After giving thanks
every day in November, I have decided to keep the positive attitude going. I am making a commitment this December; to do
one good deed per day. Some days more lend themselves to more than one good deed, but I would like to do
at least one good thing every day in December for someone else! Whether it's big or small, self-sacrificing or not, amazing or mundane, it
doesn't matter.
The goal is 1 Good Deed Every Day in December.
#gooddeeddecember
Feel free to join in and post your good deeds! We could all use some inspiration!
Saturday, Dec. 1 - For my 1st "good deed" I wrote a note to our waitress, thanking her for making such great
Arnold Palmers for my husband. She had never heard of the drink so it was all new to her. Not to mention that he can drink half a dozen of them during a meal. I wanted her to know that we appreciated her!
Sunday, Dec. 2 - Rob helped me out with this one today! Is that cheating? He stopped and donated to the Armed Forces today. And when he asked to fill out a raffle form, he said he didn't need any prizes, just wanted to donate. THANKS, Rob!!! I think I will send a note to a friend just say she is in my thoughts. Then I am can truly say
I did a good deed today too.
Monday, Dec. 3 - I spent 2 hours deleting contacts from an "old" iPhone that my husband use to use and is now getting passed on to my father-in-law. I got rid of all of Rob's old contacts from
years of sales appointments. But, I made sure to keep family's numbers. Now nobody else has to edit/delete. AND my father-in-law won't have to put
everyone in the family
back in. Just new contacts after they move.
Tuesday, Dec. 4 - Toy shopping for
Toys For Tots! After buying 2 Disney coloring books (with crayons), 2 painting books (with water colors), a new box of crayons, a stuffed animal, and a Mario pull car, we stood at the box pulling price tags off. As I dropped the gifts down into the box I noticed that our donations were the
only donations in the 3 foot tall box. "How sad! We can't be the only people donating, can we?" Rob said, "Maybe they just came and did a pick up earlier today because it was full?" Yes, there was a questioning tone in his voice. Let's hope he is right! Our donations looked so sad sitting in the bottom of the giant collection box.
PLEASE help the US Marines collect toys in your area!
Stop by any Walgreens and drop off new, unwrapped toys!
Wednesday, Dec. 5 - In addition to taking Uli to for his weekly Pet Therapy service job, I also helped the check out clerk bag my groceries today! She seemed stressed (she's a new employee) and I figured I could help instead of just standing there watching.
Thursday, Dec. 6 - I am headed out to mail Christmas cards to the troops! Each year the American Red Cross delivers holiday cards to veterans, military families and
active-duty service members at hospitals and installations around the
world. I decided to send several cards with "thank you" messages and military jokes.
PLEASE join me in sending cards!
They must be post marked by Friday, December 7th. That's tomorrow!
Click on
American Red Cross for the mailing address!
Or, click on
Operation Christmas Cards which will also accept donations (like socks, soap, toothbrushes, etc.) for our veterans spending their holidays in homeless shelters. The deadline for this one isn't until
next Wednesday, Dec. 12th
Friday, Dec. 7 - There are times when I see an elderly person out by themselves, and I am reminded of my great aunt and my grandfather who use to go run errands alone too. You know, those "old people" who often have that skeptical look (perhaps while reading every detail on the packaging), or a look of frustration (especially with all the credit card machines and their 20 questions), or even a sad lonely way about them? Not only do I miss my elderly relatives, but I miss helping them in those awkward situations. At the time it can be frustrating and perhaps annoying. But later you find the humor in it and miss those precious moments. So instead of being annoyed by the slow or seemingly confused "old people" who are out by themselves, I take a moment or two to help! I know my relatives would have been happy if someone would have done that for them when family wasn't around. Today was one of those days! I helped a
slow elderly lady into the post office and through the long holiday lines. Bless her heart...all she wanted was a stamp machine so she could get 1 single stamp. Really? How did she plan on working that new fandangled machine? Luckily we have a small town post office without the fancy technology. But that meant standing in line! You should have seen her face when she found out she could get 2 stamps with her dollar bill. That means she now has an extra stamp to spare! She was so thankful that I took the time to help her!
Saturday, Dec. 8 - Not only did we help support the arts and our community theater, we got to see an amazingly talented friend sing tonight! What a great holiday show!
Sunday, Dec. 9 - As I stood in line at the gas station today, I saw an ad for an organization that helps support our troops. Instead of saying, "How cool!" and then walking away...I added the donation to my purchase! So today, I gave to the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America). They are the first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for
Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Their programs
include health, employment, education and community resources. If you have a Steetz gas station in
your area, stop in and make a donation too!
Monday, Dec. 10 - I receive news that a fellow Pet Therapy dog owner had to make the incredibly hard decision to put their dog down this past weekend. I decided to send her a note today. Although it has been several years since Hildie passed, I remember that feeling all to well! 17 years with a dog at your side is a long time! She is in my thoughts and prayers today.
Tuesday, Dec. 11 - I checked on a friend today. She has been having a hard time lately... Ya know, when life seems to just want to drag you down? She has been on my mind a lot in the past couple of months. I wish there was something I could do to help. But she assures me there is nothing I can do. So I thought, 'Well...at least I can remind her that I am
always here
whenever she needs me.' Later that day I received a message thanking me for being a true friend and always being there in the "background" (as I call it). Hopefully the tides will turn soon so she can share that beautiful smile with others again!
Wednesday, Dec. 12 - Today is Uli's birthday
and his day to go to "work" for his Pet Therapy. So we decided to take Birthday Brownies to the kids he reads with! They were so surprised and thrilled to be able to share in Uli's birthday. And surprise, surprise...one student brought him a box of gourmet dog treats with icing on top. Of course, Uli was a
huge fan!
Thursday, Dec. 13 - That ringing in your ears this time of year...it's the Salvation Army bell. I must admit...I usually say, "Sorry, no change" and go about my business. By the way, I don't pull cash from the ATM machine. I used my debit card for everything. So I'm telling the truth when I say that! Well today, I stopped and put change in the bucket that I had gathered from our coin tin
before I left the house. I found out that you can also donate to the Salvation Army's Red Kettle fund
online. No need dig for change like I did.
Friday, Dec. 14 - As I paid for my soda, the cashier asked, "Will that be all today?" I turned and looked behind me. There stood a lady (about my mom's age) with 2 drinks in her hand and a couple dollar bills. I said, "I'll get those!" She was absolutely confused! Yes, confused. It took the cashier a minute too but she then tried to explain to the lady behind me that I was going to buy her drinks for her. Still...confused! I literally took the soda bottle from her hand (with a smile on my face) rang it up, gave it back to her, took the water from her, rang it up, handed it back to her, and smiled. She stood there absolutely
shocked! The cashier smiled and said, "Tis the season!" The lady behind me said, "Uuuuhhh...THANK YOU!" while still being totally confused. She turned quietly and left as though nobody had ever been nice to her. I hope it made her smile and perhaps she can pass it on.
Saturday, Dec. 15 - At dinner this evening I said, "Oh no! The day is almost over!" I was worried that with only one more stop on our list for today, that an opportunity for good deeds would not present itself. I was wrong! Rob spotted a jar for the
Wounded Warrior Project and called out my name. I turned to see him opening his wallet and pointing at the jar. He handed me a $5 and said, "Here ya go!" with a smile on his face. Thank you, Rob, for helping me with my good deed today!
Sunday, Dec. 16 - It's our 11th wedding anniversary (18 years together). No..that is
not my good deed! Very funny people. My good today was purposely buying something at a store that supports
Children's Miracle Network. The other day Rob was really touched by the St. Jude's commercial at the movie theater. You know, the one where Jennifer Aniston and Robin Williams tell you to be thankful that your kid's biggest problem is homework. They always ask you to shop where you see the St. Jude's logo. But I never see it anywhere. Until today! So I went in, got some gift tags (that we will use for our Christmas Dinner place setting) and a dog toy. When I paid, I donated! Finally!
Monday, Dec. 17 - I mailed my last Christmas box! While sitting in the car at the post office, packing that last box (because I wanted a flat rate box) I took time out to let an older gentleman chat with the puppies. There I was in the driver seat (so I wasn't sticking my butt out with the door open and blocking a parking place) with a big box crammed between me and the steering wheel, bubble wrap all around, the address book balancing on the center console, and a magic marker in hand (dangerous). Needless to say I was a little focused and trying to get it
done. But I saw the elderly man next to the car, peering in to see the happy faces of my puppies in the back seat. So, I stopped what I was doing, set the marker down, turned on the car, and rolled the back window down. He spent a good 5+ minutes chatting about his spoiled dog while petting mine. But it made him smile, so there I sat, crowded and in the middle of things. But I knew those moments were easier for me to "get back" than they were for him! So once again, while at my small-town post office, I took time out for a senior citizen.
Tuesday, Dec. 18 - When paying for my dogs' food tonight, I donated, again, to the PetSmart Charities. When you run your debit or credit card it asks if you would like to donate before charging your card. I always hit $1. So I figure over the past 5 or 6 years we have donated a pretty good chunk of change! Tonight was no different. But I wanted to share my "good deed" with you in case you had been asked the same question at PetSmart and you wondered where that money went.
PetSmart Charities is an independent, nonprofit organization that creates
and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise
awareness, and promotes healthy
relationships between people and pets. They help fund adoptions, spay & neuter initiatives, emergency relief programs (i.e. pets who are suddenly homeless after events like Superstorm Sandy), and rescue programs. This is a great place to give a dollar or two whenever you buy something for your 4 legged loved ones!
Wednesday, Dec. 19 -Today is Wednesday...which means it's Uli's day for his Pet Therapy job. Being that Christmas is right around the corner, we took a goody bag for each kid! They got a
giant cookie on a stick, a Holiday Word Search book, a deck of cards with Holiday Trivia on them, and of course some new pencils for their desk. I couldn't decide who was more excited. The kids getting the goody bag, or Uli giving the goody bag.
Thursday, Dec. 20 -Another night enjoying the voice of our beautiful friend. She sings so effortlessly with such great power! We love being able to hang out, enjoy her company, and hear her sing. So in appreciation, we picked up her tab for the beers that helped "wet her whistle" as they say.
Friday, Dec. 21 -Company is arriving for the holidays! I am sooooo excited!!! Seriously! I love my family and I love hosting! Sorry to those of you who can't say the same! In preparation, I got the car washed today. While there, I stepped over some trash and then went turned around to pick it up and throw it away. I use to be so good about tossing things that others had thrown down to litter the parking lot, or gutter, or street. I would say, "Why wait for someone else to pick it up? I can do it!" But for some reason, I haven't been as good about that. Until today! And I will work on being better about that in the new year!
Saturday, Dec. 22 - We all went out to dinner tonight to our favorite Italian restaurant. And it just so happens that it's right down the street from the house. Today's good deed was helping them clean all the soap off the front of their soap holder when I took my restroom break. Ya know how that little strand of soap drips down the front after you get your pump of soap? All those tiny soap drips were all over their soap dispenser. So I ran it under the warm water and cleaned it all up.
Sunday, Dec. 23 - After watching Sunday Morning on CBS today, I made a donation to
The Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation. They raise money to send
families on an
all-expense-paid vacation to give them a "time out from
cancer." I saw a family of four enjoy a vacation together and forget for just a little while, that the mother was dying of brain cancer. My best friend in high school lost her mom to a battle with brain cancer and all I could think was, "I wish she could have gone on one last vacation with her mom and sisters!" What an amazing gift!
Monday, Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve -This afternoon we (my mom, my aunt, and I) had a ladies afternoon out. We did a little shopping and stopped for fun drink & appetizer before returning home to make Christmas Eve dinner. After tasting her wine, my mom said, "This isn't that great." I was
not that polite after I had a taste. Let's put it this way, I wiped my tongue off after barely swallowing the
Shiraz. And of course, that's right when the waiter walked by! Awkward! I told him it didn't taste right. That was an understatement! And I was shocked that my mom was being so polite and was going to drink it! No way! The waiter returned with a new glass of wine from a new bottle. He said the bartender tasted the other glass and it was obviously an old bottle. Duh! So not only did I "save" mom from that horrible taste, but I helped some future restaurant patron who may have gotten a glass of Shiraz from that same yucky bottle.
Tuesday, Dec. 25 - Christmas Day - My family insists that my cooking and hosting was the good deed today. I do
not agree! I not only enjoy it, but don't believe that cooking for loved ones is a "good deed"! Being that we stayed home slowly unwrapping presents, relaxing, and cooking here at home...I didn't get out of the house to do my daily good deed. Guess I better make up for it by doing something on New Years Day (even though my "Good Deed December" will be officially over.
Wednesday, Dec. 26 - When walking into the bank (which is located in the front of the grocery store) earlier today, I noticed a collection box to help Feed The Hungry. After doing my banking I grabbed a can of mixed nuts and some baby food. I wanted to get something other than the typical canned veggies and soup. And I figured that the donation box just might not be as full
after the holidays as it was before!
Thursday, Dec. 27 -My parents joined in with today's good deed! As we chose our seats in the theater today, we all three went a few seats further to the left, instead of sitting in the center of the screen, so that we weren't blocking the view of the kid behind us.
Friday, Dec. 28 - I went through my socks today. You may be asking why and wondering how that fits with a good deed. Well, earlier this winter I heard about several organizations collecting socks for the homeless. A dry pair of socks is something that most people take for granted. Most
of us never think about what life would be like without them. Rain-soaked feet, ill-fitting shoes, constant standing and diseases like
diabetes take their toll on the feet of homeless people. The
best way to prevent such conditions is to keep feet clean and dry, which is very
difficult if you spend your days outside. I researched where to donate my gently used socks and found that places ask for packages of
new socks. So...I will donate my "extras" to the local Goodwill and will take a bag of new socks to the
Raleigh Rescue Mission.
Saturday, Dec. 29 -On my way to the airport tonight, I saw a couple men walking along the median with flashlights. ps...For those of you who are not familiar with NC highways, they are
very dark! So naturally I was a little freaked out. Then when I saw that they were by a guardrail where the median has open space (ie dropping down to a revine or creek), I got even more freaked! I remember last year when a man hopped the median to help someone after a wreck and he fell to his death because it was dark and he didn't know there was a long drop down. Not good! I was worried that may happen again so I called the Highway Patrol and let them know that about "the guys with flashlights" in the median on the interstate! Hopefully they found what they were looking for!
Sunday, Dec. 30 - Sorry, honey, but I am counting you as my good deed today. After Christmas Rob went to visit his brothers and parents in Seattle. Which always means
very little sleep! I picked him up at the airport last night and gave him a welcome home kiss. That kiss was followed my numerous yawns. I knew it wasn't rude! It just means he had a great time visiting and staying up late having random conversations. He was a good sport though and stayed up chatting and watching DVRed shows with me despite his exhaustion. So, this morning I quietly got up, took care of the dogs, made my cup of coffee, and undecorated the tree (wrapping each ornament individually) while he slept. Two hours later, I couldn't wait any longer, the dogs and I ran upstairs to wake him up as if it were Christmas morning. We wanna spend time with you! Wake up! And the good news for him? He got sleep
and the tree was done!
All decorations have been put away.
Monday, Dec. 31 - New Year's Eve - Poor Uli boy. He was as sick as a dog today. Oh wait..he
is a dog! We can't find anything that he could have eaten or chewed up. I searched every room, the yard, his toy box, etc and found nothing out of the ordinary. My point being, I cleaning up after him every 2 hours today, trying to ease his pain, bribing him to drink chicken or eat come plain rice. But he wouldn't drink, would eat, couldn't sit still or lay comfortably. You could tell he was in pain! Which means I didn't get out of the house. So, I guess starting my Thank You notes for Christmas gifts will have to count as my good deed today. It's hard for me to consider that as a good deed, though! I was raised to write Thank You notes and be grateful for the gifts that others give to me. It just seems the right thing to do. They took time to select the gift(s) and spent money to buy or make them. So me being appreciative is the least I can do!
Tuesday, Jan. 1 - New Year's Day - I know..."Good Deed December" is officially over. However, if you recall...I was slack on Christmas Day, of all days, and didn't feel like I really did a good deed. Today, I was supposed to make up for my slack behavior this time last week. Drum roll please....I turned the endlessly running water off in the restroom at the theater. I know, I know...not a big deal. Except for the fact that I have no clue how long it was on and how much longer it would have stayed on. I walked in and there it was, just running and running and running and running. Not turning the water off is slowly becoming one of my new pet peeves. I know everything is automatic these days, but really? You don't remember physically turning it on all by yourself, like 30 seconds ago? Ya had to lift the handle to turn it on...so push it back down when you are done, and TURN IT OFF!
