Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Day 30: Be Grateful

Woke up, had issues getting Internet
Finally got Internet, had issues with that Internet being slow
Found more Internet, it was fast

Grateful for a girl name Heidi who helped the entire time <3 sometimes people are the unsung hero and they just dont know how much they help another person :)

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Day 29: Pay it Forward

Yes. Even while traveling, the acts of kindness wont stop. :)

When we checked our bag, the baggage claim guy and gal were so nice. And of course, we were just excited to be alive and traveling! We get done checking the bag, start walking away - the baggage claim guy said, "Hey, come back!" He proceeds to give us several 'free drink cards' for the flight.

I hugged him!

I paid that forward and gave a ticket to a passenger on the flight sitting behind us. His reaction "you got a stack of these!?!" haha

Result: People are incredibly kind. Paint a smile on your face. Be grateful. Say thank you. What you put out in the world, you really DO get back.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Day 28: Thank a police officer(s)

Today's act of kindness was thanking police officers for what they do for the community :) I know two personally, Craig and JB and they are two of the most giving, hard working, incredible assets to our community.

After watching the ultimate sacrifice, Officer Schneider (Lake City) made, I'll pray for these two often, and the rest of the awesome force we have in Rochester and beyond. Thanks for all you do!

Friday, January 27, 2012

Day 27: Be a courteous driver

Trust me. This was a kind act.

Yesterday, in the morning, I was pulling onto the highway. This white car attempted to merge into my lane (right on top of me basically) I honked because I could tell he wasn't paying attention and kept turning his entire body to talk to a child in the backseat, Well, as I passed the guy he FLIPPED me off!!!!

At that very moment I decided that I would be a courteous driver. There should be NO reason to justify flipping anyone off or getting so amped up behind the wheel.

And believe me, I can get road rage. Mostly parking rage. Those people who take up two spots ;-) or those 'smart cars' that make you think there's a parking spot available and as you get closer it's a freakin' 'smart car' that takes up half of one parking spot!

But I'm making a conscious decision to let it go.

There will be no flipping off from me to anyone, but maybe in my mind. :-p I'm going to keep it cool behind the wheel even if my driving is better then anyone else's. Haha

Result: cooler driver, safer roads.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Day 26: Become an organ donor

Day 26 and going strong!

First things first, I got the name of my soldier today! So exciting, I emailed him to start the dialogue and find out what he enjoys. This will force me to step foot in a Post Office, it's been awhile. I have a few other things I need to mail to some other friends too!

Today I registered to become an organ donor. I actually had thought I designated this on my drivers license but upon checking, it wasn't on there.

This is also something each person should think deeply about. It's a pretty significant gift and not one to be taken lightly.

So, Ive figured that if I peace out on this earth, I'd rather someone else make use of what's available of my organs. Maybe someone's quality of life is better? Maybe another person can live? Longer?

That's worth it.

Check it out :)
http://www.organdonor.gov/becomingdonor/stateregistries.html

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organ-donation/FL00077



Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Day 25: Adopt a soldier

http://adoptaussoldier.org/

Registered at this site (found it in a list of random acts of kindness) to adopt a soldier!

This is what happens after you register "If you’ve just adopted a soldier, you will be contacted via email with that soldier’s contact information."

I can't wait to get their name!

Result: This will force me to use the mail more and a new connection is formed. Mostly, I cant wait to show appreciation for the sacrifices they and their families have and continue to make.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Day 24: Be more then a friend

Today was a whirlwind! After My cut for 'Locks Of Love', my hair needed to be tweaked and shaped abit since it was a dry cut. I'll post a pic of the final result. My friend at R!ah, Sara Pronk, does such an amazing job. She really knows how to make it look fresh and sassy! I feel more put together now :)

And then my cities friend, Nikki was in Rochester, so one of my acts of kindness was treating her to an afternoon munch fest (late small lunch) I admire her a lot. She's done several nursing trips out of the country and that takes great dedication and perseverance!

And then I took my bestie, Alissa and her crutches, grocery shopping and fully endorsed the use of the scooter. I may or may not have called attention to us while in Target to many people. Might as well make driving a scooter a spectacle, eh? Everyone's staring at you anyways :-p

Result: Made these two girls smile today....AND a bunch of people in Target. I may have yelled at Alissa abit with her hero mentality and not asking for help :-p

Monday, January 23, 2012

Day 23: Donate to brainstogetherforacure.org

My act of kindness today is spreading the word about brainstogetherforacure.org

Please consider donating. There's a match for up to $500.

Too many people are afflicted with cancer. An inoperable brain tumor could mean fatal.

We need more research.

Please help. :)

Thank you for your continued reading, support and your own personal kind acts!

Ps. A friend plowed our driveway today, thank you for your kindness!

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Day 22: One kind act leads to another

Today we had to get out of the house. We had been pent up most of the weekend due to the weather (more so, threat of bad weather)

What better place to go, then House of Bounce! Run and bounce that pent up energy off (and get that heart rate and exercise in) They have the best fried pickles there. :-p I suppose that cancels out the exercise?

We were there for awhile and my daughter kept asking other little girls to play. She kept getting rejected. Some of the girls had their own friends. Some were really shy. And some ignored her. Isn't that life though? But my fearless warrior kept on. As luck would have it though, my daughter saw one of her classmates walk in and the grin between her and him made me feel a sigh of relief. They were inseparable. He held her arm, escorted her from one activity to another, shared his tokens....and then he got a smoothie drink and offered to share it with her (without any prompting from his dad). They both slurped from their own straws and giggled at each other.

In return, at the point of final exhaustion and to return the act of kindness, she and I got him some
Ice cream and thanked him for playing and for his thoughtfulness.

Result: Kids teach us all the time about being selfless, and to witness such kindness starting at a young age, well...It is true. What you put out in the world, often you get back. They're ahead of the curve and I'm thankful to have witnessed and encourage it.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Day 21: Play Nurse

Friends are like family. My best friend, Alissa is my family. Even though we do not have the same blood running through our veins, I'd walk the wire for her and I know without a shadow of doubt, she would for me too.

I feel really lucky to have found her. Most people will ask where she's at if she's not by my side, and vica versa.

And sometimes your best friend calls to let you know she got injured at soccer and may have fractured her knee. She went to the ER (she's a tough cookie, by the way, had it been me, I would have demanded that someone carry me, feed me, and get me chocolate!!)

So, tonight, I played nurse. Got her comfy on the couch, forced her to take her meds, preached at her about if she needs help, she had to promise to ask me, and did it all with love. (big shout out to Shane for escorting her to the ER and Karlys for helping me get her car)

I love her. She's my family and while it is an act of kindness, I'm learning that all acts of kindness should feel the same way regardless. Done with love and sheer selflessness!

Result: She got me as a "nurse". What more can you ask for?

Ps. Possible torn mcl. <3

Friday, January 20, 2012

Day 20: Be kind to yourself

It's been one of those weeks. 5 steps forward and 10 steps back. It's easy to get caught up in challenging days and be tough on yourself. I'm no exception.

I firmly believe that before you can be kind to anyone else, you gotta be kind to yourself, as the saying goes. :)

So tonight, I'm posting this blog early - I'm going to do nice things for myself (and of course, plan my acts of kindness for this weekend) and I'm gonna shut my phone off for the night. Shocking. I know. :-p

Result: Sometimes we have to rejuvenate our own cup before we can fill other cups. And that's ok <3

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Day 19: Support the Arts

Nothing is as magical as sitting in an audience and feeling as if you're in Ireland and inside the lives of the characters experiences.

Tonight I almost walked away with an Irish accent! We watched the play "Molly Sweeney", a drama depicting a blind woman since infancy, with her determined husband, Frank Sweeney (played by my good friend Jeremy Salucka) connecting with the ever intoxicated surgeon, Dr. Rice - both wanting to heal Molly, yet Molly unsure of a new visible world and the potential. This play left you wondering and contemplating what happened after it ended. A must see.

Result: With all the glamour of other entertainment, simply attending and watching a play brings you back to simple pleasures of watching something beautiful play out before your eyes. Tonight was magic! I dont ever want to see it become a lost art. A standing ovation to the entire cast.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Day 18: Appreciate the Under-appreciated

Since I come in later for work, I leave later at the end of the day. Most people like the light of day when they get off work, I don't mind the darkness. I've always been a night owl.

I've come to know the custodians that come in after most everyone leaves. I definitely don't think custodians are appreciated enough. They work hard. Not saying we all don't, but they do work that most people wouldn't want to do.

And so tonight, as I passed by with my normal banter and conversation with the custodian, I grinned and told him I had a card for him. The look on his face was priceless. He looked surprised and joyful! "For me?!" he exclaimed. I said "Yep! For you!"

Inside I wrote that I was thankful for him.

Result: I could tell that he couldn't believe I, one of several employees that he comes across with, would give him a card out of the blue. And I know he will appreciate knowing he's appreciated. And that's what matters.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Day 17: AT&T reach out and touch someone

I'm not a phone person. Most people know this. In fact, my friends will text me and tell me to answer my phone if they have something important to discuss with me or just plain insistent on hearing my voice so they know I'm alive (even though I'm texting back...)

I called two people tonight. One was someone I had actually never spoken to on the phone. I saw they were having a tough time from a Facebook status and decided to call them, offer support and let them know I was thinking of them and that I care.

The other was my friend Annalissa! Ahhh! She's such a great spirit, kind heart - loves her dogs. I called her and she answered just like her peppy sweet self. :) It was almost as if she called me! Haha! We talked about life and then she spoke about this blog and said "It takes 90 days for something to become habit and then its just apart of your life" I LOVED that! It's true. kindness - carrying acts out daily -should be apart of life.

I also offered to help with her animals and help her with whatever she does. She graciously corrected me "I train dogs, Danielle". Bwahahahahaha! Ok! So I'm not a dog/animal person either, but I think Annalissa could show me the way :)

Result: 2 people know I care. And thats what matters. Also. I should really call more people, it's kinda fun!

Monday, January 16, 2012

Day 16: Gather can goods and non perishables for food shelter

Am I ever going to use or eat the can of mushroom soup I accidentally bought the last time I was at the grocery store? Absolutely not. Haha!

This act is two part - went through the cupboard tonight and rounded up can goods, non-perishables, etc. and will be making a trip tomorrow to Channel one to donate. I'll try not to eat the chicken of the sea on the way...sorry Jessica Simpson. It's not really chicken.

I should look in my best friend/roomies cupboards.....hahaha

I've volunteered at Channel one a couple of times already. It's such a fun experience sorting the donated food, packing food and knowing your hands-on volunteering is worthwhile. There's plans to do that again each month, let me know if you're interested!

If anyone wants to pitch in their can goods Or non perishables- let me know and I'll take them with!

Result: No one should go hungry. Ever.

And, yes, I benefited somewhat from this ...my cupboard is clean. And I don't have to eat mushrooms (I can't believe people like mushrooms..it's just rubbery and gross!) haha

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Day 15: Promote Kindness Social Media Style

This morning I woke up without a massive mess of hair in my face. When I washed my hair, I didn't have to use an entire bottle of shampoo or conditioner. Haha. I'm getting use to the shorter locks :) Most importantly, I can't express enough growing as a person each day with a deeper understanding and appreciation of what I have. I can choose to cut my hair. Some don't even have that choice.

Here's what's cool about doing this blog and sharing the kind acts - people want to help. They get inspired. They realize that they can do this stuff too. And I get notes. Lots of them daily. It's really cool and it motivates me and inspires me too!

I do want to address another aspect. It's easy to not believe or wonder why anyone would do something completely kind for another person(s) with no agenda or anything to gain. I've had a recipient one time on a good Deed Friday ask "Why?!" and my response was simple "Just a kind act, nothing expected in return". In this day and age, it's tough to believe in something pure and wholesome.

I've had some people criticize my openness of sharing the kind acts carried out on this blog or showing accolades to others that carry out kind acts because people who carry out the acts should do it anonymously - it would mean more. I disagree :) Its easy to assume someone's looking for notoriety when carrying out kind acts and sharing the act. Its easy to make something good seem bad, because it cant be THAT good. People are in it for themselves, right? Wrong.

This blog and the acts take work. It takes some sacrifice. And there's nothing to gain other then...

Maybe you'll be inspired? Maybe the next time you're at dinner, you'll surprise someone with dinner? Maybe you're already carrying out kind acts, and this motivates you to take it to a higher level? Maybe this brought you hope, that "kind people really do exist" (relayed to me by a recipient of a Christmas basket)

Here's what we've (I'll let him come forward if he wishes) got cooked up for today's act of kindness. A friend came forward and said he would match up to $500 towards Brainstogetherforacure.org if I could raise the money. I know we can do it!

This organization speaks to my heart, especially knowing about people closely effected: Shannon, Wyatt and Heidi. And there's more. It's not fair and there should be more research. My vote is that brain tumors and all cancer become extinct.

Please donate. In memory or in honor of someone or just because this was your act of kindness today. :) Send me an email verifying you donated to funnygirldanielle@gmail.com

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Day 14: Locks of Love

The day is finally here. I've been growing my hair out for Locks of Love. December 2010, I met a young girl at a Tonic Sol Fa concert I was volunteering at. She came up and bought some cd's. Her hair was a beautiful shade of red and the style/cut framed her ivory heart shaped face so perfectly. I exclaimed over her hair and asked if she received compliments on it often. She said yes and went on to explain that it was a wig, donated through Locks of Love. It was not the response I had expected. I assumed I would hear that her mother had the same shade, etc. etc. Her hair looked natural and she had an elegant confidence about it.

I googled Locks of Love after our conversation. She and the testimonies on the site inspired me to grow my hair out.

http://www.locksoflove.org/donate.html

So, here we are. Tonight I'll be attending the KTTC Eagle Cancer Telethon to watch a friends daughter sing, and afterwards, donate my hair.

Result: I admit, I've become attached to my hair. But, a young child or teen can walk with the same elegant confidence, as this young girl did, and that's all that really matters.

I'll post after pics tonight. :)
Before
Not ONE pigtail, but two! I have alot of hair :-o
About to get my hair cut at KTTC Eagle Cancer Telethon

I feel so much lighter!
Yep. I really got it cut! :-o

Friday, January 13, 2012

Day 13: Pay for someones dinner

Tonight was inspired by a friend that's done this before [http://bethe1uwolmsted.blogspot.com/2011/09/good-deed-story-no-really-i-am-1.html?m=1]

Went to dinner tonight at Newts. Scott got the Marvin burger, I got nachos ( I figured those were the healthier option, , but if you saw them, you might disagree ;-)

I was trying to think of what my act of kindness would be today. I'm finding how important it is to grow as a person and become more and more selfless. No. No, I'm not rich. No, I can't do things like tonight, with every act. But I CAN sacrifice getting a cool shirt for myself, or 5 caribou coffees, or going out to eat, and buy an elderly couple dinner instead.

So. I watched this couple while Scott and I ate. My mountain of nachos, and he inhaled his burger. The couple looked so happy. Like they had spent so many years together and perfectly content and comfortable to just be together and not have to say much. They were just present. Happy. :)

I asked Joe (our waiter, he was an incredible spirit. Singing in tune with the music, while he went from table to table, said thank you over and over to his co workers that helped him - you just don't get that kinda persona nowadays) if he could tell me the amount of what the couple had on their tab. But before I knew it, my heart said to myself "do it" and the cost didn't matter.

My rule of thumb in anything is: "go with heart and gusto" it's never lead me wrong.

Tab paid. And a note to the couple written on a napkin and given to Joe to help carry out the act (thank you joe!)

We left, and could see Joe go up to them with the note (and darnit, I'm a curious soul, so is Scott, and we wanted to peek at their reaction, but kept walking)

Result: A couple sitting down for dinner, and surprised with the tab paid. I know this feeling as someone paid for my gas a few years ago (and has been one of the contributing factor in my yearning to paying it forward) its amazing to be the recipient of thoughtful kindness and I'm glad for the opportunity to pay it forward. <3

Day 12: Take what you need


My version :)
My version:

My best friend Alissa, told me about this tear off poster that someone had put up on walls, and people can tear off what they need!

Result: someone may have needed this little boost today, and got it! :)

Update: 1/13/2012 - I walked past the places where I had posted these. All the tabs for the one in the elevator were torn off. And then I walked past the other one located in a skyway- only one tab was pulled. Hope. Someone needed hope. If you're reading this - I'm thinking of you. There is hope. <3 ((hugs))

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Day 11: Raise money a unique way for charity

Can you guess where on this blog there could be a way I'm raising money for a charity?

Comment on the blog here with your guesses.

On the 366th day - I'll post a poll and YOU the reader will pick where the money raised will be donated.

Result: Finding new ways to raise money online for charity or non-profit organizations. The more you click - the better! (thats a hint)

Update: The advertisements you see on this blog are called Google AdSense. Any time you click, money gets raised (accrued) I'll be making posts and print screens of the accrued amount - at the end of the year, on the 366th day, I'll post a poll and YOU will pick where the entire amount raised gets donated too!!! 

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Day 10: Hug it out!


Hug 10 people and ask them to hug 10 people too!

This morning, some of my co-workers (We like to call each other co-friends because were all friends even though we work together) and I were chatting about this blog on our way to getting some cheap coffee (yes, we have a secret place where we get CHEAP coffee!!) I brought up that my friend Candy had sent me a note about getting a group together and giving free hugs out (were gonna still do that)

So, Marni pipes up and say "give out 10 hugs and tell each person to give out 10 too!!" we all got excited and started hugging each other. And then hugged our other co-friends when we got to our cubes, then I tackled my boss :) (not really, but close! Haha) then people started sending virtual hugs and it went on and on. :)

Result: Hugs really make people smile... and even laugh. Hugs are an embrace of love. We should really do it more often. Hug it out!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Day 9: Thank you note to the mail carrier

Looking to spread a little cheer to our mail carrier :) We've never met the person and I bet the mail carrier wonders if we truly exist (we're rarely home) haha.

Dusted off my stationary, flexed my wrist and jotted a quick note of thanks. Alissa and I bundled up some Hershey kisses and chocolates and voila! Some happiness in the mailbox when the mail carrier opens it up!

Result: I'm sure mail carriers are under-appreciated. They deliver some of the most valuable and precious memories to us (okay, ignore the yucky bills part) Mail is becoming so extinct, send a note today and make someone feel special :)

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Day 8: Mission White Roses

This morning Scott (my boyfriend) and I asked our daughters if they'd like to join me in the act of kindness for today. They unanimously yelled "yes!" We've been sharing and reading this blog with them and were excited that they wanted to participate!

We threw around ideas of what we all could do. Go to a nursing home and sing? Bake some cookies and give them away?....

Turns out, again, the act of kindness presented itself! We went to Target, got a bouquet of white roses and we all secretly looked at each other with excitement! We walked around and got some free samples of food that the nice free sample ladies were handing out. I was so focused on slurping down on my 'easy squirt in the mouth applesauce', that I didn't hear the nice lady, but one of our girls heard her say "Oh! Look at those beautiful white roses! I love white roses!" Little did she know, she'd be a recipient of some ;-)

The girls were SO excited to hand them out. So much so, that the flowers almost got massacred. Haha

Flowers purchased. Mission white roses commenced. And wow at the response! Each of us girls started handing them out to looks of surprises, awe and sincere appreciation. "Wow! Seriously for me?" "This is so sweet" "This is the most thoughtful gesture"

And then we went back to the lady who exclaimed over the flowers. As we walked up, our girl who heard her say it, handed her the beautiful white rose. The lady looked surprised and said "For me? Seriously?" and I told her, "I was so busy not paying attention but my girl heard you say that you loved white roses. And this one is for you" She cried and hugged us!! And said "God bless you!"

I had tears in my eyes walking away.

These actions are not about me. Or us. It's about the act of just caring for people. Thinking of others. You can move mountains with one small act.

Result: 20+ people received smiles, "have a great day" and white roses, and they returned those smiles back.

As a mother, I couldn't be more proud of our girls big hearts and earnest willfullness to do something nice for others. And for my supportive boyfriend who is willing to jump in to help, too!

P.S. I'm receiving tons of notes of people wanting to participate, contribute and help. I'm trying to think of the most effective way for everyone that wants to, get involved. Either way, you can commit your own acts, email me and I'll share your stories too! Keep watching and reading and you can jump in anytime!

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Day 7: Make a kid smile

Well, it's been a week! I'm not sure if this will get more difficult but it's not been as difficult keeping up with these acts of kindness (I thought it would be hard to find the time, ideas, cant spend money on every act, etc) All of these acts absolutely have been presenting themselves, and then some!

Today we went to Sea Life at the Mall of America. It was incredible looking at all the tropical fish, starfish, sea turtles, SHARKS! The way I think is visually and all I could imagine (my mind goes in overdrive) is that while walking under the aquarium surrounding me - what if it caves in?!?! Lol. That's a lot of water and lots of teeth those sharks tote around...

So. There was a girl in a wheel chair with her parents. I remember breaking my leg and it wasn't fun trying to get around. I can't imagine being a kid and having a broken leg...

I watched them closely as they shopped around at the end. They picked up a stuffed turtle and I sidled up beside them to check the price ( I was thinking in my head - I want to get her this turtle but I have to be realistic about my finances too. Haha)

The father walks up to the register with it and the price fleets out of my head. I grab the turtle out of his hands - he looks at me in shock - I grin and say - "I'm paying something forward, I'm getting her this turtle"

His jaw dropped. I could hear the mother ask her daughter "What did you say?! What did you do?!?" and the daughter responded "I didn't do or say anything!!l" (haha)

I settled up with the cashier, grabbed the turtle (and a bracelet that those marketing genius put at the front for suckers like me) kneeled to her level, handed her the loot and said "Have great rest of the day" whilst grinning. She looked at me square in the eyes and with the most genuine serious yet sweet smile and said " Thank you SO much!" and looked at her mom astonished.

Result: A kids smile is priceless. And sea turtles are totally cool.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Day 6: Honor someone special

Tonight my heart hurts. A few weeks ago, I met a young girl through an online blog co-authored by her parents raw and very real perspective. Her name and one that I'll carry in my heart forever, like many others will - Shannon O'Hara.

http://ohara-family.blogspot.com/

Read her story. Honor her. Keep her memory alive. Donate to Brain cancer Research. (brainstogetherforacure.org)

A tribute video made by my dear friend Chris Conte (it's so beautiful)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZcb-bMcRfQ&sns=em

I did not know her. But I fell in love with her soulful brown eyes and soft smile and the words that blossomed line by line on her blog.

Some lyrics from Celine Dions "Fly, fly little wing" that spoke to my heart when my niece left this earth, too soon for us to bear.

"Fly, fly precious one
Your endless journey has begun
Take your gentle happiness
Far too beautiful for this
Cross over to the other shore
There is peace forevermore
But hold this mem'ry bittersweet
Until we meet"

Shannon, I honor you. <3

Prayer of peace and comfort to Dan, Jen, Erin and all that love Shannon.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Day 5: Deliver a gift basket & give inspiring plaque

Two again today! I don't think kind acts should be limited and if more then one presents itself (which is happening easily) then I'm totally an equal opportunity act of kindness gal!

Deliver a gift basket
A few weeks ago, several of my friends and I put together two gift baskets for two people that I felt could appreciate a lil' Christmas magic.

I finally was able to connect with the final recipient tonight. I received a warm hug but even more profound was that the person couldn't believe complete strangers would do something like this for someone they don't even know. That's the thing though - we hear about all the hurt in the world - deep down inside all of us is this magical part that cares for each other, and when we open it up - we all together can do great things. For people we don't even know.

Result: Carrying out a kind act towards a total stranger can change the world. One small act can create big change. Maybe just maybe that new stranger becomes a good friend and a partner in committing kind acts towards others too!

Give inspiring plaque
Tonight i found an inspiring plaque and I got incredibly excited and started thinking of who I'd give it to. In all of these acts I want to inspire people to be all that they can be and to also show every encounter with every person that they matter.

The plaque is going in my best friends sons room.

Result: He's going to do great things for this world. Recently his school was doing a food drive. He wrote on his hand to not forget to gather donations for it. And kept pestering his mom that he needed to do it ;-) If we start with our children, youth, young adults - the foundation placed and adults turn into philanthropists. :)

****On another note: I was the recipient of kindness and surprised at work today with a gift sent anonymously - 2012 random acts of kindness calendar book! It has daily acts of kindness ideas, stories and inspiring quotes : See image below :) thank you for your thoughtfulness! You must be reading the blog! You warmed my heart :)

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Day 4: Transport donated books & push shopping carts inside

Yep! Two kind acts today. :)

Today was an interesting day. Had some challenges to deal with in the morning and afterwards, I was feeling rather deflated and bummed about the challenges I was confronted with. What doesn't hurt you makes you stronger, right? Can I just say that carrying out these acts can totally change the mood around? It's incredible!

Transport donated books
This afternoon, my co-worker and dear friend, LaVonne and I muscled a couple of hundred books that my department (Social Committee initiated) gathered into the trunk of my car (I can't say it enough how amazingly kind and good hearted my department is, by the way.) I drove them to the circled drive (my best friend Alissa co-piloted) and met Linda (she gathered book donations from the Support Center) Christine and her coworker from Mayo Clinic volunteer services.

Results: My department donated over 500 books to the Pediatric & Adolescent department. Each child gets a book of their choosing to take home. Christine and her crew from Volunteer services makes it happen.

Push shopping carts inside
Folks. This almost ended in disaster. Anyone that knows me knows I'm quite the klutz and highly accident prone :-o

Tonight on my way home from work I decided to swing by TJ Maxx. As I'm pulling into a parking space, I notice an elderly woman that was loading her bags into her car. Some of them looked heavy. I wasn't fast enough, because as soon as I got to her, the cart was empty (drat!) so I offered to take the shopping cart inside for her. She said "oh! My dear, why yes!" and looked happy. :)

Here's where it gets interesting. Beahhahahahahah! I'm pushing the cart and I see another lone cart and decide to take them both inside. Why not!

It takes me about 5 minutes to push one into the other (you shopping cart attendants have talent. I'm not kidding) I finally get them together, pushing them through the doors (one door comes crashing on my heel) and then like jello, those darn carts came apart as I'm pushing them through the doors. There was a girl watching me (and Im pretty sure she was laughing at me on the inside) I could tell she was debating on whether or not to offer help and that would have totally cancelled out my act!! I had to do it myself! Finally got them back together and they're safely inside TJ Maxx, with me walking out a little flustered. (I win, shopping carts!)

Result: A woman smiled, a girl laughed at me on the inside and I learned how to push two carts together successfully.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Day 3: Donate clothes

Today was a busy day. First day back at work for me, first day back at school for my daughter and lifes normal daily busy routine resumes! So, adding one more responsibility in there - it's going to be a busy but worthwhile year. :-)

Last night I organized and cleaned my bedroom. While I did that, I started sifting through clothes in my closet that I no longer wore or needed. Then I went through my daughters outgrown clothes! I was able to gather an entire huge bag between the two of us.

Just dropped them off at Savers. Did you know that they're open till 9:00pm through Saturday? Pretty convenient for folks that have jam packed days!

Results: Some of Savers proceeds goes to the Epilepsy Foundation in Minnesota and someone gets to wear some of my cool clothes. :-p



Monday, January 2, 2012

Day 2: Be the Match

A few weeks ago I read about Ceci Christenson, a young teen who was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), the name for a group of blood disorders, in September 2009.

Her 'make a wish' was to raise awareness about the match program for bone morrow.

"According to the National Marrow Donor Program, seventy percent of people do not have a donor in their family depend on the program’s Be The Match Registry® to find a compatible donor."

http://mobile.cecisclimb.com/join-the-registry-.html

I did it this morning - it was easy! 4 swabs around the inside of the cheeks each, and you just slide the kit in an postage paid envelope, and place it in the mailbox!

Result: Myself, and many others are sending these swabs in with the intention that we could be the match for someone and maybe even help save a life <3 How cool would that be? Thanks for reading and the support! I'm excited for tomorrows act of kindness already!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Day 1: Sober Cab

Well. Today marks the first day in my new years resolution - 366 acts (leap year) of kindness. Each day I've committed to following through on a significant act (really, no rules other then I can't just shake someone's hand and say hello - it has to be significant - like volunteer, or make somewhat of an impact in my time and someone (s) elses life...)

The act presented itself in the wee morning of the first day of the year - sober cab for my friends. One that I don't tend to be ;-) but since I'm unable to consume copious amounts of alcohol (due to my headache medication)- it ended up being the perfect first act!

The result: 3 people were returned home safely.

Side note: I've had several people say they didn't think anyone could keep up and do an act each day. Just wait and see :) I'm not breaking this new years resolution. It took me awhile to get the guts to commit to it and I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but I wasnt looking for easy - and it's not for myself. And for that, it's a fitting new years resolution!

Happy new year! Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings in Leaps of kindness!

P.s. How do you like the title, "Leaps of Kindness" = Leap Year? Fun, huh. Or super cheesy ;-) haha