Stop Requested

Today I was sitting on the LAX Shuttle from the long-term parking lot to the different terminals. This bus had quite the mix of people, young and old, travelers and airport employees.

As we pulled up to the first terminal the bus driver sounded the automatic track that said, "Terminal 1: Southwest Airlines." The bus driver looked in his rear view mirror at all of us passengers and called out, "Anyone for Terminal 1?" He didn't see or hear anything, so he looked to bypass Terminal 1 and go straight to Terminal 2.

One of the TSA employees on her way to work saw an elderly man in the furthest row back start to slightly move when he saw Terminal 1. "You in terminal 1?" she asked. "Yes," he responded. Then she called out, "Terminal 1 stop please." Just as we were near the end of Terminal 1, the bus driver pulled over and let the older man out.

He didn't pull the "Stop Requested" line nor was he able to jump up or call out when the bus driver asked. But because of a friendly and attentive woman, he was able to get off at his proper stop - and his travels were made a little bit easier.

The Apple Pan

Welcome to a Los Angeles landmark, the Apple Pan. "Quality forever," the sign reads.

A fifties style diner, with a grill in the middle of the u-shaped seating, The Apple Pan represents 60+ years of history in LA and a menu and atmosphere that has withstood time.

There are no frills here. Service is quality, the menu is simple. You can choose from 2 burgers, 5 sandwiches, 3 kinds of pies. Sodas are served in cone shaped cups with stainless steel cupholders. If you prefer, they also serve buttermilk to drink. That's how old-school they are. The woman next to me said, "I love that I come here and feel like I'm in the 50s." She's a regular,comes once a week and knows exactly what she'll receive everytime.

If not up for burgers and fries, hidden behind the front Apple Pan walls is a bakery that bakes their famous pies. Banana cream, pecan, apple - all baked fresh daily. More than enough to make customers coming back again and again.

Jorge, our waiter, served us with a smile. In fact, when we ordered fries he even served us a plate of ketchup without us having to ask. For the children, he made the ketchup smiley face.

Everything about this place made me feel like I was in a simpler time. The food was good, I received quality service, everyone working was working hard. Waiters and cooks wore those white 50s service caps and even the cash register was a classic! All around the restaurant was a community feel - we talked to our neighbors as if they were a part of our own party and I got the sense that is the way it's felt all around - from the servers, to the customers, regulars, and old-timers.

Perhaps the moment I enjoyed the most from my first Apple Pan experience was when take out customer received her pie and was about to leave she said, "Thank you, see you next time." Jorge, responded with a smile, "Okay, see you tomorrow."

Read more about The Apple Pan story.

Portable Smile

Literally sitting next to a woman in a restaurant this afternoon when she was digging into her purse and pulled this out... a smile on a stick.

I wish I could have taken a picture but please imagine how funny this was!

Here's what happened. We were enjoying a burger at a 50s style diner (more to come!) that had bar-style seating. This woman sat next to us and was very friendly. She's an LA local and started telling us all about her morning that she spent in Hollywood taking pictures of all of the Oscars red-carpet set-up. An annual tradition for Kathleen, she does it all the time. She loves the red carpet, loves the excitement, spots famous people along the soon-to-be all eyes on Hollywood affair.

As she digs through her purse to find her camera to show us some of her shots, she pulls out this smile on a stick. And she says, "Here's my portable smile, see." Puts this to her face, gets a laugh out of us, and continues to look for her camera. This 50+ year old woman carries a portable smile in her purse and pulls it out like it's no big deal. It belongs in her fancy purse! "Clearly," she says, "I don't need other people to have a good time."

Yes, mam. I will give you that. If you carry a smile on a stick in your purse, you surely don't need anyone else to create fun for you. Thanks for sharing your smile with us - and bringing us a good laugh. Continue to spread good cheer!

International Stand Up to Bullying Day

Twice a year, over a million people across the world wear their signed "Stand Up" pledge t-shirt. This movement is in honor of International Stand Up to Bullying Day to

• Send a loud, non-confrontational message of resistance to bullies
• Identify themselves to victims as a source of support willing to help
• Draw attention to the effects of bullying, and stimulate passive bystanders into action

This movement was started by two high school seniors, Travis Price and David Shepard, who took a stand for a freshman student who was bullied for wearing a pink t-shirt.

Today is International Stand Up to Bullying Day. Please, Stand Up.

Give a penny

$6.02. Have you ever been in a check out line when your total comes out to some dollar amount requiring 2 cents? Or maybe the total is $6.51 and all you want is a penny to get two quarters (laundry machine and parking meter gold) instead of 4 pennies, 2 dimes, and a quarter?

Give a penny, take a penny to your rescue!

Tonight I went into the store and when my total came out to $6.02, I started to search my pockets hoping for pennies (nickels, dimes, anything!) when my cashier said, "I got it." Thank goodess, 98 cents not coming my way!

Give a penny, take a penny. Thanks to those who've given from which I've received. Next time I'll use my pennies to repay you!

Top 5

Anyone up for a challenge?
One of the most rewarding homework assignments I've ever been given in my life was a challenge to email someone I knew and ask them to share what they would see as my "Top 5" qualities. It seems a little self-centered but honestly through these emails (yes, I emailed more than 1 person! Why not take advantage of this opportunity? Plus, I was an overachiever in school ;-) I was incredibly uplifted, encouraged, and loved. 

Descriptors that I would not have chosen for myself, I learned, we're some of the most outstanding qualities someone else saw in me. And after reading it, I believed it!

A homework assignment doesn't have to be the motivation for sending out such an email. There is no reason to hold back, nothing to be ashamed of! In return you could send a response with a reciprocal Top 5 and encouragment could go in every direction.

If you don't want to ask about yourself, consider sending a Top 5 email to someone you know telling them of 5 of their most outstanding qualities that you appreciate. Or email me, please, I'll send you my Top 5 for you!

Picture Puzzle

Look at this! My wonderful father is a fine woodworker and just on an evening when I decided to blog of using your personal talents for good (and gifts!) I opened a drawstring bag he sent me. Inside, a wooden picture puzzle of me and my nieces!

Pops took up woodworking a handful of years ago as his full-time retirement hobby along with babysitting granddaughters. Over the years he's singlehandedly added decor to my entire apartment. Clocks and lamps, mirrors and trinket containers, he makes them all! And, I'm lucky because he usually sends me one of each creation.

Puzzles is his newest creation. I love it because there's a wonderful picture of me with family and my father made it just for me. Love, love, love!

Pick up litter

Walking around a shopping center this weekend, I saw a young boy drop a small piece of paper he had in his hand onto the ground. Right after his mother responded, "Conner, stop please. Please pick up this piece of trash." Conner stopped for a second, looked at his mom, then backtracked his way to his fallen piece of paper. His mom said, "Thank you. There's a trash can right there you can drop it in."

What a wonderful mother and son!

Litter can seem to be the impossible task. Yet, if we all took the approach of Conner and his mother, imagine how clean our world could be! Not only do we pick things up if we drop them, but hopefully being held accountable will help us to not drop them in the first place!

And, if you're so kind, when you see a piece of trash on the ground (and it's safe to pick up) please consider dropping it in your nearest trash receptacle.

Rescue a puppy...

"Big" and "Little"

or puppies!

I recently got an email from a friend. We play together in a soccer league in a different town 20 minutes away from home. After our soccer game this weekend as Aubrey was driving home she saw two cute puppies walking along the side of the street. Aubrey pulled over, greeted these puppies, looked for a form of identification on the dogs, and looked around to see if anyone was paying attention to them. After determining that these puppies had no home, Aubrey put them in her car and took them home herself.

Aubrey's intention wasn't to keep these two cute, cute puppies. She wanted to rescue them from the streets.

Aubrey then sent a call for help...

"Do you know someone who has been thinking about adopting a dog and has been waiting for the perfect one? Well look no further, here are two!!

I found two of the most adorable puppies a few days ago. They have such great personalities! (I know, everybody says that, but it's true!) They are pretty mellow for puppies and are extremely affectionate. They look to be in good health and well cared for (except for the being lost on the street part)."

After rescuing the puppies Aubrey told others about them and asked friends to spread the word. She talked about the great personalities these puppies had, how caring and affectionate they were, and how easily they settled into their new home - with another dog friend!

In the end, Aubrey wasn't able to keep the puppies and didn't find a new home for them. However, she visited local Santa Monica shelters to see which might be the best temporary home for them. She encouraged anyone interested to go to the shelter to rescue them before their confinement in a small space with many other animals affects their sweet demeanor.

Aubrey left with this message...

Rescuing a dog is a rewarding experience, and these dogs are so young you will not be training them out of bad habits, you will be starting a great relationship for years to come. Thanks for considering saving a puppy!

Thanks for rescuing "Big" and "Little", Aubrey!

If anyone is interested in these puppies, I'll send you the information!

A Best Friend

Now this is a picture of a best friend.

It is my honor to introduce you to one of my best friends, Daeni. This is us, good pals, elementary school 'til today - to infinity and beyond!

I'll start from the beginning on why Daeni is a best friend. In the 2nd grade I moved to Upcountry Maui and started at a new school. On the first day of school in my new class, Daen was my first friend. She inivited me for my first sleepover in my new hometown. Back then I was her friend with a "froggy voice" but she still invited me anyway! And so begins our history.

Together Daeni and I conquered the world. As "Dandy Bears," our legendary 4-H club, Daen and I whipped up recipes and presented them to the crowds at Demonstration Day. Basically she did everything cause she's the best cook and I smiled and poured in ingredients as her happy helper. =)

We did lots of stuff together. We played store with her parents when I went for sleepovers, I went on Easter egg hunts in her back yard. We tried to play tennis as youngsters and our goal would increase - first hitting the ball back and forth over the net 2 times, 3 times, 4 times, maybe even 5 times. You could imagine how exciting our tennis games were - and we loved every minute of it. Pictures can be found of us in our lovely "candy striper" vests when we volunteered every Sunday at our local hospital. Other snapshots can be found of us sewing aloha shirts together. Basically we did so much together that we also decided that we had to have the same last name, Hamahara, we decided. It was the best combination of "Hamaoka" and "Uyehara" we could muster. Daen Hamahara, Ape Hamahara, we were the perfect pair. 

Through elementary school, intermediate school, and high school Daen was always, always there for me. Sounds cliche, but it's true, good times and bad, she was there. 

What do I love about her? Why thanks for asking. Here's what I love:

• When another best friend, Tasha, and I took a roadtrip around the US, we were fortunate to spend a few nights with Daen and her husband Mike in their lovely Seattle home. Not only did she serve as the warmest host, making sure we were well cared for on our trip, she sent us on our way packed with goodies - snacks and meals - for our journey. When Tash and I arrived to our campsite in the freezing cold later that night, we were so thankful for Daen's home-cooked meal.
• In the 2nd grade we did a May Day performance to the "Duck Dance." I have a picture of Daen and me from that day and it's one of my all-time favorites. You should see our lovely duck headbands we made. I love that we share such quality memories together!
• Daen had the most beautiful 8th grade school photo. One afternoon after school we sat in our living room signing wallet size photos for our friends and we both commented, multiple times, on how great our pictures were. Those photos and giving them to frieds was important to us as 8th graders and we both enjoyed celebrating our beauty to one another. (Very dislike us in a general public way, but completely acceptable in a best friend way.)   
• Daen and I also have "hi-tech" photos from the 8th grade to prove our best-friend-ship.

And, most of all, Daen is an honest friend. She tells me what I need to hear when I need to hear it. She challenges me to be better. She makes time for me. She shares her recipes with me (mostly I love eating them). She inspires me to be an all-around loving person because she's an all-around loving person. For fun we do stuff like having dinner at home or taking her dog for a walk in the park. What we do is always fun because we do it together and we get to share the time together. I have the utmost respect for her. I feel comforted, cared for, and loved because she's my friend and this has become my goal for myself - to care for others in such a way that they'll be able to feel the warmth and love that I feel from Daen.

I have photo proof of all of the above childhood times. The best part - the memories and photos will continue forever because Daen is a forever friend.

Love you, Daen!

A Small Act of Parking Kindness

By Daeni Ito, 365 Days of Service, Kula Chapter

Something as small as this can make someone's day. My daily goal even before this happened is to try to do atleast one good deed per day out on the road. Yesterday, someone did one for me! Our parking garage at work requires a parking pass to wand and the gate will let you in. I had to switch cars with my husband yesterday, so I threw my parking pass in my purse in a hurry that morning. When I arrived to the parking gate, I couldn't find my pass in the black hole on the bottom of my purse. A car arrived and waited in back of me for a little while. The woman got out of her truck and used her pass to wand me in. She told me, "I hope you find it." Just something as simple as that helped me start my day off right. Thanks to the lady in the black truck yesterday, you made my day!

Happy Halloween - February Style!

Today I received a card in the mail. A Happy Halloween card!

Do you know what today is? February 17th. Do you know when Halloween is? October 31st!

Yes, today I received a card wishing me a "happy halloween" and I couldn't be happier! It's from my dear friend, Corinne. In true Corinne fashion, this halloween card featured a cat and a lot of black, two of Corinne's dearest loves in life.

And on the inside, she embraced this timely greeting! Nevermind that Halloween was 4 months ago, Corinne still took the time to write me this card and drop it in the mail. She says, "I found this in my winter cleaning and figured you might still find it funny, and it might be a perfect Valentines/St. Patricks Day Card!" Be not bothered by the delay of Halloween wishes rather embrace that this card was found and celebrate!

And celebrate I will. Corinne says I can anticipate my April brithday card around next Thanksgiving and I wouldn't want it any other way. Happiness is experienced by opening a piece of mail to have it be complete surprise. It's never too late. Wish that friend a perfectly belated happy birthday, send the new year wishes that got lost in the busy winter season, wish someone a happy halloween in the middle of February. 

Thanks, Corinne. Happy Halloween to you!  

Offer Directions

This afternoon in the parking lot I found myself behind two women. One young adult and another more-life-experienced woman.

As they were walking down the stairs out of the parking lot, the older woman asked, "which way to Wilshire?" The younger woman responded, "Just this way, one block. You'll cross Arizona and the next street is Wilshire." The older woman responded, "Thank you. I'm looking for the Apple Store." Then the younger woman chimed in, "Oh, the Apple Store. In that case, turn on Arizona, then you'll turn right onto the Third Street Promenade. The Apple Store will be a couple of stores down on your left." The other woman thanked her again, "Thanks, I always get turned around here." "No problem," the younger one responded, "I work right here and from my office window I always get mixed up! It took me a year to figure out. I'm going that way, I'll walk with you."

As they continued on their way, the older woman showed the younger one her iPhone. "A friend just put me on her family plan. I've had this iPhone for about a week and I've already done something to it. Everytime I try to press the call button it opens my email instead."

I parted ways with them there (although I was never "in" their conversation/on the same path) and found myself encouraged by a woman who asked for help and a another woman who not only provided this stranger directions, but offered to walk her there and engage in conversation along the way. Thanks to friendly people out there who willingly offer help!

Volunteer Feature: Lisa Putnam

Please say "hello" to outstanding volunteer, Lisa Putnam.

I know Lisa and her volunteer work well and in a recent conversation about her 2010 Volunteer Hour tracking, Lisa shared more insight into her contributions to good.

In 2010, Lisa volunteered 443 hours. That's an incredible 8 hours per week average! Most of her hours were given to camp and she says, "don't count sleep hours." So, when she volunteers at a residential camp and sleeps on-site, she only counts her hours during the day, not during the night (that rhymes). If you added in nighttime hours that she's required to be on-site in order to volunteer, her number would skyrocket!

Another wonderful aspect of Lisa's service and committment? Her workplace matches and awards her for her volunteer work. Through volunteermatch.org  Lisa's work tracks employee service throughout their organization. Last year the empolyees volunteered a total of 189,000 hours to their respective community, an increase in 2010. This workplace matching program promotes social responsibility and any employee that volunteers 30 hours per year receives $200 to give to their organization of choice. Lisa could have earned that money in her sleep! (Literally!)

365 Days of Service salutes Ms. Lisa Putnam for her unwavering dedication and committment to community service. She volunteers on camp, she works extra hours to be able to take a day off of work to volunteer in the hospital, and she doesn't miss a weekend session. She even asked permission of her husband to volunteer on their anniversary! And Lisa is a true servant with a smile. She is always warm and welcoming, giving every camper and family member the true magical camp experience.

Thank you, Lisa!

Be Nice In Traffic

Tonight it took me no less than 90 minutes to travel 6 miles in Los Angeles.

What generally takes me 20 minutes as I journey to my Monday night tutoring, tonight for a reason I have yet to learn, took me an hour and a half. Needless to say, it was tough to make it a pleasant ride.

Fact #1: No one enjoys traffic.

Fact #2: Traffic doesn't make nice people.

Fact #3: When you're stuck in traffic it seems impossible to make traffic better.

During my journey I nearly cursed a fellow driver who wouldn't budge an inch to let me switch lanes, gave up on my hopes to run a couple of errands on my way, and pondered quitting tutoring or at very least call to say that tonight wasn't going to work - I'd rather just make my way home.

When I arrived to tutor, thankfully I arrived to forgiveness. My 14-year-old student waited patiently for me even though I was 15 minutes late. And when I arrived he said, "every tutor was late tonight. The other tutor said it took her an hour and a half to get here." It didn't matter to him that I was late, the traffic didn't matter, it only mattered that we had some time to study. He told me about his new classes he started today and he pulled out his geometry homework. (Geometry happens to be my favorite math subject!). Together we learned (and re-learned) points, lines, rays, and segments, and during our time it was very clear that he understood the material. What started off as confusing because we both fumbled to figure out what we were doing, ended up in point, line, and ray mastery and he even initiated taking additional notes so he'd remember what he'd just learned.

Take that, traffic! You won't get me down! Thanks to a 14-year-old who conquered his homework, even a sour traffic driver (me) can turn the night around.

And next time I'm stuck in traffic, I'll be prepared with positive-thinking to help me on my way. Please, if you're next to me, kindly let me into the next lane.

A good neighbor

Tonight I spent a few hours with a good friend. After treating ourselves to frozen yogurt we went to her Grandma's house to look at some of her recent pictures.

On our way in, we ran into her grandmother's neighbor, Sheldon. He has been grandma's neighbor for a number of years and was excited to see that her granddaughter was in town. He knows how much grandma loves her.

Then Sheldon said this, "We keep a good eye out for your grandmother. She's moving around, she's doing well." 

In that moment I was really struck by his genuine care for grandmother and her well-being. Grandma is going to turn 84 tomorrow (Happy Valentine's birthday!) and it's nice to know that even in a big city like Los Angeles, neighbors still care and look out for one another.

Value of the volunteer hour

Today I participated in volunteer day with over 80 participants who chose to spend their Saturday to give.

In 2008 the value of the volunteer hour in California was $23.29. Multiply the 4 hours by the over 80 participants... the value of our volunteers from this day alone was $7,825.44!

In addition to their combined value, comes the independent skill they offered. One artist painted beautiful "thank you" signs, an engineer helped us rig up shade structures, others are fundraisers for us and now wanted to offer time. 

Plus, we got a lot done. Projects that would take our staff team hours - or would never get done - we're completed today because of the volunteers who dedicated their day to service.

365 Days of Service thanks the volunteers who served today, your contributions are priceless!

Office Angels

Clean office #1

Breaking news, for immediate release:

Tonight in Lake Hughes, California there's been evidence that "Office Angels" exist. These creatures, known to be a spin-off of human-life-form, seemed to have struck while office area was uninhabited. They've left their mark and detectives have initiatied a full blown investigation on the case.

One witness, April, gave this statement earlier, "Our time in the camp office has been limited during the winter months so I can't give an exact timeframe for when this might have happened. I will tell you this, when I left this office my couch was filled with unorganized  trinkets, blankets galore, 4 pairs of footwear, 3 stuffed monkeys, 5 picture books, and even 127 stress balls. Now all of these items are neatly stacked against my wall. Even the stuffed monkeys! I don't have proof, but officer, you must believe me. This is an act unlike ever done in this office before. I'm begging you, help us to find this office angel so proper thanks can be given!" (Editor's note: 127 stress eggs we're verfied to be true. Each one with an odd cartoon printed on front. No further questions were asked, evidence believed to be true.)

Another witness, Krisin added this, "You see, sir, we've been away at a conference all week long. It was wonderful but boy oh boy we're tired from all the good learning! Today we had to drive 6 hours in stop-and-go traffic to get to camp to host our annual volunteer day tomorrow where we'll welcome 125 people onto our camp grounds. We've been busy! But when we arrived to the magnificent work of these office angels, we couldn't help but be overwhelmed with thanks and appreciation. Their timing is impeccable after such a long week!"

Local authorities have asked all community members to keep their eye out for such kind souls. After preliminary investigation officers report that they've found no traces of evidence. Sherriff Kindness, head of the Random Acts division, said, "We're really stumped on this one. Our initial search has left us no evidence. Not a fingerprint, nothing." He continued, "These individuals are well-practiced. They've even convinced the turtle figurines on the office table to keep their lips sealed."

Clean office #2

It's believed these turtles are the only ones who have seen the kindness in action.
They have yet to comment on the case.

Camp Lisa Foundation

Lisa Loeb autographs copies of "Camp Lisa"

Now this doesn't happen everyday. Lisa Loeb made a guest appearance.

I'm participating in the American Camp Association National Conference this week and this years conference marks their 150th anniversary. Lisa joined the celebration.

First she spoke of the impact camp had on her life. In a commercial for ACA and their "Because of camp" campaign, Lisa said, "Because of camp I learned to play the guitar." Her website says, "Summer camp taught me to try new things, explore, make friends, learn how to be a leader, and also part of a community.  I learned arts and skills and sports and although it wasn’t always easy, I always rose to the challenge: camp brings that out of a person."

In 2008 Lisa released "Camp Lisa," a collection of traditional and Lisa-Loeb-original camp songs. Some of the proceeds of Camp Lisa benefits S.C.O.P.E. (Summer Camp Opportunities Provide an Edge, Inc.) a non-profit that funds "camperships" to send underpriveleged youth to summer camp.

Today we enjoyed two songs off of "Camp Lisa" and her hit, "Stay (I Missed You)." Her songs were inspiring and so was her message about the power of camp.

Thanks, Lisa - for your performance and for being a camp believer!

My Mentor, Ms. Grimley

Please say hello to Ms. Trisha Grimley, my high school mentor who has grown to be a life mentor and friend.

In this 365 Days of Service segment on King Kekaulike High School, we must feature Ms. Grimley, a dedicated staff member who truly cares about her students.

I proudly serve as Witness #1 on Ms. Grimley's goodness to this world.

I was fortunate to meet with Ms. Grimley during my junior year of high school when she started as our high school's Student Activities Coordinator. Being a student that was very involved in Student Activities activities, Ms. Grimley quickly earned my respect for her depth of knowledge and experience in her position. Even better, she was a very supportive staff member who I grew to know and trust and she was simply joyful all the time. 

Throughout high school, my fellow classmates and I worked very closely with Ms. Grimley. She guided and supported us in everything from the student government to our proms, homecomings, and balls - and everything in between. She taught our Leadership class where we had time to not only work on these different projects, but develop leadership skills that we continue to use to this day.

She could have easily considered herself a job-well-done with the time she invested in us in our Leadership classes alone, yet she chose to generously give more. Personally, I remember her checking in to make sure that I was doing well both academically, extra-curiccular-ly, and personally. I specifically remember times when she was the boost of encouragement I needed, gave me strength to advocate for myself, or even expressed her pride in me - which in turn allowed me to feel proud of myself. And back to the note about how simply joyful she was all the time... she did all of this with a smile on her face and a good spirit in her heart.

Fast-forward over 10 years later and Ms. Grimley is still all of these wonderful things to me. She thinks of me, considers me to be important, encourages me, asks about my work, my California living, and reminds me to keep a good and healthy perspective on life. 

Through all these years it seems the guidance, support, and love Ms. Grimley has provided me has been all the same. Whether I was a teen navigating the challenges of high school life, a recent college grad trying to find a place in the world, or a young professional working hard in a career I believed in, she has supported and encouraged me, offered guidance on my way, and been a listening ear so I could express myself. She cares about my success and she cares about me. 

Her only responsibility to me was a 1.25 hour, 4th period class over ten years ago.

If I could make one wish for every student, it would be for each one of them to find their "Ms. Grimley," their mentor that ultimately leads them to believe in themself. The world seems like a much more supportive place that way.

Thank you, Ms. Grimley, for 10 years of guidance and love and for being my living example of how to lead and live a happy, fulfilling life. To many, many more years to come...

Lessons Learned in High School

Please join me for a quick 365 segment on King Kekaulike High School in Upcountry, Maui.

While I may not remember a single problem-solving skill from my trigonometry class nor all of the amazing facts of history I tried my best to absorb daily, the lessons learned in high school were much more far reaching than what my report card would measure.   

I remember sitting on the floor of my room with books open, flashcards spread out, notes all over the floor - trying and trying to memorize (and understand, of course) the process of ATP, ADP, and chemical energy and feeling so discouraged because it was a foreign language to me and I was sure I'd never get it. And, I didn't really see why I really needed to get it anyway. I admit, there are a lot of lessons in school that I really didn't think I needed to learn, and through as many of my adults years as I have lived (a relatively limited amount) I've proven myself right. I don't think about equations in Alegbra II or the physics of anything.

While I don't remember how to use my graphing calculator and I don't consider it a loss in my life, here's what I do remember.

I remember how frustrated I was when I was sure I'd never get what on earth adenosine triphosphate was and how it worked - and I remember more vividly when I finally turned the ATP corner and understood how the process worked, what that meant, and most importantly, how proud of myself I was for learning it. And, I remember my science teacher congratulating me for doing well on the test and persevering to understand the material.  

I remember always trying to understand every single detail of US History and doing my best to put on the facade that I knew what was going on just to keep up with my classmates. Then I remember my teacher acknowledging that she knew I was trying my best - and that even if my standardized test score didn't measure up to everyone else, I'd given it my all and that was plenty to be proud of.

I remember my English teacher who was simply a good teacher that taught the material well. In the process she validated my work and challenged me to be better. Her class wasn't easy but I preferred it that way. I knew I had to work hard to earn my grades.

I remember giving up in band and feeling at a loss because it was a path I was "supposed" to take. Then I remember a teacher who introduced me to video production and fostered an opportunity for me to learn something different. Along the way I discovered a new skill, a hobby, something I enjoyed... and I could use this to a greater good creating video memories for the entire school. It wasn't a class written in the registrar's catalog, but because a teacher took the time to create an opportunity for a student, it not only became a growing interest of mine - but it taught me that a change in course doesn't mean that you're not on the right track.

While I might not remember a good amount of the subject lessons in high school I do know that what learned proved to be the foundation that leads me to success in life.  Hard work pays off. If you persevere and keep trying you will understand. Success isn't measured on what a standardized test tells you, success is individual. Going off your "expected path" doesn't mean you're going the wrong way, new opportunities will come.

Most importantly I know that I didn't learn a single one of these valuable lessons from a textbook or even my graphing calculator. Thanks to my teachers who taught subjects, used the material as a vehicle for greater life-learning, and invested in students much more than their students' grades on a report card.

Alex's Lemonade Stand

Before she turned one, Alexandra "Alex" Scott was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer.

By the age of 4, Alex said this, "when I get out of the hospital I want to have a lemonade stand." She wanted to raise money for "her hospital" and her doctors to "help other kids, like they helped me." The first of Alex's lemonade stands raised $2,000 that year.

Alex's Lemonade Stand combines the simple idea of a lemonade stand to battle complex fight against childhood cancer. Everyone, especially children, are encouraged to host a lemonade stand or other events to raise funds for the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, which has funded over 150 childhood cancer research projects to date.

When Alex passed away in 2004 at the age of 8 she had already raised over $1 million. Over the years her life and legacy has led to over $35 million raised, $12 million from lemonade stands alone!

Meet Alex and learn more!

Beautiful Anonymous Greeting Cards, Part Deux

Prosecutor: Your honor, members of this fine jury, we've come back from recess because of startling developments in the case of "Beautiful Anonymous Greeting Cards." An important witness has come forward in a case that was believed to have gone cold.

Judge: Thank you, Counsel. Please call your witness to the stand.

Prosecutor: Your honor, jury, we hereby call Lynn to the stand.

Bailiff: Please raise your right hand. Do you, Lynn, promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?

Lynn: I do. 

Prosecutor: Lynn, please share your testimony with the crowd.

Lynn: I have evidence and suspects. I saw the same picture on my shutterfly account. A little man, approximately 2 1/2 years old, with a young female accomplice, approximately 9 months, were seen sitting at the computer a few weeks ago, up to no good.

Prosecutor: Please continue.

Lynn: Their dad and grandmother were also witnesses to this secret crime - I'm sure they'll be willing to testify and translate the babbles and whining the prosecutors will force out of these two rascals. The young boy even left evidence of my address book open to "Aunty April". Not sure how they paid for it- I'll have to check my bank statements.

Jury: Your honor, this is a tall order for two little children. We'd like to hear what the defedants plead.

Judge: Cade, Kendyll, how do you plead?

Cade: (Questioning look... who is this man?)

Kendyll: (Crawls out from under the table) Ba ba ba, da da dah.

Prosecutor: (Rubbing his beard) Hmmm. So Lynn, you say that all this was done by two children, both under the age of 3 years old?

Lynn: Yes. Your honor, jury, you've got to believe me. They might look small but do not underestimate the kindness in these two. I've seen them in action everyday. This is just one way they've spread joy, there are countless others.

Judge: We'll recess for 6 minutes for the jury to deliberate.

- - - - - -  Courtroom breaks for 6 minutes - - - - - -

Judge: Jury, how do you decide?

Jury: Your honor, members of the courtroom, the jury has come to a final decision. Cuteness aside, all evidence points to these two little ones. They did catch April with surprise to the 3rd degree. We have no choice but to rule them guilty as charged: kindness conspirators for all the world to learn from.

Judge: Cade, Kendyll, Lynn. You've heard the jury's recommendations. Let me tell you this. In all my years of experience in this here courtroom, never have I come across a case such as these with instigators as little as you. Earth Code 56020405 should have you tried as minors on this occassion, but given the circumstances, we must try you to the fullest extent. You see here, your act of kindness done far surpasses your years on this planet. Do you understand what I am saying?

Cade: (Smiles and giggles)
Kendyll: Ba ba ba, da da dah.

Judge: Well witnesses in this courtroom, members of this jury, we just may never know how these two came to committ the act of kindness that they did. But know this, the transcriptions will read that this has been one of the greatest acts of kindness ever done.

Judge: (Hits gavel) Cade, Kendyll, you are hereby charged for acts according to Earth Code 326549: Desire to Spread Good to Others.  Job well done, young 'uns.

- - - - - - Courtroom adjourned - - - - - -

Six Degrees of Separation

By Janice Sakuma, 365 Days of Service, Maui District

Bone Marrow Drive. Be the Match!

Advertised by a flyer in our lunch room. At a local high school. This Friday.
Hmmm - who is sponsoring this? As a frequent participant in the recruitment of potential bone marrow donors, it intrigued me that an event just 3 days away, and had remained 'under the radar'.
Called the recruiter Roy - "Yes" he explained, the drive was a Senior Project for Zach. I quickly volunteered to assist.

Zach was holding this drive in honor of his mother, who had lost her battle with leukemia 7 years prior. My husband worked with his mother.  I remember seeing photo Christmas cards of the happy family.

One of the first people to register was Cia. (Short for Cecilia.) I babysat Cia. Even when she had the chickenpox, and I had not yet been exposed. We often ate Campbell's soups for lunch. She spoke of a 'Lewis and Clark' t-shirt that she received as a child from my sister - and how she slept in it until it was threadbare.  "Cia Baby" as my father used to call her was at a precious age when we first met.  Rachel, Cia's daughter, stopped by 20 minutes later to introduce herself and say hello.

Another staff member (who registered in drives organized by Zach's mother,) was the granddaughter of a woman I went to church with ... in the 60's. She enlisted her husband to register this time.

Diane, another teacher was a classmate from grade school thru high school. She registered.
Also stopping by to wish Zach luck, was Donna, my former supervisor's daughter. She also registered in the past for Zach's mother. Never knew she was a teacher.

Gwen, whose son went to the same sitter as April, was there and stopped by to check in on Zach.

Wow. In today's hectic world, it was nice to stop and reflect on the chapters from which these relationships were fostered. Some decades apart. All very separate. Flashbacks to the past.
One might argue that we live on an island and meeting folks from the past is common. A trip to Walmart or the beach, however often occurs with no 'people from the past' (or present for that matter) encounters.

So many connections - once, twice, three times removed. All joined together for a cause.

Are you registered? Be the Match!

TGIF - Joke of the Day

A few years ago I interned in a hospital for a few months. During this time I met some really wonderful, wonderfully giving employees. Every day I'd join a group for lunch and we'd sit and enjoy the hour break together. And even though I was "just the intern" they welcomed me into the group and even taught me how to improve my sudoku skills. Child Life, Social Workers, Hospital Chaplain... really a great group to be surrounded by.


One colleague, a man named Jeff, was particularly funny. A very specific humor he has and brought this every single day. Rain or shine, he was still going to be funny. During my time at the hospital he told me about how he was CEO of a group, a group he made up himself that he is the only member and every Friday this group (i.e., him) sends out a TGIF email with the joke of the week. Even though I knew I'd only be at this hospital for a season, signing up for these jokes would keep me connected.


Now, 5 years later, I still receive these TGIF emails every Friday without fail. Although years and distance separates us, I smile with every one and even get a laugh every once and a while from the jokes themselves.


Here's a sampling for you to enjoy. Happy TGIF!

What do you call a snowman with a suntan?

Answer:  A puddle.

What type of food can’t tortoises eat?  

Answer: Fast Food. 

Why do dragons sleep during the day?

Answer:  So they can fight Knights.  

What is a vampire’s favorite coffee?

Answer:   De-coffin-ated!!!

What kind of computer did the fruit buy?

Answer:  An Apple computer!!!!!!!!

Why do skeletons play the piano?

Answer:   Because they don’t have any organs!

Ok, this joke is a little dated. 

Which months have 28 days?

Answer:   All of them

What do you get if you deep fry Santa Claus? 

Answer:  Crisp Cringle.   

When Arnold Schwartznegger was a child, he was in a play where they portrayed different classical composers.  His teacher said, “there’s Beethoven, Mozart, Mendel, so many different composers.  Who would you like to be?”  Arnold said…. “I’ll be Bach.”  

Singing Cashier

By Paige Ryland, 365 Days of Service, Cassia District

My colleagues and I recently had an early flight to a conference we were attending for the weekend. Leaving at 4:15 in the morning was not something any of us were particularly excited about but parking successfully, reaching the airport on time and having a nice airport breakfast all helped to keep us in good spirits. Sitting at the gate waiting for our plane to board we couldn't help but notice the enthusiastic salesman at the newspaper/snack stand. He sang a little ditty of thanks for every customer. Every customer. At 5:30AM! We were not the only ones entertained by this display of thanks; people throughout the terminal were laughing (kindly). I knew I had to buy something from this man and record it for 365 Days of Service. It turns out Tony has worked at OIA for 3 years. He has the 4AM-1PM shift and in this way has probably entertained thousands. He told me you can find him on youtube by entering 'singing cashier OIA.' True story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXh2i8ror84 We had the song stuck in our heads all weekend but it was a nice reminder to be friendly to all at all times.

The Legacy of a Personal Brand: Newman's Own

Check out this article in the Financial Times about Newman's Own. It's business-ey, but highlights Newman's Own and mentions the Hole in the Wall Camps.

I'm always so inspired by the recognition the Hole in the Wall Camps receive when speaking of Paul Newman's life, his generous giving, and his legacy.

You may have to register to see the article. It's free and it's worth it. Check it out here: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/45075ade-2d6b-11e0-8f53-00144feab49a.html#axzz1Cn1IGu4o

Friends of the Library

By Janice Sakuma, 365 Days of Service, Maui Chapter

This past Thanksgiving, as a group project our team chose to beef up our pediatric waiting room library. We scoured the local Friends of the Library (10 cents a book!) Attended yard sales and bookstores and in the end, gathered 100+ books.

On our chosen morning, we marched over, each holding an armload of books. We arranged the books to be enticing, and even included a few books for the parents to enjoy. There was a friendly competition on presentation style between those in the "well" waiting room and the "not so well" waiting room . After a few minutes we stepped back to admire our work.
At the end of the day, a co-worker declared "The book shelf is all messy! I guess that means the children liked the books!"
On a recent trip past the bookshelf, we noticed the shelves are again barren. The children are encouraged to take a book to enjoy at home. Looks like it's time for another run to the Friends of the Library shop!