35 By 35


So let me start by saying; in general, I’m a pretty nice person (if I do say so myself).  I’ll be the first to smile at someone in the morning and say "hello" at first sight.  I try to offer help or even comforting words when I see the slightest need.  Matter of fact, while I was coming up with this list, I felt like I was doing things that could have been included on the list but since I was already attempting to complete the task, I didn’t want to cheat and add it here.  (Especially volunteering to coach my daughter’s cheer team.)

Now, I can't take credit for the idea all on my own.  I actually stumbled across it while browsing Pinterest one day.  Feel free to check out the original post here.

Although I loved the idea, I did need to change it to more match my own personal goals since I wanted to be challenged by the list and force myself to step outside of my comfort zone.  A few of the ones listed on Kara’s list are already a part of my every day (or every quarter) life style such as donating clothes or books.  (I’m not one to hold a garage sale; I’d rather just take it and drop it off somewhere for instant gratification of having free space.)

That being said, I loved the idea of having something tangible to keep me grounded. Something that would encourage me to make the last stretch of my 34th year carry some weight. Something that would not just push me to be a better person but do more by having a list that will take me out of my normal, every day routine.

Here are my somethings. My list of 35 acts of kindness that I would like to accomplish before my 35th birthday, which is coming up much faster than I anticipated...

  1. Leave something simple on someone's doorstep who could appreciate the gesture.
  2. Put positive notes around town for strangers.
  3. Compliment a stranger.
  4. Mail a card or letter to a friend just because.
  5. Volunteer. (Not with DARC.)
  6. Pay for the person behind you.
  7. Hide money for a stranger to find.
  8. Clean up an area around town that you love.
  9. Help a stranger with their groceries.
  10. Send dessert to a stranger's table.
  11. Leave a BIG tip!
  12. Pay for someone's dinner/meal.
  13. Tell a mom you don't know that she's doing a great job.
  14. Appreciate someone who is under appreciated.
  15. Help someone do something they can't do without your help.
  16. Buy something from someone's Amazon Wishlist and have it mailed to them.
  17. Hide Easter eggs throughout the city with treats inside them.
  18. Compliment someone to their boss.
  19. Provide dinner to a neighbor or friend who is busy or overwhelmed. 
  20. Make a donation to the Denton Animal Shelter.
  21. Leave a book you really like some where with a note.
  22. Buy an extra umbrella and keep it in your car; next time it's raining and you see someone without one, gift them that umbrella.
  23. Do something or give something to thank the mail person.
  24. Do something or give something to thank the garbage men/recycling men.
  25. Leave quarters in the Quarter Machines at a grocery store to surprise a little one.
  26. Follow up with someone you know who has been dealing with something 'heavy'.
  27. Loan someone money on Kiva.org to help someone's dream come true.
  28. Create a jar of happiness for someone. List all sorts of compliments & motivators for an instant pick-me-up.
  29. Place inspiring notes in the restroom at work to inspire ladies. 
  30. Pay it forward at the vending machine.
  31. Place pennies heads up on the sidewalk.
  32. Take a tasty treat to work for collogues for no reason.
  33. Mow someone's yard without being asked and for no charge.
  34. Donate to a local charity.
  35. Print pictures for someone of them or loved ones. 

 

To be able to keep track of my list, I have written it (with very few errors) and placed it inside my Happy Planner. This way, it is with me at all times and serves as a (not so gentle) reminder to make sure I start crossing things off that list.  After all... Thirty-five will be here before I know it. 

35 By 35

35 By 35

Just ignore that one without a number... or a box... it's a duplicate, or an 'oops' as  you can see.

Just ignore that one without a number... or a box... it's a duplicate, or an 'oops' as  you can see.

 

(I believe the actual day count right now, August 14th, until Sept 16th (my 35th birthday) is down to 32 days! That's less than 1 RAK a day!)

Wish Me Luck!

~Kim

 

 

Wednesday Is My Run Day

If you have ever been near Oak St. in Denton on a Wednesday evening, you might have noticed a group of people standing around in their gym clothes (some more attractive than others). This is the Oak St. Draft House Social Run presented by The Denton Area Running Club  (DARC). Every Wednesday, throughout the year we take to the streets for a social 5k, it's, "give or take, 3 miles". There are a few rotating routes, but they are always posted ahead of time and easy to follow. Now, I know what you're thinking; "I'm not a runner", "FIVE MILES?" (No, it's only 3...), "I'm too slow.", "I have my kids.". It doesn't matter your excuse, we have the answer for that! The DARC is always encouraging runners/walkers of all ages and abilities to come meet and socialize. Even families and furry friends are welcome! I might have been seen helping my daughter with training wheels a few weeks back on a run.  Now, don't get me wrong, we do also have some Road Runners who finish at the first of the pack each week; if that's your group, they'd love to race down the hill with you to finish.

Denton Area Running Club's Wednesday Night Social Run at Oak Street Draft House.

The run starts and finishes at Oak St. Draft House & Cocktail Parlor. Think, Central Perk from Friends, with less caffeine and more alcohol; same amount of memories. Now, I will warn you, I am extremely partial to OSDHCP and their sister bar, East Side Denton but I'll save that love fest for another post. 

Hand Blown glass taps make for a unique atmosphere.

 What is the best way to celebrate a great run you ask? But of course, with a free shot! Make sure you have your I.D. and some funds (because you always grab a craft beer to chase that shot) and head to the front door where you'll be greeted with a golden ticket! Ok, It's probably not golden, and it might look like any other raffle ticket, but this one gets you alcohol!  Find your way out the back door to the patio that has it's own outdoor bar; there you can rest your legs or maybe even catch a game of Ping-Pong.  Don't let the temperature get to you either! There are always fans and heaters going to keep you comfortable.

Oak Street Draft House in Denton, TX

So next Wednesday night, the place to be, is Oak Street!  Please, come join us for a Social Run, a drink, a laugh, or come volunteer!  The Denton Area Running Club is doing great things and is working hard to prepare for the Inaugural Downtown Denton Turkey Trot to be held on Thanksgiving morning. We will be holding registrations at the social run for a simple and efficient way to sign up the whole family! 

Downtown Denton Turkey Trot 2015

Downtown Denton Turkey Trot 2015

Want more information about DARC or our Denton Turkey Trot 2015? Let me know! We also still have plenty of opportunities for sponsorship and volunteering at the chip-timed race. Or sign up here!

See you Wednesday! 

 ~Kim