Not so very behind this time! On Monday, it was back to work and school for my family. I really needed something to look forward to so I could get back in the groove. I scheduled some time after work and before my kids got home to read a book. I was seriously relishing the thought of some uninterrupted quiet time! I usually feel guilty about sitting down to read when there are so many things to get done around the house. The housework had to wait today. My sister lent me An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor awhile ago and I finally was able to sit down with a cup of tea and read. One of my cats snuggled next to me. It doesn't get any better than that for me sometimes! My AOK for others was to pray for children in abusive families. I do believe in the power of prayer and hope that in some small way, a child is helped today.
On Tuesday, I went Christmas shopping. While I was in Target, an elderly woman asked me if I was busy. I said that I wasn't and she asked me if I might drive her to a nearby store since it was raining outside. Normally, I would have declined but I really felt that I should do something. So we agreed to meet in the front of the store when we had finished making our purchases. I learned a lot about Gloria Ann today. She knows every person who works in Target and greets them all. We journeyed to Staples to try and find a writing tablet (without lines). No luck. Next stop, Rite Aid where I was able to find the last tablet and purchase it while Gloria waited in the car. She called me a 'miracle lady'. Last stop-Walmart. She also knew many of the workers and stopped to chat with several. I helped her get some items (from the back, darling) and compare the price of almonds. At the checkout, she was really upset to find that the Ferraro Rocher 3 packs were no longer up front. I went to the back to check but couldn't find them. While I was gone, she asked the manager and 3 associates to find them. A very nice Walmart employee named Sarah located them. The checkout guy said, "these must be some chocolate". I have to admit, being with Gloria was a little taxing. She talked a lot and was quick to give her opinion on a variety of topics and people. "What kind of hairdo is that? A porcupine?" Loud enough that I cringed and hoped the woman she was referring to didn't hear. But then she told a woman next to her that she looked 42 (the number being called out at the deli). This woman was 62 and told Gloria she had made her day. In the end, I drove her back to her apartment and dropped her off. She gave me her phone number and said anytime to call and she'd take me to lunch. Sometimes being kind is a little more work than one bargains for.... And for myself? A free coffee at BK. I really gotta work on that!
On Wednesday, I stopped to visit my friend Naomi. I found a coupon for a product she likes and actually remembered to give it to her today. We had a nice visit, talking about Thanksgiving and family. My own family had been in the local paper on Thanksgiving and I gave her a copy to read. She was so sweet-complimenting our pictures and grateful for the newspaper article. I credit Naomi with keeping my love of volunteering alive. She is a bright spot in my week! For myself, more of my guilty pleasure-reading. I actually finished the book I started Monday. It was a nice story with a happy ending. My favorite.
On Thursday, I researched some other ways to donate to charities online. I was able to visit charitii.com and donate 200 square inches to the Nature Conservancy by playing crossword games. I have a short list of some other ways to donate online that I'll be visiting in the next few days. For myself, hmmm.... Since I'm carless for today (in the shop) I think a brisk walk would be a kind thing for both body and soul.
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