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 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ "Thank you for giving to the Food Depository, so that everyone has food to eat. Today I volunteered with my friends, so I know that what you do to help is very important. I am especially happy that kids will not be hungry. Sincerely, Izzi Volunteer, 11 1/2 years old" This is the message that I received when I made my donation on-line. The note was handwritten by Izzi with the cutest pic of a sun in the lower left hand corner. In reading the message even further, it wasn't until I read the last sentence of the letter from the Executive Director of the Greater Chicago Food Depository that my gift-giving for the day really hit me: "With your support, we will ensure that each person has a healthy meal, and for that I can't thank you enough." Ain't gonna lie - I got a bit choked up with that last line and the pic of the handwritten letter mentioned above. Those peeps at the GCFD really know how to tug the heartstrings, huh? ;) Let's back up to earlier in the day. I must've known somewhere deep down that today's gift would've consisted, again, of food. In reference to Day 2's Gift of PB&J to Beth Ann, I did make another one for her today just before she left for her appointment in looking at more prospects for a condo with her mother and father. Even after 7 hours of sleep, I still felt REALLY exhausted. It takes a body more than one day for it to catch up on sleep. I've heard that it takes a full week for your body to catch up back when I was in high school. That time frame in reference to sleep has stuck with me since then. Now, if only I'd follow better sleep etiquette. ...Ah, who the Heck am I kidding? If you've been reading my blogs, I'm sure you might've laughed at that one. ;) Got up at Noon, wrote my installment of Morning Pages, talked and caught up with Beth Ann for a bit before we had to go our respective ways today. I took a shower, got dressed and took the train yet again today. I'm LOVING this new habit, eh? ;) I got to work behind the front desk with a few minutes to spare. Good roll today, right? A bit less hectic as opposed to yesterday (or so it felt. Rather, or so it feels since I'm writing this blog while still at work.) Now, it may be a bit risky to write this in a blog depending on who may read this. (Got your attention?) ;) Why? Well, maybe not so much. Most people here know that I got my current job through a friend of the General Manager. They met via Twitter and struck up a good friendship. It was my mentor who suggested this very job to me. At the time that I applied for the job, I was a bit reticent in doing so. I had not worked a real job since 2005. I sustained myself quite well as a musician (or so I thought.) My living situation was getting worse as of 2009 when I was lying to myself about my status with the decline of the economy and the ever-growing debt that was mounting. When my mentor texted me with "[This hotel] is hiring," I would be lying if the thought, "but I don't waaaaaannnnaaaaaaaa...." came to mind. However, thank the Universe that the thought, "it's now or never" rushed to the rescue. Otherwise, I wouldn't be typing this at my current job which, I have to admit, I do like (and am growing to love. There - I said it.) I am truly grateful for my job at this hotel...and there "Ain't no shame in that." ;) Anyhow, as my GM was leaving for the day, I was about to run errands for a couple of guests. About last week, she mentioned on a time to get together. "C'mon. Walk me down to the car." "You must've read my mind. I was just about to offer to do so," I told her. We walked down and we talked about current events at work, asked me how I was, etc. When we got to her car, she stated, "I must say - you seem much happier here." "Well, I am," I stated. "Truth is, though, the reason for that is that I've taken care of my shit. That's all it is. I had to grow up." "It sucks," she says. "Meh, not as much as you think," I replied. "It's really all about perspective, you know? And how are you? How are you Really?" "I'm good. There's so much more that we can say...later." "Indeed. I'd really like that." We agreed on a lunch date later next week with my mentor and her ever-adorable daughter. However, just found out that I'm actually working the morning shift that day. Darn - too bad it's right around the corner from work. Talk about serendipity, right? ;) Amongst the hustle and bustle this evening, I really wanted today's gift to come from deep within. We got a LOT of candy from a reoccuring guest that showers us with treats every time she visits (spoiled rotten we are, huh?) While munching on these treats, it occurred to me, "I saw signs a while ago asking for donations for the Food Depository. THAT'S the gift tonight...." Upon reading their website (www.chicagosfoodbank.org,) I was taken back to memories of my childhood. If it wasn't for welfare programs, my brother, sister, mother and me wouldn't have survived. I have a soft spot in my heart for second chance programs. This is probably the reason why I was so touched when I made my donation this evening. In short, it's always important to remember not how far we have to go. Rather, in our journeys, we should always remember just how far we have come. As I'm going along this short time in my Giving Cycle, I find a new addiction coming along - the addiction to give. I'd say that's a Heck of an addiction to have! I'm grateful for that feeling. :)