I want to wish you and your family a happy, HEALTHY, and joyous Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and Festivus, or, “Chanamaskwanzivus.” Say it. It’s fun. Continue reading “Happy Chanumaskwanzivus!”
Amor Fati, Mi Amor
FUN FACT: Sometimes, I wear pants that on the inside, give me positive affirmations –
Hi Beautiful!
I have one pair of pants that in metallic silver writing, says,
You are Gorgeous!
Prepare for MAJOR Rant & #MunificenceMonday. #MissionMonday?
WARNING: ENORMOUS rant up ahead. Proceed with caution.
Let me start with the fact that I am being a curmudgeon. While I am not remotely the “Get off my lawn!” type, each year for the past several years, (since #GivingTuesday’s worldwide launch), I have sometimes been less than ecstatic about this ONE particular day. I have my reasons and I’m so happy you inquired:
- Numerous nonprofit organizations put far too many resources into a day that much of the time has a nominal return on investment. (If any.)
- One day? Really? One day where the whole world collaborates to give? Don’t we need to set some higher standards here?
- How does #GivingTuesday impact the state of:
- our fractured world?
- our psyches?
- our collective consciousness?
- nonprofit organizations?
- band-aids healing a major fracture?
- They do help minor cuts, so if a nonprofit does a decent #GivingTuesday SWOT analysis, and they’re trying to raise a goal that is accessible and won’t drain the organization, I’m fully on board with that and even enthusiastic.
- Why does this day follow #CyberMonday? So, let me get this straight… We might spend our money on a bunch of stuff we likely don’t need, just because the sales are so spectacular, and then, if we have a few shekels left, we throw a dime or two into #GivingTuesday? This kind of change, won’t really impact lasting change, will it? There, I said it.
- Did I mention I’m cranky?
Okay, okay. I’m breathing now.
Continue reading “Prepare for MAJOR Rant & #MunificenceMonday. #MissionMonday?”
Turkey/Carb Overload & #GivingTuesday
I have had a few days to overindulge and reflect on a whole bunch of things I’m grateful for. I try to practice reflecting on the good stuff each day, even when I’m not eating turkey or 18,000 net carbs. (per bite.)
And speaking of 18,000, my “CHAI to PAM at 50” fundraising campaign is hovering at 31% to our $18,000 goal, which is really excellent. There are still several weeks until my 50th birthday, so I’m confident we’ll get to $18,000. Making this goal, or even better, exceeding it, would be the absolute best 50th birthday gift, EVER! Continue reading “Turkey/Carb Overload & #GivingTuesday”
13
I don’t believe I’ve ever been officially diagnosed as obsessive compulsive, or maybe I’ve been diagnosed, but I don’t remember. Wouldn’t someone with OCD, remember a diagnosis like that?
I have always preferred even numbers over odd. I can’t explain why, but in 2006, (a nice, even year), I was scheduled to deliver my second daughter via cesarean section on December 13th. I decided it was time for me to stop worrying about odd numbers, let alone the “unlucky” number 13. Now, thanks to Charlotte, my second born, I have mostly embraced the number 13. Just don’t ask me to live on a 13th floor. Continue reading “13”
Life Outside of ONE Bubble. U2?
I am always doing something and all of the time, I am wired to do what I can to make things better in this world. My daughters know this, and have never known anything besides dedication to helping others for the greater good. * See definition of Philanthropy below.
Doing nothing is unfathomable to me. I hope you will read this in its entirety, to hear a plea that feels like the plea of my life thus far. Then, I hope you do something.
I’m going to straight up tell you that I’m about to turn 50 years old, and only wish for one gift. Also, I never ask for gifts. Ask my Parents or my kids. They’ll tell you.
Will you help me make a positive impact in this world the minute you stop reading this post? Lives depend upon it.
The Midlife NON-Crisis: Trumps Anger
This post is not going to focus 100% on what EVERYONE is talking about almost 100% of the time these days. Sure, I have my thoughts, opinions and feelings on the subject, but I have been and continue to be relatively quiet and very focused on what is right in front of me in the here and now.
For many years, I worked in Jewish social justice and I loved it. This was a life-changing experience where I learned the real strength that comes from praying with my feet.
While I was there, I worked shoulder to shoulder with some of the most talented, passionate and effective community organizers in Chicago and beyond. I will forever consider these individuals role models and heroes of mine.
As I learned about community organizing, the most knowledgeable facilitators would often emphasize the power that comes from staying angry; leading with anger. Continue reading “The Midlife NON-Crisis: Trumps Anger”
Philanthropy is Phly: not Phancy
Every so often, I see myself as a Jewish version of Ann Romano from the 70’s sitcom, One Day at a Time, only, I’m without a Schneider. While this periodic thought gives me (and sometimes others) a good chuckle, it’s pretty spot on.
My daughters and I could really benefit from a Schneider, and sometimes, I daydream about having a Schneider-type nearby, only he doesn’t look like the actor, Pat Harrington, not that there was anything wrong with Pat Harrington’s looks. My fix-it guy is more like Schneider Jackman. He fixes everything, sings, dances, has a fine Australian dialect and is a philanthropist.
Fickle Facebook Fans, Fan the Flames
It’s no secret that here in Chicago, most of us have the World Series on our minds. While I don’t watch any of the games, (not due to lack of interest, but to keep peace and quiet within myself), I have been following these games periodically through Facebook and other social media streams. Continue reading “Fickle Facebook Fans, Fan the Flames”
There’s no crying in baseball, but my recent sp-ORT is the ‘World Series’ of feels.
Until yesterday, It had been more than 40 years since I’d seen Toni Durchin Werner.
As wee toddlers/preschoolers, Toni and I used to be schlepped around to “ORT” meetings and events by our mothers. Both of our moms were unwavering in their dedication to this organization, but we really didn’t know why. What I did know, was that, the lox boxes were awesome because they had this cool telephone key chain in them. Toni loved this one particular event that was solely dedicated to chocolate. I’m sort of pissed that my Mom never took me to that chocolate event. Toni got chocolate. I got smoked fish. Oh, the injustice. Continue reading “There’s no crying in baseball, but my recent sp-ORT is the ‘World Series’ of feels.”
Pamela Klier-Weidner (PKW) 