Today I dropped off some cookies (again, thank you Einstein Brothers) and a note to some wonderful people who interact with my child on a daily basis. These people take care of Soph's and many other children's emotional, academic and social needs, as well as getting them interested in new things.
So many people contribute to making my child who she is and to all of those who positively affect Sophie, a gigantic thank you!
On another note - I appreciated that the Ash Wednesday Service we attended (with friends Cameron and Emma!) was focused on using this as a time of reflection in a spirit of love. Giving up something for Lent often brings angst (hence my reason for not giving up coffee or chocolate!) and angst can keep us from bringing good to the world! Down with deprivation and up with inspiration!!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Day 2
I got today's idea while reading the local paper. One of the elementary schools in the valley (Sophie's school is in Logan City) is holding a food/cash drive for the local food pantry. I remembered I had $5 in my purse, which probably would've been spent on a coffee drink not needed, so I took a little ride out to North Logan and arrived just as school was dismissed. I saw a group of women standing by the front doors, they appeared teacheresque and indeed, upon inquiry, I found out one was a teacher. I quickly explained what the money was for and left...no fanfare, no explanations, just a quick drop.
I love the opportunities to give at Sophie's school, so this was a bit out of my comfort zone...I have no attachments to the school holding the drive. Lesson learned: look beyond my own activities to find opportunities to give!
Another lesson learned: if a child is lying on the sidewalk and you think, "Aha, this is why I'm here...this child is hurt and needs my immediate attention!" be forewarned...the child is probably intentionally on the sidewalk waiting for their ride. Sheesh.
I love the opportunities to give at Sophie's school, so this was a bit out of my comfort zone...I have no attachments to the school holding the drive. Lesson learned: look beyond my own activities to find opportunities to give!
Another lesson learned: if a child is lying on the sidewalk and you think, "Aha, this is why I'm here...this child is hurt and needs my immediate attention!" be forewarned...the child is probably intentionally on the sidewalk waiting for their ride. Sheesh.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Day 1
Lent started today and traditionally, people give things up, something about sacrifice..but as I don't really like giving things up, I decided to take something on during Lent. Everyday I will try to do 1 act of kindness anonymously. I will blog about it, which may take away from the anonymity factor, but only if those people read my blog, right?
So today I took the suggestion of my friend, Laura, and I tweaked it a bit. She recommended I pay for the food of someone behind me at a drive thru and I was all set, until Soph said she wanted a bagel and we were at Einstein Brothers and I realized I could pay for someone's food there (this might be hard at some places, but at Einstein's, you order at one station, pay at another, so it was perfect!). I was all set, told the woman who works there what I needed to do and in came a customer. He ordered a muffin. That's it. I wanted to tell him, "No, order more, it's on me!" but of course that would've taken away from the anonymity. So I paid the $2.10 and wondered if I should pay for the next person to make up for the paltry tab of guy #1.
I ended up leaving it as is and realized that it really isn't about the amount we give, it really, really is the gesture. One of my favorite memories is when a student of mine brought me pussy willows months after I casually told my class I liked them. She picked them from her yard that morning and gave them to me. That gesture, 19 years later, still touches me greatly.
If you're reading this, please give me a suggestion...I've got 39 more days to go and I'm looking for creativity!
So today I took the suggestion of my friend, Laura, and I tweaked it a bit. She recommended I pay for the food of someone behind me at a drive thru and I was all set, until Soph said she wanted a bagel and we were at Einstein Brothers and I realized I could pay for someone's food there (this might be hard at some places, but at Einstein's, you order at one station, pay at another, so it was perfect!). I was all set, told the woman who works there what I needed to do and in came a customer. He ordered a muffin. That's it. I wanted to tell him, "No, order more, it's on me!" but of course that would've taken away from the anonymity. So I paid the $2.10 and wondered if I should pay for the next person to make up for the paltry tab of guy #1.
I ended up leaving it as is and realized that it really isn't about the amount we give, it really, really is the gesture. One of my favorite memories is when a student of mine brought me pussy willows months after I casually told my class I liked them. She picked them from her yard that morning and gave them to me. That gesture, 19 years later, still touches me greatly.
If you're reading this, please give me a suggestion...I've got 39 more days to go and I'm looking for creativity!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Home Sick
Thank you to Natalie, for this yummy bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup! She brought it over right at lunch time, with some delicious bread and both the warmth of the soup and the kindness of her gesture made me feel so much better.
I've been sick with a cold for over a week and it is really annoying. On top of that, Steve and I got some news today that...ha, I can't share right now...but makes feeling sick even worse! Oh well.
The news has made me ponder what it is to be home: comfort, family, friends, stability...all those things and more. As a person who has lived in 6 states (Utah twice), it is hard to define where I am from or where my home is, but right now, this is it and I feel incredibly lucky.
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