Peace, happiness, and supporting a good cause

How's that for a "Happy Friday" post title??

I joined a blog group on facebook.  I've never been in a blog group.  Lindsay is one of the administrators, and she is my homegirl.  Plus, they promote peace (hence, the name) and positivity.  Those are things I like to support as well.  I have no idea what I plan to get from the blog group.  After all, I don't even have a facebook page for my own blog.  But, it seems to be a group of supportive, encouraging folks, and I'm all about surrounding myself with those kinds of peeps.  If you'd like to check 'em out, it's called The Peaceful Posse. 

The 3 administrators are kicking off and hosting a weekly link-up.  I'm not the most consistent gal when it comes to weekly link-ups, but after forgetting about (or just not having time to get myself together) for Kristin's Stuff & Things this week, I thought I'd jump into this inaugural link-up "What's Up, Weekend?" hosted by Lindsay, Charlotte, and Chrissy.

Why not let you know about ten things that made me happy this week?  Here we go...

1.  Audrey mail ~ I offered to send books that I'd already read and was happy to pass along to other book lovin' bloggers.  I asked other bloggers to "pay it forward" or pass along books of their own.  Audrey offered up some books, I opted for one, and it arrived this week.  Who doesn't enjoy receiving snail mail?! 

2.  The idea of reading the above book ~ I'm not much into "classics", yet my favorite book of all time is indeed a "classic" in Children's Literature (The Secret Garden).  So, when Audrey offered this book, I thought "hey, maybe I need to try another children's lit classic", so I'm happy to give it a go.

3.  Haribo Bears ~ some days I need a little something sweet and a little something sour.  For some reason, I can actually eat these in moderation.  I can eat 2 or 3 and instantly be happier.

4.  Sending a care package ~ I often say it.  You may have already heard me say it.  Multiple times.  But, it is worth repeating.  The world needs more care packages.  And, I always feel so good about sending a little box of goodies that someone may not be expecting. 

5.  First paycheck ~ you know something awesome about starting a new job?  Receiving a first paycheck.

6.  Employment happiness ~ I'm surprised at how much I'm enjoying my new job.  I'd decided not to talk about work here, so I won't go into details, but I'm really, really enjoying it.

7.  My nephew is 16 ~ my heart is so full with what an amazing kid he is.  He is smart, funny, thoughtful, dedicated, and compassionate.  Oh, and he's adorable too.

8.  Pictures all over social media in honor of National Puppy Day ~ who doesn't love puppy pics?  Well, don't answer that.  I don't want to know the person who doesn't love puppy pics.  Here is one of my favorite pictures of my darling girls when they were puppies.

9.  Friday night dinner ~ the husband cooked steaks on the grill and homemade beer-battered onion rings, and they were goooooooood.

10.  The best for last ~ Support and donations for the Starlight Children's Foundation ~ I agreed to walk (read that...walk, not run) a 10K.  It's my first 10K ever.  A good friend has been encouraging me to participate in one with her for a little while, and she got me on this one...there's food, craft beer, and wine at the end, spectacular views of Sydney along the way, AND it benefits a charity that I support wholeheartedly.  All I've done is share a link online a few times encouraging anyone to give anything they may choose.  I set my goal to raise $500.  I did it, so I bumped it up to $750.  Typing this right now, I've raised $1,035.85 for the Starlight Children's Foundation.  I am thrilled.  If you are interested in reading more about it or donating to a worthy cause, see my link here. 

I've just realized that I've structured this sorta kinda like my personal weekly posts "Sunday's Seven Snapshots".  Oops.  Good thing I'm walking the 10K on Sunday.  I'll try to remember to take lots of pics so I have something to share in my post!

So, What's Up with Your Weekend?