Day 215
What a perfect night to practice one's commitment to be kind to strangers! Because we live in the country, every year we manage to wrangle an invitation from one of our friends to invite us to their neighborhood for trick or treating. This year K took pity on us by serving dinner and allowing us to roam the town with her. So we were in a neighborhood full of folks we didn't know.
It was an absolutely great evening walking around with our Ninja and Ghost Buster, talking to people out with their own ghosts and goblins. Much of the fun was commenting on the fabulous costumes we saw and making a fuss over the little ones. Not to mention thoroughly enjoying the one time a year when it OK to accept candy from strangers.
I'd love to write more, but my sons are asleep now, so it's time for me to raid their candy bags....
Happy Halloween!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Almost In The Bag
Day 214
Today the Boy Scouts left a white shopping bag in our mailbox (as well as the mailboxes of almost everyone else in the state) with a request that it be filled with items for the state food bank. Pick up will be in a week. Going with my “do not procrastinate” theme, I filled it with food from our cupboards as soon as I walked in the house and left the bag by the front door so I would remember to put it out next Saturday.
What I did not remember to do was put the dog outside when we left this evening. So we came home to an cereal box torn and emptied of its contents as well as rice spilled all over the floor. He was kind enough to leave the canned items unscathed.
I thought my act of kindness was in the bag for the day, but apparently not....
Today the Boy Scouts left a white shopping bag in our mailbox (as well as the mailboxes of almost everyone else in the state) with a request that it be filled with items for the state food bank. Pick up will be in a week. Going with my “do not procrastinate” theme, I filled it with food from our cupboards as soon as I walked in the house and left the bag by the front door so I would remember to put it out next Saturday.
What I did not remember to do was put the dog outside when we left this evening. So we came home to an cereal box torn and emptied of its contents as well as rice spilled all over the floor. He was kind enough to leave the canned items unscathed.
I thought my act of kindness was in the bag for the day, but apparently not....
Friday, October 29, 2010
Keeping Going
Day 213
Today I wrote thank you cards for my son's soccer coaches, and included a small gift card in each one, as tomorrow is the last day of the season. I made sure to tell them how much we appreciated all the time and effort they put in on behalf of our son and the other boys. I also sent a sympathy card to my colleague whose mom passed away this week.
These are not extraordinary acts of kindness by any stretch. Really they are just doing the right thing. I have received much positive feedback about this blog, and it is embarrassing how many people comment how kind I am. I've said it before, and probably will again, that I'm really no kinder than the next person. My commitment to the project is designed to help keep me on the kind track. Much of what I write about is what many of us intend to do, and sometimes never quite get around to it. That is certainly the case for me. If I have to write each night, there is more pressure to “do the right thing.”
I've been asked occasionally whatis my plan when the year is up? Will my daily acts of kindness continue? It is absolutely my intention to do so. But I'm not sure I can keep up the discipline of writing every day. And without that, will my good deeds become good intentions without the follow through? I will continue to strive to make my year of living kindly into a lifetime of the same, but I'm counting on the next 153 days to help me figure out just how to make that happen.
Today I wrote thank you cards for my son's soccer coaches, and included a small gift card in each one, as tomorrow is the last day of the season. I made sure to tell them how much we appreciated all the time and effort they put in on behalf of our son and the other boys. I also sent a sympathy card to my colleague whose mom passed away this week.
These are not extraordinary acts of kindness by any stretch. Really they are just doing the right thing. I have received much positive feedback about this blog, and it is embarrassing how many people comment how kind I am. I've said it before, and probably will again, that I'm really no kinder than the next person. My commitment to the project is designed to help keep me on the kind track. Much of what I write about is what many of us intend to do, and sometimes never quite get around to it. That is certainly the case for me. If I have to write each night, there is more pressure to “do the right thing.”
I've been asked occasionally whatis my plan when the year is up? Will my daily acts of kindness continue? It is absolutely my intention to do so. But I'm not sure I can keep up the discipline of writing every day. And without that, will my good deeds become good intentions without the follow through? I will continue to strive to make my year of living kindly into a lifetime of the same, but I'm counting on the next 153 days to help me figure out just how to make that happen.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Kind of Lost
Day 212
Today's act was being kind in face of stress. I was dropping off my son of at his friend's house after school and I realized I had left my written directions at home. I had been there once about a year ago, but it was a pretty fuzzy memory. On top of that there was major construction happening and is seemed like there was a detour at every turn. I stopped to ask directions no less than six times. Twice from police officers, twice from landscape guys and twice from people walking. And not one person had heard of the street I was looking for.
There are several ways I could go with this story. One would be to focus on my poor sense of direction. Two might be why didn't I remember to bring what I had written down. But I am going with the effort that I made to be polite and thank every person who could not help me. Despite the incredible urge to cry by the fifth and sixth stop, I tried to be as pleasant as possible and resist yelling at the policeman "How can work in this town not know where every street is? What if you got called to a robbery there?"
I'm proud to say although I lost my way, I didn't lose my commitment to kindness.
And I even eventually delivered my son successfully, with the help of a phone call to his friends dad who guided me there.
Today's act was being kind in face of stress. I was dropping off my son of at his friend's house after school and I realized I had left my written directions at home. I had been there once about a year ago, but it was a pretty fuzzy memory. On top of that there was major construction happening and is seemed like there was a detour at every turn. I stopped to ask directions no less than six times. Twice from police officers, twice from landscape guys and twice from people walking. And not one person had heard of the street I was looking for.
There are several ways I could go with this story. One would be to focus on my poor sense of direction. Two might be why didn't I remember to bring what I had written down. But I am going with the effort that I made to be polite and thank every person who could not help me. Despite the incredible urge to cry by the fifth and sixth stop, I tried to be as pleasant as possible and resist yelling at the policeman "How can work in this town not know where every street is? What if you got called to a robbery there?"
I'm proud to say although I lost my way, I didn't lose my commitment to kindness.
And I even eventually delivered my son successfully, with the help of a phone call to his friends dad who guided me there.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
It's That Time of the Month; GFTASD That Is
Day 211
A great GFTAS day! I really wanted to start the day with a plan, but nothing came to me. I tried to have faith that the perfect recipient would present herself/himself. And the cool thing is that it actually happened.
I went grocery shopping, as is my Wednesday routine, and picked up a beautiful bouquet of Alstroemeria. They are one of my favorite flowers, not to mention they are on the inexpensive side (and I hope that doesn't make me any less kind). I figured it was early in the day, and that sooner or later I would just know who to give them to.
As I was putting my groceries on the belt I noticed an elderly couple behind me joking with the employees at the store. Clearly regulars, they seemed very nice and friendly as if they brought good cheer with them wherever they went. And there I was with the perfect opportunity to bring them some cheer as well. After I finished paying, I put the flowers on the counter near the young man who was bagging. I whispered to him to please give them to the couple behind me when I was out the door. I then got to my car as quickly as possible, threw my bags in the back and jumped in, slouching down so I could watch their reaction.
When they came out of the store they both had great smiles on their faces. It was just plain fun to know that I had put them there. Another Give Flowers to a Stranger Day and I'm already looking forward to the 27th next month.
***********
New to this blog? Wondering what GFTASD is? The history of Give Flowers to a Stranger Day can be found in these previous entries.
Monthly Feature
Flowers For a Stranger
Flowers Anonymous
Controversial Kindness
It's Sweeping the Nation!
GFTASD
A great GFTAS day! I really wanted to start the day with a plan, but nothing came to me. I tried to have faith that the perfect recipient would present herself/himself. And the cool thing is that it actually happened.
I went grocery shopping, as is my Wednesday routine, and picked up a beautiful bouquet of Alstroemeria. They are one of my favorite flowers, not to mention they are on the inexpensive side (and I hope that doesn't make me any less kind). I figured it was early in the day, and that sooner or later I would just know who to give them to.
As I was putting my groceries on the belt I noticed an elderly couple behind me joking with the employees at the store. Clearly regulars, they seemed very nice and friendly as if they brought good cheer with them wherever they went. And there I was with the perfect opportunity to bring them some cheer as well. After I finished paying, I put the flowers on the counter near the young man who was bagging. I whispered to him to please give them to the couple behind me when I was out the door. I then got to my car as quickly as possible, threw my bags in the back and jumped in, slouching down so I could watch their reaction.
When they came out of the store they both had great smiles on their faces. It was just plain fun to know that I had put them there. Another Give Flowers to a Stranger Day and I'm already looking forward to the 27th next month.
***********
New to this blog? Wondering what GFTASD is? The history of Give Flowers to a Stranger Day can be found in these previous entries.
Monthly Feature
Flowers For a Stranger
Flowers Anonymous
Controversial Kindness
It's Sweeping the Nation!
GFTASD
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Kind of Old Tricks
Day 210
Back to my old kindness tricks today, the ones I do in the absence of a new idea. I stopped by the grocery store on my way home from work to pick up a couple things for dinner (lemony chicken and rice soup, with salad and bread, in case someone needs details) and realized after I checked out that I had yet to complete my act of kindness today. I trekked back into the store to the peanut butter aisle and grabbed a jar to deposit in the food pantry bin at the front of the store.
Not original (as evidenced by the entry on Day 168), not interesting, certainly not exciting and definitely lacking any humorous angle, but keeping the kindness streak alive. Bring on day 211.
Back to my old kindness tricks today, the ones I do in the absence of a new idea. I stopped by the grocery store on my way home from work to pick up a couple things for dinner (lemony chicken and rice soup, with salad and bread, in case someone needs details) and realized after I checked out that I had yet to complete my act of kindness today. I trekked back into the store to the peanut butter aisle and grabbed a jar to deposit in the food pantry bin at the front of the store.
Not original (as evidenced by the entry on Day 168), not interesting, certainly not exciting and definitely lacking any humorous angle, but keeping the kindness streak alive. Bring on day 211.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Teacher Appreciation
Day 209
School conference today for my son. As the kids get older, they are taught by a “team” which consists of several teachers. This means conferences go from one on one to the parent sitting there with four (or more) teachers. This can be a little.....intimidating. The language arts teacher (back in the day we called it English) at the meeting was very kind and listened very intently to what I had to say. I was extremely grateful for her presence.
When I returned to work after the meeting I wrote her a quick email thanking her and expressing my appreciation that she is my son's teacher. Although I wrote similar blog entry last April, one thing I know is true, you can never thank teachers enough.
********
Only to more days until the 27th, and you know what that means! Give Flowers to A Stranger Day! For a history of this holiday please read this previous entry.
School conference today for my son. As the kids get older, they are taught by a “team” which consists of several teachers. This means conferences go from one on one to the parent sitting there with four (or more) teachers. This can be a little.....intimidating. The language arts teacher (back in the day we called it English) at the meeting was very kind and listened very intently to what I had to say. I was extremely grateful for her presence.
When I returned to work after the meeting I wrote her a quick email thanking her and expressing my appreciation that she is my son's teacher. Although I wrote similar blog entry last April, one thing I know is true, you can never thank teachers enough.
********
Only to more days until the 27th, and you know what that means! Give Flowers to A Stranger Day! For a history of this holiday please read this previous entry.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Sending Best Wishes to Some Great Guys
Day 208
About a month ago I wrote about the men who run the fish store where I have been going for years. I said how pleasant and cheerful they were whenever I went in. A friend who realized we buy our fish at the same place when she read the blog entry told me yesterday that she had heard that there was a fire there last week, and that the shop is closed until they can make the needed repairs. This is a tough break for any business, but this is a small family owned place run by the absolute nicest guys which makes you feel for them even more.
She was planning to send them a card to show her support and she thought I might be interested in doing the same. I was, and I sent it off today. A very small gesture in the face of very sad misfortune. Here's to a speedy recovery for the friendliest fish shop on the planet.
About a month ago I wrote about the men who run the fish store where I have been going for years. I said how pleasant and cheerful they were whenever I went in. A friend who realized we buy our fish at the same place when she read the blog entry told me yesterday that she had heard that there was a fire there last week, and that the shop is closed until they can make the needed repairs. This is a tough break for any business, but this is a small family owned place run by the absolute nicest guys which makes you feel for them even more.
She was planning to send them a card to show her support and she thought I might be interested in doing the same. I was, and I sent it off today. A very small gesture in the face of very sad misfortune. Here's to a speedy recovery for the friendliest fish shop on the planet.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Mission Accomplished
Day 207
Quoting my husband "It's over, it's done, thank God." Our Halloween party benefit raised over $300 for Partners in Health, it's almost 11:30 PM, I'm heading to bed.
Quoting my husband "It's over, it's done, thank God." Our Halloween party benefit raised over $300 for Partners in Health, it's almost 11:30 PM, I'm heading to bed.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Grateful for Kindness
Day 206
I'm counting today's act of kindness as the work that went into preparing for our Halloween charity party tomorrow. It feels like a bit of a repeat because I wrote about it last weekend and probably will tomorrow as well. But I do believe it “qualifies” because we are raising funds for place that needs it (Haiti) and just as important, it brings our friends and family a lot of joy.
But the real story of kindness for today is the help we received from our friends. A few folks came over to help stuff dummies, makes signs, carve pumpkins, and basically do whatever we needed or asked. And kept the fun and humor in all of it. They made sure I didn't cry, and eventually laughed when we discovered the dogs had eaten the trays of cupcakes waiting to be frosted. Not to mention of course then assuring me they would make replacement cupcakes.
Today I felt incredibly grateful to be the recipient not just one act of kindness, but a whole day filled with it.
I'm counting today's act of kindness as the work that went into preparing for our Halloween charity party tomorrow. It feels like a bit of a repeat because I wrote about it last weekend and probably will tomorrow as well. But I do believe it “qualifies” because we are raising funds for place that needs it (Haiti) and just as important, it brings our friends and family a lot of joy.
But the real story of kindness for today is the help we received from our friends. A few folks came over to help stuff dummies, makes signs, carve pumpkins, and basically do whatever we needed or asked. And kept the fun and humor in all of it. They made sure I didn't cry, and eventually laughed when we discovered the dogs had eaten the trays of cupcakes waiting to be frosted. Not to mention of course then assuring me they would make replacement cupcakes.
Today I felt incredibly grateful to be the recipient not just one act of kindness, but a whole day filled with it.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Kindness In Cyberspace
Day 205
We recently ordered glasses for my son through an on-line company (they are unbelievably inexpensive this way, in case you are wondering why we would do this through the Internet, as some folks have remarked to us). This is an fairly regular routine for us, since 10 year old active boys and eye glasses are rarely a good combination. The latest pair fell victim to a foot during a basketball game.
Apparently the order I made at first was riddled with errors, because I received a very polite email from “SL” pointing on the three reasons they could not fill my order. And the name was signed exactly “SL,” I'm not editing for confidentiality. So I wrote back to “SL” with a few more questions. I received a few more answers, this time from “RM.” This email was also polite and included more helpful details on how could fix my errors. Now, truth be told, I was feeling a little defensive about SL and RM pointing out that I couldn't complete a simple internet order form.
But kindness prevailed over defensiveness. I wrote back a final email thanking both SL and RM for their help in getting my order back on track. I am not convinced either one will ever see it, but I hope whoever does, as I suspect it may be received by another set of initials, they know that the help that they send off into cyberspace is appreciated.
We recently ordered glasses for my son through an on-line company (they are unbelievably inexpensive this way, in case you are wondering why we would do this through the Internet, as some folks have remarked to us). This is an fairly regular routine for us, since 10 year old active boys and eye glasses are rarely a good combination. The latest pair fell victim to a foot during a basketball game.
Apparently the order I made at first was riddled with errors, because I received a very polite email from “SL” pointing on the three reasons they could not fill my order. And the name was signed exactly “SL,” I'm not editing for confidentiality. So I wrote back to “SL” with a few more questions. I received a few more answers, this time from “RM.” This email was also polite and included more helpful details on how could fix my errors. Now, truth be told, I was feeling a little defensive about SL and RM pointing out that I couldn't complete a simple internet order form.
But kindness prevailed over defensiveness. I wrote back a final email thanking both SL and RM for their help in getting my order back on track. I am not convinced either one will ever see it, but I hope whoever does, as I suspect it may be received by another set of initials, they know that the help that they send off into cyberspace is appreciated.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Hitting My Stride
Day 204
While checking out at the grocery store this morning, the young man bagging for me apologized for seeming “sleepy.” I said he didn’t look that way at all to me, and thanked him for doing a fabulous job. It was truly a delight to see his face brighten up, and he replied “That’s the first compliment I have gotten all day!” I said that it was still early in the day, and I was sure more would be coming his way.
Some days this kindness thing is fun and some days it feels like a chore. The best is when I’m not even aware it’s happening. Today was one of those days!
While checking out at the grocery store this morning, the young man bagging for me apologized for seeming “sleepy.” I said he didn’t look that way at all to me, and thanked him for doing a fabulous job. It was truly a delight to see his face brighten up, and he replied “That’s the first compliment I have gotten all day!” I said that it was still early in the day, and I was sure more would be coming his way.
Some days this kindness thing is fun and some days it feels like a chore. The best is when I’m not even aware it’s happening. Today was one of those days!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Copying for Kindness
Day 203
Out tonight for some last minute food shopping for our Halloween benefit party. I realized at about 7 pm that I had yet to commit my daily act of kindness. Taking a page from Secret Agent L's book (check out her website if you haven't seen it) and knowing that the best ideas are usually invented by other people, I bought a Halloween card and a $1.00 tube of 15 glow bracelets. I wrote on the card “Have a great spooky season” and found a car in the parking lot that looked like it belonged to family with children. The card and tube were carefully placed on a the driver side windshield and I drove off under the cover of darkness.
Halloween, the season that just keeps on giving!
Out tonight for some last minute food shopping for our Halloween benefit party. I realized at about 7 pm that I had yet to commit my daily act of kindness. Taking a page from Secret Agent L's book (check out her website if you haven't seen it) and knowing that the best ideas are usually invented by other people, I bought a Halloween card and a $1.00 tube of 15 glow bracelets. I wrote on the card “Have a great spooky season” and found a car in the parking lot that looked like it belonged to family with children. The card and tube were carefully placed on a the driver side windshield and I drove off under the cover of darkness.
Halloween, the season that just keeps on giving!
Monday, October 18, 2010
A Pledge
Day 202
I signed a pledge today on line to commit myself to do “whatever I can to ensure that each and every person in my community is treated with dignity and respect.” It is being circulated by Jewish community organizations in response to the recent suicides by gay teenagers. Not so much an act of kindness, but a commitment to kindness in the face of bullying and intolerance. Thank you to my friend N for making me aware of the opportunity to feel like I am doing something, however small, in the face of such tragedy.
I signed a pledge today on line to commit myself to do “whatever I can to ensure that each and every person in my community is treated with dignity and respect.” It is being circulated by Jewish community organizations in response to the recent suicides by gay teenagers. Not so much an act of kindness, but a commitment to kindness in the face of bullying and intolerance. Thank you to my friend N for making me aware of the opportunity to feel like I am doing something, however small, in the face of such tragedy.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Ghosts, Goblins, and Ghouls for Kindness
Day 201
Hell week has begun here in our neck of the woods. This is the week preceding our annual Halloween party in the woods behind our house. We have been doing this for over 10 years now, and I am proud to say it is a BTB act of kindness. That's “before the blog.” Traditionally we set out a bucket at the entrance to the woods to collect money for a charity. This year the boys have requested that donations go to the recovery effort in Haiti.
Years ago it was a very small party with family and close friends. When the boys were very young they didn't have any friends or opinions, so it was much easier. Now the guest list has grown exponentially, as have the boys ideas about how we should decorate and what type of activities we should have. I prefer the non-democratic way of party planning, but those days have passed. So, it was an action packed day spent clearing the path for haunted trail, preparing for the campfire, stuffing dummies, and negotiating what type of decorations were appropriate for 12 year old boys as well as very young children (blood and gore were overruled).
We will continue at this pace for the rest of the week and hope that next Saturday brings a great gathering of friends, family, ghosts and goblins to celebrate with us. And if someone out there is looking to commit an act of kindness this week, a little prayer for clear skies would be greatly appreciated.
Hell week has begun here in our neck of the woods. This is the week preceding our annual Halloween party in the woods behind our house. We have been doing this for over 10 years now, and I am proud to say it is a BTB act of kindness. That's “before the blog.” Traditionally we set out a bucket at the entrance to the woods to collect money for a charity. This year the boys have requested that donations go to the recovery effort in Haiti.
Years ago it was a very small party with family and close friends. When the boys were very young they didn't have any friends or opinions, so it was much easier. Now the guest list has grown exponentially, as have the boys ideas about how we should decorate and what type of activities we should have. I prefer the non-democratic way of party planning, but those days have passed. So, it was an action packed day spent clearing the path for haunted trail, preparing for the campfire, stuffing dummies, and negotiating what type of decorations were appropriate for 12 year old boys as well as very young children (blood and gore were overruled).
We will continue at this pace for the rest of the week and hope that next Saturday brings a great gathering of friends, family, ghosts and goblins to celebrate with us. And if someone out there is looking to commit an act of kindness this week, a little prayer for clear skies would be greatly appreciated.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
What To Do Today?
Day 200
It was a windy one today! Leaves blowing all over the place, along with trash barrels and recycle bins that folks hadn’t yet taken in from yesterday. However, one person’s trash can in the middle of the road is another’s act of kindness, as I stopped several times while driving in order to pick of the barrels and bins from the road and place them back in their owner’s.
The answer for what kind act to do to day was blowin'in the wind.
It was a windy one today! Leaves blowing all over the place, along with trash barrels and recycle bins that folks hadn’t yet taken in from yesterday. However, one person’s trash can in the middle of the road is another’s act of kindness, as I stopped several times while driving in order to pick of the barrels and bins from the road and place them back in their owner’s.
The answer for what kind act to do to day was blowin'in the wind.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Boo to Kindness
Day 199
We were 'Booed' yesterday, something that has never happened to us before. If you're not familiar with this tradition, it is something that occurs around Halloween. Neighbors leave treats on the doorstep, ring the door bell, and run. Along with the treats are instructions to pass along the “Boo” to two more neighbors.
Now, I had heard about booing before, and Love Your Neighbor recently wrote about it in her blog as well. I never considered it coming to our neighborhood because we live in the country where the houses are few and far between. Our house is set back a ways off the road, so it would take a brave soul to ring our doorbell and run. As a matter of fact our booer left the treats in the mailbox, so it appears we were visited by a kind, yet not courageous booer.
I am good at following directions and of course am always on the lookout for a kind act, so I dutifully put together two packages of treats and sent my husband and the boys under the cover of darkness to boo some neighbors. The boys dressed from head to toe in black in order to elude detection. My husband, not quite as adventurous, carried a flashlight in order to elude tripping over roots and rocks. And I managed to elude all danger by staying home. They came back crowing about the success of their mission, and the fun they had hiding in the bushes watching the surprise be discovered. This is one more reason to add to the list of why Halloween is the favorite holiday in our house.
Around here, it really is the most wonderful time of the year!
We were 'Booed' yesterday, something that has never happened to us before. If you're not familiar with this tradition, it is something that occurs around Halloween. Neighbors leave treats on the doorstep, ring the door bell, and run. Along with the treats are instructions to pass along the “Boo” to two more neighbors.
Now, I had heard about booing before, and Love Your Neighbor recently wrote about it in her blog as well. I never considered it coming to our neighborhood because we live in the country where the houses are few and far between. Our house is set back a ways off the road, so it would take a brave soul to ring our doorbell and run. As a matter of fact our booer left the treats in the mailbox, so it appears we were visited by a kind, yet not courageous booer.
I am good at following directions and of course am always on the lookout for a kind act, so I dutifully put together two packages of treats and sent my husband and the boys under the cover of darkness to boo some neighbors. The boys dressed from head to toe in black in order to elude detection. My husband, not quite as adventurous, carried a flashlight in order to elude tripping over roots and rocks. And I managed to elude all danger by staying home. They came back crowing about the success of their mission, and the fun they had hiding in the bushes watching the surprise be discovered. This is one more reason to add to the list of why Halloween is the favorite holiday in our house.
Around here, it really is the most wonderful time of the year!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
With A Little Help From My Friends
Day 198
A friend at work today forwarded me an email with the subject line “an easy act of kindness.” And it just so happened I was in need of just such a thing today.
It was from a group that is working to rebuild Haiti, with pictures and a description of some what they have done there so far. The email asked that the recipient send along an email of encouragement, letting the workers know what they are doing is recognized and appreciated. It was a click on link so it could not have been any easier. Now, I must admit I did feel a bit of suspicion when I looked at the request. While this is a well-respected organization we have supported in the past and will continue to in the future, I found it hard to believe all they want from me (and everyone else who got the email) was support and kind words for the folks doing the work. I can't imagine it will not somehow lead to a request for another donation. But I also wonder how many acts of kindness I have NOT committed over the years because of skepticism, healthy or otherwise.
In the end, I filed it in my brain under the “what do I have to lose” category, and sent along a sincere, heartfelt email thanking them for the truly incredible work they are doing in a place so desperate for help. And I absolutely felt grateful for the opportunity to do so. Thanks for the idea P!
A friend at work today forwarded me an email with the subject line “an easy act of kindness.” And it just so happened I was in need of just such a thing today.
It was from a group that is working to rebuild Haiti, with pictures and a description of some what they have done there so far. The email asked that the recipient send along an email of encouragement, letting the workers know what they are doing is recognized and appreciated. It was a click on link so it could not have been any easier. Now, I must admit I did feel a bit of suspicion when I looked at the request. While this is a well-respected organization we have supported in the past and will continue to in the future, I found it hard to believe all they want from me (and everyone else who got the email) was support and kind words for the folks doing the work. I can't imagine it will not somehow lead to a request for another donation. But I also wonder how many acts of kindness I have NOT committed over the years because of skepticism, healthy or otherwise.
In the end, I filed it in my brain under the “what do I have to lose” category, and sent along a sincere, heartfelt email thanking them for the truly incredible work they are doing in a place so desperate for help. And I absolutely felt grateful for the opportunity to do so. Thanks for the idea P!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Quick But Worthy
Day 197
We had a meeting at my son's school today and while we were there one of the teachers asked where I got the cover for my organizer. He had similar one and was in need of something to prevent it from getting scratched up. I said I actually couldn't remember, that I had bought it online about a year ago from a site I couldn't recall. As soon as I got I home I looked up the link and emailed it to him.
That's it, a simple, fairly uninteresting act of kindness for today. But I was reminded once again as I have been throughout this project, that the quicker a kind thought is translated into a kind act, the likely-hood of procrastination rearing it's ugly head and snatching the act from completion is greatly diminished. Score one for starving the monster today.
We had a meeting at my son's school today and while we were there one of the teachers asked where I got the cover for my organizer. He had similar one and was in need of something to prevent it from getting scratched up. I said I actually couldn't remember, that I had bought it online about a year ago from a site I couldn't recall. As soon as I got I home I looked up the link and emailed it to him.
That's it, a simple, fairly uninteresting act of kindness for today. But I was reminded once again as I have been throughout this project, that the quicker a kind thought is translated into a kind act, the likely-hood of procrastination rearing it's ugly head and snatching the act from completion is greatly diminished. Score one for starving the monster today.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Second Place for Kindness
Day 196
When my two boys were younger, I was quite certain that they were the cutest babies that ever lived. I know other people thought THEIR kids were the cutest, but mine really were. While out to dinner tonight, my husband and I noticed a couple at the next table with their baby boy. He looked to be around a year or so. And the mom and dad were looking at him with beaming smiles on their faces as if they were sure that HE was the cutest baby that ever lived. Truth be told, he was kind of adorable.
I told my husband that I was going to stop by the table on our way out and tell the couple what a handsome well-behaved little guy they had. Usually quite supportive of my daily acts of kindness, this time my husband's support came in the form of making sure to walk five steps ahead of me, as he thought this one was a bit embarrassing. Undeterred, I followed through with my plan and the smiles on the parents' faces grew bigger and prouder. And the kindest act of all, I didn't tell them the total truth; that their baby was only the second cutest that every lived, that the number one spot was already occupied by a two way tie.
When my two boys were younger, I was quite certain that they were the cutest babies that ever lived. I know other people thought THEIR kids were the cutest, but mine really were. While out to dinner tonight, my husband and I noticed a couple at the next table with their baby boy. He looked to be around a year or so. And the mom and dad were looking at him with beaming smiles on their faces as if they were sure that HE was the cutest baby that ever lived. Truth be told, he was kind of adorable.
I told my husband that I was going to stop by the table on our way out and tell the couple what a handsome well-behaved little guy they had. Usually quite supportive of my daily acts of kindness, this time my husband's support came in the form of making sure to walk five steps ahead of me, as he thought this one was a bit embarrassing. Undeterred, I followed through with my plan and the smiles on the parents' faces grew bigger and prouder. And the kindest act of all, I didn't tell them the total truth; that their baby was only the second cutest that every lived, that the number one spot was already occupied by a two way tie.
Monday, October 11, 2010
It's What's for Dinner
Day 195
I was at the grocery store early this morning getting the ingredients for crock pot beef stew so I could get it put together and let stew, so to speak, all day. As I hovered around the beef section, I was feeling a bit lost as I always do in that part of the store. We eat red meat only occasionally, so I am never confident about how to buy it. As I stood there, my confusion was apparently obvious because an older woman (probably in her mid 70's or so) asked me what I was looking for. I told her what I was making and she immediately started showing me what cuts are good for crock pot cooking and explaining why. I am excluding details here because thinking too much about these particulars is why I rarely eat red meat.
She took what I had in my hand and pointed out a different selection that was on sale and, in her opinion, would be just as good at half the price. Realizing that I was in the company of someone far more knowledgeable than I on the subject, I immediately put down what I had and grabbed a package of what she recommended..
Satisfied that she had helped me find just the right choice she was off with her cart, exclaiming as she left “If your family doesn't like it, you can blame it on the nosy lady in the store.”
So today's act of kindness was really that a stranger was kind to me. But it really did feel more natural chatting in the beef aisle with someone I didn't know than I think it would have before I started this project. The world is starting to seem a little smaller and a little friendlier. And as an added bonus, the stew was delicious.
I was at the grocery store early this morning getting the ingredients for crock pot beef stew so I could get it put together and let stew, so to speak, all day. As I hovered around the beef section, I was feeling a bit lost as I always do in that part of the store. We eat red meat only occasionally, so I am never confident about how to buy it. As I stood there, my confusion was apparently obvious because an older woman (probably in her mid 70's or so) asked me what I was looking for. I told her what I was making and she immediately started showing me what cuts are good for crock pot cooking and explaining why. I am excluding details here because thinking too much about these particulars is why I rarely eat red meat.
She took what I had in my hand and pointed out a different selection that was on sale and, in her opinion, would be just as good at half the price. Realizing that I was in the company of someone far more knowledgeable than I on the subject, I immediately put down what I had and grabbed a package of what she recommended..
Satisfied that she had helped me find just the right choice she was off with her cart, exclaiming as she left “If your family doesn't like it, you can blame it on the nosy lady in the store.”
So today's act of kindness was really that a stranger was kind to me. But it really did feel more natural chatting in the beef aisle with someone I didn't know than I think it would have before I started this project. The world is starting to seem a little smaller and a little friendlier. And as an added bonus, the stew was delicious.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Neighborly Kindness or I'm An Embarassed Neighbor
Day 194
When I was out running today I went past my neighbors' house, where my sons wander over to a couple times a week. Their teenage niece lives there too and my sons have met her on many occasions. I, however, have not. Her cousins, boys ages 4 and 7 are here frequently playing assorted games that involve weapons with my boys. But I suppose a teenage girl has other things to do.
When I saw her in the yard with her friends I introduced myself as my sons' mother. I was embarrassed to find out that her name was not Taylor as I as I had been told by my boys. Apparently her nick name with her cousins is Tater, which threw my guys down the wrong name path and subsequently me as well. But I know her name now, and will be able to greet her properly when I see her again. It's the least a neighbor can do.
When I was out running today I went past my neighbors' house, where my sons wander over to a couple times a week. Their teenage niece lives there too and my sons have met her on many occasions. I, however, have not. Her cousins, boys ages 4 and 7 are here frequently playing assorted games that involve weapons with my boys. But I suppose a teenage girl has other things to do.
When I saw her in the yard with her friends I introduced myself as my sons' mother. I was embarrassed to find out that her name was not Taylor as I as I had been told by my boys. Apparently her nick name with her cousins is Tater, which threw my guys down the wrong name path and subsequently me as well. But I know her name now, and will be able to greet her properly when I see her again. It's the least a neighbor can do.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Kindness in the Woods
Day 193
Today was our first day as a family trying our new found hobby of letterboxing. I wrote a bit about it last week, and you can find out a little more here on Wikpedia.
It was an absolutely perfect fall day to be hiking through the woods in search of the hidden boxes which contained stamps. Although I have been told and read that it is meant to be a secret when hunting, apparently we weren't as stealthy as we could have been. A group passing us on the trail from the other direction noted the computer print out in my hand as we were staring at the “three sister tree” trying to find the "mushroom shaped rock" to the left under which the box was hidden. They asked if we were letterboxing and when we said yes they asked if we wanted to make an exchange. We sheepishly said this was our first time family outing and didn't know what they was referring to. We learned that when you meet fellow searchers on the trail, you exchange stamps in each other's log books.
One of the women in the group told us that this was her 1000th “find” and shared with us some of the trails and “plants” that she thought were both fun and in beautiful places to hike. They were such a nice group of people and it was great fun to discover the kindness of strangers in the middle of the woods.
When we finished our hike we decided to go on one more short one nearby. There we met a father and son who were searching as well and like us, this was their first day. I was happy we had the opportunity to pass along the information we had received and give them the directions to the trail we had just finished.
It is a good day when I can write about the kindness of strangers, coming and going.
Today was our first day as a family trying our new found hobby of letterboxing. I wrote a bit about it last week, and you can find out a little more here on Wikpedia.
It was an absolutely perfect fall day to be hiking through the woods in search of the hidden boxes which contained stamps. Although I have been told and read that it is meant to be a secret when hunting, apparently we weren't as stealthy as we could have been. A group passing us on the trail from the other direction noted the computer print out in my hand as we were staring at the “three sister tree” trying to find the "mushroom shaped rock" to the left under which the box was hidden. They asked if we were letterboxing and when we said yes they asked if we wanted to make an exchange. We sheepishly said this was our first time family outing and didn't know what they was referring to. We learned that when you meet fellow searchers on the trail, you exchange stamps in each other's log books.
One of the women in the group told us that this was her 1000th “find” and shared with us some of the trails and “plants” that she thought were both fun and in beautiful places to hike. They were such a nice group of people and it was great fun to discover the kindness of strangers in the middle of the woods.
When we finished our hike we decided to go on one more short one nearby. There we met a father and son who were searching as well and like us, this was their first day. I was happy we had the opportunity to pass along the information we had received and give them the directions to the trail we had just finished.
It is a good day when I can write about the kindness of strangers, coming and going.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Fortunately, It's Not The Thought That Counts
Day 192
On Fridays I try to always make sure I am home from work before the kids got back from school. I left my office in plenty of time and stopped at the grocery store up the street to pick up a couple of things. It was then I realized I had left my wallet on my desk. I went back to get it, still with time to spare. One more stop before I hit the highway during which I ran into an old neighbor whom I hadn't seen in over 10 years. It was fun to catch up, and by the time we said goodbye my cushion of spare time had shrunk dramatically. As I got in the car and started heading home, I realized that my commitment to kindness was going to be tested.
A traffic back up getting on to the highway. People trying to merge in seemingly everywhere. “Surely if I let anyone in ahead of me I wouldn't make it home it time. And shouldn't my first commitment to kindness be to my family?” This was the thought running through my head, only with some swears thrown in and at a loud volume. However the competing argument, also in my head, that I was not going to get me home that much quicker if I didn't let anyone merge. Realistically, perhaps 30 seconds for one person, a minute for a couple. And I wasn't late yet. The kinder me prevailed.
Got past the back up, onto the highway only to run into construction. The road work usually stops around rush hour, but since I was trying to get home early, bam I was right in it. More lane merging, more need to be kind to other drivers. I am proud to say that I was and that I made it home 10 minutes before the boys.
And I am grateful that in this case it is the action, NOT the thought that counts, because it was a long commute filled with very unkind ones.
On Fridays I try to always make sure I am home from work before the kids got back from school. I left my office in plenty of time and stopped at the grocery store up the street to pick up a couple of things. It was then I realized I had left my wallet on my desk. I went back to get it, still with time to spare. One more stop before I hit the highway during which I ran into an old neighbor whom I hadn't seen in over 10 years. It was fun to catch up, and by the time we said goodbye my cushion of spare time had shrunk dramatically. As I got in the car and started heading home, I realized that my commitment to kindness was going to be tested.
A traffic back up getting on to the highway. People trying to merge in seemingly everywhere. “Surely if I let anyone in ahead of me I wouldn't make it home it time. And shouldn't my first commitment to kindness be to my family?” This was the thought running through my head, only with some swears thrown in and at a loud volume. However the competing argument, also in my head, that I was not going to get me home that much quicker if I didn't let anyone merge. Realistically, perhaps 30 seconds for one person, a minute for a couple. And I wasn't late yet. The kinder me prevailed.
Got past the back up, onto the highway only to run into construction. The road work usually stops around rush hour, but since I was trying to get home early, bam I was right in it. More lane merging, more need to be kind to other drivers. I am proud to say that I was and that I made it home 10 minutes before the boys.
And I am grateful that in this case it is the action, NOT the thought that counts, because it was a long commute filled with very unkind ones.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Kind of Chatty
Day 191
My goal today was to be kind to a stranger. I realize that's sort of the point of this whole thing, and is even the title of the blog. But I have become quite liberal with that, sometimes even resorting to being kind to people I actually know. So I thought todar I would get back to my “roots” so to speak.
I left work around 4, and had yet to come across the opportunity I was looking for. On my way home I stopped at a party store to pick up some items needed for a Halloween event we are having on the 23rd. It is family tradition we do every year, a party in the woods with a bonfire and various ghosts and goblins. We ask our guests to contribute to a charity of our sons' choosing; this year it will benefit the effort to rebuild Haiti. So there you have it, a preview of my October 23rd blog entry.
So as I was checking out with my skull shaped pinata, I realized the cashier was the last stranger I would see today; it was now or never. There was some loud party music playing, the Electric Slide, and I imagined thatit might be irritating for the the 20something woman who was at the register. I asked if it was difficult to listen to all day and and she smiled and said very much so. But she added after working there for a year, she had gotten used to it. I thanked her and that was pretty much the total of our exchange.
I am not, by nature, a chatty person. But my commitment to kindness helps serve to help remind me that stretching past my comfort zone in order acknowledge someone beyond a basic please and thank you is the kind thing to do.
My goal today was to be kind to a stranger. I realize that's sort of the point of this whole thing, and is even the title of the blog. But I have become quite liberal with that, sometimes even resorting to being kind to people I actually know. So I thought todar I would get back to my “roots” so to speak.
I left work around 4, and had yet to come across the opportunity I was looking for. On my way home I stopped at a party store to pick up some items needed for a Halloween event we are having on the 23rd. It is family tradition we do every year, a party in the woods with a bonfire and various ghosts and goblins. We ask our guests to contribute to a charity of our sons' choosing; this year it will benefit the effort to rebuild Haiti. So there you have it, a preview of my October 23rd blog entry.
So as I was checking out with my skull shaped pinata, I realized the cashier was the last stranger I would see today; it was now or never. There was some loud party music playing, the Electric Slide, and I imagined thatit might be irritating for the the 20something woman who was at the register. I asked if it was difficult to listen to all day and and she smiled and said very much so. But she added after working there for a year, she had gotten used to it. I thanked her and that was pretty much the total of our exchange.
I am not, by nature, a chatty person. But my commitment to kindness helps serve to help remind me that stretching past my comfort zone in order acknowledge someone beyond a basic please and thank you is the kind thing to do.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Increasing Kindness....Tomorrow
Day 190
I dropped off a book I recently read at a friend's house today. It was one that I'm pretty sure she will like (Zeitoun, by Dave Eggers, in case someone feels lost without details). A couple of weeks ago I said I would get it to her, but didn't follow through until today.
First I had to find the book. More specifically, determine under which pile it was buried. Then I had to figure out when I would have time to swing by her house. But here is the truth of the matter. If I deviated from my route to or from work it would probably add 10 minutes, tops, to my commute. I committed (in my head) this morning that I would get it to her today and write about it tonight.
So many of the things I have written about this year fall under this category. Small of kindness or courtesy, delayed by procrastination, finally completed with the realization that it was so much easier, less time consuming than it ever was in my head.
I continue to hope that when I finish this project, I can increase kindness by decreasing procrastination.
I dropped off a book I recently read at a friend's house today. It was one that I'm pretty sure she will like (Zeitoun, by Dave Eggers, in case someone feels lost without details). A couple of weeks ago I said I would get it to her, but didn't follow through until today.
First I had to find the book. More specifically, determine under which pile it was buried. Then I had to figure out when I would have time to swing by her house. But here is the truth of the matter. If I deviated from my route to or from work it would probably add 10 minutes, tops, to my commute. I committed (in my head) this morning that I would get it to her today and write about it tonight.
So many of the things I have written about this year fall under this category. Small of kindness or courtesy, delayed by procrastination, finally completed with the realization that it was so much easier, less time consuming than it ever was in my head.
I continue to hope that when I finish this project, I can increase kindness by decreasing procrastination.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
A Nickel Saved Is Kindness Earned
Day 189
On my way to work this morning I stopped to get some muffins for the staff meeting (an assortment of blueberry, chocolate chip, and New England crumb, in case you are wondering). There was a man ahead of me in line and his order came to $4.05. The cashier asked if he had any change, which he did not. So she took the last coin, a nickel, from the change dish next to the register (the leave a penny take a penny kind) and gave him his change in bills.
My turn, and I didn't have any change either. I paid in bills and received my handful of coins back, then put a nickel back in the dish so it was no longer empty. I think as far as acts of kindness go, this was one of my smallest gestures to date. But what I received back was a wonderful reaction from the cashier, seemingly disproportionate to the size of my action. She gave a huge smile and thanked me as if I had dropped a in a $10 bill. I'm not exactly sure why, but I'm going with the simple theory that kindness just makes people feel good.
On my way to work this morning I stopped to get some muffins for the staff meeting (an assortment of blueberry, chocolate chip, and New England crumb, in case you are wondering). There was a man ahead of me in line and his order came to $4.05. The cashier asked if he had any change, which he did not. So she took the last coin, a nickel, from the change dish next to the register (the leave a penny take a penny kind) and gave him his change in bills.
My turn, and I didn't have any change either. I paid in bills and received my handful of coins back, then put a nickel back in the dish so it was no longer empty. I think as far as acts of kindness go, this was one of my smallest gestures to date. But what I received back was a wonderful reaction from the cashier, seemingly disproportionate to the size of my action. She gave a huge smile and thanked me as if I had dropped a in a $10 bill. I'm not exactly sure why, but I'm going with the simple theory that kindness just makes people feel good.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Still Learning
Day 188
In the absence of any original ideas today, this afternoon I resorted to the old “buy a coffee for the next person who comes in” trick. I asked that the cashier wait until I left before giving it to someone. As I was waiting for my drink a friend and colleague came into the coffee shop. Apparently she also too needs a little caffeine to get past the 4 o'clock hour. We talked for a few minutes and said goodbye.
Now this particular friend is part of a very small and exclusive group; she follows my blog regularly. It occurred to me that, had I walked out just a minute earlier, she would have been the recipient of my act of kindness. And had that happened, she might have guessed the origin of the gift. Truth be told, I was a little disappointed. It would have been fun for her to receive it, and I would have had a blast writing about it.
I called her to tell her about the near miss, and how I wished she had gotten the surprise. She said that she was glad she didn't, because then we wouldn't have seen each other. Which was a really, really nice thing to say. Thus teaching this self proclaimed kindness queen a thing or two about the subject.
In the absence of any original ideas today, this afternoon I resorted to the old “buy a coffee for the next person who comes in” trick. I asked that the cashier wait until I left before giving it to someone. As I was waiting for my drink a friend and colleague came into the coffee shop. Apparently she also too needs a little caffeine to get past the 4 o'clock hour. We talked for a few minutes and said goodbye.
Now this particular friend is part of a very small and exclusive group; she follows my blog regularly. It occurred to me that, had I walked out just a minute earlier, she would have been the recipient of my act of kindness. And had that happened, she might have guessed the origin of the gift. Truth be told, I was a little disappointed. It would have been fun for her to receive it, and I would have had a blast writing about it.
I called her to tell her about the near miss, and how I wished she had gotten the surprise. She said that she was glad she didn't, because then we wouldn't have seen each other. Which was a really, really nice thing to say. Thus teaching this self proclaimed kindness queen a thing or two about the subject.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Kindness in a Letterbox
Day 187
My boys and I were introduced to a new activity today called letterboxing. It is a hobby that combines hiking and treasure hunting where participants search for hidden letterboxes by following clues that are posted on the internet. Once the box is found they record the finding in their notebook with the help of a rubber stamp that's part of the letterbox. In addition, participants have their own personal stamps which they use to stamp into the letterbox's log book. This is a bare bones explanation really, and I'm sure if any letterboxers out there are reading this they are cringing. If you are interested in more details there are tons of websites, but Atlas Quest is where I'm getting most of my information.
So our friends took us on a hike this glorious, albeit chilly fall day and helped teach us about the ins and outs of the hobby. Apparently, I am sworn to secrecy about the details of what we found and where, but I am allowed to say it was a rubber stamp, an ink pad, and a journal of all the previous finders. In order to protect them from the weather the contents were wrapped in a Ziploc bag, placed in a plastic container, which was wrapped in another Ziploc bag, and it was under a rock somewhere in Rhode Island. No matter how much you beg I will not tell you anything else.
Except this. The ziploc on the outer plastic bag was broken, increasing the risk of water damage to the contents inside. When I got home later in the afternoon I spent a good deal of time (my husband might say too much time) searching the Atlas Quest website to learn about this world I knew nothing about before today. And I found out that it is courteous in this letterboxing community to let the planters of the box (note how I am already working the lingo into my vocabulary) if there are any repairs needed.
Excellent! Daily commitment to kindness meets letterboxing. I then spent even more time trying to figure how exactly you pass on the message to the “planters.” Many clicks later I had the information I needed and details of the needed box upkeep were sent. My kind deed was done for the day, freeing up more time in the day researching what might become my new addiction.
My boys and I were introduced to a new activity today called letterboxing. It is a hobby that combines hiking and treasure hunting where participants search for hidden letterboxes by following clues that are posted on the internet. Once the box is found they record the finding in their notebook with the help of a rubber stamp that's part of the letterbox. In addition, participants have their own personal stamps which they use to stamp into the letterbox's log book. This is a bare bones explanation really, and I'm sure if any letterboxers out there are reading this they are cringing. If you are interested in more details there are tons of websites, but Atlas Quest is where I'm getting most of my information.
So our friends took us on a hike this glorious, albeit chilly fall day and helped teach us about the ins and outs of the hobby. Apparently, I am sworn to secrecy about the details of what we found and where, but I am allowed to say it was a rubber stamp, an ink pad, and a journal of all the previous finders. In order to protect them from the weather the contents were wrapped in a Ziploc bag, placed in a plastic container, which was wrapped in another Ziploc bag, and it was under a rock somewhere in Rhode Island. No matter how much you beg I will not tell you anything else.
Except this. The ziploc on the outer plastic bag was broken, increasing the risk of water damage to the contents inside. When I got home later in the afternoon I spent a good deal of time (my husband might say too much time) searching the Atlas Quest website to learn about this world I knew nothing about before today. And I found out that it is courteous in this letterboxing community to let the planters of the box (note how I am already working the lingo into my vocabulary) if there are any repairs needed.
Excellent! Daily commitment to kindness meets letterboxing. I then spent even more time trying to figure how exactly you pass on the message to the “planters.” Many clicks later I had the information I needed and details of the needed box upkeep were sent. My kind deed was done for the day, freeing up more time in the day researching what might become my new addiction.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Kind In The Midst of Evil
Day 186
Soccer season. The time of the year when I get to watch my son play while having all sorts of unkind thoughts run through my mind. Really unkind thoughts. Ones I definitely can't say in a G rated blog. I have these thoughts every time I hear a parent criticizing their kids from the sidelines. “You let him by you!” “What are you doing out there?” Or yelling at the referee “What kind of call was that?” Mostly these parents have never played the sport and have no idea how hard it is once you're on the field.
Today I noticed the woman next to me shouting encouragement to all the players on our team and a couple of kids on the other team as well. At halftime I went over to her and told her how refreshing it was to hear such positive comments coming from the sidelines. She said that she was a second grade teacher in town, so she knew a lot of the kids the other team as well as on her son's team. She also said that she coaches her daughter's soccer team, and the kids like to tease her because she often cheers for the opposing team as well as her own.
For today at least, my theory about the evil sports parent was debunked, and my faith in kindness restored.
Soccer season. The time of the year when I get to watch my son play while having all sorts of unkind thoughts run through my mind. Really unkind thoughts. Ones I definitely can't say in a G rated blog. I have these thoughts every time I hear a parent criticizing their kids from the sidelines. “You let him by you!” “What are you doing out there?” Or yelling at the referee “What kind of call was that?” Mostly these parents have never played the sport and have no idea how hard it is once you're on the field.
Today I noticed the woman next to me shouting encouragement to all the players on our team and a couple of kids on the other team as well. At halftime I went over to her and told her how refreshing it was to hear such positive comments coming from the sidelines. She said that she was a second grade teacher in town, so she knew a lot of the kids the other team as well as on her son's team. She also said that she coaches her daughter's soccer team, and the kids like to tease her because she often cheers for the opposing team as well as her own.
For today at least, my theory about the evil sports parent was debunked, and my faith in kindness restored.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Kindness Can't Compete With Number One
Day 185
I'm making an exception of my rule not to count kindness to my family as blog worthy, just because it was so much fun to be kind to my son today. The older one is sleeping over at a friend's house this evening so it was just the three of us at home for an exciting Friday night.
Having two boys so close in age (they are 14 months apart), it often seems that life is a compromise. Or, a constant game of Let's Make a Deal. “We'll watch a half hour of “Deadliest Catch” Number 1 and then “Animal Planet” Number 2. “You can go first this time, and your brother will be first next.” And I won't even try to describe the negotiations around video games.
Tonight it was all about Number 2. First was his favorite foods. I stopped at the seafood store on the way home, the same one I wrote about a couple days ago (Kind of Fishy). I picked up some steamers (that's steamed clams, for those not from these parts) and prepared a delicious and nutritious dinner of clams and macaroni and cheese. OK, well maybe not nutritious but it certainly was his idea of a well balanced meal. We retired from the dinner table to watch America's Funniest Home Videos (and this was exceptionally kind of me since I can't stand that show) and then finished up with competitive bowling and biking, wii style.
When he went to bed, he said it was a fun night, but he couldn't wait to see his brother tomorrow. I guess there is no question that all you can eat clams and mac n cheese just can't compete with a life of compromise and negotiations with your best friend.
I'm making an exception of my rule not to count kindness to my family as blog worthy, just because it was so much fun to be kind to my son today. The older one is sleeping over at a friend's house this evening so it was just the three of us at home for an exciting Friday night.
Having two boys so close in age (they are 14 months apart), it often seems that life is a compromise. Or, a constant game of Let's Make a Deal. “We'll watch a half hour of “Deadliest Catch” Number 1 and then “Animal Planet” Number 2. “You can go first this time, and your brother will be first next.” And I won't even try to describe the negotiations around video games.
Tonight it was all about Number 2. First was his favorite foods. I stopped at the seafood store on the way home, the same one I wrote about a couple days ago (Kind of Fishy). I picked up some steamers (that's steamed clams, for those not from these parts) and prepared a delicious and nutritious dinner of clams and macaroni and cheese. OK, well maybe not nutritious but it certainly was his idea of a well balanced meal. We retired from the dinner table to watch America's Funniest Home Videos (and this was exceptionally kind of me since I can't stand that show) and then finished up with competitive bowling and biking, wii style.
When he went to bed, he said it was a fun night, but he couldn't wait to see his brother tomorrow. I guess there is no question that all you can eat clams and mac n cheese just can't compete with a life of compromise and negotiations with your best friend.
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