Tuesday, August 31, 2010

26 Reasons I feel Happy!

This year was hands down the most beautiful, happy, memorable and easily the most exhausting birthday I've ever had and I hope to never forget it. It went a little something like this:

1. Started the day off with a 26% OFF special at whippycake.com

2. Woke up early (on a Saturday!!!) so I could actually shower, which in and of itself was a random act of kindness towards my bed buddy (showers are a special occasion for me, gross but true). Then I made supreme pancakes with fresh strawberries, whip cream, bacon and eggs. I almost never make breakfast so even though it was second breakfast for everyone in the house I'm hoping they enjoyed it because I made so much they had to eat it for lunch too.

3. I dropped off some cupcakes and a card at my post office for all my guys who have my back and treat me well. They call me "whippy" or "whippy cakes" so that's why they got cupcakes.They probably get sick of seeing me several times every week but I'm not going anywhere.

4. I purchased a book of stamps while at the post office and asked the clerk to give them to a random customer with a card full of my best wishes.

5. I hit up Costco and loaded up on Dr. Pepper, Red Vines, Gum, and fresh chips and salsa and took them to my community fire department with my pocket full of sunshine, Miss Jessi. The plan was to leave them at the front desk or something but I guess they don't have a front desk. Instead we were greeted by a pack of dudes who were bored on a slow day. They were fired up about the GINO load of gum and then I pretty much imploded inside when they offered to give us a grand tour. I'd never been to a fire department orrrr seen a fire truck up close so it was unexpected and beyond super awesome! I learned so much about what they do and how much they sacrifice so I promised myself to devote a super post to them later with all the juice.

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6. Delivered flowers to someone brave who I admire.

7. Placed cards with happy wishes and tidings full of sunshine on random cars throughout the day.

8. Delivered crayons, markers colored pencils, notebooks, bubbles, giant toy balls, play dough, jelly bracelets and Glamour Bands to the pediatric unit at Mercy Gilbert Hospital. They have a special closet where the mini patience get to pick out something special after they have a painful procedure done. I learned that they always need donations wink* wink*.

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9. Skipped on up to Labor and Delivery on the 3rd floor of Mercy Gilbert and donated 20 more unique Glamour Bands for the newborn babies and the mommies. Stopped and stared at the newborns through the window for 5 minutes. Then realized the boy babies got screwed and I am feeling really guilty about that so I promise to go back with something great for them. (special thanks to Jessi and Carli for helping me whip out so many Glamour Bands on Saturday.)

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10. Purchased 2 dozen roses and had the nurses give them away to the particularly lonely patients in the ICU.

11. Dropped off a Thank You card and candy bars to Richard my go to Business Banker who saves my life on a weekly basis.

12. Dropped off bulk bag of dog treats to the Healing Hearts & Animal Sanctuary with a tray of cupcakes for the volunteers.

13. Purchased gift cards to Circle-K and Little Caesars Pizza with a thank you card for the LDS Missionaries.

14. Purchased movie tickets, popcorn and candy for a deserving couple.

15. Dropped off a MONDO apple pie at the Urgent Care that frequently treats my children.

16. Arranged for my sister Aubrey to purchased man food (soda, beef jerky and candy bars) for her husband to take to work at the police station he works for. (I never was a positive influence for healthy nutrition).

17. Made a silly video for my twin brother to show him how much I miss not spending our birthday together like we should. Brad on a Stick is the next best thing I suppose.

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18. Took my kids to the seminary building by my house and had them pass out candy bars to a class of teenagers. I also passed out blank cards to them and requested they do a random act of kindness for someone who could use a happy moment. Brother Goodman was the happiest teacher I've ever met and I wanted to sit right down and join his class.

19. Took a box of ice cold bottles of Gatorade to a group of construction workers by my house.

20. Purchased 26 balloons and walked around the store with a "Free Balloons" sign and gave one to every child we saw. Photobucket

21. Purchased a $10 Circle-K and asked the clerk to give it to a future customer.

22. Bought Panda Express for the person behind me in the drive through line.

23. Saw two police cars at Chick Fil A so I pulled over and purchased two gift cards and had the clerk hand them to the two gentlemen after I left. (got a soft spot for the officers because I'm a bug fan of my Bro. In Law who is on the force as well, they totally don't make as much as they should!)

24. Learned how to send care packages to our military troops through AnySoldier.com. Mine includes new poker cards, card games and poker chips as well as hygiene products and of course letters of appreciation. The site runs by 110% volunteer work and makes it easy to find troops by where they are located, what they need and how recently they have received care packages. You get to read letters from them as well. I am super excited I found the site and can't wait to become a regular sponsor.

25. Put together a Whippy Cake package for my pediatrician because she is as cute and sweet as they come and she gives my kids the best care I could ask for.

26. This one is a top secret and sensitive endeavor that will be revealed at a later date but I promise it will be rewarding to all of us and worth the wait.

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So that's it, kind of wish I was older because that doesn't seem like very much but here are some things I learned:

- The weekends make it harder to serve the public, like teachers, construction workers etc.

- Call ahead if and when possible.

- The bigger your posse of do gooders the more you can get done.

- don't leave chocolate in your car in AZ for more than a minute.

- Explaining why you would like the clerk to give x, y or z to the next random customer always sounds awkward and a little crazy no matter how many times you try it or how you word it.

- Anonymous giving is my FAVORITE!

- A day of RAOK will induce a coma on anyone.

- I am not and should never be a film maker. Ever.

- All the businesses around us and their employees do not get the appreciation they deserve.

- Krispy Kreme closes at 9:55pm not 10pm like they tell you on the phone and no amount of begging or pouting through the window will get them to open up.

- It's ok to have a bad hair day on your birthday.

- Family, friends and neighbors are awesome, especially awesome to serve and celebrate with!

- Most importantly, and I really mean this, the act of kindness doesn't and shouldn't need to be a special occasion. I couldn't believe the feelings I felt from just ONE day of service and I am embarrassed I don't take advantage of opportunities more frequently. I could be even more happy than I already am so why wouldn't I?!?!

-I was also painfully aware of how often others' kind deeds towards me go unnoticed and that I also fail to really share and express my appreciation to those who help and serve me. It definitely didn't feel good during the instances where my deeds were pushed aside or went unnoticed so I want to be vividly aware of others needs and deeds around me from now on.

- I missed my twin :(

53 comments:

Bret said...

Wow baby, you are so amazing! I think you only mentioned like half of your list to me. When you first told me about this idea I thought you were loco en la cabeza, but really what better way to feel true happiness than to serve others? I submit to you there is none! I'm so glad you did this babe and I hope it inspires all you Whippy Cake readers out there in Blog-land to find real happiness by looking outward and helping those around us. FYI, My RAOK was to mow my neighbor's lawn (you didn't think she would let me get away with not doing one, did you?) ily baby.

Katie Wolfley said...

Becki, you inspired me by reading your post. I am going to go out and do some random acts of kindness. Thank you for reminding me it is better to give then receive. I hope you had a great birthday & I love your hair accessories. You are very talented and obviously beautiful on the inside and out. Thank you again.

Heather said...

What an awesome way to spend your birthday! Thanks for all of the inspirational ideas!

Krissa said...

WOW! that is really all i can say... how did you come up with all those ideas... haha... seriously awesome!!!
it inspires me to do more RAOK....THANK YOU!!!!

Venassa said...

You are amazing. I love this post.
I also love your brother on a stick. It reminds me of 'Paper Me' that me and my former roommate created out of boredom, but it ended up travelling to Europe and the Philipinnes with him.

Katie's Krazy Klan said...

What better gift to recieve then to know that you DO indeed inspire people to do good! What a great post. Thanks. You are amazing.

Donna @ Party Wishes said...

Thanks so much for sharing your birthday fun! I took advantage of your RAOK discount and yesterday I delivered some chips, salsa and Diet Dr. Pepper for a friend in need. I will do this (RAOK) for my birthday in January for everyone's post-holiday let down :)

Chelsea Coon said...

This is awesome...im inspired to do the same thing! My birthday is around christmas so what better way to feel the christmas spirit than to serve...love the idea!

Craft That Party said...

what an awesome thing to do on your birthday! i am inspired!

Christy Segelhorst said...

Wow! So inspiring! Thank you for sharing this. I've been following Whippy Cake on FB but this is the first time I've clicked over to your blog and I can't express how glad I am that I did. Halfway through the post I was already planning our own RAOK day. I'll be sharing this post with everyone I know.

Kelsee said...

I am all misty eyed from reading this. I turn 26 in October and I think I may need to do something like this. When we get older our birthdays seem to kind of run together, especially having little kids, your birthday isn't quite as glamorous as it used to be. Thank you for this wonderful post! -Kelsee

Joanna said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful birthday, less the good deeds going unnoticed part. I took advantage of the discount and can't wait to get it in the mail to sport around the valley. Also, I will keep my eyes open for your top secret #26. :)

Anonymous said...

Very amazing and SO inspiring! You did such a great job, happy belated birthday! :) ~Sam

Morgan said...

Wowza! You are amazing. Your day was seriously full of service. I love being about to give service for no reason other than it is great! Happy Birthday.

Kaelene said...

Wow, this post was amazing! You wern't kinding! What a awsome thing to do.

Marit said...

Totally awesome!! I have something similar planned for my own birthday, later this month :)

Happy birthday!! :)

Dancing Sweet Pea said...

You are incredible and such an inspiration!

Jessi said...

Happy Birthday Sweet Friend.

I'm always in for being part of your posse!

Me :)

Nicole @ Haute Runner said...

Happy Birthday! What an inspiration! How selfless to spend your birthday making other people feel good.

Trina said...

Okay, it's a done deal. next b-day is a roak b-day! thanks for the inspiration!

Tara L. Stradling said...

I am TOTALLY inspired. Completely. Utterly. And Totally.

I turn 40 in November. 40 RAOKs sound incredible, yet I think I'm gonna totally let my inspiration of you be my guide and just DO IT.

I used to always pay for the car behind me at Taco Bell. One time it was a Suburban and the bill came to like $30. That's a LOT of food at Taco Bell. I was giggling with giddy excitement as I left. I miss that feeling and will do better to make it more common in my life.

Thanks again m'dear. You're adorable in every way possible...

Bryndee said...

i just want to say thankyou, because that was my seminary you went to :) you are so inspiring! :D
love,
bryndee, age 16 :)

Bryndee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Allison said...

Becki, you are SUCH an inspiration. I find such happiness in the fact that your entire day was filled with do-gooding, and yet YOU felt like you had the best day ever. I can dream of being as selfless as you are, and dream I do, because that is just some AMAZING stuff right there. Thank you for posting this so I now have ideas of how to serve my community, but also just because you are a WONDERFUL woman and I want you to know that. Thank you, and happy birthday!!

The Lyons' said...

Totally doing this! Love it!

Stephanie said...

You totally rock!!! You have always been such a loving warm person!! I so am going to do this for my birthday which will be my 29th!!! Thanks for the idea and keep on giving!!!!

Leah R said...

You are so awesome! =) you have inspired me to do a bunch of RAOK every day now.....Thanks for posting this!

ConnieB said...

I'm so glad you had a great birthday! I just turned 25 two weeks ago and I was sick! haha And Brad on a stick is hilarious!

Mandy Ford Art & Illustration said...

Wow - this is truly inspiring. Thanks for sharing all of these lovely and selfless acts of kindness you shared. :) I found your blog through an advertisement for your headbands...they are adorable!

Mandy @ This Girl's Life

D@nielle said...

wow I'm just in awe ! You must be the sweetest person in blogland !

Kasey said...

I'm new here...and have to say i love.love.love your line.

Wendy said...

What a totally, absolutely amazing thing to do on your own birthday! I'm afraid I'm not nearly so unselfish, but I hope to follow your example better.

Tyson and Dawn Jolley said...

I cant believe you did that all in one day! My sister-in-law lives in Gilbert too, you two would be best friends, I swear! This is a really inspiring post and I really appreciated hearing it, and especially hearing that there are still lots of kind and deserving people out there just like you!

Heather @ Glitter and Gloss said...

You are just too sweet! I'm actually having a raok weekend and making special necklaces and sending them out to some customers, and I also have a few packaged up and in my purse, waiting to give to whatever random strangers I meet!

My husband is a firefighter and he and his crew would have been stoked to have you drop by! LOL!! Happy belated birthday!!!!

Unknown said...

Um I barely have time to READ your list of ROAK but yet you accomplished all that in 1 day. You are super woman. I have been inspired by far! Love what you do, whippy cake is SO CUTE! I am excited to follow this blog

Anonymous said...

Most Awesome birthday post on a blog I've ever read! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

One of the best birthday blogs I have ever read! Sounds like you had a spectacular Day! Happy Birthday!

-Mimi Galore

Nikki said...

I was wondering if you can give me the status of my order? I order in August #1004. I was hoping to have them for this weekend but I knew probably not. However, I have a bridal shower that I would love to wear them 2 on Friday. Can you let me know when they will be shipped? I know I probably will get them the day after because I only live in San Tan Valley (Queen Creek). Thanks again for any help, I am excited. nicholebillingsley@cox.net

Amy said...

Wow. You are seriously inspiring! Thank you for sharing all the wonderful ways you served people on your birthday! What a rewarding way to spend your day. I'm definitely going to make a goal to serve people more often... and if you're ever in Las Vegas, my good 'ol dad is a fireman and you can go visit his station anytime :)

Debbie said...

you are definitely an inspiration!!! I will have to do that next year for my 41st!!!!! i love the idea...I turned 40 august 17th so my bday is over...doesn't mean though i can't keep giving and serving!!! i will steal your idea next year...thank you for your service to the medical personnel...

Jan said...

I just found you through The Lettered Cottage....I'm so glad I did! You, my new friend, are awesome! I am so emotional over all of the people who's days are brighter because of you! You are an inspiration to all! I left your link on my Facebook page.

emilyc @ Sew Super Sweet said...

You are LOVE and KINDNESS in motion! Awe-inspiring!

(ps Happy Birthday!)

Anonymous said...

I love this idea. RAOK have been my main focus this school year. My students have enjoyed doing the deeds as much as I have. Thanks for sharing.

Sarah said...

ok...so not only are you so stinkin pretty...but you are so stinkin talented....AND so stinking NICE too?!

you are inspirational, doll!

Cara Sexton said...

Wow, just stumbled upon your blog. I want to be you when I grow up... even if you're younger than me. Thanks for doing something truly inspiring.

Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girl said...

Awesome awesome awesome!! Just found this through TLC and am so glad I did! Feeling really inspired to make someone's day a little brighter now...thanks! Blessings to you and your family!

Tracy @ Crème de la Gems said...

You are a LOVE Becki :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Ditto on what Cara @ Whimsy Smitten said ;)

xo

Sara E said...

you inspire me! What a fabulous birthday gift. I will definitely make a point to RAK someone in some special way, even if it's really small... each day.
I also shared this list of yours on my Plaid Punch fan page earlier today :)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Plaid-Punch/174522122593178

The Little Red Shop said...

God Bless you!

: )

Julie M.

cheril said...

I just found your blog through the Lettered
Cottage. I am so inspired and reading all that you did has brought tears to my eyes. One never really knows how the simple acts of kindness are going to affect the day of an unknown person. I am 55 this year and hope to grow up to be just like you. Thank you!

Allison @ Quaint Oaks said...

Beautiful! We are trying to instill kindness in our 7th graders by talking about Random Acts of Kindness. I think I will share your post with them and inspire them to do some good! You're truly inspirational.

Claire said...

Happy Birthday! What an inspiring post. I realy want to do this for my birthday which is in just a few weeks. Hopefully I can pull it all together. Finding ways to serve sounds way more fun than sitting around feeling old! :)

Kurtzhals said...

Happy Birthday! Came from TLC...
I have been thinking of the best way to spend my big 3-0 this year....think I just found it.
XO
Shelly