MoA - Day 16

Crappy video, poor sound quality, but my point nonetheless. 

I will try to edit the sound to fix the maddening exploding "s". But I hope this helps tell ppeople whY I do this and what it means to me. 

MoA - Day 5

Today, at the office, we wore pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness. 

I know a great many people who have fought, survived or passed from breast cancer and if any thing I can do might encourage a woman to get a mammogram, I will gladly do so. 

Additionally it's a ridiculously small way to express to a survivor that I'm grateful as well for each day they live cancer free. 

Now ladies, go, get a mammogram or do a breast self-exam today!!! It saves lives!!!

MoA - Day 4

Free burrito day. 

Who says there's no such thing as a free meal?

Not me!

I bought a Chipotle gift card, and wen I cashed out, I asked that thee cashier give it too the first person that walked in after I left. 

Sometimes, it's nice to jut give a few dollars towards someone's meal I am  firm believer that doing a kindness for a stranger is a great feeling. So you feel awesome and have made a person's day.

Double plus good!

MoA - Day 3

Tonight, I invited the Grove over to my house to get together in happiness and inspiration 

Ideally it was meant to be a divine art night. Where we got together and talked about the meaning of divine art and created sacred tools. 

But what happened was far more organic. 

We ran around my home, looking for ideas on projects, teaching each other and having a great time. Wew played with artistic makeup, lighting, painting, sketch, sewing and sculpting. 

A crane statue was made, I taught Gary to sew, there was drawing and photography and everything. It was a fantastic night of fellowship and art and it was certainly worthy of awesome!

MoA - Day 2

Today was revisiting old awesome. 

If you haven't heard of Kiva.org, it is an amazing website that allows you to invest in micro-finance loans to help people around the world. 

So what does that mean to you? 

Well, you, being a micro-finance investor picks one of hundreds of borrowers around the world. Then makes small loans, to the tune of twenty-five dollars. And then you get paid back over the course of the loan. Also, after the loan is repaid, you can re-lend it. Again and gain you can re-lend the same twenty-five dollars to people around the world in need.

Why is this awesome?

Well, you can have a hand no only in helping out someone in need, but also this is not a hand out. These are hard working people, who want to make a life for themselves and are paying back what you lend to them.

It is amazing and I have never once regretted any of the donations I've made to this organization.

Also, for now, for yur first Kiva loan, you get $25 for free for your very first loan!

So fro the generosity of other lenders, you can lend for free!!!!

That is simply put AWESOME!

MoA - Day 1

So, to begin this month of awesome, I took part in National Stomp Out Bullying Day.

I wore a blue shirt and talked about my experiences growing up with some of the patients I had. I let them start the conversations, but it was really interesting to hear from people from both sides. I had one gentleman who admitted shamefully that he was a bully in his younger years.

Frankly, hearing him talk was actually more moving than hearing from people who had been bullied. Something about him growing old and genuinely feeling upset by his actions as a young man gave me hope that he was able to teach his kids that it wasn't okay.

I am not going to say that I was the victim of terrible bullying. frankly, I was mostly a pacifist as a kid, wanting desperately for people to get along. But the words people don't think of, especially children can leave long lasting scars. And it is completely something that can be learned at home.

I encourage folks interested in joining in Stop Out Bullying Month, to check the site above and educate yourself and the kids in your life. You can sincerely make a difference in the lives of children around the world!

First Anniversary - Month of Awesome

So, with all the business of Volunteering at the Ohio Historical Society, I completely forgot about the Month of Awesome!!!

I know, *gasp* right? So, I'm moving the Month of Awesome (MoA) to October this year.

What does that mean? Well, it means that I have a week to let you all know so you can join in as well!!!

So, I encourage everyone who is interested, to read through my old MoA posts to get an idea for options for MoA activities.

Now....let's get prepped!!!!

MoA - Day 26

Today was a crazy day.

So it wasn't until twenty minutes ago that I knew what my awesome for the day would be. Until I saw another vlogbrothers video.

The long and short of it is, that at Kiva.org in increments as low as $25, you can help support a small business loan in a third world country.

The site is extremely simple to use, you get to pick the type of business you wish to support and, as soon as you are repaid your portion of the loan, you can turn right back around and loan it out again. So one gift can help many people trying to make a living.

I think this is awesome squared, but am only sad that the laws in the states prevent it from happening locally.

I'm a BANKER!

MoA - Day 25

today's awesome is in the form of gratuity. No, not tipping this time.

As many of you may have read, I have been pretty ill as of late. In this time I've had some amazing friends send cards, letters and really sweet well-wishes.

So i took my own advice and made some postcards with the tutorial I posted a few days back.



And so I'm sending out a little bit of sunshine to thank them for the consideration that showed me.

Really, their kindness, even in a small gesture of sending a card when I was down really meant the world to me and so I wanted to return the favor. In the spirit of awesome!

MoA - Day 24

So unlike I had hoped, I didn't come up with a good "free" awesome. I'm still feeling mostly crummy and my creative brain seems to be sleeping until I get better.

So, today's lesson in awesome...overtipping.

We went to a very busy pizza joint, and since I'm not a sports fan, I had not anticipated it being a "game day". So the place was pretty packed. I often try to tip 20%, because I've waited tables...and it's especially icky when there are tons of beer-filled sports fans around.

So I threw in an extra bit and wrote her a note telling her I hope she had a great night.

Sometimes, I think it's just nice to know someone else seems to care that you're having a rough night.

So tip your waiters, they'll be here all week!

MoA - Day 23

I have been feeling pretty ill lately. But I really needed to get out of the house and do something in the world. So Joe and I decided to go to the movies. And that gave me an idea.



Buy a gift certificate for a little more than two movie tickets (it was still kinda early so matinee prices were in effect) and ask the cashier to give it to the next two person customers that came in after I walked away.

I'm learning that part of the fun of this kind of thing is involving other people. The cashiers at the movie theater and the half priced books seemed to be just as excited about joining in. They get to be part of the awesome and so it multiplies the good feelings.

I will try the next few days to try more cheap or free awesome...so I can prove it's not just about spending money.

Be awesome!!!

MoA - Day 22

Today's awesome was simple. it started out with me seeing a HUGE fire truck at a stoplight. It had a flag flying on the side and had four firefighters in it. I had a sudden childlike urge to wave at them or give them the peace sign.

I wanted them to know that I had an appreciation for what they did.

So, when it was time for me to go through the intersection, I waved like a giddy child at a parade.

And four adult firefighters waved back.

I must admit, while the exchange was brief...I felt elated the rest of the morning, knowing that i had waved and in some small way shown them my appreciation and they waved back.

It doesn't take much to do something little to improve someone's day...and your own.

Get out there and do it!

MoA - Day 21

Awesomeness for today...

First of all, I am really getting into sending written cards or letters lately and I want to encourage that. So, for the artistic folk, I am going to give instructions on making your own mailable post card.

I recommend using a card stock type of paper or some type of craft paper that will have some weight to it and will withstand the rigors of the postal system.

Feel free to decorate one side with art, stickers ribbons or anything that won't hang loose, or add too much thickness to the postcard. This will help it run smoothly through most mail machines. In the past, I have sent quilted postcards, and i LOVED them! You can do a collage, or painting, or just about anything that is mostly flat.

Here is a template for the backside, just make sure to print it somewhere around the 3.5 x 5 inch range.

The mail requirements for postcards are as follows:

• Rectangular
• At least 3-1/2 inches high x 5 inches long x 0.007 inch thick
• No more than 4-1/4 inches high x 6 inches long x 0.016 inches thick
  

I hope this inspires you to get creating your own postcards to send out to folks you think are AWESOME!

And for my second awesome thing...I hope this makes you smile!

Baby Beaver!

MoA - Lost Week

So, as some of my readers might have learned, I have been a bit under the weather for the last week. the hubby and I had a great trip to New Orleans planned and it didn't quite pan out.

We had left Columbus at 11pm Wednesday night and hit the trails, expecting to be in New Orleans somewhere around 4pm the next evening. We got as fat as Decatur AL before I started having really unpleasant stomach pains. So at the advice of my doctor's office, we pulled into the ER down there. After three and a half hours there, we were advised to head home and I was ordered to bedrest.

So, we turned around drove back to Nashville, where my sister in law and her husband live. We got a hotel room and I crashed out until we left the next morning. Another ten or so hours drive and we were back home. I spent the next three days in bed, exhausted and feeling sick.

Thankfully I am starting to feel better, but I will admit, I lost a full week of awesome. And I am still feeling mostly cruddy, so I could really use some encouragement. But...I need to make up for the lost week and try and cram twice as much in each day of awesome as I can.

I wouldn't mind taking suggestions!! And sorry I haven't posted much!

MoA - Day 13

Today I am not feeling very well. So, my little bit of reaching out to a few friends I hadn't in a while over the internet will have to be awesome enough. 

It's funny, once I started this tradition how easily I felt the need to start topping the day before. My whole purpose for this was not to go broke buying stuff every day, but to show you everyone can do a small thing that is both awesome and easy. 

I guess I need to remind myself that it doesn't take much. 

You know what...? I'm going to leave a letter for my postal carrier thanking them for their hard work!

Just get out there and be awesome!!!

<3<3<3

MoA - Day 12

For some reason, the picture I took isn't saving, so I will post later.

(edit: got it!)

But I bought a $5 Chipotle gift card while I was checking out and handed it to the person at the end of the line on our way out. I normally don't give things to people directly, but it was hard to set it somewhere subtle in a busy restaurant.

I was so goofy though. I just stuck out the envelope and was like "Here" and scurried off like a frightened mouse while she said "Thanks!"

I'm still sort of goofy at this!

MoA - Day 10

So today, I got up early and went with my hubby to his very first outdoor workout training class.

(Look at how chipper I am!)

I wasn't feeling well and was a bit crabby, but I wanted to support him and get back into working out. So, I decided to give it a shot and really try to get into it. Which, wasn't too hard because this type of workout, it a lot like playing!

(Newly certified personal trainer there doing weighted bear crawls)

(And me with my terrible form trying to do plank walks across the too close benches)

(Just going crazy crawling for speed!)

Not only did I enjoy myself, but it was crazy tough and harder on the body than it looks! We got to be outside together on a gorgeous day, playing around in nature and getting a kick-a workout while doing it. And I supported my hubby in the process.

It felt AWESOME!

MoA - Day 9

Today's something awesome comes in the form of me, admitting my limitations.

See, I can't say no. I have, habitually overbooked myself and I have perpetually felt like I'm always running behind, rushing to finish things and never have enough time to finish the things I want to work on. But, I can't seem to kick this volunteerism bug. Until today.

I finally realized that much of the important things in my life are always on the back burner and I can't seem to get things in perspective. So, today, I made the decision not to run for my grove's scribe position for a second term. It was really upsetting for me, because I love working for the grove. But I have to understand that my focus to my faith will be better served by letting go of some things and letting others handle some items.

So, with that done, with several of our weekly games coming to an end, I think I will be able to focus on becoming a better friends, wife and person.

MoA - Day 8

So, I am learning that awesome can come in small doses. Today's awesome comes in two waves.

1) Calling my mom, just to say hi and let her know I was thinking about her. I saw some cupcake plates that she was looking for a few months ago and I bought them for her. She seemed pleased and said: "Thanks for thinking of me." While it wasn't too much, it felt good to hear my mom say those words. I hope I made a difference.

2) Finishing a project that I started several months ago. This was for myself, and sometimes, you need to be awesome to yourself. By tomorrow morning tonight, I will have a new sweater!!!

(Too tired to smile)

While it may not be as major as correspondence from yesterday, or getting a soldier some mail...the little things really can make a difference!

So, do something awesome for yourself!

MoA - Day 7

Today's small dose of awesome comes in the form of showing support. I read on the internet about the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro and the death threats they received leading up to the 9/11 anniversary weekend.

It hurt to read that such a tragedy for America spurs more hate and fear. And I didn't want to let it go. So, I wrote a very short message on their website to try and explain that their community is respected and well...I'll just post what I sent.

"I just heard about the threat you received by telephone. And my heart wanted to reach out. I am a practicing Pagan, not a Muslim, but I wanted to let the members of your community know that there are people in the world who support your right to religious freedom and celebrate the diversity of the world.

I am writing to let you know that not all non-muslims share the same fear and intolerance. I joyfully share this world with so many people of varied faiths, cultures, races and beliefs. And I wanted to share some of that joy with you and your community, despite the threats of some people living in fear.

I hope that your weekend is blessed and peaceful."

And they responded at almost nine p.m.

Dear Traci,

We would like to express to you our sincere gratitude for your thoughtful and encouraging words. It is truly heartwarming to hear such words of encouragement from our neighbors and friends both near and far.

We are very thankful for everyone who has supported us along the way.

We look forward to the day we will open the doors of our new center for all of our friends and neighbors like yourself so that we may thank you in person for your kindness.

Please, Traci, if you are ever in our area feel free to come by our center so that we may express our gratitude to you in person.

Sincerely,

The Islamic Center of Murfreesboro

Hearing back from them made me feel really good.I wanted them to know that not all non-Muslims share the same fear and violence. And if there is ANYTHING that the anniversary of this awful day should be about, it is peace and understanding, not hate and fear.

<3 you folks, and DFTBA!