This weekend has been so nice and relaxing...and hot! You'd think that I'd take advantage of my parents pool on a weekend like this however - I am addicted to my air conditioning (hubby's fault). Plus, going swimming would mean I have to shave my legs (they're pretty beastly), squeeze myself into a bathing suit and brave the hot sun - in short, I'd rather stay in my pj's, drink my morning coffee and watch Sex and The City DVD's in my air conditioned home.

On another, more important note, today is day 3 of my 29-Day Giving Challenge and quite honestly, I'm really stumped on what I can do next.

Yesterday I did a mini-simple give. I just listened. Sounds weird I know and trust me, it's nothing to write home about - but here's what happened.

I was spending the afternoon with a friend, checking out the local shops in our hometown (something I've been meaning to do since we moved here in December) and we came across a cute little flower shop. We popped in to take a peek and the owner greeted us at the door. I explained I was just looking, she said we could look around and lingered as we ooooh'd and aaaaaaaaaah'd at the pink roses. After telling her how much we loved her floral arrangements, we started chatting with her about her shop. We weren't in a rush to go anywhere and there was something about her that intrigued us.

In business for over 30 years, she was getting ready to close her doors - going out of business - her shop is closing in a mere 4 days. How sad. What's even more upsetting? Is the story of how her business has come to an end. A once trusted employee pilfered her clients and opened up her own shop a few doors down. I don't know what's worst, having someone steal your clients or going out of business because of the economy. I guess both are pretty devastating - no matter what the cause.

My heart went out to her, it was clear she was upset and just needed to talk to someone. My friend and I listened as the woman gave us advice about friendship, life and work. We listened to her sad tale and as she gave us her last business card (she is planning on keeping her loyal clients and working out of her home) she asked us to keep in touch and pop over to her home for a coffee sometime.

We might just take her up on her offer one of these days.

For many years I've always claimed that I wanted to volunteer with an organization....I wanted to give back.

For many years I've said I want to get involved in my community, only to turn up my nose at any volunteer opportunities that came my way. I was too busy, too tired, didn't have any money to give away, and really, time was precious, I had too many things to do.

Selfish? Absolutely!

Am I ashamed of myself? Absolutely!

What am I doing about it? I joined the 29-Day Giving Challenge, a global giving movement with several thousand members across 38 countries. Their mission is to revive the giving spirit in the world. Their motto:

Although the prospect of giving one gift a day for 29 days kind of freaked me out, I realized (through the website) that there are so many different ways I can give a gift - many of them I do already!

Taking money out of the equation has really helped to motivate me because after all, in some cases money can't heal all wounds but, a Simple Give like a smile or a friendly phone call can sure help the process. It was nice to have that reminder that not every donation has to be huge and monumental, sometimes the smaller gives are the most powerful.

After thinking about this challenge and crying when I read some of the ways that the 29-Day community has reached out to people (yes I know I'm a suck) I signed up right away.

Today is day 1 of my challenge. Yikes, talk about pressure!

I have been stressing all day about my first give. The day is almost over, what can I do? Why did I wait so long? Is giving my dog Ella an extra treat considered a give? Luckily I just had a light bulb moment, I have already completed my first give today at work.

A client called with a question about a product they subscribed to however, they were bounced from person to person and no one was able to help them. Although I work in Communications (not with the products client was calling about), I tried to help find the right contact person for her. Trust me, it would have been easier to pass her back to customer service but hey, I wasn't busy and I can hear the frustration in her voice so I decided to help. In the end I found her the correct contact person and she was so grateful and thankful. It might be the tiniest of Simple Gives but knowing I went the extra step to help her, made us both feel good. I'm glad that I was able to end her day on a positive note, even though I may not have solved her problem.

Day 1 accomplished - day 2 here I come!

Congratulations to the happy couple . . .

We are so blessed to share in your happiness today. All of our love and best wishes on this beautiful beginning of a wonderful marriage!

Love J & S
xoxoxo

Photo Credits:
http://communities.canada.com/vancouversun/blogs/socialstudies/default.aspx
http://www.bachelorettejillianharris.com/

. . . we love short-shorts!