Hurricane Katrina

The recent disaster has really left me at a loss for words. If I haven't spoken with or text messaged you, yes I am fine. I was really surprised at how rough it was here in Birmingham AL Monday night. I think everyone (AL, MS, and LA) really did not expect what Hurricane Katrina was about to bring. With the bands that we received here in Birmingham, I can't imagine what the residents on the coast were experiencing.

I think this is also personally devastating because these areas (Mobile, bay area) have really felt like my true home. It really puts things in perspective when you see the Mobile bayfront park you used to hang out at late at night under water, the bridge you used to drive over-windows down-music blaring-damaged, or the street you and friends strolled through in New Orleans destroyed.

So if I can't go down to help what can I do? Give. If you haven't already, donate donate donate. It doesn't matter how small or how large just give from your heart. www.redcross.org Here's a few things to think about.
-I've decided a total amount I would like to contribute. So over the next four paychecks I am going to donate a fourth.
-Skip going out to lunch for a week. Instead drop the money in a jar, deposit the money to your account at the end of the week, and donate the total.
-Instead of going out this week to a movie, restaurant, or pub put that money towards a donation.
It doesn't matter how much you donate, every bit counts to giving someone a place to sleep, a meal to eat, and medical care. Be a shepherd over those that are in need.

Other things to think about:
I've been meaning to post some things lately but just have never gotten around to it. I'm not an all-natural hippy type, but I really feel like we abuse the earth. The more I've looked around over the past two years I see so much waste, over indulgence, etc. One thing that has really been on my mind is recycling. Unfortunately, my complex doesn't offer recycling but I have decided to do it anyway. Think about all the things we simply toss that could be recycled: coke cans, newspapers, cardboard paper towel and toilet paper rolls, cereal boxes, plastic milk and soda bottles, etc. Why not run those things by your local recycling center on your way to the store or on your next visit to Starbucks? Also, why do we waste so much gas. Sure, you've got to get to work or run to the store or even an afternoon drive. But sometimes I feel like we make things more difficult than they should be. If you see an extremely long line at the drive-thru, why not just park and walk inside? That would save a little bit of gas and cut down on air pollution. Why cruise the Walmart parking lot over and over trying to get that perfect parking spot? Even if the spot is a little bit farther away it gives you a great opportunity to get a little exercise. Especially since so much of America is overweight and/or unhealthy. Instead of everyone driving in their own car to all go to the same place, maybe because you just like being in charge in your own vehicle, why not all ride together? Just have patience and respect for whoever is driving. Why do restaurants give you way too much food? Just things to think about.

People need to just love and respect each other.......and respect the planet we live on. I love all of you guys and am so glad those of you down in Mobile are ok. Everyone be sure to take care of each other, pray tonight for the victims of the hurricane and those that are still stranded tonight, and give any help you can by donating to the Red Cross.

Love you guys,
cindy