Please keep Colorado in your thoughts

Hello everyone! For those of you that haven't heard about the wildfires sweeping across Colorado right now, here is an article in the Denver Post, here are some photos from Huffington Post (including satellite shots) and here is a video from ABC.  Also, just Google "Colorado wildfires" and I'm sure it will come up.

Evacuee numbers are over 32,000, hundreds of homes have already been lost and even the Air Force Academy was evacuated and stands to suffer.  Hundreds of firefighters are in the area but for now it's just a matter of waiting.  Please keep Colorado in your thoughts (or prayers if you're so inclined) and let the people know they're not alone.  Thank you.

Well hi there :)

I'm back!!!!!!

While I can't make promises about how often I'll update (work, class, joining the ambulance corps, swim training, trying to have a life, etc.), I really missed this and I decided it was time to come back.  Especially with my swim coming up in just eight days!  So thank you to everyone who's stuck with me.  I hope I can write posts that are worth the wait :)

For today, I just wanted to post the Swim Across America 25th Anniversary video.  My event, the Greenwich-Stamford swim, is in there!  And if anybody still has questions about what it is I'm doing, this is it.

This is why I swim.

There are eight days left to help me swim for a cure.  You can donate here, but at the very least please send me some good thoughts on the 30th.  I'm swimming for you, me, my friends, my family, your friends, your family, everyone.  I'm swimming so that someday we can live in a world where nobody has to lose a fight to cancer ever again.  Thank you, and it's good to be back. :)

An Update on My Hiatus

Hello everyone! So sorry I haven't been updating lately, but this hiatus is almost over, I swear!

Finals are over, got my lifeguard recertification done and now I'm off to Canada (Niagara Falls, Toronto and Montreal) for a week.  When I get back I'll be back on my regular blogging schedule (and I'll post some pictures from the trip!).  So have an amazing week and I'll see y'all soon!  And smile; you're all more beautiful when you do. :)

Some cool stats...on black market organs

Still busy...finals week has begun!  Thank y'all so much for bearing with me right now.  As a reward, here's some cool info...on black market organs in a nifty pdf I found.  Enjoy!  And for everyone else in finals...I wish everyone luck!

Creepy but cool

On a happier note...go make someone smile today!  Even though it's Monday!

Blarrgggghhh

The title above is my stressed noise.  This week has been, well, blarrgggghhh.  I know a missed a Charity Spotlight Sunday and a Random Fact Wednesday but I PROMISE that if y'all bear with me I will make it up to you after finals! So forgive the stressed pre-med girl and don't give up on her blog. :P

Also, Geneseoans, today is the last day of our jewelry sale fundraiser for Common Hope in the union!  Stop by and help us out! :)

For now, here's an awesome picture of a dinosaur.

Go make someone's day.  And smile a lot!!! 

Happy birthday to one of the most kick-ass young feminists I know

Dear Alexa,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY.  Be happy.  You absolutely deserve it.

You are just such a beautiful human being through and through.  You are kind, talented and so, so intelligent.  You turn just 17 today and you already have one of the coolest, smartest feminist blogs on the web.  I am proud of you and proud to know you.  Never stop being who you are.  You're far too wonderful and inspiring to ever give up.

Love you, and I will be home soon.
-Hannah

For those of you who don't know, Alexa has an awesome blog, Blossoming Badass.  Check her out; it will be well worth your time.  Have an amazing day, and go make someone smile!

Random Fact(s) Wednesday: Sexual Assault Awareness Week Edition

Hey everyone!  In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Week I thought that I would give some (somewhat depressing) facts and statistics.  But do not just let them bring you down; let them inspire you to fight back and end sexual assault for everyone, for good.

-1 out of every 6 American women has or will be assaulted at one point in her life.
-9 out of every 10 victims are female.
-About 3% of American men have been or will be assaulted at some point in their lives.
-15% of sexual assault and rape victims are under age 12.
-An estimated 54% of sexual assaults are not reported to the police.
-97% of rapists never see jail time.
-2/3 of assaults are carried out by someone the victim knows.

BUT REMEMBER...
-Sexual assault has fallen by more than 60% in recent years.
-There are so many resources for victims (like the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE), and the numbers are growing every day.
-There are tips to avoid dangerous situations, but it is NEVER YOUR FAULT.  You are NEVER to blame for someone doing wrong to you.
-Organizations like RAINN do a lot of work promoting education, legislative changes and helping victims.
-There are large-scale efforts across the country to change legislation to protect this country and its citizens.
-There IS hope if we keep working for change.

Go make someone smile today, and keep changing the world.  Let's end sexual assault together.