Round 2: Days 8-15: It's been a while, but I'm baaaack! :)

The past few weeks have been a blur to me... I had my benefit on Saturday night, Rock It Out: A Night to Benefit New York's Farm Animal Sanctuaries. We raised enough money to give both sanctuaries $1300 a piece, and over 150 people showed up!! Amazing stuff!

The Giving Challenge has enabled me to have so much confidence to do the things I really love with my life. The benefit was a culmination of everything I've learned during the challenge, and now I feel empowered enough to keep dreaming big with everything I want to accomplish. It's wonderful how just opening yourself up to giving and receiving can make such a HUGE personal impact.

Here's a short round-up of Gifts #8-15:

Day #8 - I saw an amazing group of guys on the subway singing, and I decided to purchase their CD with a donation of $10. Rock on!

Day #9 - I've been reading an amazing book called "Yoga and Vegetarianism" by Sharon Gannon, and I decided to send an email to a friend of mine recommending it to him. It really connects with his own current life situation, so I thought it would be a good fit.

Day #10 - While babysitting O and M, I saw two kids trying to raise money for their school by selling $1 chocolate bars. Although none of them were vegan for me to enjoy, I decided to give them a $10 donation and only take 1 bar. I gave it to O an M's family to share.

Day #11 - I decided to give a $10 tip to a man at my favorite Park Slope joint, CT Muffin. He was being verbally attacked by a woman in front of me for putting too much ice in her drink, and when he finally got to asking me for my order, instead of being rude, he remained full of grace. I absolutely love this guy. :)

Day #12 - I devoted my entire day and night to my benefit, ROCK IT OUT. After raising enough money to reimburse myself the money I put into the event, I decided to donate an extra $35 to the benefit. As I wrote above, we are about to send out checks for $1300 to each sanctuary!! Awesome!!

Day #13 - My mom did so much for the benefit to help me, so I decided to say thanks by taking her to the Whole Foods in Union Square and buying her a few night's worth of vegan food she can't find in Delaware. This has been my favorite gift so far (besides ROCK IT OUT, of course). :)

Day #14 - I was invited to film a project for a hugely talented composer, writer, and director named Liz Swados. I decided to be as present, flexible, patient, and giving as I possibly could be during the shoot, and Liz was so grateful for this. The idea of being present and giving while doing something I love is something I'll keep with me forever now.

Day #15 - I'm a huge fan of American Idol, so last night, I decided to make about five minutes' worth of calls to vote for one of my favorite ladies on the show this season, Didi Benami. :)

That's it for now, folks!! Love, joy, peace of mind and heart, and giggles are being sent your way today by yours truly!! Enjoy this beautiful spring weather, and be back soon!