Tonight was a rerun of Oprah's "Pay it Forward" giveaway. She gave every audience member a $1000 Bank of America gift card and told them they had to spend the money on a stranger.

As I was watching the show, I was also making my christmas list (i.e. gifts I still need to buy.) And it occurred to me that I could be doing more for other people this year.

Ever since I graduated from college, I have tried to participate in at least one toy or gift drive. But given the economy this year, I was planning on donating to at least 2 or 3. Then I realized that I could get MORE help if I asked my friends to help me and to give me the money that they would've spent on my birthday & christmas gift to my cause or just donate themselves to a charity.

So I'm hoping this all works out and my friends will come through. I know they will. The one thing I really needed to get/wanted this year for my birthday was a nice bag to take on rotations and well... I bought that for myself 2 weeks ago as my birthday gift to myself.

Anyhow, for anyone reading this that's a friend, now you know what I want for my birthday & christmas. And for anyone reading this that I don't know, I hope you'll consider donating this year to someone in need.

I know I've been really lucky and blessed with the family and friends that I have. I'll admit too that it helps to know that I am in a field where I'll be needed and I don't have to worry about job security. So this year, I'm thankful and grateful for where I am in life and now, I just want to as Oprah says, "pay it forward."

Happy Thanksgiving (even though it's past Thanksgiving.)
buhloong.