Okay, so I have been online for many years. It is actually a funny story, in 2000 I was given the opportunity to purchase a computer, which back then was around $1,000. As a Mother of 3 at the time, all of my children under the age of 7, I was very skeptical about "Wasting" that much money on electronics. I actually put up a pretty good fight about it and just about "Won".
Thankfully, I did not win that argument! I relented and we purchased a HP. It had Windows 98, there was a CDRW and it had one of those huge 19 inch monitors. It was barely faster then a snail and could not run too many programs all at once or it would freeze up horribly. I was in HEAVEN.
I never knew how much I could learn just from being online. We subscribed to AOL which to this day I join in with everyone and call it a "Virus" but could not get rid of if my life depended on it..LOL (I think the AOL people have some how made their program like any drug, once you are hooked, you have withdrawals...LOL)
So for the first few years I used the Internet and my computer to keep in touch with family and friends out of state and out of the Country. I was part of a Military Family, therefore it was very useful.
Fast forward to 2005, after being a stay at home Mother for about 8 years, I was back in the Work force. I was scared! What skills did I have? I hadn't worked in 8 years and my Last job was as an answering service Operator. I had no schooling other then High School and the only intellectual conversations I had in the last 8 years were with toddlers. (Yes, Toddlers do have intellectual conversations..LOL)
So, I soon found out that I did have skills. It turns out that the 5 years I had been working on my computer for social reasons added to my technical abilities. See, I am a sponge when it comes to learning. If I do something over and over I tend to increase the challenge and make myself learn something more. I ended up teaching myself how to be an expert operator of Microsoft Office. All programs. That came in handy when I applied for a job at a local Real Estate company.
Slowly, I moved my way up until I am now a Realtor, working for myself। Now, the reason for this blog, during my years online I have joined many social networking sites.
I am a Member of several Real Estate groups on http://www.yahoo.com/ On their main page, click on groups and then do a search for your Area Real Estate। (Example: Ocala Real Estate) You should find several for your area if it is large enough. You will also be able to find many for your State.
MySpace - what can I say about http://www.myspace.com/ except that everyone has their own space and can really show off your own identity। I have a couple MySpace pages, I use one for personal use and I use one for Business. There is so much you can customize on that site. You can change your themes, you can add music, You can add photos and you can even blog on there.
Facebook - I have a new Profile on http://www.facebook.com/ I am not yet convinced about this site, I have been getting some response to it and will keep it going until I figure out if I like it or not।
ActiveRain - I have been on http://www.activerain.com/ for a couple years now and I can honestly say this is the Networking site I tell the most people about। This is the site I mainly blog and interact on. I guess you could say I am hooked on the Rain ;o)
Blogger - I have a Blog on http://www.blogspot.com/ I like the templates that come with the site। I also like the little widgets you can add to your Blog. So far I like it as well.
Craigslist - This one is an interesting site, and that is being very conservative in my description. Go to http://www.craigslist.com/ search for your State and then search for your city or the closest City to you। The Interesting thing about this site is the variety of people you can interact with on it. I have to warn you that there is a wide range of things on Craigslist. I post my listings on there under the header "Real Estate Offered - By Broker" I have gotten quite a bit of activity from there. If you do not want to see posts that will offend you, then you might want to stay away from the personals section.
Wanna Network - http://www.wannanetwork.com/ This is another Real Estate networking site।
Zolve - http://zolve.com/ Another Real Estate Networking site।
Okay, I am sure I can find at least a dozen more but that would make my blog way too long. If anyone has a great one that should not be left out of this blog, please send it to me and I will add it.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
In the Spirit of GIVING...
So I am a member of my local "Freecycle" and in the last month there is a wonderful man on there giving away computers to children for Christmas. I was touched by this and decided to put together a list of Charity Sites to direct people to so that we could keep the spirit of giving in this holiday season. I know that things are tight everywhere right now and if you only have 5 dollars to spare, that is 5 dollars more then they had this morning when they woke up. Every little bit helps! I chose several Charities that I have heard of through television and local newspapers. I am including the web links and info about the charity. This is by no means the only charities out there, if you have your own special Charity, whether locally or a Nationwide, feel free to link it on this blog.
Make-A-Wish Foundation - http://www.wish.org/
We grant the wishes of Children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy।
Children's Miracle Network - http://www.childrensmiraclenetwork.org/index.php
Children's Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children¹s hospitals across North America
Kimberly's Cottage (Local Charity) - http://www.kimberlyscottage.org/
The mission of the MCCAC is to provide a safe, child friendly atmosphere that promotes the healing of the child and non-offending family।
Soldier's Angels - http://www.soldiersangels.com/
As a volunteer-based nonprofit, we have over 20 different teams and programs supporting all branches of the U।S। Armed Forces। Through special projects, dedicated teams and individuals supporting our troops, we make a visible difference in the lives of our service members and their families
Marine's Toys for Tots - http://www.toysfortots.org/
The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders।
Save The Children - http://www.savethechildren.org/
Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating real and lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world। It is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, comprising 28 national Save the Children organizations working in more than 110 countries to ensure the well-being of children।
Christian Children's fund - http://www.christianchildrensfund.org/
Children have the right to experience life with as much joy and hope as possible। Christian Children's Fund creates an environment of hope and respect for children in need in which they have opportunities to achieve their full potential, and provides children, families and communities with practical tools for positive change।
Habitat for Humanity - http://www.habitat.org/
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry। HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action।
American Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org/
Snce its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization। As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters। Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering।
Fisher House - http://www.fisherhouse.org/
Supporting America's military in their time of need, we provide "a home away from home" that enables family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time -- during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury।
Homes for our Troops - http://www.homesforourtroops.org/site/PageServer
Homes for Our Troops is a non-profit, non-partisan 501 (c)(3) organization founded in 2004। This organization is strongly committed to helping those who have selflessly given to their country and have returned home with serious disabilities and injuries। We assist severely injured Servicemen and Women and their immediate families by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor and coordinating the process of building a new home or adapting an existing home for handicapped accessibility।
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund - http://www.fallenheroesfund.org/default.htm
The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund is a leader in supporting the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families। Begun in 2000 under the auspices of the Intrepid Museum Foundation, and established as an independent not-for-profit organization in 2003, the Fund has provided close to $60 million in support for the families of military personnel lost in service to our nation, and for severely wounded military personnel and veterans। These efforts are funded entirely with donations from the public, and hundreds of thousands of individuals have contributed to the Fund। 100% of contributions raised by the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund go towards these programs; all administrative expenses are underwritten by the Fund's Trustees।
National Military Families Association - http://www.nmfa.org
The National Military Family Association (NMFA) was organized in 1969 as the National Military Wives Association by a group of wives and widows seeking financial security for survivors of uniformed service personnel and retirees। From their efforts, the Survivor Benefit Plan came into being। In the ensuing years, NMFA has been in the vanguard of advocacy for improvements in the quality of military family life। The name of the organization was changed in 1984 to reflect the broad scope of its involvement। NMFA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) association
Big Brothers and Big Sisters - http://www.bbbs.org
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors that have a measurable impact on youth।
UNICEF - http://www.unicefusa.org/
The U।S। Fund for UNICEF was founded in 1947 to support the work of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) by raising funds for its programs and increasing awareness of the challenges facing the world's children। The oldest of 37 national committees for UNICEF worldwide, we are part of a global effort to save, protect and improve children's lives।
American Humane - http://www.americanhumane.org/
Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane provides national leadership in developing policies, legislation, curricula and training programs -- and taking actions -- to protect children and animals from cruelty, abuse, neglect and exploitation।
Guide Dog Foundation - http://www.guidedog.org/
To improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or with other special needs।
Susan G. Komen Foundation - http://ww5.komen.org/
That promise is now Susan G। Komen for the Cure®, the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1 billion since inception in 1982। As the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, we're working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures। Thanks to events like the Susan G। Komen Race for the Cure®, and generous contributions from our partners, sponsors and fellow supporters, we have become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world।
St. Jude's Children Research Hospital - http://www.stjude.org
St। Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility। Discoveries made here have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases। With research and patient care under one roof, St। Jude is where some of today's most gifted researchers are able to do science more quickly।
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation - http://www.christopherreeve.org
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy।
First Candle - http://www.firstcandle.org
First Candle is a national nonprofit health organization uniting parents, caregivers and researchers nationwide with government, business and community service groups to advance infant health and survival। With help from a national network of member and partner organizations, we are working to increase public participation and support in the fight against infant mortality.
Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund - http://www.semperfifund.org/
If the mother of a wounded Marine needs help with travel expenses to be with her son or daughter, the Semper Fi Fund is there. If the wife of an injured Navy Corpsman falls temporarily behind on a mortgage payment because she left work to be with her husband in the hospital, the Semper Fi Fund is there. If a wounded Marine who has lost his sight from combat needs a special magnifier, or special computer, the Semper Fi Fund is there. Whatever the legitimate need, the Semper Fi Fund is ready to help. "Semper Fi" means "always faithful," and that is our pledge to the heroic OEF/OIF Marines, Sailors, and other OEF/OIF service members assigned to Marine forces who are injured in the line of duty or face life threatening illness while protecting our Nation.
Make-A-Wish Foundation - http://www.wish.org/
We grant the wishes of Children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy।
Children's Miracle Network - http://www.childrensmiraclenetwork.org/index.php
Children's Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children¹s hospitals across North America
Kimberly's Cottage (Local Charity) - http://www.kimberlyscottage.org/
The mission of the MCCAC is to provide a safe, child friendly atmosphere that promotes the healing of the child and non-offending family।
Soldier's Angels - http://www.soldiersangels.com/
As a volunteer-based nonprofit, we have over 20 different teams and programs supporting all branches of the U।S। Armed Forces। Through special projects, dedicated teams and individuals supporting our troops, we make a visible difference in the lives of our service members and their families
Marine's Toys for Tots - http://www.toysfortots.org/
The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders।
Save The Children - http://www.savethechildren.org/
Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating real and lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world। It is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, comprising 28 national Save the Children organizations working in more than 110 countries to ensure the well-being of children।
Christian Children's fund - http://www.christianchildrensfund.org/
Children have the right to experience life with as much joy and hope as possible। Christian Children's Fund creates an environment of hope and respect for children in need in which they have opportunities to achieve their full potential, and provides children, families and communities with practical tools for positive change।
Habitat for Humanity - http://www.habitat.org/
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry। HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action।
American Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org/
Snce its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization। As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters। Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering।
Fisher House - http://www.fisherhouse.org/
Supporting America's military in their time of need, we provide "a home away from home" that enables family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time -- during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury।
Homes for our Troops - http://www.homesforourtroops.org/site/PageServer
Homes for Our Troops is a non-profit, non-partisan 501 (c)(3) organization founded in 2004। This organization is strongly committed to helping those who have selflessly given to their country and have returned home with serious disabilities and injuries। We assist severely injured Servicemen and Women and their immediate families by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor and coordinating the process of building a new home or adapting an existing home for handicapped accessibility।
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund - http://www.fallenheroesfund.org/default.htm
The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund is a leader in supporting the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families। Begun in 2000 under the auspices of the Intrepid Museum Foundation, and established as an independent not-for-profit organization in 2003, the Fund has provided close to $60 million in support for the families of military personnel lost in service to our nation, and for severely wounded military personnel and veterans। These efforts are funded entirely with donations from the public, and hundreds of thousands of individuals have contributed to the Fund। 100% of contributions raised by the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund go towards these programs; all administrative expenses are underwritten by the Fund's Trustees।
National Military Families Association - http://www.nmfa.org
The National Military Family Association (NMFA) was organized in 1969 as the National Military Wives Association by a group of wives and widows seeking financial security for survivors of uniformed service personnel and retirees। From their efforts, the Survivor Benefit Plan came into being। In the ensuing years, NMFA has been in the vanguard of advocacy for improvements in the quality of military family life। The name of the organization was changed in 1984 to reflect the broad scope of its involvement। NMFA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) association
Big Brothers and Big Sisters - http://www.bbbs.org
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors that have a measurable impact on youth।
UNICEF - http://www.unicefusa.org/
The U।S। Fund for UNICEF was founded in 1947 to support the work of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) by raising funds for its programs and increasing awareness of the challenges facing the world's children। The oldest of 37 national committees for UNICEF worldwide, we are part of a global effort to save, protect and improve children's lives।
American Humane - http://www.americanhumane.org/
Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane provides national leadership in developing policies, legislation, curricula and training programs -- and taking actions -- to protect children and animals from cruelty, abuse, neglect and exploitation।
Guide Dog Foundation - http://www.guidedog.org/
To improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or with other special needs।
Susan G. Komen Foundation - http://ww5.komen.org/
That promise is now Susan G। Komen for the Cure®, the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1 billion since inception in 1982। As the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, we're working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures। Thanks to events like the Susan G। Komen Race for the Cure®, and generous contributions from our partners, sponsors and fellow supporters, we have become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world।
St. Jude's Children Research Hospital - http://www.stjude.org
St। Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility। Discoveries made here have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases। With research and patient care under one roof, St। Jude is where some of today's most gifted researchers are able to do science more quickly।
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation - http://www.christopherreeve.org
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy।
First Candle - http://www.firstcandle.org
First Candle is a national nonprofit health organization uniting parents, caregivers and researchers nationwide with government, business and community service groups to advance infant health and survival। With help from a national network of member and partner organizations, we are working to increase public participation and support in the fight against infant mortality.
Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund - http://www.semperfifund.org/
If the mother of a wounded Marine needs help with travel expenses to be with her son or daughter, the Semper Fi Fund is there. If the wife of an injured Navy Corpsman falls temporarily behind on a mortgage payment because she left work to be with her husband in the hospital, the Semper Fi Fund is there. If a wounded Marine who has lost his sight from combat needs a special magnifier, or special computer, the Semper Fi Fund is there. Whatever the legitimate need, the Semper Fi Fund is ready to help. "Semper Fi" means "always faithful," and that is our pledge to the heroic OEF/OIF Marines, Sailors, and other OEF/OIF service members assigned to Marine forces who are injured in the line of duty or face life threatening illness while protecting our Nation.
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