So last week I volunteered to get put in "jail" for MDA (see previous post - and help! The website will remian open for three more weeks!) and then on Saturday about 20 of us helped gut a friends house so that she can get the entire interior of the home refinished. And what I realized is that by giving I get so much back, and I became happier and nicer and better at work.

First, the MDA lock up event went great! My cohorts in crime raised a bunch of money (much of which was dropped off to the event at Dolan's in Boulder (great restaurant if you are ever in town - worth it every time). Along with the other jailbirds, which included a few folks from the Salvation Army who were on hand working the phones, we raised more than $60,000. A very special thank you to all who helped me out and especially to those who gave of their time and energy.

You can still donate to Jerry's Kids - http://tinyurl.com/cdsanj - and thanks for your support!

Then on Saturday friends worked their tails off in the snow and rain and bad conditions and filled more than five roll offs with the inards of a house. Amazing what you find - like tearing up a deck only to find another deck underneath. And then tearing up that deck only to find........yep.......another deck! (not that I'm an expert in these things, but I was asked to identify the year the decks were each built by the long hidden empty beer cans that once belonged to the workmen building the decks!)

I got to the event a little late but that didn't seem to matter - I was soaked and filthy and happy and loved it. Had a great time with great people and my friend Amber is going to have almost a brand new house for her and the kids. Awesome.

So don't hesitate to give back - there is no conference or expo or sporting event that can refill your spirit and help you find another reason to get back to work, get back to your family and bring new energy to all you do.