It all started on Monday.  I went to my Rotary meeting and one of my friends told me how much she enjoyed getting these newsletters.  Another Rotarian at the table asked, "Why do you think you are doing so well in this economy and why do you have so many things to be happy about?" Before I could respond, my friends at the table answered for me.  They said, "Her staff works so hard,"  "They are doing such great things for girls," and "Just look at her passion." That really started my week out on a high note and motivated me to keep on working hard!

This week was not a disappointment; I found plenty to be happy about.  At my Board meeting on Tuesday, three girls in our program made a presentation.  As part of their Girls Inc. Economic Literacy class, they were "selling" our Board members a new program we launched that will stop junk mail from filling your mailbox.  They started out great by telling us how many pounds of junk mail the average American receives (41lbs.) per year.  And that 61 million trees are cut and 59 billion gallons of water are used to produce the 19.8 billion catalogs that go out every year.  Then they just stood there waiting and getting nervous.  I prompted them by asking, "What would you like the Board to do now?"  One very brave 9-year-old spoke up in a very strong voice and said "BUY ONE!"  I am pleased to say that 100% of the Board did just that.  As our brave girl was leaving the room she was overheard saying, "Can you believe I got all the bosses of Girls Inc. to buy a membership from us?"  Watch for more details coming soon on how you can help the girls too!

On Wednesday I received an email informing me that I was being recognized in this month's edition of Applaud Magazine.  The recognition (though it is very nice) was not the part that made me so happy; it was the content of the email.  It came from a grandmother who has been very involved with Girls Inc. of New Hampshire over the years while she cared for her two granddaughters through some very difficult times.  Her email read, "Applaud Magazine has finally recognized the woman I admire most here in NH."  Who could help but smile at that?

Yesterday, a young man in his twenties shared this random act of kindness story with me and I thought it might inspire you, as it did me.  While visiting a thrift store in the area, as he often does in search of old puzzles, he noticed a teenage girl shopping in the store.  She had selected several items that made a really cute outfit and she was thrilled with her findings.  When she approached the check-out, she discovered she did not have enough money and ran out to her car to look for some change in the seats, on the floor, anywhere.  As the young man left the store, he noticed her frustration because she had not be able to find any money.  She was near tears when he approached her and gave her the $2 that she was short.  She was so happy!  But, he told me he believes he felt even better than she did.

A few minutes ago I heard a perfect Happy Friday story from our Nashua Regional Director, about a call she got from a teen who attends her program.  The excited girl called as she was walking out of the DMV where she had JUST received her driver's license.  She couldn't wait to share her good news with her Girls Inc. family as she screamed into the phone saying "Nicole...I passed, I passed...I got my license!" 

It is only 10:30 am on Friday as I write this and I cannot wait to see what will make me smile today!  I know I will be smiling next week because I will be on vacation, look for Happy Friday in two weeks!