Positively Tuesday- Stress Busters

      I have to admit, the visa situation for my daughter was nearly as stressful on me as it was on her. Her anxiousness if getting something wrong, then the possible missed appointment confirmation was stress inducing on all of us in the house. Plus her worry mixed with exhaustion from transitioning to a 4:00 a.m. start, then a challenging night at her second job, led to more tears and 2nd hand anxiety for me. It was one of many "not my issues" that were in limbo. Having at least that one checked is a huge relief.  Anything that can bring a few moments of pause in worry is good. Tuesday mornings I try to make my own pauses and think of at least 10 joys, simple pleasures, or things that made me smile.

1. Now she waits, but I'll put Visa appointment done as number one.
2. Second has to be that we got to, during, and from Chicago safe and sound. We even got a tiny bit of exploring the immediate area.
3. I went and watched my daughter's softball game last Wednesday night. Her team is fine, but the other team could hit the crap out of the ball! Still, a nice night outside and away from my computer.
4. Had a good visit with one of the mom friends and her husband at another friends sons grad party. Our husbands don't know each other well, but they really hit it off. 
5. It was nice to see DH's uncle, cousin, and meet her daughters. I enjoyed a terrific fire, good conversation, and a couple glasses of wine. Neither DH's siblings and families were there, and it sounds bad, but so much more relaxing, even though a full cabin. They are just so extra, if you understand.
6. I cleaned the cabin and did all the towels used by my MIl's guests. It was nice to see how happy their visit made my MIL, and how relieved she was that DH and I said we'd take care of things. She was driving them to a relatives on their mom's side. DHs aunt passed away about, five years ago. 
7. Back to the road trip. I'll put this in the category " things you don't see every day and hope to never see again." My daughter had dozed off and I was cruising along, but had a motarcycle a bit ahead. As I got closer and could see golden hair flying, I realized the man had no clothes on. I woke DD upright away to confirm what I was seeing. As I changed lanes to pass, she goes, " He either had a fanny pack on or a Speedo." We decided to think Speedo for a tiny less ewe factor.  This is in I90, cars on both sides, on an early Friday afternoon. It seemed like it could have been from an episode of CHIP's from the '70's.
8. I took yesterday off. I will pay for it in long hours, but the physical and mental rest was terrific. I got caught up with laundry, a little other tidying, and enjoyed both porch and deck. I made both vegan and regular cheese and bean enchiladas and felt good about using up some lingering corn tortillas, white crumble queso, and green onions. 
9. I finally got my hair cut. I kept it long enough to still pull back, but the ugly ends and a couple inches are gone, plus my hair was thinned out. I need to color, but the cut alone helped my mood.
10. DD2 and friend picked strawberries Saturday. I made just a jar of refrigerator/ freezer jam. Yum, yum. My daughter made her first strawberry rhubarb dump cake as well. 

    

    Horrible photo.
    Delicious jam.

    
    

     It felt good to both be a help to others, and have help myself. DD1 took care of the dog despite having busy days herself. DH, still not fully done, out another patch coat in the wall that had to be cut. She's seeing a possible house contender later today. I hope to be able to tag along. However your week was, let's hear what's been nice in your life.