Back online

We're back!  There was a communication issue between our server and Ma Bell but four days without Internet was not as big a problem as I thought it would be - but then I'm old enough to remember what life was like before home computers.

Lots of good things.

First of all, someone else has picked up the One Good Thing idea and made it her own.  Good for you, Pirk.

I've woken up ridiculously early the last couple of mornings. That led to several pages of the horror story. I woke up with the last character in play.

It was icy this morning so I gave myself lots of time to get to work. I didn't need it.  Which meant I could use that time to write some more on the horror story. I know what happens to the second last owner of the painting. Ewwww.  And how they change the painting which is even more ewwww.

One Good Thing that doesn't seem all that good on the surface - I've lost my taste for hot chocolate. That means I'll save myself a couple of dollars a week, and who knows how many calories. It could be just that particular  brand so tomorrow I'll try the cafe next door to the second job. The owner is cute, and he always puts a cinnamon stick in my mug.  I've found nibbling on the cinnamon stick helps keep other cravings at bay. It's also good for breath. I try to feed Ky one at least once a week.

I missed sharing my Good Things but I still thought of them every day just in case the Internet came back. And because it really is better when I focus on the positive in my life.

How were things in my absence?

Good friends

There's currently no Internet available at home. Posting from my phone is problematic as it refuses to accept my blogger password.

This has given me plenty of opportunity to think about friends, loyalty, expectations and balance.  All of which you embody so I thank you. 

If you don't hear from me for a few days, trust that I'm sorting through stuff so that I don't let negative cancel the positive. Each stands on its own. That's an important thing to remember.

Once the modem is replaced, we're aiming for tomorrow, I should be back on line and sharing the Good Things again.  Theresa is right about on what we choose to focus being the key.

No Good Things

I was full of good things and great observations throughout the day. Then I came home and discovered that I hurt someone terribly. They did a very nice thing for me a few weeks ago and I never thanked them. At all.  I thought of them, thought of how to thank them, but never did.  And now nothing I say or do will make up for the fact that I didn't take two seconds to even acknowledge the thoughtful thing they did for me.

None of today's good things can balance that out.

One Great Thing

 Mom came home from the hospital today.  Who needs anything else in their list of Good Things?

Burns night good

All day long, thoughts of celebrating Burns Night with friends made me smile. Anticipation is most often a Good Thing.

The dinner, decor and viewing choices for the night reminded me of the Spirit of the Westsong. "There's none so Scot, as the Scots abroad".

We had some laughs, the girls played to the point of exhaustion and thistle tea is delicious. It was past-bedtime by the time we got home.  Good times.

Some funny,and one stunning, good things

A friend listened to me vent about some frustrating stuff I feel I must take care of. My sense of responsibility could use a holiday. Oh well, she made me laugh which was wonderful.

I heard a commercial today about a woman who went window shopping but all she saw was frost. Considering the temperatures these days that was almost as funny as the follow-up about "smacking the flurries out of winter".  Neither statement really had anything to do with the product but hey, I remember them.

I was driving down to Niagara on the Lake to pick up an ingredient for our Burns Supper tomorrow night. My mind was chastising me for going so far out of my way while memories were making connections between the drive, Old Town, Robbie Burns and Grandpa Fenton. Who knew the old Scot hated the sound of bagpipes?   Anyway, just as I started to really enjoy the drive down the country road, I eased my foot off the accelerator. Instinct reacting before my eyes saw it. A deer walked across the road.  Mine was the only car in anywhere in sight so the deer wasn't too concerned. I stopped the car and watched it. Once it was safely off the road and in the trees, a second deer came along. It stopped halfway across and stared right at me. 

Deer are much larger in life than on the page. I forget sometimes.  Their faces are so delicate, with those big brown eyes and soft muzzles.

Then it gave a little rabbit hop up over the ditch before it too melted into the trees.

I didn't find what I was looking for in Niagara but came home with something better. Awe.

Lemony good things

Huh. Fate snickered at my healthy good things post from Monday. I woke up this morning with a fever, chills and a wicked sore throat.  I snickered back. It was my day off. So there. I was able to baby myself through the day with hot tea, lemon, honey, chicken noodle soup and DVDs.  I even knew where my brand new bottle of oil of oregano was and took some. Yuck, but it really does work.

I made a hat. Then I took it apart and started a different pattern.  I read a bit.

I laughed at the cat who was playing with an elastic band. He does not care that he is 17 years old and should not have the energy or flexibility to leap through the air like he did today.

I laughed at the bird who tried to eat my breakfast oatmeal and drink my tea. I shoo'd her off so she went into her cage and gave me sad puppy dog eyes.

When the chills hit at their worst, the dog came over and shared his body heat with me.  He's soft and fluffy and very sweet.

Today could have been so much worse than it was. Sure, it was wildly unproductive and I felt wretched but I wasn't expected to make sense or help people.  Good things are sometimes a reaction to less than pleasant things. Sometimes that makes them sweeter.

Lemonade, anyone?  I do love lemons.

Good work things

During story time tonight a five year old informed us that it's been years since he played guitar.

One of our young patrons is a fairly high functioning autistic girl. Occasionally we have to remind her that she's in the library and it's rude to disturb other people. Today, she hopped up from her computer and zoomed down the aisle past all of the other computers.  I reminded her she was in the library. She said she was on a bike path. We agreed that bike paths aren't usually surrounded by books so she would try VERY hard not to run down that path.  She did well. She said it was hard but she did it any way. Both of our attitudes were greatly improved by the ability to recognize how the other perceived that wide space behind the computers. 

I'm going to a baby shower on Saturday. The theme is owls. One of my coworkers was out shopping today and found baby owl dishes. It was a total score and I'm going there tomorrow to pick them up.

Another coworker brought in a beautiful creamy thick sweater. It's cowl necked, lots of cables and long sleeves. I will never in a month of Sundays wear it because even today, when it was -15C outside, I wore short sleeves. But another coworker thought it was beautiful and is always cold. So one sweater made three of us happy. 

This whole looking on the bright side of life thing is contagious.  And is making all aspects of my life more enjoyable. 

How's it working for you?

Healthy Good things

The work meeting was timed so that I got to see the puck drop - from space no less - then back home in time to watch the end of the game. 

I turned down the Tim Horton's donut and a hot chocolate special this morning for a cup of oolong tea and fruit salad I'd made myself.  I did a Good Thing in my new approach to mindful eating. 

Between work and the meeting I had the best massage I've ever had. I've been taking it easy the last few days and clearly that's been very Good for my body. I was relaxed enough to really feel the difference the massage made. We were able to go deeper, be more thorough. Full disclosure - I always have my breasts down. The massage breaks up the ridges from wearing a bra, and more importantly drains the lymph nodes. The added benefit is that it actually lifts my breasts as well. Think of it as anti-gravity.

Because of the temple pain I've been experiencing since November, we tried ear seeds. My body loves accupuncture.  These tiny seeds from the Vaccaria plant are tiny dots taped to a pressure point in my ear.  I just have to keep my hair down so that Yoda doesn't try to eat them. I don't want permanent holes up there.

Does anyone know why healthful is replacing healthy in the modern lexicon? Either way, better health was the focus of my Good Things today.

How did things go for you today?

Simple good things

The wind that tore at the house all day did not rearrange our landscape.  That was a very Good Thing, especially as it was not guaranteed.

Five minutes into work and I was handed a big mystery to solve. It only took me ten minutes to find out several resources as well as a map. The patron was incredibly grateful. I was tickled. Doing your job well is always a Good Thing. I love being a librarian.

I dreamt an old flame tried to fan the fire. No spark on my part but I was flattered. My dream self also thought it would be something I could count as a Good Thing.  Now my subconscious is keeping track. I am amused.

No one was home after work.  The dogs and cats were overjoyed to see me as it was close to dinnertime.  The best though was all the happy noises they each made.  Birds sang a funny little song when I opened the cage door to set them free.  They're free range if we're home.  They like to be in the same room as humans but it's always their choice. The cat tolerates it all. Milo is the best cat. Very handsome, too.

Water is cold, and refreshing to drink.  Simple pleasures rule the day.

Saturday Goodies

It was a crummy start to the work day, all of us were ticked about stuff, so I went to the back and asked coworker the funniest thing she'd ever heard. Turned our day around. Even theusually horrid patron was pleasant. It's Good to remember the power of humour and/or a smile.

Hockey is back.  You remember how much I love hockey.  Somehow we kept scoring seats at the bar about five minutes before another member of our party showed up. Not bad considering the place was packed when we first showed up.  Did I mention my team won?  Big grins all around.

I keep forgetting to watch Downton Abbey on Sunday nights..  I found the episode repeated on Saturday nights. Good stuff.

Mom is coherent again. We had a nice conversation about life.  That was a Good Thing.

Yesterday, my yarn came in. I have half a hat knitted up already. It matches the woven scarf I bought in Edinburgh a few years ago. I love that scarf. It matches almost everything I own, can be worn as a wrap and always reminds me of a Good Day.

I made plans with a friend to celebrate Burns Night with her daughters and my niece. My job is to bring heather tea and Brave.

I'm really enjoying this experiment. It's nice to thing repeatedly throughout the day that this one thing is Good or another is also Good. Then I think about how to turn the not-so-nice into Good and that makes me smile.  I particularly like that I'm not playing this game alone.

So, what good things came your way today?
 

Today's good things

My new roommate brought me a cup of tea this morning.

It's sounds like a live action ad for the new Oz movie out there.  I like wind, as long as it leaves things where it found them. No rearranging of the landscape if you please.  Thank you

I was out picking up essentials that we had reached critical need of replenishing when I ran into an old friend I haven't seen for a few years. I ran into another friend at the other store of essentials. I made plans to see each of them at separate events in the next couple of weeks.

The doctor was very happy I took yesterday off for being exhausted.  He'd like me to do that more often.  Did you know that migraine auras can affect the colour of your world?  Indigo is one of my favourite colours. Fortunately.  I'm not stuck with that hue which is a very Good Thing.

I spoke with Mom on the phone for awhile this evening. She knew who I was and what was going on. I'd elevate that to a Great Thing.

I wrote another scene this evening while I was cooking.

I made my own dark chocolate pretzels. 


My aunt sent me the following:  It's chock full of Good Things (laughter is the best)

These are actual comments made by South Carolina Troopers that were taken off their car videos:


1. "You know, stop lights don't come any redder than the one you just went through."

2. "Relax, the handcuffs are tight because they're new. They'll stretch after you wear them a while."

3. "If you take your hands off the car, I'll make your birth certificate a worthless document." 

4. "If you run, you'll only go to jail tired."

5. "Can you run faster than 1200 feet per second? Because that's the speed of the bullet that'll be chasing you."

6. "You don't know how fast you were going? I guess that means I can write anything I want to on the ticket, huh?"

7. "Yes, sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor, but I don't think it will help. Oh, did I mention that I'm the shift supervisor?"

8. "Warning! You want a warning? O.K, I'm warning you not to do that again or I'll give you another ticket."

9. "The answer to this last question will determine whether you are drunk or not. Was Mickey Mouse a cat or a dog?"

10. "Fair? You want me to be fair? Listen, fair is a place where you go to ride on rides, eat cotton candy and corn dogs and step in monkey poop."

11. "Yeah, we have a quota. Two more tickets and my wife gets a toaster oven."

12. "In God we trust; all others we run through NCIC."  ( National Crime Information Center )

13. "Just how big were those 'two beers' you say you had?"

14. "No sir, we don't have quotas anymore. We used to, but now we're allowed to write as many tickets as we can."

15. "I'm glad to hear that the Chief (of Police) is a personal friend of yours. So you know someone who can post your bail."

AND THE WINNER IS....

16. "You didn't think we give pretty women tickets? You're right, we don't. Sign here."

How was your day?  I hope at least one thing made you laugh 

Thursday's Things

I think I'm going to start using my twitter account to post stuff as it occurs to me. I never went back online last night but my phone was sitting beside me all day.

I did nothing.  I read. A lot. Inertia had me in it's immovable grip and all I could do was turn pages.  Yet several good things happened. 

My DNe made me a cup of tea. He also handed me the phone so I could schedule a much needed doctor's appointment.

My friend called to schedule a massage. She's been journaling every day. Each entry begins and ends with the word AWESOME all in caps just like that. She says it's altering her perception of each day, much like my daily Good Things record is influencing my perception of my world.

Yoda sang I love you with several different tones and a whistle for good measure.

Milo lay on my lap most of the day, napping and purring.

It snowed here. Very pretty.  I was warm.  Even better.

Some days doing nothing is as important as anything else.

Yummy Good things

I met two other writers for lunch. It was so Good to get feedback about the horror story I'm working on.  We brainstormed a bit for each of us and it was all good. We're full of enthusiasm, ideas and inspiration.

Another Good thing - I made it home on fumes. My car is wonderful. She takes my abuse and doesn't leave me stranded. I did promise her a full belly tomorrow and a nice wash in thanks.

I got to see The Hobbit tonight. Yay. Let me just say that Richard Armitage is always a Good Thing.

The cinema manager was working the counter so we discussed the fact that 2D option will not be available next year. If the movie comes out in 3D that is what will be shown.  Studios need to rethink that.  There's a growing section of the population susceptible to migraines.  They are losing theatre customers this way. The heads up from the manager was a Good Thing as I can plan my viewing accordingly.

Another good thing was the popcorn, with real butter.

And did I mention Richard Armitage?  I've always enjoyed Martin Freeman (Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Sherlock) but RA? He smoulders beautifully.

Back-handed blessings

Today was a good work day. We had training on ergonomics, new software and how to interact with difficult customers. I didn't learn anything new but was validated in my behaviour with some people. It was a good reminder day of how be positive as well as kind to yourself and others.  Plus, lunch was delicious. 

I was invited to go see The Hobbit with a friend and her boyfriend. At first we both thought we should stay home and do all the work that was waiting for us. Then we said life is too short. we all  need fun and several other things to justify our playing hooky. We got excited. I actually had my coat on when she told me it was in 3D. Oh, the agony of disappointment. There's no way I can watch 3D movies. I've been fighting a headache with varying degrees of severity for two months now (yes, I've seen a doctor, no it's not a tumour*).  I do not need to seek out a venue that gives me migraines.  I think I might write to the studios and tell them they're losing customers. 

I stayed home. I wrote for an hour, got caught up on life with DNe, did some laundry, chatted with my dad and fixed the parrot's hut so he no longer screams at me after midnight.  This were all Good Things, one was necessary. 

I have to say though that the best thing was discovering the movie's failing BEFORE we got to the theatre.  That would have been infinitely worse. 

It's been Good to read what's been going on with you as well. Isn't it nice to see how much Good stuff happens in your day?  I like it.


*Bonus points if you can name that movie quote

Little things

Today was spent sorting through bags and bags of paperwork.  I surrounded myself with a big glass of water, a clear recycling bag and season two of Six Feet Under. It was good to plod through all those receipts, bills, calendars, photos and recipes. I found a film review by my niece, a drawing by my nephew and a pattern for a cool scarf. 

I had a good conversation with a friend this afternoon about my mom. Yes, she's back in the hospital. Yes, she's very sick. The good thing is that she's in a good hospital with a good doctor.  We take it one moment at a time.


Now I'm off to make cookies.  They make everyone smile and make the house smell yummy.  While today's good things are a semi-organized box of paperwork, more medical care and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, it's all easier to manage knowing you're on this journey with me.  It's cool that we're helping each other find the good things in our days.

So, how was today for you?

Day 13

One good thing is about to be challenged. Life here is difficult for my parents as they attempt to manage my mom's illness.  One very good thing is that we're all beneath the same roof and able to help each other as much as humanly possible. Some days that's not enough.  Today it saved Mom from going into a coma. 

One good thing about this challenge is that repeatedly throughout the day I take note of random things and truly appreciate them.

Today my supervisor came in on her day off to show me how to update the social media accounts. It was not only fun, but fortuitous as a patron came in with a box of chocolates for me.  Apparently, I've been incredibly helpful and patient and she told the supervisor I was the best hire they've made in some time.  That was very nice of her to say.

Little things like the squirrels in the tree outside the window, being able to fix the power to the garage, finding a good book - those all matter. The little things like the wag of a dog's tail when he's on his back getting his belly rubbed. A friend texting to say hey, just thinking of you.  Another friend sending me an email for post-migraine therapy. It still being light out when I left work. Having enough fuel to make it to the gas station before I ran out.  I have a bad habit of leaving the house without enough time to stop for an essential like that.  Those matter as well.

What little thing happened in your day to help you appreciate the world in which you live?

Entertainin good things

One good thing - Scorched by Laura Griffin. It kept me company today while a cyclone spun through my nervous system. Words anchor me.  It was a great book and I finished it in one day.  I like this series, and appreciate this storyteller's style. I'm entranced every time I read one of her books.

Being dizzy severely impaired my driving ability so I was resigned to missing out on the Icewine Festival I mentioned yesterday.  I wasn't happy about it but, resigned.  Two good friends came to the rescue, whisked me off with them to the small village of Jordan where we indulged in several wine samples, some interesting food pairings and a sunny Spring day.  It broke my heart to see some bushes in bud as they'll get freeze-dried next snowfall.  The ice sculptures all melted in the warm temperatures as well.

There is nothing I can do to prevent that so my Good Thing was to breathe deep of the fresh air.  Some battles cannot be won in a day. I enjoyed my friends' company, enjoyed the lovely wines, and took this picture for you. Seriously, I thought of you when I took this photo of the outdoor decorations.

How was your day?

Several good things

I met up with a friend after work.  It was a long busy day and I texted her on my way home to see if she had a little time. We haven't seen each other for a couple of weeks. It was one of those conversations in which connections are made, realizations happen and things that have been bugging me for years suddenly all made sense so I could accept the lessons but let go of the angst. I hope it was as good for her as it was for me.  :insert smiley face here: It really was incredible.

Then I stopped at the store on my way home, scored a garlic pizza, aka as Bernatello's Italian Melt, which oddly isn't on their website.  I dipped it in Sabra hummus while sipping a glass of white wine.  I'm catching up on some good Canadian programming at the same time.  Please click on the links then thank me later.

Several good things today. Not the least of which is I have the house to myself, sans critters, and my feet up.

Tomorrow is the beginning of the Niagara Icewine Festival.  I won't be drinking any of the cavity inducing sweet stuff but will definitely sample the drier offerings.  My favourite vintners will be in booth one. I might not move from there. I wish you could join me.

One Good thing but it was a doozy

My One Good Thing for today was the bottle of naproxin.  It may have taken four hours to kick in but Great Goddess am I grateful it did. I didn't have a migraine. I had a bad headache but I think it's from keeping my head down. My neck doesn't like that.  Not at all.

Hope your day was better.

Yummy Things

My good thing for today was < a href="http://www.notlpubliclibrary.org/wineandwords.php">Wine and Words.
  Tonight was the inaugural event of what's shaping up to be a fantastic series. Ian Hamilton was an entertaining speaker. He's a man who clearly enjoys his time spending days in his basement creating an engaging character in Ava Lee.  Afterward. we sample the Magician, a lovely red wine that was paired with chocolate chili popcorn.  Reif Winery was beautifully decorated for the upcoming wine festival. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable.  The entire experience was a very Good Thing. 
You all need to join me next month for Cathy Marie Buchanan at the Ice House Winery.  This is the type of Good Thing that improves with good company. 

Blessings

It's been a rough day. Most of the awesome revolves around the disasters that were averted. But that's a negative so I was floundering for a Good Thing that wasn't in reaction to something else.

I opened my email from a friend. She'd found a great deal on travel to Iceland.  While she knows it's not financially feasible for me to go at this moment, she just wanted me to know that when the time's right, the deal will be there.  Plus, if she wins a buttload of cash, she's sending me to Iceland.

I'm constantly amazed how many people are doing their bit to help me realize that dream.  It's good to know that people think of my happiness even when I'm not.  I am truly blessed.  My friends remind me of that fact every single day in a thousand different ways.

One email changed the entire tone of my post.  I've got a draft that talks about today's good things being holy-crap-that-was-close.  The One Good Thing in that post was a flock of sparrows on the hedge. It would have made a beautiful photograph but I doubt the camera would have seen the feathers on the birds with the same clarity and vibrancy that I did.  So I took several mental images to scroll through the rest of the day. 

Lots of good things today - all reminding me how incredibly fortunate I am.  Thank you for that.

How was your day?

Housecleaning

I was moving everything out of my spare room when I discovered my DNe's passport - which reminded me that mine is set to expire. Better now than when I try to cross the border.

Another Good Thing - I found a bottle of wine. Who loses a bottle of wine in their spare room?  I am ashamed to have done that. It's amazing what I found behind my desk - including a film outline for a project that I want to revisit. 

If I cleaned and purged rooms more often I wouldn't have as much fun finding stuff.  That's my theory, please don't disillusion me.

I also found a packet of photographs I took out in Oregon a few years ago.  Remember when the Pacific Ocean tried to trip me?  Photos were from that vacation.

Friendly Good Things

My twitter account was hacked. The Good Thing was how many people I actually had conversations with as a result. Some of those people have been in my thoughts but not my communication.

I had a beer tonight with an old friend I haven't seen for ten years. That was AWESOME.  We're going to get on a far more frequent schedule. We do email each other, and DM on Twitter(no, he wasn't one of the ones from yesterday's debacle) but an in-person, hugs hello and goodbye, conversation is much more satisfying.

Another friend I haven't seen in six months or more stopped by the library today.  It was nice to catch up, exchange some hugs, good energy and make plans to have root soup together in the next few weeks. She makes amazing root soup.

Today had several Good Things, all via friendships that had lapsed due to life and other commitments.

How was your day?

Saturday January 5

A really cute cop came in to check out our security setup at work today. 

Eating Grand Marnier chocolate cake at work was akin to drinking on the job (no correlation between the cake and the cop's visit)

A good friend has had some rough knocks lately but was able to laugh at a running joke we've had for years.

Kiki was doing the mating song while Yoda ran around the cage chasing her. She'd run off, he'd looked confused. Now she's bathing in the fish's bowl.

One Good thing a Day

Over on Facebook lots of people are talking about their Jar of Awesome.  Every day one writes down something awesome that happened that day then puts the paper in the jar. At the end of the year, they can look back at all of the amazing things that happened.

I've been thinking about how to reboot this blog. It's  meant for writing but there hasn't been much new to say on that subject for a while. 

The challenge with the Jar is that I like to photograph many of the things that feed my soul.  My awesome is usually visual or nature-based - I'm still smiling over the raccoon visit last Autumn. 

I decided that every day I'm going to post One Good Thing that happened.  Posts will be made at the end of the day, or might run into the next day.  But no matter how rough or challenging or downright nasty one day can be, it's always possible to find One Good Thing that happened.

Please join me in sharing your daily One Good Thing. We'll make it a year long project and remind ourselves that Life Is GOOD.  

January 1 - I started it in the park listening to an awesome band - Spirit of the West - with two awesome friends.  We had amazing conversations later in the day, made some great progress on personal issues and game plans on how to get the most out of our lives. Plus, we read. And there were trees.  Funky trees.

January 2 - A great drive home, in good weather. More fantastic conversation.  Ky turned himself inside out when I got home.  Work was good. Nice to see everyone and it felt good to tell patrons that the DVD fee was no longer in effect, Happy New Year.

January 3 - There was still a dark chocolate orange truffle in the box at work. One of my regular patrons came through surgery quite well and was already up and about. 

January 4 - a patron called to say how much she had enjoyed my time covering for a coworker. She found me to be pleasant, helpful and always willing to take extra time.  I was able to help a friend in dire need at a moment's notice. The beer was cold - and delicious - at the Irish Harp. 

Hmmm, I can see it's going to be hard to stick to just ONE good thing. How was your day?  Name at least one good thing that happened in your life today.