The Blessing Exchange

For just living in a state where it is colder more months than it is warm (Minneapolis, MN), the #1 topic of conversation is the weather, and allowed me to experience -20 degree weather...I feel like I am being thoroughly spoiled in Cincinnati. Currently it is 60 and rainy. Wearing my Nike Frees with cropped workout pants and a WINDBREAKER to the movies tonight at one point seemed inconceivable unless I was in the South, or California. But lucky for me, I am traveling home (Chicago burbs) on Monday and will happily embrace a White Christmas. 

Speaking of Christmas, something that has been on my mind a lot for the past couple of weeks has been the idea of giving during the holiday season. As some of you know, my monthly stipend through my program equals what I know most of my friends spend solely on drinks and food over a long weekend. Demar, Rob and I are spending our year living on the same level as our neighbors who we serve at St Vincent de Paul. The clients we serve who have kids likely came to us or another organization to buy presents for their kids.

Picking up donated Toys at the Kenwood Country Club. 
There had to have been about 1000 toys for all ages there!

As I think forward into the next couple of weeks and how many people I love who I want to buy something for, will likely only get a handwritten card and an IOU for my cooking or baking skills. As much as that is wonderful, and I am sure will be appreciated, something in me still wishes I could give so much more. I was inspired by my program director, who now has a 22 month old and a 4 week old. She and her husband are vowing to mirror the 3 wisemen bringing gifts to baby Jesus, and only give 3 presents to each of their sons. I found this to be not only counter-cultural (which is their general lifestyle), but such an interesting thought. I have received maybe a couple hundred of gifts for Christmas over my 22 years of life and there are few that I remember so dearly. My outdoor play house when I was 6, my American Girl Doll when I was 8, and my first iPod when I was 14. I reminisce more warmly about the hours spent watching reruns of A Christmas Story on TBS, going to candle-light Christmas church services, and waking up to my brother shaking me telling me to get up because its Christmas and Santa visited our house. I'm not sure if when I have a family I will adopt the 3 present rule, but I think there is a lot of spiritual wealth in switching from American materialism to true meaning-the meaning of the season and the love of family around you. So for my family, I am giving you the gift of me so expect lots of help cooking and plenty of desserts on the way!

The 3rd floor of SVDP all set up for our Angel Toy program. Kids get a picture with Santa and get to make crafts on the 2nd floor, while the parents come up to the 3rd and shop for their kids. We served about 175 families.

"Power to the SHE"

Also the tagline to one of my favorite brands, Athleta, but also a good transitioning statement. NOTE: It is one of the only female fitness attire companies that make up to a 2X in workout clothes! Lulu Lemon stops at a size L (more like a shmedium) and a 10. What if we want to look good while working out so we can GET into those sizes?!  Thus why I prefer Athleta because they are inclusive to everyone and have better sales. Enough ranting.... 

The same day that Beyonce dropped her album and made a good majority of the world turn upside down, I found a pretty stellar article that you should read and share. I strongly believe anyone in the world can be an ally for women. I'm not asking you to be a feminist, just an ally. For the fellas - John Legend is a self titled feminist. If he can be one, so can you, dammit!

 http://policymic.com/articles/76145/27-most-iconic-feminist-moments-of-2013

Some of my favorites (all are amazing and important, these just made me extra happy):

• 6. International Outrage After Gang Rape in India Sparked Historic Change in Laws
• 12. Kerry Washington Became the First Black Female Emmy Nominee for Lead Since 1995
• 13. Ellen Took Down Abercombie and Fitch's CEO for Shaming Plus-Size Women (hilarious video)**
• 25. Tampons Went Viral (also hilarious)
• 27. "Orange is The New Black" Premiered, Featuring the Amazing Laverne Cox (first Trans woman of color featured as a star role in a show!)

I think I am going to make it a personal goal to be more proactive in the fight for gender equality this next year. It is pretty incredible that 10 states JUST THIS YEAR passed laws allowing for same-sex marriage. In the clients that I see, so many are troubled from past or current issues with abusive relationships, resulting in lack of confidence. I plan to stand in solidarity more with the ladies in my community to fight for better rights for us, our daughters, and our granddaughters.

For 2014 I am also going to share with you special people that I know who are also documenting their hearts songs via blogs. This week is a relative of mine! 

FEATURED BLOGGER: 

>> http://gretchenthinks.blogspot.com/  <<

Authored by my second cousin, Gretchen (pictured above with my Godmother-her grandmother, Barb). Smart and sassy for a soon-to-be high school graduate. 
A future Hoosier, she is sure to change the world with her awesome sense of humor, intelligence, and killer blue eyes :) 
Please read and share!

But of course my posts will never be whole without some delish pics of what I have been consuming. All paleo friendly, too! Feel free to WOW family members with any of these scrumptious and easy recipes. I am so RELIEVED to know that all of our office treats are gone. If I had a quarter for every extra cookie....

http://paleomg.com/simple-chorizo-butternut-squash-hash/

http://paleomg.com/crockpot-pulled-pork-chili/

http://paleomg.com/buffalo-chicken-sweet-potato-meatza/

http://paleomg.com/thai-coconut-lime-shrimp/

http://balancedbites.com/2012/01/easy-recipe-bacon-wrapped-smoky-chicken-thighs.html
P.S. recipe calls for bone in/skinless - we did boneLESS skinless and liked it better. easier to eat! Recipe also does not include the crab leg side that happened to be on sale at Kroger the week we made this :)

As I set out to travel in a couple days, I will be praying for all of the neighbors and SVDP clients who have lost family members, and whose children were not able to get gifts from us this season. I will pray for those who cannot see their family or if they are alone during this season, and hope that they remember there is at least one higher being smiling down and keeping them company. Please send your good vibes to all these people as well.

I have a holiday challenge for you

(I'm going to try it as well)

 I'm calling it: The Blessing Exchange

When someone asks you for a dollar or any change you have over the next two weeks, if you truly have nothing to give- instead of rushing past and ignoring their request, why not slow down, give them a hug (ask first) and tell them they are loved? 

YES this is going to be uncomfortable. YES it will be weird in all sorts of ways.  

But what if it was you in that situation? What if it was you who is treated like you are non-existent? This might be the craziest idea I have ever had, but it also might be the most powerful. Often we hear that when we give of ourselves to others, we often get more back in return that we expected. Thus why it is an exchange - both parties benefit! All I am asking is that you take a moment to love your neighbor as the actual human being they are - not the homeless or poor person. 

 Recently one of my clients shared with me:

"The only time I look down on someone is when I am reaching my hand down to help them up. Even though I may not have a job right now, I know I will have one helping other people. I am praying to God to bless me to be a blessing to others."

This is me sending blessings to all my readers to be blessings for everyone in their lives. The people there currently, the ones to come, and the individuals who will get your hugs soon :)

(but really, if you participate in this - please share stories of how it went for you! You can look forward to hearing about my Blessing Exchange Adventures in 2014!)

I will likely not post again til January, so here's a big CHEERS and Happy New Year to you! I hope that everyone has a very special Holiday season, as well as a restful and plentiful New Year.

With Peace, Love and Joy,
Mary Kathleen