On Friday, my act of kindness was to myself. I know that goes against the rules, but as I made the rules, I can change them! I chose to walk from the main campus up to the office building where my department is housed (I have an office on the main campus) instead of driving. The walk there and back is about a mile total, which made me feel really good. I also abstained from drinking Diet Coke even though I was in need of caffeine!
On Saturday, my act of kindness was laundry. Our dryer had been out of commission for a couple of weeks, which meant we made due by hanging stuff up to dry and by using Nathan's parents' washer/dryer set. On Friday, our dryer was fixed. As in, the dryer repair man came, pushed the on button and it started. Seriously. Of course, every time Nathan and I tried that nothing happened. Anyway, he cleaned some things, and went on his way. So, I spent all of Saturday (and most of Sunday) washing, drying, and folding laundry while Nathan was as work (he was sick on Sunday) and Devon had a friend over.
On Sunday, my act of kindness was to magnify my church calling. Nathan and I were called to teach Sunday School to the younger youth (12-14/15 yrs old). We are responsible for teaching twice a month, but we split that so it's really on once a month each. With Nathan home sick (stomach flu, blech), it was up to me to teach our ginormous class of teens. I focused on the lesson both Saturday and Sunday, and then took what I had, said a prayer, and started teaching them. It was soooo much fun, and I think they enjoyed it as well.
On Monday, I found out some surprising news. My father remarried. She's beautiful. She's from the Philippines. And she's young. As in, younger than me. By 12 years. While the family members I spoke with were shocked and/or upset by the news, I laughed and simply said, "That's my dad." To be fair, he did tell me before he left that he was going to find a bride. I told him if she was younger than me, I wouldn't call her mom.
I chose to be happy about the situation. And I genuinely am happy for him. He's been divorced for 30 years, and in all that time he has never stopped looking for a wife. I'm glad he has found one, and I pray that all works out well in his favor. My only disappointment was that he didn't fly me to the Philippines for the wedding!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Lunch Date
I bought my coworker lunch today! It was actually a lot of fun. We were doing an event on campus (right during lunch time), and she said that we should get lunch on the way back to our offices. Then she remembered that she had left her wallet in her office. We decided that we would go back to the office first and then get lunch.
Well, when it came time to actually go, I told her I would buy her lunch. She agreed, but only if she could reciprocate next week, which I accepted. Technically I benefit from this by getting lunch next week; however, when I made the offer I had no expectation or desire for reciprocation. I only accepted because I knew that was the only way she would let me buy her lunch today.
Back on the Wagon
Eek. I have fallen down on the job. These past few days have been crazy, and I honestly forgot to focus on others. Oops. This whole act of kindness challenge is much harder than I thought it would be. I realize how easy it is to get so caught up in my own things that I lose focus my focus on others.
On Friday, Feb. 1, I don't know that I did anything of note. It was the beginning of a rough weekend. Nathan and I went to Costco to grocery shop, and we have very different ideas about what we should buy. Especially since we are starting Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover, which means that I have to let go of some of my food buying habits (I like organic, high quality stuff, but it's expensive!). I didn't realize how difficult it was going to be for me to not shop as I have been. It meant buying more processed stuff that lasts longer and is cheaper. I'm still determined to figure out a way to buy quality food on a budget, but our lack of time at home (and thus lack of time to make things from scratch) is definitely a roadblock I have to figure out.
On Saturday, Feb.2, I took my boys for a day-o-fun (Hang Time trampolines, lunch at Sonic, and then to their grandparents to watch the U of U basketball game, followed by homemade pizzas and a movie) instead of staying in bed all day like I wanted to. It was a rough day for me because it was my Nana's birthday, and she passed away this summer, so the grief came back, especially since the rest of my family is so far away. But I didn't want the boys to suffer because I was having a tough time.
On Sunday, Feb. 3, I was sick, and so was our 9 year old. But I took a shower and went to my in-laws to celebrate Nathan's mom's birthday. I didn't want my not feeling well to keep me from celebrating with her (it kept me from my sister-in-law's celebration the Sunday before).
On Monday, Feb. 4, I don't think I did anything. How selfish is that? I went home, said hi to my boys, and took a bath to unwind. It, too, was a rough day. I won't go into details, but it ended better, thank heavens. Perhaps my act of kindness was to myself.
On Tuesday, Feb. 5, I spent some time talking with my coworker. It's something I've done before (with this person), but this was needed, I think. She needed to talk, to process. She's dealing with some things and needed a listening ear. I even stayed at work later than I had planned in order to talk with her.
On Wednesday, Feb. 6, I made a point to make dinner for my family. I know this seems like such a little thing, but I'm not kidding when I say that Nathan and I work crazy hours and sitting down together as a family to an actual meal (as opposed to a fend for yourself night) only happens a couple of times a week. I made a point to listen to my 11 year old as he excitedly told me about telling a girl in his class that he likes her!
I'm back in the mindset of serving others, and I'm excited about it. I'm still figuring out what I want to do today. I really hope that whatever I do, big or small, makes a difference to someone!
On Friday, Feb. 1, I don't know that I did anything of note. It was the beginning of a rough weekend. Nathan and I went to Costco to grocery shop, and we have very different ideas about what we should buy. Especially since we are starting Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover, which means that I have to let go of some of my food buying habits (I like organic, high quality stuff, but it's expensive!). I didn't realize how difficult it was going to be for me to not shop as I have been. It meant buying more processed stuff that lasts longer and is cheaper. I'm still determined to figure out a way to buy quality food on a budget, but our lack of time at home (and thus lack of time to make things from scratch) is definitely a roadblock I have to figure out.
On Saturday, Feb.2, I took my boys for a day-o-fun (Hang Time trampolines, lunch at Sonic, and then to their grandparents to watch the U of U basketball game, followed by homemade pizzas and a movie) instead of staying in bed all day like I wanted to. It was a rough day for me because it was my Nana's birthday, and she passed away this summer, so the grief came back, especially since the rest of my family is so far away. But I didn't want the boys to suffer because I was having a tough time.
On Sunday, Feb. 3, I was sick, and so was our 9 year old. But I took a shower and went to my in-laws to celebrate Nathan's mom's birthday. I didn't want my not feeling well to keep me from celebrating with her (it kept me from my sister-in-law's celebration the Sunday before).
On Monday, Feb. 4, I don't think I did anything. How selfish is that? I went home, said hi to my boys, and took a bath to unwind. It, too, was a rough day. I won't go into details, but it ended better, thank heavens. Perhaps my act of kindness was to myself.
On Tuesday, Feb. 5, I spent some time talking with my coworker. It's something I've done before (with this person), but this was needed, I think. She needed to talk, to process. She's dealing with some things and needed a listening ear. I even stayed at work later than I had planned in order to talk with her.
On Wednesday, Feb. 6, I made a point to make dinner for my family. I know this seems like such a little thing, but I'm not kidding when I say that Nathan and I work crazy hours and sitting down together as a family to an actual meal (as opposed to a fend for yourself night) only happens a couple of times a week. I made a point to listen to my 11 year old as he excitedly told me about telling a girl in his class that he likes her!
I'm back in the mindset of serving others, and I'm excited about it. I'm still figuring out what I want to do today. I really hope that whatever I do, big or small, makes a difference to someone!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
"Isn't It About...Time?"
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.
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.
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).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)