For the first time in months, I have three consecutive days off work. WooHoo.
In one of those weird coincidences of life, I rode my bike to work today. Guess what? It was National Ride your bike to work Day.
I drove to Toronto tonight to pick up Stashaholic. That was the least amount of traffic I've ever seen on the highway between here and there. Unbelievable. We were home in the amount of time it often takes to go one way.
Tea. Yummy healthy cold fix tea. It has juniper berries in it so I'm going to wait til tomorrow in case it gives me hives. Several years ago, I made incense powder by crushing cedar, juniper, pine and fir. I had hives inside my nose from inhaling the wonderful aroma. I can't touch any of them to this day without breaking out. So you can understand why I hesitate to drink it. Yet, I do like gin so perhaps ingestation is safe.
Milo is curled up in his little bed beside me, chirping in his sleep. That makes me ridiculously happy.
Have a wonderful weekend and take time to notice the good things in every day. Savour the moments.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Thursday, May 16, 2013
So many good things, mostly people
Scent of lilacs is strong in our yard. Even I, who can barely breathe, can smell them. Lovely.
The Japanese maple is green.
An acquaintance helped a young teen out of a crisis and didn't consider his actions noteworthy. He's a good man who doesn't see it. In this day and age of mistrust and scandal, he went out of his way to help a stranger, one who had the potential to ruin his life if it was a scam. It wasn't, it didn't. He helped her. People are good.
My young friend took huge steps today in becoming a grown-up. I'm proud and happy for him. I will miss him when he moves away and starts his new life.
A book came into my life today. It was printed in 1884 and gifted to my great-grandmother when she was 16 years old. It made me very happy to hold it in my hands and know that it`s made it all the way down the line to me. Once I can do so safely, I`m going to read it.
I had a great long distance chat with a friend I`m going to see in two weeks. We talked about how society teaches us that we should all think the same when in fact all of our brains work differently from each other. We don`t learn the same way, at the same speed with the incentives. We are unique.
The world is so much smaller now thanks to technology. Then I look at photographs of my great-aunt's life and think how little it's changed in the ways that are important. Family and friends. Love.
I am blessed to have all of these.
How was your day?
The Japanese maple is green.
An acquaintance helped a young teen out of a crisis and didn't consider his actions noteworthy. He's a good man who doesn't see it. In this day and age of mistrust and scandal, he went out of his way to help a stranger, one who had the potential to ruin his life if it was a scam. It wasn't, it didn't. He helped her. People are good.
My young friend took huge steps today in becoming a grown-up. I'm proud and happy for him. I will miss him when he moves away and starts his new life.
A book came into my life today. It was printed in 1884 and gifted to my great-grandmother when she was 16 years old. It made me very happy to hold it in my hands and know that it`s made it all the way down the line to me. Once I can do so safely, I`m going to read it.
I had a great long distance chat with a friend I`m going to see in two weeks. We talked about how society teaches us that we should all think the same when in fact all of our brains work differently from each other. We don`t learn the same way, at the same speed with the incentives. We are unique.
The world is so much smaller now thanks to technology. Then I look at photographs of my great-aunt's life and think how little it's changed in the ways that are important. Family and friends. Love.
I am blessed to have all of these.
How was your day?
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Spring cold
One Good Thing about having a cold bad enough to keep me on the couch is catching up on tv shows I've missed because I was out gallivanting all week.
It also meant I was home when the wind was so high it blew the pond liner into the pond. We hadn't gotten around to putting the rocks back on top of the liner. I went out and tucked it behind the rock wall. Then I took advantage of the sunshine and fresh air by planting the Spring-blooming heather. I watered the Icelandic poppy and scoped out a couple of places to plant it.
One Good Thing about crochet is you can add on anywhere. No need to tear it out and start fresh from the beginning. Unless of course you were distracted by Mad Men and ended up adding too many stitches. In that case, out it comes.
Another Good Thing about the cold was the coughing fit meant people didn't keep me on the phone. My brain isn't as sharp as normal so engaging me in a discussion about logistics right now is not the best time. I've kept a low profile on the email front as well. It's nice to have a holiday.
I've taken all the best cold remedies, including the ever effective, and foul-tasting, oil of oregano. The jug of citrus soaking in water was tastier.
There are hundreds of good things in a day. Little things, like the dog's head in my lap while he gazes up at me with adoration in his eyes, the scent of the lilacs, the neighbour's new grandson smiling up at her, the squirrel running across the fence and startling the dog, friends goofing around on FB, other friends goofing around on the Internet, sharing recipes, sharing ideas, good books, time to read a good book, joking with DNe, texts from DNi, Mom's smile first thing in the morning, Dad's quickly smothered chuckle when Casey marked me as his territory, a nostalgic song on the radio, a great new song that gets me moving, the splash of ginger ale against the back of my throat, the bite of spice in the sausage, the smell of fleece soaking in the tub.
Enjoy the little things. Savour the moment. See all the Good Things. There are more than you realize.
It also meant I was home when the wind was so high it blew the pond liner into the pond. We hadn't gotten around to putting the rocks back on top of the liner. I went out and tucked it behind the rock wall. Then I took advantage of the sunshine and fresh air by planting the Spring-blooming heather. I watered the Icelandic poppy and scoped out a couple of places to plant it.
One Good Thing about crochet is you can add on anywhere. No need to tear it out and start fresh from the beginning. Unless of course you were distracted by Mad Men and ended up adding too many stitches. In that case, out it comes.
Another Good Thing about the cold was the coughing fit meant people didn't keep me on the phone. My brain isn't as sharp as normal so engaging me in a discussion about logistics right now is not the best time. I've kept a low profile on the email front as well. It's nice to have a holiday.
I've taken all the best cold remedies, including the ever effective, and foul-tasting, oil of oregano. The jug of citrus soaking in water was tastier.
There are hundreds of good things in a day. Little things, like the dog's head in my lap while he gazes up at me with adoration in his eyes, the scent of the lilacs, the neighbour's new grandson smiling up at her, the squirrel running across the fence and startling the dog, friends goofing around on FB, other friends goofing around on the Internet, sharing recipes, sharing ideas, good books, time to read a good book, joking with DNe, texts from DNi, Mom's smile first thing in the morning, Dad's quickly smothered chuckle when Casey marked me as his territory, a nostalgic song on the radio, a great new song that gets me moving, the splash of ginger ale against the back of my throat, the bite of spice in the sausage, the smell of fleece soaking in the tub.
Enjoy the little things. Savour the moment. See all the Good Things. There are more than you realize.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Impulsive Good Things
Yesterday was a crazy day. My foot hurt, my meeting went long, two co-workers had some quality hospital time for kidney issues. I had a long list of chores waiting for me when I got home.
Instead, I responded yes to the text that invited me to go down to Maple Leaf Square in Toronto to watch game seven on the giant screen surrounded by 25,000 screaming fans. It was insane down there. We parked a few blocks away and followed all the blue and white jerseys. People were laughing and joking around with strangers. All I could smell was cinnamon, coffee and beer. We dared to eat street meat (little hot dog and sausage stands that do a mean business during hockey season). We started out in the middle of the crowd, shoved up against a sapling that hadn't leafed yet. As the crowd started pushing in on us, we moved back. Then back again and again until we were standing on the street corner. We decided to bail and head for a bar but once we crossed the street we could actually see over all those blue heads, helmets and wigs to the giant screen so we stayed.
I cannot describe the energy, the cheers, the bodies jumping up and down. Riot police were out in full force. The street was closed to traffic and the crowd flowed out and over onto our side of the street. Flags waved. Toilet paper was tossed. The game took a hard turn away from jubilation. People were so tense they barely breathed. Then it was over and everyone filed away from the scene of the crime. Most people just wanted to put it behind them. One guy threw a sign and people told him to grow up. The guy who tossed firecrackers was encouraged, strongly, not to do that again.
I don't like crowds, I don't like to be surrounded by riot police. We kept backing up so the police were in front of us, so that we were behind the action. Underdressed in our Leaf jerseys, we were freezing on the street corner when the sun went down. Yet, for all that, I'm glad I experienced it. People were well-behaved. Civilized even, in their disappointment.
I woke up this morning with my throat raw from all that screaming. My foot feels worse but that's from driving as I did all my jumping up and down on one foot.
It was a tough day, both on the news and at home. But going to Toronto last night was fun and it helped me to deal with today's tragedies and sadness. It reminded me to seize opportunities, to laugh whenever possible, to spend time with people whose company you enjoy, to play even when you might fall and scrape your knee.
Yesterday was full of Good Things in a blue and white package of comaraderie, disappointment and friendship.
Instead, I responded yes to the text that invited me to go down to Maple Leaf Square in Toronto to watch game seven on the giant screen surrounded by 25,000 screaming fans. It was insane down there. We parked a few blocks away and followed all the blue and white jerseys. People were laughing and joking around with strangers. All I could smell was cinnamon, coffee and beer. We dared to eat street meat (little hot dog and sausage stands that do a mean business during hockey season). We started out in the middle of the crowd, shoved up against a sapling that hadn't leafed yet. As the crowd started pushing in on us, we moved back. Then back again and again until we were standing on the street corner. We decided to bail and head for a bar but once we crossed the street we could actually see over all those blue heads, helmets and wigs to the giant screen so we stayed.
I cannot describe the energy, the cheers, the bodies jumping up and down. Riot police were out in full force. The street was closed to traffic and the crowd flowed out and over onto our side of the street. Flags waved. Toilet paper was tossed. The game took a hard turn away from jubilation. People were so tense they barely breathed. Then it was over and everyone filed away from the scene of the crime. Most people just wanted to put it behind them. One guy threw a sign and people told him to grow up. The guy who tossed firecrackers was encouraged, strongly, not to do that again.
I don't like crowds, I don't like to be surrounded by riot police. We kept backing up so the police were in front of us, so that we were behind the action. Underdressed in our Leaf jerseys, we were freezing on the street corner when the sun went down. Yet, for all that, I'm glad I experienced it. People were well-behaved. Civilized even, in their disappointment.
I woke up this morning with my throat raw from all that screaming. My foot feels worse but that's from driving as I did all my jumping up and down on one foot.
It was a tough day, both on the news and at home. But going to Toronto last night was fun and it helped me to deal with today's tragedies and sadness. It reminded me to seize opportunities, to laugh whenever possible, to spend time with people whose company you enjoy, to play even when you might fall and scrape your knee.
Yesterday was full of Good Things in a blue and white package of comaraderie, disappointment and friendship.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Hmmm
One Good Thing about hockey playoffs is the amount of calories I expend through nervous energy. I hope our team goes all the way so I can lose 20 pounds.
One Good Thing about being too tired to get a ride to work so that I could walk to my brother's for dinner (approximately 6km) was I didn't end up walking during a hail storm. That would have been miserable.
One Good Thing about being a kid magnet is that I was able to distract the littlest one at the extended family Mother's Day dinner. She was on the verge of tears so I told her I needed a snuggle. She climbed over her sister to oblige me.
I really did need the snuggle. One Good Thing about it being our last Sunday to offer library service is the opportunity to have two consecutive days off during the summer. It was bittersweet as neither of today's coworkers will be back in the Fall. The one girl made a lovely bracelet for me.
There was a robin pecking at the window to be let inside when I arrived at work so early. I think it knew what was coming weather-wise and wanted shelter. I saw it fly past in the worst of the hail. I have no idea why it wasn't huddled in a tree.
I was at work so early because I popped back to the craft show this morning. I picked up a couple of hostess gifts for my upcoming trip. I also gave the purse lady some fabric to make a tree bag for me. I'll post pictures when it arrives early next week. I was so thrilled she agreed. I didn't want to offend her by suggesting my material was better than hers. She was thrilled that I'd thought about her creations all night.
One last good thing before I turn in for the night. It was Mother's Day today. It's a bittersweet day for so many people. I posted this on FB earlier today but in case you didn't see it. Read The Bloggess's take on Mother's Day. I can't thank her enough for acknowledging my worth despite the lack of childbirth on my part. And to all those people who constantly tell me to appreciate my mother, you have no idea how much I do. And always will.
One Good Thing about being too tired to get a ride to work so that I could walk to my brother's for dinner (approximately 6km) was I didn't end up walking during a hail storm. That would have been miserable.
One Good Thing about being a kid magnet is that I was able to distract the littlest one at the extended family Mother's Day dinner. She was on the verge of tears so I told her I needed a snuggle. She climbed over her sister to oblige me.
I really did need the snuggle. One Good Thing about it being our last Sunday to offer library service is the opportunity to have two consecutive days off during the summer. It was bittersweet as neither of today's coworkers will be back in the Fall. The one girl made a lovely bracelet for me.
There was a robin pecking at the window to be let inside when I arrived at work so early. I think it knew what was coming weather-wise and wanted shelter. I saw it fly past in the worst of the hail. I have no idea why it wasn't huddled in a tree.
I was at work so early because I popped back to the craft show this morning. I picked up a couple of hostess gifts for my upcoming trip. I also gave the purse lady some fabric to make a tree bag for me. I'll post pictures when it arrives early next week. I was so thrilled she agreed. I didn't want to offend her by suggesting my material was better than hers. She was thrilled that I'd thought about her creations all night.
One last good thing before I turn in for the night. It was Mother's Day today. It's a bittersweet day for so many people. I posted this on FB earlier today but in case you didn't see it. Read The Bloggess's take on Mother's Day. I can't thank her enough for acknowledging my worth despite the lack of childbirth on my part. And to all those people who constantly tell me to appreciate my mother, you have no idea how much I do. And always will.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Visiting Good Things
I was offline all day yesterday. My one friend came from Oakland and my other from Detroit so the three of us met in Toronto. We had a delicious lunch at a lovely little bistro. Just inhaling the scent of baked cinnamon pastries was enough to satisfy my craving. We spent the day shopping through and for windows. Whenever it rained, we dashed into a store. We may have bought a few items on those occasions. It was rent payment for keeping us dry.
We found this amazing dress with lots of buckles that was more like an overdress. It wouldn't have looked out of place on Firefly. Four of us tried it on and it was completely different on each of us. We were/are varying sizes so the hem landed at various lengths changing look entirely.
The shop owner gave me all the pennies in her till to add to my charity pile I amassed for my birthday. That was very nice.
Up and down the street we went, back and forth, criss and cross. We laughed at so many things I can't even remember any of them just the sheer joy of spending time with imaginary friends I met on the Internet.
My only requirement was that we be somewhere in front of a television in time to watch the puck drop. We all agreed I'm a horrible friend but they enjoyed the game too - especially when Toronto won.
I got up early this morning and went for a hike. One Good Thing about only my committee partner in crime showing up was we were able to explore the trail in detail. There are a couple of tricky spots that we had hoped to reroute. There's a reason we're using the tricky spots. We both suffered minor injuries. My poor foot has had enough. The slide down the mud to jam against a rock was too much.
Yet, the trilliums were beautiful. The red-tail hawk flew over us a couple of times in the woods. The squirrels flicked their tails and chattered at us before darting off into the leaves.
Instead of going home and putting my foot up, I showered, picked up Mom and my friend then headed out to a craft show. All of the vendors were local, the wine was yummy and I could spent all of my savings as well as the mortgage payment. Messenger bags made from repurposed fabrics and exquisite ceramic buttons, savoury shortbread, hats, hats and more hats, handcreams, dry shampoo and soap, jewelry made from classic books and Hawaiian coffee.
We finished the night off with wine, chocolate and NASCAR.
This ad made me laugh til I cried.
We found this amazing dress with lots of buckles that was more like an overdress. It wouldn't have looked out of place on Firefly. Four of us tried it on and it was completely different on each of us. We were/are varying sizes so the hem landed at various lengths changing look entirely.
The shop owner gave me all the pennies in her till to add to my charity pile I amassed for my birthday. That was very nice.
Up and down the street we went, back and forth, criss and cross. We laughed at so many things I can't even remember any of them just the sheer joy of spending time with imaginary friends I met on the Internet.
My only requirement was that we be somewhere in front of a television in time to watch the puck drop. We all agreed I'm a horrible friend but they enjoyed the game too - especially when Toronto won.
I got up early this morning and went for a hike. One Good Thing about only my committee partner in crime showing up was we were able to explore the trail in detail. There are a couple of tricky spots that we had hoped to reroute. There's a reason we're using the tricky spots. We both suffered minor injuries. My poor foot has had enough. The slide down the mud to jam against a rock was too much.
Yet, the trilliums were beautiful. The red-tail hawk flew over us a couple of times in the woods. The squirrels flicked their tails and chattered at us before darting off into the leaves.
Instead of going home and putting my foot up, I showered, picked up Mom and my friend then headed out to a craft show. All of the vendors were local, the wine was yummy and I could spent all of my savings as well as the mortgage payment. Messenger bags made from repurposed fabrics and exquisite ceramic buttons, savoury shortbread, hats, hats and more hats, handcreams, dry shampoo and soap, jewelry made from classic books and Hawaiian coffee.
We finished the night off with wine, chocolate and NASCAR.
This ad made me laugh til I cried.
Thursday, May 09, 2013
Lemonade
One Good Thing about mushy too-ripe bananas - banana bread.
Drinking water fills me up. I eat less when hydrated. Adding lemons to the water adds flavour.
One Good Thing about finding two ticks in my hair - they were both dead. I credit the lemon in my water - and the 1/2C of homemade bug spray I doused myself in yesterday. Lemon, peppermint, lavender, geranium essential oils. I keep my hair braided from now til the Deep Freeze and that's why. The ticks were at the end of my braid. My clothes were all bug free. Ten years ago, I'd never seen a tick. Now they're commonplace. Yuck.
One Good Thing about all the walking I've been doing is the sprint to the corner store barely winded me. I caught up with the person I was chasing and we had a good chat.
One Good Thing about dropping the olive oil on the floor is how shiny it made the floor. I've since washed it. So another good thing. My kitchen is clean. Really clean.
I've yet to make lemonade out of all the lemons in the fruit bowl but my life is benefiting.
How are things with you?
Drinking water fills me up. I eat less when hydrated. Adding lemons to the water adds flavour.
One Good Thing about finding two ticks in my hair - they were both dead. I credit the lemon in my water - and the 1/2C of homemade bug spray I doused myself in yesterday. Lemon, peppermint, lavender, geranium essential oils. I keep my hair braided from now til the Deep Freeze and that's why. The ticks were at the end of my braid. My clothes were all bug free. Ten years ago, I'd never seen a tick. Now they're commonplace. Yuck.
One Good Thing about all the walking I've been doing is the sprint to the corner store barely winded me. I caught up with the person I was chasing and we had a good chat.
One Good Thing about dropping the olive oil on the floor is how shiny it made the floor. I've since washed it. So another good thing. My kitchen is clean. Really clean.
I've yet to make lemonade out of all the lemons in the fruit bowl but my life is benefiting.
How are things with you?
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