7.21.11

Hi Blogging Friends.... the last time I wrote in my blog was April, which was a very hard month for me.  Losing my father was and is the hardest thing I've dealt with so far in my life and while I assure you I remain dedicated to doing "Random Acts of Kindness" I just don't seem to have the emotional energy to blog about it anymore. Bennett (my dad) followed my blog everyday and it hurts to know I'm sending it out there without him. I hope that my "acts" have made you think and maybe inspired you to try a few of your own.   For now, at least, I'm ending this project.  Love to you all.

4.5.11 - Anticiparcellation

Here's the last three days, which will lead up to "Anticiparcellation"

4.3.11 - My dear friend A who has NOT been eating needed something tempting to remind her to eat so I made her a batch of pumpkin muffins and some chocolate chip cookies!  I hope she rounds it out with some veggie and protein but hey, at least it's some calories! xox

4.4.11 - I rounded up ALLLLLLL the spare change we had around the house and put it in a giant container.  We do this once a year and take it to Coin Star.  The kids get to pick which charity to give it to, which we will do later in the week.  When they were little we used to do Toys for Tots and things like that and they had so much fun picking out the presents with all the money but now that they are teenagers, they just aren't thaaaaaaat into it....they are happy to just fork over the dough.  Fine with me.  I'll post later once they decide where it's going.

4.5.11 - My darling father is a crazy, kooky kind of a guy and he loves to make up words that we end up adopting into our daily language.  One of our favorites is "Anticiparcellation"...sometimes we will get a call or an email with just that word and it means what it says -- expect a package.  Today I ordered a PhotoBook with various photos from Noah's bar mitzvah weekend just for my Dad.  It should be there within the week....so Dad, if you are reading this, I just ruined your surprise and I will leave you with one word...Anticiparcellation!

4.2.11 - Helpin' Out could make me Top Banana

Here's catching up on the last few days...

March 29-30 I was in bed with the flu so I'm giving myself a PASS on RAKs for those days.

March 31 - At school conferences our Forensic's coach mentioned they will be needing lots of help to get the kids ready for the next big competition.....so being a former Forensics nerd I volunteered to coach a class two days a week for the next month.  I loved being a judge at the last competition so this will be fun and also interesting.

April 1 - My little friend Sophia told me that for her 13th birthday her grandmother was taking her to San Francisco this week for her present!  OF COURSE I was so excited for her since SF is my "adopted" hometown and my favorite place to be.  So today I found an old SF map, circled all my favorite things to do and sent her a top 10 list of things to do/sights to see that I thought she would enjoy.  I also added a list of "insider tips" about the city that you wouldn't find in a guide book!  Hope she has an amazing time!

April 2 - With our failing economy and our state in a "state of disaster", it is harder and harder to get corporations and even individuals to sponsor charitable events.  I spent a few minutes today to send some requests out on behalf of the For a Day Foundation to underwrite the cost of 300 bananas for our runners for the Fun Run/5K April 23rd.  I will continue to pursue this during the week until I have found a donor! Yes, I do believe this will make me Top Banana. Sorry, that was bad.

3.28.11 - Weekend Stuff

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

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~

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

2.28.11

February 28, 2011

Today's RAKs were both school-related.  Supported the 7th grade Bake Sale and also committed to sending in donations for our 8th grade homeroom "China" basket for the Roeper Auction.  No clue where I'm finding Chinese items in suburban West Bloomfield but I'm sure I'll figure it out.

So tired -- signing off.

2.26.11 - Misc.

You'd think having my boys and husband "home" on vacation all week would allow me oodles of time to myself (and time to write this blog).....not so much!  I hope next week when everyone goes back to their normal life I will get back to writing daily.

Here's what I've been up to (besides being up to no good!)

February 24th - David and I went to a Town Meeting to support a booming Michigan industry -- film. Our new governor has single handedly halted this program, which will cost tens of thousands of jobs. Avoiding adversity isn't something I'm good at and since I'm good and pissed off I'm getting involved -- and encouraging my peers to do so as well.

February 25th - Cost of driving 2 hours to take your niece away from her studies and out to lunch?  Priceless!

February 26th - Today I took a minute to send a "testimonial" to my landscaping company.  They have always done a terrific job for us.  With lawnmowing, landscaping and leaf removal they have always been great but this year, their snow plow service has been exceptional.  We have an enormous amount of snow this year and with a long driveway I would have expected to be "snowed in" at least a few times.  They have never missed a visit to our house and what is better is that they come during the night so we wake to a clean driveway. I REALLY appreciate it and took time to tell them!

2.22.11 - A Little Pick-Me-Up

February 22, 2011

Okay, I'm probably "outing" my anal retentive tendencies here, but it is really a pet peeve of mine to see careless trash strewn about the streets, parking lots, parks, you name it.  One thing, in particular, that creeps me out, is when people use public restrooms as their personal dumping ground for gum wrappers, receipts, empty rolls of toilet paper, etc.  Now don't get me wrong, I draw the line at public arena bathroom cleaning but yesterday I did my RAK at the doctor's office.  When I think of my doctor's office I LIKE to think it is a sterile, clean and professional environment.  And Dr. A's office is as stated, but when I walked into his bathroom and saw paper towels and gum wrappers on the floor it annoyed me.  So yes, I admit it, I cleaned it all up (don't be grossed out -- I used a paper towel to do it!)

2.21.11 - Handi-helper

February 21, 2011

Well, we are snowed in this morning so I'm not sure if I'm venturing out of the snow cave today....can't let a day go by without an RAK though.

Most days, I do more than one -- I just don't feel the need to write about it -- but for today, since I'm snowed it, I will steal one from yesterday's bank.  Upon returning to our car from grocery shopping, it was a blizzard -- a Snowpocolypse if you will.  Parked next to us in a handicapped spot was an old man who was loading his groceries into his car at a painfully slow rate, all the while becoming covered in snow.  I shuffled over to him to help him load his car and then took his cart back to the cart caddy for him so he could get into his warm car. What is sad and pathetic and a telling sign of our society, is that even in our area I think this man's first instinct was to be afraid of me.  I'm pretty sure if I was a man he would not have let me help him at all.  Good thing I'm just a woman!

2.20.11 - Don't Mess with Me!

February 20, 2011

Today I sent 21 letters to 21 representatives, begging them to reconsider destroying Michigan's film incentives.  Feel free to copy this letter, create your own spin and send it to your representatives.  If you want the list of who I sent it to, I'm happy to provide it.

Dear Representative,

I am a Project Manager for Real Style Extras Casting & Talent. We have worked on over 30 films here in Michigan and just finished wrapping the television program “Detroit 1-8-7.”   Since Michigan’s tax incentives have been in effect, we have been able to place 30,000 extras on Michigan productions!  30,000!!!!

I'd like you to consider that the package of bills that make up our film incentives are an investment in Michigan’s economy. No investment earns the big payout in the short run, but these have brought in hundreds of jobs and spurred people to spend in Michigan. It is important to maintain and grow our industry and vendors who in fact are not related to this industry. It is not a perfect group of bills but they help create jobs and training opportunities.  The effect of capping these bills has had an immediate impact on me and my family, as well as thousands of extras we work with.

Until the Governor’s speech last week, we were gearing up to what would have been the biggest summer Michigan’s film industry has ever seen.  Huge Hollywood productions, some with budgets of over $100M, were considering Michigan as production sites.  They’ve been scared away, costing Michigan millions in revenue.  The trickle down effect is just devastating.

There are areas of the bill that should be reviewed. As examples I would suggest that providing incentives for out of state crew is unnecessary. And allowing companies to “pass through” as Michigan corporations is counterproductive.

In the larger picture we must remember, we are now surrounded by States with similar incentives and perhaps they are more attractive due to weather, infrastructure or other factors.  They would be happy to take the business we turn away. We need an opportunity to grow ours and better compete. We lose nothing if they don't come - we gain if they do!  AND we have!

The positive economic impact goes directly to communities in the great State of Michigan. The amount of money brought in from a national commercial or a several million-dollar feature film can be dramatic.
Anytime a commercial or feature film rolls into town, markets, hotels and similar facilities see the ripple effect in their bottom line...that is money in the til and jobs. The benefits of the influx of this environmentally clean, labor friendly work also include the ability of our currently frayed production infrastructure to retool and better compete on a level playing field with the rest of the U.S.

Commercial work in particular is an issue worth reviewing. In doing so you will find that they, even more than feature films sustain local businesses across the range from rentals to post production.

With studios Raleigh or ABC’s Highland Park facility up and running we will really start to see growth. I urge you to work with efforts to build up not only our industry, but businesses that benefit from the ripple effects.

Most Sincerely;

Dena Raminick
Project Manager
Real Style
248-808-3473
draminick@realstyleonline.com
Facebook: Real Style Extras Casting & Talent
Twitter:  RealStyleTalent

2.19.11 - Medicine for the Soul

February 19, 2011

Well I'm starting to slack on writing this blog.  I'm not necessarily slacking on doing good things, I'm just not finding enough time to write about it.  The last few days I've done RAK's that I won't write about because I think it might embarrass the people who were recipients of my love.

That being said, today's RAK is a recipe of heartfelt love.  I have a friend who I am pretty sure is running herself ragged.  She is caring for a treasured partner who is in the hospital and very sick. I know from experience that when you are dealing with someone you love that is sick, it takes everything out of you.  You spend every ounce of emotion and it drains you to the point where you forget to eat.  As I'm typing this I can smell the delicious mushroom barley soup I'm making for my dear friend.   I will drop it off in the morning.  There is not much I can do to ease the pain she is going through but I hope a little soup will warm her up.

2.16.11 - Operation Love Lola

February 16, 2011 --


I am copying the following note in the hopes my FB/Blog friends will join me in supporting this precious child.


You may be wondering what is Operation Love Lola? 
First, let me tell you a little about this special girl named Lola. Lola is a five year old girl very near and dear to my heart, she is my niece. She is the sweetest girl I have ever met, alway polite, with a huge smile on her face. She has one of the biggest imaginations I know. She also may talk more than any other 5 year old I know. She loves princesses, fairies, the color pink, and my little ponies. Most of all she loves her Lamie and Bear, they have been with her through a lot. You may be thinking well, that sounds great but why does she need all this love?
On Valentine's Day Lola was diagnosed with Leukemia. Her prognosis is good as she has the best kind of Leukemia that she can for her age. Plus, she is in great care at a brand new children's hospital.

Here is where you come in:
I would LOVE for Lola to be showered with cards of encouragement, prayer, and well wishes while she goes through this process.
Since she will only be in the hospital for a little while and then will switch to outpatient care for treatment cards can be sent to me. I will then bring them to her. (Her family does not have a permeant address right now, see below for more info).
Please address and send cards to:
Operation Love Lola
C/O Tara Angus
1514 Erin St
Jenison, MI 49428


I really want this to be all about Lola but feel the need in my heart to share this piece of information because I know that her family will likely not ask for it.
Lola's family left the U.S. this fall to be full time missionaries in Africa. They quit their jobs, sold their cars, rented out their home, never ever intending to return for 2 years. They left the US to go do God's work including business education and orphan care. When Lola became sick they traveled 3 days via car to go to a hospital in the capitol. Then the mission organization told them to return to the US right away. They did not have time to return to their home in Africa. They left almost all of their belongings in Africa, as they were only planning to travel to the capitol for one week not to the US. When they arrived in the US they had summer gear on (flip flops, shorts), where they left it was over 100 degrees.
For now my Sister and her Husband are staying at the hospital but their younger daughter is staying with her Grandparents.
Their basic needs are met however there are items that they could use over time. Friends have let them borrow clothes but the time will come when the whole family will need their own clothes and belonging. If you would be willing and are able to donate to them that would be a blessing. Gift cards are welcome in any amount as are paypal donations to taraturtlecards@aol.com (I only use this account for paypal not to check my e-mail, please message me on FB with questions).
Right now it would be to difficult to coordinate actual donations of items (clothes, etc.) that is why I am asking for gift cards. This will allow the family to use them as needed over time.

Lastly, what they need most of all is prayer. We all know that the power of prayer is strong. When it is multiplied it is even stronger. Please pray for strength for Lola. Pray for her Doctors and Nurses. Pray for peace for her parents and extended family. Pray for understanding. Pray for quick and complete healing.

As my sister says, "God is good all the time".

No matter which option or options you chose in supporting Lola in the journey please know that I appreciate you taking part.
If you would like to follow their story or learn more please check out their blog: www.followingthecall.org

With a heavy heart but knowing peace from above,
Tara