2013 Recap

So it's been a great couple of months again. I know I didn't have a big finish like last year - I just haven't had much free time this time around. It was also a bigger challenge this year, because, besides the lack of time, I was trying not to just repeat a lot of the same charities and events and activities.

Still, it's a very rewarding process. It makes me think, it makes me try, it makes me seek out people who need help instead of averting my eyes or thinking, "I should do something about that." I did something... daily... for a while.

And as even altruism can be a selfish act, I feel better, I'm in a better place in my life, and I got the boost I needed to get through some challenges in my own life -- some of which seem pretty trivial now in comparison.

If you're having a tough time (or even if you're not) I wholeheartedly recommend trying this. It makes you think about what's important, what you believe in, and what really matters.

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Day 50

Today I donated a flock of ducklings and a flock of chicks to people in developing countries. I couldn't decide between ducks and chickens, so I opted for both.

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Day 49

Today I called in a DUI. I know in some respects that sounds unkind, but it's a kindness to anyone who might have gotten in her path. She drifted into the oncoming lane no less than three times over a three mile stretch. I gave her make, model, and license plate number to the local authorities. Maybe she was just texting or something stupid, but she was creating quite a hazard on our 50 mile-per-hour country road.

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Day 48

Today I sent an anonymous gift card to a family in need.

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Day 47

Today I donated clothing to the local PTA thrift store.

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Day 46

Today I picked up litter along a trail and around a lake near where I work.

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Day 45

Today I bought a hot lunch for a homeless veteran. It's not much, considering. But it's something.

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Day 44

With 43 good days behind me, it's time to move on to the bonus round. Just one week left, so keep those suggestions coming.

Today I donated canned goods to the local food pantry.

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Day 43

Today I donated to the Red Cross to help victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

Day 42

Today I tracked down some free legal help for someone who really needed it. Without getting into too much detail, the problem involved a bad landlord, wintry weather, a broken furnace, rodents, racial discrimination, and children.

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Day 41

Today I rearranged my travel plans just enough to give a friend a lift from Tennessee back to North Carolina. It was great to have some company on the six-hour drive, and we both managed to save on hotel expenses and unnecessary hotel expenses.

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Day 40

Today I helped some Cub Scouts and their parents unload gear from their cars for an overnight camping trip.

Day 39

Today I thanked the men who work at our local solid waste center. They're always very helpful and very conscientious.

Day 38

Today I donated to paws4ever, a local animal shelter where we got our newest dog, Warwick.

Day 37

Today I attended a local technical conference. I went with quite a few co-workers and saw quite a few other people I knew. I grabbed a drink for one co-worker, a bag of chips for someone I used to work with, and introduced a couple colleagues in hopes of getting one of them a job working for the other.

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Day 36

Today I used Kiva.org to lend money to a Filipino woman named Emilia, to buy items to sell, such as shampoos, sugar, canned goods, milk, etc. for her general store business.

Day 35

Today I added a tip on a carry-out food order - just because...

Day 34

Today I donated to Extraordinary Ventures, a local non-profit that operates a number of busineeses that exist to employ people with autism spectrum disorders. They have a laundry service, an office solutions provider, a city bus detailing service, a scented candle making company, and they operate an event center for corporate, community functions, weddings and parties. So cool!

Day 33

Today I did several hours of volunteer work at the local PTA fundraiser. I met a lot of nice people and high-fived a lot of kids.

Day 32

Today I tried to help people load their cars at the warehouse club during a downpour. I didn't insist as I'm sure they didn't want an extended conversation with a stranger in a heavy rain. And I didn't want to be creepy about it. Nobody took me up on it. But I tried.