I'm picking up trash daily, at this point. Recycling is an everyday thing, too, with plastic bags multiplying in spite of our efforts not to use them. Turns out we use recyclable plastic for a LOT of things besides grocery bags. (We are lots better at taking our reusable bags to the grocery store now.)
We'll soon be heading north for a little vacation, but could use some refreshing ideas. Please post here. :)
Posts
Day 763: Happy New Year
5 years ago
My newest quest is to compliment people. Mostly, I try to watch for parents that DO have well-behaved children and then compliment them on how great it is to see! The "good" kids (and their parents) too often fly under the radar and don't get noticed. I know how great it makes me feel whenever someone compliments me on how polite, or helpful, or compassionate my kids are. I like to pass that fleeting feeling of success onto other parents that are busting their butts at raising kind, functional children, too.
ReplyDeleteKristi - that's a nice gesture. As a child, I remember how proud I would feel when I would hear strangers compliment my parents on my politeness. It encouraged me to continue.
ReplyDeleteA few things we've done recently:
Returned one lost dog to its owner, and drove around trying to find his buddy; attended a food-packaging party for a local food bank, sponsored by a local food co-op; donated pet supplies and cage to the humane society after our pet (originally adopted from the HS) passed away; passed hand-me-downs on to another family; watched a friend's child so she could have some one-on-one time with her toddler; and the usual recycling, litter pick-up, and clothing donations. Keep doing what you're doing - you make a difference!
Offer to host playdates with one of your daughters' friends. It's a wonderful gift to the parents of the other kid -- some quality time with their other child(ren), or with each other. And chances are high that your daughters and their friend(s) will entertain themselves.
ReplyDeleteWhen I go into public restrooms, since I know I'm going to wash my hands right after, I often pick up extra TP pieces on the floor of the stall and put them into the toilet. It leaves the stall nicer than I found it, makes it seem more pleasant during my own visit, and makes a little less work for the person who has the onerous job of cleaning the place.
I'm trying to spread the word about a fundraising project I'm working on. I was hoping I could send it your way and you could pass it on to anyone you know who might be able to help.
ReplyDeleteI'm recommending people do a "give up coffee for one day for Ellie" (and donate their Starbucks money for that day) or "cook dinner for Ellie" (invite 10 friends over for a meal and everyone chip in $5 for an Ellie donation). Just little things. We're all about the budget philanthropy over at Spread Change!
Anything you can do to help would be great!
http://spreadchange.blogspot.com/2009/07/help-family.html