29 Gifts: Day 10

"Nothing is worth more than this day" -Goethe

Day 10: Back on December 19th I wrote this post. A wonderful friend that I met 5 years ago when I began my job was diagnosed with Melanoma. She's been fighting it since. She has been so strong and I admire her. This is a woman who has always and continues to put everyone around her first even with the battle of her cancer.

This past week they discovered that the cancer had spread and the news was given just a few days prior to her Birthday. Two of my friends that were with me back in December to visit her when she was inpatient ventured to see her again. We went to bring the celebration of her birthday to her. We spent Sunday making her laugh, listening to her stories, sharing our stories and eating cake! She wanted us to take pictures, lots of them and that we did. We decorated her room and gave her gifts. Also, there were numerous cards that people at work signed and passed around that just brought the biggest smile to her face, she lit up. It was beautiful.

The entire day was inspiring and quite memorable. To be with someone that has so much appreciation for life, that truly believes that love keeps us alive. I felt at peace being with her. I ask that everyone say a little prayer if you have some time. A prayer that her amazing strength does not weaken. A prayer that she does not stop smiling. Please send your love in those prayers. ♥ I thank you for that!

29 Gifts: Day 9

 "Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity" - Buddha

Day 9: I have only one sibling and that is my sister, Kelly. She's 4 years older but the age gap never was a problem. We were very close growing up, confiding in each other, having mutual friends. We're night and day though. I think that's why our relationship is so unique. We have so many different interests but they make us strong as individuals. We each bring something to the table, so to speak. 

As all families go through their own struggles our family was no different. Together we have all overcame some pretty crazy obstacles. I'm proud of my family, but most of all my sister. She amazes me. One thing about her that stands out to all is her talent. In Elementary my parents bought her a keyboard. There was no rhyme or reason, they just got her one hoping that she would enjoy playing. They signed her up for lessons and so she went for years to the same instructor. Kelly's talent amazes  me, that's clear.. but what leaves me speechless is how she can hear something and immediately begin playing it with only missing a few keys. 

From the keyboard she moved onto the piano. Then as the years approached that joining band was an option she thought 'Why Not' and picked up a Clarinet. Over the years, my sister taught herself to play almost every instrument... the guitar, the baritone, the flute.. etc etc.. She's remarkable!

I was browsing all of your lovely blogs and one picture stood out. My wonderful friend, Danielle at Positively Positive has her own Etsy Shop. I began peaking around at her creations and I was in awe. Immediately, I noticed the cute totebag with the musical notes. Out loud in my living room with the laptop on my lap.. I said "Kelly!" The puppy looked up at me confused. I said out loud again "Kelly!.. I have to get that for her, she'll love it!".. and so I did. 

Kelly knows about the gift but she'll be receiving it tomorrow when I see her. She's already extremely psyched about her gift. It has her name written all over it! Not really, but in musical notes. I love you Kelly ♥

 

29 Gifts: Day 8

"No gift to your mother can ever equal her gift to you - life"

Day 8:  Growing up I was a lucky girl, I know that. My parents are extremely loving and always got us what we needed. We weren't spoiled and we weren't rich but they always did what they could for us. In return my sister and I have always been appreciative of that. They're wonderful. 

Last weekend I went with two of my co-workers to Magic Wings which as quite the experience. I wrote about it here. After we ventured through the land of butterflies we searched for a place to eat. The Yankee Candle Factory was right up the road and my friend raved about the restaurant there. I was in shock when I heard about this restaurant because of one reason. The Yankee Candle Factory is my mom's first favorite place (second is the Christmas Tree Shop). We've gone here many a many a many years and never once did we ever go to the restaurant.

Below is the 'oh mah gawd it was so flippin' good' Restaurant!

So after we ate a fabulous meal we shimmied over to the Yankee Candle Factory. Immediately, I felt guilty. I felt this way because I've always gone there with my Mom and she wasn't there to enjoy the moment. I knew what had to be done. Find her some cute little gifts to bring back home... and so I did!

Below is a spray for linens and all that jazz with the scent of Home Sweet Home. As well my new favorite candle 'Pink Sands' that I had to share with my Mama. Notice the adorable candle holders ♥

 

29 Gifts: Day 7

"Remember who you are and where you came from; otherwise, you don't know where you're going."

Day 7: Tonight my sister and I helped my mom move some of my Aunt's belongings. My mom has an identical twin (truly identical in every way it's so cute). They also have a younger sister who is handicapped with Cerebral Palsy. She's currently at a facility after having yet another surgery. Her complex that she lives in is setting her up with a better apartment that will be much more helpful for her moving around. While she's inpatient we are getting her new place set up.

I guess I could say that's the gift. Giving a hand, helping out.. but that wasn't what I felt was a gift..

While we were packing up boxes I came across various photos and little knick-knacks. I love anything with history, it's beautiful and just gives me happy goosebumps. As I have written numerous times here I simply adored my grandparents. I grew up next to my father's parents and of course visited my mom's mother weekly.  Sadly, I never got the opportunity to meet my Grandpa (my mom's father) as he passed away when she was young. It made me smile when moving some of my Aunt's items seeing this photo of him.

He was so handsome. [Charles Day]

Then as we were packing items in the kitchen up I was slowly taking each piece of paper and magnet off the refridgerator. There were old magnets that belonged to my Grandma once upon a time. There were a few photos and of course the normal notes you leave to yourself on the fridge in hopes that they'll remind you.. but you always forget about. The first photo that caught my eye was of my Grandma where she worked long ago.

I miss her smile. [Virginia Day]

The last item I placed in the box made my eyes tear. I was unsure how it happened to be the very last thing I took off my Aunt's fridge as I did not see what was on the back. I'm wondering if my Grandma was watching over me waiting for me to see it. It was the card from her funeral back in 1997. My Grandma as did both my dad's parents passed away from cancer. It was tough endings for them all but they were all fighters.

Today my gift is Remembrance. To remind everyone, remember where you came from. I've talked so much about keeping memories alive. You always want those positive thoughts to keep going. History is so important.  

However, sometimes we have to remind ourselves of the bad times. Especially, when it comes to death and what's behind it. As my family has a long history of cancer I try to protect myself by keeping myself healthy in different ways. It's sad that we learn from other people's lives especially when it's those so close to us. Ask questions, talk to your parents about your families history. Most of all take care of yourself.

I wish my grandparents were still here. I wonder what life would be like if they were. I will continue to keep their memories alive and living my life through their lessons.

I wish you all a happy evening ♥

 

29 Gifts: Day 6

"When you love people and have made a profound, positive impact upon the world, then will you have accomplished the meaning to live." ~Sasha Azevedo

Day 6: For the record it's quite windy here in New England, today. I saw tops to garbage cans in the street when it's not garbage pickup until Tuesday! It's sunny with blue skies but the ghostly sounds of wind hitting our windows send Peanut in a nuttso state! I have to say I love this wind!

Charlie and I took a little ride before he had to head on to his exciting late shift at work. We wanted pizza, so we grabbed a few slices. We were debating whether to eat at the restaurant or grab it to go. I told Charlie, "Let's grab the slices to go, then head to the park to watch things blow around!" He laughed and so we went. 

We got to the park and there were millions.. okay I'm exaggerating.. but there were tons of Seagulls flying around. Charlie made a silly comment that they weren't Seagulls because they are only by 'the sea'. There they are just walking around the snow in search for food. Of course since it's freezing and the snow is covering the ground there was no food for them.

We finished eating the pizza and I told Charlie that I wanted to feed the Seagulls. The poor dirty birds were getting thrown around from the wind and all that they wanted was to fight over some food. So there I was just the person to give a hand. I threw to them all the crusts from our slices of pizza. They jumped or should I say flew at the offer ♥

29 Gifts: Day 5

The greatest gift he ever gave me, was his love.

Day 5: Okay my friends! The day arrived 24 hours early. What we, well Charlie has been waiting for.. I feel there should be a drum roll! Charlie's Valentine's gift arrived today!! [Big Applause and those Woo Woo yells] 

Now I know it may be cheating a bit with the 29 Days of Gift but I'm looking past that. Every year I get my hunnie the same things in rotation: shirts, sweaters, candies, shirts, sweaters, candies, repeat! This year I was racking my brain a little trying to think up something different, until I gave up, clothes it is. Then my lovely friend and co-worker, Maureen, gave me a little nudge with the idea she had planned for her husband.  She was so sweet to tell me all about it and if Charlie was also a fan I should look into it.

So there I went ordering this super, awesome, unique, made Charlie smile and say it's the best Valentine's Gift ever, Beef Jerky Bouquet! I know Valentine's Day past but ladies, if your man or father, brother, friend, cousin, Uncle enjoy Beef Jerky as much as Charlie does I say this gift totally rocks! Beefjerkybouquet.com

Notice that this fabulous arrangement comes with a 20 ounce Beer Glass. Believe me when I say Charlie's eyes widen at the sight of it!

 All different flavours! He already ate one (of course!)

 Also, you can include a personal message. Just like our men send us flower arrangements ;)

 With all that Charlie has done for me I'll spend my life repaying all the favors. He's truly one of a kind and I'm so thankful to have him in my life. He's great to his family, my family, taking care of me and our pets (babies). Charlie's an extremely hard worker and things have finally fallen into place for him ♥ I love you so  much!

29 Gifts: Day 4

"A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are."

I want to apologize for my inconsistency with the 29 Days of Gifts. When I read about the movement and what goes into this challenge the following words stood out to me:

     "If you forget your give one day, be gentle with yourself. This ritual is about progress, not perfection. Sit down and quietly reflect on your day. Review the entire day mindfully and find the times you unconsciously gave so you can bring it into your consciousness. Don’t forget that there is never a day that you don't give. There are only days that you don't acknowledge and remember you did."

With that said I can promise you this. Everyday I have given in someway. Whether it was as simple as a hug to someone I could tell really needed it. Okay, so I gave quite a few of those! A Thank You note which I'm getting so much better at completing lately. Sending a letter of recognition on behalf of a co-worker that I felt truly deserving of it.

Day 4:  I'm not sure exactly but it may have been a year ago when a friend of mine had posted on Facebook about being locked out of his vehicle asking for help as his wife was with the little ones at home. I remember reading that with the first thought coming to my mind "Oh.. I'm sure someone has already called to help out..".. Then as I thought a little more the hesitation that there are probably tons of other people thinking the same way as I did. Of course the end result being no one would help. Well, I wanted to and I had called his wife and long story short I helped my buddy out of a tough situation. 

This is not my recent gift but the thought behind this is. We so often think that because its our humanly instinct I suppose. Just as I had stopped to help my neighbor out while others probably assumed as they passed him 'Oh.. I'm sure someone else will come bye and help him out." I guess that's something to keep in mind next time you come across a situation like that. Just assume someone will not help them out and perhaps it's your turn to step up ♥

My Gift for Day 4 is visiting with an old friend who has been going through a really tough time. We all have what we consider to be our level of stress and our 'tough times' that may not be considered that terrible for someone else. My friend needed good company. He deserved to smile, laugh and be surrounded with people who cared.  He deserves it all. I know he has a lot of great friends out there but as our humanly instinct tells us.. "There is someone else who's probably visiting and keeping him company." I learned from him, with his positive attitude during a time that I'm not sure I could be as strong. As much as the visit was a gift for him it was for me as well.

I leave you with his words that stuck in my head from yesterday.."I only wish that everyone lived like they only have this one life and I really think this world would be a better place." 

With all my love,

Katie

29 Gifts: Day 3

"If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path."

Day 3:  I'm still trying to understand what just happened within this past few hours and how the events brought me to this moment.  I truly believe everything happens for a reason.

I called my parents up this evening because I wanted to visit and spend some time with them.  My mom seemed a little sad last night which in turn made me feel a little down and I wanted to cheer her up. I picked up two coffees and headed over. We had a great conversation as always and I'm reminded of how lucky I am to have such wonderful parents!

I then proceeded to head home listening to a little this and a little of that on the radio. Then I realized that I didn't complete my gift today. I contemplated that bringing my parents coffee and making my Mom smile is but that's my role as a daughter, isn't it? :) Just as I continued the thought of what I could do I pulled onto my street...

There was a car stuck on a snow bank with their emergency lights on. The young kid had a shovel and was trying to remove snow from beneath his car and tires. My first reaction was to stop and I"m proud of that.. so I did. I rolled my window down and yelled out the window.. 'Can I help you?" To my surprise he could not speak English very well! He smiled and nodded his head and then was trying to explain that he cannot move his car and needs a bungy cord. Yes, I was able to make this all out from his gestures. 

I freaked out a little because I wanted to help, but I never in my life helped with a stuck vehicle. Granted I have a SUV but I don't know how to use it! I tried to explain that I was going to drive home and ask my neighbor for one and I promised I would be right back. I repeated louder ..'I promise I will come back'. He seemed completely sure that I wouldn't. I drove home, knocked on my neighbors door and of course no one answered. I began to panic again wishing Charlie was home. I grabbed a shovel, through it in my car and headed back down to the 'scene'. 

He yelled 'You back!'.. I said.. 'Yes, I promised I would be!' While I was home he found rope in his trunk. He tied it under my car and to his. He jumped in his car and hit reverse and I pulled forward and within seconds his car was on the ground, where it belonged. We both ran out and gave TWO HIGH FIVES!! He kept thanking me and I said I'm just glad you are okay. 

We said goodbye and I came home. I feel amazing right now. I'm ignoring the fact that 3 cars, one being a huge truck drove bye us and did not stop to offer a hand. We did it on our own. I feel like a superhero right now ♥  My gift is stopping for the first time to help someone on the side of the road who was in need.

With all of my love,

Katie

29 Gifts: Day 2

“Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” - Mother Teresa

Day 2: Today was quite the icy day. All of the schools were closed which is pretty common lately due to the lovely Mother Nature as well late openings for work. The company I work for opened at 10:30. I get out early normally so at 2:00 Charlie so graciously picked me up just as he dropped me off this morning (what a guy). 

I had a craving for pizza. Boy do I just love the taste of dough, sauce, cheese and an extra topping of pepporoni! We couldn't decide where we were going to go that was quick so we could get home to clear the ice from our driveway. A last minute decision was Pizza Hut. I honestly cannot remember the last time we even ate Pizza Hut so it was a treat to say the least. Charlie called, placed our order and then made our way there. 

The gentleman behind the counter was really nice. You could tell he looked tired and he seemed to be the only one there. Charlie made a little small talk and as we paid the gentleman then handed me the receipt. He said with a sad tone that.. "if you have some time it would be great if you could complete the survey on the back."

I can't even count the amount of times cashiers or anyone in Customer Service has asked me to complete a survey on the back of a receipt... I then can't begin to count how many receipts I throw away without even giving the survey a second thought. It's not that I don't care that it's important to them, I just don't think at all about it. Today though that changed. Charlie and I got back in the car and I said.. "I know what my gift is today".. as I held up the receipt. 

It took me 10-15 minutes to complete the survey as it was all online and my browser kept freezing. That had nothing to do with the survey just the quirks of my Internet. It's complete and I feel great about it. I made sure to put extra comments about the gentleman (Dave) who waited on us and I put in a super duper great compliment that I hope makes it to his supervisor. As someone who worked in Customer Service the majority of her working career I understand completely how important those surveys are. It's one survey but I hope that it will make a difference ♥

With all of my love,

Katie

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Additional Love Note: As I mentioned yesterday Angie at Living Aloha was my true inspiration for this Project. She has finished her 29 days today and with that is giving away a beautiful Gift for her 29th day. Please stop bye to visit her, spread the love and catch up on her project. You'll love what she is giving away! 

http://undertheislandsunshine.blogspot.com/

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

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

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 ♥