January 31

I had a really bad day today. And at one point in the day I thought to myself, "what in the world am I going to write on the blog today? Nothing is good today". Then, amazing things happened. My husband said exactly the right things to make me feel better (as he always does), a friend emailed me positive words, and a quick post about my bad day on a board I am a part of resulted in texts and messages from a bunch of wonderful ladies. I realized that I am so very blessed to have all of these people and so many more in my life. And that, my friends, is what it's all about. The reason I started this blog was so I could get over bad days like today, and it worked. So just remember that your quick text or message just might make someone's day- those things did it for me today.

January 30

The road next to the college where I work is a busy six lane road that is a main road between the north and south sides of the city. And of course students live around the area. A few years ago the city installed marked and lit walkways to make it easier for students to cross onto campus. For whatever reason, many students just walk across the walkway without even looking, which is scary because not everyone stops. Today however, the nicest student made sure to wave thank you as he crossed.

January 29

We ran into friends at Target. The father of Will's friend let him hold a regular sized basketball while I was packing up my car. The look on my son's face was priceless. It isn't that random for us as adults, but it made his day!

January 28

My son has started giving unsolicited hugs. He's never been one to cuddle so this makes us so happy!

January 27

Today, my dear sick husband still did my dishes. He does it nearly every night (we have a deal that whoever cooks the other does the dishes) but tonight we made our own dinners that deal is off. But he still did mine so I could focus on homework. Love him!

January 26

I was walking to a restaurant and had to pass a kiosk that typically has pushy people trying to sell something. Today though, the guy asked how my night was going and then complimented me on my coat. What a nice guy!

January 25

A little late on this one. Today I enjoyed the kindness of a stranger holding one of the doors in a double door building, then thanked me when I held the other door for him.

January 24

Warning- this post is from a proud mom. Today, my nearly two year old son was given the kindness award at his "school" today. He is a really nice boy at home, but we are so pleased he's a good boy away from us too!

January 23

While waiting in line at the Starbucks on campus this morning, a student passed out. She was okay, but I was amazed at how many people quickly came to help her, from the great Starbucks staff to several people in line. It was great to see people helping others.

January 22

Today my wonderful husband took our son out for a bit so I could get homework and my workout done. It was so helpful.

January 21

Today I drove a few hours to meet a friend for a play date. We ended up in Barstow, CA. It was a cold and very windy day, so after an hour of playing at the park, the kids needed to play inside. I called the main line for the outlet mall in the area to see if their food court had a play area for kids. The woman who answered was the best customer service representative I have ever worked with. She informed me that they did not have an area for kids. When I explained that we were from out of town and what we are looking for, he gave me a couple of ideas then offered to give me directions to those areas. None of those places were a part of her place of employment. I was so impressed at how willing she was to help us find a good place for our kids to play.

January 20

Today I had to go to a casino for work. Leaving the property, not one but two different gentlemen held doors for me and the person I was with. Chivalry still exists!

January 19

I hosted a wonderful couple at an event today. They said thank you to everyone they came in contact with, and they said it many times. They are an example of great people.

January 18

Many times I have to wait in line to go to bathroom at work (it is a long story). Today the girl in front of me asked if I wanted to go in front of her. That is the first time that has happened to me.

January 17

College kids are interesting. Some of them are great. The one young student I came across was a good one. He made sure to ask my group if he could take our chair. He then put up with three "older" ladies when we razzed him.

January 16

I went shopping at Costco today. After loading my groceries in my car, I was getting ready to put my cart back when someone who was walking in offered to take it. It was nice not to have to walk across the parking lot to put the cart back.

January 15

All three people who helped my son and me at Target were over and above nice and all three interacted with my son.

January 14

Today I toast the bartender who is liberal with their pour of a glass of wine. Here's to those great bartenders who give a little extra.

January 13

For his job, my husband has to go to the same bank four days a week. When he left today, a teller, not the one who helped him today, told him to have a good weekend. Nice to offer greetings especially when they are not expected.

January 12

Wow. Today a friend told me that this blog has inspired her. She didn't have to tell me this, but I was so humbled. Thank you.

January 11

I brought my son to work this afternoon. While walking to my office, a random girl told me how cute my son was. I believe he's the most adorable thing ever, and I know I am biased. But it's nice to see that others see it too, and to tell me randomly.

January 10

Today I spent time with an incredible woman. She works for Zappos and is in charge of their work to improve downtown Las Vegas (aka, Freemont St.) She gave us a tour of what will soon be Zappos world headquarters, but currently is still city hall. We saw jail cells where mobsters were held, the mayors office, and then she took us to the Zappo's owners downtown apartment (he wasn't there). It was an amazing experience, but for me, she made it even better with her attitude. Every single place we went, she said hello to every single person she met. Homeless or millionaire, she gave them a smile and a hello. We mentioned how friendly she was and she said, "I say hello to everyone because I might be the only person who is nice to them today". If only we all lived that way.

January 9

A week ago, a friend shared with me that JCPenny's was having a great sale on a kids patio set. The sale was so amazing, it seemed too good to be true. And sure enough, it was. I got an email saying they priced it wrong, but they would honor the price for as they had stock. Today I got an email that they did run out of stock before they could fulfill my order, but gave me a gift certificate for over three times what the original deal was. Not exactly random kindness but a great example of customer service.

January 8

My not quite two year old and I went to the mall today. I decided we would both walk - I thought he would like going up the escalator and I couldn't find the stroller. That meant that i was using one hand for my son and the other for my purchases. A very nice young man held the door for us when we were leaving. I was so thankful.

January 7

It is not necessary to do the "thank you wave" while driving, but it is nice when it happens. I let someone turn in front of me this afternoon and they did the wave. It makes me a little happier.

January 6

I hung out with great people tonight. Sure, that's not terribly random, but being able to have great conversations is a good thing, and I will take it.

January 5

People were so courteous driving today. Two parts of my drive I have to merge into traffic, and no one cut me off. Everyone traveled nicely today.

January 4

I'm in my mid 30's, which is "ma'am" territory. You know, that age when you are called "ma'am" instead of "miss". I once had a discussion with a southern gentleman who claimed that "ma'am" was fine for all ages of women, but I disagree. I think women begin their adult life as "miss" but then transition to "ma'am" at some point. At my age, most people see me as a ma'am. So I was so pleased for the check out guy at a store called me "miss" not once but twice tonight!

January 3rd

My uncle passed away two weeks ago. I left to go back east on a Monday, and with the holidays, today was the first day I have seen many co workers. I was so surprised to have five different co workers express their condolences. I was not expecting so many people to remember what we have been through.

January 2nd

I am a big fan of casual conversation with strangers. You know, the "nice weather" comment while waiting in an elevator, etc. It helps make the time go by faster, and I feel is just a nice thing to do. Today, I had two people randomly start a casual conversation with me. First, when I exchanged two shirts at the store, the worker who did my exchange was over and above nice - way more than what was required of him. Secondly, at the grocery store, my check out girl was so very friendly. These two conversations made my day.

January 1

A simple act - my husband watched our son after he got up so I could go back to bed. It was a fun night last night but I was up way past my bedtime- it was so nice to catch a few extra zzz's.

Introduction to the blog

I believe that life is not always about the big things. I think when the small things are taken care of, they help create the big things.

That's why I am a fan of small, random acts of kindness. A person holding a door, a smile while walking by, or doing something without being asked can make a big difference in a person's day, even when it doesn't feel like a big thing.

With that, I am creating this blog to share one random act of kindness a day. I will do this for every day in 2012. It can be something that someone does for me, something I see, or a random act that is shared with me. I want to be reminded on my bad days that the small things can make an impact, and I hope you will share your random acts with me to share the good in people to others.

A reminder of beauty.