Last month I was asked to participate in the Donors Choose Social Media Challenge.

DonorsChoose.org grew out of a high school in the Bronx where teachers saw their students going without the materials needed to learn.  Our website provides an easy way for everyday people to address this problem. Public school teachers post project requests that range from a $100 classroom library, to a $600 digital projector, to a $1,000 trip to the zoo. People like you can choose which projects to fund and then get photos and thank-you letters from the classroom.

Very cool, isn’t it?

Well, BlogHer asked me to choose a couple projects for the Chicago area. I picked two I’m really excited about and would love to see funded.

The first being for a class of first graders, their teacher wants to give them books as Christmas presents to encourage reading in the home as well as in school. These children might not get presents otherwise. She is giving one of my staple books for a child’s library, Where the Wild Things Are. When it comes to gifts for kids, I always give books (seriously, I have a list of favorites and pick from it for each holiday!). Reading was such a huge part of my childhood and I think everyone should have the opportunity to exposed to books and learn to love them. Read more about Mrs. S’s project.

The second project I chose is for an 8th grade classroom at a school where most students are low income and minorities. I remember when I was in 8th grade, I was probably in that preteen angsty stage where I just didn’t care about anything, let alone reading. So in order to encourage these students to read, the teacher is going with short stories. He hopes to get two class sets of classic stories and fairy tales. Read more about Mr. W’s project.

I’m writing this post to ask for you, my awesome readers, to rally together and help get these projects funded. After all, it is a challenge and I know my 20 Something Bloggers are up for a challenge!

Or if you’re not too into these two Chicago projects, check out the rest from all over the country. Every dollar helps, no matter who it is going to.

But if we get the two projects funded, I’ll do something really awesome for you guys. I don’t know what yet but I’m open to suggestions.

Let’s make this happen!

I love my job. Seriously, it’s going to suck when I have to get a “real” job when I graduate with a nursing degree (if ever). I mean, I get to color, build towers, shoot hoops on a Little Tikes basket ball hoop, teach the 2 year old to count in Spanish and I get paid for it. Of course, there are days when I’m exhausted from working 11 hours and feel like I am going to scream if I have to hear the Wonder Pet’s screechy voices singing about saving the baby triceratops one more time. But really, I can’t complain too much. Turning the key and hearing the pitter pat of little toddler feet that can’t get to the door fast enough to rush me in and sit me down to show me something or other, is not the worst thing to have when you walk in the door. Two babies who are excited to see me everyday and shower me with hugs and kisses? Can’t beat that.

My job is awesome.

My favorite thing to do at work is read books. I lovelovelove children’s books. Last Christmas, the little guy got Where the Wild Things Are and Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day. Two of my very favorite books. This year he is getting The Giving Tree and baby girl is getting a plushy taggies book because she’s still little and loves to put everything in her mouth, she will love the textures though! Mom and Dad are getting a photo album of pictures I’ve taken while with the kids. This way they have cute photos of the kids and get to see what we do while they are at work. All kids get books though, families I work for, my own family, family friends. I have a little list of essentials.

Help me add to my list.

Do you have a favorite book from when you were a kid?

Hopefully next week, I will be picking out my school schedule for Spring semester. Changing schools and switching majors has thrown me a curve ball. Now I have to take all the classes I avoided taking, like Biology and Chemistry but if you are looking to major in nursing, then they are definitely not classes to avoid.

Now, I have the best job ever. I’m a part time nanny and have been for this particular family for a little over a year. The mom doesn’t think with my new major, that I will be able to work for them anymore. I’m really hoping this is not the case. I make excellent money. I work 2-3 days a week. I have the best kids ever. I would be heartbroken if I was no longer able to work for this family. Money and current schedule aside, I love these babies.

I hope next week, class scheduling will work in my favor.

It has to.

As a nanny, I’ve come to the not so fun part of my job. TWO. The Terrible Twos are in full effect in two houses I work in. In one corner, we have TWIN two year old boys and a 3 year old. In the other corner, we have a newly 2 year old and a newborn baby. Could you imagine the fun stuff that would happen if they were all let lose in one place?!

Seriously.

I love them all but…seriously. Nanny might be the one who needs a time out soon. 5 minutes alone!