Day 9: "It's not what you get out of life that counts. It's what you give."

January 18: Twenty-seven days left!

I wanted to keep Day 8 up at the front a little longer, because I anticipated some new folks checking out the blog and I liked that entry. Because of this, I've fallen a little bit behind with my writing. I plan on being caught up by tomorrow morning and, in the meantime, I'll keep these short!

First and foremost -- thanks so much to everyone that has donated! We're on our way to the $1000 goal and it looks like I'll have to up to a more ambitious goal for the third time! I know most of you didn't make that donation FOR me, but, on behalf of whoever you did make it for -- thank you, thank you, thank you!!

As far as workout goes, I'm a little sore after the 10-miler, but still happy with yesterday's results! Today I didn't run, but I did bike 45 minutes to work, I did the pushups/situps, and I played a game of flag football (tiring!). I'm proud to report that the Mariah Carey Dreamlovers (the team name is a story for another day) won our second game, 44-0. That's two shut-outs and that brings our record to a staggering 2-0. :-)

I was sad to find out that Sargent Shriver, the man who was the driving force behind the founded of the Peace Corps at 95 years old. I've always been inspired reading about Mr. Shriver, and I think this excerpt from a speech he gave at Yale University in 1994 does a great job of summarizing what we're trying to do here:

"All of history's great changes--nonviolent changes--came from below, not from above. It comes from us... It's not what you get out of life that counts. It's what you give and what is given to you from the heart . . . And I have one small word of advice because it is going to be tough: Break your mirrors!!! Yes indeed -- shatter the glass. In our society that is so self-absorbed, begin to look less at yourself and more at each other. Learn more about the face of your neighbor and less about your own."

LOOK at them:


LOOK at her:


By Wednesday of next week, I believe we will have raised $1,000 that can help these kids overcome the odds and change the course of their lives. Donate here: http://www.active.com/donate/daythirtyfive

Or send a check (made out to "Matthew Haines" or "Akili Academy of New Orleans") to the following address:

Attn: Matt Haines
LPTP
200 Broadway Street, Suite #108
New Orleans, LA 70118

Thanks for helping!