I've always been all about supporting kid's school fundraisers. Even though I don't like the crappy candy bars they usually sell... and have no need for a bulk supply of wrapping paper. I'll almost always thumb through the book & purchase something to show my support. The fundraiser I normally avoid presented itself this week..and I decided it would be my gift #20. I've never been a fan of the "discount card" that you purchase to save $. It makes no sense to me. $20 for a card that I doubt I'll use enough to save even $20. But I realize that the kids who need the support have no say in what they have to sell. So I sucked it up & forked over $20.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
#19- gift card
Yesterday I was beyond frustrated over some issues that keep taking place with my bank account. I'd attempted numerous times to get them resolved over the phone with the customer service department, but wasn't successful. In fact I'm pretty sure I spent almost 40 minutes of my life yesterday sitting on hold. I finally hung up & decided to swing by the bank on my way to work. I know for a fact I walked in the door with a negative attitude. I was irritated...maybe even a little rude. Oops. Anyway, I was directed over to speak with a lady in account services. I recognized her because she's helped me with many other things in the past. Applying for loans, selling vehicles, etc. She even witnessed the very first (& only) time Braxton ever dropped the F bomb. Oops again. She still had the same mug on her desk that had caught my eye before, it said " no coffee, no work". I obviously loved the mug because I can relate to that! She took the time to sit with me & look over my account. She was super patient and understood my frustration. She explained things & resolved the issue, sending me on my way to work feeling much needed relief. So when I stopped for my nightly coffee I grabbed a $5 gift card & took it over to her. I thanked her again for her help & told her the next coffee for that awesome mug was on me!
Monday, August 5, 2013
#18- service
"You have never really lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you"
I can't tell you how true that quote is in my life right now. It is a truly humbling experience to be surrounded by people who feel they have nothing to offer, while you provide a service to them. The only difference is though, while these people couldn't offer me a tangible object...they gave me so much more.
I volunteered at a dining hall downtown yesterday, to serve dinner to the homeless community. I knew going into it that it would be an emotional thing for me. I've always had a soft spot for the homeless. You can never know or understand each ones own individual struggle, nor can you judge a person you don't know for a position they are in. So serving a meal to the homeless is something I've always wanted to do, but usually the thought comes about during the holidays. Naturally I think we feel inclined to give more around the holidays. But the harsh reality for these people is that they need to eat everyday, not just sometimes.
I pulled into the dining hall & was greeted by people lined up outside waiting for dinner to be served. Inside, I met with Russ, the guy in charge of a group who call themselves the Street Crew. I'll tell you more about them in a minute. He greeted Stevie & I ( my amazing friend who came with me) & gave us a task to take over. He placed Stevie in the serving line, and I was in charge of handing out water. I was excited and nervous because this meant I'd be having quite a lot of interaction with everyone who came in to eat.
When 5'o'clock rolled around, the dining hall immediately became flooded with people. Young people, old people, people of many races, and the one's that really hit me hard....children. So many children. My heart literally ached as I did something as simple as handing someone a bottle of water to people in dire need. I've never been greeted with so many smiles & thank yous, EVER. I studied every single person's face that I approached & wondered what their story was. I wondered if they knew how much I really cared. I wasn't there to get service hours, or because someone asked me to. I was there because I care about these people. And to be honest, I felt honored.
One particular family really stood out to me more than others & I felt drawn to them. A couple close to my age with 3 small children, ages 3, 2 & 5 months. The little girl was dressed in a princess dress, the little boy was wearing a sweater & was drenched in sweat. I handed them water, and walked away with tears in my eyes & a pain in my heart I don't think I've ever felt. Russ approached me & asked if I was ok...I apologized for being so emotional & reassured him I would be fine. He asked if he could take over my water task for a minute, and encouraged me to go mingle with these kids that I was so touched by. So I wiped the tears & gathered myself the best I could & I approached the family that had caught my eye. I told the little girl she looked like a beautiful princess in her dress...Xavier (the 3 year old boy) talked to me about his dinner & I told him I loved his name. I watched the 5 month old baby in the car seat wait patiently for his turn to eat. I talked to the parents & told them how beautiful their family was. My heart was literally breaking with every word. I wanted so much to tell them everything will be ok, to give them a hug, to help them...anything! I could tell they were happy I approached them, just to have a conversation and get to know something about them. I'm so thankful for that experience and it's something I'll never forget. I hope I encounter that family again in the future.
After I mingled with a few people I went back to my station & Russ came over & talked to me about the Street Crew. The goal of this group of HUGE hearted people isn't just to meet a couple times a month to serve dinner to this community. Their goal is to get to know them & to provide them with friendships to give them some kind of hope & something to look forward to. I feel like this is something I'm supposed to be a part of, and I'm planning to volunteer for future service.
I went home that night & viewed my own life in a whole new way. I am SO incredibly blessed, beyond words. Once again...giving to others really put my "problems" into perspective! So happy this opportunity crossed my path!
I can't tell you how true that quote is in my life right now. It is a truly humbling experience to be surrounded by people who feel they have nothing to offer, while you provide a service to them. The only difference is though, while these people couldn't offer me a tangible object...they gave me so much more.
I volunteered at a dining hall downtown yesterday, to serve dinner to the homeless community. I knew going into it that it would be an emotional thing for me. I've always had a soft spot for the homeless. You can never know or understand each ones own individual struggle, nor can you judge a person you don't know for a position they are in. So serving a meal to the homeless is something I've always wanted to do, but usually the thought comes about during the holidays. Naturally I think we feel inclined to give more around the holidays. But the harsh reality for these people is that they need to eat everyday, not just sometimes.
I pulled into the dining hall & was greeted by people lined up outside waiting for dinner to be served. Inside, I met with Russ, the guy in charge of a group who call themselves the Street Crew. I'll tell you more about them in a minute. He greeted Stevie & I ( my amazing friend who came with me) & gave us a task to take over. He placed Stevie in the serving line, and I was in charge of handing out water. I was excited and nervous because this meant I'd be having quite a lot of interaction with everyone who came in to eat.
When 5'o'clock rolled around, the dining hall immediately became flooded with people. Young people, old people, people of many races, and the one's that really hit me hard....children. So many children. My heart literally ached as I did something as simple as handing someone a bottle of water to people in dire need. I've never been greeted with so many smiles & thank yous, EVER. I studied every single person's face that I approached & wondered what their story was. I wondered if they knew how much I really cared. I wasn't there to get service hours, or because someone asked me to. I was there because I care about these people. And to be honest, I felt honored.
One particular family really stood out to me more than others & I felt drawn to them. A couple close to my age with 3 small children, ages 3, 2 & 5 months. The little girl was dressed in a princess dress, the little boy was wearing a sweater & was drenched in sweat. I handed them water, and walked away with tears in my eyes & a pain in my heart I don't think I've ever felt. Russ approached me & asked if I was ok...I apologized for being so emotional & reassured him I would be fine. He asked if he could take over my water task for a minute, and encouraged me to go mingle with these kids that I was so touched by. So I wiped the tears & gathered myself the best I could & I approached the family that had caught my eye. I told the little girl she looked like a beautiful princess in her dress...Xavier (the 3 year old boy) talked to me about his dinner & I told him I loved his name. I watched the 5 month old baby in the car seat wait patiently for his turn to eat. I talked to the parents & told them how beautiful their family was. My heart was literally breaking with every word. I wanted so much to tell them everything will be ok, to give them a hug, to help them...anything! I could tell they were happy I approached them, just to have a conversation and get to know something about them. I'm so thankful for that experience and it's something I'll never forget. I hope I encounter that family again in the future.
After I mingled with a few people I went back to my station & Russ came over & talked to me about the Street Crew. The goal of this group of HUGE hearted people isn't just to meet a couple times a month to serve dinner to this community. Their goal is to get to know them & to provide them with friendships to give them some kind of hope & something to look forward to. I feel like this is something I'm supposed to be a part of, and I'm planning to volunteer for future service.
I went home that night & viewed my own life in a whole new way. I am SO incredibly blessed, beyond words. Once again...giving to others really put my "problems" into perspective! So happy this opportunity crossed my path!
#17- lunch on me
As I've grown up, I've realized the importance of having good friends. When I moved to Salt Lake 10 years ago, I left everything & everyone I knew behind. I stepped out of my comfort zone & started over. Luckily over the past 10 years, many amazing people have crossed my path, resulting in lasting friendships. Life has never been about being popular to me. I've always had a small, close circle of friends & been content with that. As an adult, I can honestly say I have more close friends than I could have ever imagined. I'm very lucky to have each one of them. This past week one of my friends had a birthday. I planned a little girls lunch get together for her with a few other girls. I realized before we met at the restaurant that I hadn't done anything for the other two friends on their birthdays. I'm a big fan of birthdays and making them a big deal. I guess life just got in the way...late became later and I let their birthdays slip my mind. So I took the opportunity for the day & bought birthday lunches for everyone. It was great getting together & just enjoying each others company. Love my friends!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
#16- coffee!!!!
Anyone who knows me at all knows that I LOVE me some coffee. Actually I should start more like this: Hi. My name's Tiffany & I'm a coffee addict. It's THAT bad. So with that being said...I make frequent stops at all local coffee shops. Today on my way to work, I stopped at my favorite, Brew Monkey. I thought to myself, I bet my bestie, who's already been at work for 4 hours, would love some coffee too. So I surprised her, and it made her night a little more bearable. Win win situations always happen when coffee is involved!
On a side note...I've continued to notice more crazy positive things taking place in my life. Maybe like I said before, I'm just more aware. Or maybe life really does become more abundant when you focus on giving. Either way, I'm happy with the outcome. Being able to make someone elses day better is awesome. Seeing your own life improve as a result is just a bonus. Happy weekend y'all!
On a side note...I've continued to notice more crazy positive things taking place in my life. Maybe like I said before, I'm just more aware. Or maybe life really does become more abundant when you focus on giving. Either way, I'm happy with the outcome. Being able to make someone elses day better is awesome. Seeing your own life improve as a result is just a bonus. Happy weekend y'all!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
#15- what happened was...
Well day #15 went down like this: life was crazy & hectic & I didn't feel I took an opportunity to give. It was one of those days that felt like I was being pulled in 85 directions at once. Problem was, I can usually only be pulled so far before I break. Today I broke. I felt I gave 120% of myself to every single person I encountered, literally. So you'd think with all this giving of myself today that there would have been a gift in there somewhere. Well I guess in a way there was, but it wasn't done with the intent & purpose that makes it truly count. I don't want to beat myself up, it was just one of those days for me. Tomorrow is a new day, with new opportunities!
#14- gratitude
When I started this challenge I had this idea in my mind that I'd be reporting back everyday that my giving was a success & life is grand. Well, in real life everyday isn't filled with unicorns & rainbows. Day #14 was one of those slap in the face kind of days. Excuse me in advance for keeping it vague, but I don't want to piss anyone off.
There's a certain person in my life who I feel I can never please. No matter how above & beyond I try to go, I don't fit a certain mold that this person has in mind. Truth is, I never will. It wasn't until recently that I decided to let that fact go, and just be myself regardless. So day #14 I had a lot to be thankful toward this person for & decided I'd step out from behind the wall I usually shield myself from this person with. I sent a very sincere text ( I know..pick up a damn phone & talk..it's like a foreign language these days)...expressing my overwhelming gratitude for things this person has done for me. In my mind I pictured receiving a reply that was equally as kind. Instead, I got nothing. I felt a knot in my stomach almost as if I felt regret for reaching out & putting my guard down. But no, I decided I did what I felt in my heart & accepted the fact that some people, just like some days, are just that way; not full of unicorns & rainbows.
There's a certain person in my life who I feel I can never please. No matter how above & beyond I try to go, I don't fit a certain mold that this person has in mind. Truth is, I never will. It wasn't until recently that I decided to let that fact go, and just be myself regardless. So day #14 I had a lot to be thankful toward this person for & decided I'd step out from behind the wall I usually shield myself from this person with. I sent a very sincere text ( I know..pick up a damn phone & talk..it's like a foreign language these days)...expressing my overwhelming gratitude for things this person has done for me. In my mind I pictured receiving a reply that was equally as kind. Instead, I got nothing. I felt a knot in my stomach almost as if I felt regret for reaching out & putting my guard down. But no, I decided I did what I felt in my heart & accepted the fact that some people, just like some days, are just that way; not full of unicorns & rainbows.
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