"Money, Money, Money... Must be funny... in a Rich Man's World."

My title comes from an ABBA song about, well... money.  This is because I have money on the brain.  Not that I WANT to have money on the brain.  But when you have no money and need money, money tends to be on the brain.

"Oh... all the things I could do, if I had a little money. It's a rich man's world!"

Why do I NEED money?  Well, the way I live requires that I pay rent, utilities, etc.  Not to mention that I have a car I occasionally drive, debt up the wall, and 2 pets to take care of.  As much as I would sometimes like to give up the house and car and live in some commune somewhere, I know that as a modern bohemian, I need access to my technology to thrive.  And I like living in a house as opposed to a tent or my car again.

So I need money.  This is true.
And it's been frustrating because I have a hard time getting money.  Yes, I am on unemployment.  But I constantly run into problems with getting my money on time.  Like right now?  No unemployment money since mid-January.  Grr...

But I am doing everything I can (legally) do to make money.  I am still writing, I worked with my friend at an Expo for $50, I take back cans and bottles from home (and those I gather), I sell stuff to pawn shops and second hand stores, I advertise with Adsense, Google Affiliates, and Amazon Associates, I have many online stores, including at CafePress and Zazzle, and I recently started donating plasma.  I am still also doing some extra work in television and movies (but those opportunities are few and far between), I still sell on Etsy from time to time, and I am a part of Sponsored Tweets and MyLikes.  But I tell ya... for as much as I do, the money is still hard to come by.

I AM looking for a part time job too! (For all you haters out there who think hippies, bohemians, and free-spirits are just lazy...) But the problem is that I am "unqualified" to do a lot of the jobs available.  (Funny, since I have a college degree and 12 years of work experience...) When I DO get interviews, they always go with the person with "more experience." IE: NOT ME.  Frustration!!!

It's awful that a lot of people (friends even) don't understand the stress I am feeling or how desperate things can get around here.  Most of them don't truly seem to realize that I can't really go many places because a.) I can't afford to drive there b.) I can't afford to spend money once there and c.) I am not a person who easily accepts others' offers to "cover it" because I have been burned BAD in the past.  I just want them to understand.

I love my friends and family, but I am in a tough spot.  And until I can somehow dig myself out of it (and I WILL) I hope that they can provide me with a little more understanding.

Anyone else struggling to get by?  What are you doing to pay your bills? Let's help each other out!!

For now, I have to go try to make some more money.

"I work all night, I work all day, to pay the bills I have to pay... ain't it sad?"
Yes, ABBA.  It is sad.

But positivity still rules the day (for now) so I am off to make it happen!!!
Peace and Love,
Meagan

The Westboro Baptist Church Has Decided to Protest in East Lansing

Yes, that's right.  The Westboro Baptist Church, best known for their hate, their unwelcome attendance at military funerals, and their ridiculous need for public attention have decided to protest a high school in East Lansing, MI.  Really?

Apparently, they believe that the students at East Lansing High School are horrible people because a large number of the students e-mailed WBC and told them of their disapproval of their methods, actions, and statements, especially the protesting of military funerals.  Instead of taking these e-mails as constructive criticism and positive outreach (or as a wake-up call!), the WBC has decided that East Lansing High School students are, as one person apparently said, "sinners and brats."  What?

Here's a article from the State News that will give you a little more information on this event:
Westboro Baptist Church to Picket East Lansing High School

So what am I going to do?  Well, first of all, to all the people at WBC, I hope you know that I still love you, even if you think I'm a sinner and you don't love me.  I believe that you have a right to your beliefs, even if I disagree, and I believe that you have every right to express your beliefs... but I too question your methods, actions, and statements.  There is a better way to bring people to God for sure!

I am reminded Rev. Rick Boyd at First Christian Church here in Lansing.  One of the times that I attended services there, he told the story of Jesus and his meeting with a woman at a well.    It goes a little something like this: there's this well.  A woman is there, all alone, getting water and Jesus offers her life water (not like the brand... but like, eternal life water.  God stuff.)  He doesn't ask her to change, he doesn't ask her to be something she is not, he simply offers her all the goodness and greatness of God with no judgement, no conditions, and no hesitation.  WBC, if you are as close to God as you seem to think, you should know that the way to move people, to inspire people, and to save people is to love them as they are, without judgement and without hate.  You may offer to tell them about your points of view, but you have no right to ask them to change... or to hate them if they don't.

Now I am not really a Christian, and even I am appalled by some of the things that the WBC has said and done.  I can only imagine what it must feel like for someone who is a good, upstanding Christian to see this group go against the teachings of Jesus Christ so often and so aggressively.  To those people, I say stand strong.  Don't let this group bring down an entire culture of people who are good and true and strong in their beliefs.  Love them, learn from them, and just continue to be good Christians.

As for me... I am contemplating attending as a "counter-protestor," but only if it will all be peaceful.  As of right now, it seems like it might be, so maybe I'll be there.  If I am, I'll be covered in peace buttons and spreading love.  Maybe I'll have a sign or maybe I'll bring my ukulele and sing or something.

If you want to protest this awful behavior as much as we Lansing/East Lansing residents do but you live far away, you can still do your own protesting AND have a positive impact on society.  Donate to some great causes that the WBC would probably say were... not so great.  Some suggestions:

Donate to the Human Rights Campaign
Working for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Equal Rights

Donate to Organizing for America
Developed by the Democrats to help with campaign costs.  Basically... if you like Obama, and you want to show WBC what's up (since they think that he is the Anti-Christ), donate to something that could maybe put him in office for a second term.  That'll show 'em!

Donate to one of the amazing charitable organizations on this list: Support Our Troops
From giving financial aid to families of service members who have been killed in action to showing your support with a yellow ribbon to learning how to send care packages and donations to both wounded soldiers and those still in action, everyone can find a way to help out here.

Check out the Three Faiths Exhibition at the New York Public Library, now until February 28, 2011.
Co-sponsored by the Coexist Foundation, "Three Faiths" will set, side by side for the first time, the New York Public Library's collection of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim manuscripts. Awesome!

While you're at it, buy the Coexist Bumper Sticker.  Put it on your car or on your fridge or on your guitar case or wherever!  

And I'll let you know how it all turns out.

Peace and Love,

Meagan

Nothing Like Being Kicked When You're Down

So Will came in this morning and said, "I have some bad news?"
"Oh no..." I thought, "the bathroom flooded again..."  But that was not it.
"Unless something else happened that I'm unaware of, like someone moving it or something or... I don't know..." :::WAY LONG PAUSE::: "Someone stole your cooler."

Okay.  Not the end of the world.  Sure, it was a gift from my parents.  Yeah, we use it for camping.  And it was full of cans and bottles that still had to be returned for money.  But, it's not that big of a deal.  It's an object!  A cooler!

So why did I start crying?

I think it's because it's not about the cooler.  I mean... it sucks having my cooler stolen,  but maybe whoever stole it really needed it.  It WAS dirty and full of cans, so maybe they thought we didn't want it and they just really, really needed it.  (That's what I would like to keep thinking.)

But if the crying didn't come from the fact that a material object of mine was gone, where did the tears come from?

Well, when he was done telling me what had happened, I said to Will:  "It's okay.  We can always get a new cooler," and suddenly my heart hurt, because all my financial worries flooded over me like a wave crashing against the shore, and I knew that it wasn't entirely true.  I mean yes, maybe someday I will be able to buy a new cooler, but not now.  Not soon.  Who knows when really?  So I just kind of felt like... well, like someone was kicking me when I was down!  And that is not a good feeling.  And so the tears came.

But here I am, a few hours later.  The tears are gone, and I am only a little hurt still by my loss, but I have to remember that it IS just a cooler after all though.  Even if I can't buy another one anytime soon, I have other options for hauling around food, so I just need to take advantage of those and not complain.  I mean... a cooler is a luxury anyway, right?

So instead of lamenting the loss of my big, plastic, insulated box with wheels... I am going to be grateful that they only stole my cooler.  They could have broken into my car.  They didn't.  They could have stolen Tum's bike.  They didn't.  They could have broken into the house.  They didn't.  All they did was take a cooler (that maybe they really needed.)  So I am grateful.

And as I am grateful, I want to send some positivity out in the world to give back a little.  So first of all, I have a great site to share with you: New Age Journey.  This is a great site, full of positivity and helpfulness.  Click on ABOUT to read about Greta, and allow her and her positive outlook, her great sense of self, and her dedication to influencing the future in a good way, inspire you too.  She inspired me.  While I was down about my cooler, I read this:

"So then I finally realized through my experiences that I can not change the past but only influence the future. Whatever life throws at you it’s how you handle it that counts. I am grateful for each day and every day is a new day." -Greta, New Age Journey


I think sometimes it helps just to be reminded...


So since I can't change the fact that my cooler has been stolen, I can at least change my reaction to it.  No more tears, no more fears (Fear IS the mind killer), and no more feeling sorry for myself.  I mean, how can I feel sorry for myself when there are people in this country and around the world who have never even SEEN something like a cooler, let alone had one to be stolen.  So, instead of feeling sorry for me, I decided to be grateful, and try to offer some hope to them.


So I made the rounds to all my free donation sites that I love so much ( by the way, if you want to donate as well, the banners are at the top of the blog) and I sat down to write my blog, with the hopes that I can somehow inspire you all to be grateful and go out and do some good in the world... even if you too are feeling "kicked when you're down."


Have Hope.  Be Strong.  Be Grateful.  And know that you are not alone.


Peace and Love,
Meagan

Trick or Treat for Unicef

Trick or Treating is such a fun activity for kids and parents to do together.  But did you know that you can have fun and raise money for a great cause all at once?  For 60 years, children and their families have been "trick or treating for Unicef," and making a huge difference.  If you haven't yet, your chance to start is now.  Just head into Toys"R"Us  or Babies"R"Us between now and October 30, 2010 and pick up a collection box for Unicef at the Guest Services desk.  Then take it door to door with you as you trick or treat  and ask people to donate their pocket change to Unicef.  (Also, check out the website to see how else you can help, even if you don't have kids!)

Why do this?

Well, first of all, Unicef is a worthwhile charitable organization to raise money for, as they do work to help children around the world.  Money donated to Unicef goes towards research, education, disease prevention, family support systems, child protection, AIDS/HIV relief efforts, and so much more.

Plus, many of our world's problems could be solved if we solved them earlier in life.  By helping children around the world, we are preparing the world for a better future with fewer problems.

And think about the message that you are sending to your own children at an early age.  Teaching your children to help others who are less fortunate than they are is so important for their development, and this is a great way to do it because it's fun, you will be able to see the results of your hard work, and the best part: you're helping children!  Children helping children is so important because it helps them to see that people who are their "peers," and perhaps considered their "equals," can still be in need of assistance and it shows them that it's okay to reach out.

So please, this Halloween, think about doing some trick or treating for Unicef!

Peace and Love,
Meagan

Haiti Disaster Relief - How Can We Help?

My heart just hurts so much knowing that there are so many people who have been seriously hurt or killed due to the devastating events in Haiti.  If you are wondering how to help, here are some ways:
1. Donate blood.
2. Start a drive for food and supplies
3. Donate time to special organizations or church groups who are supporting the relief efforts
4. Check out this article from The New York Times News Blog on how to contribute.
5. Keep donating time, money, and/or supplies to your regular charities.  We don't want them to suffer because we all turn our eyes elsewhere, and who knows when tragedy will strike again, or where.
6. If you are a spiritual person: Pray.  The power of prayer is strong.

I hope this helps.  Please, if you can, help our brothers and sisters in Haiti.
Peace and Love,
Meagan

More Great Ideas for the Holiday Season

Looking for some ways to make this holiday extra special? Well, I have some ideas for you. First of all, if you are a crafty person, start making some great holiday crafts for you and your family and friends! It feels great to do something crafty and it feels even better when you give things away! I made some centerpieces, decorations, a wreath, and a fun holiday scarf.

If you need an idea, check out this FREE pattern from Artbeads.com. And hey, while you're there, do something for yourself too. Click here to enter a contest from Artbeads.com where you can win a $100.00 gift card!

Secondly, even if you are not crafty, you can still make someone's day. In fact, you can make a soldier's day by getting involved with Holiday Mail for Heroes through the American Red Cross.

"In this season of hope and giving the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes, Inc. have joined forces to invite Americans to send a touch of home to United States service members and veterans across the country and abroad. In its third year, the Holiday Mail for Heroes program is an opportunity to share joy and thanks with our service members throughout the holiday season by way of a greeting card.

Today over 1.4 million men and women serve in the U.S. armed forces and over 24 million veterans have served in the past. The holiday season is the perfect time to honor and extend a warm holiday greeting to those who’ve served and continue to do so." -American Red Cross

Also, if you want to keep giving for FREE, you can head over to the Animal Rescue Site. Literally, all you have to do is click a button, and you are helping animals. You can do this every day! If you don't want to bookmark it, I have a button on my blog 24/7 that is available for you. Please, take a moment and do this.

If you still want to do even more for animals this holiday season, then donate to the ASPCA, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. I adopted my cat, Ava from a local division of the ASPCA back when I lived near Kalamazoo, and I am so grateful for their work. Ava is like my baby, my friend, and my little angel all rolled into one. So please help the ASPCA. If you don't want to just donate money, buy some fun animal themed items from their store. They have some really cute stuff.

Back to my crafty friends... there is a great group called Warm Up America that helps you to help provide warm afghans to those in need.

You can make a difference to someone in need by:

• crocheting or knitting one or more 7" by 9" sections for Warm Up America!
• joining sections into completed afghans,
• donating yarns and needles/hooks to groups in your community,
• contributing money to expand WUA! to groups nationwide.

-From Warm Up America

If you do want to simply donate money, you can always donate to Feeding America.

"Feeding America is the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Our mission is to feed America's hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger." -From ABOUT US, at FeedingAmerica.org

Or... maybe... you just want something for you! That's okay too! Get some! 

And check out some of the following links:

Free Stuff

Free and Green Stuff Blog

The Free Site

Crochet Pattern Central

Do Something.org

Make a Wish Foundation

Peace and Love,

Meagan

PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian