August 2011 Blog Posts (906)

I was thinking really hard today about what I should do as a gift. I wanted to get my co-worker starbucks, but I didn't have much money. I was really tired this morning and felt like I wouldn't be able to do anything. I got a call this morning that my financial class was cancelled. I was looking forward to it, but I felt relieved that it was cancelled. Then I got excited. I kept putting off my blog and this was the perfect opportunity to work on it. I managed to write 2 new entries. My blog…

To blog tomorrow morning instead of tonight!

That way I'm motivated to wake up early instead of continue my relationship with my bed... 

Sweet dreams!

Nighty night, tidy tight! 

A friend of mine has a top-bar beehive in her back yard with a whole lot of happy bees busily making honey as fast as they can. She's asked for small, attractive jars that she can put honey in for herself and for gifts. I emptied a jar of artichoke tapenade tonight to top the ravioli I cooked for dinner tonight, so I washed out the little square glass jar and took it to knit night. My beekeeping friend was there, so I could give the jar to her. Truly a case of "one man's trash is another…

I know from past experience that giving items away via Freecycle is particularly rewarding (even though I wasn't doing the challenge). So today I found some items and posted them - with lots of responses to all. Even though none have been picked up yet, I consider this my 'gift' for today (and something I want to keep doing).

Usually, with our local Freecycle (which operates as a Yahoo group), you post the item, and it's "first e-mail, first serve" - the giver then posts…

A calm and relaxing day for the most part!  I had some things that i needed to do for myself today so that is what i did.  I noticed i had a bump on my upper gum on the left side of my mouth!  i have no idea what is going on, so i had to find out how my new insurance works and who i can go to for a dentist!  Thankfully the dentist i had been going to accepts my new insurance and they were able to fit my in for a morning appt. tomorrow morning!  YAY! :)  Now i'm just praying it's nothing…

While I was at the doctor's office today, I made a mental note of another car parked outside. It had a bunch of magnets on it, cammo ribbons, Vietnam Vet etc.  I was the only one in the wating room, so I asked at the front desk if the car belonged to either of the ladies....It was still there when I left, so I left a little note on the windshield, saying "Thank you for your service and my freedom"...I felt kind of weird doing it, I don't want anyone to think I'm a nut job, but then I thought…

Today was for me.

Today I gave to myself.  I must say that this is harder for me to do than giving to others.  

I had a good night's rest last night, and played volleyball today down at the beach.  After volleyball, myself and a few of the other women I play with went down to the ocean and just went in...clothes and all.  The water was cool and clear.  It was wonderful.  We laid in the sun to dry and chatted.

I came home and took a hot bath and…

So I finished the book "29 Gifts, How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life" today.  I have decided that I am going to start my 29 days on September the 1^st.  Mostly because in my life that is the New Year, everyone goes back to school, church goes back to being with Sunday School.  It all just falls into place.  The other reason is that way…

Last year  in September I took on this challenge. It changed my way of thinking. I was determined I would keep it up. Life happens and I've had one crazy, interesting year. I decided I would revisit this challenge starting September 1.  Knowing what I do know about this challenge I'm once again giving up a few things. I don't think I can live without.

1. Facebook (again)

2. Sugar

3. Soda 

Having so many vices it's difficult to decide which ones to let go of for a…

Today I did a Tom and heard the voice in my head, as I was being lambasted by a member of my family over something so stupid that I wanted to jump up and down and poke their eye over I heard a voice in my head. "Give your patience" said the voice and so I did. The result was the person concerned, calming down much more quickly than usual and apologising :-)  I also found this today and I thought it'd be nice to share…

Since I made a toy for Otis yesterday, I certainly couldn't leave Bonsai out! (Even though he's spoiled and already has lots of toys!) This one is made from an old sock, and took less than 5 minutes to whip up. Whenever I lose a sock at the laundromat,  always save the other one. You never know when an old…

Today, I just spent some time after school, talking to two of my friends and making them laugh. I was telling them jokes and funny things just to put a smile on their face and make them laugh. I love being able to make other people laugh. It makes me feel good about myself and it brings me joy. I'm glad I was able to do this and not only bring joy to myself, but also to my two other friends.

Day 4's gift was the gift of singing.  There was a funeral in our parish.  I didn't know the man who died, but they needed to try to put together a choir so there would be music at the funeral and I went to lend a voice.  In the true nature of giving, the biggest recipient was myself as the funeral was very touching and helped remind me about the important things in life and how important it is to tell people how you feel about them while they are living.  Very maudlin, I suppose, but I feel…

It was a day of gift-giving to myself and others. Slept in late, read The Little Prince (what a great reminder of what is important), had a kinesiology session, had an eye test, have downloaded a movie I'm going to watch just now ;-) I did work in between but basically nutured myself with all the above which was a big thing! My gift to someone else today was a) reading The Little Prince (my daughter has wanted me to read it for yonks) and b) someone owed me quite a few bucks for a series of…

Today I am feeling a little sad and trying to balance being a good wife, mother, friend etc... Not doing such a great job. Finding balance is not always easy. Remembering that we can not make people happy helps in my journey of accecptance. We can do our best but the truth is we are not in control of other peoples feelings. I do believe it always important to be kind and respectful but I do know intellectually we can not control others and how they feel... Good Lesson! So far the gifts today…

Diving in for another round!

I took a few days 'off', but not really...I've tried to consciously give during those days. It amazes me, now that my eyes are much more opened to it, the opportunities that abound. There is both a need and a niche to fill all around me.

Yesterday, I discovered another way to give. The gift of honesty. Three of us were sitting around a restaurant table, all good friends for years. We are what my friend calls 'Lifers'. Friends for Life. She…

I forgave someone last night. It was probably one of the hardest gifts I've ever given! I haven't exactly been harboring anger or ill-will toward them, but I've been devastatingly hurt to the point of not functioning well.  The resentment kept churning and I couldn't even look at them without wanting to drive for their reasoning or burst into tears.  I'm afraid any more detail will hash up the emotions and my gift will be for naught.  So, suffice it to say, yesterday I let it go.  For me,…