LJ and I went to a birthday party yesterday for one of her friends. It was a Halloween theme, and the parents went all out. I remembered how hectic LJ's party had been in August so I decided that I would help out as much as I could. We were the first guests to arrive, and I quickly found my first task. The birthday boy was running around in his diaper saying "no, no, no" to his batman costume. I coaxed him into it. The rest of the afternoon was spent locating the tops for the markers at the mask table, keeping the "slime" in it's 5-gallon container, helping little fingers with stickers and play-doh cookie cutters, and taking tons of pictures. We stayed late to help clean up. LJ was thrilled (even though she was exhausted-- she almost fell asleep on the floor of the bounce house). We both took really good naps when we got home. :-)
Kind Regards,
Your Neighbor
10/31/2010
10/29/2010
Back in Business
LJ loves going to the park so I have been taking her almost every day. All she wants to do is swing. So, I push and do some people-watching (one of my favorite activities). I was scanning the playground the other day when I noticed a little girl walking in. She was barefoot, and she looked incredibly sad. Really... there was just a cloud over her head. So what do I do? Take a picture.
I was thinking about this blog and how I haven't been following through on my commitment, and I thought if I took a picture that I might actually do something for this project again. She came over by the swings, and LJ said hi. She started swinging next to her. LJ copied everything the girl did. When she leaned back, LJ leaned back. When she shook her hair, LJ shook her hair. We actually got a smile out of her.
We have seen her twice since then, and we've talked with her each time. She still seems pretty sad, but we're working on it. :-)
I was thinking about this blog and how I haven't been following through on my commitment, and I thought if I took a picture that I might actually do something for this project again. She came over by the swings, and LJ said hi. She started swinging next to her. LJ copied everything the girl did. When she leaned back, LJ leaned back. When she shook her hair, LJ shook her hair. We actually got a smile out of her.
We have seen her twice since then, and we've talked with her each time. She still seems pretty sad, but we're working on it. :-)
10/16/2010
Catching Up
I promise I'm almost back, Friends. :-) Soon, I'll be posting every day again, but for now it looks like I need to catch up.
Wednesday: Costco
There is a really lovely woman who works at Costco. Whenever we shop there, I look for her because she is always incredibly positive. She just shines. No matter how hectic things may appear (and things are always pretty hectic at this Costco), she smiles at every customer and engages in friendly conversation. I decided to tell her how much she shines and how much we appreciate it. She smiled a little brighter. I want to be like her... a shiny, happy person.
Thursday: Aveda
I got my hair cut and colored at the Aveda Institute. The prices are fantastic since it is a school. The only drawback is that it takes forever (or 3 hours). The teacher has to come and check in on the student at different checkpoints. You spend a lot of time waiting. I brought a book, and I was ready to just dive in and enjoy myself. And, then the stylist started talking to me. After a few minutes, I realized that I wasn't going to read that book after all. It was kind of like sitting next to a chatty passenger on an airplane. I was her captive. I thought about trying to return to book, but then I decided to make this my act of kindness. If she wanted to talk that badly, I could listen. I'm so glad I did. We talked for almost three hours, and we got deep. I feel like I know her family, her hopes & dreams, her religious beliefs. We got into it all. She told me that she believes that everything happens for a reason and that we were supposed to meet. (I'm usually the one to say something like that.) Anyway, she was another shiny person. And, after three years of searching, I think I've finally found my new hairstylist in South Florida.
Friday: Post Office
I love it when an opportunity to be kind just presents itself. A man was juggling two packages and talking on his cell phone when he dropped his wallet and a bunch of coins popped out. LJ and I were on it! We helped him pick up his money. I found another penny after her had already gotten back in line. When I gave it to him, he thanked me and said, "Every little bit helps."
If you are still reading, thank you! Like I said before, I am almost back. Look for daily posts and something big in the near future.
Wednesday: Costco
There is a really lovely woman who works at Costco. Whenever we shop there, I look for her because she is always incredibly positive. She just shines. No matter how hectic things may appear (and things are always pretty hectic at this Costco), she smiles at every customer and engages in friendly conversation. I decided to tell her how much she shines and how much we appreciate it. She smiled a little brighter. I want to be like her... a shiny, happy person.
Thursday: Aveda
I got my hair cut and colored at the Aveda Institute. The prices are fantastic since it is a school. The only drawback is that it takes forever (or 3 hours). The teacher has to come and check in on the student at different checkpoints. You spend a lot of time waiting. I brought a book, and I was ready to just dive in and enjoy myself. And, then the stylist started talking to me. After a few minutes, I realized that I wasn't going to read that book after all. It was kind of like sitting next to a chatty passenger on an airplane. I was her captive. I thought about trying to return to book, but then I decided to make this my act of kindness. If she wanted to talk that badly, I could listen. I'm so glad I did. We talked for almost three hours, and we got deep. I feel like I know her family, her hopes & dreams, her religious beliefs. We got into it all. She told me that she believes that everything happens for a reason and that we were supposed to meet. (I'm usually the one to say something like that.) Anyway, she was another shiny person. And, after three years of searching, I think I've finally found my new hairstylist in South Florida.
Friday: Post Office
I love it when an opportunity to be kind just presents itself. A man was juggling two packages and talking on his cell phone when he dropped his wallet and a bunch of coins popped out. LJ and I were on it! We helped him pick up his money. I found another penny after her had already gotten back in line. When I gave it to him, he thanked me and said, "Every little bit helps."
If you are still reading, thank you! Like I said before, I am almost back. Look for daily posts and something big in the near future.
10/12/2010
Handy Manny
One of LJ's favorite shows is Handy Manny. If you have never seen the show, it's about a cute handyman and his talking tools. Thanks to them, LJ has a deep interest in tools, especially hammers. We both sing along with the music. I have to admit that I like the show, too. I think Manny inspired me to do today's act of kindness.
My mom mentioned that she needed to call a plumber to fix a broken toilet handle. I told her not to worry about it. How hard could it be to fix? LJ and I would LOVE to help, and we've watched enough episodes of Handy Manny to have some of his knowledge rub off on us, right? We drove down to the hardware store and got our supplies. Twenty minutes later, the job was done. I had to enlist my husband's help because the rusty nut on the old fixture was just too tight for me to turn. It ended up being a family event.
My mom was happy to have avoided a service call from a plumber, and LJ and I were quite proud of ourselves. Move over, Manny. You've got some competition!
My mom mentioned that she needed to call a plumber to fix a broken toilet handle. I told her not to worry about it. How hard could it be to fix? LJ and I would LOVE to help, and we've watched enough episodes of Handy Manny to have some of his knowledge rub off on us, right? We drove down to the hardware store and got our supplies. Twenty minutes later, the job was done. I had to enlist my husband's help because the rusty nut on the old fixture was just too tight for me to turn. It ended up being a family event.
My mom was happy to have avoided a service call from a plumber, and LJ and I were quite proud of ourselves. Move over, Manny. You've got some competition!
Kind Regards,
Your Neighbor
10/11/2010
Broward Mall
I went to the mall today with a friend. We were watching our children ride on the carousel when a woman approached us. She told us how beautiful the kids were and said what blessings they were. I thanked her and agreed. Then she told us a little bit about herself. She had 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She had been blind for most of her life, but her sight had recently been restored (partially) in one eye. She said, "My daughter asked me, 'Mama, why are you going to Broward Mall today? You don't have any money. You can't buy anything.' And, I told her, 'Honey, there's more to do at the mall than shop. I got Jesus in my life, and I got work to do.' I'm an evangelist, and I'm a prayer warrior. I can tell you need a blessing in your life right now. I'm hear to tell you that God's going to give it to you. He says not to worry, Baby," and she patted my hand. We talked for a few more minutes, and she said some very encouraging things that seemed to be directly related to my bad week last week. "God wants you to know it's going to be OK." I gave her a big hug, and my friend (who had been listening to our conversation) gave her a big hug, too. Then she picked up her cane, and she walked off.
I think a met an angel today at the Broward Mall. I understand that half of the people reading this probably think I've gone crazy. I have been under a lot of stress and I've been praying and I've been worrying. I've never gotten a message from God before, but I'm telling you... this beautiful, blind woman told me everything that I needed to hear this morning to calm my nerves and reassure me. So now I'm preparing myself for a blessing, and I understand that it might not come in the package that I want or that I expect. I just have to have faith that it's going to work for good in the end. "Be not inhospitable to strangers. Lest they be angels in disguise."
Where is the act of kindness in this? I guess it's just talking to strangers. My friend and I had a couple of other really nice conversations as we continued our day with a very nice woman in the line at Chic-fil-a and a family at the park. I've known this particular friend since we were freshmen in high school, and she has always been warm and friendly and open. I am so thankful to have her in my life. Again, I get way more than I give.
I think a met an angel today at the Broward Mall. I understand that half of the people reading this probably think I've gone crazy. I have been under a lot of stress and I've been praying and I've been worrying. I've never gotten a message from God before, but I'm telling you... this beautiful, blind woman told me everything that I needed to hear this morning to calm my nerves and reassure me. So now I'm preparing myself for a blessing, and I understand that it might not come in the package that I want or that I expect. I just have to have faith that it's going to work for good in the end. "Be not inhospitable to strangers. Lest they be angels in disguise."
Where is the act of kindness in this? I guess it's just talking to strangers. My friend and I had a couple of other really nice conversations as we continued our day with a very nice woman in the line at Chic-fil-a and a family at the park. I've known this particular friend since we were freshmen in high school, and she has always been warm and friendly and open. I am so thankful to have her in my life. Again, I get way more than I give.
Hi, Neighbors
LJ and I took a much longer walk today than usual. I decided that we would wave or speak to everyone we met along the way. We got a little smile from a girl who was jogging, a nod from a cyclist, and a big wave from a guy who was mowing his lawn. I was pretty happy. South Floridians seem to be a lot friendlier than they used to be. Or maybe it's me. Instead of putting on my iPod and staring straight ahead, I was looking around for the people along our path. I do feel a lot more connected to our community. I should take you on a tour sometime.
Kind Regards,
Your Neighbor
Kind Regards,
Your Neighbor
10/10/2010
A Bump in the Road
Do you want the good news or the bad news first? I always want the bad news (to get it out of the way). So... the bad news is that there were no acts of kindness on Wednesday, Friday or Saturday this week. The good news is that there were not any act of meanness in their place. I just didn't do anything. I had to deal with some all-consuming personal problems. By the time I thought about this project each day, it was too late or I was too tired to do anything about it. I'm going to get back on track today because it really does feel good when you do things for others. I'm not going to let these three days stop me. It's just a little bump in the road. 362 days of kindness is better than nothing, right?
10/07/2010
Coins for the Fountain
Why do people throw coins into fountains? I did a little search and came up with a couple of interesting articles from the New York Times and the Williamson Herald, but no real answers about the origin of this practice. I just know that it's something that I've always done, just like wishing upon a star.
Today we had a lunch date with my niece. Since I was familiar with the restaurant and knew that there is a fountain in the front, I made a little wishing jar to bring along:
I thought it would be a cute way to encourage people to make some wishes... why not, right? I am counting this as an act of kindness even though I don't think that the person who is responsible for cleaning the coins out the fountain would think it was very kind.
They are holding an auction this evening where you can bid on one of 15 seven-foot tall alligator sculptures made by local artists. You can see the watermelon alligator in the photo below. This might not have been the best day to leave my wishing jar at the fountain. But, you never know... people might think it's part of the Gator Glam Art Show. I guess this is proof that I really do live in Florida ;-)
Today we had a lunch date with my niece. Since I was familiar with the restaurant and knew that there is a fountain in the front, I made a little wishing jar to bring along:
I thought it would be a cute way to encourage people to make some wishes... why not, right? I am counting this as an act of kindness even though I don't think that the person who is responsible for cleaning the coins out the fountain would think it was very kind.
They are holding an auction this evening where you can bid on one of 15 seven-foot tall alligator sculptures made by local artists. You can see the watermelon alligator in the photo below. This might not have been the best day to leave my wishing jar at the fountain. But, you never know... people might think it's part of the Gator Glam Art Show. I guess this is proof that I really do live in Florida ;-)
I made a wish today, and I really, really, really hope it comes true.
Kind Regards,
Your Neighbor
10/06/2010
BOO #2
That was our view last night as we strolled out for another secret BOO mission. I had so much fun the night before that I decided to do it again. This time, we left a Halloween luminary on the front porch of some really nice neighbors. I see them almost every day, but I don't know their names. I only know the name of their dog, Bella. I should have left a treat for her, too.While we were strolling, I noticed that one of the neighbors we BOOed the other night had her sign taped on her door. I wonder if we will see some more signs popping up around the neighborhood. Kindness is fun!
Kind Regards,
Your Neighbor
10/04/2010
You've Been BOOED!
It's October, and we are ready for Halloween! LJ's costume arrived in the mail today. The house is decorated. All we need is a pumpkin, and we'll be set. For today's act of kindness, we decided to share our Halloween spirit with a couple of neighbors. I downloaded the flyers below from TomKat Studio.
We left the flyers and a Halloween surprise on two doorsteps this evening. Instead of a "yummy treat," I opted for a really cute jack-o-lantern paper lantern and a festive sign. I think LJ enjoyed strolling in the dark, and I enjoyed being sneaky. I wonder if they will keep it going. I might help things out by dropping surprises on a couple more houses. I'll let you know how it goes.
Kind Regards,
Your Neighbor
Catching Up
I need to change my posting habits. I have missed the last two days because I have been waiting to post until after LJ goes to sleep at night. For two nights in a row, I have fallen asleep before I have posted for this blog (and, unfortunately, before I have completed any work for a training class that I am taking online). So, it's time to catch up.
Saturday, October 2nd:
LJ and I joined her aunt and uncle at Liberty Park in Parkland for some playtime. It is a really beautiful park on seven acres with two playgrounds and a water play area. Aunt P and I were admiring the beauty when she spotted this:
LJ and I joined her aunt and uncle at Liberty Park in Parkland for some playtime. It is a really beautiful park on seven acres with two playgrounds and a water play area. Aunt P and I were admiring the beauty when she spotted this:
There was more trash under the bench, too. I guess you already know where I'm going with this. I was the Trash Lady... again. I think picking up garbage has been my most frequent act of kindness so far. I just don't get it. We live in such a beautiful place. Why can't people clean up after themselves?
Sunday, October 3rd:
I purchased these cute pumpkins a while ago. I thought that I would use them as a surprise act of kindness gift for one of our neighbors. And, then Aunt P told me that she was looking for a little pumpkin to put on her desk at work. LJ and I had a quick kindness committee meeting, and we agreed that the pumpkins should go to Aunt P. We presented them to her last night. I hope they spread a little Fall cheer at her office.
Kind Regards,
Your Neighbor
PS I hope to post today's act of kindness BEFORE LJ (and I) go to sleep tonight. I gotta get back on track!
10/02/2010
Postcard
My mother-in-law gave me several new shirts for my birthday. I was pulling the tags off of them today, and I noticed that one tag had a postcard attached.
It said, "WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! WRITE TO US AND LET US KNOW YOUR FEELINGS ABOUT JANE ASHLEY" There was a place to write a comment followed by your name, address, email, and place where it was purchased and a little box to place the stamp. Since I didn't really have any feelings about Jane Ashley clothing, I decided to write a little (anonymous) note instead:
It's worth a stamp just to say, "Hello, Stranger. I hope you have a fabulous day!" Seriously... YOU! The person reading this postcard. Let your fabulous day begin.
I wonder how many people actually reply with comments about the clothing. I wonder if the employee will be amused. Only a random person located at 1410 Broadway #301, New York, NY will know.
Kind Regards,
Your Neighbor
It said, "WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! WRITE TO US AND LET US KNOW YOUR FEELINGS ABOUT JANE ASHLEY" There was a place to write a comment followed by your name, address, email, and place where it was purchased and a little box to place the stamp. Since I didn't really have any feelings about Jane Ashley clothing, I decided to write a little (anonymous) note instead:
It's worth a stamp just to say, "Hello, Stranger. I hope you have a fabulous day!" Seriously... YOU! The person reading this postcard. Let your fabulous day begin.
I wonder how many people actually reply with comments about the clothing. I wonder if the employee will be amused. Only a random person located at 1410 Broadway #301, New York, NY will know.
Kind Regards,
Your Neighbor
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