I have been in a funk for the past few days because I have been reading the book I purchased by David Batstone called Not For Sale. It is a tough read. The subject matter just really sticks with you and I tend to dwell on things for too long. The tagline is "The return of the global slave trade - and how we can fight it." The book is tells a lot of stories of slaves across the globe and how insidious human trafficking has become.
It's tough for me to contemplate this level of evil. To look at a child or a young woman and not be able to feel any level of empathy or compassion means you are at best a sociopath and at worst just pure fucking evil. This book is sort of a scratching of the surface on this issue. It offers some different ways to fight the problem that I would like to investigate further, however I definitely need to know more about what type of organizations I may get involved with in my own community.
I did join the Not For Sale Campaign which means I get constant updates from their headquarters on upcoming events, fundraisers, petitions to push for legal actions, and other cool stuff. This issue just kills me. With the 150 year anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation this seems like a perfect time to renew a passion for eliminating slavery once and for all.
Money spent so far: $247.54
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
02/25/13 - Day 62 - Badrap.org
It was wet and nasty today. Tomorrow promises to be more of the same. Today I had to be out in it walking dogs.
As I have mentioned, I work with dogs at my new job at the Animal Protective League. At any given times we have a pretty large number of pitbulls or dogs that look like pitbulls. There is a huge number of breeds that get mislabeled as pitbulls because many of the breeds look similar. The pitbulls and pit mixed breed dogs that we have are almost always nice and sweet but they get passed over because of their breed. We actually had a woman adopt a dog and then bring it back two months later not because of anything that the dog had done but because one of her friends suggested that her dog looked like a pitbull. It's frustrating getting to know these dogs and then having someone dismiss them just because of a misconception. I wouldn't want someone adopting a dog that they were afraid of, it just makes me sad that people have that idea of pitbulls.
I sought out a website that deals with this pitbull bias and came across badrap.org. Their tagline is "Securing the future of the American Pitbull Terrier as a cherished family companion." My anonymous kindness attack was to buy a book off their website called The Lost Dogs. It's the story of the pitbulls from Michael Vick's compound and their rehabilitation.
This anonymous kindness attack is more for the animal shelter that I work at and the pitbulls that I work with so I can better understand how to care for and talk about them. There are tons of training tips and helpful pamphlets for the animal shelter worker on this website as well. I hope that through my continued research I can help find these lovable and misunderstood dogs good homes.
Money spent so far: $247.54
As I have mentioned, I work with dogs at my new job at the Animal Protective League. At any given times we have a pretty large number of pitbulls or dogs that look like pitbulls. There is a huge number of breeds that get mislabeled as pitbulls because many of the breeds look similar. The pitbulls and pit mixed breed dogs that we have are almost always nice and sweet but they get passed over because of their breed. We actually had a woman adopt a dog and then bring it back two months later not because of anything that the dog had done but because one of her friends suggested that her dog looked like a pitbull. It's frustrating getting to know these dogs and then having someone dismiss them just because of a misconception. I wouldn't want someone adopting a dog that they were afraid of, it just makes me sad that people have that idea of pitbulls.
I sought out a website that deals with this pitbull bias and came across badrap.org. Their tagline is "Securing the future of the American Pitbull Terrier as a cherished family companion." My anonymous kindness attack was to buy a book off their website called The Lost Dogs. It's the story of the pitbulls from Michael Vick's compound and their rehabilitation.
This anonymous kindness attack is more for the animal shelter that I work at and the pitbulls that I work with so I can better understand how to care for and talk about them. There are tons of training tips and helpful pamphlets for the animal shelter worker on this website as well. I hope that through my continued research I can help find these lovable and misunderstood dogs good homes.
Money spent so far: $247.54
02/24/13 - Day 61 - Donated to Food Bank
I always am intrigued by how the clerks at the gas station that I go to will try to get me to buy more stuff. They often run contests for the clerks to up the average order size. They are pushing a different item every month. This month it has been cookies.
I was pretty impressed this time because the clerk asked me if I would like to donate two cookies for two dollars to the local food bank. They even had a tub behind the counter labeled "Food Bank Donations." I said yes.
Good job.
Money spent so far: $243.55
I was pretty impressed this time because the clerk asked me if I would like to donate two cookies for two dollars to the local food bank. They even had a tub behind the counter labeled "Food Bank Donations." I said yes.
Good job.
Money spent so far: $243.55
Saturday, February 23, 2013
02/23/13 - Day 60 - Customer Survey (free)
I had the day off work today and really had nothing to do. It's been a while since I had a day like that and I didn't know what to do with myself. My wife was gone most of the day also so that made it extra weird. I decided I would try to catch up on some reading.
I bought a book about a week ago called "Not For Sale." It is about modern day slavery and tells some pretty gruesome and sad stories about the victims of slavery. It also tells some tales of the heroes of the modern day abolitionist movement but the stories that really stick with me are the tales of the slaves. I have read through the chapters about Thailand, India, and Uganda and I had to take a break. This stuff is really dark. The author explains how these countries have the type of environment (poverty, over population, weak government, etc.) where slavery is more likely to happen. I still have trouble contemplating evil on this level.
"The world is a dangerous place not because of those that do harm,
but because of those who look at it and do nothing."
-Albert Einstein
I guess the real problem has been people like me. It's nearly impossible to go through your adult life and not hear about horrible shit like human trafficking. But what change will happen if good people do nothing? I obviously am still learning about this issue but I want to do something.
So in what now seems like a completely meaningless act of kindness for the day...
...I filled out on of those surveys that they give you on the bottom of receipts. I went to Papa Murphy's Pizza and just wanted to give the people that work there some positive feedback. I remember hearing in a meeting at my former workplace about how most people are far more likely to tell a friend or fill out a customer survey about a negative experience as opposed to a positive one. I wanted to be that small percentage of people that actually tells someone when they've done a good job. If you haven't tried Papa Murphy's Gourmet Veggie pizza you are missing out. Awesome stuff.
Money spent so far: $241.55
I bought a book about a week ago called "Not For Sale." It is about modern day slavery and tells some pretty gruesome and sad stories about the victims of slavery. It also tells some tales of the heroes of the modern day abolitionist movement but the stories that really stick with me are the tales of the slaves. I have read through the chapters about Thailand, India, and Uganda and I had to take a break. This stuff is really dark. The author explains how these countries have the type of environment (poverty, over population, weak government, etc.) where slavery is more likely to happen. I still have trouble contemplating evil on this level.
"The world is a dangerous place not because of those that do harm,
but because of those who look at it and do nothing."
-Albert Einstein
I guess the real problem has been people like me. It's nearly impossible to go through your adult life and not hear about horrible shit like human trafficking. But what change will happen if good people do nothing? I obviously am still learning about this issue but I want to do something.
So in what now seems like a completely meaningless act of kindness for the day...
...I filled out on of those surveys that they give you on the bottom of receipts. I went to Papa Murphy's Pizza and just wanted to give the people that work there some positive feedback. I remember hearing in a meeting at my former workplace about how most people are far more likely to tell a friend or fill out a customer survey about a negative experience as opposed to a positive one. I wanted to be that small percentage of people that actually tells someone when they've done a good job. If you haven't tried Papa Murphy's Gourmet Veggie pizza you are missing out. Awesome stuff.
Money spent so far: $241.55
Friday, February 22, 2013
02/22/13 - Day 59 - Special Olympics Volunteer (free)
It has been a cold and long day today. I woke up late and didn't eat breakfast and this made me feel pretty crummy the rest of the day. My back hurt and then my head hurt and I just wanted to complain all day. Ugh. I hate it when I'm like this. I definitely need to eat breakfast tomorrow. It was the end of a long week of work.
Also made a big mistake while recording my radio show tonight. I forgot to hit a very specific button on the console therefore everything I was saying into the microphone was being broadcast live on the radio. Fortunately, a friend called me and let me know so it was only for a minute or two. Still I felt pretty mortified.
I decided to volunteer for the Special Olympics. There is an event in September in a nearby town and I am hoping that I will be available for it. I know almost nothing about the Special Olympics but everyone that I've talked to about it says it's a pretty uplifting and inspiring program. I'm excited about it. I wish I commit to more volunteer time. Volunteering always makes me feel less stressed.
Money spent so far: $241.55
Also made a big mistake while recording my radio show tonight. I forgot to hit a very specific button on the console therefore everything I was saying into the microphone was being broadcast live on the radio. Fortunately, a friend called me and let me know so it was only for a minute or two. Still I felt pretty mortified.
I decided to volunteer for the Special Olympics. There is an event in September in a nearby town and I am hoping that I will be available for it. I know almost nothing about the Special Olympics but everyone that I've talked to about it says it's a pretty uplifting and inspiring program. I'm excited about it. I wish I commit to more volunteer time. Volunteering always makes me feel less stressed.
Money spent so far: $241.55
Thursday, February 21, 2013
02/21/13 - Day 58 - Scraping off cars (free)
Snowpocalypse 2013! Snowstorm hit my hometown today. Helped my coworkers scrape off their cars before we got to go home early from work. They spared us the awful driving conditions.
Money spent so far: $241.55
Money spent so far: $241.55
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
02/20/13 - Day 57 - Promoting friends (free)
Happy birthday long lost friend!
One of my inspirations for anonymous kindness attacks was a friend that passed away. He was always doing nice things for those closest to him and complete strangers. I wanted to honor him and his family by trying to really do something kind for people too. Today is his birthday. He would be 30 today.
I host an hour long radio show on a station here in my hometown. We generally play music that is never played on the radio. That's sort of our tagline. It's "smart music that flies under the radar." We play artists that are independent, unsigned, or even well known artists with tracks that are never heard. I thought it would be awesome to open it up to some of my local musician friends for an all local edition. Hopefully this will give them a chance to get some new fans and hear their own music on the radio.
I think it should be a good thing. I love promoting my friends and local musicians. I'm pumped about it.
Money spent so far: $241.55
One of my inspirations for anonymous kindness attacks was a friend that passed away. He was always doing nice things for those closest to him and complete strangers. I wanted to honor him and his family by trying to really do something kind for people too. Today is his birthday. He would be 30 today.
I host an hour long radio show on a station here in my hometown. We generally play music that is never played on the radio. That's sort of our tagline. It's "smart music that flies under the radar." We play artists that are independent, unsigned, or even well known artists with tracks that are never heard. I thought it would be awesome to open it up to some of my local musician friends for an all local edition. Hopefully this will give them a chance to get some new fans and hear their own music on the radio.
I think it should be a good thing. I love promoting my friends and local musicians. I'm pumped about it.
Money spent so far: $241.55
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
02/19/13 - Day 56 - Good Survey (free)
It is freaking cold today. It is not very fun to be outside right now. Especially while you are walking a dog around and waiting for it to poop.
Today I took a few really lame surveys on Good Searches Good Survey's site.
With each survey I donate a little baby bit of money to the ASPCA. But over time it should build up to be something. Spread across the millions of people that use the website that could be quite a bit. It seems like the only search engine that everybody uses is Google. I don't really know Google's reputation as far as charitable giving. Need to do a little research on that. I only know them as a very innovative and profitable company.
I would never stop partonizing a company based on their particular charitable giving or lack thereof. If a company provides a good or service that I feel is quality then I will purchase it. But I also would prefer to support a company that gives something back. It's always nice when those two line up.
I have more to say but I'm too tired to sit here and think right now.
Money spent so far: $241.55
Today I took a few really lame surveys on Good Searches Good Survey's site.
With each survey I donate a little baby bit of money to the ASPCA. But over time it should build up to be something. Spread across the millions of people that use the website that could be quite a bit. It seems like the only search engine that everybody uses is Google. I don't really know Google's reputation as far as charitable giving. Need to do a little research on that. I only know them as a very innovative and profitable company.
I would never stop partonizing a company based on their particular charitable giving or lack thereof. If a company provides a good or service that I feel is quality then I will purchase it. But I also would prefer to support a company that gives something back. It's always nice when those two line up.
I have more to say but I'm too tired to sit here and think right now.
Money spent so far: $241.55
02/18/13 - Day 55 - Congratulations Message (free)
My update is late because it took me a while to properly formulate my anonymous kindness attack today.
I work part time at a radio station in my hometown. I have a few short shifts on the weekend and host a show on Sunday nights featuring independent music and artists. It's pretty fun. I don't do it because the money is good because it isn't. I do it because I like to do it. Anyway this station is in a group of stations, one of which has a talk radio format.
When I worked in sales (my job before APL) I was constantly in my car driving from one client to another. There was a show that was on this station that was one of the real highlights of my day. I hated that job and almost always needed something to lighten the mood of my day. This show did that for me. So today I facebook messaged the host of that show and let him know this.
I know first hand what a small amount of positive feedback can mean to someone in the radio industry so I hope it makes him happy to know he is being appreciated.
Money spent so far: $241.55
I work part time at a radio station in my hometown. I have a few short shifts on the weekend and host a show on Sunday nights featuring independent music and artists. It's pretty fun. I don't do it because the money is good because it isn't. I do it because I like to do it. Anyway this station is in a group of stations, one of which has a talk radio format.
When I worked in sales (my job before APL) I was constantly in my car driving from one client to another. There was a show that was on this station that was one of the real highlights of my day. I hated that job and almost always needed something to lighten the mood of my day. This show did that for me. So today I facebook messaged the host of that show and let him know this.
I know first hand what a small amount of positive feedback can mean to someone in the radio industry so I hope it makes him happy to know he is being appreciated.
Money spent so far: $241.55
Sunday, February 17, 2013
02/17/13 - Day 54 - Not For Sale
I have never had much faith in humanity. Unfortunately my beliefs were only reaffirmed today. I can't believe how fucking cruel and awful humans can be.
Recently I've had a couple "friends" that have just decided to completely cut my wife out of their life. They have given no real reason and shown no regard for anyone's feelings. I am trying to deal with my anger is a constructive way but when somebody hurts my wife's feelings it makes me furious.
I also read a story about how people are leaving razor blades in sausages and anti freeze in water bowls at dog parks around the country. I have read stories like this before but I never let it really sink in and infuriate me the way I did today. The depth of cruelty that some people show is sickening. I get so angry I want to throw up.
I have also been trying to get more educated about human trafficking. So I read many heartbreaking stories about that. It has been a rough day.
My random kindness attack today was to buy a book from notforsale.org. This is an agency and website that was started by Dr. David Balstone. Initially he wanted just write a book that investigated human trafficking and tried to offer solutions to fight this insidious evil. He soon realized that he needed to do more and thus the agency was born.
As part of my continuing education about this subject I purchased the book. The funds from the book go toward the organization and hopefully the book will inspire me for some future acts of kindness. If you want to buy the book go here:
Not For Sale Book
Money spent so far: $241.55
Recently I've had a couple "friends" that have just decided to completely cut my wife out of their life. They have given no real reason and shown no regard for anyone's feelings. I am trying to deal with my anger is a constructive way but when somebody hurts my wife's feelings it makes me furious.
I also read a story about how people are leaving razor blades in sausages and anti freeze in water bowls at dog parks around the country. I have read stories like this before but I never let it really sink in and infuriate me the way I did today. The depth of cruelty that some people show is sickening. I get so angry I want to throw up.
I have also been trying to get more educated about human trafficking. So I read many heartbreaking stories about that. It has been a rough day.
My random kindness attack today was to buy a book from notforsale.org. This is an agency and website that was started by Dr. David Balstone. Initially he wanted just write a book that investigated human trafficking and tried to offer solutions to fight this insidious evil. He soon realized that he needed to do more and thus the agency was born.
As part of my continuing education about this subject I purchased the book. The funds from the book go toward the organization and hopefully the book will inspire me for some future acts of kindness. If you want to buy the book go here:
Not For Sale Book
Money spent so far: $241.55
02/16/13 - Day 53 - Drinks for friends
Today was a cool day.
I was supposed to do The Fight For Air Climb today but I realized (shortly before I was about to leave) that they wanted me to raise more funds than I had planned. I was sort of pissed off. I readjusted my attitude quickly when I realized that I did raise some money for the American Lung Association and I am going to run up the 32 flights of stairs anyway. I will probably do it tomorrow after I get off work. I'm going to try and time it and make it a legit thing so I can compare it with the winner of the event. I asked several of my friends to do it with me but nobody seems too excited about it.
Got a chance to talk to a friend today that I don't get to see very often. It's funny because we sort of are in the same phase of life right now without even trying to be. We are both trying to figure out how to make a positive impact on the world around us. It's not an easy thing to do for two people who were brought together because of our mostly smart ass and pessimistic attitudes. He is expecting his first kid and that is super awesome. I know him and his wife will be awesome parents and it was great to get to catch up. Hopefully a visit to his home will be happening this summer.
My friends and I like to drink. I am not usually the guy buying people drinks but tonight I actually did buy several for my friends. I offered to buy several more but only a couple took me up on the offer. I don't know how much of a positive impact buying somebody an alcoholic beverage at a bar on a Saturday night really makes for the world. But I know it was time for me to try to payback people for all the drinks they've bought me through out the past 10 years. This really is just a drop in the bucket.
Money spent so far: $221.55
I was supposed to do The Fight For Air Climb today but I realized (shortly before I was about to leave) that they wanted me to raise more funds than I had planned. I was sort of pissed off. I readjusted my attitude quickly when I realized that I did raise some money for the American Lung Association and I am going to run up the 32 flights of stairs anyway. I will probably do it tomorrow after I get off work. I'm going to try and time it and make it a legit thing so I can compare it with the winner of the event. I asked several of my friends to do it with me but nobody seems too excited about it.
Got a chance to talk to a friend today that I don't get to see very often. It's funny because we sort of are in the same phase of life right now without even trying to be. We are both trying to figure out how to make a positive impact on the world around us. It's not an easy thing to do for two people who were brought together because of our mostly smart ass and pessimistic attitudes. He is expecting his first kid and that is super awesome. I know him and his wife will be awesome parents and it was great to get to catch up. Hopefully a visit to his home will be happening this summer.
My friends and I like to drink. I am not usually the guy buying people drinks but tonight I actually did buy several for my friends. I offered to buy several more but only a couple took me up on the offer. I don't know how much of a positive impact buying somebody an alcoholic beverage at a bar on a Saturday night really makes for the world. But I know it was time for me to try to payback people for all the drinks they've bought me through out the past 10 years. This really is just a drop in the bucket.
Money spent so far: $221.55
02/15/13 - Day 52 - The End of Poverty Petition (free)
A dog that had been at Animal Protective League for a while was adopted today. That makes it a pretty good day.
I signed another petition today. This one has 10 specific solutions to end poverty.
The End Of Poverty
Check it out and sign it yourself.
Money spent so far: $209.09
I signed another petition today. This one has 10 specific solutions to end poverty.
The End Of Poverty
Check it out and sign it yourself.
Money spent so far: $209.09
Friday, February 15, 2013
02/14/13 - Day 51 - Made my wife Valentine's dinner (free)
(The groceries were already purchased so it's sorta free.)
My wife is the cook in the house so for Valentine's day I make her dinner and I didn't really fuck it up. I roasted broccoli, made a salad, and red beans and rice. She got me a giant cupcake for dessert. It was a good one.
Money spent so far: $209.09
My wife is the cook in the house so for Valentine's day I make her dinner and I didn't really fuck it up. I roasted broccoli, made a salad, and red beans and rice. She got me a giant cupcake for dessert. It was a good one.
Money spent so far: $209.09
02/13/13 - Day 50 - Reviewed a friend's music (free)
I have been pretty lackadaisical about my blog updates lately. This one comes two days late and the past two have been pretty lackluster. So I am just going to try to do better. It has been a somewhat different week as I am now actually invested in a full time job with full time hours. It hasn't stopped me from carrying out my daily anonymous kindness attacks but it has kept me from being awake long enough to keep my updates on time.
This was a long cold wet day. My boots got soaked at the beginning of the day and stayed that way until the time I got home. It made me cranky.
I got an email from a buddy of mine that asked me to do him a favor. He asked me to review and give him notes on an album he had recently recorded. He is a great songwriter and funded the recording of this latest batch of songs through kickstarter. His kickstarter campaign was very successful and he was able to travel to Los Angeles for two weeks and record 12 songs with a very awesome and experienced producer.
I am not as good a songwriter as he is but I do have a really good ear for production and I listen to a shit ton of music. Plus I know he asked me to do it because he respects my opinion about music. Needless to say I am pretty pumped to be able to do this. But it is going to be some work. I began working on the project today. I am not sure when I will be finished with it.
My plan is to give him notes on
1. production
2. song order
3. performance
and that's it. I have listened to it a little bit and from what I've heard it sounds really great.
Money spent so far: $209.09
This was a long cold wet day. My boots got soaked at the beginning of the day and stayed that way until the time I got home. It made me cranky.
I got an email from a buddy of mine that asked me to do him a favor. He asked me to review and give him notes on an album he had recently recorded. He is a great songwriter and funded the recording of this latest batch of songs through kickstarter. His kickstarter campaign was very successful and he was able to travel to Los Angeles for two weeks and record 12 songs with a very awesome and experienced producer.
I am not as good a songwriter as he is but I do have a really good ear for production and I listen to a shit ton of music. Plus I know he asked me to do it because he respects my opinion about music. Needless to say I am pretty pumped to be able to do this. But it is going to be some work. I began working on the project today. I am not sure when I will be finished with it.
My plan is to give him notes on
1. production
2. song order
3. performance
and that's it. I have listened to it a little bit and from what I've heard it sounds really great.
Money spent so far: $209.09
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
02/12/13 - Day 49 - Walgreen's Help A Soldier initiative
While at Walgreen's today I purchased a couple bags of pistachios to put in their bin for donations to US soldiers.
Money spent so far: $209.09
Money spent so far: $209.09
02/11/13 - Day 48 - Dogs Deserve Better Donation
Sorry this update is a day late I went out last night and had too many beverages to properly update my blog. I did however donate to Dogs Deserve Better. This is an organization I mentioned in a previous blog and they do great things for dogs all across the US.
Money spent so far: $207.09
Money spent so far: $207.09
Sunday, February 10, 2013
02/10/13 - Day 47 - Ban Tiger Trade Petition (free)
I had to work at my other part time job today and it wasn't very fun. I am better at dealing with disgruntled dogs (at my full time job) than with just regularly gruntled people. I think maybe I'm in a lethargic mood because my diet and exercise routine has been particularly shitty lately. I'm gonna have to figure that out soon because I have less than a week to prepare for the Fight For Air Climb. I actually had signed up (and paid for) a half marathon that took place yesterday. But there was no way I was physically or financially prepared to participate. So I need to step it up.
While at my part time job I get astoundingly bored. It's not that there isn't anything to do. It's just that there isn't any real rush to do it. That and my motivation today was at an all time low. Not my attitude really just my motivation. So I was going back and forth between facebook and reddit. Something I saw on reddit got me really fired up. Apparently certain Chinese farmers actually farm tigers. China does have restrictions on killing a tiger for profit but you can use parts of a tiger if it has died from natural causes. So these "farmers" are raising tigers and then starving them to death because that is considered "natural." It fucking disgusted me. Here is a link to the petition:
Ban Tiger Trade
So what's the real difference, morality wise, between a chicken and and a tiger? It has to be rarity right? Tigers are rare and the idea that a giant jungle cat would be stuck in captivity and tortured through starvation to have it's bones ground up for expensive and exotic wines and medicines is pretty offensive to most people. Far worse things happen to chickens in industrial farms and it's not nearly as offensive. At least not to most Americans. I know it certainly wasn't to me. It probably still isn't. I really became a vegetarian for the health benefits. Animal rights were really an afterthought. My not eating meat probably doesn't move the needle for the big meat manufacturers anyway. But I'm glad I don't.
Like I said earlier, I think I like animals (even the ones that don't like me) better than I like most people.
Money spent so far: $202.09
While at my part time job I get astoundingly bored. It's not that there isn't anything to do. It's just that there isn't any real rush to do it. That and my motivation today was at an all time low. Not my attitude really just my motivation. So I was going back and forth between facebook and reddit. Something I saw on reddit got me really fired up. Apparently certain Chinese farmers actually farm tigers. China does have restrictions on killing a tiger for profit but you can use parts of a tiger if it has died from natural causes. So these "farmers" are raising tigers and then starving them to death because that is considered "natural." It fucking disgusted me. Here is a link to the petition:
Ban Tiger Trade
So what's the real difference, morality wise, between a chicken and and a tiger? It has to be rarity right? Tigers are rare and the idea that a giant jungle cat would be stuck in captivity and tortured through starvation to have it's bones ground up for expensive and exotic wines and medicines is pretty offensive to most people. Far worse things happen to chickens in industrial farms and it's not nearly as offensive. At least not to most Americans. I know it certainly wasn't to me. It probably still isn't. I really became a vegetarian for the health benefits. Animal rights were really an afterthought. My not eating meat probably doesn't move the needle for the big meat manufacturers anyway. But I'm glad I don't.
Like I said earlier, I think I like animals (even the ones that don't like me) better than I like most people.
Money spent so far: $202.09
02/09/13 - Day 46 - Stray Dog Overtime (free)
Saturday is usually a busy day at the Animal Protective League and this was my first one. It was really like any other day except that at around noon every crazy person in the world comes out in search of their dog. This was the first day where there were people visiting the dogs that I wouldn't feel comfortable approving for an adoption. As a caregiver for the dogs I also have to size up the people who want to adopt these dogs. Most people are great but some people...
My position is also responsible for caring for the dogs that are in the clinic. These are dogs that for various medical reasons aren't currently adoptable. Inevitably when a potential adopter comes to look at dogs they will see me walking one of these unadoptable dogs and completely fall in love with them. I usually have to explain the situation to them four times before it sinks in that they can't adopt the dog at this time. It's sad seeing that recognition cross their face.
I was pretty much done for the day. We had actually gotten everything done a little bit earlier than usual. As I was about to clock out two guys who were on their way south for a huge Mardi Gras party stopped in with a stray basset hound. This dog looked a little underweight and smelled pretty bad but getting into stuff that smells bad is one of the perks of being a stray dog. The guys said he was running across the highway and they had rescued him. They called around and people had suggested they bring him to us.
These guys were actually the real do-gooders in this story. All I did was accept the stray and set him up with a bed and a water bowl a little bit after my scheduled time off. He seemed very sweet like he was somebody's dog at some point. I hope that somebody comes to claim him in the next few days. If not (and if there are no serious health issues) I'm sure that we will have no problem finding him an owner.
In other news, my wife and I watched "What About Bob?" last night. That movie is freaking great. I must have watched it 100 times when I was a little kid. I still think it is funny. Why isn't Richard Dreyfuss in more stuff? That dude is freaking great.
Money spent so far: $202.09
My position is also responsible for caring for the dogs that are in the clinic. These are dogs that for various medical reasons aren't currently adoptable. Inevitably when a potential adopter comes to look at dogs they will see me walking one of these unadoptable dogs and completely fall in love with them. I usually have to explain the situation to them four times before it sinks in that they can't adopt the dog at this time. It's sad seeing that recognition cross their face.
I was pretty much done for the day. We had actually gotten everything done a little bit earlier than usual. As I was about to clock out two guys who were on their way south for a huge Mardi Gras party stopped in with a stray basset hound. This dog looked a little underweight and smelled pretty bad but getting into stuff that smells bad is one of the perks of being a stray dog. The guys said he was running across the highway and they had rescued him. They called around and people had suggested they bring him to us.
These guys were actually the real do-gooders in this story. All I did was accept the stray and set him up with a bed and a water bowl a little bit after my scheduled time off. He seemed very sweet like he was somebody's dog at some point. I hope that somebody comes to claim him in the next few days. If not (and if there are no serious health issues) I'm sure that we will have no problem finding him an owner.
In other news, my wife and I watched "What About Bob?" last night. That movie is freaking great. I must have watched it 100 times when I was a little kid. I still think it is funny. Why isn't Richard Dreyfuss in more stuff? That dude is freaking great.
Money spent so far: $202.09
Friday, February 8, 2013
02/08/13 - Day 45 - PETA signup (free)
Since beginning this project I have really turned into a fucking hippie. I know that isn't 100% true but it sure feels like it. I actually went to PETA's website today and agreed with most of the information. I really like animals more than people. Animals are easy to love because they are mostly simple to understand. They don't have any hidden agendas or secret plans.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is a group that sometimes comes off as a little insane. I think they are really just brilliant at marketing. They are all about publicity. They realize there are some people they will never appeal to and whose minds they are never going to change. They aren't trying to reach those people with their outrageous publicity stunts.
Apparently they are trying to work their way into the brain of people like me. People that think that animals are awesome. People who suddenly become vegetarian after a life of really enjoying meat because they watched a food documentary one night.
I signed their pledge to end animal homelessness. You can do the same if you go here:
Fixing Animal Homelessness
Money spent so far: $202.09
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is a group that sometimes comes off as a little insane. I think they are really just brilliant at marketing. They are all about publicity. They realize there are some people they will never appeal to and whose minds they are never going to change. They aren't trying to reach those people with their outrageous publicity stunts.
Apparently they are trying to work their way into the brain of people like me. People that think that animals are awesome. People who suddenly become vegetarian after a life of really enjoying meat because they watched a food documentary one night.
I signed their pledge to end animal homelessness. You can do the same if you go here:
Fixing Animal Homelessness
Money spent so far: $202.09
02/07/13 - Day 44 - Vday planning
Today I bought a secret gift for my significant other. I don't want to give too much away because she has definitely found out about this blog and will be able to decipher any clue that I give her. However here is one clue anyway: this is a non traditional Valentine's Day gift and one that she has never received before.
I also discovered this awesome website that will probably be the subject of an upcoming anonymous kindness attack. It is called Dogs Deserve Better. Here is a description of them from their own website:
DOGS DESERVE BETTER is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to freeing the chained dog, and bringing our best friend into the home and family. Our mission is to free them through education, rescue and rehabilitation, grassroots legislation, and fencing programs.
The organization has recently moved into Michael Vick's former property where he housed and trained fighting dogs. They are working to renovate it into a state of the art facility for rescued dogs. Working at a no kill shelter has given me an even bigger passion for trying to help dogs and this organization looks like they do awesome work. More to come on DDB.
Money spent so far: $202.09
I also discovered this awesome website that will probably be the subject of an upcoming anonymous kindness attack. It is called Dogs Deserve Better. Here is a description of them from their own website:
DOGS DESERVE BETTER is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to freeing the chained dog, and bringing our best friend into the home and family. Our mission is to free them through education, rescue and rehabilitation, grassroots legislation, and fencing programs.
The organization has recently moved into Michael Vick's former property where he housed and trained fighting dogs. They are working to renovate it into a state of the art facility for rescued dogs. Working at a no kill shelter has given me an even bigger passion for trying to help dogs and this organization looks like they do awesome work. More to come on DDB.
Money spent so far: $202.09
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
02/06/13 - Day 43 - Helped out stranded family
This has been my third day at that Animal Protective League and I have yet to share any photos of these precious animals.
This is (in order from top to bottom) Elvira, Izzy, and Lexi. They are three of dogs that I look after for my job. I love my fucking job. It's super fun and rewarding. I know this is only my third day but it has been great so far.
As I mentioned yesterday I helped out a friend by covering their shift yesterday. I had the opportunity to help her again by covering her shift tonight as well. After I left the APL and on my way to work my friend's shift I stopped at a gas station and ran into a guy who seemed very down on his luck. He was from Nebraska and moving his whole family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was standing next to his driver's side door while his wife and dog and kids sat in the car. He looked very distressed. He explained to me that he had ran out of money because he didn't budget for gas properly and he had called his family asking them to help but that he wasn't having much luck getting a hold of anybody. He may very well have been scamming me. If it was a scam it was still one that required his whole family to wait in a cold gas station parking lot. He had Nebraska license plates and was clearly far away from home. I could see the back end of his car was weighed down just by looking at it. I assumed this was what they were taking with them to Milwaukee.
Honestly the guy just looked desperate. I have felt desperate before and I wanted to help him out so I did.
Money spent so far: $182.09
This is (in order from top to bottom) Elvira, Izzy, and Lexi. They are three of dogs that I look after for my job. I love my fucking job. It's super fun and rewarding. I know this is only my third day but it has been great so far.
As I mentioned yesterday I helped out a friend by covering their shift yesterday. I had the opportunity to help her again by covering her shift tonight as well. After I left the APL and on my way to work my friend's shift I stopped at a gas station and ran into a guy who seemed very down on his luck. He was from Nebraska and moving his whole family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was standing next to his driver's side door while his wife and dog and kids sat in the car. He looked very distressed. He explained to me that he had ran out of money because he didn't budget for gas properly and he had called his family asking them to help but that he wasn't having much luck getting a hold of anybody. He may very well have been scamming me. If it was a scam it was still one that required his whole family to wait in a cold gas station parking lot. He had Nebraska license plates and was clearly far away from home. I could see the back end of his car was weighed down just by looking at it. I assumed this was what they were taking with them to Milwaukee.
Honestly the guy just looked desperate. I have felt desperate before and I wanted to help him out so I did.
Money spent so far: $182.09
02/05/13 - Day 42 - Covered a friend's shift (free)
My second day at the Animal Protective League was a little bit more exciting. The typical job was actually very chilled out. There are a relatively low number of dogs housed in the kennel and there were actually three people working in that section of the shelter so things really moved along rather smoothly. We did get a call to pick up an animal that had been hit by a car. I really didn't know this was something that the APL typically did. Kyle (my trainer) informed that it really isn't a normal part of the job but that it does happen every now and then.
I had myself mentally prepared for a gruesome scene but when we got to the location we saw a fully grown and very healthy looking dog in the middle of the road. He actually lived nearby and had escaped his enclosure. If he had been hit by a car he wasn't showing any signs of harm. He went back to his home and we spoke to his owners about making sure that he was secure and not roaming the street.
Also this was only my second day and I was treated to free cake. So far so good.
I also work part time at the radio station here in town. I only have my shift on the weekends but I got a call from a friend of mine that works at the radio asking me to cover her 6pm to midnight shifts for the next two days. I will still be getting paid for it so it's not a completely selfless act but I did still consider it an act of kindess. I know what this person has been going through.
Changes in her position at the radio station forced her to accept a new job in television broadcasting. She has been trying to balance her schedule between her radio and television jobs and she was overwhelmed. It was clear by covering her shifts for the next two nights I would be giving her some much needed time off.
I truly enjoy spending time on the radio and getting to listen to and talk about music. The job doesn't really pay that much but I always leave after a shift with a smile on my face. That is true for both my radio and animal care jobs. It's pretty sweet.
Money spent so far: $162.09
I had myself mentally prepared for a gruesome scene but when we got to the location we saw a fully grown and very healthy looking dog in the middle of the road. He actually lived nearby and had escaped his enclosure. If he had been hit by a car he wasn't showing any signs of harm. He went back to his home and we spoke to his owners about making sure that he was secure and not roaming the street.
Also this was only my second day and I was treated to free cake. So far so good.
I also work part time at the radio station here in town. I only have my shift on the weekends but I got a call from a friend of mine that works at the radio asking me to cover her 6pm to midnight shifts for the next two days. I will still be getting paid for it so it's not a completely selfless act but I did still consider it an act of kindess. I know what this person has been going through.
Changes in her position at the radio station forced her to accept a new job in television broadcasting. She has been trying to balance her schedule between her radio and television jobs and she was overwhelmed. It was clear by covering her shifts for the next two nights I would be giving her some much needed time off.
I truly enjoy spending time on the radio and getting to listen to and talk about music. The job doesn't really pay that much but I always leave after a shift with a smile on my face. That is true for both my radio and animal care jobs. It's pretty sweet.
Money spent so far: $162.09
02/04/13 - Day 41 - Wrote a song for my wife (free)
I am a songwriter. I do not claim to be a good one. I have close friends that I know are better songwriters than myself. But today I wrote a song for my wife.
Man did I really piss myself off today. There is an open mic that a friend of mine hosts on Monday nights here in town that I typically participate in. It's a pretty fun community of singer-songwriters that come to this open mic. I started a challenge game where songwriters are required to use a phrase of two or three words in a new song each week. This week the phrase was "hard to love." We are supposed to use this phrase at least once in our song.
I always wait until the last possible minute to write my song. I'm not sure why I wait so long but I think there are two main reasons.
1. When I am up against the wall and forced to finish the song it actually forces me to make quick decisions and get it completed quickly.
2. I have always been bad about procrastinating.
So I worked hard to write a nice love song for my wife that included the phrase "hard to love." The song ended up sounding really good. But by the time it was my turn to play at the open mic I had completely forgotten the way the song went. It was embarrassing.
I did play the song for my wife when we got home for the night and she really liked it. Oh well.
Also, today was my first official day working at the Animal Protective League and it was pretty great. I definitely have a lot to learn but I think everyone seems to be pretty good and patient teachers. Fell in love with a little puggle named Izzy today.
Money spent so far: $162.09
Man did I really piss myself off today. There is an open mic that a friend of mine hosts on Monday nights here in town that I typically participate in. It's a pretty fun community of singer-songwriters that come to this open mic. I started a challenge game where songwriters are required to use a phrase of two or three words in a new song each week. This week the phrase was "hard to love." We are supposed to use this phrase at least once in our song.
I always wait until the last possible minute to write my song. I'm not sure why I wait so long but I think there are two main reasons.
1. When I am up against the wall and forced to finish the song it actually forces me to make quick decisions and get it completed quickly.
2. I have always been bad about procrastinating.
So I worked hard to write a nice love song for my wife that included the phrase "hard to love." The song ended up sounding really good. But by the time it was my turn to play at the open mic I had completely forgotten the way the song went. It was embarrassing.
I did play the song for my wife when we got home for the night and she really liked it. Oh well.
Also, today was my first official day working at the Animal Protective League and it was pretty great. I definitely have a lot to learn but I think everyone seems to be pretty good and patient teachers. Fell in love with a little puggle named Izzy today.
Money spent so far: $162.09
Sunday, February 3, 2013
02/03/13 - Day 40 - Signed petition for Save the Children (free)
It's Super Bowl Sunday and for the first time in a long time I didn't watch it. My wife and I watched Paranormal Activity 4 and now we are pretty sure there is a demon in our house.
I did however sign a petition for the organization Save The Children. This organization does so many good things for children all across the world that it is hard to put your finger on what they actually do. Their self description is:
Save the Children is the world's leading independent organization for children. Our vision is a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation. Our mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.
Nothing makes me more insanely pissed off than hearing about child abuse or animal abuse. It sucks that there are children in the world that have to suffer. It sucks that there is suffering in the world at all but my heart doesn't really bleed for adults. At least not like it does for children.
This petition is very generic but the idea is pretty great. A National Commission on Children. It doesn't get specific about what would be discussed in the national commission. Just that there should be one. It does seem bizarre that the government wouldn't want to investigate how to make the life of children better. Sign the petition below:
Keep America's Children Safe
Money spent so far: $162.09
I did however sign a petition for the organization Save The Children. This organization does so many good things for children all across the world that it is hard to put your finger on what they actually do. Their self description is:
Save the Children is the world's leading independent organization for children. Our vision is a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation. Our mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.
Nothing makes me more insanely pissed off than hearing about child abuse or animal abuse. It sucks that there are children in the world that have to suffer. It sucks that there is suffering in the world at all but my heart doesn't really bleed for adults. At least not like it does for children.
This petition is very generic but the idea is pretty great. A National Commission on Children. It doesn't get specific about what would be discussed in the national commission. Just that there should be one. It does seem bizarre that the government wouldn't want to investigate how to make the life of children better. Sign the petition below:
Keep America's Children Safe
Money spent so far: $162.09
02/02/13 - Day 39 - Signed up for Fight For Air Climb
Tardiness is one of my vices.
Here is a quicklist of stuff that I did yesterday. I will update when I get back from work.
1. Signed up my band for the Fight For Air Climb.
Update: The American Lung Association puts on this event in my city (and a bunch of other cities) every year. It's called the Fight For Air Climb because it benefits lung cancer research but also because you will literally be fighting for air as you climb up 32 flights of stairs. I have wanted to sign up for this event for the past few years and for various reasons haven't until now. I took the plunge and pushed my band in along with me. I actually signed up my band as a team that I will be representing. I did invite them to participate but it's coming up relatively soon. I don't know how physically prepared all of them feel. In fact, I don't know how prepared I really am. This is also a fundraiser. My personal goal is $100 and so far I only have $25. I'm not a huge fan of fundraisers because I don't like asking people for money. Hopefully it won't be hard to reach my goal.
2. Made my wife breakfast and went to get a pizza!
Update: I forgot the awesomeness of Papa Murphy's Gourmet Veggie pizza.
3. Watched Super 8.
Update: This movie is pretty much J. J. Abrams homage to all of Steven Spielberg's science fiction movies. That is just fine because I'm a big fan of Abrams and Spielberg. This movie is awesome.
4. Hung out in my secret room most of the day
5. Was sort of lazy.
Update: This was nice because my wife doesn't usually hang out with me in my man cave area but it really is the warmest place in the house right now. Plus her computer works pretty well in here. So we hung out in here most of the day.
6. Helped my mother in law with computer.
Update: I mentioned in a previous kindness attack that I am the "go to guy" for my mother-in-law when it comes to computer problems. She called again today to ask for some help and even publicly thanked me on her facebook page for helping her out.
Money spent so far: $162.09
Here is a quicklist of stuff that I did yesterday. I will update when I get back from work.
1. Signed up my band for the Fight For Air Climb.
Update: The American Lung Association puts on this event in my city (and a bunch of other cities) every year. It's called the Fight For Air Climb because it benefits lung cancer research but also because you will literally be fighting for air as you climb up 32 flights of stairs. I have wanted to sign up for this event for the past few years and for various reasons haven't until now. I took the plunge and pushed my band in along with me. I actually signed up my band as a team that I will be representing. I did invite them to participate but it's coming up relatively soon. I don't know how physically prepared all of them feel. In fact, I don't know how prepared I really am. This is also a fundraiser. My personal goal is $100 and so far I only have $25. I'm not a huge fan of fundraisers because I don't like asking people for money. Hopefully it won't be hard to reach my goal.
2. Made my wife breakfast and went to get a pizza!
Update: I forgot the awesomeness of Papa Murphy's Gourmet Veggie pizza.
3. Watched Super 8.
Update: This movie is pretty much J. J. Abrams homage to all of Steven Spielberg's science fiction movies. That is just fine because I'm a big fan of Abrams and Spielberg. This movie is awesome.
4. Hung out in my secret room most of the day
5. Was sort of lazy.
Update: This was nice because my wife doesn't usually hang out with me in my man cave area but it really is the warmest place in the house right now. Plus her computer works pretty well in here. So we hung out in here most of the day.
6. Helped my mother in law with computer.
Update: I mentioned in a previous kindness attack that I am the "go to guy" for my mother-in-law when it comes to computer problems. She called again today to ask for some help and even publicly thanked me on her facebook page for helping her out.
Money spent so far: $162.09
Saturday, February 2, 2013
02/01/13 - Day 38 - Sent gift to random friend #2
Today was pretty awesome. I had an interview with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization here in my hometown. It was a very interesting meeting. I initially felt like I was going to job interview and I defintely dressed like it. The woman who interviewed me is my case handler and placement coordinator. She was very nice and gave me a lot of information. She said she had a tough time reading me right away. I took that in a negative way at first but she explained what she meant was that she had a tough time reading who would be the best little brother for me. I explained that I have no preconceived notions or expectations about what my little brother should be other than that I would like him to be 10 or under. She said the matching process could take up to a month. I'm pumped.
Another facebook friend of mine was sent a gift today. She will receive this gift because she was one of five people to respond to a chain letter facebook post of mine. She was actually the one to initially post the chain letter facebook post that I responded to. I should actually be getting a gift from her sometime in 2013 also.
This friend and I are not super close. I do know she likes to run and loves farmers markets and organically grown food. Here are the gifts she received:
1. Monkey Headphones. Headphones that look like little monkey heads and they keep your ears warm.
2. A blinky LED light for running. This keeps you safe while you're jogging in the dark.
3. A personally crafted "Farmers Market" Mix CD.
Check it: earthy and heartfelt tunes
In other news...I really screwed up my Friday night. I forgot to track my on air shift earlier in the day so I had to go out to the station at 9:30pm and I didn't get finished until now. Suck.
Oh well I didn't have any money anyway so I don't know what I thought I was going to do.
Money spent so far: $137.09
Another facebook friend of mine was sent a gift today. She will receive this gift because she was one of five people to respond to a chain letter facebook post of mine. She was actually the one to initially post the chain letter facebook post that I responded to. I should actually be getting a gift from her sometime in 2013 also.
This friend and I are not super close. I do know she likes to run and loves farmers markets and organically grown food. Here are the gifts she received:
1. Monkey Headphones. Headphones that look like little monkey heads and they keep your ears warm.
2. A blinky LED light for running. This keeps you safe while you're jogging in the dark.
3. A personally crafted "Farmers Market" Mix CD.
Check it: earthy and heartfelt tunes
In other news...I really screwed up my Friday night. I forgot to track my on air shift earlier in the day so I had to go out to the station at 9:30pm and I didn't get finished until now. Suck.
Oh well I didn't have any money anyway so I don't know what I thought I was going to do.
Money spent so far: $137.09
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