I finally started Christmas shopping (thank goodness for online shopping and a job that allows me to do said online shopping) and I found another great site I want to share with everyone for gift ideas. The Hunger Site (http://www.thehungersite.com/) will donate cups of food, mammograms, child health care, books, and habitat protection just for clicking on the appropriate button! So, what are you waiting for? Go click! And click some more!
After you're done clicking away, peruse the many gift options on the site. When purchasing an item you can decide what cause you want the proceeds to benefit. There are some really gorgeous gifts available for purchase on the site and the gifts have extra significance because they help those that need it the most. So, if you're a procrastinator like me and are still trying to decide what to get everyone one your list, head on over to The Hunger Site and get inspired.
Edit: The parent site of The Hunger Site is www.GreaterGood.com. You can access all of the cause-specific sites from any page via the tabs at the top of the site. You can also click away every single day to donate food, etc. at no cost to you!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Why Men Can't Be Trusted to Cook
I slept through much of Thanksgiving because I still have to work my graveyard shifts. I did not cook a big Thanksgiving feast. Instead, Sergej, Anna and I had a big lunch at Village Inn and then I slept through dinner. When Sergej woke me up at 7 so I could spend some time with my family before getting ready for work, I asked him what he and Anna had for dinner. He mumbled something about what he ate, which I have forgotten now because of what he said next: "Anna had pickle juice and cheese -" I cut him off there. I didn't need to know anymore. I think I'll make sure I always have something prepared ahead of time.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Giving Thanks
I wasn't going to do a Thanksgiving themed post, because I try to think of those things I'm thankful for year-round and not solely on a single Thursday in November. However, my Thanksgiving celebration is going to be rather modest compared to celebrations in the past, so I'm posting this to get myself in the holiday spirit. My family is all out of town and our friends have all decided to skip town for the holiday as well, so Sergej, Anna and I will be spending the day amongst just ourselves...perhaps with a little trip to get some seafood.
There is so much for me to be thankful for this year. First and foremost I am thankful for my beautiful daughter, Anna. I am so lucky to get to wake up to the sounds of her voice every day. She is healthy and smart and curious. She has taught me how to love more than I ever imagined I could and she returns all that love right back to me. Her eyes sparkle when she smiles, and she smiles often.
Sergej is a rock for me. He supports me through everything and provides me with a voice of reason in my more irrational moments. He pushes me to be my best and is just as excited for me to go back to school as I am. He is an amazing father and has proven that he is more than I could have ever hoped for when I married him five and a half years ago.
I am so grateful to have a job when so many people I know don't. Not only do I have a job, but I have a job that will allow me to be home with Anna during the day and get plenty of time to study once I start school. They'll even pay for part of school! To be honest, I'm actually quite thankful I was fired from my last job as a result of this blog and a certain post I wrote in bad taste. It turned out to be one of the best things that has happened for me and my family.
I am very thankful for the family I have in my life, like my mother and my grandmothers, aunts and uncles, grandfather and cousins. I'm also thankful that, for the time being, I don't have a relationship with those people that were a bad influence in my life, like my brother and father. I am so very glad I've been able to reconnect with my grandmother that I haven't seen since I was eleven and that she'll be joining us for Christmas this year. She loses a lot of sleep talking on the phone with me while I'm at work at 1am, but I enjoy those phone calls so much.
Last but not least (and in reality, this list could go on forever) I am thankful for my health. I feel better than I've ever felt and I am slowly transforming myself into a fit, healthy twenty-something with the love and support of my darling husband. I have lost 31 pounds since mid-August. Even when it gets hard, I'm thankful I can push through and resist the temptation of all the delicious pies calling out to me at work. Best of all, I'm setting a shining example for Anna. Not only am I telling her to eat healthy, but I'm showing her how to be healthy.
I hope you all have a wonderful, thanks filled day. I always tell my friends on a bad day that there is always something to be thankful for. Always. No matter what situation you are in, there are at least ten reasons to be grateful for the exact life you have. I hope you can all find plenty to be thankful for today and every day.
There is so much for me to be thankful for this year. First and foremost I am thankful for my beautiful daughter, Anna. I am so lucky to get to wake up to the sounds of her voice every day. She is healthy and smart and curious. She has taught me how to love more than I ever imagined I could and she returns all that love right back to me. Her eyes sparkle when she smiles, and she smiles often.
Sergej is a rock for me. He supports me through everything and provides me with a voice of reason in my more irrational moments. He pushes me to be my best and is just as excited for me to go back to school as I am. He is an amazing father and has proven that he is more than I could have ever hoped for when I married him five and a half years ago.
I am so grateful to have a job when so many people I know don't. Not only do I have a job, but I have a job that will allow me to be home with Anna during the day and get plenty of time to study once I start school. They'll even pay for part of school! To be honest, I'm actually quite thankful I was fired from my last job as a result of this blog and a certain post I wrote in bad taste. It turned out to be one of the best things that has happened for me and my family.
I am very thankful for the family I have in my life, like my mother and my grandmothers, aunts and uncles, grandfather and cousins. I'm also thankful that, for the time being, I don't have a relationship with those people that were a bad influence in my life, like my brother and father. I am so very glad I've been able to reconnect with my grandmother that I haven't seen since I was eleven and that she'll be joining us for Christmas this year. She loses a lot of sleep talking on the phone with me while I'm at work at 1am, but I enjoy those phone calls so much.
Last but not least (and in reality, this list could go on forever) I am thankful for my health. I feel better than I've ever felt and I am slowly transforming myself into a fit, healthy twenty-something with the love and support of my darling husband. I have lost 31 pounds since mid-August. Even when it gets hard, I'm thankful I can push through and resist the temptation of all the delicious pies calling out to me at work. Best of all, I'm setting a shining example for Anna. Not only am I telling her to eat healthy, but I'm showing her how to be healthy.
I hope you all have a wonderful, thanks filled day. I always tell my friends on a bad day that there is always something to be thankful for. Always. No matter what situation you are in, there are at least ten reasons to be grateful for the exact life you have. I hope you can all find plenty to be thankful for today and every day.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Building Projections
This video is pretty amazing. Buildings are turned into art by projecting highly detailed images onto them at night. Enjoy!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Ignorance is Bliss
I'm finally beginning to understand that saying. My head is hurting from wondering how some people can believe everything they read. Just because someone has taken the time to send you a link or forward you an email does not mean that source is accurate.
My headache started two days ago when I was having a discussion on theology with someone. The better word might be debate, but just go with me on this. There were several of us in on this online discussion and one gentleman sent us several links as proof of certain supernatural events. One of these such links was to a video with an audio recording of "hell." This man believed a hoax that circulated many many years ago after a deep borehole was dug in Siberia. The actual hole was approximately 40,230 feet deep (very deep indeed!) with temperatures reaching 356 degrees Fahrenheit. The hoax holds that the hole was closer to 50,000 feet deep and internal temperatures were 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. It also contends that a super heat-resistant microphone was placed in the hole and the screams of millions of people could be heard and were recorded. If you're even just remotely logical you will have the same reaction I did: "Say whaaaaat!?" The recording sounded like the gym at a high school during a basketball game, full of rowdy teenagers yelling for their team. The beginner of the hoax confirmed he made it all up and didn't think anyone would take it seriously, but it's just an example of how folks will believe absolutely anything. The other links were no different. Different hoaxes, same result of crazy people believing in them.
Yesterday my headache was worsened by an email I received detailing Obama's administration and the "embodiment of evil" within all of his policies and beliefs. Now, before I go further I'd like to state that I do, in fact, understand why some people do not like Obama. Whether they have different views of how government should be run or how our military should work or how certain social issues should be addressed, I get it. But the embodiment of evil? Really? This is along the lines of the people that truly believe Obama is the antichrist. Or that the world is going to end in 2012. I have a lovely blog entry planned for January 1, 2013!
I just don't get how anyone can go through life taking everything they hear as truth. Education is so important to me and, even though I am not currently in school, not a day goes by in which I don't strive to learn something new. Sergej mentioned a few days ago a Russian space mission that somehow went awry and when the craft landed and the hatch was opened, all three cosmonauts inside were dead. How did they die? I wanted to know. Sergej was unsure. So, I researched it that very night to find they died of asphyxiation because their helmets were not on. This is the exact way I've gone about learning the basic concepts of quantum mechanics, the different kinds of caviar, and even the longest distance from coast to coast in the United States (3,148 miles from Los Angeles to Augusta!) I wish everyone loved information so much. The word hoax would only be part of an urban legend if we all took the time to fact check.
So, I'd like to encourage you to learn something new today. Or, next time you get an email forwarded to you, fact check it. I fact check every email I read (this obviously pertains to forwards and not personal messages!) It's a good practice in exercising your mind. If you don't use it, you're going to lose it. It's the greatest tool we have and to waste our minds is to waste our lives.
But that's just my opinion.
My headache started two days ago when I was having a discussion on theology with someone. The better word might be debate, but just go with me on this. There were several of us in on this online discussion and one gentleman sent us several links as proof of certain supernatural events. One of these such links was to a video with an audio recording of "hell." This man believed a hoax that circulated many many years ago after a deep borehole was dug in Siberia. The actual hole was approximately 40,230 feet deep (very deep indeed!) with temperatures reaching 356 degrees Fahrenheit. The hoax holds that the hole was closer to 50,000 feet deep and internal temperatures were 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. It also contends that a super heat-resistant microphone was placed in the hole and the screams of millions of people could be heard and were recorded. If you're even just remotely logical you will have the same reaction I did: "Say whaaaaat!?" The recording sounded like the gym at a high school during a basketball game, full of rowdy teenagers yelling for their team. The beginner of the hoax confirmed he made it all up and didn't think anyone would take it seriously, but it's just an example of how folks will believe absolutely anything. The other links were no different. Different hoaxes, same result of crazy people believing in them.
Yesterday my headache was worsened by an email I received detailing Obama's administration and the "embodiment of evil" within all of his policies and beliefs. Now, before I go further I'd like to state that I do, in fact, understand why some people do not like Obama. Whether they have different views of how government should be run or how our military should work or how certain social issues should be addressed, I get it. But the embodiment of evil? Really? This is along the lines of the people that truly believe Obama is the antichrist. Or that the world is going to end in 2012. I have a lovely blog entry planned for January 1, 2013!
I just don't get how anyone can go through life taking everything they hear as truth. Education is so important to me and, even though I am not currently in school, not a day goes by in which I don't strive to learn something new. Sergej mentioned a few days ago a Russian space mission that somehow went awry and when the craft landed and the hatch was opened, all three cosmonauts inside were dead. How did they die? I wanted to know. Sergej was unsure. So, I researched it that very night to find they died of asphyxiation because their helmets were not on. This is the exact way I've gone about learning the basic concepts of quantum mechanics, the different kinds of caviar, and even the longest distance from coast to coast in the United States (3,148 miles from Los Angeles to Augusta!) I wish everyone loved information so much. The word hoax would only be part of an urban legend if we all took the time to fact check.
So, I'd like to encourage you to learn something new today. Or, next time you get an email forwarded to you, fact check it. I fact check every email I read (this obviously pertains to forwards and not personal messages!) It's a good practice in exercising your mind. If you don't use it, you're going to lose it. It's the greatest tool we have and to waste our minds is to waste our lives.
But that's just my opinion.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Gifts That Give Back
This year, as the holidays approach us, I'll be doing less shopping than I normally do. We are scaling way back on gift giving and focusing more an just spending time together. Sergej and I are going to purchase a video camera and that will be our gift to each other. We may get little stocking stuffers, but nothing else significant. Anna will get a few big things from us (I'm very excited about the homemade teepee I want to make her) but she'll be getting so much from everyone else that we can just stick to those few things we really want her to have.
As for other family members, I've decided to get more meaningful gifts this year. I don't want to buy more junk that's going to gather dust in the closet or be returned for something else. Or waste hours of valuable time trying to think of something they need and end up getting standard gift card anyway. I'd rather get something meaningful and that helps someone that won't be having it so easy this year. If you'd like to do the same, here is a list of my favorite sites for gifts that give back:
Website: http://www.heifer.org/
Price Range: $20-$10,000
What they do: Heifer provides training and animals to families in third world countries. The animals provide food, milk, income and offspring to other families in the village, slowly reducing the strain of hunger. You can purchase a flock of chicks for $20, a water buffalo for $250 or one of many other animals and "gift baskets" in the recipient's name knowing that somewhere in the world a family is a little more prepared to survive because of your gift. You'll receive a card or e-card to send to the recipient letting them know of the contribution in their name.
Website: http://www.tomsshoes.com/
Price Range: $34-$98
What they do: Toms Shoes makes shoes and only shoes. But, for every pair of shoes purchased, they make another pair for a child in need. It started with children in Argentina and has grown to provide hundreds of thousands of pairs of shoes to children throughout the world. They offer children's and adult styles, including some very cute vegan styles! If you're going to buy shoes for yourself or someone anyway, why not buy shoes that make a difference?
Website: http://www.worldofgood.ebay.com/
Price Range: $5-$500
What they do: World of Good is like a one-stop online marketplace for all kinds of good-conscience items. They have clothing, toiletries, toys, accessories, housewares, etc. You can search based on "Goodprint," so if you're looking specifically for animal-friendly items or items that support a specific cause, it's just a simple click away. You can also search based on category or recipient's gender.
Website: http://www.worldwildlife.org/
Price Range: $25-$1000
What they do: The World Wildlife Federation is all about conservation of the earth, its inhabitants, and its natural resources. Through the site you can purchase apparel, bags, and accessories with the WWF logo on it or you can adopt an animal at several price levels (there are over 100 species to choose from and each adoption receives a number of items pertaining to the species you adopted.) Proceeds from sales fund research, initiatives, and preservation. And you can pick the favorite animal of each person on your list!
There are hundreds of other organizations to choose from. If you have a favorite charity, why not make a donation in someone else's name as a gift? If you have a family member or friend that has battled a particular disease, it would be even more meaningful to donate to a charity set up specifically for victims and research of that disease (like the Susan G. Komen Foundation for a breast cancer survivor.)
For children, they don't usually understand the concept of getting a piece of paper with their name, a monetary amount, and a charity's name written on it. They'd feel a little jipped (I probably spelled that incorrectly!) WWW.gatortots.com has some really cute gift ideas and they specialize in American and European made items. No cheap child labor or lead paint! Woohoo!
As for other family members, I've decided to get more meaningful gifts this year. I don't want to buy more junk that's going to gather dust in the closet or be returned for something else. Or waste hours of valuable time trying to think of something they need and end up getting standard gift card anyway. I'd rather get something meaningful and that helps someone that won't be having it so easy this year. If you'd like to do the same, here is a list of my favorite sites for gifts that give back:
Website: http://www.heifer.org/
Price Range: $20-$10,000
What they do: Heifer provides training and animals to families in third world countries. The animals provide food, milk, income and offspring to other families in the village, slowly reducing the strain of hunger. You can purchase a flock of chicks for $20, a water buffalo for $250 or one of many other animals and "gift baskets" in the recipient's name knowing that somewhere in the world a family is a little more prepared to survive because of your gift. You'll receive a card or e-card to send to the recipient letting them know of the contribution in their name.
Website: http://www.tomsshoes.com/
Price Range: $34-$98
What they do: Toms Shoes makes shoes and only shoes. But, for every pair of shoes purchased, they make another pair for a child in need. It started with children in Argentina and has grown to provide hundreds of thousands of pairs of shoes to children throughout the world. They offer children's and adult styles, including some very cute vegan styles! If you're going to buy shoes for yourself or someone anyway, why not buy shoes that make a difference?
Website: http://www.worldofgood.ebay.com/
Price Range: $5-$500
What they do: World of Good is like a one-stop online marketplace for all kinds of good-conscience items. They have clothing, toiletries, toys, accessories, housewares, etc. You can search based on "Goodprint," so if you're looking specifically for animal-friendly items or items that support a specific cause, it's just a simple click away. You can also search based on category or recipient's gender.
Website: http://www.worldwildlife.org/
Price Range: $25-$1000
What they do: The World Wildlife Federation is all about conservation of the earth, its inhabitants, and its natural resources. Through the site you can purchase apparel, bags, and accessories with the WWF logo on it or you can adopt an animal at several price levels (there are over 100 species to choose from and each adoption receives a number of items pertaining to the species you adopted.) Proceeds from sales fund research, initiatives, and preservation. And you can pick the favorite animal of each person on your list!
There are hundreds of other organizations to choose from. If you have a favorite charity, why not make a donation in someone else's name as a gift? If you have a family member or friend that has battled a particular disease, it would be even more meaningful to donate to a charity set up specifically for victims and research of that disease (like the Susan G. Komen Foundation for a breast cancer survivor.)
For children, they don't usually understand the concept of getting a piece of paper with their name, a monetary amount, and a charity's name written on it. They'd feel a little jipped (I probably spelled that incorrectly!) WWW.gatortots.com has some really cute gift ideas and they specialize in American and European made items. No cheap child labor or lead paint! Woohoo!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Happy Birthday, Sergej!
Today is my darling husband's 29th birthday. It's his last birthday that he will celebrate in his twenties. Man, he's getting old! I kid, I kid. I'm well aware that we are still spring chickens!
I want to take a few minutes to just express how much I love this man. He's such a wonderful part of my life and I hope I can make his birthday today a very special day. There is nobody else I could picture spending my life with (except a select few celebrities) and I cherish almost every minute we're together. I hope to spend many more decades worth of birthdays with him.
We're not doing anything too grand. I've invited his friends over and I'll be making some finger foods and a cake, he'll be making his always-requested Russian potato salad, and we'll just spend the day talking and eating and being merry. It should be splendid! My goal is for him to do as little as possible as far as obligations go (cleaning, taking care of Anna, cooking, etc.) so I plan on drinking copious amounts of coffee!
I'm sure today will be wonderful and I'll post photos later this week of the festivities. Happy birthday, Sergej. I love you so much!
I want to take a few minutes to just express how much I love this man. He's such a wonderful part of my life and I hope I can make his birthday today a very special day. There is nobody else I could picture spending my life with (except a select few celebrities) and I cherish almost every minute we're together. I hope to spend many more decades worth of birthdays with him.
We're not doing anything too grand. I've invited his friends over and I'll be making some finger foods and a cake, he'll be making his always-requested Russian potato salad, and we'll just spend the day talking and eating and being merry. It should be splendid! My goal is for him to do as little as possible as far as obligations go (cleaning, taking care of Anna, cooking, etc.) so I plan on drinking copious amounts of coffee!
I'm sure today will be wonderful and I'll post photos later this week of the festivities. Happy birthday, Sergej. I love you so much!
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