Habitat for Humanity

Wow. Yesterday was a very big day for me. It began with a Habitat for Humanity breakfast/banquet fundraising event at 7am. My employer was the head sponsor of the event and we were seated in the front of the room right next to the stage! I had to be on my best behavior, use my best manners while, at the same time, carry on conversation with the VIP's. There were some very sad stories told by families -who were and some who are-desperate for a roof over their heads. Their stories were so moving, I had to remember to take deep breaths and relax when I really just wanted to cry my eyes out!

One of the speakers mentioned the fact that Habitat for Humanity is a "Permanent" solution for families in need, not just a "Band-Aid". This really got me thinking. What is better, a permanent fix for a few people or a temporary remedy for many people? My first answer is that a little (or a lot of course) of both is a good thing. I'm going to keep this in mind as I sign up to volunteer and donate time & money to different causes. Which ones are for permanent solutions and which ones are temporary? And by temporary, I'm talking a few hours. For example, serving dinner to homeless and hungry citizens is only a "few hour fix". Hmmmm...

A few hours later, it was time to donate blood. Now this was an ordeal. I had 3 needle pricks in me, a giant swollen bruise on one arm covered in ice, blood moving ever-so-slowly from the other arm, I'm lying down with my legs at an incline on a plastic lawn chair, and a nurse who is sweating like crazy because he's so concerned with what's happening.

"Just let me know when you want to call it quits." He kept saying. "I've gone this far, (1.5 hrs) so I'm not giving up now." I replied. People came and went as I laid there thinking about the speech I was about to be late for. I think that's what got me through the whole thing. I had something else that I was far more anxious about- public speaking. Yikes!

So, it was 2 hours later and we finished successfully. I say "we" because the nurse and I had become a team by that point. I don't know who was happier at the end, the nurse or myself? I actually think he might have been!

I then had about 10 minutes to get ready for class where I was to give a presentation in front of almost 20 people. Let me tell you- public speaking is my biggest fear. The only thing I could think of that would be worse is probably....umm.....public singing. Yep. Public singing would be horrific. And that I have never even attempted, nor do I ever dare dream (or nightmare) of doing.

The speech went ok though and I spoke of my 2 passions- helping others and writing. I spoke about starting this blog and how it is already improving my daily life and overall outlook in general. And man was I glad it was over.

Today was not so adventurous. I think I'm still recovering from yesterday, so I'll keep this brief. The only really nice thing I did today was give my co-worker a compliment card to acknowledge her for the help she gave me on a difficult project and all the questions she answered. Thanks again M.!

Peace :)