No Plan Post

So this is one of those entries where I just write. I had plans all week about what I wanted to say, but, for whatever reason, never got to it. So now I'm forced to write without that sense of organization. It's just me and my MacBook (in desperate need of a clean).

Things I've noticed since I woke up this morning.
1. My house still smells like pine. (Go Tree Go!)
2. I'm not pregnant. (This wasn't exactly a concern as I have less sex than married people. In other words, none.)
3. My neighbours are cooking something that smells good. (I live on the top floor of a heritage home split into four suites.)
4. I'm tired despite staying home on a Saturday night to eat sushi, watch hockey and a documentary about a mayoral race in New Jersey.
5. I left my rubber boots at work.

Since I wrote number 5, I have become less concerned. Moments ago, there was a torrential downpour - some of the hardest rain I've seen during my time spent in Vancouver. Now, it's sunny. I didn't think chinooks hit the coast.

I have been thinking a lot about social activism and getting involved as of late. My role in the media prevents me from some causes, primarily ones with political or controversial gains. But I continue to believe Vancouver is not living up to potential. A local news radio station had a poll yesterday that said, do you intend on donating this Christmas? Two thirds said yes. But still 33% of the population said no. You mean, you can't bring a can to work? You can't spend an hour wrapping gifts in a mall? You can't throw your loose change in the salvation army bucket?

The volunteering in Vancouver (and I'm guessing across the country) is done by a very small subsection of the population. I realize that many people live busy lives but you choose to put those things in your lives - be it kids, career aspirations or a need to have a physically superior physique. I just struggle to think most people don't have 3 hours once a week, or a jar that they put all their loose change into for charity.

I don't make a lot of money. Every month I wonder how I'm going to pay my rent. Yes, it's my fault for living in a solo apartment sans roommate (even if my place is about 200 square feet and not in Yaletown). I don't have a car, but I have student loan payments of $250 a month. And I want to make this city a better place - giving what I can of time and money. If you have an organization that I can help with, let me know. Obviously the traffic to my blog is pretty minimal, but if you don't ask...

Maybe it's just all these stories of inspiring people that I've watched as of late.. be it Street Fight or Milk or Bad Santa (say what??). Vancouver is not the greatest city in the world, but just based on where it is and the diversity it attracts.. it could be.

Anyways, as part of my Christmas giving initiative, I will donate a can of food for every independent comment posted below. This is your chance to come out of the woodwork and say hi. (Inspired by this)

EVENING UPDATE: 30 hits, 1 comment. That indicates my writing is not very good, thus you lose interest by the end of the post. Yikes!

ANOTHER UPDATE: I'm now making a list of all the places doing this.