Random numbers

- beds slept in since 29th Sept: 5
- books read on holiday: 4
- books abandoned mid-read on holiday: 1
- running sessions, Tenerife: 3
- photos taken (camera): 148
- photos uploading to Flickr: 40
- people caught up with at Newcon despite arriving late and leaving early: many
- number of times woken by cat on first night home: manymany
- pounds gained since last weigh-in, despite much swimming, running etc: 4
- minutes spent on phone to DWP signing off pre-holiday: 82
- minutes spent on phone to DWP signing on post-holiday: 9

KIVA

For the last couple of years (following a post from pegkerr) I've been making micro-loans via Kiva, which empowers individuals to lend to entrepreneurs across the globe. I've lent to women's groups, individuals, and green organisations in South America, Africa and Indonesia. All my loans (minimum amount is $25) have been repaid, and I've made a difference.

Kiva have just emailed me:

We are celebrating five years of empowering people to lift themselves out of poverty through micro-loans, with over $150 million lent to nearly 400,000 entrepreneurs all over the globe by Kiva users. Thanks to the generous support of Omidyar Network, a philanthropic investment firm, we are able to provide $25 to Kiva lenders who successfully refer 5 new friends this month (subject to our promotion terms).

If you'd like to be referred, please drop me a comment (screened) with your email address. (Please note the 'reward' goes into my Kiva balance for further lending, not to me personally.)

EDIT I've now invited my five people. But do consider signing up to Kiva anyway, it's a small way to make a big difference!

Underwave

Underwave
Originally uploaded by tamaranth

A wave from below. Plus fishes. More photos from Tenerife over at Flickr.