Today I'm taking a pass as I've spent the entire day in bed with the flu -- so maybe my RAK is that I quarantined myself so as not to pass this onto the rest of my household?
In a quick recap of the past three days (b/c I really need to go back to sleep)
SUNDAY - organized a group of volunteers for a friend's project.
SATURDAY - volunteered my entire day/and half the evening to be a Forensics Judge in Anchor Bay (the middle of nowhere) for Noah's school.
FRIDAY - packed up and donated a box of school supplies for a Roeper student who is donating them to students in Afghanistan.
Okay, back to ginger ale and Saltines....see you in a few days.
xox
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Monday, March 28, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
3.24.11 -- Fighting the Good Fight and more...
March 22 - Tuesday the Michigan Film Office hosted a Pen to Paper Rally in favor of keeping the Tax Incentives for the Film Industry. Obviously it is something I firmly support. It has offered me a chance to recreate my career and it is one that I love and don't want to lose. I had a few hours to kill on Tuesday so although it was faaaaar away, I made the trek out and volunteered a few hours of my time. We stuffed envelopes, educated people on who their senators and reps were and helped them write letters to be delivered to the capital. I was happy to help and will continue to volunteer as much as they need.
March 23 - Volunteered to be Snack Coordinator for Noah's baseball team -- contacted all the parents and put together a calendar of games/dates/snacks, etc. No biggie but someone had to do it.
March 24 - Wednesday I shared my loot of fashion magz with my neighbor. Who doesn't love finding magazines in the mailbox? It's like an unexpected gift~
March 23 - Volunteered to be Snack Coordinator for Noah's baseball team -- contacted all the parents and put together a calendar of games/dates/snacks, etc. No biggie but someone had to do it.
March 24 - Wednesday I shared my loot of fashion magz with my neighbor. Who doesn't love finding magazines in the mailbox? It's like an unexpected gift~
Monday, March 21, 2011
3.21.11 - ARF a K
March 21, 2011 -- Mondays are usually full of errands and today was no different. While buying Buckley's dog food at Pet Supplies Plus today I noticed the decorated bins in the corner asking for food and supply donations. I've seen them many times before and honestly, never paid much attention as I'm usually in a hurry. I knew I had food in the pantry that we weren't going to use after trying lots of new brands over the past year ---- so I went home, gathered it up and brought it back to the store. Local animal shelters will receive all the goodies. I'm pretty sure every pet store does this so next time you're there (and I will do the same), pick up an extra bag of treats.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
3.20.11 - Weekend RAKs
Hello once again - it's time for the TRIO of RAKs again....seems like that's my new trend; writing every three days....STILL working on getting better at this.
FRIDAY - I can't say "what" I did b/c "someone" may read this and it pertains to "Someone's birthday" --- let's just say I went on a tiny roadtrip to make something happen to make someone feel special and have fun on his/her special day.
SATURDAY - This is a tough one, as being Mom does not mean everything I do is an RAK....I mean I think it's pretty much understood that my needs and wants will always come last and I know that's part of the deal...however, I'm giving myself a pat on the back for this one......all week I've had plans Saturday night. I just wanted to go out, have a few laughs and a few drinks and just relax from the week. The "Noahs" had a party to go to so I schlepped them out and should have been on my way. An hour later the "Noahs" decided they would rather "hang out with the ladies" than be at the party and "would I plz pk thm up".......so to make a long story short, I nixed my plans so I could ONCE AGAIN play chauffeur to my kids.....I was boy-crazy at 13 so I totally get it...and I'm giving myself credit for an RAK on that one.
SUNDAY - While walking the cutest dog in America today I noticed my neighbors had a bunch of newspapers piling up on their driveway and lawn. I happen to know they are out of town so I cleaned it up.....I'm only giving myself an RAK on this one b/c they happened to be SOAKING wet and full of mud.
PS: Does inviting your mother-in-law for dinner for no reason count as an RAK???? I'm thinking that's a YES!
FRIDAY - I can't say "what" I did b/c "someone" may read this and it pertains to "Someone's birthday" --- let's just say I went on a tiny roadtrip to make something happen to make someone feel special and have fun on his/her special day.
SATURDAY - This is a tough one, as being Mom does not mean everything I do is an RAK....I mean I think it's pretty much understood that my needs and wants will always come last and I know that's part of the deal...however, I'm giving myself a pat on the back for this one......all week I've had plans Saturday night. I just wanted to go out, have a few laughs and a few drinks and just relax from the week. The "Noahs" had a party to go to so I schlepped them out and should have been on my way. An hour later the "Noahs" decided they would rather "hang out with the ladies" than be at the party and "would I plz pk thm up".......so to make a long story short, I nixed my plans so I could ONCE AGAIN play chauffeur to my kids.....I was boy-crazy at 13 so I totally get it...and I'm giving myself credit for an RAK on that one.
SUNDAY - While walking the cutest dog in America today I noticed my neighbors had a bunch of newspapers piling up on their driveway and lawn. I happen to know they are out of town so I cleaned it up.....I'm only giving myself an RAK on this one b/c they happened to be SOAKING wet and full of mud.
PS: Does inviting your mother-in-law for dinner for no reason count as an RAK???? I'm thinking that's a YES!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
3.17.11 - Trio of RAKs
Checking in again.....wow I really thought I could write each and every day and am really disappointed in myself that I haven't done it. It's a nice way to end my day and I will try and do better.
Reflecting on the last three days:
March 15 & 16, 2011 --
Tuesday & Wednesday were the same RAK.....and it's something I've been doing for awhile. "Someone" I know is quite the pack rat. And when I say that it is bordering on hoarding it is not an exaggeration. I spent Tues & Wed packing, moving, cleaning, purging and scolding/encouraging my pal as he is beginning to move out of a house he isn't even living in anymore. It's been taking us months to get this done and we still have yet to finish. In a way it is just hard for him to close the chapter of that part of his life. So many memories, so many, many, many things. That is where I come in. Trying to make someone understand that LESS is more, is close to impossible. Things are just that --- things! Buying more and more is almost like overeating. It is unhealthy and impulsive and wasteful. Some of his purchases were made out of disorganization but many were made to fill a void. I hope as he has moved on into a better chapter of his life, and in our purging exercise SEES the excessive error of his ways, he will learn this lesson.
While I've been helping him for awhile I found it meaningful to write about it this week because this was the week I arranged to have St. Vincent DuPaul come with moving trucks to take his old belongings, clothes, furniture, etc. to their resale shop for them. The proceeds for all sales will go to their organization. I am certain this gift is the largest they have ever and will ever see. Day 1 we filled an entire truck, which called for Day 2. I am sure we will have a Day 3 in the future. It felt so great to know that the gifts he gave will be spread throughout the city and that without my help it would never have happened. It also made me want to go home and clean out my basement.
March 17, 2011 --
Today was a very sad day. We said good-bye to a beautiful, gregarious, fun, intelligent woman, who was the partner of a good friend of ours. Her son also happens to be my son Shelby's best friend. It is so hard to help the ones you love when they are hurting -- you can give a donation and you can send flowers or dinner. You can support them as they say good-bye and you can be a listening ear...but I really wanted to share something special with Annie today to give her a smile and a happy memory of her true love so this morning as she prepared to say "good bye" I sent her a photograph of the two of them smiling as they enjoyed a party we had. While it was a small token, I really think today's RAK goes to my son Shelby. He has always been a special and sensitive boy and when I asked him if he wanted to come to Judith's funeral he said "of course I'm coming!" It did not occur to him for even a second that he wouldn't be there for his friend. He stayed with his friend and sat with him throughout the funeral, which impressed me immensely. This was Shelby's first funeral, and being a sensitive child, I wasn't sure how he would do. Would he be scared? Would he cry? Would he get nervous? He was so sad for Annie but tried to stay really calm for his friend's sake. I am so proud to have an empathetic, loving child who knows how to cherish his friends....and what makes me the most proud is that it genuinely came from his own instincts and heart.
Reflecting on the last three days:
March 15 & 16, 2011 --
Tuesday & Wednesday were the same RAK.....and it's something I've been doing for awhile. "Someone" I know is quite the pack rat. And when I say that it is bordering on hoarding it is not an exaggeration. I spent Tues & Wed packing, moving, cleaning, purging and scolding/encouraging my pal as he is beginning to move out of a house he isn't even living in anymore. It's been taking us months to get this done and we still have yet to finish. In a way it is just hard for him to close the chapter of that part of his life. So many memories, so many, many, many things. That is where I come in. Trying to make someone understand that LESS is more, is close to impossible. Things are just that --- things! Buying more and more is almost like overeating. It is unhealthy and impulsive and wasteful. Some of his purchases were made out of disorganization but many were made to fill a void. I hope as he has moved on into a better chapter of his life, and in our purging exercise SEES the excessive error of his ways, he will learn this lesson.
While I've been helping him for awhile I found it meaningful to write about it this week because this was the week I arranged to have St. Vincent DuPaul come with moving trucks to take his old belongings, clothes, furniture, etc. to their resale shop for them. The proceeds for all sales will go to their organization. I am certain this gift is the largest they have ever and will ever see. Day 1 we filled an entire truck, which called for Day 2. I am sure we will have a Day 3 in the future. It felt so great to know that the gifts he gave will be spread throughout the city and that without my help it would never have happened. It also made me want to go home and clean out my basement.
March 17, 2011 --
Today was a very sad day. We said good-bye to a beautiful, gregarious, fun, intelligent woman, who was the partner of a good friend of ours. Her son also happens to be my son Shelby's best friend. It is so hard to help the ones you love when they are hurting -- you can give a donation and you can send flowers or dinner. You can support them as they say good-bye and you can be a listening ear...but I really wanted to share something special with Annie today to give her a smile and a happy memory of her true love so this morning as she prepared to say "good bye" I sent her a photograph of the two of them smiling as they enjoyed a party we had. While it was a small token, I really think today's RAK goes to my son Shelby. He has always been a special and sensitive boy and when I asked him if he wanted to come to Judith's funeral he said "of course I'm coming!" It did not occur to him for even a second that he wouldn't be there for his friend. He stayed with his friend and sat with him throughout the funeral, which impressed me immensely. This was Shelby's first funeral, and being a sensitive child, I wasn't sure how he would do. Would he be scared? Would he cry? Would he get nervous? He was so sad for Annie but tried to stay really calm for his friend's sake. I am so proud to have an empathetic, loving child who knows how to cherish his friends....and what makes me the most proud is that it genuinely came from his own instincts and heart.
Monday, March 14, 2011
3.14.11 - Catching UP
March 14, 2011
Today I'm playing catch up from my RAK log/blog.
MON 3/14 - Donated money for little Jordyn's bake sale which is raising money for Gleaner's food bank. I just love to hear about kids who are trying to make a difference -- and do!
SUN 3/13 - Took a few moments and sent a note of love and encouragement to someone who could really use some support at the moment.
SAT 3/12 - Donated to the Red Cross.
FRI 3/11 - Spent my night taking Shelby and his friend to a horrendous "boy" movie when it was my only time during the weekend that I would have had to myself (worked all weekend).
THURS 3/10 - Went to the Verizon store to discuss my ridiculous bill. The salesman went out of his way and spent thirty minutes with a supervisor on the phone to dispute my charges for me! After thanking him profusely, I went home and promptly got online to write to the owner of his building to praise his service.
Today I'm playing catch up from my RAK log/blog.
MON 3/14 - Donated money for little Jordyn's bake sale which is raising money for Gleaner's food bank. I just love to hear about kids who are trying to make a difference -- and do!
SUN 3/13 - Took a few moments and sent a note of love and encouragement to someone who could really use some support at the moment.
SAT 3/12 - Donated to the Red Cross.
FRI 3/11 - Spent my night taking Shelby and his friend to a horrendous "boy" movie when it was my only time during the weekend that I would have had to myself (worked all weekend).
THURS 3/10 - Went to the Verizon store to discuss my ridiculous bill. The salesman went out of his way and spent thirty minutes with a supervisor on the phone to dispute my charges for me! After thanking him profusely, I went home and promptly got online to write to the owner of his building to praise his service.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
3.9.11 -- Mid Week Report
Okay so I haven't been finding time to write every day but I am getting back into the spirit of the true RAK.
WED: This morning I took myself on a breakfast date. Sometimes I do this when I want to clear my head and just be alone. So I'm sitting there drinking my coffee and I am watching this old couple eat their breakfast. After they leave, I see my waitress walk over to their table to collect her tip. They stiffed her. At first she was pissed but I overheard one of the other waitresses calm her down. I guess they are regulars and sometimes the old man just forgets the tip....while she cuts the guy some slack, I can tell she is really bummed. She obviously needs the money. When my breakfast comes I am completely underwhelmed. It isn't in my nature to be confrontational but this honestly wasn't even edible. I decided to just keep my mouth shut and paid my bill in full with a full tip. She needs it more than I do.
TUE: Tuesday my RAK was more of a gift from the heart. In preparation for my friend's surprise birthday party we were instructed to create a scrapbook page to either Roast or Toast them. Instead of crafting a page of old photos and funny anecdotes I decided to create from the heart. As she was celebrating her 40th birthday I created a list of the top 40 things I loved most about her. Who doesn't love hearing why they are loved? I think I am going to make this a tradition for all my loved ones on their special milestones.
MON: My original RAK was going to be cleaning up the car crash mess at the front of our subdivision but with the unexpected snowfall, I wasn't able to even see it --- so my RAK was sending a card to my old friend's parents, who recently lost their father/father-inlaw. I'm sure they will be surprised to hear from me but it was in my heart so I decided to let it out.
And that's my week so far! xox
WED: This morning I took myself on a breakfast date. Sometimes I do this when I want to clear my head and just be alone. So I'm sitting there drinking my coffee and I am watching this old couple eat their breakfast. After they leave, I see my waitress walk over to their table to collect her tip. They stiffed her. At first she was pissed but I overheard one of the other waitresses calm her down. I guess they are regulars and sometimes the old man just forgets the tip....while she cuts the guy some slack, I can tell she is really bummed. She obviously needs the money. When my breakfast comes I am completely underwhelmed. It isn't in my nature to be confrontational but this honestly wasn't even edible. I decided to just keep my mouth shut and paid my bill in full with a full tip. She needs it more than I do.
TUE: Tuesday my RAK was more of a gift from the heart. In preparation for my friend's surprise birthday party we were instructed to create a scrapbook page to either Roast or Toast them. Instead of crafting a page of old photos and funny anecdotes I decided to create from the heart. As she was celebrating her 40th birthday I created a list of the top 40 things I loved most about her. Who doesn't love hearing why they are loved? I think I am going to make this a tradition for all my loved ones on their special milestones.
MON: My original RAK was going to be cleaning up the car crash mess at the front of our subdivision but with the unexpected snowfall, I wasn't able to even see it --- so my RAK was sending a card to my old friend's parents, who recently lost their father/father-inlaw. I'm sure they will be surprised to hear from me but it was in my heart so I decided to let it out.
And that's my week so far! xox
Sunday, March 6, 2011
3.6.11 -
March 6, 2011
Well it's Sunday and it has been many days since I blogged. I've been in a bit of a funk lately and while I won't get into it, I am definitely finding it hard to randomly be kind when all I want to do is hide in my warm, cozy bed all day. But, that is exactly why I've elected to do this exercise -- to push myself to think of other first -- not just sometimes, but ALL of the time.
I have done some for of RAK each day but I was honestly going through the motions and just "checking it off my list"...in reflection I am going to make a stronger effort this week to genuinely be kind enough to someone else that it will make a difference. So, stay tuned....
xox
Well it's Sunday and it has been many days since I blogged. I've been in a bit of a funk lately and while I won't get into it, I am definitely finding it hard to randomly be kind when all I want to do is hide in my warm, cozy bed all day. But, that is exactly why I've elected to do this exercise -- to push myself to think of other first -- not just sometimes, but ALL of the time.
I have done some for of RAK each day but I was honestly going through the motions and just "checking it off my list"...in reflection I am going to make a stronger effort this week to genuinely be kind enough to someone else that it will make a difference. So, stay tuned....
xox
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
3.2.11 - Whole Foods Excursion
March 2, 2011
Made an impromptu donation to the Whole Planet Foundation while shopping at Whole Foods. If you shop at Whole Foods, it's easy to do -- just add whatever amount you like to your grocery bill and they take care of the rest!
Whole Planet Foundation’s mission is poverty alleviation in developing-world communities where Whole Foods Market sources products. Through microcredit, we seek to unleash the energy and creativity of every human being we work with in order to create wealth and prosperity in emerging economies. Whole Planet Foundation partners with microfinance institutions in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Learn more atwww.wholeplanetfoundation.org.
Made an impromptu donation to the Whole Planet Foundation while shopping at Whole Foods. If you shop at Whole Foods, it's easy to do -- just add whatever amount you like to your grocery bill and they take care of the rest!
Whole Planet Foundation’s mission is poverty alleviation in developing-world communities where Whole Foods Market sources products. Through microcredit, we seek to unleash the energy and creativity of every human being we work with in order to create wealth and prosperity in emerging economies. Whole Planet Foundation partners with microfinance institutions in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Learn more atwww.wholeplanetfoundation.org.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
3.1.11 - Repeat Performance
March 1, 2011
I blogged a few months ago about my friend Caryn and her quest to build a new playground at her son's school. One of her fundraisers is to collect Box Top tabs from participating food/grocery items. I sent her a bag of tabs awhile ago and promised to continue to do so all year. Today I sent another bagful. I'm a woman of my word.
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