Nice things I did this year.

[roadie gal]

My partner and I took her parents on an Alaska cruise this summer. That may sound like "so what?" but some background: my partner is an only child from a strict Southern Christian background. Her parents are both older and pretty set in their ways. They almost disowned her when she moved across the country to be with another woman. Over the past 11 years they've slowly come around to being able to talk to her (without me being mentioned), to being able to hear my name, to being able to be with me for short periods.

This summer we decided to give them a trip that they've never do on their own. They're not very adventurous and don't have much money. It took some talking them into it, but we did it. They were thrilled. Her mom is still talking about it months later. She's still describing it as her trip of a lifetime. I'm so happy that it worked out so well.

[jessmarimba]

Growing up, my mom was a SAHM. She and my dad divorced a few years ago (not sure when exactly, it took YEARS to settle). She eventually landed an hourly job at Kroger. After working there for about a year she saw an ad for a job as an assistant bakery manager. She inquired about it and was told it had already been assigned.

I told her to submit her resume anyway. Then sat down with her and helped her go over her resume, using things she did as a SAHM to display her business/management skills (working as a scout leader, band volunteer, etc). She submitted the resume - and got hired as a manager in a position that wasn't even open! I haven't been able to do much to further my own career for the time being, but I'm glad I was able to help her.

[indysteel]

All of these stories are just further confirmation to me that TE is an awesome collection of caring, generous and strong women. Love it!

[Biciclista]

great stories. The only thing i can think of is my series of dog and cat painting that i have done this year with 50% of the proceeds going to some shelters. So far, I've only sold one of them... keep them coming!

[jyyanks]

What amazing, thoughtful women you all are. It warms my heart to hear your stories and I feel encouraged that there really are still good people in the world (sometimes living in NY turns you into a cynic). Kudos to all of you and Happy Holidays!

[lph]

Can't remember doing anything especially nice this year (musta done something!) but I have a favourite story from before Christmas a few years back. I was waiting for the bus in town when I noticed an neat middle-aged woman, nicely dressed and discreetly made-up, who seemed dizzy and ill. I chatted to her a bit, and just as the bus arrived it transpired she wasn't ill, but had had one, or maybe two or three drinks too many at the early Christmas party at her office... She confided in me that she didn't usually drink at all. She was so embarrassed that she wanted to just "compose herself" and wait for the next bus, but she could barely stand up and I insisted she couldn't stay out in the cold alone.

The bus driver was just about to get all snotty and tell her to get off again cause he didn't want "drunk people" , but I promised him I'd take care of her and everything was fine. She was so embarrassed, so I thought the best thing was just to smalltalk and be nice. I asked where she lived (close to the bus stop) and if there was anyone at home to take care of her (there was), and when she left the bus I told her I'd be watching until I saw her reach the door.

Then I went towards the back of the bus to sit down myself. This large meanlooking skinhead guy barks out "Hey, you!" and I jump. "I saw what you did. Merry Christmas!"

Made my entire week

[jelee1311]

My 10 year old daughter and i shop for and donate toys to a local school for homeless children. She uses some of her own allowance money so it seems to help her realize the importance of helping others. I get to teach art a couple of times a month to the fith graders at my daughter's school. I have a blast and the kids are soooo awesome and appreciative. I always have a few five dollar starbucks giftcards on hand to give to the bell ringers standing in the cold outside my work. I love reading about all of the nice things everyone is doing it makes me smile![PHP][/PHP]