Positively Tuesday-Always Something

      Even though I had back to back short weeks to end June, both were crammed with long days and anxious moments. This is technically a three day week with yesterday being a holiday and the 8th being my flex day. I'm going to try and stay true to my actual schedule and take Friday, but will start work days early and end late. Cherie commented that I sounded exhausted. Mentally, I am. I don't know how my brain can hold much more between work and my personal life. Importantly, I embraced the three day weekend, rested, played, visited, and just left my stress on a shelf. Despite days of crabbiness, I've found 10 joys, simple pleasures, or smiles for the week. 

1. I got a text from a childhood friend that came across a picture from 4th grade. We were dressed up in patriotic wear. I think it must have been for a 4-H event. It made me smile-the innocent have been cropped out, but here's 10 year old me.
   
   
   
2. I was thrilled to learn a full time person got assigned to the redeployment project I got put on. I still have two different audits, but minimally, this keeps 10 hours of time on my schedule, so I shouldn't need to work such long days after mid July. 
3. It wasn't as hot Friday and to help my mood, I started the day walking pup. Morning walks when no one is around is quite calming. I had my first coffee after on the deck.
4. We went out for dinner Friday night. Our younger daughter joined us. We ran into a few friendly acquaintances.
5. DH decided he was going to help me by picking up the few things I needed from the grocery store. Reluctantly, I gave him my list. I'm going to ignore that he probably increased what I'd have spent by 40% as it was nice to just be home getting food made for the weekend at my leisure on Saturday morning. I'm going to track our spending in July but this might have tempered his leisure shopping for a bit,so maybe the rest of the month I can belt tighten.
6. I mastered a delicious garlic and cummin hummus, made with some of the dried chickpeas I cooked up a few weeks ago. It was loaded with flavored and had a great texture. It really was a simple pleasure. The tahini was pricey, but all other ingredients diet cheap. Recipe used: Easy Hummus
7. My sister's party was a good time. She had a good turn out including extended family.  The kids battled with water balloons and sprinklers, and ended with a nice fire. 
8. Sunday was equally nice with good food, swimming and yard games at the lake. My daughter's friend came along and made for a fun day for her. She brought some fresh picked raspberries along.
9. As DD1 had to work Monday, we went home by 8:00, so I got a really good night's sleep, once the fireworks were done in the neighborhood. That's not the case at the lake because there's so many people and our room is below the kitchen. I've mentioned his family is loud. The decibels go up when alcohol is added.I was proud of my older daughter leaving Sunday morning since she had been there three days, but got no sleep Saturday night. The chaos when all are here is a lot. She was smart to limit her dose. DH said Sunday night was the same- well after 2:00.
10. On route home, we saw several deer, and thankfully they ran back into the woods.

     I promise to give my political angst and frustration a rest for a while. I don't like feeling the way I've been, but also can't just let the world go crazy without some reaction. I'll find my own coping strategies, but I do appreciate the conversation via comments. I hope your week had many positives.