Day: 10- Talent Show

So today I had to post my list I made on day 3… Ermm, I already did that… Bit of a cop out? Anyway, I could at least still do the second part of the act so I chose to (admittedly indirectly) use my computer skills.

I always forget how hard it can be for older people to understand computers. I mean don’t get me wrong, I myself was not born in an age where everyone had one. I’m not even sure if my folks had a computer when I was born… I’d probably say they didn’t, although I do remember our first.

I was talking to my mum about it the other day and she said that we barely used it for the internet! I can barely believe it now, the internet is pretty much my life now, and I know my mum couldn’t live without it. She said the internet was connected to the phone bill? So you were charged more per minute or something, but I really have no recollection.

Anyway, my first computer spent its days in our study and it was a beast, absolutely huge! My favourite game was Noddy which you needed a disk for, and I loved painting pictures on, wait for it… Colour magic, anyone? However I did grow up learning or sort of self-teaching myself about computers, the internet and programs so I get on rather well with technology and I can normally figure something out in the end.

Now back to my day 10 act. I study Spanish and I’m time tabled to have conversational classes with a Spanish man, who I think would be in his latte fifties. Oh and bless him, he didn’t know that you could set a language preference on Word so every time he typed something in Spanish to his wife (or whoever) he’d battle with the computer to try and get it to stop changing his words.

I’d never noticed. I felt so bad it took less than 1 minute to save him hours of frustration and he was so grateful. Honestly, if someone had waited that long to tell me I’d have been so disappointed, but he was just so thrilled to have his problem solved.

So to all you people out there, who aren’t sure if they can set the world on fire with a small talent, just find the right person at the right time and they’ll see to the rest. Chin up and keep trying to make a difference!

Day 9:- Listen actually

Well, I always said I was more of a listener than a talker, and it was time to put this to the test. It’s very difficult when you especially try and concentrate on what every individual you encounter is saying…

I wish I’d gone to see the man they had last year who sat on a settee in the middle of a town with his ‘I will listen sign’. I remember watching the footage of people having a good old chat with this friendly fellow and wishing I could just tell him all my problems.

It’s funny though, even though I know he’d listen, I’d still wanted him to be interested, or give me dive… you know, prove to me he actually had listened? If I’d actually seen him, would I not just have walked on by? I hope I’d have admired you deeply for trying.

I found the second part of the act even more difficult, not to be judgemental. It’s something we all do when listening to a story, we take to facts and we store them and from them we form an opinion on a topic.

So unfortunately I-will-listen-sofa-man, my statement this year was alas, not quite as bold as yours, but after listening all day I was genuinely shocked by what some people have to say! So much for thinking I was already a good listener.

Day 8- O. T. T

So by Day 8 I was lagging a bit (as I am with updating my acts) but someone’s act of kindness really made my day so I thought I’d stick to talking about that instead.

Free cake.

A boy throwing Asda muffins at sleepy, confused 17 and 18 year old faces during the early hours of form. Not everyone’s ideal, but for me it was simple, yet ingenious. And although your fellow friend looked like she wished the ground would swallow her whole, you did it without looking the least bit uncomfortable!

An amazing start to any morning, free food and a good old giggle; a great way to bring a smile to my face. Thank you to the fellow Y13 form class who so kindly selected our form to be on the receiving end, if I wasn’t so shy I’d thank you all again in person.

Day: 7- Redial

When I was younger I used to ring my grandparents every night. And if I stayed at a friend’s (in primary school I assure you!) I’d always use the home to wish my parent’s good night but now, I’m sure the 9 years-olds of today just send their folks a quick Snap Chat of them about to go to sleep for the night.

I barely ever use my home phone. I mean, why bother when your parents have paid for a contract mobile you never let out of your sight? So on Wednesday (when it was actually Day 7) I took great liberty in picking up our oldest household to fulfil my 40 act challenge.

I chose to ring my Grandma. Firstly, because I never text, email or Facebook message her because she doesn’t understand how to do any of these things and because she always wants to hear what’s happening. There’s also the fact that she’s been in Spain for a good fortnight and when I actually took the time out to think about it, I kind of missed her.

So if you’re thinking of giving someone a call tonight, I’d do it. It certainly made me feel a lot better, and I hope she enjoyed it too. So reconnect, I swear it’s worth it.

Day: 6- Reach

Everyone in the world has an important voice, and everything we say and do has significance. It’s important that we constantly show a good outward message and communicate well to those who listen for us.

These are my spheres:

Facebook- Where I have over 500 ‘friends’

Twitter- Where some people I actually know refuse to follow me because of self-pride. Hahahaha

This is my biggest reach, my blog, where people I know won’t judge me. So here’s my positive message for you all today:

Love who you are! You are perfect in every way. Things happen for a reason, but never give up and never stop trying. Be nice and live every day like it’s your last, and I swear one day you’ll realise it was all worth it.

Day: -5

An attitude of gratitude, something I always try to have. I love it when people say thank you when you hold a door open for them, and even feel a little cheated when someone ignores such an act.

I still need to write my thank you note, but I think this weekend I’m going to write a little note to all my teachers, because my head of sixth form said so many people had been touched by other people’s notes. I might even leave one for the postman if I have time! I’m just hoping I can get away with saying:

‘It’s for lent… but I still mean it…?’

Or I’m in for a few embarrassing conversations.

I’ll photograph them and post them when they’re complete!

Day 4- : Connect

I try and do this more often anyway; and considering I’m pretty shy I don’t think I’m doing too badly!

The lady who serves me at my local Co-op has a female west highland that she bought last year. I’m sure she told me her name, and I’m almost certain my mum knows it!

The man in the library has a niece who went to Cambridge to do medicine and he loved the halls where he was once invited for dinner. But I have no idea what his name is.

My next door neighbours have a son and a daughter, she’s from the Philippines and he grew up around here. I know their names.

My other neighbours have a cat called ‘Harriet’…

I know everyone in my street bar the couple on the end who still smile when they see me.

The cleaner at my school had a lovely holiday and wishes that all mirrors were circular so she didn’t have to wipe down them after she’d scrubbed them in her usual circular motion.

My school bus driver is called Adam!

Plan of action: Today when I go out I’m going to continue to smile at people in the street and maybe talk to a few passers-by who look more friendly than average.

Day: 3- Tool up

So each of us has a unique composite of skills and talents and without wanting to sound like I’m boasting, I swear this act was about making a list of what you think you’re good at:

Listening skills- not as in those you’re always reminded about up until year 9 when you’re ignoring the teacher! But more, that I’m a listener rather than a talker. I really enjoy listening to what other people have to say on things, and helping them out when I can.

Computer Skills- I’m a touch typer, like most people my age, but my mum still uses the old two finger method.

My Determination- If I can’t do something then I never like to admit defeat and always give it the absolute best effort that I have within me.

Perfectionism- So if we the sleepless nights because I couldn’t do question 5 on last week’s maths homework, sometimes it’s a good thing. I never like to half do a job and I always like to do it to the best of my ability.

My intelligence- I’m clever, so I’m told, and I like to help people out when there struggling with something that I could make so much easier.

Smile- I like to think I smile more than the average person and that it brightens a few people’s days.

Plan of action: I think I’m going to leave a note on each of my teacher’s desks telling them what I love about the way they teach. I’ll keep you updated!

But what about your reader, are you awesome? click me to find out

Day: 2 – Generosity Jar

Still a little behind…

Create a generosity jar (where you put a small amount of money every day):

I have to say although I understand why this would appealing to some of the older people taking part, for me this seems really hard!

I’m 17, and in full time education and currently don’t have a job. The only money I’d commit to said jar would be that of my parents, which would completely defeat the objective.

The idea of placing ‘generosity cards’ and inviting guest to take them is all well and good, until you do it for friend number one and then realise nobody is ever going to come round to you house ever again! If somebody asked me to pick a generosity card I’d probably never go back, and warn everyone else that such a person was completely nuts.

So I’ll put a bit of a spin on this act…
Every time I’m going to spend money on chocolate, or sweets I’ll set this money aside for my generosity jar.

So instead of lollies this jar shall now be my jar of generosity! (I also think that when I see money on streets I should save it for this cause)

And let the kid who called me stingy, when I picked up 2p in college for my jar, know that it will all go to charity!

Day: 1 – Start a journal

Now, I know what you’re going to think…
Lent started on Wednesday right? Well the first four days have completely flown by for me, and I haven’t even attempted trying to complete the first acts out of the forty. I’m sure God wouldn’t mind me starting a  little late. So here I am trying to keep up with my faith.

My Gratitude list (what I’m thankful for today):

My parents– for everything they do for me, have done and no doubt will do, because recently I’ve realised that keeping me must cost an absolute fortune. Not only this but they constantly have to pick me up from places and take me places and they don’t moan! They also constantly love me and support me; regardless of what I do, or think or say. Maybe such tolerance comes with age? But believe you me I am nowhere near to accepting such a responsibility in my life.
Two miracle workers that I am blessed to have in my life.

My grandparents– for always being there for me and helping me with challenges in my life. I want to write ‘thank you for your continued support’ and although it’s very cliché that’s what I really love them for. There’s nothing that’s too ever been too much to ask for. I’m also glad you’re always proud of me and so engaged in everything I do. The specifics of it all would be completely endless.
Three loving people that I am truly grateful for.

My little sister– because you’ve always been so much more mature than me! I still hate sharing my things and you continue to let me borrow, have and use up yours. Whether it’s borrowing an outfit, to using some sort of make-up product, or placing said outfit in my own wardrobe after it’s been used, thank you for everything.
We may not always get along, but I know you’ll always be there for me.

My friends

My wish list (people I want to bless this lent):
I’m not going to write how or why (for those I haven’t explained in the gratitude list) but rather, at the end of lent write what I actually did and why I did it for that person.

• Mum
• Dad
• Grandma
• Granddad
• Margaret
• Sister
• Friends
• Teachers
• Neighbours
• Strangers

Hope you all started lent better than I did!