Extended a Friendly Hand

The project:
Offer good wishes and words of support to teen athletes.

Time:
40 minutes

Why bother?
This used to be my team. This year they were coached by someone else, but many of these spectacular teens will always be in my heart. Today was their league meet.

Worth it?
Absolutely. It was great to see the kids' smiles and hear about the latest news in their lives, ease their concerns as they entered what, for many of them, would be the last meet of their season. It was nice to see some of my coaching friends on deck, too. And while I wasn't involved in this season, being here still helped me get a little closer to letting this season go.

Picking up trash & Recycling It

The project:
Taking a trash walk, then delivering the goods to the recycling bins.

Time:
20 minutes

Why bother?
The trash was there, so were we. Plus, these reasons.

Worth it?
I guess so. But now that I'm doing this, I'm so much more aware of just how messy people are. Come on now!

Made Room for a School Bus

The project:
Waved a school bus into my lane.

Time:
Seconds

Why bother?
The bus was trying to shift lanes in heavy traffic. The driver had signaled, but when she saw me in the lane, turned off her signal to wait it out, I guess. I tapped on the brakes to make her a hole, then flashed my lights and waved her in. Driving a busload of kids around all day has to have its downsides. Nasty drivers in traffic shouldn't be among them. Plus, it took only seconds to give this driver a break.

Worth it?
Absolutely.

Kept My Mouth Shut

The project:
For one whole day, didn't try to direct my child in her choice of dress or activities.

Time:
All day, kind of.

Why bother?
Today is her birthday. She had a plan going into it, but when the day arrived, she altered her plan. Rather than say, "I thought you wanted to..." I let it go. What difference does it make what she planned? She was happily going about her birthday in her own style. Speaking of which, when it came time for lunch, she opted to dress up and head out. Interestingly, however, this girl who wears dress shoes with jeans to play in the park chose tennis shoes to wear with a fancy dress to go out to dinner. It was tough not to question the decision out of MERE CURIOSITY!

Worth it?
Absolutely. This is something I need to do more often, anyhow.

Recycling - Good Deeds Revisited

The project:
Recycle our household aluminum, glass and plastic

Time:
15 minutes

Why bother?
It's good for the bottle, the can, and the girls wallets and savings accounts. Plus this, this and this, too.

Worth it?
The girls were thrilled with their 4 bucks (they keep the cash if they help with the recycling) plus we kept the stuff out of the landfill. Maybe someday this "trash to us" will be wheels for someone's bus, or playground equipment, or a bridge. Who knows?

At least it's not in my garage anymore!

Photo courtesy Timothy under Creative Commons License.

PJ Program Drop Off in Santa Maria

The Pajama Program serving northern Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County is getting organized! Care to join in but missed our neighborhood drive? Here's a NEW SPOT in Santa Maria for dropping off new (with labels/tags) PJs (sizes infant to teen) and bedtime books.

NEW! Drop-Off Location for New Pajamas and Books:
Santa Maria Valley Physical Therapy Group
820 E. Enos Drive
(behind Edwards Cinemas)

Office Hours are Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.