Joys

This week a couple of things that were planned fell apart, but were rescheduled for this week and next week. 

Last week was another very hot week where it is too hot to indulge in my favorite morning ritual. I love sitting on the screened porch and having coffee while I listen to the birds. This week sitting out there is like being on the front porch of Hell. Coffee had to be enjoyed in the house, though it is not quite the same.

Sunday: The day was hot and steamy, but it is summer in Alabama and is to be expected. Son2 and DIL2 stopped by for a bit. It always makes my day so happy when we get to see them.

Monday. Son3 had been in NYC working for a couple of weeks, but flew to Spain for a wedding before returning to back to finish his job.The SAG and writers strike forced a few of the events he was working on to cancel so he found  flight to Nashville Monday night. I was his entertainment while he cleaned one of his best friend's apartment. His friend was in San Francisco and let Son3 crash at his place. We had a long and enjoyable talk while he worked. Interestingly even after the short time they have lived in Nashville, he could not wait to get back to a house with a back yard, and a much cheaper cost of living. 

After I got off the phone with him, I had a call from my cousin S. As always I love talking with her and will be seeing her in August at our family reunion.

Then I went to The Pig to pick up the freebies for the week: a tuna pouch and an 8 ounce block of sharp cheddar. I only get the freebies if there is a good enough sale on things I need, to warrant  the $10 purchase  requirement.

 

Tuesday: Went to the bank and shopping for a few items. An amazing realization hit me. If I go to the store before about 10 a.m. all bets are off. I walked through the door wearing shorts and no makeup, and the clerk still completed my transaction. And to my surprise not only were no small children or dogs harmed, but the earth's axis was not swayed and the orbit around the sun continued as usual.  So much for my universal grandiosity, huh?

I had a huge to-do list once I got home, but promptly ignored it and read a book instead. "Falling" is not deep and was pretty predictable, but it was a fun (only if every crisis known to man can be called fun) and very fast read.

Then instead of getting up and getting busy doing the tasks that needed to be done, I made the mistake of opening book two for the day. I read about 1/4 of Bad Mormon, before starting anything remotely productive. (Because not everyone is like me, and calls improving your mind reading fast paced, predictable fiction or a reality tv type memoir a worthwhile endeavor)

Remember this old commercial?___

                                                                                                   __________Inspiration!!!!!

If you move the vacuum cleaner into the den and just vacuum the main footpath, get rid of any clutter, clean the kitchen sink, and swish the toilet you can make it look like you actually did something other than read.

Wednesday: This was the day for my biggest joy of the week. I have mentioned several times how much I love volunteering at Independence Place. I am continuing to help with their life skills agenda, doing cooking classes with them. Wednesday we made wacky cake with chocolate icing. It was a huge success, and the only part they did not do was take it out of the oven. I will not be doing it again  until mid August. They decided they want to learn to make Sloppy Joe's. Do you think they object when I pad the recipe with shredded carrots and zucchini to up the nutritional value?

My Beloved Sister went with me and she loves going there as much as I do. For me, having her with me just doubled the joy!

Thursday: TheHub was not going to be home for dinner and I had no where I needed to go. Instead I had a shorts and flip flops kind of day, with a little water time and reading mixed in for good measure. My book was due and while I was reading it, time ran out with 3 chapters left. When I tried to extend the time borrowing it, I found there would be a 4 week wait. Now honestly was I going to wait 4 weeks before the last three chapters were done. Nope! The Libby app had an audio version of the book and it was available. I got it and listened to the last three chapters while I folded clothes, mopped the kitchen floor and tidied the shelves in my armoire. I really do not like listening to audio books, but I had to find out for sure "whodunit". There is a huge joy having an optional way to finish the book without a delay.

Friday: I always know I am not enjoying a book if I put it down and read another book before finishing it. "Bad Mormon" came highly recommended but I honestly and kind of "Meh" about it. As far as memoirs go this one had been pretty unenjoyable so far. My hope is to finish it before I start reading anything else, but the jury is still out.

TheHub decided he wanted to go out to eat. Fine by me! We went to a little neighborhood joint where the people actually know us and call us by our names.

Saturday: We had a nice evening with Son2 and DIL2. Nothing beats celebrating your kids birthday, even when they are well into adulthood.

Look for your joys, no matter how small. They are always out there. 

May all your weeds be wildflowers.

Anne