Two weekends ago I had the opportunity to volunteer at Crossroads Thanksgiving Food Drive. I truly enjoy volunteering and feel such a rush knowing that I’m part of something bigger than myself and the compartmentalized little world I live in. It reminds me that no matter what’s going on in my life that I am truly blessed. It’s actually really humbling and in a good way. I’ve never gone a Thanksgiving or Christmas without food on my table, gifts to unwrap, and my friends or family around me. I can’t even imagine the alternative. And that’s one reason I try to put myself out there during the holidays, trying to make even one person’s holiday a little happier. Sometimes I get so disgruntled with shopping, budgeting, and dealing with people who seem to just act wretched during this time of year. So these opportunities to serve others bring me back to the reason why I like the holidays. This Thanksgiving, Crossroads Thanksgiving Food Drive delivered 5000 boxes to other churches and charities in Cincinnati, as well as to folks in Mamelodi, South Africa… that’s about 66,000 meals. AMAZING! In the words of the Grinch, it makes my heart grow three times it size to know that I was a small part of that. Here’s a clip from WLWT News 5…check it out. And here are a few snapshots I took… 
Crossroads TFD!!! November 27, 2007
my new favorite thing… November 20, 2007
Well, to clean with anyway. These little guys kick all kinds of arse.
how are you? November 15, 2007
“How are you?” It’s a simple question… well, most of the time. But do people really mean it? Now don’t get me wrong… I know that some do, especially those who truly care about your well-being. But for the most part, it’s just an extension of “hello.” Most of the time, it’s just like that line in Fight Club… about how people don’t really listen , they just wait for their turn to talk. I’ve really started to notice this lately. I’ve been going through a rought spot emotionally. And I’ve noticed one of two things… a) people want to tell me how much worse things are for them (or for someone else that they know)… or b) people want to tell me their opinion about the situation and dispense advice on what they think I should do. I think I’ve heard it all the past few weeks… everything from play the game to I should go to counseling. I’m sure people mean well. But enough is enough. I don’t really need all that. The friends that know me best… are just listening… and that’s exactly what I need right now.
