A Month of Gratitude, Day 13

Monday, December 20, 2010
I have a pal from my days in the Navy. We served together on the USS JASON in the early '90's, and she helped to initiate me to Chief Petty Officer when I was selected to that rank.

I'm speaking, of course, of occasional commenter and long-time pal The Mechanicky Gal.

As friends do, over the years we celebrated each others' sorrows and triumphs, and recognized each others' birthdays with gifts. As the years went on, however, we found ourselves having to work harder and harder to find appropriate prezzies for each other. We have wildly divergent taste, and as we became more and more financially successful, we tended to just buy what we wanted for our homes and such. In other words, we really didn't need any more stuff.

So a number of years ago, we discussed the matter and decided that instead of continuing to spend money on stuff, we would collaborate and try to do something good for the world. And the "Amy and Janiece, Hot Chicks on a Mission" Kiva Lending Page was born.

We have specific criteria for our loans - we only lend to the ladiez*. We prefer the ladiez to be either single, widowed or divorced. If they're supporting children, so much the better. We make an effort to lend to ladiez who live in countries where women are treated like second-class citizens. Because apparently we enjoy sticking it to the man.

So far, we've loaned to 91 different women, for a total of $2,275.00. We replenish our fund each Christmas and on our birthdays, and reloan on a monthly basis as the ladiez pay us back.

Today, I'm grateful to have a friend with whom I can share my philanthropic tendencies, and who sees the value in helping other women build their businesses, their lives and their communities. Ladiez FTW!

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*It amuses us to spell it "ladiez." Shut up.

7 comments:

Anne C. said...

My sister and I were just discussing trying to harness the family to do something like this, but it might actually be easier for the two of us to do something like this.

I know you're not doing this to be inspirational, that's part of your charm. :)

Janiece said...

Anne, good luck harnessing your family. Rabid individualists that you are, you'll have better luck herding cats into a room full of rocking chairs.

Why, yes, I did just mix my metaphors, there. Thanks for noticing.

Tom said...

Janiece, that is so cool! I'm aware of your Kiva lending, but you and the MG treating that as your presents to each other, that's fabulous. Such a great idea.

Matt said...

Gotta love those USS Jason alums . . . Just sayin'

The Mechanicky Gal said...

Gee, Janiece, thanks! I am so glad that we didn't let Navy Krap get in the way of our friendship.
And glad that you don't hold it against me when was loud and laughing in the berthing when you were trying to sleep.... passenger that I was.....

Janiece said...

Hee. In the fullness of time, all is forgiven - on both sides.

Anne C. said...

Janiece, you know my family damn well! ;)