March scavenger hunt recap

from jenn's original post:

one. march second. national old stuff day. show me two of the oldest and most favored things in your house, and tell me why you love them. 

This is Snuggles.  My uncle gave him to me when he was dating my aunt.  He was trying to win my approval because our family was very close.  I was 6(ish).  Yes, Snuggles has lost an eye and a nose but he's in pretty good condition considering he's over 35 years old.

This is my mommy's ring that she received from an aunt of hers for her 18th birthday (she's 70 now).  It's garnets (her birthstone) and diamonds.  I don't wear it, but I keep it in a place that I can see it, touch it, appreciate it, and think of my mom. 

two. also march second. national read across america day, also called dr. seuss day. there's a film, a nicholas sparks' story called the lucky one, and in it, zac efron's logan is talking with taylor schilling's beth and blythe danner's ellie about philosophy. beth asks logan, dares him, really, to give them his favorite quote by a philosopher. he does. she assumes it's something of voltaire's when in actuality, it's from dr. seuss. so what's your favorite dr. seuss book? what bit of his philosophy do you most admire?

I strolled into the bookstore remembering that I loved "Oh, The Places You'll Go" but not really remembering why.  OH MY GOSH.  Thanks to this challenge for reminding me what a true treasure this book is.  I bought it.  I love that the book can be interpreted different ways but that it is positive and encouraging about finding one's own adventure even when obstacles may arise.

"On and on you will hike.

And I know you'll hike far

and face up to your problems

whatever they are."

three. march sixth. national dress day. wear a dress. the whole day. you don't have to do heels if you don't want to, but you do have to do the dress. for some of you, this might not be a big thing. for me, i've probably put on a dress maybe five times in the past year. i hate the things. i hate having to iron them. i hate having to wear them because you can't just put on the dress. you have to put on the make up, too. BAH.

I wear dresses. I like 'em.  This was taken in the public toilets at the Australian Tattoo Convention.

six. march thirteenth. national good samaritan day. do something nice for someone you detest. do something kind for someone who's known more badness in his or her life than good. be an army of one.

Walking to Sydney Central train station after having lunch with a friend, I saw a guy sitting on the ground, playing guitar, asking for money, and he was accompanied by 2 sleeping dogs.  I sat down next to him, talked to him, gave him some money, and rubbed the bellies of his 2 blue heelers ~ mother & son, Jolie & Zac.  Sharing what we talked about and a photo aren't necessary to let you know I left him with a smile on his face after we shared a couple of laughs too.

seven. also march thirteenth. national napping day. give yourself a bit of rest one afternoon. lay down, and let your mind wander... dream a little.

I'm a big believer in naps.  So are my kitties.

eight. march twenty-first. national single parent day. surely you know someone who's raising a child all by his or herself. that's a LOT or responsibility for one person. send them a note of encouragement. if that person lives near you, offer to watch his or her child (or children) for an hour or two. give that single parent a bit of respite.

I reached out to a single parent friend of mine.  I know she's facing some challenges at the moment.  I've offered to have her and the kids over for a taco night ~ something we've been talking about for ages.  It didn't happen this month, but it is coming soon.

nine. march twenty-fifth. national tolkien reading day. what's your favorite of tolkien's tales? what's the third word on the twenty-fifth line of the three hundred twenty-fifth page of that book?

I don't read Tolkien.  Sorry, not sorry.  But, I did see the movie The Hobbit.  So, here's the word I was supposed to find from that book:  "shutting"

ten. march twenty-ninth. my birthday. send me happy thoughts, preferably via the post because i like getting mail (address is in the sidebar). please and thank you. i know. i'm being selfish. it's my day. i get a freebie on this one.

Done but not showing what I sent because I don't think she's received it yet...

eleven. march thirtieth. national take a walk in the park day. show me your favorite spot in your favorite park.

My favorite walk is with my family and these two crazy beasts ~ they love chasing ducks and going for a swim, and I love watching how genuinely happy they are while doing it.

twelve. national crayon day. grab a box of crayolas. color a pretty picture, and then send it to a friend.

Done

Jenn from Quirky Pickings has been hosting these challenges since November.  Won't you join us for April?  You don't have to do them all.  You don't have to do them on the actual day.  You can tweak them to suit you. 

February scavenger hunt recap

Jenn has been hosting these scavenger hunts since December.  I participated in the first one (read about it here), enjoyed it, but skipped January.  I did an alright job completing the February tasks.  Alright, as in, I completed more than half but could've been a little more creative.  But, hey, I did something.  That's better than January's performance.

one. february fourth. thank a mailman day. take some treats to the folks at your local post office or shipping store.

how did I do?  FAILED - I have changed the local post office that I visit after using the same one for years (the one by my old work.)  I should've visited the previous post office to tell them that I missed them.

two. february eighth. kite flying day. go fly a kite. sounds simple enough... but the WIND...

how did I do? COMPLETED (sort of) - So, I didn't actually fly a kite.  But, as I was visiting a LuLaRoe online party, I saw these leggings with kites all over them.  I remembered that it was Kristen's birthday in February, and she and I had discussed that she hadn't tried LLR yet, so Kristen got kite leggings from me for her birthday!

three. february ninth. national pizza day. treat a friend to some pizza. and not the cheap shit. if there's a gino's east, say, in your neck of the woods... it's national pizza day, for crying out loud. PIZZA, a gift from the gods, yall. YUMMY YUMMY GOODNESS.

how did I do? COMPLETED - did you really think I was going to miss out on pizza day?

four. february eleventh. make a friend day. this sounds simple enough, too, right? for geeks like me, it's really, really not.

how did I do? COMPLETED (sort of) - I told y'all that I went to tapings of The Voice Australia, and I went by myself.  While I was there, I made friends with the people that sat next to me in the audience - Jason & Fiona, Yvette, Trish, Courtney - none of us shared contact details, but for that day, we were buddies.
five. february fourteenth. ferris wheel day. go ride a ferris wheel. this, too, sounds simple enough. except if you're scared of heights, then maybe not so much. show of hands... you can't see but both mine were raised pretty high just then.

how did I do?  FAILED - I did ride a ferris wheel in December, but, yeah, that doesn't count.

six. february fifteenth. singles awareness day. all the single ladies... and laddies. so this day started as sort of a joke, but... maybe you've got a single friend who's having a rough go of it lately. take time out of your day to do something to let that person know how much he or she is loved and needed.

how did I do?  COMPLETED - I told y'all about going to Twilight at Taronga and seeing an outdoor concert with my good friend, Kate.  Well, Kate is a single gal, and let me tell you, her woes of dating make me appreciative to have my guy.  I arrived at the show first.  What did I have waiting for Kate when she arrived?  A iced-down bucket of Coronas.  Nothing says "I love you, friend" like a bucket of beer and live music.

seven. february sixteenth. do a grouch a favor day. one could argue that this task could be tied to the previous one... NO. i don't care what you do or how you do it... but find the grouchiest soul you know and put a little light in that person's world. 

how did I do? COMPLETED - I didn't have to go far to find the grouchiest person that I know; he lives with me.  My father-in-law is the king of grouchiness and grumpiness.  And, let me tell you, it's not in an endearing way.  So, this was a tough one because we already do a lot for this man with no gratitude in return.  He has no hobbies.  His only interests are the History Channel and Discovery Channel.  In the past, to be thoughtful, I've bought DVD series from that I thought he'd enjoy from these channels.  Nope.  He can't figure out how to use the DVD player and doesn't want to learn.  Anyways.......this isn't about me venting about his grouchiness.  The one and only thing that I've done for him in the past that I ever remember him showing any genuine appreciation for was filling his car up with gas.  So, I did it again.  And, again, he actually thanked me.

Want to read how Jenn did?  She completed all her tasks.

Which task of these would be the most difficult for you to tackle?  Or which is the easiest?  Why not try to do one of them in March?

Scavenger Hunt Challenge: February

Jenn started these unique scavenger hunts in December, and I played along (see my recap here.)  I enjoyed it because, for the most part, it was spreading good cheer, positivity, and happiness.  I'm a supporter of those causes.  But, January rolled around, and I failed miserably at the scavenger hunt challenge.  But......I'm back.  So, why don't you join me for February?  Really, there aren't any rules.  Just do the things however you interpret or tweak them to work for you.  The actions don't have to happen on the actual day listed. Then, post at the end of the month and tell all of us about doing them thangs.

from jenn's post:

one. february fourth. thank a mailman day. take some treats to the folks at your local post office or shipping store.

two. february eighth. kite flying day. go fly a kite. sounds simple enough... but the WIND...

three. february ninth. national pizza day. treat a friend to some pizza. and not the cheap shit. if there's a gino's east, say, in your neck of the woods... it's national pizza day, for crying out loud. PIZZA, a gift from the gods, yall. YUMMY YUMMY GOODNESS.

four. february eleventh. make a friend day. this sounds simple enough, too, right? for geeks like me, it's really, really not.

five. february fourteenth. ferris wheel day. go ride a ferris wheel. this, too, sounds simple enough. except if you're scared of heights, then maybe not so much. show of hands... you can't see but both mine were raised pretty high just then.

six. february fifteenth. singles awareness day. all the single ladies... and laddies. so this day started as sort of a joke, but... maybe you've got a single friend who's having a rough go of it lately. take time out of your day to do something to let that person know how much he or she is loved and needed.

seven. february sixteenth. do a grouch a favor day. one could argue that this task could be tied to the previous one... NO. i don't care what you do or how you do it... but find the grouchiest soul you know and put a little light in that person's world.

Thoughts 27 - Kindness is free

Warning: post contains profanity.  If you don't like curse words, don't read the post.  Just remember to be kind.

So...this happened yesterday...

I'm in the CBD (downtown) returning a library book. There was a group with two people in wheelchairs, two others with obvious mental disabilities, and two helpers. We were standing at a crosswalk waiting for the light to change.  There was also a man dressed in a business suit talking on his mobile phone waiting.  One of the guys from the first group reached out to the man dressed in a suit. He shook him off while continuing to talk on his phone. The helper tried to control and re-direct the guy in her group. He reached out to the man again, tugging on his jacket, and made a loud noise. The businessman shook him off and called him a "crazy" C word (he said the word, but I refuse to type that one). Shocked, I said "that was completely uncalled for". The suited man called me a "fat bitch". I replied "I'd rather be a fat bitch than a fucking asshole".  The light changed, and he walked away.  I walked away.  The group stayed put.

I was so angry and so upset, I was shaking. All this happened in probably less than 30 seconds. 30 completely unnecessary seconds. I hope that suited guy falls in front of a bus.  No, I don't, but...

I wasn't angry or upset by what he said to me (although that was completely uncalled for too.)  I was shocked, dismayed, disgusted, and infuriated that his response to the young man that clearly faced some mental and physical challenges was to call him a "crazy" C-bomb.  The C word.  The nastiest word to call someone that the English language has to offer.

What is wrong with people?  What goes on in that guy's head or in that guy's life to make him such a nasty person?   He is someone's son.  He is someone's co-worker.  He is possibly someone's friend and/or lover.  Even worse, he is possibly someone's father.  How does he treat those close in his life?  What does he teach his children?

A friend shared this picture with me after she learned of this experience of mine.  Perfect.

 This is one of those experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life.  I am not writing this for praise.  I am writing this to encourage others to have empathy and compassion.

People, do something kind today. Combat this incident of ugliness by spreading kindness.

Thoughts #18 - Pay It Forward

Wikipedia says (and we all know how reliable Wikipedia is):
Pay it forward is an expression for describing the beneficiary of a good deed repaying it to others instead of to the original benefactor. The concept is old, but the phrase may have been coined by Lily Hardy Hammond in her 1916 book In the Garden of Delight.

For the last few years, I've seen the concept of "pay it forward" floating around more often.  There was a rather emotional movie titled Pay It Forward.  There have been a few initiatives on facebook encouraging people to "pay it forward" that I've participated in.  I think it's great.  Doing something for someone and expecting absolutely nothing in return.  Others have done nice things for me as well.  It's a super nice feeling. 

I have been fortunate enough to receive care packages from a few people since moving here.  My mom and my stepmom have both sent things.  That's sweet, and I love them for it...but they are moms.  They are supposed to do things like that :)  I still get super excited to open one when it arrives.

Typical care package from mi madre

I had an acquaintance that I knew in Houston.  She's pretty crafty.  She saw me make a couple of comments about the Houston Texans football team, and she sent me Texans earrings that she made herself.  Another friend that I knew in high school sent me a care package with books, handwritten messages, favorite movies, and crunchy Cheetos (man, I love myself some crunchy Cheetos).  Another girl I knew in high school sent pasta shaped like Texas and pasta from my university, Texas A&M.  All of these packages have been so thoughtful and meant a lot to me...someone taking the time out of their day to send something to brighten my day.  Just fantastic!

Texas pasta from Barrie

So, this year, I saw something on facebook again about a "pay it forward" group. I decided that I wanted to pick someone that would not expect it and send a care package to them from Australia.  Honestly, I didn't think too hard about it.  I was scrolling through facebook and stumbled upon a picture that I just love.  In fact, I love almost all the pictures that Shelby posts.  I think the wacky, wonderful, fun relationship that she and her son share just jumps out of the pictures and grabs me.  I wasn't particularly close to Shelby, but she's one of those people that I reconnected with on social media, and I wish we lived in the same city because we'd totally hang out.

I reached out to Shelby and told her that I was wanting to "pay it forward", that I thought Preston looked like a cool kid, and that I thought she was the type of mom to teach him about "paying it forward".  She was appreciative and thrilled.  Months went by, and I did nothing (because I am a procrastinator and can have great intentions that don't always get acted upon).  Then, Shelby posted about some medical challenges she's been facing and how that has affected her son as well.  I thought "dang, Erin, send that boy his care package." So, I gathered a few odds and ends from Australia - a magnet, a keychain, some Tim Tams (which are like the Australian go-to biscuit/cookie), a Christmas ornament, and a super cool shirt with the Aussie flag in the Superman logo.  I should've taken a picture.  I didn't.  I wrote him a card and sent it through Australia post.

The reaction from Shelby and Preston since receiving the package has been phenomenal.  Not over-the-top.  Just totally, sincerely appreciative.  Shelby tells me that Preston is already coming up with ideas of how to "pay it forward".  I stand by my belief that he is a totally cool kid, and she is a special mom.

I am not writing this to receive any "way to go, Erin" comments.  I am writing because I challenge you to "PAY IT FORWARD".  If you are reading this, do something, anything, that is nice to someone that is not expecting it, and you expect nothing in return.  Buy a cup of coffee for a person in line at Starbuck's.  Send an actual handwritten card to a friend "just because".  Bake cookies and take them to a neighbor.  Send a care package.  Volunteer.  Whatever you feel motivated to do.  If each person who reads this (even if it's only two people) do something like this, then that is two nice things put out into the world.  And, I think the world needs more nice things in it. 

Thoughts #8 - Charlotte

Photo from  Getty Images Entertainment - Photo by Don Arnold

I moved to Australia December 2008.  I'm still not "in the know" about many Australian celebrities.  Prior to this past weekend, Charlotte Dawson is someone I was aware of.  What I knew:  she was a judge on Australia's Next Top Model, she was a former model, and she was the ex-wife of a former Olympic swimmer surrounded by his own controversies. Also, I knew she was the victim of some vicious "trolling" activity against her on social media.

What I know now:  She was 47 years old, and her lifeless body was found in her apartment on Sunday the 23rd of February; apparent suicide.  This news report gives a good background of her life, death, and problems she faced:  Charlotte Dawson Found Dead After Long and Public Battle with Depression.

As I write this blog, over 150,000 signatures have been added to a petition calling for stronger cyber bullying legislation - Charlotte's Law.

Another article that I feel was beautifully written is this one:  "I didn't know Charlotte, but this is why I cried for her today".

Photo from Getty Images Entertainment - Photo by Lisa Maree Williams

That's the background...here are my thoughts:

I know "celebrity" deaths are not uncommon.  I know everyday there are many non-celebrities who commit suicide.  This story is just one of those stories about a person who was struggling in the public eye, was brutally attacked on social media (that whole 'sticks and stones' saying ain't true; words can hurt...they can hurt a lot), and still she wasn't saved from her own sadness and hopelessness.  It's made me think so much about how we treat others; how flippant, ugly comments hurt; how mental illness is not something to be ashamed of; how treating someone with kindness may help them endure their own burdens; how asking for help when you need it is critical...there's so many lessons to learn from Charlotte's story.

 "Trolls" and bullies have to be stopped. They are hurtful, hateful, damaging, and dangerous. If a grown woman, seemingly successful and beautiful, was hurt so much by such grotesque remarks, think about teenagers and children who are bullied. Think about their coping skills. Think about the damage it does to their self-esteem and what long-lasting effects such words and actions can cause. 


A friend of mine posted this on facebook, and I agree with her words, so I'll share them:  

"I have signed it (the petition) for the simple fact that I think sitting behind a computer and telling someone who was so sensitive and fragile minded to go "hang herself or shove her head in a toaster and eliminate herself from this world is kind of pathetic and cowardly. I have seen people comment on bullying and telling the victim to "harden the fuck up" or get over it. Some of us are not so tough, some of us take things differently. I have also seen comments of "freedom of speech" etc. Yep an opinion is one thing but attacking someone is a complete different story. I know people who have mental illnesses. I know people have felt there was no other choice but to end their lives. I don't want this to be someone I love and care for in the future." 

Being kind is free.  Awareness takes a little thought and a little effort, but is so important.  Treat others with kindness. Think before you speak. Embrace differences. If you need help, ask. 

Two websites and hotlines you can use anonymously -
Australia:  http://www.lifeline.org.au/Get-Help
USA:  http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/