Ending 2009 with a bang
First of all, my blog is soon going to go into “construction” mode. I’ve been wanting to do a blog redesign for a while, and reading blogs like My Melange and Where My Heart Resides makes me realize that mine could look a heck of a lot cooler. I took a class in HTML and CSS code in college, and also learned how to work in Dreamweaver. I’ve just been too lazy to actually use those skills. My parents are “investing in my professional development” by gifting me the Adobe Web Development Suite, and I’m hoping that having the tools will be inspiration enough. Once the redesign is done, I hope to create a clearer purpose for this blog and start contributing more often. I’d like to get the aesthetic redesign done soon so that I can start 2010 on a high note.
After volunteering consistently during my time at Chico (I volunteered and/or worked at CAVE every semester), I’ve really missed it the past few months. I really recognize now what an awesome and unique program CAVE was by making it so easy for people to volunteer with such a wide variety of populations and programs. I recently learned about an online project called Invisible People. It draws attention to homeless people–people who are so easy to ignore that they often become invisible to people with places to go, people to see and a warm bed to come home to. I realized that I’m very guilty of ignoring these people as well, even though I’ve worked with many similar people in institutions like the Sonoma Developmental Center (for the developmentally disabled) and the Napa State Hospital (for the criminally insane).
I’m still researching volunteer organizations in the Bay Area. I reached out to the American Cancer Society to start volunteering, but potential volunteers must attend an orientation first. Of course, I couldn’t make it to the one in November and there isn’t another evening session until January. I’m also looking at seeing if I can spend a weekend volunteering at Sonoma or Napa independent of CAVE. Those weekends are always great reminders that everyone is human and deserves respect and love. It’s easy to forget that in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
However, I’ve decided to take up the 29-Day Giving Challenge for December. The challenge is basically to give one thing every day–anything from a gift, a smile, a call to an old friend. I think this will be an excellent way to get in the Christmas spirit, and remind me to give back to the people and community around me. I’ve printed out a calendar to keep on my desk so I can track what I do each day. I’m already having fun brainstorming things that I can do!
And if the giving spirit wasn’t enough to brighten my transition into 2010, I’ll be spending the last week of the year in beautiful Hawaii with my beau. The promise of sunshine, sand and pure relaxation is what will get me through these last few weeks.
Lastly, any suggestions on blog titles/directions/designs would be greatly appreciated. And any ideas of ways to give back are also welcome 
Jamie Kim said,
December 3, 2009 at 5:42 am
1) I’m glad you’re still trying to find time out of your hectic schedule to give back to this lovely little world, Christine.
2) Can’t wait for the redesign.
3) A really small and fun “giving” idea is to pay for the bridge toll for the car behind you. It’s a nice surprise and I’m sure it’ll make that person’s day a little brighter!
4) Have a great time in Hawaii. I’m jealous!
Christine Amorose said,
December 3, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Jamie-
1) Thanks for reading and commenting. You’re the best!
2) I might be hitting you up for tips on the redesign. I’m still obsessed with your personal Web site!
3) I actually really want to pay for the bridge toll of the person behind me, but I’m not going over any bridges in the next month. I’m thinking about paying for the coffee of the person behind me next time I’m at Starbucks.
4) And do you have any big plans for winter break? I picture you in NYC or some other glamorous city for a vacay.
Jamie Kim said,
December 5, 2009 at 6:28 am
1) Wow. When did WordPress have a “reply” button? So useful! I love user-orientated designs!
2) Speaking of designs, I would love to help you with the redesign but I’m not familiar with WordPress templates! It’s probably not too difficult since WordPress is all about WYSIWYG. Plus you have your HTML skills from the class we took. Strange, seems like that was so long ago.
3) Starbucks sounds like a great alternative. I remember making homemade cards with crayons and construction paper to stick under the windshield wipers of random people’s cars as a random act of kindness. Silly little kid, I know.
4) Sadly, no big plans to faraway lands for me. Winter break is always nice because my birthday is in January, but for some reason I’m not really looking forward to being anything but 21.
Ashlee said,
December 3, 2009 at 6:11 pm
I guess I’ll stick with the list concept as well…
1) Love this blog, and love this post.
2) Really excited to see what you come up with for your new blog design.
3) Adore the 29 day giving challenge, and adore you for participating in it.
4) Idea: make homemade bread for a neighbor.
5) Hawaii is my second home so let me know if I can make any recommendations for you!
Happy blogging!
Christine Amorose said,
December 3, 2009 at 8:49 pm
I love that you did the list, too! I really like the idea of making homemade bread for a neighbor–there is an old lady who lives by herself in my apartment complex who always says hi to me. While I don’t have a bread machine, I have some recipes that I’ve been meaning to try out. I think I’ll make something fun and take it to her!
And what island do you go to? I would love some Oahu recommendations if you have any. I usually go to Maui, but my boyfriend’s uncle has a condo on Oahu–helloooo free place to stay!