Two hour post-DI house cleaning and bought a couple boxes of girl scout cookies. Most happily though, I was able to help a guy load up his truck in the rain in the parking lot at Lowe’s.

I woke up quite happy after a successful DI tournament. Then I made a phone call to a relative named Rusty (name changed). Rusty was unhappy about everything and he used the word ‘problem’ more times than I could count. After thirty minutes, I was tired and my good mood was a distant memory.

I knew that giving something would help improve my mood. So I tried to give some time to a family member. My offer was refused. It was ok, but it kind of hurt. Bowed, but unbroken, I tried to keep upbeat while we cleaned the house after the DI tournament by cleaning a little better than normal and trying to keep a smile. Surprisingly it helped and happiness returned quickly.

An update on last week’s Giving Goal. I hit 5/7 goals, and did manage to cook supper once after work. I didn’t come up with a new way to give my time, so I’ll try again this week.

This week’s Giving Goal:

• Monday noon, teach the fourth grade engineering class
• Monday evening, Speak for the Beaverton Together organization again
• Thursday noon, teach fourth grade engineering
• Friday noon, final presentations for fourth grade engineering class
• Cook supper for the family twice
• Come up with one new way to give my time this week.