One day last week I had a pretty tough day. As I drove home in the evening, all I could think about was getting my kids to bed so I could have a relaxing soak in the tub. I imagined a scented Epsom salt bath. I imagined dim lighting. I just needed a little peace and quiet. When I got home, my husband met me with a serious face. “There's no water.” My response was a blank expression – I was confused. He explained that he forgot to pay the water bill. In that moment my hope for my peaceful and relaxing bath was dashed. My disappointment must have been evident in my face. My husband thought I was mad at him, but really I was just sad that I wasn't going to have my luxurious bath.

And then I caught myself. How spoiled am I? So many people live their lives with far less than what I've been blessed with, and I'm going to pout about not being able to take a bath in my tub for one night? Later that evening I borrowed my neighbors' shower and life went on.

This experience of having my water turned off for one night made me think more about people who are less fortunate and what their lives must be like. I thought about what it must be like to be homeless in this freezing weather we've been having. And I thought about what it must be like for the children at The Texas Baptist Children's Home (our neighbors across the street from the studio) who are living without their parents.

This year The Yoga Room is hosting a Toy Drive for the children at TBCH. If you're not familiar with this organization, TBCH provides housing for children whose parents are not able to care for them, and also for single moms who have fled difficult situations and need help with their young families.

I became familiar with TBCH years ago when I worked at Dell – my team did most of our community service projects there. And through that introduction, I was later able to do my student teaching as a yoga teacher at TBCH. I've found the staff and house parents at TCBH to be wonderful people who are genuinely dedicated to helping children. I feel honored to be able to support them with their Toy Drive this year.

If you're looking for a way to help support someone who is perhaps less fortunate this holiday season, please consider donating a toy for the Toy Drive. You can bring a toy to our Grand Opening & Holiday Party this weekend, or anytime before Wednesday, December 18th.

XO, Zelinda

P.S. If you decide to help with the Toy Drive, here is the wishlist provided to us by the Texas Baptist Children's Home...

GIFT SUGGESTIONS FOR KIDS Art Kits Baby Alive Dolls Baby Doll Accessories Barbie Car (We have plenty of Barbies) Barbie Clothes Beyblade Toys Cake Pop Maker Craft Kits Dress Up Clothes DVD Movies, G or PG (New Releases) Easy Bake Oven & Accessories Fur Real Friends Hexbugs Warriors Battle Arena w/ Hexbugs Hot Wheels Race Track How to Draw Books Imaginext Toys Kid's Digital Camera Lego Super Heros (age 7-14) Legos Friends Mega Bloks Nerf Toys Origami Books Paint by Number Sets Play Food Play-Doh Kits Popular Action Figure Toys Remote Control Helicopters Remote Control Cars Science Kits Spy Gear Super Heroes Toys

GIFT SUGGESTIONS FOR TEENS Boys Leather Footballs Leather Basketballs Caps (Nike, Adidas, Teams, etc.) Christian CD's Model kits Wallets Watches Hoodies (All sizes) Sleeping Bags Fishing Poles Camping Equipment Duffle Bags DVD Movies, G & PG Itunes Gift Cards ($10) Sonic Gift Cards ($5-10) Starbucks Gift Cards ($10) Academy Gift Cards ($20+)

Girls Jewelry Boxes Watches Photo Albums Scrap Books Scrap Book Supplies (New) Blow Dryers Make-up (Natural Colors) Christian CD's DVD Movies, G & PG Pajamas Sleeping Bags Duffle Bags Hoodies Itunes Gift Cards ($10) Sonic Gift Cards ($5-10) Starbucks Gift Cards ($10) Ulta Gift Cards ($10-20)