Referee: The Thankless Job

So tonight I came to a realization. Referees have a thankless job. Earth-shattering, I know.

When it comes to playing on the field, I'll admit that I'm not nearly as polite or as nice as I hope to be in real life. I use playing on the field as my one area where I can actually stop being nice because I can. Just stop being nice. I'll use my body to block a player and not so gently push them out of the way and when a player pulls my jersey I'll raise my voice to let the ref know what just happened. All niceness aside, I play the game to play the game, not to score nice points with anyone except my teammates.

And then there's referee, responsible for it all. If even a seemingly nice person in the outside world steps on a field and becomes a not-nice person - who does the referee ever have on his/her side?

While you shake hands with the ref and the other team with a cordial, "good game," as soon as you step off the field, as was the case tonight, so begins bickering. The calls the ref made or didn't make, how that impacted the game, and we could go on and on and on. I'm not sure I've ever been a part of a game where after the time ends players, coaches, spectators leave the field and say, "that ref, he/she really called a great game." Likely one in a million that those words have ever been put together in a sentence.

Thanks to those referees of the world. Maybe after the Superbowl we can all stop to think about what a wonderful game the referee called. It might not happen, but next time I play I'll do my best to respect the ref and show it through actions and words.

Net Impact Consulting Challenge

Real case. Real client. Real impact.

Net Impact is an international non-profit whose mission is "to inspire, educate, and equip individuals to use the power of business to create a more socially and environmentally sustainable world." Net Impact has over 250 chapters worldwide and luckily for TPT, there's one right in our backyard at the UCLA Anderson School of Management. The UCLA Anderson Net Impact Chapter holds an annual Net Impact Consulting Challenge (NICC), an event that partners MBA students with local non-profit organizations to help provide strategic solutions for the organization's identified needs. It's a partnership that is as good as it sounds. Through the NICC, MBA students work with a real non-profit organization to gain consulting experience and the non-profit organization receives valuable insight on how to address their most pressing concerns.

We were fortunate to work with a team of 6 students: Nick, Adam, Cynthia, Winnie, Chris, and KC. And even if we we're to have chosen them ourselves, we couldn't have been partnered with a finer crew! Much in the spirit of camp, they were warm, invested, hard-working, and most of all, they truly cared about our organization and how we could make it even better. Through this two week "engagement" (that's what business people call when you work with someone else... an engagement) they came up with multiple solutions, both short- and long-term, that would help our organization be more far-reaching. Whether it's through increasing our online presence, engaging our alumni group, or strenghtening partnerships, they provided us options which would allow us to raise greater funds to ultimately serve more deserving children and their families.

365 Days of Service salutes these 6 for their committment to helping our organization. On top of being busy MBA students, they dedicated many hours and their brain power to present us with many "deliverables" (another business term...about the end goal/product) that has widened our perspective of how to we might move forward to increase our organization's awareness. And from this experience one of the most important things we learned was ROI (business term, return on investment, aka. more bang for your buck) and we couldn't have asked for more: 6 dedicated students + one appreciative organization = the highest ROI percentage on the planet.

Many thanks to our NICC crew!

Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

This is just too good for words. You must check out The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation for yourself!

Support Your Local Library

Don't forget about your local public library!

Public libraries are a huge FREE serivce open to everyone. Amazing, actually. In my library I can borrow books - thousands of titles to choose from - for a month, rent DVDs at no cost for a week, pick out music CDs for my listening pleasure read the magazines, journals and newspapers that are currently on bookstore shelves, receive help from a librarian on any topic my heart desires. You can use the library computers, you can bring your own computer and use their wireless internet, I'm conviced that you can do just about anything at your local library.

What do you need to do? Just about nothing. Submit an application showing that your a local resident of the area and you too can obtain your library card. Just be a good citizen and return everything you borrow on time (or pay the minimal fine if you forget!)

You can put books on hold - yes, all you have to do is make a quick click of the computer and at your service, someone will pull your requested material for you and it'll be ready for you to pick up. You don't even have to pull it of the shelf or hope someone else isn't borrowing it when you want it, they'll save it for you!

Check out your library calendar. Almost daily libraries have activities to benefit commuity members. Public speakers, movies, workshops - you name it, they have it! And, they have just the same for children too!

Most recently my local library expanded to include the additional service of e-books. Making the convinient library even easier. All you have to do is log-in to your account, borrow the e-book, download necessary software (free too!) and within an instant you can pull up a book on your computer, mobile device, just about anything with today's technology.  

Public libraries probably could save the world. If everyone had these resources free and available to them... support your local library today!

Share a book with a friend

Now here's a book I'm excited to read: 365 Thank Yous: The Year a Single Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life!

A good friend recently told me about this book and another wonderful friend called and left a voicemail simply saying she read it - and it's a must read. This is the story of a man who was inspired to write a single thank you note everyday for a year - and how these expressions of gratitude changed his life.

Thanks to friends for sharing this great find with me. I can't wait to get my hands on it, just put it on hold at my local library!

To everyone in the 365 Days of Service community, it seems like this book is made for people like us!

A tribute to Paul Newman

Paul Newman planting a tree at a camp groundbreaking ceremony.

Paul Newman:
[pawl noo-muh n]
- noun

1. talented actor
2. entrepreneuer 
3. daring race car driver
4. incredible philanthropist
5. encourager of children to "raise a little hell"


Today we celebrate the life of Mr. Paul Leonard Newman, PLN, who was born on January 26th, 1925. 

What is incredible about this man is that as much as he is famous for his brilliant acting career he is equally as well-known and respected for his philanthropic work. What started off as a homemade salad dressing concoction with pal A.E. Hotchner, turned into Newman's Own in 1982, to over $300 million donated to charity today. 

One charity especially close to his heart? The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps. Mr. Newman was the founder and truly the driving force behind the start of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp (Ashford, CT) in 1988, a camp designed specifically for children with serious and life-threatening medical conditions. He created a place where kids, who daily face the brutality of childhood illness, could kick back, relax, and "raise a little hell." Twenty years later, this camp - and his dream - has grown to become a world-wide family of camps. Over 200,000 children and families have participated in a Hole in the Wall Camp program and every single person has experienced the magic of camp free of charge.

Happy birthday, Mr. Newman. Your legacy will live forever in each one of hundreds of thousands of lives you've changed for the better, including mine. 

Anonymous Greeting Cards

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I'm here before you today to present the case of "Beautiful Anonymous Greeting Cards."

Let the picture above serve as Exhibit A to said case.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, on the weeked of January 23, 2011 the Shutterfly package seen here arrived addressed to one April at her local Los Angeles residence. With every thing indicating that this was a soon-to-be-discovered act of kindness the individual procceded to open package with excitement and care. 

In this anonymous package, my client found a pack of 10 greeting cards (pictured above). Greeting cards are of beautiful design, featuring a crisp photo of 3 orchid flora with delicate whimsical lower right corner design, featuring heart-shaped centerpiece. Inside cards reads, and I quote, "Smile! A little note to brighten your day! Love, " with room for personalized message and sender signature. Spotted inside card, another whimsical design with heart.

Ms. April pleads surprised to the 3rd degree by this wonderful discovery delivered via the U.S.P.S. While she does claim a list of usual kindness suspects, she will release a statement to the public in the near future on how her private investigation to thank anonymous sender proceeds. Currently, she has made one public statement as she was recorded earlier saying, "By golly this is one of the kindest acts I've ever seen in my entire life. Wouldn't you agree, Buddy?" (Transcriptors note: Buddy is clients said pet fish.)

Your honor and members of the jury. I defend my client in her claim that this is act, done in anonymous nature, reveals that there are wonderful people around this earth. Police reports indicate that individual responsible for this act designed card, ordered through chosen web-based photo card producing company, then simply addressed to receivers address. Through preliminary investigation all indications point to sender intrinsically motivated by desire to spread good cheer to others. 

As representative of my client, our claim is for the sender to be measured to the highest degree by Earth Code 326549: Desire to Spread Good to Others.

Judge: Thank you, counsel. Jury, I leave this good measure to you and trust that you will accout for all evidence in this trial. Court will adjourn for deliberation and all parties presence requested in courtroom in 16 minutes. 

- - - - - Jury breaks for deliberation... please standby. - - - - -

Judge: Jury, have you reached your verdict?

Jury Spokesman: Aye, aye, Captain! Excuse me, I mean yes, your honor the jury has reached their verdict. This jury stands by their decision of Random Act of Kindness implemented to the fullest degree. Jury names the witness, Ms. April, to be the receiver of one very good deed and we honor her claim of priveleged and thankful many times over as a true claim.

- - - - - Judge, jury, witness, counsel, and members of the court observation section go wild. Loud cheers and hugs overwhelm everyone in the courtroom.- - - - -

Judge: (Pounds gavel) Order! Order in the court! I hereby prounounce this case of Beautiful Anonymous Greeting Cards is adjourned. Let the celebration continue!

- - - - - Cheers, hugs continue. "Oh Happy Day" music plays. Confetti drops from ceiling. Dance party ensues - - - - -

***End Transcription***

Send a Care Package

Lucky for me, I was the receiver!

After being slightly out of town for the weekend I returned home to this... a care package! This generous sender is none other than Ms. Kimmy, one of my dearest friends who also happens to be one of the best care-package sender on the planet. She's won care package contests across the globe, always scoring 100% across categories of timeliness, thoughtfulness, hilarity, and love. This is an art she has truly mastered!

In this package-o-care were these beautiful hand crafted ornaments Kimmy made. (Did I mention she's also a master potter?) Plus, a proverb for encouragement and a note of love. All of her packages are tailored with the reciever in mind. (Repeat statement #1 above.)

Which is my favorite care package ever received from Kimmy? A box of cookies. It's maybe one of the funniest stories I've ever lived to be a part of - all for a box of care package cookies. Hopefully, we'll be able to share it in person one day.

In honor of Kimmy and her care-package-sending kindness, I shall pay it forward this week. One care package, coming right up!

Stop for the Sunset

San Francisquito Canyon, CA

Yesterday as I was driving through San Francisquito Canyon I was gifted with this... a stunning sunset.

I'm always appreciative when people remind me to take a minute to stop and enjoy a natural beauty. Whether it's a call over our walkie-talkies at work to look at the sliver of a cresent moon, an email reminder of a night where shooting stars will be in abundance, or simply saying, "have you been outside to see the sunset?", thanks to all those who see - and share with others.

Simply beautiful.

Kula Highway, Maui, HI

Pops and Sherry Immel

Pops and Sherry at an event to benefit The Painted Turtle

Please meet Dennis "Pops" and Sherry Immel, givers extraordinaire.

Last night Pops and Sherry hosted a wonderful send-off for our dear friend and colleague, Scott. It was a memorable evening for all of us and Pops and Sherry's warm hospitality really allowed us to enjoy the company of one another and celebrate Scott before he moves east. And for me, last night was another strong testament to why Sherry and Pops are among the most giving people around.

Pops and Sherry are long time volunteers at The Painted Turtle. And when I say long time volunteers, I really mean that they've been their since the beginning of Painted Turtle time - before camp was up and running. Local residents of Lake Hughes, Pops and Sherry found this camp being built right in their neighborhood. They found ways to be involved early on and they've never stopped.

Sherry and Pops have quite literally volunteered at every single Painted Turtle program at camp. Pops is infamously known as cowboy-hat-wearing, woodshop-running turtle ambassador and guide while Sherry is our camp photographer, magic-moment-capturer who is a warm presence for everyone on camp. Our campers and family return to camp and are always comforted and excited at the opportunity to see Pops and Sherry again. For camp staff, Pops and Sherry are helping hands that are always there. For all our programs, Pops and Sherry have their own list of responsibilities that they take care of - yes, it's true. Tasks that would otherwise have to be done by a Painted Turtle staff member, Pops and Sherry take care of week after week. All they tell me is this, "Check us off the list." With this I know that families will be welcomed with a family sign outside their rooms, turtle pillows and afghans are waiting (with camper name labels) to greet campers when they arrive to camp. The woodshop is clean and ready for families to take it by storm, families will have a family photo as a keepsake from camp, and at the end of the weekend we'll all sit in awe with a moving slideshow that captures the memories of our program - which families take home to relive the camp magic over and over and over again.

Believe me, I could go on. Whether it's bringing their co-workers to volunteer at camp, leading groups of others to stuff and sew turtle pillows, having their workplace make a donation to camp in their honor, the list of how Pops and Sherry give to camp doesn't end.  

And, with their thousands of hours of giving to camp, Sherry and Pops give more. We always say - and believe - that we have a turtle family at camp. Pops and Sherry are our family. They are a camp "Mom and Dad" for many staff members (even "Nana" to staff children!), seasonal staff grow to know and love them and each year they host all of 60+ of us at their home, they welcome turtle staff to their home for holidays, they offer a warm place to sleep if anyone needs it in the camp area. And last night, in what is the Pops and Sherry way, they hosted 30+ of us in a beautiful celebration of a staff member we love. They opened their home to all of us, provided all the drinks,  and whipped up a delicious homemade Mexican meal. As we were leaving and thanked Sherry and Pops for their warm hospitality, Pops said, "We would have it no other way."

It's true. Pops and Sherry would have it no other way than to welcome all of us into their home and hearts.

Their generosity and giving, both to camp and to all of us as their turtle family, fortunately for us is our "routine." But know this, with giving as many thanks that could cover the world, Pops and Sherry would still be deserving of even more appreciation and love.

Thanks, Pops and Sherry. You truly live the spirit of 365 Days of Service. Thanks for your service every day of the year.    

Make a mixed CD for a friend

Scott, my fellow turtle and a very good friend, is about to embark on his next big adventure - to be a phenomenal individual who brings the Double H Ranch camp program to children and families in local area hospitals.

To support him on his road trip across the country, friends have made him a number of mixed CDs for him to play along the way. A cheap, easy while very thoughtful idea that is sure to bring Scott much happiness for the next 6 days. Each playlist is carefully created with Scott in mind - it's a wonderful combination of songs that Scott would enjoy along with the favorite tunes of friends. Happy travels, Scott. We love you!

Put some change in a stranger's meter

Parking meters, ugh.

No joke, at the start of last year I budgeted $400 for "parking tickets and other violations," as the line item read. Optimistic, no. Realistic, yes. I thought that if I properly budgeted for these in advance I'd be less disappointed when I received a ticket. Instead of being upset I'd say to myself, "I budgeted for this." No need for me to get all huffy about it.

Parking meters are a reality in nearly every city and LA is no exception. I keep a good $10 worth of quarters in a compartment of my car to honor these machines.

One of my least favorite sights in LA, the "parking services" little golf cart and the attendant who strolls through parking lots looking for those blinking "expired" lights.

So here's an idea: when you see a parking attendant in the parking lot about to write-up a ticket that is sure to be a wrench in someones day, slip a quarter into the meter.

Buy someone some time, literally. A quarter, a dime, a nickel - anything will help.

OneHOPE

Recently I went to a get-together where a friend brought ONEHOPE Wine. ONEHOPE Wine donates half of all their profits to charity and has proudly donated over $400,000 to date. Through their simple 3-step purchase, contribute, donate process, OneHope fights against AIDS, Autism, and breast cancer while supporting our planet, our troops, and children's hospitals!

Here's a little bit more about the ONEHOPE movement, from their website:
"ONEHOPE effortlessly seeks to turn ‘giving back’ into a lifestyle of hope and change. Thus enabling wine lovers to enjoy the product and be a part of ONEHOPE's vision with little effort by the consumer...ONEHOPE was started by eight friends who turned what started as a personal mission to help out a friend with her fight against cancer into a thriving business which is founded on a very basic, but compelling principle: giving back is good business. The eight founders started the company working out of their living rooms and selling wine out of the back of their trunks. Since the inception of the company in June 2007 the company has grown from 0 to well over 20,000 cases sold."

"Where there is room to make change, there is ONEHOPE"

Share a recipe

When I want to eat a cookie I bake a cookie. Being a woman who has a bit of a sweet tooth directly after meals (including breakfast) ultimately this means I bake a lot of cookies. Chocolate chip oatmeal cookies are my fav!

This is my all-time go-to cookie. I can practically whip up a batch in less than 5 minutes. Well, I've never timed myself but I know I'm quick. I don't even need the recipe! And, for this love of chocolate chip oatmeal cookies I have Mom Foster to thank!

In college I was fortunate to be a suitemate of the one and only Ashley. Mom Foster, Ash's mom, would FedEx her specialty cookies to Ashley often. Lucky Ashley and lucky suitemates! I fell in love with these cookies at first bite. I knew we'd be connected forever.

Throughout college Mom Foster would make and FedEx these cookies. While Ashley and I moved into separate dorms and apartments throughout our college years, Mom Foster would still send the cookies and the best part, she'd put a little ziplock bag of cookies with my name on it. She knew how much I loved them and she was more than loving to always put some aside for me. Yup, I'm the luckiest.

Just after college I took a gigantic roadtrip across the country and one very important stop along our trip, the Foster's in Maryland. While they housed Tasha and I for a week while we toured D.C., my priority of this visit - make cookies with Mom Foster!

And dreams do come true. While there was so much to see in lovely D.C., I came away from this trip with my favorite cookies and the tool to have them as my own for the rest of my life: the recipe. I learned from the best when I learned from Mom Foster and she was so generous to me for sharing her recipe. She even gave me all the tips to chocolate chip oatmeal cookie perfection - a stick of butter and a stick of margarine, exactly what the top of the cookie must look like when taken out of the oven, and leaving the cookies on the pan for 4 minutes to cool, to name a few.

Now I can enjoy them forever - and forever I will! I do my best to pay it forward. Tomorrow I'm taking these cookies into the office where my co-workers have become very familiar and equally as grateful.

Thanks Ashley and thanks Mom Foster - for the cookies are one direct representation of your love! I remember this everytime I bake and enjoy.  

Please, share a recipe today!

Take A Hike

In honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and the 80 degree Southern California weather, today I took to the Santa Monica Mountains.

Solstice Canyon happens to be one of my favorite hikes. It's a beautiful trail that starts in the canyon, past the ruins of the Roberts Ranch House, to a 30-foot waterfall, then climbs to the ridge of the canyon where the views overlook the canyon to the Pacific Ocean. Simply perfect.

Today what was most outstanding about the hike was the number of children and families that, like me, were taking advantage of the holiday and beautiful weather. A Boy Scout troop, two other boys no older than 6-years-old walking side-by-side, a young girl who was mezmerized by a something on the trail (I couldn't even tell what it was!) who slowly lost distance between she and her family, or the two young girls who we're soaked playing in the creek in their full hiking outfits - all of these children enjoying life to it's fullest! Whether sharing the joys of childhood friendship, stopping to take wonder in something, or giggling carefree as little ones put their hands under the mini-waterfall of the creek it was so refreshing to see so many parents (and "troop moms") take their children out to enjoy mother nature. 

Seems simple and easy to do - to take a day and go on a hike - but I'm sure most everyone wishes they could live days like today more often.

Cheers to the beautiful day! Lesson from the children: take full advantage of beautiful days such as these!

Granola Bars for the Road

When I started this blog, a good friend of mine kept telling me I had to blog about this. So here goes.

Living in LA, unfortunately, seeing individuals who are homeless is a daily occurrence. For years there was a man named Sam that lived caddy-corner of my apartment. Everyday I'd pass him by and my first apartment mate reminded me that if we have leftover food that would only go bad in our fridge, to remember Sam and offer him some food.

Everyday right before the on-ramp on my way to work, without fail, there is a man or a woman with a sign asking for help. The man on the corner today had a sign that said, "Will work. Don't do drugs or alcohol. Help - food, money, a smile. Have a nice day." I've started to notice that they sometimes bring a dog - please help me and my dog, their sign reads. Most signs are often concluded with a smile face on the box sign or a "God bless you."

I try to stay positive about helping while also remembering to be realistic - that just because their sign says they won't spend money on alcohol, who am I to know how they really spend their money?  And, I'll be honest, there have been times I look at them receiving money from the car in front of me and I wonder to myself if they make more money than a hard-working man or woman who works a minimum wage job. Really, it takes just 8 people to offer a single dollar bill within 60 minutes to make a "decent" earning. It doesn't seem too far-fetched standing in the busy intersection on-ramp of the busy Santa Monica Blvd. and the 405.

My solution: keep a stash of granola bars in the center console of my car. While I won't offer them money, a granola bar will help tide their hunger. I admit, I don't offer it to every person I see standing on this corner everyday but I do my best to be generous and do my little bit to try to help in a way I feel comfortable.

I try to be conscious of purchasing granola bars that offer substance and nutrition - nuts, fruit, protein, not just chocolate chips. And, when there's a sale on a special health bar I take advantage to change it up from the fruit and nut.

I realize that many people have different thoughts on how to help and safety must always be priority. While there are many ways to help -  offering loose change, purchasing a meal, handing a granola bar out the window when stopped at a red light - I've also heard that a simple smile acknowledging their presence is the most helpful of all.

Pet Sit for A Friend

This is Buddy, my officemate! Buddy is a good little fish and is doing just swimmingly.

One fact about a pet - they bring along some responsibility! They require and deserve food, care, and human interaction. Thus when I was planning my trip home for nearly 2 weeks I wasn't so sure where that would leave my good pal Buddy.

I thought of a few ideas only to have run into obstacles that would only burden the temporary caregiver. A colleague would be in the office about every other day, conveniently similar to Buddy's feeding schedule. Then we realized that she planned on switching a day which would leave Buddy without food for too long. I decided asking my apartmentmate to drop a few pellets in for Buddy was the best option even though wasn't sure fish responsibility would be well-received. Then, straight from the fish heavens comes colleague Chris.

CB, as I refer to him, is well-familiar with Buddy and is very friendly to my two-finned friend anytime he comes into the office. CB also has twin boys, yes that means two boys, who are a year and a half old. When I casually talked to another co-worker of ours about my Buddy plan, CB chimed in and said that he and the Butler boys could fish-sit. (enter music: Hallelujah!)

I was relieved. Buddy would be well-cared for while I was away and I'm sure he'd have a lot of fun with those Butler boys!

I gave CB the over-protective caregiver email that included Buddy's feeding and water change schedule, transport information, and Buddy's likes and dislikes especially because Buddy was to celebrate his 1-year birthday while I was away! After sending all of this I quickly remembered that CB was father to two 18-month old boys who are alive and well... Buddy would be just fine.

And, as I expected, Buddy had a wonderful time at the Butler household. Buddy hasn't stopped raving about his two weeks of "freedom and fun" as he says. Hmmmm... 

And when I asked CB to share a story of Buddy's adventures he said, "Well, I'll share what can be shared..."

I might never know what happend but I know Buddy had a great time with the Butler's. 365 Days of Service gives them a great big flip-of-the-fin for their pet-sitting services!


P.S. When I asked about how they celebrated Buddy's first birthday, CB told me they put in a floating candle to celebrate! So fun for Buddy!

Simply doing his job

I've become a regular at a weekly class at my local gym. I really look forward to it every week.

This 24-Hour Fitness has a private parking lot in a business area. Lucky for those who work-out, parking tickets are validated in the gym for up to 2 hours. In typical LA fashion, if it weren't validated it's $2 per 20 minutes. Yikes! With validation, 25 cents total.

Since moving to LA I've vowed never to spend quarters on anything other than parking meters and laundry. It's for the best. And now I've started keeping my smaller loose change in my door handle, just for those times at the gym where they ask me for my token 25 cents. (I like to call it my penny for every hour that 24-Hour Fitness is open and another penny for good luck.)

This week I dug out three dimes from my door handle when I approached the man in the parking booth. I rolled down my window and handed my dimes. Whoops, I dropped one on the road during the exchange. "Sorry," I say. I start to open my door to retrieve it for him to pay my toll and he says, "Don't worry about it." Then he hands me my nickel change and says, "Have a good night."

So, not only did I drop the dime and not have to pick it up off the road, but this parking booth employee said it was okay, not to worry, and gave me my change anyway. Technically, I didn't even deserve the change because I didn't even pay the full toll!

I'm always so impressed by people who do their jobs well and are friendly  while doing so and this kind man reaffirmed my appreciation for those who simply do their job and do it well. Thank you, kind sir!

Another Warm Parking Lot Story

By Jan Sakuma, 365 Days of Service, HI Region

The older woman collecting shopping carts story brought back a warm memory for me. It was from a not so happy time. We were walking in a church parking lot, on the way to my father's funeral. My grandmother, who was about 87 at the time, was walking slowly to the church. Also walking thru the parking lot was an equally elderly female.  My grandmother hurried, as any 87 year old is capable of, to assist. She gently placed her arm under the arm of the other person, and supported her, helping her balance as they walked. My grandmother at the time was possibly 95 lbs dripping wet. She had a slight curl to her upper body, and often struggled with lower back pain. None of this was an issue at the time. Watching from behind, this picture of two strangers (as my grandmother did not live on our island) walking slowly arm in arm was one I would not forget.

School on Wheels

For over a year I've bee fortunate to tutor students through School on Wheels. The mission of School on Wheels is "the enhancement of educational opportunities for homeless children from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Our goal is to shrink the gaps in their education and provide the with the highest education possible."

School on Wheels was started by Agnes Stevens, a retired teacher, 1993. The LA Times repots that 13,500 students were homeless in the Los Angeles Unified School District last academic year. School on Wheels helps to combat effects of homelessness on these children by enlisting the help of volunteers to literally take bring school on wheels. Tutors meet students in shelters, group homes, motels, and on the streets.

In my personal experience, I've tutored three students at three different shelters in my local area. My first student, a 12-year-old male, left his shelter suddenly in between two of our sessions to move to another location. Without a chance to wish him well, this was a real wake-up for me on the unpredictable day-to-day life of these kids. Another student was a 6-year-old female who, studying through the eyes, mind, and imagination of the 6-year-old, brought much joy to every one of my weeks. She made every lesson fun just by her good nature and always made me feel at home in her "home." And now I tutor a 15-year-old male  whose gentle demeanor and good work ethic brings him much success in school. Tonight he took great pride in showing me his powerpoint on his travel assignment. His destination of choice: Hawai'i. On the agenda: 7 days, 6 nights at a great hotel, eating at restaurants galore, diving to see sharks, snorkeling, sky diving, swimming with dolphins, and much more. Everything is possible. 

It's wonderful to learn through these children - their perspective continues to teach me!

Please read this article featuring SOW from this past Saturday's LA Times.

Bring Treats into the Office

Monday, Monday. Monday blues. Monday is hardly given the credit of being a day to cheer about.

But this Monday was one to celebrate. Why? In our office Monday was paired with irresistable treats!

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, view below the what quickly turned our Monday to be a very warm-welcomed day in the work week.

The scone assortment. Including one with chunky chocolate chips!

Sweet Lady Jane!

This would turn any Monday nay-sayer into a hopeful believer.

Many thanks to our generous colleagues who delivered goodess-in-a-box to turn our Monday - and our week - right around!

Bryan's impressed.

Mail a letter

Believe it. This is one box of many that holds nearly every hand-written letter I've ever received. Some might call it obsessive, others might call it hoarding, I prefer to call it treasure.

The hand-written letter is becoming a lost art. Please help.

With the convenience of email, the invent of Facebook and messaging, and all the other ways technology has made our lives easier - some things, like letter writing, have become old fashioned, too much time, too much effort, too slow.

Let this serve as Exhibit A on why letter writing shall never be replaced! From time to time I go back to these boxes, look through the the thoughtful notes that others have written me, and soak in every word. These letters remind me of days past, encourage me with positive thoughts and energy, and always leave me so filled and thankful for the wonderful people in my life. 

And who isn't thankful for a piece of mail that arrives that isn't a credit card offer you shred, a bill you have to pay, or the junk mail you got from who knows where not to mention wondering how on earth they got your information?   

Please for me and the children of the future world, fight the good letter-writing, mail-sending fight! Whether it's a letter to update on life, words of encouragement or thanks, or a simply hello, write someone a letter and slip it in the mail. Go ahead, surprise and make someones day today!

Giving Bank

Daeni, a very good friend of mine, recently gifted me with this wonderfulness - A Giving Bank!

So perfect. The front of the bank says, "A wish for someone else is the BEST wish of all" and the tag accompanying encourages us to "Help children save to make a wish come true for someone else."

Every little bit makes a difference and if there's one way I've learned that is by saving loose change. While I don't miss the loose change from yesterday, over time this loose change seemingly grows exponentially! I'm looking forward to start this saving and am taking any suggestion for a worthy cause to give my donation.

What a wonderful way to support children's learning of how important it is to give to others. Thanks Giving Bank and thanks to my dear friend Daeni! 

Two kinds of people in the parking lot at the grocery store

By Kimmy Lamborn, 365 Days of Service, FL Chapter (by way of Del-a-where)

On Wednesday I was in the parking lot of the Publix grocery store.  I got out of the car and popped the trunk to get my shopping bags and when I was done I spotted this small, older, smiling women.  She was humming as she passed me pushing her cart.  I smiled because, well, she was smiling.  I watched her as I walked through the lot to the stores entrance. 

She collected three carts on her way in.  You know, the straggler carts, the ones that bump into your car because customers don’t return them to their safe little cart tunnel thing.   ( I have no idea what those are really called.)  She was in front of me as I entered.  She simply returned the three carts and proceeded into the store.  And then, in the entrance way, it hit me.  Not only had this woman collected three straggler carts and brought them all the way into the store, she, while smiling the entire time, didn’t even use a cart once in the store. (Note:  She was not an employee.) 


That’s when I realized, there are two kinds of people in the parking lot at the grocery store.  The ones who collect the stragglers and the ones who just walk right by.  I never really thought of it as service until that day and the more I thought about it the more I realized it totally is. 

I wonder which one are you?

A good pilot, part 2



Yup, me in the Captain's seat in the flight deck!

Thanks for tuning back in for part 2 of "A good pilot."

This is your captain here... hahaha. Funny, and partially true.

So, yesterday I told you about my good pilots who calmed the outside air as we flew across the Pacific. Today, I tell you about the final part of our journey.

We landed safely at LAX at 9:45 pm. Our Captain comes on the overhead once again, thanks us for flying with Delta. Then he says this, "This ends our 10-day journey around the world. For the past 10 days we've basically flown around the world, stopped in Asia for a bit...and we'd like to invite you into the flight deck tonight. If you'd like to come, have your camera ready and we'll take a picture of you in the cockpit."

Really?! I knew they were good pilots from the experience during the flight but they even go ahead to invite any interested passenger in this huge 767 to join them in the flight deck and take some pictures? Wow!

In the spirit of 365, recognizing people being nice to others, I was excited to take advantage of this opportunity the Captain just presented me.

I got to the front of the plane and was surprised that the line wasn't long at all! I waited just a minute then was invited in. There was already another passenger sitting in the Captain's seat. The co-pilot, Pilot Fred, was sitting beside him and they were clearly talking aviation. From the conversation I gathered that this gentleman was in flight school and soaking up this opportunity to receive the advice from a true pilot. And Pilot Fred was happy to share.

In a short break of their conversation, I gently said hello and that I didn't want to interrupt but just wanted to get a picture of the flight deck. Then, this...

Pilot Fred: Sure. Pause. Are you guys together?

Gentleman in Captain's seat and April look at each other

April: (waving her hand as to say "no" non-verbally) Oh no, I just came in to get a picture.

Pilot Fred with a smile: Well would you like to be? I could marry you right here in the flight deck.

REALLY?! Not only did I appreciate my flight pilots because of their smooth navigation of a turbulent airway, but then he continues to offer me marriage?! Awesome!

Don't hold your breath, the kind gentleman and I didn't wed tonight. I mean, I hardly even knew him and he's still in flight school.

Wedding or not, it didn't take away from the fact that this quickly became one of the greatest flights I've ever experienced.

Thanks to Captain Andrew (who all the while bid adieu to passengers as they exited the plane) and Captain Fred. Hopefully our paths will cross again, and maybe then I'll take you up on your generous offer of marriage services.

I'll be prepared next time.

Good night to all and to all a good flight!



Flight deck: potential suitor's right leg in the captains seat. Captain Fred to the right.
Hahaha.



The flight deck, sans wedding.

A good pilot, part 1

Pilot Fred. He worked alongside Pilot Andrew.

Over the past year I've become more wary of flying. Growing up on the islands and literally flying on plane after plane to get anywhere, I'd always been the type of person that gets on a plane without even thinking about it. Planes are safe (and they really are) and that's all there was to it. I never gave a second thought to flying.

Until last year. I was a passenger that was on a flight to HI that was so turbulent that it made me, for the first time, really scared. And, the flight lasted for hours. And we were over the huge Pacific Ocean the entire time. It wasn't encouraging.

So now I'm not necessarily afraid to fly but I have a slight case, as I self-diagnosed, of airplane anxiety.

Which is why tonight, when I trekked across the Pacific Ocean once again, I was very appreciative of my good, informative pilot.  

Our flight was slightly turbulent from the very beginning, the fasten seatbelt sign that traditionally goes off after you reach your flying elevation, didn't go off for about an hour. Then it came back on after a short break and the captain announced that they'd gotten word that we'd experience turbulence for awhile. Fantastic. After a short time he came on again and explained that there were tail wings at 100 knots, head winds of 80 knots and winds coming from the side that was causing the turbulence we were experiencing. He noted that we'd elevated an additional 1,000 feet, slowed our speed to something like 500-ish miles per hour. He noted the effect this would have on our arrival time (not much) and that he anticipated it would make our flight smoother. Within minutes, he proved himself right. Thank you, pilot.

I thank the pilots of this flight because when flying all the passengers are really at the mercy of the pilots - and these pilots took great care of us and took the time to reassure us too. I always do better with more information and the information this pilot shared throughout the flight was very comforting. Never before had I heard some of the science behind airplane turbulence, never before had a pilot taken the time to share this information. And, for this frequent flyer with the slight case of airplane anxiety, these pilots calmed the air of a potentially long, bumpy ride!

And, they get even better. Check in tomorrow for part 2. Trust me, it's good.

Flying the friendly skies, again!

Last week I wrote about how kind and generous my in-flight neighbor was to me. I'm happy to report that this wasn't just a one-in-a-million interaction! On today's flight I was lucky again to be seated next to a friendly neighbor.

Today I sat next to a young woman from Nebraska. She literally said, "yeah!" when she found her seat on the plane. Naturally, I was surpirsed by her excitement to find her seat as we boarded a flight for 5 hours. After she sat down and we greeted one another (yes, I greeted her this time, pretty openly, thanks to my interaction last week) she pointed out her sister was sitting right across the aisle of us. Got it, the excitement was for being seated so close to her sister and 16-month-old nephew, not for finding her seat on the plane.

As we chatted she told me a bit about their story. She, along with her sister, nephew, and family, just spent the past week vacationing on Kaua'i. They had a wonderful, relaxing vacation! Then she said they were scheduled to fly home last night. They boarded their Honolulu to Phoenix plane without a hitch. Then they were told there was a mechanical problem. They waited for an update and ended up sitting on the plane 3 hours! Now, let me not forget the detail that they were on a red eye flight, so they sat on the plane from 11 pm - 2 am! The crew then informed them that they had to test something that they were fixing on the plane and everyone would need to deplane. But, leave your things, they said, you'll get on board after they run the test. So they deplane. Then they get word that things didn't go as planned and their flight was going to be cancelled. Madness ensued as all 250+ passengers on the flight had to get back on the plane only to grab their carry on items to then get off the plane. They said that they were in the airport until 4 am to get re-routed to Nebraska and get their hotel vouchers for the evening/morning.

So today, at 12 pm, a mere 8 hours after leaving the airport, they were back at the airport waiting to board the first leg of their flight. While yesterday they were just stopping in Phoenix, their new route took them to LA today, Minnesota overnight, then to Omaha in the morning. And she continued, she lands at 8 am then is scheduled to work at 2 pm that afternoon!

Needless to say, 365 reconizes this friendly family from Nebraska who, in the midst of travel madness, still have the energy and spirit to be friendly to others. Especially those who are still learning to trust the friendliness of flying the high skies!

Check back tomorrow for another fun travel post!

Help in the smallest of packages!

Help in the smallest of packages for a few reasons... First, my cousin was putting together a relatively small package to put in the mail. Second, she received some unsolicited help from a small bundle, my niece - a wonderfully helpful 17 months old!

I've been fortunate to spend much of the past two weeks with my young niece and all the while I've been amazed by how observant, attentive, engaging, and interactive she is. Yesterday, Kalyssa watched as Erica carefully put items in the box then started taping the box closed. Within a couple of minutes, Kalyssa grabbed the masking tape herself, started to unroll, then in her 17-month-old fashion offered to share the tape with Erica. Erica thanked Kalyssa, started to put the tape in place then asked Kalyssa to pat it down, which of course Kalyssa was glad to help.

I acknowledge, there is a certain level of attraction a blue roll of sticky tape has to a 17-month-old. I mean, who needs stickers after all when you've got your hands on a whole roll of sticky stuff?!  

I am always wonderfully amazed by children. When empowered and supported, every day is a new discovery in young lives. If only we could all live every day with such excitement and vigor!

Thanks to the children of the world who offer help with joy and to the adults who recognize and support their effort!


The joys of a roll of masking tape to a 17-month-old!





Please excuse the seemingly large pair of scissors within her reach.
She was attended to, I assure you!

 

Invite a friend to an activity you enjoy

Garrett, Lynn, Cade, and Kendyll



These are my good friends, Lynn and Garrett, and their kids, Cade and Kendyll. Hi Cade, hi Kendyll!

Lynn has been a loved friend since the 4th grade when we were joined together as Dandy Bears (our wonderful 4-H Club!). Through all these years Lynn has a been a solid friend - whether supporting me through tough life times or simply enjoying yogurt/cucumber homemade spa experiements together - Lynn is the comfort of a long-time friend.

Taking advantage of the beautiful Maui life, Lynn and Garrett have recently taken up Stand Up Paddling (SUP). Lynn says they get out as much as possible, making good use of their boards going weekly during the summer and going as often as they can since the school year started. 

Stand Up Paddling has been something I've been wanting to try and Lynn has always invited me to join. Today was our day - what a great way to start the new year!

In addition to simply being really fun and enjoyable, I loved stand up paddling with Lynn and Garrett today for many reasons. When we were on the water Lynn and I got to catch up on life a bit and I couldn't ask for a better environment to share time with a friend other than out in the calm, open ocean! Lynn was also a great teacher. Well, she's a great teacher by profession too, and today she was a great friend-teacher. All the tips she gave me before we went out really helped me feel comfortable and confident out in the water. She put me first many times - pushing me out at the start all the way until we were coming back on shore when she rode slightly behind me so she could tell me when the waves were coming. In addition to teaching me, Lynn and Garrett taught my two cousins, Erica and Alycia, who joined us this morning. It was their first time too! On top of all of this, what I enjoyed most of all is that SUP is something Lynn and Garrett have really enjoyed learning and doing and by taking me out today it was a great way to share in an activity they enjoy. That is really fun.

Thanks to Lynn and Garrett and thanks to their family, Cade, Kendyll, Lisa, Brent, and Mrs. Kajihara for letting me, Eric, and Leesh spend a wonderful morning with you! And, also thanks to the sunshine, calm waters, and all of the sea turtles that surrounded us when we were out. 

I always enjoy doing any activity with friends, and I must say, I really feed off the wonderful energy created when spending time with a friend doing an activity they enjoy.  

Leesh gets ready to go out

I make my way out - Lynn is right beside me!

Eric smiling after a great ride!

Family

Every January 1st, in addition to ringing in a New Year, our family is lucky to celebrate Aliya's birthday. 

While the gathering spanned many families, we were all one family - Aliya's family - today. Mom, dad, sister, aunties, uncles, cousins, grandmas, great grandmas, and more aunties and more uncles joined the celebration that was fit for a bright, beautiful 4-year-old. 

And the service for Aliya and one another was abundant. Everyone contributed to make this the perfect party. The house was cleaned, kept, and ready to host, the table was full of family-favorite dishes that everyone contributed, and Aliya had presents that she loved. One after another after another she opened them and gasped with excitement for her new toys.

Most of all, everyone took time out of their busy holiday season to come together to celebrate Aliya. We enjoyed one another's company, tag-teamed playing with the youngsters, shared in good conversation, and had many, many laughs.

Thanks to everyone who came out, not only to celebrate Aliya, but to also define the meaning of family: a diverse group of individuals who care for and serve one another, connected by a common bond - love.

Happy birthday, Aliya! Love, your family.

Wacky Wednesday

By Janice Sakuma, 365 Days of Service, Kula Chapter

Wacky Wednesday.

That is the name of a story my grandaughter loves. We have read it more than 50 times (I kid you not!) and each time she loves looking for wacky things. A portrait of George Washington, for example, labeled Abraham Lincoln. (While she does recognize O - BA - MA from watching the many political rallies, inaugarations and celebrations as a 2 year old, her only point of reference to George Washington is that we have pointed out that wacky label in the past.) Or a worm chasing a bird. Or a bunch of bananas growing on an apple tree.

Last Wednesday, was Wacky for me.

On Tuesday, the evening before, anticipating a hectic day including providing supervisory visits for staff, visits with patients AND a bed delivery, I phoned our blood bank to ask if my early Wednesday appt. could be changed to Friday, 12/24th, Christmas eve. While it was a last minute change, I was banking my request on knowledge that the Blood Bank was actively recruiting donors for that day. The kind person said "Sure" and rebooked for a not quite as early time on Friday.

On Wednesday, at 8:15, an employee from the delivery service called to say that the new bed we had scheduled for delivery was not available. The delivery service called. Not the store that sold us the bed. The delivery service. Being very sensitive to not wanting to give grief to the messenger (it's the holiday season!), I thanked him kindly for the information and told him that the store would update him on our plans.

Less than 10 minutes later, while still trying to process the information of the unavailable bed, the Blood Bank called. "We were just-wondering if you would still be able to donate blood..." Well, tho the appt. was changed, I still appeared to  be a "no-show." Hmmm, my morning just opened up a bit - would they prefer I come "right now?" Yes please was the reply, so off I went to donate blood.

To those familiar with the process, I pride myself in having a rather quick donating time. Once they stick me, usually in about 10 minutes, the bag is full of blood and I happily continue on to a donut and beverage.  10 minutes became 15 became 20. Several people glanced my way, but no one seemed concerned. 20 minutes later, a tech came back and tried to reposition the catheter. Apparently, my blood flow had stopped. They thanked me for the effort, and informed me that because the quantity of the blood was less than a full bag, they would not be able to process and dispense my donation to a needy patient.

Well, to perk myself up, I went to pick up another present that had been ordered for delivery the day before. We're sorry, they said ... try back tomorrow.. we hope it will be in by then!

Having left that shop, I realized that I no longer was carrying my umbrella. Back tracked my steps. Felt a sense of relief when the local security person said "I just saw it!" and walked me back to the location I felt it was left at, only to come up empty handed.

So -
NO bed delivery.
NO blood.
NO Christmas gift.
LOST umbrella
And all of this occured before lunch!  AAArrrgh! What a Wacky Wednesday! I should just go back to bed!

At the end of the day, I picked my husband up from the airport, and recanted my day as if I hadn't been sending text messages to him all day as the events unfolded. I stopped, after using up my words, and asked. "How was your day honey?"

"I was hit by lightning ..." he said. Well technically the airplane he was in was hit. Modern technology and an experienced crew allowed for a safe completion of his flight. Anxious moments however were plenty. Wow. He wins. His day was worse! My day consisted of only minor inconveniences and a bruised ego.

So the story continues  "Don't be sorry," ... "It's that kind of a day. But be glad! Wacky Wednesday will soon go away!"

The important things in life is the health, safety and happiness of our family and friends.

Happy New Year to you and yours!