Philanthropic Thursday v.1

I have an amazing job that allows me to work with charitable organizations. I get to learn more about them, while registering them with the various states in which they solicit contributions. Since I have this privilege, I felt it necessary to spotlight some of my favorite charities- clients or not.

Thus, Philanthropic Thursday was born! I will start highlighting a charity of my choice every Thursday. I will let you know the background of the charity (mission statement, programs, locations, etc.) as well as where/how/WHY to donate to this charity.

We've all seen those heart-breaking commercials set to Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" where photo after photo of adorable cats and dogs are shown, who have been affected by neglect, abuse, or abandonment are displayed. Every time I see that commercial I cry. So, justly, I decided to start out the series with my favorite charity, The Humane Society of the United States of America.


The Humane Society aims at confronting animal cruelty, neglect and exploitation through "advocating for sensible public policies, investigating cruelty and working to enforce existing laws, educating the public about animal issues, joining with corporations on behalf of animal-friendly policies, and conducting hands-on programs."

The organization is more well-known for its efforts to improve the lives of household pets (dogs, cats, etc), however, they also support wildlife and conservation efforts.

They are a nationwide organization with many chapters around the country. Most of the chapters offer services that we can all use: adoption, animal abuse reporting, and education. Since they are a not-for-profit organization, they need support from citizens like us to continue in their efforts.

The HSUS is awesome. I admire any organization that fights for the rights of animals, since they can't fight for themselves.

You can donate to this lovely organization here: Donate to the HSUS. Make a difference for a homeless dog from the Tennessee floods, a helpless sea turtle affected by the oil spill, or an adorable fox who doesn't want their fur used for some one's wardrobe.

Currently Listening To: All Time Quarterback - Empire State

Information (including photos) found via The Humane Society of the United States' website.

Currently Reading

I am reading "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society," and loving it.
It's a book written in the form of correspondences between the main character (Juliet) and friends, etc. It's such a different type of story telling. While I'm not sure if the female authors were the first to do this (but I'm sure there have been others) I just love it and find it so creative!
It's also (so far) a very charming story about life going on after WW2.

Melancholy Day

Today and Father's Day are probably the most nostalgic and melancholy days of the year for me.

May 20th is my dad's birthday, with whom I have no contact. I know this is my choice, and that I can pick up the phone, or drive the (about) one mile to the place that he lives with the newest girlfriend and her two (I think?) children. I could spend time with him, going out to eat, laughing, spending money, etc. I could go on trips to Rocky Point, California, and wherever else he feels like. I could pretend that the everything's awesome and move-on, live and let live, but I can't. I've never been much of an actor. I've never been able to accept the relationship (or lack thereof) that I have with this man. I've never been able to accept and come-to-terms with the fact that I have NO relationship with him.

It's sad, I know. I feel like a bitter person when I talk about it. But I've become comfortably numb with this relationship. I've accepted that I will never have the father/daughter relationship that I've so longed for these 22 years.

This arrangement just works best for my psyche and sanity. It's almost like I would prefer the memories that I have with him than be disappointed with the reality. So until things change, I'll feel the same, every May 20th/ Father's Day. But hey, that's life!

Woo! I feel better just having written that all down. Until next time, keep it real!

Currently Listening To: Copeland - To Be Happy Now

Weekend, you've finally arrived!

Tonight, we're going to see Where the Wild Things Are in the park. I've wanted to see this movie for so long! Very exciting.

Lately

The past week has consisted of:

Seeing Alexisonfire at The Nile. I just love these guys so much, they are such a great band. Their shows are always a lot of fun.

THE SOPRANOS. Raf and I seriously can't get enough of this show. We're only on Season 2. But we're obsessed!


Yard sale. Cleaning out garage: success!

LOTS o' cleaning. Lots & lots. Gotta love it!

We are loving that the weather is nice in AZ, and are therefore taking full advantage of it in the form of daily bike rides! Yesterday we rode to Big Lots, where I purchased two throw pillows that I really, really like!

Cooking (almost) every night! I'm so proud. *tear*

& Taking full advantage of our lovely record player. We went too long neglecting it. But we've been using it daily! Love it.

Currently Listening to: Lovedrug - Bleed Together

Hormonal & Politics

Post-baby life has left me more emotionally-sensitive than ever before. Being a Pisces, I've always been pretty emotional (or so I'm told). But these post-pregnancy hormones are kicking my butt. I tend to break into tears at things that would formerly just make me sad. Like all of the oil spill news. I keep thinking about those poor animals in the Wildlife Reserves and the ocean suffering, and it just brings me to hysterical tears.

I think my husband might have had his fill of dramatic sob-sessions for the rest of our lives. But hey, that's life! I guess I'll just chalk-it-up to being more in-tune with my emotions, ha!

Also, and I don't mean to get too political, but this AZ SB1070 s0-called ban on Illegal Immigration business is just bringing me down like crazy. While I am an American citizen who was born here, I just feel so defeated. I am still a Colombian/Mexican American. My father came here when he was 17 from Bogota for a better education/life. That's why people come here- legally or illegally, for a better life. When it comes down to it, these people are HUMAN BEINGS. Not bottom-dollars, not obligations on the "tax payer," not free-loaders. Maybe it's time we treat them as such. Maybe it's time they attack the real problem: the drug dealers and murderers who prey on the innocent immigrants.

In other news, it's practically summer time in Arizona. It's supposed to hit 97 today, yuck.

Here's to wishing I were here for the rest of the dreaded summer:

Stay-at-home Mommy

As Diella gets older (she's ten months now!), I feel more and more pressure to be home with her. I've been meeting a lot of women around my age who stay at home with their babies. I am green with envy! I've got a great job that I love, I know I can't complain. But I would trade it all for the opportunity to stay at home with D.



I love my little ladybug.

Who wouldn't want to spend all day with these beautiful eyes!?

Currently Listening to: Anberlin - Cadence