Days 10, 11, 12

I seem to not be able/willing to post every day. The thoughtfulness around giving is with me every day however. This past weekend I hosted a woman, A., close to my age, from couchsurfing. She lives in a community about 30 miles away and wanted a weekend away to sort out her future and get some prespective on the community, from a little distance. I was a llittle worried about having a stranger here for 3 days but it really turned out to be great. We had quite a bit in common and she was helpful and considerate and even cleaned my bathroom when I was out. That might sound like my bathroom was disgusting but I don't think so...I had mentioned that the bathtub wasn't quite clean enough for a bath (I blame that on my 20 year old son), but she could help herself to a shoer anytime. My son was away for the weekend and he was fine with giving his bedroom for 2 nights. We ate together and then also went and did our own thing throughout the day and it was nice having the company.

Sunday I had invited a friend over for brunch and we shared it with my overnight guest, A. My friend R. ,has taken my job where I worked for 17 years and she is the volunteer recruiter for a non-profit. She was feeling stressed about their volunteer shortage and wanted some tips and assurance that she was on the right track. We spent about 2 hours brainstorming about recruitment ideas. My couchsurfing visitor listened to most of our talk and a lightbulb went on for her that this other communtiy (for which R is recruiting), might be a better fit for her. So, I might have brought 2 people together who, at this moment, might have found what they were each looking for.

On Monday I had my interview with the local Habitat for Humanity. I saw an ad on Craigs List last week about them needing an office volunteer every Monday morning. Since I am free most mornings and underemployed, I thought I might enjoy working in their office. I had a great time during the interviews and will start next Monday. I am not quite earning enough money to pay all the bills yet, but being busy, being able to give and networking all seem productive, and better than feeling sorry for myself.