2 cents and Black Friday

"Through this endeavor, Shaich has proven that humanity is good – that when you trust in people, they won’t disappoint. " - Source

Today, I saw an expose on Panera Cares. You'll have to click on the link to find out the details.

Basically, it's a "pay-what-you-can" cafe.

During the same news cast, there were reports of shootings out front of several Walmarts, stampeding, beatings, and pepper spraying all connected to Black Friday.

Now, I'm all about getting a good deal. But even stronger than my urge to stay debt free during Christmas time, is my understanding that, for many, "the holidays" are just another day to be cold, hungry, and homeless. With Black Friday being a HUGE success this year, I'm saddened to think of the number of people who will wait in line at 3pm on Thanksgiving for a television, will refuse to put change or $1 in the Salvation Army tin.

Ever wonder how many people could be fed if EVERY BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPER put $.01 into a charity to feed people? I don't think anyone would be homeless.

So this year, my family has decided to give back. Sure, we'll have something to unwrap, but we're far more focused on what we can give back, rather than what we can shop for. This year, my folks decided to adopt a military family. I couldn't be more proud of my parents. In fact, if anyone reading this wants to get me a gift, get me this: Donate to a local charity. I don't just mean money. I mean time, food, toys, whatever you can.

Santa - I heard your challenge loud and clear this year.

DO SOMETHING.
So, leave your comments and tell me what you will do.
(Looking for some ideas? Click here.)

13 til 30

Fear: I guess I'm out of fear right now. I've been blessed with some peace and grace this new year. Things will be what they will be. My job is just to do my best.

Gratitude: For the sanity good counsel always brings!

Inspirational Person(People) of the Day:

TheManInBlack

I first met TheManInBlack in 2006, during a local theater production of Guys and Dolls. I was in the cast, and he was in the crew. Being a crew for a community theater production is a thankless job, and at the time, he scared the daylights out of me and I wanted nothing to do with him. But I later learned that the tough demeanor is really just a defense mechanism. Afterall, you can keep most people at bay with it, and only flash a smile to those you want in your life. (At least that's my theory. He swears it's just a hard rock style. Since I'm not a fashionista- what do I know!)

Anyway, spending time with him and his family has given me an tiny peek at a different way of family life. The cultural difference between the way families work is always facinating and heartwarming to see. It's also let me see just how tough being a single parent can be - especially of three kids! All from his previous marriage, and all pretty well adjusted nearly-teenagers now (though the oldest will be 16 later this month).

I've admired the way he usually finds an equitably solution when issues arise, and isn't afraid to be a "parent", rather than a "friend". That doesn't necessarily mean a disciplinarian 24/7. It means listening with an open heart, understand, and retaining that authority necessary to guide impressionable minds into a place where they can truly consider their actions (and the consquences of them).
I also admire how he's tied with almost visible heart strings to his kids. No woman could ever hope to have a bond as strong - but then again, parents and children are a dynamic that I can only relate to from my limited, unmarried with a furkid, perspective. I have the upmost respect for single parents now - perhaps a deeper one than ever before. I understand that they are on the most difficult road possible - but also one that has room for lots of rewards as well. I've been able to bear witness to many touching moments between the gang all together, and I know they will all plunge into the future as a strong family.

(Bottom - Clydas. On cooler - Me. Left to right - TheManInBlack, JMArabians, and LiketoAct.)

A Holiday Challenge for Bloggers and Readers!

Christmas is nearly upon us and I'm not quite set with any sort of wish list. The things I want most this year can't magically appear under any tree.

But since we're all a little strapped this year, I realized that this is the perfect year for a challenge that bloggers and readers can cash in on!

Every community does something special for the holidays. My community of Escondido had an Art Walk last weekend, a lighting ceremony of our downtown area, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a small red mail box where kids can drop off letters to Santa (and receive replies). While I checked out the Art Walk, it was raining and that put a damper (like that pun?) on the other activities.

So here's the challenge -
Find an event in your community, or a community near you that is free or under $15. Participate!

Watching another small city's Christmast Parade may not sound thrilling, but you might be surprised at some of the memories you'll make by expanding your mind a bit. In 2007, I took a road trip up to Solvang, California (a little Dutch community nestled in the hills of California) and watched their small town Christmas parade. Ya know what? It was really fun, cute, and an unexpected highlight of that trip.

So check out something new, blog, or post a comment about what you did, where it was, and all tha jazz. Photos are highly recommended! I have plans myself, but you'll have to wait and see what I end up doing.