My Volunteer Journal: Episode 57 – Cleaning Snake Cages and Being Cat Called by a Bird. Seriously. Thanks Star Eco Station.

On the phone Tuesday night: “I got to go to bed.  I’m cleaning snake cages early tomorrow morning.” “Why!?” “Because they sh*! in them Mom.” “This is another one of those volunteer things isn’t it?” “No, this is for fun.” “Really!?” “Mom…” “Okay.  Just be careful.  Don’t get bitten.” “I’ll... [Read more]

Who Should Get $1,500 From Reader’s Digest? Charity Details Here!

Reader’s Digest called last week to inform me that because I was featured in the “Make it Matter” section of the June/July issue I get a $1500 grant for either my non-profit or a non-profit of my choice. I don’t have a non-profit. I just help them. So I’m going to give the money to a non-profit. Problem is I can’t make up my mind.... [Read more]

My Volunteer Journal: Episode 56 – 1 Hot Mess Runs a 5k for the Amazon Foundation

I went to a costume party the night before my first 5k run ever. Not the smartest move. I know. As a nondrinker/smoker/recreational drug user I figured I’d be fine. I don’t want to tell you this next piece because I’m sure I will get emails about being insensitive, trashy, heartless etc. but here ya go… I decided to go as a crack... [Read more]

Reader’s Digest Publishes an Article about TheGoodMuse and the Response is…WOW

On May 12th the June/July issue of Reader’s Digest hit the newsstands featuring a story about TheGoodMuse (page 51 – damn right memorized). Since that day I have been inundated by the most humbling, unbelievable response and I just wanted to take a moment to say, “Thank you.” The purpose of TheGoodMuse and all these Volunteering... [Read more]

My Volunteer Journal: Episode 55 – Nashville Flood Relief

I never go back home. Not just because of the expensive plane tickets. My family can be… difficult. My grandfather was one of the only consistent people in my life, thus the tribute when he departed. But I wanted to attend my brother’s law school graduation, which would put me in the path of my extended family. So I flew into Nashville,... [Read more]

UPDATE! My Volunteer Journal: Episode 47 – I Write A Play for Lake Arrowhead Rep

They asked for it. I wrote it. They were warned. Ladies and gentlemen – a 12 page play about a cat who might or might not be killing the residents of a small town nursing home. It’s all about perspectives and dying wishes and it’s supposed to be amusing. Click here to read The Reaper to premier at Lake Arrowhead Reps Short Play... [Read more]

Volunteer Journal: Episode 54 – Be the Match for Bone Marrow

I absolutely did not want to do this. Nope. Not at all. Of course I’m American so I had recommended other people do it, but never intended to do it myself. (I felt all recommend-y after I saw this video of Seun Adebiyi). The reason for the avoidance was pure primal fear. Real fear. The fear of huge needles going through my bones. Marrow... [Read more]

My Volunteer Journal: Episode 53 – Trash for Teaching

Do not confuse the title as I have when telling people about this adventure. It’s not trash for teachers or teaching trash or trashy teachers. I’m pretty sure that last one is a movie of sorts. No. Trash for Teaching or T4T is a non-profit, which collects clean and safe cast off materials from the manufacturing process and then repurposes... [Read more]

12 Easy Ways to Volunteer for the Environment

This Earth Day I thought I would give you something to do so you can avoid watching another tree planting ceremony (it’s just as painful live as on TV – don’t kid yourself). Get out and actually make a difference instead of watching other people do it. 1) Computer Recycling  – Help bridge the digital divide by donating your... [Read more]

UPDATE! My Volunteer Journal: Episode 38 – KIVA.org The Easiest Way To Volunteer

Doubting Toms – I have proven you wrong yet again! KIVA.org – Volunteer Journal #38 for those of you who need to read up – worked. Totally worked and was easy. I kid you not. Nothing to be scared of dear ones. No, I’m not on their payroll. Thing is… you should always give credit where credit is due and this organization... [Read more]

My Volunteer Journal: Episode 52 – CHILL The Boys Are Just Snowboarding

“He’s going to kill himself and I’m going to be held responsible.” That was my thought at least a dozen times while volunteering for Burton’s CHILL program at Mountain High Ski Resort. The CHILL program takes underprivileged teens to local mountains for snowboarding lessons one day a week for six weeks. Equipment and lift tickets... [Read more]

My Volunteer Journal: Episode 51 – Streetwalking for the Greater Good

One of the most head slapping-ly logical groups I helped last year was Food Forward. Their brilliant concept boils down to – You have fruit trees in your yard that need picking. We have hungry people in LA. We will come pick your tree for free, give you tax credit, and give the fruit to the hungry. Problems solved. I picked oranges with... [Read more]

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