So what have you done to help humanity lately?

We have had a used built-in dishwasher sitting in our kitchen for about two weeks now. (Yes. I do have the most wonderful wife in the world. She hasn't asked me once "When are you going to get rid of that thing in the kitchen?")

So, why is it sitting in our kitchen? Because I haven't rented a truck to take it to the dump yet. There always seems to be something more important to do (like blogging, for instance). And, being the frugal individual that I am, I wanted to maximize the rental truck opportunity by clearing some of the overgrown landscaping, and the dead plum tree that sits in our front yard welcoming all who pass. "Hi, I'm a dead plum tree. Who are you?" (Jim, I meant to ask you if I could borrow your chainsaw when we were there last weekend, but I forgot.) So there it sits in front of our least used cabinets and the oven (which we don't use often).

And if you were wondering why they didn't take it away when they installed the new one, it is because I installed the new one myself. Saved $165! (I'm pretty sure the rental truck will be less than that.)

Last Friday, I finally got around to checking on rental trucks. And just today I went to the San Diego Landfill website to find out their hours. I found out that there is a recycle facility at the entrance to the dump. The web site stated that large household appliances should be taken there for recycling. It also mentioned that if the appliance needed only minor repair, or was still functional, that it could be donated. And while we were not pleased with the cleanliness of our dishes after they had been through a cycle in the dishwasher, it is still a functional dishwasher. If one were to actually rinse dishes prior to placing them in the dishwasher, rather than letting food dry for who knows how long before placing them in this labor saving device, it might prove to be more acceptable than having no dishwasher at all. So I Googled "thrift stores poway", which is where the nearest thrift stores might be found. I saw that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul had established a thrift store there. (If you've never heard of the St. Vincent de Paul centers, you may wish to check out that link.)

While there, I saw a link (to a blog as it turned out - Cage Free Family) about a family that was "Giving it all away". That second link will take you to the blog entry that discusses them giving it all away. The first will take you to the blog index page.

Fair warning: should you go and read the blog, you may be drawn into their story. I started with the entry about donating their belongings to the St. Vincent de Paul center. A relatively brief entry, but it made me wonder why were they giving their possessions away. So I started reading the blog.

The young woman who writes it is well spoken (written?). Her writing, while not particularly cohesive at times, the more that you read, the more you can perhaps understand why. I will let you form your own opinions as you read, but if you wish to discuss your opinions with me, you know where to find me. In essence, she and her family are looking for a better life. What I found most interesting about it, is that they are not only looking for a better life for themselves, but a better life for humanity. And as you read through the blog, you will find that they really are fairly unprepared. In the month that the blog has been extant, their plans have changed many times already.

No matter. The reason that they have chosen to take the path that they have is laudable. To make life better for others, and in doing so, make life better for themselves and more importantly (to them, not to me), their children.

Many of you know that I read a wide variety of both fiction and non-fiction. I read as much to educate myself as I do for entertainment. Possibly more so. This family is on a quest to educate themselves and their children, by living. While one can learn quite a bit by reading, I would venture to say that one can learn more by doing. And the reason that they want to educate themselves is to help others.

While many will look at their endeavor and scoff, I am going to wish them well. And continue to visit their blog. And maybe even to provide some financial support along the way. While trying to personally change the world to benefit humanity might seem a far-fetched idea to many, it brings to mind any number of sayings that would be appropriate. The one that I believe that I will insert here is this: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. (I also like "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." But that seems a little light for such a serious topic, don't you think?)

So what have you done to help humanity lately?