My week in pursuit of happiness…
- Giggled through “A Colbert Christmas” on DVD. What’s so funny about peace, love, and understanding? Oh, plenty.
- Drank beer with Gordon and Joe Strummer.
- Forgave and forgot an uninspiring workweek.
- Adopted a mini myrtle. When a colleague presented me with this plant Tuesday I panicked at the responsibility. Saturday I took it back to the nursery for free advice on care and feeding from their bonsai guy. The outing doubled as a gentle (well, until the rain pelted us) 12-mile training ride on the tandem.
- (Grooming, Dog) Tamed The Fuzz with an array of implements. Latest secret weapon? Thinning shears. Yeah, the desk scissors really weren’t cutting it.
- (Grooming, Lawn) Pulled almost all the loathsome Cardamine oligosperma threatening hostile takeover of the landscape, before they had a chance to spit in my eye. Ha-ha! Then Scott cut the grass, and our early-spring garden is looking not too shabby.
- (Grooming, Self) Took time to administer a proper manicure, complete with cuticle conditioner—a preemptive alternative to gnawing my hands at work.
- (Grooming, Bicycle) Took time to administer a bit of TLC to my trusty steed—removing gunk and lubing the chain, raising the perpetually slipping seat, inflating the tires. The Monday commute was so much easier to face.
- Let go and played a little. My crossword puzzling has improved exponentially; my Guitar Hero-ism, not so much. But I hit 90 percent of the notes in easy-level “Message in a Bottle”—whoo-hoo!
I’m right with you on the last one- I now do the crossword and sudoku AND the cryptogram (which I always thought had to be the most impossible puzzle ever) and kakuro in our free Monday papers. Guitar Hero on the other hand, has not been turned on since January, so I’m sure I would be back to easy again!
My for-fun activities this week have been napping (while husband cooked dinner-what a blessing!), reading (I’ve finally read Twilight, next book is on hold!), and washing and folding all of the baby clothes, blankets, washcloths, etc.
Thanks to your post, I will try to focus on these as opposed to the paper grading, portfolio for the DOE preparing, hopelessly behind on housework moments that seem to consume me too often…
The Fuzz looks like a Sun Bear in the small version of the photo. She looks more like herself enlarged on your Flickr account.
When you’re ready to rock out and become a GH expert, James & Andrew will tutor you in the fine art.
I enjoyed bible study and church with Dad on Sunday; errands with Dad on Monday including a rich theological discussion between me, Dad, and Dr. Hamilton in his apartment grounds (which reconciled Dad’s and my tiff about Jesus not being the only way to heaven); spotting a nesting goose that Dad later photographed for camera club; enjoying Indianapolis’ gorgeous array of blooming magnolias (none here because we live in too recent an area of Columbus); Andrew’s first varsity volleyball match back home Tuesday night; sleeping with Steve; sleeping till noon on Weds. and Thurs.; and being home.
Taking care of Andrew, who came home Thursday with a dangerously swollen throat has not been so fun because it’s worrisome. Andrew is usually the healthy one, but when he gets sick, he does it with high drama.
I’m looking forward to having a fire, reading hundreds of back e-mails, more sleep, writing a blog entry, and trying to stabilize.
I’m SO pumped about Katie’s news, which I’ll let her share.
Pumped? PUMPED?! I’m mute in my effort to keep from exploding and ruining her chance to be the one. I’ve told Sue, a safe enough outlet, and Dad, who doesn’t get why it’s such a big thing as success has always seem status quo to him. Please go public before I implode.
Things I’ve done to find happy? Get up, most mornings. Took Dad for my walk last night with the seduction of dusk flowers and his camera. Gave him the chance to chat with neighbors, stretch his legs, talk about the struggle to let go of the last bitter weeks fraught with anger and frustration and wanting to remember the happier times instead. We took photos – I of the moon through magnolias, he of the vibrant blue of pansies with golden hearts.
Eat sugar. The fix gives me such pleasure. Watch hours of West Wing with hot tea. Read New Moon, hating myself for wading through the Barbie meets Valley Girl from Brigham Young U. to get the plot and praying the films elevate the language. Escape the clutches of immobility threatening to stifle me to get out to walk again this noon. Chip away at the house tasks that nag and drag and demean: finally got Grammie Merrill’s china in a cupboard and folded all the napkins. Bits and pieces.
Mostly I found happy in the voice of the Rare Wren chirping with such unconcealed glee.
My biggest hug and high five and congratulations. Keep on. Your heart knows the way.
Enjoyed this, KT. Let me know how the bonsai goes. I’m afraid that I have killed my share over the years (and have been bonsai-less now for many years). They still call out to me, and I may try to venture into another here soon. Great about your most recent news! Hugs!
Sounds like you had a great weekend. I am trying to learn as well how to take care of my bike. I don’t like to depend on the local bike shop to take care of small things. What is the before and after of your dog ?