My Volunteer Journal: Episode 40 – Giving Plasma Hurt Like a $*&!@ but I Would do it Again…
When I first wrote this blog entry I kind of tip-toed over the whole pain issue. Upon reflection I decided it would be dishonest to mislead people so let me add a little disclaimer here - Though I would definitely do this again I found this much more uncomfortable than giving blood. The arm giving blood/plasma during the apheresis was virtually painless after the needle was in place. However, the arm receiving replacement fluid was very uncomfortable - like burning/pressure uncomfortable or family reunion uncomfortable. It was bearable mind you, but not joyful or painless. This could have just been ...
My Volunteer Journal: Episode 16 – Performing with Amazing Kids at The Miracle Project
I realize that not everyone can volunteer on Saturday or Sunday. Some people want to chill with family and friends on the weekends and others have to work. So for all those with weekend restrictions my next few volunteer journals will be weekday activities. This week I was lucky enough to accompany my lovely new friend Shelley Pack, famous for being one half of the very funny Keep It Green Girls on Planet Green, to volunteer for The Miracle Project. “The Miracle Project™ is a theatre and film arts program for children with special needs and their typically developing siblings ...
My Volunteer Journal: Episode 15 – Restoring the Past at the Heritage Square Museum
Dearest Journal – How long it has been since I spent a leisurely Saturday sleeping instead of waking at the dawn hours in order to do stressful labors. Indeed my poor Victorian sensibilities are overwrought with the wear to my once dainty fingers. Today again I found myself scrubbing the exterior of a grand home, which was neither my friends nor mine. Surely these habits must abate or I will never have time to learn needlepoint, aimless walking or the harp. Yours on the Ides of March – Ms. Payne I love the Victorian Era. It seemed to be such a ...
Talking Hemp with “Keep It Green Girls” Shelley Pack
My favorite bit of Discovery's Planet Green programming is the Keep It Green Girls on G Word. They are bawdy and hilarious as they trip their way in four inch heals through explorations into the world of "green." No, the program is not overly scientific, but it speaks to the masses and more importantly is highly original and entertaining. So imagine what a dork I was when I randomly ran into Shelley Pack of the Keep It Green Girls in LA during an audition and then begged her for an interview. Luckily for me she's a nerd at heart and agreed to ...
Featured
The Argument for Legalizing Marijuana for the Environment’s Sake
Note to those who have already e-mailed me: No, I’m not a pot user - really I don’t even like being around the smoke. However, I think it’s silly to pay taxes to fight a war against a plant which is less dangerous than alcohol, is a viable medical treatment for certain conditions, and could make us tons... [Read more]
50 Volunteering Projects in One Year – The Conclusion of Mission 50
I’m sorry. Not just for the title of this project which was…mmm…lacking… but because it’s taken me so long to summarize my volunteering experience. I kind of got back handed by life about a week after I cut my hair and I’m still trying to stand up. The good news is I have almost found my footing and expect to... [Read more]
Waste & Want: How Wal-Mart & H&M Destroy Unsold Clothes Instead of Donating
Let’s pretend you’re a big clothing retail chain who’s a bit profit minded and unscrupulous because you’re a corporation and you answer to share holders. Naturally, you wouldn’t want the poor to be seen in your clothes. It sends the wrong message if your sportswear can be bought by anyone. You definitely don’t... [Read more]
My Volunteer Journal: Episode 50 – The Hair Cut
I think this volunteer episode is better told with bad photography (see below). Disjointed thoughts on my final volunteer mission: It’s fortunate that I was doing this haircut for charity and for this blog or, honestly, it would not have happened. The morning of the scheduled chop I was face down in bed with my hands... [Read more]
My Family is Trying to Destroy the Earth
Holidays, in general, mean family time. Millions will return home to be with people who, in some cases, they spend little time and have even less in common with - except a shared genetic code. It should come as no surprise then that the Holidays rank as one of the most stressful times of year. One particular familial quirk... [Read more]
My Volunteer Journal: Episode 49 – Thoughts of a Salvation Army Bell Ringer
“Have fun being the person everyone avoids eye contact with.” – My brother, Austin, upon hearing that I was going to collect donations in front of Macy’s as a Salvation Army Red Kettle Volunteer. What are those stalwart Salvation Army employees or volunteers thinking as they stand in the cold collecting your donations... [Read more]
My Volunteer Journal: Episode 48 – Promote The Wellness Community’s Cancer Fight
Having cancer gave me membership in an elite club I’d rather not belong to. –Gilda Radner Every non-profit organization needs volunteers to do promotion work. If you work in marketing or media, can write a decent press release, know how to solicit donations, or throw a fundraiser then there is no charity you can’t... [Read more]
My Volunteer Journal: Episode 47 – Lake Arrowhead Reps Work Day
Definition of “Work Day” from Raegan’s Definitions and Translations of Common Entertainment Industry Terms Part of speech – noun 1. A day, way too close to opening night, in which the cast and crew of a show descend upon the theatre or performance space to build the entire set, block the play, build the costumes,... [Read more]
The Best Eco Holiday Gifts
It’s that familiar time of year again when we embrace consumerism in the name of celebration and keeping family and friends happy. Telling your nearest and dearest that you won’t buy presents because it helps perpetuate environmental destruction will not work. You will be labeled cheap, a title that is hard if impossible... [Read more]
Checking in on “The Cove”
The Cove just released on DVD this week and after watching it I wondered if the slaughter in Taiji, Japan’s killing cove had resumed. I had heard that opening day of the massacre had been put on hold by a hoard of journalists who arrived on the shores of Taiji ready to record the whole bloody and inhumane spectacle. But three... [Read more]
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