Yea. I've been staring at that title for quite a while trying to think what I should write about in this post.
You see, I love winter. I love snow. I even love extreme cold weather. I know. Scary, right? The only problem is that I love these things until March. And then, it's time for Spring to make an appearance.
While I enjoy the bitter cold and snow, I have to admit, the days without sunshine do wear me out. It's pretty normal here in Chicago to go days (or the entire month of January) without seeing the sun. It can be rather depressing. If the sun does peek out for a few measly seconds, I find myself running outside to absorb every little ray of sunshine that comes my way. I do have to remember to grab my coat on those extreme weather days and try not to lock myself out of the house. Don't laugh. It's happened.
With less sunshine, winter does turn very gloomy. I think we need to create our own sunshine this time of year. Have some fun! Do things that make you happy. And, yes, that means bring on the bright colored clothing (why is winter clothing always dark colors?).
So, throw a party. How about a Luau night or a beach party?
Host a game night. (Pictionary anyone?)
Make a special meal during the week.
Go out to dinner.
Go see a movie.
Invite some friends over.
Soon winter will be over and you will be missing those days where you could snuggle up on the couch with some hot chocolate during a snowstorm and watch a movie.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Monday, February 26, 2018
Pay it .... to the drug dealer?
So, after my Pay it Forward post, I had to post this part of the conversation.
I was telling you how Alex was doing Random Acts of Kindness. After he told us about the woman who needed money for a ride home, and I explained that sometimes people aren't honest about what they need the money for, RT decides to jump in with a story of his own.
RT tells about a time where he was downtown one night. It was really late, he was with some friends and they were hungry so they stopped at a place to get some hot dogs. It wasn't in the best area, but, it was the only place open. While in line, a guy went up to RT and asked him for some money to buy food. He said he was really hungry and needed some money. RT (being the nice guy that he is) gave him some money and the guy disappeared. Five minutes later, the guy is back and he is really happy and lively. RT said, "You feel better now that you ate?" The guy said, "No. I took that money and I bought some crack. I can't believe you fell for that line."
I guess the moral of the story is, if someone asks you for money for food? Buy them the food.
I was telling you how Alex was doing Random Acts of Kindness. After he told us about the woman who needed money for a ride home, and I explained that sometimes people aren't honest about what they need the money for, RT decides to jump in with a story of his own.
RT tells about a time where he was downtown one night. It was really late, he was with some friends and they were hungry so they stopped at a place to get some hot dogs. It wasn't in the best area, but, it was the only place open. While in line, a guy went up to RT and asked him for some money to buy food. He said he was really hungry and needed some money. RT (being the nice guy that he is) gave him some money and the guy disappeared. Five minutes later, the guy is back and he is really happy and lively. RT said, "You feel better now that you ate?" The guy said, "No. I took that money and I bought some crack. I can't believe you fell for that line."
I guess the moral of the story is, if someone asks you for money for food? Buy them the food.
Friday, February 23, 2018
Pay It Forward
I just did a million too many several posts for Random Acts of Kindness Week. I don't see why we need a special day or week to show kindness to one another. This is something that should just come naturally. We should be spreading kindness every day and everywhere.
I received a text from a friend telling me what a great son I have raised. She sees him where he works and says he is always polite, happy and helpful. When Alex came home, I gave him a hug, showed him the text and told him how proud I am of him.
I thought the story would end here, but, it continues.
Alex told me that's not all he has done. He said, "Sometimes, I pay for people in line." He works at a fast food restaurant. "Sometimes I pay for friends and sometimes for people I don't know."
I told him that's very generous of him.
He continued. "When I'm in line at a drive through, I always pay for the person behind me."
Me: Wow! That's wonderful. Paying it forward (or backward?). It's nice to do things for other people.
Alex: The other day, a woman stopped me while I was driving. She needed $10 to get a ride home. I told her I didn't have any money. I went to an ATM, got out some money and went back and gave her $20 so she could get home."
At this point, I'm in tears. I've always said he has a big heart. It's wonderful to see that big heart in action.
I did warn him about giving random people money. Sometimes they use it for other things. Alex said he drove back and she was gone. He's pretty sure she just needed money for a ride.
You teach your children things everyday from the time they are born. You're never sure if anything you have said or done is sinking in. But, when that day comes and you witness your child doing something good? Well. Like the credit card companies say: Priceless.
My heart is bursting right now. I'm so proud of him.
Now, imagine if everyone did random acts of kindness everyday?
I received a text from a friend telling me what a great son I have raised. She sees him where he works and says he is always polite, happy and helpful. When Alex came home, I gave him a hug, showed him the text and told him how proud I am of him.
I thought the story would end here, but, it continues.
Alex told me that's not all he has done. He said, "Sometimes, I pay for people in line." He works at a fast food restaurant. "Sometimes I pay for friends and sometimes for people I don't know."
I told him that's very generous of him.
He continued. "When I'm in line at a drive through, I always pay for the person behind me."
Me: Wow! That's wonderful. Paying it forward (or backward?). It's nice to do things for other people.
Alex: The other day, a woman stopped me while I was driving. She needed $10 to get a ride home. I told her I didn't have any money. I went to an ATM, got out some money and went back and gave her $20 so she could get home."
At this point, I'm in tears. I've always said he has a big heart. It's wonderful to see that big heart in action.
I did warn him about giving random people money. Sometimes they use it for other things. Alex said he drove back and she was gone. He's pretty sure she just needed money for a ride.
You teach your children things everyday from the time they are born. You're never sure if anything you have said or done is sinking in. But, when that day comes and you witness your child doing something good? Well. Like the credit card companies say: Priceless.
My heart is bursting right now. I'm so proud of him.
Now, imagine if everyone did random acts of kindness everyday?
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Comic Artist Girl Scout Cadette Patch
Our girls recently earned their Cadette patch. I thought I would type out what we did to complete this patch. If you have any other ideas, feel free to reply below! Sorry this is short and sweet. I didn't keep the notes from this meeting.
Our meetings our one hour long with no snack.
Most of our girls are into reading Graphic Novels, so, this badge was perfect for them.
Materials needed:
Paper
pencils
colored pencils
crayons
markers
imagination
When the girls came in, we told them that we were working on our Comic Artist patch. We compared it to Graphic Novels. We had them start working on individual drawings using post it notes. Their pictures had to tell a short story (like a comic strip).
When this was complete, we gave the girls a piece of paper and had them draw panels to tell a funny story (very short). The story could only be 4 panels long. We had them fold the paper in fourths, giving them their four panels.
For our last part, we had the girls work in groups. They had to come up with a short story and each girl had to draw a panel for the story. They used words (word and thought bubbles) and facial expressions.
We had the girls share all of their work. They really enjoyed working on this badge!
Our meetings our one hour long with no snack.
Most of our girls are into reading Graphic Novels, so, this badge was perfect for them.
Materials needed:
Paper
pencils
colored pencils
crayons
markers
imagination
When the girls came in, we told them that we were working on our Comic Artist patch. We compared it to Graphic Novels. We had them start working on individual drawings using post it notes. Their pictures had to tell a short story (like a comic strip).
When this was complete, we gave the girls a piece of paper and had them draw panels to tell a funny story (very short). The story could only be 4 panels long. We had them fold the paper in fourths, giving them their four panels.
For our last part, we had the girls work in groups. They had to come up with a short story and each girl had to draw a panel for the story. They used words (word and thought bubbles) and facial expressions.
We had the girls share all of their work. They really enjoyed working on this badge!
Monday, February 19, 2018
Snow Shoveling
Or should that be titled, "Snow Removal?"
We have had quite a bit of snow here the last few days. I've mentioned in the past how some people buy snow throwers and some people marry them. RT is one of the lucky ones who married one.
Growing up, we had a HUGE driveway. My brothers and I would shovel it. They were a lot older and were able to shovel more snow and do it fast. As time went on, I perfected my snow shoveling skills. Let's just say that I'm pretty quick with a snow shovel.
My favorite time to shovel snow is when the snow is gently falling and no one else is outside. It's so quiet and peaceful. Of course, once the people with snow blowers come on the scene, the peace and quiet is over and the smell of gasoline fills the air.
My biggest complaint about snow removal is when the snow is put out into the street. If you are going to all that trouble to shovel (or use a snow blower to remove) the snow, why are you putting it into the street? Shovel it to one side of your driveway! It's all part of the snow shoveling etiquette. The cars that drive down your street don't appreciate having to drive through a foot of snow when they pass in front of your house. And the snow plows are going to push the snow right back into your driveway, making you do twice the work.
We had to pull out the snowblower we inherited for the last snowfall. I was able to get 3/4 of the driveway done, but, that last 1/4 (which is at the end of the driveway) I thought would kill me. RT said he wanted the exercise. I don't think he even shoveled. I don't think the shovel was even a thought when he looked at the driveway. He went right for the snow blower.
Who knows how much more snow we will get this year. If we get more, I have my shovel and I'm ready to go.
We have had quite a bit of snow here the last few days. I've mentioned in the past how some people buy snow throwers and some people marry them. RT is one of the lucky ones who married one.
Growing up, we had a HUGE driveway. My brothers and I would shovel it. They were a lot older and were able to shovel more snow and do it fast. As time went on, I perfected my snow shoveling skills. Let's just say that I'm pretty quick with a snow shovel.
My favorite time to shovel snow is when the snow is gently falling and no one else is outside. It's so quiet and peaceful. Of course, once the people with snow blowers come on the scene, the peace and quiet is over and the smell of gasoline fills the air.
My biggest complaint about snow removal is when the snow is put out into the street. If you are going to all that trouble to shovel (or use a snow blower to remove) the snow, why are you putting it into the street? Shovel it to one side of your driveway! It's all part of the snow shoveling etiquette. The cars that drive down your street don't appreciate having to drive through a foot of snow when they pass in front of your house. And the snow plows are going to push the snow right back into your driveway, making you do twice the work.
We had to pull out the snowblower we inherited for the last snowfall. I was able to get 3/4 of the driveway done, but, that last 1/4 (which is at the end of the driveway) I thought would kill me. RT said he wanted the exercise. I don't think he even shoveled. I don't think the shovel was even a thought when he looked at the driveway. He went right for the snow blower.
Who knows how much more snow we will get this year. If we get more, I have my shovel and I'm ready to go.
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Random Acts of Kindness Week 2018 - Community Day
Make a Valentine for a local senior in the community (or make several and drop them off at a local senior living facility. They would love it!
Write a Thank You card to your postal carrier, fireman, police man, etc.
Bring in canned goods to a local food pantry.
Bring clothing, blankets to a homeless shelter.
Donate some items (food, toys, old towels or bedsheets) to a local animal shelter.
Pick up trash in your neighborhood.
Leave a generous tip.
Leave a surprise in a library book.
Help a neighbor with yard work.
Let someone go ahead of you in line today.
Ask a senior what life was like when they were growing up.
Feed a strangers meter.
Bring reusable bags to stores.
Tutor someone.
Compliment people today.
Have you been spreading kindness everywhere you go?
The week is almost over!
How many Random Acts of Kindness have you performed this week?
What good deeds have you done?
Write a Thank You card to your postal carrier, fireman, police man, etc.
Bring in canned goods to a local food pantry.
Bring clothing, blankets to a homeless shelter.
Donate some items (food, toys, old towels or bedsheets) to a local animal shelter.
Pick up trash in your neighborhood.
Leave a generous tip.
Leave a surprise in a library book.
Help a neighbor with yard work.
Let someone go ahead of you in line today.
Ask a senior what life was like when they were growing up.
Feed a strangers meter.
Bring reusable bags to stores.
Tutor someone.
Compliment people today.
Have you been spreading kindness everywhere you go?
The week is almost over!
How many Random Acts of Kindness have you performed this week?
What good deeds have you done?
Friday, February 16, 2018
Random Acts of Kindness Week 2018 - Work or School
Send an encouraging email.
Gift an inspirational book.
Send a text just to say hello.
Find out something new about a co-worker (or friend at school).
Be a good listener.
Bring a coworker or friend a coffee.
Tutor someone.
Compliment people today.
Need more ideas? Check out Sunday's post for more fun!
Gift an inspirational book.
Send a text just to say hello.
Find out something new about a co-worker (or friend at school).
Be a good listener.
Bring a coworker or friend a coffee.
Tutor someone.
Compliment people today.
Need more ideas? Check out Sunday's post for more fun!
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