Being a Volunteer

Lately I have been thinking of volunteering and I saw this from the Red cross site of some tips.. But then I thought hey this is good advice for life too.. How cool is that..


Volunteering is fun and rewarding, but it’s also a little more complicated than just showing up and having a good time. Here’s some advice on how to make the most of your volunteer work:

1.Be selfless. Selfless is the opposite of selfish. Don’t think about what you can do to help yourself. Think about what you can do to help others.

2.Be well-trained. Know what you’re doing as a volunteer. If you need some time to learn your job, take that time. If you need training or need someone to show you what you’re supposed to do, speak up. If you’re good at your job, it will be much easier to help others (plus you’ll have a lot more fun).

3. Be dependable. Do what you say you’ll do, and do your best. Don’t show up late, and always keep your promises. People will be relying on you so you don’t want to let them down.

4. Be enthusiastic. Don’t moan and groan your way through your volunteer work. If you really don’t like what you’re doing, find something else. Always have a positive attitude and show others that you’re doing this because you WANT to.

5. Be open-minded. One of the really great things about being a volunteer is the chance to learn and experience new things. Keep your mind open to new possibilities, and you’ll probably grow as a person.

6.Be respectful. Always remember to show respect for other people and other cultures. Keep in mind that your way of thinking or living is not the only way there is.

7.Be cooperative. Don’t be a “hot shot” or a loner. Don’t try to do everything yourself. Work as part of a team to make sure everyone gets a chance to participate and do his or her fair share of work. If someone asks for help, be willing to lend a hand. If you need some help, ask politely for it.

8.Be understanding. Try to see things through other people’s eyes. Try your best to understand what other people are going through, even if it’s something you’ve never dealt with yourself.

9.Be humble. Humble people don’t brag or go around telling everyone about all the good things they’ve done just to get some attention or feel superior. They’re happy knowing that they’re making a difference, and don’t need to shout about it.

10.Be friendly. Treat others like friends, and they’ll do the same for you. Many people who volunteer meet new people with whom they want to stay friends. You might just meet someone who becomes a buddy for the rest of your life!

I thought what awesome tips!

Fun Times

I am feeling like I am missing some fun times..
My hubby resently got to go to Great Americia (a Friend paid for him)
A few weeks ago.
Today he has gone to a Cub game..Which another friend just happened
to have a extra ticket..

We are hurting very bad financially and I have felt the need to cut back allot.. He has worked so hard this year and been in such a slump.. So when these two events game up for him I was happy for him.

BUT at the same time I feel like I am missing fun..
So I have to make one of my lists again...
What is fun for me????
If only just to think of these things sometimes it helps.

Free:
1. Going to Library.
2. Going to park to watch kids play or base ball game
3. Sitting with a friend in there back yard with a pop
4. Reading a book
5. Making a bracelet (which I have tons of beads so its free for now)
6. Looking at old pictures
7. Crocheting (yarn I have plenty of)
8. Doing my nails (polishing and creams on them that I have plenty of)
9. Writing in my journal (which I have plenty need filling )
10. Playing games on FB..

So thats my Free list... Now IF I still had money fun would BE:

1. A spa day.. Nails, pedcure, and facal..
2. A bookstore with some awesome cold coffee
3. Shopping for shoes.. I would love to get a pair of those excerise shoes.
4. Going to a craft show
5. Going to a flea Market.. Heard about a big one in In recently.
6. Going to The Adler Planetarium.. I used to love the field trips there.
7. Going to Ikea for a swedish lunch and still searching for that dream pillow..
8. Going on a downtown boat ride and people watching at Navy Pier.
9. Going to the botical gardens and riding the tram.
10. Brookfield Zoo

But then all these are just dreams and lists..
But I can do the free stuff and be grateful at that..
There could be so many things worse going on right now..
I am SO grateful for what I have..

Thinking of Others

May - WOW... I have so many birthdays this month.. A total of 10 people I
call friends I would not want to live without.. May 1st and 2nd
were my sister N laws... And my dear hubby is at the end of the month..

So in honor of this I will have this at the top of the hope for List:

1. Update a permant calander of all my cherished people in my life and
new friends in my life.
2. Have a better place for the cards that I find and just have to give..
3. Keep a better place of my recyle gifts and lists of gift ideas.
4. Notice and be thankful for the little touches of those I love..
5. Keep a active thankful and prayer list for my close friends..
6. Keep enjoying walks outside and being thankful Rain or shine...
7. Be true to myself and speak up when people hurt me..
8. Be true to others and encourage those who are down..
9. Sharing with others when I have more than I need.
10. Stretch myself and reach out to those I dont always like..

So I guess this month I will be hoping and thinking of reaching to others..
They do save its better to give than recieve..