Well, as the New Year approaches, I have spent time the last few days contemplating how I am going to make 2012 a better year. Now keep in mind, I was blessed in 2011 in that I have a great job, my kids’ are both healthy (thank goodness) and as a family, we stayed clear of any major tragedies. That makes for a positive evaluation to say the least looking back on 2011.
As I said on my Facebook page, yes, I would love to lose some weight (I say 20 pounds, but honestly, I would be ecstatic with 10), however, really my resolutions in 2012 are about making a difference. As I get older (and I know we all are), it seems that things that use to mean so much are not as important. Ok, I would love to be size 4 again, but now at a comfy 8, I am content. I just need to keep exercising! Yet, the bottom line, how much I weigh really doesn’t matter.
Let me go back to my reference of wanting to “make a difference in 2012.” Through my job with Water’s Edge Center for Health & Rehabilitation, I have been privileged to become involved with the Middletown Rotary Club, and also become a board member with St. Luke’s Eldercare Services.
Keep in mind, I am involved with these organizations because I believe in their missions, and look forward to continuing to offer my time and talents of volunteer service in the upcoming year. Between my volunteer work, my part-time job, my two kids and their schedules, and trying to be a good partner to my much loved husband, last year was very busy, but I have nothing to complain about — it's all good.
Now, I have one more organization to add to my “volunteer” list! I attended my husband’s holiday party the first weekend in December and I learned about a wonderful rescue organization Big Dog Ranch Rescue in south Florida with a mission of saving 1000 dogs in coming year in South Florida. I was educated on the fact that in the Northeast, many of our shelters are “no kill” whereas in Florida (and in other states) our furry friends are not so fortunate.
Many of you may ask, how can you feel connected to an organization that is so far away? First of all, I love dogs and my heart is saddened when I hear stories of helpless animals being abandoned, neglected, and abused. BDRR does everything they can to save helpless dogs and give them a second chance! The other reason, many rescue dogs that we adopt in Connecticut come from the South. And, even if I am not in a position to adopt one of their adorable dogs (I already have two kids and one dog that doesn’t listen), I can help spread the word and be an advocate for them. It also gives our family an opportunity to work on a “volunteer” project together. My oldest son (14) has always wanted to support an organization that helps animals, and this was the perfect opportunity! He already committed to donating $25.00 of his own money to the cause. My husband and I already made our first donation. I will keep you posted on future fundraisers as they are in the works. If you have any fundraiser ideas, please let me know by commenting on this post.
What I am asking for from Patch readers is to help me by sharing this post with your animal lover friends. Sadly, over 30,000 dogs are euthanized each year in South Florida alone. For information on donating, please click here. You can be assured that 100% of your donation will go towards caring for and sheltering the animals. If you are in a position to adopt, please click here for more information.
Wishing everyone all the best as in 2012! Here's to a second chances!
