"The Dress"

You have heard the old saying, “Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.”  Well that was me from the time I graduated college until I was 25 years old.  I was in 7 or 8 weddings and had a closet full of bridesmaid dresses. My closet looked like a rainbow of gowns that I had sunk hundreds of dollars into that I would never wear again, except for one. 

That one dress came from the wedding of my college roommate and best friend.  Her wedding was the summer after we graduated from college and I was the maid of honor.  This was probably my favorite wedding because we had just graduated college and it was also a reunion of all my dear friends that I had recently parted ways with upon graduation.

The dress was made of satin and was an elegant champagne color with the bodice covered in clusters of pearls.   The dress was form fitting so it was a good thing I was still in shape and hadn’t gained those “real world” pounds after college.

This was the only bridesmaid dress I wore outside of the wedding. I wore it to fundraisers and gala’s. Any chance I had, I wore this dress.  Eventually the dress became a little snug but I always had hopes of wiggling back into it.  Sure I could adorn some Spanx and make it work, but let’s be honest, I like to be able to breath and sit comfortably when I go to black-tie functions.

Every time I would clean out my closet I would see that dress, look at it, smile and hang it back up. That dress hung in my closet for 14 years!

On March 22^nd I saw a post on facebook from VeniVidi Vintage, Inc. that stated:              

“Thank you so much to those who have lent or donated prom dresses for my dolls at EC Central High!! It is much appreciated and they are going to look fab in them:) We will be fitting them soon for the fashion show prior to prom, so if any of you are looking to clean out your closets, please contact me by Sunday.” 

I have learned since I started this gift giving journey that when I get that little tug at my heart, I know what has to be done.  Sometimes gift giving is about the sacrifice of something you love so someone else can enjoy what you have enjoyed. I knew it was time to part ways with “the dress.” 

I immediately sent a message to Vendi and we arranged to meet the following day.  When I met the owner, Bessie, I almost cried handing over the dress. That dress was tied to so many good memories and cherished times with friends I haven’t seen in years.  She was so nice and even said she would give it back after they were done using it.  I told her no, this was something I had to do. I needed to part ways.  She promised to send pictures from the fashion show.

Sure enough, I got a picture in my inbox of a beautiful, high school girl wearing my dress.  The smile on her face made it all worth it.  I received the following email from Bessie:      

               “Seniors at East Chicago Central High School modeled prom fashions lent from local boutiques and Dunhill Tuxedos or donated from ladies all over the region for their teachers and peers as a preview for their upcoming prom.  Students had their hair and makeup done by a couple of parent volunteers or their peers and looked absolutely gorgeous.  They were nothing but smiles (and sometimes fierce poses!) down the runway and had an amazing time dancing along to the dj’s music.  Our models were so grateful and overwhelmed by the generosity of those that donated dresses for the show as they now had dresses to wear to prom that they may not have been able to afford and all said they felt so beautiful in them.  They young lady that wore your dress was so excited that it fit perfectly and received many compliments from her peers.”

Sometimes we have to ask ourselves why we are holding onto our possessions. They are just that, physical possessions.  I have learned there is always someone that could use what I have more than I can. It feels so good to just give it away.  The memories are in my mind and have been captured in photographs.

What have you been holding onto that is taking up space in your closet or home?  Is there someone you know that could benefit from your unused items?  If so….give it away!

To learn more about Veni Vidi Vintage, Inc. click on their name.  

Need something to do with greeting cards?

I love getting cards in the mail, but I always feel bad about throwing them away. Someone spent good money for that card, but I don’t want to build clutter in my home by keeping the cards. Yes, I must admit I keep all the Thank-you notes I receive and some special cards from my husband and sometimes friends and family but for the most part they go in the garbage. 

Several years ago I discovered the Greeting Card recycling program through the St. Jude Ranch for Children.  I have blogged about this before, see my prior post, but I wanted to remind everyone they except not only Christmas cards, but all greeting cards.  Today as I was FINALLY mailing St. Jude Ranch for Children my Christmas cards, I learned they have an increased need for birthday and thank you cards.

If you want something to do with your used greeting cards, put them in a package and mail them to:

St. Jude Ranch for Children

Attention: Recycled Card Program
100 St. St Jude Street
Boulder City, NV 89005

Blessing,
Stephanie

Saying THANK YOU!

2012, what a year!  I was fortunate enough to receive a promotion in July. With this promotion came lots of changes at work; more hours, more travel, a big learning curve, but an opportunity to lead an incredible team of individuals.  It was an opportunity to hopefully motivate others to grow with me as I learned the ropes of a new role and being back in the saddle as a leader. 

Over these past six months I couldn’t have asked more from a group of individuals. A group that everyday got up ready to work long hours and sometimes weekends to make a difference for our customers. 

Today I shipped out “thank you packages” to my team, a small token of my appreciation for their dedication and commitment in 2012.

If you are fortunate to work, or choose to work, can you think of at least one person that makes your job easier?  That makes you want to be the best you can in your job? That pushes you to make improvements and be as successful as possible?  I encourage you to drop a note in the mail, if you can afford it, maybe add a gift card, your favorite tea or chocolate as a token of your appreciation.  It isn’t the amount of money you spend on the gift that makes a difference, but the action of taking the time to say THANK YOU!

Give a little more

Can you believe it? We are welcoming in a new year, 2013.  It seems so crazy as this year has flown by. Maybe that is what happens, the older we get, the faster time flies.

Today is the day everyone is making their new year’s resolutions and for most, they will fall off the bandwagon in the next month or so.  Are your resolutions the same as last year? Lose more weight, spend less, save more?  If so, have you thought about resolutions or for me, I like to set goals that have nothing to do with self. I challenge you to set goals that have to do with those around you, those lives that you can make an impact on over the coming year. 

Have you thought about how much you are going to give to others this year whether financially or with time?  Have you made a goal to spend more time with friends and family and less time on the computer or in front of the television?  Have you thought about how you can make this world a better place, one small (or large) action at a time?  If not, take a few minutes today to think about how you are going to make a difference in 2013.  If you need some ideas, shoot me a message, post a comment  or read some of my previous blogs.  Let’s make 2013 a year of more giving!

Blessings,

Stephanie

Where one journey ends...another begins.

I can't believe it has been May since I posted. May 14th to be exact  which was my 500th day of giving.  I could not predict that just 22 days later my giving journey would end.  I shouldn't say end, just the consecutive days of giving, the tracking and the focus of giving a daily gift came to an abrupt halt.

I was in Washington DC on business, okay Herndon, VA which is just outside of DC be many don't know where Herndon is so DC is easier.  I didn't know where Herndon was until I had to start traveling there for work...sorry I digress. On Monday June 4th, with travel, I had put in a 21 hour day.  I got several hours of sleep that night and on June 5th and 6th I would put in 18+ hours days.  On June 6th I was sitting in the lobby of the hotel, with my laptop, working with my boss when it hit me that I hadn't given a gift for the day.  I was panicked. I looked down at the clock on my computer and  it said 12:18. I yelled...NOOOOOOOO.  My boss looked at me and I stated, "I didn't give my gift today!"  My consecutive gift giving journey had ended. 

Gift giving had been such a big part of my life for over a year that I wondered how could I go an entire day and not remember.  I was exhausted, had been in the office all day, took a break for dinner and continued to work through the evening.  Still no excuse.  I had always thought of the gift and found a way to give.

I had a flurry of emotion.  My first was disappointment.  I couldn't believe that after 522 days it ended by me forgetting and not making a choice to end.  Then, and I hate to admit it, but I was a bit relieved.  Don't misinterpret this emotion because I loved everyday of this journey.  I met so many great people, wonderful organizations, and most importantly I hope I made a difference and inspired others to do so.  But I was relieved because along with this journey came great pressure.  The pressure of getting to 11:50 p.m. and I hadn't given the gift.  The pressure of "what if I forgot to give for a day, or record the gift.  The tracking, which doesn't seem like a big deal was sometimes consuming. 

After I have had time to reflect on then ending of this particular journey, I know it happened at the perfect time.  That day was the day that my journey needed to end and a new one would begin.    I have enjoyed my summer and it has been filled with spending tons of time with friends and family, having fun and enjoying life.

Even though my consecutive gift giving tracking and journey has ended I can honestly say I have probably given gifts 90-95% of days since.  It has become a part of me, of who I am and wanting to make a difference didn't  leave my heart the day this particular journey ended.

If you have been following this blog you know I didn't post about every gift.  It is my goal to go back to some of my favorite gifts and blog about those days.  How they impacted me and made a difference in my life and hopefully the life of others.

I am not sure what my new journey will be or where it will lead me but I can guarantee you this...I will still be 1 Making a Difference.

Blessings,
Stephanie