New Years Eve eve

Well, the wedding was nice (anyone who wants to see pics can look on Emmie's blog, but since it's friends-only, there's no point in my posting the link). I like Episcopal services -- they're grand, meaningful and direct. The Episcopal church was the last congregation I belonged to before I gave up on the formal religion thing, but rather than being what finally drove me away, it gave me a reason to stay a little while longer as I completed my transformation into someone who is post-christian.

Anyway, despite what was a delightful afternoon, I'm still feeling a bit gloomy this evening. The news from the asian coast(s) is dreadfully sad and I'm concerned for all those lost souls, and those they left behind. I also continue to worry about two people here at home -- one who's going through a painful experience and another who's got some seriously bad karma to work off.

From what I'm reading on the blogs out there, this hasn't been the greatest of holiday seasons for a number of us. As Keera points out, many people are trading in their wild party plans for a contribution to the greater good.

To that end, here are some links, courtesy of Kos:

American Red Cross International Response Fund
AmeriCares South Asia Earthquake Relief Fund
Direct Relief International International Assistance Fund
Médecins Sans Frontières International Tsunami Emergency Appeal
Oxfam Asian Earthquake & Tsunami Fund
Sarvodaya Relief Fund for Tsunami Tragedy
UNICEF South Asia Tsunami Relief Efforts