Day 91: Lollipops for kids

Today we visited Grandmas house :-) enjoyed a bonfire, grilled food and amazing Neiman Marcus bars ;-)

The kids and I discussed what we should do as the act of kindness today. I figured the act would present itself like it normally does....and by george it did!!

After we left Grandmas house, I told Scott I wanted to stop by this cute little ice cream shop I saw downtown Delano, called 'Linnies Ice cream'. The kids got excited when they heard the word ice cream.

We walked in and instantly enveloped in a warm welcome. The girls picked out their ice cream, I of course, got my favorite - rocky road.

We all sat down, enjoying our cones. I looked around and noticed all the other kids. And then it hit me - opportunities present themselves - I had to do something for these kids.

So, went up to the counter, asked how much the lollipops were (reasonable price!) ok. Sold. I had our eldest daughter help pass them out.

The reactions from the kids is what really impressed and amazed me. One girl (about 11 years old) looked so genuinely appreciative. As I was explaining to her family about why we were doing this, her eyes lit up and she said enthusiastically "We do kind acts too". It made me excited and warmed my heart that looking in her eyes - She got it. At 11 years old.

There were hugs given. Parents sincere admiration and appreciation for the act of kindness shown to their kids. I KNOW that there was a true impact tonight....and it started with a lollipop.

Day 90: Donate toward Igors new shoes

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/46897941/ns/today-good_news/#.T3YJDdXH58F

We've all heard of him, but maybe you haven't yet.

"Igor Vovkivinskiy is a big man with a big heart. A very big heart. It’s literally twice as big as the average person’s."

"From the perspective of most people, Vovkivinskiy is a giant. At 7-foot-8.33 inches tall, he’s the tallest man in the United States, and he’s been dealing with a colossal problem: He can’t find shoes that fit."

Vovkivinskiy moved to Rochester, Minn., from Kiev, Ukraine in 1989 at age 6. His mother was desperate to find medical care for her son, who already towered above her at 6 feet tall at the time. She made sure he was situated near the Mayo Clinic, where surgeons tried to remove a tumor in his pituitary gland that was overwhelming his body with growth hormones.

 The National Geographic Channel reported that the tumor was too deeply embedded to be removed entirely, so Vovkivinskiy kept growing, and growing, and growing.

I love that so many people have helped Igor. And even though Reebok has stepped forward and said they would cover the cost - people are STILL donating! Yes, yes yes!!!

Cheers Igor! To some comfort towards your feet soon <3 And much more!

http://www.gofundme.com/IgorNeedsShoes

Day 89: Share about other random acts of kindness

So, on my quest to figure out what to do today, I did my routine googling of random acts of kindness. Usually I hit the main site and start browsing. Sometimes things just present itself too.

However. Something interesting happened today. I saw a title of one link in my search that said "366 Random Acts of Kindness"!

At first I couldn't believe someone else was doing the same thing, so I researched the blog more -

http://www.366randomacts.org

And I found this article: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local/mathie&id=8508734

Ryan, you rock! I'm over the moon excited that someone out there was thinking the same thing and that your acts are creating ripples too!

We'll have to swap notes at the end of the year! <3

Day 88: Facebook "likes" helps squash hunger

https://www.facebook.com/thesalarmy

An easy act of kindness :) See deets below:


"We are in the final days of MN FoodShare Month. You can be a Salvation Army volunteer by "sharing" this message with your friends and family. Every "like" to The Salvation Army - MN/ND Facebook page sends a meal to a hungry Minnesotan. Thank you!"

Day 87: Give away free wild tickets

On Day 78, I had posted about giving away free wild tickets - the goal was to inspire others to do a good deed and to submit their stories.

But I didn't receive any (don't be disappointed, I'm not - let me explain)

At first, I was a little bummed.

But then I realized that these tickets were meant for someone that is giving of themselves daily, every moment and second of the day. I noticed the sacrifices this person was making by some Facebook posts, and also noticed some hardships.

So, I sent this person a note and said I would like for him to have it.

Here's what I received back (see image below)

Yep. Even though the intent behind the initial goal of the ticket giveaway didn't transpire - what did transpire was that the person getting these tickets didn't do anything purposeful to get these tickets. He's doing these kind acts because it's the right thing to do, even when no one is looking (as the saying goes)

Day 78, Day 87 ;-)

I gave him the tickets today. And here's how thoughtful he was. He brought me a gift in thanks. Totally not necessary, but goes to show - an act of kindness goes much deeper in appreciation. You touch people's souls.

Day 86: Count your blessings

Today's act is pretty simple. Counting my blessings.

2011 was a tough year. I had a hefty medical bill, and in turn, confronted a real financial crises head on. Traded in my SUV for a better more fuel efficient car. Cut out a lot in my monthly bills. And just plain did without a lot. I truly knew what it meant to barely live pay check to paycheck. Not that I've never known that - I just thought that I wouldn't be facing it again....

But I got through it. It wasn't easy, but I had faith (and support) And every time I turned a corner where I didn't have money to do something - somehow something was presented to where I could do it. Like a friend (without knowing my situation) paying for my movie ticket. Or the other friend offering to get me a caribou. Or another friend picking up my tab for lunch.

This year is different. Sometimes sacrifice comes at a cost, but in the end - it all comes together. And you look back reflecting - I am so grateful of where I'm at now. <3

That hefty medial bill is paid off.
I'm getting offers to do things that I get paid a tad extra for.
Today was my 5 year anniversary at an employer that I love dearly (as well as my coworkers)
I have the miracle of life growing inside me.
I have good health and so does my daughter.
I have a good man standing by my side - good or bad.
I have the best of friends a girl could ask for.
The list goes on :)

For those that knew my situation and supported me - thank you.
For those that didn't know my situation, but was an angel in disguise - thank you. :)

You may wonder why I'm so open. Because I know I'm not the only one. I also know that life isn't perfect and we all can relate in some capacity. And - someone out there might be struggling.

No matter the struggle, you CAN overcome it. And you're not alone <3

Counting my blessings - on more then one hand this year. <3

Day 85: Support family

Today I called my Aunt to check in on how she's doing. Shes's going in for surgery tomorrow. Normally, I wouldn't have called. But these daily acts of kindness has provoked me to be more interactive, and purposeful in my actions.

She was in good spirits :) and I'll be praying tons for her (mind shooting up a few for her too?!?)

My aunt holds a special part in my heart. My grandmothers shadow lives in her and she has a special unique spirit!