Day 54 to 59 – Lunch at Tiffany’s

May I welcome Ruth & Kathryn to the merry band of followers … it’s great to have your love and support … xxx

This week I had lunch with a wonderful friend and ex-colleague. It is good when you can laugh and cry in the company of someone you care about. One of the greatest gifts we can give our friends is our time; especially those who really need it.

I am sure we all have friends who need our company and this week I would encourage you to search out the one who needs a good friend to laugh and cry with.

This weeks ‘menu’ of good deeds included:

2 x Gave cash to a charity

1 x Voluntary work as a mediation consultant

1 x Voluntary work at the local medical centre

1 x Voluntary work for Ipsos Access Panels
3 x Put neighbours bin back after the bin men had been
2 x Held the door open for someone
2 x Treated a friend to lunch
3 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to a pedestrian
33 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver

Sub total: 48

Running total: 605

Target: 3000+ in 12months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 53 – Song for the Heart

Today I was with Harry and had a wonderful time in his company. 
 

One of the symptoms of Harry’s autism is that he has difficulty with noise. However, he still likes to listen to music, but certain music gives him discomfort and he will either block his ears, turn the volume down or even turn the music off.

On days I care for him we drive to do his chosen activity and I play CD’s in the car. In the beginning Harry would often turn the volume down or even turn the music off … so much for my musical tastes! … J

Then one day I had a Mormon Tabernacle Choir (MTC) CD in the car and as I turned on the ignition to drive off the music came blaring out of the speakers. Worried about Harry I immediately turned it down, but to my surprise he immediately turned it up again!

It subsequently turned out that he simply loves the MTC, a fact neither I nor anyone else knew.  In fact when we were in the car today I found the volume too much for even me! … but Harry was loving it.

Now I’m not sure if it is the choral music he loves or the subject matter the MTC sings about … whatever the reason it brings peace to his soul and a smile to his face.

Today’s ‘musical hits’ also included:

2 x Gave cash to a charity

1 x Gave cash to a Big Issue seller

1 x Voluntary work as a respite carer

1 x Held the door open for someone
1 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to a pedestrian
4 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver

Sub total: 10

Running total: 557

Target: 3000+ in 12months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 47 to 52 – What Price Gold?

A big welcome to Rebecca … it is good to be back in touch with you.

As I was driving out of Terminal 5 at Heathrow airport I saw a broken down car on the hard shoulder of the slip road that leads onto the M25. The vehicle was displaying foreign registration plates and I could see the driver frantically trying to wave passing traffic down … he quite obviously needed help.

I drove past him justifying to myself that I couldn’t help him … I’m not a mechanic and I don’t speak any languages! Within seconds I began to think, ‘what if that was me?' … 'wouldn’t I want someone to stop and help?’ I immediately pulled over onto the hard shoulder and backed the car up to where the gentleman stood.

He came to my car window and in broken English asked if I spoke French or German. He then tried to explain his predicament … I didn’t understand a word he said. I asked the man if he needed petrol … he didn’t understand a word I said.

He then became very agitated and emotional. He opened his wallet to show me he had no money and pointed to a visa card and repeatedly said, “block, block”. He took some heavy gold rings off his fingers and put them on my passenger seat and said, “take, take” and again showed me his empty wallet and began to cry.

I picked up the rings and put them back into his trembling hands. I then took some cash out of my wallet and handed it to the man saying, “Is this enough?” He grabbed my hand and placed it on his forehead in a gesture of gratitude and retuned to his vehicle.

I’m not sure what was wrong with his car or why he needed the money. But what I did know he was so desperate that he was willing to give me all he had for a little bit of cash … I’m glad I went back.

This weeks ‘pick-a-mix’ of kind acts also included:

3 x Gave cash to a charity

1 x Gave cash to a stranded motorist

2 x Voluntary work as a mediation consultant

2 x Voluntary work at the local medical centre

3 x Wrote a letter of appreciation to someone
1 x Voluntary work for Ipsos Access Panels
2 x Put neighbours bin back after the bin men had been
1 x Struck up a cheery conversation with a stranger
1 x Held the door open for someone
3 x Treated a friend to dinner
1 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to a pedestrian
21 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver

Sub total: 41

Running total: 547

Target: 3000+ in 12months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 46 – What’s the Issue?!

Welcome to Maresa … it’s good to have so many kind hearted people on my list of followers.
 
One of my favourite passages of scripture is found in Mosiah and it contains the following admonition: “ … ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition in vain, and turn him out to perish.”

A few years ago that passage had a profound affect on me and ever since I have always tried to give to anyone and everyone in need … even if it means coming home with three Big Issues!! … J

Today’s activity included:

3 x Gave cash to a charity

1 x Gave cash to a Big Issue seller

1 x Gave cash to a busker

9 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver
1 x Voluntary work as a mediation consultant

Sub total: 15

Running total: 506

Target: 3000+ in 12months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 45 – Missing the Point!

Many thanks to Tim and Kathryn for their kind words of encouragement and support … I really appreciate it.

I was working with another driver today as we picked-up an Audi Q7 from a very famous sportsman. Unfortunately I drove him mad with my acts of kindness to other road users … he didn’t seem to understand the point of it all … J

Today’s recipients included:

2 x Gave cash to a charity

11 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver
1 x Wrote a letter to someone to let them know I care

Sub total: 14
Running total: 491

Target: 3000+ in 12months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

 Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 43 to 44 – Community Service

A big hello to Melody and the McFarlane Family … thank you so much for joining. It would be good to get to a hundred followers so please spread the word.

Having spent most of my life in public service, retirement has been a little difficult for me. However, I have found a sense of involvement by being part of local community groups. They really need supporting and through their work many lives can be blessed.

I enjoy my association with the Langford Village Community Association, the Langford Medical Practice Patient Group, Take-a-Break (Respite Carer) and as a mediation consultant for the Thames Valley Police.

These activities are so fulfilling and I would encourage everyone to find a local group that needs supporting … good hunting!

 My latest haul of kind deeds include:

1 x Voluntary work at the local medical centre
3 v Voluntary work for Ipsos Access Panels
1 x Gave cash to a charity
1 x Gave a hello/good morning to a stranger
19 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver
12 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to a pedestrian
1 x Wrote a letter to someone to let them know I care

Sub total: 38
Running total: 477

Target: 3000+ in 12months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

 Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 42 – The Reluctant Driver

Over the past month or so my driving has changed as I am constantly on the look-out for other drivers or pedestrians that need someone to stop and let them out or cross the road.

Whilst visiting Charlie and Miles I could see this car up ahead on my nearside wanting to pull into the road I was on. I slowed down to allow her to get in and flashed my headlights … she didn’t move! I continued to slow, flashed my headlights again and gave her a hand signal to pull out … she didn’t moved. By this time I was so determined to let her out I stopped, flashed my headlights again and gave her another hand signal ... she still refused to move. Unfortunately the guy behind me didn't appreciate my determination to do some good and began honking his horn at me.

Well, she never did pull out … maybe she wasn't use to people being kind to her on the road … J

However, my successful acts today included:

1 x Voluntary work at the local medical centre

1 x Helping a stranger carry her bags

1 x Gave a hello/good morning to a stranger
13 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver
1 x Cleared/picked-up rubbish in the neighbourhood
3 x Put neighbours bin back after the bin men had been

Sub total: 20

Running total: 439

Target: 3000+ in 12months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 39 to 41- Charlie’s Observations v. Dad’s Logic!

My daughter Charlie raised an issue today about my ‘Ten-a-day’. She said, quite correctly, that some days I do not achieve ten acts of kindness and therefore the title of my Blog was flawed!!

She's quite right ... she is always right! ... In fact she bully’s me; ever since she was big enough to talk she has wrapped me around her finger ... :-)

Anyway, I do my best to do at least ten acts of kindness every day and fortunately I exceed it some days which keeps my average a day on target and keeps me on course to my 3,000 in 12 months.

My acts of kindness these last three days included:

2 x Voluntary work in the community

1 x Attended a voluntary community group
1x Gave-up my place in a queue for someone else
1x Help a member of the public who was lost
14 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver
3 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to a pedestrian

Sub total: 22

Running total: 419

Target: 3000+ in 12 months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 33 to 38 – Service After the Storm

May I first welcome Natalie to my Blog, it is so kind of you to take an interest, and may I also express my appreciation for all those who are following my endeavours on my Blog and on Facebook.

There has not been much driving work for me so far this year … January is always quiet ... so I have been busy in the home putting together a Family History package for all my brothers and sister, decorating the kitchen and summoning up the courage to tackle the garage!!!

By not getting out-and-about for the last few days my opportunities to serve other has been restricted, however, I was grateful for a storm that hit the UK and scattered all the rubbish bins in the neighbourhood all over the road. Lots of service opportunities right outside my front door.

My New Year has started with ‘acts of kindness’ that include:

4 x Gave cash to a charity
11 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver
2 x Voluntary work in the community
1 x Helped a shopper with her trolley
6 x Put neighbours bin back after a storm had scattered them all over the road  

Sub total: 24
Running total: 397

Target: 3000+ random acts of kindness in 12 months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day"

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realise there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 29 to 33 – Christmas All Year Round

The Christmas Season can have a wonderful affect on people’s heart. I have found that people are more generous, kind hearted and compassionate towards each other during this period.
  
My prayer is that we can keep this ‘Christmas Spirit’ with us for the whole of 2012 and I hope that my ‘Ten-a-day’ will help me achievie this.

Happy New Year Everyone!!

My Christmas week's haul included:

4 x Gave cash to a charity
9 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver
1 x Voluntary work in the community
6 x Gave a hello/good morning to a stranger
1 x Cleared/picked-up rubbish in the neighbourhood

Sub total: 21
Running total: 373

Target: 3000+ random acts of kindness in 12months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.  

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realise there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”