Positively Tuesday-Trying to Find Joy

     I'm not going to lie. Yesterday was total crap on a cracker. I can't even begin to describe how stressful the day was, how long it was, with work beginning before 7, after working Sunday afternoon, and in  meeting calls right until 8:30, with a dose of the internet crashing in between. Throw an argument in with DH, where I really did lose my temper at my interpretation of his lack of priorities to our immediate family. I, unfairly perhaps, accused him of dropping everything for his mom or if something was needed at the cabin, but ignoring things in our house. The argument began about the crap internet services, which he truly has no comprehension of how stressful it can be doing work or school from home when it is uncooperative.

      As normally a positive person, one of my main frustrations is my lack of positive attitude I have had about the state of the world right now. I am struggling with seeing the advantages of this slowed down, stay at home lifestyle. Part is knowing that those working outside the home are not enjoying any of the quiet, and in fact, have probably doubled or tripled their stress. While I am fortunate to work at home, my back is paying a hefty price in that finding an ergonomically good place to work has proven hard, so I move locations frequently. I miss my normal life, a lot. Yet, there is joy and kindness and positive experiences if I look hard enough. So I am putting my anxiousness, my sleepless worry, and my fowl attitude aside, at least for this morning, and sharing a little bit of joy in my life.

• Hearing my daughter Zoom and Facetime with her friends and hearing laughing-from the bottom of her stomach- belly roll laughing, with her friends.
• Being added to my older daughter's former Wisconsin trivia team, with a cold beer in hand, playing along via Skype.
• The regular texts and chats with my son; who so far seem to be doing OK, and there is some positive signs in his part of California, if not his industry.
• Spring has truly come and with it, the trees are budding. Here is my neighbors lilac bush. I will try and remember to take weekly pictures until it is in full bloom by the end of May.

• The neighborhood pond and the duck couples, soon to be duck families.
• Sunny days taking my laptop outside for a meeting. I can't really work outside because of the glare, but for a meeting and to jot down a note or two, it breaks up the day. Plus, the outdoor chairs are more comfortable than our kitchen or dining room chairs.
• The pepper seeds finally have a sign of life!
• Having a backyard fire on a perfect Saturday evening-of which we had several in April. 

• Streaming services-and  yes, we have a ridiculous number of options: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Acorn, and Disney Plus. I'm finding documentaries, old classics, and informational programs that I wouldn't have been watching otherwise.
• Getting a very nice e-mail from a colleague, who is about to go on  family leave, thanking me for some of the extra  commitments I have taken on to help her have a smooth leave. She is one of my regular reports, but got promoted last year to a special project, so is on a leave of absence from her regular job. She's awesome, so I am happy to help her out, happy for her that she is getting this opportunity in her career, and so happy for her having her first child.
• My pup, cranky then lovable, who isn't bothered at all by the situation and is relishing in the frequent walks,and the homemade puppy treats I made with oats and peanut butter. 

Well I feel a bit better. My list is pretty long and I really didn't need to think too hard on it. I hope you are safe and healthy where you are, and that all these precautions mean a safer  world in the coming months. I hope the inadequacies in our society have been highlighted and changes that benefit us all are in the works. I'm trying to do my part.