Monday, December 28, 2009

Holiday Thinking

I know you probably thought oh-oh she done left. Don't worry I am not going anywhere. I have so much to write about I will have to make this a series. First being thankful. I am learning that being a good neighbor is being thankful for what I have and not feeling like I am in competition with my neighbor. I am happy for my neighbors success, new car, new clothes etc. I choose to think that I see these things to show me what I can acheive, what is possible for me and what I will have one day. So maybe you can adopt this way of thinking????

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Call Somebody!!!

Yes, we are beginning the "holiday season" and it is time to make some calls. Don't get scared. It doesn't have to be tedious or long. Just make up your mind, your goal is to see how they are, not get their years accomplishments. At the beginning of the conversation ask them if you are calling them at a good time. And if they hesitate offer to call them back at a time they have agreed upon. Make a list of people you have been meaning to call and call somebody! Instead of Christmas shopping how about Christmas phoning???!! Let me know your thoughts, inspirations and memories....

Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hannachah, help me here guys????!!!!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Sharing Your Thanksgiving

This is something I have done a lot. I would do this on Thanksgiving and in the summer time. I would make a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings then I would invite people over (if Thanksgiving I would invite people that didn't have family or didn't have someone to spend Thanksgiving with, if summer I would just invite people that were new to the church or area). I would make the turkey, dressing, vegetables, mashed potatoes, gravy etc. You get the picture. It was so much fun and it gave me the opportunity to meet some new friends. Now you don't have to have a big budget to do this, you can ask the people you invite to bring dishes. The point of this is "Sharing Your Thanksgiving" and helping someone to feel the love!

Okay let me know how it goes and the ideas you have about this. This is my favorite meal of the year!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Take Care Everybody!

Sorry everyone for my slight break. I was trying to get over an ear infection and sinus infection. Thanks Jan for being a good neighbor and making me soup. My friend Jan is an excellent neighbor(my roomie) and friend. She not only made me soup, she served it to me. I just want to take this moment to thank her. Thank you Jan for your kindness, generosity and ability to put up with me. So todays entry is about taking care of one another! Next time someone you know is sick or incapacitated take care of them. You will be glad you did and so will they!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Carribean Hospitality!

I just came back from a 8 day carribean cruise. Sorry guys, that is why you have not heard from me in a while. Well I have to say the West Indies/Virgin Islands know how to show hospitality (shout out to all my island people)to visitors! First of all, they are not afraid to greet you with a smile and a handshake. They are willing to help strangers and to accept you eventhough if you are a foreigner. They are willing to put you up for a night or a vacation. They don't mind helping someone else profit because they know in the end it is the right thing to do. I have really learned somethings in the last eight days that I think I will help me in the future and maybe even change some of the ways I do things presently.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Just Plain Old Kindness

I recently flew to Anchorage for business and ended up getting a double ear infection and sinus infection. My co-worker offered to take me to the doctor and take me to pick up any prescriptions I needed. I was very appreciative and very happily surprised at her kindness. I also was plesantly surprised at the Alaskan hospitality at the clinic and at the Fred Meyer where I picked up my prescriptions and at the Captin Cook hotel where I was recooperating. I just want to say thank you to Alaska and to all you folks for your "just plain old kindness". Kindness goes a long way. I am better now and feeling great about going back to Alaska one day!

Monday, October 5, 2009

Trust to the Right and Safety to the Left

Create an environment of trust and safety. You can do this by getting to know your neighbors and letting them know you are watching out for their property. Hopefully they will indeed return the favor. Let you neighbors know when you will be out of town and ask if they would be willing to keep an eye on your place. Notice who comes and goes in your neighborhood. You will definitely benefit from a more secure and trusting environment.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

A Wash In Time...

Okay I am going to say this and you are probably going to say, "what!" Try this just once. Wash your neighbors car. I know you are saying, "Are you crazy!" For those of you that are thinking; what is in it for me? Well, it could be a free car wash. Yeah, you are getting it, I see the light going off. Come on, it won't be so bad. Let me know what happens.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Every Single Way

Do you know any single moms? Do you know any tired single moms? Find a single mom that you know and ask how you can help. She'll say she is all right. Ask her again and really mean it. When she tells you what she needs, be prepared to come through for her. It will mean the world to her and you. Write me let me know what goes down.

Peace.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Just One!

Give one compliment every day. Be honest and purposeful. Be a little adventerous give one compliement to a different person each day. Start with the people you always wanted to talk to but were afraid to make a move. This is your opportunity, good neighbor.

Give yourself a compliment everyday (i.e. I like my eyes, legs etc.) If you are happy with yourself I think it may be easier to compliement others.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Six, Not Even Close to Done!

Help Someone

We all have the opportunity to help someone, sometimes we are just too distracted to act. Have you ever been rushing somewhere and notice a person looking lost and in need of some good direction? How about the person with too many bags and too many items in their bags? Did you rush by trying not to make eye contact? Only to feel ashamed or regretful for not having helped?

We all have many opportunities to lend a helping hand, why not seize the chance to act? Next time, leave early, this will give you the extra few minutes you need to make a difference.

How about just holding the door open for someone?

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Only Five!

Find a Single Parent

Find a a single parent (Preferably someone you have met at least a few times. If you don't know any, meet some. Start in a group setting.) and ask them, "how can I help you?" They will be pleasantly surprised and you may be too.

Let me know what's happening.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Four and Counting

Buy Extra

Buy something extra on purpose. This will give you the opportunity and the supplies to give to your neighbor or favorite food bank. You might even stop at the food bank on your way home. Concentrate on things that have a very long shelf life but are always needed.
The challenge begins tell me your highs and lows.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Three to Get Ready

Pay for someone.



Pay for someone's groceries, lunch, utility bill, whatever comes to you in the situation. Get creative. I know you can think of 100 ways just on this point alone.

Here's my personal experience: I was at the airport and in a hurry (but of course!) and very hungry. I stopped at a eatery to get something to eat before boarding on my flight. My credit card was declined! I was embarrassed and didn't know what to do. A lady behind me in line offered to pay for my lunch! I thanked her and asked for her information, (I wanted repay her) she refused. She said, "just do the same for someone one else." Wow, that blew me away. I have never forgot her kindness either.



So there is my story please, tell me yours!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Coming in at Number Two!

SMILE

Yes I said it. I feel so good when I smile at someone, and I will bet you felt good when someone smiled at you. So please, let me know. What has a smile done for you lately?

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Most important or most compelling?

Let's start with the why and the how of this blog.

I want to start a communication that would challenge and encourage each of us to think and act like a good neighbor. First I want to define "good neighbor" and find out what you (the general populus) is thinking and why. This might also help someone who is at a loss for doing something constructive in this sometimes destructive society.

The first thing I thought of was to say "Thank You".

Simple I know, but so powerful.

Now I want to invite you to add to my blog. Send me your thoughts, examples or experiences that made you think, wow, now that is a good deed (or good neighbor). Thank you for your help with starting my first blog.