This is the last day of our quest. It has been a great learning experience for me and my family. My kids were involved in some of my quests and keep asking me when we are going to do it again. We are definitely going to continue as much as we are going to be able to fit in.
I have set up to head to the animal shelter and volunteer our time helping to walk the dogs. I will continue to do our Family to Family donations monthly. I cant wait for our Habitat for Hours time this spring.
I have to admit that my entire family looks at volunteering differently.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Only 2 days left!
I have been thinking long and hard about my final quest but unfortunately I have been unable to come up with someone spectacular to do before this assignment ends. I have, however, figured out something that my entire family is going to do this spring.
I was talking with a friend and she told me there was some Habitat for Humanity Houses going up in our community. My friend told mke that they were looking for volunteers to help build the house.
I think this is the perfect way to get my entire family involved. My husband is great with his hands. My oldest son would learn a lot and my youngest two could help too.
I called and got us all signed up! I have to admit that I am very excited for the day to come for us to get started. I think that it will be a learning experience for us all.
I was talking with a friend and she told me there was some Habitat for Humanity Houses going up in our community. My friend told mke that they were looking for volunteers to help build the house.
I think this is the perfect way to get my entire family involved. My husband is great with his hands. My oldest son would learn a lot and my youngest two could help too.
I called and got us all signed up! I have to admit that I am very excited for the day to come for us to get started. I think that it will be a learning experience for us all.
3 more days til the end!
I have been feeling under the weather. I guess it's the change of the seasons but its really wearing me down so today I spent the day mostly on the couch.
I used the time to surf the net for different volunteer opportunities and ways to help out charities.
I found many of them that I would like to do provided I have the time. If there were only 25 hours in a day!
Here is a quote to ponder on:
"In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it."
Marianne Williamson
I used the time to surf the net for different volunteer opportunities and ways to help out charities.
I found many of them that I would like to do provided I have the time. If there were only 25 hours in a day!
Here is a quote to ponder on:
"In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it."
Marianne Williamson
#2 of the End!
Well nothing has hit me so far to finish with a blast but I had a great opportunity to help someone out today. I was at work and one of my coworkers vehicle was not starting. They were due to come on for the shift that was after me but had no way into work. There was no one that could cover their shift for them.
I overheard a few of my coworkers talking about if they only had someone to go and pick them up. I didn't have anything going on so I told them that I would be more then happy to go and pick them up!
My coworker was very happy for me to pick them up. On the ride in she told me how much she needed the money and told me if there was anything that I needed to be sure to let her know.
I overheard a few of my coworkers talking about if they only had someone to go and pick them up. I didn't have anything going on so I told them that I would be more then happy to go and pick them up!
My coworker was very happy for me to pick them up. On the ride in she told me how much she needed the money and told me if there was anything that I needed to be sure to let her know.
The beginning of the end.
It is the start of our last week. I have been racking my brain the last two days trying to find the perfect way to end my quest.
When we first started this I wasn't too sure how it would go but I have to admit that so far I have truly enjoyed my experience.
I think that this week I am just going to take things as they come and see what falls into my lap. I am hoping that I am going to have a light bulb momemnt of how to end things with a bang!
So far I have nothing so let's hope for a creative night for me!
When we first started this I wasn't too sure how it would go but I have to admit that so far I have truly enjoyed my experience.
I think that this week I am just going to take things as they come and see what falls into my lap. I am hoping that I am going to have a light bulb momemnt of how to end things with a bang!
So far I have nothing so let's hope for a creative night for me!
End of the Doggy Drive
We now have collected from everyone that stated they would donate items for our Doggy Drive. We are very happy with our collection of items and it was time to load them up into my truck.
Our supply mound was quite a bit bigger then what we thought. We filled up the entire back end of my SUV and filled up my husband car as well with our treasures.
We headed up to the shelter. We met with the supervisor and she instructed us where to put the supplies. The employees came out to help us unload the vehicles. They were shocked when they saw how much we had collected.
We had received 8 bags of dog food, $175 in cash donations, at least 20 blankets, 3 boxes of dog treats, dog toys, and a few bottles of dog shampoos.
I have to admit that this is quite possibly the proudest I have been with our accomplishments. We had a great turn out and the kids were very happy with their involvement in it.
The employees from the shelter thanked up over and over. It was a great week!
Our supply mound was quite a bit bigger then what we thought. We filled up the entire back end of my SUV and filled up my husband car as well with our treasures.
We headed up to the shelter. We met with the supervisor and she instructed us where to put the supplies. The employees came out to help us unload the vehicles. They were shocked when they saw how much we had collected.
We had received 8 bags of dog food, $175 in cash donations, at least 20 blankets, 3 boxes of dog treats, dog toys, and a few bottles of dog shampoos.
I have to admit that this is quite possibly the proudest I have been with our accomplishments. We had a great turn out and the kids were very happy with their involvement in it.
The employees from the shelter thanked up over and over. It was a great week!
Day 4 Doggy Drive
It is a gloomy day but I am not going to let that stop the fun things that were going on around my house.
Today is the day that I started receiving the first of the cash donations. In the mail we received $125 in donations. I know thats not a ton but any amount is helpful in some way.
We also headed to the local DAV to see if we could get our hands on some cheap blankets for the shelter. We did score a few nice blankets for very little money.
My daughter also walked another dog today for a few supplies. She seems to enjoy this very much. I think that we have found a little part time job for her.
My laundry room is now overcome with supplies. We have scheduled to drop the supplies off on Saturday.
Today is the day that I started receiving the first of the cash donations. In the mail we received $125 in donations. I know thats not a ton but any amount is helpful in some way.
We also headed to the local DAV to see if we could get our hands on some cheap blankets for the shelter. We did score a few nice blankets for very little money.
My daughter also walked another dog today for a few supplies. She seems to enjoy this very much. I think that we have found a little part time job for her.
My laundry room is now overcome with supplies. We have scheduled to drop the supplies off on Saturday.
Day 3 Doggy Drive
Today we were scheduled to walk two dogs. I picked up my daughter from school. It was a beautiful day to be dog walking.
We headed to our first "appointment" of the afternoon. When we arrived we were pleasantly surprised to find a heap of supplies waiting at the back door.
There were blankets, dog treat, dog food, and toys.
My daughter's eyes lit up when she saw them. We loaded the items up into our truck and she headed on her way for her dogwalk.
The second "appointment" of the day went just as well! We were quite excited on how things were going.
We headed to our first "appointment" of the afternoon. When we arrived we were pleasantly surprised to find a heap of supplies waiting at the back door.
There were blankets, dog treat, dog food, and toys.
My daughter's eyes lit up when she saw them. We loaded the items up into our truck and she headed on her way for her dogwalk.
The second "appointment" of the day went just as well! We were quite excited on how things were going.
Doggy Drive Day 2
Today we spent the day trying to think of ideas on how to get our hands on as much supplies as we could for the shelter.
We decided today that we were going to use technology to help us out. We sent an email to all of our friends and relatives explaining our drive. I actually let my daughter create the email. It was something that was very important to her. She did a great job. She listed all of the supplies that were needed and even offered that she would walk the dog of anyone that donated.
I was very happy and surprised at how many replies that we received back. Many didn't live in the area but were willing to send cash donations. The ones who did live in the area all had items they were willing to supply.
A few also took my daughter up on her offer to walk their dogs so we worked out a schedule to walk their dog and get their supplies.
I can tell its going to be an exciting week!
We decided today that we were going to use technology to help us out. We sent an email to all of our friends and relatives explaining our drive. I actually let my daughter create the email. It was something that was very important to her. She did a great job. She listed all of the supplies that were needed and even offered that she would walk the dog of anyone that donated.
I was very happy and surprised at how many replies that we received back. Many didn't live in the area but were willing to send cash donations. The ones who did live in the area all had items they were willing to supply.
A few also took my daughter up on her offer to walk their dogs so we worked out a schedule to walk their dog and get their supplies.
I can tell its going to be an exciting week!
Doggy Drive.
The local dog shelter has been running low on supplies. I saw an advertisement in the paper asking for donations of blankets, dog food, and other supplies.
My daughter is a huge animal advocate. I have a feeling when she grows up she's going to be a vet. Her and I decided that this was going to be our quest for the week.
We went to the shelter and discussed with a few employees what kind of things they need. We were given a list and started our hunt for supplies.
First thing we did when we got home was go through our blankets. I was surprised at the stock of blankets that we were harboring in our house that we never used. They needed blankets for the dogs bedding. The next step was to head to Walmart to buy the biggest bag of dog food I could find for the shelter as our person donation.
Next we worked on flyers to hand out to our neighbors asking for their assistance. In our flyer we listed all of the items that were needed. We also listed a date and time of when we would be around to pick up the supplies.
I can't wait to see how this one turns out!
My daughter is a huge animal advocate. I have a feeling when she grows up she's going to be a vet. Her and I decided that this was going to be our quest for the week.
We went to the shelter and discussed with a few employees what kind of things they need. We were given a list and started our hunt for supplies.
First thing we did when we got home was go through our blankets. I was surprised at the stock of blankets that we were harboring in our house that we never used. They needed blankets for the dogs bedding. The next step was to head to Walmart to buy the biggest bag of dog food I could find for the shelter as our person donation.
Next we worked on flyers to hand out to our neighbors asking for their assistance. In our flyer we listed all of the items that were needed. We also listed a date and time of when we would be around to pick up the supplies.
I can't wait to see how this one turns out!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Sunday at Walmart.
Yes, I know it seems like I spend alot of time shopping. I have a 14 year old son and 10 year old daughter who are skinny as can be but eat, and eat, and eat!
This time at Walmart I needed to do two weeks of grocery shopping. The weather is beautiful and the sun is shining so I got up nice and early to get it all done.
I had a FULL cart of food. It was nearly overflowing. I checked out then headed to my car to load everything all up. I got it all loaded into my SUV then was taking my cart back to the cart center when I noticed a lady whos cart must have tipped over and it was nearly as full as mine was.
I saw everyone walking by her and shaking their head...as if to say that poor lady! I thought why arent they helping her!
I walked over to her and said "It looks like you need some help!." She looked completely frazzled. She said " Yes I really need some help!"
It only took 5 minutes of my day to help her pack her groceries back into her bags and then help her put them back into her car.
This time at Walmart I needed to do two weeks of grocery shopping. The weather is beautiful and the sun is shining so I got up nice and early to get it all done.
I had a FULL cart of food. It was nearly overflowing. I checked out then headed to my car to load everything all up. I got it all loaded into my SUV then was taking my cart back to the cart center when I noticed a lady whos cart must have tipped over and it was nearly as full as mine was.
I saw everyone walking by her and shaking their head...as if to say that poor lady! I thought why arent they helping her!
I walked over to her and said "It looks like you need some help!." She looked completely frazzled. She said " Yes I really need some help!"
It only took 5 minutes of my day to help her pack her groceries back into her bags and then help her put them back into her car.
Spring cleaning!
My kids and I have been doing our best to be sure that we are not wasteful and be sure to recycle anything that we can. Spring is just around the corner and its time to go through their closets. I told them that this year I wanted to donate any toys and clothes that dont fit them any more to a local abuse shelter. They help women and children that are trying to get away from domestic abuse situations. These women are basically having to start over!
We spent the entire afternoon into the evening working on emptying out the unneeded things from their bedrooms and closets. By the time that we were done I had 9 large bags of clothes and 3 boxes of toys.
Quite a pile of loot..I must say! I dropped them off at the shelter on Friday and they were very thank full! This is really turning out to be a great week!
We spent the entire afternoon into the evening working on emptying out the unneeded things from their bedrooms and closets. By the time that we were done I had 9 large bags of clothes and 3 boxes of toys.
Quite a pile of loot..I must say! I dropped them off at the shelter on Friday and they were very thank full! This is really turning out to be a great week!
Thursdays collections.
I have been using my networking skills to see just how many items I could collect to use on my next feed the homeless stent.
I have been sending out emails and just talking to some people in my neighborhood abougt it. Today was the day to collect them. I have had several people commit to helping out the cause.
I started at the first stop of the day and just picked up a few items...wasnt too sure just how this was going to go. Would it be worth all of my hard work?
By the end of the day my medium sized SUV was full! I dont think that I could have stuffed another thing in there. I was so very proud to deliver the items to the church.
When I got to the church to drop off my items everyone was very surprised at how many things I had for them.
My goal next week is to get items for the local animal shelter..I hope that it goes over just as well!
I have been sending out emails and just talking to some people in my neighborhood abougt it. Today was the day to collect them. I have had several people commit to helping out the cause.
I started at the first stop of the day and just picked up a few items...wasnt too sure just how this was going to go. Would it be worth all of my hard work?
By the end of the day my medium sized SUV was full! I dont think that I could have stuffed another thing in there. I was so very proud to deliver the items to the church.
When I got to the church to drop off my items everyone was very surprised at how many things I had for them.
My goal next week is to get items for the local animal shelter..I hope that it goes over just as well!
Wednesday at Hy-Vee
Wednesday I was starting to run out of food so I headed to Hy-Vee to pick up a few supplies. My kids seem to be eating me out of house and home lately.
When I was heading into the store I noticed an older gentleman fiddling under the hood of his car.
I finished my shopping and headed back out to my car. The guy was still messing with his car and I could hear cuss words flying out from underneath the hood so I know thats not a good sign.
I asked him if he needed help! He signed and said yes...do you have jumper cables. I just happened to have a pair in my trunk. I told him yes and Id love to help him. His battery was dead and he couldnt figure out why.
I proceeded to move my car over near his so that we could get the deed done. We got his car started within the first few tries. The stern serious look on his face was gone, he was now smiling with relief. He thanked me a few times and offered me some money. I told him no thanks that I was just happuy that he was going to be able to go on his way!
He left with a smile and I think truthfully that he made my day more then I made his!
When I was heading into the store I noticed an older gentleman fiddling under the hood of his car.
I finished my shopping and headed back out to my car. The guy was still messing with his car and I could hear cuss words flying out from underneath the hood so I know thats not a good sign.
I asked him if he needed help! He signed and said yes...do you have jumper cables. I just happened to have a pair in my trunk. I told him yes and Id love to help him. His battery was dead and he couldnt figure out why.
I proceeded to move my car over near his so that we could get the deed done. We got his car started within the first few tries. The stern serious look on his face was gone, he was now smiling with relief. He thanked me a few times and offered me some money. I told him no thanks that I was just happuy that he was going to be able to go on his way!
He left with a smile and I think truthfully that he made my day more then I made his!
Mondays madness!
On Monday I was visiting my grandma. She lives in a neighborhood with mostly older people. She lives on a cul de sac so everyone is very close and knows everyone.
I had offered to help her take down her Christmas lights, with spring just around the corner I didnt think that it was appropriate that she still had them up.
The kids and I worked as a team and started peeling them all down. I noticed that a lady down the street needed quite a few things done around her yard. I started to ask my grandma about her. She told me she was recently widowed and all of her kids live out of state. My grandma said she was worried about things getting done around her house.
We both went down to talk to the lady. Her name was Ruth. She was a very thin and sweet. She offered my kids some cookies. We talked about it being time for the Christmas lights to come down. She said she was just thinking of leaving hers up all year long because her son wouldnt be in state for a visit until this summer. My kids and I offered to take them down for her. She first said no thanks but then with a smile said it would be great.
The kids and I went to work. She had some trash that the melting snow had uncovered in her yard. I put my youngest two kids to work on getting that picked up for her and my oldest and I started to work on her lights.
We got everything all done for her in a short amount of time. She was quite thrilled and offered us money when we were done. We told her no thank you. We loved helping her and told her that we would be back in a few weeks to see if she needed anything else done. Of course she gave my kids a few more cookies then we were on our way.
I had offered to help her take down her Christmas lights, with spring just around the corner I didnt think that it was appropriate that she still had them up.
The kids and I worked as a team and started peeling them all down. I noticed that a lady down the street needed quite a few things done around her yard. I started to ask my grandma about her. She told me she was recently widowed and all of her kids live out of state. My grandma said she was worried about things getting done around her house.
We both went down to talk to the lady. Her name was Ruth. She was a very thin and sweet. She offered my kids some cookies. We talked about it being time for the Christmas lights to come down. She said she was just thinking of leaving hers up all year long because her son wouldnt be in state for a visit until this summer. My kids and I offered to take them down for her. She first said no thanks but then with a smile said it would be great.
The kids and I went to work. She had some trash that the melting snow had uncovered in her yard. I put my youngest two kids to work on getting that picked up for her and my oldest and I started to work on her lights.
We got everything all done for her in a short amount of time. She was quite thrilled and offered us money when we were done. We told her no thank you. We loved helping her and told her that we would be back in a few weeks to see if she needed anything else done. Of course she gave my kids a few more cookies then we were on our way.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Sunday's lost child.
My son had a basketball tournament this weekend. It was your usual sweaty boys, lots of balls bouncing around, and anxious parents watching and waiting to see the outcome of their sons game.
We were in between games just hanging out wasting time until my son's next game started. I noticed in the corner there was a child that was crying. I looked around to see if anyone had seen the child hiding. I didnt see any adults that looked like they had a displaced child. I slowly started to work my way over the child. It was a little girl who was as cute as could be. Blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Tears were streaming down her face.
I asked her if she knew where her mommy was at. She shook her head no. I asked her how long she has been hiding back behind the bleachers...she shrugged her shoulders to say she didnt know. I told her that I will see if I could find her mommy. I asked her if she could remember what her mommy was wearing. She told me she was wearing a blue top. Of course as I started to look around I noticed only about 20 women who were wearing blue tops. I then suggested that maybe we should go to the front desk to see if maybe we could have her mom paged. She looked quite scared to go with but agreed.
We got to the front desk, and sure enough sitting at the front desk was her mom crying looking for her daughter as well!
The mom must have thanked me several times. The place was absolutely packed and she had already went through it twice looking for her daughter but was unable to find her. I am sure it was because she had decided to curl up in a ball behind the bleachers.
We were in between games just hanging out wasting time until my son's next game started. I noticed in the corner there was a child that was crying. I looked around to see if anyone had seen the child hiding. I didnt see any adults that looked like they had a displaced child. I slowly started to work my way over the child. It was a little girl who was as cute as could be. Blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Tears were streaming down her face.
I asked her if she knew where her mommy was at. She shook her head no. I asked her how long she has been hiding back behind the bleachers...she shrugged her shoulders to say she didnt know. I told her that I will see if I could find her mommy. I asked her if she could remember what her mommy was wearing. She told me she was wearing a blue top. Of course as I started to look around I noticed only about 20 women who were wearing blue tops. I then suggested that maybe we should go to the front desk to see if maybe we could have her mom paged. She looked quite scared to go with but agreed.
We got to the front desk, and sure enough sitting at the front desk was her mom crying looking for her daughter as well!
The mom must have thanked me several times. The place was absolutely packed and she had already went through it twice looking for her daughter but was unable to find her. I am sure it was because she had decided to curl up in a ball behind the bleachers.
Fridays May-Lay
My Friday didnt go as planned. I was scheduled for a class with my work. I was told that the class was supposed to start at 7:00am on the dot. I arrived promptly at 6:50hoping to be able to be a bit early to get a drink and get settled before the class started.
To my dismay when I got there the door to the classroom was locked. There was a chair that was nearby so I decided to occupy it until signs of life showed up to let me into the classroom. 7:00am came and went. 7:15am passed by as well. I started to get worried that maybe I was in the wrong place or had gotten the time wrong.
I started to make some phone calls on my cell phone to make sure that I was where I needed to be. While I was leaving messages for people to see if I had gotten confused on my information a lady passed by that had a towering stack of items on a table that she was trying to carefully push down the hallway. As she passed over every bump I could see her wincing and obviously praying that the items from her cat didnt go sailing into the air.
She made it nearly all the way down the hall to the elevator until she lost control. The cart went falling over onto its side. The items from the top went flying into the air. I could see the anger on her face.
I walked over to her and asked if she needed some help! The anger from her face disappeared and she replied "Yes, if you have the time that would be wonderful."
Her and I proceeded on picking up the items that were all over the floor. She actually had to take them 2 floors up. I told her she was trying to balance too much so I would be more then happy to help her take then to the destination! She was very happy for the help.
I helped her get them where they were supposed to be and then went back to the classroom where I was supposed to be. This time there was actually someone there and the room was open. They had told me to meet them in the wrong area so they had been waiting for me to show up somewhere else. I guess that I was meant to be where I was so that I could help her with her disaster and hopefully help to make her Friday better.
To my dismay when I got there the door to the classroom was locked. There was a chair that was nearby so I decided to occupy it until signs of life showed up to let me into the classroom. 7:00am came and went. 7:15am passed by as well. I started to get worried that maybe I was in the wrong place or had gotten the time wrong.
I started to make some phone calls on my cell phone to make sure that I was where I needed to be. While I was leaving messages for people to see if I had gotten confused on my information a lady passed by that had a towering stack of items on a table that she was trying to carefully push down the hallway. As she passed over every bump I could see her wincing and obviously praying that the items from her cat didnt go sailing into the air.
She made it nearly all the way down the hall to the elevator until she lost control. The cart went falling over onto its side. The items from the top went flying into the air. I could see the anger on her face.
I walked over to her and asked if she needed some help! The anger from her face disappeared and she replied "Yes, if you have the time that would be wonderful."
Her and I proceeded on picking up the items that were all over the floor. She actually had to take them 2 floors up. I told her she was trying to balance too much so I would be more then happy to help her take then to the destination! She was very happy for the help.
I helped her get them where they were supposed to be and then went back to the classroom where I was supposed to be. This time there was actually someone there and the room was open. They had told me to meet them in the wrong area so they had been waiting for me to show up somewhere else. I guess that I was meant to be where I was so that I could help her with her disaster and hopefully help to make her Friday better.
Thursdays Fun
Thursday was a rather low key day for us. We just hung around our house. We are still trying to battle off some sicknesses that have been hovering around my family so I didnt get out much.
I did get to Walmart to get some supplies. You know the usual sick supplies 7up, kleenexes, saltines, those sort of things.
I came across a young mom that was on her way to the car with the "balancing act" going that I have talked about. She had a kid on her hip, purse, and grocerings in hand. She was definitely struggling.
I did not have any of my kids with me. I offered to help her out. She just gave me this blank stare as if to say "Are you serious?". I smiled and stuck my hand out to take the bags from her.
She still was unsure what to think of me. She hesitated but did let me help her. She was quite happy. I told her that I had been in that position many times. Thinking the entire walk to the car "Why didnt I get a cart? Ugh, next time I am definitely getting a cart!".
She must have said "thank you" a hundred times! Just hearing that was enough to have me smiling the rest of the day!
I did get to Walmart to get some supplies. You know the usual sick supplies 7up, kleenexes, saltines, those sort of things.
I came across a young mom that was on her way to the car with the "balancing act" going that I have talked about. She had a kid on her hip, purse, and grocerings in hand. She was definitely struggling.
I did not have any of my kids with me. I offered to help her out. She just gave me this blank stare as if to say "Are you serious?". I smiled and stuck my hand out to take the bags from her.
She still was unsure what to think of me. She hesitated but did let me help her. She was quite happy. I told her that I had been in that position many times. Thinking the entire walk to the car "Why didnt I get a cart? Ugh, next time I am definitely getting a cart!".
She must have said "thank you" a hundred times! Just hearing that was enough to have me smiling the rest of the day!
Hump Day Happiness
My Wednesday was great! We actually spent the day helping out in a local low income daycare. My daughter and I went if you are wondering why I am saying "we".
They take volunteers in the afternoon on certain daysto help out with craft time and to give the teachers some much needed time for a break to help plan the curriculum and get other things done. We had so much fun with the kids.
I did take some time out of the "fun" to talk to the director about what other things that I could do. She had a list of supplies that they would love to get their hands on. I have another quest...to try to figure up a way to help her get some much needed supplies that are not in their budget. The wheels in my head are definitely turning!
They take volunteers in the afternoon on certain daysto help out with craft time and to give the teachers some much needed time for a break to help plan the curriculum and get other things done. We had so much fun with the kids.
I did take some time out of the "fun" to talk to the director about what other things that I could do. She had a list of supplies that they would love to get their hands on. I have another quest...to try to figure up a way to help her get some much needed supplies that are not in their budget. The wheels in my head are definitely turning!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Tuesdays deed!
Well I FINALLY got my opportunity to do something that I have been wanting to try out. I was leaving Hy-Vee and saw an elderly lady trying to balance two bags and get her keys out of her person. I walked up to her and asked her if she needed help. At first she looked at me just perplexed but then smiled and said that would be lovely.
I carried her bags to her car. She thanked me the entire way. She said no one has done anything that nice for her in a long time.
All I can say is MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! Very happy with todays results!
I carried her bags to her car. She thanked me the entire way. She said no one has done anything that nice for her in a long time.
All I can say is MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! Very happy with todays results!
Monday, March 1, 2010
My Interview
Anna and I decided to meet for a “lunch date” so that it was a relaxing atmosphere for my interview. We meet at Panera’s bread eatery in Jordan Creek mall. Anna is a very petite and beautiful lady. She is the type that just draws people to her with her smile and demeanor. She sits down and we start to talk. She’s very open from the get go which makes me excited to get started.
She has been a nurse for 6 years in Labor/Delivery and will be working as a midwife in a few months. She is very excited to embark on her new adventure. She tells me, “ I am ready to make a difference in these women’s lives and help to give these babies a good start to life.” She works for a hospital that handles many low income women. She offers them pamphlets regarding services that are available to them but wishes that she could do so much more. She tries to give them any hints and tips on what they can do to be sure that they giving themselves the best care while pregnant, all while being on a budget at the same time.
I explain my quest to her. I tell her that I want to make a difference in people’s life. I want to be able to make them stop and think about how they could help others . Maybe even to spread my generosity and kindness onto someone else in some shape or form. She thinks that my quest is going to be a difficult one, but thinks that I am going to learn a lot from this experience. I told her that learning was my main goal and I was hoping to maybe change the attitude of those around me at the same time. I told her that I was also hoping that this would rub onto my family so they could realize just how thankful they should be for what they have.
We started discussing what made Anna decide to choose this career. She starts to tell me about some things in her life. She met her husband while she was in high school, got pregnant, and married very young but was bound and determined to graduate from college. She says, “The minute that pregnancy test came back positive, it changed my life. “ She was bound and determined to make her dreams come true. She has me convinced that anyone not matter what the circumstances are, can do what they put their mind to. She worked very hard and had the support of her family. She just recently got her Masters degree in Nursing and feels she is living proof with the right support you can live out your dream. She is still married to the same man and has four beautiful children.
We start talking about ways that I am going to be able to help others out. We talk about just the simple things like paying for a coffee and holding the door open then start talking about other possibilities. She suggests feeding the homeless. She invited me to come to her church. Once a month members of her church gather together donated supplies and make meals for the homeless in Des Moines area. After they have made the meals then they load everything up and distribute them. She says, “It’s very rewarding. It seems odd but its something that I look forward to every month. I really enjoy talking with them and seeing the joy on their faces when they have a hot meal. ” I told her I would take her up on this offer. We discussed what kind of food is served. As she is talking a light bulb in my brain goes off. There is so many different ways that I can take this quest. It just depends on how much work I want to put into it and how dedicated I want to be.
She agrees that small things every day is a great goal for my quest but encourages me to do something on a bigger scale. She suggest a helping to do drives maybe weekly or to have a goal for every week. One week do a drive for the local animal shelter and the next collect supplies for feeling the homeless. She says there are so many people and animals in need that the possibilities are endless. She encouraged me to use my imagination. She then started to talk to me about Family to Family. Her family is involved with it and said she thought it would be a great thing for me and my family. I explained to her that I wanted to get my kids involved whenever I could. Family to Family is a nonprofit organization that connects two families together. One family here in the Midwest and then one in a poverty stricken area. Once a month I am given a grocery list of things to purchase and package up costing approximately $31.00. The package is then sent to a family who‘s annual salary is well below poverty level. She says they encourage the kids to include letters about their families and their lives. She said that its something her kids look forward to every month. She feels like it really helps her kids to realize that not everyone has what they need like our family.
She also suggests a few places where I can drop off my kids clothes that they have outgrown. She thinks it’s a great idea to have the kids help to pack them up and determine what can go to the needy kids. One of them is a local shelter for women who are involved in domestic abuse. She said many of these women have nothing but the clothes on their back when they leave their house. These women are trying to start a new life on their own and need all the help they can get.
As Anna talks about the things that she has been involved in I can see the sparkle in her eyes. I can tell that she is very proud of herself for being involved in making a difference, and I hope that once I am done with my quest that I will feel the same way! She really opened my eyes to a lot more possibilities for my quest. I definitely would not have thought of these things on my own. I am very happy that I decided to interview her. My brain was going a hundred miles a minute after our interview. She has planted a few seeds and now I just need to let them flourish to see what will become of them. I cant wait to get started on this quest.!
She has been a nurse for 6 years in Labor/Delivery and will be working as a midwife in a few months. She is very excited to embark on her new adventure. She tells me, “ I am ready to make a difference in these women’s lives and help to give these babies a good start to life.” She works for a hospital that handles many low income women. She offers them pamphlets regarding services that are available to them but wishes that she could do so much more. She tries to give them any hints and tips on what they can do to be sure that they giving themselves the best care while pregnant, all while being on a budget at the same time.
I explain my quest to her. I tell her that I want to make a difference in people’s life. I want to be able to make them stop and think about how they could help others . Maybe even to spread my generosity and kindness onto someone else in some shape or form. She thinks that my quest is going to be a difficult one, but thinks that I am going to learn a lot from this experience. I told her that learning was my main goal and I was hoping to maybe change the attitude of those around me at the same time. I told her that I was also hoping that this would rub onto my family so they could realize just how thankful they should be for what they have.
We started discussing what made Anna decide to choose this career. She starts to tell me about some things in her life. She met her husband while she was in high school, got pregnant, and married very young but was bound and determined to graduate from college. She says, “The minute that pregnancy test came back positive, it changed my life. “ She was bound and determined to make her dreams come true. She has me convinced that anyone not matter what the circumstances are, can do what they put their mind to. She worked very hard and had the support of her family. She just recently got her Masters degree in Nursing and feels she is living proof with the right support you can live out your dream. She is still married to the same man and has four beautiful children.
We start talking about ways that I am going to be able to help others out. We talk about just the simple things like paying for a coffee and holding the door open then start talking about other possibilities. She suggests feeding the homeless. She invited me to come to her church. Once a month members of her church gather together donated supplies and make meals for the homeless in Des Moines area. After they have made the meals then they load everything up and distribute them. She says, “It’s very rewarding. It seems odd but its something that I look forward to every month. I really enjoy talking with them and seeing the joy on their faces when they have a hot meal. ” I told her I would take her up on this offer. We discussed what kind of food is served. As she is talking a light bulb in my brain goes off. There is so many different ways that I can take this quest. It just depends on how much work I want to put into it and how dedicated I want to be.
She agrees that small things every day is a great goal for my quest but encourages me to do something on a bigger scale. She suggest a helping to do drives maybe weekly or to have a goal for every week. One week do a drive for the local animal shelter and the next collect supplies for feeling the homeless. She says there are so many people and animals in need that the possibilities are endless. She encouraged me to use my imagination. She then started to talk to me about Family to Family. Her family is involved with it and said she thought it would be a great thing for me and my family. I explained to her that I wanted to get my kids involved whenever I could. Family to Family is a nonprofit organization that connects two families together. One family here in the Midwest and then one in a poverty stricken area. Once a month I am given a grocery list of things to purchase and package up costing approximately $31.00. The package is then sent to a family who‘s annual salary is well below poverty level. She says they encourage the kids to include letters about their families and their lives. She said that its something her kids look forward to every month. She feels like it really helps her kids to realize that not everyone has what they need like our family.
She also suggests a few places where I can drop off my kids clothes that they have outgrown. She thinks it’s a great idea to have the kids help to pack them up and determine what can go to the needy kids. One of them is a local shelter for women who are involved in domestic abuse. She said many of these women have nothing but the clothes on their back when they leave their house. These women are trying to start a new life on their own and need all the help they can get.
As Anna talks about the things that she has been involved in I can see the sparkle in her eyes. I can tell that she is very proud of herself for being involved in making a difference, and I hope that once I am done with my quest that I will feel the same way! She really opened my eyes to a lot more possibilities for my quest. I definitely would not have thought of these things on my own. I am very happy that I decided to interview her. My brain was going a hundred miles a minute after our interview. She has planted a few seeds and now I just need to let them flourish to see what will become of them. I cant wait to get started on this quest.!
Today is a very exciting day! We are packing up our Family to Family items and will be dropping them off at the local chapter tomorrow.
The kids had alot of fun with this. I gave them the list, let them push the cart through Wal-Mart and even let them pick everything out. They were having fun doing it. Talking about maybe the kids really liked macaroni and cheese but not so much the vegetables just like they do.
Tonight they will be making letters to go with the package and then dropping them off.
We also discussed what some things may be like for these less fortunate kids and how much what we are doing will be helping them.
The kids had alot of fun with this. I gave them the list, let them push the cart through Wal-Mart and even let them pick everything out. They were having fun doing it. Talking about maybe the kids really liked macaroni and cheese but not so much the vegetables just like they do.
Tonight they will be making letters to go with the package and then dropping them off.
We also discussed what some things may be like for these less fortunate kids and how much what we are doing will be helping them.
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