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starbuck8
Apr 26, 2008, 04:03 AM
Hi all!

I thought it might be interesting to hear stories about "random acts of kindness" from everyone. Something you did for someone? Something someone did for you? Something you saw someone do for someone else?

It doesn't matter how big or small... or how insignificant it might seem.

I'll start it off just to get everyone going! ;)

I went to the grocery store lastnite just before closing time. As I was leaving, I saw an elderly lady with a cart full of groceries that was on the phone calling a cab. I heard her say... "20 mins until you can get here?...the store is closing and I will have to wait outside in the cold with my groceries!"

I introduced myself, and told her that I would wait with her because it was dark, and if she got too cold she could warm up in my van. I also offered her a ride home, but she declined. (can't blame her... she didn't know me from Adam) The store locked their doors, and we stood in the parking lot and had a nice chat until her cab pulled up. The cab driver and I helped her with her groceries, and before she left she came up to me and said... "you are a sweet girl"... and she gave me a kiss on the cheek.

I came home with such a high, for something that I didn't even feel was out of my way to do for someone! :)

I'm going to try and do something as often as I can from now on... even if it's something little, to try and make someone's day just a bit brighter!

Anyone else game? ;)

ChihuahuaMomma
Apr 26, 2008, 04:07 AM
I came out of a packed 7-11 today, got into my car, and looked over to realize that the person parked next to me had a flat tire. I waited in my car for twenty minutes for the owner of the car to come out so that I could tell them that they had a flat tire. I would want someone to do the same for me. It would suck to go all the way home and realize it when you could have just taken care of it at the gas station. They thanked me.

starbuck8
Apr 26, 2008, 04:13 AM
Right on! Good for you! They could have wrecked their tire and their rim, and it probably saved them a lot of money. Kudos!

Fr_Chuck
Apr 26, 2008, 05:41 AM
I rescued a couple off their balcony last night, they went out and the sliding door locked behind them.

starbuck8
Apr 26, 2008, 06:03 AM
Stranded on balcony! Could have been fun for awhile ;), but not all night I guess eh? LOL!
Bet they were happy to see you!

Fr_Chuck
Apr 26, 2008, 06:31 AM
Yes and I got repaid for my kindness, a construction crew was here this morning "early" to fix it. So I got woke up by the banging and yelling this morning.

excon
Apr 26, 2008, 06:36 AM
Hello:

I was at a packed 7-Eleven store when this mean guy shoved me, so I went out and flattened his tires.

excon

starbuck8
Jul 3, 2008, 02:28 PM
Hello:

I was at a packed 7-Eleven store when this mean guy shoved me, so I went out and flattened his tires.

excon

I don't know how I missed your post excon! You rock! ;) :D You make me want to go flatten a few tires! LOL!

Rockstar714
Jul 3, 2008, 02:57 PM
Thanks Ex-con for that post, It totally brightened my day (its been a rough one)!

I used to work at Starbucks and we would have people (especially during the holidays) pay for the order for the person behind them, we had it up to 19 cars one time that had each paid for the one behind them. Even though I wasn't directly involved it still felt good.

starbuck8
Jul 3, 2008, 03:12 PM
Thanks Ex-con for that post, It totally brightened my day (its been a rough one)!

I used to work at Starbucks and we would have people (especially during the holidays) pay for the order for the person behind them, we had it up to 19 cars one time that had each paid for the one behind them. Even though I wasn't directly involved it still felt good.

That's cool! It really does make your day a bit better when things like that happen! How is your weather? I just watched on TV a bit ago, that Seattle had some awful thunderstorms and flooding! :eek: We quite often get the aftermath of the weather in WA.

EDIT: I have to say, that your commercials for the Puyallup fair drive me insane! LOL! I can't get the song out of my head all day after I hear it! ;)

Rockstar714
Jul 3, 2008, 03:14 PM
The thunderstorms were amazing. They woke me up at 445 this morning and the cats and I watched them until I had to go to work. :)
Today is fine, really mild, and the past couple days its been really hot.
Sorry you get our aftermath, I'm tired of the rain. Haha

starbuck8
Jul 3, 2008, 03:18 PM
We've had a ton of rain too! The last week and a half or so have been pretty nice though. It's close to 90 degrees right now, and nice blue skies... but I hear they're forecasting rain for tomorrow! :( Figures! The wkd is coming right? ;)

Another Edit: haha! I'm in Alberta, so not terribly far from you. That is why we usually end up with your weather.

Rockstar714
Jul 3, 2008, 03:28 PM
I like canada, I wish I lived there...

starbuck8
Jul 3, 2008, 03:32 PM
Careful what you wish for! ;) Although, I guess your winters are close to as bad as ours can be sometimes! A HAPPY 4TH TO YOU! Our Canada Day was last weekend!

Rockstar714
Jul 3, 2008, 03:36 PM
Thanks!
I just like change, I wouldn't mind living there, I really wouldn't.
Although, I wish everywhere was like socal. That's some perfect weather (on the coast, at least)...

Here is a random act of kindness speaking of socal

I was a poor college student and one of the customers at starbucks had heard through another employee that I had no where to go on thanksgiving, so she got my number, called me and told me to meet her at starbucks. She had fixed me a plate of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy and pumpkin pie. :) It sure beat the 99 cent chicken sandwich from jack in the box that I was going to have. Haha

starbuck8
Jul 3, 2008, 03:46 PM
Awww, that is so sweet! Some people are just so kind!

I really must give a shout out to my "Alty" girl on AMHD! I was going through some very rough times with my ex. Without ever meeting me or speaking to me even on the phone... just our short convo's on here, she offered to open her home to me, if I ever needed to get away! She didn't know me from a hole in the ground. That was really only about 6 months ago, and she has become a very caring and trusted friend. Her children call me Auntie, and they are all just very caring people. So I really have to say... thankyou Alty!. I don't know what I would do without you! :D

Alty
Jul 7, 2008, 02:42 PM
Awww, that is so sweet!! Some people are just so kind!!

I really must give a shout out to my "Alty" girl on AMHD! I was going through some very rough times with my ex. Without ever meeting me or speaking to me even on the phone...just our short convo's on here, she offered to open her home to me, if I ever needed to get away! She didn't know me from a hole in the ground. That was really only about 6 months ago, and she has become a very caring and trusted friend. Her children call me Auntie, and they are all just very caring people. So I really have to say...thankyou Alty!!...I don't know what I would do without you! :D

Now I'm crying. I'm at a loss for words, that never happens. What to do, what to do? I'm so glad to know you Starby, you are a good friend. Has it only been 6 months, it seems like we've known each other forever. And I don't know what I'd do without you either. You've been there for good times, you've been there for bad, you've listened to me vent and then joined in because you're my friend. I adore you. :):)

Okay, I do have a small story, it still brings a smile to my face. Around three years ago I was driving home on a busy street and in the middle of the road was a mother duck and 7 ducklings. She was trying to cross the street with her babies, but the duckling were to small to get over the meridian. I stopped my car, and so did the lady beside me (the road was two lanes). Both of us went and caught the babies, brought them across the road to safety. At first people were honking, mad because of the delay, but when they realized what was going on, they got out of their cars and cheered. We caused quite a back up, but it was worth it. :)

Rockstar714
Jul 7, 2008, 03:03 PM
That story makes me want to cry, Alty...

Sometimes I think that the animals deserve the kindness more than humans.

Alty
Jul 7, 2008, 03:07 PM
That story makes me want to cry, Alty...

Sometimes I think that the animals deserve the kindness more than humans.

I feel the same way. :)

Rockstar714
Jul 7, 2008, 03:12 PM
There was a bear outside my apartment one day, but I wasn't going to call the cops. It's a huge wooded area, the bear can live there for all I care, it wasn't bothering me, but no some stupid person had to go and call them and get it trapped. That makes me sad. Its like we take over their habitat and then force them out too. All they want is a home...

starbuck8
Jul 7, 2008, 04:19 PM
Now I'm crying. I'm at a loss for words, that never happens. What to do, what to do? I'm so glad to know you Starby, you are a good friend. Has it only been 6 months, it seems like we've known eachother forever. And I don't know what I'd do without you either. You've been there for good times, you've been there for bad, you've listened to me vent and then joined in because you're my friend. I adore you. :):)

Okay, I do have a small story, it still brings a smile to my face. Around three years ago I was driving home on a busy street and in the middle of the road was a mother duck and 7 ducklings. She was trying to cross the street with her babies, but the duckling were to small to get over the meridian. I stopped my car, and so did the lady beside me (the road was two lanes). Both of us went and caught the babies, brought them across the road to safety. At first people were honking, mad because of the delay, but when they realized what was going on, they got out of their cars and cheered. We caused quite a back up, but it was worth it. :)

Back at you Alty! You know I lub lub lub you too! Who else would stop her car to save baby ducks but you! ;)

Rockstar, It's too bad the little bear couldn't have stayed, but he is probably happier way back in the woods with his buds. The people that called were probably worried that the bear would get aggressive and hurt someone... even children. I'm sure he's a happy Bear now! :)

Alty
Jul 7, 2008, 04:22 PM
Rockstar. One sad thing about our growing world, so many people, so little space, and we invade the space of our animals friends. Some we can coexist with, others not so much. For instance, we live near a field, there are allot of mice and sometimes they find their way into our garage or our house. Now I don't mind them in the garage, but they can carry disease, and I have kids and allot of pets. I trap them humanely and release them in a field far from our house. When they invaded my home I had to make the difficult decision to trap them with a snap trap, quick, painless, but the result is death. It broke my heart, but I have to think of my family.

Lub you too Starby, or should I say Starduck? ;)

mels mom
Jul 7, 2008, 05:21 PM
I was standing at the front of a stop and shop. Waiting to use the coin star machine. An old woman with a huge cart of groceries came up to me and said. " my car wont start , is there anyone here that can give me a ride home.?" puzzled, I looked around. I didn't know why she asked me but I said. Let me finish what I'm doing and I will. I loaded up her groceries and drove her home. On the way we talked and it came out that she thought because I was standing up at the front of the store that I was the store manager. I said no I was not. She offered to give me money and I didn't take it. When we got to her house she said her husband was recovering from heart surgery. So I helped get the groceries in. before I left they asked me why did I help if I wasn't the manager. I said I just hoped if I had been in that situation. Someone would have done it for me.

starbuck8
Jul 9, 2008, 02:12 AM
That was very nice of you "Mel's Mom"! Very kind!

Okay boys and girls! We can add more than this can't we? I know there are things you have done today!

You didn't go out and punch your neighbor for mowing his lawn at 4am?. you waved, instead of flippin the bird, at the rude girl in traffic that was on her cell phone and cut you off?

Gimme something here you guys! LOL!

Okay, here's some smiles for you!

:) :) :) :) :) :)

Rockstar714
Jul 9, 2008, 08:20 AM
No, I punched my neighbour at 5 am for mowing his lawn, not four. He has a little courtesy... haha

Um... everytime my old car would break down someone always stopped and let me use their cell phone to call AAA -- for some reason I never had my cell with me when my car broke down. I'll think of some more later, I'm sure. The caffeine needs to kick it.

HistorianChick
Jul 9, 2008, 08:34 AM
I'm going through a rough emotional day... long story... lol... but someone sent me a picture text message of a bunch of flowers and said that its going to be OK. That little random act of kindness meant the world to me.

Alty
Jul 9, 2008, 10:51 AM
Aw, HC, is there anything I can do?

Here;

10013

10014

10015

Hope this helps a bit. :)

bEaUtIfUlbRuNeTtE
Jul 9, 2008, 11:12 AM
These stories are so touching!

I consider myself a nice person every day (though I can have my moments). Often I hold the door open for strangers walking into my work building. I would see them from afar, rush to the door and open it for them. Same for the UPS and FedEx guys. Most say thank you with a smile, some a thank you with no eye contact nor smile and some don't even acknowlege me but I don't mind.

Almost every day, I say hi to any one that passes me. Stranger or not.

Hey Alty, I have had the same weather as you. Right now it's 90 degrees but the past month we have been getting nothing but thunderstorms and TONS of rain. Tomorrow is suppose to rain as well.

starbuck8
Jul 9, 2008, 12:27 PM
BeautifulBrunette? Are you sure you just don't have a thing for delivery men?? LOL! ;)

I always hold the door for both men and women. The older ones will say thank you, and smile. A lot of the younger ones will look at you like it's your job or something, and won't say a word. There have been some that,. ::eek::... will say thank you maam!. but at least they have manners!

I just thought of another random act. There are many that I can remember, and I'll post them when I think of them, or when they come along on a daily or weekly basis.

Last winter, we had a really bad snow storm. I needed to go out and get groceries, and it took me forever to brush the snow off my vehicle and scrape the windows, and warm the van enough be able to drive. When I came back from shopping, I had a ton of groceries, and I slipped and fell outside of my house.

There were a group of teenagers that were about a half block down. They all came running, and helped me out of the pile of snow. They helped me inside, and told me that they would carry everything in for me, and another asked if I had a shovel. One started shoveling, and all of a sudden, there were two more teens with shovels helping. They did my front walk and stairs, and then came around and did the back too!

After that, every once in awhile, one of those teens would just stop by when it snowed, and would shovel my walks. I offered to pay them, but they wouldn't take any money from me! :)

Alty
Jul 9, 2008, 12:32 PM
Wow, Starby, now that's an inspiration. It just goes to show, do not judge, or make assumptions, there are great people out there, people who will help someone just for the joy it brings them. What wonderful teens, they will go far in life because of their kindness, their giving nature.

HistorianChick
Jul 9, 2008, 01:48 PM
Oh Alty... its just a RAH day emotionally... email me... :)

Alty
Jul 9, 2008, 01:59 PM
Will do sweets. :)

starbuck8
Jul 9, 2008, 02:30 PM
I hope everything gets better soon Chicky girl! Look out at that beautiful ocean, and think of all of the good things. I know that sounds trivial, but I know you can pick yourself up and brush yourself off girl!

YouTube - Had A Bad Day (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBziW9qQvsc)

Alty
Jul 9, 2008, 02:50 PM
Chin up Chicky, way up, we're all here for you. Here's a little something for you, hope it brings a smile to your face:

10018

10019

10020

ordinaryguy
Jul 9, 2008, 03:25 PM
Sometimes I think that the animals deserve the kindness more than humans.
My mom used to quote this little poem:

"Be kind to all dumb animals
And give the birds a crumb.
Be kind to human beings too
For some of them are dumb."

Alty
Jul 9, 2008, 03:36 PM
Girls, we have a new victim in the castle.

Hello ordinaryguy, what shall we nickname you, your username is too long. We usually give a nickname ending in a y, but Guy is already taken, ordinary is still too long. What shall it be. OGY?

Rockstar714
Jul 9, 2008, 03:50 PM
Ogy... it almost sounds like a pet name for an Ogre. Lol... no offense ordinaryguy, that's just what came to my mind when I read what Alty wrote. And I said pet name, so it's a good thing. Lol

I like that little poem! Its so cute!

Alty
Jul 9, 2008, 04:00 PM
Oops, we aren't in the castle. My bad, been a weird day. Starby has two threads that I alternate between, this and the castle of doom, for some reason I though this was the castle. Sorry all.

I still like Ogy though, so think about it.

Rockstar, we have to give you a nickname as well. Rocky? That seems a bit obvious. Stary. We already have a Starty and a Starby, Stary would just be confusing. Rocksy? Let me know, maybe there's something you like that has nothing to do with your username. We call Friend4U - M. I'm Alty by the way. :)

Rockstar714
Jul 9, 2008, 04:03 PM
Um... hmm, a nickname for me... I don't know, I've always just been Rockstar. Lol, Roxy (or Rocksy) works though, I did that on something the other day where I had to come up with a mobster name so I became Roxy Galore. Lol

And its OK that you got confused with threads. I have been confused for days.

Alty
Jul 9, 2008, 04:04 PM
At my age I'm surprised I'm not confused more often. ;)

I like Roxy, Roxy rolla. :)

Rockstar714
Jul 9, 2008, 04:07 PM
Yay! New Nickname!

I haven't been sleeping well (I don't function on less than 8 hours) all thanks to the stress of moving.

Here is a RAOK (random act of kindness):
The apartment manager of my new apartment didn't know me from a hole in the ground and said if I wanted the apartment it was mine, he'd cancel the 4 other showings he had, so I said I wanted it. He also waived the screening/appication fee, only charged me rent for 9 days this month, gave me the keys on Monday and is willing to wait for the security deposit until the 1st of August, but is letting me move in, well, as of Monday. :)

Alty
Jul 9, 2008, 04:37 PM
Wow, that is nice Roxy. :)

It's nice to know how many kind caring people there are out there. I'm glad that we're talking about all the good things people do, it's sad the bad things usually stick in our minds more than the good.

Rockstar714
Jul 9, 2008, 06:06 PM
Yeah it is. And its really easy to focus on all the bad instead of all of the good. Thanks for this post Starby! I think its something we all have to remind ourselves of. :)

Alty
Jul 9, 2008, 06:13 PM
Yup, time to focus on the good, the bad is easier, but the good is better, and I'm sure happens more frequently then we realize. It's easier to remember the bad, because it's bad. So, a toast to the good, may it flourish and reign supreme! :)

bEaUtIfUlbRuNeTtE
Jul 10, 2008, 05:38 AM
BeautifulBrunette?? Are you sure you just don't have a thing for delivery men??? LOL!! ;)

Lol you might think that... but no, I don't.
I hold the door open for young, old, snobby, nice, rich, poor who cares?
As long as I put some sunshine in someone's day that's all that matter to me :)

starbuck8
Jul 10, 2008, 07:22 AM
I'm glad you like the thread! I actually started it when I was having a really bad day, and needed something to cheer me up! I like hearing everyones' different stories.

Alty... I never know where I am either! ;)

ISneezeFunny
Jul 10, 2008, 07:37 AM
I'm a cynic, so whenever someone's nice to me, I'm always wondering what they want from me...

HistorianChick
Jul 10, 2008, 07:39 AM
Come to FL Sneezy, I'll be nice to you... without wanting anything in return... ;)

starbuck8
Jul 10, 2008, 07:42 AM
Sneezy McSneezerson... you silly boy! Now why would you think that? All we want from you here is your great advice and funny jokes... ohhhh, and your first born! Muwahahahaha!

Morning Chicky girl! :)

ISneezeFunny
Jul 10, 2008, 07:44 AM
Starbuck, you're more than welcome to take my first born... and my second. As long as you feed them, raise them, and bring them back after 18 years ;)

HistorianChick
Jul 10, 2008, 07:45 AM
Hi Starby :) the "online, but not online" thing always has me all confuddled... :)

ISneezeFunny
Jul 10, 2008, 07:52 AM
Here's a random act of kindness.

My cable guy came into my apartment, told me to call the company and cancel the service/installation. He then proceeded to carry on with the service/installation and asked me for a tip.. . now I have free internet/cable.

... wait a second.

starbuck8
Jul 10, 2008, 07:53 AM
My puter is still freezing up Chicky, so even if I wasn't sneakin around invisible, everyone would think I'm being a big snob, because I can't always answer! Puter just snubs his nose at me!

starbuck8
Jul 10, 2008, 07:55 AM
... do I dare ask what the tip was Sneezer? LOL! ;)

Rockstar714
Jul 10, 2008, 08:29 AM
Free cable, woohoo, can that guy come to my house? I'm poor and need something to watch. Lol

starbuck8
Jul 10, 2008, 08:36 AM
Maybe it was Larry the Cable Guy! ;)

Rockstar714
Jul 10, 2008, 08:49 AM
Dinner and a show. Lol
Larry the cable guy is hilarious...

starbuck8
Jul 10, 2008, 08:53 AM
Was that it Sneezy? Did you take Larry out to dinner and a movie? Hee hee hee... ::running fast::

HistorianChick
Jul 10, 2008, 08:58 AM
LOL! You guys... I'm keeping Sneezy busy today... but he says hi... ;)

Rockstar714
Jul 10, 2008, 08:59 AM
Oh no, now I've gone and started something. Lol

starbuck8
Jul 10, 2008, 09:03 AM
Grab my hand Roxy... we'll run and hide!

Rockstar714
Jul 10, 2008, 09:23 AM
Sweet! I need that today! Thanks Starby!

Why does there have to be drama at work?

starbuck8
Jul 10, 2008, 09:31 AM
Oh probably because some people thrive on drama! We can hide in the corner and just make faces at them! LOL!

Rockstar714
Jul 10, 2008, 09:34 AM
Sweet! You just made my day! I'd like to make faces at all these people that are causing the drama (30-somethings throwing fits because they can't take smoke breaks with their friend because we're short staffed, ugh!)

I'm going to make this face at them: x_X

starbuck8
Jul 10, 2008, 09:40 AM
:p :p :p :p :p... there you go... now you can sit back and act as silly as them! Lol

Rockstar714
Jul 10, 2008, 09:40 AM
Yup, without even opening my mouth. :)

Emland
Jul 10, 2008, 10:11 AM
Here's my story to share.

I was taking my mother back to Senior apartment complex where she lives on a cold and rainy April afternoon.

As I was pulling into the parking lot, my heart stopped. I saw one of the residents, a man, face down and unmoving.

I told my mom to go call 911 since of course that was the one day I left my cellphone at home rather than taking it with me and headed out to see what could be done. I thought he had already passed away because he wasn't moving.

Thank goodness I was wrong! He was awake, but when he fell his hearing aid had fallen off and his head was turned in such a way that his "good" ear was on the pavement. The cold rain was getting worse so I covered him in my daughter pink and flowery rain coat, my Irish hoodie and I held my tiny umbrella over his head.

I then noticed a puddle was forming under his head! I thought he was going to drown right in front of me! The EMTs were taking forever and he was too big to move and I was afraid to move him as well.

The only thing I could think of was to kneel in the puddle and prop his head on my knees so he didn't inhale the rainwater. We made quite a sight! Him covered in pink flowers and an Irish tricolor and me looking like a wet dog holding an umbrella.

My mom told me later on that day that I did a good thing and it would go down in St. Peter's Book. I said that was good, because I'm going to get there 10 years earlier than I expected after that.

I have never felt so scared and helpless in all my life.

starbuck8
Jul 10, 2008, 10:20 AM
That was such a nice story Emland. Imagine what could've happened if you wouldn't have been there! I bet the man was pretty grateful for you! :)

HistorianChick
Jul 10, 2008, 10:20 AM
Emland - you were his angel! :)

Emland
Jul 10, 2008, 10:25 AM
That was such a nice story Emland. Imagine what could've happened if you wouldn't have been there! I bet the man was pretty grateful for you! :)


He broke his glasses, so he never saw me clearly and was pretty messed up. I asked my mom not to say anything to him because I thought it would feel weird (I see him a lot when picking up Mom). He was in the rehab nursing home for over 2 months. He was messed up pretty bad from falling so hard. His glasses fell off and he bent down to pick them up and overbalanced and went down like a ton of bricks.

Rockstar714
Jul 10, 2008, 10:50 AM
The poor guy! I'm sure he was grateful, even if he doesn't know it was you. Just think, most people wouldn't have even done anything.

Something dramatic always happens when I leave my cell phone at home too...

Emland
Jul 10, 2008, 12:05 PM
Rockstar - I carry my cellphone now as much for a good talisman as I do for communication. Just let me leave it on the table at home and something goes wrong!

Rockstar714
Jul 10, 2008, 12:09 PM
That's what I'm saying! And people wonder why I'm never without it...

1st time I forgot it there was a bomb threat at school and we were stuck outside in the rain for 3 hours! -- I was wearing a short skirt and a tank top.

2nd time -- Earthquake at school and I was terrified to go back in the building

3, 4th times -- axle broke on my car while I was driving it. Never forgot my cell again

AandZ4ever
Jul 10, 2008, 12:09 PM
In my school this year I asw this girl mary drop all her markers all over the hall way and the halls are packed with people and I still had to get to class on time. I got every single marker for her and she was so thankful. I felt really good. I always try to just do one good deed a day. That's all it takes

Rockstar714
Jul 10, 2008, 12:10 PM
Awe! That's really sweet AandZ!!