Positively Tuesday-Real Life

      I think I like vlogs and blogs because they're real lives, real people, and help me feel like the world and it's people really can be a community if we try. People share tips and tricks, the tries and fails, or just banter about their days. I've coined "Otherness" for 2022 and focusing on what I can add, share, and contribute to this world wide community. I think about the part in You've Got Mail, and Meg Ryans character describing that she leads a small life, but an important one. I feel that way. 

    My life is small, at times incredibly dull, sometimes melancholy, but overall good and like yours, important. I try to read and comment back whenever anyone takes the time to chat. If you blog, I hope to visit you back. If we drift away, that's ok too as community members need different things from different people time to time. I know we're all just living our real lives, sometimes quietly and sometimes with flare and gusto. Blogging is a release, an escape perhaps, so I or anyone else should not be expected to air everything going on. That might lead others to think I've no problems or I'm ignoring or covering them up. The truth is far from that; I use blogging as part of dealing with life. Just like focusing each week, intentionally on Tuesday, on things that give me joy, simple pleasures, or gratefulness. This is how I remember that sadness, stress, fear, and longing are just part of real life, but not my life entirely. 

1. While testing positive was a surprise since I've been in the closer end of cautious, grateful I am getting the mild impact. Other than staying home, life is not interupted.
2. I need to express gratefulness for my newest team member at work. She's awesome and has hit the ground running, lessening loads for others and creating her space moving forward. 
3. A big decision was made at work that will have a positive impact to thousands of people in the coming weeks- and reduces work stress for myself and others charged with helping this group of stakeholders 
4. DH was kind, if not annoying, checking in to see if I needed or wanted anything. He even bought me Diet Coke, despite Diet Pepsi being on sale. 
5. I put a question out on a FB site on how to get flavor help on my bean soup. I was out of Better than Bullion and vegetable broth. While I don't put tomatoes in my bean soup, which was the suggestion by many, Carol said adding a little acid through lemon juice would help with blandness. Voila! Who knew? The soup really hit the spot, and if I wager, the 10 cup pot cost perhaps $3.75 to make if I count all spices, veg, and beans. 
6. I'm appreciative of Facebook live. My niece in law shared her kids dance performances on Saturday. So special to see and I got a kick out of the 6 and 7 year old boys hip hop routine with my great nephew. Later, her sister in law streamed another great nephews JV hockey game. Social media has a place. My niece in law even did commentary and chatted with those of us on- line.
7. I had a positive weigh in and am on track! I so appreciate the well wishes and encouragement. While I'm not seeking tips or validation, I really appreciate kind words.
8. My daughter is always checking in with others, me being no exception. She did a stop for me for items I needed. The other two also checked in. Nice to know your kids care about you!
9. I used my bonus day off yesterday for both reflection, engaged in an online program on civil rights and the legacy of Dr. King, and personal reflection. I try to not treat the federal holidays as just a three day weekend, even if only for an hour.
10. Pup and I had a really good walk Monday before dark. The sun was starting to set and the moon and pond looked peaceful. Once home, I fed him,took a long shower, and ate dinner all fresh and cozy ready to end my weekend. I'm actually energized for today and new challenges. (That's what I'm telling myself.)

     No posting about vacations, 5 Star dinners, or perfect families with perfect achievements this week. Just the stuff of my life in small town Minnesota while isolating at home. It's a week recognizing the humble is important. The alternative is a fast track to disillusion. Have a positively Tuesday.

The path along the pond.

You can just make
 out the moon.