Tag Archives: Act of Kindness

Happy Birthday to Me – 39 Acts of Kindness Final Roll Call

25 Monday Mar 2013

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image (5)I had originally planned on writing this post yesterday and schedule it to publish this morning.  Unfortunately (or fortunately), my Saturday night was hijacked by my lovely friends who gave me a surprise party.  It was definitely a surprise and the minute they shouted that word I was happy to toss the rest of my plans for that evening and the next day out the window!  I didn’t make it into bed until after 3 AM on Sunday which means my Sunday was mostly spent doing nothing.  I’m not good at no sleep!  I can’t say I’m sorry about the change in plans.  The surprise b-day party was a blast!  Last night I went out to dinner with friends.  Today I’ve already gone to lunch and partied with margaritas with a good friend and later today my folks are taking me to dinner.  Go big or go home I say!

Will all these festivities I needed to take a time out to do a final roll call of my 39 Acts of Kindness for you.  I’m so happy I did this and would suggest it to anyone that wants to take on a challenge.  I think it would be a great thing to do with children.  Although I don’t have any, so I’m not sure how much of a struggle it would be to get a 6-year-old to take part in this kind of adventure.  What a great tradition it would be if you could pull it off!  It has to be easier to do 6 things than 39 right?

So, drumroll please, the final 39 Act of Kindness Roll Call:

  1. Sent a card to my friend Martha.
  2. Sent a card to my friend Jenn.
  3. Sent a card to my friend Parker.
  4. Operation Beautiful post its in the dentist bathroom.
  5. A pack of gum left on someones car windshield.
  6. Treats for the postman.
  7. Cookies for Gavin and Griffin.
  8. Dog bones left at Runyon.
  9. Cookies for Liam.
  10. Paper donation to the elementary school.
  11. Tutor Giovanna in Algebra.
  12. Gave a donut to the elementary school crossing guard.
  13. Donate clothes to Goodwill.
  14. On the go tea for students at the Bar Method.
  15. Treats for the gardeners.
  16. Cleaned the headstones of and left flowers for my great-aunt and uncle plus 8 others.
  17. Sent a Sudoku book to my Dad.
  18. Sent seeds to Aunt Susie.
  19. Sent seeds to Aunt Sharon.
  20. Helped a shopper find the popcorn at Ralph’s.
  21. Helped a man who had fallen down on the sidewalk.
  22. Tea party for my girlfriends.
  23. Read a book to the first graders at Gavin’s school.
  24. Left quarters in the wash machines at the laundry mat.
  25. Made a sack lunch for a homeless gentleman.
  26. Made collar flowers for Gabby and Sunny.
  27. Sent school supplies to Josh and Benji
  28. Sent mustache taboos to Logan and Kira
  29. Sent mustache tattoos to Jack.
  30. Sent mustache tattoos to Ashton, August, and Atticus
  31. Sent mustache tattoos to Henry, Abigail, and Nate.
  32. Lotto scratcher for Missy.
  33. Lotto scratcher for Darci.
  34. Dropped off items for the Pasadena Humane Society.
  35. St. Patrick Day corsages/boutineers for the local assisted living home.
  36. Babysit for Bryan and Cathy.
  37. Post St. Patrick’s Day party packs for Dee Dee and Krissy.
  38. Left St. Patrick’s Day stickers at the subway station and gave out to folks during the day.
  39. Left pennies at the Americana fountain for wishes.
  40. Put up Scatter Kindness tab flyers in the neighborhood

Not only was this entire thing a wonderful experience it really taught me how to keep myphoto (9) eyes and ears open for little things I can help with and do, during a normal day.  I suppose this could cause us to have a debate on whether human kindness is something we are born with or something we can train ourselves to do.  Either way it feels really good to do nice things.  I hope my adventure was not only amusing but helped you think of things that you can do as well.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!  I gotta go get ready for the next b-day fun activity!

39 Acts of Kindness – 39 + a Pinch

21 Thursday Mar 2013

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Today is the day that I achieved my goal of 39 Acts of Kindness birthday celebration!  Four days ahead of schedule.  I’m excited to share with you so let’s get going.

#39 – Make A Wish.  I know from experience and my focus group of 1 that kids love throwing pennies into fountains and making a wish.  I also know as a fact from my focus group of 1 (me) that adults love doing it too.  If it is good enough for Snow White it’s good enough for me!

Years ago while babysitting Gavin I had decided to take him to Build-a-Bear.  I was trying to make the company a client and really needed a better perspective on what all the hubbub was about.  Gavin seemed like a good enough guinea pig!  Due to a colossal parking fail on my part we ended up in the mall parking garage but walking out onto the wrong street.  I have very strict rules on where to park in all the malls in the Los Angeles area.  I’m not a big fan of the mall experience so I always have to know the best parking space for easy access.  This time I was coming to the mall from a different angle and threw cation to the wind parking in a non-Wendy approved designated spot.  Due to this fail we had to walk through the Americana on Brand (a fancy outdoor mall) to go across the street to the Glendale Gallaria (the less fancy indoor mall).  Yes … they build two malls right next to each other.  Don’t ask me why.  It’s Glendale.  I doubt they know why.

image (6)The Americana on Brand has a huge water fountain in the middle of its main courtyard complete with dancing waters.  It’s pretty fantastic.  Gavin was drawn to it like a moth to a flame.  I spent the next 20 minutes or so digging for change out of my purse so Gavin could make wish after wish.  He is my kid focus group of 1.

I figured if Gavin and I enjoyed it so much others would as well.  I printed up some “Make a Wish” signs and stopped at the bank to get 2 dollars worth of pennies before heading to the Americana.  My goal was to get there as early as possible, before the shops opened, so I could limit the people who would see me.  For some reason I was ridiculously fearful that the mall cop would catch me and scold me for screwing up their pristine fountain!  Wouldn’t you know it, as I got of thephoto (9) elevator and looked toward the fountain I was walking side by side with a mall cop!  I made a beeline in the opposite direction of him, around the mom’s with strollers going for their morning walk (Just as an FYI mom w/ stroller always has the right of way … don’t forget it.), past the odd couple sitting at the fountain and got in, what will be, the queue to see the Easter Bunny.  There I put down my first sign and 100 pennies.  Next I walked around to the opposite side to place my second sign and final 100 pennies.  I then made a dash for the escalator.  I hope the fancy Americana mall cops take the act of kindness as a positive thing and let the signs and pennies hang out there long enough for people to enjoy them.

image (9)Pinch to grow an inch – Free Happiness.  After the Make a Wish Wendy Bomb of Kindness I made my way home to take Riggins for his morning walk.  I had decided that my neighborhood could use a little happiness and compassion.  I’m not saying it is a bad neighborhood but it did take me YEARS to get my neighbor to smile back at me when I waved as I passed him in my car.  And there was that one time when I was running with Riggins and misjudged the height of the curb causing me to fall flat on the ground.  We are talking straight down, pants torn, knees bloody, hands scrapped fall.  Their were plenty of people around, there usually are.  They all stopped and stared at me.  Not ONE came to see if I was okay.  The only person at my side was Riggins.  Now it is possible they are afraid of Riggins.  Scratch that, they are afraid of Riggins.  If you want to scare the crap out of someone in my neighborhood tell them you are friends with the big black dog that blonde girl walks.  It will have them shaking in their boots.  Still, no one even called from a distance, “Are you okay?  I’d come help you but your dog scares the crap out of me.”  Sigh.

On our walk today Riggins and I put up free happiness flyers.  Each had tabs that a person could take for him/herself or pass on to a friend including “happiness,” “love,” “a hug,” “confidence,” “patience,” “humor,” “strength,” and “peace.”  I hope they bring a smile to someone’s face.

BTW while looking for Scatter Kindness pictures I came upon a few that are part of really great Etsy stores so I wanted to share them with you:

I’ve made a word document for you to use if you would like to post a few in your neighborhood.  Download from here:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ofpzkj1286dhki/Scatter%20Kindness.doc

Done!  Finished!  Terminado!  Finito!  I’ll write-up a final roll call on my birthday Monday so we can review the 39 acts and the fun I have had.

Act of Kindness Roll-Call:

39 Acts of Kindness – 36, 37 and 38

18 Monday Mar 2013

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Ooooooohhhhhh …… after this weekend’s kindness acts I’m soooooooo close to my goal! image (2) I’ve had one blow out of a St. Patrick’s Day weekend, that’s for sure. I’m writing this post Sunday night to publish Monday morning. After writing this I plan to chug some pepto bismo and pass out! I think I’ve managed to survive the 10 million different alcohols. Although I have to admit the thought of Creme de Minthe makes me nauseous right now. It’s the horrible diet that has been my undoing! I essentially consumed pizza from Friday night to Saturday night then moved on to a taste of this and a taste of that, ending today with a giant platter of liquid cheese nachos. I didn’t even order the nachos I ate other people’s nachos and couldn’t stop! It was so yummy until my stomach told me it was really not at all happy with my decisions! So I have to type fast and move on to the remainder of my evening on the sofa.

image#36 – Darlin’ Children. It didn’t take long for my friend to jump on the kindness bandwagon and suggest I babysit for her to help fulfill my quota of niceness. Of course I said yes! I spent midday Saturday with two adorable little boys Gavin and Griffin. Our few hours together were spent making St. Patrick’s Day cards, green tissue flowers, and chasing Mushugana, the 8-year-old dog that I’m currently babysitting (them chasing, me sheltering her from the chasing). I’ve known both these boys since their birth and it’s amazing at how big they are getting. I know that is a generic thing that everyone says but everyone says it because it’s true! Soon I expect that Gavin will be able to drive me around town to do errands. (BTW based on these pictures I assume Gavin’s mom and dad have spent the last 24 hours listening to how great it would be if they owned a dog!)

Shug (Mushugana’s name with more street cred) and I returned later that evening tophoto (6) partake in my friend’s bi-annual drink competition. This one was, obviously, St. Patrick’s Day themed. I made a shot I named the Fresh Little Leprechaun. It was an equal part mix of chocolate vodka, white chocolate liquor, and a dash of Creme de Menthe (shocking). I topped it with crumbled Girl Scout Thin Mints (part of my two ingredient minimum requirement from a long list of possible edible/drinkable items) and added a custom-made (by me) toothpick stabbed through thin mints. Delicious! I didn’t win but I didn’t lose and that was my goal!

#37 – Expert Packs. My friends, Dee Dee and Krissy and I have been planning to go all out for St. Patrick’s Day for a few weeks now. We just couldn’t pass up the holiday falling on a Sunday and although I consider us a pretty fun crew none of us had done St. Patrick’s day “right” before. That needed to be fixed! Knowing that it is a drinking holiday and therefore drinking would be happening I decided the gang needed some first aid kits. I packed up some aspirin, added a sports drink and threw in some green beads for good measure. Since we were getting an early start I put these together the night before. Let me tell you the gals where sure happy to get them and no one got through today without downing a package of Advil!

photo (5)#38 – I said NO PINCHING. Ions ago I had purchased a packet of shamrock stickers from Michael’s at an oddly low price. So low I have to assume the were mis-marked. My goal was to leave them on a park bench near the pool I swim at but there was no way I was getting up even earlier to make that happen. Instead I decided to leave them at the subway station. More foot traffic there anyway! Although my goal wasn’t to drink too much, I’m a responsible adult and had decided I needed to find a non self-driven way to downtown LA and our celebration. Unfortunately, some brilliant planner decided to schedule the LA Marathon on St. Patrick’s Day. This may mean nothing to you but if you live in LA you know that the race road closures essentially isolate the North and South sides of the city. There was no way for a car to get me into downtown at the agreed upon meeting time of 8AM. So I jumped in a taxi and headed off to the Metro (subway) station. Once there I grabbed a ticket and headed downstairs. I found a centrally located bench and tied my bowl of stickers and it’s coordinated sign to it. Then I walked the platform handing out stickers to those in need. It was so much fun. Everyone was so happy. One little girl asked if I was a fairy (probably due to the green wig I had on). One woman asked if I was a city ambassador. Ummm … no to both but I should definitely be a fairy ambassador. That would be an excellent title on a business card.
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Luck was on my side and my subway car stopped RIGHT IN FRONT OF DEE DEE AND KRISSY who were picking it up a few stops down. Amazed we joined forces and kept on the sticker give away plan for the rest of the day. We had a blast spreading joy, happiness and green!

We did St. Patrick’s Day right! I’ll leave you with just a few pics as proof:

photo (11)photo (7)

Act of Kindness Roll-Call:

To be continued …

39 Acts of Kindness – 35

15 Friday Mar 2013

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St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner and since my weekend is full up of green alcohol fun I dropped of one of my themed Wendy Bombs of Kindness today.

photo (7)#35 – No pinching.  When I first got Riggins I had grand plans of getting him certified as a helper dog who I could take to hospitals and senior living homes.  His job, which he is a natural at, would be to make people happy.  In return he would be the recipient of endless attention and snuggles.  Seemed like the perfect fit until I came to realize Riggins is crazy.  He does not like anything that he sees as “abnormal.”  This includes anything with wheels, high-pitched voices, signs of nervousness (or just shaking in general), starring directly in his face, odd smells, etc.  In general he would hate everything about a retirement home and/or hospital (no offense).  He seems to be calming down in his old age but I still wouldn’t trust him around a wheelchair as far as I could throw him!

Riggins went to an assisted living home once, to visit my Grandma.  He was a puppy and did well.  Sometimes I think he would probably be fine and I should look into the certification again and then he goes ape shit over a little person walking at Runyon (Is little person the politically correct term?  I’m going to go look it up …. well that was unhelpful but if you want a giggle go to Ask Jeeves and look at some of those answers.) or nearly has a stroke when a skateboarder comes by, and I come to my senses.

Both my grandma’s lived in different degrees of assisted living near the end of their lives.  I feel like when people look for places to donate their time, energy and or love our elders get overlooked.  I didn’t want to leave them out of my 39 Acts of Kindness!

Riggins and I walk by Windsor often.  It is an assisted living community in Glendale, CA.  I’ve always been impressed at how pretty they keep their lawn, flowers, outside of the buildings, etc.  I had never been inside but based on the flow of family members and visitors in and out I figured it had to be a nice place.  I decided to make them green tissue flowers that they could wear on St. Patrick’s Day.

A quick trip to the dollar store left me with two different color green tissue paper.  Weirdphoto (4) fluorescent green and gross dirty green.  Who knew that when you put those together they are beautiful!  I’m so happy with the results.  Here is my “how to make tissue flowers tutorial” for those who can’t remember this same lesson from kindergarten:

  • Grab something circular that you can use as a pattern.  I choose the lid to a lovely smelling candle a friend gave me.  I’m sure a crappy smelling candle lid would work just as well! 
  • Cut out tissue in the circle shape.  I folded the tissue over a number of times so I could cut as many circles as possible all at once.  Some would call that sloppy.  I consider it efficient.
  • Fold the circles in 8ths (that’s 3 folds in half) and round off the corners with scissors (again I did as many at once as I could manage to push my scissors through).  I didn’t worry about uniformity.  Once unfolded you have a scalloped circle.
  • Gather 6 (or so) of these fancy circles and stack on top of each other.
  • Insert a brad clip in the middle and secure it on the back.
  • Starting at the top (middle of the flower) pinch up each layer to make your flower.
  • I added a piece of curly ribbon to the back with a safety-pin.

I dropped of my bouquet today.  Let me tell you the Windsor lobby is as impressive as the outside.  Definitely a place to look into if you require such services.  Now the men and women of Windsor can enjoy a pinch free holiday!

(Once again I forced boy dogs to model flowers.  I told Morgan and Riggins they were boutonnieres and very fashionable for the hip gentleman.)

Act of Kindness Roll-Call:

(BTW no one alerted me to the fact that I had two 31s.  Fixed that, making me even closer to my goal!)

To be continued …

39 Acts of Kindness – 32, 33, and 34

13 Wednesday Mar 2013

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It could be record-breaking heat today in the valley of Los Angeles.  It feels like just yesterday I was complaining about it being freezing … no more!  The sun is out, the smog is thick and low, and it’s glorious!  Today on the hill I heard a man tell his wife, “look out there isn’t that a great picture?  The smog makes it look so pretty!”  We may all have asthma but we don’t have any vitamin D deficiencies.

I have one more Wendy Bomb of Kindness that hit this weekend to tell you about so let’s get down to business.

photo (9)#31 and 32 – I was working hard kindness bombing all the sweet children in my life that I almost forgot about those doggie mom’s sans human kids.  Almost but not quite!  Two of my lovely friends are single (Only in LA I tell you.  Both are bombshells that would have guys in line to be with them in any other town.) doggie mommies and I thought they deserved a splash of fun.  I got them each a scratcher lottery ticket and mailed them off with a little note.  Scratchers are so exciting!  There is always the chance of such happiness and surprise right on the other side of that silver scratcher stuff.  I hope they both win zillions of dollars.

#33 – Remember my tea party?  It was kindness act number 22.  On the tea invite I asked my guests to, if they wanted, bring a donation for the dog shelter and I’d go drop everything off.  My friends, the animal lovers, came through in spades!  Today, after going up Runyon, Riggins and I swung by the Pasadena Humane Society and dropped off the bounty.  Towels, cash, peanut butter, food, snacks, paper towels, and pedialyte filled up two giant bags.  The shelter was very happy to see all the goods!

I often make fun of the Pasadena Humane Society since it is BY FAR the nicest looking shelter I’ve ever seen.   It’s not part of a national chapter and is locally funded so all donations to this shelter stay local.  Sometimes I feel like I should be giving to a less pretty, and therefore seemingly well off, location.  But even with its spa like atmosphere I shouldn’t make fun as the Pasadena Humane Society as it does great work and does wonderful things with all its donations.  It is a no kill shelter that will not turn away an animal.  I heard the cock a doodle doo of a rooster when I got out of my car today.  They really do take in all animals.  I remember during the fires a few years back it allowed those that were evacuated from their homes to bring their animals there for temporary shelter.  They were beyond packed but still managed to make it work.  On top of all that they offer a number of programs from shelter to cruelty investigations to wildlife relocation.  They are an amazing group.

Speaking of animals … here was Riggins response to me this morning when I said, “Let’s get up and go up the hill.”  image (3)He wasn’t very enthusiastic.  He may have been on to something as it was very warm (even, dare I say hot) at Runyon and we had to tip toe around a VERY BIG RATTLESNAKE on the main path.  The ranger had blocked off  the area to help keep everyone safe but it was still pretty scary.  That is only the second time I’ve seen a snake on that trail and it was by far the biggest rattlesnake I’ve seen live.  March 1st marks the start of rattlesnake season in So Cal.  I sure hope it isn’t as bad as last year!  Keep your eyes and ears open and stay safe on your hikes!

Act of Kindness Roll-Call:

To be continued …

39 Acts of Kindness – 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31

12 Tuesday Mar 2013

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image (2)It’s already March 12th, which means I only have 13 more days to finish up my 39 Acts of Kindness.  I’m much more confident that I will make it now than I was at the beginning of this adventure!  A few more packages hit their targets this weekend and I wanted to tell you about them.  These were less of a bomb and more of a Wendy Firework of Kindness!

27 – Boys like Star Wars.  It’s true.  At least I think it is true.  One of my good friends has two very sweet boys.  One has a ton of allergies so I didn’t want to chance cooking for him.  His mom is a saint and always has snacks, allergy-free treats and such on hand at parties.  That way while the other children are gorging themselves on birthday cake her son isn’t left out of the sugar high fun.  I was afraid if I cooked for him I’d accidentally include something he was allergic to and be the reason for an attack.  At the beginning of the year when I had that horrible allergic reaction to some medication I was taking the first thing I thought was, “Poor Josh!  Is this what that poor child has to live through?  The fear of feeling this horrific just by eating a cheeseburger?”  Honestly Josh doesn’t seem to care.  He is the brightest most well-adjusted boy I know.  Just the kind of guy who deserves an act of kindness.

Of course if I sent something to Josh I couldn’t leave out his adorable younger brother, Benji.  Benjiimage (1) has only been to my house once.  He was an infant and sat (blob baby style) on one of my lawn chairs as Riggins growled and barked at him.  Riggins was letting him know that he did not appreciate being overshadowed by such ridiculous cuteness.  Benji is now big enough he could probably wrestle Riggins into a headlock.  In a man vs. beast match my money would be on Benji!

After much deliberation I finally settled on sending the boys school supplies.  To make them a wee bit fun I got Star Wars themed pencils and erasers.  That should help cheer up homework time! (I sealed them up in their envelope before taking a picture.  You will just have to take my word that those items are in that big white envelope!)

#28 – 31 – The mustache makes the man.  I’m slightly obsessed with the mustache craze that is happening right now.  Obsessed in so much that every time I see a mustache product I laugh and laugh but don’t actually buy it.  While cruising Amazon I came across a ridiculously good deal on temporary tattoo finger mustaches.  SOLD! (Btw if you shop photo (6)Amazon and gain access through this link – http://giveawaytrain.com/Amazon – you will be supporting my sister’s mommy blog.  So you should do that.)  I clicked “add to basket” and eagerly waited for its arrival.  Once I had it in my hot little hands I cut it down to packages of two and tucked them, along with instructions, into colorful packages that could be easily mailed.  In all I was able to make the package work for 9 children.  7 adorable boys and 2 lucky girls for a total of 4 happy families!  4 families equals 4 acts of kindness!

I hope they had as much fun as Riggins and I had with our tattoo.  Wendy and Riggins, the next Bonnie and Clyde!

Act of Kindness Roll-Call:

To be continued …

39 Acts of Kindness – 26

11 Monday Mar 2013

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384841_2992371408273_1893829326_nMy mailed Wendy Bombs of Kindness hit their targets this weekend. It’s so exciting! There were a number of them so I’ll bring you up to speed throughout this week. The first one I want to tell you about went to the loving house of Gabby and Sunny.
WendyRiggins001 (2)#26 – Spring Flowers. Gabby and Sunny are the lucky pups that can call Lori Fusaro their mom. I meant Lori a few years ago when I had done a google search for Dog Photographers and came upon her website. Since our first meeting she has photographed Riggins and me twice and Riggins a third time for a calendar. He was Mr. December, and a very handsome one if I do say so myself. (Read more about my first session with Lori.)

I can’t think of anyone who selflessly gives more love, time, and money to animals than 409683_2943863035594_1573809484_nLori and her husband. They are both amazing. Lori lends her talents to help dogs up for adoption by taking professional pictures of them. Every picture Lori takes, the star dog is so adorable you want to, almost have to, take him/her home. It’s amazing how much we rely on the visual when doing things like adopting a dog (or going on Match.com for a date) but we do (Did you know that dogs that have the hardest time being adopted, everything photoelse equal, are black ones? For one they are considered mean just by color …. ask the poor woman Riggins cornered off the trail today doing Tai Chi. Riggins apparently isn’t a fan of Chinese stress release. Secondly, it is difficult to photograph black dogs and see their eyes. Without being able to look in their eyes adopters have a harder time connecting emotionally.). We are, after all, only human. Lori gives dogs who need a home, a fighting shot by putting their best face forward! She is constantly doing a photo shoot to support an animal cause of some sort, and seems to be bottomless in her wiliness to donate time, energy and money. Currently she is working on a project to highlight the adoption and love needed by and given to senior dogs. This project, no doubt, was sparked by her newest doggie love, Sunny.

Sunny, originally named Shady, was left by her family at the Carson shelter due to old age. WendyRiggins013 (2) It will come as no surprise that Lori went to the shelter to help and came out haunted by the sweet senior dog and knew she had to help. In her own words:

“Some days I’m filled with hope and purpose when I walk into the shelter. Others I go through the motions, trudging along as if I’m wading through quicksand.

As I walked in the shelter I could physically feel my heart close. It slammed shut without warning. I’m not sure why, but the noise, the smells, the dogs were just too much for me today. …

… As I walked the rows and rows of kennels, the walls felt like they were closing in on me, the air getting thinner. I imagine it’s what the animals might feel at times. Maybe all the time. The feeling is horrible. I just wanted to run out of there and never look back.

But I didn’t. I stayed. I photographed. I gave treats. I scratched ears.

The dogs cried. Whined. Barked. Some wagged. Others licked. Some turned and fled. Others cowered. Some never even lifted their heads.

… It’s bleak. It’s dark. It’s overwhelming. No living creature should ever have to endure such things. For me I know it will pass. For the animals…I can’t even think about it.” – Lori’s Blog

Heart wrenching right! There’s more. The next day …

“It’s amazing the difference a day makes. Yesterday I left the shelter depressed and overwhelmed. Today I feel invigorated and filled with purpose.

This face hasn’t left my mind since I walked out of the shelter yesterday.

CarsonJune9 17 Shady {16 year old dog abandoned}

Her name is Shady. She is 16 years old. She has been at the shelter since May 29th. She is despondent, dejected and lost. Her face has invaded every moment I’ve lived today. Driving to the Riverside shelter…she popped into my head. Photographing the dogs there…she made her presence known. Eating lunch…there she was again.

…… I am going to pull her from the shelter and find her a home. I’m going to treat her eye and make sure she isn’t in any pain. We’ll see what happens. I have no idea how her health is…at 16 years old there could be so many things wrong. But I’m throwing caution to the wind. I think she deserves to spend the last days (or months) feeling loved.” – Lori’s Blog
riggins-loriIt will come as no shock that Lori and her husband adopted Sunny (the renamed Shady) and brought her in as a permanent, and loved, member of their family. Sunny has flourished in her new home with her new family, and is a whole different dog. Isn’t that amazing!?!

If anyone deserved a Wendy Bomb of Kindness it was the Fusaro family! Since
photo (4)Sunny and Gabby are adorable girls I decided they needed a hint of spring to wear out on their daily walks. I took pieces of velcro, cut slightly bigger than the width of a dog collar, then hot glued a piece of green ribbon down on top. Finally I glued on a pretty spring flower (fake of course). I had to see what they looked like so I forced poor Riggins and Bud to model the pretty pretty flowers. Being boys they weren’t amused. I found it hilarious.

I hope Gabby and Sunny enjoy their piece of spring and wear them proudly.

WendyRiggins021 (2)(P.S. All the pictures featured on this blog – minus the pouting Riggins/Bud pic – are taken
by Lori. I HIGHLY recommend her for any family portraits especially those that include children and/or animals. Her site – http://www.fusarophotography.com/. Her Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1620117902793.82578.1231779034&type=3#!/LoriFusaro)

Act of Kindness Roll-Call:

To be continued …

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good Deed Fail + 25

08 Friday Mar 2013

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Sigh …. you guys …. I’m so depressed over my good deed fail.  I can’t even think of anything witty or fun to say so let’s get right to it.  First the non-failure.

#25 – Sack lunch.  Remember when I told you about cat man?  No?  I first introduced you to him in this post – https://wendyandriggins.wordpress.com/2013/01/15/psst-come-here-for-real-this-time/.  Then I suggested the Pasadena mob got to him in this post – https://wendyandriggins.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/psst-come-here-yes-again/.  By image (1)the way they didn’t.  He was back at his spot on Colorado Blvd the same day I wrote that.  It was like my blog had magic powers.  Anyway, since cat man is always asking for people’s leftovers from The Cheesecake Factory I figured he would enjoy a sandwich.  I put together a snack for him and his cat.  I have to admit I bought this particular cat food (not only because it was cheapest) because of the cute Arstocats theme.  Last night after handing cat man the paper bag full of goodies I practically marched back to my car singing the song Rescue Aid Society in my head.

It wasn’t until a moment ago when I googled the song that I realized Rescue Aid Society is from The Rescuers (adorable movie) not Aristocats (an equally adorable movie).  I blame Eva Gabor.  You can’t voice a cat AND a mouse in different films and expect people to keep that all straight!  The Rescue Aid Society song is below from YouTube if you would like to enjoy.

FAIL – Thicker than water … especially mine.  My good friend Martha had suggested I donate platelets as one of my good deeds.  Martha is a very nice person and has been donating platelets since I’ve known her.  This seemed like a good idea but I didn’t think I could manage platelets.  To tell you the truth I don’t really know what that means.  I just know it takes longer than blood donation.  Martha explained it to me once and I immediately forgot.  I picked up a pamphlet about it thinking I’d do some research and educate all of us.  Alas I don’t have it in me know … perhaps Martha will explain it again.

A week and 1/2 ago I made an appointment to visit the Pasadena Red Cross blood donation center to donate blood.  Today was the big day.  I have never donated before so was a bit nervous.  It isn’t that I necessarily have a problem around blood.  It is the IDEA of taking my blood that makes me queasy.  I have a very active imagination.  I once fainted (or nearly fainted … I made it to the ground but only to my knees) while getting my head x-rayed.  I think they were looking at my sinuses.  I don’t really remember.  I just know the tech warned me to stand VERY STILL which was enough for me to imagine my brain going to goo because I breathed too heavily and down I went.  Slid right down the vertical table.

I was pumped (no pun intended) to donate.  It seemed like such a terrific good deed!  In my mind it would be so easy I’d make it a regular thing.  I was a bit nervous as I went through the pre-questions and iron test.  I don’t know why I thought I would fail but I couldn’t imagine the shame of being marched out of there deemed unworthy.  Luckily, or so I thought, I passed and was escorted to a blood sucking chair by a very nice lady.  I popped in ear buds and turned on an Adam Carolla podcast.  I knew if things got bad in my head I could count on him to make me giggle.  That part worked fine.  In fact I caused people to stare at me a couple of times when I laughed out loud.

The poor woman in charge of taking my life source had to dig around a lot to try to make photo (8)it work.  Then she called over the boss who said it looked right and couldn’t figure out why the blood wasn’t oozing from me faster.  Then after a few minutes she announced, “okay you are done.”  Apparently my blood was clotting and there was no way they could take anymore.  FAILURE.  I was so upset I almost started to cry.  She suggested maybe I was dehydrated and didn’t drink enough water.  My answer was, “are you kidding I’ve spent the last 24 hours in the bathroom.”  Being a good student I had done what I was told and increased my liquid consumption before the big day and had indeed spent quality time in the restroom to prove it.  She shrugged and said I shouldn’t get discouraged and should try again.  Sigh …. I’ve always said I live in a constant state of dehydration.  I guess I really do!

They did get almost a full bag so I hope they can do something with it beside just throw it out in the reject pile.  I was sweaty and queasy and my arm was already becoming bruised from the poking around with a needle so, head down, I went to the snack table to sit down and eat some Kibbler products.

I signed up for another try in 8 weeks.  We will see how that goes — if it goes.  Sniff.  Total fail!  I gotta shake it off.  It is all so depressing.  I think I deserve a treat.  Maybe I’ll go get something yummy to eat for dinner.  I want a margarita but now I can’t drink alcohol for 48 hours and still have to drink more water than usual.  More bathroom trips in my future!

Cutie song as promised:  

Act of Kindness Roll-Call:

To be continued …

 

39 Acts of Kindness – 24

07 Thursday Mar 2013

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It’s been a gloomy day here in Los Angeles.  It’s cold again … a near freezing 59 degrees (don’t mock me that is cold).  I tossed and turned last night with a sore throat and woke up groggy from lack of sleep.  I’d like to say that Riggins is missing his friend Bud but I think he is glad to be back to being the only child!

I did spend some of my morning getting Wendy Bombs of Niceness out in the mail.  I’m so excited for them to get to their recipients.  Tee hee!  On my way to the post office I stopped by the corner laundromat for a niceness time-out.
photo (7)#24 – Free Wash – This was a suggestion from a number of people so thanks to all who had this idea.  I have to say it was a bit difficult to give up my sacred quarters.  I save them until I have enough to treat my car to one of those self car washes.  Now the dog mobile will have to wait a little bit longer for that luxury!  I loaded up a couple of machines which should make the next person to come by really happy.  I haven’t had to use coin operated machines in 6-ish years so I was shocked to see how expensive it is.  I would go broke!  I usually do some sort of Riggins related activity in the morning, like hiking up Runyon, shower, go on with my day, then go to Bar Method in the evening.  That is, at the minimum 2 full outfits that get dirty each day.  Remember I sweat a ton (as described here – https://wendyandriggins.wordpress.com/2013/02/06/dont-sweat-it/) so work out gear HAS to be washed after each use unless I want to smell horrible.  Add PJs (I sweat even at night.  It’s gross.) and that is a full load every other day or so!  I don’t think there is enough quarters in rotation to get me through all the loads of laundry I have.

Speaking of, I have a few clean loads hanging out on the counter I better go fold right now.

Act of Kindness Roll-Call:

To be continued …

39 Acts of Kindness – 23

05 Tuesday Mar 2013

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Since I bombarded you with details of a zillion niceties yesterday I’ll limit today’s post to just one!  Don’t worry though … things are happening in the background.  The wheels are still turning on some fun-filled surprises.

image#23 – Reading is Fun.  Last week my good friend Cathy asked if I wanted to read to one of the classes at her son’s school.  Of course!  I’m an avid reader.  My personal taste runs from the silly (I’ve read every single book in Janet Evanovich’s One For the Money series.) to the deep and serious (I’d love to think of an example here but just can’t.  You will have to take my word for it.).  I’m happy to read books that I’ve passed on to male friends that they have enjoyed (The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo series and Ready Player One for example.) as well as those I’d only pass on to women for fear any male friend would mock me.  Like anyone who can call themselves a true reader I can’t manage to get through Fifty Shades of Grey and weep a little for the American public when I see it on a best sellers list (It’s been on some kind of best seller list for ions now.).  I was happy to share my love for reading with adorable young minds.

Since I doubted the kids would enjoy a dramatic reading of Gone Girl from my Kindle, I asked my Mom if she had an adequate book for first graders.  Luckily for me, and my niece and nephew, my mom was an elementary school administrative assistant for years and is in the know.  She let me borrow her copy of The Treasure (http://tinyurl.com/b2w9amh).  A very pretty book written by Susan Yost-Filgate and illustrated by Leonard Filgate.  The story follows a mouse, his sister, their friend the cat and frog on an adventure to find a pirate treasure.  On the way they come across a duck and her family, two ants, and a dragonfly.  If you are counting, and I was, that is 8 different character voices.  I suggested to my friend Cathy, who just happens to be a voice over artist, that we should switch books since mine required an enormous amount of voice changing talent.  Alas her book, pirate themed as well, included two Irish pirates.  As much as it is a struggle for me to voice a dragonfly I’m even worse at an Irish accent!

Yesterday morning, after practicing reading to Bud and Riggins, I got ready to go.  I put on what I considered a pirate themed outfit (T-shirt with skull and crossbones, stripped scarf and bright yellow scarf in my hair.), then  I grabbed my book and headed off.  Once at the school, and after some drama surrounding who was going to read where, I made my way to my assigned first grade class.  To say the teacher was waiting for me was an understatement.  I think she was looking forward to the short break from her overly hectic day.  My class was full of adorable tiny little people with lots of ideas that needed to be shared.  It took us awhile to get through the book since there was a lot of guessing on what was coming next and what kind of things pirates tend to wear and what they like to do.  There was a lightbulb that went off after they saw the pirate flag and there was a lot of discussion on how it looked like my shirt and how I was wearing scarves just like the characters were.  1/2 the audience tended to call out at will, while the other 1/2 patiently raised their hand.  I would stop to pick out those who were raising their hands in the hopes of encouraging that behavior.  It really didn’t work.  I’m afraid I’d fail as a first grade teacher.  One little girl in the back raised her hand and when I choose her just she said, “I like you.”

Finally I made it to the end of the book.  We talked about the lesson we learned and what we liked to read.  I told them my birthday was coming up and asked them how old I was.  The general consensus was 25 which means they are the smartest children you will ever meet.  When I asked if anyone was going to guess 39 one lovely child announced he was going to guess 100.  I talked to them about my 39 acts of kindness and we brainstormed on what kind of nice things they could do.  We all promised to do at least one nice thing in the next week.

After saying good-by to my class, and peeling off the little girl who said I was nice, that now clung to my legs asking when I’d be back, I went over to the class my friend was reading in.    Her son’s class.  I made it just in time as Cathy said they had asked her to read another book and wondered if I’d like to read mine.  I have to say there was a lot of pressure. I mean who wants to follow the dramatic reading of the voice over artist?  Not I!  I was afraid of letting the kids down because after all if I where them I’d want to be entertained by the many voices of Cathy too!  With 8 voices in my book I had maybe 5 that sounded different and they went in and out as often as any accent Mel Gibson has had on-screen.  Still I sucked it up and read through my book again.  This time to a crowd that some would consider much more polite!

All in all I hope the children had fun and I’m happy that I had the opportunity to be a part of the schools day of reading.

photo (6)(I’ve been asked for pictures of Bud so here you go …  We went up Runyon this morning and both Bud and Riggins have been asleep ever since.  They did take a break from napping to clean up the huge mess I made when I dropped a pizza on the floor while transferring it from the oven to the cutting board.  Yes, I still ate it.  Bud is with us for one more night before his mom comes to pick him up.)

Act of Kindness Roll-Call:

To be continued …