Thanksgiving Thoughts

While I am tempted to write about my thoughts on the amount of BPA being ingested today, and the environmental impact of the average Thanksgiving dinner, I will abstain for today.
Instead I will tell you what I am thankful for.

1. Food. With estimates of 7 billion people going hungry in the world and 50 million hungry in the United States, I am so thankful that I am able to put food on my table. Not just plain staples, if I want to make an all organic sumptuous meal, I could, and for that I am eternally grateful. I think about all of the food that will be in front of me in a few hours, and my heart hurts for those who go without.  Pictures of the famine in Somalia haunt my mind and my soul.
While my gut reaction is to DO something, giving money with a couple of clicks just doesn't feel like I am doing something. Also I am aware that the majority of aid is not getting into the refugee camps, so where would my money go? So I sit with this feeling and have great appreciation for the food that will nourish me. And I plan on volunteering at my local soup kitchen more often.


2. My apartment. The wild girl with wanderlust in me loves the idea of having not attachments and no place but the world to call home. But my inner being loves and is so thankful for my home, a safe haven that I can go to when it is cold or hot, and feel respite from the world. With an estimated 1.6 million people in the United States experiencing homelessness, I am so thankful for what I have. 



3. I know people may disagree with me, but I am thankful for activists. Those that camped for Occupy Wall Street, and participated in civil disobedience this past summer to protest the Keystone Oil Pipeline, these people are getting up off their couches and standing up for what they believe in. While I regularly call my senators and the president, I did not camp out, nor was I arrested this year. I had mixed feelings about OWS as there was not single platform in my mind, but the global concept is one I can stand behind and one that I followed. We are so lucky to live in a country where we can stand up for what we believe in and aren't left in jails for years for speaking up.
 Yes, there was tear gassing, and beatings reminiscent of protests in the 60's and this was so saddening. Yet people still take to the streets to fight the good fight. Thank you.


4. Love. I am so thankful for the love that I am surrounded by. From the loving kisses I get from my puppies in the morning, to the amazing people in my life, my cup of love overfloweth. Life is so much better when you have someone special to share it with, and I have found someone pretty special. In addition to that, the love freely given by strangers is one that always amazes me. If we all treated our everyday interactions coming from a place of love, imagine where we would be. No I am not talking about super schmaltz, just seeing the humanity in the other person, and sharing your love with them. Through holding the door for someone, not honking at LA drivers, or giving a dollar to a person on the side of the road, all of these come from a place of love.
Thus I am thankful for all of the love that has come my way, today and every day.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,
I know I haven't written in a while. Like maybe ever. But when I saw that Macy's is donating $1 to the Make A Wish Foundation for every letter received, I knew now was the time.

So why all the years of silence you may be wondering? Well to be honest, I am not so sure you are real. I know, low blow before I even ask for anything, but hey a lie sends you straight to the naughty list.

Speaking of lists, I think I have been pretty good this year. Organizing a volunteer event for my birthday, volunteering in Ecuador, doing beach clean ups, refusing straws, and turning lights off. All good things. Therefore I realize my list may be a bit out of your reach, but Natalie Wood received a house in the 50's, so maybe with inflation, my list is doable?

Jessica's Christmas List

1. Could please help the UN to recognize Palestine as an independent state, convince the US to restore UNESCO funding, and stop funding Israel 5+ million dollars per year? I know it is a 3-part wish, but hey, you are Santa.

2. Could you please put all of the extremist groups that are blocking aid to those starving in Somalia on the naughty list? You may have already done this, not trying to do your job or anything. Can you also please deliver food and supplies to Somalia? 2 million people starving is not okay, and I would way rather you give them food than me something shiny, sparkly, and temporary.

3. Let's talk about gay marriage. I know you don't have a seat on the senate or anything, but what if we created bumper stickers like "Santa supports everyone's right to marry." Then you just include it with all your deliveries? I think that would be a good way to spread the message.

4. How about wrapping your presents in recyclables this year? I am sure you are seeing the effects of climate change in the North Pole and may have already considered this. If you need a green expert to complete an energy audit, just let me know and I could zip on up there. Or you could send a reindeer. Your choice.

So that is my list. I know it is a bit big, but I know if anyone can do you can.

Or maybe we all can.

Best Wishes for a happy 2012

Jessica

PS Hi Mrs. Claus, just wanted you to know I didn't forget about you. I know you do more than just bake cookies and sit by the fire like all the books say. (: