Can I ask a HUGE favor???

I really don't want to use this blog for my own personal benefit, but I'm a gal in need. And if anyone will help me, I know you NICE guys and gals will!

So, I've mentioned before, the one thing I love as much as niceness is music! I am a music junkie. And one thing I've always wanted to do was attend a big music festival, a la Lollapalooza or Coachella. I had Lolla tickets a few years ago, but we didn't have the cash to travel, so we got rid of them. Sad.

Well, my local radio station is holding a contest for tickets to Bonnaroo. Not just tickets. Tickets, airfare, media passes, and camping equipment. All I need to win is to have the most votes in the "Best Concert Moment" gallery!

What was my best concert moment, you ask?

Well, I've had quite a few, but one of the only ones I've been able to photograph is this right here. It's Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. We squeezed up front for this show, and about halfway through, during one of her many wild moments, she laid down in front of us with her head hanging off the stage and the mic in her mouth. It was intense, ridiculous, and awesome. Luckily I was able to snap a quick photo before she got up and started running again.



If you could take a minute to vote for me, I will love you forever! And if I win, I promise to tweet and blog about how I'm spreading niceness around Bonnaroo! You can check out all the photo galleries here.

To vote for me, click on this link, select my name (Melissa Morris I.), enter your email address (don't worry, no spam will follow), and submit. They'll send you an email to verify your vote. The vote won't count until it's verified. They allow one vote per valid email address, so if you can ask your spouse, your third cousin, or your old college professor to help out, that would kick butt!

Thanks everyone! I truly, greatly appreciate it! Fingers crossed!

EDIT: As an added incentive, if you leave a comment telling me you voted (going on the honor system!), I'll pick a random winner for an Operation NICE print!

NICE Testimonial: Help with the Trash

Today's testimonial comes from the very sweet Rachel Wattson of the San Diego area. Rachel's proactive kindness helped to ease the chaos of an overwhelmed mom.

I am a mom of two kids under the age four so life is a usual buzz of activities, requests, and needs. When I see other moms get their second I remember what that first year is like and try to help in any way I can. My neighbor Angela and I were talking and I noticed two boxes piled high with trash and, what else, diapers. She saw my wandering eye and assured me her husband was going to take it out. Two days later, when her son and my older son were playing, I see the same two boxes still filled with trash and more diapers. Our dumpster is on the opposite side of the complex from her apartment.

"Why don't you just keep an eye on the kids while they play and I'll take out the trash." I said as I gathered up the boxes.
"Oh, Chris promised he would do it."
"That's ok, one less thing to worry about right?" I said as I carried it out the door.
I came back in to get the second box, "You're an angel," she sighs.

I remember seeing diapers everywhere, clothes unfolded, spit up on all my shirts, and dishes in the sink. Just seeing a pile of trash disappear makes life a little easier. That's what we all need sometimes... someone else to take out our trash:)

I think Rachel needs to stop by my house sometime. I don't even have children (unless you count my husband), and I can't seem to keep up with dishes, trash, recycling...even our ever-growing pile of junk mail! I'm often reminded of that Shel Silverstein poem, "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout would not take the garbage out." But when that trash can is empty, it's like sweet relief! Way to go, Rachel, for realizing how something small like helping with a chore can really be a huge weight off of someone's shoulders! Oh, and I'll send you my address so you can stop by when you have a minute. :)

NICE Testimonial: Sunshine in the Rain

Hi everyone! How are you guys doing? I'm starting to get back into the swing of things at work now that everything has calmed down a bit. Although I made my to-do list this morning and it's still really long. I guess all those items I've put off the last few months are catching up to me!

I suppose I feel the same way about Operation NICE. My posting slowed down for a while as I was catching up on my pay-the-bills job. And now I have an inbox subfolder filled with emails I need to respond to, testimonials I need to post, and great projects I should write about. It might take me a little while, but I'm vowing to get caught up!

As a start, here's an awesome testimonial from Diana Delach of South Carolina.

I just moved to South Carolina in August to go to grad school, and it's been a pretty rough 9 months. It wasn't what I expected it to be -- new pace, different workload and expectations, and, surprisingly, the people not that friendly at all! I was shocked, since in my undergraduate university I felt like I knew all 15,000 people who went there, and everyone always seems so happy in this sunshine blessed state! Back at my undergraduate school people said hello to each other all the time (regardless of the sometimes negative perspective people have about New Yorkers!) and often even to people they just make eye contact with. I don't mean to complain here, I'm just setting the scene.

Well today it is raining cats and dogs, very much like where I went to undergrad. I actually like walking in the rain because it reminds me of my old home, and I have an excuse to just look down and get where I'm going. Well today, in the midst of teeming rain, a girl pulled up next to me on the sidewalk and offered me a ride to class. I didn't even know her! What a nice girl. It wasn't a huge thing to offer, but it really made my day, and has helped restore my faith in the people on this campus.

Sometimes it just takes that one nice gesture to remind you that kindness is still alive and well! Sure, I wish stories like Diana's were more common than they are nowadays, but thank goodness for people like the girl she encountered. She's keeping the concept of niceness alive!

Do you have a NICE:Testimonial that you'd like to share? If so, click here to send me an email!

NICE Assignment: Celebrate May Day

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. A beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine?

Not sure about your area, but Philadelphia has been gorgeous the last few days. A little hot, but hey, I'll take it. I went to IKEA to purchase a bench for my patio. And I even picked up some plants at Lowes that I'm seriously hoping my black thumb and I can keep alive through the summer. Yesterday at 6pm, I grabbed a glass of ice water and my copy of GOOD and sat out on my patio, enjoying the cool breeze off the Delaware River. I can't remember the last time I felt so relaxed.

In honor of the changing of the seasons, and the changing of the calendar pages, today's assignment was actually a suggestion stolen from Real Simple.

Today's Assignment: Celebrate May Day

Won't you be my neighbor? When was the last time you rang someone's door bell and ran away? I'll bet it wasn't because you were trying to be sweet. But it's a really cute tradition that could use some reviving. I have great neighbors. The kind of neighbors that bring over cupcakes on holidays and take your trash can up your driveway on windy days. So I think they would be the perfect recipients of May Baskets.

According to the trusty Wikipedia:
In some parts of the United States, May Baskets are made. These baskets are small and usually filled with flowers or treats and left at someone's doorstep. The basket giver would ring the bell and run away. The person receiving the basket would try to catch the fleeing giver. If they caught the person, a kiss was to be exchanged.

Nevermind the kiss part, that would be a little weird. But I think leaving a surprise on their doorstep is really sweet! Don't you?

If you're the crafty type, try this suggestion from the Queen herself, Martha Stewart:

Earth Day Giveaway from Poz-Art

Julia from Share World Love let me know that Poz-Art is giving away a copy of their first children's book, I Love the World Because..., in honor of Earth Day!

Click here to enter!

NICE Stuff: Earth Day Sales

Happy Earth Day!

It is certainly a happy day for me. In a few hours, I will have survived the craziness at work, and my four non-stop months of stress will come to an end. WOOHOO! There will be a celebration for one on my patio all day Friday, with plenty of frosty drinks and a pile of magazine as I relax on my new outdoor bench. Ahhh.

But in other news, it's Earth Day! And what could make you more inclined to shop than helping the environment? I've already received a few emails from my favorite eco-friendly online shops, so I thought I'd share.

First of all, you know how much I love my "Practice Kindness" shirt from Tees for Change. It is one of the softest shirts I have ever felt on my skin. I really can't recommend them enough! Plus, they plant a tree with each purpose, which is perfect for today. Need even more incentive? Use coupon code EARTHDAY to receive 20% off your order today! (I've got my eye on the "live mindfully" tee.)

Next up is Night Owl Paper Goods. I have their 2009 calendar and it is the coolest thing ever! They print on wood! But don't worry about the trees. First of all, they are sustainably harvested. Also, one tree can produce nearly 90,000 wood cards...so get to buyin'! You can receive 25% off by using the coupon code "earth" at checkout.

And last on my list is Envirosax. I've had my Retro Graphic Envirosax for a few years now, and they are AWESOME! They are huge, so I can carry a ton of groceries in them. The handles are perfect for putting on your shoulder, which makes carrying heavy items easier. And I've received numerous compliments on how nifty my bags are! When I bought mine, they only had two 5-in-1 graphic series. Now they have 11! I'm particularly fond of this one from the Candy Series. And right now, if you buy the Planet Green or Animal Planet pouches, you'll receive a Yellow Flora Bag free!

So go ahead, do it for the earth!

NICE Assignment: National Volunteer Week

April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week, so of course the assignment had to follow along those lines. Now, I've already written a previous assignment about volunteering. So just to make things a little bit easier on me during these last crazy three days of work before my big project is complete, let's revisit that post!

Yeah, it's a bit last minute to throw together some sort of volunteering event. Don't have time this week? How about taking the few minutes to support someone who IS volunteering!

One of my readers, Laura, is participating in her local Relay for Life to support the American Cancer Society. She and her team designed t-shirts (see picture at right) to help raise money! Check it out here. Don't need a t-shirt? Her team is also accepting donations, and remember, every dollar helps!

And two of my friends are participating in the March of Dimes March for Babies.

The first is my neighbor, Leah, who will be walking in Philadelphia this Sunday. Click here to sponsor Leah.

And the second is my wonderful friend, Devon, who will be participating in the march in Pittsburgh on May 9th. Click here to sponsor Devon.

If you have a few spare dollars in your pocket this month, please pledge to help one of these wonderful ladies! And if you're participating in one of these events, jot me an email and I'll add you to the list! Thanks!!

EDIT: And let's not forget about Melissa, the amazing organizer of the Philly Twestival! She's participating in the Philly Arthritis Walk. Click here to sponsor her!

NICE Giveaway #12: And the winner is!

Finally got around to recording a video blog! Want to know who won? Better tune in!

If you're one of the two winners, click here to send me an email with your contact info.

And please do me a huge favor and support The Ink Initiative! It's a project that I hope turns into a huge success because it deserves to be!

Thanks again everyone!

Small Talk Update

Hey guys! I just wanted to thank everyone who commented so far on the previous post! There are some wonderful tips about starting conversations with strangers (and non-strangers). And I love the encouragement! Seems like I'm not alone. :)

And by the way, Brooke, do you want to meet up at the HOW Conference?? I'd love to get together!

So I went to The Container Store after work yesterday to pick up a few things to organize my mess of a life, or at least my mess of a vanity. It was the final day for the 25% off printable coupon that was available on their site.

After nearly an hour of wandering the aisles, filling my cart, another shopper caught my eye. She walked over and said quietly, "Do you have one of these?" and held up the 25% off coupon. I told her I did and she mentioned how she printed a few extras, just in case. How sweet! I told her how I thought that was super nice of her to do and said how I usually print out copies and accidentally leave them on my printer. We chatted for a minute and she told me to "have fun" on my shopping spree. It was great!

I kept thinking how kind that woman is! I didn't even consider printing extras for other people, but hopefully I'll remember to do that next time.

I tried to continue my small talk quest with the cashier. She wasn't as receptive, but I gave it my best shot. At least she smiled and seemed to relax a bit after the not-so-friendly customer that she had checked out before me. I think with enough practice, I'll be a small-talk-machine by the time the conference rolls around!

NICE Assignment: Make Small Talk

I'm shy. And though my friends would probably never know it, talking to strangers is like pulling teeth. I'm always afraid I'm going to say something stupid or inappropriate, so I typically keep to myself. I've been thinking about this a lot recently because I'm going to the HOW Design Conference in Austin this June, and while I've attended these conferences before, this will be the first one where my husband, Rob, can't go with me.

Rob is the exact opposite of me. He can talk to anyone, anywhere, about anything. That's why he's always my safety net. Just being near him makes me feel more comfortable and confident. But alas, I'll be alone in a strange place with strange designers.

I keep thinking back to my first HOW Conference in San Diego. After sitting through many sessions without chatting up a single person, I went into one particular session with the mission of making a new friend. I got there early, chose my seat, and a young girl with funky glasses and a kitty cat hoodie sat two seats over. "Perfect," I thought. So I practiced my line over and over in my head until I mustered up enough courage to actually speak it. "This session looks good, huh?" I asked the designer girl. She looked at me like I was bothering her, grunted something under her breath, and focused her attention back on the empty speaker's podium.

As you can imagine, I didn't try to speak to anyone else throughout that conference.

So I've decided that what I need to do is practice. Practice my small talk. Obviously I won't meet anybody interesting if I'm just sitting there quietly.

Today's Assignment: Make Small Talk

There is a friendly girl at the Starbucks where I get my daily Café Mochas. She started to chit chat with me a little over the last few weeks. Each morning, I try to start up friendly little banter, though usually I feel uncomfortable and abandon ship after 15 seconds or so. This morning I quipped, "It's a Monday, so I'll need the Venti today instead of a grande." Then I made some sort of comment about how chilly it is today. I felt so awkward, but I'm hoping it'll come more naturally as time goes on!

I'm going to make it my personal assignment to make as much small talk as possible this week. The cashier at the grocery store, the stranger in the elevator, the coworker in the restroom. Feel free to join me if you have the same troubles! If you don't, do you have any tips for starting conversations? Any little phrases or questions that help you get the ball rolling? I could use all the help I can get!

Happy Monday!

NICE Giveaway: The Ink Initiative™

Hey there! Before I get into the most awesomest giveaway in the world, I just wanted to let you guys know that I promise to get back to my regular posting asap! My crazy two week stint of events is finally over. If you're curious how I spent those two weeks, you can check it out right here. Just to give you an idea, I'm still wearing the dark plum nail polish that I've been sporting since my March 13th manicure. You can imagine how fantastic it looks right about now. :)

So yes, back to the most awesomest giveaway.

My good friend Keith is a design rock star. He's been my hero since I first discovered him on the HOW Design message board, and I was lucky enough to live near the same major city and become friends with this talent and his sweetheart wife, Jenn.

A few months ago, on the HOW forum, Keith unveiled his master plan for this project he referred to as The Ink Initiative, which launched yesterday. The model is similar to that of Goods for Goodness' Sake. Create art, sell art, donate all profits to charity. Keith discusses the details much more eloquently right here.

When I chimed in to exclaim what a brilliant, selfless idea I thought this was, I got an incredible surprise. Keith wrote, "I have been meaning to email you. I already have a design in the works that is 'Operation Nice' specific. I am planning on donating the first 'volume' to you so that you can use them as you see fit (as giveaways, etc..) and then the second 'volume' will be sold for charity."

A few weeks later, when he posted a picture of the Operation NICE print on his blog, I was so excited that I started to cry!

Isn't it AMAZINGLY PERFECT?! So we met for lunch and he handed me 10 Operation NICE posters from an exclusive run. It's a 12"x18" 3-color print on 100 lb French Paper Pop-Tone in Whip Cream, and let me tell you, I couldn't love it any more!

I'm still trying to think of unique ways to give these away, but I figured in the meantime, I'll start with the good ole, time-tested blog giveaway! So I'm going to put two of these very special prints up as prizes. All you have to do to win is leave a comment right here with a NICE anecdote. Something nice someone did for you, maybe 20 minutes ago, maybe 20 years ago. It can be one sentence or five paragraphs! Just a little story about how someone's kindness left an impression on you. I'll draw TWO winners on April 16th at 8pm Eastern time.

My NICE anecdote:
Yesterday I went to Rob's school to watch the teachers play basketball against the city's firefighters. It was a riot! Anyway, I was standing along the wall by myself since I don't know any of Rob's coworkers, and a teacher came over to chat with me. She was super nice, and we had a delightful conversation! When Rob came by to get a drink of water, she said to him, "Your wife is such a lovely lady! Just lovely!" That made me feel so special!

Okay, you're turn! And don't forget to visit The Ink Initiative to see (and purchase) Keith's art. It's for a good cause! Good luck!

NICE Assignment: Play Easter Bunny

Remember how exciting it was to wake up on Easter Sunday and search for a basket full of sugary, teeth-rotting, hyperactivity-inducing goodies? Back when our innocence had us believe in a giant (yet not terrifying) rabbit, distributing Cadbury Creme Eggs? Sometimes I miss those days. And while other similar traditions (cough, cough, Christmas) still carry on into adulthood, it seems like the Easter Bunny has forgotten about us grown ups.

Today's Assignment: Play Easter Bunny

You can't walk into a grocery or drug store without coming across a display of Peeps, Cadbury something-or-other, or my favorite, Reese's Eggs. Why don't you grab a few and play anonymous Easter Bunny to some people in your life? Leave a treat on your coworker's desk. Put a bag of candy in your neighbor's mailbox. Or even your own mailbox for your postal worker!

And to make this task a little more fun, I whipped up some little Easter note cards that you can leave with your gift. Don't forget to sign it, "Love the Easter Bunny!"



Click here to download a pdf of the cards.

I think this could be a really fun assignment. I'd love to hear who you'd like to play anonymous Easter Bunny for!

NICE Testimonials: Links Galore!

Phew, I made it to Friday! I wasn't sure I'd ever get here. So far I've seen 8 of my 12 films for Philly Cinefest. One more today, tomorrow, Sunday, and Monday. Plus I'm going to see Ray LaMontagne on Saturday and Death Cab for Cutie on Tuesday. Quite the busy schedule! But I admit, I do it to myself. And I love it!

I've been receiving some wonderful testimonials lately, thank you all! Some of them were links to stories that had already been posted online, so instead of swiping the text and reposting, I thought I would share a bunch with you all at once. They are all wonderful sites, and I hope you take the time to check them all out. If you like this blog, and I sure hope you do, then these are right up your alley!

Her Easter Bunny - a tribute to all the moms out there — submitted by Sherie of The Morning Artist

Maggie "B" Glad - a story about a little woman with a giant spirit — submitted by Connie of A Positive Reflection

Random Acts of Kindness - a free cup of coffee can inspire you — submitted by Katie Saxon

Days with My Father - incredible website that documents, through photography, a man's relationship with his father — submitted by Kayd Mustonen

American-ocity - beautiful story about simple gratitude — submitted by Dereck Shawn Curry

Recognizing Good Service - taking the time to recognize the deserving people in your community — submitted by Steph of eyeCinq

Have a great weekend, everybody!!

Do you have a NICE:Testimonial that you'd like to share? If so, click here to send me an email!

NICE Testimonial: Lending an Ear

Hi everyone! I'm postponing my next NICE Person of the Week until next Wednesday, but feel free to send along your nominations!

It's been a rough few days at work. There is more work on my plate than I can handle, and when I get overwhelmed, I tend to become flustered and disorganized. (Who knew a little ole designer could be so crucial to a medication management company?) I nearly had an emotional breakdown this afternoon, but luckily my coworkers were there to keep me as sane as possible. Looking on the bright side, I'm happy to have job stability!

Just so you know that I'm thinking of all of you, I wanted to post a little Testimonial before I crash tonight. This one comes from Holly Bowen of Maryland who understands the importance of being a good listener.

I work in a hospital and because of my extension I get a lot of calls sent to me that really shouldn’t, they are usually not happy because they have been re-directed or hung up on before they reach me. I make sure that I help each of these people as completely as I can and they are all usually much happier once I am done helping them because they can tell that I am not just passing them off. I never really considered this particularly until yesterday because this isn’t really being nice…it’s just doing what should be done.

Yesterday I got one of these phone calls and it was a doozy. The lady wanted to complain that the sky was blue but it didn’t take too long to figure out that she just needed someone to talk to. I was on the phone with this lady for 40 minutes and when we hung up her entire outlook had changed. She thanked me for taking the time to listen to her and she told me that she really enjoyed our conversation. I am sure my boss would have something to say if that happened everyday but I was glad that I was able to get her to laugh a few times during our conversation. This one I think I can chalk up to being nice!

Way to go, Holly! Your niceness ironed out that lady's cranky pants. :) Sometimes people just need to vent. Like myself. When I was about to burst at work today, I ran over to my good friend, Kay, who listened to me throw a hissy fit. And you know what? I felt much better afterwards! Here's to all the good listeners!

Do you have a NICE:Testimonial that you'd like to share? If so, click here to send me an email!