As things have been changing in CNLand of late, I've been "revising" and "updating" many parts of my life, so to speak. Real Job? Yep. Real Budget? Oh, yeah (well, I'm trying, anyway!).

And in the spirit of budgeting, and in the greater spirit of both being a self-described "foodie" and a huge supporter of food organizations such as our local Open Hand and its great work to feed people who are terminally or chronically ill and in need of sustenance, I have signed on to participate in Tami Hardeman's second "Eat on $30" challenge. Tami pens the gorgeous blog www.runningwithtweezers.com (see the photo and link below that emblemizes our $30 challenge, and you can connect to her site) and has inspired a number of us to join the cause.

What am I talking about? I'm talking about eating on $30 for a week. Yep, you read that right. The average amount that someone on food stamps gets per week is between $21 and $24 dollars. I could spend that on . . . one breakfast!! But, while I should budget better, I've still been able to spend money on food. Many people can't. Forget about a nice dinner out, a shocking number of people in this country and world have between $1 and $3 A DAY to spend on nourishment.

In that spirit, taking this challenge is the least I can do, and the only "requirement" to participate is to pen my experience doing it. That, I can handle. I can also handle the post-challenge-dinner-party we'll be having . . . where, sure we get to break the fast, so to speak, but we also all donate $10 or more to a food organization that helps people who don't have many options beyond "eating on $30" all the time.

The week begins tomorrow and goes until next Sunday, the 18th. If you're interested in participating or just want to read more about food causes or our challenge experience, check out Tami's site - and stay tuned for my tales of the challenge!

It is early on Sunday morning. Big and I just finished watching "Marley and Me" and, yes, I cried. Several times. I can't imagine what my life will be like without him, one day (hopefully a very long way in the future).

Recently, I've also been thinking a lot about the different kinds of "love" that exist, and about what makes life "worth it."

The wedding of one of my Dad's West Point classmate's daughter, this weekend. I didn't get to go because of the new job, but I loved seeing her post on Facebook: "I's married now!!" I know it was wonderful and wish them every good thing out there.

The friends I have - I could write books and books about the people I am blessed to call my friends. Can't wait to see one especially precious one for brunch today.

My family - while we clash and crash and butt heads, I have two amazing people as my parents, and I am very blessed to have been raised by them.

I could go on and on, but I think my motivation for this post, the inspiration behind it if you will, is summed up best by this quote:

"Hearts are not had as a gift, hearts are earned."
Yates

I have been blessed so far to earn many hearts, and I will strive to keep doing so. It makes life worth living.