For the vast majority of my life, there have been two times of the year where I’m showered in more gifts than I need, deserve, and usually even want. While I’m extremely grateful for all the time and money other people have put into this over the past six or seven years, my focus has shifted to having less stuff. Growing up, we always wanted more… more video games, more basketball jerseys, more Pokemon cards, Beanie Babies, stickers, etc. Whether it’s been the effort of moving every year since 2007 (yes… I’ve moved every summer since 2007 either from one room to another or across the country) or just a change in overall mindset, I want less.
Example of way too many presents (that we are very grateful for)
Fit and I through “Spring cleaning” every single season, meaning we do it at least four times a year… maybe even more. It’s always hard to get rid of gifts from other people, but far too often, even if I asked for them specifically on a Christmas or Birthday list, after one, or five, or ten years I haven’t even touched or used them once. Clothes that were never worn don’t fit anymore and other products have expired. It’s a waste and I’ve really been working on avoiding being wasteful, whether it’s with food, money, or anything someone else can use.
As we get ready for another move in about two months to either Hollywood or Santa Monica, and we look towards our big move to the other side of the world one day, I wanted to be proactive but not difficult. People still ask me for my birthday and Christmas lists and while the latter is still quite some time away, I know exactly what I want for my birthday. I want everyone to make a contribution to a Tough Mudder that I am running in Southern California with the Panda Nation to support the World Wildlife Fund.
For those of you who know me a little better than others, you know that I donate and help multiple organizations that support a better life for animals. The WWF is one of these organizations and I decided to set a goal for this race, but I must admit that I’ve been lacking in my fundraising effort with everything else that I have going on at the moment. If you had any intention of getting me something for my birthday, I’d hope you consider this instead.
Now, I don’t want to sound presumptuous in any way and act like the point of this post is to bring attention to myself. I really just want to help the animals and I would greatly appreciate any help you can offer. With that being said, I’d like to thank Feltus Frost who recently made a donation and Tiffany Birch of Birch Paper Goods who also helped a great cause with her generosity. If you believe in karma, I will send tons of positive energy your way. If you ever need something in return, don’t be afraid to ask. You can donate HERE. Helping others, especially those that could really use it like the animals of the world is a key factor that has helped us stay so hungry and fit!
BONUS PUPPY PIC
Hot dawg
