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Sunday, March 13, 2011

Saving the Day

What if you were a superhero?  What would your power be?  Would you fly like Shazam or be invisible like the Invisible Woman? Would you control ice like the Iceman or fire like the Human Torch?
Truth is most of us would choose something that would benefit ourselves.  Sadly, I think we would far more likely use our stretching powers to grab a soda from the fridge without leaving the couch, rather than patrol the city looking to capture Captain Bedbug.
Still there is a chance to be a hero, to make a difference in the world.  As you know Japan has suffered a terrible earthquake and subsequent tsunami.  On Friday the numbers of victims numbered in the dozens, then hundreds.  By Saturday the numbers were counted in the thousands and as I write this on Sunday evening, the victims have been projected to be in the tens of thousands.  Without power, without heat, without fresh drinking water and without hope.  We can change that.  We can make a difference.
Below are the links and numbers of some international relief agencies.  If you can't donate money, please see if you can donate time or blankets.
Your super power can be caring for your fellow human beings.

To Help Online
American Red Cross
Apple iTunes
International Medical Corps' Emergency Response Fund
The Salvation Army
GlobalGiving's Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund
To Help From Your Phone
Donations to the American Red Cross can be made from your phone by texting "REDCROSS" to 90999 for $10.  The donation will be included as part of your cellular phone bill.
By Mail
Check donations for The Salvation Army's Japan efforts must be marked "Japan earthquake relief" and sent to:
The Salvation Army
P.O. Box 1959
Atlanta, GA
30301-0959

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Seasons Change

I didn't need my jacket today, a reminder that Spring is on its way and the crisp days of winter will soon pass into a hazy memory.  While I'm not a fan of the holidays, I like the winter months; granted I don't have to deal with the harsh snow and biting cold as do those who live on the other side of the map but there's a comfort in brisk weather.  Hot coffee tastes better, the world seems slightly cleaner, your home is more inviting and if you're a few pounds heavier, no one notices under the layers of clothes.  And of course there's flannel.
When in stressful times I like to walk.  Just get out and breathe.  I've had better weeks than this one and that's about as kind of a description as I'm willing to offer. The sooner it's done, the better. Musing on how much I dislike the many changes in life, I looked down and discovered a budding Snowdrop flower.  Just a hint of new life bursting forth.







Apology accepted.
Thank you for taking the time to read.
Note:  Donations for our dear friend TrekJen are still being accepted.  If you're a follower of my blog, you know TrekJen lost her home and all of her belongings to a fire last month.  You can see her progress and how your generous donations are being put to work in building a new life at http://starfleetmomstrek.blogspot.com/
A new life and a new day.  Just like the Snowdrop.