Alright I am really slacking on updating...

[adblackf]

Day 5- I did several small actions. Bought my dad his favorite candy bar, as a kind of white flag (obviously I had apologized as well) after a fight we had. He was surprised and thanked me. Also helped a friend through some man trouble and later that night sent her a nice and funny ecard to make her feel better. Additionally I did something I rarely do- take advantage of companies' charitable initiatives- in this case Silk Soy Milk's commitment to green energy through the entry of a UPC code. I was able to help them donate to FarmAid, which supports local farmers who grow organic food.

Day 6- went out to dinner with the same friend who is having a hard time. Was flexible in what we did. Bought us both some cookies to share from the most amazing bakery. Had wonderful thai food, cookies, and then we went for a drink. It was truly a gift to me as well, to be out of the house, with someone really close to me, at a time when I needed "air" from my home and family.I think I was able to help her through it. Hopefully.

Day 7- yesterday was a gift to myself. A much needed one, might I add. I allowed myself to just do what I needed to do -clean my messy room, (which had been that way for a while, because I couldn't find the energy to clean it), garden, I even did art (made a piece with newspaper adhered to paper, which I kind of like despite that fact that it is simple and amateur, but thats what I like about it). I normally do not do art, because I am really not talented in the fine arts category. I know people say that "anyone can do art" but I think its a little more exclusive ;). Regardless, doing the art was really therapeutic and it was addressing some of the issues I am dealing with now in regards to culture shock. I also got in touch with my best friend who I had really been missing.


Day 8 (today)- My plan today is to read up on writing grants (I have a whole book on it) in order to be as prepared as I can for a meeting with a colleague about writing grants (which I have never done before). Besides that small gift, I am hoping to drop by my church and drop off toiletries my mom and I gather for a shelter for women in Boston. That is actually a really easy and wonderful thing to do, by the way- collect toiletries from hotels you stay at and donate them to shelters, which are always looking for small toiletries for their guests.

[Deb~ Community Manager]

Love day 5 as far as donating to FarmAid~ That is great... Day 6 sounds like it was pleasant for both of you. Love when that happens! Nice that you did the art for you! Every now and then it does help~ Hope you and your best friend had a nice time.. I actually went to Gatlinburg this last weekend and they were going to discard shampoo and creme rinse so I asked the manager if I could take it to donate to Agape at home in town and I got 3 boxes! WooHoo that felt great. Love your post! Great gifts...