New Year's Resolution

Tomorrow marks another year passing for the Farr family. When I look around at how far Nick and I have come over the past twelve years since we started college, I realize how truly blessed we are to have all the wonderful people and things around us. Two wonderful families just a hop, skip, and jump down the road who are able to share in Brooklynn's childhood. My grandparents were super special to me and I love that B is able to grow up knowing both of her grandparents so well. We both have jobs, a nice home and the things that we need. With all this in mind I know that there are others, many others, who are not as fortunate. I see this everyday when I walk through my classroom doors. I do what I can at school, but I know that I should be doing more.

Last summer I joined Hands on Greenville, an organization that matches volunteers with local agencies in need of assistance. So far I have volunteered with Loaves and Fishes, Serenity Place, and the Greenville Public Library for a whopping total of 7 hours. Pretty pathetic, right? I have the whole summer off and I have only volunteered 7 hours since June.

After thinking about all that I do during the school year and all that I don't do during my summer months, I've come up with my New Year's Resolution. In 2012 I will dedicate 50 hours to community service. Yes, I can do this. What is 50 hours? Almost two days? That's nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Why do this you may ask? Two reasons. The first is that I just have an itch to change something for someone, even if it is in just a small way. You would think teaching would do that for me, but it hasn't as of late. The second is that I want Brooklynn to grow up to be thankful for all that she has and make sure she is able to give back to those who may not have the same opportunities. Since she is only three the only way to do that is to model it. Spoken like a true teacher! I'm going to add a widget to the side of my blog to hold myself accountable. My first volunteer hours for the year are scheduled on the 14th. For Hands on Greenville's Martin Luther King's Week of Service, I signed up to help clean up an old cemetery from the 1800's. Sounds kind of depressing right? I have to admit though that old cemeteries intrigue me. Hopefully no ghosts follow me home! ;) Happy New Year!