Ok- so today was my grandfather's burial service. I'm not much in the mood for talking or sharing. So I am going to keep things simple and to the point.
1. Made a special breakfast for my son.
Since I took the entire day off from school, I decided that what would make me feel better was to make a special breakfast for my son. I rarely get the opportunity because I leave for my school before my mother takes him to his preschool. So today I made him special cinnamon twists - hot right from the oven. Basically it is croissants dipped into a cinnamon/sugar mixed - then baked.
2. Moved a tree branch out of the way during funeral
The pastor was walking to our gathering area and I noticed a medium sized tree branch laying in his path. I just simply bent down and moved it out of the way.
3. Bought hot chocolate for another customer
As I was heading home after the funeral I stopped by a convenience store because I needed something warm. As I stood in line ready to pay for my cup of coffee, I noticed that the person behind me was going to purchase a cup of hot chocolate. When it was my turn to pay I told the cashier that I was paying for mine and the person behind me. Then I turned to that person and wished them a good day.
4. Loaded up the copiers with paper at school
I also stopped by the school on my way home - I have a full band rehearsal the next day. I had to make a quick copy of something and noticed that both of the copiers were just about out of paper. Easy to fill it up for the other teachers for tomorrow morning.
5. Wrote a "Thank You" note to another teacher for listening
I was just having an emotional day and another teacher just gave me the opportunity to let it go.
Friday, August 5, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 144
Happy Birthday to Me!!!
1. Gave another teacher a birthday card
So I get to share my birthday with another teacher in my school. A few years back, the principal's birthday was at the end of the month too - so it was like our own special club. While I was growing up, I shared my birthday with my best friend, as well as another band student - but he was 2 years older than us. Again, we had our own special club - and would often share a birthday party because we all had similar friends. I can't remember a time that I haven't shared my birthday with someone. I like it this way.
2. Complimented on how another teacher looked
She had on a really nice outfit on and just looked so beautiful! Head to toe!
3. Shared my birthday cookie cake with others
So another teacher friend got me this really big chocolate chip birthday cookie cake type of thing. I am not one for sweets & desserts - so with this great big cake/cookie thing - I just had to share it with other teachers. Of course I shared it with some of my students too - they all loved it! It was nice to share this & my birthday with others.
4. Gave another student a bottle of water
This particular student has been having some behavioral issues within school, so the group of workout teachers decided to let him work out with us today. The funny thing is that he could barely keep up with us even though he is in fairly decent shape. However, he didn't have any water to drink. When you workout - you must hydrate - this is a must. So I ran and got him something. Overall the activity was like a bonding moment.
5. Bought a stranger a gourmet cookie
So even though I am not one for sweets & desserts, I admit that I do have a passion for flavored coffee. So I decided on my way to work this morning that after my after school workout I would treat myself to a special flavored coffee. I looked forward to this all day - aaaahhh flavored coffee :-) ! Then when it came time at the coffee store and I stood in line deciding what I wanted, I noticed a little gingergal cookie. I bought the coffee and the gingergal and began to look around. I noticed a woman a few steps from me just reading from her book. So I walked over and gave her the gingergal and said "Happy Birthday!" I knew that it wasn't her birthday and by the expression on her face she thought that I was completely nuts - well not completely :-) I don't eat sweets, but like I said throughout the day - it was nice to share this special day with someone else!
1. Gave another teacher a birthday card
So I get to share my birthday with another teacher in my school. A few years back, the principal's birthday was at the end of the month too - so it was like our own special club. While I was growing up, I shared my birthday with my best friend, as well as another band student - but he was 2 years older than us. Again, we had our own special club - and would often share a birthday party because we all had similar friends. I can't remember a time that I haven't shared my birthday with someone. I like it this way.
2. Complimented on how another teacher looked
She had on a really nice outfit on and just looked so beautiful! Head to toe!
3. Shared my birthday cookie cake with others
So another teacher friend got me this really big chocolate chip birthday cookie cake type of thing. I am not one for sweets & desserts - so with this great big cake/cookie thing - I just had to share it with other teachers. Of course I shared it with some of my students too - they all loved it! It was nice to share this & my birthday with others.
4. Gave another student a bottle of water
This particular student has been having some behavioral issues within school, so the group of workout teachers decided to let him work out with us today. The funny thing is that he could barely keep up with us even though he is in fairly decent shape. However, he didn't have any water to drink. When you workout - you must hydrate - this is a must. So I ran and got him something. Overall the activity was like a bonding moment.
5. Bought a stranger a gourmet cookie
So even though I am not one for sweets & desserts, I admit that I do have a passion for flavored coffee. So I decided on my way to work this morning that after my after school workout I would treat myself to a special flavored coffee. I looked forward to this all day - aaaahhh flavored coffee :-) ! Then when it came time at the coffee store and I stood in line deciding what I wanted, I noticed a little gingergal cookie. I bought the coffee and the gingergal and began to look around. I noticed a woman a few steps from me just reading from her book. So I walked over and gave her the gingergal and said "Happy Birthday!" I knew that it wasn't her birthday and by the expression on her face she thought that I was completely nuts - well not completely :-) I don't eat sweets, but like I said throughout the day - it was nice to share this special day with someone else!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 143
1. Took school newspapers in
Since the school was closed the past couple of days for the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend, there has been a pile up of newspapers. I just simply picked up the different piles of deliveries and brought them into the school library for the other teachers to use them as needed.
2. Made and brought in potato candy for another teacher
The tech ed teacher told me that she really loves potato candy, but can't find anyone in this area that makes it the traditional way. So as I was cleaning up after my family's thanksgiving meal, I put some mashed potatoes aside. My great aunt taught my mother this really great recipe for potato candy, who then has taught it to me. Again, I can't make a ham - but my potato candy is traditionally great! This particular teacher has been such a great help and really nice towards me lately.
3. Gave a teacher a coupon for a free oil change
Actually, it was for her collection of gifts that she has been putting together for local area needy families. This is the same teacher that I have mentioned before in an earlier penny - the one that I think is so great because she is doing this solely from her heart. So anyway, when I bought the toys for the car garage - the people gave me a coupon for a free oil change. Knowing that I can afford it myself, I figured that a family in need could use it more. Easy to do & easy to give.
4. Bought another teacher a candy bar to brighten her day
She seemed to be having a rough day, so I just wanted to do something nice for her - to show her that I cared. Chocolate has an amazing healing power that is more powerful than just to Harry Potter & the dementors. Ok, I'll take my geek hat off now! :-)
5. Helped pass out and gather materials for a school meeting
We had a presenter at school today during a staff meeting and as they were talking, I noticed that they were starting to stumble over their words as they were passing out materials - like trying to multi-task in doing both activities. Again, just something easy to do to help another person.
Since the school was closed the past couple of days for the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend, there has been a pile up of newspapers. I just simply picked up the different piles of deliveries and brought them into the school library for the other teachers to use them as needed.
2. Made and brought in potato candy for another teacher
The tech ed teacher told me that she really loves potato candy, but can't find anyone in this area that makes it the traditional way. So as I was cleaning up after my family's thanksgiving meal, I put some mashed potatoes aside. My great aunt taught my mother this really great recipe for potato candy, who then has taught it to me. Again, I can't make a ham - but my potato candy is traditionally great! This particular teacher has been such a great help and really nice towards me lately.
3. Gave a teacher a coupon for a free oil change
Actually, it was for her collection of gifts that she has been putting together for local area needy families. This is the same teacher that I have mentioned before in an earlier penny - the one that I think is so great because she is doing this solely from her heart. So anyway, when I bought the toys for the car garage - the people gave me a coupon for a free oil change. Knowing that I can afford it myself, I figured that a family in need could use it more. Easy to do & easy to give.
4. Bought another teacher a candy bar to brighten her day
She seemed to be having a rough day, so I just wanted to do something nice for her - to show her that I cared. Chocolate has an amazing healing power that is more powerful than just to Harry Potter & the dementors. Ok, I'll take my geek hat off now! :-)
5. Helped pass out and gather materials for a school meeting
We had a presenter at school today during a staff meeting and as they were talking, I noticed that they were starting to stumble over their words as they were passing out materials - like trying to multi-task in doing both activities. Again, just something easy to do to help another person.
5 Pennies - Day 142
1. Hung up a "For Sale" sign
So I was walking my dog before church this morning, I noticed that the nearby house's "For Sale" sign unhook itself and now was laying on the ground. This house has been on sale for the past 9 months and by this action, I believe that even it thinks that it is never going to get sold. Although my hands were freezing cold and my dog desperately wanted to continue its walk - I just had to hang up the sign. To give the house, the original owners, and the Realtor some hope.
Oh, sometimes I give inanimate objects personal feelings. Maybe it is from watching too many kid movies with my son?
2. Prepared a Salvation Army Stocking for church
So every year the church asks its members to participate in a service project that will then benefit the local area children during this Holiday Season. Basically, we are given these large net stockings, an age group, and a label that says if it is going to go to a boy or a girl. We are then asked to fill it full toys and nicknacks for the child in need and then given a date to return them by. The stockings that are for the babies and toddlers are always the first to go. I always request stockings that are for the "10-12 boy" group - I like the challenge! I don't know if what I get is fun, but at least I am practicing for when my son turns this age - which seems very far away - he's 4.
3. Gave special school snacks to another church member
So there is a woman at church who works in a nearby school to me and started to talk about how crazy her teaching schedule has become lately. I can totally relate because December is a hectic Winter/Holiday Concert season for me. So I bought her some 'on the go snacks' that she can stash in the closet in her room and use them as needed. Reminds me, I need to buy some for myself. And yes for those that are wondering, they are high in protein/fiber and rather healthy snacks.
4. Gave some free samples of meds to other parents
So I needed to take my son for a re-check today at the pediatrician. Yes, I have a wonderful pediatrician who even has a few working hours on Saturday and Sunday. So as we were waiting in the office, I looked over the free medicine basket. There was all sorts of things there, but the best 'prize' was the cough syrup samples. There were 3 other parents waiting with their kids - did I tell you that I love my pediatrician for his weekend hours!- so I asked them which flavor that they wanted for their kids. At first they didn't understand what I was talking about until I showed them the basket. This free medicine basket is normally stocked every time I take my son, but is seldom utilized by other parents.
5. Helped another customer load water into his grocery cart
So after taking my son to the doctors for his re-check and learning that he needs a little more medicine to hopefully clear up this ongoing case of STREP, we stopped by the grocery store to fill the medicine & pick up some yogurt. As we were headed towards the line, I noticed this man trying to load a case of water into his cart. Ok, it was more like he was wrestling with the case of water as his cart decided to start rolling away from the scene. I discussed in a previous penny that I believe that carts secretly have brains - this only adds to my suspicion. So I simply held onto his cart as he finished his wrestling match with the water. It may have been an 'illegal move to tag team', but I just couldn't keep watching this guy as he got more and more frustrated. :-)
So I was walking my dog before church this morning, I noticed that the nearby house's "For Sale" sign unhook itself and now was laying on the ground. This house has been on sale for the past 9 months and by this action, I believe that even it thinks that it is never going to get sold. Although my hands were freezing cold and my dog desperately wanted to continue its walk - I just had to hang up the sign. To give the house, the original owners, and the Realtor some hope.
Oh, sometimes I give inanimate objects personal feelings. Maybe it is from watching too many kid movies with my son?
2. Prepared a Salvation Army Stocking for church
So every year the church asks its members to participate in a service project that will then benefit the local area children during this Holiday Season. Basically, we are given these large net stockings, an age group, and a label that says if it is going to go to a boy or a girl. We are then asked to fill it full toys and nicknacks for the child in need and then given a date to return them by. The stockings that are for the babies and toddlers are always the first to go. I always request stockings that are for the "10-12 boy" group - I like the challenge! I don't know if what I get is fun, but at least I am practicing for when my son turns this age - which seems very far away - he's 4.
3. Gave special school snacks to another church member
So there is a woman at church who works in a nearby school to me and started to talk about how crazy her teaching schedule has become lately. I can totally relate because December is a hectic Winter/Holiday Concert season for me. So I bought her some 'on the go snacks' that she can stash in the closet in her room and use them as needed. Reminds me, I need to buy some for myself. And yes for those that are wondering, they are high in protein/fiber and rather healthy snacks.
4. Gave some free samples of meds to other parents
So I needed to take my son for a re-check today at the pediatrician. Yes, I have a wonderful pediatrician who even has a few working hours on Saturday and Sunday. So as we were waiting in the office, I looked over the free medicine basket. There was all sorts of things there, but the best 'prize' was the cough syrup samples. There were 3 other parents waiting with their kids - did I tell you that I love my pediatrician for his weekend hours!- so I asked them which flavor that they wanted for their kids. At first they didn't understand what I was talking about until I showed them the basket. This free medicine basket is normally stocked every time I take my son, but is seldom utilized by other parents.
5. Helped another customer load water into his grocery cart
So after taking my son to the doctors for his re-check and learning that he needs a little more medicine to hopefully clear up this ongoing case of STREP, we stopped by the grocery store to fill the medicine & pick up some yogurt. As we were headed towards the line, I noticed this man trying to load a case of water into his cart. Ok, it was more like he was wrestling with the case of water as his cart decided to start rolling away from the scene. I discussed in a previous penny that I believe that carts secretly have brains - this only adds to my suspicion. So I simply held onto his cart as he finished his wrestling match with the water. It may have been an 'illegal move to tag team', but I just couldn't keep watching this guy as he got more and more frustrated. :-)
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 141
1. Bought a neighbor a special holiday treat
So for the past couple of days I have noticed that a neighbor down the way spending a lot of their free time outside starting to decorate their yard and their house for the up coming Holiday Season. As much as I detest the 'cutesy' lawn ornaments, I do really like how a house can be simply and tastefully decorated with a string of white lights. Sometimes simplicity is best! Anyway, it has been rather cold for this late autumn time - so I really appreciate that they made their house really attractive. Oh, by the way it was a M&M candy cane treat!
2. Wrote a "Thinking of You" card
This card was for a particular elderly church member that was recently hospitalized after breaking their hip. These types of stories get me every time. Just the thought that they are laying their in bed instead of being in their nice warm & cozy home - I just had to write a "Thinking of You" card - just to cheer them up - or at least myself.
3. Gave local business some toys for their Holiday Toy Drive
So as I was getting the oil change in my car at the garage shop today, I noticed that there was a box set up for people to donate toys. These toys will be then given to the Salvation Army to distribute throughout the holiday season to local families in need - similar to "Toys for Tots" program. Well, soon I found myself at the store buying some toys with my son to give to this shop/organization. He asked why we were buying extra toys and I was happy to share with him the explanation - mainly focusing on why it is important to help others. But most importantly I really liked sharing this penny with him.
4. Helped another woman carry food into a church service
Well, actually it was my friend's family memorial service. There were a lot of people that came to say goodbye - which in a way was nice to see how many people this particular person reached and how wonderfully she was loved by others. So as I was entering the church, I noticed this woman that was trying to walk with her cane and carrying in some dessert - while also trying to climb the front stares. It was easy to carry the food for her so that all she had to do was focus on the stairs. FYI - cherry cobbler.
5. Tidy up after a funeral service
The service, as sad as it was, was really beautiful and heartwarming. I know that the family was so honored in having such a large crowd that attended the service. Afterwards and as everyone was starting to leave, I noticed that there were some tissue packets and service programs still laying in the pews within the worship center. It was easy to help gather these items and put them on the back table for the ushers to take care of.
So for the past couple of days I have noticed that a neighbor down the way spending a lot of their free time outside starting to decorate their yard and their house for the up coming Holiday Season. As much as I detest the 'cutesy' lawn ornaments, I do really like how a house can be simply and tastefully decorated with a string of white lights. Sometimes simplicity is best! Anyway, it has been rather cold for this late autumn time - so I really appreciate that they made their house really attractive. Oh, by the way it was a M&M candy cane treat!
2. Wrote a "Thinking of You" card
This card was for a particular elderly church member that was recently hospitalized after breaking their hip. These types of stories get me every time. Just the thought that they are laying their in bed instead of being in their nice warm & cozy home - I just had to write a "Thinking of You" card - just to cheer them up - or at least myself.
3. Gave local business some toys for their Holiday Toy Drive
So as I was getting the oil change in my car at the garage shop today, I noticed that there was a box set up for people to donate toys. These toys will be then given to the Salvation Army to distribute throughout the holiday season to local families in need - similar to "Toys for Tots" program. Well, soon I found myself at the store buying some toys with my son to give to this shop/organization. He asked why we were buying extra toys and I was happy to share with him the explanation - mainly focusing on why it is important to help others. But most importantly I really liked sharing this penny with him.
4. Helped another woman carry food into a church service
Well, actually it was my friend's family memorial service. There were a lot of people that came to say goodbye - which in a way was nice to see how many people this particular person reached and how wonderfully she was loved by others. So as I was entering the church, I noticed this woman that was trying to walk with her cane and carrying in some dessert - while also trying to climb the front stares. It was easy to carry the food for her so that all she had to do was focus on the stairs. FYI - cherry cobbler.
5. Tidy up after a funeral service
The service, as sad as it was, was really beautiful and heartwarming. I know that the family was so honored in having such a large crowd that attended the service. Afterwards and as everyone was starting to leave, I noticed that there were some tissue packets and service programs still laying in the pews within the worship center. It was easy to help gather these items and put them on the back table for the ushers to take care of.
5 Pennies - Day 140
1. Returned an abandoned shopping cart
Yes, I believe that these things have minds of their own. I mean they are already mobile and I am pretty sure that they talk to each other when people aren't around. So who wouldn't blame them for wanting to be free and trying to escape. Sorry cart, not today!
2. Wrote a waiter a "Thank You" note
I took my son out for a special breakfast at our favorite restaurant. There was this waiter who was especially nice to us because our food was being delayed. He gave my son some extra rolls to pass the time. Again anytime you are nice to my kid, you earn major brownie points with me. So when it was time to pay the bill - I wrote this particular waiter a personal thank you with his tip.
3. Held the door open for another family
As my son and I were leaving the restaurant, there was another family coming in - An elderly woman, her daughter, and a stroller of a younger baby. The mother was sandwiched in between helping her mother and walker along with helper her baby with the stroller. The least that we could do is to hold the doors open - I with one and my son with the other. It's nice to have shared this penny with my son.
4. Made homemade cookies for another neighbor
There is a nice elderly neighbor down the way from our house that has this really cool hound-dog. He lives by himself and I am not for sure if he has any family around this area. So to wish him a good Thanksgiving Holiday weekend, my son and I made him cookies. Again, sharing the pennies with my son was really nice.
5. Gave cookies to bank tellers
So in the process of making our neighbor cookies, we also made enough to share 2 plates full of cookies for the bank tellers. As I took my son to the bank to deposit my checks from work, we gave them these cookie plates as a way to say "Thank you for working during this Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend." They couldn't believe that we did this nice gesture, but were really appreciative of the treats.
By the way - the cookies were chocolate chip - the really only type of cookie.
Yes, I believe that these things have minds of their own. I mean they are already mobile and I am pretty sure that they talk to each other when people aren't around. So who wouldn't blame them for wanting to be free and trying to escape. Sorry cart, not today!
2. Wrote a waiter a "Thank You" note
I took my son out for a special breakfast at our favorite restaurant. There was this waiter who was especially nice to us because our food was being delayed. He gave my son some extra rolls to pass the time. Again anytime you are nice to my kid, you earn major brownie points with me. So when it was time to pay the bill - I wrote this particular waiter a personal thank you with his tip.
3. Held the door open for another family
As my son and I were leaving the restaurant, there was another family coming in - An elderly woman, her daughter, and a stroller of a younger baby. The mother was sandwiched in between helping her mother and walker along with helper her baby with the stroller. The least that we could do is to hold the doors open - I with one and my son with the other. It's nice to have shared this penny with my son.
4. Made homemade cookies for another neighbor
There is a nice elderly neighbor down the way from our house that has this really cool hound-dog. He lives by himself and I am not for sure if he has any family around this area. So to wish him a good Thanksgiving Holiday weekend, my son and I made him cookies. Again, sharing the pennies with my son was really nice.
5. Gave cookies to bank tellers
So in the process of making our neighbor cookies, we also made enough to share 2 plates full of cookies for the bank tellers. As I took my son to the bank to deposit my checks from work, we gave them these cookie plates as a way to say "Thank you for working during this Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend." They couldn't believe that we did this nice gesture, but were really appreciative of the treats.
By the way - the cookies were chocolate chip - the really only type of cookie.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 139
Happy Thanksgiving Day!
1. Sent an text message to another co-worker wishing them a Happy Birthday
So November must be a happening birthday month - I know at least 10 people that have their birthday during this time. Anyway, before we left for the break, this particular staff member told me that her family was probably going to forget her birthday because everyone will be celebrating Thanksgiving instead. She said that it was ok, but I could still tell that there was a sense of sadness in her tone. I have had this happen to me a couple of times too because yes, I am an ending November birthday as well. So I just wanted to send her a quick text so that she had someone wishing her a Happy Birthday - that someone remembered.
2. Made a family member her favorite dessert
Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake - I can't eat this because of the milk and it is too much for me, but I have been told that it is fantastic - so sure & of course I will make this dessert!
3. Checked on an elderly neighbor
I haven't seen the family members of my next door elderly neighbor yet this afternoon - which worries me some. I just went to go check in on her to make sure that she was ok and that she was taken care of for a Thanksgiving meal. I have plenty of food to share and she is more than welcome to attend!
4. Worked at a homeless shelter soup kitchen
So in the past I have given a lot of food for the homeless shelter soup kitchen, but I have always wanted to work in one. To meet the clients face to face. To see really how everything works and how everything is distributed. To give back. Fortunately, there was another teacher from school that annual volunteers for this service every Thanksgiving. Prior to this day, I asked her if I could join with her and her church group to help. Gladly she said yes! So we met up prior to the meal starting and I worked the evening with her, her husband, and some people that they knew from their church. It was a really nice experience that I hope to do again next year. Tiring, but extremely rewarding.
5. Sent a "Thank You" text
After working the homeless shelter soup kitchen I just needed to send a special text to this particular teacher in thanking them. I thanked them for letting me work with them at this church/community function. But more importantly, I thanked them for inspiring me to be a better person both inside and outside of our school.
1. Sent an text message to another co-worker wishing them a Happy Birthday
So November must be a happening birthday month - I know at least 10 people that have their birthday during this time. Anyway, before we left for the break, this particular staff member told me that her family was probably going to forget her birthday because everyone will be celebrating Thanksgiving instead. She said that it was ok, but I could still tell that there was a sense of sadness in her tone. I have had this happen to me a couple of times too because yes, I am an ending November birthday as well. So I just wanted to send her a quick text so that she had someone wishing her a Happy Birthday - that someone remembered.
2. Made a family member her favorite dessert
Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake - I can't eat this because of the milk and it is too much for me, but I have been told that it is fantastic - so sure & of course I will make this dessert!
3. Checked on an elderly neighbor
I haven't seen the family members of my next door elderly neighbor yet this afternoon - which worries me some. I just went to go check in on her to make sure that she was ok and that she was taken care of for a Thanksgiving meal. I have plenty of food to share and she is more than welcome to attend!
4. Worked at a homeless shelter soup kitchen
So in the past I have given a lot of food for the homeless shelter soup kitchen, but I have always wanted to work in one. To meet the clients face to face. To see really how everything works and how everything is distributed. To give back. Fortunately, there was another teacher from school that annual volunteers for this service every Thanksgiving. Prior to this day, I asked her if I could join with her and her church group to help. Gladly she said yes! So we met up prior to the meal starting and I worked the evening with her, her husband, and some people that they knew from their church. It was a really nice experience that I hope to do again next year. Tiring, but extremely rewarding.
5. Sent a "Thank You" text
After working the homeless shelter soup kitchen I just needed to send a special text to this particular teacher in thanking them. I thanked them for letting me work with them at this church/community function. But more importantly, I thanked them for inspiring me to be a better person both inside and outside of our school.
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