340: I shoveled the neighbours driveway. I love it when it snows.
341: I brought in eight recycling bins. I am going to be known as the neighbourhood recycling bin gnome.
342: I bought a coffee for the guy behind me. He must have been in the holiday spirit because he thanked me.
343: I put a toy in the toy drive for Christmas.
345: I let J pick some food to put in the food drive.
346: I picked a name from children without families and bought the boy a present. I got him a very nice fleece blanket with Canadian NHL teams, because he is a hockey fan.
347: I was shopping (again, tis the season) and I heard a lady ask one of the workers to [age someone for a specific department. He must have forgotten, because five minutes later she was still waiting. I asked another worker to page someone for her.
348: I made cookies for all the teachers and staff at J's school. Fifty chocolate chip.
349: I donated some old clothing for lower income families.
350: I shoveled two extra driveways today.
351: We took in a Christmas card for our doctor and his office staff.
Friday 20 December 2013
Monday 9 December 2013
The next seven
Okay, I forget what number I'm on and I don't want to go back to check, but I know I have seven kindnesses to record so here goes:
1. I cleaned poop off the sidewalk again. Yes, this is the second time I've done that. It's not my favourite activity, but most people in our neighbourhood like to keep it clean. That said, there are those who never pick up after their pets and there are also a lot of children using the sidewalks. I wore gloves and I did it for the kids.
2. I braved the crowds to do some Christmas shopping for my husband. December=busy people=grumpy and rude people=not my favourite time to shop. Let's be honest, I hate shopping at the best of times.
3. I gave some of my homemade yogurt to a friend. Weird, yes, but a labour of love.
4. I brought in several recycling bins, for the simple fact that they were annoying me. Hey, it's still nice.
5. I put money in a charity jar for something or other. I'm not sure what it was for, because at this time of year there were about six jars to choose from. I picked the red one, which says to me Salvation Army.....?
6. I was at my nephew's birthday party at an indoor playground with bouncy castles and an arcade. I gave some tokens to another child who wanted to play some games. We had lots.
7. I shoveled my neighbour's driveway.
1. I cleaned poop off the sidewalk again. Yes, this is the second time I've done that. It's not my favourite activity, but most people in our neighbourhood like to keep it clean. That said, there are those who never pick up after their pets and there are also a lot of children using the sidewalks. I wore gloves and I did it for the kids.
2. I braved the crowds to do some Christmas shopping for my husband. December=busy people=grumpy and rude people=not my favourite time to shop. Let's be honest, I hate shopping at the best of times.
3. I gave some of my homemade yogurt to a friend. Weird, yes, but a labour of love.
4. I brought in several recycling bins, for the simple fact that they were annoying me. Hey, it's still nice.
5. I put money in a charity jar for something or other. I'm not sure what it was for, because at this time of year there were about six jars to choose from. I picked the red one, which says to me Salvation Army.....?
6. I was at my nephew's birthday party at an indoor playground with bouncy castles and an arcade. I gave some tokens to another child who wanted to play some games. We had lots.
7. I shoveled my neighbour's driveway.
Monday 2 December 2013
Kindnesses 319-332
Wow it's been a while, hasn't it? I knew that because I wrote all my good deeds down, but when my desk got overtaken by sticky notes I figured it was time to transfer them to the electronic section. It's been a busy couple of weeks. Who am I kidding? It's been a busy couple of years. Here goes:
319: I gave a coffee card to one of the nice bus drivers, just to show that we appreciate the kindness of public figures. I don't know if that's the right term, but they deal with the public all the time and it's better when they are nice.
320: I held the door for a family with two kids. I guess they started Christmas shopping early, because all four of them were loaded with bags. Someone else had gone ahead and let the door shut, so I moved in front to open it again.
321: I helped a blind man navigate his way to the bus. He nearly ran me over because the terminal was so busy, but I didn't get upset. He felt pretty bad, but I assured him it was okay and helped him onto the bus by telling him when it was clear to go and what seats were free.
322: I bought coffee for the guy in line behind me. That one is a 50/50 for reactions. Some people are grateful, while others give me dirty looks or even snap at me. This guy gave me a dirty look.
323: I let someone use my ten-ride pass for the bus, because she didn't have fare on her. She said a quick thank you but didn't seem very grateful. 'Tis the season, I suppose.
324: I bought J some new gloves and donated his old ones, which are still like new, to charity for kids who don't have enough snow gear.
325: I took cookies in for J's class.
326: I shoveled the neighbour's driveway. Finally, end of November and there's snow!
327: I put some cans in the local food drive bin.
328: I sent in $4 for a family to have a Christmas dinner through one of the local churches. Is it just me, or does this time of year make it really easy to be nice? I wonder why everyone's so grumpy.....
329: Inspired by the poor reaction last time, I bought another coffee for someone behind me. This time the lady was happy about it, and thanked me.
330: I brought in recycling and garbage bins today. It wasn't a crazy wind storm, but I still thought it was nice.\Besides, the bins were out two days late so I figured these people were pretty busy.
331:I helped the boys decorate the house for Christmas. We only started a bit, but E got a kick out of the green, fake tree stuff on the banister and J really liked his window covered in lights.
332: I used my ten-ride pass for someone else today who was rushing out the door and forgot her pass. She was very grateful.
319: I gave a coffee card to one of the nice bus drivers, just to show that we appreciate the kindness of public figures. I don't know if that's the right term, but they deal with the public all the time and it's better when they are nice.
320: I held the door for a family with two kids. I guess they started Christmas shopping early, because all four of them were loaded with bags. Someone else had gone ahead and let the door shut, so I moved in front to open it again.
321: I helped a blind man navigate his way to the bus. He nearly ran me over because the terminal was so busy, but I didn't get upset. He felt pretty bad, but I assured him it was okay and helped him onto the bus by telling him when it was clear to go and what seats were free.
322: I bought coffee for the guy in line behind me. That one is a 50/50 for reactions. Some people are grateful, while others give me dirty looks or even snap at me. This guy gave me a dirty look.
323: I let someone use my ten-ride pass for the bus, because she didn't have fare on her. She said a quick thank you but didn't seem very grateful. 'Tis the season, I suppose.
324: I bought J some new gloves and donated his old ones, which are still like new, to charity for kids who don't have enough snow gear.
325: I took cookies in for J's class.
326: I shoveled the neighbour's driveway. Finally, end of November and there's snow!
327: I put some cans in the local food drive bin.
328: I sent in $4 for a family to have a Christmas dinner through one of the local churches. Is it just me, or does this time of year make it really easy to be nice? I wonder why everyone's so grumpy.....
329: Inspired by the poor reaction last time, I bought another coffee for someone behind me. This time the lady was happy about it, and thanked me.
330: I brought in recycling and garbage bins today. It wasn't a crazy wind storm, but I still thought it was nice.\Besides, the bins were out two days late so I figured these people were pretty busy.
331:I helped the boys decorate the house for Christmas. We only started a bit, but E got a kick out of the green, fake tree stuff on the banister and J really liked his window covered in lights.
332: I used my ten-ride pass for someone else today who was rushing out the door and forgot her pass. She was very grateful.
Tuesday 19 November 2013
Kindnesses 311-318
310: I was on the bus today and gave up my seat for someone with a stroller.
I have seen her once or twice and she said thank you this time, I think
because she recognized me. I have done this before for the same mother
and she ignored me.
312: I went in to J's class to volunteer with spelling help. I always forget about this one, but I do it every two weeks. It's really too much fun to be considered a good deed, but the kids benefit so I'm using it.
313: I gave out cookies at the bus stop to some parents who are there every day. They were homemade of course. The best oatmeal cookies ever. That should count as two.
314: I helped out the mom of the boy I provide daycare for by meeting him off the bus. She was running late at the store and wasn't going to be there in time to get him from his regular stop, so I told the bus driver that I would wait with him for his mom. I'm already an authorized grown up for him so it wasn't a concern. I gave him a snack and he was picked up.
315: : I donated to one of the numerous Christmas funds for a local group. One that raises money so families can have food.
316: I gave a quarter to someone at the grocery store for their cart. It makes up for the many times I have been quarterless in the same situation, and people have helped me out.
317: I donated some money to the Save the Children fund through J's school, to help the children of the Phillipines after the hurricane.
318: I baked 100 muffins for the school Breakfast for Learning program, and sent them in with J. I will be doing this every five or six weeks.
Bonus: I looked after J's friend for a few minutes before school and put him on the bus, because his mom got called into work.
312: I went in to J's class to volunteer with spelling help. I always forget about this one, but I do it every two weeks. It's really too much fun to be considered a good deed, but the kids benefit so I'm using it.
313: I gave out cookies at the bus stop to some parents who are there every day. They were homemade of course. The best oatmeal cookies ever. That should count as two.
314: I helped out the mom of the boy I provide daycare for by meeting him off the bus. She was running late at the store and wasn't going to be there in time to get him from his regular stop, so I told the bus driver that I would wait with him for his mom. I'm already an authorized grown up for him so it wasn't a concern. I gave him a snack and he was picked up.
315: : I donated to one of the numerous Christmas funds for a local group. One that raises money so families can have food.
316: I gave a quarter to someone at the grocery store for their cart. It makes up for the many times I have been quarterless in the same situation, and people have helped me out.
317: I donated some money to the Save the Children fund through J's school, to help the children of the Phillipines after the hurricane.
318: I baked 100 muffins for the school Breakfast for Learning program, and sent them in with J. I will be doing this every five or six weeks.
Bonus: I looked after J's friend for a few minutes before school and put him on the bus, because his mom got called into work.
Tuesday 12 November 2013
Kindnesses 300-310
Now that I'm in my final hundred group, I think my count is off. I have done something nice every day, but I am not known for my math skills. Yes, I know, it's counting. So to make up for that, I am going to throw in a few extra kindnesses until the end of the year.
300: I let a guy with three kids go in front of me in the grocery store. I had two kids, but three tops it. And E had helped himself to a few Kinder eggs to keep himself occupied. I don't condone Kinder eggs, but he's the next Inspector Gadget with his Go-go Gadget arm.......
Bonus: I paid for the eggs, although it put me over budget.
301: I looked after a friend of J's for the afternoon, so his mom could get some shopping done.
302: I looked after a friend of E's, so his mom could go to the doctor and do some Christmas shopping.
303: I donated $2 to the Remembrance Day fund for poppies. Not many people donate that much.
304: I helped a lady up when she fell on the icy sidewalk. She just had knee surgery and needed the assistance. Another woman helped too.
305: I paid the bus fare for a lady I see on the bus all the time. She's an older woman who volunteers at the hospital, putting on puppet shows for the patients. She didn't have her wallet that day, so I gave her the money.
306: I brought in several garbage and recycling bins on our street. The wind in Peterborough is terrible and they were blowing all over the road again. One garbage bin hit our window.
307: I donated some canned food to the food drive at the grocery store. This has become a habit (donating food or money) on grocery day, and one I will definitely continue next year.
308: I took the kids on a play date and brought homemade granola bars for everyone in their large family. I would have just taken a loaf of banana bread, but although I know there's one in there, our freezer is a jungle of baked goods.
309: I brought home treats for the family, in the form of flavoured hot chocolate.
310: I took E to the resource centre downtown and it was garbage day in that area. Again the wind had blown bins into the street, and since it was downtown the road was very busy. I retrieved three bins and secured them against houses and fences. I don't know if they belonged to those houses but the citizens can figure that one out. At least there won't be a car accident.
Bonus: I also replaced the cover on someone's motorcycle. It was parked on the front lawn and only hooked onto the handle bars. I covered the bike again. Someone came out of the house and thought I was stealing the bike. Rather than point out the fact(s) that I was pushing a stroller, didn't have any hot wiring apparatus on my person at the time and the most obvious, that I was covering the bike, not uncovering it, I walked away. So much for appreciation.
300: I let a guy with three kids go in front of me in the grocery store. I had two kids, but three tops it. And E had helped himself to a few Kinder eggs to keep himself occupied. I don't condone Kinder eggs, but he's the next Inspector Gadget with his Go-go Gadget arm.......
Bonus: I paid for the eggs, although it put me over budget.
301: I looked after a friend of J's for the afternoon, so his mom could get some shopping done.
302: I looked after a friend of E's, so his mom could go to the doctor and do some Christmas shopping.
303: I donated $2 to the Remembrance Day fund for poppies. Not many people donate that much.
304: I helped a lady up when she fell on the icy sidewalk. She just had knee surgery and needed the assistance. Another woman helped too.
305: I paid the bus fare for a lady I see on the bus all the time. She's an older woman who volunteers at the hospital, putting on puppet shows for the patients. She didn't have her wallet that day, so I gave her the money.
306: I brought in several garbage and recycling bins on our street. The wind in Peterborough is terrible and they were blowing all over the road again. One garbage bin hit our window.
307: I donated some canned food to the food drive at the grocery store. This has become a habit (donating food or money) on grocery day, and one I will definitely continue next year.
308: I took the kids on a play date and brought homemade granola bars for everyone in their large family. I would have just taken a loaf of banana bread, but although I know there's one in there, our freezer is a jungle of baked goods.
309: I brought home treats for the family, in the form of flavoured hot chocolate.
310: I took E to the resource centre downtown and it was garbage day in that area. Again the wind had blown bins into the street, and since it was downtown the road was very busy. I retrieved three bins and secured them against houses and fences. I don't know if they belonged to those houses but the citizens can figure that one out. At least there won't be a car accident.
Bonus: I also replaced the cover on someone's motorcycle. It was parked on the front lawn and only hooked onto the handle bars. I covered the bike again. Someone came out of the house and thought I was stealing the bike. Rather than point out the fact(s) that I was pushing a stroller, didn't have any hot wiring apparatus on my person at the time and the most obvious, that I was covering the bike, not uncovering it, I walked away. So much for appreciation.
Friday 1 November 2013
Kindnesses 292-299
292: I went in to J's school to help the kids with spelling.
293: I tried a new pumpkin muffin recipe, so of course I had to share it. I passed it out to some of my neighbours, all of whom asked for the recipe.
294: I put some canned food in the food drive bin at the grocery store.
295: I let my neighbour borrow my umbrella. She has to walk everywhere and the weatehr was miserable. And she has two kids.
296: I helped a blind man find the right bus at the terminal. We see him on the bus all the time and I speak with him regularly. The terminal was busy so he was standing still. I asked which bus he needed and walked with him to the right one. He was appreciative.
297: I sewed part of J's costume by hand. I also took some more muffins into his class for their Halloween party.
298: I let one of J's friends come trick or treating with us. We actually had two tagalongs, but one was under my care because his mother stayed home with her new baby. The other came with his mom. I'm not complaining because it was a lot of fun, but it still counts as a kindness!
299: I forgave my neighbour for breaking my umbrella. Kidding. It was a very windy day and I know it wasn't her fault. Today I rescued several recycling and garbage bins. If the wind was crazy a couple days ago, it was ten times worse today. Some of the garbage bins hit our window....I could only save the marked ones though.
293: I tried a new pumpkin muffin recipe, so of course I had to share it. I passed it out to some of my neighbours, all of whom asked for the recipe.
294: I put some canned food in the food drive bin at the grocery store.
295: I let my neighbour borrow my umbrella. She has to walk everywhere and the weatehr was miserable. And she has two kids.
296: I helped a blind man find the right bus at the terminal. We see him on the bus all the time and I speak with him regularly. The terminal was busy so he was standing still. I asked which bus he needed and walked with him to the right one. He was appreciative.
297: I sewed part of J's costume by hand. I also took some more muffins into his class for their Halloween party.
298: I let one of J's friends come trick or treating with us. We actually had two tagalongs, but one was under my care because his mother stayed home with her new baby. The other came with his mom. I'm not complaining because it was a lot of fun, but it still counts as a kindness!
299: I forgave my neighbour for breaking my umbrella. Kidding. It was a very windy day and I know it wasn't her fault. Today I rescued several recycling and garbage bins. If the wind was crazy a couple days ago, it was ten times worse today. Some of the garbage bins hit our window....I could only save the marked ones though.
Thursday 24 October 2013
Kindnesses 286-291
I'm almost at 300! I have succeeded thus far in keeping my resolution!
286: I bought coffee for the guy behind me in line. Redundant, I know, but also one of my favourites.
287: I gave money to the Cadets today. Grocery day is my go-to donation day now, because there's always someone who wants money for something outside of the store.
288: I baked pumpkin muffins and gave some to my friend and her family. Her little boy wants the recipe. It's on Google.
289: I copied some information about Ontario curriculum for a neighbour, because she doesn't have a printer.
290: I took E out to pick up some garbage and recycling around the neighbourhood.
291: I woke up at a very rude time in the morning to look after J's friend before school. This was after a night of hardly any sleep, because I am currently sick and can't breathe through my nose. Kids are worth it though.
286: I bought coffee for the guy behind me in line. Redundant, I know, but also one of my favourites.
287: I gave money to the Cadets today. Grocery day is my go-to donation day now, because there's always someone who wants money for something outside of the store.
288: I baked pumpkin muffins and gave some to my friend and her family. Her little boy wants the recipe. It's on Google.
289: I copied some information about Ontario curriculum for a neighbour, because she doesn't have a printer.
290: I took E out to pick up some garbage and recycling around the neighbourhood.
291: I woke up at a very rude time in the morning to look after J's friend before school. This was after a night of hardly any sleep, because I am currently sick and can't breathe through my nose. Kids are worth it though.
Friday 18 October 2013
Kindnesses 282-285
282: I volunteered in J's class today. My work was testing the kids with their spelling lists, so the teacher can know how everyone's spelling is. I loved it. Then again I live for that stuff. J had "homework" when he was 3. It's always fun homework, because children should enjoy learning and be encouraged to find what's interesting to them, but all the same, he was doing "homework assignments" early. Oh, the teacher really appreciated it too.
283: J's school is tie-dying pink T-shirts for Anti-Bullying week. Every child is supposed to bring in a white T-shirt to be dyed, but I figured not every student would have one. I took in three extra shirts for any children that may not have had them.
284: I was at the gym cafe, which has recently been taken over. The previous owner died suddenly of heart problems at a young age, and the guy who owns it now was working for him. I gave him my condolences, because I assumed they were friends. They had been good friends, he said, and he really appreciated the sentiment. He was visibly grateful, which I thought was good. Things like that aren't the easiest way to be kind, but it's worth the effort when it's sincere.
285: We got a notice about our road being paved, saying no one would be let in or out of their driveways during certain hours of the day. I sent my husband over to tell the neighbour, who was still parked in his driveway. He usually leaves at 7:30, but the road was closing at 7 so we reminded him to move his car.
283: J's school is tie-dying pink T-shirts for Anti-Bullying week. Every child is supposed to bring in a white T-shirt to be dyed, but I figured not every student would have one. I took in three extra shirts for any children that may not have had them.
284: I was at the gym cafe, which has recently been taken over. The previous owner died suddenly of heart problems at a young age, and the guy who owns it now was working for him. I gave him my condolences, because I assumed they were friends. They had been good friends, he said, and he really appreciated the sentiment. He was visibly grateful, which I thought was good. Things like that aren't the easiest way to be kind, but it's worth the effort when it's sincere.
285: We got a notice about our road being paved, saying no one would be let in or out of their driveways during certain hours of the day. I sent my husband over to tell the neighbour, who was still parked in his driveway. He usually leaves at 7:30, but the road was closing at 7 so we reminded him to move his car.
Monday 14 October 2013
Kindnesses 274-281
274: I donated a couple of dollars to the Make a Wish Foundation.
275: I got the kids to make a birthday card for the neighbour's son. He really enjoyed it.
276: I let a neighbour borrow some sugar for a recipe. It's not really borrowing, because I don't expect her to show up with a half cup of sugar to pay me back, but I was happy to do it and she was grateful.
277: At the gym I gave someone an extra hair elastic. I assured her it was brand new and clean. I just keep tons of extras in my bag in case I forget one. She was happy to have it.
278: I copied a really good recipe for a neighbour, because I made her banana muffins when she moved in and she and her daughters really enjoyed them. It's a regular one I give out because it never fails and it's delicious.
279: I took the kids to my mom's today for Thanksgiving. On the way I bought a coffee for the guy in line behind me. I assume he was grateful, but I have no idea because I drove away.
280: I brought home roast beef leftovers for my husband. Roast beef is a pretty rare thing around here because of the cost, but I made sure I snagged some from my mom so he could enjoy a roast beef sandwich on garlic bread.......? At least he enjoyed it.
281: My friend mentioned she was out of laundry detergent. A few months back I stocked up on it because it was $3 a jug and I still had three full jugs of it left. I gave one to her.
275: I got the kids to make a birthday card for the neighbour's son. He really enjoyed it.
276: I let a neighbour borrow some sugar for a recipe. It's not really borrowing, because I don't expect her to show up with a half cup of sugar to pay me back, but I was happy to do it and she was grateful.
277: At the gym I gave someone an extra hair elastic. I assured her it was brand new and clean. I just keep tons of extras in my bag in case I forget one. She was happy to have it.
278: I copied a really good recipe for a neighbour, because I made her banana muffins when she moved in and she and her daughters really enjoyed them. It's a regular one I give out because it never fails and it's delicious.
279: I took the kids to my mom's today for Thanksgiving. On the way I bought a coffee for the guy in line behind me. I assume he was grateful, but I have no idea because I drove away.
280: I brought home roast beef leftovers for my husband. Roast beef is a pretty rare thing around here because of the cost, but I made sure I snagged some from my mom so he could enjoy a roast beef sandwich on garlic bread.......? At least he enjoyed it.
281: My friend mentioned she was out of laundry detergent. A few months back I stocked up on it because it was $3 a jug and I still had three full jugs of it left. I gave one to her.
Sunday 6 October 2013
Kindnesses 265-273
265: I gave cold medicine to my friend, because she's been sick for a while and the medication really worked for me. It included nighttime stuff, so she can get a good sleep.
266: I gave large Lego blocks that we aren't using anymore to a random stranger. I posted it on Freecycle and dropped them off.
267: I volunteered to bake muffins several times a week for J's school program. They have a program that gives free, healthy food to kids so they can learn better, and they need people to make muffins at home.
268: I volunteered to go into J's class twice a month to help with spelling. I will be starting this week.
269: Again on Freecycle I came across someone in need of two Halloween costumes for boys. I'm saving them until they fit E, so I gave them on loan for this year.
270: I gave a compliment to a woman who looked like she could use one. She had four children with her and had just spilled her coffee. I complimented her patience, which led to a conversation, which led to her laughing. I hope I made her day a bit better.
271: I woke up at an insane hour to look after one of J's friends. I do part-time daycare for him and he was dropped off at 5:30 am. Yes, this is very inconvenient but it meant that he could see his dad and go to hockey, and both parents could make it to work. And I had coffee. Of course I would do it again.
272: I donated some food to the local food drive.
273: I picked up some free books on Freecycle, with the intention of donating the appropriate levelled readers to J's school. I know that there were a lot of JK students to start this year in this area, and I'm pretty sure they don't have enough books, because they aren't taking them home for homework.
266: I gave large Lego blocks that we aren't using anymore to a random stranger. I posted it on Freecycle and dropped them off.
267: I volunteered to bake muffins several times a week for J's school program. They have a program that gives free, healthy food to kids so they can learn better, and they need people to make muffins at home.
268: I volunteered to go into J's class twice a month to help with spelling. I will be starting this week.
269: Again on Freecycle I came across someone in need of two Halloween costumes for boys. I'm saving them until they fit E, so I gave them on loan for this year.
270: I gave a compliment to a woman who looked like she could use one. She had four children with her and had just spilled her coffee. I complimented her patience, which led to a conversation, which led to her laughing. I hope I made her day a bit better.
271: I woke up at an insane hour to look after one of J's friends. I do part-time daycare for him and he was dropped off at 5:30 am. Yes, this is very inconvenient but it meant that he could see his dad and go to hockey, and both parents could make it to work. And I had coffee. Of course I would do it again.
272: I donated some food to the local food drive.
273: I picked up some free books on Freecycle, with the intention of donating the appropriate levelled readers to J's school. I know that there were a lot of JK students to start this year in this area, and I'm pretty sure they don't have enough books, because they aren't taking them home for homework.
Friday 27 September 2013
Kindnesses 260-264
260: I opened a door for a lady with her hands full today. She was a bit distracted with her three children, but she said thank you and looked grateful.
261: I baked cookies and gave them out to some people on the bus. This sounds weird, but they're people we see all the time and are familiar with. I also gave some to the bus driver.
262: I volunteered for a field trip for J's class today.
263: I went to J's school open house and introduced myself to the new principal. I offered to do volunteer work for the school (as well as the classroom) if she needed it. She was thankful and very nice.
264: I moved seats on the bus to accommodate and elderly gentleman. He didn't need to sit at the front, but he was having a harder time getting around than us, and I had a toddler and two backpacks. I let him have the priority seating.
261: I baked cookies and gave them out to some people on the bus. This sounds weird, but they're people we see all the time and are familiar with. I also gave some to the bus driver.
262: I volunteered for a field trip for J's class today.
263: I went to J's school open house and introduced myself to the new principal. I offered to do volunteer work for the school (as well as the classroom) if she needed it. She was thankful and very nice.
264: I moved seats on the bus to accommodate and elderly gentleman. He didn't need to sit at the front, but he was having a harder time getting around than us, and I had a toddler and two backpacks. I let him have the priority seating.
Sunday 22 September 2013
Kindnesses 257-259
257: I went to pick up my police check today so I can volunteer for the school trip next week. I'm chalking it up to one for the kids, because if there aren't enough parent volunteers, they can't have the trips.
258: E's birthday party was today. I have baked enough in this lifetime that usually it works out, but for reasons beyond my control (the wrong flour and then the wrong mixer) I ended up with two inedible cakes. Well, not inedible but definitely not birthday-party worthy. So my kindness today was to buy a cake for the party. This was for E, who loved the novelty of a chocolate cake with orange flowers but also for the attendees of the party, who weren't forced to eat my sub-par attempts at cake.
259: I took the kids to the park today and there was a lady with her young girl sharing cracker crumbs with the ducks. I heard her say they'd have to bring bread next time and I offered to grab her some from our car. A couple weeks ago we tried to go duck-feeding, but it didn't work out so the bread's been sitting there, not fit for human consumption but okay for begging birds. The lady and her daughter were very happy to have bread to give to the ducks.
258: E's birthday party was today. I have baked enough in this lifetime that usually it works out, but for reasons beyond my control (the wrong flour and then the wrong mixer) I ended up with two inedible cakes. Well, not inedible but definitely not birthday-party worthy. So my kindness today was to buy a cake for the party. This was for E, who loved the novelty of a chocolate cake with orange flowers but also for the attendees of the party, who weren't forced to eat my sub-par attempts at cake.
259: I took the kids to the park today and there was a lady with her young girl sharing cracker crumbs with the ducks. I heard her say they'd have to bring bread next time and I offered to grab her some from our car. A couple weeks ago we tried to go duck-feeding, but it didn't work out so the bread's been sitting there, not fit for human consumption but okay for begging birds. The lady and her daughter were very happy to have bread to give to the ducks.
Kindnesses 253-256
253: I donated beans to the food drive at the grocery store. They are healthy and tasty, and bast of all, they were on sale. Hey, I do what I can afford.
254: I gave one of J's jackets to my neighbour for her son. He's smaller than J so it will fit him. It was brand new, and a nice black denim. Unfortunately, J outgrew it before he had the chance to wear it.
255: I went to the dentist and became very angry. He filled a cavity last year and basically told me that he knew that wasn't the proper treatment at the time. So he said I would have to pay another insane amount of money for a root canal, or have my tooth extracted. I believe I was the logical one in all this, because I thought it would make more sense to just have the root canal last year (when he knew it had to be done) and not have to pay twice and suffer a year with a bad tooth. However, my good deed today was not using obscenities and maintaining my polite demeanor while I told them I was getting a new dentist. Hey, that was all I was capable of.
256: Before my nightmare appointment (see above) I found out that J has been bullied at school this week. That didn't put me in a very good mood, and today I made a follow-up call to see how J was doing because he was so stressed out about it. I had to get a call-back from the teacher, and I made sure to tell her I was happy with the way she was doing things, but I was simply worried about J's anxiety level. I made it very clear I wasn't trying to go above her head by talking to the office. So my kindness today was to avoid a potential miscommunication and create good rapport with J's teacher for the rest of the school year.
254: I gave one of J's jackets to my neighbour for her son. He's smaller than J so it will fit him. It was brand new, and a nice black denim. Unfortunately, J outgrew it before he had the chance to wear it.
255: I went to the dentist and became very angry. He filled a cavity last year and basically told me that he knew that wasn't the proper treatment at the time. So he said I would have to pay another insane amount of money for a root canal, or have my tooth extracted. I believe I was the logical one in all this, because I thought it would make more sense to just have the root canal last year (when he knew it had to be done) and not have to pay twice and suffer a year with a bad tooth. However, my good deed today was not using obscenities and maintaining my polite demeanor while I told them I was getting a new dentist. Hey, that was all I was capable of.
256: Before my nightmare appointment (see above) I found out that J has been bullied at school this week. That didn't put me in a very good mood, and today I made a follow-up call to see how J was doing because he was so stressed out about it. I had to get a call-back from the teacher, and I made sure to tell her I was happy with the way she was doing things, but I was simply worried about J's anxiety level. I made it very clear I wasn't trying to go above her head by talking to the office. So my kindness today was to avoid a potential miscommunication and create good rapport with J's teacher for the rest of the school year.
Sunday 15 September 2013
Kindnesses 247-252
247: I let my neighbour borrow my bus passes today when her son wouldn't get on the school bus. He was having trouble adjusting to school every day and refused to go with the other children. She managed to take him on the city bus, and I managed to save her the bus fare.
248: I gave some homemade granola bars to my next door neighbour and her boyfriend. They weren't really granola bars, but a variation on a brownie recipe that I made healthy enough to double as a breakfast bar. Too delicious to keep them all to myself.
249: I skipped my sacred book club to look after J's friend overnight. If I hadn't done it, he probably would have stayed with his grandparents out of town and had to miss school. Unfortunately, no one attended the book club and the girl hosting it was so disappointed that she told me she's not going to be part of it anymore.
250: I was very upset about my friend opting out of book club. I haven't known her long, but I really admire her and was very glad she was part of the group. I sent her an email telling her this, hoping she would change her mind or at least keep in touch. I haven't heard back from her yet, but I tried.
251: I put some canned soup into the local donation bin today.
252: I donated $2 to a charity that helps local kids join sports teams. I got a bouncy ball out of it, but that's not what I did it for. It's hard to pay a monthly membership that allows my children to join sports and swimming groups, but we manage to do it. I wanted to help the parents and kids who can't afford it.
248: I gave some homemade granola bars to my next door neighbour and her boyfriend. They weren't really granola bars, but a variation on a brownie recipe that I made healthy enough to double as a breakfast bar. Too delicious to keep them all to myself.
249: I skipped my sacred book club to look after J's friend overnight. If I hadn't done it, he probably would have stayed with his grandparents out of town and had to miss school. Unfortunately, no one attended the book club and the girl hosting it was so disappointed that she told me she's not going to be part of it anymore.
250: I was very upset about my friend opting out of book club. I haven't known her long, but I really admire her and was very glad she was part of the group. I sent her an email telling her this, hoping she would change her mind or at least keep in touch. I haven't heard back from her yet, but I tried.
251: I put some canned soup into the local donation bin today.
252: I donated $2 to a charity that helps local kids join sports teams. I got a bouncy ball out of it, but that's not what I did it for. It's hard to pay a monthly membership that allows my children to join sports and swimming groups, but we manage to do it. I wanted to help the parents and kids who can't afford it.
Tuesday 10 September 2013
Kindnesses 244-246
244: I spoke to my regular cashier at the grocery store. Yes, I go on the day she always works and I will wait in a long line just so we have her as our cashier. She's always very nice to the kids and knows us by name. I had an old coffee card with some money on it to give to her, just to let her know I appreciate customer service people who go above and beyond. It definitely makes groceries much easier to be served by someone nice whom the kids like, and anything that makes grocery shopping easier should be rewarded.
245: I took E to the park today and was talking to another mom. I told her I liked her shirt. She genuinely appreciated the compliment. Compliments are such an easy way to make someone feel better, and so often overlooked.
246: J got off the bus with a nosebleed yesterday and since he recently had surgery on his nose, I'm afraid I wasn't as nice about it as I could have been to the bus driver. I know it wasn't his fault and I don't generally act like a crazy, overprotective mother, so I apologized to him and gave him the medical update. J is fine, he just needs some extra supervision. He had a slight concussion. My apology and explanation were my kindnesses, because these are overlooked as often as compliments. I make sure if I'm wrong, I always apologize and explain.
245: I took E to the park today and was talking to another mom. I told her I liked her shirt. She genuinely appreciated the compliment. Compliments are such an easy way to make someone feel better, and so often overlooked.
246: J got off the bus with a nosebleed yesterday and since he recently had surgery on his nose, I'm afraid I wasn't as nice about it as I could have been to the bus driver. I know it wasn't his fault and I don't generally act like a crazy, overprotective mother, so I apologized to him and gave him the medical update. J is fine, he just needs some extra supervision. He had a slight concussion. My apology and explanation were my kindnesses, because these are overlooked as often as compliments. I make sure if I'm wrong, I always apologize and explain.
Friday 6 September 2013
Kindnesses 238-243
Here's my last week worth of kindensses:
238: I put some healthy food into the food drive bin while I was doing groceries. We are on a pretty tight grocery budget but I was passing the bin and questioned how much we need tomato soup and spaghetti noodles, compared to someone without a food budget. We managed the week fine without the soup and noodles, by the way.
239: Day before First Day of school, so I spent my afternoon baking special, healthy snacks for J to take in his lunch.
240: First day of school, so I sent in cookies for J's class. Not a lot though, because I'm sure the kids were excited enough about school and didn't need a lot of extra sugar. I also sent a note to his teacher to volunteer for helping in class sometimes.
241: I donated some of E's old clothes to charity. I suppose charity is used to donations though, because no one made a big deal of it. I am sincerely hoping the people who receive the clothes appreciate though. That's what I'm counting on at least.
242: E and I were very sick today. I received a kindness from my friend, inviting us to go to the park with her and her little boy but I was feeling too rough. Instead, she took E to the park to give me a couple hours off. That was nice and it proves (to me at least) that karma is out there. My kindness was later, while we went to the doctor. I picked up coffee and left a tip for the coffee girl.
243: Garbage day. Of course I brought in several bins for people.
238: I put some healthy food into the food drive bin while I was doing groceries. We are on a pretty tight grocery budget but I was passing the bin and questioned how much we need tomato soup and spaghetti noodles, compared to someone without a food budget. We managed the week fine without the soup and noodles, by the way.
239: Day before First Day of school, so I spent my afternoon baking special, healthy snacks for J to take in his lunch.
240: First day of school, so I sent in cookies for J's class. Not a lot though, because I'm sure the kids were excited enough about school and didn't need a lot of extra sugar. I also sent a note to his teacher to volunteer for helping in class sometimes.
241: I donated some of E's old clothes to charity. I suppose charity is used to donations though, because no one made a big deal of it. I am sincerely hoping the people who receive the clothes appreciate though. That's what I'm counting on at least.
242: E and I were very sick today. I received a kindness from my friend, inviting us to go to the park with her and her little boy but I was feeling too rough. Instead, she took E to the park to give me a couple hours off. That was nice and it proves (to me at least) that karma is out there. My kindness was later, while we went to the doctor. I picked up coffee and left a tip for the coffee girl.
243: Garbage day. Of course I brought in several bins for people.
Saturday 31 August 2013
Kindnesses 230-237
230: I cleaned up dog poop on the sidewalk. I have done this before and it's definitely not my favourite kindness, but it's for the safety of kids who play on the sidewalk. It's definitely not for the thoughtless people who don't clean up after their pets.
231: I found out our new neighbours are moving. I gave them a $5 Tim Hortons card for the drive.
232: I invited one of J's friends over to play and give his mom a break for a bit. The kids appreciated it and the mother did too.
234: I donated a couple of dollars to the Children's Wish Foundation.
235: I was at the hospital with J for his minor surgery. I tried to leave a tip at the Tim Hortons there, but they're not allowed to accept them. So instead I just donated it to the hospital donation box.
236: Our new neighbours moved in, so of course I gave them banana muffins. I always have baked goods in the freezer, because they are so easy to give away.
237: I stayed close to home today because J is on house arrest to avoid germs for the next couple of days. I went out to get chocolate chips to make my husband some cookies.
231: I found out our new neighbours are moving. I gave them a $5 Tim Hortons card for the drive.
232: I invited one of J's friends over to play and give his mom a break for a bit. The kids appreciated it and the mother did too.
234: I donated a couple of dollars to the Children's Wish Foundation.
235: I was at the hospital with J for his minor surgery. I tried to leave a tip at the Tim Hortons there, but they're not allowed to accept them. So instead I just donated it to the hospital donation box.
236: Our new neighbours moved in, so of course I gave them banana muffins. I always have baked goods in the freezer, because they are so easy to give away.
237: I stayed close to home today because J is on house arrest to avoid germs for the next couple of days. I went out to get chocolate chips to make my husband some cookies.
Friday 23 August 2013
Kindnesses 227-229
227: I gave a recipe to a neighbour who keeps asking for my banana muffins. I will still give her muffins, but now she can make her own too.
228: I found out our next door neighbours are moving today, and it happened pretty quickly. Since J was becoming friends with their son, I took over some cookies and a card with all our contact info on it, so J can write to the other boy.
229: I helped a random lady down the street carry groceries to her front porch.
228: I found out our next door neighbours are moving today, and it happened pretty quickly. Since J was becoming friends with their son, I took over some cookies and a card with all our contact info on it, so J can write to the other boy.
229: I helped a random lady down the street carry groceries to her front porch.
Tuesday 20 August 2013
Kindnesses 220-226
220: I cut my next door neighbour's lawn. She didn't notice but that's okay.
221: I helped restock some books while we were at the library. It's important for the kids to see me helping out "just because," so I enlisted them too.
222: I baked more cookies for random bus drivers. They're all used to me doing this now, and most even say thank you. I still give cookies to the grumpy ones though, because they need cheering up the most. I will crack them and get a smile someday......
223: I went to a friend's baby shower. I can't afford to buy much right now, but I spent a lot of time perusing the consignment shops so I could get her a nice present in really good condition. Shopping used makes more sense to me, because I get a lot more for my money, which means she gets a lot more for her baby.
224: I donated food to the local food drive bin in the grocery store. It wasn't much but it was healthy. I put in some canned fruit and vegetables.
225: Although the construction workers on my street are taking way too long to fix our road and making life inconvenient by closing our park and blocking our sidewalk, I took pity on them because it was so hot outside. I took them a tray of ice water and some leftover cookies. They were surprised, because they've been doing the same job (the same job!) for two years and no one has done that. While I feel good about doing it, I also know the work isn't going to be finished if they are hospitalized for dehydration......
226: I collected some mail for a neighbour who has gone out of town for a week. I also put her papers in the recycling and cleaned up some garbage from her lawn (left by the construction workers).
221: I helped restock some books while we were at the library. It's important for the kids to see me helping out "just because," so I enlisted them too.
222: I baked more cookies for random bus drivers. They're all used to me doing this now, and most even say thank you. I still give cookies to the grumpy ones though, because they need cheering up the most. I will crack them and get a smile someday......
223: I went to a friend's baby shower. I can't afford to buy much right now, but I spent a lot of time perusing the consignment shops so I could get her a nice present in really good condition. Shopping used makes more sense to me, because I get a lot more for my money, which means she gets a lot more for her baby.
224: I donated food to the local food drive bin in the grocery store. It wasn't much but it was healthy. I put in some canned fruit and vegetables.
225: Although the construction workers on my street are taking way too long to fix our road and making life inconvenient by closing our park and blocking our sidewalk, I took pity on them because it was so hot outside. I took them a tray of ice water and some leftover cookies. They were surprised, because they've been doing the same job (the same job!) for two years and no one has done that. While I feel good about doing it, I also know the work isn't going to be finished if they are hospitalized for dehydration......
226: I collected some mail for a neighbour who has gone out of town for a week. I also put her papers in the recycling and cleaned up some garbage from her lawn (left by the construction workers).
Tuesday 13 August 2013
Kindnesses 215-219
215: I took the kids to the gym so they could play basketball. Well, their versions of basketball anyway. J gets his athletic ability from me, and he will never be an all-star. E is pretty good at anything sporty, but he's also 2. Back to the point though, while I was there I took in some coupons for the staff who run the child care centre. I always forget to use them so I offered them to the ladies who work there. All of the coupons were taken, and one girl seemed very excited about saving $2 on apple sauce.
216: I went over to my friend's house to look after the kids so she could go out to a concert with her family. Her sister is visiting from England and I wanted to help her out so they could do some really fun stuff together. She then gave me a gift card to show her appreciation, which was lovely. I felt a bit bad though, because I wanted to help them and she always does nice things for me, so I didn't expect anything.
217: I donated to the Salvation Army today. Those people rarely say thank you.
218: I gave a hair elastic to a woman in the change room. I always keep extras in my gym bag, and I offered it to her after she tried several times to put her hair up with a pencil. Yes, that works but there's a trick to it. And it won't stay in for cardio.
219: There was a woman at the bus stop we see every week. She couldn't find her bus fare when she got on the bus. We talk to her regularly and she is very nice to the kids (which is my biggest factor in judging a person for general "goodness") so I lent her the fare. She felt bad but I insisted. She knows which house we live in so I told her to just leave it in the mail box when she can pay us back. I know she will.
216: I went over to my friend's house to look after the kids so she could go out to a concert with her family. Her sister is visiting from England and I wanted to help her out so they could do some really fun stuff together. She then gave me a gift card to show her appreciation, which was lovely. I felt a bit bad though, because I wanted to help them and she always does nice things for me, so I didn't expect anything.
217: I donated to the Salvation Army today. Those people rarely say thank you.
218: I gave a hair elastic to a woman in the change room. I always keep extras in my gym bag, and I offered it to her after she tried several times to put her hair up with a pencil. Yes, that works but there's a trick to it. And it won't stay in for cardio.
219: There was a woman at the bus stop we see every week. She couldn't find her bus fare when she got on the bus. We talk to her regularly and she is very nice to the kids (which is my biggest factor in judging a person for general "goodness") so I lent her the fare. She felt bad but I insisted. She knows which house we live in so I told her to just leave it in the mail box when she can pay us back. I know she will.
Thursday 8 August 2013
Kindnesses 208-214
208: I let a lady getting on the bus use my ten pass card for her bus ride. She was an older lady and seemed very confused looking for her change. She didn't have her money so I gave her one of my bus rides. She was very grateful, and I thought she was an extremely cute old lady until she asked if she could hold my toddler. I said no, and moved to the back of the bus with my boys.
209: I let an elderly man go before me in the grocery line. I had a cart full of food and two kids with me, but he only had a couple of things. He said no at first, but I insisted. He said thank you and was happy that someone was being nice to him. He had seemingly had a stroke, because the left side of his face was paralyzed, and didn't seem accustomed to people talking to him. Far be it for me to make assumptions, but it is a general rule that if someone looks different, people will skip being friendly to them.
210: I made a double layer carrot cake with coconut cream cheese icing for my husband, from scratch. I also made a ton of banana muffins, mostly for the kids.
211: I took the kids out to the new splash pad today, and brought along plenty of fruit. We shared some strawberries with other children there, after I made sure it was okay with their parents. None of the kids said thank you, but they really enjoyed the berries.
212: I printed out my best banana bread recipe for our new neighbours. I'd given them banana bread when they moved in and the mother asked for the recipe. Her sons were grateful, because they are going to bug her to make it now.
213: I weed-whacked my other neighbour's lawn.
214: I took some muffins and cookies in for random bus drivers. The kids and I delivered them through the driver's windows while they were parked at the terminal.
209: I let an elderly man go before me in the grocery line. I had a cart full of food and two kids with me, but he only had a couple of things. He said no at first, but I insisted. He said thank you and was happy that someone was being nice to him. He had seemingly had a stroke, because the left side of his face was paralyzed, and didn't seem accustomed to people talking to him. Far be it for me to make assumptions, but it is a general rule that if someone looks different, people will skip being friendly to them.
210: I made a double layer carrot cake with coconut cream cheese icing for my husband, from scratch. I also made a ton of banana muffins, mostly for the kids.
211: I took the kids out to the new splash pad today, and brought along plenty of fruit. We shared some strawberries with other children there, after I made sure it was okay with their parents. None of the kids said thank you, but they really enjoyed the berries.
212: I printed out my best banana bread recipe for our new neighbours. I'd given them banana bread when they moved in and the mother asked for the recipe. Her sons were grateful, because they are going to bug her to make it now.
213: I weed-whacked my other neighbour's lawn.
214: I took some muffins and cookies in for random bus drivers. The kids and I delivered them through the driver's windows while they were parked at the terminal.
Thursday 1 August 2013
Kindnesses 202-207
202: I gave a recipe to the guy who runs the local cafe at a resource centre. He was looking for a fail-safe oatmeal cookie recipe so I brought in mine, which happens to be gluten-free and better than the gluten ones. Not that I'm gung-ho on gluten-free, but it seems everyone has Celiac disease nowadays. He was very appreciative, and made them the same day. They were a hit with the customers. If I was a selfish person, I would keep my best recipes to myself...
203: I gave some old baby clothes to a neighbour. She was grateful, because it costs so much to outfit a single child for a season, and thene they need more new clothes.
204: I gave some change to the Children's Miracle Network. There wasn't a thank you. I think the , organizers of these fundraisers need to educate their volunteers on general social etiquette, because most don't acknowledge a donation. Or maybe they are just in a trance from standing there all day watching people go by.
205: I went to the gym and the change room was a mess. There were gym towels all over the place and shoes all over the floor, with no rhyme or reason. I put all the shoes together against the wall so no one would trip, and picked up all the towels for the laundry bin. No one noticed, I'm sure, but I felt better after doing it.
206: A woman on the bus was asking for directions, so I told her the best way to get where she was going. I had to tell her which other bus to take and which stop to get off at, and then how to walk from there.
207: I was very friendly on the bus to a man that people don't usually talk to. He's mentally disabled and most people tend to ignore him because he talks so much. He recognized me when he got on the bus so I talked with him for ten minutes, until we were at the terminal. It may be a small thing, but I'm sure it meant something to him.
203: I gave some old baby clothes to a neighbour. She was grateful, because it costs so much to outfit a single child for a season, and thene they need more new clothes.
204: I gave some change to the Children's Miracle Network. There wasn't a thank you. I think the , organizers of these fundraisers need to educate their volunteers on general social etiquette, because most don't acknowledge a donation. Or maybe they are just in a trance from standing there all day watching people go by.
205: I went to the gym and the change room was a mess. There were gym towels all over the place and shoes all over the floor, with no rhyme or reason. I put all the shoes together against the wall so no one would trip, and picked up all the towels for the laundry bin. No one noticed, I'm sure, but I felt better after doing it.
206: A woman on the bus was asking for directions, so I told her the best way to get where she was going. I had to tell her which other bus to take and which stop to get off at, and then how to walk from there.
207: I was very friendly on the bus to a man that people don't usually talk to. He's mentally disabled and most people tend to ignore him because he talks so much. He recognized me when he got on the bus so I talked with him for ten minutes, until we were at the terminal. It may be a small thing, but I'm sure it meant something to him.
Friday 26 July 2013
Kindnesses 198-201
I'm sorry to say, but this blog has gotten monotonous. I can't possibly come up with 365 ways to creatively introduce my kindnesses, so I will list them in order, including any strange or uncommon reactions that I get. See my other blog at www.momtoldyouso.blogspot.com for my brilliant, semi-comedic writing about parenting.
198: I took homemade cookies in for the counsellors of J's day camp.
199: I took more homemade cookies to our favourite bus driver again, whom we don't see anymore because he got stuck on another route. He was very happy to see the kids, and always appreciates baked goods.
200: I cut my neighbour's front lawn. I don't think she noticed.
201: I brought in recycling bins along the street. Again, I don't think anyone noticed. Maybe everyone thinks they just get up and walk back to the house every week. I'm not complaining, because I don't want or need acknowledgment and if I did, I wouldn't do random, nnice things when no one could see me.
198: I took homemade cookies in for the counsellors of J's day camp.
199: I took more homemade cookies to our favourite bus driver again, whom we don't see anymore because he got stuck on another route. He was very happy to see the kids, and always appreciates baked goods.
200: I cut my neighbour's front lawn. I don't think she noticed.
201: I brought in recycling bins along the street. Again, I don't think anyone noticed. Maybe everyone thinks they just get up and walk back to the house every week. I'm not complaining, because I don't want or need acknowledgment and if I did, I wouldn't do random, nnice things when no one could see me.
Monday 22 July 2013
Kindnesses 193-197
193: I invited a friend to come for a walk with us today. She was bored so I thought it would be nice to include her. She was happy to come.
194: I brought in many recycling bins and garbage containers again. I never thought I'd be known as the garbage fairy, but there you have it. I am the invisible gnome who puts away trash bins while people are at work....
195: Today was the day of my niece's huge birthday party, so I made myself really useful. I helped to set up, clean up, cook and serve food for people. I even watched someone's little boy for a couple of hours, so they could leave and set up a tent for camping.
196: Today was more cleaup.
197: Even I surprised myself this week with how much money I saved for groceries. I am tight with the budget and I price match, but I spent a lot less than expected. So I gave a couple dollars to the charity box again. I think this week it was the Children's Miracle Network.
194: I brought in many recycling bins and garbage containers again. I never thought I'd be known as the garbage fairy, but there you have it. I am the invisible gnome who puts away trash bins while people are at work....
195: Today was the day of my niece's huge birthday party, so I made myself really useful. I helped to set up, clean up, cook and serve food for people. I even watched someone's little boy for a couple of hours, so they could leave and set up a tent for camping.
196: Today was more cleaup.
197: Even I surprised myself this week with how much money I saved for groceries. I am tight with the budget and I price match, but I spent a lot less than expected. So I gave a couple dollars to the charity box again. I think this week it was the Children's Miracle Network.
Wednesday 17 July 2013
Kindnesses 189-192
These are lumped together, because I did the same thing for different people over four days. I let J invite a friend or two over each day, and took them somewhere really fun. We went to parks, splash pads and the beach, and had picnics every day. This was something nice for the kids, but also for their parents because it gave them a break. My house is a bit like free daycare at times....
Kindnesses 185-188
185: I took banana bread to our other new neighbours across the street. They were up late moving in and I used the excuse to give them breakfast for the next day. I also wanted to meet them, of course. I want to know everyone on this street, someday perhaps everyone in this city, but I hope they're not all expecting banana bread...
186: I mowed our neighbours front lawn. I would have done the back, but it's not worth trespassing.
187: Ihelped an older man onto the bus today. He was having trouble getting up the step, so I took E with me and helped him up. I then gave him my seat, because it was much easier for me to move than him. He was grateful, which is better than the usual reaction I get.
188: I was at the library with the kids which is about a block away from the bus terminal. I saw a lady with several shopping bags come out of another store while we were leaving, so I asked her where she was going. She was going to the terminal too, so I helped her carry her bags. We then sat with her so I could help her load them onto the bus when it came. She didn't thank me but to be honest, she may have forgotten. She was quite friendly and chatty and it was a nice conversation.
186: I mowed our neighbours front lawn. I would have done the back, but it's not worth trespassing.
187: Ihelped an older man onto the bus today. He was having trouble getting up the step, so I took E with me and helped him up. I then gave him my seat, because it was much easier for me to move than him. He was grateful, which is better than the usual reaction I get.
188: I was at the library with the kids which is about a block away from the bus terminal. I saw a lady with several shopping bags come out of another store while we were leaving, so I asked her where she was going. She was going to the terminal too, so I helped her carry her bags. We then sat with her so I could help her load them onto the bus when it came. She didn't thank me but to be honest, she may have forgotten. She was quite friendly and chatty and it was a nice conversation.
Tuesday 9 July 2013
Kindnesses 173-184
I was on vacation for a week, with no Wi-Fi, no reception for my phone and no inclination to do any work at all, which is why this post is covering so many kindnesses. It's a good thing being nice to people isn't hard work! I did jot down my good deeds daily, so here is an itemized list:
173: I was still at home on this day, and it was J's last day of school. I sent in cookies for his class.
174: To celebrate the final (final) day of school, which is always a P.A. Day (why?), I took the kids to the park. I brought along the leftover cookies and shared them out among various people there. I also gave a crisper-full of vegetables to my neighbour because they wouldn't stay good until we returned. People at the park liked the cookies and most even said thank you. My neighbour was very appreciative and even offered me money for the veggies, which I refused. She spent the week watering our tomatoes so it was a fair trade.
175: This was the first official day of our holiday, and on the drive I went into the gas station and paid for someone's coffee. He was befuddled (it's a much better word than confused) as to why I would do something like that. I explained that I was doing something nice every day for a year and he was even more flabbergasted (that's a great word too). Too flabbergasted, in fact to thank me, but that's okay. Maybe I opened his eyes to a new way of thinking. I'm always optimistic.
176: We went to a local coffee shop up north where my parents live. She had opened the day before and I gave her some tips for good recipes. She also asked me to show her how to measure cream for coffee by hand, because I have a long history of working in coffee shops. So I showed her the proper measurements. She thanked me and gave me a free muffin.
177: I let my husband fish for the whole day. Enough said.
178: I went to pick up pizza for the herd today. A small kindness, but at least no one else had to do it.
179: I went back to the coffee shop to tell the lady her coffee was very good and compliment her shop. It is a cute place and she appreciated hearing that. She gave me another free muffin.
180: I took J go Karting today, so my kindness was dedicated to him. I'm nice to him anyway, but this was something special. Besides, I haven't been in a Go Kart for over a decade and it was lots of fun. I also brought back ice cream for everyone.
181: The last official day of our holiday. I cleaned the trailer that we stayed in for my mom. Usually she cleans it before anyone uses it, and most who use it clean up after themselves. I did a full clean though. I scrubbed the walls and floor, as well as taking out our garbage and putting all the dishes away and stripping the sheets. It was very clean so my mom doesn't have to do it again next time.
182: On our first official day back at home, we were in dire need of groceries. I donated a couple dollars to a charity there. That store always has people with charity boxes so it's a great way to do at least one nice thing a week. I think this week was for The Hospital for Sick Children.
183: We invited the new neighbours to the park with us today. It was fun to have some extra kids along, and the mother had been wondering how to get there so we took them with us.
184: I tipped the coffee girl one dollar. In my experience as a coffee girl (noted previously), one dollar is a good amount. Some people tip two dollars, but I'm on a budget and it's still far more than the usual nickel.
173: I was still at home on this day, and it was J's last day of school. I sent in cookies for his class.
174: To celebrate the final (final) day of school, which is always a P.A. Day (why?), I took the kids to the park. I brought along the leftover cookies and shared them out among various people there. I also gave a crisper-full of vegetables to my neighbour because they wouldn't stay good until we returned. People at the park liked the cookies and most even said thank you. My neighbour was very appreciative and even offered me money for the veggies, which I refused. She spent the week watering our tomatoes so it was a fair trade.
175: This was the first official day of our holiday, and on the drive I went into the gas station and paid for someone's coffee. He was befuddled (it's a much better word than confused) as to why I would do something like that. I explained that I was doing something nice every day for a year and he was even more flabbergasted (that's a great word too). Too flabbergasted, in fact to thank me, but that's okay. Maybe I opened his eyes to a new way of thinking. I'm always optimistic.
176: We went to a local coffee shop up north where my parents live. She had opened the day before and I gave her some tips for good recipes. She also asked me to show her how to measure cream for coffee by hand, because I have a long history of working in coffee shops. So I showed her the proper measurements. She thanked me and gave me a free muffin.
177: I let my husband fish for the whole day. Enough said.
178: I went to pick up pizza for the herd today. A small kindness, but at least no one else had to do it.
179: I went back to the coffee shop to tell the lady her coffee was very good and compliment her shop. It is a cute place and she appreciated hearing that. She gave me another free muffin.
180: I took J go Karting today, so my kindness was dedicated to him. I'm nice to him anyway, but this was something special. Besides, I haven't been in a Go Kart for over a decade and it was lots of fun. I also brought back ice cream for everyone.
181: The last official day of our holiday. I cleaned the trailer that we stayed in for my mom. Usually she cleans it before anyone uses it, and most who use it clean up after themselves. I did a full clean though. I scrubbed the walls and floor, as well as taking out our garbage and putting all the dishes away and stripping the sheets. It was very clean so my mom doesn't have to do it again next time.
182: On our first official day back at home, we were in dire need of groceries. I donated a couple dollars to a charity there. That store always has people with charity boxes so it's a great way to do at least one nice thing a week. I think this week was for The Hospital for Sick Children.
183: We invited the new neighbours to the park with us today. It was fun to have some extra kids along, and the mother had been wondering how to get there so we took them with us.
184: I tipped the coffee girl one dollar. In my experience as a coffee girl (noted previously), one dollar is a good amount. Some people tip two dollars, but I'm on a budget and it's still far more than the usual nickel.
Wednesday 26 June 2013
Kindnesses 165-172
Hi there folks and loyal readers. I think I should give up a hobby or two. I'm trying to learn how to draw with crayon (believe me, it looks awesome if you can pull it off), write short stories and children's stories, bake for local cafes and set up child care for next year (that's me providing the care, not requiring it). I also have some other stuff going on, and there's not much time for blogging. Anyway, here's the next seven:
165: I went over to sit with my friend's son because her father in-law got hurt and had to go to the hospital. It was pretty easy, considering he was asleep and I had a book, but she still appreciated it and I'm so glad I was able to help them out.
166: I donated two dollars for the Tim Hortons Camp Day.
167: I handed out cookies at the park again. There were seven children in total and four parents who shared in my homemade oatmeal cookies. Next time I'll take more because I didn't get any.....
168: The kids and I took some of the leftover cookies (saved at home) to our favourite bus driver. He used to drive our regular bus, but due to seniority and preferences and all the rest, he hasn't been able to get this route for a year now. So we occasionally knock on bus windows at the terminal to find him and give him baked goods or home grown tomatoes.
169: I took care of the mail for a neighbour who was going away for a couple of days.
170: I bought a CD from a local musician a while back, to support local talent. I really enjoyed the music so I made sure I told him. He seemed genuinely surprised that I would seek him out to tell him that, but he was also pleased. He thanked me again for buying it in the first place.
171: I scraped some dog poop off the sidewalk. Most people pick up after their pets in this neighbourhood, but there are the odd few who don't. This particular pile was on the sidewalk where over fifty kids catch school buses every day. I thought it best for everyone if it was gone, so I got my rubber gloves and started scraping. I also poured some soap on it and hosed it off, just to be sure. I don't want it coming into my house on the bottom of shoes.....
172: Continuing the spirit of community, rather than pick up dog poop, today I cleaned up a broken beer bottle on the same corner. A rather misbehaved child smashed it when he got off the bus the other day, and in addition to being rude and irresponsible, it also puts all the younger children at risk with a broken pile of glass by the school bus area. So I cleaned it up.
165: I went over to sit with my friend's son because her father in-law got hurt and had to go to the hospital. It was pretty easy, considering he was asleep and I had a book, but she still appreciated it and I'm so glad I was able to help them out.
166: I donated two dollars for the Tim Hortons Camp Day.
167: I handed out cookies at the park again. There were seven children in total and four parents who shared in my homemade oatmeal cookies. Next time I'll take more because I didn't get any.....
168: The kids and I took some of the leftover cookies (saved at home) to our favourite bus driver. He used to drive our regular bus, but due to seniority and preferences and all the rest, he hasn't been able to get this route for a year now. So we occasionally knock on bus windows at the terminal to find him and give him baked goods or home grown tomatoes.
169: I took care of the mail for a neighbour who was going away for a couple of days.
170: I bought a CD from a local musician a while back, to support local talent. I really enjoyed the music so I made sure I told him. He seemed genuinely surprised that I would seek him out to tell him that, but he was also pleased. He thanked me again for buying it in the first place.
171: I scraped some dog poop off the sidewalk. Most people pick up after their pets in this neighbourhood, but there are the odd few who don't. This particular pile was on the sidewalk where over fifty kids catch school buses every day. I thought it best for everyone if it was gone, so I got my rubber gloves and started scraping. I also poured some soap on it and hosed it off, just to be sure. I don't want it coming into my house on the bottom of shoes.....
172: Continuing the spirit of community, rather than pick up dog poop, today I cleaned up a broken beer bottle on the same corner. A rather misbehaved child smashed it when he got off the bus the other day, and in addition to being rude and irresponsible, it also puts all the younger children at risk with a broken pile of glass by the school bus area. So I cleaned it up.
Kindnesses 160-164
Just for the record, I hate anything technology-related. Computers top the list. My computer specifically.
Moving on:
160: I donated food to the local food drive. I even picked food on sale so I could donate more of it.
161: I tipped the girl at the coffee shop and was especially polite to her, because she looked like she'd seen better days. I hope it made her a little happier in the end. I remember being a coffee shop worker and having nice customers make my day a bit easier. Eight hours can be a very long time behind a cash register...
162: I took the kids to pick up garbage on the side of the road. It was fun and lots of people honked at us. A few even gave us thumbs up and shouted things, although I couldn't understand them. I choose to believe they were nice things. Maybe they thought we had community service.
163: I moved Heaven and Earth in the past few weeks to ensure I could go with J on his class trip to the zoo. This was the day of the trip. I had to organize a speedy police check, a babysitter for E and a lunch that wouldn't spoil in the heat, not to mention packing a very full bag in a way that wouldn't make J tired to carry it all day. I also carried one of the other kids bags for half the day because he brought bricks to the zoo. Not really, but two bottle of water and four bottles of juice is almost the same thing.....
164: We took some homemade cookies to our favourite bus driver today. He was driving a bus we weren't going on, so we had to run to his window and run back to our bus, but the cookies were successfully delivered. J even warned him that, "these ones aren't as good but it's something, right" That's a direct quote. Why do I bother?
Moving on:
160: I donated food to the local food drive. I even picked food on sale so I could donate more of it.
161: I tipped the girl at the coffee shop and was especially polite to her, because she looked like she'd seen better days. I hope it made her a little happier in the end. I remember being a coffee shop worker and having nice customers make my day a bit easier. Eight hours can be a very long time behind a cash register...
162: I took the kids to pick up garbage on the side of the road. It was fun and lots of people honked at us. A few even gave us thumbs up and shouted things, although I couldn't understand them. I choose to believe they were nice things. Maybe they thought we had community service.
163: I moved Heaven and Earth in the past few weeks to ensure I could go with J on his class trip to the zoo. This was the day of the trip. I had to organize a speedy police check, a babysitter for E and a lunch that wouldn't spoil in the heat, not to mention packing a very full bag in a way that wouldn't make J tired to carry it all day. I also carried one of the other kids bags for half the day because he brought bricks to the zoo. Not really, but two bottle of water and four bottles of juice is almost the same thing.....
164: We took some homemade cookies to our favourite bus driver today. He was driving a bus we weren't going on, so we had to run to his window and run back to our bus, but the cookies were successfully delivered. J even warned him that, "these ones aren't as good but it's something, right" That's a direct quote. Why do I bother?
Friday 14 June 2013
The next seven
Wow, I'm sorry it's been a whole week. I didn't know time could slip away quite that fast, but here are the last seven. And as a fitting bonus, at the end I'll prove that karma is real and this is paying off. As an aside: I jot these down every day, so I'm not writing from memory here. I'm being eaten alive by sticky notes, actually.....
153: I returned the bins for our neighbour, who used our lawn for garbage collecting. Then I delivered some more bins to their houses, possibly saving them from the construction machines that have taken over our neighbourhood.
154: I donated a couple of dollars and some cans of food to the local food drive at the grocery store.
155: I took some old books to the library, so they can sell them and buy new books. I don't know why they don't just put the books in good condition on the shelves, but I guess some people like to do things the hard way....
156: I baked some cookies and muffins and delivered them around the neighbourhood with the kids. With the rainy weather, we needed a good excuse to get out.
157: I took E to the park and gave out some more cookies to mommies and kids.
158: J is grounded. Yes, he's six, but he's grounded all the same for a week. Don't ask. We had to stay home today, so I emailed an old friend and got back in touch. We live pretty close now, but I haven't seen her since high school. I wrote about my favourite memories when we were best friends and arranged to get together soon.
159: Our neighbours have free use of our driveway for the next week or so, because the trucks are digging right in front of their house for the next while and this way they don't have to park on the road.
That's seven. Here's a funny little story about karma: Last week I helped the neighbour clean the house out for the new tenants moving in next door. I washed the windows. Every time I pass those windows I notice how shiny they are, but that's not the point. To thank me, she left a gift card for the Beer Store in our mailbox yesterday. My husband and I don't drink, but the gesture was very sweet. So here we were wondering what to do with this Beer Card when a coworker of my husband gave him a whole bunch of fishing gear today, to help him start fishing. So we are using the gift card given to me for helping someone out to buy a present for someone who helped out my husband. I for one think it's pretty neat, although I tend to appreciate the small things......
153: I returned the bins for our neighbour, who used our lawn for garbage collecting. Then I delivered some more bins to their houses, possibly saving them from the construction machines that have taken over our neighbourhood.
154: I donated a couple of dollars and some cans of food to the local food drive at the grocery store.
155: I took some old books to the library, so they can sell them and buy new books. I don't know why they don't just put the books in good condition on the shelves, but I guess some people like to do things the hard way....
156: I baked some cookies and muffins and delivered them around the neighbourhood with the kids. With the rainy weather, we needed a good excuse to get out.
157: I took E to the park and gave out some more cookies to mommies and kids.
158: J is grounded. Yes, he's six, but he's grounded all the same for a week. Don't ask. We had to stay home today, so I emailed an old friend and got back in touch. We live pretty close now, but I haven't seen her since high school. I wrote about my favourite memories when we were best friends and arranged to get together soon.
159: Our neighbours have free use of our driveway for the next week or so, because the trucks are digging right in front of their house for the next while and this way they don't have to park on the road.
That's seven. Here's a funny little story about karma: Last week I helped the neighbour clean the house out for the new tenants moving in next door. I washed the windows. Every time I pass those windows I notice how shiny they are, but that's not the point. To thank me, she left a gift card for the Beer Store in our mailbox yesterday. My husband and I don't drink, but the gesture was very sweet. So here we were wondering what to do with this Beer Card when a coworker of my husband gave him a whole bunch of fishing gear today, to help him start fishing. So we are using the gift card given to me for helping someone out to buy a present for someone who helped out my husband. I for one think it's pretty neat, although I tend to appreciate the small things......
Friday 7 June 2013
Kindnesses 149-152
I apologize for the delay in posting, but I think my computer hates me more than I hate it. While I am able to use it, I will update you on my last four acts of kindness.
149: I went to the house next door because the tenants moved out (were evicted with police assistance, actually) and the landlord (landlady?) was cleaning. I imagined the house was in quite a state, because they had three big dogs that never got out and I went to offer to help with the cleaning. My husband stayed home from work that day and E was napping and J was at school, so I cleaned windows and walls and door knobs and sinks for a couple of hours. She was very appreciative (such a nice change) and gave me all the "easy jobs." I will go over again if I have the chance while she's there. As a side note, she mowed our front lawn that same day, but I didn't ask her to. It was refreshing to meet someone so positive in general, but I wasn't expecting a favour in return.
150: I gave someone bus fare, because she got on the bus and found out she'd left her wallet at home. Anyone familiar with Peterborough buses knows that would mean waiting another forty minutes for the next bus if she had to go get it, so I just gave her the change. She took it readily, but wasn't at all grateful. She didn't say thank you or even acknowledge me, really, until J informed her loudly that it's only "appropriate to thank someone when they're nice to you please, lady." That's a direct quote from my six-year old. She turned red and sat down, but she seemed to be having a bad day anyhow, so I wasn't offended that she didn't appreciate it.
151: It was raining all day today, so there wasn't much chance to get out. I still managed to deliver some baking to my neighbour, who always appreciates banana bread.
152: Today was garbage day with a twist. There is construction on our street and the other side of the street is dug up. I offered some neighbours across the street the use of our lawn for garbage and recycling pick up, since our side is still intact. I also offered the use of half of our driveway if they can't use their own, and gave away some very delicious, homemade peanut butter cookies.
149: I went to the house next door because the tenants moved out (were evicted with police assistance, actually) and the landlord (landlady?) was cleaning. I imagined the house was in quite a state, because they had three big dogs that never got out and I went to offer to help with the cleaning. My husband stayed home from work that day and E was napping and J was at school, so I cleaned windows and walls and door knobs and sinks for a couple of hours. She was very appreciative (such a nice change) and gave me all the "easy jobs." I will go over again if I have the chance while she's there. As a side note, she mowed our front lawn that same day, but I didn't ask her to. It was refreshing to meet someone so positive in general, but I wasn't expecting a favour in return.
150: I gave someone bus fare, because she got on the bus and found out she'd left her wallet at home. Anyone familiar with Peterborough buses knows that would mean waiting another forty minutes for the next bus if she had to go get it, so I just gave her the change. She took it readily, but wasn't at all grateful. She didn't say thank you or even acknowledge me, really, until J informed her loudly that it's only "appropriate to thank someone when they're nice to you please, lady." That's a direct quote from my six-year old. She turned red and sat down, but she seemed to be having a bad day anyhow, so I wasn't offended that she didn't appreciate it.
151: It was raining all day today, so there wasn't much chance to get out. I still managed to deliver some baking to my neighbour, who always appreciates banana bread.
152: Today was garbage day with a twist. There is construction on our street and the other side of the street is dug up. I offered some neighbours across the street the use of our lawn for garbage and recycling pick up, since our side is still intact. I also offered the use of half of our driveway if they can't use their own, and gave away some very delicious, homemade peanut butter cookies.
Kindnesses 146, 147 and 148
146: I let J have a friend over for the whole afternoon, which was a kindness to both him and his friend. It also helped out his friend's mom because she had to work on the weekend, so it gave her less to worry about knowing he was here having fun.
147: I made a really special dinner for my boys today. It hit me that one of the most fun dinners is also one of the healthiest. I cooked up some spicy beef and chopped up some veggies and we had tacos. J and E designed their own, which made quite a mess. It was really fun though, and instead of complaining about eating vegetables, J piled lettuce, carrots and cheese on his taco shell and couldn't wait to have seconds. I think I'll make it a weekly affair. It counts as a kindness because I think it's important for the people you love the most to get the best of you. And vegetables. They need vegetables too.
148: Since I dedicated 146 to J, 148 is for E. I took him to the park for a special day with Mommy while J was at school. We had a picnic and splashed in the water, climbed some tree stumps (his legs aren't long enough for whole trees yet) and made some friends. I also brought along a load of homemade granola bars to share (nut-free, of course) among the other families there, in case anyone thinks I'm getting lazy about my kindnesses.
147: I made a really special dinner for my boys today. It hit me that one of the most fun dinners is also one of the healthiest. I cooked up some spicy beef and chopped up some veggies and we had tacos. J and E designed their own, which made quite a mess. It was really fun though, and instead of complaining about eating vegetables, J piled lettuce, carrots and cheese on his taco shell and couldn't wait to have seconds. I think I'll make it a weekly affair. It counts as a kindness because I think it's important for the people you love the most to get the best of you. And vegetables. They need vegetables too.
148: Since I dedicated 146 to J, 148 is for E. I took him to the park for a special day with Mommy while J was at school. We had a picnic and splashed in the water, climbed some tree stumps (his legs aren't long enough for whole trees yet) and made some friends. I also brought along a load of homemade granola bars to share (nut-free, of course) among the other families there, in case anyone thinks I'm getting lazy about my kindnesses.
Tuesday 28 May 2013
Kindnesses 143, 144 and 145
I have decided there is a hidden season in spring when everyone's coming down from spring fever and has the grouchies. I have also decided I'm not going to let anyone bring me down, no matter what they do or say to try. So in the spirit of facing adversity, I have performed three super kindnesses in the past three days. I wanted to change things up a bit to keep myself motivated, so I made sure I put in extra effort.
143: Yes, I bought someone coffee again. This was different though, because I bought it for a group of three. They seemed to appreciate it, because they talked among themselves of how cool it was to get free coffee, but only one remembered in hindsight to thank me. That was after he was sitting down with his coffee and I was leaving the store, but maybe it's improvement.....
144: I helped my neighbour to do some lawn work. She maintains her friend's lawn, who happens to be another neighbour of mine, and it's a very big lawn. I took the boys over with rakes and we spent about 40 minutes helping her tidy up leaves, branches and garbage that people leave everywhere.
145:I brought a friends' cat home from the shelter for her, because she doesn't have a car. I also took some business cards from another friend, to promote her business. And I did all my husband's regular chores while he was out so he could have a break from his daily cleaning. Instead of one big thing, I did a whole bunch of little things.
143: Yes, I bought someone coffee again. This was different though, because I bought it for a group of three. They seemed to appreciate it, because they talked among themselves of how cool it was to get free coffee, but only one remembered in hindsight to thank me. That was after he was sitting down with his coffee and I was leaving the store, but maybe it's improvement.....
144: I helped my neighbour to do some lawn work. She maintains her friend's lawn, who happens to be another neighbour of mine, and it's a very big lawn. I took the boys over with rakes and we spent about 40 minutes helping her tidy up leaves, branches and garbage that people leave everywhere.
145:I brought a friends' cat home from the shelter for her, because she doesn't have a car. I also took some business cards from another friend, to promote her business. And I did all my husband's regular chores while he was out so he could have a break from his daily cleaning. Instead of one big thing, I did a whole bunch of little things.
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Kindnesses 141 and 142
I forgot to look at the number, so here's my kindness for yesterday. I had to stay home for the most part, because I was in so much pain from shingles. I took E out for a walk though. I was friendly to everyone I saw, and that was six people. One older man was very surprised, but pleased that I was talking to him. It seemed to me that he didn't talk to many people, but he was very nice. He said hi to E and played peek-a-boo with him, and I'm pretty sure that old man's day was a bit better because of us. There was also a lady walking a dog, and E waved and said hi to her. This is unusual for him, because unless he's sitting with someone for half an hour, he usually doesn't do much of anything in front of them. The lady thought E was the cutest thing (if I may say so, he really is) and stopped to talk for a few minutes. E was a regular performer this time. He said his words, he chatted and he even petted the dog. Her day was better too because of us, I hope.
Today was the women's dinner that I try to make it to regularly. It's for women only, and it's about supporting each other and learning about what we can do. I was sitting at a table with some acquaintances and a lady came up to talk to the girl beside me. She was upset the table was full, because she only knew one person there. I got up to move so she could sit with her friend. She told me I didn't have to, but was grateful when I said I can talk to anybody and I didn't mind moving at all. So I went to a new table and struck up conversations with the women there. It was a good dinner.
Today was the women's dinner that I try to make it to regularly. It's for women only, and it's about supporting each other and learning about what we can do. I was sitting at a table with some acquaintances and a lady came up to talk to the girl beside me. She was upset the table was full, because she only knew one person there. I got up to move so she could sit with her friend. She told me I didn't have to, but was grateful when I said I can talk to anybody and I didn't mind moving at all. So I went to a new table and struck up conversations with the women there. It was a good dinner.
Monday 20 May 2013
Kindness 137-140
The week didn't improve much toward it's end. People are still cranky and miserable, but I've done my best to make some feel better.
137: I held open the door for an older couple at a store. They said thank you, and acted surprised that I waited for them to walk through. I guess it's not every day the younger generation is nice to teh older generation. That, or they saw me with two kids having a crazy day (all my days are crazy) and they were shocked I managed to keep the kids still for a minute.
138: I finally gave away our tickets to Nascar. Since we decided not to go anyway I offered them to my neighbour, who has a young boy. She decided to take them and they went and had a good family day at the races, which I was happy about. She's a good friend so it's not surprising she was appreciative. She brought back some souvenirs for J too.
139: I was outside sweeping up the grass and dirt of the sidewalk on our property, because it just looked messy. While I was at it, I swept the sidewalk for the section of our street, just to make it all look better. There are five houses on this stretch, so it was five neighbours I was kind to.
140: There is a little girl across the street that we don't know very well. I'm not sure if she lives there with her mom or if the girl living there just takes care of her. We see her playing outside quite often though. I offered to let them borrow J's old tricycle, because E won't be able to use it until next year. They said yes, she's grown out of hers, so now I just need to take it over to them.
137: I held open the door for an older couple at a store. They said thank you, and acted surprised that I waited for them to walk through. I guess it's not every day the younger generation is nice to teh older generation. That, or they saw me with two kids having a crazy day (all my days are crazy) and they were shocked I managed to keep the kids still for a minute.
138: I finally gave away our tickets to Nascar. Since we decided not to go anyway I offered them to my neighbour, who has a young boy. She decided to take them and they went and had a good family day at the races, which I was happy about. She's a good friend so it's not surprising she was appreciative. She brought back some souvenirs for J too.
139: I was outside sweeping up the grass and dirt of the sidewalk on our property, because it just looked messy. While I was at it, I swept the sidewalk for the section of our street, just to make it all look better. There are five houses on this stretch, so it was five neighbours I was kind to.
140: There is a little girl across the street that we don't know very well. I'm not sure if she lives there with her mom or if the girl living there just takes care of her. We see her playing outside quite often though. I offered to let them borrow J's old tricycle, because E won't be able to use it until next year. They said yes, she's grown out of hers, so now I just need to take it over to them.
Thursday 16 May 2013
Kindnesses 133, 134 and 135 and 136
133: I was in a fairly bad mood but I still performed my kindness. I was at the gym in the change room and someone had forgotten her hair elastic. I gave her two of my extras that I keep in my gym bag, one for using and one for an extra in case she forgot again. She thanked me and seemed happy.
134: Today my kindness was a little unconventional but it also reminded me of why I'm doing this. I was getting a haircut and chatting away with my stylist. I was just being my normal, slightly overbearing, very friendly and overly opinionated self, which was making her laugh. At the end of the cut she told me I was her favourite customer of the day, because I was hilarious. While my goal is not to be hilarious, it is to put people in a better mood. So it made up for my bad mood previously because I reconsidered how my conduct affects others.
135: My kindness was not well-received today. I thought to give away the tickets for a race this weekend that we can't go to, but no one wanted them. No one even said "thanks anyway." So much for that one. I still tried though.
136: My kindness today was to give coffee to the bus driver. See my mom blog for the reason I wasn't in the mood to do anything nice for anyone today. I still did though,, because I am committed.
134: Today my kindness was a little unconventional but it also reminded me of why I'm doing this. I was getting a haircut and chatting away with my stylist. I was just being my normal, slightly overbearing, very friendly and overly opinionated self, which was making her laugh. At the end of the cut she told me I was her favourite customer of the day, because I was hilarious. While my goal is not to be hilarious, it is to put people in a better mood. So it made up for my bad mood previously because I reconsidered how my conduct affects others.
135: My kindness was not well-received today. I thought to give away the tickets for a race this weekend that we can't go to, but no one wanted them. No one even said "thanks anyway." So much for that one. I still tried though.
136: My kindness today was to give coffee to the bus driver. See my mom blog for the reason I wasn't in the mood to do anything nice for anyone today. I still did though,, because I am committed.
Sunday 12 May 2013
Kindness 130-132
I promise you all I will be back to the more detailed posts soon, but I'm having some trouble with my article. I thought it was a great topic and it would be easy, but lo and behold it is most definitely not. I finished two separate rough drafts, only to delete them. Is it just me, or is it much more satisfying to rip them to pieces? The advent of technology (and my horrible handwriting) have deprived me of that, so I am currently working on drafts 3, 4 and 5. I can't figure out what is the best way to say what I know I want to say, and I've lost all my references but I remember all the material. How frustrating is that? Anyway, here are my kindnesses for the last three days.
130: I brought in several garbage and recycling bins. I then felt bad about not being more creative so I helped someone down the street (whom I didn't know) move a table from their van to their porch.
131: I took the boys out to play and said hello to everyone who passed. Only two people wanted a short chat, but still I brightened their days. I also gave half a cake to my friend and her husband, because I enjoyed my Mother's Day dinner early and I really didn't need any more cake. I figured her family could enjoy it and it wouldn't go to waste (or to my hips).
132: I called and texted several people to wish them Happy Mother's Day. Wow, you'd think by now "texted" would be in the English dictionary, but it's showing as a typo.
130: I brought in several garbage and recycling bins. I then felt bad about not being more creative so I helped someone down the street (whom I didn't know) move a table from their van to their porch.
131: I took the boys out to play and said hello to everyone who passed. Only two people wanted a short chat, but still I brightened their days. I also gave half a cake to my friend and her husband, because I enjoyed my Mother's Day dinner early and I really didn't need any more cake. I figured her family could enjoy it and it wouldn't go to waste (or to my hips).
132: I called and texted several people to wish them Happy Mother's Day. Wow, you'd think by now "texted" would be in the English dictionary, but it's showing as a typo.
Thursday 9 May 2013
Kindness 126-129
Maybe it's the extreme change in weather, going from a blizzard one week to swimming the next, or maybe it's the complete lack of spring weather we've had around here, but everyone in Peterborough seems to be in a bad mood, myself included. I have kept up with this resolution despite my mood though, because I know that by being good to others I'm a happier person. I wish it rubbed off, but that's a 50/50 occurrence. In order to remain gung ho about this though, I decided that I would devote these four acts of kindness to completely random strangers, and not count anyone I know. So here's my rundown.
126: I donated to my local YMCA, just a couple of dollars but still. I guess they have more than enough donors though because I didn't get an acknowledgement when I put money into the huge jar on the counter.
127: I gave some gluten-free recipes to a local cafe, because her customers are going gluten-free crazy and she doesn't have time to test it all out. I made sure they were tried and true. I may have gotten a (very part-time) job out of it, because she's looking for someone to bake gluten-free things for her store and I told her I would test out some more recipes and let her know.
128: I was walking with E and a woman was unloading groceries while her toddler was trying to run into the street. I offered to help either unload the groceries to her front porch or keep an eye on her child. She didn't want me anywhere near her kid, but said "I guess you can put the groceries there." I could have responded with a "no thank you, I will be nice to someone else today," but I didn't. I unloaded her car, put all the groceries next to her front door and left. Not even a thank you from her. I've noted her address.
129: I gave E some change to put into the jar for the local SPCA. He was having fun doing it, but I learned not to give your toddler access to your wallet. He spent all of my coffee money, and by that I mean about ten dollars. Hey, it never hurts to be too careful about coffee money. There have been emergencies before. I guess they also have enough people donating, because although they were very polite to me about adopting a cat, they didn't thank me for the donations.
I blame the weather, because I don't like to think people feel quite as entitled as they did this week, or ungrateful. Sunshine brings out the worst in people.
126: I donated to my local YMCA, just a couple of dollars but still. I guess they have more than enough donors though because I didn't get an acknowledgement when I put money into the huge jar on the counter.
127: I gave some gluten-free recipes to a local cafe, because her customers are going gluten-free crazy and she doesn't have time to test it all out. I made sure they were tried and true. I may have gotten a (very part-time) job out of it, because she's looking for someone to bake gluten-free things for her store and I told her I would test out some more recipes and let her know.
128: I was walking with E and a woman was unloading groceries while her toddler was trying to run into the street. I offered to help either unload the groceries to her front porch or keep an eye on her child. She didn't want me anywhere near her kid, but said "I guess you can put the groceries there." I could have responded with a "no thank you, I will be nice to someone else today," but I didn't. I unloaded her car, put all the groceries next to her front door and left. Not even a thank you from her. I've noted her address.
129: I gave E some change to put into the jar for the local SPCA. He was having fun doing it, but I learned not to give your toddler access to your wallet. He spent all of my coffee money, and by that I mean about ten dollars. Hey, it never hurts to be too careful about coffee money. There have been emergencies before. I guess they also have enough people donating, because although they were very polite to me about adopting a cat, they didn't thank me for the donations.
I blame the weather, because I don't like to think people feel quite as entitled as they did this week, or ungrateful. Sunshine brings out the worst in people.
Sunday 5 May 2013
Kindnesses 121-125
It's been a crazy week, and it's all my fault. Here and there and back again and kids and cooking and intensive spring cleaning, not to mention waging a personal war on the (insert expletive of choice here) day lilies in my backyard. Plus writing an article, which is almost at the first draft stage. And doing something nice every day. I haven't been sleeping much. No time. So here's my rundown of the last five kindnesses I've performed.
121: I gave a coupon I got in the mail for a pack of breakfast drinks to a girl I see drinking them on the bus all the time.
122: I gave banana bread to a neighbour of mine.
123: I brought in the garbage and recycling bins of my other neighbour, whose on vacation, and I also collected her mail for her.
124: I randomly selected a person in Tim Hortons to give a coffee card to.
125: I picked up garbage with the kids at a park.
121: I gave a coupon I got in the mail for a pack of breakfast drinks to a girl I see drinking them on the bus all the time.
122: I gave banana bread to a neighbour of mine.
123: I brought in the garbage and recycling bins of my other neighbour, whose on vacation, and I also collected her mail for her.
124: I randomly selected a person in Tim Hortons to give a coffee card to.
125: I picked up garbage with the kids at a park.
Tuesday 30 April 2013
Kindness 120
Today I gave a graham cracker to a little boy in the bus who was having a hard time. It made him happy for a minute, so then I gave him another one. I also changed seats so another boy could sit closer to his mother, who was standing with a stroller.
Both moms thanked me and were grateful. Moms are very appreciative in general, especially to other moms who take the time to help them a little. Just a sociological observation, because some people don't even say thank you when I do something for them.
Conclusion: If your goal is to be more appreciative, have a kid.
Both moms thanked me and were grateful. Moms are very appreciative in general, especially to other moms who take the time to help them a little. Just a sociological observation, because some people don't even say thank you when I do something for them.
Conclusion: If your goal is to be more appreciative, have a kid.
Monday 29 April 2013
Kindnesses 118 and 119
For all my readers, I will be making shorter posts for the time being, because I have an article to finish soon. I don't have much writing time and what I do have is going to be devoted to that for a week or two. With that in mind, here are my kindnesses for yesterday and today:
118:
I bought coffee for a lady with four children. She clearly needed it.
119:
I brought brownies to our favourite bus driver, who we don't see that often because he drives a different bus.
118:
I bought coffee for a lady with four children. She clearly needed it.
119:
I brought brownies to our favourite bus driver, who we don't see that often because he drives a different bus.
Saturday 27 April 2013
Kindness 117
Today I took J to his sports class and there was another mom sitting beside me with a toddler. All this little boy wanted to do was jump in and play soccer with his older sister, and since I didn't take E to watch J to avoid the same thing, I didn't have my arsenal of toys in my bag. I set up my toddler cell phone game and let him play. It worked and he was sitting still at the sidelines, until his sister came over and wanted to play the game too. So it backfired, but it was still my kindness of the day.
Friday 26 April 2013
Kindness 115 and 116
Yesterday I let my neighbours borrow a drill for some home improvement. Actually, I let them borrow an impact driver, a nail gun, and a drill, but they only needed a drill. I couldn't find the tool I was looking for due to a lack of organization in our basement, so I gave them every power tool I could find, and let them keep it over the weekend so they can work on what's needed.
Today I took some cookies over to a different neighbour, because he was complaining his daughter ate all the cookies I took over before and he didn't get any. Since I usually have spare baked goods lying around, I took him some so he could have a little treat.
Today I took some cookies over to a different neighbour, because he was complaining his daughter ate all the cookies I took over before and he didn't get any. Since I usually have spare baked goods lying around, I took him some so he could have a little treat.
Wednesday 24 April 2013
Kindness 114
The owners of the cafe at the bus terminal are among my favourite people. They're always so nice to us and they love the kids. They thank us every time we go in, even when we don't buy anything. There is an older lady and man, and their son helps out with the business a lot. I make sure to bring the kids in as much as possible and order something small, because all three have said it makes their day better to see the boys.
The cafe has been closed for a couple weeks now though. There's a sign up saying it's temporary, but it's been a while. Someone at the terminal said the man had a stroke, but I'm not sure how reliable that information is. I do know he gets tired easily and can only work half days, because he's over 80 years old. His wife is there for over 12 hours every day, but they both work incredibly hard.
Since I don't know exactly what happened, today I made a card for them with a note giving them my phone number and telling them we are thinking of them. I offered any help they need, but if they don't need it at least they know we miss them. That was my kindness for the day, although it seems like it's too normal to count. It's something I would have done whether I'd made this resolution or not, but not everyone would do the same so it's what I'm posting.
The cafe has been closed for a couple weeks now though. There's a sign up saying it's temporary, but it's been a while. Someone at the terminal said the man had a stroke, but I'm not sure how reliable that information is. I do know he gets tired easily and can only work half days, because he's over 80 years old. His wife is there for over 12 hours every day, but they both work incredibly hard.
Since I don't know exactly what happened, today I made a card for them with a note giving them my phone number and telling them we are thinking of them. I offered any help they need, but if they don't need it at least they know we miss them. That was my kindness for the day, although it seems like it's too normal to count. It's something I would have done whether I'd made this resolution or not, but not everyone would do the same so it's what I'm posting.
Tuesday 23 April 2013
Kindness 113
When I did my marathon baking on the weekend, I promised J I would save some muffins for our next door neighbour (the nice one). I saw her today while E and I were looking out the window, so I rushed out to intercept her and give her some banana muffins.
I also gave some information about local parenting resources to a mom I see on the bus quite often. We were both going to the gym so I wrote down the information at the child care centre and now she can go to the play groups that are offered.
I also gave some information about local parenting resources to a mom I see on the bus quite often. We were both going to the gym so I wrote down the information at the child care centre and now she can go to the play groups that are offered.
Monday 22 April 2013
Kindness 112 (I think)
Today I went to the gym with the kids before their swimming lessons. A friend of mine knows the cafe owner personally, and has nothing but good things to say about how hard he works and how good his food is. It's all made at the facility from scratch and it sure looks and smells delicious. I decided it would be nice for him to hear some compliments so I told him about our mutual friend and that she thinks he's awesome. I also told him that his food smells wonderful every time we go in (but it defeats the purpose of me going to the gym if I'm too hungry). He laughed and said thank you. People who work so hard at their own business need reminders sometimes that it is appreciated, and that was my kindness for the day.
Sunday 21 April 2013
Kindness 111
Today was my marathon baking day. I have those every once in a while so I can make a freezer full of snacks for the kids and save on groceries. Today I made banana bread, banana muffins, and about 300 molasses bear paws. J had a friend over and since it wasn't snowing like yesterday (anyone else think there's something wrong with that?), I took the kids to the park.
There were lots of parents and grandparents who felt the same way, and even though it was cold the sun was shining and the park was full. I hoped that would be the case because I brought a wagon full of bear paws to share. I passed out a homemade bear paw cookie to every child there (with parent's permission, of course). Some parents even took the cookies and I gave them the website for the recipe. That was my kindness. Cookie distribution.
For the recipe, go to http://www.momtoldyouso.blogspot.com and look for the recipes. There's a link to the site. Believe me they are the best!
There were lots of parents and grandparents who felt the same way, and even though it was cold the sun was shining and the park was full. I hoped that would be the case because I brought a wagon full of bear paws to share. I passed out a homemade bear paw cookie to every child there (with parent's permission, of course). Some parents even took the cookies and I gave them the website for the recipe. That was my kindness. Cookie distribution.
For the recipe, go to http://www.momtoldyouso.blogspot.com and look for the recipes. There's a link to the site. Believe me they are the best!
Saturday 20 April 2013
Kindness 109 (addition) and 110
Yesterday everyone was in a very bad mood, like I noted previously. I tried to do nice things but none were appreciated. Then I got a chance last evening to do something else. My friend called me to ask if I would come over and do a short interview for the news about cloth diapering. I really didn't want to because my hair was a mess and we had yet to buy a last-minute birthday present for J's friend, but I made it happen. I carted the kids away to the store for the quickest gift pick-up ever (in and out of the store in under four minutes), and headed on over to my friend's house, boys in tow. I wasn't TV ready by any means, although I did brush my hair. That counts for something around here. But it's okay because I have Netflix and wasn't going to be watching myself anyhow, and it was good to help out a friend who needed it (and appreciated it).
Today my kindness was for the same friend. She organized the Peterborough Great Cloth Diaper Change, and although it was a bit hectic to get myself and E there, we did it. It required dropping J and my husband off for sports, going to the Change, then turning right back and picking up my husband and J for a birthday party. I wasn't able to make it last year though (same child's birthday party), so I'm glad I went to support her this year.
For anyone with a baby, consider this: Up to $200/month for disposable diapers vs. as little as $300 for cloth until potty training. Also think about the amount of toxic waste going to landfills, and how easy it is to switch. They are just as easy as disposables and a lot more stylish (frogs anyone?) No need for soaking, just set your machine to heavy wash and you're done. Plus they make the best rags when you're finished with them.
http://www.changingwaysdiapers.com
Today my kindness was for the same friend. She organized the Peterborough Great Cloth Diaper Change, and although it was a bit hectic to get myself and E there, we did it. It required dropping J and my husband off for sports, going to the Change, then turning right back and picking up my husband and J for a birthday party. I wasn't able to make it last year though (same child's birthday party), so I'm glad I went to support her this year.
For anyone with a baby, consider this: Up to $200/month for disposable diapers vs. as little as $300 for cloth until potty training. Also think about the amount of toxic waste going to landfills, and how easy it is to switch. They are just as easy as disposables and a lot more stylish (frogs anyone?) No need for soaking, just set your machine to heavy wash and you're done. Plus they make the best rags when you're finished with them.
http://www.changingwaysdiapers.com
Friday 19 April 2013
Kindnesses 108 and 109
Yesterday we went to the corner to wait for the school bus and there was dog feces all over the sidewalk. I should say still because it was there one Tuesday too. I told everyone coming that way to watch out so no one stepped in it, and then after J went to school I kept E outside on his new bike (yes, a bike for toddlers) so I could clean it up. I spent five minutes removing it (to our garbage in a bag) and hosing off the sidewalk a bit. Most people in this area pick up after their dogs, but there are a few who don't. I don't see why lazy dog owners should make other people suffer. I'm not even going to mention the complaints about my next door neighbour (see my rant on momtoldyouso blog for that).
Someone came out and asked what I was doing when I was cleaning up, and I told him. Since the mess was right in front of his house, he was appreciative but didn't understand why I was cleaning up after someone else' dog. I told him I wasn't the only one to use the sidewalks and thought it would be nice to take a minute to get rid of the mess, and he still didn't get it. So I told him if I'd known who left it, I may have picked it up and dumped it on their lawn instead and he understood that. I was joking but not convincingly I guess. Just goes to show that there are a lot of people out there who would rather have a tit for tat than just suck it up and do something nice.
Today I took E out and no one was in a good mood in this town. Must be the weather. E wasn't in a great mood either. I tried to cheer people up by being polite and starting conversations, but no one wanted to smile today. I helped a lady lift her walker onto the bus, because the driver wouldn't lower the ramp and she almost hit me. I guess she thought I was trying to steal it. I picked up someone's phone when they dropped it beside my seat, and he just grabbed it back without saying thank you. I stopped trying after that. I tried to be nice and helpful, but no one was receptive. Does that still count?
Someone came out and asked what I was doing when I was cleaning up, and I told him. Since the mess was right in front of his house, he was appreciative but didn't understand why I was cleaning up after someone else' dog. I told him I wasn't the only one to use the sidewalks and thought it would be nice to take a minute to get rid of the mess, and he still didn't get it. So I told him if I'd known who left it, I may have picked it up and dumped it on their lawn instead and he understood that. I was joking but not convincingly I guess. Just goes to show that there are a lot of people out there who would rather have a tit for tat than just suck it up and do something nice.
Today I took E out and no one was in a good mood in this town. Must be the weather. E wasn't in a great mood either. I tried to cheer people up by being polite and starting conversations, but no one wanted to smile today. I helped a lady lift her walker onto the bus, because the driver wouldn't lower the ramp and she almost hit me. I guess she thought I was trying to steal it. I picked up someone's phone when they dropped it beside my seat, and he just grabbed it back without saying thank you. I stopped trying after that. I tried to be nice and helpful, but no one was receptive. Does that still count?
Wednesday 17 April 2013
Kindness 107
Today there was a soon-to-be mother of three who had been turned away from the food bank. She said they wouldn't even give her milk, and that's all she needed. Then she told me that there were two ladies who had been let in that were nice enough to give her some of their food, including powdered milk. She gave my children three packages of cookies. I thought that was so nice of her that I gave her $5 to go buy some fresh milk for her own children. I've talked to her before several times, and she's always very nice to us. She said she hasn't needed the food bank in over a year but it's been a tough month. It was great to help her out but even better to hear of the other women who shared their food. If it starts, it just keeps going.
Tuesday 16 April 2013
Kindness 106
Today I was talking to another mom I see on the bus regularly. She mentioned she needed a baby gate and I had an extra one. The first we bought couldn't be installed safely in our house. Something about the drywall not holding it, even with the anchors and proper hardware. We ended up buying two new ones way back when and that first one was just collecting dust in our basement, so I offered it to her. There's nothing wrong with the gate, just our walls. She came over to pick it up and was very happy with it. I felt good about it because she's always nice to us on the bus and she really appreciated it.
Monday 15 April 2013
Kindness 105
Today I was out enjoying this spring weather with the boys. I`m happy this country finally caught up with the calendar. I spent some time picking up garbage on some of the neighbour`s lawns because after all that wind last week some places were looking pretty messy. I know who keeps their lawn neat and worked on those ones. I even enlisted E to help hold the garbage bag. He ended up putting it in his wagon and carting it halfway across town, but it was a great effort!
Sunday 14 April 2013
Kindness 103 and 104
Yesterday J had a friend over and I took them to a school fundraiser at an indoor playground. It was $10 for each child, and one of my earlier kindnesses was to loan the money to his mom so I could register him for the event. My kindness yesterday was to just pay the money, because when we picked him up she didn't mention it and she looked like she'd had much better days so I didn't mention it either.
Today I made my husband laugh. I can't repeat what I said because it's not appropriate for a wide audience, but it felt good to make him laugh. He enjoyed me being funny and cleverness does take a lot out of me (although I'm a glutton for punishment) so I count that as my kindness.
Today I made my husband laugh. I can't repeat what I said because it's not appropriate for a wide audience, but it felt good to make him laugh. He enjoyed me being funny and cleverness does take a lot out of me (although I'm a glutton for punishment) so I count that as my kindness.
Friday 12 April 2013
Kindness 102
I went to bed last night thinking I'd be out and about with E this morning and have plenty of opportunity to fill some buckets. I woke up in two senses to a mid-April ice-storm. Plans for the day changed and I stayed in my pyjamas until almost dinner. I only put on clothes then because the power was out and I couldn't cook dinner, so I went to buy some.
Anyway, I got the chance to be kind when my neighbour came over to drop something off before she picked up my son from school (it was also a snow day). She mentioned she sent her husband to buy coffee earlier but debit was down, so I asked her if she wanted some money to get one for all of us. In reality, I almost threw a $20 bill at her in my excitement, because without electricity I couldn't boil water for my second coffee and I need a second coffee. And a third. So I bought them coffee (kind of, without a vehicle I couldn't pick them up but I paid for them). I also went out to get dinner for my own family, which was much tastier than sausages and potatoes would have been.
Anyway, I got the chance to be kind when my neighbour came over to drop something off before she picked up my son from school (it was also a snow day). She mentioned she sent her husband to buy coffee earlier but debit was down, so I asked her if she wanted some money to get one for all of us. In reality, I almost threw a $20 bill at her in my excitement, because without electricity I couldn't boil water for my second coffee and I need a second coffee. And a third. So I bought them coffee (kind of, without a vehicle I couldn't pick them up but I paid for them). I also went out to get dinner for my own family, which was much tastier than sausages and potatoes would have been.
Thursday 11 April 2013
Kindness 101
Today I was kind to myself by going to the gym. I dropped E off at the child care centre and I also gave them a couple of used books that E has grown out of. They were in very good shape and E loved them a few months ago, but now he's graduated from ducks to diggers and there's no going back. There are a lot of babies and toddlers who utilize the child care centre who will love those books, so I felt good about it.
Kindness 100
My kindness of the day was for J's school. They sent home a newsletter about their 100th anniversary coming up soon and asked for anyone with some extra money to donate to help with preparation costs. I was only able to give them $10, but it's something. It was $10 I could have spent on any number of things, because I give myself an allowance of free spending money every week that I don't have to account for. We're on a pretty tight budget, as anyone reading my Mom blog knows, and I thought it would be nicer to give some of it away than keep it for real coffee. The other $20 in my spending went toward a school trip for J and his friend. I can have a real coffee next week.
Tuesday 9 April 2013
Kindnesses 97, 98 and 99
I'm almost at 100! That seems like a lot but then again, there are 365 days total so let's see here. 365/99=.....I don't have a calculator. Okay, so I'm between 25-33% done! And I've kept up on it every day too. I do have to apologize for cramming three kindnesses into one post but my computer's been acting up lately and I couldn't type anything without my keyboard freezing. With that in mind I'm going to start with today's kindness (#99) and go backwards.
Today I'm going to share some valuable advice about computers for all those who are like me and don't know a thing. Don't go to websites! They will give you viruses. Also, if you have a problem with your apostrophe key and it's typing the French "e" instead of the apostrophe, hold down shift and control to switch your keyboard back to English. It took me a while to figure this one out and then I finally Googled it, but for a while I was typing "That is fine and I am okay with that" and "Let us go to where you are likely to have fun." That's a bit too formal for me. So as my act of goodwill I'm passing on these tips that I picked up yesterday. Here's one more: If you have a "touch mouse" and not one of the cord ones (I don't know what either is called), you can go into the settings of your computer and change the sensitivity. This is great because you don't want to open a malicious e-mail with a sneeze (probably where I got the virus).
Yesterday my good deed was a little more action-oriented. My neighbour's little boy has grown out of his bike and J has as well. Instead of us both buying new bikes, we're going to switch J's for a bigger one they were waiting to use in a couple years. This way everyone can still ride bikes, but no one has to spend any money.
The day before yesterday I was on my way home from my mom's place and I stopped to get a coffee. I bought a coffee for the girl in drive-thru behind me. I'm still waiting for the day that I start this and it goes on for 3000 cars, like it did in British Columbia last year. That was neat, and I want to start a coffee gift chain. Maybe this week.
Today I'm going to share some valuable advice about computers for all those who are like me and don't know a thing. Don't go to websites! They will give you viruses. Also, if you have a problem with your apostrophe key and it's typing the French "e" instead of the apostrophe, hold down shift and control to switch your keyboard back to English. It took me a while to figure this one out and then I finally Googled it, but for a while I was typing "That is fine and I am okay with that" and "Let us go to where you are likely to have fun." That's a bit too formal for me. So as my act of goodwill I'm passing on these tips that I picked up yesterday. Here's one more: If you have a "touch mouse" and not one of the cord ones (I don't know what either is called), you can go into the settings of your computer and change the sensitivity. This is great because you don't want to open a malicious e-mail with a sneeze (probably where I got the virus).
Yesterday my good deed was a little more action-oriented. My neighbour's little boy has grown out of his bike and J has as well. Instead of us both buying new bikes, we're going to switch J's for a bigger one they were waiting to use in a couple years. This way everyone can still ride bikes, but no one has to spend any money.
The day before yesterday I was on my way home from my mom's place and I stopped to get a coffee. I bought a coffee for the girl in drive-thru behind me. I'm still waiting for the day that I start this and it goes on for 3000 cars, like it did in British Columbia last year. That was neat, and I want to start a coffee gift chain. Maybe this week.
Saturday 6 April 2013
Kindness 96
I'm rather limited in what I can do today as a kindness for strangers, because we're at my mom's place for the weekend. With that in mind, today I'm dedicating my kindness toward my mother. I emptied the dishwasher for her this morning and will keep tidying up wherever possible throughout the day. I also brought her some homemade granola bars which she hasn't eaten yet, but it's still something nice. They're yummy so when she does eat them I'm sure she'll appreciate it.
Friday 5 April 2013
Kindness 94 and 95
Yesterday my friend mentioned that her little boy bit his lip and it was swollen and painful. The poor little guy was covering his fat lip with his hand because he was embarrassed. I gave her some teething gel to numb it for him. I also gave her several D batteries because she just had a baby and everything for babies needs D batteries. Since our little one can't stand the teething gel and has graduated from D battery gadgets to AA toys, I was more than happy to pass them along. It also freed up some valuable drawer space for more AA batteries, and even AAA batteries (which my six year old has graduated to).
I apologize, but I forgot to add today's kindness. Those were for yesterday. Today I gave a generous tip to the guy at Tim Hortons and made him laugh by telling him if he cleaned my car he could have more (I'd just dropped my wallet and the change went everywhere). I didn't think it was that funny but it made his day better and making someone smile is filling a bucket. The book says so.
Sidenote: With the American spelling feature Hortons is not a word. With Canadian, it is. There's a smile for all of you!
I apologize, but I forgot to add today's kindness. Those were for yesterday. Today I gave a generous tip to the guy at Tim Hortons and made him laugh by telling him if he cleaned my car he could have more (I'd just dropped my wallet and the change went everywhere). I didn't think it was that funny but it made his day better and making someone smile is filling a bucket. The book says so.
Sidenote: With the American spelling feature Hortons is not a word. With Canadian, it is. There's a smile for all of you!
Wednesday 3 April 2013
Kindness 93
Today I went to the gym, and I suppose that was a kindness to myself (although tomorrow it won't feel like it). I took E to the child care centre there and donated a really good book for babies and toddlers. I see the workers there reading to the kids all the time and thought a new book would be appreciated. It was, and one of the girls immediately sat down with two kids to read it.
Tuesday 2 April 2013
Kindness 92
Today was definitely a "kid day." I performed a kindness for Eddie today by hosting a toddler play group for him. It was a kindness for the other moms and kids too because everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, but Eddie was the primary recipient. I also performed a kindness for Jimmy, inviting one of his best friends over for an after school play date. I then performed a kindness for his friend by introducing him to homemade lasagne. That one was for my whole family as well because everyone just gobbles it up. I also made an extra one for my sister to deliver in a week or two.
Monday 1 April 2013
Kindness 91
Today was garbage day, but before you judge me for boring you with garbage day again, remember that it was the long weekend and there were three days worth of extra garbage for everyone on our street. That's relevant because I didn't just take bins back to the houses for my neighbours. It was extremely windy today (yes, I know that happens a lot too) but it was the kind of windy that blew over the full bins of recycling and garbage. I went outside five times before lunch to return bins to the proper lawns and pick up garbage fro the street. By the time the trucks actually went by I'd done it over ten times, and then when they did I went out again to deliver the bins back to their rightful households. It's an indication of how common the wind is that most people here write their addresses on their bins. E was napping so I was able to take the time to do this. I also fully intended to go out after dinner to clean up the garbage from the street and some lawns, but by the time we got home and ate, the wind had taken it all away somewhere else.
Kindness 90
Yesterday I made a homemade apple pie for my family. It was the first time I made any kind of pie from scratch (except the crust, I don't have that much time) and it turned out pretty awesome. The kids loved it and after two days of procrastinating, my husband even tried a small piece. That's impressive and not to say anything about my baking. He is picky. As if that wasn't nice enough, the kids and I also passed out some more Easter cookies. Happy Easter everyone!
Saturday 30 March 2013
Kindnesses 88 and 89
Yesterday was a fun day for the family. I wanted to make Easter weekend fun for the kids so I spent three hours making egg-shaped sugar cookies and coloured icing and decorating them with J. Then I took both kids out to deliver them around the neighbourhood. First we went across the street and took some to our friends, and then the new neighbours who moved in because there was a little girl playing out front. We walked down the street to give some to our other friends but they weren't home. On the way we gave every child we saw an Easter cookie. There was a boy in the doorway with his father that we didn't know so he got a cookie, although his dad took it because he was afraid of us. Our next door neighbour got some too, and I sent some off to my sister so my nieces and nephew could have a treat too.
Today I was grocery shopping. Let me state for the record that the crowded grocery store and rude cashiers didn't put me in a charitable mood. I still donated $5 to a local children's sports team on the way out though. I was rooting around for change but I got fed up quickly because I was in such a rush to leave the zoo that sells food that I just grabbed a five dollar bill and threw it in the bucket. So I guess the craziness actually made me more charitable.
Today I was grocery shopping. Let me state for the record that the crowded grocery store and rude cashiers didn't put me in a charitable mood. I still donated $5 to a local children's sports team on the way out though. I was rooting around for change but I got fed up quickly because I was in such a rush to leave the zoo that sells food that I just grabbed a five dollar bill and threw it in the bucket. So I guess the craziness actually made me more charitable.
Kindness 87
I had an appointment today which allowed me the excuse to go buy a coffee. I was fully intending to use the free one I confiscated from my husband, but instead I gave that one away to the person behind me. It was a mother with three kids who looked like she could use a coffee. Since I only had one of my children with me at the time, she needed it far more than I did. She thanked me and her three year old asked me if I had one for a free donut. It happened that I did, and since I don't eat them I asked the mom if it was all right. She said yes and took the donut too.
Wednesday 27 March 2013
Kindnesses 85 and 86
Yesterday I took E to the resource centre. I donated two huge boxes of toys to their toy lending library. I was also very polite to everyone I saw and opened the door for two people coming out of the cafe. I also drove my friend to book club so she could indulge in sharing some wine with the girls.
Today I was at the gym with the kids and saw another mom who is on the bus all the time. I had told her the other day about the resource centre and drop-in programs, which she seemed interested in. I wrote the information down for the programs and have been carrying it around for a few days. I gave it to her today so she can take her baby to the family drop in too. That was my kindness for today.
Today I was at the gym with the kids and saw another mom who is on the bus all the time. I had told her the other day about the resource centre and drop-in programs, which she seemed interested in. I wrote the information down for the programs and have been carrying it around for a few days. I gave it to her today so she can take her baby to the family drop in too. That was my kindness for today.
Monday 25 March 2013
Kindness 83 and 84
Yesterday I didn't have to worry about searching for someone who needed kindness. I had one of J's friends over for the day, because his mom was at training for work. I offered to take him for the day, rather than have someone else in the family drop him off and pick him up. I just thought it was easier that way and it was much appreciated, by the mom, the friend and J.
It was partly selfish though. I love having extra kids around and we made quite the day of it. There was Lego, Marbles, playing outside, walking to the store for treats, and an indoor playground. It was a lot of fun and seven hours flew by like it was two. I was pretty tired but it was completely worth it.
Our new neighbour came over and knocked on the door last night too, asking for us to boost her car. I took the car over and my husband spent twenty minutes trying to get her car to start. I also went out because it was one of those nights I needed cookies. I picked up a specialty magazine for my husband about airbrushing (that's a type of painting as far as I know) because he wants to start doing that.
Today I had the kids on the bus. As an aside, I never take E in a stroller anymore. He is walking now and there are so many people on the bus who bring strollers on that I don't want to take up the space for people who really need it. That counts as a here and there kindness, because I only go on the bus about half the days of the year.
Now, on to the real kindness. I moved myself and both kids several times while we were on the bus, because people kept getting on who needed the seats near the front. There was a stroller we moved for, and then a wheel chair, and then a lady with a walker.
And I made some delicious potato soup to take to my sister.
It was partly selfish though. I love having extra kids around and we made quite the day of it. There was Lego, Marbles, playing outside, walking to the store for treats, and an indoor playground. It was a lot of fun and seven hours flew by like it was two. I was pretty tired but it was completely worth it.
Our new neighbour came over and knocked on the door last night too, asking for us to boost her car. I took the car over and my husband spent twenty minutes trying to get her car to start. I also went out because it was one of those nights I needed cookies. I picked up a specialty magazine for my husband about airbrushing (that's a type of painting as far as I know) because he wants to start doing that.
Today I had the kids on the bus. As an aside, I never take E in a stroller anymore. He is walking now and there are so many people on the bus who bring strollers on that I don't want to take up the space for people who really need it. That counts as a here and there kindness, because I only go on the bus about half the days of the year.
Now, on to the real kindness. I moved myself and both kids several times while we were on the bus, because people kept getting on who needed the seats near the front. There was a stroller we moved for, and then a wheel chair, and then a lady with a walker.
And I made some delicious potato soup to take to my sister.
Saturday 23 March 2013
Kindness 81 and 82
Yesterday I was on my way to drop off some things a friend forgot at my house when she brought her little boy over to play with E. I was thinking that since I was out, it was a great time to perform a kindness. I thought and thought about it, and then I finally realized that taking the time to deliver the things she had forgotten was a kindness. It was so automatic to just do it, I forgot that it would have been much easier (and much less nice) to call her and have her come pick them up. I also had some toys to give to her son that my boys don't play with anymore, so I am adding that to my kindness. Unfortunately, she wasn't home and I didn't want to leave everything on her front porch. Instead, I tipped the coffee shop guy $1 and will use the toy drop off for another day.
Today I was grocery shopping and an older lady was searching for a quarter. I gave her mine and told her I had lots. She thanked me, got her cart, and starting digging in her bag again because she wanted to repay me. I told her I am doing something nice every day this year so if she wants to repay me, she could take her own quarter and give it to the donation box for charity just inside the store. She did that and we were both happy.
Today I was grocery shopping and an older lady was searching for a quarter. I gave her mine and told her I had lots. She thanked me, got her cart, and starting digging in her bag again because she wanted to repay me. I told her I am doing something nice every day this year so if she wants to repay me, she could take her own quarter and give it to the donation box for charity just inside the store. She did that and we were both happy.
Thursday 21 March 2013
Kindness 80
I went to the local resource centre for a play group today, because E's feeling a bit better and we both needed to get out of the house. I donated some toys to the bin of free things for parents to take home. It wasn't much; just a few of E's old things that he's outgrown, but they're good quality and will last a while. I don't like to toot my own horn, but they were a lot nicer than the used hats and mitts and mugs that were already in there. I deliberately left the batteries in too, to save someone else the expense and so anyone taking them will know they still work.
Kindness 78 and 79.
My apologies for not posting regularly every day. Anyone reading my mom blog will know that it's been pretty busy lately. I also haven't had the chance to go out much to find people in need of kindness. I have managed though to keep it up. It's really not difficult being nice to people, but sometimes it's hard to drag myself out of the house. Fortunately, I don't feel this tired often.
Tuesday I gave banana bread to my neighbour. It's been a while since I baked anything for anyone and it's one of my favourite things to do, so I figured it was time. I also hosted a play group for toddlers here. I want to make some friends for E (or at least familiar acquaintances, he's eighteen months old) and the meetup group I'm part of seems to have a serious lack of events planned. I don't consider it a kindness myself, because my door's always open to anyone who won't judge the state of my living room. People were so appreciative that I was willing to invite them here though, I guess it counts.
Yesterday I was at the convenience store and there was a kid who was about ten trying to reach a bottle of pop. Now I don't condone any children drinking pop, but i reserve judgment and let their own parents decide. He couldn't quite reach the one he wanted on the top shelf, so I helped him. It was a small kindness, but he thanked me. I was almost okay with giving him the pop because it's good to see manners in a child his age.
Tuesday I gave banana bread to my neighbour. It's been a while since I baked anything for anyone and it's one of my favourite things to do, so I figured it was time. I also hosted a play group for toddlers here. I want to make some friends for E (or at least familiar acquaintances, he's eighteen months old) and the meetup group I'm part of seems to have a serious lack of events planned. I don't consider it a kindness myself, because my door's always open to anyone who won't judge the state of my living room. People were so appreciative that I was willing to invite them here though, I guess it counts.
Yesterday I was at the convenience store and there was a kid who was about ten trying to reach a bottle of pop. Now I don't condone any children drinking pop, but i reserve judgment and let their own parents decide. He couldn't quite reach the one he wanted on the top shelf, so I helped him. It was a small kindness, but he thanked me. I was almost okay with giving him the pop because it's good to see manners in a child his age.
Monday 18 March 2013
Kindnesses 74 (edit), 76, and 77
Saturday I intended to make some hamburgers to deliver with the food for my sister, but I didn't have time. So instead, I tipped $2 to the local Starbucks baristas. I'm not sure how fancy their jobs are, but the name sounds fancy.
Yesterday my kindness was to deliver all the prepared meals to my sister. It's not much of a drive for most people, 40 minutes each way. I am not most people though. I made it there fine, despite my husband's written directions being North, East, etc. I have no idea how to find North, but I made it anyway. I even made it to Tim Horton's on my way back, thanks to my sister's very extensive directions and hand-drawn map, and then on to the 401. Success!
At least that far. I somehow missed the exit back to Peterborough. I was contentedly cruising through different towns and cities and listening to Glee, and I found myself halfway to Kingston. I thought I might have been on the 401 too long. I called my husband for coordinates, and turns out I overshot the exit by 20-30 minutes. Oops. Fortunately there was an easy way home without too much backtracking, and it was a much more scenic route. It did take me about an hour and a half to get home though. Again......oops. Maybe I should leave the driving to someone else next time.
Today I am taking E to the doctor, and I will buy someone a coffee at the clinic. That will be my kindness. I never was very ambitious on Mondays.
Yesterday my kindness was to deliver all the prepared meals to my sister. It's not much of a drive for most people, 40 minutes each way. I am not most people though. I made it there fine, despite my husband's written directions being North, East, etc. I have no idea how to find North, but I made it anyway. I even made it to Tim Horton's on my way back, thanks to my sister's very extensive directions and hand-drawn map, and then on to the 401. Success!
At least that far. I somehow missed the exit back to Peterborough. I was contentedly cruising through different towns and cities and listening to Glee, and I found myself halfway to Kingston. I thought I might have been on the 401 too long. I called my husband for coordinates, and turns out I overshot the exit by 20-30 minutes. Oops. Fortunately there was an easy way home without too much backtracking, and it was a much more scenic route. It did take me about an hour and a half to get home though. Again......oops. Maybe I should leave the driving to someone else next time.
Today I am taking E to the doctor, and I will buy someone a coffee at the clinic. That will be my kindness. I never was very ambitious on Mondays.
Saturday 16 March 2013
Kindnesses 73 and 74
Yesterday was garbage day again, and my kindness was redundant out of necessity. It was fairly windy, so when the garbage bins were emptied they all started blowing out onto the road. I went out to grab ours before it got run over, and while I was at it I took in eight more from the road. I put them at the houses they were in front of, which may not have been the right ones. I don't think anyone's going to complain about having the wrong garbage bin though, they are identical and disgustingly dirty.
Yesterday I also cooked up lots of food for my sister, who hurt herself and needs some healthy convenience meals for her family. There is at least one week's worth of food, plus leftovers. Today I am going to make some more because I didn't have time to get it all finished last night. So my kindness for today is over two days, but some things are time-consuming.
Yesterday I also cooked up lots of food for my sister, who hurt herself and needs some healthy convenience meals for her family. There is at least one week's worth of food, plus leftovers. Today I am going to make some more because I didn't have time to get it all finished last night. So my kindness for today is over two days, but some things are time-consuming.
Thursday 14 March 2013
Kindness 72
Today I was in a waiting room with my 6 year-old son. There was a mother there with a boy about 2. He was running out the door at every opportunity, and he didn't appreciate being held still on his mom's lap. I reached into my bag of tricks (you learn to have a bag of tricks with your second child), and pulled out a couple of toddler-specific books to amuse him. He really liked the book about vehicles and transportation. It amused him for about five minutes, until he managed to get down and run away again. But still, every little bit helps at that age.
The toddler was called in for his appointment, and I gave the books to a boy who was a bit older to read. I got a phone call and had to go out into the hallway, so my boy Jimmy decided he was going to read to the 3 year-old. I heard him say, "Here, I'll show you. Then your mom can take a break and read magazines." I came back three minutes later to find Jimmy pointing out all the parts of a bulldozer and the mom reading a magazine. Example truly is the best way to teach a child.
The toddler was called in for his appointment, and I gave the books to a boy who was a bit older to read. I got a phone call and had to go out into the hallway, so my boy Jimmy decided he was going to read to the 3 year-old. I heard him say, "Here, I'll show you. Then your mom can take a break and read magazines." I came back three minutes later to find Jimmy pointing out all the parts of a bulldozer and the mom reading a magazine. Example truly is the best way to teach a child.
Wednesday 13 March 2013
Kindness 71
Today I had to take J to the doctor. While we were at the bus terminal an old man fell down. No one stopped to help him and people were so impatient they kept knocking him down again before he could get up. I took the boys right over and helped him to stand up. I made sure he was alright and we walked with him to a bench so he could sit for a bit.
I know a collective group of people tends to be rude, but this guy was about 80 years old. He was not strong and I can't believe that everyone was just knocking him back down. I had to push my way into people so I could get over to help him, and then I had to block us all from being walked on. I was not impressed.
I know a collective group of people tends to be rude, but this guy was about 80 years old. He was not strong and I can't believe that everyone was just knocking him back down. I had to push my way into people so I could get over to help him, and then I had to block us all from being walked on. I was not impressed.
Kindness 70
My kindness today was by proxy. My nephew was going home today, so rather than having his dad come pick him up, I insisted on driving him. They live in Oshawa, so it's not a long drive but it was much easier for us to do it than them. My sister will be on crutches for a while and they have three kids, so I was more than willing to make the drive.
When my husband got home with the car, I was so tired I would have fallen asleep driving so he did it instead. That was the proxy part. I also packed a bag of the best books I have (and I have some really great books) for my sister to read while she recovers. I wish there was more I could do, but that's it for today.
When my husband got home with the car, I was so tired I would have fallen asleep driving so he did it instead. That was the proxy part. I also packed a bag of the best books I have (and I have some really great books) for my sister to read while she recovers. I wish there was more I could do, but that's it for today.
Kindness 69
My oldest has been sick recently, so our plans for the library magic show were cancelled. My nephew was still here on Monday and I tried to get a babysitter for J so I could take the other two, but it didn't work out. So I gave my tickets to a mom walking on the street with her kids. I asked her if she had plans for the morning, and gave her the tickets to use.
The tickets were free so it didn't cost anything, but no one was allowed in without them because space was limited. The other mom was glad to have something to do with her kids, and very grateful. The two little girls were about 4 and 5, and I hope they had fun.
The tickets were free so it didn't cost anything, but no one was allowed in without them because space was limited. The other mom was glad to have something to do with her kids, and very grateful. The two little girls were about 4 and 5, and I hope they had fun.
Sunday 10 March 2013
Kindnesses 67 and 68
Yesterday my kindness was small, but I've been so tired and busy lately it's all I could do. I brought in several recycling bins on the street that had been left out. I also chipped the ice in our shed to get at the car seat adapter for the stroller I just gave away. It won't be safe without the adapter. Then I delivered it to my neighbour so she can use it right away. I thought it was urgent because she walks everywhere and baby's coming anytime.
Today there were two things. I took my son and nephew to a hockey game. I had a lot of fun too, but it was great to see them enjoy something so special together. I also offered to keep my nephew here for an extra night or week, because my sister just broke her leg and needs surgery. Of course he's welcome to stay anytime because he's family and I love seeing him, so I'm not sure if it counts as a kindness. I'm using it anyway though, because it's been a busy weekend and I've got nothing else.
Today there were two things. I took my son and nephew to a hockey game. I had a lot of fun too, but it was great to see them enjoy something so special together. I also offered to keep my nephew here for an extra night or week, because my sister just broke her leg and needs surgery. Of course he's welcome to stay anytime because he's family and I love seeing him, so I'm not sure if it counts as a kindness. I'm using it anyway though, because it's been a busy weekend and I've got nothing else.
Friday 8 March 2013
Kindness 66
Yesterday I helped an older man onto the bus. The regular bus was being cleaned so they were using a very old bus instead. The driver had forgotten how to lower the ramp and there was a man with a walker who was having trouble. I helped him onto the bus and into a seat. The bus was being switched to the normal one at the terminal, which meant the driver had to park behind the buses for the trade. A lady got hit by a bus a couple months ago because she was behind them, so I help the man get to a safe spot on the sidewalk. There are a lot of curbs to get around, so I lifted his walker for him and helped him by hand up and down.
Today my kindness is about local safety. There is a known sexual offender who was released from federal prison and moved to Peterborough yesterday. I am going to spread the word about it and give the link with a picture to everyone I see, so people are aware. He is classified as a high-risk for repeat offenses and it's important for people to know about it. I don't want to post the link online though, because who knows if that will make me a target, so I will do it by word of mouth.
Today my kindness is about local safety. There is a known sexual offender who was released from federal prison and moved to Peterborough yesterday. I am going to spread the word about it and give the link with a picture to everyone I see, so people are aware. He is classified as a high-risk for repeat offenses and it's important for people to know about it. I don't want to post the link online though, because who knows if that will make me a target, so I will do it by word of mouth.
Wednesday 6 March 2013
Kindness (insert correct number here)
I forgot to look at the number before I started writing, so this is the next in line. Today I am doing something a little different. Instead of holding a door for someone or giving something away or buying something, I'm using words as my kindness.
I was in the games store with the boys and the owner of the store told me his friend at the counter was having a baby in a week or so. The owner asked me if I had any advice, which I always do. It may not always be the best advice, but I'm never without an opinion on anything. I told the soon-to-be father that he will be getting tons of advice and he doesn't have to listen to any of it. If it makes sense, sure, try it out, but if it doesn't fit with their parenting style, forget it and do your own thing.
He laughed so I told him to tell his partner that same advice. It would help any new mother in the first couple of months, when we tend to doubt everything and lose all our confidence. It's the best advice any new parent could get (I think), because if we start to feel like bad parents we will turn into them, because we second-guess ourselves.
I hope he passes it along, even if it's because he thought it was funny. With the hormonal circus in the new mom's body that's going to party on, she may think of it and feel better. I wish someone had told me that when I had my first. So since I believe it's very good advice, I am counting that as my kindness today.
I was in the games store with the boys and the owner of the store told me his friend at the counter was having a baby in a week or so. The owner asked me if I had any advice, which I always do. It may not always be the best advice, but I'm never without an opinion on anything. I told the soon-to-be father that he will be getting tons of advice and he doesn't have to listen to any of it. If it makes sense, sure, try it out, but if it doesn't fit with their parenting style, forget it and do your own thing.
He laughed so I told him to tell his partner that same advice. It would help any new mother in the first couple of months, when we tend to doubt everything and lose all our confidence. It's the best advice any new parent could get (I think), because if we start to feel like bad parents we will turn into them, because we second-guess ourselves.
I hope he passes it along, even if it's because he thought it was funny. With the hormonal circus in the new mom's body that's going to party on, she may think of it and feel better. I wish someone had told me that when I had my first. So since I believe it's very good advice, I am counting that as my kindness today.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)