I'm both happy and pensive about 2022 coming to a close as this past week put us in the last month of the year. Good things happened in my family, yet, there was/ is a lot of stressful parts of life as well. Those can stay behind in 2022. Work needs to get better, or I at least need to figure out improved ways to both manage the challenges, and leave it behind at the end of the work day. The economy is frightful, so many people struggling, and our own future filled with questions. Still, it's Tuesday and that means I look for the positives in my life, simple pleasures, outright joys, and smiles.
Tuesday: The snowstorm stopped a lot of activity, including puppy class. I was able to get about 1/3 shoveled but then my kind neighbor helped me finish the remaining 2/3rds. They are a really lovely young couple and good neighbors. The dogs were funny in the snow, curious, but loved jumping in and out of snow drifts.
Wednesday: Trivia night and a second place finish. It was a good crowd, which means the terrific beer tenders should earn good tips. I appreciate everyone in the service industry, and hope everyone is kind and generous with tipping, or just courteous when in a non-tipping setting.
Thursday: Poor DH is really having an issue at work. I was proud of him for meeting with his boss outside of the store and stating emphatically he was not going to tolerate the situation any longer. He felt better being upfront and direct. Hopefully, issue is resolved. We enjoyed a taco dinner together and watched a bit of football. I took the older dog upstairs and got a couple things done and the grandpup hung out with him until it was puppy bed time.
Friday: I had an ok work day. Poor DH came home cold and shivering, but hot tea, blankets, and movies helped. I went to a lovely concert with my friend, and saw others I haven't seen literally in person in years including a work friend who just happened to be at the concert. That was icing on a terrific holiday season cake.
Saturday: This was a really good day with the mom friends. I was filled with a laughter lunch and shopping for gifts, and just enjoying our friendship. Our server was the best and we told her we'd be back but only if she's working. But, if she wasn't working, she should join us! We got a group picture in front of a fireplace and tree. I found the cute kitchen sign for DD1 and her pup to commemorate his first Christmas and her first in her new home. I was so tired that I barely saw DH before I settled in to try and watch a movie! He had a slow day at work so got to watch both the World Cup USA match and the Wild game at work.
Sunday: We finally got the tree and lights up. I decided ornaments would be light - why push the limits with the puppy. It's still beautiful and I like the glow. I made an interesting soup with pinto beans, potatoes, and acorn squash with a loaf of bread. The bread was good, but under proofed, but the soup was delicious. DH liked it as much as we girls did. We also chatted with our son. He won't be home for Christmas, but is coming to overlap when DD2 gets home, and before she goes back to school! We'll celebrate Christmas then with all three kids.
Monday: It went fine going to the new offices for a meeting. I left after morning traffic, plus had a clear drive home. I started work at 6:00 since I knew I had the drive time two ways and would need to take care of dog needs. I laugh at the puppy loving the climb of the snow mountains the plow leaves in our front yard. He's like a mountain goat. I can stay safely on the ground. We keep him on leesh to do this as the mounds are by the road. I texted with both sides of family to sort Christmas meals for Eve and day, so that's settled. The dogs were good boys, and had a peaceful night, with early bed time since the day started early.
Conflicting weather reports, but snow might be in the cards again to start later. I hope puppy class still is on. My daughter is packing a bag to stay in the event the roads are bad, avoiding her rural likely unplowed route. That'll be nice to have company for dinner and coffee tomorrow morning. If the weather is fine, we'll see her Thursday when she retrieves her dog. I hope your week was a good one and you have a Positively Tuesday.
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That was very nice of your neighbor to help you with 2/3s of your driveway. Those are the best kind of neighbors to have. That was so sweet of you to invite your waitress if she wasn’t working that night. I do my best to be kind to service workers also. People who treat them like servants can be so ugly. I hope you have a good week too, Sam. 😊
ReplyDeleteOverall, our neighbors are good. I just don't like the danger factor of using the cul de sac as a playground and the looks we get just trying to leave and come home. But, other than that, no complaints really. The server helped make the lunch fun. That's always a perk of meals out. Another happily took our photo.
DeleteI'm glad your husband was able to have his say about the problems at work, but seriously - roll on retirement eh?
ReplyDeleteI'm counting down those days. Now it's just the immature cold shoulder, but DH says he's fine with that as long as he stays out of his department.
DeleteTo Treaders point, I'm sure your husband is absolutely counting down the days until retirement.
ReplyDeleteWe had a few good things over the past week: I finished up some large work projects, got to watch Nick's soccer game, & we are nearing the home stretch for the semester, which is a huge deal for us. There is so much stress on the kids at this time of the year.
He better be. He'll find something to do that's more for fun, but earns something. I think he'd be good working at a library or with the family center, helping to find resources for people.
DeleteI love your posts, as they help me step back and to be grateful for what I have, and to let the little stresses go. I hope the snow holds off!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the post sparks the good thoughts for others. I have more good than bad in life, and the bad is work, so thankful I have a good job, and family stress, but that means I have people I care about.
DeleteYou had good things happen this week. I know your husband is looking forward to getting out of the unhealthy environment. Good for him for speaking up about the conditions.
ReplyDeleteI hope the snow is manageable. It is still entirely too warm here.
We end d up with no Tuesday snow so very manageable. DH used the phrase hostile work environment, which was strong for him. He's not very in tune with emotions, feelings, but this guy was over the top.
DeleteI am glad your husband at least has an eye on retiring. Maybe that will help him as the date draws nearer. Has anyone at work any idea he is planning to retire?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there's ideas but he's not given any date. He likely won't much earlier than his birthday, if any earlier, as that's 3 weeks. He dies not feel obligated to give a long notice unless it would mean benefits to himself.
DeleteI love that you went to lunch with friends and got a picture together! Just so happens my mom friends and I had our Christmas dinner tonight and had a waitress get our picture by the tree as well. I’m still smiling! We had an amazing weekend at work, killer numbers and won two big tendershare contests, but it’s still super stressful and tomorrow is my 7th straight day. DD aced her first final, DS got his hours cut at work (less overtime but this is a very good thing!) Got to snuggle my nephew a little bit last week and talk with my SIL. Caught up with a former work friend. Went to dinner with my hubby. Maybe nothing earth shattering, but connecting with my people is what truly makes me happy! JoAnn
ReplyDeleteWe try to get a photo when all five make it. We've had two this year! Your week sounds really good, and it's the daily moments that make a fulfilling life.
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