February 12, 2007 by samantha.

I spent part of my Sunday watching Oprah. The show was about an article she read in the New York Times that talked about child slaves in Ghana. Children are sold to fishermen for as low as $20. The families are torn because they are so desperate for money that selling one or more of their children seems like the only answer to feeding their family. Now I am not going to get into all the arguments that we are all thinking of right now. What I do want to mention is the power of doing something. I, like a million other people, watched this show and cried. I kept thinking to myself how horrible the situation was and how I wish I could and should do something. And then a light bulb went off in my head. I can do something! Watching the show and crying accomplished nothing. Thinking that I should do something accomplished nothing. Instead, I had to do something. After I figured out that I could do something to help these children, I had to choose what to do. I was ready to quit my job and move to Ghana. I know that teachers are in need there, especially English speaking teachers. I was ready to adopt some of these kids and bring them home. I was ready to clean out my bank accounts and donate all of my money. Thankfully, I did none of the above. Instead I first did some research with the help of Oprah’s website and decided that a small (and affordable) donation was the best place to start. I went to the IOM (International Organization of Migration) website to make my donation. I started small and donated $40. This buys one uniform and school supplies for one student. I know this is very meager donation, but it is a start.

I write all this not to brag. I would love for everyone to be so moved and inspired that you all donate to help the children of Ghana and around the world. I know that is a dream. Why I decided to write this is because I wanted to say that I believe one person can make a difference. Sitting there and complaining about a problem accomplishes nothing. Instead, get on the Internet and begin to research your issue. You may find that a solution is easier than anyone could have imagined. Some issues may require you to work a little harder and be more creative. What you do does not need to be anything amazing. Write a letter to your congressman or donate some money. Every little bit can lead to a change. And do not use the excuse that you are too busy. What if you needed help and people were to busy to help you?

In the great words of Mahatma Gandhi “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

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February 11, 2007 by samantha.

The Cotton Queen by Pamela Morsi was not what I expected. I enjoyed the book more than I thought I would. The book chronicles the lives a mother and daughter and they’re up and down relationship. Both are very opinionated and stubborn and more alike than different from each other. Each chapter alternates from the mother’s perspective then to the daughter’s. Laney tries her best to pull away from her mom and Babs refuses to let her daughter go. In the end, they learn to find a compromise of sorts.  If you need an quick, enjoyable read this is the book for you!

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February 8, 2007 by samantha.

Remember last week when I was complaining about being in a poopy mood? Well, it only took me 30 years to figure out something important. You have to learn to appreciate the good, little events that happen in your life. For instance, I had a horrible day today. I will not go into the gory details, but I left school ready to smack a few people. And then little things started to help me out of my dark pit. I found a penny heads up. I am a bit superstitious. I believe that any penny found is good luck. Then the cable guy came and I think my problem has finally been fixed. My chicken recipe that I found on the back of the mayo jar was delicious! Those very little and minor things have helped to put a smile back on my face. I still have found peace with a book. Books always make me happy and thank goodness I am currently reading a good one! And I really do have some of the greatest friends in the world. I am so honored and thankful to have you in my life. Just do not let it all go to your head! My friends are humble… not full of themselves. Of course I have the world’s greatest mom! I would be lost without her! So in closing, I am getting out of the bleak mood and getting back to my old self! And watch out world! I have some catching up to do!

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February 5, 2007 by samantha.

It is official! I am in a funk. And I do not know what is putting me in a worse mood- the fact that I am in a funk or the fact that I cannot figure out why I am one. Could it be hormonal? Seasonal? I have no clue. Nothing I do seems to help. I have tried hiking with the dog, reading, working, and even making plans for a change in my life. Nothing helps. Instead, I try to figure things out and find myself with no answers. When I am in these moods I am no fun to be around. I either cry at the drop of a pin or threaten to drop kick someone. For instance, I was in Target yesterday looking at underwear. I was trying to choose between boy-cut or French-cut, when this lady stopped right in front of me. I was so pissed. I could have knocked her upside the head. And all over looking at underwear!! Maybe I should go to the doctor and talk to him. Maybe I should just suck it up and move on. Maybe I should just get over myself. I do not know. Before I stop whining, I just want to say that I have no reason to be in a funk. I have no debt, a great job, fantastic friends, an awesome dog, and a library of books just waiting for me. What more could I want or ask for?

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