A beautiful day.
1) Watching daughter open her extra special gifts, managed at last minute, was fun.
2) Spending a whole day with family, no ugliness involved, was incredible and reminded me why I choose to LOVE them and like them. We are given our family, but still must make these choices in life!
3) Five minute cat naps are surprisingly refreshing!
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas!
Filed under #365 Days of Positive Thinking, Family, Love
I. Am. Tired.
I came home early to rest, work, and relax… but I relaxed then passed out at a very uncomfortable angle in my big chair. Boo.
1) Completed more projects today. Dad leaned out grime in return vents. Checked out attics. Tried to find the supply lead for outlets in master bath (no go).
2) Nacho was so excited to see me when I showed up at my sister’s house, he hollered at me till I picked him up. He gave me kisses and hugs and chattered at me. Cutie made my day instantly better.
3) Had a little downtime with daughter. She was babysitting all weekend so it felt like I had not seen her at all.
Filed under #365 Days of Positive Thinking
Poor Nacho was sick today, and wanted to be held and rocked most of the day.
1) I got to hold and rock my very active nephew for most of the day.
2) I finally got a piece of a puzzle at work to cooperate (had to get tech support to help with back end support on a site we use).
3) I received a box from my Bela!
Filed under #365 Days of Positive Thinking, Family, Love, Work
Daughter had a babysitting job today, and I had a goal of starting (and finishing) “Cat’s Cradle” by Kurt Vonnegut this weekend — finally! I have only had it checked out from the library since mid-October!
1) I took a long nap yesterday evening, worked through the night, then slept from noon-3pm today. Sleeping as my body needs in order to feel better makes me happy.
2) Daughter will earn enough this weekend to make her car payment. This makes her happy, which makes me happy.
3) Reading always makes me happy. I am nearly halfway finished with Vonnegut’s “Cat’s Cradle,” and should be able to finish it up tonight or tomorrow.
Filed under #365 Days of Positive Thinking, Family
You know you look like death warmed slightly over when both your daughter and sister-who are prone to saying only positive things to you make comments ask if you are okay. Daughter: “You look terrible! You are really pale and your hair is oily!” Sister, upon first seeing me (said with utter astonishment: “Are you alright?!?”
I laughed at both of them, by the way. I do feel like utter crapola. Which brings me to my 3 Happy Thoughts.
1) Nephew, referred to as Nacho Muchacho more often than not, was a complete angel today. Very gentle all day, brought his toys to me so he could sit in my lap, no temper displays, very quiet, and very little interest in roaming around although I opened the gates and was willing to follow him while he explored. Lots of neck nuzzles. Slept really well.
2) Meal prep is super simple through most of the week. Sis cooks ahead for Nacho Muchacho, and I cook on Mondays for myself. A few seconds or minutes in the microwave, meals are ready! This I can handle even when dizzy and exhausted.
3) I can work from my bed or couch when need be. I am about to do some more of that now. My job rarely gets put off a full day when I am not feeling well, because I love my clients and my work. So I rest for a few hours, work in my more lucid moments, and am usually able to accomplish whatever is needed. If I worked in an office, I would have to call out, lose pay, and lose time on project completion!
I love my job. I love my life. I love my people. I am a lucky girl!
Filed under #365 Days of Positive Thinking, Family, Food, Love, Work
Ahhh this is a good day. I started out tired and grumpy, but feel great now!
1. I accomplished a great deal despite not feeling well.
2. I got to spend time with my friend Laila, who is leaving the US to go home to Norway.
3. My daughter was all sunshine and smiles, despite my grumpiness, and it warmed my heart!!
Filed under #365 Days of Positive Thinking, Family, Love
I myself am guilty of falling prey to my clinical depression, of becoming despondent, of feeling overwhelmed to the point that I cannot see the positive in anything. I came across this image tonight, and it sparked something in me.
(Thanks Karen for sharing the image.)
I originally planned to carry on my “Thankfulness” posts through the entire year, as a sort of #365. When I saw this word image, I realized I want to try something new each month (and I welcome ideas), or just alternate between this and Thankfulness posts.
I am challenging you each to find 3 happy/positives things to say about your day. (They cannot be your significant others/children/pets/family except once in the month.) You need to think about your day seriously and tell us about three things that made you happy, brought you peace, helped you, or was in some other way positive. Find ways to turn the negatives into positives, if need be (tell us about the lesson you learned). Seek out the good, and chase away the negativity in your life.
My Three Happy Thoughts for Day 1: This new post idea, having my daughter home to hug and laugh with, and the delicious butternut squash chili I prepared.
We’re here to LIVE life, my lovelies. I choose not to regret things in my life, but I often chew on them unnecessarily before realizing I’ve grown from the negatives and the positives. Let us all get to the point where we choose to make the best of life and keep moving forward, rather than dwelling on the negatives and falling backwards!
Filed under #365 Days of Positive Thinking, Family, Food, Love
Day 30: I am thankful this lovely creature is making her way home today.
I don’t mind her being away, and I don’t typically miss her as long as she is having fun. But I love her more than life itself, and much prefer her to be home! Excited to see her (late) tonight!!
Filed under Family, Love, NaBloPoMo, Thanksgiving
Day 28: I am thankful for the many people in my life who have brought me some sort of joy, happiness, or love. Some are family, some are friends, and others are acquaintances brought together by mutual adoration of folks we know.
Today I ate a delicious meal, surrounded by wonderful people, and enjoyed much conversation a d laughter. My BIL’s family kindly invited me to join all of them & welcomed me into the fold. We cuddled Nacho, snuggled baby Brett, and swapped stories about various interests.
I was able to call my parents & talk to my grandfather, chat with my daughter as she joined her California family, and touch base with many friends and family. Some folks dear to me are struggling with loss while trying to enjoy the spirit of the day, others are struggling to enjoy what they know will be one of the last holidays with their loved ones. Still others feel lost and alone today. Reach out to those you know are struggling. Don’t fear them dampening your spirits–choose to lighten theirs.
Today has been a lovely day, and I hope for many more like it.
Filed under Family, Food, Love, NaBloPoMo, Thanksgiving
I am thankful for my daughter’s family, because no matter how much time goes by between visits and phone calls, they always make her feel loved and welcome. They do not ever make me feel awkward when I speak with them, which is something many of my friends feel in relation to their current-or-ex-in-laws.
I love knowing if she misses them I can tell her to pick up the phone and call, and she will be reminded of all the reasons she loves them.
We are all busy in our day-to-day lives, so we don’t always think to reach out. It is nice knowing that when we do, it is welcomed by them too.
This week daughter is across the country, on a long-overdue visit, and loving every second of it. There never seems to be enough time, but hopefully she will get to see everyone and get reacquainted with each if them.
Filed under Family, Love, NaBloPoMo, Thanksgiving, Travel
A Place to Call Home 