How it works and what you can do...

The other day Dylan came to me an asked me for $2; automatically I thought he was planning to buy snacks at school and we began chiding him...He corrected us, "Nooo you know how they had a tornado in another state? I want to send my $2 over there so maybe they can buy food, or water, or toys..." Suddenly, everything we had been doing and talking about was in front of my eyes...HE GETS IT!!!!
This week I am asking everyone to sign a memo at www.bread.org aimed at congress to encourage them against cutting food programs for families who need assistance. Many of the programs families depend on, women and their children, are being slashed as ways to improve our failing budget. bread.org is giving us a chance to write to Congress and help them understand how this will affect millions of families, and eventually maybe even ourselves. It's nothing more than a signature, but there's also a space provided where you can include your own memo...mine indicated that by enforcing tighter stipulations and consistently monitoring the programs, we can save money and still protect the programs we need.
Again, just a signature...

Has anyone done anything nice for you lately?

So much of my posting has been about nice acts we do for others; whether it be a simple compliment on a new look, or a donation of any sort...But I don't want to forget the importance of accepting nice acts done on our behalf; sometimes the nicest thing you can do is to let someone do something nice for you.
The other day I went to do my nails, and I am on a budget (NOT fun!) but I cant ignore myself, right? So of course, I do as most of us do, and I chose the simplest set...But of course, as most ladies will agree, I could not ignore the newest in nail fashion either! However, I settled...(happily because I was still being pampered right?) and the salon owner upgraded me!! On her own accord! I cannot tell you how warm it felt to allow someone to do something so nice for me! Half of me wanted to argue, the whole pride thing of course, but the prissier me knew to keep that mouth shut! I know if I left feeling better because of all the primping I had, or the generosity I was shown...maybe it wasn't a major act, but it still qualifies in my book!
Has anyone shown you any generosity, in any form, lately? How'd you feel?

So...on another note! Galpal, Christina a.k.a. magical, and her 2 princes are doing an amazing thing this Saturday and they have decided to donate to Alex's Lemonade Stand, a organization developed to help in the battle against children's Cancer. It's an awesome story, check out her page here. I really hope some of you thirstier friends stop by...!!
In my camp, Dylan gathered my parents and the trio walked laps to raise money for his school!!! 15 laps around the track!!! I'm not sure if I'm more proud of his efforts to walk the laps, or his ability to get my parents out with him!!!! In any case, they did amazing and I cannot be happier for the family I have!!!!
Next month we celebrate the 4th of July...I'm really looking for a way to send some thanks out to our military if anyone has any ideas!!!! 'Til the next good deed!!!!

If you love flip flops, you're gonna LOVE this act of thoughtfulness!

Tomorrow Old Navy is having their $1 flip flop sale from 7 am to 11 am.
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Now if you're a connoisseur of flip flops, you know Old Navy flops are the MOST comfortable and cushioned of them all! Almost as if you're feet are walking on specially made mattresses. Its 5 per customer so I suggest one in each color! Lol...
And the best part? Old Navy is accepting old and used flip flops for Terracycle projects, to make playground sets!

So clean out your closet and make space for some new, stylish, comfortable flip flops all in one act of thoughtfulness! What's better than that????

Dear Judge Gordon, if it ain't broke, why fix it????

Sometimes charity is nothing more than spreading the word...This blog intends to do just that!
Alaina Girodano is the mom of 2, who was recently told by North Carolina JUDGE Gordon that she must surrender custody of her children to her estranged ex-spouse, who resides in Chicago, because "a healthy dad is better than a sick mom". In her TIME interview, Alaina also addresses the other factors involved, including infidelity and domestic violence which occurred on both parties behalf.
Here's why I care...
1. It sets a precedence to assume that a sick parent can no longer be an effective parent. Is this what the judge intended to say? Because it speaks volumes to say that a mother who is caring for and managing her illness cannot set a healthy and long lasting example for her children.
2. Should personal and non-parent related issues weigh in on the removal and relocation of children? In NYS I can tell you, this is not the case! She admitted to cheating on her husband, so he should clearly have custody of the children? After she has been a caring mother to them in his absence?
3. After 6 years of asking myself, "Why am I still here at this job?" I finally understand why. I now see a reason for what I do. I work with a NYC based homemaking department, which assigns "homemakers" to clients with health issues, and other concerns. The goal? To preserve the family unit and to create and foster a healthy, loving stable environment for the CHILDREN. We are a support system. I have asked myself redundantly, "Why didnt Judge Gordon refer Alaina for a support system?" Then I read further and I find that the judge actually recommended that she (Alaina) relocate to be closer to her children (which is SUCH AN EASY TASK I ASSUME!) and her medical needs be transferred as well.
In the end, here's what I say...I have seen many many women manage and maintain their families during crisis, amidst illnesses, and against catastrophe. Being sick, poor, unemployed or independent does not cripple or handicap a parent. Making mistakes and exhibiting poor relationship qualities does make a bad mommy. But apparently Judge Gordon did not take too many thoughts into consideration, and she especially ignored those of the 2 children in question...maybe Judge Gordon is not a mommy. Or maybe she's just healthier than the rest of us.
If you feel this is wrong, or maybe you just think a better solution could have been determined, please sign this petition!
In honor of Alaina Girdano, mommy battling Cancer and fighting for custody of her children.

I'm noooo baker, but I sent a cupcake and made a buck for childrens cancer!

Well, I must say the Walk for MS went amazingly well, and was alot of fun! Big hug for my oldest and his friend for joining us and raising awareness!!! I am very proud of them! As for youngsters, I also have to commend my niece who pulled every miracle she could to raise money for this cause!!!! Hugs Amanda!!! XOXO
We had a nice group of 8 and the weather was beautiful; the best part of the walk? Ok, I'll tell you...My cousin's smile when we finished! Simply inspirational...
This week I am concentrating on cupcakes...e-cupcakes to be more specific...E-cupcakes from cupcakesforacause.org which will help raise money for Children's Cancer. For each FREE e-cupcake sent, Got2B will donate $1!!!! So this year, Dylan will be decorating and emailing his own e-cupcakes for Mother's Day! We already started and he had a good time "baking"...
So, what's your favorite flavor? Mine is free and for charity!

Making a difference was never as easy as signing your name...

Last week I was treated to a STRONG dose of disgust when a youtube link was posted onto my facebook. The video was of a transgender female being attacked by 2 female creatures (to say "ladies" would be too GOOD for these 2) to the point of inducing a seizure. If the attack wasn't enough, it happened in a Baltimore McDonald's, and in front of an audience of McDonald's staff. The video was actually posted by a staff member. In the video, several voices can be heard egging the attackers on until an elderly woman became involved, and even some more after the victim began seizing. One voice in particular, the manager's, can be heard telling the victims to, "Get out before the cops come" as he OPENS the door for them!
I dont know what caused this violence, but it definitely went on too long, and for too many viewers; someone should have helped rather than video tape it. And the manager should NEVER have let the door open for the miscreants to leave, even going so far as to help them find a CELLULAR dropped as they beat on this woman.
While watching this video, I can honestly say every hair on my body rose to the occassion. Tough girl talk spewed out, "THANK GOD I wasnt there!!" "If I had been there...OHHH MAN!" But let's be realistic, one never knows until they are in the position right? But here's the position I am presently in; I can help NOW, it isn't too late. I can make a difference. I can do something to express how I feel.
And I did. I signed this petition on change.org referring to how little McDonalds staff did to help this woman; they never even checked her during the seizure...
And I believe that after viewing the video, also connected to the link, you will too.

I made a date to walk! And that date is April 30th!

My fantabulous cousin, John, started this team in Georgia for his sister, and now it's coming to NYC; Team Maribel! In honor of my beautiful, strong, and spirited cousin Maribel. An MS diagnosis was not, is not, and will NEVER be enough to hold this girl back! She is beautiful, fearless, and such an inspiration. While she was told she would not be able to walk within a year, she is STILL driving! When she went for physical therapy, she requested to be helped maintain her sexy stiletto status! I can count on one hand how many times she has declined an invite, always making an effort to be where she is wanted.

We share a very funny memory...involving a daring "jump" off a Rye Playland Carousel, and now I am letting my affection for her "push" me once again, but this time no scraped knees and this time for a wonderful cause...

So April 30th I will be walking in the NYC Walk for MS at Southstreet Seaport. My sincerest hope is that I find myself surrounded by friends and family, but my request is for presence, prayers, and donations to Team Maribel. Please help us in any way you can, even with a simple prayer that the weather stays warm and sunshine brightens our path.

If you'd like to make a monetary donation, please donate to/in honor of Team Maribel of the Southern NYC Chapter.

Update on Japan Relief Recycle Challenge...

Ok, so this week Dyl and I trekked to the recycle machines and emptied our weeks of bottle savings...in itself this was quite an experience! Apparently there are various machines to deposit your collections...a plastic machine, a glass machine, and a can machine. Upon learning this, we became a bit...scattered to say the least. LOLOLOL We were then confronted by the recycle "police" who carefully navigated us around the machines, and were helpful enough to teach us the "ins and outs of the joint"! A.K.A. what bottles are acceptable and which are not...Needless to say, we were clueless. But the real laughter did not come until this following moment... Dylan, always my helper, always wanting to be engaged and resourceful, asked (very innocently, and very sincerely I have to say), "But Mom, how do the machines get the bottles to Japan? and how does it help them?" And that readers, was the real moment that I know just how caring and beautiful my baby really is. If it meant shipping bottles to Japan to help them, BY GOLLY that's what we're going to do! LOLOLOL I LOVE MY KIDS! So, in conclusion, today I ordered our "We pray for Japan bracelets" from Lady Gaga's shopping site (all proceeds go to Japan relief efforts)and I can't wait to present them for great efforts! And Dylan rewarded me by sharing this idea with classmates and teachers in his school...Let's spread the word!

A Challenge to be Creative...Recycling for Japan...

Friday morning I was consumed by private issues, financial hardships and personal desires...Fast forward to first glimpses of the devastation suffered by Japan...Images of boats and cars floating together through STREETS in Japan. Images of natural destruction. As I'm sure many of you have read on Facebook, Twitter, and other blogs, the world was taught a lesson in humility. Like many others, I too was grateful for my family, my health, my home and my security (as superficial as it may be, as no one is ever really safe from what is out of our control). But the bottom line is that I was ok. And my boys were also OK.
It is never a good time for a natural disaster, but in times of financial hardships and future uncertainty it is even easier to be cynical about donating. When we are living check to check and huge corporations are falling around us, it is natural to hold on to whatever we have. But then the question arises, "How can we help?"
I racked my brain for a solution that would not impede on my financial situation but would also enable me to fill a cause and teach my children to be creative as well.
Enter the chain of recycling...For this week the boys and I will collect bottles and cans and donate our earnings to Japan. We will recycle to rebuild Japan. Saturday morning will mean a trip to a local distributor to change our collective efforts into some cash donation. I'm not challenging the world to donate, but I do challenge those who think they can't help, to be creative as well as to remain within their own means. So how are you going to help?
If you are unsure about where or how to donate, check out WPIX for their list of organizations and funds. If you hear of any others, please comment on them here to let a friend know!

Sharing details of my breakfast means helping someone get a free meal!

So it begins...I'm back and the opportunities are falling into my lap! Opportunities to help others...
I received an email from Kellogg's about their new breakfast program. By sharing photos or details about what we enjoyed for breakfast we are helping someone else receive a free meal! I did it and it only took seconds of my time! You can do it as much as you please, but by doing it even just once, you've already enabled a hungry individual to enjoy a meal.
Talk about your breakfast and fill a belly!!! Remember to let us know if you did it!
www.shareyourbreakfast.com

A Moment of Truth and Admission of Guilt

I lost flavor for my blog. I felt it was inadequate and non-productive. Didn't serve its purpose.
The reason why? I measured its productivity in headcount. How many people could I collect to do a good deed. How big of a group could I motivate. And when people failed to come, I felt a failure. As if the size of the group could take away from my endeavors. How wrong I was. Life happens; to everyone. What might be my calling today, may be yours tomorrow. But more importantly this blog was intended to entwine charity into my family and our life. Good deeds happen every day and in the smallest of ways. I had fun taking my children to events and planning events. I had a wonderful time bowling with family and friends; I even want to do it again! But in the meantime, I don't plan to stop doing, giving, and blogging!
So with all that being said and confessed,
Welcome to my life of giving, my blog, and MY DATES WITH CHARITY! You are more than welcome to read, join, and be influenced!!!! And as always, please share your dates and doings as well!!!!

From a book, on a train, to an animal???? HOW???

Hello blog!!!! I have missed you! And I have so many new and fresh deas to share! Welcome to 2011, let's have fun!
So, January...my birthday month, my fresh start month, the month of resolutions and promise...What better promise to keep than to give back and pay forward???? Or at least, to follow MY blog! LOL!

Ok, January event...
If anyone knows me, they are aware I am an avid reader and I simply love books! While I am considering the Nook Color product, I have to secretly admit that I am addicted to the smell of library books, and new books, and magazines, and everything wordy in this life!!! LOL!
So....this month I am asking that we all donate gently used books to our public libraries. I will be meeting up with anyone interested on Saturday at the 42nd st. Children's Library before we head over to my "other" favorite hang out, the Scholastic Store SOHO on Spring St., where we can catch up on our fave children's books AND participate in their free farm animal event. That's right; farm animals at the Scholastic Store on Saturday at 3pm!
If this is enough to entice you, please join us. Meet up time will be 1:00 at the 42nd street library. For those who can't meetup, but still want want to donate, please send me a pic, or link it to the page!!!! I'd love to see how we all find ways to help!!!!