Hold a Baby While His Parents Catch a Bite

The project:
While out to dinner with friends we haven't seen in an age, I volunteered to hold the 4-month-old while his parents relaxed a LITTLE bit and enjoyed their meal for awhile.

Time:
20 minutes or so

Why bother?
I was never a baby person, 'til I had my own. Now babies and I enjoy mutual admiration. A funny thing about babies, no matter how small, they seem to know when dinner time is, and they're not afraid to distract their parents from the meal set before them. And parents of infants seldom eat in peace. I thought I'd offer an extra set of hands and a funny face to keep him distracted, if only for a short rest for the parents, and certainly a baby fix for me.

Worth it?
Absolutely. What a cutie! So cuddly, and smiles from baby and parents alike were my reward. :)

Plastic Bag Drop

The project:
Drop off our plastic bags at the recycling spot.

Time:
Negligible.

Why bother?
No matter how much we try, we still end up with plastic bags from packaged grocery products.

Worth it?
Yes, better than in the landfill, or floating through the forest where we've often found them on the breeze.

Volunteering as Docents

The project:
Volunteer at our local state park to serve as docents for upcoming events.

Time:
Just a few minutes today, but it'll take hours, even days, in the coming year.

Why bother?Our oldest daughter loves, loves, loves history. Bringing history to life through special events at our local state park, for instance, helps maintain that spark. Why not?

Worth it?
We shall see (and report) once we're activated.

Photo courtesy DSearles under Creative Commons License.