My year of living kindly ended on April 3rd (at least the daily blogging about it part, the kind living continues undocumented). It's all here, 365 days worth hanging out in cyberspace if you would like to read about it.
I've started a new blog project with my friend Kim, The ABC's of Kindness. Come on over and take a look!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
One Year of Kindness
Day 365
I made it! Three hundred and sixty five days of kindness, three hundred and sixty five days of blogging about it. One thing is for sure, I could not have completed this adventure without the support and encouragement I received from friends and family. I'm not going to name names for fear of leaving someone out, but please know this; if you left comments on the website, Facebook, or sent me an email, it was very much appreciated. If you told me in person that you liked a particular entry or that you were reading this blog regularly, it was hugely encouraging. Thank you all for keeping me going, start to finish.
And thank you to the folks I have never met but who have followed this adventure in kindness and left comments of support and encouragement. It has been incredibly powerful to know that you were reading.
The biggest thank you of all goes to my husband. I could not have completed this without his support each and every day. Thank you for all the times you washed the dishes after dinner, even when you cooked too, so I that I could write. And for all the nights you made sure the kids were in bed and packed and ready for school the next day so that my job simply consisted of the easy part, coming in for the good night hug and kiss. And for the many, many times I insisted you read before I posted, even though you were just about to fall asleep. And for the one or two times I actually woke you up to do this. You know it is true when I say I couldn't have done it without you.
So what did I do today? The last day was the same as my first; picking up trash. My husband, the boys and I went out with our gloves and spent a half an hour filling two garbage bags of debris left exposed by the recently melted snow. It served to remind me of what I learned this year. Most of the time being kind isn't about doing the big things, it's about doing the right things.
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The Kindness of Strangers is done, but The ABC's of Kindness is just starting, It is a new adventure in kindness. As this year ended I realized that I liked being kind and I liked writing. And while doing it every day was an accomplishment I was proud of, documenting it daily was not necessarily a challenge I wanted to continue. However, writing about it once or twice a week was appealing. And doing it with a friend seemed even better.
A new challenge was born, The ABC's of Kindness. A kind act for a stranger, twice a week, starting with “a” and ending with, of course “z.” My friend Kim kindly agreed to be my partner in kindness for this new adventure. We'll start on April 5th at www.abcofkindness.blogspot.com.
I made it! Three hundred and sixty five days of kindness, three hundred and sixty five days of blogging about it. One thing is for sure, I could not have completed this adventure without the support and encouragement I received from friends and family. I'm not going to name names for fear of leaving someone out, but please know this; if you left comments on the website, Facebook, or sent me an email, it was very much appreciated. If you told me in person that you liked a particular entry or that you were reading this blog regularly, it was hugely encouraging. Thank you all for keeping me going, start to finish.
And thank you to the folks I have never met but who have followed this adventure in kindness and left comments of support and encouragement. It has been incredibly powerful to know that you were reading.
The biggest thank you of all goes to my husband. I could not have completed this without his support each and every day. Thank you for all the times you washed the dishes after dinner, even when you cooked too, so I that I could write. And for all the nights you made sure the kids were in bed and packed and ready for school the next day so that my job simply consisted of the easy part, coming in for the good night hug and kiss. And for the many, many times I insisted you read before I posted, even though you were just about to fall asleep. And for the one or two times I actually woke you up to do this. You know it is true when I say I couldn't have done it without you.
So what did I do today? The last day was the same as my first; picking up trash. My husband, the boys and I went out with our gloves and spent a half an hour filling two garbage bags of debris left exposed by the recently melted snow. It served to remind me of what I learned this year. Most of the time being kind isn't about doing the big things, it's about doing the right things.
******************************************************************************
The Kindness of Strangers is done, but The ABC's of Kindness is just starting, It is a new adventure in kindness. As this year ended I realized that I liked being kind and I liked writing. And while doing it every day was an accomplishment I was proud of, documenting it daily was not necessarily a challenge I wanted to continue. However, writing about it once or twice a week was appealing. And doing it with a friend seemed even better.
A new challenge was born, The ABC's of Kindness. A kind act for a stranger, twice a week, starting with “a” and ending with, of course “z.” My friend Kim kindly agreed to be my partner in kindness for this new adventure. We'll start on April 5th at www.abcofkindness.blogspot.com.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Going With The Favorite
Day 364
My next to the last day and I put a lot of thought into doing something different. But alas, my thoughts did not translate into action. Instead I decided to go with one of my favorites, buying a stranger a cup of coffee because it is usually the most fun. And today was no different. The cashier smiled with surprise and commented what a nice idea it was when I gave him money and asked him to use it for coffee for the next customer.
Kind and fun. Mission accomplished.
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Continuing with the top 10 reasons I am glad I did this blog, in no particular order, Number 1:
Even though my reasons for the project were about creating change in my and my families attitudes and behaviors, I really got a kick every time I heard about someone doing something kind because of this blog.
My next to the last day and I put a lot of thought into doing something different. But alas, my thoughts did not translate into action. Instead I decided to go with one of my favorites, buying a stranger a cup of coffee because it is usually the most fun. And today was no different. The cashier smiled with surprise and commented what a nice idea it was when I gave him money and asked him to use it for coffee for the next customer.
Kind and fun. Mission accomplished.
***********
Continuing with the top 10 reasons I am glad I did this blog, in no particular order, Number 1:
Even though my reasons for the project were about creating change in my and my families attitudes and behaviors, I really got a kick every time I heard about someone doing something kind because of this blog.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Pancakes This Weekend. Don't Miss It!
Day 363
Driving to meet a friend for coffee today I passed a sign advertising a fundraising pancake breakfast for a local church. Except it had blown over and was side ways. Still readable but probably not the effect whoever put it up was going for. I stopped the car and propped it back up and continued on my way. Extra kindness points for me because it was raining/sleeting at the time.
I'll be completely honest here, I'm pretty sure I would not have done it if I weren't on the lookout for something to blog about. But I suppose that's the whole point of this project isn't it!
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Continuing with the top 10 reasons I am glad I did this blog, in no particular order, Number 2:
I'm a much more conscientious local shopper and recycler.
Driving to meet a friend for coffee today I passed a sign advertising a fundraising pancake breakfast for a local church. Except it had blown over and was side ways. Still readable but probably not the effect whoever put it up was going for. I stopped the car and propped it back up and continued on my way. Extra kindness points for me because it was raining/sleeting at the time.
I'll be completely honest here, I'm pretty sure I would not have done it if I weren't on the lookout for something to blog about. But I suppose that's the whole point of this project isn't it!
***************
Continuing with the top 10 reasons I am glad I did this blog, in no particular order, Number 2:
I'm a much more conscientious local shopper and recycler.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Very Special Delivery
Day 362
I got an email yesterday from my niece K with a kindness request. She has a friend from Japan whom she shared an apartment with at college for a year several years ago. They were in contact this week and K received the good news that her friend and her family are safe and well. The friend mentioned in her email that one thing she really misses about being in this country is my chocolate chip cookies. I used to send them fairly regularly as part of college care packages.
Well first of all, anyone who holds my cookies in such high regard immediately owns a special place in my heart. International cookie acclaim is even better. And much more importantly, I feel grateful for the opportunity to do SOMETHING for someone in Japan. There is such a pervasive feeling of helplessness reading the news about the crisis day after day and not being able to offer any assistance other than money.
Today I stopped by the post office to begin the investigative work regarding what is involved in sending cookies to Japan. I learned that it is OK to send food through the mail and that regular post it will take 7 to 10 days to arrive. Priority delivery is faster but prohibitively expensive. The conclusion after a discussion during dinner tonight with three of my biggest cookie fans was that, after ten days in the mail they might not be as good as they were remembered, but the cookies would be greatly appreciated none the less. Next week they will be on their way.
****************
Continuing with the top 10 reasons I am glad I did this blog, in no particular order, Number 3:
It was fun to feel like I had a secret identity.
I got an email yesterday from my niece K with a kindness request. She has a friend from Japan whom she shared an apartment with at college for a year several years ago. They were in contact this week and K received the good news that her friend and her family are safe and well. The friend mentioned in her email that one thing she really misses about being in this country is my chocolate chip cookies. I used to send them fairly regularly as part of college care packages.
Well first of all, anyone who holds my cookies in such high regard immediately owns a special place in my heart. International cookie acclaim is even better. And much more importantly, I feel grateful for the opportunity to do SOMETHING for someone in Japan. There is such a pervasive feeling of helplessness reading the news about the crisis day after day and not being able to offer any assistance other than money.
Today I stopped by the post office to begin the investigative work regarding what is involved in sending cookies to Japan. I learned that it is OK to send food through the mail and that regular post it will take 7 to 10 days to arrive. Priority delivery is faster but prohibitively expensive. The conclusion after a discussion during dinner tonight with three of my biggest cookie fans was that, after ten days in the mail they might not be as good as they were remembered, but the cookies would be greatly appreciated none the less. Next week they will be on their way.
****************
Continuing with the top 10 reasons I am glad I did this blog, in no particular order, Number 3:
It was fun to feel like I had a secret identity.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Kind of Cool or Kind of Creepy
Day 361
There is a house about a mile from me that always puts up interesting decorations for most holidays. Currently there is a mannequin dressed green in honor I think, of St. Patrick's Day. They are off beat type of things, not your average everyday holiday decor. The truth is that my kids find most of them a bit creepy. I however, love them. Every time I pass the house I smile, even when they are in between displays. Today I put a note in the mailbox to tell the owners of the house how much I enjoy driving by their house and thanking them for that bit of joy.
Continuing with the top 10 reasons I am glad I did this blog, in no particular order, Number 4 (If anyone noticed yesterday was number 6 and this should be number 4, I had two number 8s. I may be kind but apparently I can't count):
I have remembered that way back when, I used to like to write.
****************
I have been asked frequently if I am going to keep up with this blog after the year is over, which is four days for those of you not paying a lick of attention to my count down. The answer to that question is a resounding NO. I've enjoyed being kind and will try to continue daily acts, but the commitment to write every day is only good for a year. HOWEVER, I am planing a new, slightly less labor intensive kindness project with my friend Kim starting on April 5th.
Coming soon! The ABC's of Kindness.
There is a house about a mile from me that always puts up interesting decorations for most holidays. Currently there is a mannequin dressed green in honor I think, of St. Patrick's Day. They are off beat type of things, not your average everyday holiday decor. The truth is that my kids find most of them a bit creepy. I however, love them. Every time I pass the house I smile, even when they are in between displays. Today I put a note in the mailbox to tell the owners of the house how much I enjoy driving by their house and thanking them for that bit of joy.
Continuing with the top 10 reasons I am glad I did this blog, in no particular order, Number 4 (If anyone noticed yesterday was number 6 and this should be number 4, I had two number 8s. I may be kind but apparently I can't count):
I have remembered that way back when, I used to like to write.
****************
I have been asked frequently if I am going to keep up with this blog after the year is over, which is four days for those of you not paying a lick of attention to my count down. The answer to that question is a resounding NO. I've enjoyed being kind and will try to continue daily acts, but the commitment to write every day is only good for a year. HOWEVER, I am planing a new, slightly less labor intensive kindness project with my friend Kim starting on April 5th.
Coming soon! The ABC's of Kindness.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Kindness For Me Too
Day 360
I dropped off a bag of clothes in the collection bin near our house today. It feels a bit like cheating by counting this as an act of kindness since every bag of stuff I get out of the house is always an act of kindness for ME.
***********
Continuing with the top 10 reasons I am glad I did this blog, in no particular order, Number 6:
I'm not 100 percent sure on this one, but I think my kids were impressed and I suspect it will make them at least a little kinder in life.
I dropped off a bag of clothes in the collection bin near our house today. It feels a bit like cheating by counting this as an act of kindness since every bag of stuff I get out of the house is always an act of kindness for ME.
***********
Continuing with the top 10 reasons I am glad I did this blog, in no particular order, Number 6:
I'm not 100 percent sure on this one, but I think my kids were impressed and I suspect it will make them at least a little kinder in life.
Monday, March 28, 2011
The Receiving End of Kindness
Day 359
All day I hoped for an opportunity to commit a kind act that didn't involve money and that would be absolutely fascinating to write about. By mid afternoon I was on my way to pick up my kids and I decided it was more important to do SOMETHING than wait, just in case something never happened. I stopped to get some seeds for our bird feeder and briefly considered whether that could be my kind act, feeding the birds, but decided against it. Kind of a cop out, really. Instead I bought a five dollar gift card from the store and asked the cashier to give it to another customer. I've done this before so it neither original nor fascinating. But I have to say, it sure was fun!
And shortly after I got home with the boys something even more fun happened. A woman arrived at the house to deliver flowers for me. They were from my niece and her husband and the note read "It's give flowers day to you! We are inspired by your kindness."
Being kind all year has had it's rewards, but I have to admit, being on the receiving end just melted my heart.
***********
Continuing with the top 10 reasons I am glad I did this blog, in no particular order, Number 7:
People from all over this country and over a dozen other countries have read the blog, helping to remind me that the world is smaller than it seems and we are all connected.
All day I hoped for an opportunity to commit a kind act that didn't involve money and that would be absolutely fascinating to write about. By mid afternoon I was on my way to pick up my kids and I decided it was more important to do SOMETHING than wait, just in case something never happened. I stopped to get some seeds for our bird feeder and briefly considered whether that could be my kind act, feeding the birds, but decided against it. Kind of a cop out, really. Instead I bought a five dollar gift card from the store and asked the cashier to give it to another customer. I've done this before so it neither original nor fascinating. But I have to say, it sure was fun!
And shortly after I got home with the boys something even more fun happened. A woman arrived at the house to deliver flowers for me. They were from my niece and her husband and the note read "It's give flowers day to you! We are inspired by your kindness."
Being kind all year has had it's rewards, but I have to admit, being on the receiving end just melted my heart.
***********
Continuing with the top 10 reasons I am glad I did this blog, in no particular order, Number 7:
People from all over this country and over a dozen other countries have read the blog, helping to remind me that the world is smaller than it seems and we are all connected.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
The March Madness of Giving Flowers to a Stranger
I started my day knowing exactly how I was going to celebrate Give Flowers to a Stranger Day. We were planning to go out to breakfast after my boys' soccer game, which was at 7 AM. How unkind is THAT to have a game scheduled at that time on a Sunday morning? The plan was to leave the flowers, pink Gerber Daisies, somewhere in the restaurant.
The boys' team won the first game which meant they had another game at 8:00 AM, as today was the playoffs. If they won that game, then they had another one at 9:30. Now this could have meant a couple of things. I wouldn't have breakfast until closer to lunch time. Or we would give up the going out to breakfast idea altogether and just go home, forcing me to come up with a plan B for GFTSD. So I did something unkind; I hoped they would lose. Unfortunately for the team my hopes came true but at least I was kind enough to ACT disappointed.
By 9 AM the breakfast place was busy and I had to be super sneaky to get the flowers somewhere without being seen. I put them on a table near us as a family was leaving, but before the staff swooped in to clean. The bus boy, a totally adorable a teenager, found them and showed them to the waitress along with the note I had written telling the finder to enjoy the flowers and consider it a random act of kindness. She looked around shocked, not in good way, and said rather loudly “Who gave permission to do this?” Not quite the response I was hoping for, and I got very busy looking at the menu so I wouldn't be accused of committing such an offense. She walked away and left the boy to clean the table. Apparently undeterred by his co-worker's outrage, the young man quickly took the flowers and with a smile, carefully placed them for someone else to find behind the counter near where the waitresses picked up the orders.
We didn't get to see who discovered them but it was just as much fun to see the bus boy enjoy taking part in what I can only assume was his first GFTSD.
**********
Continuing with the top 10 reasons I am glad I did this blog, in no particular order, Number 8
The birth of Give Flowers to a Stranger Day. Not only is it fun to celebrate every month, I am incredibly grateful for those who have participated. Giving flowers to a stranger is rewarding but actually can be more difficult than it seems; it's just not something one does in the course of their daily routine. Despite this, many people celebrated along with me. Friends, family and readers all over the country all helped make this a genuine holiday for kindness.
And I've had so much fun with it that it will continue in my friend Kim's and my new blog adventure The ABC's of Kindness.
The boys' team won the first game which meant they had another game at 8:00 AM, as today was the playoffs. If they won that game, then they had another one at 9:30. Now this could have meant a couple of things. I wouldn't have breakfast until closer to lunch time. Or we would give up the going out to breakfast idea altogether and just go home, forcing me to come up with a plan B for GFTSD. So I did something unkind; I hoped they would lose. Unfortunately for the team my hopes came true but at least I was kind enough to ACT disappointed.
By 9 AM the breakfast place was busy and I had to be super sneaky to get the flowers somewhere without being seen. I put them on a table near us as a family was leaving, but before the staff swooped in to clean. The bus boy, a totally adorable a teenager, found them and showed them to the waitress along with the note I had written telling the finder to enjoy the flowers and consider it a random act of kindness. She looked around shocked, not in good way, and said rather loudly “Who gave permission to do this?” Not quite the response I was hoping for, and I got very busy looking at the menu so I wouldn't be accused of committing such an offense. She walked away and left the boy to clean the table. Apparently undeterred by his co-worker's outrage, the young man quickly took the flowers and with a smile, carefully placed them for someone else to find behind the counter near where the waitresses picked up the orders.
We didn't get to see who discovered them but it was just as much fun to see the bus boy enjoy taking part in what I can only assume was his first GFTSD.
**********
Continuing with the top 10 reasons I am glad I did this blog, in no particular order, Number 8
The birth of Give Flowers to a Stranger Day. Not only is it fun to celebrate every month, I am incredibly grateful for those who have participated. Giving flowers to a stranger is rewarding but actually can be more difficult than it seems; it's just not something one does in the course of their daily routine. Despite this, many people celebrated along with me. Friends, family and readers all over the country all helped make this a genuine holiday for kindness.
And I've had so much fun with it that it will continue in my friend Kim's and my new blog adventure The ABC's of Kindness.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Kindly Take These Doughnuts
Day 357
Friday I donated blood and for my trouble I received a coupon for a dozen free doughnuts. I immediately knew that they would be use for some type of kind act.
First I thought could bring them to work. However, I am aware that this might not be viewed as kind by my co-workers who were trying to eat healthy and or lose weight. Then I thought I would take them to a police station as a thank you for the service of the officers. But then I considered that perhaps that would be seen as some type joke, poking fun at the stereotype of police officers always hanging around doughnut shops. And that wouldn't be kind at all.
This afternoon I was at the grocery store getting flowers (because tomorrow is the 27th, Give Flowers to a Stranger Day) and I decided to take a shortcut by just giving someone the coupon. The young man who was the cashier looked like a good choice. He was pleasant and friendly, young and thin. The second part was important because he seemed of the age and build that he wouldn't spend too much time perseverating about calories, carbs, or fat content. “This may seem like an odd question, but do you like doughnuts?” I asked. “Sure” he replied, with just enough enthusiasm that I believed he was telling the truth and not simply being polite. “Then this is for you” I said handing over the coupon. His surprise and appreciation appeared genuine, making it an all around fun activity for me.
Continuing with the top 10 count down of reasons I am glad that I did this blog, in no particular order, number 8:
It feels like a great accomplishment to commit to doing something every day for a year and then actually do it And I'm aware that I'm not done yet, but the chances of me quitting in the next week are pretty slim, so I think it's safe to put this out there.
Friday I donated blood and for my trouble I received a coupon for a dozen free doughnuts. I immediately knew that they would be use for some type of kind act.
First I thought could bring them to work. However, I am aware that this might not be viewed as kind by my co-workers who were trying to eat healthy and or lose weight. Then I thought I would take them to a police station as a thank you for the service of the officers. But then I considered that perhaps that would be seen as some type joke, poking fun at the stereotype of police officers always hanging around doughnut shops. And that wouldn't be kind at all.
This afternoon I was at the grocery store getting flowers (because tomorrow is the 27th, Give Flowers to a Stranger Day) and I decided to take a shortcut by just giving someone the coupon. The young man who was the cashier looked like a good choice. He was pleasant and friendly, young and thin. The second part was important because he seemed of the age and build that he wouldn't spend too much time perseverating about calories, carbs, or fat content. “This may seem like an odd question, but do you like doughnuts?” I asked. “Sure” he replied, with just enough enthusiasm that I believed he was telling the truth and not simply being polite. “Then this is for you” I said handing over the coupon. His surprise and appreciation appeared genuine, making it an all around fun activity for me.
Continuing with the top 10 count down of reasons I am glad that I did this blog, in no particular order, number 8:
It feels like a great accomplishment to commit to doing something every day for a year and then actually do it And I'm aware that I'm not done yet, but the chances of me quitting in the next week are pretty slim, so I think it's safe to put this out there.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Walk for Kindness and the Cure
Day 356
An easy call today for an act of kindness for a stranger. My niece, who is a fourth grade teacher, posted on her facebook page that she is walking and collecting donations for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk for a Cure, in support of one of her students who has diabetes. This is something that is near and dear to me in a couple of ways. One, I love my niece, so supporting her is important. And two, I love my husband, who happens to have type 1 diabetes. This made it quite clear what today's kind action should be.
Continuing with the top 10 count down of reasons I am glad that I did this blog, in no particular order, number 9:
It has been an avenue to be in touch with some old friends from my past which has been fun and helped me appreciate the importance of such connections in my life.
***********
I am frequently asked if I am going to keep up with this blog after the year is over, the answer is a resounding NO. While I plan on kindness being part of my daily routine, writing about it every night will not be. And there is the added pressure that I may be disowned by my family if I even attempt to consider it. BUT, writing about it every couple of days, in collaboration with a friend? That might be a fun idea....A new blog will be born soon and you can find it here: The ABCs of Kindness.
An easy call today for an act of kindness for a stranger. My niece, who is a fourth grade teacher, posted on her facebook page that she is walking and collecting donations for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk for a Cure, in support of one of her students who has diabetes. This is something that is near and dear to me in a couple of ways. One, I love my niece, so supporting her is important. And two, I love my husband, who happens to have type 1 diabetes. This made it quite clear what today's kind action should be.
Continuing with the top 10 count down of reasons I am glad that I did this blog, in no particular order, number 9:
It has been an avenue to be in touch with some old friends from my past which has been fun and helped me appreciate the importance of such connections in my life.
***********
I am frequently asked if I am going to keep up with this blog after the year is over, the answer is a resounding NO. While I plan on kindness being part of my daily routine, writing about it every night will not be. And there is the added pressure that I may be disowned by my family if I even attempt to consider it. BUT, writing about it every couple of days, in collaboration with a friend? That might be a fun idea....A new blog will be born soon and you can find it here: The ABCs of Kindness.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Counting Down
Day 355
Ten days to go. While there are some times I am asking myself, when is this project going to be over, for the most part, it has been a challenge I feel great that I took on. Especially since the end is in sight. In recognition of this benchmark I will begin the count down of the top 10 reasons I am glad that I did this blog, in no particular order.
Number 10. Because I talked to many folks this year whom I may never have even noticed, let alone spoken to.
So what did I do today? I gave blood, which is a true act of kindness to a stranger I might add, not like some of them that I may have tried to sneak through under this heading over the course of this year.
And for all the people who have asked if I am going to keep up with this blog after the year is over, the answer is a resounding NO. While I plan on kindness being part of my daily routine, writing about it every night will not be. And there is the added pressure that I may be disowned by my family if I even attempt to consider it. BUT, writing about it every couple of days, in collaboration with a friend? That might be a fun idea....
Coming soon! The ABCs of Kindness.
Ten days to go. While there are some times I am asking myself, when is this project going to be over, for the most part, it has been a challenge I feel great that I took on. Especially since the end is in sight. In recognition of this benchmark I will begin the count down of the top 10 reasons I am glad that I did this blog, in no particular order.
Number 10. Because I talked to many folks this year whom I may never have even noticed, let alone spoken to.
So what did I do today? I gave blood, which is a true act of kindness to a stranger I might add, not like some of them that I may have tried to sneak through under this heading over the course of this year.
And for all the people who have asked if I am going to keep up with this blog after the year is over, the answer is a resounding NO. While I plan on kindness being part of my daily routine, writing about it every night will not be. And there is the added pressure that I may be disowned by my family if I even attempt to consider it. BUT, writing about it every couple of days, in collaboration with a friend? That might be a fun idea....
Coming soon! The ABCs of Kindness.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Seeds of Kindness
Day 354
One of the goals of this blog project was to provide the motivation for my family to become more involved in volunteer work. Last spring we started helping out at a local community garden. While my boys weren't as enthusiastic about it as I hoped they would be, they did it with minimal complaint which I considered a success. We've decided to volunteer (actually my husband and I decided, our sons didn't get a vote) again this year and started today by planting seeds which will, with a little luck, turn into plants to donate.
The boys still aren't so eager that they are counting down the days until we report to the community garden for opening day (April 16th) but they sure are looking forward to those seeds popping up. One small step for community service, one giant leap for soon-to-be sprouting vegetable plants.
One of the goals of this blog project was to provide the motivation for my family to become more involved in volunteer work. Last spring we started helping out at a local community garden. While my boys weren't as enthusiastic about it as I hoped they would be, they did it with minimal complaint which I considered a success. We've decided to volunteer (actually my husband and I decided, our sons didn't get a vote) again this year and started today by planting seeds which will, with a little luck, turn into plants to donate.
The boys still aren't so eager that they are counting down the days until we report to the community garden for opening day (April 16th) but they sure are looking forward to those seeds popping up. One small step for community service, one giant leap for soon-to-be sprouting vegetable plants.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Chasing Those Blogable Moments
Day 353
I chased down a family in the parking lot after soccer practice tonight to give them the sweatshirt the boy had dropped on the way to the car. They were grateful and I felt fortunate for the blogable moment.
I chased down a family in the parking lot after soccer practice tonight to give them the sweatshirt the boy had dropped on the way to the car. They were grateful and I felt fortunate for the blogable moment.
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Write Sort of Kindness
Day 352
One of my colleagues P. has been coveting the pen I use at work as of late. It was one of those freebies that companies give away;. I'm not sure why it is such a special pen, but it is my favorite. Just the right weight, grip and ink flow. Apparently she thinks so too, because this very pen has disappeared from my desk a few times only to reappear on hers. Each time I retrieve it, P. smiles mischievously and says she has no idea how it ended up with her.
With my year of living kindly winding down (at least the blogging about it part) I'm starting to have to dig deep and look inside myself in thinking about what are true acts of kindness. And what says kindness more than the gift of a pen?
When P. arrives at work tomorrow, she will find on her desk what was only hers by thieving is now hers to keep. I wonder if she will use it to write me a thank you note.
One of my colleagues P. has been coveting the pen I use at work as of late. It was one of those freebies that companies give away;. I'm not sure why it is such a special pen, but it is my favorite. Just the right weight, grip and ink flow. Apparently she thinks so too, because this very pen has disappeared from my desk a few times only to reappear on hers. Each time I retrieve it, P. smiles mischievously and says she has no idea how it ended up with her.
With my year of living kindly winding down (at least the blogging about it part) I'm starting to have to dig deep and look inside myself in thinking about what are true acts of kindness. And what says kindness more than the gift of a pen?
When P. arrives at work tomorrow, she will find on her desk what was only hers by thieving is now hers to keep. I wonder if she will use it to write me a thank you note.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Be Kind To The Environment In March, And Hopefully August Too
Day 351
I started seeds for my vegetable garden today. It was a combination of spring fever and a commitment that I'm trying to make to purchase less produce that is not locally grown. So what better way to eat local than to grow it myself. We usually have a garden every year, so this isn't a totally new concept for my family. But it is usually a haphazard one, overrun by weeds before the season is half over. And this is the first year we are starting the seeds ahead of time. The hope is that this will extend our growing season and enable us to have some extra veggies for the freezer. We started lots of broccoli plants as that is family favorite (everyone except me, but who am I not to encourage my kids to eat broccoli). The plan is to try to stretch that crop so we are still eating it in the fall.
But alas I do realize the plan for a garden when there is still a trace of snow on the ground and the thought of weeding in the hot sun is actually appealing might not play out as romantically in reality in August as it does in my head in March. But for now I can aspire to be kind to the environment and say loud and proud, eat local!
I started seeds for my vegetable garden today. It was a combination of spring fever and a commitment that I'm trying to make to purchase less produce that is not locally grown. So what better way to eat local than to grow it myself. We usually have a garden every year, so this isn't a totally new concept for my family. But it is usually a haphazard one, overrun by weeds before the season is half over. And this is the first year we are starting the seeds ahead of time. The hope is that this will extend our growing season and enable us to have some extra veggies for the freezer. We started lots of broccoli plants as that is family favorite (everyone except me, but who am I not to encourage my kids to eat broccoli). The plan is to try to stretch that crop so we are still eating it in the fall.
But alas I do realize the plan for a garden when there is still a trace of snow on the ground and the thought of weeding in the hot sun is actually appealing might not play out as romantically in reality in August as it does in my head in March. But for now I can aspire to be kind to the environment and say loud and proud, eat local!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Feeling Kind of Helpless
Day 350
I saw a collection jar for the recovery effort in Japan at Starbucks today. I was surprised to see it there because it was clearly put on the counter by the staff and did not appear to be a corporation sanctioned collection receptacle. I asked the person at the register about it and she said yes, they just put it there without asking permission from the powers that be because it just seemed so important to do something. Yet it felt like there was little that could be done from half a world away.
There was a temptation to completely empty out my wallet to donate because she was so accurate that the feeling of wanting to help was so compelling. But I put in just a few dollars, knowing that it was as much to get rid of this feeling of helplessness in me and the coffee shop employees, as it it was to help the people of Japan.
I saw a collection jar for the recovery effort in Japan at Starbucks today. I was surprised to see it there because it was clearly put on the counter by the staff and did not appear to be a corporation sanctioned collection receptacle. I asked the person at the register about it and she said yes, they just put it there without asking permission from the powers that be because it just seemed so important to do something. Yet it felt like there was little that could be done from half a world away.
There was a temptation to completely empty out my wallet to donate because she was so accurate that the feeling of wanting to help was so compelling. But I put in just a few dollars, knowing that it was as much to get rid of this feeling of helplessness in me and the coffee shop employees, as it it was to help the people of Japan.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Spy Work Disguised as Kindness
Day 349
I think volunteer work is a great act of kindness so today I helped out at my son's school. I chaperoned the 6th grade dance.
Oh who am I trying to fool? I did it so I could spy on my son. I asked him if it was OK with him and he said sure of course it was, why wouldn't it be. He's 12, and apparently doesn't realize that in a year or so, my mere presence will be a huge embarrassment to him. But for a little while longer at least, I can use my cloak of kindness to monitor the sixth grade social life.
I think volunteer work is a great act of kindness so today I helped out at my son's school. I chaperoned the 6th grade dance.
Oh who am I trying to fool? I did it so I could spy on my son. I asked him if it was OK with him and he said sure of course it was, why wouldn't it be. He's 12, and apparently doesn't realize that in a year or so, my mere presence will be a huge embarrassment to him. But for a little while longer at least, I can use my cloak of kindness to monitor the sixth grade social life.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Pennies for Kindness
Day 348
It recently came to my attention that my kid's school is having a penny drive for charity. I found out about it from the "virtual backpack," the place on the school website for family notices. What? I've been doing this kindness blog for almost a year now and NEITHER of my sons asked me for some pennies to donate? I had to hear about on the internet?
I'm not sure where I went wrong, but you can be sure that tonight each of them have a few pounds of pennies in their backpacks to take to school tomorrow.
It recently came to my attention that my kid's school is having a penny drive for charity. I found out about it from the "virtual backpack," the place on the school website for family notices. What? I've been doing this kindness blog for almost a year now and NEITHER of my sons asked me for some pennies to donate? I had to hear about on the internet?
I'm not sure where I went wrong, but you can be sure that tonight each of them have a few pounds of pennies in their backpacks to take to school tomorrow.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Kind of Fun
Day 347
I stopped for a coffee this afternoon and while I was waiting, I was looking at the items in the pastry case. There was something called a "cake pop," a bite sized piece of cake, covered in a chocolate coating on a stick, like a Tootsie pop. I'm not sure why but it made me smile, The man behind the counter noticed and commented that he was glad to see someone admiring the pastries. I thought that if it made me smile, perhaps it would do the same for someone else. I bought one and asked him to give it to another customer after I left.
He was genuinely excited to comply and said that he really hoped another customer came in soon because his shift was over in five minutes. While I aspire to be kind without resorting to spending money, it is always fun to see the kick that folks get when they are enlisted in my kindness plot.
I stopped for a coffee this afternoon and while I was waiting, I was looking at the items in the pastry case. There was something called a "cake pop," a bite sized piece of cake, covered in a chocolate coating on a stick, like a Tootsie pop. I'm not sure why but it made me smile, The man behind the counter noticed and commented that he was glad to see someone admiring the pastries. I thought that if it made me smile, perhaps it would do the same for someone else. I bought one and asked him to give it to another customer after I left.
He was genuinely excited to comply and said that he really hoped another customer came in soon because his shift was over in five minutes. While I aspire to be kind without resorting to spending money, it is always fun to see the kick that folks get when they are enlisted in my kindness plot.
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