#10: Have a garage sale.

Date Completed: 11/2/2010

I must apologize in the lag between posts. It's starting to feel a lot like winter here in Minnesota and for me, that generally means cold/sinus season. I've been trying to get over this cough for some time and haven't felt much like blogging.

Today's post is kind of a trade. If you know Minnesota at all, you know that garage sales in November aren't a possibility due to the weather. I kind of missed "peak season" for this list item, but the point of having it on THE LIST wasn't the actual garage sale experience. Rather, it was to ensure that I got rid of the extra items I have lying around the house that I had been saving for a garage sale effort. So, I'm crossing this off THE LIST, because I decided to simply donate all the items to my local non-profit who kindly picks up donations from your doorstep. I'm a fan of ARC and the work they do to help individuals with disabilities (#24 on THE LIST), so I was pleased to trade this list item to help our community instead.

#24 (November): Participate in one volunteer/non-profit activity each month.

Date Completed: 11/10/2010

For November, I participated in an event onsite at my employer. We assembled craft activity packets for Children’s Hospital of Minnesota so that the kids and their familiar could have some fun projects to do while they were in the hospital.

Also ongoing is my quest to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I’m continuing to collect online donations and friends who would like to climb with me on the J’s Crew team in February. Please contact me or follow the link for more information. Thanks!

#65: Do something great.

Date Completed: 11/7/2010

“Something great” is hard to define, but Lisa and I think we’ve done it. As some of you know, we have been volunteering more than usual this year and spending more time with non-profit groups locally. We starting thinking about how we could make a difference. We turned to what we know best - clothing - and had our brainstorm.

We'd like to help our friends clean out their closets for charity – we’re thinking of it as "Consignment for a Cause." We're taking any gently used clothing (or accessories like shoes, purses, belts, or jewelry) off their hands and turn them into funds for local non-profits. Maybe it's the items they no longer wear or need, styles they’ve pushed to the back of their closets, or sizes that no longer fit. It doesn't matter if it's women's, men's or kid stuff - we'll take it all!

We both have steamers and know how to use them. So, what we're doing is collecting the clothing and other items, making them look all nice and fresh and then taking them to our favorite consignment store where we've set up a charity account. Then, they sell the item and we pick up checks for our non-profits.

So, what are we asking of our friends? Well, it would be great if they would consider de-cluttering their closets for a cause. If you are in the Minneapolis metro and have any items you'd like to donate, let us know and we'll handle the rest. Not only will you have extra space in your closet for fun new styles but you'll also have a warm heart knowing that you contributed to something great.

#6: Become an organ donor.

Date Completed: 11/4/2010

Today I made one of the most important decisions I’ve ever made. While this decision might not be right for everyone, it’s right for me. I chose to become an organ donor. Becoming a donor provides me with the opportunity to potentially heal up to 60 lives. My friend Jamie (#24 on THE LIST) is struggling with her health because of her cystic fibrosis and has been recommended for a lung transplant. Waiting lists are long and there are never enough donors to save every person in need. Someday, I hope that I can help someone just like Jamie. I respect that this could be a controversial post and that not everyone will share my same perspective. For those who are interested in finding out more though, please visit the Organ Donor site which can direct you to more information in your state to help you make an informed decision that is right for you and your family. If you're in Minnesota, more information can be found here.