Year-end Wrap Up - What I Learned

The project:
Perform one charitable deed each and every day in 2009.

Time:
Sometimes moments, sometimes hours or even days completing numerous deeds over the course of the year.

Why bother?
We live in a rough and tumble world where it seems people are becoming increasingly alienated from each other. Times have certainly changed from those in which tribal members depended upon each other, neighbors counted on each other in times of need, watched after each other, or at least knew each other on sight. Thanks to technology and a shift in cultural values, it seems we have too many "more important things" to do than to take the time to play active roles in building healthy communities. In most cases, there are two incomes to maintain in addition to the household and, for many, children. There are vehicles to maintain, the Internet to surf, cable shows with which we just MUST keep pace.

Or so it seems.

In fact, if we want to live in healthier, happier communities, we need to turn off the TV and the Internet now and again, to walk our neighborhoods, to step back from the self-imposed social obligations and take a breath, to do with a little less so we can afford this time together. In doing so, we can all see what needs to be done to make our communities safer, healthier places.

As 2008 came to a close, I wondered what difference a family might make if it performed just one thing every single day to help build community, to help neighbors, family, friends and strangers. They didn't have to be big things; little gestures were welcome as well as grander projects. Would it make a difference at all? (These were my original thoughts.) I opted to blog about our family's experiences throughout the year in hopes of inspiring others to contribute to their communities, and to keep us on track.

Worth it?
Making the effort and sharing our actions through this blog were worth the time and energy, though I confess it was a sort of depressing project in the end. We started out with plenty of energy and performed some larger projects early in the year, but it didn't take long to see these efforts were less than a drop in the bucket. Trash picked up today didn't help an area become less trashy; there would be trash there again on our next visit. If anything, I learned my deeds alone, however small or grand, don't make enough of a difference. I need help. We all need each other's help to make this world a safer, healthier, happier place.

The world has bigger problems than trash in the streets; problems homemade blankets and door opening can't even begin to resolve. There are bloody wars going on all over the world. Gang violence breeds a different sort of terrorism right here in our own country. People are starving while others grow fat, many on foods advertised as healthy but, in fact, deathly by design. Too many drink their bathwater, or no water at all, while others flush it down the drain in the name of attractive decor. Pop stars and politicians demonstrate a declining moral code, though I suspect this can be blamed on a media glut as much as a shift in basic character.

It was that lack of character, I believe, which helped me become disenchanted with several programs as I came into contact with too many recipients who lack the character to understand these programs were put into place to help those truly in need, not to make life easier for slackers. Something is wrong when people too lazy to look for a job choose instead to pick up donations of free food from pantries or meal programs intended for those IN NEED. Something is wrong when toys intended for children with little or nothing are picked up by children who are happy to tell you about the new flat-screen TV their parents just installed, or the gifts awaiting them under the tree.

It was also disappointing to learn that I couldn't even make a change close to home. I'm not sure there were any fewer litterbugs in my neighborhood after we started picking up trash. There still seemed to be as much trash as ever as incredibly inconsiderate people opted to toss their trash out car windows or into the gutters as they walked or rode their bikes rather than to continue carrying it to a trash can. Taking the trash cans in (or out) for neighbors, picking up their newspapers when they were out of town, didn't spark more neighborly assistance.

It would be easy to give up, like too many others, withdraw into our little home and say, so be it, let someone else lend a hand, I'm too busy. It would be so easy to allow those freeloaders to put a damper on a donor's spirits, to take the wind out of the sails of a volunteer. But what purpose would that serve? Still there would be people in need of our help, whether or not we ever see them.

If anything, I learned we all need to do more - MUCH more. If everyone would pick up after themselves, if everyone would lend a hand to a neighbor or a stranger, if everyone would turn off the media and start thinking for themselves, maybe then we could turn the tide. If we spent more money on protecting humanity than we do competing with each other regardless of the cost if we spent more time enjoying each other than fighting with each other, if we'd take the time to listen to each other and hear the needs, maybe then we could be the ones to make the difference. Until then, some of us will continue to lend a hand, rise to the occasion and try to make a difference one charitable deed at a time.

What will YOU do to make a difference?

Photos courtesy Teseum, Franco Folini, Thomas Hawk and Haldun Kececegil under Creative Commons license.Share this post with:

Donate Diapers

The project:
Donate diapers to a local family.

Time:
15 minutes to deliver

Why bother?
My girls have grown out of the diaper stage [(sniff!) and (thank heavens!)], but we had a little stockpile going here. Today I donated them to another family who's still in the thick of the process, and short on cash.

While I understand disposables wreak havoc on our landfills (and we used cloth for the most part), there are times when disposables are the only reasonable solution. (Ever try a long road trip in cloth diapers? OH! The agony of it!)

Worth it?
Yes - they were thankful; I reclaimed the closet space.

Photo courtesy Sean Dreilinger under Creative Commons license.

Scooping Manure & Walking Horses

The project:
Back to scoopin' manure today. (So glad to see the horses have been moved back to their regular stalls, now that we've nearly finished the TOUGH work at the temporary stalls!) And walking two injured horses that needed a little stretch before the close of day.

Time:
90 minutes

Why bother?
The poop needed scoopin' and the horses (one with a severely torn muscle, the other with a bowed tendon) needed to get out for short walks.

Worth it?
Yes - what ever it takes to earn an opportunity to interact with horses.

Photo courtesy VetMoves under Creative Commons license.

Contribute to the Game

The project:
Replace wet logbooks, provide writing implements and otherwise contribute to the maintenance of "game pieces" in a worldwide game.

Time:
A few minutes here and there throughout the course of our cache-hunting time.

Why bother?
No game can continue without someone maintaining the board, the pieces. Geocaching is no different. In fact, it's probably more difficult to maintain, with 965,889 pieces hidden all over the world. I've enjoyed this game, an often mindless, though sometimes puzzling, pastime. Helping to maintain the caches I visit helps keep it going.

Worth it?
Yes, though I confess to occasionally feeling like this is a silly pastime. Then again, what entirely diverting hobbies aren't?

Photo courtesy Cachemania under Creative Commons License.

Recycling Plastic Bags - Last Drop of 2009

The project:
Gather up the plethora of plastic that made it into our home this holiday season and deliver it to the plastic bag recycling drop spot.

Time:
A few minutes to gather, less than a minute to stuff them into the box at our drop spot - the local grocery store.

Why bother?
Ideally, we wouldn't be using plastic and tossing it aside to end up in landfills for decades to come, flying through our deserts or forests, floating across our oceans. The least we can do is recycle it. It's easy. It's free. And it helps provide a source for other products while preserving valuable natural resources.

Worth it?
Absolutely!

Christmas Eve Prep at Church

The project:
Fold bulletins, set up luminarias, help set out treats for candlelight service on this Christmas Eve.

Time:
We arrived an hour early to help out. It probably took half that time, but I got lost in conversation somewhere along the line as we worked away and lost track of time.

Why bother?
It used to be that churches were abuzz with helping hands. With volunteerism dropping across the board, churches are hurting. It doesn't take a lot to lend a hand.

Worth it?
Yes. The candlelight service is my favorite of the year, though the people here are friendly year-round.

Photo courtesy AZAdam under Creative Commons license.

Baking for Sixteen - Apple Bread, Anyone?

The project:
Bake loaves of Apple Walnut Bread for friends and neighbors.

I usually do this over the course of weeks, but because we've been out of town so much this holiday season, today was The Day to get it done. Mission accomplished.

Time:
Several hours.

Why bother?
Every winter holiday season I bake something for friends and neighbors. It started with fudge, then evolved to a great toffee recipe I received from a friend's mom, and in more recent years various desert-style breads have been involved. This year I let the sweets go in favor of the marginally more healthy bread.

Worth it?
Yes - no one's ever complained about receiving this bread. Then again, who complains when she receives gifts of food?

Photo courtesy Katrin Morenz under Creative Commons license.

Donate Clothes, Toys and Household Goods

The project:
Donate outgrown clothes in good condition, unbroken outgrown toys and household goods in decent repair to the local shelter thrift store.

Time:
An hour to clean out, collect, drive and deliver.

Why bother?
We do this pretty often. I don't see throwing these usable items away, and we don't have anyone nearby who can use our hand-me-downs, so we take them to the shelter store. Local shelter residents receive vouchers to "spend" at this decent "department store" style shop for anything they need, from clothing to goods needed to reestablish a home.

Worth it?
YES! Sometimes I think about yard-saling it, but we come up with a couple of bags of stuff every month. That doesn't make for a great yard sale, and we don't have the room to save up stuff to make for a worthwhile sale. Someday, maybe we'll have another garage sale/yard sale. Meanwhile, I hope thrift store shoppers, be they shelter residents or others whose proceeds help benefit the shelters, enjoy.

Photo courtesy Brent Moore and MariLynn under Creative Commons license.

Back to Scoopin' Poop - Manure Patrol

The project:
Scoop lots of poop.

Time:
90 minutes

Why bother?
This is an ongoing project (horses don't take a holiday from poopin') that you can read about here, and then some. But today's project involved another major cleanout of a neighboring area.

Worth it?
Yes. The workout was great - sweat everywhere; the end result was rewarding; and the simple thanks from the horse owner was heart warming.

Photo courtesy Kathy Sierra under Creative Commons license.

Talked Up Local Band

The project:
Help spread the word about local musician Jill Knight playing a free gig in an area shopping center.

Time:
A few minutes here and there.

Why bother?
I've loved this band since my days sitting by the creek during my lunch breaks and enjoying their tunes. They're fine on covers, but have wonderful original stuff. While there was no admission to attend the performance, the band was selling CDs, their lifeblood.

Worth it?
Yes - plus, one of my daughters and I enjoyed an afternoon at the shopping center browsing, then ultimately settling down with treats and enjoying the music.

Donate Underwear to Shelter

The project:
Donate new, unopened packages of women's underwear to local shelter.

Time:
A few minutes to buy, a few minutes to drop.

Why bother?
It may sound odd. I mean, of ALL things, right? But in the early 1970s, one of my moms was the victim of a devastating house fire. While away from the home taking care of an emergency involving one of her children, the house burned to the ground, taking everything with it. Out of that devastation came a lifelong friendship - with a woman who donated, yes, underwear. Turns out that when you lose EVERYTHING in a fire or another emergency that doesn't allow packing time, underwear are in pretty high demand.

Worth it?
Absolutely.

Photo courtesy Taylor McKnight under Creative Common license.

Donate to Salvation Army

The project:
Donate collected coins to Salvation Army Red Kettle.

Time:
Moments.

Why bother?
While the bell-ringers can grow annoying to some, they bring warm memories to me. One of my grandmothers (through marriage) wrote about HER mother, Amelia Kunkle, who originated that blessed bell ringing practice. From "Amelia's Story," by Martha Devine Powers (copyright 2005):

(In 1900), Cadet Amelia Kunkle found herself standing by a kettle placed near one of the busiest areas in New York City. The wide stairways from the elevated came down to street level at this point. Every hour hundreds of people passed by the place where Amelia patiently waited. Standing by her kettle dressed in her navy blue Salvation Army uniform and bonnet trimmed with a touch of red ribbon, skirts scraping the sidewalk, Amelia, age 16, patiently waited for the passing throng to drop money in her kettle. She tells her own story
"When I first stood by the kettle to' keep the pot a-boiling', it was a cold day…a miserable bleak, damp day. It wasn't raining, but it was cold, very cold. We girl cadets wore our regular shoes and long stockings of black cotton, and over the shoes we wore rubbers over our shoes. Our rubbers looked like slippers, but they were not lined with wool, nor were they high-topped like galoshes or boots that people wear now. However, we found that standing on newspapers helped insulate us from the dampness and penetrating cold. Our usual stint of standing by the kettle was four hours…either all morning or all afternoon…never all day.
"I remember that I was located in New York City in what was known as "The Battery" very near Wall Street. The exact street location escapes me at the moment. I do remember though, that being so near the waterfront accounted for some of the damp, cold weather. Our kettle was strategically located at the entrance, or exit, as the case may be, to the "El" which brought the businessmen to their jobs in the financial district of New York. With every arrival of the "El" droves of commuters would come surging by, some, of course, dropping their contributions in the Salvation Army kettle.
"The size of the average contribution in those days was a nickel, a dime, or sometimes a quarter. There were not always lots of quarters. Occasionally there might be a dollar, but not as a rule. One afternoon, I gathered coins amounting to about eighteen dollars all told in the kettle, which was very good for only four hours. On other days not much happened and I was always disappointed, if that were the case."
On one cold, winter day as the minutes passed slowly, Amelia became restless. People were not paying attention to her, or her kettle, as they hurried by. Only a few isolated coins lay in the bottom of her kettle. Amelia, being Amelia, could not let this situation continue the way it was going. One of her administrators from the Training Home, Major Chadwell, came by to see how she was getting along. Amelia complained to him,
"No one is paying attention to me, Major Chadwell. I'm not getting very much money today. What in the world can I do to make the people notice me?"
"Well," he said, "Why don't you find a stick and bang on the kettle? That will draw attention to you and your kettle, Cadet Kunkle."
"Oh, that's not very nice," Amelia replied with a frown on her young face, "I don't think that would be a good idea at all."
Amelia was not shy about giving her opinion at the Major's suggestion, but the Major replied, "Well, then, Cadet Kunkle, you will certainly
be able to solve that problem all by yourself before long!"
Amelia did not give up. She mulled the problem over in her mind all that day as she stood by her kettle. By the next afternoon, before her kettle duty began, she had her answer.
She went to the nearby Woolworth`s ten-cent store. As she walked up and down the aisles perusing the various items with her idea in mind, she found just what she wanted…a small bell with a short, dark wooden handle, not more than six inches in length over all. As she picked it up, the little bell gave a slight tinkle.
"What a fine tinkling sound it has," she thought. "This is just the thing! Not too loud, but not too soft."
The little bell cost just ten cents.
The next day Amelia went to her kettle duty with a light heart and happily began ringing her new little bell. Yes, of course, people stopped and dropped coins into her kettle instead of passing her by. She answered each contribution with a triumphant and cheery "God Bless You and Merry Christmas."
The idea of ringing the little bell to draw attention to her kettle proved to be an excellent one. Amelia's idea spread like wildfire. Very soon all the cadets had bells to ring as they stood by their kettles collecting money for the Christmas dinner.

Worth it?
Yes. In addition to sharing the story with my girls as they dropped in all the change we'd collected on our trip, perhaps our little contribution, combined with others, helped provide meals or housing for someone in need this cold, wet, winter day.

Bolinas Run, Again

The project:
Make a quick run to a neighboring town to drop/pick up supplies for an aunt while she was busy at work.

Time:
30 minutes

Why bother?
She asked.

Worth it?
Yes. A beautiful, short drive, an easy way to help, plus my cousin came along, so we had some extra time to visit.

Photo courtesy Lisa Chamberlain under Creative Commons License.

Bring and Cook Dinner for Busy Host

The project:
Plan ahead, bring groceries and make dinner for our host family during our holiday travels.

Time:
45 minutes including shopping and cooking.

Why bother?
It's great to have guests, but sometimes its rough on a host family that's super busy. I don't want to create MORE work for my already busy hostess, so the girls and I selected something we like to eat (and enjoy making) and had dinner ready when our host family arrived home.

Worth it?
Absolutely. Less work for them. Same chore I would have done at home. Plus, the kids (and everyone else) were happy with their dinner.

Photo courtesy David "Bucky" Schwarz under Creative Commons License.

Trash Pickup - Marshall Gold Discovery State Park

The project:
Pick up trash during a visit to Marshall Gold Discover State Park, the site of the gold discovery that led to the 1849 Gold Rush.

Time:
Minutes

Why bother?
There were quite a few people here for the special holiday happenings. Even if California State Parks was operating at full power, which it isn't, it would have been tough for employees to keep up.

Worth it?
Sure. It's a simple way to help.

Photo courtesy Scott E. under Creative Commons license.

Help with Emergency Maintenance at Museum

The project:
Help place buckets throughout California Auto Museum to help protect the collection from rain pouring through the sieve-like roof.

Time:
A few minutes here and there as we moved through the museum.

Why bother?
Clearly, volunteers were overwhelmed by the job of protecting this beautiful collection of cars. While there were tarps and towels and buckets throughout, volunteers were busy trying to guide visitors while also occasionally emptying buckets. What they needed was a new roof. What I could offer was a hand.

Worth it?
Yes. But sad that the place is in such disrepair.

Super Secret Sewing Project - Revealed!

The project:
Faithful followers might recall that last spring my daughters and I worked on a few sewing projects. We turned in homemade quilts to Project Linus, and completed a Super Secret Sewing Project. Now that the SSSP has been delivered to its intended recipient, I can reveal the final result, and the rest of the story.

Time:
HOURS upon hours. Enough obsessive work to cause back spasms.

Why bother?
In 2008, my aunt and uncle joined us on a long leg of our Big Trip. They on their motorcycle, us in the minivan which doubled as a vulture shield. We had a memorable vacation together, and since we're in the sewing mode, I wanted to make something special for them that would serve both a utilitarian purpose (keeping them warm) and memorial of our trip. The quilt was born.

The squares, selected and created by the girls and me, represent the camping experiences we shared, the Western heritage we explored, the bandanna my aunt and uncle wear when they ride, and the Vulture Incident. The quarters are divided by bands representing roads.

Making a quilt takes a lot of time, and making a custom quilt takes even longer. It's much more enjoyable to do this for someone who understands and appreciates the effort. My aunt and uncle are nothing if not understanding and appreciative.something you do for a person who doesn't appreciate the time put into it.

Worth it?
ABsolutely!

Trash Pickup - American River Parkway

The project:
Pick up trash during a walk in the American River Parkway, Greater Sacramento, California.

Time:
A few minutes here and there as we hiked for a few hours.

Why bother?
The trash was there, and so were we.

Worth it?
This 23-mile park preserve along the American River in the Sacramento area is a great natural resource. If city planners did NOTHING else right, THIS was a great move. There are more than 100 miles of hiking and biking trails, and loads of natural area to explore. It's a resource well worth keeping free of trash.

Donate Toys

The project:
Donate toys to Toys 4 Tots.

Time:
A few minutes to pick them out at the store while doing other shopping. Since Toys 4 Tots prefers the gifts be donated UNWRAPPED, there isn't much work to do here. Pick up new toys, deliver them unwrapped.

Why bother?
While most of our children have more than they could ever need, there are some family's who could use a helping hand, particularly during the holidays.

Worth it?
It would be nice if Christmas hadn't become so commercialized, so driven by gift-giving, but it has. And for a kid to get NOTHING while her peers are being inundated by a flood of toys and clothes and gadgets is rough. Maybe donating a toy or two will help some of them feel more in line with the "norm."

Oddly, while Toys4Tots was taking donations in my community, while searching the website, I learned my community is "Not Covered." My city isn't listed, and neither are any neighboring communities. The closest community listed is more than 50 miles away.

Makes you wonder...

Shoveled More Manure Than You Can Shake A Stick At

The project:
Mega manure shoveling (stall cleanout)

Time:
2 hours

Why bother?
Plenty of detail about the origins of this project are posted here. But today I spent extra time because I wanted to get the stalls cleaned up to make future daily cleanups easier. The last renters didn't clean them out, clearly for MONTHS if not YEARS. I spent an hour in each of two stall/corral enclosures today and managed to muck them back to the dirt floors, sweating and singing all the way. I WISH I'd taken before and after pictures! WHY don't I think of the camera at times like these?

Worth it?
Yes - Part way through I confess that I wondered why I was doing it given that there isn't a ride in trade at this point. My ride gets around, but isn't ready for a saddle again yet. But I waved that off, and enjoyed the wonder that is a big project well done.

Scoopin' Poop - LOTS of poop

The project:
Shovel manure for an hour in horse stall clean out.

Time:
An hour.

Why bother?
I've been helping at the arena where my daughters ride. Originally, it was something to do while I waited, then it became a trade for my own horseback riding fix, but when my horse got injured while I was in charge, the chore reverted back to simple good deeds.

Today's effort involved extra elbow grease. Bees have been moved to the ranch, and they made themselves at home by swarming throughout the stalls nearest their (not-so-close) hives. The horses had to be moved to some vacant stalls across the ranch.

Today, I cleaned out the three stalls my charges were in last week, then started the dirty work in the "new" location. Apparently, whoever was using this area last didn't believe in mucking out. After seven very large wheelbarrow loads of manure from two of the stalls, and an hour spent all totaled, it was time for me to call it a day. Children waiting, other obligations, and the pile's not going anywhere. Ah...a deed for another day.

Worth it?
Honestly, I wish I were still riding in trade. But I'm glad to be doing something helpful around the place while the girls enjoy their rides and lessons. And today's clean out REALLY made a difference. Can't wait to see it all completed!

Photo courtesy Ed Mitchell under Creative Commons License.

Sort and Deliver Books to Friends of the Library

The project:
Sort through boxes upon BOXES of books in the Washington garage, and begin the deliveries to the Friends of Ilwaco Library to shelve, or more likely sell to raise funds for other titles and needs. (Most of the books were beach-friendly paperbacks ideal for quick sale and fund-raising.)

Time:
Probably close to two hours sorting through the books (don't you think, Mom?) and loading them into decent boxes. A few minutes to load six of the cases into the truck, a few minutes to drive to the library and back, a few minutes to deliver to the library - and a few minutes to put the library cart back together after I inadvertently disassembled it while attempting to get over the library threshold.

Why bother?
The garage/rummage sale effort probably yielded some cash for the local animal shelter, but the remainder of the belongings have been hanging out in the very large garage ever since. We cleaned out the kitchen items earlier this week. And on another day went for the book sort, pack, cleanout. TODAY I merely delivered the books - and rebuilt the library's cart.

Worth it?
YES! Another big project that left a dent on the BIGGER project.

Donate Cash to Food Program

The project:
Donate cash to the local food program.

Time:
Seconds to pull out the wallet. A blink of an eye to drop it in the barrel.

Why bother?
Long Beach, Washington, has lots of fun activities throughout the Thanksgiving holiday weekend (and, no doubt, throughout the year). We particularly enjoy the Pajama Party for kids at the local theater. In trade for admission to the showing of a kid-friendly flick, the theater requests donations be made to the local food pantry program - canned/packaged food or a cash donation. Lacking foresight, we took the cash option.

Worth it?
YES! I think it's super neat that the theater gives its space up for a program that has become a family tradition for so many, while also providing a program that benefits local families and individuals in need.


Photo courtesy Dinah Sanders under Creative Commons License.

Help Medicate Foster Kitty

Mom n' Mooshoo socialize. He likes to snuffle ears.

The project:
Help medicate and socialize with a kitty Mom is fostering during our stay in Washington.

Time:
It only takes a couple of minutes to hold the kitty while Mom gives him his drops. No big deal. Wiping a kitty's dripping eyes and oozing nose takes seconds, and is probably among the most disgusting things I can think of...strangely. And socializing the kitty - it's a cinch with Mooshoo.

Why bother?
Whenever they're in Washington, Mom n' Doug foster kitties from the local no-kill shelter. The shelter, now knowing them, usually gives them the bottom of the barrel - unsocial kitties, frightened or shy kitties, or sick kitties; basically, kitties who need extra love and care that is hard to provide in a kennel/shelter situation.

When we visit, we're just along for the ride on this fostering program, but the girls and I enjoy the extra furry company - particularly when they're as friendly and playful as this boy turned out to be once he could see and breathe again.

Worth it?
Yes.

Clean Gutters

The project:
Clean several years' accumulation from the gutters while visiting rainy Washington.

Time:
30 minutes

Why bother?
It rained for most of the first four days we were in the great Pacific Northwest this trip. There was a lot of water, not to mention the winds. While the Big Red House is equipped with rain gutters, they weren't draining through any of the downspouts. Instead, the water was filling the gutters and overflowing, creating interesting, but destructive and very noisy, waterfalls at various points around the house. It bugged me enough that I borrowed a tall ladder from the neighbor across the street to check it out.

My younger daughter stood at the bottom of the first downspout to let me know when the water started draining. Well, with the first handful of leaves and muck removed from immediately above the drain, the gutters flushed like there was no tomorrow. I couldn't have missed it, even from atop the ladder.

I continued around the house, removing what turned out to be more than five years' accumulation of leaves and moss, grass and soil from the gutters, sometimes filled flush with the top edge. I only wish I'd had a better ladder - and a good nozzle on the hose for a 100% complete job, but I think this effort will last the gutters for a year or more.

Worth it?
ABsolutely. That first flush was rewarding. Knowing that the rest of the cleanout will help keep the drains running through winter was a bonus. Mom's kiss on the forehead and thanks were great rewards, too! :)

Photo courtesy Eric Schmuttenmaer under Creative Commons License.

Clean Out Garage - And Donate to Thrift Store

The project:
Help Mom clean out her garage, and deliver a station wagon load of kitchen goodies (accessories, dishes, pots, pans, appliances - you name it) to the local thrift shop that benefits a food program on the Long Beach Peninsula (Washington).

Time:
Couple of hours - no watch today. But it took us quite awhile to sort, box & load. Only a few minutes to unload thanks to the help of the thrift store clerks who lent a hand.

Why bother?
A few years ago there was this garage sale/rummage sale. A few households were involved, but ultimately the leftovers were pulled into Mom's garage where they remained, gathering dust but otherwise untouched, until this trip. It was time to begin reclaiming the garage, and putting these goods to use somewhere else.

Worth it?
Yes - I love a big project, and it was great to see such a great dent made in the garage cleanup, PLUS deliver the goods to a shop that will ultimately help provide meals to those in need in the area.

Household repairs while on vacation

The project:
Do simple household repairs/maintenance as the need arose during our visit to wet and wild Washington.

Time:
A few minutes here and there: lubricating locks; lubricating hinges; plunging (and ultimately chemically altering clog) in bathtub; plunging kitchen sink.

Why bother?
Every house needs a little help now and again. A century-old house needs a little extra TLC. Since I had time on my hands, and the know-how, I figured I'd lend a helping hand.

Worth it?
Yes - I always like to do a project that NEEDS to be done and is going to provide lasting results. Rusted hinges mean no entry. Rusted locks mean ... no entry. And the clogged drains? Those are just a pain in the tuckus. (Dusting, vacuuming and mopping, for example, while wonderfully rewarding in the short term aren't really my idea of a good time. After all, the floor mopped today will be dirty again tomorrow. A sink unplugged today will probably stay that way for months! FAR greater bang for the buck!)

Photo courtesy Arlen under Creative Commons license.

Share my parking pass

The project:
Hand over parking pass for 30 minutes of paid (by me) parking to next driver.

Time:
SECONDS

Why bother?
In some towns, you pay the parking meter, and when you pull away, the time remaining passes on to the next motorist who pulls into the space. In downtown Portland, parking is paid at kiosks that spit out little slips of paper with expiration times on them. When the motorist pulls away, so does that paid ticket, thereby providing potentially dual payment to the city.

As we headed into our car, another motorist signaled he'd like the spot. It occured do me that my slip showed another 30 minutes of parking paid. I grabbed it from the dash, ran back to his car and handed it over. He gave me a BIG SMILE, and said, "You're AMAZING!"

Well, maybe not amazing, but it saved him 80 cents, and made us both feel good.

Worth it?
ABsolutely!

Provide diversion for fellow travellers

The project:
Donate dozens of magazines with which other train passengers could while away the hours.

Time:
Moments

Why bother?
The 24-hour ride is wonderful, but can grow kind of old if you don't have anything to do. Though I donated most of our magazines to the library earlier this week, I held back several to share here.

Worth it?
Yes - I saw countless fellow passengers pick up issues from the magazine shelf throughout the trip.

Provide TOUCH to the elderly

The project:
Lotion Grandma's back, and sit close, hold her hand, and wrap my arms around her shoulders.

Time:
We visited Grandma for a little over 3 hours today, providing close companionship throughout.

Why bother?
Humans are social creatures, and like the apes and elephants, thrive on touch (with few exceptions). I don't mean touch by strangers, interference with personal space per se. But a pat by a loved one, a back scratch, a squeeze by a friend or family member is nearly always a spirit-lifting occasion. It must be heart-breaking, then, to grow old alone with no one to provide that touch.

Grandma has been living on her own since Grandpa's death several years ago. They were a pretty affectionate couple, and I know she misses someone sharing her personal space. Grandma has also developed some pretty dry skin in the past decade. At 93, it's tough to reach some of those places, and for any of us, reaching mid-back is just about impossible. I've lotioned her back for her a couple of times this year. Today, I offered up the service again. OH, how thankful she was.

We got to talking about massage, and we ended up making appointments for next week. Hot tub, massage and lunch with a happenin', hoppin' 93-year-old Grandma - what a hoot! I can hardly wait to share the joy with her!

Worth it?
Yes! If you haven't spent time with your grandparents lately, PLEASE DO! They have so much to share, and usually love a visit, a hug, and maybe even a back rub.

Donate more books & magazines to library

The project:
It seems like we just did this, but our bookshelves are overcrowded so:
today we donated more kids' books, and some grown-up books, to our local libary, plus our regular donation of once-read magazines.

Time:
It actually took us more than an hour to do a shelf spring cleaning, the first in several years. The girls and I removed every item from the three-case collection, dusted it down, and reorganized the books and collections for a cleaner look and more accessible collection.

It takes me about 20 minutes to go through our magazine pile, sometimes much longer depending upon how many articles distract me from my chore.

The drop at the library 1 mile from our house only takes about a minute.

Why bother?
Lots of dust, overcrowded shelves, and our tiny library can always use donations - either to include in the collection or to sell at the monthly book sale to raise funds for other library resources (titles they'd prefer, magazines, supplies, etc.). Magazines are sold for a quarter with money raised going directly back to our local branch. Might as well donate our magazines rather then send them to the paper recycler.

Worth it?
Yes! Clean, organized shelves for us; goodies for the library.

Recycling - plastic bottles, aluminum cans

The project:
Deliver our recycling to the local center.

Time:
15 minutes

Why bother?
Well, besides the obvious (we get our California recycling deposit back, aka cash), our local landfill is nearly full. Yep, they're building another one so we can continue to toss our refuse. In fact, Santa Maria's new dump is located in beautiful, oak-studded rolling hills south of the city. Nope, not in city limits. They'll line it with 100-year plastic (ahem), then dump there, leaving future generations to figure out how to deal with the hazardous waste the city also plans on importing (income generation) from other communities.

I wish more people would recycle so our landfills wouldn't so quickly fill and our natural resources be depleted. I wish cities would plan further into the future. I wish this city in particular would serve its own citizens' needs before conniving for funding inappropriately spent. Then again, what do I know about city planning.

Marin County, as I understand it, has a model recycling program, from hog farm for certain greenwaste, to mulching and composting, to our more traditional glass/paper/metal recycling programs. Why doesn't Santa Maria look to that county, and other successful, more resource-friendly programs?

Worth it?
Yes, but I wish I could do more.

Tend Kids

The project:
Watch another mother's kids while she gets some work done.

Time:
3 hours

Why bother?
Our kids have a blast together. The mom works outdoors, so bringing them home with us gets them out of the cooling elements while also giving the mom two less important beings to keep her eye on while trying to get her stuff done.

Worth it?
Yes. And while we were at it, another little girl came over to play. A house FULL of kids. WONDERFUL!

More refreshments for soccer tournament

The project:
Provide half-time snacks and after-game beverages for three soccer games during youth tournament.

Time:
20 minutes and about $30 of grocery shopping. Seconds to hand out the goodies.

Why bother?
Though we provided refreshments at yesterday's game, no one offered to step up today. Rather than have the girls go without on a busy day of running and sweating and energy burning, we opted to provide for the team.

Worth it?
Certainly for the girls. Note to self: next tournament, organize parents to share the financial burden.

Provide refreshments for youth soccer tournament

The project:
Provide juice for soccer players after their tournament play.

Time:
15 minutes at the store picking up the juices. About 20 bucks since we go organic.

Why bother?
During the regular season, families rotated snack/juice duty during the games. For the tournament, all bets were off. The coach thought we'd just step up. At the morning game, no one had. Not wanting the hard-working girls to go without, our family filled the gap today.

Worth it?
The girls were thankful.

Neighborhood Trash

The project:
Once again, picking up trash in the neighborhood.

Time:
20 minutes

Why bother?
No matter how much we pick up, there always seems to be more, even in our relatively neat neighborhood. I carried a bag with me, took a walk for some exercise, and helped clean up the neighborhood.

As noted in a previous post about cleaning up trash, a study has shown that trashed areas gather not only more trash, but also more graffitti and other vandalism. I like to think I'm helping our neighborhood keep on the bright side by picking up after others.

Worth it?
I suppose - but it's wearing thin. Am I the only one in the neighborhood who gives a hoot? (Does it matter if I am?)

Watch Kids

The project:
Watch another mother's kids while she gets some chores and shopping out of the way.

Time:
2 hours

Why bother?
First of all, we love these kids. They've been gone to Papua New Guinea, serving a medical mission in the rainforest, for the past year. They're home for only a short time before their planned move to Texas. (We're super sorry to see them go, but we're taking every opportunity to see them.)

Getting back to life in the Western World must be quite a shock for all of them. And with the holidays fast upon us, an impending move and general confusion of life on the go, certainly any help is welcome.

Our girls love to play with them. I love to hear them all squealing and running, creating and generally enjoying each other.

Worth it?
ABSOLUTELY! But, really, if I enjoy it I ask once again...does it count? I'll say yes.

Make a Flier for Auntie M's Business

The project:
Create a flier to help promote a family member's business.

Time:
45 minutes

Why bother?
Independent business owners have it rough sometimes. Plus, I'd do about anything to help my Auntie M.

Worth it?
Yep.

Send Sympathy Flowers

The project:
Send flowers to Mom after learning that her 17-year-old dog died yesterday.

Time:
15 minutes

Why bother?
Mom loves her pets, and for anyone who loves her pets, it's never really easy to lose one, even if, as in this case, she can see it coming. Lilly was a good dog who never met a stranger, greeted us with love and excitement, and tolerated our children. We'll all miss her.

Worth it?
Yes.

Tend Kids

The project:
Pick up someone else's kids and watch them for a few hours.

Time:
3 hours

Why bother?
Not sure if this counts as charitable when it resulted in my own kids having buddies over to play. But taking another mom's kids off her hands for a few hours while she gets some work done HAS to count. These are good kids, and our girls really enjoy their company. This may become a regular occurrence.

Worth it?
Absolutely! When it was time to head for home, I asked, "Who's comin' with me?" Four kids hollered from their various spots on the play structure, "I AM!" What energy! In the car, it was so fun to hear them all, and charging through a couple of errands on the way home it was fun to have a pack of kids with me.

Spend time with Seniors

The project:
Our daughter is playing fiddle. Her instructor invited her to join in a local fiddlers' gathering. Not sure who did a favor for whom, but we ended up driving her to the gathering, and spending a day with a room full of seniors, playing, singing and dancing.

Time:
4 hours

Why bother?
We were invited, and spending time with seniors is a great thing for kids, well, people of all ages.

Worth it?
Absolutely. How heart-warming to see these couples, some of whom have been together for a lifetime, some of whom found each other only recently, dancing and swaying or just sitting and enjoying the music. It was also fun to see my daughter playing alongside the fiddlers when she could, and singing when she didn't know how to play the song.

Photo courtesy Jeff Kubina under Creative Commons license.

Plastic Bag Recycling GALORE!

The project:
Drop off two big shopping bags full of plastic bags for recycling.

Time:
Moments to drop on our way by the store.

Why bother?
While we're doing much better remembering to take our own, reusable shopping bags with us, we still collect a plethora of plastic. There are sandwich bags and cereal bags, plastic wrappings on a variety of foods, produce from the store often comes in plastic bags. All of these I stuff into the grocery bags for return to the system.

Worth it?
Yes - I like to think these bags will become park benches rather than detritus in our forests and seas.

Photo courtesy Eflon under Creative Commons license.

More Web Maintenance for Non-Profit

The project:
Further update the Web site to reflect holiday happenings and include new images.

Time:
An hour or so.

Why bother?
See the original post.

Worth it?
Yes. The changes are well received, the chorus is happy to have a site up, and I like to think the site is helping the chorus spread the word about its programs.

Jump Start a Fellow Motorist

The project:
Offer a jump start to a fellow motorist whose battery was kaput.

Time:
15 minutes or so

Why bother?
This is a simple roadside service that can have devastating effects if you blow it. But my dad taught me right, and emphasized the danger of doing it incorrectly. I always go in wary.

Worth it?
Yes. It only took me a few minutes, and saved the other driver lots of time. Even with the auto club service, the wait can be lengthy. What was in it for me? A smile and word of thanks.

Donate Magazines to Library Shop

The project:
Donate our magazines to the local library, which sells them for a quarter apiece to raise money for new books.

Time:
20 minutes to sort, 2 minutes to deliver

Why bother?
While we only have a few subscriptions (thanks, Mom & Dad), magazines quickly pile up around here. It's amazing, isn't it, how much paper passes throughout mailboxes? I don't see reading them and tossing them when our local library can sell them to another reader, serving both the reader and the library while delaying those magazines' return to the recycling bin.

Worth it?
Absolutely - lightens our load, and provides for other readers and our neighborhood library.

Photo courtesy John Lambert Pearson under Creative Commons License.

Donate to Local Food Bank

The project:
Donate a bag of groceries to our local food bank.

Time:
Twenty minutes to collect. Five minutes to deliver.

Why bother?
It's that time of year again - the temperatures are dropping, the holidays are coming. Plus, the economy's still a major challenge.

Worth it?
I hope so. It wasn't so easy this time. We're pinching pennies around here, with cutbacks at work combined with the costs of the girls' increasing activity level. Still, we're very fortunate to have a job, a home, an income and (knock on wood) our health.

Photo courtesy Waldo Jaquith under Creative Commons License.

Feeling Uninspired - and busy - and overwhelmed

Dear Readers: I'm sorry to have fallen behind in my online reporting of my attempts at being charitable in everyday living. While I've been keeping old-fashioned, pen-and-pad notes, I haven't carved out time to blog on this site for several days because I've been inundated here with other distractions, chiefly wrapping up work on Best Family Adventures: Santa Barbara County which is due out in a matter of months. So, allow me to catch up:
As I look back at the deeds done this year, I feel underwhelmed. Some took more time than others. Most were simple daily projects. And even though some of the larger projects were done with the best intentions, there were recipients of these services who actually complained.

These little deeds, do they matter? I believe Mr. Seeger is correct, but it still takes a LOT of people doing little things to make a real difference. On my block, nothing has changed. While we bring in papers and trash cans for neighbors when they're away, ours sit out on the curb and driveway awaiting our return.

Mr. B once told me I'm too tit-for-tat. Maybe he's right. I know my expectations of people are too high, but it's hard to let go of that. Having no expectations is practically impossible, and having low expectations is just plain depressing. Still, why, if I do a favor for anyone else, should I expect anything in return? I guess I figure a simple "thank you" or a smile is a common courtesy when you've opened the door for someone, or offered a hand. I figure being neighborly is a simple gesture toward the common good in today's compact neighborhoods.
We do have some bigger projects lined up for the next few weeks, but as the holidays come upon us, and I feel more overwhelmed than ever at the obligations of adult life, I'll back off again to select simple, quick deeds over big projects.
Today's project:
Respond to players' requests for photos shot at this weekend's games. This is the last week I'll be taking photos of the team. The season is almost complete and I'd like to just sit back and watch a couple of games before it's over.

Time:
About an hour.

Why bother?
I thought it would be fun to take pictures during the girls' youth soccer games, and I thought others would enjoy some photos, too. It's a skill I can share, and in this digital age, it's easier than ever to do so.

Worth it?
For the most part, I'd say this project was worth it. Most of the families requested photos, and responded warmly to the gesture. Some parents gushed with compliments, and the coach was very happy with his year-end photo album provided by the team.

But it doesn't take much to burst my balloon. Two families actually complained about the project. One because the mother said I didn't take enough photos of her daughter. (Hint: I take action photos. If your daughter doesn't go after the ball, I'm unlikely to capture action shots of her.) The other because taking photos was "just too much work." ("Why don't you just get him a gift card?")

My mistake in this project is that I didn't ask the parents first if they'd be interested. If I do this again, which I probably will, I'll ask the parents, and avoid shots of any kids whose parents react less than enthusiastically.

Help Kids on Bikes Get Up The Hill

The project:
Help some neighborhood kids get their bikes up a steep grade near a new bike path.

Time:
5 minutes

Why bother?
V and I were out for a ride this afternoon to explore a brand new bike path in our neighborhood. Unfortunately, there is no easy approach from our end, so we toughed the steep decline, rode the path a few times back and forth, then climbed back up.

A gaggle of kids were close behind us. They gave the climb a good effort, but some were just too small to push their bikes up the slippery, dusty trail while maintaining footing. I walked back to help them get their rides to a manageable spot because the challenge was NOT a fun one for them. It took nothing but a few more minutes of my time, and some energy (which I needed to expend anyhow).

Worth it?
Absolutely.

Healthy Halloween

The project:
Give out 100%, organic juice boxes to trick-or-treaters.

Time:
45 minutes - including shopping and answering the door over, and over, and over again! :)

Why bother?
When our own kids were tiny, they didn't eat junk food with the exception of the occasional home-baked treat, so when Halloween came around, it didn't make sense to me to give to OTHER children what I believed was detrimental to the health of my OWN children. We started to experiment with Halloween treats that might bring smiles AND be healthier alternatives.

It's probably no big surprise that, while our kids really loved fruit leather, this was NOT a warmly received Halloween treat. That was an expensive experiment.

We went with Halloween toys a couple of years. That was expensive, plus with our house packed with toys and trinkets, the last thing EYE want, as the maid, is more stuff, particularly cheap junk that the kids will toss into a corner and forget by morning.

We hit upon glow sticks and juice boxes a couple of years ago - both are warmly received. The kids are always so thirsty from running around that they usually turn around and immediately ask their parents if they can drink their juice. "Right now?" Plus the glow sticks, already snapped to life by us, help make the little ghouls more visible. This year, I had to cut out the glow sticks. (Those organic juice boxes aren't exactly cheap...particularly when you're hosting an army one door knock at a time.) Maybe next year we'll be set with the sticks n' juice again.

Worth it?
Yes. I do confess that I feel like a bit of a party pooper. But I find the kids' immediate reaction to the juice rewarding, and we've had no complaints...yet.

Soccer - Game Day Pictures

The project:
Fulfill parents' orders for game day pictures shot throughout this season.

Time:
15 minutes

Why bother?
See any of these posts for the background.

Worth it?
Yes, but I'm getting a bit burned out. Still, it's certainly nice to know people are enjoying the photos I snap from the sidelines.

Tail Light Warning

The project:
Flag down another driver in a parking lot to let her know her taillights were out.

Time:
Moments

Why bother?
As motorists, we're each responsible for maintaining our vehicles. That maintenance includes our taillights, which are tough to check if the driver doesn't have a second party to help her out, or a mirror or plate-glass window to use as such. When I tell other motorists about failed tail lights, brake lights, turn signals and backup lights, more often than not they're surprised and happy someone told them.

Worth it?
Yes. May have saved her a fix-it ticket, plus she'll be a lot easier (and safer) to follow once she fixes 'em.

Recycle for the Future

The project:
Recycle our bag of plastic bags and packages, aluminum, glass and plastic bottles and cans.

Time:
20 minutes

Why bother?
It only takes a few minutes (more today because we tried out a new location), the materials are repurposed, and the girls get some cash for their wallets and savings accounts.

Worth it?
Yes, though we'll be headed back across town to the old standby rather than deal with this center. (ARGH!)

Make Diabetic-friendly Cookies

The project:
Make a batch of shortbread cookies that meet the requirements of a diabetic artist we've recently met.

Time:
40 minutes or so, including cleanup.

Why bother?
This artist has been giving local kids some pointers. As a diabetic, most of the treats given him are passed on directly to his wife. I was hoping to provide a treat he, too, could enjoy.

Worth it?
Yes, though he was reluctant to take them until I provided the recipe. Then what a smile and sigh of relief he gave as he carried the cookies away.

Soccer Photos - redux

The project:
The youth soccer photo project continues. I adopted this project for the length of the season.

Time:
An hour today, managing, editing and providing images to parents.

Why bother?
See previous posts.

Worth it?
Yes, but I confess I'm growing a bit tired, perhaps in largest part due to some snide remarks made by a couple of parents who have taken advantage of the service, but are less than thrilled for whatever reason ("there's only one of my kid," etc.)

Join the Food Support Crew at Church

The project:
Sign up to help provide meals to families in need: recently returned from hospital, ill, aged.

Time:
Moments to sign up, but the projects will take longer in months to come.

Why bother?
I enjoy cooking, particularly for people who appreciate the effort. My husband's church membership is dwindling as children move on to other communities or other churches (or leave church altogether), and their parents and grandparents age. Many have passed on, and newcomers are few and far between. That leaves an increasing load of work for the dwindling number of volunteers. I thought I'd throw my chef's hat in the ring.

Worth it?
I think it will be.

Soccer Photos for Youth Teams

The project:
Shoot two soccer games for youth club soccer, and share the photos with parents and other family members.

Time:
4 hours (2 hours shooting; 2 hours downloading, editing and uploading)

Why bother?
This continues to be a fun way to volunteer a skill I enjoy practicing. I'd be taking photos of my girls anyway, but shooting the whole team is rewarding because the other parents are happy to have action shots of their young athletes. In the digital age, it's no skin off my hide to provide these photos.

On another note: a players' grandpa, also a photographer, headed off to Bhutan for a month. Before leaving, he loaned me a very nice lens with which to experiment while he's gone. Super fun!

Worth it?
Yes!

Website Maintenance for Local Chorus

The project:
Work on the holiday revamp of the website for a local Sweet Adelines chorus.

Time:
30 minutes

Why bother?
With another competition under their belts, lots of new photos and a busy holiday performance schedule this year, it needed to be updated.

Worth it?
Yes. It's always worth it to help these ladies.

Save a Stranger's Septic Hose

The project:
Flag down an RVer to lead them back to their wayward septic hose.

Time:
5 minutes max.

Why bother?
We were traveling home when the RV in front of us lost its sewer dump hose. The long, large, baby-blue hose accordioned out in front of us, then rolled off the side of the road. It seemed only natural to pull up beside them, wave them off the road, then give them the news.

Worth it?
Yes. They were surprised to have been waved down, and expressed their pure gratitude.

Talk to a Distressed Mom About Education Options

The project:
Answer a mom's questions about educating children at home, and hear her out as she vented about her issues with local institutional school offerings.

Time:
30 minutes

Why bother?
I've learned a lot about home education since jumping into it several years ago, and as former education reporter for a local newspaper, I have some insight to a variety of institutional learning settings in the area. It's fun to share that knowledge with someone who really wants to know, and these discussions serve as affirmations of our decision to go this route.

Worth it?
Yes!

Domain Registration, Website Design and Maintenance for Club

The project:
Register a local club's domain name; build and upload the website.

Time:
Just an hour tonight, though it shouldn't have taken that long. The domain host updated their look, so I spent half the time clicking about trying to find my way back into the web manager's tool area.

Creating the website, however, took HOURS. I did it last year, but the site had fallen out of commission. Tonight, I snapped the deserted domain name back and uploaded the files again. (Two files are missing; rebuild necessary - a project for next week?)

Why bother?
We've had a lot of fun with this activity, silly as it may seem. When locals got together to form a club, I volunteered my newfound (and very rudimentary) website development skills.

Due to moves and life situation changes, births and deaths, the club had become much less active, but new blood is coming in and they're raring to go. I volunteered to shell out for the domain registration and hosting costs this year, and maintain it indefinitely.

Worth it?
Sure, but perhaps too early to tell. Will it help the club members communicate with each other? Will it help other locals interested in the game find each other? If it becomes useful, THEN I think I'll feel more like it was worth the effort.

Take them bags, lots o' bags, to the recycling place

The project:
Once again do the plastic bag roundup and deliver them to the proper recycling receptacle. This week, we also collected plastic bags left at the park near the duck pond (where people stash their bird food bags) and a local roadside where all sorts of plastic bags had drifted against the fence.

Time:
30 minutes, including the two cleanup sites.

Why bother?
Plastic is great. It can seal, have great strength and it's light and portable. But it never goes away. When you're finished with it, it's nowhere near the end of its serviceable life. By recycling plastic, we contribute to creation of new park benches, bags, clothes, and more. Plus, it doesn't end up in THIS big mess humans have created.

Worth it?
Yes.

Sharing Professional Skills for Free

The project:
Respond to parents' requests for photos after yesterday's soccer game.

Time:
40 minutes

Why bother?
A lot of my volunteer projects this year have been one-time deals, in large part because I find it difficult to commit to a regular schedule of appearances at this point in my life. My schedule flexes around my children's activity schedule, husband's work schedule and my random activities. This project seems to have stuck since beginning a few weeks back.

Worth it?
Absolutely rewarding! Parents (and grandparents) tell me they're very happy to have action shots of the kids. The fact that they're free doesn't hurt, either.

Soccer - Game Day Pictures (again)

The project:
Get snap-happy with the camera and long lens at area youth soccer games, and share the results free of charge for families to use as they see fit.

Time:
Two hours at the games, another hour editing and uploading.

Why bother?
Taking pictures during the games keeps me from chewing off my nails or getting stressed by the game. The added benefit is that other parents enjoy the pix of their kids. And in this digital age, it's no skin off my nose to share - just some time, which is also precious, but I can manage.

Worth it?
Yes!

Recycling Used Motor Oil

The project:
Recycle oil after shade tree maintenance to our cars.

Time:
10 minutes to properly dispose of the oil via our local auto parts store.

Why bother?
After too many run ins with the local auto dealer, we've opted to do the easy stuff at home and save not only cash, but provide ourselves some peace of mind. It's easy, less expensive (than the dealer, by a far cry), and provides some life lessons for our homeschooling family.

Among the biggest problems with shade tree mechanics is improper disposal of auto fluids, but it doesn't have to be. Collect the oil, then drive it down to the auto parts store where your purchased your new parts, filters and oil. They should accept it, free of charge, and dispose of it properly.

Used motor oil can be refined and used as base for lubricating oil, among other things, according to the American Petroleum Institute. You can also recycle your oil filters, which are made of paper, metal and plastic, all of which are recyclable. To find your local oil FILTER recycler, click here. For your local OIL recycler, click here.

Worth it?
Absolutely. Saved about $200 by doing it ourselves (over dealer shop). KNOW the filters have been changed, the oil is changed, parts checked and we're ready to roll. And the used up, black old oil is in the most appropriate tank, ready for reuse.

Photo courtesy Luis Cerezo under Creative Commons license.

Reach the Top Shelf for a Shopper in a Wheelchair

Endal's helpful, but wouldn't have been tall enough for today's deed.
Photo courtesy Lisa under Creative Commons license.

The project:
Grab some groceries off the top shelf for a sister shopper in a wheelchair.
Time:
Moments.
Why bother?
She really wanted that juice, but couldn't reach it with her bad shoulders, she said. Would I be so kind? Of course!

"Do you need anything else," I asked.
"The rest of my groceries," she quipped with a laugh.

I'm sure there was some truth to her joke. I would love to have stuck around and shopped with her. It was the perfect opportunity. But the girls and I were running (very) short on time before their lessons, so I felt we had to press on.
Worth it?
Yes. It's probably really tough to have to ask for help so often, and of strangers who might just ignore you. I wish we could've stayed to help her with the rest. Would've made her day, and been entertaining for us all. (With three of us, we probably could have helped her wrap it up in record time!)