Another tip to help Mother Earth

I'd like to send a thank you to all of those who are reading and enjoying this blog. Many of you have taken the Mother Earth topic to heart and have responded with tips of your own. One of them came from my Aunt Cindy in Virginia. Cindy buys the mismatched cloth napkins from places like Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, etc. Many of these napkins are available for $1 or less. Then, she uses them at home in place of napkins or papertowels. In addition, she packs cloth napkins into her girls' lunch boxes. The girls love it because they get to pick out their own napkin each morning. Cindy was quick to add that the amount of napkins used doesn't contribute significantly to the weekly laundry.

Hmmm . . . might have to visit Crate & Barrel or Pottery Barn tomorrow!

What is your value?

I'm really struggling today. This situation with losing my job has altered my vision of me. I used to feel productive bring home the tofu bacon (a paycheck), fry it up in a pan (cooking great meals) and never letting him forgot he's a man (smooth running household where things are at your fingertips before you even realize you needed them). Bad analogy aside, it's true; defining my personal value was based solely on what I could do for others. The concept that other people might just appreciate me for me was foreign.

Me: You mean I don't have to do/bring/make something?

Collective voice of friends and family (CVFF): Yes.

Me: Well, then I guess others will only want me around if I'm in a good mood.

CVFF: No. Mood doesn't matter.

Me: Uh-huh.

My brain is a landmine of doubts. If you are able to safely detonate one doubt, there are still a million more out there.

Back to value . . . . When I was bringing home a paycheck, I was fine. Felt like a million bucks; lose the paycheck and I began to equate my value to the change I found in the dark recesses of my purse. I was relying on external factors to determine my worth.

News flash: If you want to avoid the up and down feelings of value or worthlessness, then stop looking outside! My internal bank (supposedly) has all the money/value I need. Neither my "to do" list, nor my baking makes up my value. All I need is within me. Now, if I could just remember my internal ATM code, I might realize that value.

T minus 8 days

After waiting for over two months, it seems surreal that I'll be on a flight to Lima in eight days. People began asking me about a week ago if I've started packing. Uhhhh . . . . no. But, that does not mean I'm just sitting here waiting for February 9th. I've collected supplies (medications, band-aids, a boatload of antibacterial gel), visited my doctor (Hep A vaccine, antibiotics incase I am struck with a bout of diarrhea) and continue my Spanish lessons. Next week will be dedicated to more Spanish language practice and packing.

For my procrastinator friends (and you know who you are), you are in luck! There is still time to donate to this wonderful cause! You can donate on-line up to this Thursday, February 7th.

Please go to https://www.globalvolunteers.org/secure/donationform.cfm
You may make a one time donation in the dollar amount of your choice. After entering your name, address and credit card information, please select “This donation is made ‘In honor of’ Christa Hooper-Wood. Please be sure to type in my name.

For those who have provided financial support, emotional support or both, thank you. I am deeply touched by your generosity.

I wanted to share with y'all one of the "emotional support" gifts I received (pictured above). Similar to a touch stone, I will carry it with me daily and, as my wise girlfriend wrote, "always remember you can find your Balance for harmony and grounding." Great philosophy many of us can incorporate into our daily lives.