Day Twenty-eight

Today was a bit of a disaster. The only day where I actually didn't really even try.

However, in the circumstances, it was really very difficult to fulfil the proposed task. Given that Dave and I were on holiday alone, it was quite hard to act with 'social intelligence' and do something for the local community, learn about a social issue close to my heart, or plant a tree, etc.

Excuses aside! I just didn't do it. I was enjoying the relaxation time away from all the things that bother me daily about what's wrong with the world, etc.

One thing the day did do, however, was to bring to my attention a serious gap in all the things I do to try and save the world. I already talk about it enough; Dave and I don't run a car; we have a green energy supplier; we recycle; we buy organic; we carbon-neutralise our flights; we give to charity; we use energy-saving bulbs; we buy second-hand from Ebay and charity shops a lot, and all those good middle-class mini-efforts. But I don't do volunteer work much. You know, the grassroots stuff. Getting my hands dirty. OK - I do sound and vision engineering for my church from time to time, I'll help staff an event or clean up afterwards when it's needed or whatever. But, again, it's all very safe, very middle-class, very secondary. Or so it feels.

I know it now. I've rarely given proper practical help outside the cosy little bubble that is my life. Apart from maybe one or two things:

• One visit to a rehabilitation centre for alcoholics and heroin addicts in Russia
• Taking in a homeless friend
• Lending money or giving things to hard-up students and other friends

The Russian thing, at least, was pretty life-changing. So, 2 small resolutions:

• to ask my mate Alan about doing some environmental volunteer work;
• to save up the money for the flights to go and visit a friend who's doing very important exciting and scary things in China, with - maybe - some IT skills to offer.

There!