The first thing I noticed about this book was that it was colorful and fun looking. My niece was immediately drawn to the colors and pictures on the cover. So, we decided to explore it together. The first few pages are full of ideas and thoughts for parents and ‘kudos’ to the author as she also remembered to write a letter to the kids. My niece loved me reading the letter directly to her and we hadn’t even gotten to the fun part yet.

Once you get into the book itself, it has pages and pages of activities geared toward self expression for children. Each pages has a topic and then there is lots of room for the child to draw or write whatever it is they feel about that topic. I was curious to see what my niece thought about bedtime because unlike her teenage brother who loves to sleep, putting this 6 year old to bed is nothing short of a miracle. So, we turned to that page and I read the title, “Bedtime”. I told her to write or draw whatever she wanted and at first she was hesitant, so I acted busy doing something else and she began. She colored and drew for a good 15 minutes before showing me the picture of a “playground” of all things. It gave me a great place to ask, “Why?”  She explained to me that every night when she goes to bed she is mad because she has to stop playing. She wants to play and not sleep so much. Can you imagine the discussion from this one simple activity?

It got me excited because some of the pages could really allow a child to express themselves and give their parent/teacher/counselor a jumping point for discussion. My niece and I were both very impressed by the book. We decided we would do one activity a day, but I can also see that it could be used on an as needed basis or any way that someone felt it would fit their situation.

So, if you have an opportunity to buy one fun, but useful book for your child, I would without hesitation recommend that you check out, “The Daily Doodle” written by Janet Lee or check out her webpage for other books at www.drjanetlee.com or on Amazon.com

Once we hit summer school, it is a new start. I don’t care that they failed during the regular school year or that they didn’t do a thing I asked them to all year. They get another chance now and that’s what we are there for; to do it together!

So, today a wonderful co-worker brought them a homemade treat. They loved it. It made me chuckle though that her children had wondered why she was bringing something to kids that had failed. I loved her explanation to them and I think it speaks volumes.
She told her children, “Have you ever failed at anything? When you fail is when I try the hardest to let you know that it’s o-kay to fail and that I will be there to help you get back up. We all fail! We all need someone to pick us back up and today that pick up for these students is this treat!”

We do all need people to pick us up when we fail. Failure is a part of life and often a time that I personally learn more than I learn from success. So, remember the next time you see someone fail that it may be you that gets them back on track. One act of kindness at a time, we can all change the world.

1.) Mypoints - An old standby. I can expect without doing any purchasing to get at least (3) $25 gift cards from here a year. They are reliable and the prizes come quick.

2.) Swagbucks - This is an amazing site. You can search and win Swagbucks that turn into gift cards, prizes, and now even paypal. I have earned several hundred dollars since December of 2008 for just searches and participating in contests. If you do ONE site, I would make it this one!!!

3.) Gather - A great Social Networking site. Although the prizes have slowed down somewhat, they are reliable and often have contests that allow you to win more points. Points become gift cards and now even paypal. You will meet some amazing people while winning some great prizes too.

4.) GSN - A fun game show site. This one is fairly new for me, but I cashed out for (2) $10 gift cards and received them almost immediately. So far, so good and a really fun site too. You win OODLES and turn them in for prizes. Great fun!

5.) Redgage - Another new site, but interesting in concept. It too is a social networking site, but you get paid for your content. It can be anything you have done. Blogs, posts on sites, articles…anything you want to share and the bigger your network…the more you make. Interested? If you want to use me as a referral, just type Cyclonewriter where it askes who sent you. If not, that’s fine but look me up so we can be friends!!

These would be my top 5. Got others? I would love to hear about them. Be sure to give me your referral link in case I am interested…Regardless of what you decide, just remember that kindness makes the world a better place !

We went to breakfast this morning at Bob Evans and brought back breakfast for my 81 year old Mother in Law. She is no dummy. She knew getting out would mean a crowded restaurant so instead her wish was for breakfast to be brought to her.

Tonight we will get together with my mother and brothers. We are having just some Little Ceasar’s pizzas. It may sound not too fancy, but it keeps from anyone having to prepare and do dishes on what should be a relaxing day!

So, how are you celebrating? Don’t forget to call your aunts, grandmas, and other special ladies in your life. It will mean a lot and we can change the world with one random act of kindness at a time!

So, today, I will indeed Thank God. This weekend, we traveled for “Girls Weekend” in Syracuse, NY. It was my sister-in-law, my mom, and my 6 year old niece. About halfway through the day, it happened. It all seemed like slow motion and yet it happened so fast. We were in a head on collision. I remember thinking that there was nothing more we could do and watching the other vehicle slam into us. I never screamed or panicked and I immediately checked to be sure everyone was okay. Then I saw the other man’s windshield, it was shattered and I was concerned. Somehow, some way, he was fine too.

It didn’t make the weekend great, but it could have been much worse. I could have been bitter that our weekend was ruined, but instead I was so grateful that it was only the vehicles that were hurt. Once we got our wits about us, the cops were called and came. We were able to get back on our way once a mechanic looked at the truck.

So, I am home now and still amazed that even though we are all sore and even a little bit shaken, we are all physically fine. Someone was looking over us this past Saturday and I believe that for each person, it may have been whomever or whatever they believe in, but as for me, I will indeed, “THANK GOD!”

A young man in his teens approached me and said that Wal-mart had put extra help on to assist in the parking lot due to the wind. I told him I was fine, but he insisted on helping. He was such a polite young man and absolutely refused a tip. As he walked away in the wind I heard him say, “Have a great night.” I chuckled. I mean he was going to be the one standing in the wind and rain for the next several hours and yet he smiled and said this to me.  After a long day, I left Wal-mart with a smile.

On my way home, I decided to call management and let them know about this experience. The manager was so pleased that she was heading out to the parking lot to let the young man know. On top of that, his parents had both been laid off and he had been asking for extra hours a lot lately. She stated to me, “He is going to get some of those extra hours because of this call.”  Apparently she had taken a lot of guff from other employees about this not so fun job, but he had just been pleased for the hours.

If you are ever in doubt, make that call and let people know when they have done something well. It could make the difference and it never hurts to spread a little extra kindness.

However, that is not to say that there are some really good program options out there. Still fighting the good fight are the PBS stations available in most places. From Sesame Street to Masterpiece Theater; if you look long enough there is something for everyone on PBS.

There is lots of family fun to be found on TVLand and other stations as well. Personally, I watch what I want to watch, but I am not looking out for the influence it might have on children either. I know and follow good morals as well as understanding right from wrong, so if I decide to watch a rather slanted sit com one night or a fast paced action show another night, I am not convinced it is hurting me.

I would love to hear what others think about the topic of televison programming as well…so share away and remember no matter what you watch, it is really all about actions. Spread a little kindness before settling down to watch television tonight.

Many people think that in order to enjoy Valentine’s Day, you have to be part of a couple, but love comes in many forms. Spend some extra time with an elderly relative, take those nieces and nephews for a night so their parents can go out, call a friend that you know is alone or think of something completely different to do to show love.

Love is a great thing, but never forget that it comes in more than simply the romantic form. Remember to love yourself first and then look for ways to love others. Still not sure what to do on this holiday? I am sure that there are many volunteer opportunities in your community that would “LOVE” to have you.

Take some time and spread some kindness to make the world a better place ! Most importantly, Happy Valentine’s Day !

Being a teacher, I would say that I am most interested in the impact all of this has on Obama’s two daughters. I can’t imagine how overwhelmed they must feel about what is going on around them. We will literally watch these two young ladies grow up before our eyes and it is my greatest wish that it all goes smoothly for them. They are after all just children.

So, I welcome you Mr. Obama as the next leader of our country. I wish you only the best and hope that you lead us all to success and happiness. My biggest wish however is for the safety of both you and your loved ones. How do you feel on this historical day ?

However, today one of my students brought something to my attention. She is in a club that looks out for Animal Welfare.  Her question posed to me was “What about the pets?”  She began to explain that her group is about to start a food drive and she wants to put a box in my classroom. The food collected will be pet food.

They aren’t trying to encourage anyone to get new pets that can’t afford them, but they want those that use the food pantry already to be able to feed those pets they already own. The SPCA here is full and if people can’t afford to take care of their pets, it is scary what they might choose to do with their pets instead.

I will admit that I had never thought of things from this perspective. It makes sense and I am glad she has found something that means a lot to her. She is a good girl and she has taught the teacher something all new today.

Another way of spreading kindness and making the world a better place.