Positively Tuesday- Week of Thanksgiving

      I'm lumping last Tuesday to this morning, everything since my last simple pleasures, Positively Tuesday post, under a week of Thanksgiving. My life is simple but the people in it, the events around it, and the world overall is not. I'm feeling overwhelmed right now, but need to remember what I own and what I do not. I can't control my daughter's school stress, but I can try and encourage her, simplify on her behalf when possible.  I don't get to control that my son is two time zones away, with a busy life that means his family at home might be an afterthought. I still can call and text and message, and be happy when he finally calls or texts back. I worry about my middle child, always taking on more and more, but not getting the same in return. I can just be there for her hard days to listen.

      I don't own the lower than needed vaccination and immunization rates, but I own my response, will wear masks, avoid groups where folks may be unvaccinated. I don't own that members of my community basically bullied a family to the point they are relocating, but I own how I call out the BS and treat my neighbors with kindness. I need to do this even if they still fly a blue flag and wear red seed caps, looking like they're living in some weird alternative reality and not the United States. Ooh, there I go again railing at things I have no control over. Instead, I'm going to pour myself a cup of coffee and think about my Thanksgiving week, and the joys and simple pleasures that filled it.

1. Fortunately those in my family who got Covid recently are home recuperating and no additional medical care needed. I'm very thankful my sister who has other health issues, while feeling lousy still, is able to be home. She technically retired this summer but has been substitute teaching several days a week because she's bored. It could have been schools, or her busy family that passed it on.
2. My daughter made good time getting home last Tuesday night, didn't have much extra traffic since she didn't wait for Wednesday. 
3. I got my Sit-Stand desk feature and high quality ergonomic office chair brought home and now it's set up. What a difference comfort wise for long days.

   

   It's not fancy, but ts my office. The gray piece will go up to stand. 

   
   
4. Despite  fewer folks, Thanksgiving was a special day- good food and laughter. I received lovely gifts from family. I never did make the lava cake so that is waiting for me at some point.
5. Friday was a low energy day, so quite happy to have the day off. I got very little done and I don't feel a bit guilty. As my daughter went out for dinner with a friend and we had plenty of leftovers, I didn't cook.! I did knock off the bulk of my Christmas shopping list from the comfort of my bedroom.
6. My daughter and I went out and about for Small Business Saturday. Neither of us bought much, but we went to a local coffee house, bought popcorn from a new store, and cocoa bombs from my friends daughter at a craft fair. I'll let DH have one, but I'll stick a couple with my BIL's Christmas gift-that DH actually shopped for. 
7. I treated the family to blueberry pancakes and bacon on Sunday morning. I'm not  a huge  fan of either, but once in a while, it hits the spot. 
8. My daughter made it back to school, loaded up with a few meals of veggie masala and other treats, safely. There is no better pleasure than getting the call or text to say your child has arrived at their destination safe and sound. 
9. It was actually quite warm yesterday, even later since I was not being able to get out for a walk until after 6:00. Poor pup is having a pooping problem again, so we walked and walked, and then I tried to get him to eat things laced with pumpkin. There were no stars-so dark, but there was a calm about feeling alone with my dog in the dark. 
10. My daughter and niece held the end of year meeting for their non-profit. They have some good things coming up in December and in the works for the New Year. Several board members had additional ideas for outreach and alternative ways to reach the community. Starting any business in a pandemic is not for the faint of heart, but a non-profit where your goal is to have most of your programming and services 100% free, its a mountain, but they are doing it! 

     My daughter and I have some plans for this blog, or for me to get a different one started. One that is pure fun and informational, not whiny and crabby like I sometimes lean to here. These were the highlights of my last week. It's now really the end of November. I'm trying to keep my anticipation and expectations low heading into  Christmas and just enjoy moments as they happen. I hope you all have a Positively terrific Tuesday.