Anger has been on my mind this week. I interviewed for a new position and they required a personality evaluation. The work is customer service based and you can see why they would carefully screen for those with anger issues. Lines of questioning lead me to the understanding that I am not at all prone to personal anger. I rarely feel outraged or upset on my own behalf and I don't tend to be mad at individuals. I don't want to dive into the psychoanalysis of what that may mean about me and my hero complex. Instead, I started to think about what DOES make me angry. Of course, I'm not going to list everything. Who has time for that? But, get ready. You're about to find out what's got me cranked this week!
Slavery: The UN estimates over 27 million people are enslaved worldwide. Are you kidding me?!?! Americans may think the days of plantations, Uncle Tom, and Benito Cereno are long gone, but they're not. Even on our own soil, slavery continues. Disgusting. Some examples of outrage-worthy cases. Anti-Slavery International can use your help.
Human Trafficking: Again, woah! Just look at this article. This inflames me.
Melanie: No, my friend Melanie doesn't make me angry. But man! Get her out of Mexico!
See? So, maybe I can't find anger for myself, but I can be angry for you! Let me know if you need an extra indignant citizen enrolled in your cause. I'll be happy to help. Or angry.
Talk to you again next week. Carbon footprint, anyone?
Thanks for reading,
Sara
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Reminders
Of all things, a status update on Facebook reminded me to remind you of some things. My friend Janna, who is doing her part to raise 2 adorable, intelligent, caring girls, said that they spent some time emptying closets to reorganize and allocate items for donation. This got me thinking (thanks, Janna!) It's a new year. What sorts of things do you do to get ready for the coming year? And how can you help out others with those efforts?
Janna started in a great place. Why not sort through your clothes or your toys? Ask your family to donate something to a worthy cause. A game, a toy, a gently used sweater or coat. These things can make a huge difference in someone's life. Did you know that you can ask organizations like Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or even your local church for a receipt on items received? It's a tax deduction and there's a standard rate for each item donated. It can add up, believe me!
Have you tried calling local soup kitchens to volunteer some time? It's cold in my neck of the woods and a hot meal might be just what someone needs to maintain their strength or to keep up a job search.
Also, I just received our copy of The Giving Book. It is FABULOUS. It's filled with ways to get kids thinking about others, how they can help and how they've personally been helped and encouraged. Ellen Sabin writes in a way that kids can understand. She doesn't scare them about big social issues, but makes them aware of the need for help. I'm trying to get my hands on a couple more copies. When I do, I'm going to host a few contests this year, and use these little gems as give-aways. Stay tuned.
Lastly, please take a look at some of the sites I've linked to in today's post. They are well worth the visit!
Ellen Sabin, Author
.
.
.
Be well and thanks for reading!
.
.
Sara
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
The Food Bank
Sorry for the prolonged absence. I've been working hard to finish revisions on my manuscript. I can't believe it's been 3 months since my last soap boxing episode!
All kidding aside, I wanted to remind you that Feeding America (formerly known as The Second Harvest,) is looking for donations. I would never presume to tell you what to spend your hard earned money on, but I can tell you about my experiences with our local Food bank.
Last week, my toddler and I were talking about kids all over the world. He started asking about how they live and what they eat. So, I took the opportunity to be a downer-mom and tell him that some kids don’t have a refrigerator full of food. He was surprised at this, and a little concerned. But I was sure to add that we could share our food with them, if he wanted. We went to the website for our local food bank and found their list of seasonal needs. He put the list in his pocket and off we went to the grocery store.
After we filled a separate cart with items to bring to the food bank, my little boy gave the cashier our money and we drove over to the depository. They were kind and helpful, carried the bags inside for us, asked if we wanted a receipt for taxes, thanked us for the donation, and gave us information about volunteering at the bank after the New Year. Very pleasant experience.
When we got back in the car to drive home, I asked him what he thought of the whole thing. His reply? “I didn’t see any kids, or their refrigerators.” That’s what you get when you ask a 2 and a half year old what they think!
I hope you all find your refrigerators full of delicious food, enough so that you want to bring some of it over to your local food bank.
Thanks for reading,
Sara
All kidding aside, I wanted to remind you that Feeding America (formerly known as The Second Harvest,) is looking for donations. I would never presume to tell you what to spend your hard earned money on, but I can tell you about my experiences with our local Food bank.
Last week, my toddler and I were talking about kids all over the world. He started asking about how they live and what they eat. So, I took the opportunity to be a downer-mom and tell him that some kids don’t have a refrigerator full of food. He was surprised at this, and a little concerned. But I was sure to add that we could share our food with them, if he wanted. We went to the website for our local food bank and found their list of seasonal needs. He put the list in his pocket and off we went to the grocery store.
After we filled a separate cart with items to bring to the food bank, my little boy gave the cashier our money and we drove over to the depository. They were kind and helpful, carried the bags inside for us, asked if we wanted a receipt for taxes, thanked us for the donation, and gave us information about volunteering at the bank after the New Year. Very pleasant experience.
When we got back in the car to drive home, I asked him what he thought of the whole thing. His reply? “I didn’t see any kids, or their refrigerators.” That’s what you get when you ask a 2 and a half year old what they think!
I hope you all find your refrigerators full of delicious food, enough so that you want to bring some of it over to your local food bank.
Thanks for reading,
Sara
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)