Helping Oklahoma

        How We Can Help Oklahoma

For those that are not sure how you can help the tornado victims in Oklahoma, I have compiled a list of  organizations that are taking mostly monetary donations, that I have found through different social media outlets. Please consider helping, they will need all the support they can get for many weeks and months and maybe even years to come.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has several shelters open in Oklahoma and Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles have begun delivering hot meals throughout the affected areas. The Red Cross is also working to link loved ones in Moore who are OK through a website called Safe and Well. Text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, donate online or by phone at 1-800-RED CROSS.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is activating disaster response teams and mobile feeding units to help residents and rescuers in Moore, as well as in other locations in the Plains and the Midwest that were impacted by tornadoes. Donate online or text STORM to 80888 to contribute $10 to the Salvation Army's relief efforts or make a donation by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY. If you're sending a check make sure you put the words "Oklahoma Tornado Relief" on the check, and mail it to: The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 12600, Oklahoma City, OK 73157.

AmeriCares

AmeriCares has a disaster relief team working with first responders and local health care organizations on the ground in hard-hit Oklahoma City suburbs. Shipments of water, medicines and emergency aid have been sent, with more shipments underway. You can help by donating through the AmeriCares website or by phone at 1-800-486-HELP. Text LIVE to 25383 to make a $10 donation. You can also mail a check or money order to: AmeriCares, 88 Hamilton Ave., Stamford, CT 06902.

Operation USA

Los Angeles-based international relief agency Operation USA announced it's providing emergency aid where needed to community-based health organizations across Oklahoma. Donate online, by phone at 1-800-678-7255, or by check made out to Operation USA, 7421 Beverly Blvd., PH, Los Angeles, CA 90036. You can also donate $10 by texting AID to 50555. Corporate donations of bulk quantities of disaster-appropriate supplies are also being requested.

Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief

Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief says it has deployed at least 80 volunteers to respond to severe weather in Oklahoma. Those interested in helping can make a tax-deductible donation to the BGCO's Disaster Relief ministry online or call (405) 942-3800. You may also send checks to: BGCO Attn: Disaster Relief 3800 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73112.

Feed the Children

Feed the Children, which is headquartered in Oklahoma City, has transported bottled water and food to the impacted area. The organization is accepting diapers, canned goods, non-perishable food, snack items, water, sports drinks, and cash donations. Text "Disaster" to 80888 to make a $10 donation. After receiving a confirmation message you must type "yes" to complete the donation. Cash and corporate donations can be made online or by phone at 1-800-627-4556.

Samaritan's Purse

Samaritan's Purse, which provided relief to residents of Moore after the devastating tornado in 1999, deployed two Disaster Relief Units from their North Carolina headquarters before dawn on Tuesday. One will be based in Moore, and the other in Shawnee. Samaritan's Purse is looking for volunteers to help with the relief effort. You can donate online or by phone at 1-800-528-1980. To give by mail, please send donations to: Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000.

Save the Children

Save the Children is mobilizing staff to provide support, relief and recovery services to communities and families in Oklahoma. The organization is prepared to deploy their Child Friendly Space kits in shelters, creating safe play areas for kids. They are also ready to deploy infant and toddler hygiene materials to support young children displaced from their homes. Text TWISTER to 20222 to donate $10 to Save the Children and help the response effort. You can donate online or call 1-800-728-3843.

Operation Blessing International

Operation Blessing International, a Virginia-based humanitarian group, is deploying to Moore, after working on tornado relief in Granbury, Texas, following last week's storm there. A caravan of OBI emergency equipment was sent to Moore, including a construction unit, mobile command center, trucks full of tools and supplies, and a team of construction foremen. You can donate to the group online or donate by phone at 1-800-730-2537.

Samaritan's Purse

 Two Disaster Relief Units were deployed from our North Carolina headquarters before dawn on Tuesday and arrived in the early morning hours on Wednesday.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Samaritan’s Purse is asking for volunteers to help with our response to the tornadoes in Moore and Shawnee.

Kirstie Alley Makes Mistakes on DWTS

Kirstie Alley Makes Mistakes on DWTS

Bullying Is Wrong!

What can you do if someone is bullying you?

Being bullied is embarrassing, scary and  hurtful, but you should know that you don't have to put up with being bullied. It is NOT a normal part of growing up. Bullying is wrong. Bullying is a learned behvior, that means it is something we can change and there are things we can do to deal with bullying. Here are some things we all can do to stop bullying:

·         Learn about what bullying is and then share this with others, such as your parents, friends, teachers, sport coaches and others. A lot of adults believe that bullying is just a normal part of life, IT'S NOT -BE the change! And teach them that people should not just accept bullying.

·         Take the Bullying.org and Family Channel Pledge

·         You need to know that you are NOT alone in being bullied. Being bullied is embarrassing, scary and hurtful, it is normal to feel scared if you are being bullied, but being bullied is NOT normal and you shouldn't have to live with being bullied!

·       You need to know that being bullied is NOT your fault. Bullies might tell you mean things about yourself, but don't believe them. Bullies will say what ever they can to try and have power over you. Don't let them!

• Tell an adult. If you are being bullied, it's very important to tell an adult. It's really hard to stop bullying by yourself. Parents, teachers, principals, sport coaches, Guide and Scout leaders can all help to stop bullying.
• Write down what happened Who was bullying? Where did it happen? Who did what? Who saw it?
• Telling is not tattling. Telling we do to help make things safer and better. Tattling is what people do when they want to get someone else in trouble on purpose.
• Be brave When you're scared of another person, it's hard to be brave. But sometimes just acting brave is enough to stop a bully. If you act as though you're not afraid, it may be enough for a people who bully  to leave you alone.
• Stay calm and don't act upset or angry: bullies love to get a reaction. Practice what you'll do and say the next time it happens. If you don't act upset or react the way they want you to, they may get bored and stop.
• Ignore the people who bully. Try to ignore a bully's threats. If you can walk away, it takes a bullies power away because they want you to feel bad about yourself. Don't react. Don't let the people who bully  win!
• If ignoring them won't work, tell the people who are bullying to stop, say "Cut it out!", "That's not funny!", "How'd you like it if someone did that to you?" Let the people who bully know that what he or she is doing is stupid and mean.  
• Stand up, don't stand back Kids can stand up for each other by telling a people who bully to stop teasing or hurting someone else. You shouldn't try and fight the people who bully  . This almost always makes things worse. Walk up to the person being bullied, talk with them and then walk away together.
• Refuse to join in and don't just sit back and watch. The bully wants an audience. You give bullies power when you watch. If you aren't part of the solution, you are part of the problem.
• Be a friend Kids who are being bullied can sure use a friend.  Walk with a friend or two on the way to school or recess or lunch or wherever you think you might meet the bully. Offer to do the same for someone else who's having trouble with a bully. Look out for kids who are new to school, or those kids who always seem to be alone.
• Join a club, a team, or a group This is a great way to make new friends. This really helps when you are new to school.
• Don't fight back First of all it's a dangerous thing to. Secondly, it usually makes things worse for everyone. Besides, you can't bully a bully into changing the way they are acting. Stay with others, stay safe, and get help from an adult.
• Sit or walk near an adult or friend Sit near the bus driver. Walk with a teacher or friend during recess or lunchtime.
• Take a different path to and from school
• What Can Be Done about Bullying? An Anti-bullying Toolkit for Kids
• Leave at different time
• Don't bring expensive stuff to school
• Share your story, find help, support and information on this Web site.
• Make sure the kid who's being bullied tells an adult. Offer to go with them if it will help.
• If they don't want to talk to anybody, offer to talk to someone for them.
• Involve as many people as possible, including other friends or classmates, parents, teachers, school counselors, and the principal.

Remember:

Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Stand up for someone when he or she needs it, and when you need it, someone will stand up for you.  Everyone has the right to be respected and the responsibility to respect others! For more information please visit- 

http://www.bullying.org/

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Beating the Winter Blahs

So winter is here and has come with a bang for most of us. If your one of those that has been hit with the "bang" then the list below may help pass the time that you may be fighting the "blahs". I hope it helps and just remember Spring is just around the corner.

1. Exercise 
    Exercise isn’t only for maintaining your weight and staying healthy. It’s great for relieving the stresses of life. Plus, the effects of a good workout can last for several hours. You’ll have more energy throughout the day, and your metabolism will stay elevated as well. Exercise also helps your mind by releasing those "feel good chemicals" that improve your mood. 
    
2. Eat a Healthy Diet 
   What and when you eat has a great affect on your mood and energy. Avoid refined and processed foods (like white breads, rice, and sugar). These foods are not only devoid of the nutrients your body craves, but they zap your energy levels and can affect your mood—causing depression, lack of concentration, and mood swings. Try to incorporate more complex carbohydrates (whole wheat breads, brown rice, veggies, fruit) and get your daily 8 cups of water. These healthy foods provide your body (and mind) with nutrients, and stabilize your blood sugar and your energy levels. 
    
3. Get Sun 
   Most people know that sunlight provides us with Vitamin D. But did you know that it also improves your mood? Winter days are shorter and darker than other months, and because of the cold weather, a lot of people spend less and less time outdoors. Lack of sunlight can cause many people to become depressed—without knowing why! Similar to exercise, sunlight exposure releases neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood. Try to spend a little more time outdoors.  Keep your shades up during the day to let more light in. Sit near windows in restaurants and during class. Try changing the light bulbs in your house to "full spectrum" bulbs. These mimic natural light and actually have the same affects on your mind as the real thing.And lastly as my mama would say, "Get outside". 
    
4. Act on your Resolutions 
   A recent studies show that acting on the resolutions you set for your self can help causing you to feel as if you have accomplished what you set out to accomplish. Therefore,helping keep the depression factor away.
    
5. Avoid Binge Drinking 
   Staying in with a cold beer or a nice glass of wine may seem like the only thing to do in the winter months, and many people who feel down also tend to turn to alcohol when they’re feeling down. But alcohol is actually a depressant, and rather than improving your mood, it only makes it worse. Avoiding alcohol when you are already depressed is a good idea. Moderate drinking is fine for most people, but binge drinking (defined as having 5 or more drinks in one sitting) is never a healthy choice. 
    
6. Treat Yourself 
   Having something to look forward to can keep anyone motivated. Winter seems endless! But if you plan something exciting, your mood improves when you’re anticipating it and when the event actually comes. Plan something that’s exciting to you—a weekend trip, a day at the spa, a party (but keep #5 above in mind), or special event like a play, girls (or guys) night out, or sporting event. For all my 'Castle' fans out there, plan a marathon with a friend. Watching our favorite crime solving couple always improves my mood. How about yours?
    
7. Relax! 
   You’re busy! Work, class, family, friends, appointments, meetings—even if you enjoy being busy, everyone needs some time off. Don’t be afraid to say "No" to extra opportunities (covering a shift for a co-worker, bringing food to your son’s class party). Try to spend a few minutes each day doing nothing! Read a book or magazine, sleep in on the weekend, go to bed early, try some meditations, or take a yoga class. Relaxation, especially in the form of yoga, can alleviate stress and leave you with a calm energy. Mental exercises like meditation and positive thinking can help keep depression at bay. 
    
8. Embrace the Season 
   Instead of always avoiding the cold and the snow—look for the best that it has to offer! Take up a winter sport like ice skating, snowboarding, hockey, or even sledding! Enjoy these opportunities while they last—after all, they’re only here a few months per year. Staying active will boost your energy. Seeing winter in a positive light, with all the fun activities that it has to offer, will keep your spirits high. 
    
9. Get Social Support 
   Don’t underestimate the power of friends, family, mentors, co-workers, and neighbors. Who can you turn to when you’re down and need a pick-me-up? Keep a mental list of these special people and don’t be afraid to ask for help or encouragement when you need it. Something as simple as a phone call, a chat over coffee, or a nice email or letter can brighten your mood. And lastly let us not forget one of our favorite places...Twitter! Finding like-minded people can help as well. Talking about your projects your working on can also take your mind off of the dreary weather. 
    
10. Catch some Zzzz’s 
    People naturally want to sleep a little bit more during the winter. But with all we have going on, sometimes sleep is the first thing to go. With a little time management, and some self-discipline, you can meet your shut-eye needs. Aim for 7-8 hours each night, and try to keep your bedtime and waking time consistent. That way, your sleeping patterns can normalize and you’ll have more energy. Try not to oversleep—those 12-hour snoozes on the weekend can actually make you MORE tired. Don’t forget naps! A short (10-30 minute) afternoon nap may be all you need to re-energize midday

So there are some ways to help keep the "blahs" away. I hope they help you and if you have anything you would like to add to the list, please do so in the comment section.I would love to hear them. Thanks.

What Have I Learned in 2010?

I’ve learned that I love #scriptchat and everyone associated with them. They are a wealth of knowledge for the aspiring screenwriter and extremely fun and helpful as well. Based on my #nano experience  it is always wise to tell other people what you are doing or going to do, so as to be held accountable. I now know for sure that I work very well with a deadline in place. I also know that I would not  have made it through #nano with out the support of certain fellow nanowrimo writers. Setting goals for one’s self is also important, no matter how big or small. If you happen to have to much on your plate and most of you probably do, attack  your projects in smaller pieces so as not to get overwhelmed and give up. I have learned that becoming a sold screenwriter is not going to happen over night and that I have a ton more to learn. But learn it I will. And to keep writing even when I don’t feel like it or have a lot of distractions. Keep on keeping on. I realized that it doesn’t matter the circumstances you are coming from , if you want to succeed badly enough, you will. So my advice is for everyone that wants to write, do it. As many others have said, “Just Get It Written.” And I for one plan on doing that. And above all else, keep the faith. Everything can and will happen when it is suppose to.  I hope everyone has a great and prosperous New Year. For those that  may be enjoying New Year’s Eve away from home, please be safe.

See you in 2011!!!

Giving at Christmas

The Spirit of Giving

One of the main reasons we have the custom of giving and receiving presents at Christmas, is to remind us of the presents given to Jesus by the Wise Men: Frankincense, Gold and Myrrh.
Frankincense was a perfume used in Jewish worship and, as a gift, it showed that people would worship Jesus.

 Gold was associated with Kings and Christians believe that Jesus is the King of Kings.
Myrrh was a perfume that was put on dead bodies to make them smell nice and, as a gift, it showed that Jesus would suffer and die.
Christmas itself is really about a big present that God gave the world about 2000 years ago - Jesus!

All over the world, families and friends give presents to each other. Most children around the world believe St. Nicholas, Santa Claus or Father Christmas brings them presents, but in Germany they believe that it is the Christkind, in Spain they believe it is the Wise Men and in Italy they believe it is an old lady called Befana.

Christmas Charities

Christmas time, for most, is all about the giving and receiving of gifts.  Children wait anxiously to go down their stairs to see what Santa left for them under the tree.  Mothers and fathers hope that the gifts they have chosen meet their expectations and bring joy to the faces of their children.  Unfortunately, there are some children who don’t have the picture perfect Christmas morning.  Parents lose their jobs, family members become ill, and sometimes there just isn’t enough money to go around.  No child should have to go through Christmas without receiving at least one gift from Santa.  A mother should never have to explain to their child why the jolly red suit didn’t come down the chimney and leave a present.
When times are tough, parents look toward Christmas charities as a way to provide a small amount of joy to their children, and luckily for those parents, there are millions of generous people who donate their time and gifts for these wonderful causes.

National And Local Charities
There are a number of national charities such as Toys-for-Tots®, Operation Christmas Child®, and Angel Tree®.  These national groups have team members working in large cities and small towns throughout the United States.  Organizations like the Marine Corps set up drop off centers, organize and wrap gifts, and then distribute them to needy families nationwide.  Often, these national organizations are given publicity by local radio and television stations, and donations pour in from everywhere.
Other Christmas charities are handled by local agencies.  Many churches will organize groups of people to buy gifts and deliver them to those who are in need.  Some organizations will gather to provide charity Christmas presents to kids living in homeless shelters or on the street.  Local charities often have little funds to publicize their activities, so many people don’t realize they are available.  If you would rather donate to a local charity, consider contacting the local branch of the United Way or shelters in your area.  These resources can usually point you in the right direction.

What Is Toys-For-Tots®?
One of the most well known Christmas Charities is the Toys-For-Tots® Campaign.  This toy drive, sponsored by the US Marine Corps, is the national standard for charity Christmas gifts.  Each year, members of the Marine Corp Reserves team up with radio stations, television stations, and a number of other groups to draw attention to their toy drive.  Those wishing to make a donation of either gifts or money are encouraged to drop off their gifts at one of the many designated drop off points throughout the city.  The gifts are then distributed to needy families, so no child is left without a gift to open on Christmas morning.  Additional information on the Toys-For-Tots® program can be found at www.toysfortots.org.

Understanding Operation Christmas Child®
Operation Christmas Child® is another of the more popular Christmas charities.  This program, sponsored by Christian group Samaritans Purse®, is designed to provide charity Christmas presents to children all over the world.  Participant donors are asked to fill a shoebox with toys, clothes, school supplies, and even personal hygiene items.  Often, these shoeboxes full of gifts are the only gifts recipients will ever get as children in war torn and disadvantaged countries.  Along with these shoebox gifts, children receive personal messages from donors, as well as a message about the meaning of Christmas and what it means to follow Christ.  Gifts are designed for both boys and girls aged 2-14.  To find out what items are appropriate and to find out where donations and gifts can be sent, visit their sponsor’s webpage at www.samaritanspurse.org.

What Is The Angel Tree® Network?
Angel Tree® is a Christian based Christmas charity working to provide gifts to the children of those incarcerated in one of the nation’s many prisons.  It is the belief of many that those who have a parent who is serving time don’t have the opportunity for personal connection with that parent.  For these children and their incarcerated parent, Christmas can be one of the toughest times.  Working with individual churches, the Angel Tree® Network matches parishioners with children in need of charity Christmas presents.  These presents are purchased by the church members who then give the gifts over to local Angel Tree® coordinators.  When Christmas morning arrives, these children receive a gift that is from their parents who are jailed.  It’s an excellent way to give these children hope that their parents are thinking of them.  Additional information can be found at www.angeltree.org.
Christmas charities aren’t always about giving gifts.  If you don’t have the money to purchase gifts for needy children, consider donating time.  Often, these charities have thousands of gifts to deliver, but not enough people to do the work.  If you do choose to donate charity Christmas presents, choose organizations that have a solid history and whose goal is to make the lives of children better instead of making a name for themselves. 

So in keeping with the spirit of giving please if you haven’t already, make a donation of a gift or your time so that a child is not left out on Christmas. You know you want to.


Source: Christmas Charities http://christmascharities.net/page1.html
Why Christmas, Customs and Presents  http://www.whychristmas.com/customs/presents.shtml