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Day 763: Happy New Year
7 years ago
Friday, October 4, 2013
Friday, January 4, 2013
Saving a Megastore - One Honest Customer at a Time
The project:
A couple of days ago I stopped by my neighborhood (within 30 miles - barely) mega-hardware store to pick up a make-your-own shed kit. We've been putting off making the purchase while we work on other financial priorities, but after losing some hay to post-rain spoilage, we decided it was time to redirect some of the funds from my recent freelance writing frenzy. After two hours in the store hunting down various items NOT included in the package set (felt for the roof, tile for the roof, ridge tiles for the roof, and roofing nails - we'll pick up the paint later), I was out the door with two giant packages loaded by five strong men into our trailer.
Today, I unpacked the boxes. They weren't numbered, and there were no apparent instructions, so I was left to assume the instructions were inside the box and that it didn't matter WHICH one I opened first. After cutting through the shrinkwrap, the plastic straps and the cardboard, I finally unveiled the first block of goodies, which I unpacked and stacked for inventory, per the instructions found moments after opening. Then I opened box two. It wasn't until I found the second set of doors that I KNEW something was amiss. I finished unpacking anyway, thinking perhaps this was the multiple-door version and that fact merely didn't show on the package photo. Then I started inventory.
Once I realized I'd been gifted a second complete shed, I called the hardware store and sought out the employee. She knew she'd given me two boxes, but said she thought the shed required two boxes of materials. She checked around with other employees, discovered she'd given one complete shed away, then arranged to pick up the pile which will be repackaged, returned to inventory (which never missed it) and resold.
Time:
It took about 20 minutes on the phone for the employee to sort out the error, discuss the matter with her manager and arrange for pickup. She and another employee did all the rest of the work of reloading.
I had spent an extra hour unpacking and inventorying and dividing up the materials.
Why bother?
I confess I was temped to keep the shed. We could use more storage around here. It was already unpacked, already out of the store, and the store's a megagiant which probably really wouldn't miss it. (After all, their inventory showed 9 boxes of the roof tile ridges I needed, but they couldn't locate them. I had to drive 30 miles north to another branch to pick up the ridges, of which I need 10 but they sell only in boxes of 50.)
But I knew the right thing to do was to call the store, explain the situation and let them make a decision about their product.
Worth it?
I had hoped they'd take into consideration several things: the two hours I spent waiting while they hunted down roof ridge tiles that don't exist in their store; the hour I spent driving to another store to pick up said ridges; the $54 for I had to spend for a whole box of ridge tiles even though I need 10 tiles (about $11 worth); the time and money they wasted on gas and staff time to get out to my place and back to pick up the stuff; the loss they'll take on the sale since they'll mark it down now that it's been opened and repackaged.
I hoped, all this considered, they'd mark it as an inventory loss, then just let us have it. You know. As a thanks for my honesty.
Clearly, they didn't, but I'm still glad I called. Had I kept it, I'd always feel a little guilty. Plus, given that this megagiant doesn't even give its employees discounts, I was afraid they'd take the loss out of this poor college student's paycheck once they figured out it was gone. That just wouldn't be right.
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A couple of days ago I stopped by my neighborhood (within 30 miles - barely) mega-hardware store to pick up a make-your-own shed kit. We've been putting off making the purchase while we work on other financial priorities, but after losing some hay to post-rain spoilage, we decided it was time to redirect some of the funds from my recent freelance writing frenzy. After two hours in the store hunting down various items NOT included in the package set (felt for the roof, tile for the roof, ridge tiles for the roof, and roofing nails - we'll pick up the paint later), I was out the door with two giant packages loaded by five strong men into our trailer.
Today, I unpacked the boxes. They weren't numbered, and there were no apparent instructions, so I was left to assume the instructions were inside the box and that it didn't matter WHICH one I opened first. After cutting through the shrinkwrap, the plastic straps and the cardboard, I finally unveiled the first block of goodies, which I unpacked and stacked for inventory, per the instructions found moments after opening. Then I opened box two. It wasn't until I found the second set of doors that I KNEW something was amiss. I finished unpacking anyway, thinking perhaps this was the multiple-door version and that fact merely didn't show on the package photo. Then I started inventory.Once I realized I'd been gifted a second complete shed, I called the hardware store and sought out the employee. She knew she'd given me two boxes, but said she thought the shed required two boxes of materials. She checked around with other employees, discovered she'd given one complete shed away, then arranged to pick up the pile which will be repackaged, returned to inventory (which never missed it) and resold.
Time:
It took about 20 minutes on the phone for the employee to sort out the error, discuss the matter with her manager and arrange for pickup. She and another employee did all the rest of the work of reloading.
I had spent an extra hour unpacking and inventorying and dividing up the materials.
Why bother?
I confess I was temped to keep the shed. We could use more storage around here. It was already unpacked, already out of the store, and the store's a megagiant which probably really wouldn't miss it. (After all, their inventory showed 9 boxes of the roof tile ridges I needed, but they couldn't locate them. I had to drive 30 miles north to another branch to pick up the ridges, of which I need 10 but they sell only in boxes of 50.)
But I knew the right thing to do was to call the store, explain the situation and let them make a decision about their product.
Worth it?
I had hoped they'd take into consideration several things: the two hours I spent waiting while they hunted down roof ridge tiles that don't exist in their store; the hour I spent driving to another store to pick up said ridges; the $54 for I had to spend for a whole box of ridge tiles even though I need 10 tiles (about $11 worth); the time and money they wasted on gas and staff time to get out to my place and back to pick up the stuff; the loss they'll take on the sale since they'll mark it down now that it's been opened and repackaged.
I hoped, all this considered, they'd mark it as an inventory loss, then just let us have it. You know. As a thanks for my honesty.
Clearly, they didn't, but I'm still glad I called. Had I kept it, I'd always feel a little guilty. Plus, given that this megagiant doesn't even give its employees discounts, I was afraid they'd take the loss out of this poor college student's paycheck once they figured out it was gone. That just wouldn't be right.
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Wednesday, January 2, 2013
First Aid for a Child
The project:
Provide first aid, warmth and comfort to a child.
While at a park day with friends today, one of the 4 year olds ran, crying, toward us. Blood was running down his face from, it appeared, his eye. I grabbed my first aid kit from the car and we got him cleaned up. He and several of the other children had been creeping around in some small trees, and a branch reached out and smacked him in the face JUST missing his eye.
He was back to play in just a few minutes after being cleaned up and comforted. Hours later he emerged from the creek where the smaller boys had been playing. He was, again, crying and miserable. His shoes, socks and pants to the above the knees were soaked and muddy and what skin we could see through the mud on his hands was bright pink. This time: he was just plain freezing. I wrapped him in the jacket I was wearing and stuck my hands up the sleeves to warm his ice cube fingers before he crawled into my lap.
Time:
40 minutes
Why bother?
There's never any question when it comes to first aid. We carry a first aid kit wherever we go. And comforting and warming this fun, smart, beautiful little dude was heartwarming for me as well. My children are pretty self sufficient now. It's been a while since a little person climbed into my lap for cuddles and hand warming.
Worth it?
Absolutely.
If you don't already have a first aid kit, run down to the pharmacy and gather supplies. Keep it in your car or pack. You never know when it might come in handy.
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While at a park day with friends today, one of the 4 year olds ran, crying, toward us. Blood was running down his face from, it appeared, his eye. I grabbed my first aid kit from the car and we got him cleaned up. He and several of the other children had been creeping around in some small trees, and a branch reached out and smacked him in the face JUST missing his eye.
He was back to play in just a few minutes after being cleaned up and comforted. Hours later he emerged from the creek where the smaller boys had been playing. He was, again, crying and miserable. His shoes, socks and pants to the above the knees were soaked and muddy and what skin we could see through the mud on his hands was bright pink. This time: he was just plain freezing. I wrapped him in the jacket I was wearing and stuck my hands up the sleeves to warm his ice cube fingers before he crawled into my lap.
Time:
40 minutes
Why bother?
There's never any question when it comes to first aid. We carry a first aid kit wherever we go. And comforting and warming this fun, smart, beautiful little dude was heartwarming for me as well. My children are pretty self sufficient now. It's been a while since a little person climbed into my lap for cuddles and hand warming.
Worth it?
Absolutely.
If you don't already have a first aid kit, run down to the pharmacy and gather supplies. Keep it in your car or pack. You never know when it might come in handy.
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Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Welcome to 2013 - Reviving the Year of Living Charitably
In 2008, my little girls and I embarked upon a personal challenge: performing one good, charitable or otherwise helpful deed every single day for the year, and sharing those activities via the blogosphere. The point of sharing was not to brag, but to inspire, and in that year, we learned about new opportunities to serve, did for friends, family and strangers alike and perhaps grew a little more compassionate.
Since then, we've had a lot going on, but lessons learned that year have not been lost on us. We've continued contributing to our communities through volunteerism, though we haven't taken the time to write about our activities here.
After the horrific school shooting in Newton, Connecticut, one of my favorite columnists, Ann Curry, challenged the world to perform 20 acts of kindness in honor of each of the people killed. She tweeted about it, and the idea took hold, expanded to 26 acts, even 27 or 28. Just imagine if every person in the nation, let alone every person in the world, committed 20 acts of kindness, or 26, or 27, or more.
Since then, I've been reading about loads of charitable acts spurred by Curry's "Are You In?" challenge. The twittersphere is abuzz with ideas, whether 20 Acts or 26 Acts. Some are super simple, some perhaps questionable, and there have been some big acts as well.
But before mental illness took the life of its host victim and 26 others, people across the interwebs were posting about their efforts to give back to community. Here some posts that might provide us all some inspiration for another Year of Living Charitably.
Are You In?
50 Random Acts - Our fellow Weird Unsocialized Homeschooler, Kris, has begun her own random act mission. She's begun with a great list of ideas, inspired by various people in her world. She's a great example of finding acts that meet you where you are. Not everyone gets out every day. Not everyone has even the five bucks to buy someone a cup of expensive, froo-froo coffee. But everyone can perform a charitable deed within their own means.
Guerrilla Goodness - Scroll down for a list of "missions" this blogger completed.
Intentional Acts of Kindness - Final thoughts on a year of kind acts, plus his favorites detailed.
366 Random Acts - This blogger wraps up her year (2012) of random acts, including links to a few of her favorites.
Random Acts/Make A Difference - Lots of folks share their stories on this blog.
Mom to Mom: 26 Acts - This blog post shares a Facebook story which may or may not be entirely true, but there's also a sample of a postcard that commemorates the fallen from Sandy Hook Elementary.
Leaps of Kindness - There are lots of fun ideas on this blog. This links to one of my favorites: tiara care packages. Will they change the world, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, bring world peace? No, but lifting spirits can lead to positivity that continues to spread beyond the recipient.
Action for Happiness - This organization strives to inspire people to help each other and bring about happiness in everyone's lives.
In Memory of John: Full-Moon Memorial Acts - John Pike's mother has been blogging about monthly acts of kindness performed in memory of her son who died at age 23. She's asked others to remember his kindness by sharing acts of their own on every full moon.
The Great Kindness Challenge - August 10, 2013 is challenge day this year. Are you in? The site includes a list of ideas that may provide inspiration.
And just in case those weren't enough, check out Raising Lifelong Learners' Ultimate Guide to Random Acts of Kindness with links to loads of others.
Since then, we've had a lot going on, but lessons learned that year have not been lost on us. We've continued contributing to our communities through volunteerism, though we haven't taken the time to write about our activities here.
After the horrific school shooting in Newton, Connecticut, one of my favorite columnists, Ann Curry, challenged the world to perform 20 acts of kindness in honor of each of the people killed. She tweeted about it, and the idea took hold, expanded to 26 acts, even 27 or 28. Just imagine if every person in the nation, let alone every person in the world, committed 20 acts of kindness, or 26, or 27, or more.
Since then, I've been reading about loads of charitable acts spurred by Curry's "Are You In?" challenge. The twittersphere is abuzz with ideas, whether 20 Acts or 26 Acts. Some are super simple, some perhaps questionable, and there have been some big acts as well.
But before mental illness took the life of its host victim and 26 others, people across the interwebs were posting about their efforts to give back to community. Here some posts that might provide us all some inspiration for another Year of Living Charitably.
Are You In?
50 Random Acts - Our fellow Weird Unsocialized Homeschooler, Kris, has begun her own random act mission. She's begun with a great list of ideas, inspired by various people in her world. She's a great example of finding acts that meet you where you are. Not everyone gets out every day. Not everyone has even the five bucks to buy someone a cup of expensive, froo-froo coffee. But everyone can perform a charitable deed within their own means.
Guerrilla Goodness - Scroll down for a list of "missions" this blogger completed.
Intentional Acts of Kindness - Final thoughts on a year of kind acts, plus his favorites detailed.
366 Random Acts - This blogger wraps up her year (2012) of random acts, including links to a few of her favorites.
Random Acts/Make A Difference - Lots of folks share their stories on this blog.
Mom to Mom: 26 Acts - This blog post shares a Facebook story which may or may not be entirely true, but there's also a sample of a postcard that commemorates the fallen from Sandy Hook Elementary.
Leaps of Kindness - There are lots of fun ideas on this blog. This links to one of my favorites: tiara care packages. Will they change the world, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, bring world peace? No, but lifting spirits can lead to positivity that continues to spread beyond the recipient.
Action for Happiness - This organization strives to inspire people to help each other and bring about happiness in everyone's lives.
In Memory of John: Full-Moon Memorial Acts - John Pike's mother has been blogging about monthly acts of kindness performed in memory of her son who died at age 23. She's asked others to remember his kindness by sharing acts of their own on every full moon.
The Great Kindness Challenge - August 10, 2013 is challenge day this year. Are you in? The site includes a list of ideas that may provide inspiration.
And just in case those weren't enough, check out Raising Lifelong Learners' Ultimate Guide to Random Acts of Kindness with links to loads of others.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Charity in times of disaster
It's too bad it takes a disaster for people to step up and help out. But I'm also thankful that these mega events, like this week's Hurricane Sandy and last year's Hurricane Irene, provide an opportunity for neighbors to meet each other, give each other a hand, pool resources. It's living old school when neighbors weren't afraid to borrow a cup of sugar or share homemade treats.
It doesn't have to cost a lot, or take much effort. Consider this shot from a home with power after Hurricane Sandy:
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It doesn't have to cost a lot, or take much effort. Consider this shot from a home with power after Hurricane Sandy:
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Sunday, August 28, 2011
Planning for 2012
The project:
It's time to revive this project. 2011 was just too quiet deed-wise. Sure, we did a lot this year, but weren't as helpful to our community as we might have been. In 2012, I'd like to expand the Year of Living Charitably project to include other regular participants. Might you be interested? Adopt a day, adopt a week or commit to weekly posts. Your call...spread the love. If you're interested in being a guest blogger here, just drop me a note and we'll work it out.
Time:
All of 2012, but only a few minutes each day with some scattered larger projects.
Why bother?
Because I was, once again, inspired by my sister in law. And because I miss these projects and posts and hearing from others who are inspired to create their own charitable project efforts.
Worth it?
You tell me. I really did enjoy my year of living charitably - so much so that I plan to extend the project, and share the fun. Will you find it worthwhile to take part?
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It's time to revive this project. 2011 was just too quiet deed-wise. Sure, we did a lot this year, but weren't as helpful to our community as we might have been. In 2012, I'd like to expand the Year of Living Charitably project to include other regular participants. Might you be interested? Adopt a day, adopt a week or commit to weekly posts. Your call...spread the love. If you're interested in being a guest blogger here, just drop me a note and we'll work it out.
Time:
All of 2012, but only a few minutes each day with some scattered larger projects.
Why bother?
Because I was, once again, inspired by my sister in law. And because I miss these projects and posts and hearing from others who are inspired to create their own charitable project efforts.
Worth it?
You tell me. I really did enjoy my year of living charitably - so much so that I plan to extend the project, and share the fun. Will you find it worthwhile to take part?
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Saturday, September 4, 2010
Mid-year inspiration
It's been awhile, but don't worry. We've been up to some good these past several months, including several repeated projects (trash collection, recycling, lending hands to friends, relatives and perfect strangers). But I confess I haven't made the daily effort I made last year. Sometimes I realize it's been days since I've done anything notable, but then Dad points out "charity includes the things you do for your own family."
Today I came upon this inspirational collection of stories about a variety of people and organizations who have acted charitably on a number of levels. Slate also has some ideas for how to lend a helping hand. I hope these collections inspires you, too.
What have you done for your community lately? Please share your stories here and inspire us all.
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Today I came upon this inspirational collection of stories about a variety of people and organizations who have acted charitably on a number of levels. Slate also has some ideas for how to lend a helping hand. I hope these collections inspires you, too.
What have you done for your community lately? Please share your stories here and inspire us all.
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Saturday, June 26, 2010
Now we need YOUR help
OK, now for something completely different....
Last year, I shared daily what our family did for our community.
Today, I'm asking readers to do something for our family.
WEIRD....I know.
You can read all about it here, or just cut to the chase and vote here. Supporters are allowed one vote per e-mail address per day! That means your vote counts each and every day 'til the contest ends Sept. 5!
PLEASE help our family turn our dreams into reality!
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Last year, I shared daily what our family did for our community.
Today, I'm asking readers to do something for our family.
WEIRD....I know.
You can read all about it here, or just cut to the chase and vote here. Supporters are allowed one vote per e-mail address per day! That means your vote counts each and every day 'til the contest ends Sept. 5!
PLEASE help our family turn our dreams into reality!
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
(Almost) Never Pick Up Strangers
We try to protect our children, to teach them to be safe, to show them the way. But then...it rains.
While heading across town to the girls' art class we experienced a torrential downpour. (Yes, Mom. I actually called it RAIN.) About two blocks from our house, we passed a cyclist, hood up, working her way up the hill. By "cyclist," I mean a woman on a bike. She wasn't a hard-core cyclist with her neon Spandex and matching helmet and shoes. No, she was a cyclist by chance, unprepared for the weather and certainly not enjoying it. She was soaked from her white, quilted-nylon coat with the faux-fur liner to her jeans and tennis shoes. The bag she carried over her shoulder wasn't helping her keep her balance, and I'm not sure she could really see at all through the downpour.
I pulled up beside her, rolled down the window and...
"Mom! Why are you rolling down the window?!"
I didn't answer my daughter. Instead, I did what we tell our children not to do.
"Do you want to put your bike in the back and I'll give you a ride," I hollered out the window.
The cyclist gave pause. Clearly, she'd been taught not to take rides from strangers. But we were both adults, she ever-more soaked with each passing moment, and I in a minivan emblazoned with my website address and carrying two children in the back seat.
I suppose we both decided neither of us would be much of a threat.
As we pulled into the driveway of her intended destination, the rain stopped.
"Thank you. That was very Christian of you," she said.
I didn't have the heart to tell her charitable deeds aren't limited by faith. I smiled, waved, and got back in the van.
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While heading across town to the girls' art class we experienced a torrential downpour. (Yes, Mom. I actually called it RAIN.) About two blocks from our house, we passed a cyclist, hood up, working her way up the hill. By "cyclist," I mean a woman on a bike. She wasn't a hard-core cyclist with her neon Spandex and matching helmet and shoes. No, she was a cyclist by chance, unprepared for the weather and certainly not enjoying it. She was soaked from her white, quilted-nylon coat with the faux-fur liner to her jeans and tennis shoes. The bag she carried over her shoulder wasn't helping her keep her balance, and I'm not sure she could really see at all through the downpour.
I pulled up beside her, rolled down the window and...
"Mom! Why are you rolling down the window?!"
I didn't answer my daughter. Instead, I did what we tell our children not to do.
"Do you want to put your bike in the back and I'll give you a ride," I hollered out the window.
The cyclist gave pause. Clearly, she'd been taught not to take rides from strangers. But we were both adults, she ever-more soaked with each passing moment, and I in a minivan emblazoned with my website address and carrying two children in the back seat.
I suppose we both decided neither of us would be much of a threat.
As we pulled into the driveway of her intended destination, the rain stopped.
"Thank you. That was very Christian of you," she said.
I didn't have the heart to tell her charitable deeds aren't limited by faith. I smiled, waved, and got back in the van.
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Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Helping Someone's Mother
The woman across the street from us retired decades ago. Her youngest grandchildren are headed for high school. She doesn't hear well. She often doesn't see us as we pass during her early morning rose pruning and leaf collecting sessions. She doesn't drive anymore, but relies entirely on public transit. As a Brit, she was raised using public transit, so that's all and good, but sometimes it's just nice to have a lift, and when we have a chance, we pick her up and drop her wherever she needs to be. (It's never very far.)Today, we were almost at our final destination (farmers' market) when I spotted her in the bus stop. I knew she was headed only about 2 miles west, so I pulled up to the stop, rolled down the window and waved my hand ala Vanna White and said, "Your carriage awaits!"
What a great smile she gave me as she put away her change and climbed in. I confirmed her final destination, and headed west. We were a couple of blocks away from farmers' market when she asked where WE were headed. I thought about making something up, but I wasn't that quick. I told her.
"Oh! Well, thank you VERY much," she said.
The unexpected lift gave her time to run an extra errand near her final destination.
It took us an extra five minutes to give her a lift and return to our intended stop. As w e pulled in to farmers' market, I noted the bus still hadn't arrived.
So, it seemed ultra appropriate today when this poem popped up on my radar. (Thanks, Garrison Keillor!)
Somebody's Mother
The woman was old and ragged and gray
And bent with the chill of the Winter's day.
The street was wet with a recent snow
And the woman's feet were aged and slow.
She stood at the crossing and waited long,
Alone, uncared for, amid the throng
Of human beings who passed her by
Nor heeded the glance of her anxious eye.
Down the street with laughter and shout,
Glad in the freedom of 'school let out,'
Came the boys like a flock of sheep,
Hailing the snow piled white and deep.
Past the woman so old and gray
Hastened the children on their way.
Nor offered a helping hand to her—
So meek, so timid, afraid to stir
Lest the carriage wheels or the horses' feet
Should crowd her down in the slippery street.
At last came one of the merry troop,
The gayest lad of all the group;
He paused beside her and whispered low,
"I'll help you cross, if you wish to go."
Her aged hand on his strong young arm
She placed, and so, without hurt or harm,
He guided the trembling feet along,
Proud that his own were firm and strong.
Then back again to his friends he went,
His young heart happy and well content.
"She's somebody's mother, boys, you know,
For all she's aged and poor and slow,
And I hope some fellow will lend a hand
To help my mother, you understand,
If ever she's poor and old and grey,
And her own dear boy is far away."
"Somebody's mother" bowed low her head
In her home that night, and the prayer she said
Was, "God be kind to the noble boy,
Who is somebody's son, and pride and joy!"
Photo courtesy nzbuu under Creative Commons License.
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