A Heart for the Hurting

I had trouble waking up this morning. I was cranky, tired, and had a massive headache. I stumbled downstairs to start the coffee pot and to drink as much coffee as possible this morning. Then, I headed back upstairs to get on facebook and check twitter. I signed on to my email and saw this. Sometime this morning, the people of Haiti encountered another earthquake. Of 6.1 magnitude. That's almost as powerful as the one last Sunday that killed so many and left millions homeless and too many children to count as orphans. It just breaks my heart.
I know that many of have probably given through your local church or some other organization. But it's not enough. It may never be enough.
This is not a plug for any one organization. This is just a list of links to point you towards helping at a time when it feels like you can't do anything.

Food for the Hungry


Compassion International

Haiti Earthquake

The American Red Cross

Doctor's without Borders


These are just a few of the many organizations that are collecting money to aid those affected by the earthquake (now quakes) that have devastated a nation.

Happy New Year... a little late!

2010 started out in a way that I hope never to repeat. I woke up on the morning of the 2nd with a fever and aches. This fever lasted for FIVE DAYS! That's right, 5! Turns out I had Fifths Disease or, Roseola. Fever, sunburn-like rash,and joint pain for quite some time after you are no longer ill. I'm hoping with this illness out of the way, 2010 can only get better!
For some reason, I have a really good feeling about this year. Things feel like they are going to change and I'm really looking forward to seeing what can happen.
Some big things that are happening this year:

-- The big 3-0. Phew, I just had a mini-panic attack typing those numbers. It's not something I am necessarily looking forward to, but I am hopeful that this will be a good time in my life.

-- Disney, just me and my mom. I'm really excited to spend some quality time with my mom at a place that we both love!

-- Photography shoots. I'm already starting to line up some shoots for the upcoming months. I have one at the end this month that I am filling some anxiety over. It is a maternity shoot for my friend's sister, who is expecting her first baby. I've shot babies and people but never expectant mothers... and I am a little unsure with how to proceed with this job. I also have family shoots and baby shoots and a possible wedding.

-- Starting a new home based business. My friend just launched her own Arbonne business and I have been seriously thinking for at least the last 6 months about launching my own. I would really like some more flexibility and extra income, plus I love their products... it just seems like a good fit. My only concern is being able to find people who would be willing to host a party for me (wink, wink!)

-- Getting back on track with healthy eating and exercising. I started watching my portions again, and once I am feeling up to it after being sick, I will start working out with the goal to run a 5k. And I mean, run it! I think I'm going to try the Couch to 5k, which a few of my friends have started and really like.

-- But most importantly, this year I am really looking towards figuring out who I am and what I am here for. Why did God ordain for me to be where I am and what am I supposed to be doing with that?

All in all, I'm ready to see where this year is going to go. I'm committed to not letting time pass me by as I have for so many other years. Here's to a New Year!