Day 37

Today I made a donation to First in Families NC, an organization that helps people with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury. Their help can range anywhere from home modifications to child care to computer equipment to vehicle repairs.

Families who benefit from their services often participate in a "circle of giving," by offering something back that can be used by another family, such as car seats, furniture, translation services, or manual labor.

Day 36

Today was one of those "opportunistic" days. I helped a woman load some heavy items in her car at Home Depot. I gave some change to a group out on the streets collecting money for domestic violence victims. And Steph gave our blind friend from last night a ride to the laundromat so he could get his laundry done. It's been a busy weekend.

Day 35, part II

Some of the things I do for this project are planned well in advance. Some are thrown together at the last minute. Some are spontaneous. Some are just about an opportunity that arises in the moment. Sometimes that means more than one thing happens in a given day.

Today was one of those days. Tonight we fed a blind man and his companion. They were asking for money on the corner in a retail area. We invited them come to our house, and they accepted. We talked to them about their lives and their struggles, and then they joined us for dinner -- pasta and meatballs and salad. It's always nice to have a table overflowing with people.

We also gave them a little cash, some leftovers, and a bunch of extra breakfast bars to take with them.

Day 35

Today my awesome wife Stephanie filled in for me because, well, I feel like death. She took the toddler to the Durham Museum of Life and Science, and used our family pass to get an elderly couple in for free.

See, I told you she was awesome. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to close my eyes again for a bit. Stupid virus.

Day 34

Hoo boy. I'm not feeling great. Sweats and chills and aches and all that. But the show must go on.

Today I wrote a love letter to my wife because, well, she is the best. Y'all have no idea what she puts up with.  And yet here she is, still being awesome.

Now let's see how long before she finds it.

Day 33

Today I chipped in on my friend Yuta's fundraiser for UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. Yuta is raising money for his son Taiko and many others like him by participating in a 24 hour gaming marathon, which sounds both super fun and super exhausting. This is his sixth time doing this marathon. Good luck Yuta!

Day 32

Today I volunteered with Durham Habitat for Humanity, helping build a home for a local family. Contrary to popular belief, the homes are not free. Habitat requires home buyers to log at least 250 hours of "sweat equity" at the job site, and this work, along with the work of volunteers, acts in lieu of a down payment and helps provide affordable housing in places where home prices may be out of reach for many lower income families. 

It was a bare dirt lot in September. The homeowners and their 3-year-old son will be moving in sometime in December. They were working hard at the house today, and were very excited to see their home coming together. 

A team from Cisco was also there today, and we got a ton of painting done, both inside and outside the house. I have to say I really like the "Lucky Green" exterior.

It was a lot of fun, but I'm once again reminded that I don't love painting ceilings. I'm ready for some sore muscles tomorrow.