Giving Back to Your Community

I recently began a hunt for an organization that I could work for that is dedicated to giving back to their communities.

The economy is making lives difficult for everyone and being in a dead-end job does not help a person feel motivated, so I decided to take a different route. I had noticed one of my girl friends from college was always talking about how happy and blessed she felt doing her job.

I remembered the feeling I used to get when I was involved in fund raising for The Heifer Project. The Heifer Project is a world renowned organization that raises money to buy animals to send to underdeveloped countries. The purpose was to send an animal that would help to provide food and a source of income for a local village to build their economy on.

We would send cows, initially. Then as the program grew, bees, water buffalo and various other animals were added to the list to accommodate each regions needs.

Then I thought about all the other volunteer work I did: being a Big Sister, fund raising for Jerry's Kids...the list goes on.  I asked myself, "Why am I not involved in these things any longer?"

I had no answer. It left me feeling like I had no purpose. So I went back to my friend's facebook page and asked her. She said she had just googled urban ministries and this link to tech-missions under the Peace Corps came up. So I did the same. I found that there are several opportunities in the City of Saginaw that were right up my alley. It is a lengthy process.

I have been submitting my application to several agencies that are non-profits. I am going to keep submitting until I find something that is just right for me. I can no longer go on doing a job that serves no purpose other than to feed someones selfish desires. I can no longer go on doing a job that serves only to put money in my pocket and leaves me feeling empty.

My purpose in life is much greater than that.

For those of you who feel the same, I have compiled a list of organizations that need volunteers and employees.

• Www.GoodWill.org
• Www.SalvationArmy.com
• Www.PeaceCorps.Gov
• Www.VOA.org
• Www2.GuideStar.org

If all else fails, go to Www.Google.com and type in your location and the word "non-profit," you will find something or someone who needs your assistance. Happy hunting!!!

Find the Right Job for You

Jobs are not easy to find in today's economy but we all want to be doing something we love.

Some people like to work outdoors, in all sorts of weather. Others are great working with people. Still others enjoy working with animals. Our different skills and preferences make us qualified for different careers.

In high school we are given aptitude tests to gage what types of careers we are best suited for. Later we may find that those careers are not to our liking. So what do you do when you find that you cannot stand the career field you chose to pursue?

1. Determine what it is you all ready love doing.

2. Investigate the job online. Talk to people who have been doing it a long time.

3. Ask if you can shadow someone for a few days to see the ups and downs of it first hand.

4. Speak with a guidance counselor at your local community college or university to see
what the job market is like and where it is going. There may be changes others are not
aware of.

5. Start volunteering your time at places of interest that may be added to your resume.

Seriously Funny Stuff

I was reading on my Www.Facebook.com homepage and I saw a link to this really funny website called Www.DontEvenReply.Com .

If you are interested in a few good laughs, check this out. I was cracking up.

By the way, I missed writing an Independence Day article because I was soaking in the sun on a beach somewhere up north, so Happy Belated Fourth of July!!!

News of the Day

I am just going to say this one time because if I don't I will feel like a jerk, Michael Jackson rest in peace.

I said it. Now I can go on with my day listening to all of the radio stations playing all of the songs we used to listen to before he became a creepy old man.

Adios Amigos!!!

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

Didn't you ever hear your mother say that?

I had a discussion with my oldest daughter recently about her going through the awkward stages growing up. You know, how your nose is too big for your head or your butt is too big for your body?

I told her, "Angel, the things you think are ugly now will be your greatest features later in life. You will learn to appreciate your body for it's uniqueness."

When I was younger, I had a large nose and huge butt. Thankfully, my nose doesn't stand out quite as much and well, the butt is an asset. Hardy har har.

Recently, I came across a group that I really love, called The Suicide Girls, who do not want to look how Hollywood has depicted as beautiful, they just want to be themselves. I love you Suicide Girls. You are what we all should strive to be- proud of our own unique beauty.