tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44930946983806849402024-03-05T03:17:43.580-05:0042 Good DaysRandom acts of kindness from October 1st through November <strike>13th</strike> 25th, 2012. Just because. <br>
[<i>I'm adding extra days for every donation made toward my Day 8 post, regardless of the amount.</i>]e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-81605592205379696322012-11-26T09:29:00.000-05:002012-11-26T22:19:00.568-05:00Parting thoughtsWhen I started this project, I was not in a good place. Life was wearing me down on all sides. I knew I needed to change course, but I didn't know how. Then I saw <a href="http://42gooddays.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-14.html">a couple things</a> that gave me an idea.<br />
<br />
From self pity, I turned my attention outwards. The truth is, <i>everyone </i>has struggles. And in fact, a lot of people have <i>much</i> bigger challenges than me. What if, instead of worrying about my own headaches, I started paying attention to everyone else? And so this project was born.<br />
<br />
How'd it go? Well, <a href="http://42gooddays.blogspot.com/2012/11/42-good-days-in-pictures.html">I covered a lot of ground</a> - friends, family, co-workers, total strangers, old people, young people, and animals. Health, poverty, conservation & agricultural causes. From people in my local community to people on other continents. I ran a 5k for the first time in my life<i>. </i>And the second. I made people smile, laugh, and cry. There were literally blood, sweat, and tears -- but all the good kind. <br />
<br />
Lest you think altruism is an unselfish act, know that since I started this blog, my life has improved: Besides having a lot of fun, I connected with people and did things I wouldn't have otherwise done. I discovered new things in my community. I got a new job paying a good bit more (plus bonuses!) I've made new friends. I've gotten invaluable guidance on navigating the arcane and frustrating world of special needs services, I got a great low-tech tip that's helped my 9-year-old son overcome some behavior issues, and, well, I just feel more positive about life in general. <br />
<br />
Even so, after almost two months, I'm drawing this project to a close. I will still keep doing many of the same kinds of things I've been doing, just not publicly. <br />
<br />
As a parting shot, I challenge anyone reading this to give it a try. You don't have to start a blog, but for me, it really helped me keep going, avoid skipping days, plan ahead, and seek out new ideas. Yes, it feels weird to brag about doing good things, but I don't think it seems nearly as weird to the people following along. Rather, some people feel inspired to go out and do nice things too.<br />
<br />
One side note - be careful of over-giving, especially to friends and family. In researching for this project, I did some reading on "gift economies". If you want to give big, make sure your recipient has some avenue for reciprocating if they desire. Of course, you do something nice without expecting anything in return, but you don't want your recipient to forever feel at a moral disadvantage. This can create problems in your relationship. It can be a delicate balance - you don't want a <i>quid pro quo</i> arrangement, but they don't want to feel like a charity case either. Reciprocation can take the form of "paying it forward," and you can steer people in that direction if you want, but don't steadfastly block a payback if your recipient is determined to somehow "even the score." You may even want to give them a suggestion for how to return the favor, depending on the circumstances. <br />
<br />
Thinking about doing this stuff is one thing. Maybe even making a plan makes
you feel like you did something. But remember that the follow-through is what makes
an actual difference in the world. Trust me. You will love it, and the people you
help will love it. <br />
<br />
If you do, link back to me, or let me know, so I can follow along. I spent money on some of mine, but you don't have to. I can point you to some places with lots of free ideas. Try it for a month. Try it for a week even. Or one nice thing per week if you want to keep it simple. Whatever works for you.<br />
<br />
See what happens. I triple-dog-dare you. <br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." - Aesope4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-2454276093673683732012-11-26T09:20:00.000-05:002012-11-26T22:18:53.510-05:0042+ Good Days, in picturesIn no particular order...
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.trianglegivesback.org/elements/media/organizations/north-carolina-childrens-hospital-and-the-nc-childrens-promise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.trianglegivesback.org/elements/media/organizations/north-carolina-childrens-hospital-and-the-nc-childrens-promise.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://act.alz.org/images/tr/Walk_to_End_Alzheimers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" src="https://act.alz.org/images/tr/Walk_to_End_Alzheimers.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TR4Vb60OcFFGrNX9Qs2Tk7hW8RfKL1I-rd7r3PcsOv3GGUH7M_C8fe5JGX-hSthXGoytrcuPsO0YNrWInfsAlCI3jAinDjcu9BmbL-tL9SVE0uuo9RhRax0lN6CnKg3AZMooH1b05TM/s320/image_1353766145168523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TR4Vb60OcFFGrNX9Qs2Tk7hW8RfKL1I-rd7r3PcsOv3GGUH7M_C8fe5JGX-hSthXGoytrcuPsO0YNrWInfsAlCI3jAinDjcu9BmbL-tL9SVE0uuo9RhRax0lN6CnKg3AZMooH1b05TM/s320/image_1353766145168523.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dXRKYVuGrMH_Af3BHqW5F0C-xSm7I5tk-2c6DuC2Bl2czr2_l3ylLwEEuFySexpYUwut8kL_1BNDCrir4b7_VHM_3hwBV7CCf4yf2s6xx5hclRWP_gqpdjuALRcghBQmD0q5FbTpXC0/s200/DSC_0608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dXRKYVuGrMH_Af3BHqW5F0C-xSm7I5tk-2c6DuC2Bl2czr2_l3ylLwEEuFySexpYUwut8kL_1BNDCrir4b7_VHM_3hwBV7CCf4yf2s6xx5hclRWP_gqpdjuALRcghBQmD0q5FbTpXC0/s200/DSC_0608.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://theabundancefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/BiofarmLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="http://theabundancefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/BiofarmLogo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqRiE474JqLg3kRmiHT6SwlYPAM0rM3VbslW1d9fWfLONExonNkz7qr-M-Cs-AhtTfXNS769Nu_zKWsmevoH0cuWtGfr5uQyrczqsEmy-VnacKNcbJ1pMniWZUWf9hF32ykdr_76Ip5c/s1600/50514_103388213071217_2876881_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqRiE474JqLg3kRmiHT6SwlYPAM0rM3VbslW1d9fWfLONExonNkz7qr-M-Cs-AhtTfXNS769Nu_zKWsmevoH0cuWtGfr5uQyrczqsEmy-VnacKNcbJ1pMniWZUWf9hF32ykdr_76Ip5c/s1600/50514_103388213071217_2876881_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/imaging/eventgivinggroup/d992d486-8dc1-43f9-adb3-27e1abf02514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.firstgiving.com/imaging/eventgivinggroup/d992d486-8dc1-43f9-adb3-27e1abf02514.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpTL_67wQvYbpMiAeR5ru55UnbaeiE47cf2zerjBZ3zD7-eqFMf-5eYpTz4L_TJ29FjzqVHXXSRK5GNAZA5NB7tCumMg8O7CUm2ByGtdIfsJaxPLqi6EYlg-LAM01MOvWIKh9yaDYUsE/s200/29565_4555297287867_277458558_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpTL_67wQvYbpMiAeR5ru55UnbaeiE47cf2zerjBZ3zD7-eqFMf-5eYpTz4L_TJ29FjzqVHXXSRK5GNAZA5NB7tCumMg8O7CUm2ByGtdIfsJaxPLqi6EYlg-LAM01MOvWIKh9yaDYUsE/s200/29565_4555297287867_277458558_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4pawsforability.org/wp-content/themes/4PAWS/library/images/4Paws-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4pawsforability.org/wp-content/themes/4PAWS/library/images/4Paws-logo.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/img/arc2012_logo_off.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.redcrossblood.org/img/arc2012_logo_off.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://postalrelief.com/images/logo-type-heart-blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://postalrelief.com/images/logo-type-heart-blue.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4nxcvIBUUXusfkYP_lpcnve2_DMYHy7aoy4U9QJx4oawG6CpS8oKSqLkZrzK4qJPFgPK1zub28YijwI-kg2r1LHKR4Ia65l9llUd2wL-9R6cZss5R0DcpuxzkGlMcwrG33KHMzmD4-A/s200/FBCENCmainCMYK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4nxcvIBUUXusfkYP_lpcnve2_DMYHy7aoy4U9QJx4oawG6CpS8oKSqLkZrzK4qJPFgPK1zub28YijwI-kg2r1LHKR4Ia65l9llUd2wL-9R6cZss5R0DcpuxzkGlMcwrG33KHMzmD4-A/s200/FBCENCmainCMYK.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQ9k-XlSVi1LUC8TAAFYQWl8BNZMNa8qryhmUXBiyPKczwGi_R8rKf2Ccc71z1TXtVDFq9EPrvfi5_vLbjGqQ6_GTwKkN043gCo0_wGb5Mmp1xQqVsQlMHm4hswgOPcoYY9rCIH9VFLg/s200/220px-American_Cancer_Society_Relay_For_Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQ9k-XlSVi1LUC8TAAFYQWl8BNZMNa8qryhmUXBiyPKczwGi_R8rKf2Ccc71z1TXtVDFq9EPrvfi5_vLbjGqQ6_GTwKkN043gCo0_wGb5Mmp1xQqVsQlMHm4hswgOPcoYY9rCIH9VFLg/s200/220px-American_Cancer_Society_Relay_For_Life.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSm5oFfU-_AfbnzKcqx0VA8SjwjsG_NyRWbBqaHrqvrHbQ8HX6WOsuoIieBCVSxMvCzeepp24iE67t3w5-bnhQk_cn5U98WZY9_d_LZ6GioeKdW40gY3UudKi885Z3s4m8PHnp68Utt0/s200/gabheader2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSm5oFfU-_AfbnzKcqx0VA8SjwjsG_NyRWbBqaHrqvrHbQ8HX6WOsuoIieBCVSxMvCzeepp24iE67t3w5-bnhQk_cn5U98WZY9_d_LZ6GioeKdW40gY3UudKi885Z3s4m8PHnp68Utt0/s200/gabheader2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLK-aOcw0jRNdUfvm9Z98ZK59g8JfCJK94D-4frMsQLA3Vf-Bd8p4iCepGtxH6cDEzu7KZCwghXp_JhlZ90lvmIlxgIwkJvwBIvqNgTJGisvPhWOjtYGdurYIj0XfGv-L8a4rFd2fXLPg/s200/WebelosOval.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLK-aOcw0jRNdUfvm9Z98ZK59g8JfCJK94D-4frMsQLA3Vf-Bd8p4iCepGtxH6cDEzu7KZCwghXp_JhlZ90lvmIlxgIwkJvwBIvqNgTJGisvPhWOjtYGdurYIj0XfGv-L8a4rFd2fXLPg/s200/WebelosOval.gif" width="162" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kintera.org/AccountTempFiles//account401961/images/raleigh_logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://www.kintera.org/AccountTempFiles//account401961/images/raleigh_logo.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VEpWULw6sB6RLBqJRsPwGIQRbTBkGffrE-TuOD5U8nCxnRP2TrOxGeg1S2sO5nHyIIkGi_WlW0ZXgT1murxv5ygXSYR_NshbgrffSACoNeWM8NihyphenhyphenbgcYGy1-HOB2pN0mHiVCWddUT8/s200/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VEpWULw6sB6RLBqJRsPwGIQRbTBkGffrE-TuOD5U8nCxnRP2TrOxGeg1S2sO5nHyIIkGi_WlW0ZXgT1murxv5ygXSYR_NshbgrffSACoNeWM8NihyphenhyphenbgcYGy1-HOB2pN0mHiVCWddUT8/s200/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twimg0-a.akamaihd.net/profile_images/1584044306/Standing_Wave1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://twimg0-a.akamaihd.net/profile_images/1584044306/Standing_Wave1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGecwXglA57A3YCsdyxjoe9OrRNrmq-Q137a9RKefkRkShr_isoyx-o7Jkbf8QelKo6k7dzRQnKCXF8U_yvcHMQu0MjquD3xLngckVAAFVI415NQuJ3SARM8XEArdPhm568K_JKgHYmw/s320/image_1353766184564387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGecwXglA57A3YCsdyxjoe9OrRNrmq-Q137a9RKefkRkShr_isoyx-o7Jkbf8QelKo6k7dzRQnKCXF8U_yvcHMQu0MjquD3xLngckVAAFVI415NQuJ3SARM8XEArdPhm568K_JKgHYmw/s320/image_1353766184564387.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.orangencsepta.org/images/2a0e512b11290f61f29adc20aa6a272b_4aj0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://www.orangencsepta.org/images/2a0e512b11290f61f29adc20aa6a272b_4aj0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.heifer.org/drupal/images/2010_heifer_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.heifer.org/drupal/images/2010_heifer_logo.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twimg0-a.akamaihd.net/profile_images/1604426399/TwitterPictureNew.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://twimg0-a.akamaihd.net/profile_images/1604426399/TwitterPictureNew.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.heifer.org/drupal/images/2010_heifer_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.keepdurhambeautiful.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/logo_ncbigsweep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://www.keepdurhambeautiful.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/logo_ncbigsweep.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqt7XRmDcG-sjF19JdMn8-eXLb7Jg8D4x4U50l0hjaNH68kvrQCkTo6ziAFlcVuR_NCNgj_sHNyV8CKX8S2Rq8Vq3h1ujnMq2uEhN6Fwv-snL2LoqdHRPcpzzBlxfH93lfcqyoM7TRmaM/s200/cropmob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqt7XRmDcG-sjF19JdMn8-eXLb7Jg8D4x4U50l0hjaNH68kvrQCkTo6ziAFlcVuR_NCNgj_sHNyV8CKX8S2Rq8Vq3h1ujnMq2uEhN6Fwv-snL2LoqdHRPcpzzBlxfH93lfcqyoM7TRmaM/s200/cropmob.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulOb5LCXU8I5BItMEkHh7tE-5dZoiRiFmwtLWY-IJGKY-Ee1ANDdBRlJC4rvPYQjPPPaMpWOQe35J893Xn1hDiFfbx0KC6Un40wioLNoOoBdwec2PFkhnX27VYOCFiD7AkIiNr02PqZM/s200/campsite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulOb5LCXU8I5BItMEkHh7tE-5dZoiRiFmwtLWY-IJGKY-Ee1ANDdBRlJC4rvPYQjPPPaMpWOQe35J893Xn1hDiFfbx0KC6Un40wioLNoOoBdwec2PFkhnX27VYOCFiD7AkIiNr02PqZM/s200/campsite.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUeRaVlMtYSAWbq_qNF6f8dDPyR4-6m0R-LHQaGEKiaQyPmBAWrMWr0gQS7-2K7xdabIuSA0AgBvW5KLJLswvQrBee2S_FgcWDDoTJO21vvzsVE_w8c73rSFODqI8aAKsx3_jOfVlmKg/s320/DSC_0677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUeRaVlMtYSAWbq_qNF6f8dDPyR4-6m0R-LHQaGEKiaQyPmBAWrMWr0gQS7-2K7xdabIuSA0AgBvW5KLJLswvQrBee2S_FgcWDDoTJO21vvzsVE_w8c73rSFODqI8aAKsx3_jOfVlmKg/s320/DSC_0677.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.usveteransmagazine.com/sites/default/files/Homeless-Veteran-Sign1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://www.usveteransmagazine.com/sites/default/files/Homeless-Veteran-Sign1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqQ5GfqiA8-wwjJcdZQKahOY6igOueydTKeyLdLyGwvtFEuHqDKpCBcLbLKnaHvVx6I60c1PepsT4LpOsC9sQ2k-zTG3xoVZj4aR1BUwtp4lHk-5nZ4x3L1lEJCl7s3WWgCwaxlcdQwg/s200/1227543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqQ5GfqiA8-wwjJcdZQKahOY6igOueydTKeyLdLyGwvtFEuHqDKpCBcLbLKnaHvVx6I60c1PepsT4LpOsC9sQ2k-zTG3xoVZj4aR1BUwtp4lHk-5nZ4x3L1lEJCl7s3WWgCwaxlcdQwg/s200/1227543.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://secure1.heifer.org/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/235x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/n/c/nc_chicks1_big_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://secure1.heifer.org/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/235x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/n/c/nc_chicks1_big_thumb.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OTHkgxwZaRj2MC7XJspWVVYkBxEft_r6FHnFLS__yVzFf2M67QSlkDy_gaFJDd1Oafy-qItYrpMmbFGtQugLI5RJnMSSwXhQJAhM7CjHE1t9BiuyCno_wQZtUArcJJ07ulq-v2DUQ38/s200/DSC_0600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OTHkgxwZaRj2MC7XJspWVVYkBxEft_r6FHnFLS__yVzFf2M67QSlkDy_gaFJDd1Oafy-qItYrpMmbFGtQugLI5RJnMSSwXhQJAhM7CjHE1t9BiuyCno_wQZtUArcJJ07ulq-v2DUQ38/s200/DSC_0600.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TxgUumRJHmCXheXcABeqyyL76h2gVzrQVccGkzfa4S0hMweVhhKMmQlf6HXabp86E4ZFq19pzwq95loirj8x2h9wu0Y9h4Xc6BAOC0xo3ioRiPCuCEL4wY8B8N5xek1QqDLZtrJcH4c/s320/5k-start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TxgUumRJHmCXheXcABeqyyL76h2gVzrQVccGkzfa4S0hMweVhhKMmQlf6HXabp86E4ZFq19pzwq95loirj8x2h9wu0Y9h4Xc6BAOC0xo3ioRiPCuCEL4wY8B8N5xek1QqDLZtrJcH4c/s320/5k-start.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjum1GL0Ai-CKBvGBT_s291D1O-VD8baSOYkQZUoVFRCheiE-QPwTSbvifHKQSAm-oPzq1vvA1NQOBBqzjqRheMF_wU45LyKTSDQhvJLpozmVBds21d-Z5nxK3Mfuc7K-G6cuXC48bHFj0/s200/5k-bib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjum1GL0Ai-CKBvGBT_s291D1O-VD8baSOYkQZUoVFRCheiE-QPwTSbvifHKQSAm-oPzq1vvA1NQOBBqzjqRheMF_wU45LyKTSDQhvJLpozmVBds21d-Z5nxK3Mfuc7K-G6cuXC48bHFj0/s200/5k-bib.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7NaY4Jb9wSUJoT205OuOf4C4wmMl2RuE2dmQN9uP-1OgU5thozuz47NaQHfIRf1bzj0Sf9AYpbBGnx98zv1IVIqC2Rwwpe2qegOTG-6W0tgAdEhdmw4a7pq-vElCZWBUzFgB7I_X0Jo/s320/DSC_0532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7NaY4Jb9wSUJoT205OuOf4C4wmMl2RuE2dmQN9uP-1OgU5thozuz47NaQHfIRf1bzj0Sf9AYpbBGnx98zv1IVIqC2Rwwpe2qegOTG-6W0tgAdEhdmw4a7pq-vElCZWBUzFgB7I_X0Jo/s320/DSC_0532.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcU-Zu3DpIoxSxsA4FAoC2sworI54ikkSbDpX4L2ZjHw4E5Vfq70jR3yUVvQIYliqevw7Zf3kggiQf2lCI7EowjMK9geEckK8c_vxc2xtOp_0OSCYyTUiWXSg8kdFRkiI4okH7BUWPq4U/s320/DSC_0609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcU-Zu3DpIoxSxsA4FAoC2sworI54ikkSbDpX4L2ZjHw4E5Vfq70jR3yUVvQIYliqevw7Zf3kggiQf2lCI7EowjMK9geEckK8c_vxc2xtOp_0OSCYyTUiWXSg8kdFRkiI4okH7BUWPq4U/s320/DSC_0609.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjwbgVhlI9znEcr5IUjvn2A3PoTVo1Jgh5cZdA5GrbYvfukzjuZKVugVI7v11kfR9GhTJNKT8MO0teS1Wz3bB2rlcnA2IPzr6YlRTQ66C1jyhNoWcllx3FleAUV4IdDcUM9ogB2H5jbA/s200/knockout3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjwbgVhlI9znEcr5IUjvn2A3PoTVo1Jgh5cZdA5GrbYvfukzjuZKVugVI7v11kfR9GhTJNKT8MO0teS1Wz3bB2rlcnA2IPzr6YlRTQ66C1jyhNoWcllx3FleAUV4IdDcUM9ogB2H5jbA/s200/knockout3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVHl5kggZlua35ztlXOxd2oku-JJF_cxSj4mF6n-jFFctBn_YTVSfz5uHQ4s2zeu87a59fDrChHVgEnRjrPz1NuxMRlgzPKb32FXe9fCK9mgQLdUlVWWPfvHipjqeSm5N5WRvMRnoqHE/s200/DSC_0591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVHl5kggZlua35ztlXOxd2oku-JJF_cxSj4mF6n-jFFctBn_YTVSfz5uHQ4s2zeu87a59fDrChHVgEnRjrPz1NuxMRlgzPKb32FXe9fCK9mgQLdUlVWWPfvHipjqeSm5N5WRvMRnoqHE/s200/DSC_0591.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGDD1UI9PkNwvP1Gn-8mmdEKvve2JY_-kK8aOe7KyqniOXlpHsJ-Z60TTvq7gLdZ9k9-5wwL9zltY-6Knd_QUHGCzpRtoYhpQmj0W8gsbD-sJ9KptKHZSnnyNrkoqqe3mIXbAyrFEoMI/s400/61395_4841933737107_2139086178_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGDD1UI9PkNwvP1Gn-8mmdEKvve2JY_-kK8aOe7KyqniOXlpHsJ-Z60TTvq7gLdZ9k9-5wwL9zltY-6Knd_QUHGCzpRtoYhpQmj0W8gsbD-sJ9KptKHZSnnyNrkoqqe3mIXbAyrFEoMI/s320/61395_4841933737107_2139086178_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-11343353926007507952012-11-25T07:00:00.000-05:002012-11-25T07:00:00.585-05:00Day 56I started this blog by doing something random and kind for a good friend, and I wanted to finish on a similar note. While that first day was completely on a whim, this one took a little longer - partly because I knew <i>who</i> I wanted to do something for, but I had a hard time coming up with <i>what</i> to do.<br />
<br />
You see, we've got <a href="http://www.theologyofautism.com/">friends</a> who have five kids, two of whom are autistic. Anytime I think we have our hands full, I remember we've got nothing on them. Plus, due to budget cuts, they just lost a lot of hours of assistance and therapies for their boys.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, the friend I targeted on <a href="http://42gooddays.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-1.html">Day 1</a> came up with a brilliant idea that also happened to involve a hobby of mine. After a little research, I found <a href="http://ana-white.com/2011/10/plans/sand-box-built-seats">these awesome plans online</a>. And so began my "top secret project."<br />
<br />
The whole thing seemed like a win-win. I had a great time playing with lumber and power tools, and our friends got a heavy-duty, lockable sandbox.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGecwXglA57A3YCsdyxjoe9OrRNrmq-Q137a9RKefkRkShr_isoyx-o7Jkbf8QelKo6k7dzRQnKCXF8U_yvcHMQu0MjquD3xLngckVAAFVI415NQuJ3SARM8XEArdPhm568K_JKgHYmw/s1600/image_1353766184564387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGecwXglA57A3YCsdyxjoe9OrRNrmq-Q137a9RKefkRkShr_isoyx-o7Jkbf8QelKo6k7dzRQnKCXF8U_yvcHMQu0MjquD3xLngckVAAFVI415NQuJ3SARM8XEArdPhm568K_JKgHYmw/s320/image_1353766184564387.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As parents of an autistic child, we know all too well that when it comes to autism, you never know for sure what's going to work and what's not. Hopefully this works well for them. They were very appreciative, but I did let them know if for any reason it doesn't work, our son's preschool can act as an alternate home for the sandbox. And if the Dynamic Duo smash it into kindling within a week's time, well, I've got a wood-burning stove, and winter's coming. So I think we've got all the bases covered.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXg9Z62_Km9hJJKmjd43YWnQQDVvTKKdAg0QfOjaUOIXlglnorWMj4VwrnZNrrFTzaY-SGXZR3d86hPY_3CXHDPiNUn8eE6VF_MsAtNaIbU4_BPM3qLeDUMKO1ufdw2Eok5ryNioA3dAQ/s1600/2012-11-22_16-19-51_634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXg9Z62_Km9hJJKmjd43YWnQQDVvTKKdAg0QfOjaUOIXlglnorWMj4VwrnZNrrFTzaY-SGXZR3d86hPY_3CXHDPiNUn8eE6VF_MsAtNaIbU4_BPM3qLeDUMKO1ufdw2Eok5ryNioA3dAQ/s320/2012-11-22_16-19-51_634.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TR4Vb60OcFFGrNX9Qs2Tk7hW8RfKL1I-rd7r3PcsOv3GGUH7M_C8fe5JGX-hSthXGoytrcuPsO0YNrWInfsAlCI3jAinDjcu9BmbL-tL9SVE0uuo9RhRax0lN6CnKg3AZMooH1b05TM/s1600/image_1353766145168523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TR4Vb60OcFFGrNX9Qs2Tk7hW8RfKL1I-rd7r3PcsOv3GGUH7M_C8fe5JGX-hSthXGoytrcuPsO0YNrWInfsAlCI3jAinDjcu9BmbL-tL9SVE0uuo9RhRax0lN6CnKg3AZMooH1b05TM/s320/image_1353766145168523.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ReH-Lt-8q0iK2mEeVq7vzyY_HsVBGMSpZarVYcM8V8NsPuOMQVTaA3IQWWtxsJ0M0XGr5POm8pLTGYiWtrkf8PE6tVTBaREhhwiBAwHa9hk33feARwfeKJx20qNNt0Gj9uOHW4QIZ6o/s1600/image_1353766474974081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ReH-Lt-8q0iK2mEeVq7vzyY_HsVBGMSpZarVYcM8V8NsPuOMQVTaA3IQWWtxsJ0M0XGr5POm8pLTGYiWtrkf8PE6tVTBaREhhwiBAwHa9hk33feARwfeKJx20qNNt0Gj9uOHW4QIZ6o/s320/image_1353766474974081.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
--e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-17031328471950709742012-11-24T23:12:00.000-05:002012-11-24T23:12:34.957-05:00Day 55<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/imaging/eventgivinggroup/d992d486-8dc1-43f9-adb3-27e1abf02514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.firstgiving.com/imaging/eventgivinggroup/d992d486-8dc1-43f9-adb3-27e1abf02514.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
From the Black Tigers yesterday to a white tiger today. (Though we didn't actually see <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ArthurTheTiger">Arthur Tiger</a> in person.)<br />
<br />
Today we supported a nearby predator & exotic animal rescue facility called <a href="http://www.conservatorscenter.org/">The Conservators' Center</a>. We got to see jungle cats, servals, a bobcat, a lynx, lemurs, binturongs, red foxes, singing dogs, wolves, leopards, tigers, and lions. It was an impressive operation, and we'll definitely try to make it back.<br />
<br />
In North Carolina, it is not illegal to keep exotic animals as pets, so many times people end up with animals they think are the coolest, only to find out they are in way over their heads. This facility takes animals out of bad situations and gives them the best life they can.<br />
<br />
It was hard to get good photos because my camera wanted to focus on the
chain link. But below are a few, plus a cool video at the end. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvUtSwjjYuBcOHs0-qBe5C5QBKAYuuizQlTMBDXb7DUzziMQsk6fI0fha7iNGxZ4XGozlaxj1C9sx2qMNMM63ZjFu37vdEPzzIG_X7xUZ1zQpVbXMNNa3Q-OPfkBhyphenhyphen7FaiHnT_PahbZo/s1600/DSC_0551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvUtSwjjYuBcOHs0-qBe5C5QBKAYuuizQlTMBDXb7DUzziMQsk6fI0fha7iNGxZ4XGozlaxj1C9sx2qMNMM63ZjFu37vdEPzzIG_X7xUZ1zQpVbXMNNa3Q-OPfkBhyphenhyphen7FaiHnT_PahbZo/s320/DSC_0551.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm3wfCJynTCp6oreAdZh8wHIBARwEEWrTV0KpwKoguKhSTpz9L76kMpyjfJe17l7kxnP6extIWNItQBA-ZjhoK1rnk2YAQpx7649OmXWJ27E6E3wCBnN6IdJ1D13UPJ-uYGzFO1UOK80/s1600/DSC_0571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm3wfCJynTCp6oreAdZh8wHIBARwEEWrTV0KpwKoguKhSTpz9L76kMpyjfJe17l7kxnP6extIWNItQBA-ZjhoK1rnk2YAQpx7649OmXWJ27E6E3wCBnN6IdJ1D13UPJ-uYGzFO1UOK80/s320/DSC_0571.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMVNf07WE6XkAuiHdU6IzcRx3XppRtqyxPKxERBHGimX5gNoZnZR5479b4CcQNrhoWOqXuygtBbNbtRjCPdDRSVgD4wcf4JeZ75HQcXKlhqtNpFjajV23QuloMDbXKdVsjNA6a05Je8M/s1600/DSC_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMVNf07WE6XkAuiHdU6IzcRx3XppRtqyxPKxERBHGimX5gNoZnZR5479b4CcQNrhoWOqXuygtBbNbtRjCPdDRSVgD4wcf4JeZ75HQcXKlhqtNpFjajV23QuloMDbXKdVsjNA6a05Je8M/s320/DSC_0593.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwE1zGIWSk4UVURefMlaRLKpbaHTRf3ZpCxTQipEy05C2S2JacaBrlzE3I_1fZcNxR5PNhHQzeIZyf9zuWiMNYdkdpUg6Cj_Thp4C8LVES72NHiydzl80T-r7sBl6UsUFxkclp6lAK_hk/s1600/DSC_0605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwE1zGIWSk4UVURefMlaRLKpbaHTRf3ZpCxTQipEy05C2S2JacaBrlzE3I_1fZcNxR5PNhHQzeIZyf9zuWiMNYdkdpUg6Cj_Thp4C8LVES72NHiydzl80T-r7sBl6UsUFxkclp6lAK_hk/s320/DSC_0605.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcU-Zu3DpIoxSxsA4FAoC2sworI54ikkSbDpX4L2ZjHw4E5Vfq70jR3yUVvQIYliqevw7Zf3kggiQf2lCI7EowjMK9geEckK8c_vxc2xtOp_0OSCYyTUiWXSg8kdFRkiI4okH7BUWPq4U/s1600/DSC_0609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcU-Zu3DpIoxSxsA4FAoC2sworI54ikkSbDpX4L2ZjHw4E5Vfq70jR3yUVvQIYliqevw7Zf3kggiQf2lCI7EowjMK9geEckK8c_vxc2xtOp_0OSCYyTUiWXSg8kdFRkiI4okH7BUWPq4U/s320/DSC_0609.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xRMZfWNJl-fZk8hg6R-qHOEXPRAi9DsKDLmbDGqzNeG7By7pwOwEpMP18jnHczN1tlJXvzrFfRZnP9P4ySUufXr1yZVkBeQIriqDYP1u5Y1FCGCnTXQZtgVYYwAQyUEFMaEVCJIsO5s/s1600/DSC_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xRMZfWNJl-fZk8hg6R-qHOEXPRAi9DsKDLmbDGqzNeG7By7pwOwEpMP18jnHczN1tlJXvzrFfRZnP9P4ySUufXr1yZVkBeQIriqDYP1u5Y1FCGCnTXQZtgVYYwAQyUEFMaEVCJIsO5s/s320/DSC_0634.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuIH7ZvjWzMss7fwWfYl375azBr7pjnCZSi9tCqNqPL2Kbt8e27uuUFZy3j-4t4t9IqyHHyEInFzb8LT_0di-NPTrLNIRDrgiDoGpPPkq8CzflZTfwF3VF6Vd_DLYwkQ0z0VcJa1-Bu4/s1600/DSC_0641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuIH7ZvjWzMss7fwWfYl375azBr7pjnCZSi9tCqNqPL2Kbt8e27uuUFZy3j-4t4t9IqyHHyEInFzb8LT_0di-NPTrLNIRDrgiDoGpPPkq8CzflZTfwF3VF6Vd_DLYwkQ0z0VcJa1-Bu4/s320/DSC_0641.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSuauOcZNWgGHmu839Lj_l9su-4hVZc_1cjVBevWvioBsSvAMa4ycHzB6Qo7LaF04Ga7cvU_6LaSuN4GQURHoaJEG10TYIl4_u2FnN2p42uCflUB3TsX3SXVzjssUWBb0kFMiyTWGyvk/s1600/DSC_0661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSuauOcZNWgGHmu839Lj_l9su-4hVZc_1cjVBevWvioBsSvAMa4ycHzB6Qo7LaF04Ga7cvU_6LaSuN4GQURHoaJEG10TYIl4_u2FnN2p42uCflUB3TsX3SXVzjssUWBb0kFMiyTWGyvk/s320/DSC_0661.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWACIm4QwgsJktxko5KoAoXoedHU3-QECPoZY66OvuAMvAodafo4Qx9bjB914g30AV5MuaxHSutBT3XqqUiqOHFS3FPN-zGkQumO1vxMTiGFF1myPab18mUqReyhbPEI-nNDjnca4EI3Q/s1600/DSC_0665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWACIm4QwgsJktxko5KoAoXoedHU3-QECPoZY66OvuAMvAodafo4Qx9bjB914g30AV5MuaxHSutBT3XqqUiqOHFS3FPN-zGkQumO1vxMTiGFF1myPab18mUqReyhbPEI-nNDjnca4EI3Q/s320/DSC_0665.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUeRaVlMtYSAWbq_qNF6f8dDPyR4-6m0R-LHQaGEKiaQyPmBAWrMWr0gQS7-2K7xdabIuSA0AgBvW5KLJLswvQrBee2S_FgcWDDoTJO21vvzsVE_w8c73rSFODqI8aAKsx3_jOfVlmKg/s1600/DSC_0677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUeRaVlMtYSAWbq_qNF6f8dDPyR4-6m0R-LHQaGEKiaQyPmBAWrMWr0gQS7-2K7xdabIuSA0AgBvW5KLJLswvQrBee2S_FgcWDDoTJO21vvzsVE_w8c73rSFODqI8aAKsx3_jOfVlmKg/s320/DSC_0677.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxYWxZnNvyGCAlYaCmUDvM189mTsH4ICcoX3h0ArFyaKrOW1aJkj7L4ievmW6h6V8Pxwkz_Uy0Z9eN2u4aFgA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-44731099307502287702012-11-23T10:21:00.000-05:002012-11-24T11:12:31.891-05:00Day 54<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpTL_67wQvYbpMiAeR5ru55UnbaeiE47cf2zerjBZ3zD7-eqFMf-5eYpTz4L_TJ29FjzqVHXXSRK5GNAZA5NB7tCumMg8O7CUm2ByGtdIfsJaxPLqi6EYlg-LAM01MOvWIKh9yaDYUsE/s1600/29565_4555297287867_277458558_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpTL_67wQvYbpMiAeR5ru55UnbaeiE47cf2zerjBZ3zD7-eqFMf-5eYpTz4L_TJ29FjzqVHXXSRK5GNAZA5NB7tCumMg8O7CUm2ByGtdIfsJaxPLqi6EYlg-LAM01MOvWIKh9yaDYUsE/s200/29565_4555297287867_277458558_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>This one means a lot to me. Today I donated to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/294327267348481/">the First Annual 12•23 Classic</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkbW0Pxs4GbUJ12lf7ZMDhLvsg6fXo8NUrb6Gp0RQb13aZsPOesWLf2OlNaKFb9P9BSBBXIeBX0Tl9mOYwifaVK5Hx6XnJv6BOYTE6QX6vuRiAcfI8ukM3BWuRzgL5l4loV8BD3q3AuI/s1600/69463_1615972050081_4862817_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkbW0Pxs4GbUJ12lf7ZMDhLvsg6fXo8NUrb6Gp0RQb13aZsPOesWLf2OlNaKFb9P9BSBBXIeBX0Tl9mOYwifaVK5Hx6XnJv6BOYTE6QX6vuRiAcfI8ukM3BWuRzgL5l4loV8BD3q3AuI/s1600/69463_1615972050081_4862817_n.jpg" /></a>This is a varsity vs. alumni basketball game at my high school to raise money for the Humble/Hackim athletic scholarship fund. Like anyone who attended my high school in the late 80's, <a href="http://www.ohio.com/news/local/basketball-benefit-honors-memory-of-cuyahoga-falls-athletes-who-died-in-accident-25-years-ago-1.351858#.UK0uEvjyP34.facebook">there's one day I remember like it was yesterday</a>. As the article says, nobody wants to relive that night 25 years ago. But I'm so happy that something very positive is coming out of this, and I know that the community will come out in full force. I wish I could be there in person.<br />
<br />
-- <br />
<br />
Update: It was packed to the rafters. So proud of my alma mater. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGDD1UI9PkNwvP1Gn-8mmdEKvve2JY_-kK8aOe7KyqniOXlpHsJ-Z60TTvq7gLdZ9k9-5wwL9zltY-6Knd_QUHGCzpRtoYhpQmj0W8gsbD-sJ9KptKHZSnnyNrkoqqe3mIXbAyrFEoMI/s1600/61395_4841933737107_2139086178_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGDD1UI9PkNwvP1Gn-8mmdEKvve2JY_-kK8aOe7KyqniOXlpHsJ-Z60TTvq7gLdZ9k9-5wwL9zltY-6Knd_QUHGCzpRtoYhpQmj0W8gsbD-sJ9KptKHZSnnyNrkoqqe3mIXbAyrFEoMI/s400/61395_4841933737107_2139086178_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Thanks to <a href="http://sprucehillurbanhorticulture.blogspot.com/">Brian Gregory</a> for the photo.<br />
<br />
--e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-57770122732031641372012-11-22T22:52:00.002-05:002012-11-22T22:52:52.516-05:00Day 53Today, I am cheating. I played only a supporting role in today's random act. We coordinated with some friends to invade the home of some other friends for an autism-centric feast. All told, we had eight adults and ten kids, including four autistic kids. Besides two beautifully cooked turkeys, there was sweet potato casserole, green beans with toasted almonds, glazed carrots, garlic mashed potatoes, two kinds of stuffing, roasted veggies, regular gravy, noodle gravy, creamed corn casserole, salad, rolls, pumpkin pie, turtle pie... and I'm not overstating things when I say it was all delicious.<br />
<br />
The kids' table was the actual dining table, while the adults sat on the floor eating and sharing kid stories, life stories, autism stories, and generally having a great time. After stuffing ourselves, the kids played in the well-secured back yard until well after dark. Good, good times. <br />
<br />
I have to admit, I'm cheating in another sense too. There was another random act today. In fact, it was the Top Secret Project, finally come to fruition. However, I'm going to save the details on this one for my last post on Sunday. Due to the fact that I can't count, I'm already beyond the 42 days plus the extended days from my Day 8 promise, plus it's my blog and I can make up my own rules. <br /><br />(Okay, really it's just because I don't have any pictures yet.) <br />
<br />
--e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-54896384777146355742012-11-21T16:48:00.001-05:002012-11-21T16:48:52.075-05:00Day 52<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBew8TgiL0KWxQF3-fIHkUKhjWlODoxSpM12_WcPrMMj2oB_OMaI_DzNN9-lA3X5xM4j2jlysOsb0XT-mzNgLt1zB2bswnBMkeLKs-pqtBrO3ZJorYeYk-jjTzpmyUPChfHCOjQ6fOyZU/s1600/1100060_cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBew8TgiL0KWxQF3-fIHkUKhjWlODoxSpM12_WcPrMMj2oB_OMaI_DzNN9-lA3X5xM4j2jlysOsb0XT-mzNgLt1zB2bswnBMkeLKs-pqtBrO3ZJorYeYk-jjTzpmyUPChfHCOjQ6fOyZU/s200/1100060_cookies.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Today I baked homemade chocolate chip cookies for our neighbors. Our autistic daughter is something of a Houdini, and she has escaped more than once from our well-secured house. She almost always goes across the street to the neighbors, lets herself in and makes herself at home. So as a little thank you for putting up with her home invasions, I thought some fresh-baked cookies were the least I could do. <br />
<br />
--e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-26618036632127372272012-11-20T19:40:00.001-05:002012-11-20T19:40:55.448-05:00Day 51Today I bought doughnuts and doughnut holes for my co-workers. (Or were they donuts and donut holes?) It was a close race for which kind was most popular, but powdered were the clear losers.<br />
<br />
--e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-39668441187415301462012-11-19T22:33:00.000-05:002012-11-20T19:36:44.682-05:00Day 50Today I had nowhere to go, and no budget to work with, so I focused my efforts on as many different things as I could around the house - cleaning the bedroom, cooking dinner, cleaning the kitchen, minor repairs, working on a project for a future entry on this blog, etc. <br />
<br />
--e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-57577581675013505472012-11-18T21:55:00.001-05:002012-11-18T21:55:32.675-05:00Day 49<a href="http://4pawsforability.org/wp-content/themes/4PAWS/library/images/4Paws-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4pawsforability.org/wp-content/themes/4PAWS/library/images/4Paws-logo.png" /></a>Today I made a small donation to 4 Paws for Ability toward <a href="http://4pawsforability.org/make-a-dream-come-true/#MichaelPalumbo">a service dog for a child named Michael Palumbo</a>. Our daughter was able to receive a service dog through 4 Paws for Ability, and Michael and his family's story was much like ours, only moreso. (You can read his story via the link above.)<br />
<br />
Our dog Bobo has already served his purpose well, by tracking down our autistic daughter after she escaped and wandered off. I understand Michael's family is very close to their fundraising goal, so I hope my small contribution gets them there a tiny bit sooner.<br />
<br />
--e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-23110169078823900922012-11-17T20:15:00.000-05:002012-11-18T21:45:53.679-05:00Day 48Today I tried to help people improve their job situations. I recently accepted a great new job, so I turned my attention to other people. I let one person know about a good job that was opening up (mine). I passed along some (hopefully helpful) career advice to another friend. And I asked if I could get a referral bonus for a third friend at my new job.<br />
<br />
--e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-89149668277430282802012-11-16T07:14:00.001-05:002012-11-16T07:14:45.578-05:00Day 47<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/img/arc2012_logo_off.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.redcrossblood.org/img/arc2012_logo_off.gif" /></a>Today I volunteered to donate blood. I used to donate semi-regularly.
(The first time I about passed out. It's amazing what you'll do if your
employer offers a half day off for it...) It's been quite a while since I
donated so I saw a chance and took it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/sites/arc/files/images/step_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="59" src="http://www.redcrossblood.org/sites/arc/files/images/step_1.jpg" width="200" /></a>That's been the beauty of this
project for me. Instead of thinking "I should do that," I just <a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/">sign up right when I see it</a>. [That linked phrase is me daring you to do it too.]<br />
<br />
--<br />
e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-65182552260390888282012-11-15T08:48:00.000-05:002012-11-16T07:02:53.267-05:00Day 46<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://postalrelief.com/images/logo-type-heart-blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="http://postalrelief.com/images/logo-type-heart-blue.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Today I made a donation to the <a href="http://postalrelief.com/">Postal Employees Relief Fund</a>. I work (for a few more weeks anyway) for the US Postal Service, and I know that many fellow employees were affected by Hurricane Sandy. <br />
<br />
--e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-5675275734692841812012-11-14T06:58:00.000-05:002012-11-16T06:59:54.808-05:00Day 45Today I volunteered to buy books and gifts for an underprivileged toddler and teenager. I know what toddlers like, but if anybody has any book or gift ideas for a teenage girl, let me know!<br />
<br />
--e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-17314135683795991572012-11-13T21:41:00.000-05:002012-11-14T07:44:37.850-05:00Day 44<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4nxcvIBUUXusfkYP_lpcnve2_DMYHy7aoy4U9QJx4oawG6CpS8oKSqLkZrzK4qJPFgPK1zub28YijwI-kg2r1LHKR4Ia65l9llUd2wL-9R6cZss5R0DcpuxzkGlMcwrG33KHMzmD4-A/s1600/FBCENCmainCMYK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4nxcvIBUUXusfkYP_lpcnve2_DMYHy7aoy4U9QJx4oawG6CpS8oKSqLkZrzK4qJPFgPK1zub28YijwI-kg2r1LHKR4Ia65l9llUd2wL-9R6cZss5R0DcpuxzkGlMcwrG33KHMzmD4-A/s200/FBCENCmainCMYK.jpg" width="137" /></a>I've been too wordy lately, so I'll keep this one short. Today I donated dry and canned goods to the <a href="http://www.foodbankcenc.org/">Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina</a>. It's amazing what you can come up with when you try.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zEXDDnSLpQjZLWITcPLN3AWk188N_Mq98KxVinZwOMvv8nioYQCUdPu8EjoBN8OTyjb7XM8F_X2TIAb0UOVvVbqK77HvLNxuzx9MzYxJ1JBY-LVtqPI_RRVxxBiRzZlCfVHLPwcSia0/s1600/DSC_0533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zEXDDnSLpQjZLWITcPLN3AWk188N_Mq98KxVinZwOMvv8nioYQCUdPu8EjoBN8OTyjb7XM8F_X2TIAb0UOVvVbqK77HvLNxuzx9MzYxJ1JBY-LVtqPI_RRVxxBiRzZlCfVHLPwcSia0/s320/DSC_0533.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDJYD_V309nsfxxglxVj2nsC6uvSXYhMVm7tw0-Nw1V43jThAYSOs3Ig_V0Z1qTKqZd3zLqUWXoC1-kwR93oPQCgbRFzpbe4mmtFhs1Rg_2SDf4B3CGh5TdvBq5eVy2SnPAlLQvlH2SA/s1600/DSC_0533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-82973567059677001672012-11-12T21:15:00.001-05:002012-11-12T21:15:48.341-05:00Day 43We're now entering the Bonus portion of my 42 Days project. Extended Edition. Director's Cut. Extra Innings. Overtime.<br />
<br />
As such, today is sort of a repeat. I gave a care package to a homeless person. The difference was that with the observance of Veteran's Day today, I specifically sought out a homeless veteran. <br />
<a href="http://www.usveteransmagazine.com/sites/default/files/Homeless-Veteran-Sign1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://www.usveteransmagazine.com/sites/default/files/Homeless-Veteran-Sign1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Sadly, it wasn't hard to find one.<br />
<br />
It is absolutely criminal how we as a nation neglect our veterans. Regardless of what you think of the US military or it's various activities, these people were almost invariably asked to risk their lives and do extremely difficult things on our behalf. These people are in this to work toward the greater good, even if those calling the shots don't have the same idea of "greater good" as you or I might.<br />
<br />
At any rate, I know my small gesture today doesn't change anything in the grand scheme of things. But maybe for a moment, that guy felt slightly less neglected and forgotten.<br />
<br />
On that note, I want to ask you to do some small thing tomorrow. I say tomorrow specifically, because November 13th is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Kindness_Day" target="_blank">World Kindness Day</a>. Sure, it's no Groundhog Day. But maybe you'll find altruism is contagious. <br /><br />
What if doing nice things went viral?<br />
<br />
Here are some sources for suggestions if you're stumped: <br />
<a href="http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-ideas">10 ways to celebrate World Kindness Day</a><br />
<a href="http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-ideas">Kindness Ideas</a><br /><a href="http://www.karmacooler.com/2009/02/100-ideas-for-kindness/">100 Ideas for Kindness</a><br />
<br />
-- <br />
<br />e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-36082955804995800582012-11-11T22:27:00.001-05:002012-11-11T22:27:35.220-05:00Day 42So <a href="http://42gooddays.blogspot.com/2012/10/42-good-days.html" target="_blank">when I started this project</a>, it was on my 42nd birthday, and I noted there were 42 days between that day and World Kindness Day on November 13th. So how am I on Day 42 on November 11th?<br />
<br />
Well, one <b><i>could</i></b> say that technically there are 42 days <b><i>between</i></b> 1 October and 13 November. Sure, that's what I meant. Because, I mean, I can <i>totally</i> count and stuff.<br />
<br />
In the end it doesn't matter that much, because I'm already <a href="http://42gooddays.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-8.html" target="_blank">committed to overtime</a> anyway.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, getting back to today, and back to my book theme from last week....<br />
<br />
Actually, before we get to today, I need to take you further back in time. And then off into the mysterious future. But I'm getting ahead of myself... so to speak. <br /><br />Wait, what were we talking about again?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoySnHgmM7o6WLS7DNXccT80Uq6b0CPCJvnEi71b_tXtrfvhYd34beGMQVsrth9NiGmzkQBx53n7l5BqPggR5NrdFzwB0x81hB2ml2bhnWu74XfoQV00RDy56viNdVlSf_QkR3085uoYA/s1600/cover5a.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoySnHgmM7o6WLS7DNXccT80Uq6b0CPCJvnEi71b_tXtrfvhYd34beGMQVsrth9NiGmzkQBx53n7l5BqPggR5NrdFzwB0x81hB2ml2bhnWu74XfoQV00RDy56viNdVlSf_QkR3085uoYA/s200/cover5a.png" width="133" /></a>Right. So, a while ago, I entered a short story contest. The challenge was to imagine a world where oil had become scarce - and one devoid of "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_space_bats" target="_blank">alien space bats</a>." <br />
<br />
When I had what I thought was a reasonable story, I asked some trusted friends & acquaintances for their thoughts on it. I got very valuable feedback from a couple people who helped me improve the story enough that it was selected for publication... <a href="http://www.amazon.com/After-Oil-Visions-Post-Petroleum-World/dp/0984376453" target="_blank">in an actual book that you can buy</a>! The book, a collection of short stories on the same theme, was released in the midst of this project and is now making its way out into the world.<br />
<br />
So <i>finally</i> getting back to today... I ordered two extra copies of the book, to be sent to the two aforementioned people as a "thank you."<br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-92083348958127044172012-11-10T21:00:00.002-05:002012-11-10T21:00:32.162-05:00Day 41I had a book-themed plan for today, but I had to delay it, so I went with something else. I'm going to take a gamble and guess that the recipients of today's random act will not read my blog until after the fact. You see, they've been out of town at a funeral, so I've been taking care of their pets. While my son and I were at their house today, I had him take care of the animals while I did some cleanup in the kitchen, ran the dishwasher, swept the floor, and ran the vacuum in the living room. Don't tell, but I also borrowed their truck and put some extra gas in it.<br />
<br />
--e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-36254355779219869512012-11-09T18:42:00.001-05:002012-11-09T18:42:02.451-05:00Day 40, extended editionToday we stopped on the way home and helped somebody push their broken down vehicle out of traffic and onto the berm.<br />
<br />
Also, Lori put together a homeless care package for me to give out at some point, à la <a href="http://42gooddays.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-9.html" target="_blank">Day 9</a>.<br />
<br />
--e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-12291096455502558932012-11-09T07:49:00.001-05:002012-11-09T07:56:37.431-05:00Day 40<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqQ5GfqiA8-wwjJcdZQKahOY6igOueydTKeyLdLyGwvtFEuHqDKpCBcLbLKnaHvVx6I60c1PepsT4LpOsC9sQ2k-zTG3xoVZj4aR1BUwtp4lHk-5nZ4x3L1lEJCl7s3WWgCwaxlcdQwg/s1600/1227543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqQ5GfqiA8-wwjJcdZQKahOY6igOueydTKeyLdLyGwvtFEuHqDKpCBcLbLKnaHvVx6I60c1PepsT4LpOsC9sQ2k-zTG3xoVZj4aR1BUwtp4lHk-5nZ4x3L1lEJCl7s3WWgCwaxlcdQwg/s200/1227543.jpg" width="111" /></a>Today I made a micro-loan to Maria in Mórrope, Lambayeque, Peru using <a href="http://www.kiva.org/invitedby/edson5255" target="_blank">Kiva</a>.<br />
<br />
Maria is seeking a loan "to purchase medium turkeys to gain weight and resell for Christmas." (I have a sister-in-law named Maria who is Peruvian. How could I not pick this loan?)<br />
<br />
If you have any interest in making micro-loans via Kiva, <a href="http://www.kiva.org/invitedby/edson5255" target="_blank">using this link will give an extra $25 to someone</a>. You can loan as little as $25, and once your loan is paid back, you can loan it out again to someone else.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kiva.org/invitedby/edson5255" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokBYee1V0XnQM8QIDYEPpLLR0__u69BnGi3N1QouV80qo-uJNAzn2ZvKwEZeE6N4Eujp8_5nxnH6Ot0wpJloEXn-QUEi1C2jkrZLsMxXPqNiE2ukgBNBKZ4n5K-juQfNOUifrk4TN7KM/s200/kiva_logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-83010801351664466132012-11-08T18:10:00.000-05:002012-11-08T18:10:07.848-05:00Days 37, 38, and 39<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVMGZsV1mqRwsuT-rG8cGTzH3wuBzeU0Nei5gIGX6lNrGRZKvi1C-c2NKAYj_IhVbYsCTCYag3zVD2gfRj6IE2zMv0i0o2fj0o1CmWlPe18ffjloey_0hafAAt4OmXR6IWEV9apQ370A/s1600/247351_irish_bookshelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVMGZsV1mqRwsuT-rG8cGTzH3wuBzeU0Nei5gIGX6lNrGRZKvi1C-c2NKAYj_IhVbYsCTCYag3zVD2gfRj6IE2zMv0i0o2fj0o1CmWlPe18ffjloey_0hafAAt4OmXR6IWEV9apQ370A/s200/247351_irish_bookshelf.jpg" width="200" /></a>On Day 37, I dropped some books into the donation basket outside a local school.<br />
<br />On Day 38, I donated some books to a favorite local book shop in hopes they could sell them.<br />
<br />
On Day 39, I donated some books to our local library.<br />
<br />
(Is anybody picking up on the theme this week? Okay, so I messed up on Monday. I don't know if I can really get a full week out of this anyway.)<br />
<br />
-e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-40467544900577758322012-11-05T19:10:00.000-05:002012-11-05T19:10:09.117-05:00Day 36Today I bought a flock of chickens for people I don't know in a faraway land. The <a href="http://www.heifer.org/" target="_blank">Heifer International website</a> puts it better than I can:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.heifer.org/drupal/images/2010_heifer_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.heifer.org/drupal/images/2010_heifer_logo.png" /></a><span class="normalTxt">A flock of chicks can help families add
nourishing, life-sustaining eggs to their inadequate diets. The protein
in just one egg is a nutritious gift for a hungry child. Protein-packed
eggs from even a single chicken can make a life-saving difference.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://secure1.heifer.org/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/235x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/n/c/nc_chicks1_big_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://secure1.heifer.org/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/235x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/n/c/nc_chicks1_big_thumb.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="normalTxt">Heifer helps many hungry families with a
starter flock of 10 to 50 chicks. A good hen can lay up to 200 eggs a
year - plenty to eat, share or sell. With Heifer recipients' commitment
to pass on the offspring and training, the exponential impact of adding
chickens to communities in poverty is truly a model that helps end
hunger and poverty.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="normalTxt">Because chickens require little space and can
thrive on readily available food scraps, families can make money from
the birds without spending much. And chickens help control insects and
fertilize gardens.</span></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<br />
e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-46470500970233699782012-11-04T18:59:00.001-05:002012-11-04T18:59:23.109-05:00Day 35<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twimg0-a.akamaihd.net/profile_images/1604426399/TwitterPictureNew.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://twimg0-a.akamaihd.net/profile_images/1604426399/TwitterPictureNew.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Today I supported our local library system. Okay, so I got a bag of books in return. But that's okay, they were raising funds and I provided some funds. A win-win. And I think everybody in the family ended up with at least one book, so really a win-win-win-win-win-win-win. Or thereabouts.<br />
<br />
--e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-76054245622664049832012-11-03T11:35:00.000-04:002012-11-03T11:36:06.745-04:00Day 34<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.orangencsepta.org/images/2a0e512b11290f61f29adc20aa6a272b_4aj0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://www.orangencsepta.org/images/2a0e512b11290f61f29adc20aa6a272b_4aj0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Today I ran in the Orange County Special Education PTA "Exceptional Race for Exceptional People" 5k. Since I have been a little light on activities this week, I also showed up early to help set up. <br />
<br />
I shaved a full two minutes off my time from the 5k three weeks ago, which just goes to prove that an effective way to train for 5k's is to just show up.<br />
<br />
I have to say I feel a lot less destroyed than last time. I did a better job of pacing myself I guess.<br />
<br />
I also learned why the the town of Hillsborough was not named Flatsborough.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7NaY4Jb9wSUJoT205OuOf4C4wmMl2RuE2dmQN9uP-1OgU5thozuz47NaQHfIRf1bzj0Sf9AYpbBGnx98zv1IVIqC2Rwwpe2qegOTG-6W0tgAdEhdmw4a7pq-vElCZWBUzFgB7I_X0Jo/s1600/DSC_0532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7NaY4Jb9wSUJoT205OuOf4C4wmMl2RuE2dmQN9uP-1OgU5thozuz47NaQHfIRf1bzj0Sf9AYpbBGnx98zv1IVIqC2Rwwpe2qegOTG-6W0tgAdEhdmw4a7pq-vElCZWBUzFgB7I_X0Jo/s320/DSC_0532.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>No pressure with that bibb number.</i></div>
-- <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493094698380684940.post-17197454550089753702012-11-02T21:07:00.000-04:002012-11-02T21:07:43.641-04:00Day 33<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VEpWULw6sB6RLBqJRsPwGIQRbTBkGffrE-TuOD5U8nCxnRP2TrOxGeg1S2sO5nHyIIkGi_WlW0ZXgT1murxv5ygXSYR_NshbgrffSACoNeWM8NihyphenhyphenbgcYGy1-HOB2pN0mHiVCWddUT8/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VEpWULw6sB6RLBqJRsPwGIQRbTBkGffrE-TuOD5U8nCxnRP2TrOxGeg1S2sO5nHyIIkGi_WlW0ZXgT1murxv5ygXSYR_NshbgrffSACoNeWM8NihyphenhyphenbgcYGy1-HOB2pN0mHiVCWddUT8/s200/images.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Today I made a donation to Feeding America, to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy. I've got friends & family in the region. (Who doesn't, for that matter?)<br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />
<br />e4http://www.blogger.com/profile/13435927076587347401noreply@blogger.com0