I went to his website specifically to find out if he was okay.

The most fabulous gift I received this year was a donation to Heiffer.org in my name. A wee goat. I think giving to the charity of one's choice is a tremendously selfless act of love. I am my brother's keeper.

There's just something about seeing Leonardo DiCaprio telling me to give money that leaves me cold. Once the Sandra Bullocks of the world are giving millions, my paltry ten bucks isn't needed in that direction.

I know. I'm sour. I'm not about the validation for my sour, was just feeling overwhelmed.

I feel the same way about Doctors Without Borders.

I like them as well, Steph. Adore Heiffer. There's something about them in that their mission isn't just to feed but to give people the thing they need to become self-reliant that moves me so. I love that entire concept.

their mission isn't just to feed but to give people the thing they need to become self-reliant that moves me so. I love that entire concept.

In Judaism there are "levels" of charity (for example, it's better to give somebody without them knowing who it was who made the donation). What you just described is considered the highest level possible - not just helping a person momentarily, but giving them means for helping themselves (and later, possibly even others) in the future, and without hurting any sense of value - the opposite, if anything.

I have no idea what's the conversation about. I just poked my head before going home to (yay) continue working on my exercise, but in the very educational presence of some hot chocolate milk.

Oh dear. Are you in KC, Mr. Broom?

I'm finding myself increasingly skeptical and/or cynical about many things, so I understand your point of view, Allyson. I also find myself wondering about hurricane recovery in poverty stricken areas. Are they doing okay, or have they just been forgotten?

Mmmm, chocolate milk.

I gave to Save The Children and Doctors Without Borders, because they were there. I've also given to the Grameen Foundation, who does micro-lending in underdeveloped nations. Rather like Heifer, but without the livestock. Well, and they have to repay the loan. But it's all about developing self-sufficiency.

I'm in Lawrence, aurelia. While the streets don't get as thorough or immediate attention as they do out your way, I live on one of the brick-paved ones, which maintain traction under the slickest of conditions. That's good. Of course, I can't get into my car. That's bad. Not that I need to leave my house at all today. That's... okay.

Ah, I thought you were in that general area, Mr. Broom. I may need to check in with the family. I'm back in Chicago where we are getting snow instead of ice.

I'd lay good odds on them being fine. Visibility's normal and nothing's falling right now. Just that every available surface is encrusted with ice and the trees aren't enjoying it. That and the damn cold.

Funny how that 'leaving after 8 hours thing' didn't exactly work out as planned. However, if I wake up feeling like this tomorrow, I stay home and watch DVDs.

Now, if my car and I can just get home in one piece...

Weather, weather, go away...