Ratings exploded for the season premiere as people tuned in to see if they would speak of their affair or continue their tabloid fighting on the show. Sadly, the Gosselin's have announced their divorce on national TV. Shortly after that, TLC announced they were putting production of the show on hold. A rare wise decision in the reality TV world. As a product of divorce, I can say with experience, there is nothing entertaining about watching small children struggle with the fact that one parent is no longer around!

While divorce is no laughing matter, I do hope the Gosselin's tale as well as that "breakdown" talent show winner Susan Boyle had serves as cautionary tales to those that think reality TV is an easy way to fame and fortune. E!Online and Entertainment Weekly have declared their publications "Speidi Free" zones. For the sake of all involved, can we just make our lives "reality TV free" zones? We would put writers back to work and all be just that much more "high and mighty".

Too Much Reality

I wear it like a badge of honor. I feel it speaks highly to my character and intellegence. It makes me feel "high and mighty", as my roommate likes to call it. It is my disgust and disdain for reality T.V.!

What frustrates me is that there are well written scripted shows (Chuck) that struggle while shows that pander down to the lowest parts of ourselves thrive! Reality shows take very little money to produce and very little brain power to watch. Is this why they are so popular? We don't have to think at all to watch? Or is it the pleasure of watching someone who's life maybe a little more crazed than yours?

I thought the end of the world was truly at hand when Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montage ascended to the top of the "D" List! Fresh off their roles in a series called "The Hills", they became famous by virtue of them being the most annoying, boorish and generally ignorant people on earth!

Just when I thought Heidi and Spencer were as bad as it gets, along come another duo hell bent on ruining their lives for fame and money. What makes them even more pathetic than "Spiedi", as if that were possible, is that this new duo is dragging the lives of 8 innocent children thru the muck as well. I am of course talking about Jon and Kate Gosselin and their "8".

"Jon and Kate Plus 8", as I have heard, was a mildly entertaining show about a young family raising multiple kids. Then, it has been reported, fame went to the parents heads and it became a show about a couple falling apart! They became tabloid fodder and people became transfixed. Ratings exploded for the season premiere as people tuned in to see if they would speak of their affair or continue their tabloid fighting on the show. Sadly, the Gosselin's have announced their divorce on national TV. Shortly after that, TLC announced they were putting production of the show on hold. A rare wise decision in the reality TV world. As a product of divorce, I can say with experience, there is nothing entertaining about watching small children struggle with the fact that one parent is no longer around!

While divorce is no laughing matter, I do hope the Gosselin's tale as well as that "breakdown" talent show winner Susan Boyle had serves as cautionary tales to those that think reality TV is an easy way to fame and fortune. E!Online and Entertainment Weekly have declared their publications "Speidi Free" zones. For the sake of all involved, can we just make our lives "reality TV free" zones? We would put writers back to work and all be just that much more "high and mighty".

Worth Fighting For

The picture that is all over the news today is stunning! It is a picture of a young Iranian woman, beautiful, alive! Quite different than the picture of that same woman being shown a couple of days ago, the picture of the same woman after she was shot in the chest. In the older picture she is dead on the street, a victim of violence during protest! "Neda" has become the face of the Iranian uprising. In the instant she was shot, she became a martyr, the face of the cause. The cause is freedom!

It is easy to take our American freedoms for granted. I am typing this freely and will post it with my open access to the internet. I am doing this while watching "Morning Joe" on MSNBC and listening to them openly discuss what is going on over in Iran. Some agree with our president's stance to sit on the fence, others don't. They are, however, free to discuss their disparate views freely.

After I am done here, I will take a shower and get dressed. I can wear what I want without worrying about covering my head or if I have an inch of skin showing. I don't have to be concerned about being stoned if dressed inappropriately. To women of other cultures, the fact that I am dressing to go to work....a job to make my own money...is remarkable!

Actions such as dressing, working, blogging, to us they may seem basic but in other places in the world, having the freedom to do so is unheard of. Freedom from oppression. It is what the people of Iran were hoping for when they headed to the polls last week and what they are protesting for today!

As we head towards the annual celebration of America's rising above opression, commonly known as 4th Of July, I can't help but wonder when Iran will be celebrating the success of their own revolution. It will take just a few brave people like "Neda" to lead the charge. Then a momentum will grow and hopefully freedom and democracy will take hold.

I said jokingly yesterday that I am glad America's revolution took place before I was born. I can't imagine not being free to do what I want, where I want to do it and when! Just can't! That feeling is ingrained in me as I was born in a country where freedom is a given. I am afforded the right to freedom by others who have fought on my behalf. I am very grateful for the ones that have fought in the past for our country and those that continue the fight today. I hope the Iranian people will someday be able to look back and be grateful as well.

Worth Fighting For

The picture that is all over the news today is stunning! It is a picture of a young Iranian woman, beautiful, alive! Quite different than the picture of that same woman being shown a couple of days ago, the picture of the same woman after she was shot in the chest. In the older picture she is dead on the street, a victim of violence during protest! "Neda" has become the face of the Iranian uprising. In the instant she was shot, she became a martyr, the face of the cause. The cause is freedom!

It is easy to take our American freedoms for granted. I am typing this freely and will post it with my open access to the internet. I am doing this while watching "Morning Joe" on MSNBC and listening to them openly discuss what is going on over in Iran. Some agree with our president's stance to sit on the fence, others don't. They are, however, free to discuss their disparate views freely.

After I am done here, I will take a shower and get dressed. I can wear what I want without worrying about covering my head or if I have an inch of skin showing. I don't have to be concerned about being stoned if dressed inappropriately. To women of other cultures, the fact that I am dressing to go to work....a job to make my own money...is remarkable!

Actions such as dressing, working, blogging, to us they may seem basic but in other places in the world, having the freedom to do so is unheard of. Freedom from oppression. It is what the people of Iran were hoping for when they headed to the polls last week and what they are protesting for today!

As we head towards the annual celebration of America's rising above opression, commonly known as 4th Of July, I can't help but wonder when Iran will be celebrating the success of their own revolution. It will take just a few brave people like "Neda" to lead the charge. Then a momentum will grow and hopefully freedom and democracy will take hold.

I said jokingly yesterday that I am glad America's revolution took place before I was born. I can't imagine not being free to do what I want, where I want to do it and when! Just can't! That feeling is ingrained in me as I was born in a country where freedom is a given. I am afforded the right to freedom by others who have fought on my behalf. I am very grateful for the ones that have fought in the past for our country and those that continue the fight today. I hope the Iranian people will someday be able to look back and be grateful as well.

Goodbye Michael

I am a member of the original MTV generation. I have many memories of my discovery of the channel like bargaining with my mom to get cable, promising A's and a clean room. I remember staying up that first weekend non stop, transfixed to what I was sure was proof that God is a music fan: 24 hours of these 3 minute visual and aural masterpieces. Videos! I couldn't tear myself away! It was so bad my mom eventually had to put a one hour a day maximum on MTV watching! Duran Duran "Rio", Bryan Adams "Cuts like a Knife", Devo "Whip It", all have visual pictures in my head thanks to the early days of MTV.    

 

But my favorite MTV memory stems from an afternoon my friends and I spend around the TV in our living room, waiting for the first "long form" video. It was longer than 3 minutes, a mini movie! I remember thinking how cool it was and watching it over and over, even though I was more of a rocker than a pop music fan! I do love an event, however, and the debut of the video for "Thriller" was definitely an event!

 

When I heard the news today that Michael Jackson had died, I was taken back to that day in the living room. I felt sadness that one of our musical legends had gone but considered the legacy he left behind. Not the strange tabloid one, but the musical one. From his days with the Jackson 5 to "Off The Wall and "Thriller", Michael Jackson leaves behind a musical history that is timeless.  Some of my favorite songs include "ABC", "Want You Back" and "Shake Your Body Down To The Ground", songs that make me smile, make me dance to this day!

 

I am glad I have memories of MJ that extend beyond the tabloid stuff. To me he is a great pop music maker. He was one of the greats and will be missed. RIP, Michael!

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Goodbye Michael

I am a member of the original MTV generation. I have many memories of my discovery of the channel like bargaining with my mom to get cable, promising A's and a clean room. I remember staying up that first weekend non stop, transfixed to what I was sure was proof that God is a music fan: 24 hours of these 3 minute visual and aural masterpieces. Videos! I couldn't tear myself away! It was so bad my mom eventually had to put a one hour a day maximum on MTV watching! Duran Duran "Rio", Bryan Adams "Cuts like a Knife", Devo "Whip It", all have visual pictures in my head thanks to the early days of MTV.    
 
But my favorite MTV memory stems from an afternoon my friends and I spend around the TV in our living room, waiting for the first "long form" video. It was longer than 3 minutes, a mini movie! I remember thinking how cool it was and watching it over and over, even though I was more of a rocker than a pop music fan! I do love an event, however, and the debut of the video for "Thriller" was definitely an event!
 
When I heard the news today that Michael Jackson had died, I was taken back to that day in the living room. I felt sadness that one of our musical legends had gone but considered the legacy he left behind. Not the strange tabloid one, but the musical one. From his days with the Jackson 5 to "Off The Wall and "Thriller", Michael Jackson leaves behind a musical history that is timeless.  Some of my favorite songs include "ABC", "Want You Back" and "Shake Your Body Down To The Ground", songs that make me smile, make me dance to this day!
 
I am glad I have memories of MJ that extend beyond the tabloid stuff. To me he is a great pop music maker. He was one of the greats and will be missed. RIP, Michael!
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The Dream

Everyday at about 2PM, I have the same argument with the angel/devil on my shoulder. The angel reminds me that I am blessed to have gainful employment of any kind in this rotten economy. She reminds me that there are people working far less desirable jobs to barely make ends meet. The devil on the other shoulder reminds me that I really want to take my laptop to the beach and just write. Write about anything.

 

It finally dawned on me that writing is what I was meant to do. That is why I haven't really lasted or succeed in any 9-5 job! I think when, as humans, we aren't living up to our potential, aren't doing what God put us here to do, then the road is long!  Sure, developing a career as a writer may not be the easiest thing I will do but I do believe if it's what I was meant to do and I believe it can happen, it will happen!

 

So with that in mind, I am embarking on a new adventure: the life of a writer! I am not crazy so for the meantime I have to keep the paying job. However, I have thought long and hard and I have a great idea for a blog! It is one that serves an under served market segment. My hope for the blog is to help others in a similar situation as myself and maybe by writing daily, help myself as well. I don't want to disclose too much but hope to have it up and running by July 1st!

 

Working towards a dream is scary but it's scarier to me thinking of wondering "what if" on my death bed. I am 44 and almost at the mid-point in my life. It's about time to start living up to my potential.

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The Dream

Everyday at about 2PM, I have the same argument with the angel/devil on my shoulder. The angel reminds me that I am blessed to have gainful employment of any kind in this rotten economy. She reminds me that there are people working far less desirable jobs to barely make ends meet. The devil on the other shoulder reminds me that I really want to take my laptop to the beach and just write. Write about anything.
 
It finally dawned on me that writing is what I was meant to do. That is why I haven't really lasted or succeed in any 9-5 job! I think when, as humans, we aren't living up to our potential, aren't doing what God put us here to do, then the road is long!  Sure, developing a career as a writer may not be the easiest thing I will do but I do believe if it's what I was meant to do and I believe it can happen, it will happen!
 
So with that in mind, I am embarking on a new adventure: the life of a writer! I am not crazy so for the meantime I have to keep the paying job. However, I have thought long and hard and I have a great idea for a blog! It is one that serves an under served market segment. My hope for the blog is to help others in a similar situation as myself and maybe by writing daily, help myself as well. I don't want to disclose too much but hope to have it up and running by July 1st!
 
Working towards a dream is scary but it's scarier to me thinking of wondering "what if" on my death bed. I am 44 and almost at the mid-point in my life. It's about time to start living up to my potential.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

It is 2:07p and I need to shower and get to work. I am not overjoyed about going. I have reached the end of my usual 6 month tolerence with customer service. All I want to do is sit home today and write, read and hang out with the pups!

He's My Brother

My two crazy Rotties are brothers, right out of the same litter! Bear is the more energetic of the two, Thor is the one that just wants to snuggle. They love to chew on stuffed toys and no matter if you give each one the exact same toy, they will want what the other has. Just like human brothers, they argue, beat each other up and then give each other a lick to say "its ok"! I have no doubt how much they love me, but I didn't know how much they love each other until today!
 
Thor has had some mild digestive issues lately that we have been keeping an eye on. So Val took him to the vet today! We put Bear out in the back yard so we could get Thor into the car without a problem. Bear went crazy! He couldn't understand where Thor went! To silence the wailing, barking and pounding on the door, I let him in after Thor and Val had left! Bear had a look of panic on his face! Where was Thor going without him? The two have never been apart! He ran to the front door, to the back. He ran upstairs and downstairs! Bear put his paws up on each window pane that he could reach in hopes of seeing Thor. He came into my room with pleading eyes. "Where is my brother", they would say as he whined a questioning whine. I hugged him and tried to comfort him with treats but the frantic pacing and whining continued.

I always stand firm in my belief that dogs understand when they are spoken too. Thor even talks back! Like a petulant child, he will grumble at me when he dosent get his way or he will growl sweet nothings when we are having our lovefests (petting and hugging on the floor). This afternoon with Bear was the first time ever I wished dogs would flat out speak English! I wanted Bear to understand that his brother would be fine even if I wasn't sure myself!

It had been over an hour when I saw Bear's ears perk up. It was before I heard the car doors shut! He flew down the stairs with speed and stood guard at the door! A look of relief came over his face as Thor came through the door! Bear started licking his face with joy! I wanted to remind Bear this is the same dog that steals his empty peanut butter jars but it wouldn't have mattered. His playmate, his brother was home and safe, nothing to show for the trip than maybe a stomach bug. Thor was home and this made Bear one happy dog!

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

He's My Brother

My two crazy Rotties are brothers, right out of the same litter! Bear is the more energetic of the two, Thor is the one that just wants to snuggle. They love to chew on stuffed toys and no matter if you give each one the exact same toy, they will want what the other has. Just like human brothers, they argue, beat each other up and then give each other a lick to say "its ok"! I have no doubt how much they love me, but I didn't know how much they love each other until today!
 
Thor has had some mild digestive issues lately that we have been keeping an eye on. So Val took him to the vet today! We put Bear out in the back yard so we could get Thor into the car without a problem. Bear went crazy! He couldn't understand where Thor went! To silence the wailing, barking and pounding on the door, I let him in after Thor and Val had left! Bear had a look of panic on his face! Where was Thor going without him? The two have never been apart! He ran to the front door, to the back. He ran upstairs and downstairs! Bear put his paws up on each window pane that he could reach in hopes of seeing Thor. He came into my room with pleading eyes. "Where is my brother", they would say as he whined a questioning whine. I hugged him and tried to comfort him with treats but the frantic pacing and whining continued.

I always stand firm in my belief that dogs understand when they are spoken too. Thor even talks back! Like a petulant child, he will grumble at me when he dosent get his way or he will growl sweet nothings when we are having our lovefests (petting and hugging on the floor). This afternoon with Bear was the first time ever I wished dogs would flat out speak English! I wanted Bear to understand that his brother would be fine even if I wasn't sure myself!

It had been over an hour when I saw Bear's ears perk up. It was before I heard the car doors shut! He flew down the stairs with speed and stood guard at the door! A look of relief came over his face as Thor came through the door! Bear started licking his face with joy! I wanted to remind Bear this is the same dog that steals his empty peanut butter jars but it wouldn't have mattered. His playmate, his brother was home and safe, nothing to show for the trip than maybe a stomach bug. Thor was home and this made Bear one happy dog!

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

My two crazy Rotties are brothers, right out of the same litter! Bear is the more energetic of the two, Thor is the one that just wants to snuggle. They love to chew on stuff toys and no matter if you give each one the exact same toy, they will want what the other has. I have no doubt how much they love me, but I didn't know how much they love each other until today!

Time to roll up your sleeves

I received this email from President Obama today. I am sure he sent it to me personally. At any rate it speaks to something near and dear to my heat, volunteering. The email read:


"Dear Friend,

Last week, I announced United We Serve – a nationwide call to service challenging you and all Americans to volunteer this summer and be part of building a new foundation for America.

And when I say “all,” I mean everyone – young and old, from every background, all across the country. We need individuals, community organizations, corporations, foundations, and our government to be part of this effort.

Today, for the official kick off of United We Serve, members of my administration have fanned out across America to participate in service events and encourage all Americans to join them.

The First Lady is rolling up her sleeves and getting to work too. But before she headed out today, she asked me to share this message with you.



Our nation faces some of the greatest challenges it has in generations and we know it’s going to take a lot of hard work to get us back on track.

While Michelle and I are calling on every American to participate in United We Serve, the call to service doesn’t end this fall. We need to stay involved in our towns and communities for a long time to come. After all, America’s new foundation will be built one neighborhood at a time – and that starts with you.

Thank you,
President Barack Obama"


There are great resorces out there to help you find opportunities in your area! Google has developed a wonderful new search engine, All For Good, specifically designed to search for service opportunities around the nation. The administration has their own as well, serve.gov. It can be as simple as putting volunteer opportunities and your city into Google!


I am very excited the Obama's are leading a summer of service. I love to voluteer! There really is a great feeling in helping others. Plus, you get benefits as well! You meet new people, experience new things and help others! It is wonderful! And to all the singles out there, conventional wisdom is that you meet quality men/women while voluteering. I'm just sayin. What ever your motivation is, take a weekend day a month (or more) and volunteer!

Time to roll up your sleeves

I received this email from President Obama today. I am sure he sent it to me personally. At any rate it speaks to something near and dear to my heat, volunteering. The email read:


"Dear Friend,

Last week, I announced United We Serve – a nationwide call to service challenging you and all Americans to volunteer this summer and be part of building a new foundation for America.

And when I say “all,” I mean everyone – young and old, from every background, all across the country. We need individuals, community organizations, corporations, foundations, and our government to be part of this effort.

Today, for the official kick off of United We Serve, members of my administration have fanned out across America to participate in service events and encourage all Americans to join them.

The First Lady is rolling up her sleeves and getting to work too. But before she headed out today, she asked me to share this message with you.



Our nation faces some of the greatest challenges it has in generations and we know it’s going to take a lot of hard work to get us back on track.

While Michelle and I are calling on every American to participate in United We Serve, the call to service doesn’t end this fall. We need to stay involved in our towns and communities for a long time to come. After all, America’s new foundation will be built one neighborhood at a time – and that starts with you.

Thank you,
President Barack Obama"


There are great resorces out there to help you find opportunities in your area! Google has developed a wonderful new search engine, All For Good, specifically designed to search for service opportunities around the nation. The administration has their own as well, serve.gov. It can be as simple as putting volunteer opportunities and your city into Google!


I am very excited the Obama's are leading a summer of service. I love to voluteer! There really is a great feeling in helping others. Plus, you get benefits as well! You meet new people, experience new things and help others! It is wonderful! And to all the singles out there, conventional wisdom is that you meet quality men/women while voluteering. I'm just sayin. What ever your motivation is, take a weekend day a month (or more) and volunteer!