Today's AOK wasn't preplanned. In fact, I didn't even think about it being an act of kindness until inlooked at the clock & realized I didn't blog yet today.
Kid #5 had a football game today. I decided to take my camera with telephoto lens and try my hand at action photos. My first instinct p,as a Mom with a camera, is to just snap photos of my own child. Afterall, he is the cutest one out there, although it is hard to tell with those helmets and all.
Anyway, today I decided that I would take pictures of everyone's kid. And I did and it will be another act of kindness when I edit all of them and figure out the best way to share them with the coach, so he can pass them on to the rest of the parents. Fifth & Sixth graders playing football makes for some interesting photos. Especially because the smaller players look like bobble heads with all of that equipment on. Cute pictures to follow.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Day Ten
Today's act of kindness was to mail a book, from my collection, to a friend who needed it. I arrived at the post office at 4:15pm, only it turns out our post office closes at 4 pm. I never knew that. I guess I will have 2 AOK's tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Day Nine
Does taking a kid to the doctor count as an act of kindness? A kid who is able to drive, and wasn't sick, just suffering a chronic injury from running, but likes to have mom around for the extra set of ears and to ask questions. Did I mention that I was really tired and would have rather taken a nap?
If that doesn't count for my daily AOK, then I got nothin.
If that doesn't count for my daily AOK, then I got nothin.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Day Eight
Long day. Very tired. Today's AOK was visiting a friend in the hospital and taking her a little gift bag of things I thought that I would like if I was in that position.
Number one best thing in the bag? Burt's Bees Pomegranate Lip Balm. I am not a big fan of pomegranates in general, maybe because it seems weird that it is all seed and that's the part you eat, but it sure makes for good lip balm. In fact, I have instructed my husband to apply Burt's Bees Lip Balm to my lips if I should ever end up in a condition where I can't do it myself. Hourly. I hope he remembers, but more than that, I hope he never needs to remember.
Another day down.
Number one best thing in the bag? Burt's Bees Pomegranate Lip Balm. I am not a big fan of pomegranates in general, maybe because it seems weird that it is all seed and that's the part you eat, but it sure makes for good lip balm. In fact, I have instructed my husband to apply Burt's Bees Lip Balm to my lips if I should ever end up in a condition where I can't do it myself. Hourly. I hope he remembers, but more than that, I hope he never needs to remember.
Another day down.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Day Seven
A whole week! Only fifty-one more like it to go.
Remember that horrid thing that I mentioned in the end of my last post? Ironing? It is not that ironing is so terrible, it is just that I am so terrible at it. I can iron pants and normal shirts, but shirts with collars and buttons, those I struggle with. In fact, I struggle so much that my sweet husband is just as happy to iron his own shirts. He must have had a better Home Ec teacher than me, or something.
So today, for my AOK, I snuck upstairs while everyone else was absorbed in football, and engaged in a bit of ironing. The pants were no problem, but I hate to admit that I gave up after the 2nd shirt when I realized that after all the time and effort I had out into it, it had a spot, apparently from the spray starch. How could that happen? No amount of ironing or water would take that spot out.
To make up for my lackluster first attempt at an AOK, I also cleaned up the dog throw-up. That is almost always my kind husband's job, not that it happens that often, but he just takes it upon himself to do it. I attribute it to his unrefined sense of smell and my sensitive gag reflex. Today, I pulled myself up by the bootstraps, grabbed the paper towels and spot cleaner and took on the task....unnoticed, I might add. That is really what makes it more of an act of kindness, isn't it? If you don't do it for fanfare? There is a scripture about this and once I find it, I will share it here.
Here's something else I can share, a little ironing tip, use this stuff:
Remember that horrid thing that I mentioned in the end of my last post? Ironing? It is not that ironing is so terrible, it is just that I am so terrible at it. I can iron pants and normal shirts, but shirts with collars and buttons, those I struggle with. In fact, I struggle so much that my sweet husband is just as happy to iron his own shirts. He must have had a better Home Ec teacher than me, or something.
So today, for my AOK, I snuck upstairs while everyone else was absorbed in football, and engaged in a bit of ironing. The pants were no problem, but I hate to admit that I gave up after the 2nd shirt when I realized that after all the time and effort I had out into it, it had a spot, apparently from the spray starch. How could that happen? No amount of ironing or water would take that spot out.
To make up for my lackluster first attempt at an AOK, I also cleaned up the dog throw-up. That is almost always my kind husband's job, not that it happens that often, but he just takes it upon himself to do it. I attribute it to his unrefined sense of smell and my sensitive gag reflex. Today, I pulled myself up by the bootstraps, grabbed the paper towels and spot cleaner and took on the task....unnoticed, I might add. That is really what makes it more of an act of kindness, isn't it? If you don't do it for fanfare? There is a scripture about this and once I find it, I will share it here.
Here's something else I can share, a little ironing tip, use this stuff:
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Day Six
Somedays, I hardly leave the house. Today was one such day, due to the fact that Kid #4 is a bit under the weather.
So, my options for Acts of Kindness would either have to happen through the mail (Oops, missed the boat on that. As it turns out the mailman/lady comes pretty early on Saturdays), or be bestowed on my family.
Today's kindness was an act of laundering. At a certain age, my kids start doing their own laundry. That age is called, "the age of complaining because they can't find this favorite shirt or those lucky soccer socks." Okay, or maybe even any soccer socks. Whatever the case, there comes a point where they are just has happy to not have their laundry co-mingle with their siblings laundry. From that day forward, they become independent launderers; although, I do still was their sheets and towels if they want me to. I'm a stay-at-home-Mom, I think sheet & towel laundering is in my job description, or it would be if I ever received a job description.
For today's AOK, I decided to surprise Kid #3, by washing what was left in his laundry hamper. Somehow he never seems to get to the bottom of his hamper. Hmmm, maybe now he understands what I'm up against.
Kid #3 works a seasonal job and just had his last day of work about two weeks ago. He wears a uniform. Guess what was at the bottom of his hamper and would have remained there until next spring? Yep, about 8 uniform pieces. There were also 4 pencils and 3 pens, and I caught several of them before the washing machine. But not all of them. Which is sort of why Kid #3 wasn't initially excited. He thought I had maybe washed and dried his flash drive too. Thankfully, I didn't. If I had, this AOK would have been cancelled out and I would have been forced to do something horrid, like ironing!
So, my options for Acts of Kindness would either have to happen through the mail (Oops, missed the boat on that. As it turns out the mailman/lady comes pretty early on Saturdays), or be bestowed on my family.
Today's kindness was an act of laundering. At a certain age, my kids start doing their own laundry. That age is called, "the age of complaining because they can't find this favorite shirt or those lucky soccer socks." Okay, or maybe even any soccer socks. Whatever the case, there comes a point where they are just has happy to not have their laundry co-mingle with their siblings laundry. From that day forward, they become independent launderers; although, I do still was their sheets and towels if they want me to. I'm a stay-at-home-Mom, I think sheet & towel laundering is in my job description, or it would be if I ever received a job description.
For today's AOK, I decided to surprise Kid #3, by washing what was left in his laundry hamper. Somehow he never seems to get to the bottom of his hamper. Hmmm, maybe now he understands what I'm up against.
Kid #3 works a seasonal job and just had his last day of work about two weeks ago. He wears a uniform. Guess what was at the bottom of his hamper and would have remained there until next spring? Yep, about 8 uniform pieces. There were also 4 pencils and 3 pens, and I caught several of them before the washing machine. But not all of them. Which is sort of why Kid #3 wasn't initially excited. He thought I had maybe washed and dried his flash drive too. Thankfully, I didn't. If I had, this AOK would have been cancelled out and I would have been forced to do something horrid, like ironing!
Friday, September 21, 2012
Day Five
Kid #5 was playing with neighbor kid across the street, trying out neighbor kid's new slingshot, unbeknownst to me.
Somehow, from across the street, in true David vs. Goliath style, Kid #5 took out the back window of my van. No kidding. I didn't believe him at first, not until I saw the big gaping hole where my rear windshield use to be.
I did not yell. I did not wring his little neck. I showed mercy, with a little bit of lecturing thrown in. It helped that he looked so pitiful. I even helped him clean up some of the glass.
On a positive note, at least it was a windshield and not someone's forehead and the van has a name now. Goliath.
Somehow, from across the street, in true David vs. Goliath style, Kid #5 took out the back window of my van. No kidding. I didn't believe him at first, not until I saw the big gaping hole where my rear windshield use to be.
I did not yell. I did not wring his little neck. I showed mercy, with a little bit of lecturing thrown in. It helped that he looked so pitiful. I even helped him clean up some of the glass.
On a positive note, at least it was a windshield and not someone's forehead and the van has a name now. Goliath.
Day 4 - part two
Since this is a covert operation, today I decided not to procrastinate doing my posting, because my husband would definitely get suspicious of me typing in bed.
First, a disclaimer: So you know, by starting this blog, I am not implying that I am usually unkind or that I don't do random acts of kindness periodically, it is just that I thought if I concentrated on cheering other people up, the side affect would be extra cheeriness for me. Also, not every act of kindness will be documented here. This blog is just to keep me focused on my mission for this year, so after I hit my goal of at least one AOK (act of kindness) during the day, the rest are freebies, or something like that.
Yesterday's was not a planned act of kindness, but was a spontaneous early morning kindness. Kid #4 had to bring 2 dozen cupcakes to school for Home Ec class, only they don't call it that anymore. Now they call it something fancy - Consumer Science, even though it is still the same old cooking, ironing and cleaning. I guess that makes me a Consumer Scientist, although I think I'll just leave it as "Domestic Engineer" on my business cards.
First, a disclaimer: So you know, by starting this blog, I am not implying that I am usually unkind or that I don't do random acts of kindness periodically, it is just that I thought if I concentrated on cheering other people up, the side affect would be extra cheeriness for me. Also, not every act of kindness will be documented here. This blog is just to keep me focused on my mission for this year, so after I hit my goal of at least one AOK (act of kindness) during the day, the rest are freebies, or something like that.
Yesterday's was not a planned act of kindness, but was a spontaneous early morning kindness. Kid #4 had to bring 2 dozen cupcakes to school for Home Ec class, only they don't call it that anymore. Now they call it something fancy - Consumer Science, even though it is still the same old cooking, ironing and cleaning. I guess that makes me a Consumer Scientist, although I think I'll just leave it as "Domestic Engineer" on my business cards.
So, Kid #4 definitely couldn't ride the school bus and count on all 24 cupcakes to arrive intact. No problem, because Kid #3 drives to school and would be happy to drop her off right at the door. But, for some reason, Kid #4 wanted me to drive her to school. She couldn't really explain why, maybe she just figures I would drive her and her precious cargo a little more gently.
Being that gas is at an all time high, driving a few extra miles unnecessarily is not something I take lightly, but it seemed to mean so much to Kid #4, so I drove her. Her and her 24 cupcakes and it made us both happy!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Day Four
I almost forgot to post and here it is bedtime and my husband is walking to the room and since this is a covert project, To be continued....
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Day Three - off to a Good Start
It's not even 9am and I have managed to fit in two little acts of kindness. These were not part of my kindness plan for today and while they are very small, almost minuscule, I'm counting them.
Since kid # 2 has not taken a car to school yet, kid #3 has his choice of cars to drive in the morning. Typically, he drives the 14 year old Corolla, but when he is desperate enough (translation: low on gas), he will swallow his pride and drive the 13 year old minivan, proud mom bumper stickers and all. This requires some early morning car shuffling in the driveway. This morning I offered to help with that. It is not as if my neighbors have never seen me in my pajamas anyway.
After saying goodbye to the kiddos, I putzed around in the garage for a bit. While I was putzing, my across the street, not so friendly neighbor, came into his garage and sneezed. My initial reaction to a sneeze would be to say "God bless you", but instead I paused, just for a second. This is a neighbor who generally tries to avoid acknowledging my existence. Then my kindness experiment popped into my head, which I am realizing is also a sort of WWJD experiment. I said, "God bless you" and now as I head to my devotional time, I am going to work on really meaning it. Yup, that's what I'm gonna do.
Day three is off to a good start!
Since kid # 2 has not taken a car to school yet, kid #3 has his choice of cars to drive in the morning. Typically, he drives the 14 year old Corolla, but when he is desperate enough (translation: low on gas), he will swallow his pride and drive the 13 year old minivan, proud mom bumper stickers and all. This requires some early morning car shuffling in the driveway. This morning I offered to help with that. It is not as if my neighbors have never seen me in my pajamas anyway.
After saying goodbye to the kiddos, I putzed around in the garage for a bit. While I was putzing, my across the street, not so friendly neighbor, came into his garage and sneezed. My initial reaction to a sneeze would be to say "God bless you", but instead I paused, just for a second. This is a neighbor who generally tries to avoid acknowledging my existence. Then my kindness experiment popped into my head, which I am realizing is also a sort of WWJD experiment. I said, "God bless you" and now as I head to my devotional time, I am going to work on really meaning it. Yup, that's what I'm gonna do.
Day three is off to a good start!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Day Two
Today I walked with my friend, who happens to be in her 80's and was recently widowed. It really benefits her to get a little exercise and to get out in the fresh air. She was recently widowed and no longer drives. I imagine after decades of being a feisty, farmer's wife this recent loss of freedom and companionship has been a difficult blow.
When I am feeling lonely and isolated in this small town life of mine, I need to remember to give myself a swift kick in derrière and remind myself that there is probably someone that could use a little companionship too. That's what I would tell my kids to do if they found themselves on the playground with no one to play with. Look around and surely there will be someone else who needs a friend to play with, just like you.
And it doesn't hurt to bring flowers, not on the playground, but just about anywhere else in life. These zinnias are from my garden and they are pretty much the only thing I can grow. Kindness in a vase.
And for one more little act of kindness, I made homemade cookies for the kids. It was a new chocolate chip recipe, and while it wasn't bad, it does not beat our legendary family recipe. Maybe I'll share the recipe in a later post.
Day two, check. Day three is in the works.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Day One
Today was day one, hence the blog title. This was an easy day. I sent out books to three college students, one being my daughter and the other two were friends of hers.
Last week, I stumbled across this really awesome book titled, Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower's Guide for the Journey, by Jonathan Morrow. It is just what I've been looking. And even though I ordered it last week, today was the day I mailed it to my recipients, so that counts.
Day one, act of kindness, check!
Last week, I stumbled across this really awesome book titled, Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower's Guide for the Journey, by Jonathan Morrow. It is just what I've been looking. And even though I ordered it last week, today was the day I mailed it to my recipients, so that counts.
Day one, act of kindness, check!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Day Zero
This is an experiment, inspired by a blog called 365 Acts of Love, in which a husband is secretly blogging about his daily acts of kindness, and his wife would be the lucky recipient of these kindnesses.
I thought the whole idea was so sweet, and I thought about forwarding the link to my husband, but that would be a little self-serving wouldn't it? And besides that, my husband is a really great guy, just not a blogger.
I try to be kind when the opportunity presents itself, but I admit that I don't always go out of my way to look for opportunities to be kind to someone who might not be directly in my line of vision. I have a lot of time on my hands and since kindness is one of the fruits of the spirit, I have decided to take on this daily being kind and blogging about it as my next project. Besides, blogging about patience or gentleness did not seem like it would be as interesting.
This blog is to keep me accountable. I am hoping by intentionally looking to do a daily act of kindness I will forget about myself and stop throwing myself little pity parties because we are still living in an area where I am less than thrilled to be living. We'll see if my theory holds up.
Tomorrow is day 1.
I thought the whole idea was so sweet, and I thought about forwarding the link to my husband, but that would be a little self-serving wouldn't it? And besides that, my husband is a really great guy, just not a blogger.
I try to be kind when the opportunity presents itself, but I admit that I don't always go out of my way to look for opportunities to be kind to someone who might not be directly in my line of vision. I have a lot of time on my hands and since kindness is one of the fruits of the spirit, I have decided to take on this daily being kind and blogging about it as my next project. Besides, blogging about patience or gentleness did not seem like it would be as interesting.
This blog is to keep me accountable. I am hoping by intentionally looking to do a daily act of kindness I will forget about myself and stop throwing myself little pity parties because we are still living in an area where I am less than thrilled to be living. We'll see if my theory holds up.
Tomorrow is day 1.
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