I don’t want people to have glowing opinions or me or even be overly impressed. What I do want them to describe me with is that I cared. Maybe not for them, but in general. “He’s quiet and detached, but his actions showed he cares in his own way.”

I spend time around holidays creating little gifts for my dentist, doctor’s office, co-workers, and other places I visit. Why? Partly because I want to make a difference. I want to make an impact. Did my little gift brighten someone’s day? If it did then it was worth it. If it didn’t then better luck next year.

A selfish part of me wants it to be an expectation. That if I ever die or move on they might wonder why I stopped. That I might be remembered for it. I guess it’s just my way to leave my mark on the lives of those around me.

As someone in a swing state, I made the mistake of voting third party once. As much as I’d love to be represented by someone outside the two parties shoved down my throat, the system needs major change before such a vote can actually affect the outcome.