RVChat - January 2008
by Lori Norris

As I write this column, I’m sitting in my nice warm den, watching the snow fall and feeling very cozy, comfortable and peaceful.  This is the season’s first major snow storm here in Rhode Island.  When I arrive home earlier this afternoon and pulled into the driveway, I realized that the snow reached the undercarriage of my little Toyota.  Shoveling would begin later, may as well let it pile up.  I lugged bags of Christmas gifts into the house from the car.  With the help of many of my co-workers, Ron and I have “adopted” a family from his school for Christmas.  We are providing toys, games, winter clothing, underwear, etc. to seven children and some warm winter clothing and grocery gift certificates to their parents.  Since I am the organizer, I get the privilege of wrapping and packaging the gifts.  Since I was home early from work due to the storm, I started sorting and wrapping and counting gifts (can’t shortchange any of the kids).  As I’m in the midst of this mess, I hear a noise at my backdoor.  I peak out and what do I see, no not Santa but almost as good.  The lad from across the street is shoveling my drive and has already done the sidewalk.  I thanked him and offered him a tip, but he refused just saying he wanted to do it.  I then made a deal to pay him for the next storm and told him how much I appreciated.  Is there a moral of this story?  I don’t know, but it felt good to be doing something to help someone else out and at the same time having someone do a good deed for me.  ‘Tis the season, but I know that there are a lot of Mensans who are generous with our time, energy and resources year round. 

The New Year is a traditional time for making (and breaking) resolutions.  Over the past few years I’ve given up making any of the standard resolutions.  My resolutions now revolve around happiness for my family, my friends and, of course, myself.  But I also try to find ways to spread happiness to others by supporting what I consider to be worthwhile charitable organizations.  A couple times this past year, I’ve been involved with sending care packages and books to our troops.  It is amazing how good it feels to do something for someone else without seeking a reward for doing so. 

February and the NH Granite Gathering are approaching.  “Celebr8 ‘08” will be held the weekend of February 15 – 17, 2008 at the Radisson in Nashua.  Always a great party.  We’re registered.  For those of you who haven’t heard this story before, Ron and I got married on the way to this RG in 2001.  We even showed up with a wedding cake.  Check out http://www.nh.us.mensa.org/forms/2008NHRGReg.pdf for a registration form and additional information.  We’re going to be celebrating the whole year in one weekend.

Best wishes to you and your families for a happy and healthy new year.

Lori