Better Than Any 'Ol Stimulus Plan

I have to wonder if one of the answers to turning this economy around is to share more of ourselves... volunteering. My grandmother, of course, scoffs at any form of volunteering (she does nothing for free- how maternal) which I think is funny and a totally personal decision. Right now, during this time in our society, we have an opportunity to build up our communities- ourselves. Now is not the time to turn inward, but to help all those who are in need- join a local literacy program, help out high school drop outs get back into education, help the homeless, work to improve whatever it is we need to do more.

We obviously can't and shouldn't depend on our government- we need to depend on ourselves. I'm going to investigate and post organizations that I think would be worth your time here in the bay area. So, stay tuned.

The great thing about volunteering is that you don't have to give money, just your time. What's even better is that you actually get something in return. It's better than any stimulus plan because you don't have to wait weeks and months for it to take effect! It's immediate.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/

Interviews with Jason Wu and Isabel Toledo.

Day of Service... And the day after and the day after

In case you're looking for an organization to be a part of you can look at the USA Service website which has many. You can also visit the United Way for other ideas.

Just a few ideas to help you give back. :)

What is Mrs. O Wearing?

Yes, can you believe there is an entire blog dedicated to the fashion of Michelle Obama- well of course! And it is probably a site to find inspiration and to simply gush over the beauty of our future First Lady. One day away!

We can't all be as imposing a figure as she presents but we can certainly pick up an idea here and there, especially the Thaikoon camel ensemble she elegantly donned yesterday.

I can't wait to see what she wears next. Will it be a Washington red sheath, royal purple duster or a luxurious cream overcoat to keep her warm in that frigid D.C. climate?... I'll certainly be following.

What to wear....

for those out pounding the pavement again looking for a J-O-B, here's a bit of advice in the new york times regarding what to wear on that next interview. of course, you've got to afford the new suit on your non-salary which sort of presents a problem. maybe you could sew up one of your own, or repurpose a really cool navy suit from your local thrift or goodwill store.

living in the bay area is great. but sometimes, i have a longing for a new york sidewalk during the changing seasons.. i happened upon this artciel: New York tries to create Gardens of Eden on city streets on christian science monitor. the city of new york's is attempting to soften the urban landscape.

while oakland's streets are fairly lovely in some stretches of neighborhoods, i think we could do more like this and create a more comfortable outdoors city. i also liked reading the comments about the article- aside from all the urban gardens throughout oakland- maybe we should have them going down broadway in huge planters. (?) sounds fun.

there are so many street vendors selling obama gear its fabulous! I bought a few buttons, but I think I'm going to have to make my own t-shirt. However, there's an historic optionIs anyone going to buy their Obama-Biden t-shirt? https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/dnc08victoryshirt1?source=20081110_OFA_ND