What an absolutely gorgeous day for the last day of September. My friend, Tim, had asked me if I needed help with anything (the last couple of weeks, I've finally held my hand up to say - yes, I can use the help and accepted it. From one super fierce "I can do it myself woman", this has been a huge lesson for myself. I'm so use to expecting other people to accept help from me when I offer it, that I'm finally realizing we're so ingrained to not ask for it or if we do, it's a sign of weakness, etc. WRONG. It's a sign of strength and determination.)
So, Tim came over and we did some serious cleaning to that garage! Thank you Tim for all your help (and for the brownies :)) I can park inside there during winter, now, and bring little miss right inside and out from the direct cold.
As a result of cleaning the garage, we created quite the pile for donations. I took books, shoes (I cannot believe how many shoes I have donated this year) and a bunch of other things to Savers (which supports epilepsy foundation).
(Also, I am reading the book The Four Agreements by Don Muigel Ruiz recommended to me by my friend, Danielle. It's an ABSOLUTE must read for everyone out there.)
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Day 273: Attend and support Rachael Schlingmanns benefit
http://m.postbulletin.com/postbulletin/pm_105557/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=4yRwEFSP
You can read Sharon and Rachael's story in the link above.
Today I attended the benefit at the Wicked Moose, all proceeds go to defray funeral costs and to further education on drug addiction.
Sharon, thank you for continuing to share your story. You have and will touch the lives of many. <3
You can read Sharon and Rachael's story in the link above.
Today I attended the benefit at the Wicked Moose, all proceeds go to defray funeral costs and to further education on drug addiction.
Sharon, thank you for continuing to share your story. You have and will touch the lives of many. <3
Friday, September 28, 2012
Day 272: Gather, collect surprises for a single mother
Yesterday I posted on Facebook about a single mother I knew that I wanted to surprise her with some gifts. I thought by asking my friends, we could all do something really significant for her.
And that we did :-o I won't spoil the big surprise (it will be unveiled Monday) but today I ordered it, picked up gifts people contributed, friends dropped off some things....
A massive thank you to the generous hearts that wanted to join in on a random act of kindness. :)
We're going to completely blow her away when we see her Monday toting these surprises. :) Can't wait! Be sure to check in on Monday to hear all about it!!!!
Omgosh I'm so excited!! I know my friends are too!!!
And that we did :-o I won't spoil the big surprise (it will be unveiled Monday) but today I ordered it, picked up gifts people contributed, friends dropped off some things....
A massive thank you to the generous hearts that wanted to join in on a random act of kindness. :)
We're going to completely blow her away when we see her Monday toting these surprises. :) Can't wait! Be sure to check in on Monday to hear all about it!!!!
Omgosh I'm so excited!! I know my friends are too!!!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Day 271: Donate and support Erin Pendergast
https://m.facebook.com/events/248337345284881/
Have you heard of Erin? If not, you should know about her after this blog post. :)
Here's Erin's story:
"In May 2012, Erin Pendergast was diagnosed with a grade IV cancerous brain tumor. Erin is also pregnant with her second child (she was about 24 weeks at the time of diagnosis). After weighing her options and carefully considering her unborn baby boy and the rest of her family–three-year-old Ethan and loving husband Ryan—Erin decided to fight by having brain cancer surgery in late May, followed by radiation treatments to her brain post-surgery and a course of oral chemotherapy pills. Her baby was born (at 34 weeks) in mid-August, and she will begin further radiation and chemotherapy treatments this fall.
Erin is an amazing mother, friend, co-worker, daughter, sister, and wife. Before her diagnosis, she was a full-time cardiology nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital. She’s anxious to get back to work but cannot return for an indeterminate amount of time.
Through it all, Erin’s attitude has remained positive, and she is hopeful she will be cancer-free after her treatments. Erin has an upbeat personality that you simply want to be around. That is why her many friends and family members are similarly hopeful that Erin’s treatment will be a success. We have a strong desire to help her in any way possible and have decided to hold a fundraiser to help her family financially so that they can focus on getting Erin back to her normal, fun, wonderful, and—most importantly—healthy self."
Today I purchased my ticket to attend Erin's event. The event is next Thursday, October 4 - 6:00pm-9:00pm at The Loop.
Please consider donating to Erin and her family. ~
Here's the link: https://fs22.formsite.com/kellen1/form33/secure_index.html
Have you heard of Erin? If not, you should know about her after this blog post. :)
Here's Erin's story:
"In May 2012, Erin Pendergast was diagnosed with a grade IV cancerous brain tumor. Erin is also pregnant with her second child (she was about 24 weeks at the time of diagnosis). After weighing her options and carefully considering her unborn baby boy and the rest of her family–three-year-old Ethan and loving husband Ryan—Erin decided to fight by having brain cancer surgery in late May, followed by radiation treatments to her brain post-surgery and a course of oral chemotherapy pills. Her baby was born (at 34 weeks) in mid-August, and she will begin further radiation and chemotherapy treatments this fall.
Erin is an amazing mother, friend, co-worker, daughter, sister, and wife. Before her diagnosis, she was a full-time cardiology nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital. She’s anxious to get back to work but cannot return for an indeterminate amount of time.
Through it all, Erin’s attitude has remained positive, and she is hopeful she will be cancer-free after her treatments. Erin has an upbeat personality that you simply want to be around. That is why her many friends and family members are similarly hopeful that Erin’s treatment will be a success. We have a strong desire to help her in any way possible and have decided to hold a fundraiser to help her family financially so that they can focus on getting Erin back to her normal, fun, wonderful, and—most importantly—healthy self."
Today I purchased my ticket to attend Erin's event. The event is next Thursday, October 4 - 6:00pm-9:00pm at The Loop.
Please consider donating to Erin and her family. ~
Here's the link: https://fs22.formsite.com/kellen1/form33/secure_index.html
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Day 270: Stopped for a person broke down on the side of the road
Today I took the day off so that I could get the rest of Madison's clothes washed, get the house ready/prepared for her arrival, and run some errands.
As I was running my final errand, I noticed a vehicle on the side of the road. The hood was up. I had jumper cables in my trunk (Renee, I still need to return those to you!)
I pulled up in front of them. Walked out of my car, they couldn't see me, until I came around the hood. As soon as the lady saw me, her eyes widened. Lol. Yes, a 38.5 week pregnant woman just stopped to help you jump your car! Lol
I asked if they needed help. She responded right away and said "My goodness! Thank you. We have triple AAA and Virgil's is on its way! You're pregnant!" I said "Yes I am (pregnant)! Lol. Do you need anything else?"
She thanked me profusely and I went on my way.
It felt great. Reminded me of my focus and why I originally made this a resolution.
Also. Sarah. You were my angel today. Thank you for making me your random act of kindness. <3
As I was running my final errand, I noticed a vehicle on the side of the road. The hood was up. I had jumper cables in my trunk (Renee, I still need to return those to you!)
I pulled up in front of them. Walked out of my car, they couldn't see me, until I came around the hood. As soon as the lady saw me, her eyes widened. Lol. Yes, a 38.5 week pregnant woman just stopped to help you jump your car! Lol
I asked if they needed help. She responded right away and said "My goodness! Thank you. We have triple AAA and Virgil's is on its way! You're pregnant!" I said "Yes I am (pregnant)! Lol. Do you need anything else?"
She thanked me profusely and I went on my way.
It felt great. Reminded me of my focus and why I originally made this a resolution.
Also. Sarah. You were my angel today. Thank you for making me your random act of kindness. <3
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Day 269: Support another woman
Yesterday when I picked up my daughter, there was this other little girl playing with her. They were completely immersed in what they were doing and it was difficult to pry my daughter away. The other little girls mother smiled at me as my daughter finally came to me. Both her daughter and mine didn't want to stop playing together. Her daughter wanted to give my daughter a stick of gum, but her mother reminded her that they had walked down to the park and that she didn't have any on her.
Today, when I went to go pick up my daughter, the mother and my daughters new found friend was there again. I could tell the mother was glad her daughter connected with another little girl. My daughter begged to stay at the park and play with her friend. I agreed.
I looked at the other mom and asked if she'd like to sit down and chat. She eagerly agreed. As we chatted, it instantly became clear to me that this woman was meant to come across my path. She had her own experiences with the father of her child - it was difficult, challenging and I could tell she had her own pain from her experiences.
I listened. I spoke. I supported her. She supported me. We related.
It's truly eye-opening how each person has their own story, how they've become who they are and if we take the time to listen, we get to know some extraordinary people.
As my daughter and I were leaving, her daughter exclaimed that they had brought gum with them today. Of course, my daughter was all over that. :) When her daughter gave my daughter the piece of gum, I reminded my daughter that this was an act of kindness they bestowed on us. My daughter nodded her head and said "I understand, Momma". And I knew she did.
Today was a good day.
Today, when I went to go pick up my daughter, the mother and my daughters new found friend was there again. I could tell the mother was glad her daughter connected with another little girl. My daughter begged to stay at the park and play with her friend. I agreed.
I looked at the other mom and asked if she'd like to sit down and chat. She eagerly agreed. As we chatted, it instantly became clear to me that this woman was meant to come across my path. She had her own experiences with the father of her child - it was difficult, challenging and I could tell she had her own pain from her experiences.
I listened. I spoke. I supported her. She supported me. We related.
It's truly eye-opening how each person has their own story, how they've become who they are and if we take the time to listen, we get to know some extraordinary people.
As my daughter and I were leaving, her daughter exclaimed that they had brought gum with them today. Of course, my daughter was all over that. :) When her daughter gave my daughter the piece of gum, I reminded my daughter that this was an act of kindness they bestowed on us. My daughter nodded her head and said "I understand, Momma". And I knew she did.
Today was a good day.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Day 268: Donate to United Way through employer
One of my absolute favorite organizations is United Way. I designated my gift to go toward Imagination Library - my daughter absolutely loved getting a new book every month. My favorite thing to Sonia cuddle with her at the end of the day and read to her. Best way to keep ER attention.
