I posted this entry on my profile at the www.29gifts.org website. If you wanna friend me or join me on what will prove to be an incredible journey, please check it out at: www.29gifts.org/profile/davidkav ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Day 1 - Music via USPS Posted by davidkav on February 1, 2012 at 8:10pm View Blog .While I was reading "29 Gifts," the idea of Not giving pre-meditated gifts is what struck me the most. It makes perfect sense to someone like myself since I'm an extremist by nature. I've been getting MUCH better about it as the days go forward (especially the days and/or moments I take a good, Hard look at myself.) "Easy does it" is another paradigm, if you will, that resonates with me. Again, it is up to me to implement the aforementioned. When I do follow these rules, all goes according to plan (not mine, of course. I'm talking about The Universe at large.) It's when I Don't follow these rules, however, that my serenity can go awry. Let me preface this by saying that today Really wasn't a bad day - at all! It started earlier than usual for me since I had an appointment at 10AM which, all in all, isn't too bad if I had a regular sleep schedule. I'm a highly caffeinated individual (only drink/drug that I do) and, well, you can fill in the blanks from there. When I'm NOT performing and/or writing music, I work a Full Time job at a hotel in Downtown Chicago. I've been there for almost a year now (it'll be one full year as of March 20th.) I usually work the 2nd shift (3pm to 11pm) which DOES leave some time for me in the morning (when I'm usually sleeping) and in the evening which I love (I am a night-owl at heart. I have been since I was a kid and it stuck with me. Since I am a performer, it tends to lend itself well at times.) ;) Anyhow, I must confess that I had my 1st Day gift in mind as of last night. I had some difficulty logging into my account yesterday evening after receiving an email stating that I was approved. When I went to log in, the website stated that I didn't have an account which puzzled me. I wanted to make sure that I had an account since I wanted to start my 29-Day Giving Challenge today since this particular months has 29 Days. The timing couldn't have been better, right? I sent an email to ask about my account. I was a bit worried so I called Sharon who was Gracious enough to pass me down to Elly - the Tech Support at this very site. Elly looked ALL over for my account history, info, etc. She stated that I wasn't flagged or denied and stated that she remembered approving me. Needless to say, we were both perplexed. The conversation was quite friendly and we talked at many intervals since I was at work at the hotel at the time (just like I am now as I write this blog.) It was at one point in the conversation when she mentioned that she did peruse my website. "I really enjoyed your music," Elly said. "Why, thank you!" I stated through a cheesy grin. This made my evening. "And see? You gave your first gift - you've been so nice to me." "Well, I appreciate your time." As soon as she gave me the compliment about my original music (which I LOVE when people comment on my original music, by the way. I play BOTH covers and originals - the former "pays the bills" if you will;) I knew right away that I would give her a copy of my album AND a Dropcard of my band, KAVUS', latest album. I did keep and mind (and still do) that the gifts should come from a place of gratitude and love as opposed to the obligation there in. However, my schedule was tight today since I had the appointment earlier, I had to catch-up on my daily ritual of writing my Morning Pages and I had to lay down a piano/keyboard riff (of which my skills on the keys are limited - I'm more of a guitarist. I played the latter for over 15 years and fake what I know from the guitar on the piano. THIS aspect I get from my estranged father.) I layed down the riff today because, just like the 29-Day Challenge, today also marked the start of another challenge that I signed up for - 14.5 original songs in 29 days via FAWM (February Album Writing Month:) www.fawm.org. I signed up for this challenge before committing to the 29-Day Challenge. No pressure. ;) With the above tasks, my time was a bit crunched. However, I was determined to get my Gift sent out Before I started my shift today to ensure that it is shipped off today. So, I got to work early via cab (which I've been doing more often than I care to admit to make sure that I get to work on time. Being Late is one of my most recent pet peeves.) I rushed into work, rushed into my suit, and I Ran to the nearest Post Office. I had only 20 minutes until my shift started. All I had was the gift. It had yet to be packaged, labeled and stamped. On the edge - that's me. :O I purchase a cushioned envelope at the Post Office and seal the other package that I had to send. I get in line and get to the counter. Where I was, I felt that I would have been in a blind spot with the layout of the Post Office. So, I creep up into line. I get up to the counter and anyone would seen, with my shortness of breath and demeanor that I was Clearly in a hurry (in my "humble" opinion.) "Do you see that white sign back there?" (catching my breath,) "I'm sorry?" "That white sign at the front door right there?" "No, I didn't." "That's where you need to wait until you are called to the front." With dripping sarcasm, I state, "I sincerely apologize for that inconvenience." "That's...that's ok. Just letting you know for the future." "Can I please..." She interrupts me and shakes her head to signify that she's going to start with her birage of questions. All I'm thinking in the back of my head is, "I'm on a tight schedule here!!!" "Are there any flammables in this package?" "No." "Are there any liquids in this package?" "No." "Is there anything fragile in this package?" "No" (Since I was sending CDs, I hope that this wasn't the wrong answer. Only time will tell...) "Would you like to purchase insurance today for this package?" "No." "Would you like to purchase a confirmation guarantee for this package today?" "No." It looks as if I am all done, however... "I need a signature on the back of this card, sir." The back of the card says "ASK FOR I.D." "I've never had a problem paying for it with credit card." She points to a sign at the desk, "we need a signed credit or debit card in order to accept it for purchase." Frustrated at this point, I reach in my back pocket to pay for the transaction and pull out a $10. She grabs my package and throws it over her shoulder onto the conveyor. I am holding in my temper. "$6.11 is your change." "Thank you so much!" "Thank you." "Have a good day." "You the same." I felt cheated out of my good experience from giving with the rushing and the above experience. However, since time has passed, I realized that it really didn't have to do with the fact that I thought of the gift last night. It had to do with the fact that it was rushed. Nonetheless, I KNOW that the gift came from gratitude since I know that the receiver will be more than happy with it upon receipt. And, since this month is the month for Self-Love, the gift to myself is: Forgiveness for rushing through the moment. Tomorrow is another day. :)