The Final Act

   Today is the last day of 365 days and I feel so many things.... More about that later. Today for my good deed/act of kindness I made up chemo care bags and took them to a local oncologists office for patients to have while getting their treatments. What are chemo care bags you ask??? Well they are bags full of items that people who are having a chemo treatment might find useful or comforting. In the ones I made I included crossword puzzles to pass the time, peppermint gum and hard candies to help with nausea and to get rid of bitter after tastes that chemo can sometimes cause, hand lotion and chapstick to help with the dry skin and lips that can be a side effect and tissues and wipes for a number of reasons. I also included a little note in each one telling the recipient that I hoped 2014 brought them good health and many blessings. I have seen and heard how harsh chemo treatments can be and I wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy, but I realize they are also a necessary evil to combat cancer. I hope these bags bring a little peace and comfort to those who are facing treatments even for just a moment.


Stay tuned for a review of this awesome year and afterthoughts...

I Made A Difference

   Well, this year I figured I have donated just about everything imaginable except for one thing... my blood. This was on the "bucket list" of good deeds/acts of kindness this year, but because of medications and health reasons I wasn't able to... until now. I'm really glad I was able to get this in under the wire you might say because donating blood can save lives. I'm sure you already know how important blood donations are but here are a few quick facts...

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.

More than 41,000 blood donations are needed every day.

A total of 30 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.

More than 1.6 million people were diagnosed with cancer last year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.

One blood donation can save up to three lives

If you are eligible to donate blood I highly encourage you to do so, you never know whose life you may be saving.

Thank You... Thank You Very Much!

   AMAZING.... That's the one word that I feel best sums up the journey this year. I have so enjoyed getting to help out and do for so many great people and organizations. But the magnitude of how far this project has reached and how many people have been touched is in HUGE part to so many great people who have opened their hearts and helped me accomplish this feat. So today for my good deed/act of kindness I sent out thank yous to the awesome people who have supported me with things like ideas for good deeds, monetary and item donations, connecting me with and recommending people and organizations in need and sending encouraging words to help keep me going this year. There is just no way that I would have been able to do something like this without all of their help and I am so VERY grateful.

I also wanted to say that my husband and kids have been a big part of this as well. They have been my biggest cheerleaders from day one and have been there every step of the way. They have personally sacrificed by picking up my slack around the house and have missed out on things this year because I was doing for others. They have been a great inspiration and contributed so much this year.

Now, I do realize that there are still 2 days to go to complete this journey, but giving thanks to these folks has been weighing on me and I felt it important that they know just how important a part they played.

Doggy Dinner

   This year I've geared 2 or 3 good deeds to helping the furry and four legged friends and I felt I should do one more before the year is up. So today while I was out getting some food for our own dog, I picked up and extra bag and took it to the local animal shelter to donate to the doggies there. The employee at the desk was very happy to see the donation and I was very happy to see so many people there today looking to give the animals a new forever home. Our dog is a former shelter dog and I can't stress enough that if you are looking to add a pet to your family please consider adopting one from a shelter. You'll never find a pet that will love you more than one you rescue!

Baking Baking Baking!

  Today for my good deed/act of kindness, I'm baking loads of brownies for my best friend's wedding reception tomorrow. She and her husband traveled to Jamaica last month to elope and are now having a party to celebrate with family and friends back home. As if getting married on the beach in Jamaica wasn't fab enough... the reception is a DESSERT reception. Meaning tables full of cake, cupcakes, pies, candy and yes... brownies. I feel honored that she thinks enough of my brownies to have them at her reception so I am more than happy to bake away today to help tomorrow. I'm super excited just thinking about all the goodies to indulge in tomorrow, but for now I need to get back to making more brownies!

A Little Bit Of This And A Little Bit Of That...

  Today we're still reeling from holiday overload and just trying  to relax and enjoy our time. With that in mind, I did a couple small good deeds while enjoying a slower, more relaxed day than usual. But sadly for my husband he had to go back to work and back to the real world. Since he had to go back to the daily grind, I thought it would be nice for my son and I to go visit him at work and go out to lunch with him. I knew my son would enjoy that as well and it made his day. Today I also sent a special delivery in the mail for a friend. Earlier this year I joined a program that pairs you up with cancer patients that are going through chemo and you send them a card or letter every week to help encourage them through their tough time. Well today I sent a special box of chocolates along with my weekly letter for her to enjoy. She for sure deserves it and I love brightening her day any chance I get. I have enjoyed my change of pace these last few days but I also enjoyed doing a little something for others as well.

12 Days Of Christmas Kindness Redo-Day 12

Serving With The Family
   Today's redo isn't of one specific act or good deed that has been done this year but a favorite occurrence of mine that has happened during several acts this year. One of my main goals throughout this journey has been to express and stress the importance of doing for and serving others to my children. It has become evident many times this year that they are getting the message through their willingness to share and do for strangers and family/friends alike. I couldn't be more proud of them and again today the whole family got in on the action. We all went to Journey Home shelter today to serve a meal and hand out goodies for people to take home. My husband and I worked the food line and the kiddos handed out the treats once people finished their meals. Having my family share in an act of kindness/good deed with me has by far been my FAVORITE, and not just of the 12 days of redos but of the whole year so far.

I hope all of you out there have had a blessed Christmas and enjoy the holidays.

12 Days Of Christmas Kindness Redo- Day 11

This Drink Is On Me
   For today's act of kindness/good deed I did one of my favorites and one of the easiest things I feel that can be counted as an act. It was simply paying for the car behind me at Starbucks this morning. I didn't even have to get out of my car! I love this one and I think several others suggested that this one be on of the 12 days redos because most times this act starts a chain reaction. It's such a great thing when kindness is passed along person to person and I am happy to say that I have witnessed this personally several times when buying coffee. One person decides to pay for the person behind them and then the next person pays for the person behind them and so on and so on... It's just kindness at its finest and restores my faith in humanity a bit.

Merry Christmas Eve everyone, have a great holiday!

12 Days Of Christmas Kindness Redo-Day 10

More Words Of Encouragement
   Today is another one of those crazy days out there with it being the day before Christmas Eve and many are trying to finish up their last minute shopping. Getting caught up in that craziness can really affect your mood and cause you to feel anxious, angry, greedy etc... and make you forget the reason you're out there to being with. So I thought today's redo should be a combination of a few good deeds/acts of kindness from earlier this year that encouraged us to be kind to one another, be kind to ourselves and to boost our self image a bit. With that in mind, today I repeated the acts where I went and left positive messages and quotes in books that people were buying and placed nice messages around dressing rooms, car windshields and store shelves.  My kids came with me today and enjoyed helping me pick out spots where they thought several people would see and benefit from the messages.

These acts are some of my favorites because you never know who these messages will reach and how big an impact they can make. If someone is having a bad day something simple like this could turn it around.

12 Days Of Christmas Kindness Redo-Day 9

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
   For those of you that like to gamble, you know how exciting playing the lottery can be, when you play responsibly that is. For a good deed/act of kindness earlier this year, I bought a few powerball tickets and then gave them to random strangers. It got such a good reaction and people liked it so much that I made it my act today as part of the 365 redos. This time though I bought several scratch off tickets and then passed them out at the grocery store this evening and wished everyone a merry Christmas. People were happy to receive them and get an unexpected holiday gift. Who knows... I may have REALLY made someone's Christmas merry and bright!

12 Days Of Christmas Kindness Redo-Day 8

With Just A Click...
   I have learned so many things on this journey this year. One being that no matter how how busy or tired you are, if you have access to the internet, you can do something kind for others. Secondly, I have learned that being kind and doing good shouldn't only be for everybody else. Every once in a while you have to be kind to yourself because if you don't take care of yourself, how can you be kind and do good for others? With these two points in mind... I decided for my redo today to go back to a few of the online charities that receive funds simply from you visiting a website and clicking a button. And I chose this for today because I am not feeling myself and am very worn out and exhausted from the last couple of weeks and knew this could easily be done while I try and do something kind for myself, which is get some much needed rest. The husband is also being very kind today and letting me do just that by keeping the kids entertained and happy. That good deed is very much appreciated.
If you are looking for a simple way to do an act of kindness, here are the sites I visited today and all you literally have to do is click a button or answer some trivia and sponsors donate funds to their worthy causes.

The Hunger Site  they work with charities and organizations world wide to provide food and relief to those suffering from hunger and starvation.

The Breast Cancer Site this site gathers donations to help provide life saving mammograms for women who can't afford them.

Free Kibble when you visit this site and answer trivia questions they donate food to animal shelters.

12 Days Of Christmas Kindness Redo-Day 7

Anonymous Greeting
   Yet another popular good deed/act of kindness this year was sending a card to a randomly selected person from the phone book to brighten their day. So for the redo, today I sent out a Christmas card to a randomly chosen name from the white pages, (yes, those still exist). As you can see from the picture to the left, it basically just wished them well and told them that I hoped their holidays were all they hoped for.
I have always loved getting cards in the mail because it's nice to see that others are thinking of you. So hopefully this card will make its way into the hands of someone who needs to hear that somebody out there is thinking of them.

12 Days Of Christmas Kindness Redo-Day 6

A Little More Library Love
   Another favorite from this year was when I payed some overdue fines for random people at the library. It was a big hit so today I decided to do it again for some lucky person. The people at the circulation desk again were very thankful for my act and helped me to select the  account of someone who was having problems paying. Times are still hard for many out there today and every little bit helps, even if it's just paying for some overdue library books.

12 Days Of Christmas Kindness Redo-Day 5

Hot Chocolate Warm Up
   Today's good deed/act of kindness redo was one that I did way back in January of this year. It got quite a few votes for one of the favorites and with it being so cold outside it worked out perfect for one of the "greatest hits" of this year if you will... So while out running errands this morning I bought several hot chocolates and handed them out to people who were working out in the cold temps. I gave them out to some bell ringers, landscapers and people unloading/loading trucks. Everyone was surprised and very grateful. I hate being cold and am thankful that I have a warm place to work in during the day, so it was my pleasure to provide a little warm up for some who didn't have that luxury this morning.

12 Days Of Christmas Kindness Redo-Day 4

Thanks For The Inspiration
   Today's redo was sending a nice card/letter to someone I know that has been an inspiration in my life. I did this one earlier this year when I sent a letter of thanks to a former teacher of mine I believe... When people affect your life for the better, it's always nice to let them know and to thank them. So today I did just that. I sent the card pictured here to a person who has been a huge inspiration to me this year especially. She seems to have so much on her plate but somehow manages to juggle it all and pursue her dream as well. Reading about some of her day to day adventures also reassures me that  mishaps happen to the best of us and that you just get over it and move on. I really admire her and I just thought she should know. If there is someone out there like that for you, let them know and make their day!

12 Days Of Christmas Kindness Redo-Day 3

Day 3: Coupon Kindness
   I am in no way shape or form an extreme couponer, but I do try and use them to my best ability when it comes to saving money on the grocery bill. As an act of kindness/ good deed earlier this year I took all the extras and ones I wouldn't use and passed them out at several different stores so others could enjoy the savings. It was one that many people shared that they enjoyed so today I went out and did it again. This morning I went through and gathered what I had and also clipped several that I had intended on throwing away, then hit up Target and the grocery and passed out literally handfuls of coupons to shoppers. People had their pick of whatever they wanted or needed.  I really enjoyed doing this one too because food prices continue to climb and some things are just becoming unaffordable to many. Coupons are a great tool especially when you can combine them with in store deals. The ones I wasn't able to put in someone's hands, I went and left with the item itself. So if you're reading this and local, head on out and find some deals!

12 Days Of Christmas Kindness Redo - Day 2

Serving Up A Meal...
Another popular good deed/act of kindness that I have gotten lots of positive feedback on has been serving meals for others. Volunteering for the Journey Home back in June has turned into a weekly gig for me and even though I'm not fond of how early I get up to go there, I really do enjoy being able to do it. So for my redo today, I helped to serve another meal. Our church home, Mercy Street United Methodist, put on a Christmas meal for the community of Smyrna and also gave away warm coats to anyone who needed one. The turnout was not exactly what we had hoped for, but in the end people got a hot warm meal and a coat. If you ever get the opportunity to serve a meal to others I highly encourage you to do so, you'll get so much more than you can imagine.

12 Days of Christmas Kindness Redo - Day 1

Gift Registry Surprise Take Two...
   So after asking people what some of their favorite acts of kindness/good deeds were from this past year, one of the overwhelming responses I got was the gift registry surprise. I have to admit, it was one of my favorite too!  So earlier today I went and searched random wedding registries and purchased a gift for a random couple in New York this time who are to be married later this month. The gift will be sent directly to them with an anonymous note telling them congrats on their wedding and best wishes. I have said it before and I'll say it again... surprises are the best and I would love to see the happy couples faces when they get this gift and try and figure out who it's from....

Check back tomorrow for day two of the 12 days of Christmas Kindness Redo!

A Little Begging And Pleading...

   So a while back I signed up to volunteer tonight for the Special Kids organization Christmas gift program. But I got a call this afternoon saying things went so well that everything was finished and taken care of before my shift was scheduled to start. I'm glad that things went well and so many deserving families are getting a great Christmas, but I was really looking forward to delivering gifts and it was also my planned good deed for today. So back to the drawing board late in the day I went. For some reason I began thinking about some Memphis basketball tickets I have been trying to get for my husband's birthday and each time I contacted the ticket sales office they kept pushing back when they will start selling individual game tickets. So I thought maybe today would be a good day to inquire again and sure enough they starting selling them today. The gentleman I talked to was really nice but informed me up front that the only tickets left for the game we wanted to see were at the very top section, basically the nosebleed seats. Memphis is in a different conference this year and it has become quite a bit harder to get the good seats we've had the last couple of years. I then began to tell him that both my husband and I attended school at Memphis, that he is a die hard Memphis Tiger basketball fan and this has become a birthday tradition for us since we have come the last 3 or 4 years. I layed it on pretty think and begged him to look one more time just to make sure that there weren't seats closer to the floor. Not my proudest moment, but hey, they were for my husband! Then low and behold...  the last two tickets on the club level suddenly became available.  I guess it's possible that they were overlooked the first few times he looked, but I think it's because of my begging and pleading with him that he pulled some strings. Either way it doesn't matter to me, I snatched up the tickets and happily let my husband know that I had finally procured the much coveted tickets. I'm hoping it made his day!

Don't forget.... my "best of" 12 days of xmas/acts of kindness starts tomorrow! If there are any that you'd like to see done again, just let me know!

Last Supper For 365 Days

   Okay... So it's not the last time I'm making dinner for a year, but this is the last meal I'm planning on cooking as an act of kindness that's documented this year. Today I made dinner for a couple we go to church with that just welcomed their first baby home. Bringing home a new baby is one of the best and craziest moments in life from my experience. It's all so overwhelming so anything you can get friends and family to help with you should take them up on. I'm glad to help by providing them with a meal tonight and giving them one less thing to worry about and more time to soak up every second with their new baby boy!

Please keep following along as we close in on the end of this crazy amazing journey. Don't forget, Saturday starts the "best of 365 days" and I'll be doing acts of kindness that many of you said you really enjoyed and were your favorites!

Change For A Cause ... Put To Action

   We all see them this time of year... The bell ringers that stand outside of different businesses collecting change for different organizations in need. The one that people are probably most familiar with are the Salvation Army Ringers who have the red buckets and aprons on. The money collected during this time goes to their red kettle campaign that funds food, clothing and toys for those in need during the holidays. I try and drop some change in each year and just recently I decided that I would give all the change collected earlier this year from my "change for a cause" campaign to the red kettle. So I headed on over to the nearest one I knew of and dumped the whole bucket in. It felt great knowing that the money will help others during this holiday season.  So thanks to all of you who have liked the 365 page and blog and commented or left suggestions. This donation was in part because of you!!!

Please stayed tuned and keep reading and following along.... The 365 Days "best of" 12 days of Christmas starts soon!!!

Layaway Giveaway

 
   Today I got to complete another one of my bucket list good deeds and I saved it for this time of year since layaway is much more prevalent during the holidays. Earlier today I went to a major retailer and paid off a stranger's layaway tab. I asked the cashier if they could just pick one at random and I would pay the balance and she happily obliged. This one felt so good to do because I feel like the pressure to spend money on loved ones and friends during the holidays can lead to so much stress and lots of debt. I certainly hope this is a stress reliever for them, that they are able to get through the holidays with a little extra cash now and that they continue to pass on the kindness to others.

Safe Crossing

   This morning while heading out to run errands I came across a dog sitting in the middle of a busy intersection at the back of my subdivision. I slowed down to a stop and waited for it to cross the street, but it just stood there in a huge puddle looking at me. I nudged forward just a bit thinking it might move once it saw me starting to move but nothing.  I hopped out and made my way over thinking the dog would run away after seeing me get out and come towards it. Still, no movement and he was shaking like crazy. As big as the dog was I wasn't sure if I could physically move him myself but I didn't want to leave him there to get hit by a car.  So I began to gently push  and he slowly started to move. It took me a bit but I got him out of the street and into someone's yard. I'm still not sure why he was standing there because he didn't seem hurt, just scared. Eventually the owner came out and I felt comfortable enough to leave. you never know what the day is going to present you with , but glad I came upon him before another car did that maybe wouldn't stop.

National Brownie Day!!

   Good news everyone, today is national brownie day!!! So to celebrate I made a batch of brownies to take to our bible study group this evening. But it got cancelled so my neighbors lucked out and got a little brownie care package instead and the hubby and kiddos got the rest. I love making things a surprise so I wrapped up the brownies and treats anonymously with a note as pictured here...

and then rang their doorbell and left. I sure hope they enjoyed them... I know my kids will! If you haven't celebrated brownie day yet, there is still time so get out there and get you some!!

Just A Little Bloggin...

   As much as I enjoy writing this blog and another family one, there are some that I love to read and follow as well. One of them is written by a mom friend of mine named Melanie and I love her blog because she is so very VERY honest on the struggles that come with being a mom and she's also hilarious. I read her latest post today and it hit so very close to home on a struggle I've had with with my own. I left some comments on her post thanking her for sharing her struggle and that I really enjoy reading what she writes. As I was writing it it reminded me of what my friend Lupe had told me a while back when I was searching for ideas for good deeds. She had told me that it is always nice to leave comments and feedback on people's blogs to let them know what you enjoy about it. I know I always get excited when people leave comments for me, so I thought it would be nice to leave comments today on the blogs that I read regularly and that's just what I did. I wanted to let them know that someone out there enjoys what they are sharing and that I hope they continue to do so. Another small kind act but hopefully with big results.

Three Acts For The Cutest Three Year Old

Today is my son's third birthday and just like for my daughter's earlier this year, I decided to a certain number of acts in honor of his special day. For my first act today I dropped money in each place I went that had a tip jar. I know very ofter many employees in the food industry especially don't get paid very high wages and try and compensate with tips. So I gladly contributed today. Then today while at the Starbucks drive-thru, the car in front of me paid for my drink, So I kept the kindness going and paid for the car behind me. I really hope it continued through the morning. Lastly I went in and volunteered at my daughter's school. Today I got to help them with a few crafts and it was so much fun working with them and seeing them have a good time.
Happy Birthday to my not so little boy and I hope kindness finds all of you today!

Angel Tree Tradition

  Today's good deed/act of kindness is continuing a holiday tradition I started not that long ago.  This morning I stopped at Kroger and picked up a Salvation Army tree Angel. For those of you not familiar with the program, the Salvation Army gives individuals or organizations the chance to help support children and families in need by helping them get meals and gifts for the holiday season. They set up trees in different locations, like Kroger, and you pick a name from the tree and they add it to your bill. Each angel lists a name and what your contribution will be going towards so you know exactly who and what your money is going for. This year I picked a family and am happy to provide them with a holiday meal. Part of our tradition is that we take the angel home and place it on our tree as a reminder of how lucky we are and to be kind to others. If you have the means, I hope you can find it in your heart to do the same!

It's A Boy!

   In the wee early hours this morning our friends Tracy and Cole from our bible study group welcomed their first kiddo into the world. I've only seen one picture so far, but he is a cutie. I'm really excited for them for all the fun and (some not so fun, lol) moments that lie ahead. I remember when our kiddos were born we were blessed to receive many nice gifts and gestures, and those really helped to ease the bumpiness of our family transitioning. So for my act of kindness/good deed today, I sent a small congratulatory flower bouquet to the hospital for them and made arrangements to deliver them a meal when they are back at home next week. Can't wait to meet the new little guy!

Giving Tuesday

   We're all familiar with black Friday and cyber Monday and how these days are designated as "THE" days to get holiday shopping done because of all the great deals. But now there is a new movement that started last year and it's called Giving Tuesday and it follows cyber Monday. On this day, which is today by the way, we are to remember those in need and give what we can. It is largely associated with making donations to charities and organizations in need, but I feel like you don't just have to give money, you could give your time by volunteering or even donate items you all ready to have to others. Basically you can participate in many ways as long as you are some how giving. So today when I made my trip to target to return a pair of pajamas that didn't fit, I took the money and bought tons of the small toothbrush/ toothpaste kits pictured here and donated them to a local women's shelter. Toiletries  like these are great for women's shelters because often when women come in they were in a situation where they had to leave where they were staying fairly quickly because of immediate danger and grabbing a toothbrush isn't exactly top of mind. They gladly accepted the donation and told me they would be put to good use.
I like getting a good deal as much as the next person, but I'm really glad we've set aside a day for giving as well getting.

Days of Goodness Continues Past 365

   I've thought many times this year about what's going to happen come Jan 1 of next year... Am I going to stop doing random acts of kindness and good deeds? Well, obviously the answer is no, but I won't be documenting everyday on here and it will be okay to repeat something as many times as I feel it will benefit someone else. I have been trying to think of a way to keep helping and being kind to others and get others to join me in my efforts without feeling like there is some task they have to complete everyday. Well my genius friend Rachel Boyd and I brainstormed and decided to start a local meetup group for moms that is focused not only on supporting each other and play dates for our kiddos, but also on serving others in the community. Nothing too intense, just trying to help others with an outreach project or two a month. If there is one thing I have learned this year is that I TRUELY enjoy doing outreach and serving others and I think I'm kinda suited for it. There has been a need for a while now for a local organized group for moms who can get together and meet other moms and make new friends for themselves and their kids.  We thought that combining that need with the need for more volunteering in the community was a great match. I feel this group will be a great success and not just serve the community but also serve the needs of moms out there too.

Cutting In Line

   Once again today I was able to mark off one of my bucket list good deeds that I wanted to complete this year. It was a very simple one, but a generous one that I am happy to say I see people doing a lot. It involved the grocery again where I have been able to share coupons, help people carry their items and even helped an older woman shop one day. Today while I waited in line to check out I noticed the woman behind me only had three items while I had a ginormous cart full of all kind of items. I turned and asked her if she's like to go in front of me and at first she declined but I showed her that I had so many items and there was no reason for her to have to wait behind me and I insisted that she go in front. She finally did and thanked me for letting her cut in line. Whenever I see people do this it restores my faith in humanity a bit because time is something that we prioritize very highly in our society and are rarely willing to give up. Glad I could give some of mine up today.