Start small

Since I may have scared off a few readers by asking them to become organ donors (but c'mon folks, don't let them go to waste :), I'll also suggest a few ideas to start small.

I've convinced the hubby (isn't he great??) to join me this week in making a blood donation through the American Red Cross who holds blood drives every week in your backyard www.givelife.org, even though he admits it is not his favorite thing. But here's the deal, as it turns out it is also not my favorite thing to be poked by a needle, but I'm sure that sentiment is also shared by a 2-yr-old at our church whose parents shared a story yesterday of his blood disease and the transfusions that he needs every 6 weeks just to get by. It breaks their heart to watch their little boy and all the other families they meet at the hospital go through the process over and over, and yet they can't even give themselves in case he needs a bone marrow transplant. I do love you my friends - but get over it. No excuses. Please?!!?

For better reading than my whiny/tough love, see the top 10 reasons to give http://www.givelife2.org/donor/top10.asp, and the top 10 excuses http://www.givelife2.org/donor/top10excuses.asp.

Another coolio idea that I recently discovered, an organization called Paper to Pearls www.papertopearls.org that benefits women in Uganda and helps them better their lives through jewelry-making. Seriously, I get to make a difference in someone's live and get a fantastic handmade new necklace to boot? Somebody pinch me. So if you're due to get a present from me this year, guess what it will be?? :)