I'm sad daily about the circumstances of the world, the illness, the deaths-Minnesota had a recent death of a kindergartener due to Covid. I wake each day, longing for this to be over-wish that it was all just a really bad dream, but no, of course it's not. I try then to move on, or to quote a wise blogger, "Stop whingeing and start living" with true recognition that I and my family are so much better off than many people and it is up to me how I choose to let my days play out. Even yesterday when my head cold was full on and I felt quite lousy, I pushed to make it a positive day, and to appreciate the little and simple pleasures. Each week on Tuesday's I might have more to write about, but I will minimal continue my list of the simple pleasures from the previous week.
- The feeling of satisfaction to know that throwing odd items, frozen turkey broth (with bits of meat) assorted vegetables, a couple pieces of cut up chicken, and the cup of remaining cup of farfalle from a box of pasta, could result in a hearty, tasty, and plentiful meal for two with a few lunch leftovers. It truly was a stone soup concoction.
- Free Stars weekend, and I got to watch an episode of Men in Kilt's. Likely I won't be able to watch the rest of the series of a couple men, of Outlander fame (never saw), doing a road trip throughout Scotland. I love travel road shows, and it reminded me of the Rob Bryden and Steve Coogan Trip but without the added schtick of voice imitations and fictional back storyline-just pure travel, and I really liked the episode I watched. Guess where I will next be planning, at least in a notebook, a future trip?
- Taking the time, and having the time, for a little self care. My feet definitely looked and felt better after the foot mask.
- Finding my necklace chain with my dragon fly charm. I didn't notice for a day, but the chain I always wear with a dragon fly, I thought perhaps broke, and went down the drain. I was so happy to find that the longer chain than I used to wear (got a new one for Christmas), actually came off with a shirt and I found it in a laundry basket, unharmed.
- Convenience foods when they are food I wouldn't know or bother making myself, like gyros. though-I did see an Eat Well for Less that showed a fake kabob as I think they call gyros in the UK, that I might be able to make. Never the less, we do like the Aldi version, and considering we get five, plus adding another couple dollars for cucumber, onion, and tomato, 5 for $9, plus another $ worth of potatoes for fries, not too bad a treat.
I am sure I have many more if I think harder, repeats of last week enjoyed again this week. I hope I have set the whineging aside at least for today!
A simple pleasure for me has been blood oranges. I’ve heard of them, and had an alcoholic drink or two called blood orange, but never actually seen or had one. They are ugly on the outside but beautiful inside and delicious. Maybe that’s the only good thing about winter-citrus! Another food related simple pleasure is trying new cuts of pasta. I found a “shellbow” cut, a shell with a crook in it. Of course it doesn’t taste any different but shellbow is fun to say. One more simple pleasure for me-rain. The temps rose over night and the roads were just wet this morning, a nice simple, safe drive. I’ll just have to watch for refreeze later. I’m just going to give the whingeing comment a side-eye as I apologize to autocorrect for typing it. I definitely don’t follow that particular blog lol. Glad you found your necklace safe and sound. I saw an ad for Men in Kilts and it looked fun. JoAnn
ReplyDeleteI finally bought lasagna noodles-not unique but it has been a long time since we made real lasagna. I also want to buy some of the large shells and stuff them. Will probably need t go to a regular grocery store. I only could see Men in Kilts because it was a free Starz weekend and happened to notice it. I'd like to see the whole series as they were fun.
DeleteI'm not sure what channels from the UK you can get but if you get any try to find Susan Calmans Grand Day Out on Channel 5 tv. It's just finished here and was a wonderful series of her travelling to various parts of the UK in a campervan as was her previous series on Channel 5 tv called Secret Scotland. I think you would love them. She's a very natural presenter and very funny. I'm not sure if you'd get it online or not.
ReplyDeleteIt think throughout the past year its been hard to stay upbeat all the time. I think we've all had our down days and as you say, its hard when you think how much harder it's been for some people. I remember during the first lockdown last year in March there was a spate of suicides here. We knew what was happening because the police helicopter was constantly flying over us towards the River Clyde. It was awful. I think we also have to remember the media's job is to get our attention and to do that they tend to sensationalise and report only the very worst things. I try to tell myself that if I happen to catch the news which I have to say I try to avoid these days! I think your idea of counting the good things in your life is a very good one and one we could all use! Take care. x
No UK stations at all. If someone posts on YouTube or if on Britbox, that's what I can get. I think if I allow myself a little poor me days, but then make sure I find the simple pleasures, it will keep me mentally healthy.
DeleteI'm trying to convince myself to cheer up, although I'm not feeling it. We were supposed to take Sam surfing today (a backup plan due to no skiing) & that was cancelled due to weather. Also, they only summer camp they wanted to attend announced they were cancelling the teen program due to COVID. Nick has been waiting to go for five years, and both kids are so disappointed. We're coming up on a year of no school, and it just wears you down.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I know we have a ton to be grateful for, which I try to remind myself every day. Some days are harder than others.
I would struggle more if I had kids at home that had their school and activities change so much. Last spring was tough on my daughter having her freshman year cut short and the finishing remotely. I'm sorry for the kids and elderly the most.
DeleteI agree with Marksgran - Susan Calman is very funny, so look her up if you get a chance. But I get the "feeling down" bit too - of course we all do. I just heard about 10 minutes ago that my friend lost her brother to covid in the States and a colleague's death was just posted about 15 minutes ago. Just 61 years old and retired around the same time I did. So it's a "butt meet boot" moment for me again!
ReplyDeleteOh, so very sad for your friend and colleague. I know- we have to take care of ourselves. I'll check out YouTube and see if I can find her series. I love a good travel program.
DeleteNo matter how bad things have gotten in my life in the past or now, I have always had the ability to sort of self-soothe. I think my mother taught me this by always helping us to distract ourselves. Maybe I am wrong. Sometimes I use chocolate, sometimes sewing or reading. Mostly, I lose myself in something.
ReplyDeleteSelf-soothe. Good for you, and choclate can't hurt.
DeleteI've been listing three things a day to be grateful for....have managed every day so far and it makes me think about my day harder to find all the good bits. I promised myself that if today was my last day how would I have wanted to spend it? Helps me refocus. Arilx
ReplyDeleteWeekly might be my limit for positive list making, but kidding aside, the list is a good refocus tool.
DeleteScotland is awesome, and you should definitely plan to go there! I recommend the Edinburg area, plus a jaunt up to the Isle of Skye and Inverness.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely on our list. I'm assuming there might be many side travel options.
Deleteit is hard to persevere; I do though gratitude and 'Sisu"
ReplyDeleteNew vocab for me! I had to look up Sisu and had the following definition: "Sisu' in Finnish means strength, perseverance in a task that for some may seem crazy to undertake, almost hopeless."
DeleteI can always rely on a slice of positivity from you, Sam! I'm delighted that you've found your necklace.
ReplyDeleteI'd forgotten about Trip, I loved that programme. We need more travel shows on TV! xxx
I believe the Trip guys have done the UK Lakes District, Spain, Italy, and Greece!
DeleteI'm sorry you have a cold. Not fun. A cold when it is cold. Take care my friend.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very pesky cold-sneezing fits, and a lot of nose blowing, with the dryness inside, my nose is sore, and have a tendency to get bloody noses in winter-my thin blood. Fortunately, I'm not at risk of spreading to others. I'm even having DH get the needed top up provisions, so hoping he doesn't go rogue again and throw my budget out of whack!
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