In addition to supporting a number of nonprofits, my bank card has allowed or is going to allow me in the next few weeks to invest in running shoes and a cello.
The running shoes: My Uncle Stanley is a triathlete, marathon and Iron man runner. He is an inspiration. My whole life he has been competing in events. Sometimes he places high in his age bracket, sometimes he doesn't. Regardless, he continues to train, to improve himself. He's just absolutely amazing to me.
My boyfriend is also a runner. I suppose one has to be with being in the Army. So, in the hope of being able to run together - someday, perhaps years from now - and with the hope of starting to compete myself next year (small races, 5K), I've started to run. So I needed running shoes. I bought my Asics in May and I've been running and exercising them since then. At this point, I am still doing a lot of run/walking, but I have noticed that the running has gotten much longer and I'm able to do less walking. Once I can do all running I'll work on speed, but I'm not thinking that will happen for a few weeks or so, which is ok for me. I'm just trying to improve my lifestyle, have some fun, perhaps become a regular runner. I'm not trying to run a marathon - at least not for many years - but I would like to run a 5K easily. Maybe someday I'll be like my Uncle Stanley. One never knows.
In the next week, I expect to buy a cello. I played the cello in high school. It's an instrument I absolutely loved. My family didn't have the money to buy one and I was so committed to all the 15000 clubs and committees that I was on that I didn't have enough time to really give to it. I used the cello at the school, just for a year, but I so enjoyed it that ever since I've been wanting to get my own cello and play again. So here I am, almost 10 years later, finally with a bit of money to put into a true love of mine. I could squirrel away the money or I could satisfy a dream. This will be no instant gratification purchase. I've researched for years. Yes, years. I'm thinking of getting just a medium-range cello for now and then buying a better one after a few years of study. Over the summer, I'd like to just practice at home, but in the fall, I think I'll enroll in lessons after school in addition to German lessons.
I'm thinking about doing the post play next Spring, too, once I have a better handle on all the lessons I want to take and a solid running schedule. I love living my life!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Cause(s), because we care
So, my credit card is burning up, but it's not necessarily an all-consuming devilish fire. I would consider it more of focused flame. My card, which is linked to my bank account, has lately been used to help me accomplish life long goals and bring joy to others.
Today, I donated to Jeremy Stevens in his goal to raise 3000 for a ride aimed at providing needed funds for MS research and aid to those affected. My bro, who missed my birthday by a few months, also donated. I'm hoping that posting a little something about it might encourage others to donate, too.
I remember when a good friend of mine was diagnosed. She felt really isolated and alone. She had a true fear of needles and so had to get friends to give her injections. She went through the emotional and physical effects that come from taking a medication needed to conquer the lesions, which at the same time gave her flu-like systems. Although she had and has a wonderful community of friends and family to support her, MS is still a personal battle that she rises to every day. She has completed her PhD, done amazing and transformative research, contributed to the community. She is a pillar of strength and compassion and she inspires me every day. If I could ride a bike, I would ride for her, but since riding = death for me, then I'll support someone who can and is willing to help others in that way.
Other causes and organizations I try to regularly support are Soul Mountain Writers Retreat and Cave Canem, because I believe that it is so essential to the writing process to have a space away from the regular day to day in which to create. These two organizations also provide a gathering place for Black writers. It's an immensely supportive experience to have.
Chester Pearls, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Tau Delta Omega Chapter, is also an organization that I try to support as I am still a member of that AKA chapter. Chester Pearls provides educational scholarships as well as doing community work in Chester, PA. If you want more information, send me an email. They love donations!
Once I have links from all these organizations, I'm planning on posting them on my website. What we believe in we should share so that others can believe, too.
Today, I donated to Jeremy Stevens in his goal to raise 3000 for a ride aimed at providing needed funds for MS research and aid to those affected. My bro, who missed my birthday by a few months, also donated. I'm hoping that posting a little something about it might encourage others to donate, too.
I remember when a good friend of mine was diagnosed. She felt really isolated and alone. She had a true fear of needles and so had to get friends to give her injections. She went through the emotional and physical effects that come from taking a medication needed to conquer the lesions, which at the same time gave her flu-like systems. Although she had and has a wonderful community of friends and family to support her, MS is still a personal battle that she rises to every day. She has completed her PhD, done amazing and transformative research, contributed to the community. She is a pillar of strength and compassion and she inspires me every day. If I could ride a bike, I would ride for her, but since riding = death for me, then I'll support someone who can and is willing to help others in that way.
Other causes and organizations I try to regularly support are Soul Mountain Writers Retreat and Cave Canem, because I believe that it is so essential to the writing process to have a space away from the regular day to day in which to create. These two organizations also provide a gathering place for Black writers. It's an immensely supportive experience to have.
Chester Pearls, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Tau Delta Omega Chapter, is also an organization that I try to support as I am still a member of that AKA chapter. Chester Pearls provides educational scholarships as well as doing community work in Chester, PA. If you want more information, send me an email. They love donations!
Once I have links from all these organizations, I'm planning on posting them on my website. What we believe in we should share so that others can believe, too.
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