The Picture I Paint of Myself

I’ve been told before (and it’s not a shock to me) that I don’t paint myself in the most positive light.  I tend to disagree just because I feel like the times I’ve made bad calls, taken the wrong turn or broken the law has taught me something about myself or about the people around me.  But I understand the sentiment.

I voluntarily call myself an alcoholic, drug addicted pugilist with the moral compass of a magnet.  But you readers would be bored out of your minds if I shared the stories that don’t include any of those characteristics.  No one wants to hear about the time I spent studying in a library or the number of times I had semester honors.  You’d be bored to hear about the marketing brain-children I’ve stupidly given away to people who would go on to make more money than I.  So I pick and choose to paint myself in this light for you.  Honestly, you should consider yourself lucky about that.

But in case you were worried that I have no redeeming qualities, I’ll have you know that I try to make a habit of spending my time and money on charity and causes.

Setting up Team Hydration Station at the Chicago Marathon

I’ve done a number of bike “races” to raise money for everything from bicycle safety and awareness to breast cancer and lung disease.

Biking the Drive on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago

I’ve done and/or donated to the Walk for Autism Speaks.  This is a cause close to my family because my sister has been working with children and families affected by Autism for as long as I can remember.

Walk for Autism Speaks @ Soldier Field in Chicago with Sissy and Daddy

I’ve handed out water as part of Team Hydration Station at the Chicago Marathon. (Picture posted above)

I’ve done the Walk Spew For the Zoo: a hybrid between doing a 5K walk around Lincoln Park Zoo to raise money to maintain its free admission and throwing up from being super drunk/hungover from the night before.

Gizmo and I have walked for puppy cancer and we’re working on him becoming a service aide who goes to nursing homes and works with the elderly.

How adorable and loving is that happy face???

So yeah, I’ve been THISCLOSE to being arrested a number of times.  I’ve stolen things.  I’ve gone on weekend long benders.  I’ve lied.  I’ve cheated.  I’ve done a lot of things that make for wonderful stories along the way, but I may have earned my way out of the deepest pits of hell with the good that I try to put out there.

Or at least a girl can hope.

What about you?  What charity/causes do you support.  Why are they important to you?  Maybe I can jump on board with your cause as well…

 

END.