It felt very therapeutic to throw myself into using my body to lug things to fill two forty-foot dumpsters for the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. I thought a lot of the stuff that went to the landfill today could be reused, but the people at the store had already had it for a while and needed to make room. They know what's best for them, so I just did what I was asked to do.
At lunch, one of the students referred to my recent India trip and asked how I was doing. I hadn't mentioned anything to this group, so I asked how they knew. Turns out they know a student in one of my classes. I wonder if I've been a little "off" for that student to mention it to other people.
Also, I met a volunteer at the store who had been in the Peace Corps in the 1960s (and she's still volunteering!). She'd served in India so we talked a while about all the ways in which things have changed (not for the better). She said she'd just read and loved the new Kiran Desai The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, which I'd planned to read, because I loved Desai's last novel (was it really nearly 20 years ago?). So I came home and started on that right away.
Pic: A brilliant sky and the practical backlot at the Habitat gig today.
*I can't hear "nice day for..." without Billy Idol snarling "White Wedding" in my head every time!
12 comments:
This sounds like a wonderful thing to do on this day. Habitat is such a good cause. As for the "how are you doing" -- that makes sense. But also, you never know who is reading your blog. I had people come up to me at my annual sale and tell me they loved my blog and that's how they heard about the sale and I swear I'd never met them in my life. It always makes me conscious of what I put out there.
Thanks for giving your time to a good cause.
What a beautiful day for it! We have a Habitat complex of townhomes in our neighborhood, and my company has had two volunteer days there (so far). I got to meet a bunch of people that I would normally never meet (think sales and lawyers and so on), which was fun. Plus it was so close to home I could come home at lunch and let Mulder out to do his business. The complex is half complete and occupied, and the other half is not started yet. We also had a big apartment building come in and replace 5 run down single family homes, and that went up MUCH faster. I guess there’s a big difference between corporate money and non-profit money, right?
I noted your wording, that you did as you were asked. I always say did as I was told, but asked is so much nicer. I’m going to try to use that when appropriate.
That does sound very therapeutic and satisfying. I loved The Inheritance of Loss too, and will add this one to my reading list. And yup, Billy Idol forever. I saw him at Bluesfest here years ago - at the first song my friend and I looked at each other dismayed because he sounded terrible, but it turned out there was a problem with his earpiece so he couldn't hear the band properly. After that he was great. I can't remember when I found out he was British, but it was long after I knew who he was!
Great idea- that does sound therapeutic. And you got a book recommendation as well!
The photo is beautiful- looks like a perfect day for work like that.
But Jeanie, you're famous!
Steph, I love Habitat for all the usual reasons + Pres. Carter...
That's a bit depressing (about money) but we press on, right, J? I loved the little vignette of you and Mr. M.
I did not realize he was still touring... and Allison you get around to so many shows!
And I did not know he was Brit... but he does seem kinda Velvet Underground...
It felt good, Jenny. And good people give good book recs!
I can still remember watching the music video for White Wedding. Love that song and I always loved Billy Idol and his bad boy persona (and sneer).
The Habitat Re Store near us had a piano for a long time, and every time I went there to donate things, it seemed someone was playing it. I hope it went on to a good home. Pianos are so expensive, and it would be lovely to think of some family taking it home and kids learning to play it.
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