Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Day 213: Make a new friend

My daughter is taking swim lessons. She's like me, timid and not confident in water. However, I took swim lessons last summer and now she is! We'll be fish in water together :)

I met another mom tonight at my daughters swim lessons. We talked about our daughters swimming. I offered to get her a snack from the vending machine but she had already had dinner.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Day 212: A brownie for a coworker

One of my favorite food pyramid items are brownies. Today I was bring trained on a website that needed to be built. Two of my coworkers have worked so hard in training and getting our team up to speed. One of them, Becky, showed me the ropes on something new today :) I had a brownie waiting for our training time. She's a bit of a healthy eater so I was delighted when she told me she inhaled it.

It's nice to show someone that they are appreciated <3

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Day 211: Pick up trash on land and in lake

Today I showed Scott one of the new hot spots in Rochester, The Loop. Man was the food good! As we sat there, this napkin kept floating around on the ground. I watched as several people walked by it and didn't pick it up.

Towards the end of the meal and after utilizing my new sociology perspective experiment (from college)- I picked it up (along with a few other pieces of trash).

Afterwards we went to silver lake - we did the paddle boats - which I love! As we were paddling I noticed someone had thrown a water bottle in the water :-/ I asked Scott if he could snag it out of the water so we could get it properly disposed of :)

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Day 210: Save the children

Donated $1 to the Save the Children program :)

Friday, July 27, 2012

Day 209: Come out to Hope Lodge 5K TOMORROW

https://www.facebook.com/events/274279849346591/

"Welcome to the ’3rd Annual Party for a Cause’
Digital Avenue & High 5 Entertainment are proud to present the “3rd Annual Party for a Cause” for the Sandra J. Schulze Hope Lodge on July 28th 2012 at the Mayo Civic Center Auditorium."


Starts at noon!

If you can't make it, here's an online donation link that you can hit up 
https://partyforacause.mycharitybox.com/

 

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Day 208: Help a friend out - Come out for a dog wash

A dog wash? Is it the same as a car wash?

Sorta. Except there's cute cuddly dogs instead of cars. :-p

My friend Katie is helping with this dog wash for Small dog rescue. Please come out this Saturday July 28 and show your support by bringing your dog...and if you don't have one - come out anyways and I'm sure they'll wash your face for a donation too!

See poster below

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Day 207: A simple act of gratitude

Today I stopped over at one of my neighbors house. Jen and Wade are such a great couple. They so kind to everyone in our neighborhood and I've enjoyed having them on Facebook, getting to know them more.

As some know, I bought the book "A simple act of gratitude" for a trip earlier this year. Such a great inspiring book!

I wanted to pass it on to Jen because I thought she would truly appreciate it. :)

Ps. Thanks for the baby books too, Jen!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Day 206: Encourage/support another mother who's going to college

In my news feed on Facebook, a status from one of my young friends who's a mom too, stated she was enrolled in college.

Here's the thing. I think it's important to support fellow moms with going to college. We work our butts off to put food on the table, and going to college betters not only our lives but our children's too.

Olivia. I am SO proud of you! You can do it and then some :) I'll be rooting you on!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Day 205: Advocate awareness of cluster headache sufferers

Well, this is topic that is near and dear to my heart (along with misophonia, which I think these are both related).

Cluster headache is one of the most painful types of headache. Cluster headache is sometimes called the "alarm clock headache" because it commonly awakens you in the middle of the night with intense pain in or around the eye on one side of your head. Cluster headaches occur in cyclical patterns or clusters — which gives the condition its name.

Bouts of frequent attacks — known as cluster periods — may last from weeks to months, usually followed by remission periods when the headache attacks stop completely. During remission, no headaches occur for months and sometimes even years.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cluster-headache/DS00487

The goal of this blog post is to bring awareness and advocacy to people who suffer from cluster headaches.

http://www.clusterheadacheinfo.org/infobase:main

I have suffered from episodic cluster headaches for 10+ years. A couple of years ago I was finally correctly diagnosed. A year ago, I was put on a miracle medicinal regimen by highly regarded doctor at Mayo Clinic who specializes in cluster headaches - Dr. Ivan Garza. I owe him so much for putting me on this regimen. Thank you Dr. Garza for giving me 12-16 weeks of my life back.

Below is a picture of me at a peak point of a cluster headache. It's not pretty and it took some swallowing of my pride to post. But. Seeing the images, brings more understanding that this isn't just a headache. If you know someone who suffers from cluster headaches, give them a hug <3

More awareness and advocacy will bring more options for chronic and episodic CH sufferers and will make more medication accessible to them.



Sunday, July 22, 2012

Day 204: Education

I spent 9 hours straight today doing homework, completing quizzes and my art paper that was due today.

Just wrapped up for the day.

Learning is an act of kindness. Education is important. By learning, my contributions to the world will have more impact with the versatility I'm instilling in my mind.

And now my bed calleth me.

I leave you with this video-  so cute

http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-videos/6805-kindness-education-workshops





Saturday, July 21, 2012

Day 203: Donate to Colorado victims/families

https://www.givingfirst.org/cova/overview

No one expects to go to a midnight viewing of the new batman movie, and to be the victim of violence.

Jessica Ghawi (went by Caredfield) was one of the fatally shot victims in the Colorado's Century Aurora 16 Movie theater.

Ironically, she dodged a near death mass shooting in Toronto last month. She shared her thoughts in the link to her blog below:

http://jessicaredfield.wordpress.com/2012/06/05/late-night-thoughts-on-the-eaton-center-shooting/

This portion touched my heart:

"I was shown how fragile life was on Saturday. I saw the terror on bystanders’ faces. I saw the victims of a senseless crime. I saw lives change. I was reminded that we don’t know when or where our time on Earth will end. When or where we will breathe our last breath. For one man, it was in the middle of a busy food court on a Saturday evening.

I say all the time that every moment we have to live our life is a blessing. So often I have found myself taking it for granted. Every hug from a family member. Every laugh we share with friends. Even the times of solitude are all blessings. Every second of every day is a gift. After Saturday evening, I know I truly understand how blessed I am for each second I am given."

Jessica, you and all the other victims in that theater mattered. No one can begin to understand why someone would do such an inhumane act. But I do know one thing - your lifes words live on. I hope we call can take away your lasting impression on life's fragility....

Friday, July 20, 2012

Day 202: Keep the roads safe

As I was traveling to the cities, I was in the right lane and a vehicle kept an inconsistent speed to the left of me. I kept my cruise control on (so I don't get speeding tickets ;-)) and the vehicle eventually lowered their speed and merged behind me.

I kept monitoring them in my rear view mirror and side mirrors, noticing they kept crossing the median and swerving. I was glad they were behind me, but decided I would call it in just in case - could have been a person having a seizure, drunk driver or texting driver.

Called highway patrol and notified them.

Also! I was the recipient of act of kindness today! Earlier today I went to subway and got a yummy sandwich. Well, the cashier guy decided to give me free cookies! He said they were going to throw them away anyways. :) I paid it forward and gave some to my coworkers. :)

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Day 201: Have a great day!

This morning my daughter and I were scrambling out of the house. It was organized chaos. She was going on a field trip and I still needed to get cash for her to take with her. We stopped by Kwik Trip, got some waters for each of us then debited some cash. We chatted with the cashier, more of an selective effort on my part to not rush the interaction and take time to really acknowledge and appreciate a complete stranger. As I we left, I warmly told him to have a great day.

My daughter ran back to him and emphasized running the point home "have a great GREAT day!!!!"

She came up to me and said "I did an act of kindness momma!"

It's nice to see her identify that it's the smallest of gestures that have the greatest effect. :)

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Day 200: Reach down and lift someone up

Today I got a message on Facebook from a friend who needed help. I was able to leverage some of my networking skills to get this person connected. Because I want to keep some of it private I won't expound in it, but I will say this

Sometimes we just need a little help, and I hope ALL of those times - we step up and deliver and then some.

This persons gratitude and appreciation was expressed over and over.

I'm glad people are willing to ask for help when they need it. <3

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Day 199: Give tons of stationary and wedding stuff to a bride-to-be

I was so excited for Angie, one of my good friends, to come over and look at my tub of stationary and wedding paper/stock I had stored for 9 years :-o I never threw it away because it was fancy stuff and I thought it could be put to good use one day .....I didn't want to waste it!

So, today she popped over and was able to use/take more then half the stuff! I'm overjoyed that she can use it for her wedding! Can't wait to help you prep things for your wedding Angie! Cheers! [clink]

Monday, July 16, 2012

Day 198: Be a role model

Today I took my daughter to the mall. It's a great mother/daughter adventure. She's not a big shopper but she tolerates it. Mostly she just wants to play at the indoor park there. And that's where we ended up after checking out a few stores and eating. :)

While we were there my daughter quickly connected with another girl. I love seeing how kind, thoughtful and inclusive she is. It makes me proud.

They'd come over a few times and chat with me and then run off.

At dinner, I got two kids meals that had two baseball stuffed toys and threw them in my purse. When my daughter came back around, I asked her if we should give one of the toys to the new friend (as long as it was ok with her mom) as our act of kindness to the girl. My daughter got super excited, ran over to the other mother and got the ok.

They continued to play, enjoying their new toys. Eventually the girl left and my daughter fleeted around like a butterfly, interacting with other kids, looking joyful.

As her time was coming to a close, she ran to me suddenly and with a serious joyful tone said: "momma! I just did an act of kindness! I told that girl that I liked her dress and she looked beautiful!"

My daughter ran back off and I sat there beaming with pride. That's ma' girl.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Day 197: Compliment a young girl

Scott and I finally completed or baby registry! Towards the end of registering, there was a young girl that walked by in the CUTEST outfit ever. Generally I wouldn't have said anything, but now that I do these acts of kindness, stuff just blurts out....

And, I know what it feels like to be complimented, or told about my appearance in a not so great way, especially while pregnant. :-p

I told her that her outfit looked adorable! She almost darted off but her father told her to say thank you :) so cute <3

Compliment our young girls, fellow women and loved ones. Lift each other up and hug it out ;)

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Day 196: Thank my classmate

On Thursday I went on a mandatory field trip for my college class Art Appreciation to the cities to the Minneapolis Art Institute and Walker Art center.

While I was there, I met a classmate named Carrie. I've seen her on our online course discussion posts and she and I have interacted. She's very smart and a dedicated student!

While I was there we had to follow this required document to pick out our artwork to write our paper about. I had the document on my phone but my battery was quickly dying.

Carrie in her organized studious fashion had an extra copy of the document and offered it to me!

I sent her a thank you tonight and also asked if she would be interested in studying or writing our paper together :)

Friday, July 13, 2012

Day 195: Feed a toad

Scott's been feeding this toad the last couple of times he's been here. Tonight he went outside to enjoy the cool breeze. And the toad, which he named Frank, was back! Scott proceeded to feed him more bugs! And then he convinced me to feed Frank too! He snagged a bug for me and I almost didn't do it. The bug looked like it had a stinger on it! But Scott transferred the bug to me via the wings. As soon as I bent over, frank jumped away! It was obvious that he got use to Scott. I leaned forward a bit more holding this bug in my hand and wanting to get rid of it stat! Lol

I dropped it in front of frank :)

We should be kind to toads too :-p It was nice to get close to nature and amazing to watch Frank dart his tongue out to accept the bugs Scott gave. :) I can't believe I just fed a toad!!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Day 194: Get my teacher cookies

Posting story soon! (doing homework first)

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Day 193: Get a coupon, pass it on

Gas costs are looking a tad better! I've had this fleet-farm 4 cents of each gallon coupon in my purse for several months.

Today I gave it to LaVonne's hubby. He surprised our team with bagels this morning!

Kindness begets kindness. Enjoy your 4 cents off each gallon of gas on your Chevy Jim!!!!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Day 192: Lunch and Dinner on me

For lunch I enjoyed the company of my friend and coworker LaVonne. I know I've mentioned her before but want to touch on what a truly kind generous person she is. She's the motherly type. I suppose I instantly gravitated to her because her motherly instinct and kind heart reminds me so much of my own personal hero and only mother I really had in my grandmother. I took care of lunch today.

Tonight I was running around trying to find clothes to fit my ever-evolving body from pregnancy. I found a gorgeous black dress at Savers. I'm excited to wear it.

Afterwards, I went to chipotle. The guy behind the counter chatted with me asking the usual "When are you due?" my response "Not soon enough." lol I noticed this woman that was next in line. She was really patient while the man and I chatted. Most people would get annoyed and want to rush random bantering in a food line like that.

Not her. She was gracious. Smiled. And murmured support to me.

When I got to the cash register I quietly told the staff person that I wanted to take care of the woman next to me order.

Out of the corner of my eye I noticed the woman getting her card read to pay for hers. I had a huge grin on my face as things were paid up. Right before I left, I turned to the woman, and said "Every day I do an act of kindness, I took care of your dinner, have a wonderful rest of the day"

She was so surprised, and what I found surprising myself - she accepted with ease and said thank you about a billion times.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Day 191: Work on my daughters baby book

I know there's some of you out there that look at the vast many blank pages of your baby book and wish your parents had filled it out more...or maybe I'm the only one. :)

I swore when I had a child I would diligently fill it out. I've done pretty well with keeping up with most of the entries. Tonight I dedicated some serious time working on it. Adding pictures, put more entries in there of milestones....

I know she'll absolutely cherish this book when she gets older. And this is one of the most important lasting gifts I feel I can give her.

I even have a letter I wrote to her on her first birthday for her to open up on her 16th birthday.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Day 190: Thank my honey

Thank my honey for all that he does and more <3

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Day 189: Kindness vow

http://www.onemillionactsofkindness.com/the-real-idols/


"You can live your life exactly as one of these idols. Inspire yourself to live the best life humanly possible. Only you are standing in the way…do it…be that person. Print up any one of these vows, sign your name, hang it on your wall and let the most unbelievable journey, you ever dreamt possible, begin. Dedicate the remainder of your life to a charity!!"

Sharing this! It's too cool. Taking a vow to do and live like Ghandi, Mither Teresa, or Martin Luther King Jr. did. A nice reminder and reaffirmation for myself...and maybe you too? :)


Friday, July 6, 2012

Day 188: Customer service survey via phone

Ohhhhh today was a good day :) its always a good one when you call your car insurance company to ask if you qualify for any discounts....and you do!

I spoke to a guy named Tom. What a nice man he was. He instantly told me happy belated birthday! I explained to him that a speeding ticket should e come off my record, and I'm a student now. Boom! 2 significant discounts!

What I found interesting about this guy was, not only did he take his time with me and really looked at ways to save me money, but he also gave me great advice on managing auto payments!

He asked me towards the end of the conversation if I would be willing to take a survey on how he handled the call and I told him "absolutely!"

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Day 187: Donate to John Wright

Today my sister posted about a friend who was an innocent bystander from a wayward firework explosion that damaged his eye at church function. He's been in the hospital undergoing surgeries, but have been told he will virtually be left blind in one eye.

This is not what a person expects when attending a function celebrating Independence day. <3 His life is forever changed in one instance.

Info on how you can help with medical bills, unexpected loss of work hours, gas, hotel stay, etc. (I'm pitching in tonight! :)

Send a PayPal to Yatesphoto@gmail.com

Or
send donations to
US Bank
Camdenton, MO
John and CeCe Wright

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Day 186: Co-Grand Marshal of Rochester Jaycees parade

First and foremost, Happy Independence day to you all! It was a fun eventful day for us.

Kicked off the day as a co-grand marshal with Randy Brock (Kttc weather guy and great friend!) for the Rochester Jaycees 4th of July kids parade. SO cute seeing all the kids with their festive decked out bikes, wagons and strollers. Definitely was a hot day today and everyone was sweating!

When the parade ended, there were booths and activities for the kids. I noticed that there was a pretty long line for the face painting with only one guy doing it. I volunteered and jumped in to help! I have never done any face painting before, but I did fairly decent and the kids didn't complain :-p

Thanks for the fun memories Jaycees!

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Day 185: Wait on the boys!

Tonight we kicked off Independence day eve festivities by having some friends over. I kept asking what I should do today for an act of kindness; of course "waiting on them" became the popular idea. haha!

So I did! Brought the boys beer, pizza! And whatever they needed :)

Monday, July 2, 2012

Day 184: Donate cell phone to friend

A few days ago a friend posted a status, looking to secure a loaner phone since her cell phone became out of commission. I've been in her shoes before! Can't miss a text, ya know :)

So, in the midst of cleaning/organizing in preparations of princess M, I found my old LG rumor!

Gave it to her today - she was overjoyed. It'll do till she gets another phone :)

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Day 183: Your drink is on me!

First, I got a 100% on my second quiz for my first class in college! I'm so excited!

Today we headed to the cities and met up with Scott's cousin Wes and his fiancé, Brianna. They are such a fun couple! We went to the Mall of America, had dinner at Bubba Gumps shrimp, had a delicious non-alcoholic strawberry mango chiller. Mmmmm! We went to the movies afterwards. I surprised Bri with a drink there :) it's fun to do acts of kindness when it's not expected.

Cheers!