16 May 2007

Mission 1: Operation Pen Bouquet

Mission Objective: To secretly deliver a pen bouquet to Andrew.
Target: Andrew, an unwitting victim of a pen robbery.
Operation specs:
3 May 2007, Thursday- Andrew posts a missed connection ad against pen thievery after his own pen was accidentally stolen. He writes:

I never lend people pens, because they never give them back. However, I was willing to take a chance on your returning my pen, as I was sitting next to you. Yet, somehow when I looked up, you were gone, and so was my pen.

I realize it's just a pen, but dammit, dont say "May I BORROW a pen" if you plan on walking away with it.
3 May 2007, Thursday- On behalf of all who accidentally steal pens, I email Andrew and offer to replace said pen, saying:
I didn't take your pen, but I would like to give you one on behalf of all people who accidentally take pens. I will email you back with a secret location where you can pick up your new pen.

Sincerely,
The Missed Connection Fairy
6 May 2007, Sunday- Andrew returns the correspondence and inquires where he can find his new pen. He writes:
Where is this location? I needed a pen the other day and did not have one.
13 May 2007, Sunday- We agree that I would hide a new pen at Half Price Books on Lamar. He offers to leave a mix CD. I write:
This is going to be so much fun! I will hide a pen some where in Half Price Books. I will hide it on Wednesday. After I plant it, I will send you an email.
15 May 2007, Tuesday- I go to Office Max and Target to search for the perfect pen. I end up choosing seven different pens.

16 May 2007, Wednesday- Pens were successfully delivered along with a "You're It!" card. Specific location of pens were told via email. I randomly chose to hide the pens behind some philosophy books. I write:
The pens are at Half Price Books on Lamar.
5555 N. Lamar & Koenig
Austin, TX 78751-1073

They are in the philosophy section behind a bunch of bright pink books called "The Mediocrity" by Dominique Lecourt. I hope you get there soon! A woman was reshelfing the books when I left. There's a little card for you, too.
16 May 2007, Wednesday- Pens were successfully received, as the following emails confirms:
Email 1- (Prior to picking up the pens) I know exactly where that is. What's funny, is that I love philosophy. I am putting songs onto this CD right now, and then I am going to head down there in about 30 minutes.

Email 2 (58 minutes later, after the pens were picked up) A green pen? Green is my favorite color!
Operation Pen Bouquet status: Mission accomplished.

I'll pick up the mix CD from its super secret location tomorrow. As soon as I give it a listen, I'll post the playlist online. Who knows. It may be the first official soundtrack to Austin Anonymous.

Promotional item: An online tag

I am getting ready to do the pen drop, but in the meantime, here's another goodie for you. If you'd like to help promote this blog, you can post this nifty Austin Anoymous tag to your Myspace or Virb or Blogger or Xanga or whatever social networking site you're using right now.

Example: Speaking of the military...

I received an email from a man named Chris yesterday. He shared with me a completely do-able way his family performs their own senseless acts of kindness:

"Its not so random, but every time my family and I are out eating, or i am out by myself, and there are servicemen, or women, we buy their meal.

It doesn't matter if there is one or ten.

we have bought a meal for a serviceman and his pregnant wife, a group of 5 on temp leave before going overseas.

two nights ago, at Chili's, we bought for a Army First Lt. on leave and away from his family.

Most of the time its anonymous, but occasionally the wait staff tells them, and we approach them and thank them for their service and sacrifice for our freedom.

sometimes they cannot believe it, some have cried, but not one has ever said no and been too proud.

if my kids are with us, they thank them as well, and shake their hands.

we get their names and my wife and i pray for them.

Its only money, and its not our money to spend, but Gods, but we have made a huge difference in their life for one moment. And i know they will not forget it."
I'm sure they won't forget it, either. I still remember the time I was dining alone and someone bought me dessert. It made my day! Also, my favorite Craigslist story, ever, was a post from a woman whose dinner tab was paid on Thanksgiving.

Thank you, Chris, for keeping the Kindness Revolution alive.

[photo credit: bumpoowilly]

Needed: queen mattress for military veteran

Imagine coming home from service in Iraq and everything in your apartment has been stolen. Not only that, but so was your spouse! That'd be the cherry on top of a fantastic year, wouldn't it?

The following was on Craigslist yesterday:

I am just returning home from iraq and REALLY need a mattress. I am looking for a queen size mattress set. I dont have much money, but i can trade a brand new palm pilot with all the accessories and an expansion card worth over $280.00 My husband ran off with a girl he got pregnant, left our apartment open and EVERYTHING was stolen. I could use the help, thanks
She's not looking for a new husband; the girl just wants a mattress set. She and I exchanged some emails, and she has access to a truck. If anyone wants to donate a mattress to this veteran, please contact her. If you wish to stay anonymous, feel free to contact me and I'll relay the information.
[photo credit: dave gorman]