This week...

First, hello to all my beloved friends and fellow MJ Fans.  I have missed you!  (And apparently our friends in Guernsey and Covetry have missed my posts, since they have been spending a bit of time scouring my blog again recently.  Ignore those comments that appear.  I will answer them, if I think it is necessary). 

I would like to send a special note of appreciation to our new co-admin of my blog, Martijn Peskens (aka MJTKOP-NYTRAM to many of you).  During my absence, he made some fabulous changes here to the layout and kept things running smoothly.  THANK YOU MARTIJN.  I truly L.O.V.E. it!  Martijn and I started discussing some layout changes many months ago, and he has worked very hard on the new format, and it's something that may never have happened without him- I am sometimes technology challenged.  LOL 

More importantly, this is a difficult week for us all, as the second anniversary of Michael's passing quickly comes upon us.  I have started a new personal project that I will be sharing with all of you soon, but in the meantime I would like to suggest a few things you can do on Saturday to remember, and honor, Michael's memory and the committment he made to the world in his undying efforts in charity.

Consider visiting some veterans of your country's military in a veteran's home, or aged facility.  Take a few things with you that might cheer them.  They don't have to be expensive, just something to show they are remembered. You can do the same at any aged resting home.  Take some flowers for their dining facility, some nice grooming items such as soaps, body washes, perhaps after-shave or deodorants-- something that isn't 'facility issue' that will make them feel remembered.  (Suggestion:  try to find things for sensitive skin and not highly perfumed, since elder skin is much more delicate and perfumes could act as an irritant).  I would not recommend taking food items (or candies) unless you have contacted the facility administrator prior to taking such items, since the residents likely have restricted dietary guidelines.

Go door-to-door in your neighborhoods and ask for food donations and take your collection to a local charity, or food-bank, to help those who have little money or any affected by the recent world-wide disasters.  Personally, I take some of my food and tolietry collections to the local AIDS food bank since I know locally their programs were cut by more than 50% over 2 years ago.

Do not forget the animals!  While asking for food donations, ask your neighbors if they have an extra can of food, or bag of treats they could spare and take those to a local animal rescue or shelter.  It is amazing how quickly one can/bag here and there can add up!  Governments the world over are cutting programs in an effort to save money, and it is usually those who need the help the MOST who are cut FIRST.  I just took about 12 lbs of cat food, 20 lbs of dog food and bags upon bags of treats to my veternarian and asked them to distribute to rescue groups they personally work with, since many of them are clients as well).

I never ask for personal recognition- I simply say I am doing this in honor of Michael Jackson and in his memory.  They know my face, but not my name.

Remember, this is something that can be done year-round, not just every June.  If you think you don't have the time, then try to rearrange your schedule at least once a month to carve out at least 2 hours, more if you can afford it.  This type of activity is also a FANTASTIC way to get your children involved in so many ways. The life lessons are PRICELESS.

Lastly, I am a bit computer challenged right now.  My main (newest) laptop was shipped to the manufacturer's repair center since my video card died.  My older laptop, well, thanks to my security company's latest "update" has replaced an operating system file that has rendered the OS instable.  (Oh yippee!) So I am doing most of my reading/writing from my phone.  Please give me some time to get my laptop back from repair.  (Dang! It is ALWAYS something! Sigh)

Much L.O.V.E.,
Cali

PS.  For those who are able to see CNN US-- have you seen the new commercial for a special this weekend about Michael?  (His last days or something like that).  What are your thoughts of the IV drip they use as the backdrop for their special?