“Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.” — Oprah Winfrey
I’ve been working hard lately, so on my most recent payday I rewarded myself by buying a coffee grinder so I could buy coffee beans I’d had my eye on at Starbucks. To me, these were extravagant purchases since I usually buy generic, pre-ground coffee. The beans I purchased are from Africa and part of (STARBUCKS) RED, $1 from the purchase of a 1lb. bag got to The Global Fund to help people living with AIDS in Africa.
So this morning I woke up with a cup of Joe and effortlessly saved the world at the same time.
I wonder about the trees.
Arbor Day Farm
When you’re sitting at your desk daydreaming of a vacation, my guess is it’s about a place with beaches or somewhere in Europe. I have those daydreams too, but lately I’ve been thinking it would be pretty cool to vacation at the Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska. Take a look at their homepage, just that ride through the sunflowers has me wanting to make plans. You can also learn things while you’re there, which is part of what traveling is about for me. Maybe your company can still afford retreats? Have it at the Arbor Day Farm, support an awesome organization, and participate in their teambuilding activities.
Shortened Showers
Practecol
Over the weekend I was shopping alone and came across an endcap that had me geeking out. Seriously, geeking out, aloud, by myself. The display featured several energy saving items by Practecol and I simply could not believe my good fortune. One of the things I bought was a shower timer. My family can attest that I’ve long been known for taking long showers; I get in there and forget about time, feeling the warm water, meditating, daydreaming, performing sold out concerts, or being interviewed by Oprah (who is always polite enough to not call me out for Skyping into her show while naked in the shower). A year or so ago, I bought a timer to help me end this habit, and soon after knocked it onto the floor and broke it. Practecol has a timer that comes into the shower with you by suctioning to the wall. As you near 5 minutes (the recommended shower length), a red light flashes.
Billionaires Gone Wild!
The Giving Pledge
You may recall in weeks past I shared an article about Bill Gates and Warren Buffett challenging a bunch of billionaires to give their fortunes to charity before or after they pass away. Here is a website that gives you the list of the people who have taken the pledge, so far. When I become a billionaire, I’m totally going to take this pledge. Well, I’ll probably buy some more coffee beans first, but then I’m definitely pledging my money to charity. (Shout out to the always awesome Good magazine for bringing this one to my attention.)
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Help arts in the Central Florida area and get a bargain on an ad in Watermark. Bid today on the Scottie Saves the World IKEA Red Chair benefiting the Red Chair Project.
