Day 136: Bought Some Plants

My new chives are just starting to bloom.

My new hosta, unfurling.

       The Shepherd Home, a local hospice, had their plant sale today.  There is absolutely no way that I can pass up a plant sale.  They were selling a variety of annuals and perennials.  Anyone who knows about my green thumb knows that I am a perennial kind of girl.

       Today's act of kindness was buying some plants from the Shepherd Home plant sale.  I found a great hosta and a chive plant that I knew would work perfectly in my garden.  I was happy to hand over the money I owed, plus a few extra dollars, in exchange for my new plants.  They already look great in my garden.  Here's hoping that today's purchase will make a difference for a family in need of some support and some kindness. 

Day 135: Hosted Book Club Night

       I have always wanted to be in a book club.  Books and reading are passions of mine.  I sent a plea out to my Facebook friends and family a while back.  Lucky for me, about 14 people said yes!  We picked our first book to read, The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin, and set a date for our first meeting.  I offered to host since the whole book club thing was my crazy idea to begin with.

       Today's act of kindness was hosting the first meeting of my book club, Assorted Book Nuts.  We had so much fun!  I knew that this would be an act of kindness for myself because this was something that I have always wanted to do.  As our group began discussing the book, I realized that this event was also an act of kindness for others.  I know all of the members of the book club, but they didn't all know each other.  One of our first activities was introducing ourselves to one another.  It was fun to see people from different aspects of my life come together for some great conversation and fun.  Here's hoping that tonight's act of kindness has created new bonds and possibly new friendships.  I am absolutely looking forward to our second meeting.

Day 134: 4-Square

       Outside recess at school today was a bit tense.  I have a great group of kids who have a really hard time getting along with each other.  Unstructured moments in our school day always start out with the hopes of friendship and fun.  Inevitably they end with yelling and tears.  I am not exactly sure why my kiddos have such a hard time getting along.  It seems that compromise and fairness are very difficult concepts for them to grasp.   

       The latest recess craze is the game 4-square.  A few days ago the kids drew an uneven 4-square court on the pavement and they have been lining up to play ever since.  After about 10 minutes of play each day, a disagreement erupts and the yelling begins.  

       Today's act of kindness was grabbing a piece of sidewalk chalk and drawing another 4-square court for the kids to use at recess.  This was my unobtrusive way of stepping in and helping my students get through a recess period without pain and turmoil.  After the second 4-square court was drawn, I suggested that the long line of students split up into 2 groups so that 2 games could be going at the same time.  I also subtly split up those students who were on the verge of conflict.  Guess what?  Recess time ended up being lovely, peaceful, and happy for us all.

Day 133: Bought a Couple of Candy Bars

It was yum.

Rocket waiting for her turn at the vet.

      My cat, Rocket, was due for a vet visit today.  She is a sweet, but lazy, cat who loves to eat and doesn't care for grooming.  We left the vet tonight with a happier and healthier Rocket.  In two weeks she gets to go back for a serious haircut.   While Lilli and I were hanging out with the cat in the waiting room, Lilli started complaining of hunger pains.  Luckily, we noticed some candy bars for sale at the counter.

       Today's act of kindness was buying 2 chocolate bars - one with peanut butter and one with caramel.  The money for each chocolate bar will be donated to a non-profit organization called Rochester Hope for Pets.  Rochester Hope for Pets works to spread their own seeds of kindness by giving money to pet owners who need financial assistance, supporting continuing education and technology for veterinary practices, and partnering with other animal-related organizations.  If you would like to support this great cause, please visit their website.
 

 http://rochesterhopeforpets.org/index.php

Day 132: Breakfast Dishes

       My mornings are really busy.  I have to get myself ready, wake up my kid, make breakfast, wake up my kid again, and then scream at my kid to wake up until it is time for us to leave.  Most mornings I pile up the breakfast dishes in the sink, soaking in water, to be cleaned up later.  Apparently this is a pet peeve of my husband's.  He likes to start the day with a clutterless kitchen.

       Today's act of kindness was cleaning up the breakfast dishes.  I didn't just leave them in the sink for later.  Instead, I loaded them up in the dishwasher and scrubbed down the sink for a clean, fresh start to the day.  Here's hoping that my husband's day was a bit more calm and peaceful because he woke up to a dish-free kitchen.

Day 131: St. Jude

Lilli with her buddy, Michael

At the hospital, they used to parade the halls in full costume. :)

       When my daughter was a little tiny kiddo, her best friend was diagnosed with leukemia.  Thank goodness he survived his treatments and has been in remission and cancer-free for many, many years.  Thank goodness, also, that his parents had insurance and the funds to make sure that he received the best health care and treatments available.  It was a very difficult time in their lives.  I can only imagine how hard it must be for families who don't have the money to help their own children through such an ordeal.

       Today's act of kindness was donating money to St. Jude Childrens' Hospital.  They don't turn anyone away.  They believe that all children deserve the best health care, regardless of economic background and resources.  Here's hoping that my meager donation will help this kind organization treat one more child that is fighting the good fight against cancer.

Day 130: Mother's Day with Mom

       Happy Mother's Day!  Undoubtedly there are lots of people scattering seeds of kindness today by doing good things for all types of moms out there.  Of course, I was no different.

       Today's act of kindness was spending the afternoon with my mom.  We went plant shopping and ended up at a local restaurant for some drinks and munchies.   Our time together was lovely.  After I dropped her off and headed home, I realized that my act of kindness today was probably more a kind act for myself than for her.  There are very few things in life that make me as happy as hanging out with mom.