papercut.

i read about the 29 Gifts Challenge in a magazine, told a friend about it, then randomly saw the book in a corner of a gift shop.

the author’s story is an inspiring one: Cami was diagnosed with MS before rediscovering a suggestion to give a gift to someone every day for 29 days. it could be anything - a sweater, spare change, a smile. she took it on as her own challenge,  giving each day and finding herself transformed at the end.

in a predictable world focused entirely on ourselves, i think this is definitely a worthy pursuit. you may not change the world by shelling out a few extra quarters or unsolicited directions to a lost tourist, but you may make someone’s day a bit better. paying it forward bit by bit, if you will.

i’m thinking about starting the challenge on february 1st. thoughts? anyone want to join?! more is available on their website:29gifts.org

i want a dog. like, really, really want a dog. my boyfriend (slash roommate) Noel and i have talked through and through the idea. but reason has ruled and won out every time - how much time can we really devote? do really want to come home at 6 p.m. nightly for the next 16 years to feed a pet, starting now? what about vacations, longer trips, moving? these reasonable questions can go on and on. we also live in an apartment in a downtown area - near parks and trails, but nonetheless, living five stories from green grass is a consideration when you’re going out for dog potty breaks at 6 a.m.

still, the longing to have a pet remains. we’ve talked about fish, cats. none compare to the fun and excitement of a dog. so, what to do?

after looking all over petfinder.com this week, i ran across a website for Schnauzer rescues in Northern California. if you’re trying to recall what a Schnauzer looks like, you might’ve guessed right: the perpetually grumpy-looking, bearded, German terrier breeds. i grew up with two - a silver, stubborn champ named Guido and a black whimp but love of a dog named Scooter. admittedly, the differences in character might’ve had something to do with their names. they were some of the best dogs we’ve had, aside from a Huskie mix that easily takes the  ‘best dog ever’ cake.

so, with a long-ingrained affinity for Schnauzers, i simply fell for this website. it wasn’t a terribly fair fight - here is one of their rescues waiting for a home:

i know, right. the website is mscnc.com, in case you’ve just fallen a bit in love. my temporary and very rationale solution to our puppy woes? fostering a dog! i look at it a bit like becoming an aunt - you can spoil and help with diapers, but at the end of the day, the baby is handed back over to the appropriate, long-term committed party. plus, we help a dog while they transition into an adopted home.

pitched the idea to my boyfriend this weekend…results still pending.

:)

i love you, san francisco.

“There are some things one can only achieve by a deliberate leap in the opposite direction. One has to go abroad in order to find the home one has lost.”

http://lookbook.nu/look/979245-Velvet-bows-bow-blouses

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” -Mark Twain

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printing.