I am a strong promoter of Kiva, a website that engages in microfinance to help out third world development. You go on Kiva’s website (www.kiva.org) and look through a list of hundreds of “entrepreneurs” in third world countries who need small loans to grow their businesses. An example of this would be a woman who needs $300 so that she can produce more fruit to sell at her fruit stand. You choose to donate $25 to this woman, along with a group of 11 others who fund $25. Once the loan amount is reached, the money is transferred to a local bank that disperses the money to her. She makes monthly payments on the loan to the bank and they keep the interest, but the original amount that you loaded is put back into your Kiva account where you can withdraw it or fund a new loan. What a great way to donate money that you eventually get back! Everybody should check them out.

I live in Seattle and I can promise that it is one of the most beautiful places in the entire world. I know this, because I grew up here and never appreciated the beauty until I travelled all around the world for 2 years. Upon my return to Seattle, I could not believe that I never recognized the beauty before. We have the ocean, plenty of lakes, tons of trees and mountains galore. Lots of the beauty can go unnoticed during the rainy, cloudy, foggy season (which is from October-May or so), but in the summer months, this place is gorgeous!

Today I wore a few different things. I started out with putting on my running clothes, which consisted of a bright pink running shirt, a pair of black and white striped shorts and my favorite running shoes. After my shower I changed into a pair of blue jeans, a turquoise t-shirt and my favorite black flats. I accessorized with my wedding ring, 2 thumb rings, a turquoise ring on my middle finger, a white watch and some dangly silver and turquoise earrings. About an hour before bedtime, I changed into my pajamas, which consisted of some black fleece pants and a pink tank-top.