Post dump: I forgot to include three more awesome things that happened in 2007.

1) Learning about Kiva, a nonprofit that partners with microloan institutions to allow individuals to loan money to small businesses in the developing world. You don't have to have a huge stock portfolio or wads of cash to do this -- you can loan as little as $25 at a time. Through the power of the internets and strength in numbers, a woman in Samoa can get the $650 she needs to expand her sewing business, or a man in Ecuador can get the $425 he needs to buy a refrigerator for his fishing business, directly from people like you and me.

This is so great, because not only can individuals who might not be able to afford $650 at one pop help someone become self-sufficient or contribute to making a current business more successful, but there is a connection that you don't get from giving to large institutions: you get email updates about the project you are funding! I highly recommend that EVERYONE check this organization out.

2) Finding two pairs of brand spankin' new slip-on Vans -- one pair of classics in turquoise canvas, one pair bright yellow suede with racing stripe -- in charity shops within days of each other and 2008. When I became obsessed with Vans I cannot pinpoint, but I am amassing quite a collection. Just gotta check my burning desire for the unattainable Hosoi Sk8-Hi. Sigh.

3) Receiving the best Christmas present ever: this sweet tactical flashlight. Thank you, monkey!