--Dawna Markova
Post your acts of kindness here. I am so inspired by all of the acts--the big ones and the small ones-- that each of you has written about. They all bring a huge smile to my face. Thank you for that joy!
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My Vision for Go Big!
On March 7, 2008 my life got turned upside down. I was unexpectedly diagnosed with a brain tumor which was so not on my to do list! Equally unexpectedly, I had neurosurgery on March 20 and the results of the biopsy indicated that the tumor was benign. Thank God! Along this journey, I have taken solace in the fact that this is a huge opportunity for us all.
I am a clinical psychology doctoral student at Vanderbilt University. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to make a huge difference in the world. For a couple of days, I actually feared that I had wished this scary and chaotic experience on myself and my loved ones, but then I was reminded that "life prepares life" and it all started making a bit more sense.
In a whirlwind of pre-operative appointments, Dr. Kyle Weaver, my neurosurgeon, told me that I should "hold onto my blood" which was a huge blow to me as I try to be a regular blood donor. Without skipping a beat, however, my advisor, Dr. Bruce Compas, made me an offer to "pick up the slack" which I believe was the impetus for this whole GO BIG challenge as it struck me then that perhaps we can all be doing just a little more.
As a person who hopes to make a profession and a life of helping children and families, I'm committed to helping others in the best way I know how. Consistently, I work with parents and children teaching them to praise the good and ignore the bad. Not my idea, but it is a behavioral principle that works. Now, don't get me wrong--I'm not blind to the evil in this world. In fact, I'm struck by our culture's fascination with drama, hurt, despair, and scandal. It absolutely blows my mind that these negatives suck so much of our attention that we can relatively easily forget all of the 1000's acts of kindness that are going on right this very minute.
My hope is that this website can be a central location for all of us to capture all of the really awesome things that we are already doing and that we can all be inspired by each other's goodness. It's not an original or courageous idea (although some have called it that), it is just an opportunity to do something that I've always wanted to do. And, I'll bet that if I'm anything like you, I'm just doing the best that I can in this moment. Sometimes that means that I offend people. We are all imperfectly perfect and I know that that is where the true beauty lies.
There are no absolute rules because I couldn't possibly predict the creative and imaginative ways that we can each help one another. Well, that's a lie. There is really just one rule: do what you feel in your heart! Try not to feel like what you do doesn't matter. It does! If you don't believe me, read the postings for yourself and see what you think. To somebody in that moment, you will have made a difference and for that I am eternally grateful.
So if you feel it in your heart or your head or whatever pushes you to act, try to do something. Nothing is too small and nothing is too big. Just put one foot in front of the other, and if you wish, take a risk.
Overwhelmed with a sea of emotions and an outpouring of support from our community, Austin, the love of my life, and I have felt so very blessed. I believe that there is always meaning out there in this precious world of ours, sometimes you just have to squint to find it. This past several weeks has been a truly rock ride and my guess is that life always will be. So, step aboard if you are up for the challenge and let's see how far we can get this good to spread.
With great gratitude,
93 comments:
Today I took a bag of items to Goodwill :)
Hi Jenni! One of my parents' friends has a daughter who is headed to college next fall, and right now she is trying to decide between two great schools. Ironically enough, the two schools she trying to decide between are my alma matter and yours (Middlebury College and Stanford University)! I remember what a HUGE decision that was at the time, so when I heard that she was thinking about Middlebury, I decided to write to her through her parents to tell her a little bit about my experience and some of the reasons why I am glad I went there.
What was great is that writing that letter got me thinking about Vermont and all the things I loved about it, so that although my intention was to be kind to someone else, the process turned out to be a gift to myself as well.
I think that's one of the wonderful things you are nurturing with the movement/community you have created. These little kindnesses touch the giver and the receiver. As Harold Kushner put it, "When you carry out acts of kindness you get a wonderful feeling inside. It is as though something inside your body responds and says, yes, this is how I ought to feel."
Posting on your blog made me realize that I have been pretty positively biased in my description of Middlebury, so in the spirit of objectivity, I think I will send her the web address of this blog, as my acknowlegement that Stanford has produced some pretty awesome graduates, too. ;)
hey jenni! I haven't done my share of posting---I promise to get with the program!!
I wanted to let you know that you have inspired me to volunteer for the Special Olympics here in Boston! Can't wait to do it. We miss you!
Shelly
I just got back from running errands and picked up two adorable spring outfits for my more than adorable nieces. :)
We just signed up to work at an upcoming circus event through a local handicapped riding program.
So many good things have happened since I first read your blog. This is my first post though.
A lady opened the door for me at the post office and let me go in front of her because I was carrying a box. Someone at work gave me a gift card just to be nice. I have been letting people ahead of me in traffic and motioning them to go first. I'm not in so much of a hurry and am stopping to appreciate the little things. A cashier at the grocery gave me an extra coupon to save more money on my pruchase.
When a friend and I walk our dogs we often find pennies on the ground. When I pick them up I see In God We Trust and say a prayer.
I wish you all the very best. You and your family are in my prayers.
Sarah (Kim's Mom)
Hi, Jenni. It's difficult to go big when you're sick. My husband has gone big this weekend by being kind to me, caring for me, and doing some housework/ picking up the slack a little while I've been ill. My friend, Tracy, has gone big by calling to check on me/ offering to bring me things/ cook for me. My mom and grandma have gone big by calling to check on me. I'm going big by thinking positive thoughts and noticing the small things that bring me joy, which puts me in a better mood and pays dividends to my family who benefit from my happy spirit. Hopefully, I can go big in public tomorrow.
Hope your weekend has been lovely!
Love,
Shelly
I bought a man a case of water today.
The other day, I was in my classroom right before school began when a student walked in with his mom. We had been collecting 2 liter coke bottles for our upcoming carnival, and he was bringing in several bottles for the class. He put them down and began to unpack his backpack. As he did this, he pulled out a small Dr. Pepper and handed it to me. I was a little confused and asked him what it was for...about that time his mom walked in and said she had stopped to buy herself one that morning and her kids (my student and his little sister) said they wanted to buy one for me and the other teacher too.
That morning, our new puppy had woken me up at around 3:00 am and I hadn't been able to get back to sleep. I spent several minutes searching for a drink at work, but we were out. Needless to say...I was extrememly tired and really needed SOMETHING to help me wake up! Bringing me a drink was a very small act, but it definitely made my day (and gave me a little more patience to deal with my little darlings all day)!
Received Act of Kindness: My parents sent me an adorable dog house for my shih-tzu Chapman. Unfortunately, there was some assembly required and I don't have any building skills. I phoned my dad's friend, who lives here in Nashville, and asked if he might be able to help out the helpless. One hour later, he was on my doorstep with a power drill.
I volunteered at the Charis Center
on my day off yestarday. I try to volunteer at least two days a month at this clinic for the working uninsured. When I put myself in our patients' place, I feel their frustration and helplessness at not being able to meet their basic needs of health care even though they work everyday. I also feel empowered when I talk to waiters, waitresses,
part time workers in department stores who serve me, about the availability of this new (opened in Jan.08)resource in their area.
I pray that all aspects of your health continue to improve.Jenni.
I can't tell you how good it makes me feel to see how you uncompromisingly insist on focusing on the positives, not only in your own life, but in the lives of others as well.
God bless you always, Robbie
This morning I saw a guy taking his time to diligently clean off the graffiti that was covering a gas meter box.
My next door neighbor offered to help me take my new puppy and dog to the vet along with my Hailey my 10month old
Yesterday as I was in line to check out at the grocery store, the man in front of me was digging through his wallet in search of his discount card. He was clearly feeling a bit pressured as there was a long line behind us so I pulled my card out and let him use it. Took two seconds for me but he seemed quite relieved.
Hey, everyone,
I've roped my boyfriend into going big with me, and we are doing a walk-a-thon to raise money for Angelman syndrome on May 17. For those who don't know, Angelman syndrome is a genetic disorder that leads to severe or profound mental retardation and individuals require life-long intensive care from others. The children with Angelman syndrome that I have known also tend to have the sweetest smiles in the world and can be very cuddly and affectionate. Money raised for the Angelman Syndrome Foundation will go directly towards family support such as providing workshops and funding research grants for everything from mouse models to language interventions. Every dollar helps so even if you can only give a few it is greatly appreciated!
If you are interested in helping us go big, please visit firstgiving.com/tcandwill
Thanks, everyone!
TC
Hi Jenni, One of my friends, who is 80 years old, just moved into a condo with her very sick husband. She was really feeling out of touch since she had to wait two weeks for her son to come and set up her computer. So I went over and set the whole thing up, including printer, speakers, modem and then got her connected. It made me feel so good just to know I could do something so "techish" at age 64. Knowing you have this page makes me think of how easy it is to do an act of kindness. Phyllis
i am giving my old laptop to my little sister who is starting grad school in the fall. i am also giving her her car back with a brand new stereo installed.
last night a fellow yogini asked me to sub for her class at the last minute. i said yes, even though i had plans. we all need a little help every now and again.
When my mom and I went on a walk this morning, we came across a woman who was having a very hard time. So we sat with her and waited until she got the help she needed.
John and I are also grateful for all of the help people have so genergously given us with our move!
The power of kindness...
So I wasn't having the best day ever, I was a bit stressed and overwhelmed (I know...who isn't?!). Then, I got in my car and headed to Kroger. I challenged myself to fit in a least one small act of kindness on my trip.
1. I let a woman merge into the traffic in front of me on Hillsboro. As she smiled and waved, I realized how much better I was feeling already.
2. Fighting more traffic in the Kroger parking lot, I finally pulled into a space. As I got out of my car, I saw an almost empty soda bottle begging me to pick it up and throw it away. So I did!
Two very small acts and my day is looking way up. :)
Me again.
I just sealed a card for a family friend who recently underwent brain surgery. I didn't have the exact right words to say to her, but I could tell her that she was in my thoughts and prayers and that I was here for her if she wanted to talk.
It made me realize how amazing each of you has been through this whole process. Thank you for all of the kindness that you have offered--it is all so deeply appreciated. There are no exact right words or exact right gestures, but I can assure you that I am grateful for all of it. I feel so blessed to stumble along this bumpy road with each of you.
Since Earth Day was this weekend, I'm making extra efforts to recycle and be kind to the Earth. At Rites of Spring this weekend, I picked up a bunch of cans from the ground and put them in the recycling bins. Hopefully that helped make someone's job a little easier in the clean up process after the concerts! I also opted to go paperless with my paystubs at work.
After witnessing how much a friend's dog loved "Solid gold" dog food, I left a bag full of samples on her doorstep.
Act of kindness received: a surprise call for a coffee work break in the middle of the day :)
I have my Go Big Business cards in my purse and ready to be handed out at a moment's notice upon observing an act of kindness or someone in need of a boost! Can't wait to start handing them out. My small act of kindness today was that I did not take my stress and mounting anger (in true New Yorker fashion) out on a friend who really would not have deserved an outburst. Instead I kept myself in check and thought about how I could stop throwing myself a pity party, get out of my slump, and realize tomorrow is another day!
Last week, I was driving to lunch, minding my own business when while crossing the intersection, the car right in front of me was hit on the passenger side by someone who ran the red light. No one appeared hurt, but I decided to get out and give my contact info as a witness. I figured my Wendy's combo meal could wait the 2 minutes it would take.
While providing my info to the elderly female driver of the car that was hit, her husband emerged from the passenger side holding his chest, telling his wife that he really wanted to "go back" to the hospital because his chest was feeling "funny" (as it turns out, he was actually on his way home from the hospital, having undergone triple bypass surgery there.) However, the couple's car was not drivable, so I drove the gentleman the 2 blocks to their home so he could retrieve their other car while his wife finished exchanging info with the driver that hit them. I offered to wait with him in their driveway until his wife walked home, but he refused. So I made the block just to make sure the car at their house was gone before going on my way.
Then the next day, I had to tell the whole story in detail to their insurance company (Can I count that as a 2nd kind act and post it another day? LOL)
Ok, some of you may think this is corny, but I'm a corny person in some ways, so it fits if you know me. Traffic is something that usually frustrates me to no end, and I find it difficult to have compassion for my fellow travellers (even though I really want to cultivate this compassion). Yesterday, I left school to go home right at rush hour (around 5:30, ick!). So, instead of feeling angered by other drivers, I decided that everybody needed a little mercy and joy. So, I sang a healing chant all the way home and directed loving, positive prayers (if you will) toward all those drivers around me. My heart was filled with joy, and I had a very blessed and restful night. Today, it's my intention to direct as much love and energy to my work.
Happy Earth Day! I am making a big effort to get everything recyclable around the office into the recycle bin and not the trash. I brought my lunch in washable containers and avoided plastic baggies.
Today I registered for the National Brain Tumor Foundation's Angel Adventure Walk, which will take place in Golden Gate Park on Saturday, May 3rd. My husband Johnnie and I have participated every year since my friend Matthew was diagnosed with brain cancer in August 2005. This year Johnnie and I are walking in honor of both Matt and Jenni. If you'd like to support us, please visit our fundraising page: http://www.firstgiving.com/teammanzari. And if you're in the Bay Area, we'd love to see you there! It's a great event!
Kindness received: My mom treated me to a movie and popcorn last night!
Today I was waiting in line at Starbucks for a much needed iced coffee boost. Just as I went to pay, I unzipped the change purse on my wallet and all my change (which I have been accumulating) came spilling out. Two other customers that I didn't know quickly stooped down to help me pick up all the change. And what's more, they laughed with me, not at me, which made me much less embarrassed. In exchange for the kindness I received, I left a handful of that change in the tip jar.
Then, on the way home. I was walking past a bagel shop where an older man was trying to drive his motorized wheelchair around a tight corner. Well, he hit the curb and almost fell over sideways but a person sitting at the table near him reached out and caught him and kept him from falling.
I forgot to hand out my Go Big business cards to these do-gooders, but I will remember next time now that my radar is up for random acts of kindness!
On Monday evening I had the opportunity to see a documentary that is part of the Nashville Film Festival called "Sons of Lwala." It's the story of Milton and Fred Ochieng’, two brothers from Kenya, whose village sent them to America to become doctors. Before losing both parents to AIDS, their father shared his dying wish with them: to build a health clinic in Lwala. He had a dream that nobody else would die in Lwala for lack of access to basic health care. So Milton and Fred have made it their mission to build a health clinic in their father's legacy. In between their busy schedules as medical students at Vanderbilt University, they've worked hard to raise enough money to make their father's dream come true.
On April 2nd, 2007, after over two years of fundraising and construction, the village of Lwala celebrated the Ochieng' Memorial Lwala Community Health Center -- it's very first clinic. Since that day it has seen over 1,500 patients every month, mostly women and children.
In order to sustain the clinic's existing programs as well as continue new initiatives in water, HIV/AIDS, maternity and medical education, people's generosity and support is vital.
I've since made a donation towards this wonderful cause and want to encourage others to do the same. If this isn't a reason to Go Big, I'm not sure what is.
For more information, check out their website:
http://www.lwalacommunityalliance.org/
Hope you are doing well! I went to lunch with some friends from work and since I ordered first I told the guy to put it all on my card. The girls I was with were completely taken back! I told them random acts of kindness are what it is all about!
Have a great day.
-Ian
I received a very thoughtful "just because" care package in the mail today. It made my day!!
Today, I sent out a thinking of you card to someone in need of happy thoughts.
While I was waiting in line at the grocery store, I noticed that the lady in front of me didn't have enough money to pay for all of her groceries. The cashier seemed annoyed and was trying to help her put some items back.
I got to thinking about the email I just received from Jenni about this website. I decided to do my act of kindness and give the sweet lady the few dollars she was short. She was very thankful and it made me feel good to do something nice for someone else.
My nice coworker brought in bagels to share this morning.
I bought lemonade from a little girl who set up a stand to raise money to buy a fish!!
Today my husband and I made a large donation to a building fund at our church for the building of a replacement school for one that is crumbling and very unsafe in Petit Goave, Haiti.
-Robbie
I gave 4 bucks (the only cash I had with me) to a homeless man. I pray for this man, and I wish I could do more, but I hope that the cash I gave helped him at least for last night.
a friend gave up his much-coveted computer plug at JJ's for one of my friend's to use!
A coworker brought in some delicious oreos for our lab to enjoy! Yum, yum! Thanks Emily! :)
Went the extra mile at work today to help ensure my patient had a vaginal birth for her newborn son Troy who weighed in at 10 pounds two ounces. Wow, that is a big boy
Tar
Hi Jenni! Although there are so many more acts of kindness I wish I could do, the one thing I did a couple weeks back was take a sectionmate of mine to the hospital to get and MRI on his leg after he tore his ACL. I had a bunch of cases to read and Show rehearsal and other commitments, but I knew he'd really appreciate it, so I drove him to the center and waited with him to provide moral support. I hope you are recovering well!
The Good deeds of the Boger Advisory:
Ilana – My father got home late last night from a business trip so I got up early to walk the dog so that he could sleep in
Alexander – I held the door for a fellow classmate
Amanda – I made pancakes two weekends ago for people visiting from China
Matts – I played with my dog outside in the rain so that my family would not have to walk him
EB – I sewed my friend’s ribbons on her point shoes (it took close to two hours)
Julia – I found Amanda’s textbook in the hallway and returned it to her so that she could do her HW
Ryan – I will clean up Mr. Boger’s at the end of Study Hall today
Alex – I held the door for the third grade yesterday
Matt – I helped my dad clean up the yard for an hour this past weekend
I am very grateful to the RA's in my lab who have been helping me with a project, so I baked them cookies. A small token of my appreciation.
A woman that I work with told me that she regularly crochets hats for the premies at the children's hospital. Today she said that she was going to knit them as a Go Big activity in my honor. It just made my day. Thank you, Jackie!
I have not been very good at posting, but a couple of things happened recently that I though were definitely worthy of Go Big!
Kindness Received: Two days ago I was having a really bad morning and one of my friends took extra time out of her work day to talk with me - it helped a lot!
Kindness Witnessed: Yesterday while out running I saw two telephone pole workers who were helping to jump start a woman's car. You could tell they had left there work to help her - very cool!
Go Big!!
A way to GO BIG:
My friend Tara is running the San Diego Marathon on June 1, 2008, to raise $4000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. You can support her in this endeavor by coming out to Otter's on Tuesday, May 6th, at 6 pm and hear Matt Woods, Jordan Lawhead, and Chris Milam play some tunes to benefit the L&L Society! There will be an optional $5 donation at the door, and Otter's will donate 10% of each meal purchased. Spread the word and come support this wonderful cause! The EVITE is:
http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=ZXCSSAJZTKEMIHKYTCCC&li=iq&src=email&trk=aei6
Katie
Howdy! I hope everyone is having a great day! Austin and I made a large clothes donation to the Goodwill.
I donated my old cell phone to HopeLine, a verizon wireless program that refurbishes old phones or sells them to purchase new ones for battered women across the country.
John and I left something of ours in a store and the manager ran out of the store, through the shopping mall, and into the parking lot to return it to us.
I gave out my first "Go Big" card this weekend.
Jenni, hello! Thought I would say hi. It was so good to see you this weekend.
I received some kindness last week from my mother-in-law. Caroline and I were feeling pretty under the weather one morning, so my mother-in-law came over, let me sleep, and she cleaned my house! It sure was sweet of her, especially when it is something I don't ever have time to do.
Thinking of you!
justin, laura,and caroline
I went in for a follow-up appointment at the neuro-surgery clinic today. I sure did receive a lot of kindness there. The entire medical team has been so amazingly good to me throughout this entire process. I am so grateful for them...thank you Laketia, Joe, Tracy, and Dr. Weaver!
We gathered up food items and put them out for a food-drive that is going on in our neighborhood.
Have a great weekend everybody! I'm gonna be on the lookout for lots and lots of kindness. I hope some finds its way to you!
We donated clothes to the Red Cross and gave away our old cell phones this weekend.
Today was the last day of my clinical placement. I have been very fortunate to work with a group of amazing colleagues in an effort to help children in the foster care system who have attachment difficulties. It has been so incredible to be a part of this group and I am so thankful for all that I have learned from my supervisors and fellow students. Thank you!
Here is a "Go Big" giving opportunity related to a world event that many of us have probably watched: the devastating cyclone in Myanmar (Burma) and the 20,000+ people dead and the other 40,000+ people missing.
http://www.globalgiving.com/myanmar.html?rf=ggad_myanmarcyclone1&gclid=CJzm6dTYlZMCFRZ1FQod-jAmew
when I ordered my coffee from Fido this past week, I left a Go Big for Jenni business card on the table. :)
Some friends of mine helped me in a pinch. They are the best!
Today a young, frantic couple needed directions to a building on campus. Being the directionally-challenged individuals that we are, we were unsuccessful in our attempt to tell them how to get there, so we decided to make it a little easier for them by offering to drive in front of their car and lead them to the building. It made their day and it made our day a little better too. :)
Jenni and Amber
Hello! It's been so long since I've posted, but I just wanted to let you know I still think about you and this amazing site, and all the good that can be done. So glad you are doing so well, and I realize that the need to "gobigforjenni" never stops -- thank you for always reminding me how important it is to do good, be kind, and live with love!
xoxox
My brother-in-law has been secretly planting flowers and trees in our new backyard. On a weekly basis, we open the backdoor and are pleasantly surprised by his latest additions to the yard!
I don't know if this counts as an "act of kindness," but since there are no rules...I'll post it anyway. I guess it is more of an act of thanks.
I have been feeling somewhat overwhelmed by stress coming from lots of different angles (trying to finish up my dissertation, family stress, friends moving away) and realized how easy it is to lose sight of all of the good things that are going on when there is a lot that doesn't feel so good.
Today I am going to be on the lookout for all of the good that is going on in my life. Already this morning, I am thankful to have a family that loves me, friends who would do anything for me if I just ask and who I would do anything for in a heartbeat, work that I care about deeply, I live in a beautiful city...I could go on, but that dissertation is calling. :) Have a blessed day!
A very kind passerby pulled up along side my car to alert me of my very low-close to flat-tire.
At the closest gas station a kind taxi driver helped me fill the tire so that I could make it home.
I was having difficulty pulling out of a parking spot and a man stopped to help direct me. I'm not the best driver in the world, so I can use all the help I can get!
My friend, Kat, recently sent an email summarizing the comments of 8th graders at Meadowbrook where her husband, John teaches.
While brainstorming for their final project for Facing History and Ourselves, they wrote the following statements:
1. I've learned that being honest is worth the pain.
2. I've learned that when you're riding in a boat with your hair in the wind it feels like you're flying.
3. I've learned the importance of little acts of kindness.
4. I've learned that it ain't where you're from, it's where you're going.
5. I've learned that the way to be at peace with yourself is to be at peace with others.
6. I've learned trying to intellectualize everything is a waste of time.
7. I have learned that all you want/need is a friend.
8. I've learned that if someone asks for loyalty, give them integrity. But if someone asks for integrity, give them loyalty.
9. I've learned to cherish every moment, because in the blink of an eye, everything can change.
10. I've learned to always be true to myself for the benefit of those around me.
11. I've learned the importance of little/small acts of kindness.
12. I've learned not to be embarrassed by your parents. They're far more important than most of your peers.
13. I've learned never to look back because all your past experiences have made you who you are today.
14. I've learned that if you don't get noticed, no one will remember you.
15. I've learned that you have to speak up in order to get your message across.
16. I've learned that if you set your mind to something you can achieve it.
17. I have learned that you without loyalty for those you love, you really don't have much.
18. I've learned that you when you're given opportunities, don't throw them away.
19. I have learned the importance of perseverance and staying true to yourself.
20. I've learned that there are many people in the world that like me and the people who don't just don't know me.
21. I've learned that you can learn as much from a waiter as you can learn from a teacher.
I got a lot out of reading these. I hope you do too!
I volunteered as a speaker for career day and helped organize a taste test to excite the kids about research. I got to see about 100 professionals taking time out of their schedules to stress the importance of education - It was great.
Kindness received: After realizing that her dog is not a fan of puppy pads and witnessing that my dog is, my neighbor gifted me with a nearly full bag of these "lifesavers!"
It's been awhile since I have posted, but it has been so great to read all the "go big" activities of late. My boyfriend has been working on opening up a martial arts studio. Thankfully it is now open for classes. I have tried my best to be extremely supportive of his endeavors as he starts this new job/business. I have attended promotional events, helped him hand out free class passes, and brought him dinner when he had open house events. On Monday, I also baked him a cake to celebrate the opening of the martial arts studio. I really wanted him to know that I support him 100%.
Two angels came and fixed my closet this weekend! It was very helpful. The broken hanging bar was a sign that I could stand to share a few things, so as I reloaded the closet I made sure to fill a donation bag.
Hey Jenni! In preparation for our move to SF, Adrian and I are taking almost daily batches of clothes and house supplies to goodwill. Have a great day!
I was very appreciative of the help and support I received from others when applying to internship. Yesterday I began my efforts to return the favor by sitting down with an applicant for next year and explaining the process.
Speaking of grad school...huge congrats to Jenni for successfully defending her dissertation!!!!
Yesterday I received a very sweet card in the mail. It just made my day!! Thanks, Aimee.
I passed my acts of kindness received along today...
I took the many magazines that I received from loved ones post-surgery along to the neurosurgery clinic at Vanderbilt. I hope that they provide others with the much needed distraction that they gave to me.
Spent a few hours on Saturday providing moral support to Katie as she cleaned through the girls' closets and toys.
A friend of a friend is going to give me a tennis lesson today. A very thoughtful offer, particularly given my tennis skills (or lack thereof)!
A friend loaned me her umbrella to make a trek across campus in an unexpected storm! I was very thankful to not look like a drowned rat for the picture on my new ID badge. :)
While waiting in line at a store today I watched one customer give another extra change to help pay for her purchase.
My friend's car battery died and we were stuck with jumper cables and no clue what to do next. Out of nowhere this man appeared and helped us get the car up and running.
I am not a morning person. Let me repeat...I am not a morning person (getting up at 9 is early for me). A friend was in need of a ride to the airport to make an 8AM flight, so I set my alarm for 6:15 to make sure she got there on time.
Helped to set up for a fundraiser at my mom's house. The house has transformed into an Arabian Night tent with belly dancers on their way!
Made a donation to Stand Up To Cancer! Go to:
www.standup2cancer.org to help out!
On a walk today, I helped a lost dog find its home. Caitlin helped too (we were on the phone together). :)
Oooh, and yesterday Austin and I treated Amber to a pre-dissertation defense dinner. A huge congrats to ABI Dr. D who was an all-star during her defense today!!!
I am grateful for all of the tech support I have received over the past month (and for the patience of the individuals helping me!)
My office helped the city by donanting our time to conduct a research project.
My mom sent me a care package with a giant coupon book. I love coupons! To pass on the favor I gave out some of the coupons.
Swapped books with a friend :)
A stranger offered me and my friends a free parking pass at a very crowded football game! Made our day and saved us a long search for a spot far away.
Loaned money to a friend in need at the pharmacy. Was at the right place at the right time.
I was out shopping yesterday and I ran into a group of women offering free hugs. At first, I thought 'a little creepy;' but after my FIFTH hug, I thought, 'what a wonderful idea!'
Got three cents I needed from the person behind me in line at the store :)
Hi Jenni!
Today, I sent my 15 year old niece a check to help defray expenses of her first mission building trip to encourage her in mission activities.
R.W.-Nashville
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