I have been feeling very tired and burnt out lately between school, work, family, and etc. It may not look like it because I do post to my weblog fairly frequently, but I hope folks understand, blogging is my outlet and relaxation. So if sometimes I don't blog on a subject, it's not necessarily that I'm dodging it, it's because I'm writing about something I'm finding fun and stimulating to write about at the moment, and that's all. Some guys work on their cars, play video games, bowl, golf, or veg in front of the TV. I write on my weblog. It's just who I am. (And yes, the fact that I type over 90wpm helps.)

Anyway, point is, I've been letting Operation Give slide lately. Not that it's my my project--it's The Chief's project, and that of several very important volunteers, of which I am only one--but I have gotten behind on my Operation Give email, and on letting you guys know what's up with it.

You should know that Operation Give is alive and well. FedEx is now shipping our packages to Iraq for free. We've hooked up with Major Softy and the Iraqi Schools Project and are now collecting and shipping school supplies over there as well as everything else. We've had an amazing number of donations, and an incredible amount of support. I'm feeling guilty about not giving the project more time.

I very much hope that if you're involved with any church, community group, or business which does charity work, you visit the Operation Give Web Site to check out the videos, flyers, and other promotional info you can use to get yourself and other people involved in the project.

Oh, and by the way? I have gotten mail from people who think Operation Give is "my" project. It definitely is not. I'm a cheerleader who's given some time, coordinated a few things with Iraqis and others here in the US, and that's about it. People like Matt Evans, Val Prieto, Michele Catalano, the Chief's buddy Plunge, and others, have put in at least as much time as I have, and often far more. To say nothing of the amazing people who've given us donations. And to say nothing of the Chief, Major Softy, and countless others who are actually in Iraq and doing the truly difficult stuff.

I really hope you visit the Operation Give web site and help out with toys, school supplies, money, or more. I hope you get others involved.

Oh, and by the way? If this message by Val Prieto doesn't restore your faith in humanity, nothing will.

Get involved, people. Especially if you ever said you support our troops, or said you want the best for the Iraqi people. Here's your chance to prove it, damn it!