The simplest things can mean the world to these kids.
The other day I took a tour around the Broward Children’s Center. On my quest to start doing happy hours that could include a lot of people my age drinking/eating for a good cause, I discovered this charity through my friend Nichole. (The minute I told her I wanted to start doing this she was like “When do we begin?!”) I can’t tell you how impressed I was with the set-up: It was a hospital (they told me they directly help 1200 kids a year!) but looked nothing like one. A local artist painted this beautiful jungle theme around the entire center and they had special lights that gave the feeling of being outside. Even though a lot of kids call this their home, there are only 2 beds per room so they really feel like they have their own space and they are able to decorate it any way they want. Unfortunately, most children that come here are the ones that need the most intensive medical care available, including respirators, wheelchairs, speech therapy, etc. which can get pretty expensive.
Being able to meet these adorable children and see what their life is like compared to other kids was truly humbling. It’s so great that places like Broward Children’s Center exist and open their arms to any needy child no matter what. I hope to see you all at our event on the 24th of June. 100% is donated to these children and I couldn’t have found a better organization to help. If you are unable to make it but would still like to donate, please go to http://bcckids.org/mfsdonation/dontate.php. Loveumeanit. e
My Dream Man
So, since it’s been awhile I think I should catch everyone up… Umm I’m Thirty!
I definitely have to say I’ve never been happier in my life. I’ve discovered yoga (which I’ll be talking a ton about) and I’ve fallen head over heels for my dream man (again, will be talking a ton about!! Please see hot photo to the right.)
Over a year ago I had a major wake-up call… I was noticing everyone around me going down this never-ending party world and was starting to wonder about my future….could I really be sitting here trying to “keep up with the Jones’” in Miami? I mean, I should feel lucky to have an opportunity to do things that others only can imagine like going out to parties where a celeb may show up or getting VIP simply based on looks and getting treated like royalty by all these “in” people…right? Ummm, wrong! I lost sight of what I wanted… What the hell do I want again?
Peace. Love. Health. Happiness for others. Helping those less fortunate. (See About.) …………………………………………………………….
Ok… Now that I’m on track…. Get ready! I am throwing my first charity event this June with a good friend of mine, Nichole. I hope this inspires everyone with a little extra time on their hands and a lot of friends to do the same - Get Involved! We spend the money on happy hours and dinners anyway? Right? Why not give it to someone who will use it for some good? Our happy hours are only costing $20/person and we got local businesses to donate things like eyebrow waxing (from the best guy by far!), hair-care packages, massages, etc… We’re throwing it at a local hot spot that everyone knows on a night during the week…
So, I challenge you. What local charity in your area could use a little boost? No pressure! If you can give $100 or $1,000 they’ll be grateful. Put this short life of yours to some good!
]]>Who knows if its the rising price of gas and groceries or the good clean feeling I have driving my new corolla (replacing a bright red hummer might I add), but now I am trying to Go Green in every fashion. I’m actually going to attend one of my condo meetings about recycling within the units! Currently we have one dumpster for “newspaper” and one for “comingle” downstairs in the garbage room making it an effort for everyone who would like to recycle to be able to by walking down with their recycled goods and placing them in day-by-day. I know it may seem lazy for me to put it like that but let me give you an image of the type of people in my building… They’re in their late 20’s or early 30’s comprising of party animals, pharmaceutical reps, and lucky youngsters financed by their parents. I.e…to get any effort out of anyone here is absolutely crazy!!! So what’s the solution? I’m looking to you fine individuals for help on this one. Do we put little containers in everyone’s unit to help promote recycling on a daily basis and only a walk downstairs when it’s full? Do we put one for each in the trash shoots and then assign someone to bring it down once a week? I would do it I suppose (although I can’t promise no mean letters if people are sloppy about it. :) )
What do you think??? Help!
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The Classic Nursery Shot
A True Friend!
Lately, maybe because of economic stress or maybe because I am finally growing up, I am starting to wonder what a “True Friend” really is and really wonder if I have any… It seems lately the only people I have faith in is my family (this excludes you, Betsy.) Is a “True Friend” someone that has the same moral qualities as me? Somebody I can count on at 4am when I have no ride and no cash? Someone who actually keeps my secrets? Someone who doesn’t keep secrets from me? I am getting more and more disappointed by the people in my life that I call “My Friends” and it scares me that maybe I’m the one with the problem; not my friends!
How do you know? I’m 28 years old and I have had more fun than most girls my age. I live in one of the most beautiful/young areas of North America and I have taken FULL advantage! But, I think I’m growing up and realizing I have to do the whole family thing and marriage thing that all my friends up north keep talking about…I’m changing. So, should I be so despised by my girlfriends that seem so desperate for security and finding the one that they will date a guy that abuses them and is 20years older than them? Or is it me? How about the ones that date people that they know are completely taking advantage of them but because they are sooooo attractive they’ll deal with it and miss the chance at true love? Or is it me?
My feelings you ask?…It sickens me! I can’t believe people have lost so much faith in themselves that they’re settling for less. I mean, I know it’s the typical cliche of “Life is Short” but I have no other response except “LIFE IS SHORT, PEOPLE!” If you don’t have that deep sickening feeling when you see their name pop up on your phone or that goal of looking as hot as you possibly can when you are getting ready for a date (because the whole time you’re imagining the look on his face when he sees you…which of course makes you melt), then what are you doing?! Please, somebody, listen to me… I feel like 28 has crept up on me so fast. I feel scared that maybe I won’t meet my soulmate and maybe I will end up alone. But!… I am NOT ever going to be in the position where I am 40 years old and I am cheating on my husband and ruining my family all because I married the wrong man. I am not going to be that lonely cougar at the bar hoping my dream man will find me because for the past 10 years I have wasted it on the this hot business professional that would take me shopping all the time but would sleep with multiple women as he traveled and I FINALLY left and now have nothing! NEVER! Please, ladies, be strong. Don’t you feel like something is missing? Like you could be doing more? Stick to your morals. Stick to your personal goals. And then, love will come. I have faith. Don’t you? Come back to me my friends…
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My Inspiration!
I hope you know how much I love you, Daddy.
You inspire me in more ways than you could ever imagine! I may not say it enough, but I want you to know that my life is so amazing because of you and I cherish our friendship more and more each day.
Happy Father’s Day, Daddy! Love U Mean It!
Erika
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