Day 152: First day of college and welcome new classmates

Today was my first day back at college after four years. I've attempted college twice and didn't have the drive or motivation necessary to complete it.

I can tell this time is different. I know that I'm not going to get anywhere without a degree. I also know that I have a lot of potential, drive and passion that will help motivate my to complete college this time around. It's important for myself but also my children.

The course I'm taking is online, called Art Appreciation. Every week, there's several discussions threads. Our first initial post was to introduce ourselves! We are also suppose to welcome at least one other classmate. I decided to welcome every classmate as my act of kindness today!

And I did, with who's posted so far. I already enjoy my instructor. She's engaging and responsive. You can tell she takes great interest in the course and our work.

Now, I'm off the grid for the night to start my reading of 105 textbook pages from the book "Gateways to Art". I'm sure I'll be art savvy after I've completed this course!

Day 151: Share my dessert

You may not think this is a big deal, but it was a fried snickers and I split half of it with my friend, Alison. :-p (I also gave her my vanilla ice-cream but I don't like vanilla so that doesn't count :-p)

Speaking of Alison. You can add compliment as an act to today as well! I admire her greatly. She's working full time and took on college again, and is almost done. She travels and creates these fun memories, even if she travels solo, she meets people or takes in her surroundings and really appreciates them.

It was enjoyable having lunch with her today and catching up <3

Day 150: Bring dinner over for an injured friend

Last Tuesday, I had plans to go over to a friends house to go through baby clothes (as I rapidly have to start acquiring things for this little munchkin before October! Only 19 weeks left! Nobody panic but me. Haha)

I noticed in my Facebook feed pics and a status of my friend injured! She broke her arm and got bruised, scraped and beat up from an ATV accident.

I sent her a Facebook message asking if she'd let me bring over dinner tonight, and she said ok!

My daughter and I brought over the makings of homemade pizza (almost as good as Grandma Mary's :) While her daughter and my daughter played, I made pizza, and did the dishes. It was difficult for my friend to sit still but after harping on her to sit down, she sorta did. :-p

Her husband was fun! I told him he need to talk to my honey about hunting.

Day 149: Help a friend move

Today has been eventful! Drove down from the cities and headed over to a friends house to help one of my good friends move. When we arrive the house was full of people already helping! Many hands make quick work (as the saying goes) My boyfriend and my daughter were real troopers, positive smiles and helping in any way they could. I went up and down the stairs several times, and carrying around an extra load (pregnant) tires me out easily. So I went for the light weight roles. We got to her place and I tasked myself with the unpacking portion of her bathroom and bedroom. When she settles in tonight, she'll be able to shower and fall into her already made bed.

It's nice to lend a helping hand, but even nicer spending that time together afterwards over slices of pizza!

Day 148: Wounded Warrior Project - Thank a wounded soldier

'The WWP's motto -- "the greatest casualty is being forgotten" -- certainly rings true on Memorial Day. The organization aids seriously wounded veterans through mental, physical and community-based programs, connecting both caregivers and wounded vets to each other as a means of therapy.'


'Thank A Wounded Warrior
Have you ever wanted to send a note to a Wounded Warrior to thank them for their service and sacrifice? You can now send warriors thank you cards through Facebook. Visit our Facebook page, select the card you would like to send and type your message - it’s as easy as that! The WWP Communications team will print the cards and provide them to program staff for distribution at hospitals and during WWP events.'

Here's the note I sent! Everyone should do this. They print the notes out and give them to wounded soldiers!

Day 147: Don't judge a book by its cover

Today we went to the park - the weather was less then par but it was good enough to get outside :) as long as its not snowing in Minnesota - gotta get outside!

When we got there I made a total judgement on a group of boisterous middle school boys. I figured they'd be obnoxious and not safe around our little ones. So, I had an eagle eye on them, making sure our daughters didnt get knocked over or something.

Note to self: Don't make judgement calls - you just never know what's deep down inside of everyone. Here's why.

We decided to have some races around a track at the park. First, the razor scooter. I noticed the middle schools boys had one too, so I challenged them to race against my boyfriend. Next thing you know, all of us (me exempted due to my ever growing pregnant belly) were racing each other, laughing, and having a blast. Then all of us, middle school boys, our girls all sat at one of the picnic tables and had some fun and serious discussions. About life, being their age, our age. It was neat.

One of the boys brought his dog over and we watched it for him while he played. Our girls and those boys carried on.

I watched one of the boys let my young daughter win a running race.you could instantly tell that his intent was to let her win and he enjoyed seeing her triumphant finish. As did I. He and I high-fived afterwards and gave each other knowing nods of approval/satisfaction.

These boys werent obnoxious at all. They cared. And I knew we made friends and that the next time we were there and if they were there too, they'd protect our girls.

Day 146: Support Gail's benefit

On Sunday, June 10 at Wicked Moose - I'll be emceeing a benefit for a co-worker that I use to work with. She was diagnosed in February with Grade Three Astrocytoma (brain tumor).

There will be a raffle, silent auction, burger baskets, bake sale, and a kiddy carnival.

If anyone is willing to donate talent for entertainment or donate something towards the silent auction - hit me up!

Please stop by Sunday, June 10 at the Wicked Moose from 12:00 (noon) to 5pm!

Day 145: Help the janitor

On schedule, on my way to my car, leaving work, I say "Hello" to the janitor. He's there, faithfully, every day - mopping the hallways and uses this industrial cleaner to mop it. I have NEVER seen him miss a day of work. Dependent on when I leave work, I generally know where he'll be in his mopping process.

As I was leaving work today, the two big double doors were closed. He was trying to push the industrial cleaner inside while holding one door open. When he saw me, he smiled warmly, holding the door for me exit, pushing his machine aside. I went right up to the door, stood there instead of walking out - held the door open for him so he could get his machine through. He looked so surprised. I said "Let me get the door for you this time"

He was most grateful. Look forward to our routine hello tomorrow. :)

Day 144: Pick up the tab

It was such a gorgeous day outside today. For lunch, my best friend Alissa and I went to City Market had each got one of their delicious dill egg salad sandwiched. They were scrumptious.

She didn't know it, I picked up the tab before she got to the counter.

I love doing that. <3

Day 143: Pick up more cans

Dwight has been a can warrior collecting cans too and storing them for me as we accumulate them for donations towards 'Cans for Shani'!

Today I picked up his second batch of cans. Between the two of us, they're starting to pile up in the garage :)

Thank you Dwight for your continued can collecting!

Day 142: Vote for a friend to get her dream wedding

http://www.1043myfm.com/cc-common/contests/photo_contest.php?id=183367&image_id=268732

My friend Marj and her man are in a contest for a dream wedding. It's neat that they found each other and now know what it feels like to "have it all".

Today I threw my vote in to help get them their dream wedding. It was easy to register and vote, so if you feel like joining in, please vote too!

Day 141: Show people they matter

It's interesting to see the impact of what each daily acts of kindness results to.

This morning my daughter was being picked up by her dad, he's having to travel for work, so he took her for a special morning and quality time before he left. There was a two fold act of kindness today. He had forgotten something, so he left and when he came back to pick up our daughter he had brought donuts for breakfast. And while he was gone. My daughter and I put together a steaming cup of coffee with delicious creamer for him.

Both actions made me smile internally. Life isn't always perfect but if you can make it beautiful with kind gestures, then it can be gosh darn close. I can tell my daughter loved the fun banter she saw between the two people that love her the most. I could tell it meant alot to her. And to see her smile and laugh as a result. That's perfection.

I also received an email tonight from someone who is closely related to a blog post about an act of kindness that I had done previously. The clear message from the email- "people matter"' <3 That email solidifies what I do daily and the goal of this blog is.

Some days I'm not at my greatest. But as soon as an act of kindness is committed, it brings me full circle to the purpose of this blog is - to show people that they matter.

Thank you for your email. A reminder that you never know who's lives you may touch.

Day 140: Help the Boys and Girls Club in Rochester

https://m.facebook.com/boysgirlsclubrochester

Currently the Boys and Girls Club in Rochester, Mn have 918 likes on their Facebook page.

When they get to 1,000 likes, they will receive $4,000. That's free money from a one second gesture of kindness.

Please click like tonight and be apart of a group effort act of kindness! :)

Day 139: Help serve

There was a retirement party today for a pretty incredible person from our department. I use to enjoy walking with him and chatting about the weather and Rochester. He'll be missed.

As the cake was being cut, I culled in and helped hand deliver each delectable slice. Maybe it was an act of kindness or maybe I just wanted to get close to every slice due to my pregnancy. :-p

Day 138: Show up on time

Today I met with my advisor for COLLEGE!!!

I showed up promptly. On time. However, he was delayed with another student. I found myself wondering if I should have been annoyed by it, but I really wasn't. And after meeting with him, I found out why.

You see, someone recommended him to me. They told me he would be attentive and really take a supportive role with me.

And that he did. I discovered within five minutes why he was sought after and referred. He took his time with me. Went over options and really struck it home for me that I CAN do this with everything else I have going on.

So, I showed up on time and sometimes people are well worth the wait. :)

Day 137: Give another mom a much needed break

After work, I picked up my daughter. One of my daughters good friends and mom walked out. M's mom and I chatted and I asked her if she and M would like to join us for dinner. She shared that she'd only gotten an hour of sleep from trying to complete a work deadline for today.

I swiftly offered to take M so she could take a much needed break! I convinced her by saying it would be my act of kindness for the day!

Every mom needs a break, sometimes we need to give each other permission that it's ok. I was honored that she let me and my daughter had a blast with her buddy too!

Day 136: Welcome staff to our floor

The last couple of days some staff have consolidated to the floor I work on. I was gone yesterday, but planned to bring treats in for them this morning. My honey left early this morning, so I stayed up and went into work earlier then normal (anyone that knows me knows that I sleep till the 9th hour and literally it's a mad dash to get to work. :-p) So, me coming super early into work is a surprise and usually means something's up! :-p

I walked in, grinning, and gave the treats to one of the admins. They were all SO excited. My coworker LaVonne also brought in treats. Makes me feel good to know that people are shown love :)

I find that these acts of kindness become more and more effortless daily. It's because I WANT to genuinely do it. I understand and know the effect now. It's on the tip of my boyfriend, daughter, friends tongues now: "what should we do for our acts of kindness today?" It's not just me doing it. It's us. All of us! :)

Day 135: Thank a crossing guard

Today was going to be a whirlwind day, I had a fun breakfast planned. And a special morning planned with my daughter and best friends son (who is practically like a son to me too). We ate our breakfast and went to the park. Afterwards , I dropped off best friends son at school. As we were driving out of the school, we stopped as a crossing guard stopped all traffic to let kids cross safely.

It dawned on me to pull to the dude and thank him. And I did. I told him "Thank you for keeping out children safe!" He seemed pleasantly surprised and earnestly said "You're welcome!"

A small gesture goes a long way. Especially thank you's!

Day 134: Treat some friends to a show

Mothers day. Never knew what it meant to be a mother till I had my daughter.

Today wasn't just my day, though. It was my daughters first dance recital. She was beautiful on stage and a natural.

I treated a couple of friends to the show. It was nice having people surround my daughter in support too /)

Day 133: Door to door kindness

Yep. My daughter, good friend Karlys and I went door to door and did acts of kindness in my neighborhood. My daughter was so excited to do the acts of kindness, she asked every other minute when we were leaving to do it. Lol

We handed out candy to each neighbor. It was neat to see reactions when we explained that we were doing acts of kindness.

Definitely a gorgeous day to be outside.

We also play at a park, rode in a paddle boat admiring the beautiful surroundings and baby geese!

Day 132: Read to kids

Fridays are always terrific! Today was even more fun because I surprised my daughter and had lunch with her. Right afterwards, I read to the kids in her classroom. The awe and excitement in kids genuine interest in books seems so undermined with all the technology we have today. Yet, they loved it, and asked for another book after each one.

Reading is such a great personal connection. Had a blast!

Day 131: A mothers love

http://www.godvine.com/Mother-s-Inspiring-Video-About-her-Blind-Baby-Boy-1484.html

I've seen this video in feeds on Facebook and I waited to watch it till I was at home. I figured it would make me cry.

And it did.

A mothers love is so deep. Unconditional.

I thought this fitting leading up to Mother's day. Sharing this video. :) makes a difference.

Truest act of kindness? Knowing that everyone really IS beautiful <3

Day 130: Help a college student

A college student was lugging a chair full (yes, he was pushing a rolling chair) full of clothes and other stuff. I helped open doors and then helped him with his stuff on the elevator.

He was very appreciative :) I asked him if school was done and he said he had 2 more finals, I wished him luck :)

Day 129: Kindness passed on.

This conversation occurred when I picked my daughter up today.

Daughter: "Mommy, that boy was mean to me in school but I talked to him about it and now he's nice to me"

Me: "See, you're changing the world, little one. I'm proud of you!"

Daughter: "Mommy, it's because you talk about being kind to people"

Me: (gulp back tears) "wow."

Completely caught me by surprise. Wow. Wow.
Wow.


If you ever wonder if your child considers you a role model or looks to you for guidance or retains what you teach. Wonder no more. They do.

She IS my greatest accomplishment.

Day 128: Supporting democracy

Today was a huge day for Minnesota. The Vikings stadium bill has been controversial and I don't want to get in a debate here.

However, as a citizen we have rights/opinions and legislative that represents us. And we should make sure we are heard on issues or topics that compel us or are important.

I let me voice be heard today by sending a note (sorta firm :-p) on my stance.

What's neat is that this issue has peeked the interest on the legislative process. I listened to the debate and discussion today. I'll be monitoring what were doing at the Capitol more often on other issue that I feel are even more important!

Day 127: [Vending Machine] Your treat/beverage is on me

This one was super fun! My friend, Gwen, sent me a Facebook message of this idea that she saw someone post.

I taped an envelope on a vending pop machine with a dollar bill inside so someone's treat/pop was free!

On a side note, I got a message from a friend who's been inspired by the blog. They were at a restaurant and noticed that their waiter got stiffed by the people next to them. After seeing that, they added an additional tip to their total to compensate for the actions of the other people. Awesome :)

Day 126: Support dance and march of dimes

Today we attended Scott's daughters dance recital. She was beautiful on stage. The lady that owns the studio, had a daughter that was born premature. Shes doing great and now they have dedicated their lives to the March of Dimes.

Today, I donated (again) to the March of Dimes.

Day 125: Start a piggy bank for a cause

Ok! This is a great idea! I always have change lying around, dumping it out of my car, work, purse, pockets - you name it - pennies everywhere!

Today I'm starting a "piggy bank" - ill collect my change till the end of the year and donate it towards a cause!

I'm loving these ideas. Right now my boyfriend is scrounging his place looking for change to contribute! SO cute!

Also, I have a co-worker who drops of aluminum pop tabs to contribute towards the Ronald McDonald house that my daughter and I are doing together.

I have another friend helping me in collecting cans for Cathy and Dave's adoption.

I had another friend collecting and bringing over Box tops for education.

How cool is this?!?!

Day 124: Fundraising benefit

Today I attended and donated towards a fundraising benefit for someone experiencing ovarian cancer. What I found incredible was how many people attended and not just people from the department the person was from. <3 It's really nice to see people banding together in support of a co-worker/friend.

http://www.ovarian.org/

Also, after lunch, as I was leaving Barnes and Noble, an elderly couple was trying to exit - the woman was in a wheelchair. What I found interesting was that no one (at first) stepped forward to help them. The doors were confined/small and it was obvious, due to the wheelchair, both doors would need to be opened in order for her to exit. The gentleman asked for help and someone said "There's a handicap button on the side" I jumped forward instantly and assisted. As SOON as I did that, others came forward to help.

Sometimes you just gotta take the lead and show people the way.

As the couple was leaving, the gentleman smiled in genuine thanks and said "It takes a village, huh?"

Isn't that the truth? The woman supported today by peers, those that care and strangers bringing in food to raise money towards helping her. And then this couple supported by strangers around them.

We all need help at some point <3

Day 123: surprise my honey with golf

Today I surprised my honey with a reservation for a round of golf, and several more rounds of golf for some other times. He loves to golf, but rarely gets a chance to do it. So, I made sure it happened today!

When I told him, it was the greatest reaction ever. He was SO excited. And I was even more delighted because I knew how happy he was.

I love surprising people!! :)

Day 122: Keep a promise

You might be thinking, well - how is this an act of kindness. My main act was volunteering in my daughters class today. But it goes much deeper then that.

I've volunteered before, several times and my daughter loves it when I do. I can tell it makes her proud to have her mom there. I can also tell that she knows she's loved when I'm there too. Now, she'll ask me when I'm volunteering next.

A couple of weeks ago, I got a mass email from her teacher asking for supplies for a project the kids were going to do. I instantly got excited about the project and offered to volunteer.

Work has been busy, I was sick last week and decided I really needed to focus on my work. There would be plenty of times to volunteer.

I spoke to my daughter last night, and she didn't let me off the hook. In fact, her response was "Mommy, you promised".

That I did.

I volunteered today. :) I woke up really early (early for me ;) went into work and used my lunch to keep that promise I made to her.

The smile of pride and unconditional love on her face made my day. But even more, she knows she can count on me. And she'll remember that for the rest of her life.

Another day in the books. Life is good.

May you keep your promises and know the impact that makes <3