Starting 2008 off right

Hey everyone! I'm baaaaaaaaack.

I have had NO time this past Xmas break to even breathe, let alone sit in front of the computer for the amount of time it would take to read all the wonderful blogs of my friends, and to write a year end review. It's just been too freaking busy around this place. And tomorrow, I head back to work (yeah - enthusiasm abounds XP).

But one thing that I was able to do this past break was to see my "nieces" (well, they're my sister in law's nieces, but we're all just one big family and I love them like they're my own).

Ali is going to be eleven, and she's in grade six. On a PA day last month, she went to work with her dad. Her father stopped to greet one of Toronto's many "displaced persons", and he called him by name. They chatted in Italian for a few minutes, and her dad handed the man a coffee. As they were walking away, Ali said "Dad, that blue blanket was ours." Her father responded "That's right honey. I gave it to him a couple of weeks ago."

This spurned Ali into action. She left the downtown core that day in tears, but with a determined resolve to help those less fortunate. With her own money, she started bringing food to the people living on the streets downtown. She would wait for her father to go to bed at night and search the cushions on the couch to see what change she could add to her "budget". Her dad brought her and three friends down one weekend, and they distributed sandwiches and blankets to those that needed. When their neighbours and the parents co-workers heard of this, they began donating money.

With $150, the kids budgeted and bought hats, mitts, scarves, basic essentials and food for the hungry. They made packs, and when a worker at Canadian Linen Services heard about their mission, he went on Facebook and challenged everyone who read his profile to come up with a donation. Then they donated the truck to bring the supplies downtown.

Ali's father is documenting this - they call themselves Angels of Mercy and it is truly inspiring. Please watch.




Ali has brought many a tear to my eye with her mission, and as part of my new year - new me project, I will be going with them on their missions, and I will be issuing a challenge to my co-workers and friends to do the same.

I know that we all have financial difficulties and a lot of my "readers" (ok friends :P) are active within their own communities. But if you're not, or if you haven't been but intend to, please follow their example. They are indeed the future, and they will show us the way.

I hope all my wonderful friends have had a fabulous and safe Christmas season with their loved ones.

May 2008 bring you all the happiness and health you deserve.

I LOVE YOU GUYS.


Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.