What comes around goes around...

Somewhere between the third grade when I had a dream to become the first ever NFL wide receiver (Thanks Art Monk for the inspiration) and my freshman year of college, I lost my ambition to have a working career. Instead of going to college with high expectations of becoming a doctor or lawyer or such, I followed my instincts and picked the ever so hard major of Family and Child Development- that is after I lost my accounting scholarship from partying my freshman year away.:) Although I am proud of my degree, I know that instead of a B.S., B.A., M.B.A., PhD. etc... I had my heart set on a MRS., and being that I got married six months out of college, I would say I double majored.:)

Yep, I dreamed of the day that I would grow up and become a wife and mother. I had it all planned out- I would spend my days getting manicures and pedicures, having a homemade dinner on my candlelit table, and residing as P.T.A. president.

And then I woke up.

Truth be told, many of you know I lack balance. I also lack time management, any kitchen skills whatsoever, oh- and funds to have a nanny and get my nails did. A few weeks ago, I donated blood at church, and afterwards, I felt so good. At first I thought it was because I have liquid gold as blood being that I am O negative, and I felt special- but then I realized having to receive rogham shots after birth took away all the kudos for that. And then it dawned on me, it felt well because I was giving back and doing a good deed.

I'm not writing this to toot my own horn or to get a pat on the back. When it comes down to it, I don't think I'll ever be the P.T.A. president- I'm way too shy for that. Over the past- oh, let's say five years, the only giving back I've done is supporting the Girls Scouts (because you can eat all the thin mints you want when it's for a good cause, right?), coaching my son's soccer team (and realized that's most definitely NOT my calling), and stopping at an occasional lemonade stand (and losing sleep when I have to drive by precious little kids without stopping because I don't have my wallet). Besides that, I've done nothing. Zilch. Nada.

The only person to blame is myself. There's always an excuse. I had planned on taking the kids to a food pantry and dropping of groceries while making it a learning experience. I had planned on getting started on the paperwork to be a Big Sister through the Y.M.C.A. or a C.A.S.A. advocate. I had even planned on joining a local mom's group. These are all great plans, but somehow life just seems to get in the way. I didn't even spend the $10 on filling a stocking for a child in need at Christmas. I mean it would have been too much to take ten dollars from our family's Christmas budget. And when I think about these things, it's just sad. There are so many people out there doing such great things, and I'm the neighborhood slacker.

I am Modern and LA Boxing have given me an excellent platform to do something. I feel like I have a small readership (thank you soooo much to those of you that read from the bottom of my heart) and when I heard that there is a need for birthing kits in Haiti I thought this might be something I could help with. Although I believe in helping locally, I think that many of you might have some of these items around your house, and if you do, I'd love to have them. Please e-mail me at hokie30sgirl@aol.com so I can arrange for pick-up. Also, if you have a local cause or event that you would like support for, please get in touch with me, and I will gladly post it on my blog.

My goal is to assemble fifteen birthing kits... and I need all the help I can get. Please read the following and let me know if you can help. And if you can, I hope you feel all warm and fuzzy inside like when I donated blood. And if ya want, I'll give you a pat on the back- or you can even make that a hug.:)

An urgent appeal has been sent out from UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) for Birthing Kits for Haiti to be used by hospitals and clinics finding their resources depleted due to the devastating effects of the recent earthquake. Each year more than 600,000 women die from complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Approximately 9 million infant deaths occur each year.

You can be a part of saving lives through the Birthing Kit initiative.

Each kit must contain:

•One hotel-size piece of soap- I think I have enough- Brownie points to the hubby for listening to me:)

•One pair of clean latex gloves- Are there any doctors, nurses, or offices that could donate a box?- Fulfilled- Thanks Jen from jeninreallife.com :)

•One square yard of clear 4 mil plastic sheeting- Any recommendations on what to use or where to get this?

• Three pieces of clean string each 12 inches long

•One clean single use razor blade

•Two flannelette receiving blankets each 1 yard use pinking shears to prevent fraying- Ladies check your closets- I'm sure used flannel receiving blankets will work.:)

•One gallon zip lock bags