Week 17: Concession Stad Concierge

Last week's Kindness Countdown was five years in the making: I volunteered to work the concession stand at The Rivoli, the restored single-screen movie theater in my town of Cedarburg, Wisconsin. 

As I mentioned, this activity was one I had planned to do five years ago when I was counting down to my 45th birthday. But COVID hit, the world shut down, and the movie theater went on a hiatus that lasted past my birthday. 

I really regret not doing this sooner, not for a birthday, but just because. But I made excuses to put it off: Just because I felt busy getting acclimated to the new post-COVID normal. Just because I forgot my cast-aside list of ideas. Just because I was going through a lot in my personal life. 

But I should have done it just because. Just because it was fun. Just because I had intended to and take pride in carrying things out. Just because I appreciate the theater being available to me and therefore, I should have given some time long before last week. 

But as my favorite proverb says: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is today. 

And it definitely won't be my last time working a shift. It was fun to see people I know in line, and to serve those in my community looking to enjoy the incredible venue that is our restored movie theater. 

What is a service or place in your community you enjoy? Is there a way for you to lend a hand? To meet new people? To get involved in something you enjoy? 

Take it from me: Better late than never. 

Week 16: Meet Remarkable Mable

I started Kindness Countdown 10 years ago to do some good with my kids. I did another round five years later because 1) It was a lot of fun, and 2) I knew it was the last round before my kids started moving onto all life has in store for them post-high school. 

I had wondered what this round would look like with two kids now in college. I'm thrilled they've still been making time to share in the experiences with me, when possible, but I'm also thankful for all of the special people in my life who have asked to be a part of this little project of mine. Last week was one of those.

My boyfriend's sister is a talented crafter. She makes us all personalized items each Christmas and crochets amazing items for the kids in the family. So when she asked if I wanted to partner up for something for the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, I was honored to say YES!

Maria crocheted 50 chickens (she said each one took her 45 minutes!) over the course of a few weeks. I couldn't believe how adorable and sweet and soft they were when I first held them! We named them all Mabel.

Last week, we met at her mom's place to assemble 50 "Mabels" into bags with nesting material and an egg with a note inside that read "Hi, I'm Mable. I'm a chicken. You're not. YOU ARE BRAVE!" for the kids staying at the Ronald McDonald House while getting treatment at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. 

We then loaded them all in a plastic bin and transported them to the RMDH to be gifted to their new families. 

It was great to hear how loved the staff there thought they would be, that they enjoyed the simple but sweet message, that it brought a smile to their faces as well, because I imagine their days are very rewarding but probably more than a little emotional. 

As we were leaving, we asked if they'd like us to do another drop off sometime next year. We gave them the inside scoop on what we had cooking. Sorry to say all y'all are gonna have to wait a bit longer to find out. But trust me when I say the talented Maria is crafting up something just as adorable! 

And it couldn't be for a more deserving organization who supports those going through an unimaginable season of life. They sure are brave.

Week 15: A Labor of Lasagna Love

My life philosophy is to remain curious, all the time. I wonder about everything, I spend time researching randomness, I keep my head and heart open to new things/places/challenges/ideas, I think quite a bit about my life, what my childhood was like to make me who I am, how I can improve myself and the world around me. 

All of that has led me to know I am far from perfect. Ha! But I do know that when I'm presented with a way to help others, I figure out a way to say yes. Which leads me to last week's Kindness Countdown activity. 

One day, a few months ago, I was scrolling through social media when the ever-present, powerful algorithm (is it in the cloud? 😅) introduced me to Lasagna Love. It was ❤ at first sight in my feed. 

Lasagna Love is an organization located in three countries with over 56,000 volunteers who provide 3,500 lasagna meals a week to those who request them. No questions asked, except for those I routinely follow-up with:

• What date and time would be best of your delivery?
• Any specific requests/preferences? (A woman once told me her and her son loved onions so I sauteed extra, just shy of caramelized, to add with the sauce layer)
• Would you like one full pan or two half pans?
• Would you prefer I deliver the lasagna cooked or assembled with cooking instructions?

My first donation was for an elderly woman who requested two half pans so she could invite her son over one night and her neighbor another, providing her with company. Another was for a wife and her caregiver husband who was going in for surgery and unable to cook for a while. 

Whether one just had a baby or surgery, is having a busy week and could use a night off from cooking, is making ends meet until their next payday, whatever! They can visit the website linked above to request a lasagna and be matched with a volunteer in their area who will reach out to make arrangements. It's that simple! 

And it's simple to volunteer too! Visit that same website and click the "Get Involved" tab, set up your profile, including how often you're willing to be matched (I'm currently set at once a month) and wait for your first match. 

Adding red pepper hearts to the top of your lasagnas is optional. 😉

Week 14: Like Giving Candy to a Baby

Last week Saturday, as usual, my daughter was a trooper and ran errands with me. My kids were homeschooled until high school/7th grade (for my youngest; the trooper previously referenced) and have run errands with me their whole lives. But I've been witness to a handful of meltdowns over the years by kids (and their parents) attempting to make returns or grocery shop on weekends. Last week, we aimed to help.

Before Hazel and I pulled out of our driveway to pick up items we needed, make some returns, and search for the perfect picture frame for our gallery wall  (more details on that to come soon on my Instagram - @gilded.living - since they turned out so good!)we decided to empty out our parking meter quarter reserves (about $15 worth) and put them to good use. 

As we made our rounds through town that day, we filled every gumball/toy machine we happened across. And it's not often I get to witness these little acts of kindness in person, but I did last Saturday. 

Hazel and I had just finished filling the machines above and were about to take the cover photo for social media when a little girl and her parents came out of the store, the mom saying, "Did you decide what you want to get?" 

The little girl went straight to the top-left machine; the mom picked up the quarters from her hand and hovered over the machine when she saw some already in place. She looked at me questioningly and I said, "You can use those; I just filled up all of the machines to give them away." 

She touched her heart and said, "That's so sweet, what a great idea. Here's I'll pay it forward," and replaced my quarters with hers after her daughter secured her prize. And then, here's the best part:

The girl then looked at her mom and asked, "Can I do the rest of them?" 😂 

Her mom said no, explaining that they'd make some other kids happy to see them there. But gosh, my daughter and I sure loved the girl boss on display! Between her queen energy and thoughtful parents, that girl is going places!