Giving Back

101. Donate at least ten dollars to twelve different charities in twelve months.

I know the holidays are near when I hear the ringing bells of the Salvation Army volunteers.  I almost always donate a few dollars here and there to a few organizations during the holidays, but I rarely donate throughout the year.  That needed to change.

When I added this item to my list, my goal was to donate a total of $100.  I actually donated $220.  I chose twelve different organizations and contributed various amounts to each one on a monthly basis.  I did my best to choose a variety of charities that I either cared strongly about or organizations that I wanted to help support.

The organizations that I donated to are listed below.

St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital
Wounded Warrior Project
March of Dimes
American Red Cross
Alzheimer's Association
Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary
Soldier's Angels
The ALS Association
The Pat McAfee Foundation
Kidney Cancer Association
Folds of Honor
Ronald McDonald House Charities

I am going to do my best to continue donating on a monthly basis.  Every donation has the power to make a difference.

Items completed: 30

Meet Sabrina

61. Own a pet.

I am a dog person.  I have always said that I would never get a cat.  Recently, however, that changed.  For the past year, I have been toying with the idea of getting a cat.  When one of my co-workers mentioned that her son had three kittens to give away, I seized the opportunity.

I was able to take Sabrina home on Sunday, December 14.  I was very nervous when I carried her inside my apartment in my cat carrier.  I grew up with dogs.  My family has never had a cat before, so I had no idea what to expect.   When I let Sabrina out of the carrier, she instantly went underneath my recliner.  I immediately panicked and tried to get her out.   It didn't occur to me that this is normal cat behavior until I discussed it with a friend of mine.

Once I was finally able to coax her out from under the chair, it was time to play.  She is particularly fond of this little turtle.

 Soon after playing, Sabrina curled up in her red bed and was out like a light.  Did I mention that this kitten is already spoiled?  She has four toys, two beds, a scratching post, and a cat carrier to keep her busy.  What does she enjoy playing with the most?  My bed skirt.  She hasn't torn it to shreds yet.  I have a feeling that may soon change.

I have had Sabrina for 24 hours now.  We have definitely bonded.  She is sitting on my lap as I type this.  Earlier, she enjoyed walking across the keyboard.

Isn't this little face adorable?  

Okay, I'm done with the kitten pictures now.  I think I am officially a cat person.

Items completed: 29

The Big Apple

17. Go on a family trip to NYC.

My family hasn't taken a trip together in years.  Something always comes up that prevents at least one of us to stay home.  This year, however, we were all able to visit New York City for four days.  We were joined by my aunt, uncle, and cousin and we all had a blast.

When we arrived to the city Thursday night we visited Times Square and Rockefeller Center.  We always do our best to visit the tree at Rockefeller Center every night.  It's a beautiful tree.

After walking around for a bit, we took a carriage ride through Central Park.  The best part about the ride is the blanket they give you to keep warm.  The cold weather was a bit different than the "cold" Tucson winter I typically experience.

We spent our Friday morning inside Macy's.  I had no idea stores could be so big.  There were nine stories full of merchandise in that store.  Nine!  

Later that afternoon, I was finally able to do something that I've wanted to do for awhile: go to the top of the Empire State Building!  My brother and I made it to the 86th floor and enjoyed seeing the amazing views. 

 My Saturday morning was spent touring the 9/11 Memorial Museum.  If you are ever in Manhattan you definitely have to check it out.  It is very moving to see the artifacts and to re-live that day.

You can't go to NYC and not see a show.  On Saturday night, we saw "Beautiful", which is the story of Carole King.  It was a wonderful show!  I really enjoyed it.

Getting all dressed up for the theater.

My brother and I flew home at 6:30am on Sunday.  I really enjoyed my family trip and hope that we will be able to have another great family trip sometime in the future.

Items completed: 28

It's That Time of Year

15. Send Christmas cards to friends and relatives.

I finally reached the age where it's necessary to send my own Christmas cards.  I found cute designs on Erin Condren's website last year but I couldn't order them in time for Christmas.  This year, however, I was able to get them before December 1st.

The only problem I ran into was figuring out who to send them to.  I ordered twenty cards and thought that would be plenty.  I was wrong.  I will definitely order more than twenty cards next year.

You know you're a Starbucks addict when your holiday cards match the Starbucks holiday cup...

Items completed: 27