R11, D16

[IslandGirl]

Last night, after I posted my update, I read Cami's post about Elly Rose, who is the force behind all the technical aspects of this site. I made a small donation and intend to donate more as soon as I can. I didn't even think twice. I wish it could've been more, but if everybody who is feeling the same way donates what they can, it'll be a good start! 

Today was recycling-and-organics day. Our city collects organics/compostables every week; then, in alternating weeks, they also collect recycling or household trash. My neighbour, I think, was confused, because she put out organics, recycling and a trash bag. So I put the recycling/organics bins back behind the house, and I also picked up the garbage bag and put it back in a bin. I called and left her a message saying that I know she'll be away next week, so I'll put out the garbage for her.

Then I gave my very beloved cat a long-overdue groom. It's still incomplete, and there is cat hair everywhere, but it was a start. (Clipping her nails will be a gift to both of us!) 

Twice today, I was hit on by men on the street - this is highly unusual here. In both cases, I was kind and polite (the first guy just seemed kind of sad but sweet; the second guy was much older...something freaked me out about him, though I didn't feel in danger. I just think something was off. It may have been that he'd had a stroke at some point - at first, I thought he was asking me for help, and I was ready to call 911. It took a while to figure out that he was just staring at me and - not necessarily related to that - having difficulty forming words.) I don't know if it really counts as a gift, being nice, but I think my old habit would've been to ignore them or be more blunt about not wanting to talk. 

Back in January, I took a photo of a woman sitting on the sidewalk in the rain, writing under an umbrella (I have no idea where in my blog archive that post is...). It took several months before I learned that she wasn't local; she was a car-counter from a firm in a (sort of) nearby city. But I didn't find out the name of the firm. Today, I came across another car counter - at a much busier intersection - and although she worked for a different company and didn't recognize the woman, she was able to tell me the name of the company. So I may yet be able to find this woman and send her the photo!

I received a gift, too: My landlord brought a cheque for the work I'd done for her last week (that wasn't the gift, though it was nice). She said that, because I'd put in so much extra work, they would lower my rent for July. So now, with the payment and the deduction, I only have to come up with about half of what I normally pay, which is a real blessing. That seems doable. Not sure how just yet, but something will work out.

Happy weekend, everybody! Cheers!

 

[Deb~ Community Manager]

Your gifts are all very thoughtful. You are a very loving and kind person~ xoxo

[Ann]

Your donation and love to Elly Rose will definitely help.  I also did a small donation.  Although it seems a drop in the bucket - drop by drop I believe we can fill that bucket!  I also remember the picture and think that you are very sweet to continue in your quest to find the lady and gift her with the picture.  Please take care of yourself.  I know you want to be nice to everyone you meet, but there are times when we just need to follow our instinct to run the other direction.  That is so great that the landlord lowered your rent.  I know that better times are just ahead for you.  Enjoy your weekend.

[Lois55 wwt]

I know your donation will help Elly Rose, I also sent one in today to her, every little bit counts and will add up to a lot! I remember that awesome picture....it will finally find it's home! Your gift of the garbage was really nice. And what a blessing that your landlord brought a gift to you...relief for the month of July! Awesome!!

Take care, have a super weekend...steer clear of those men:( You are too nice!