I feel pretty good about an action I did today. A representative for an organization called CFC (Combined Federal Campain) spoke to me about donating to charities. Normally, over the past years, I have blown this off. Well, this time, I decided to donate to specific causes. I took the brochure and read through the several organizations and decided to put my money towards organizations. Below is a list of organizations I have setup a monthly deduction from my payroll to help support them.

1018 - Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) 210-732-2156 www.maccsa.org EIN#74-1712528 - Since 1972, nationally recognized institute empowering and educating leaders for culturally diverse communities. Focuses: Hispanic leadership, diversity training, family, youth, farmworkers, Spanish and English languages. 25.1%*

9926 - Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund 213-629-2512 www.maldef.org EIN#74-1563270 - National civil rights organization founded in 1968 in order to promote and protect the rights of the over 37 million Latinos living in the U.S. 6.5%

9927 - Mexico-US Solidarity Network 773-583-7728 www.mexicosolidarity.org EIN#36-4435604 - A new vision of US-Mexico relations, linking civil society on both sides of the border to defend immigrants, workers and indigenous rights. 15.1%

9920 - National Council of La Raza 202-776-1750 www.nclr.org EIN#86-0212873 - NCLR- Largest network of Hispanic community organizations and leading voice for Latinos- works to reduce poverty and discrimination and improve life opportunities for Hispanic Americans. 10.4%

9925 - MANA, A National Latina Organization 202-833-0060 www.hermana.org (Mexican American Women's National Association) EIN#52-1095111 - Grassroots organization empowers Latinas through leadership development, community service, and advocacy. Premier National Hermanitas. Mentoring Program for adolescent Latinas and AvanZamos. Adult Leadership Training Program. 6.5%

I plan to make this an annual thing for me. I should have started this a very long time ago. Well, at least I have started now.

I have been spending a lot of time on a personal project over the past couple of days. I figure it is time to take some time for myself. I have been wanting to put my photos, which I have taken over the past years, online. Figuring that I own my own server, I shouldn't need to worry about space or bandwidth. So far I have uploaded over 6,000 images and have created over 150 photo albums. I have let a few friends know of the website address of my new photo gallery. So far I have received good compliments. I have no specific reason for wanting to do this. Not trying to become someone famous and not trying to come off as being self centered. Just something I have been wanting to do for a couple years now. I am always doing things for others... I figured it is time to do something for myself.

On another note, I am a few days away from commencing my trip to California. It has been close to a year since I have seen any family. I used to visit the family on two occasions a year. It used to be a ritual for me but as of lately, I have been finding myself with struggles and conflicts which do not allow me to make the trips. Ah well, I hope that all changes as I have gone in a new direction with my life and choices. As mentioned before, the skies are looking clearer. The things we want ussually do not happen overnight. I am sure there is good reason for that.

I was very suprised to find out that one of my photographs was used in a Promo for an online company which sells Boat Covers. Check out more info at istock. I have a growing portfolio there which I am always trying to add to as time goes by. I love seeing my photos being used like this. :D