Project Food Blog - Vote for me! :How I will spend my winnings

For JEL, who insisted I finish.  Thank you.

I've discovered through this blog competition that I am a total optimist, for in my mind, I've already spent the $10,000 grand prize money.  I've organized it in my head and broken down what I will do with the winnings.  Because I do think that people wonder about that stuff, I thought I'd take a moment and let you know what I intend to do with the money WHEN I win.  (that's the crazy blind optimist speaking.)

$1000 to my church.  I love my small group, my small church, and I'm a firm believer in tithing.  I'll give my 10% to God as He's allowing me to keep the other 90%.  When I win, I know it is because God is pouring His blessings upon me.  Glory to Him in the highest.

$5000 for Haiti.  I want to give half to Haiti.  Friend CY who went in the summer is going again to open up schools in the slums of Cite Soleil.  (You can read about WOM's participation in Haiti  here.)I want my blog to be a core provider of food for her schools - about $1200 a year can support a single school to provide some small sustenance for the students.  With my winnings, I'd be able to support more than 4 schools in Cite Soleil, providing food.  This pleases me and that is definitely where I am going to put half of my winnings.

$300-$500 on a Canon Speedlite flash.  I've been lusting after one for a while, as when the winter months approach, getting a good shot of food with natural light becomes harder and more difficult.  A flash would give me a lot more flexibility and better control of the shot and how it looks.  I would not be at the mercy of natural light, although it is my favorite way to take a photograph.

$300 for the blog itself.  As the blog doesn't really generate income, I haven't tried to do anything special for it, such as having a professional designing and decorating it or even getting a logo made. Winning the competition would mean that I COULD spend some money on that area, and I'd really like to do that.

The remaining $3000 would be used in other ways, although I'm not sure what yet.  Probably a present or two in there for Son, Daughters and Husband, since they are the whole reason I'm able to continue blogging.

If you like my blog, have been touched by a story, or cooked something that came out really tasty - please vote for me!  Voting is only open until September 23, 6 PM.  You DO have to register, but registering is very simple - your name, email and you can choose to opt out of all the different mailings that Foodbuzz might send your way. It does take about a minute, but I will be ever so grateful for your vote.