Monday, April 18, 2011

The Kinder Generation: SNOW.

So Apparently we missed the memo. We're not getting Spring or Summer, 12 months of winter!:-(  haha just kidding, but really, all this snow in mid April?! 

It's not all bad, because of the snow I got took advantage of the opportunity to help out my neighbors.  She's a bigger/older lady, when she was shoveling, I could see her struggle.  So, I went out and helped her, or well pretty much did it myself.  It only took 10 minutes, and she was so thankful! 

People kept getting stuck on my hill all day, it is pretty steep.  When a car would get stuck, me and my boyfriend would help them out.  Most people got got out themselves, but some needed just an extra push. 

Later on we went to my grandpas, and shoveled off his porch and stairs, just to make it easier for him. 

I know they weren't huge acts of kindness, but hey..at least I did something on my Sunday, right? haha.  Hopefully by next weekend the snow will be gone, so I can rake my moms yard like she wanted me to this weekend. 

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

The Kinder Generation: Donations

My boyfriend and I have been on a mission, we've been "spring cleaning" are apartment and getting rid of everything.  We looked through all of our can goods and gave whatever we didn't want or had a few extra of in a box, for our local church to collect.  

I went through all my clothes which I HATE to do. I always think, "wow I really like that, what if I need it for a wedding reception or something."  but I made the decision to put the clothes I haven't worn in more than a year into a "vinnys bag,"  clothes that I wanted to donate to St. Vincent De Paul thrift store. 

I must admit, I did keep a few items that I haven't worn..I just didn't have the heart to get rid of them.  But there was some really nice t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, panjama pants, and jeans in there. 

It just feels good to do something really nice like that.  I know people are getting use out of my things.  Better than throwing away...someones wearing or using it. 

I also went through all of my books and put all the ones I didn't want or have already read into the box, they mostly consisted of corny love themes.  I plan on also donating these books to St. Vinny's. 

It feels great to know, I basically PURGED a lot of things out of my apartments, while helping someone else out:-)

Sunday, April 10, 2011

The Kinder Generation: Sure, I'll clean your house:-)

This weekend, I was thinking of some acts of kindness I could do when I seen my uncle in the grocery store.  He's a single man with a heart of gold. 

When I was younger I would clean his house and he would give me some money, plus it would give me something to do, I really didn't mind cleaning...and it was my grandma's house, memories...

But most importantly he is a bachelor living with Crohn's disease: "a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It usually affects the intestines, but may occur anywhere from the mouth to the end of the rectum (anus). Normally, the immune system helps protect the body, but with Crohn's disease the immune system can't tell the difference between normal body tissue and foreign substances. The result is an overactive immune response that leads to chronic inflammation. This is called an autoimmune disorder."

...Basically, it's very painful.  So I'd like to do something nice for him.  He has given me a lot of money here and there.  For some reason he always insists and feels the need to give me and all the cousins $$$. 

Any who...I seen him at the store, and we got talking after while I asked him if he would like me to clean his house for him. No Charge of course!  He kind of chuckled, and said I could.  I told him I'd be over Saturday afternoon. His house wasn't as messy as I thought it would be, he became a little bit more organized and cleaner.  I still, wiped off the counter tops, stoves, appliances, etc..and cleaned the kitchen including the floors.  I did all the normal stuff, vacuuming..sweeping, dusting.  He came back from town very surprised and very happy!  We continued to chat for awhile and then I told him I should get going to make dinner..for me and John.  

It was really good to see him and his house wasn't even that bad.  It took me an hour and a half, pretty small house.   Oh and when I got home, I had dinner made for me!  
    
                                                         Had a pretty good weekend! 

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

The Kinder Generation: Dog Sitting; a kind gesture

This weekend didn't go at all like expected but that's okay, everything worked out.  Last Friday, my friend called me...in a panic. She told me, that she was suppose to go out of town for the weekend to visit her family but her dog is unwelcome, 'cause he's a big beast...Since her parents house is so small, she cant have him there...too much trouble. 

She said she had called everyone else, and they were all busy, so obviously I kind of felt obligated to say, "umm, I guess I could...you know I'm not allowed to have pets in my apartment right..?" which is exactly what I said, but no she didn't know, and I said okay anyways. 

I love dogs, miss my dog or well, the family dog who is at my moms.  When my boyfriend and I moved into the apartment we live in now, we had to get rid of our little kitty:-( so I was actually excited to have the dog in the house.  But, also really nervous, I kept thinking "what if my land lord drives by" (that's how he caught us, with our cat!). 

Everything went really good, I helped out a friend and watched her dog:-)  The pup was so good, I'll definitely do the favor again, if needed! 

Friday, April 1, 2011

The Kinder Generation: Little Things, Little Things...

Sorry it's been a few days!  I've been so busy with all my classes, the work is just piling up with only 3 more weeks to go!

With that said, I haven't had anytime to do any big acts of kindness but when I'm about and about on campus, at work or in my community I am noticing some really kind acts that I thought I would share with you.

A couple nights ago I went to Family Video to return some movies...I went in the doors, put my movies in the drop off box, when I kid who looked about 7-8ish opened the door to come in but when he seen my he held the door open for me as I walked out telling me to have a good night.  I replied with saying thank you and had a HUGE smile on my face.  You could tell he must have had some good parents or something, because he had manners, polite and was really thoughtful!   Most little kids don't care.  They walk in and out, slamming the door but this boy took the time to open the door:-) made me happy. 

The next morning I went to the store to get a few household supplies, I only had 3 things but when I went out to the check out there was a lady with a full cart.  She told me, "Here! You go in front of me, I have no where to be and am in no hurry!"  This made me so happy because I was running late for work and was in a big hurry.  So I kindly thanked the woman and rushed out.  As I got in my car, I couldn't help but look back on it, and thought, wow, that lady was really nice to let me go in front of her!" 

The next day I had to work 8-1 which really stressed me out because I had a huge test in my Social Work Policy class at 2.  I told my manager about it and if it was dead, if there was any way I could leave earlier.  She said she would try but of course...it got really busy for lunch, why you ask?  Because I had a test.  Haha.  I had to much prep to do, making pico, guac, and cutting romaine but I couldn't help thinking " I need to get out so I could study some more!"  At about 12:20, Janee told me..."Michelle, go ask Caleb to take over for you so you can leave...I know you have that big test today"  "Janee, are you sure?!  We're pretty busy right now" I asked.  "Yeah, we'll be fine..Ann is here to help if we need anything."  I was so HAPPY and THANKFUL.  I didn't think it was going to happen, but I was able to study for my test and pull of a 89%. 

It's these little things that makes me have so much gratitude towards people, it's those little things that can make or break your day.  I like to think that maybe this is my Karma, for doing nice things for others.  :-)