Positively Tuesday- Big Picture

     

Good morning. I'm in a resort that from late May to early September is filled to overflowing with boaters, golfers, and all those who live the best of Minnesota summer. Late fall when it's a cold 40° for a high? Off season, it's used mostly for budget conferences. Hopping activities? Not so much, but my room the last two nights was comfortable even if the hike I took chilled me to the bone. This week I want to think about the Big Picture, when I recap my joys, simple pleasures, and smiles. There's so many things loading down my body and mind that I'm feeling the weight. All but one is ongoing and completely attention worthy. The rest though are just little bits of my life mural, not the pairing itself. I'm trying to think about these stressful snippets as maybe the color contrast that makes the brights stand out. And, once I can stand back, take a breath and look, I can see my life is a truly lovely big picture. My week for recap starts Tuesday and goes until Monday, so starting last week:

Tuesday: Unseasonably beautiful day meant lots of outside time. I used beautiful peppers from my daughter's garden for a supper win. 

Wednesday: This was a hard day to find positives. I had two staff out sick so had to handle an extra mailbox. DH git stuck late at work, was tired and not feeling well once home. I guess being able to spend time with both dogs was my simple pleasure. Pup still does not like the puppy here, but tolerates him better. I made a nice roast chicken. My positive is we have enough food and all necessities and I just need to be reminded how fortunate we are. 

Thursday: I shared the Native American blessing before the meeting already, but that was a highlight. Poor DH was ready for me to be home as pup had his vet appointment and was cranky, and the puppy was overly stimulated. We had a nice calm night though, once I was caught up, reasonably, for work. 

Friday:  The snow we got melted fast-its too early! My daughter and I had a nice walk with the dog before we had dinner. We settled in and watched the new Hocus Pocus. It was fun to see the changes from the original, but it's not going to be the classic the first became. Also got message that my daughter's long weekend trip to Portugal is going well. 

Saturday: The little festival was not much, so was a mere 10 minute walk through. After suburban stock up shopping, my daughter found a new to us apple orchard. We picked a peck if Honey Crisp. We had some time with her dog before I headed home. DH really wanted pizza, so that's what we ate, while watching a cheesy Hallmark movie. 

Sunday: DH started our day with a real heart to heart talk about his schedule and commiting to retirement at the end of next summer. The Vikings played another nail biter but came up with a win.  My drive up to the resort was uneventful, always a joy when on the road. I got out in a large suite, which felt too big alone so I stayed in the bedroom part. It had a fireplace. It got too warm though so I only used a few minutes each night. 

Monday: The leadership conference was a good investment in myself. While I'm in the years ending my career, it's important to still learn that your contributions matter. I talked to my daughter in Spain through some planning at the end of the semester. I also talked to DH and my daughter and things are good at home, good with the dogs, though pup was a terror, barking at the puppy again. They will be happy to see me later today. 

     I'll be in the road pretty much when the conference ends. I have a 2:00 I may join by phone if connection holds. I'm ready to be home though. Tell me about your joys this week.