Glenda Simmons's Page

November 25, 2009 -- Day 1

I was a little daunted by the challenge, but I'm sure that there is something we all can do daily to help someone else.

Today, I am at my parents' home. I decided to spend time with my parents' outdoor cat, Fuzzball, to start out my "giving". My mother is out of town and I finished up her laundry today, also. I was thinking about putting up the Christmas tree while my mother is gone (she'd love to return to a decorated home), but now I am definitely planning on doing it.

Tomorrow will present new opportunities for giving.

November 26, 2009 -- Day 2
I decided to send Thanksgiving e-cards to distant friends -- free and easy way to show someone you care.

November 27, 2009 -- Day 3

While shopping during Black Friday, I bought my mom three poinsettias as a surprise and I bought a Christmas cat ornament for my secretary (I will give it to her on Monday).

November 28, 2009 -- Day 4

I drove an hour and a half to see my friends Sue and David and bought lunch for Sue and her daughter.

November 29, 2009 -- Day 5

I decorated my parents' home for Christmas and played Scrabble with my mom and special-needs sister.

November 30, 2009 -- Day 6
I gave my secretary the cat ornament and gave a book to a student and gave her a tour of the library to learn about bibliotherapy.

December 1, 2009 -- Day 7
I donated money to a high school student who recently was paralyzed in a football accident.

December 2, 2009 -- Day 8
I gave myself the gift of a day off after I had a root canal and a temporary crown put on. I had planned to go to work but let myself just have a day to rest after all of that instead. I also sent an e-card on "www.letssaythanks.com" to one of the soldiers.

December 3 and December 4, 2009 -- Days 9 & 10
I can't remember being very giving these days. I'll have to make up for them at the end.

December 5, 2009 -- Day 11
I drove two and a half hours to my parents' home to visit them. I bought my father a hat for his birthday.

December 6, 2009 -- Day 12
I made peanut butter cookies with my mother for my family. I called my friend, Stephanie. I had not heard from her in a while. I left a message and heard from her today.

December 7, 2009 -- Day 13
I sent birthday greetings to my friend, Teresa. I also picked up a pilates application for my boss, who has indicated an interest in joining a class.

December 18, 2009 -- Day ??? -- Day 12 of giving
Secret Santa gift exchange at work -- I made Ms. Farris a gourmet food basket, which she loved. I also set up a Christmas picture background for the Special Education class and took their class Christmas photo. I printed the pictures at CVS and the students had their own copies by the end of the day.

December 20, 2009
I made music CDs for my hometown friends. I mailed them the next day.

December 21, 2009 -- I helped someone make gift baskets for his family members.

December 24, 2009 -- I spent time with a friend and took gifts to her and her family.

December 25, 2009 -- In addition to gifts for the family, I went on two sites to help out others by answering trivia (people and animals get fed when people go to the sites b/c of ad dollars). The sites are www.freerice.com and www.freekibble.com. These sites provide a fun way to learn and help people at the same time.

December 26, 2009 -- I spent time with friends and gave one a birthday gift. I splurged on a giftcard and card for her.

December 27, 2009 -- I spent time with my family and returned to the trivia websites. By my calculations, I have about 10 days of making up to do for my first 29-day challenge. I will renew my search for ways to give this week.

January 6, 2009 -- I was able to use counseling funds to buy a coat for a student in need.