Volunteering is so good for the soul...and a deadline is fast approaching for a giveaway!

Okay, so I didn't exactly look like this but tonight was my first time being a waitress...well sort of! Tonight my soul was filled with such warmth and compassion when I volunteered, through my firm, to help serve food at The Blanchet House, a homeless shelter here in Portland. I've decided I'm going to volunteer every month when the firm asks for help. :) There are four stations that one can tend to while there. The kitchen, where you help dish the food. The serving....you serve each person who is directed to an empty seat. The beverage service, making sure each table has a filled coffee pot and water pitcher and last but not least, clearing the tables when they are done with their meals. I served the food at each table. I can now say I have experience in waitressing. :) My coworker worked with me serving tables and I think I got a little over zealous and would rush out serving food as she was heading for some of the tables. I just wanted to make sure no one was forgotten. Lol! She just laughed and said, have at it! Everyone that came in was very nice and so thankful. Some would thank us over and over...it just melted my heart. Some seemed very happy and content. I mean really, happier than me. It really opened my eyes. I have nothing to complain about. Some of these people had lost everything and can STILL see happiness through all of it. They certainly are teaching me a thing or two. It's all in how you see life, isn't it? It's also about choices. Despite their unfortunate circumstances they choose to be happy.

I highly recommend volunteering in some form, it's so good for your soul in every way. :)

Also! GIVEAWAY ALERT!! My wonderful talented friend, Jen over at Guinevere's Folly is having the sweetest giveaway!! You've only got 'til the 10th to enter. I believe that's when she's pulling names. She has the most adorable handmade mermaid up for grabs as well as some other sweet, sweet items (almost as sweet as her). She is so talented and you can see her talent here! I'm taking part and I hope I win! :) Swing on over and say hi. :)

I've also been tagged but I am saving that for tomorrow! :)