Day 29 of 29

This was my final day, so I wanted to go out with some sort of bang. I surprised my boyfriend by spending all afternoon cleaning, and got a babysitter so we could go out together. We had dinner to celebrate our birthdays and danced at a show until the wee hours.

Looking back, the 29 days went pretty fast. There were lots of things I thought about doing that I didn’t have a chance to (like giving blood, or volunteering my time), but I don’t think I’ll be stopping at 29 days. The challenge fulfilled its purpose- I now will see that every day is a chance to give, it’s only a matter of taking advantage.

Day 28 of 29

I stumbled upon a couple cool sites today while perusing giving options: Wish Upon A Hero and One Simple Wish. You can search to fulfill people’s wishes, from large to small. I decided to send some old jewelry and beads to someone who makes items to sell at a garage sale for thier local animal shelter. These sites were interesting to find out about, and it can be humbling to read people’s stories. I have to admit, this challenge has opened my eyes to possibilities and opportunities that I never imagined.

Day 27 of 29

Here we are in the homestretch. I made dinner tonight for the fam, the first time in what seems like a long stretch of preoccupation with schoolwork. Unfortunately, sometimes I think its easier for me to overlook the gifts I can give in the home because I’m so wrapped up in giving to the larger community. My guess would be that it often operates in the reverse for most other people. During this challenge, I’ve tried to balance both, as they are both important, and I hope that I can continue to do so after this project is complete.

Day 26 of 29

It’s about time that I gave to my favorite creatures in the whole wide world- whales. I uploaded a photo to be included in The International Fund for Animal Welfare’s photo petition, part of their “Tails for Whales” campaign. It’s the little things that matter, even when you’re wanting to help the biggest causes (pun intended).

Day 25 of 29

Today I made a small package for a friend. I haven’t talked to him in a long while, and usually send him cards a couple times a year. He is quite fantastic and appreciates things out of the ordinary so I can always get creative with my parcels to him. Last year, it was origami, this year, I’m sending a mixed CD and a freelance drawing. I’m sure he will be most surprised and, most importantly, feel loved.

Day 24 of 29

So this is my last week. I hope I can make it good. Today, I took my son out- despite the nasty rainsnow- to get him a small gift. I would say he is spoiled except that he is so easy to please. It’s so nice to have one person in my life who is, so I don’t mind showering him when I get the chance.

Day 23 of 29

Feeling a bit better today, so I cleaned house a bit, a gift to my boyfriend and son who are not the best tidy-ers. Also, frankly, a gift to myself, as the mess was starting to irritate me quite a bit. I also invited a friend over for dinner to share in the deliciousness that my boyfriend cooked up, which she appreciated indeed.

Day 22 of 29

Still recovering, but I gave a call to my best friend in Germany, who’s moving back to America next week. She seems to get the short stick alot in life, but she is one of the most wonderful individuals I have ever met, so I am always glad to give her a friendly boost. She always returns the favor, so it cheered my spirits as well, which frankly I need right now.

Day 21 of 29

Still ill. Time to give to myself- an aromatherapeutic bath, to be exact.

Day 20 of 29

Sometimes the easiest thing to give is money. But in the spirit of being a broke gift giver, I must resist the urge. Yet, it is harder to be thoughtful about what others might consider gifts. Today I helped some coworkers out, but I would do that any day. Does that discredit the action though? Now, I am quite ill, so I feel it much harder to give. No wonder this was such a revolutionary concept for Cami. I really can’t imagine being as ill as she was and feeling like I had enough strength to give. But I suppose that’s the whole point. Alas, I digress. One thing I am giving today is a couch for a friend to sleep on while he is in town. Once again, I’d do it anytime, but of course it is a gift after all.