Every little bit helps!

In addition to yesterday's FB-blasted emergency cat post (which was retweeted by Neil Gaiman himself -- what a guy!), I've been making small contributions to multiple other charities and non-profits. 'Tis the season, after all! And even though I can't help everyone, or send as much as they need, my motto for the season is "Every little bit helps!"

Have a look, and maybe you will be inspired to help a little bit.

Can you help out these cats in Seattle?

An internet friend of a friend is in need of a foster home for her two kitties, Little Owl and Edward, while she gets her feet underneath her. I have forwarded this call to friends and acquaintances in the Seattle area, and ask that you do the same. I've also chipped in for the temporary boarding at the vet's office (which costs $28/day for both), because I think kitties need their people, and vice versa.

More details here and here. With cute cat pictures!

Please share widely and donate if you can! PayPal funds can be sent to jilli@gothic-charm-school.com (this is who the cats' person Grace is staying with).

December Bonus Round

In addition to my goals for 2012, I add month-long bonus goals.

For December:

Truly Grateful

As many of us in the U.S. are sitting around the Thanksgiving table with loved ones tonight, I get to spend more time thinking about all the things in my life for which I am thankful.

Read Aloud Roundup: November 2012

Selections this month touched on civic engagement and the election process, thankfulness and helping others, and family members. Some of the books were a bit long for a single read aloud period, so I asked the readers to cover part of the story, and leave the rest for another time. Students could read the book by themselves later, or their teacher might choose to read it to the class.

How's married life?

Someone asked me that at work yesterday. I paused a moment before responding, "The apartment is such a MESS." I've been scrambling to catch up with homework since the honeymoon, and that combined with recent developments has made for an exceptionally busy domestic atmosphere. (I've started this blog post three times, for example, and had to come back to it later.)

Get a bank fee waived just by asking customer service.

Confession time: Despite my so-far-perfect record of paying my credit card bill on time and thus avoiding interest fees, I had a little trouble this month. Strangely, it was because I was SO good at paying my bill. But I contacted my bank, Chase, and traded on my good customer history, and (like Trent suggests) they quickly waived the charge for me. Details below.

The Freezer is FULL

Funny About Money posted a meatloaf recipe today that had me thinking wistfully of my sweetie's meatloaf (she uses ground beef, onion, and saltine crackers, and slathers a mixture of ketchup and brown sugar on top). It's sweet, smoky, savory... and great comfort food for the colder months. I should definitely ask her to make it. But it will have to wait, because there is no more room in our freezer!