Letters to Someone

Dear Big Title with No Brains ~

Yes, that is a nifty idea.  It WOULD be great to be able to have your guests register for the Conference online so you don't have to keep a list of RSVPs.  My team likes it so much we do it for everything.  However, YOU didn't have a business plan and didn't get any money for your event until last month.  Yeah, that sort of makes it hard for us to roll you into our technology that's been live for 10 MONTHES!!!  So.  I'll keep doing what I do, quite well, and you keep that spreadsheet updated.  We'll even get ya a table and chairs to check people in when they get there.  Do you need to borrow a highlighter and a sharpie?  I'll see what I can do.

Happy Data Entry to You,

Miss Not Accepting Suggestions Until You're Organized
Dear Lady in the Jeep Liberty ~

It's been days since our encounter, but I can't quite get over you.  That's uncommon for me.  I am willing to believe that maybe you don't know that California law requires you to yield to pedestrians.  Maybe you haven't been to traffic school in the last 100 years or so.  Fine.  But let's drill down to basic human decency. Causing a woman and her young child to stop in the crosswalk in the driving rain because you're too effing rude to stop is just wrong. W.R.O.N.G.  You are oh so lucky that I make an effort to control myself in the presence of my children.  Otherwise you may have had an umbrella through the windshield.  Did you see Britney lose it a few years ago?  Yeah, that could be me.  What goes around comes around lady.  You'd better be careful.

Most Sincerely,

The Soaking Wet Chick in the Crosswalk with the Young Child

Dear Rain ~

Time for you to go.  I thought you were a pretty nifty diversion in the beginning.  Boots and umbrellas and jackets ~ oh my!  That was a refreshing change of pace.  But now it's old. And I'm tired of being wet.  And scared to drive.  And planning my days around your onslaught.  You've done your deed. Now move along.  I'm sure there's a desert somewhere that needs you.

Ciao for Now,

Southern California Sunshine Lover

Dear Haiti ~

I'm so sorry for you.  My heart just breaks every time I let myself think of you.  I sent some money and my company is doing the same.  I've also got a stack of jeans and shoes that I will drop off this weekend.  I will do anything I can to let you know I'm thinking of you and hurting for you.  Mostly I am praying.  I am praying that your people will be well and will care for each other. I am praying that you get the aid that you need the most in a timely manner.  And I am praying for peace and healing.  Don't give up.  I know I'm not the only one thinking of you.  Hang in there.

Warm Regards,

Mrs. Montoya

Now go see ShortMama and link up with her and all her letter writing friends.  ENJOY

I Feel So Helpless

The recorded population of my hometown in 2008 was 171,922.  The current death toll in Haiti is estimated by PAHO at 200,000.  I am not a stupid girl, but quite honestly I just don't know how to process that.  Somehow widespread panic and overwhelming despair always leaves me paralyzed.  I have an apprehension to send money to unknown organizations without really knowing what the money is going to.  I am not proud of that, but it's true.

I am intentionally not allowing myself to troll for news because I don't want to know.  I don't want to know because I feel helpless.  My soft, simple heart can't stand to lie in bed at night and cry over a child I cannot help.  Please don't judge me for being honest.  I admire you if you're stronger than me and can watch hours of coverage and not feel like you need to charter the next plane and fly to the Caribbean.  I am not that strong, but I know that I need to do something.  Anything.  Here is what I've been able to confirm.

Donate $10 to American Red Cross by texting the word 'Haiti' to 90999.

Southern California Sports Chalet locations are partnering with Soles4Souls and collecting gently worn shoes through January 31 for distribution in Haiti.

The US Relief Fund is offsetting administrative costs and 100% of every donation to Unicef  will support UNICEF's relief efforts for children in Haiti. 

Local Aeropostale stores are collecting gently worn jeans and will match the first 100,000 pairs received.

My company will match any cash donation I make up to an amount beyond my means.  I encourage you to do your own research to seek other corporate opportunities for matching.

Nothing we do will ever be enough, but something is certainly better than nothing.  If you can't donate, please pray.  And kiss your family.  If you're safe and warm tonight and no one in your home is suffering you are far luckier than 200,000 people in Haiti.

God Bless