I whine some days. A LOT. Mostly it's in my head-I don't think I go around whining out loud, but I feel it. Little annoyances and inconveniences tally up some days and leave any of us with headaches and frustrations, but Tuesdays I make sure I back off on negative thinking. With finding at least 10 things, simple pleasures, life joys, or things that make me smile, little irks melt to practically nothing. With me college kid home, my older daughter back to town after a week away, and making tiny steps, but steps forward against clutter none the less, I've easily made a list.
- Despite traffic, my daughter's had an uneventful trip home. There's no better joy than the sound of someone you love and haven't seen in weeks, walking through your door.
- I'm happy for my older daughters terrific photo eye. She captured swans on the lake on Saturday (this is me screen shotting video) and a misty morning. I love seeing the world through her eyes.
- Not a lot of details, but it was good to get a few words from my son as he is still working on a project outside of California. It's reassuring to know he is doing well, though it would be great to know if he will come visit for Christmas. He's not committing yet-both due to work schedule and seeing if cases start to go down as he's not yet keen on flying.
- After such a small gatherings last year, I got a text from sister to start Thanksgiving details. I'm very appreciative several sisters love hosting the big holidays and I can just help.
- A neighbor was doing heavy yard clean up yesterday and had a fire going in the back yard. The smell was so good, mixed with the fresh crisp air.
- I got a nice message out of the blue from a friend who I have not been in touch with for a while outside of Facebook. I donate to her Fight Cancer group each year and she took the time to let me know she appreciates it. Her 22 year old daughter is in her third year of remission of leukemia, graduated college last spring and is doing great.
- I was proud of myself that I walked the lift bridge and up the hill on the Wisconsin side. My daughter was so encouraging, reminding me that if I could climbed the Eiffel Tower and Notre Damme steps, I could do this walk. Good memories and a positive kick in the butt.
- I made a particularly delicious pizza hotdish in the crock pot last night. Both DH and DD2 raved about. I think it was the addition of mushrooms and spinach that sealed the deal, DD2's favorite pizza toppings..
- My mother-in-law always remembers our anniversary. Usually it is some fall décor item. This pumpkin was her gift this year.
- And a huge joy, my older daughter and her colleagues received an Emmy for a documentary short on water systems and conservation. She worked so hard on it for over two years and it paid off with both civic and professional accolades.
I'm blending hours of vacation with a few meetings and a virtual conference. My daughter thinks she has plans with friends. We'll have dinner with her sister tonight, her last meal for a while that she can chew before her oral surgery tomorrow. Please send good thoughts it goes well and she is not in too much discomfort. I hope your day is full of opportunities to see the good things, whether they be small or large and everything in between.
