On Tuesday, I spent some one on one time with my 11 year old. This does not get to happen very often, so I'm glad for the opportunity! We worked on his science project together, and I listened as he told me random stuff. Then we watched a movie together (I let him pick). It was a lot of fun!
Wednesday's act of kindness was cleaning my house. Yes, I know that benefits me, but it benefits my family even more. There is something to be said for a clean environment and the effect that it has on everyone's attitudes. I had some help from my 17 year old, which was nice. He focused on the downstairs, which allowed me to focus on the upstairs, including the boys' bathroom, which was NASTY. Boys are gross. Anyway, it was worth it to have Nathan come home and say, "Thank you for cleaning." And having a clean house made it easier to make dinner, eat dinner together, have family scripture reading and prayer, and sit and discuss Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover with Nathan. We didn't have anything looming over our heads...like guilt for having a dirty bathroom or knowing that our time was better spent folding clothes. It was already taken care of!
Looking back at these two acts, they really all focus around time together, which is one of the most important things.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Change
Yesterday, I was racking my brain for an act of service idea. I know that at some point I am going to repeat myself, but it has barely been a month, so I'm not terribly eager to do so. I'm also broke, which means buying something that benefits a charity or buying groceries for someone is out of the question. Not that service has to result from spending money. It's just that a lot of ideas involve treating someone, or buying gift cards to give to random people.
I thought about going home and making treats for someone, but I knew that the likelihood of this happening on a weeknight was slim, especially since I've had a headache since last week. All I wanted to do when I got home was spend a little time with my family and go to bed (which is what I did).
Then I remembered that I had some random change in a bowl in my office. I grabbed some on my way out of the office and headed straight to the vending machine down the hall. I had no idea how much sodas/water cost (why don't they post prices anymore?), so I just stuck in $1.25 and walked away. Hopefully someone was pleasantly surprised when they went to get a drink!
I thought about going home and making treats for someone, but I knew that the likelihood of this happening on a weeknight was slim, especially since I've had a headache since last week. All I wanted to do when I got home was spend a little time with my family and go to bed (which is what I did).
Then I remembered that I had some random change in a bowl in my office. I grabbed some on my way out of the office and headed straight to the vending machine down the hall. I had no idea how much sodas/water cost (why don't they post prices anymore?), so I just stuck in $1.25 and walked away. Hopefully someone was pleasantly surprised when they went to get a drink!
Sunday, January 27, 2013
"I am here"
So, on Friday, my act of kindness was to respond to an email from the boys' mother in a way that was as kind as could possibly be. She sent some communication that seemed as though it was meant to hurt, which could have had me responding in a way that was negative (kind of an "in your face, you <insert derogatory word here>" way). Instead, I chose not to throw things back in her face, and instead did my best to focus on the needs of the boys and the issues at hand (which was not something she focused on). My response was not perfect, but it was far better (nicer) than it would have been if I'd let myself react in the way that I think she wanted me to react.
It's interesting for me to serve the boys' mom (not that this was all that serving; I just chose to be nice instead of the witch that I am capable of being when you mess with me or my family). She has been the product of many a prayer. I have found that praying for her and wishing her the best allows me to not dislike her so, which not only benefits me, but it also benefits the boys.
Saturday's act of kindness revolved around my Grandma. I called her to check in and see how she was doing. She lives alone and far away, so I rarely get to see her. But I like to check in with her via phone every so often (as opposed to email). She's the only grandparent I have left, so I want her to know that she is appreciated!
It's funny. Everytime I call my Grandma, I'm reminded of my past communication with my Grandpa. My Grandpa was not very educated. He was a Mississippi farm boy in a time when the harvest was more imporant than going to school. He may have had an 8th grade education. Anyway, he would send me "letters" when I was in college. They were hand drawn pictures of him doing something different each time, with the accompanying phrase, "I am here. Grandpa." In return, I would send him hand drawn pictures of me on campus doing various things and an accompanying "I am here." It was our thing. He passed away several years ago, so of course that stopped, but I've tried hard to keep in touch with my Grandma ever since, because I know how important it is.
Today (Sunday), I dug out our chess sets for my boys to play with. My 17 year old loves chess, but had no idea where we kept our chess set. I found it for him so that he and my 11 year old could play, and they had a great time doing it! I really love watching our boys interact together (when it's going well, that is!). We have a very unique blended family, so when I see these two boys bonding like brothers, it warms my heart!
It's interesting for me to serve the boys' mom (not that this was all that serving; I just chose to be nice instead of the witch that I am capable of being when you mess with me or my family). She has been the product of many a prayer. I have found that praying for her and wishing her the best allows me to not dislike her so, which not only benefits me, but it also benefits the boys.
Saturday's act of kindness revolved around my Grandma. I called her to check in and see how she was doing. She lives alone and far away, so I rarely get to see her. But I like to check in with her via phone every so often (as opposed to email). She's the only grandparent I have left, so I want her to know that she is appreciated!
It's funny. Everytime I call my Grandma, I'm reminded of my past communication with my Grandpa. My Grandpa was not very educated. He was a Mississippi farm boy in a time when the harvest was more imporant than going to school. He may have had an 8th grade education. Anyway, he would send me "letters" when I was in college. They were hand drawn pictures of him doing something different each time, with the accompanying phrase, "I am here. Grandpa." In return, I would send him hand drawn pictures of me on campus doing various things and an accompanying "I am here." It was our thing. He passed away several years ago, so of course that stopped, but I've tried hard to keep in touch with my Grandma ever since, because I know how important it is.
Today (Sunday), I dug out our chess sets for my boys to play with. My 17 year old loves chess, but had no idea where we kept our chess set. I found it for him so that he and my 11 year old could play, and they had a great time doing it! I really love watching our boys interact together (when it's going well, that is!). We have a very unique blended family, so when I see these two boys bonding like brothers, it warms my heart!
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Bunches O' Stuff
Eek! It's been over a week since I've reported my acts of service. I got sick, and then we had a holiday, and life is insane. Sorry.
Okay, so here's my recap:
Wednesday: I helped a co-worker post something to one of our Facebook pages. She's been having trouble with it, so I took a look at it for her and then posted the info.
Thursday: I dropped two of my classes for this semester so that I could focus more on my family.
Friday: I denied my boys junk food in the form of cake/brownie box mixes. And sprinkles. They are full of awful, awful things, like preservatives and artificial ingredients. I know I'm not one to talk since I have a diet coke habit, but I'm trying. They, of course, didn't see it as an act of service. Oh well.
Saturday: I apologized to an old friend for something that happened years ago. Honestly, I thought I had already apologized for it, but apparently I hadn't. I felt awful about it (the incident and the not apologizing). I also agreed to a last minute extended family trip because I knew my boys would enjoy it, even though my PMDD was getting worse. The thought of going out of town at the last minute and being surrounded by people, and then having to take care of the boys alone on Monday (Nathan had to work) in front of his family caused me a great deal of anxiety. But I said a prayer, took a deep breath, and told his mom we would go.
Sunday: I took notes in Relief Society for a sister who had a calling in either Primary or Young Women and couldn't be there.
Monday: I bought my boys McFlurry's. I know. It completely contradicts Friday's act of service. But, I was planning on hot chocolate or fudge from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Park City....only I forgot it was the Sundance Film Festival so there was no way to access the shop.
Tuesday: Okay, so Tuesday was a really rough day for me. For some reason Tuesday was THE day my PMDD was at it's worst and I felt like a complete failure at being a mom and at my job (though surprisingly not at being a wife--I'm an awesome wife). I practically cried on the phone to Nathan, and then again that night. I came home and said hi to my kids before disappearing to the bathtub with my new book (Game of Thrones---SOOOO good!). Nathan ended up serving me. He listened to me, and he got my CPAP ready for me (I seriously needed good sleep). I think the only service I did was to disappear into my room so as not to inflict my bummer attitude onto my kids and so as not to continually bring Nathan down.
Wednesday: I talked a friend through a serious anxiety attack. Via text message. Not an easy thing to do, but I was at work when it happened.
Thursday: I took some time to get to know one of my fellow office mates at one of my off campus sites (he works for the site).
Okay, so here's my recap:
Wednesday: I helped a co-worker post something to one of our Facebook pages. She's been having trouble with it, so I took a look at it for her and then posted the info.
Thursday: I dropped two of my classes for this semester so that I could focus more on my family.
Friday: I denied my boys junk food in the form of cake/brownie box mixes. And sprinkles. They are full of awful, awful things, like preservatives and artificial ingredients. I know I'm not one to talk since I have a diet coke habit, but I'm trying. They, of course, didn't see it as an act of service. Oh well.
Saturday: I apologized to an old friend for something that happened years ago. Honestly, I thought I had already apologized for it, but apparently I hadn't. I felt awful about it (the incident and the not apologizing). I also agreed to a last minute extended family trip because I knew my boys would enjoy it, even though my PMDD was getting worse. The thought of going out of town at the last minute and being surrounded by people, and then having to take care of the boys alone on Monday (Nathan had to work) in front of his family caused me a great deal of anxiety. But I said a prayer, took a deep breath, and told his mom we would go.
Sunday: I took notes in Relief Society for a sister who had a calling in either Primary or Young Women and couldn't be there.
Monday: I bought my boys McFlurry's. I know. It completely contradicts Friday's act of service. But, I was planning on hot chocolate or fudge from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Park City....only I forgot it was the Sundance Film Festival so there was no way to access the shop.
Tuesday: Okay, so Tuesday was a really rough day for me. For some reason Tuesday was THE day my PMDD was at it's worst and I felt like a complete failure at being a mom and at my job (though surprisingly not at being a wife--I'm an awesome wife). I practically cried on the phone to Nathan, and then again that night. I came home and said hi to my kids before disappearing to the bathtub with my new book (Game of Thrones---SOOOO good!). Nathan ended up serving me. He listened to me, and he got my CPAP ready for me (I seriously needed good sleep). I think the only service I did was to disappear into my room so as not to inflict my bummer attitude onto my kids and so as not to continually bring Nathan down.
Wednesday: I talked a friend through a serious anxiety attack. Via text message. Not an easy thing to do, but I was at work when it happened.
Thursday: I took some time to get to know one of my fellow office mates at one of my off campus sites (he works for the site).
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Let Them Eat Ice Cream!
I am giving up fast food. I am participating in a weight loss challenge starting tomorrow and running through April 30, which means no fast food for me until May (if I have any hope of getting healthier and losing weight). Of course, I had to say good-bye to fast food today, which made it the perfect day to do this particular act of kindness.
While buying my Burger King burger (yum) and fries (meh), I paid for the order behind me. I had no idea what they ordered, but there were three people in the car, so I was slightly worried about the potential cost. Still, this was something that has been on my list for a while, and I knew I wouldn't have a chance to do it for a while if I missed this opportunity. I didn't even ask for the total as I told him to use the same card.
It turned out that they had only ordered three ice cream cones and the total was less than $4. I was able to serve complete strangers in a fun way for only a little extra money! It was a lot of fun!
One day, when we have more money, Nathan and I want to go to a nice restaurant and pick out a young couple and take care of their check for them. And then watch their reactions when they find out their bill has been paid!
While buying my Burger King burger (yum) and fries (meh), I paid for the order behind me. I had no idea what they ordered, but there were three people in the car, so I was slightly worried about the potential cost. Still, this was something that has been on my list for a while, and I knew I wouldn't have a chance to do it for a while if I missed this opportunity. I didn't even ask for the total as I told him to use the same card.
It turned out that they had only ordered three ice cream cones and the total was less than $4. I was able to serve complete strangers in a fun way for only a little extra money! It was a lot of fun!
One day, when we have more money, Nathan and I want to go to a nice restaurant and pick out a young couple and take care of their check for them. And then watch their reactions when they find out their bill has been paid!
Monday, January 14, 2013
Praise and Forgiveness
Friday: Once a month, I meet with my supervisor and with the department head. This is an opportunity to go over the projects I'm working on, get feedback, etc. This past Friday, my bosses were finishing up a meeting when I got there, so I sat in on what was happening. Some projects that my coworkers were working on came up, and I made sure to praise my coworkers and their ideas to the department head.
Saturday: On Saturday, I forgave. I won't go into details because they aren't important. While I was still hurt, I wasn't angry, and I didn't hold what happened against the individual. It was an interesting experience to choose to let go of it and forgive the person.
Sunday: On Sunday, my act of kindness was kind of silly. Through all three hours of church I worked hard to really listen to the speakers and teachers for all three hours of church. I have a tendency to zone out (I'm NOT an auditory learner), but this Sunday, I pulled out my phone to take notes on what was said. So many people had prepared talks and lessons, and I wanted to make sure that their work was appreciated.
Monday: One of my site facilitators has been sick since last week (I covered for her last Thursday evening). Today was her first day back at work, and when I showed up to the site I could tell that she still wasn't 100%. Normally, when I have things that need to go up to the classrooms, I give them to her and she takes care of it. Instead, I decided to take up everything tonight. It wasn't much, but it saved her a trip upstairs, which meant she got to rest at her desk.
Saturday: On Saturday, I forgave. I won't go into details because they aren't important. While I was still hurt, I wasn't angry, and I didn't hold what happened against the individual. It was an interesting experience to choose to let go of it and forgive the person.
Sunday: On Sunday, my act of kindness was kind of silly. Through all three hours of church I worked hard to really listen to the speakers and teachers for all three hours of church. I have a tendency to zone out (I'm NOT an auditory learner), but this Sunday, I pulled out my phone to take notes on what was said. So many people had prepared talks and lessons, and I wanted to make sure that their work was appreciated.
Monday: One of my site facilitators has been sick since last week (I covered for her last Thursday evening). Today was her first day back at work, and when I showed up to the site I could tell that she still wasn't 100%. Normally, when I have things that need to go up to the classrooms, I give them to her and she takes care of it. Instead, I decided to take up everything tonight. It wasn't much, but it saved her a trip upstairs, which meant she got to rest at her desk.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Have I Ever Told You You're Amazing?
Today I decided that my act of service would be to sincerely comment on my friends' blogs. This was partially because Kat commented on my blog, and partially because it was something that I could do that didn't cost money but connected me to others.
I haven't read blogs in a while. I used to actively blog so I would catch up on my friends' blogs fairly regularly. Then life got super crazy--I got married and gained several kids--and I didn't keep up with it.
As I read various blogs I remembered just how amazing, talented, and wonderful my friends are. I only commented on three blogs, but I read several. Shan is awesome. We were drama therapists-in-training together. She's an amazing mother, a talented writer, and a gifted drama therapist. She's crafty and creative to boot! Christen is hilarious. We were best friends in 9th grade, and I was drawn to her outgoing personality. She, too, is creative and a fantastic mom. Kasie is also hilarious. She's one of the most fun people I have ever met, and I can't think about Kansas without thinking about her.
I have so many more amazing friends, and I realize how infrequently I let them know how much I love and admire them. So that's what I did tonight. Or at least, I started the process.
Say a Little Prayer
Yesterday, I prayed for several friends and family members.
I have a history with prayer. My prayers get answered. I remember an instance in grad school when my friend Shan asked me to pray for her and her grandmother. I don't remember the specifics (this was several years ago), but I remember her saying that she knew my prayers got heard and answered. This experience has stood out to me because she and I are of different faiths. But a prayer is a prayer.
I have friends who are looking for new jobs, buying houses, having money problems, etc. My prayers yesterday were sometimes very specific and at other times very general, but I have no doubt that the Lord is very aware of these individuals and their families. Those prayers were heard and these families will be blessed. It may take a while and it may not be in the way they are looking for, but they will be blessed.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
French Toast and Job Finds
This is the first week of classes for the new semester so things have been crazy busy at work, thus my lack of posting. But I have NOT forgotten my challenge!
Thursday: My act of kindness was to be a considerate driver. You may think this is no biggie, but I live in Utah, home of the worst drivers ever.
Friday: Nathan and I treated two of our boys to breakfast at Kneaders (they have THE BEST french toast). I know this means three acts of kindness to family, but these are the two boys who don't live with us, so treats for them are less frequent. Technically this violates my rules but I'm still counting it.
Saturday: On Saturday, I was chatting with a friend online and she mentioned that she was looking for a job. I accessed my employer's job site and sent her links for three different jobs at the university that she might be interested in.
Sunday: On Sunday, I checked in with a friend to see how she was doing. Things have been rough lately and I wanted to make sure she was okay.
Monday: This was the first day of classes, and it was Nathan's first day back in school for a couple of semesters. His MW night class is at one of my off campus locations (I'm a coordinator for extended studies), so I bought him dinner at the grill there and had it waiting for him when he arrived straight from work.
Tuesday: Today, I hunted down a textbook for Nathan on KSL, picked it up, and dropped it off to him at work so that he could get his assignment done for class tomorrow AND I texted a friend (a different one) about a potential job opening in my department.
Thursday: My act of kindness was to be a considerate driver. You may think this is no biggie, but I live in Utah, home of the worst drivers ever.
Friday: Nathan and I treated two of our boys to breakfast at Kneaders (they have THE BEST french toast). I know this means three acts of kindness to family, but these are the two boys who don't live with us, so treats for them are less frequent. Technically this violates my rules but I'm still counting it.
Saturday: On Saturday, I was chatting with a friend online and she mentioned that she was looking for a job. I accessed my employer's job site and sent her links for three different jobs at the university that she might be interested in.
Sunday: On Sunday, I checked in with a friend to see how she was doing. Things have been rough lately and I wanted to make sure she was okay.
Monday: This was the first day of classes, and it was Nathan's first day back in school for a couple of semesters. His MW night class is at one of my off campus locations (I'm a coordinator for extended studies), so I bought him dinner at the grill there and had it waiting for him when he arrived straight from work.
Tuesday: Today, I hunted down a textbook for Nathan on KSL, picked it up, and dropped it off to him at work so that he could get his assignment done for class tomorrow AND I texted a friend (a different one) about a potential job opening in my department.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
A Listening Ear
Yesterday on my way to work, I decided that my act of kindness today was going to be to listen. I had no idea who I would listen to, but I knew that was what I wanted to do.
My coworkers gave me the opportunity to listen, as did my boss. And my best friend. It was interesting to try to really focus on the other person and what they had to say instead of focusing on me. And hopefully it made a difference to them!
My coworkers gave me the opportunity to listen, as did my boss. And my best friend. It was interesting to try to really focus on the other person and what they had to say instead of focusing on me. And hopefully it made a difference to them!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Nerf Guns and Arm Wrestling
On Friday, Nathan and I drove to San Diego to pick up our three younger boys from their grandparents' house. We stopped at Taco Bell for dinner, and sitting outside was a scraggly looking homeless man. Once we got inside I asked Nathan if we could buy him some food as our act of kindness, to which he replied, "yes." We both used the restroom and when I cam out Nathan was already in line. He hugged me and whispered into my ear, "He's a drug dealer."
Yes, my homeless man was not homeless. Nathan had witnessed a drug deal while he was waiting on me. Needless to say, he was not my act of kindness that day.
Instead, we went with my original plan which was to give some gifts to the boys' grandparents. Ex-inlaws are not always the easiest to deal with, but we are grateful for their love of the boys.
On Saturday, we stopped in Las Vegas on the way back to Utah and had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. It was the boys' first time to eat there, and they had a blast! Our waitress, Ronnie, was simply wonderful, and she proceeded to arm wrestle all of the boys and let them win. So we tipped her 30% as our act of kindness.
Sunday found us all in bed recovering from our quick trip out to California (and for me and Nathan, we were still grieving for our puppy, who we had to give away). We had Christmas with the boys the night before and they received Nerf guns from Santa (their first EVER!). They destroyed our house on reinacting xbox games with their guns (Nathan helped). And I let them. Normally, it would drive me crazy! But I ignored the chaos and let them have fun as my act of kindness. In the end, it worked out well because Nathan gave me an act of kindness by cleaning up the chaos!
I made dinner for my family on Monday, which was New Year's Eve. Nathan and I had such crazy work schedules before the holiday break that family dinner didn't happen much. It was basically "fend for yourself" most every night. So me making dinner was actually a big deal. We had cheese tortellina and spinach ravioli with broccoli and parmesan garlic toast. I made sodas with our Soda Stream and then we watched Jeff Dunham.
Today (Tuesday) was focused on cleaning our house. Nathan and I tackled most of it, with our 9 year old helping. The only thing of note I have is that I texted my good friend Nikki to wish her a happy birthday. It's not much, but it's outside of my family and hopefully it made her day better. I also upload music to my boys' iPod Shuffles they got from my father for Christmas, but I've already served my family twice this week so it doesn't count for my challenge.
I have realized that it is hard sometimes to come up with an act of kindness that is outside of my family. Especially with the holidays...we are spending much more time together and I'm not at work or out much. That said, my acts of kindness to my family are probably the most important ones I can do.
Yes, my homeless man was not homeless. Nathan had witnessed a drug deal while he was waiting on me. Needless to say, he was not my act of kindness that day.
Instead, we went with my original plan which was to give some gifts to the boys' grandparents. Ex-inlaws are not always the easiest to deal with, but we are grateful for their love of the boys.
On Saturday, we stopped in Las Vegas on the way back to Utah and had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. It was the boys' first time to eat there, and they had a blast! Our waitress, Ronnie, was simply wonderful, and she proceeded to arm wrestle all of the boys and let them win. So we tipped her 30% as our act of kindness.
Sunday found us all in bed recovering from our quick trip out to California (and for me and Nathan, we were still grieving for our puppy, who we had to give away). We had Christmas with the boys the night before and they received Nerf guns from Santa (their first EVER!). They destroyed our house on reinacting xbox games with their guns (Nathan helped). And I let them. Normally, it would drive me crazy! But I ignored the chaos and let them have fun as my act of kindness. In the end, it worked out well because Nathan gave me an act of kindness by cleaning up the chaos!
I made dinner for my family on Monday, which was New Year's Eve. Nathan and I had such crazy work schedules before the holiday break that family dinner didn't happen much. It was basically "fend for yourself" most every night. So me making dinner was actually a big deal. We had cheese tortellina and spinach ravioli with broccoli and parmesan garlic toast. I made sodas with our Soda Stream and then we watched Jeff Dunham.
Today (Tuesday) was focused on cleaning our house. Nathan and I tackled most of it, with our 9 year old helping. The only thing of note I have is that I texted my good friend Nikki to wish her a happy birthday. It's not much, but it's outside of my family and hopefully it made her day better. I also upload music to my boys' iPod Shuffles they got from my father for Christmas, but I've already served my family twice this week so it doesn't count for my challenge.
I have realized that it is hard sometimes to come up with an act of kindness that is outside of my family. Especially with the holidays...we are spending much more time together and I'm not at work or out much. That said, my acts of kindness to my family are probably the most important ones I can do.
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