Day 1, Round 2

Wow, this challenge has cycled so very quickly for me! The last few days of my first round went fairly quickly, with small gives (a grocery shop for my husband with the kids, donated change to the Salvation Army, made plenty of tea for my husband, gave time to my children), followed by a big day of giving, appropriately, for my 29th day: I delivered homemade cupcakes to the childcare staff at our local YMCA, and I was able to care for a child most of the day whose mother was in the hospital because of a bleed midway through her pregnancy. They have no family nearby, and knowing how that can be hard with children, jumped at the chance to help. The husband was so hesitant to ask me, as I have 3 young children of my own, and was so very gracious in his thanks. Thankfully, his wife was discharged from the hospital, and the baby was fine.

So on to Round 2. And I use capital letters purposefully here. This is such and important and life changing experience, that I feel that capital letters are in order! So honestly, very honestly, I felt very off this afternoon. I had had a great morning on a playdate with the boys: we had met up at a park with a classmate whose mom I'm close with (boys off school all week), but then things deteriorated for me. I had a ton of cleaning to do in the house, a crying baby, and 2 non-compliant preschoolers. I am a pretty calm and collected person, but if there is a crying baby, I have such a hard time if the boys start to melt down simultaneously. I lost my temper with them on a couple of occassions, and I am really sensitive when it happens. Particularly since I have been more consciously aware of my actions over the last few years, and on being present. It is like I am observing a demon come out of me...like I am momentarily possessed.

Anyway, my husband came home from work, and he let me escape to do the Thanksgiving grocery shop. 5 years ago, I would hardly have found going to the Farmer's Market on one of the busiest days of the year far from relaxing, but to be able to go without children is actually a treat (although I adore my kids!). I spent the 20 minute car ride in silence, calming myself down and trying to relax. I navigated the market fairly quickly despite the fact that it was heaving, and got home to a much calmer house, and a home cooked meal.

After getting my kids to bed, I noticed that the 4 copies of the 29 Gifts book had arrived. I went to my desk in reflection of my give for today, not coming up with much. Then it hit me: I will send a copy of the book to my sister who has MS tomorrow. I wrote her a card to accompany the book. I will count this as today's give, and find another for tomorrow.

So, I close being very very grateful to be starting Round 2.