NICE Stuff: Megabolt Sketchbook

Hi all! How's your week going so far? I'm currently sipping coffee and eating chocolate cake, so I can't complain. And there's a film festival going on in Philly right now. Tonight I'm seeing my third film, with one more tomorrow night. Fun!

I have something super cute to share with you guys. And maybe I'm excited because I love a good pocket-sized sketchbook. I can't get enough of 'em! (Even though I can't seem to keep up with sketching.) But this one has a NICE twist.

Megabolt, a non-profit organization that works to promote positive ideas through every day life, has launched a new project. They are selling these really adorable little sketchbooks, and for each one purchased, one is given to a child in the hospital. But here's the best part:

"Every book is hand numbered so after you've bought your book you will be able to go www.megabolt.org and track where your book goes and even see the child's name who you've given your book to!

It doesn't stop there though...After the child has completed his or her sketchbook we will be archiving their books on our website so you can digitally flip through the child's book."

How fantastic is that?! So I had to go ahead and buy one for myself. And I can't wait to check out what the kids do with their sketchbooks! What a neat project, right? Click here to learn more about the awesomeness that is Megabolt.

NICE Testimonial: Superhero of Niceness

Wow. It's been over a month since I posted. I won't go into whiney details, but let's just say things have been a bit out of control this past month. I'm fine. Everything is A-OK! But I do need to work on getting my life in order. I'm sure you've all been there! I probably need some iron and vitamin B-12. And I definitely need a massage, which will be happening on Thursday! But enough about me. Let's get to the testimonial!

I received today's testimonial from Ann L. in Maine. That's her in the middle "surrounded by two SUPER nice friends!!!" Heehee. She witnessed an incredibly kind act while at the grocery store.

Yesterday was a typical March morning in Maine, rainy, gray and raw. I can't say I was in a cheerful mood as I stood in line at the supermarket to buy snacks for a meeting I would be attending. As I stared at the tabloid newspapers and went over the agenda for the upcoming meeting I became aware that the gentleman at the front of the line had just received a grocery tally of more than he had. My face burned in embarrassment for him but before I could even consider what to do the woman in line behind him produced a twenty dollar bill and gave it to the clerk.

Then (and this amazed me) as the clerk handed her the change she leaned over and stuck it in the customer who was short's pocket- saying "here, do you need this too? You must take it." He was so flustered he could barely stammer out a thank you. This wonderful woman just smiled and began chatting with the clerk and bag boy allowing the gentleman to leave gracefully. The whole exchange lasted less than a minute and was completely low key.

When I got to the clerk I had to ask if what I thought I had seen was what had actually happened. She assured me it had. I asked who the woman was and she said she didn't really know but that she was a regular at the store and this was not the first time she had helped someone out. "She's always that nice, she is just amazing. I always feel better after she has been through my line." Wow I need to remember- be nice- hope that people always feel better after having a contact with me!

How amazing is that??? Everything about this woman is inspiring. She's like a NICE Superhero! She immediately took initiative to help a stranger. She was mindful of his situation and realized he might need a few extra dollars. And then she considered his feelings and allowed him to leave without any sense of embarrassment whatsoever. Fantastic! Ann is right. I need to take this story, learn from it, and strive to be more like this fabulous do-gooder!

Do you have a NICE:Testimonial that you'd like to share? If so, click here to send me an email!

NICE Testimonial: Katherine and Frank

Hi everyone! What's going on in your world? Things at work are getting a bit overwhelming, so I keep breathing deep breaths and reminding myself that busyness is a good thing. Job security, right? And I'm hoping that my energy levels will continue to improve because of my recent delve into daily exercising. Still can't do a pull up, but I'll get there! :)

Today's testimonial comes from Ana, a young Operation NICE reader! It is such a beautiful story, I couldn't help but tear up. Okay, okay, I did more than tear up. I flat out bawled.

Hi! My name is Ana and I'm 11 years old. I read your blog everyday! So I wanted to share with you a story about the nicest people I know.

My Aunt Katherine and Uncle Frank.

My Aunt Katherine and Uncle Frank live in Maine, and are truly wonderful. They love their community, and I don't have to think twice about saying their community loves them. Katherine and Frank (those names sound beautiful together don't they?) met at "The Poinsettia Ball" in 2001. Katherine went to "meet the movers and shakers of Hancock County", and Frank went as a member of the Poinsettia Ball committee. One woman who worked at the ball that night asked Frank to sit next to Katherine, and well, the rest is history. They were married in 2003, and have a beautiful old fashioned home. They have friends who care about them and were truly lucky.

But, some very bad news came.

On November 16, Frank found out he had pancreatic cancer.

Frank was "a poor lawyer for poor people" and didn't make enough money to afford health insurance. Katherine was devastated, and was unsure about what would happen to the two of them. But it just goes to show you how wonderful there friends are, for Katherine and Frank's dear friends gave them a gift I don't think they'll ever forget.

They gave them tickets to The (SOLD OUT) Poinsettia Ball.

When I heard about this, I nearly cried. It was so beautifully nice! Their friends gave them a hotel room, and pulled some strings to get them tickets to the SOLD OUT event! Katherine even asked if the band could play Anne Murray's "Can I Have This Dance (For the Rest Of My Life)" - The song they danced to at their wedding. Their friends have since supported them, by plowing their driveway, preparing meals for them, and have hosted a dinner AND an auction to benefit the two! How nice!

Well, that's my Nice Testimonial. Best wishes to my Aunt Katherine, who is my role model, and my Uncle Frank, who knits the most beautiful mittens you'll ever see, and always brings a smile to my face.

First of all, would you ever think the above testimonial was written by an 11-year old? How talented is Ana?? She writes better than I do! Secondly, what a beautiful story of love and friendship. I wish Katherine and Frank (and Ana) the absolute best!

Do you have a NICE:Testimonial that you'd like to share? If so, click here to send me an email!

NICE Photo: Favorite Things

Hi all! Guess what. I woke up early every day this week to exercise! That positive attitude is workin' out for me. :)

And speaking of positivity, can I just gush about my life for a brief minute? I don't know how I got so lucky, but I really do have an awesome life. And I feel really grateful for it all. Sometimes while I'm driving to work, I make mental lists of all the cool things going on in my world, and it just makes me smile and feel fortunate. Okay, that's all.

I got an email the other day from Jess H. in Omaha who sent me along a photo. It made my day! Check it out!

I know its a couple months since you posted the NiCE Assignment of writing "My favorite things of 2010", but I am writing you to share how I brought that assignment to the office! I work at ENCOR in Omaha, NE which is a community supportive organization in which we provide vocational and residential services to individuals with developmental disabilites! I have spread some NiCE posters and things around the office before! With my line of work I have noticed that when you pour soo much compassion into your job, it can sometimes lead to a backlash of negativity. So Operation NiCE has given lots of great ideas to help positivi-fy the office!

I started a giant GRATEFUL board that I change monthly with different themes!! With "My favorite things of 2010" I passed out copies to all my co-workers and to the individuals with disabilites that work at the workshop, and I received a great response! So I thought I would share the photo with you!! I took it will my blackberry so the picture quality isn't too great! But I want you to know that your website is soo uplifting and inspiring!! I listened to a local author and speaker, MK Muller and she said, "What goes around.. comes around... Misery loves company... BUT SO DOES JOY!!" And your site is a testimony to that!! You are what you surround your life with!! Soo THANK YOU for all of the heart and soul you pour into this website!!!

This photo gives me such warm fuzzies! I never know if people are actually participating in the assignments. So to see that over 30 people took the time to write out this list, well, it gave me goosebumps! Thank you so much, Jess, for encouraging the spread of positivity and for sharing the results with us! You are awesome!

Do you have a NICE photo that you'd like to share? If so, click here to send me an email!

NICE Assignment: Think Positive

Can you believe it's already MARCH?? Hoo boy! On one hand, I'm sad to see this year going by so quickly. On the other, I am ready for short-sleeve weather! C'mon summer!

So remember how last Friday I mentioned how I was going indoor rock climbing for the first time? I was so worried, considering I can't even do a push up. My twig-like arms were in for a real shock. And you know what? It was freaking hard!!! The two athletic dudes I went with had no trouble scaling those ridiculous walls. I, on the other hand, was lucky to make it up the training wall. And after a failed attempt at an "easy" wall, I was feeling pretty down on myself.

I ended up giving it another shot. This was another easy wall that the two guys were using for speed climbs, of course. Well, half way up, I was done. Too exhausted to keep going, I asked to come down. But they wouldn't let me down. So I was forced to try again.

Guess what.

I made it to the top! Yeah sure, it was a simple climb for most, but for me, it was a challenge. A challenge I wanted to give up on. So when I touched the top, I felt accomplished! And now, I've decided that I want to be able to climb rock walls. And not just the easy ones. I've changed my routine so I can wake up early each morning to work out, and one day I'll use that easy wall for speed climbs, just like the guys did.

Today's Assignment: Think Positive

I was so ready to give up on myself on Saturday. I had no confidence. I had this idea in my head about what I could accomplish and what I couldn't. But you know what? I realized that I need to be more positive! I CAN do these things! Sure, it'll take a little bit of work. But what's keeping me from being an awesome indoor rock climber? Just myself! And yeah, my friends will laugh at me when I post a Facebook status about working out. It's so out of character! But venturing out of my comfort zone was kind of cool. And I wouldn't mind surprising a few folks (including myself) along the way.

So, is there something in your life that you've been wanting to do? And maybe your negativity has been holding you back? Tell me about it! A positive attitude can go a long way. If I can do it, you certainly can too!

NICE Testimonial: Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Happy Friday! Do you guys have anything exciting going on this weekend? Tomorrow, I will be trying out indoor rock climbing for the first time. I'm so nervous! I am the opposite of what one would call "athletic," so I fear I will be outclimbed by 6 year olds. This is what I'm going to look like.

Today's testimonial comes from Kari, who shares a story about her sweet neighbor.

I have a 70-something neighbor who is an amazing woman, full of spunk and laughter. She makes apartment life a joy. Contrary to today's world where most neighbors are strangers, my parents have always become good friends with their neighbors. I'm thankful they taught that to me. I baked some cupcakes for a meeting I had at my house this morning, and there were some left over so I thought I would surprise my neighbor with a treat. 

She surprised me back with a full loaf of delicious, locally-baked honey wheat bread - the kind you smell as you drive past a bakery and it makes your mouth water, and four ears of corn-on-the-cob. What a blessing! Little does she know she saved me a trip to the store! It's great to give, but being surprised by the return of blessings is pretty amazing too! Tonight I'm feeling very grateful to be sitting on the other side of the wall from a truly nice person. =)

Kari brings up an interesting point. Do you guys know your neighbors? Are you friendly? Do you just wave or do you make small talk? We're having, ahem, issues with our one neighbor, but we have great neighbors aside from that. We'll go out to dinner or occasionally play video games or roast marshmallows on their chiminea. We got very lucky. I'm curious how many people are in Kari's boat!

Do you have a NICE:Testimonial that you'd like to share? If so, click here to send me an email!

NICE Stuff: Warby Parker

You guys know I'm a big fan of nice company, TOMS, for their generous One for One movement (aka buy one pair and TOMS donates one pair to a person in need). Well, there's another company with a similar philosophy, and a similarly delicious product. Warby Parker.

As a nerd, glasses are my staple accessory. The bigger the better! The weirder the cooler! Or maybe that's just me. Well, Warby Parker makes some sexy frames that are über-affordable. But what really wins me over is how their goal is to help people who don't have access to something as important as a pair of glasses.

From their website:
"Through our Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program, we hope to serve the one billion people on earth who do not have access to glasses. A pair of glasses can often define one's path either as a contributing member of the community or one subject to poverty. Imagine what glasses mean to a farmer who needs to separate seeds to plant or a tailor who needs to thread a needle."

Since I just so happened to get a new eye exam and was in the market for a fresh set of frames, I requested some pairs for home try-on.

They are awesome! I couldn't narrow it down, and since these three pairs of glasses are cheaper than the one pair I bought last year, I decided to just get them all. :) Plus, that means Warby Parker will donate three pairs to people who need them.

So if you're considering some new specs, check Warby Parker out and support a business with NICE values!

NICE Assignment: Road Respect

Boy oh boy, last week was a crazy one! Got a flat tire which couldn't be repaired (and another was on its way out), had an eye doctor try to touch my eyeball which resulted in a freak out, and spent an entire day in the ER with a friend. Hey, first time riding in an ambulance! Phew, it was high stress!

Luckily I was able to wind down at my parents' house this weekend. Know what I did? There was sun shining in through the sliding glass door, so I grabbed a pillow and laid right there on the hard wood floor, soaking up the sunshine. It was amazing! My mom's dog was a little disappointed that I took her spot, so I eventually had to share. :)

I've been thinking about today's assignment for months. I spend most of my days driving through Philadelphia, and let me say, some (*cough cough, most*) of these drivers need a lesson in niceness.

Today's Assignment: Road Respect

I don't have a lot of forced daily human interaction. At work, I sit behind a computer. If I'm in a social situation, it's typically with people I choose to be friends with. But the one place where I am regularly required to interact with others is on the road.

I think I have pretty good road manners. I try to let people in that need to merge. I always use turn signals. I rarely use my horn. But I'll admit that I'm no angel. My dashboard has heard many an expletive escape my mouth. I think we could all try to be a little more respectful of each other on the road, don't you think?

I'd love to hear from you guys! What do you think are ways to be nice on the roads? Oooh, you know what I love?? To get into my neighborhood, I have to make a left at a stop light where there's no left turn arrow. While the light is red, a huge line of cars forms in the opposite direction. So when the light turns green, I have to wait a while, sometimes until it turns red again. Frustrating! But on occasion, the first car in opposing traffic will flash their high beams at me, signaling that I can go in front of them when the light turns green. I think that is SO NICE!

What else? I leave work during rush hour, so pulling out into a line of traffic is huge on my list. I am so grateful when others do it, and I always try to do the same. Do you have any examples of road respect?

RAK Week: Smile at 10 Strangers

Did you have a lovely Valentine's Day? While mine started out pretty awesome, I had a little hiccup along the way. My husband and I didn't plan to do anything special, aside from signing our mortgage refinance papers. The only thing we had on the agenda was to play video games. :) Just something fun and silly for the evening.

Well, on my drive home, I started hearing this weird flapping noise. It sounded bad, so I pulled into a parking lot and saw that my back tire was flat. Dang. My knight in shining armor came and rescued me, thankfully. But it happened 30 minutes before our meeting with the notary! Frantic, for sure. Anyway, with all the delays, and since I couldn't pick up dinner like planned, we had to cut something out, and that was video games. Oh well. There's always next Valentine's Day!

So today's RAK Week Extreme Kindness Challenge task is to smile at ten strangers. This was an assignment of mine back in August. I'm all for smiling at strangers.

Actually, I remember this instance a few months ago. I was walking from my parking garage to work, and I pass a school where parents drop their kids off in the morning. Well, there was this sweet little boy who gave his father a big hug, and I thought it was the most adorable thing ever, so I had a huge smile on my face. The dad noticed and gave me a warm smile in return. It felt so good to exchange a smile with a stranger!

And this morning, because of my flat, I had to take the train into work. We passed a building where a man was hosing down a parking lot, and he paused to smile and wave at the passing train! How awesome is that?! It totally made my day!

Do you notice when strangers make an effort to smile at you? Do you typically smile at others?

NICE Assignment: Random Acts of Kindness Week

Happy Valentine's Day, my lovelies! It's a special day for me. Not just because of all the hearts and doilies and colossal amounts of chocolate. But ten years ago today, my husband and I started dating. (Aren't we cute?) And how will we be celebrating? Um, by closing on our home refinancing. Whoopsie, I forgot today was the 14th when I made the appointment for tonight. Oh well. What's more romantic than saving money, right?

So guys, did you know that aside from Valentine's Day, it is also the start of Random Acts of Kindness Week??? Love and kindness? Sounds like a perfect pair to me.

Today's Assignment: Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week

I decided to spread a little kindness in my world, Valentine-style. I picked up a few extra boxes of chocolate to surprise my coworkers. And my coworker bought us all the heart-shaped Dunkin Donuts! Can we say sugar rush? :)

And I also bought these adorable cards. How cute are they??

I wanted to leave a few random treats today, so I put this in my mailbox for our mail carrier. I hope he/she likes chocolate!

I still have two cards and two mini boxes of chocolate left. I'm not sure who to give them to! Do you have any suggestions? Maybe wherever I go pick up lunch, I can give it to the cashier. Or maybe I should leave it on a random person's car? Or put it on my neighbor's doorstep? What do you think?

To keep Random Acts of Kindness week going even after Valentine's Day ends, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is posting daily Extreme Kindness Challenges. Today's challenge is to send a note of appreciation to someone you love. Do you guys want to do all of the challenges with me this week? That would ROCK!

So I hope you all have a fabulous Valentine's Day and Random Acts of Kindness Week! I'd love to hear how your celebrating either! Love to you all!