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!!!!

How do you incorporate charity into your family life?

So, this week I was blessed to hang out with some friends and see some really reat kids doing their part for charity, and all because they thought it was FUN! The "Wrap and pack" was a beautiful idea by Big City Moms; it brought family and charity together without making it seem like a mundane task on the "to get into Heaven" list. And there were some amazing Santa's helpers in the crowd!

Recycled blessings...

"God doesn't comfort us to make us comfortable, HE comforts us to make us comforters"...
From my daily reading, let me think about this...
So, pretty much HE didn't put me in a beautiful home with a beautiful family and wonderful friends simply because, "I'm Becky"???? Annnnd I'm supposed to learn from the ordeals in my life so that I can one day help others with their own situations??? I get, so I can give back; and I cannot have more until I learn to give. How 2 fold is that? AMAZING!!!! Like recycling...LOL. GOD is green!
On a personal level, doesn't it ease some of the pain to know that one of the reasons we face obstacles is so that we can help others get through them as well?
It's easy to "reach the top" and forget how far you climbed to get there. It's even easier to become so consumed in your own battles that you don't share what you're going through, or how you dealt with it and lose the opportunity to help someone else...
I have been thinking of a new job search, but it occurred to me this week how this position has helped me, not only in my personal life, but also to give advice and insight to family and friends. I'm in a position to learn from what I do. Sometimes we end up in a place, not just for the current and obvious goal, but for a goal still unknown to us...

Social Media Fast and some little add-on events

So many times we become entangled with simple living tasks, and we lose sight of important things;we also tend to make decisions without asking for direction....I have come to a crossroad in my personal life that leads me to ask for direction. So in order to fully recieve instruction, I am fasting from any type of social media, save my phone, to communicate with others. I am hoping that in the absence of noise and confusion, I will find the path I am being led to follow. So, in the wake of what is my very first "fast" I hope everyone enjoys a wonderful week.
Before I leave you all I just want to mention some last minute events which we will be at...
Wrap and pack , hosted by Big City Moms on December 8th
Toys for Tots party hosted by the LARiders @ Holy Cross Church December 3rd

Please let me know if you are interested in attending!

A Grateful Attitude

Happy Thanksgiving!! I hope everyone is blessed in any way and at all times.
Every year, we ask ourselves, "What are we grateful for?" And the usual answers surface; family, friends, health, etc. This year, I dare you to try something different. I dare you to be grateful for something you were denied, or something you have not yet received.
With that dare being made, I am grateful this year for my family, not only the one I have today, but the one I am being prepared for, the one God is readying me to meet and become a part of.I am ever so grateful for the lessons he has taught me,in endurance and in self respect. Because with every lesson, I grew stronger.
Have a wonderful, wonderful Thanksgiving!

I'm a Hamburger Helper!!!

Yaaaaayyyyyy! I have reason to smile today, do you know why???? Because my laziness has finally paid off!!!! LOL!!!! What am I talking about????
 Anyone who knows me knows how allergic I am to the kitchen. I absolutely despise the chore of cooking. Even the thought of cooking makes my lips bend downward. And trust me; my world is better for it! I wouldn’t want to poison the people I love!!!! But, every now and then I have to do the dirty deed, and make a meal. Like actually stand over the stove, and prepare a meal. And that’s when Hamburger Helper comes in! I am known as the “Hamburger Helper Queen”! I actually keep the cabinets stocked and I love it!
 So imagine how happy I was to find out about the show your helping hand campaign!For every hamburger helper code I input onto the site, .17 cents goes to a complete meal at a food bank. So, now I’m not only feeding the 4 of us, but I am also feeding a 5th person off one box! And they say serving size is 4! LOL!
 If you’re interested in helping with hamburger helper, check out
www.showyourhelpinghand.com
If you have a similar story, share it here!

Are you doing any volunteering or donating on your own?

We are always looking for places to volunteer or donate, so if you know of any events coming up, are planning any events, or just have informationon where/how we can help a cause, please post it here! With so many opportunities out there, I would hate for anyone to miss a potential opportunity to be someone's blessing!

Bowling for MANNA was a SUCCESS!!!!

I just want to thank everyone for coming out and having a great time doing a wonderful thing! I hope to see more family and friends at future events!

Do YOU accept charity? donations? "hand me downs"?

Ok, so as my mind whirls about upcoming events, what I can do to realize this dream, and how I can entice others to do more, I am forced to look at myself as well.
Am I the type of person who accepts gifts? Help? Charity? Are my kids allowed to wear hand me down clothing? After speaking with a client recently, I was shocked at how open and honest somepeople are. My department had become the recipients of some slightly worn winter coats, and I immediately thought of my client, who I had last seen wearing nothing but a hooded sweatshirt. I first called her, thinking that that the last thing I would want to do is offend her pride, or her spouse's. Not only did my client cry, out of relief, but she further explained that she and her husband have one coat they share. When she has appointments, he misses work, and when he works, she stays home or bundles up beneathe her hooded sweatshirt.
My mouth dropped. I was in awe. This woman was so honest, so in touch with her present state, that she was nothing but thankful that I had thought of her. She didn't say, "let me speak to him first", she immediately began with thanks and appreciation. Would I have been so honest? So forthcoming? Is there anything really bad about accepting hand me downs?
We are often so quick to give, but how quick are we to receive? What was one incident when pride got in your way of receiving?