Tuesday, February 1, 2011

29 Gifts: Day 1

"If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one." - Mother Teresa

I've been looking forward to this day since I first was introduced to the 29 days of Giving by the lovely Angie at Living Aloha. She was my inspiration for taking on this challenge. I would like to thank Angie once again for sharing her gifts with all of us. ♥

It actually seemed like a piece of cake when I first read about the 29 Gifts. I mean we do give so much of ourselves each day not realizing. What I find the challenge is going above and beyond what I normally do and consider it giving. I feel certain things we do in our days should truly be apart of us and our life. For example, giving a hug to someone we see a little down and out. I think people run when they see me coming sometimes because I just want to hug them.. I'm sure it's awkward for some. So putting that 'piece of cake' aside, this is going to be challenging and I'm ready for it!

Day 1: Today in New England it snowed and the weathermen (and women) were right on the money. From the moment I woke up at a whopping 5:00am and made it to work.. to the moment I shimmied into my driveway at close to 3:00pm the snow/sleet was constant. With this description you can imagine how cold it was. So as I normally am very unprepared I went to work with no gloves, hat nor a scarf [negative on the circle scarf today].

I got out at 2:30 and was dreading the walk to my car just to see it frozen over and knowing I could not reach the top of my SUV. As I'm walking through the slush and what felt like tiny icicles hitting my face I just wanted to jump in a hot tub! I started up the car, pulled out my short ice scraper with the brush on the end and began doing a sloppy job of clearing off my car. Yes.. I think I am that person that has snow fall off there car (sorry). In my defense I'm short, haha. And so.. it looked good to go.

I was about to get in my car when I realized one of my co-workers car was parked next to mine. I knew she was in a meeting for atleast another 1/2 hour and I decided to clear her car off too. At this point my gloveless hands were red, cold and I'm pretty sure on the way to being frost bitten (maybe exagerating?).. I cleared her entire car off. I'm pretty sure I've never cleaned a car that well before. Granted, by the time she probably got out it may have had another light coat of snow but at least it would only take a moment.

I felt really good driving home. I pictured her expression when she walked out to her car, smiling. I had completely forgotten how cold my hands were until I pulled in my driveway. I'll never know exactly what her expression was, what thought went through her mind but it felt great to give a helping hand. as we all should. ♥
With all my love,
Katie

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In the spirit of my Day 1, I wanted to share a little story from my cousin Dennis. It puts a huge smile on my face hearing how others are giving too.
I came home from work today and noticed a ladder and a person with a snow rake cleaning the snow from the roof. It was my great neighbor from across the street who decided on his own to clear the roof. He didn't even know we already gotten water damage inside the house from the ice built up in the gutters. He was a huge help hopefully avoiding any further damage. He said I always like helping neighbors. THANK YOU ♥