Birthday 2024 420

 My birthday is April 20th.  Today I received several acts of kindness from friends.  I met a high school friend for lunch at a Greek restaurant that I frequent often.  I knew the owner of the restaurant  when I was little.  We were not really friends, but saw each other at events at the Greek church.  She has never been at the restaurant when I'm there...until today!  She chatted with us a long time.  When we were ready to order, the waitress brought us out an appetizer compliments of the owner.  Oh my goodness, fried calamari was delicious as an appetizer.  We ordered gyro plates and salad. Both of us ate the salad and calamari and took home our gyros.  It was so much food.  My friend also gave me beautiful flowers, lovely card, and treated me to lunch.  The restaurant also gave us baklava for my birthday treat.  I will enjoy that this evening with some Greek Coffee. When I arrived home, I had an amazon box from a friend.  Inside there were specialty cookies for my birthday.  What a nice surprise.

I also treated myself to a few new shirts.  I like to wear new clothes on my birthday!  

I was given a random act of kindness

 At the grocery store, I try to find items that just about anyone can enjoy for a treat.  Not too sugary, nutty, or anything that might cause allergy.  I saw mandarins, cookies (I'd like that) and several other things.  I decided that popcorn would be a nice item to share with someone.

The lady in front of me at the checkout, turned to me and said, "I have a $5.00 off a $50.00 order if you can use it!".  I was honestly taken by surprise.  I graciously accepted her coupon.  My total was not close to $50.00, so I turned and gave it to the person behind me.  She was so appreciative.  I offered the popcorn to a mom and son who had been looking at the chip aisle with me.  They said, "thank you, but we have tons of chips, popcorn already".  So, it was either keep the two bags for myself or find someone in the parking lot.  There they were... two ladies walking to their car.  One had a bag of chips.  I told them that I try and do one nice thing for someone else every week and if they would like some popcorn.  They both had a grin that stretched for miles and could not stop thanking me!  It was so sweet.  Their expressions will stay with me for quite some time.  Plus, as I was walking to my car, the lady that originally offered me the coupon was driving by... she stopped and asked if I was able to use the $5.00.  I told her no, but the lady behind me in line was thrilled to accept it.  I then offered her my other bag of popcorn.  She politely declined and said that she has tons at home already.  I'd like to get to know these people that I met.  You can tell a lot about people on first impression.  Sure, we all have our bad days, where we feel a little grumpy... but today, everything just flowed so faultlessly.  

yummy Biscuits

 Friends of mine just acquired a biscuit place to call their own.  They will retain the same employees and many menu items.  They will specialize om barbque and catering.  I've had her husband's barbque and it is wonderful.  I had not been to the restaurant in years, so in support of my friend and her husband, I went there today after work.  I had a biscuit with strawberry jam.  This native of Atlanta is not a gravy girl.  It was delicious.  I also had 2 eggs to add a little protein to my breakfast.  

It was delicious.

March 14, 2024

 I was the recipient of an act of kindness on Thursday.  I was celebrating a friend's birthday at the home of a mutual friend.  There were people I had met before and people that I had never met.  At the dining table, I was seated next to an author.  (If you know anything about me, I'm almost always reading a book) We were talking about many things and she mentioned her inspirational book.  When ever I meet an author, I want to purchase their book!  She said, "oh, I will happily give you one of my books!".  It was a wonderful surprise for me.  I can't wait to start it!

Thank you so much for your kindness!  It means the word to me.

Mailbox

 Over the past few years, my mailbox has been hit by a school bus, knocked loose by a random truck or car, and just all bent out of shape.

I put concrete in the post to hold it somewhat steady.  The actual box had been knocked so loose that it wiggled when I wanted to get mail.  It was an embarrassing mess to see.

I'll be the first to admit that I am not a handy person at all.  I was talking to my neighbor and she said, "my son can install your new box".  So, today, her son came to my house, accessed the repair, and headed back to get his tools.  I told her that I would pay him to put on the box.  After he had to drill holes for the number plate, go home to get a proper size wrench, etc... my is as good as new and not wobbling!  He said he would do it for no charge.  It's been awhile, but I remember wanting to earn money in high school.  I gladly paid him for his work!  Alicia, your son is polite, kind and very respectful.  His friend happened to come visit and he helped too.  

To him, it was just a fun thing to do as he uses tools all the time to build things.  To me, it meant the world!   He even said, "if you have any problems, let me know"!  

Thank you for the kindness of neighbors!  

it's the little things

Even though I am not a morning person, I am an "early bird" when I have to go to work or events.  I always want to get to places at least 20 minutes before the event or work starts.  When working, it gives me time to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea before the students arrive.  

Yesterday, my act of kindness was a small thing, but one nonetheless.  I went to a photography exhibit.  while they were setting up, I helped unload food items from one of the cars.  I also helped put the cookies on platters, items on display rack, etc... 

It was a small thing, but I'm journaling it!  

sometimes it is the simple things

 Today I had many errands.  First thing was to take my car for an annual emissions test.  I'm sure there are plenty of places closer to my house, but I have been going to this particular station for years.  The gentleman that runs it is always so friendly.  Today, another man was helping him with the task.  He was just as nice.  We started chatting about this and that.  He was telling me that he drives from the south side of Atlanta to work.  I couldn't believe it.  That is a long way to drive.  He said, "I don't mind the drive, I love my work".  What a great attitude to have.  

I always take extra bottles of water in my car when I go anywhere.  I asked him if he would like a bottle of water.  I received a friendly smile, and a "yes, thank you very much".  Sometimes, it is the little things. 

A bottle of water might not be a big deal to someone, but if you are thirsty, it sure is appreciated.