Day 244: Click for a cause

http://www.oneclickatatime.org/

"Click to donate free allows you to generate revenue for the charity without spending your money. All funds are sponsor driven. The only cost to you is time. Every time you spend a few minutes clicking creates a valuable contribution to your favorite cause."

I clicked this website http://www.care2.com/click-to-donate/children/

And helped one child in need :)

You can too! Click the first link, then any charity that you feel passionate about :)

Easy. Free (sponsor driven) only takes your time!

Day 243: Mentor (and cupcakes)

Today I took the college student I'm mentoring to meet with his advisor. It was great. Bob Ekstam is one of the most incredible people I've ever met and anyone is lucky to have him as an advisor at RCTC. We nailed down some classes for next semester.

When we were done, we left and pick up his cousin and I showed them Thursdays on First (neither had ever been) and of course I took them to get the Mon Petite cupcakes. Both were exclaiming over them.

Day 242: A lesson on beauty

Today I had lunch with my friend Alison. It was nice to catch up and to spend time with her. While we were sitting outside and Alison chatted, I couldn't help but be distracted by this young woman at another table.

She intrigued me. I kept observing her and noticed how much effort she put in her outer appearance. She was dressed impeccably, her hair pulled up to perfection, her make up done to the nines. I watched her smile, completely carefree.

You would have never noticed that she was in a wheelchair.

The past couple of months I have been sensitive to people making comments on my appearance due to my pregnancy. "You're huge!" or "You're SO big!" (YES. People really DO make comments like this) It's really made me realize how much judgement people make on another persons appearance. We feel it's ok to share negative or rude comments, as if it's warranted, justified or needed to be spoken.

I was completely blown away by this young woman. She seemed to ooze this sense of confidence, self-worth...and like she knew the secret to happiness. She certainly didn't let the fact that she was in a wheelchair limit her. That was obvious.

I went up to her and told her that she was beautiful. I didn't do it to just be nice or because she was in a wheelchair. I did it because she was a woman, and she taught me an excellent life lesson today. No matter what others may perceive as a limitation or hindrance on "beauty"- doesn't mean we have to agree with it or even put up with it.

Day 241: Earn book reward points for school

I ordered three books from scholastics for my daughter through a bookclub that her teacher created. Each time a parent orders, the classroom earns reward points that her teacher can use to get new books for the classroom!

1. My daughter gets fun books delivered to her classroom that I ordered
2. She learns how fun it is to read
3. Other kids benefit from parents ordering

Pretty cool :)

Day 240: Create a wish list with daughter

It has been four days since I had seen my daughter. Such is the life of sharing your child when you're divorced. I can tell you this. You learn to appreciate the time you have with them and make it as memorable and fun. I value time so much more now.

Tonight I asked her if she wanted to make a list of things she'd like to do. Sort of a wish list. Like the lists I make. She was so excited and started cranking out some fun ideas. I especially loved the "washing dishes" I'm going to keep this list for when she becomes a teenager and refuses to do the dishes. :-p

Before she went to bed she kissed my pregnant belly (for Madison) and kissed my cheek and said she loved us (without me telling her first) Life doesn't get much better then that, folks.

Day 239: Save money and help others

http://www.commonkindness.com/

Very cool site where you print off coupons - businesses pay an advertising fee and 20% go to non-profits!

Register today, I did :)

Day 238: Just call me the garbage man errrr woman

I noticed my neighbors trash can was still out from yesterday, which I can only assume they're gone for the weekend.

I pulled it up to their house. :)

Day 237: Books for college student and drag a friend out

Today, I took the college student Im mentoring to get his books today. :)

And tonight I dragged my friend Greg out of the house to hang out. It's been awhile since I've seen him. <3

Day 236: Encourage someone who has an interview

You've been there. I've been there. Nothing like the night before jitters before an interview.

One of my friends, Missy, has an interview tomorrow. She's one of the kindest people I know and has a huge heart.

She'll knock this interview out of the park :).


I also have another friend that has an important meeting tomorrow for a potential interview. You're in my thoughts! You got this <3

Day 235: Kindness boomerang

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwAYpLVyeFU&sns=em

This has got to be the coolest 5 minute video ever. I hope it inspires you as much as it did me. You gotta watch it!

- brought a coupon to my friend and saved her 20% off on a big purchase
- helped college student I'm mentoring figure out his book situation and give him guidance

Day 234: Plan to attend Erins 5K Fun Run and Family Festival

I'm posting this in advance and on this blog in hopes to get the word out and to support Erin and her family. I do not know her personally, but her story speaks to everyones heart. It's one of those - 'you cant look away and not help'.

Here's why:

https://www.facebook.com/Erins5kFunRunFamilyFestival/info

"Erin Pendergast, our 30 year old friend and coworker who was recently diagnosed with a grade IV cancerous brain tumor at 22 weeks pregnant. Shortly after her diagnosis, Erin had surgery to remove the tumor followed by radiation and oral chemotherapy treatments. On August 14th, Erin, husband Ryan, and big brother Ethan (age 3) welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Jayson to t

heir family. Jayson was delivered at 34 weeks so Erin could continue aggressive treatment. Erin has been an inspiration to us all with her continued positive attitude and bright smile. She has been a hero to her family, and someone that deserves great recognition. Come help us bless this family! The run/walk will be followed by a family festival including food, music, bake sale, and lots of carnival activities for the whole family."

Please consider attending these events:

Date: Saturday, September 29, 2012
Fun Run Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.
5K Fun Run: 9:00 a.m.
Family Run/Walk: 9:05 a.m.
Family Festival: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Lunch will be served beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the food is gone

Location
The Eagles Club
On the Lawn
917 15th Avenue SE

Race Route Info
The route starts and finishes at the Slatterly Park Shelter. Parking is available at The Eagles Club or Slatterly Park. The route is an “out and back” and follows the Rochester trail system toward McQuillan field. The run will NOT be chip-timed as it is an informal fun run. We look forward to celebrating Erin’s energetic spirit and love of running with you on this fun run

Day 233: Help some strangers who almost paid parking and didnt need to

So, it never fails, once a month or so, as I'm leaving work - I'll see someone at the parking meter box attempting to pay for parking after 5pm. It doesn't clearly state on the box that it's free after 5pm (I plan on calling the parking ramp owners asking them to display this info so people don't lose money)

Anyways. I'm leaving work and I see the two girls about to pay. I ran my pregnant self to the door to stop them :)

They were super grateful. Hey, it's two bucks! Better spent on a beer or soda :)

Day 232: Another carload of clothes and toys donated

As the pregnancy progresses, so does the sense of last leg of the "race" of panic to get things prepared for the baby. Which means - make room for baby!

We've had stuff sitting in the garage for awhile. I had went through the house (again) and purged more things. Sometimes I wonder why we even buy things when it ends up as clutter and gets donated anyways. I have to constantly ask myself now - am I going to use this for a lifetime? No? Don't buy!!! Lol

So, off to Savers the stuff went :) and soon a crib will take the new spaces place :)

Day 231: Give someone a fortune cookie

Tonight we made stir-fry. Well, Scott made stir-fry. We had some friends over to eat it. It was HOT. Like spicy hot. Now, I like hot stuff. But this one topped most hit stir-fries I've ever had.

And of course, can't have stir-fry without some fortune cookies, which were given out. I gave mine up since there was an extra person that swung by.

His fortune said something about "happiness finding him this year". Fun <3

Day 230: Open doors for mom with stroller

I'm going to be in her shoes in 6-7 weeks. :) have you ever had to manage opening doors and push a stroller through? It's a McGuyver move we somehow figure out.

I opened the door for her though. She was very appreciative. <3

Wish I was in a stroller and someone else push my pregnant self :-p

Day 229: Icecream and a sleepover

My daughter and her best friend have been begging for a sleepover. As parents we finally conceded :-p Today was a day filled with icecream (slurped in the car resulting in super chocolatey faces) and then sleepover bonanza.

I've never seen so many smiles <3

Hopefully, we have all nighter sleepy girls :)

Day 228: Be a mentor to a college student

A week ago a friend, who is heavily involved in the community and helping/motivating/inspiring kids that need that additional support or may not have a network to support them, posted a status about a young man who wanted to go to college but he didn't think it was possible.

She told him it was POSSIBLE.

I read her status about him and I felt compelled to help. He needed rides to his appointments and orientation. I could do that. He needs support and guidance. I could do that.

My friend set him up with squaring away his admissions paperwork, he started his financial aid and finished it today.

And I got to be there for the start of his journey. I picked him up and we instantly hit it off. I could tell he wanted this (college) thing badly. Stopped by his appointment. Then we stopped by the area where all the overview sheets for degrees were. He was SO excited!

Whats amazing is he inspired me. We take a lot for granted. College seems so out of grasp, but it CAN be within our grasp. His words "one step at a time"

I'm excited to walk with him on this journey.

Day 227: Clean roommates sons betta fish bowl

Tonight I cleaned my daughters betta fish bowl. You know how kids are, when you first get the pet, they'll exclaim over and over that they'll clean the fish bowls or take care of their pets.

Parents are such suckers!! Lol

While I was at it, I cleaned my roommates sons betta fish bowl too.

Those bettas sure look happy now. <3

Day 226: Play matchmaker

Today I posted on my Facebook soliciting any eligible singles to message me and I would match make! I know ALOT of incredible single people and in the past Ive been asked to match people up but Ive declined.

I have to say, it was so much fun corresponding with people

And
I
Matched
Two people
Up
Already!!

I plan on matchmaking 3 more couples :)

Day 225: Thank my teacher

My first semester back at college has been a great one. My other two attempts back in the day I didn't take I seriously.

I've been lucky that I had two great teachers for my first semester back.
I just finished up my sociology course and rounded up both my courses with a 4.0. It feels good.

I sent a note of thanks to my teacher for sociology. He's been great. <3

Day 224: Prop open a door for a mom moving in her college student

Tonight while we were out, we saw a mom moving in her college student. She kept having to open both doors. Obviously that was too much of a barrier!

So, I grabbed two chairs and used them to prop the doors open :)

Day 223: Plant a coupon, returning an act of kindness

A month or so ago, while I was shopping, I went to get replacement shaving cartridges. They're always super expensive $15-$20!! I went up to the brand I get and someone had left a coupon for $4 off!! Made my day :)

Tonight I planted a coupon for shaving cartridges for someone else to find :)

Day 222: Cupcake for my new coworker

Today I introduced my new coworker Andrea to Thursdays on First (this is a street vendor/entertainment event downtown every Thursday in Rochester)

I, of course, took her to Mon Petite cupcakes and got her one :)

Excuse the messy napkin! :-p

Day 221: Come out and support Med City BBQ

Come out this Friday, August 10th and Saturday, August 11th and support
these two great organizations.


Med City BBQ is a non-profit event benefiting youth through the Rochester Police Benevolent Association and Rochester Police Athletic League.

http://www.medcitybbq.com/#!home/mainPage

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Med-City-BBQ/112514535430479

Day 220: Scored my coworker a parking spot!

Parking is a hot commodity here in good ol' Rochester! As I was pulling into my ramp I noticed that the Mayo parking had an opening - they are hard to come by.

So, I called my good friend/coworker LaVonne and she got in there right before 2 other cars showed up :-o

Day 219: Give a random stranger a hug

I'm at lunch right now, sitting outside. I can't help but hear a woman's frustration over her boss, intimidation and lack of support towards her. I could hear anguish in her voice - and her last words "I need to get out".

Made me sad.

I got up as she was leaving and told her I wanted to give her a hug! She let me and I told her, I couldn't help but overhear your story and I do hope it gets better. <3 Both her friend and her said thank you <3

Day 218: Lemonade stand for United Way

Today the kids and us put together the lemonade stand to raise money for United Way of Olmsted County - Running Start for Schools. Running Start for Schools raises money for kids that can't afford school supplies.

The lines were slow but the clientele worthy! We had one friend stop by and drop a $20 in the bucket - still paying an extra dollar for his lemonade. (we gave him two cups for good measure!)

We raised a total of
$32!!!
Everyone pitched in to help - kids and adults set up :)

Truly a fun experience.

Day 217: Prep for lemonade stand tomorrow

Tomorrow the kids and I are doing a lemonade stand to raise money for a good cause (we'll announce the cause tomorrow!) We worked on signs and prepped the lemonade tonight :) SO much fun! The kids are so excited (and I feel like a kid too!)

If you know where we live, stop on out!!

Day 216: Strike up a conversation with a stranger

Today I made my normal trip to the City Market. They make the most delicious sandwiches. (Love their breakfast ones!!)

When I walk in I noticed two older couples and smiled at them. I could tell they weren't from up north. As soon as I heard them speak, I knew for certain due to their accents. As they were trying to figure out what they would order, I piped up and told them the HAD to get one of the turtle brownies. We started chatting and they said in their gorgeous Louisiana accent that they were here for the birth of their first granddaughter. A grandparents proud beam is truly one of a kind. I enthusiastically told them congrats and then they started asking me about my impending birth. They returned the congrats and well wishes.

Our world is a beautiful place. Adding to the next generation will only make it even more beautiful!

Day 215: Make a child's first day of school special

https://www.facebook.com/uwolmsted

Here's something cool - if you click like on United Way of Olmsted County's Facebook page - Sams Club will donate up to 500 school supply items towards the Running Start for Schools program

Running Start for Schools is a program that helps kids that can't afford school supplies.

Wanna make a kid feel great about the first day of school? Click like!

https://www.facebook.com/uwolmsted

This is one of my absolute favorites programs :) LOVE united way!!!

Day 214: Give donated clothes and inspirational key chain

Today I met up with Karen. She's a wonderful inspiring woman that puts others before herself....and those others are kids that need support.

A couple of weeks ago she put the word out that there was a girl that needed clothes. She had nothing. I posted a status and two friends (Candy and Katie) both jumped on board and donated clothes! Today I pass them on to Karen.

Karen and I chatted in her car for a bit afterwards.

It's interesting to me that when you do good in this world people sometimes have the audacity to challenge what you are doing or question intent. Because how could someone be so completely giving and be totally completely genuine?

Newsflash. There really ARE good people out there with good intentions. <3

I gave Karen a key chain that someone had given to me awhile back - on it it reads: "Wherever you go, go with all your heart".

I have that quote branded in my own heart. No matter what people say or do - do whats right within your heart and you can never go wrong. And keep on keeping on. <3

Love you Karen and for what you stand for and what you do. Don't ever stop.