is giving ever truly selfless?

now that one week has gone by and i start dealing with the difficulties of adjusting to a shoebox-sized uninsulated apartment, ice-cold toilet seats and flooring, really slow and limited internet and - oh yeah! - no salary, i start asking myself "am i having fun yet?" where's that euphoria of "i'm going to help the poor"?

i recently read a study on "why do people give?" and stumbled across the following:
"Giving is an intrinsically good thing to do.  It makes people feel good about themselves and makes them feel like they are connected to a greater cause that does good things in the world."

huh...

the C word…

i don't know why, but to self-identify as a Christian always made me cringe and I avoided it at all costs. of all things to be labeled as, the big C brought  discomfort and even embarrassment, especially among my large social and professional network comprised of the ultra-liberal, uber-educated and enlightened.  something about being educated and enlightened causes one to turn his or her sophisticated and culturally-aware nose down on the very idea of the C word. and this is why i myself had struggled with my own beliefs for many years.

pure, unadulterated love

interestingly new trends point to everything all natural and organic. there isn't anything you can't buy organic. i know this because i am the proud owner of organic soap, organic toothpaste and a certified organic, recycled toothbrush (yes it took me a while to get used to the idea of a recycled toothbrush too). more and more we reject products with chemicals in favour of those that are as close to their original state as possible. Because it's good for our bodies.