Over pizza, I got to talking to my friend about giving back. OK, I told her I was getting tired and needed to get some sleep because I was getting up early, but whatever, we got around to the topic.

She told me that she was on a giving-back kick as a part of a self betterment thing she'd been doing since the New Year. I'd say seven months of success is pretty successful resolution, right? She said that every time she goes to the grocery store she does two things: she brings recyclable bags (because we waste so much plastic) and she picks up one of those pre-packaged Houston Food Bank bags. She said she figures that with the money she saves with her grocery loyalty card, the $7 or so it cost to buy the bag is negligible.

I was really moved by the conversation. I think what I came away with is that I can do something to help. Even when I'm busy or broke, helping people gives me worth and confidence and on some days, perspective.

Some friends and I (even J came!) had the opportunity this morning to give some time to the Heights (my hood!) Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry. They were celebrating their 50th year of serving the community and we were chosen (or I chose...) to man the clothing giveaway booth.

Performing this service was really neat. There's something about giving people the clothes that they will wear or the food that they will eat. There's something about giving without asking questions, about respecting someone's autonomy and dignity.

As time went on our piles of clothes would swell with donations, then shrink as people claimed items. But all throughout, some items, particularly some decade-defiant garments like the ones we're wearing in this picture, stayed behind. Why? Well, I think I figured it out when four tween girls lept at the opportunity to bag a trendy lace top - people, all people, want to look good. They could have been shopping at the Galleria and it wouldn't have been any different. I think we'd all rather go naked than look like fools.

I remember one time seeing a Goodwill billboard that read, "donate what you'd want to buy." That's tough for me as I tend to want to hold onto my stuff with a death grip. And it's a tough call. But I can say that at the couple of places I've sorted clothes, we trash clothing with rips and stains. Also, just toss that old g-string and matching bra, really. Though I really do wish that I'd gotten a picture of my friend Dan wearing that blingy-bra. That woman was either drag queen, a stripper, or someone who really liked to dress up at home - the bag was full of similar items. It was like a 1994 Victoria Secret fire sale.

When we were unloading things from the storage unit today, we pulled out a car seat. Before we could wheel it over to the giveaway area, a young mother came up and asked if she could have it for her son. Yes, of course. I can't know that woman's struggles, or why she needs assistance to buckle up her son, but I can be the one who puts that in her hands.

Emily Macrander

June 24, 2014

Emily

Everything is Awesome (Weekend Update)

Emily Macrander

June 24, 2014

Emily

Good Tuesday, family! J and I were about town (though finally stayed in town) this past week.

The start of the week was odd as I missed Monday because of my trip to Atlanta for Mary's wedding. I have an assistant that just started working on my project and her first day was Monday...oops.

Well, her second day was just as strange because instead of going to the office, we went to The Galleria for the company's Users Group. It a big annual conference that we hold each year for our customers. It started with, like, 14 attendees and has grown large enough to fill a ballroom. That's pretty cool. Employees were invited top attend the keynote.

Wednesday at the office, we invited our customers to tour the office. Mom, Dad and J have had the pleasure, so they know that it's a real treat. Everyone loves the ping pong room. Also, this meant during-working-hours-drinking. That's pretty cool. Because of my winning personality, I was chosen as an elevator greeter. My coworker Josh captured this picture of me in action.

Wednesday evening, J and I went to Papasitos with Jason, Emily and some other friends for two-for-one fajita night. Since we had a big party, we were placed in a room with other big parties...which were birthday parties. So we heard the Papasitos birthday song several times. Do to copyright issues and it being a Spanish restaurant, it's not the real birthday song. Not even close.

Friday, I went to CVS Pharmacy to pick up some drugs. While there, I also picked up some nail polish. So, because I'm strange and not patient, I started painting my nails while in line. It started by painting my thumb then went from there. I finished one hand in the pharmacy line, then had wait in another line to buy some stamps. So, I started on the other hand.

There was this kind older woman that was my cashier and she needed to take a swig on her Arizona Tea, so I had time to paint. Anyway, with fresh and wet nails, I could really maneuver the checkout process. So my kind checkout lady took my card out of my wallet, put my stamps into my bag, helped me sign my receipt and then put the $20 I took out into my wallet. All the while, she was kind and said she "understood" that sometimes a girl just needs to "pretty up."

Sunday was church as usual in the morning. Though this week the band was all new. That was pretty cool. Since J has been back, he's had the opportunity to play quite a bit, but this week he chose to sit it out.

We finished out Sunday with a trip to Little Woodrow's in Rice Village to watch the USA World Cup Game. Here's a picture from a happier moment before that final goal.