Positively Tuesday-But Struggling

      It was a hard past week. Too many lumps and too little gravy, both for me and family. We just seem to be on a low patch right now. Things just not working as we hope,  my stress is high and resiliency low. I'm feeling a lot of second hand anxiety, and not sure how to best manage my internal response to others challenges. I know the hard days do pass. I take walk, deep breaths. Then think. There's always something to find a bit of joy in, or a simple pleasure. I make sure to find at least 10 things to appreciate each week.

1. I coaxed DH to the local concert by the river. We both enjoyed it and I had a catch-up with an old highschool friend.
2. We were surprised to learn there was video bingo when we blew the budget aside to eat out once again. Lucky winners the pair of us. It was fun and we'd go again with the kids, friends, or family.
3. The work meeting, even though I had to give up a flex day, got behind on work, and had to drive home in rush hour, was a good day. Sometimes we have to hit the pause and figure out what we're actually trying to accomplish. 
4. Though Saturday was steamy, I was fairly productive. It always is a simple pleasure when despite chaos, I can visibly see some progress. One area was tossing in the recycling any plastic containers or covers without a mate and having a neater "Tupperware" cupboard. Also, my daughter is getting rid of a couple small appliances that do not work. It kills me that much will go in landfill, but at least the recycling program tries to keep what's possible.
5. DH got off at 3:00 on Saturday unexpectedly. He brought home DQ buster bars and we enjoyed a break. We watched the Belmont Stakes horse race which we enjoyed. Not sure if I've shared that I grew up a horse gal.
6. I tallied up how far we're off on our saving goal to deposit 100,% of DH's take home in savings, essentially living on just my income. I was pleased that the difference so far is less than the increase take home I'll see September to December. Like everyone, inflation is pushing our budget, but we were a bit spend-thrifty with meals out the last month and a 1/2, a few splurges, and a plumbing issue. I feel we can cut back the non-essentials we spent too much on in the spring going forward and still have good entertainment this summer and fall. Not really a pleasure, but at least some relief.
7. DH and my daughter got her furniture and items she doesn't need in the short term stored. She's disappointed she doesn't have a house in process yet, but for her need to get away from awful neighbors, this is a good interim plan. Last Friday they had a party until 3:00 a.m. Her neighbor below her sent volatile texts to her landlord if he so much as heard my daughter's television. She tiptoes around her home but the people above her have no thought. I'm not going to sugar coat it. She's sad about this. She made that apartment a home that fit her style and feels sort of forced from it earlier than planned, before she's found her house. Sending positive energy out that she'll find her next home by fall if not sooner. In the short run, we've got a room for her to get tested, restored, and save a bit of rent in the short term.
8. I made a summer fun list on Sunday to try and shake us all up a bit. Gas prices are through the roof, but I found lots to add on weeknights and weekends we don't go to the cabin that economize and are local. 
9. I was not "that" neighbor, but the mom's at the cul-de-sac entrance are no longer putting their chairs in the road, but rather either yard. They also seem to be directing traffic for the kids to ride by the curbs, not the middle of the road- well, as best they can. I enjoy the kids, just not everywhere! The wading pools were out in full force with the first hot weekend of summer, and hearing the splashing and laughing next door when I'm outside reading is a simple summer joy.
10. I decided enough with the frumpy clothes and decided at least for this week, to get up and dress and look like I'm going into the office. I've been very lazy complacent. Both yesterday and today I put on a dress or skirt, earnings, and a touch of blush and mascara. I do feel perhaps a bit more spring in my step. I'd like to say I'll keep at it, but for now just pushing this week. I've decided I'm also going to get a cut and color before Chicago. I've just let myself get unkept. 

     Pup continues to be my good boy. He's a little creep sometimes, but when he's in his playful mood, he helps stress and anxiety hide for a bit. Sunday was our 11th anniversary of him joining our home. If the saying goes all good things must come to an end is true, surely the opposite has to be part of the equation. I hope you're all finding more joys than sorrows, and even if life is hard, you're finding the positives.

This was him the day he arrived.