Career in Philanthropy?

Recently, I had to fill out a form. Probably for a doctors office. It had a question I have been asked before and often makes me pause.

Occupation.

I don't have a clue how to answer this. After years of trial and error on numerous customs forms and visa applications, I came to the vague description of "NGO manager." This assumes of course that the person reading the form knows that NGO stands for non-governmental organization. The whole thing wouldn't fit in the space provided so I settled for the acronym.

Now I work for a small office of three people and manage no one. What should I put in that pesky box?

I was told my new career is "philanthropy." Hmmm...that doesn't sit right with me. I feel the two words "career" and "philanthropy" don't match.

I have always viewed philanthropy as a way of being - concern for humanity, generosity or showing kindness to the needy. It is best when consistent in our lives...but as a career? That seems to taint it, somehow. It seems dirty to be getting something (pay, recognition, awards) from doing what is supposed to be about others. At least that is how I see it.

So, I am left with an unanswered question - what is my career? I don't know. Suggestions are welcome.

just Sheri, stumped

Gaylord at the National Harbor

Also, at the National Harbor is a fancy hotel called the Gaylord with a beautiful view of the Potomac River. Kenyon and I took a dinner cruise on the Potomac to celebrate our first wedding anniversary...little did we know then that we would some day be living nearby. Ahhh, the unpredictability of life!

just Sheri, enjoying the view

National Harbor Farmer's Market

The DMV has lots of options for farmer's markets. This weekend I visited the market at National Harbor. I go to our local farmer's market pretty often. I am hoping to make it the the farmer's market in DuPont Circle in coming weeks. And this is the short list.

just Sheri, (still) exploring

DMV?

D-M-V.  For the majority of my life these three letters have meant only one thing. What is it?

Department of Motor Vehicles.

This brings to mind long waits in ridiculous lines.

My new definition for D-M-V pretty much means the same thing, but a different kind of line and it is no longer an annual experience and instead a daily one.

What is the D-M-V?

DC - Maryland - Virginia

This is what the area we now live in is called. The lines are traffic...lots and lots of traffic.

just Sheri, a DMV resident

wish come true

Last week, I posted about my desire to kayak. My first experience in a kayak was in Cambodia, during a girlfriend weekend at the beach. I instantly fell in love with sea kayaking.

After that, I tried it again...and again...and again. My last sea kayaking experience was in Malindi, Kenya. Yes, I have lived a charmed life full of exotic destinations and unforgettable adventures. I am grateful for these amazing gifts.

My love for kayaking grew over time. I have always liked river rafting, so this kind of reminds me of that.

This weekend, Phim made my wish come true. We rented a kayak and headed out on the water. Ahhh, it was as wonderful as I had imagined.

The big difference between this and my previous kayaking experiences is that this was on a water reservoir and those were in the sea. So, maybe you already see where I am going with this...but essentially I wasn't used to the stillness of the water, the lack of current. I kind of like being pulled out to the deep ends of the ocean and fighting the current with all my might to get to my destination. This was a calmer, more relaxing excursion.

For a girl who grew up in the high dessert, I have found a water sport I really like (that hasn't resulted in near death experiences that seemed to accompany my white water adventures). I am sure my dad appreciates this as prior to my last white water trip he said, "I was really hoping you had given that up, there is only so many times you can cheat death." Don't tell my dad, but rafting the Nile in Uganda is still on my bucket list. Someday...

just Sheri, enjoying the water sports