April 27, 2007

Let’s help Adopt an Angel!

I know that y’all know all about the Bloggers Choice Awards (which I’m losing badly & it’s all your fault because you forgot to vote!) One of the entrants ran into a little problem, and they’re such a worthy cause that I thought maybe you would help out. ANJOS PARA ADOÇÃO (Adopt an Angel) is an animal rescue organization doing very good things in a poverty-stricken area outside of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The site is written in Portugese, but the pictures tell the story of animals rescued, nurtured and cared for, and then put into loving homes.

Adopt an Angel was nominated for a Bloggers Choice Award, but had to be disqualified. Rules stipulate that each person can only vote once for each blog in any given category. This is monitored by checking IP addresses. There was also no original conisderation given for blogs that are not in English. The entire community around Adopt an Angel was very proud of them for being nominated, and they all rallied in support. Because it’s a very poor comunity, there are few computers. Supporters flocked to a local internet cafe and a few other public computers and the vote was going really well until it was noticed that they were all coming from just a few IP addresses. The Bloggers Choice Awards committee, thinking it had detected fraud, disqualified the blog and erased it from the ballots. They were not being heartless - they were just trying to be fair to all entrants.

Now that the situation has been fully explained, Bloggers Choice has created a brand new catagory, Best Foreign Language Blog, and put Adopt an Angel back on the ballot. Still, with limited access to computers, their biggest fans can’t vote. That’s where we come in, my friends! It will only take you a brief moment to help restore this communy’s pride. Since they can’t vote, we need to do it for them. You’ll have to register for the site in order to vote, but that only takes a moment, I promise, and it’s a secure site that will protect your information. Once you’ve done that, vote for Adopt an Angel. Here’s their badge:

Remember, one vote per IP address! Do this good thing, please? Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much!)

Technorati Tags: animal rescue, Sao Paulo, Blogger’s Choice Awards, blog awards

April 26, 2007

Clutter update

Not much to report, really. I’ve made some progress, though, courtesy of the mouse invasion. I no longer have an over-abundance of scented soaps and candles and have managed to resist the urge to relace the ruined ones that I tossed out. The pantry has a lot more room since I was forced to throw away fully half of the food that was in there. I haven’t done a total restock of staple items yet because I haven’t replaced the destroyed Tupperware containers that didn’t deter the mice. Hope springs eternal, so I’m sure that the replacement containers will do their job next time I’m overrun with beasties. Quite a few kitchen linens have been demoted to lesser duties like car washing and are out in the shed. A few (not nearly enough!) books have been distributed to other readers.

The office remains my biggest problem area. Files are stacked haphazardly on top of the file cabinets and work table. Junk mail is mixed with bills and payments. Books I’ve used for research lately are crammed into the corner of the computer hutch. I’m beginning to think that I need to hire one of those heartess organizing companies that comes in and gets things in order. You know, the ones that throw away all of the crappola that’s smothering me but I can’t seem to let go of? Yeah, those people. Not becuase I can’t do things for myself, but because I don’t. Maybe they could also install some consolidation software to get my business applictions and files more organized in my computer, too.

Had I gotten rid of the old phones when I last updated? Can’t remember if I mentioned it here or not, but I filled a large box with phones, caller ID boxes, an old answering machine and various cords and cables. That went to United Cerebral Palsy last time they picked up. I also gave them my excess bed linens. I live alone and rarely have houseguests. Why in the world did I have two hall closet shelves filled with sheets and pillowcases, in addition to the ones in my own closet and the one in the guest room?

Actually, seeing it all like this I have made considerable progress. Hold on while I pat myslef on the back. {brief pause} Still a lot to do, but I’m getting there, a little at a time. My son still has not come for his visit. I know I’ll get scads doen in the days leading up to that. Can’t have him being too ashamed of his old mom’s housekeeping, can we?

[tags]clutter, disorganization, organization, mice, United Cerebral Palsy, charity

April 4, 2007

Clutter update

United Cerebral Palsy is coming tomorrow! I’m hoping that the stuff I put outside for them won’t be stolen before they arrive this time. I’ve got a box full of phones that have been accumulating for years as I’m constantly upgrading for more features. I’ve cleaned out my closet and dresser again and have a box full of clothes with a few bed linens thrown in. I’m debating about my old HP Officejet. It works fine printing pages directly from the computer, but won’t scan anymore from the machine itself. I’m thinking about putting a note on the glass so that anyone considering buying it would know that they are getting limited function. I also have unopened print cartiridges that I can’t use becasue the new HP uses different ones. Too expensive to throw away, but no use to me at all. Might have time to go through some cabinets later today and add a few kitchen gadgets to the mix, too. I already have two large boxes, but, in this case, more is better!

Technorati Tags: clutter, United Cerebral Palsy, charity

March 9, 2007

International Women’s Day

Sure, it’s a grand day to pat ourselves on the back. We have indeed come a long way, baby! I’ve run into a few young women in pest control in the last few years who thanked me for helping pave the way. The truth is that others came before me and opened those doors. I salute those women, and the men who were insightful enough to see that we had a great deal to offer. Remember, back in those days we didn’t have the law on our side; no one had to hire us for non-traditional employment. But, yeah, I’ve paid my dues and taken my licks, especially in the early days when many thought that I should have been home tending the kitchen and making babies. I didn’t get into pest control to make a statement or batter down the barriers. I did it to make a living. Living with my folks, working two traditional pink collar jobs (three when I could squeeze in more hours) and trying to support my son was not getting me anywhere. Taking a non-traditional job allowed me to make a home of our own for myself and my son, and to spend time with him instead of sleeping the few hours that I didn’t work each day. So I salute those pioneers, the bra-burners and crowd-gatherers and noise-makers for showing me how, and I’ll give myself a “well done!” for following. It took guts for me to seize the opportunity. For the first few years I was the only woman I knew in our industry who wasn’t a secretary or the office manager/wife of an owner. It didn’t feel courageous at the time. It felt scary and neccessary. So assign me my small role in history. Today there is a whole generation of women in the work place who have the law on their side saying that they can do anything they are capable of doing. I’m proud of that. Everyone who had a part in it should be!

There’s much more to International Women’s Day than toasting our own achievements, though. Today is a good day to look around at the inequities that still exist. Women and children are still living in poverty and even starving to death in many places in the world because they don’t have the means to help themselves. Sexual exploitation of women and children is still an acceptable norm in many countries. Good, moral women work in the sex trade because their only other alternative is to watch their babies starve. Genital mutilation is still sanctioned by societies that may have outlawed it, but still really believe that it’s the right thing to do. It’s illegal for some young girls to learn to read!

I believe our freedom comes with an obligation. Someone else opened doors for me. Now it’s my turn to pay it forward. I hope you feel the same way. Each individual can make a small difference. Banded together we can change the world. Today I’m buying a goat. That one goat can lift a family out of poverty. World Vision is just one of many resource centers available to those who want to support women and children in ways that can make a difference and impact future generations. I hope you’ll consider taking part, too. Today is a good day to express our gratitude in tangible ways.

Mahalo nui loa to Lady Gothic, who reminded me to look at my calendar!

Technorati Tags: women, equality, International Women’s Day, World Vision

February 14, 2007

Robinhood Fund

I have several friends who have made wishes lately at Robinhood Fund. One wanted to take his wife, toddler son and newborn daughter to Hawaii to visit old friends. Another had unexpected medical expenses. Both of those wishes were granted, though neither got a great deal of money. Robinhood Fund is a community-based wish-granting website. People post their wishes - naughty or nice - and other community members vote for those they deem worthy of the prize. The contributed funds are distributed among all winners for each voting period. If a lot of funds are received and few wishes approved, the recipients get a higher amount. When numerous wishes are granted or funds are lower, the winners get less. Gifts that are less altruistic are deemed naughty, but they’re not necessarily for bad things. Someone might want a camera “just because,” or a sexy pair of shoes. More worthwhile wishes are deemed nice, and some are for small things that are desperately needed. A hundred dollars to get the lights turned back on, contribution towards the expenses of taking care of an invalid or shirts for an underfunded children’s sports program would fall into this catagory.

The unique thing about Robinhood Fund is that it’s community driven. There’s no board of directors making harsh decisions or CEO raking funds off of the top. Their mission is defined thusly: “The Robinhood Fund is committed to fulfilling as many everyday wishes for as many everyday people as possible. We strive to create an egalitarian environment where anyone can submit a wish, promote it to the world, and have their dreams fulfilled through the wisdom of crowds.”

Worth a look-see, dont you think? Maybe you have a wish you’d like to bring before the community, for yourself or someone else. Perhaps there’s a decadent indulgence you’d enjoy if you just had the money. Check out Robinhood Fund, where dreams really do come true. Vote for a few wishes. Post one of your own. Send them a few bucks if you decide, as I have, that this is a pretty good thing. It gets my vote for very cool!

January 28, 2007

Keeping your pets safe

A couple of months ago one of my dogs ate a whole bottle of antacid tablets. We love our pets and try so hard to take good care of them, but stupid things happen. Today I was surfing around and landed on the ASPCA site, which I remember visiting when I was trying to find out if Tums are poison to dogs. The first thing I found today was an article about how dangerous potpourri can be. Who knew? Who thinks about these things? I’ve got little pots of the dried stuff sitting in every room in the house. I have several of the little potpourrri burners that are mentioned in the article and I use them frequently. I need to patrol my house yet again and make sure I’m not putting the furkids in danger.

As I was reading about how dangerous it is to make my house smell nice I noticed what appeared to be a flash game. I was killing time while waiting for the laundry to finish & I’m all about games, so of course I checked it out after I finished reading. I wouldn’t exactly call it a game, but it’s a very nice flash presentation about dangerous or poisonous substances that many of us have in our homes. Look for the little pup image above while you’re still on the potpourri page & take a tour of your home.

Oh, and one more thing while you’re there. You’ll see a donation icon. You’re an animal lover right? Worthy cause? You bet. You know what to do!

January 26, 2007

Fundraisers

Have you ever had to help put together a fundraiser? I was “volunteered” to do it several times when my son was young. Little League uniforms and equipment don’t come cheap, and schools have ligitimate needs that aren’t always figured into the budget. It’s a fun thing to do, but it can be a real headache finding just the right project. Next time you’re called on, check out the charity fundraising tips on this site. You’ll find lots of interesting and easy-to-promote items, and a great prize program to get the kids motivated.

Make sure you check out their unusual options, from window clings to scratch cards to healthy snacks and more. Candy, scented candles and cookies practically sell themselves, and you’ll find them here. Keep FundRaising.com in mind and make them your first stop next time you need to organize a charity fundraiser. They sponsored this post so you’d know where to turn.

January 11, 2007

Playing catch-up

I haven’t blogged about the clutter problems in a while because it would be too embarrassing to say how little I had been doing. I’ve been working on it the last few days. I won’t claim to have made up for lost time. Years upon years of slothful behavior can not be wiped away in mere days. However:

The guest room is clean. That nice queen-sized bed is such a convenient place to pile stuff that I’ve bought “for later.” Also a wonderful place to spread things out when wrapping gifts. We’re not talking Christmas here, folks. There was gift wrap I used last summer on that bed. The gift wrap and clutter have been put in their proper places. BONUS: I have scissors! I have tape!

Need to strip the bed & launder the linens in the next few days so it will be fresh and ready in case I ever get guests.

My office is not clean, but:
All reports are in properly labeled folders.
The reports were properly date-ordered and entered into the books.
The reports then properly alpha-ordered for filing.
Filing is still months behind.
All invoices and check receipts for the last month or so were then put into the books and filed away.
New checks opened, entered into accounts and collections.
New checks stamped, added up on deposit slip and ready to deposit.
Supplies for accomplishig all of the above are properly in their place so I don’t have to search under and around months of back-filing to find the stapler & the check-endorsement stamp next time.

Okay, even listed item by item it doesn’t sound like much, but you should have seen how disorganized my office was. Actually, I’m glad you didn’t! I’ll try to finish up in here tomorrow, then will have two rooms (guest & office) completely clutter-free. That would be a good thing!

January 10, 2007

Legally blogged

I’ve seen a lot of talk lately in the blogsphere about the legal rights of bloggers. We may (or may not) think of our blogs as a journal wherein we talk to our friends and others who happen to wander by. The fact is that we are publishers and anyone can see what we write. Some people may take offense, whether because we’ve stepped on their own toes or because they believe we’ve somehow caused public harm by what we’ve written. Bloggers have been known to innocently place protected material on their blogs. We can get sued for that, you know. Some bloggers blatantly steal writing and images and claim them for their own. What are you supposed to do if someone else is taking credit for your work? All of these scenarios can cause us headaches, and may end up getting us dragged into court.

Someone recently gave me a link to a site that helps us sort this out. If I could remember who that was I’d thank them by name, but I’ve forgotten now. Please don’t sue me! The Electronic Frontier Foundation outlines bloggers’ rights and liabilities. Every blogger should study the site, then add it to their blogroll or bookmarks for easy access. They do not claim to give legal advice for specific cases, but provide guidlines that could keep you out of a sticky situation. I’ve only read a small amount of the material that EFF makes available and have already learned some very useful information. Check them out. Think about joining them. Send them a check! They’re doing a good thing for all of us!

January 14, 2007 - Update! This post has been linked to the Postie Carnival. Check it out!

December 19, 2006

Support a good cause

**********This in NOT a sponsored post.**********

See that Crohn’s Forum Book Store notation in my sidebar? It’s not a paid ad. I put it there because it supports a cause I believe in. A portion of every purchase from the book store goes to support research through the Crohns’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada. Any profit remaining supports the Crohn’s Forum. It’s a safe and friendly gathering place for folks with bowel disease to talk to others who share similar conditions.

Bowel diseases impact every area of ones life. The diseases themselves can be incredibly painful, and many sufferers have to endure multiple surgeries to find any comfort at all. The medications that help the most also carry serious side effects, both physical and emotional. Many people with bowel diseases suffer from depression, brought on or exacerbated by the steroids and other drugs they need to take to combat inflamed bowels. The diseases can interfere with business, school and social life, leading to stress and further depression. We spend our days trying to find the right balance of safe foods and physical activity to avoid pain, flares and embarrassing accidents. We pass by the tempting party platters at holiday gatherings or just don’t go at all. We scope out each new establishment to see if they are appropriately set up to accomodate the mad dash we sometimes have to make towards the restroom. Most of us carry spare clothes and a clean-up kit with us everywhere we go because, well, accidents happen. On top of feeling sick most of the time, we have a condition that is socially embarrassing and eats away at ones self-esteem. Family and friends can be great support, but if they aren’t fellow-sufferers they most often have no understanding of just how huge the impact of bowel desease is on our lives. That’s why the Crohn’s Disease Forum and other support groups are so important in our lives. We know that we can go there and vent about all of the stuff that most of you don’t want to hear and wouldn’t understand if you did.

The Crohn’s Forum Book Store is an Amazon Affiliate. There’s a wonderful selection of books especially for folks with Crohn’s and other bowel diseases, but you’ll also find a variety of computer and video games, DVDs, music, toys and games available. I hope you’ll consider doing a little of your last-minute shopping there.