Small Business Saturday

Don't forget to support your local businesses, not just today but every day. When you buy from a large corporation chances are you're just lining the already large pockets of some CEO. When you buy local you are helping support the people in your community. Two of my favorite places to go are Smithville, NJ and Peddler's Village in PA. Both have lots of small businesses and lots of great handmade stuff that I am sure you or someone on your list would probably love to get as a holiday gift. And in case you get hungry from all that shopping, both have great family owned restaurants and pubs too.

Unite & Rebuild

It's been a while since I have posted anything on here, I know. I apologize. Where have I been? Well, the truth is mostly that I have just been lazy. I also started taking an online design class. Unfortunately, it was not what I thought it was going to be and I wound up dropping it three weeks in. It was free, so it wasn't like I lost any money or anything, just time. 

Also, in recent events, I am sure anyone with access to the news has heard about hurricane Sandy and the devastation it has caused to the east coast US. Those of you who know me personally know I am an east coast resident, and I thank you for your concern about me and my family. Thankfully, the only thing I lost was power for four days. Considering the fact that is all I lost, it makes me realize, especially this close to Thanksgiving, just how much it is I have to be thankful for. It's just heartbreaking to see what has happened to the barrier islands near by. Many people there lost everything.  Some of these people are my coworkers, friends, or friends/family of friends. 

I could not believe the amount of devastation I saw. But I also could not believe the outpouring of love and care I saw in my own backyard. Whether it was a local carpenter helping people rebuild their homes for free, those with electricity, heat and running water opening their homes to friends who didn't have any, or even total strangers simply offering each other a shoulder to cry on. I also must offer my sincerest thanks to the tireless efforts of the police, (volunteer) fire, EMT, electrical crews, National Guard and Coast Guard.

One locally based company has even gone as far as to design a t-shirt (a pretty cool one at that, I think) with the profit going to help those affected by Sandy. Check it out here:
http://jettylife.com/store/Shop_item.php?id=1059&cat=1&sub=0

It will take a long time to rebuild our homes, businesses and  beaches, but I have confidence we will pull together as a community and get it done!