Bubble Jar

So, today is my birthday. Another year older. So this morning, bummed a little about being *over* thirty and not for the first time, I was trying to have a good day. Rushing out the door I spilled my coffee on my shirt. Back inside and in a new shirt, I tried to overlook that small setback. On my way to Commerce, I decided that since I had to go to school on my birthday, I at least deserved some good coffee to brighten my day. Out the door of the new campus coffee shop, tickled with my caramel latte, I tried to hop over a patch of mud and FAIL I landed in it. I didn't fall to the ground, but I somehow managed to cover my foot and flipflop with nasty gritty mud and spill coffee on myself for the second time in an hour. And yes, a couple of folks saw my less than graceful stunt. Mouthing things I wouldn't want my momma to hear I made my way back to the car, wondering why I deserved such poor luck on my birthday, of all days. I found myself a napkin and some bottled water to clean up my mess. As I was wiping away the mud I realized just how selfish and immature my reaction was. I suddenly remembered cleaning my feet in a stream atop a mountain in Sarstun, Guatemala, thankful that I had shoes to protect my feet unlike the children I was following. All of the sudden I was SO ASHAMED of myself. Let's recap:

I drove my used yet nice Altima to the University I was so blessed to attend. I bought myself a cup of $3 gourmet coffee and complained about getting my overpriced sandal muddy... I realized that I was behaving like a selfish spoiled brat living in my American Bubble. So with my shame, I went on to class.

After class I drove straight home and made this...

Now everytime I catch myself having one of those selfish "American Bubble" moments, I will put the appropriate donation into the "Bubble Jar". Today, I donated $3 to represent that $3 cup of coffee. When the jar is full, I will mail the donation to Refuge International.