Help the World

I've been meaning to blog about this for a little while and finally have the opportunity.  Lately I have been compelled to think more charitable.  I am living a blessed life and do not go without, partly because of the country I was born into.  While working the other day, a lady was sharing her feelings to me on the topic of charities and donations.  She told me how she cannot understand why everyone chooses to donate to countries other than the United States.  She doesn't understand sending food or clothing to Africa, Ethiopia, Argentine (may not be the specific countries she is talking about you get the point), when there are children and families in America who need food, clothing, $$.  I see her point and understand that this is a need "at home".  But I also feel that in America we have the means and organizations set up to help these people; churches, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Goodwill, private citizens, etc.  These third world countries do not have this structure of organizations, nor do most of them have the means.  I know we can help our fellow Americans, but why can't we help those overseas as well.  In America to buy a meal for someone it may cost $5-$8.  For $10 one can feed 25 people a meal in the above mentioned countries.  I'm not saying don't help people "at home" but by all means why can't we think GLOBAL?  There are so many organizations where we can spend $30 a month and support a child's nutrition, clothing, and education (things that we take for granted every day).  I understand that in this economic climate, $30 may sound like a lot, but think of what you would have to give up versus what they will gain.  Example: a dinner at Chili's every month, could feed and educate a child.  Doesn't seem like that high of a price.  So what if you have to eat a grilled cheese that you had to cook off of your electric stove that you have the smarts to work, in your warm house?  (did I go to far?).  Anyways, I had to bite my tongue when she was talking to me, so now you get to read what I wanted to say.  Also, this time of year, take a look around to see what you can do to help people here or overseas.  Thanks for allowing me to get this off of my heart.
-James
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Don't mess with Rudolph

As mentioned before, Lisa and I had the opportunity to go to the ICE exibit at the Gaylord. We also just got a new video camera, you know, for the big day! So I figured what better time to learn to use the camera then at our fun outing. So I was filming some stuff around the resort and caught this. Funny thing is that I did not realize what happened until after I got home and watched the video. I hope you find this as amusing as I did. Didn't anyone ever tell this kid not to pet reindeers while they are eating? Enjoy!
-James

Rugby Holiday 2008 Collection

Hello avid Rugby video watchers. This is the newest video of Holiday for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy it!!
-James

Thanksgiving!!

Lisa and I enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving. We slept in, ate breakfast, talked to family, set up the tree, and cooked lunch (ok, so Lisa cooked lunch). Then we ate lunch and what a lunch it was, YUMMY!! After lunch we hung out for a bit then it was off to the Gaylord Texan for their ICE exibit...what a blast! We had some dessert and then some hot chocolate. At the ICE exibit I had the chance to slide down the ice slide, who says I'm to old? Check out the video. After this, we went home and decorated our tree and watched a few Christmas movies. We realized this is the last time we will do all of this without a little one. We had a great day spending time with one another! The only thing that would have made this day better would have been if the Cardinals hadn't gotten spanked!! But I'm not going to let that ruin my fun day! Hope you all had just as much fun. On to Christmas!!
-James

Christmas Survey

With Thanksgiving tomorrow I decided to post my Christmas survey today!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? wrapping paper
2. Real tree or Artificial? artificial
3. When do you put up the tree? Usually Thanksgiving night
4. When do you take the tree down? If I had it my way...NEVER. But Lisa takes it down as soon as she can.
5. Do you like eggnog? No
6. Favorite gift received as a child? to many, I was (am) blessed.
7. Hardest person to buy for? Lisa

8. Easiest person to buy for? Me

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, do we put it out, well that depends on Lisa.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? mail to close friends and family, e-mail to those you just want to say hi to.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Yeah, like I would admit that.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I like a lot. But lately it's ELF.

13. When do you start shopping? I shop all year. Christmas shopping, now that is again up to Lisa.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? not that I can remember.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Chocolate covered cherries

16.Lights on the tree? of course!
17. Favorite Christmas song? The First Noel, Little Drummer Boy, Oh I have to pick just one...Not a chance

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Retail....need I say more?
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Yes
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
21. Open the presents
Christmas Eve or morning? One on Christmas eve and the rest in the morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Rude people
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Nostalgic, I love some memories

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, Pecan Pie
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? My son to come out. I know it will be late though.

Have a good Thanksgiving!!

-James

Bring on the Holidays!!! I'm ready.

So the Holidays are upon us. Whether you like it or not. Next week is Thanksgiving and soon after that Santa will be coming down the chimney. With retail being my industry of choice I know what I am doing, working!!! I will be working so that all of the other consumers can buy more for themselves and gifts for others. This year, probably more than any other of recent history, I am glad I will be working. There are so many out there without a job that I am truly thankful I have one. Retail has been hit hard lately with stores closing and layoffs. If you are working this Holidas season, be thankful. Yes, we will miss out on some of those family fun moments and those parties, but make the best of it. (i'm writing all of this for me so that in late December when I'm down, you all can remind me to be thankful). Lisa and I are kicking our season off on Sunday with our Small Group at Church. We will be sharing in a Thankgiving dinner and fun with them. Then on Thanksgiving we will be eating lunch at home together and then enjoying a fun night out at the Gaylord Texan's Ice Exhibit (http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-texan/lp/promotion/lonestar-christmas.html?source=gppc-ice=gaylord%20ice%20exhibit). With working both the day before and after it is hard to go anywhere. We think that we have come up with a pretty good plan of celebration. Then it will be on to Christmas!! So what are your plans??

TOMS Project Holiday

Hey guys. So a few days ago I told you about a 'cause product' that I am incredibly intrigued by, TOMS. Well they have started a Holiday initiative where they want to donate 30,000 pair of shoes to Ethiopia. To do this, they need to sell 30,000 pair of shoes. This fits their one for one model. So if you are looking for a unique gift (as unique as 29,999 other people) give a pair of TOMS shoes. Check out their video.