Day 55: My Favorite People in the World

1) Highlight of today? The arrival of my friend Sue from Wisconsin. This girl and I go way way back. She's a true blue friend and I love her so much. She didn't get in until 8:00 in the evening but we stayed up laughing and talking until I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. She's one of my all-time favorite people in this world.

2) Today marks the  beginning of break! Yay!!! Breaks are absolutely spectacular--and I am going to fill these days with lots of girl-time: movies, pedicures, late-night talk sessions, chai tea and relaxation all around. My favorite kind of days.

3) It rained and rained and rained today. I haven't seen rain like that in a forever. But I love rainy days. Who doesn't??

4) Roy and I took the car to the Toyota dealership to get the oil changed today. As we were in the waiting room, several people were in there with us and we all struck up a conversation--the state of our nation, childhood obesity, the financial crunch of the middle class...They were just good people who have the same concerns as all of us. I feel like I say this a lot, but I am constantly reminded of how similar we all are--we're all just people trying to forge our way in a world that can be difficult but beautiful, all at the same time.

5) Darian made it safely to Tennessee with her friend Miranda whom she is spending the night with. They went to Miranda's grandma's house and invited Savana for supper. I love that my girls love each other--they are each other's best friend. They are so different--yet very much alike intrinsically. When I meet someone that doesn't have girls, I always feel a little sorry for them as they just don't know what they're missing. I remember watching Little Women many years ago and the mom says to her daughters something about how "the world is a better place because of you". I thought that was the sweetest thing to say but now? I totally get it. This world is a better place because of my girls. I am so proud of them and they give me endless endless joy.

Day 54: The Little Things

1) Lunch with Tammy! Tammy has been gone for quite some time as she was taking care of her parents. She came home Monday evening and we had originally planned a lunch date for Wednesday but due to a change of plans, she was free today. So we went to Brixx--our usual lunch hangout. We talked nonstop and just had a good time in general. I'm so glad that she made time for me in her life today.

2) I said goodbye to Ricky this afternoon. I can't say that was a highlight specifically but it was a poignant moment. I will miss him so much--already do. The kids were flooding in my office to hug him goodbye and beg him to stay. He seemed a little sad as I'm sure it made him realize that he is genuinely loved here. 

3) This morning as I drove home from taking Jace to APCS I passed what used to be Lena's house and it hurt my heart a little. I love that girl--and I miss her. I miss our walks and our long talks and her friendship. Lena packs a punch--she's such a gifted girl and she meets life head-on. I am so thankful for her friendship. She's a girls' dean now and my bet is, she'll be one of the best.

4) Today when Jace got home from school, he said, 'Mom, I want a haircut. I would really like it now." So I drove him in to Fantastic Sam's. The entire time he was getting his hair cut, he sat totally still and completely quiet. A couple of times the stylist tried to chat with him but he barely responded. So she said something to me about what a quiet little guy he is. Haha. I assured her that he normally has plenty to say. Anyway, as we were heading home, I said--Jace, you need to be friendlier with people. You hardly said a word to her! He said--Mom, I'm shy in the beginning. It's just who I am. -- Basically he was saying--don't try to change me. And I won't. Gosh I like that kid. He brings me joy immeasurable.

5) It's the little things in life that make the difference. They all add up throughout the course of the day to something grand. And that's how today was--lots of little moments that together created a really good day: I spent some time talking to Rick in his office--always fun, Darian went to the dorm and brought my much-loved apron home, I called my dad and though it was a rather daunting conversation, at least I called :), on the spur of the moment, I tried to facetime Dee and she answered! Yay!! So we had a short conversation--but she's always refreshing to talk to, and Darian came home and had literally fifteen minutes before she had to leave again and I managed to make supper in literally ten minutes: prime stakes, masahed potatoes, green beans. Okay--so the potatoes were instant. And everything else came out of a can. But still...

Day 53: Highlights

Here are the highlights of today!:

1) Jace was so excited to go to school. After a long three day weekend, he was ready to see his friends and have his life back. This gave me so much joy--it has been a long road to get where we are now, Jace and I and school.

2) My Ricky from ESL is leaving today. I am so sad to lose him as he has absolutely worked his way into my heart. But anyway, he's going to Seattle to live with a guardian and his little sister. So we--Ricky, Lisa, Michael and I--went to Dunkin' Donuts for ESL class as a last hoorah. It was fun--lots of laughter and talking. He will be greatly missed.

3) I drank chai tea this morning from my favorite mug. It's orange and says 'Wild Thing' on the side. Another gift from a Williams--Lillian. She is so beautiful and sweet and when I drink from that mug I always think of her. And it makes me smile.

4) Recently I bought oranges and grapefruit from the elementary school and the fruit always comes in this nice boxes. So Jace kept one of the lids and was playing in it in his room. This morning when I let Bella in, she immediately went to Jace's room, saw the box, and climbed in and curled up. She has spent her day in that box. It's rather cute.

5) I am going to bed before 10:00. I am taking my Nook and reading myself to sleep: definitely one of my all-time favorite things.

G'nite!

Day 52: How Quickly Things Change

1) We went to Sam's today for the monthly Sam's run and in the midst of the shopping adventure, they announced that their machines were down and we had to pay with checks or cash. Thankfully I had my checkbook so all was well. And then we stood in line for probably an hour. But here is the thing: I didn't even get annoyed. I really, honestly didn't. And I'm not applauding myself. It's simply the result of EBT. Love Love Love EBT. (And if anybody reads this--which probably nobody does other than my fam--they will have no idea what I'm talking about.)

2) My cabinets are filled to the brim. My refrigerator and little freezer are filled to the brim. We are so blessed to have so much--even when budgets are tight.

3) I made a huge bowl of grapefruit-orange. Oh my goodness. Scrumptious. I can't wait to dive into that! :)

4) Darian is home! I missed her and her stories and just her. While we were gone to Sam's she spent time with Jace. She's such a great big sister and he misses her so much when she's gone as well. Poor Jace. Next year will be difficult being an only child at home.

5) As we were coming from Sam's, just as we got by the church sign where we either go straight or go around a big curve, we heard loud screeching and a large truck tire bounced just in front of us, barely missing our car. It had flown off a truck that was screeching around the corner, sparks flying--and he barely missed us as well. He slammed into the ditch and we pulled to a stop to make sure he is was ok. He was shaken but fine. I'm thankful that he had his wits about him enough to keep that truck under control. And I'm thankful that we were unscathed by the whole ordeal. It just reminds me yet again of how quickly--in the blink of an eye--everything can change.

Day 51: The Gift of Ciara

Today  (though I'm actually writing this on Sunday morning as I was exhausted last night) has been a quiet, peaceful day. Here are the highlights:

1) I spent some time talking with Linda Ashcraft after sabbath school today. She is so sweet and honest and I always enjoy our conversations. I appreciate the fact that she is real and doesn't try to pretend. She is just a precious girl and though we only see each other at sabbath school periodically, I am always glad to see her.

2) All week I have wanted to talk to Trixie as her dog Lina bit a kid on campus. She's an Australian Shepherd and the boy--Tim--was running. So I know that was the problem as she bit his heel. Unfortunately, though, she drew blood, so it has turned into quite a fiasco. But I love Lina and I 'get' her as she reminds me so much of Harmony. Anyway, as always it was fun talking to Trixie and I was so glad that I could just let her know that I've been thinking about her and her sweet dog.

3) We went for a drive today after lunch and Jace said, "Mom, when I grow up I want to live at home with you. I'll bring my wife and my hyperactive children."  I've laughed about that all day. Where did that come from??? Hyperactive children?? No doubt they will be if they're anything like him. :)

4) Lori and I skyped for an hour this morning. I love our skype sessions. We talk about anything and everything and it's simply fun.

5) Today I am thankful for the health of my family--that my kids love each other so much, for their loyalty, and that is everybody is simply vibrant and alive. There was a day when I envied families such as my own--a day when I screamed in my heart at the unfairness of it all as I watched others with healthy children while I watched my own die. But now I am so grateful for that experience of Ciara. I learned so much. She gave me depth and understanding of the love of parents for their children--no matter whether they are healthy and whole or otherwise. She taught me that life isn't perfect and there's no need to pretend. And she taught me to hope for a brighter day when we'll be reunited. So I am grateful today for my family and that everybody is happy and whole. But I am also grateful for the day when I couldn't say that. Because Ciara made all the difference.

And I was thinking about that today.

Day 50: Cozy and Comfortable

Today has been one of those perfect kinds of days. It has been icy and rainy and blustery outside and I haven't had to do too much which translates into...well...perfection. Here are the highlights.

1)  As soon as I got up this morning I peeked outside and it was icing. When I checked the website that lists school closings, there was APCS: no school today! It was a fabulous beginning to the day. Jace was thrilled, of course. And I was genuinely happy for him.

2) As soon as I got to school I saw Kathy, our VP. She verified that the board passed having an ESL program next year which translates into a full-time job for me. Oh. My. Goodness.  AT LAST!!

3) Today is payday and I've already paid bills and figured a budget. I LOVE that.

4) I talked to my mom for quite some time this afternoon. She was chattery and happy and it was just a good conversation.

5) There genuinely isn't a single thing I can say in complaint about today. Guerin went to Southern and made it there safely so Savana is over the moon, of course. Darian is having fun at Prayer Conference. I've watched some Downton Abbey today--the most fabulous show on earth. And I cleaned the house so it feels pretty good in here. And the three of us -- Jace, Roy and me -- all ate supper together up here in the mancave. Cozy and comfortable.

January 24: Good Stuff

1) Today Roy and I drove Ricky to the airport as he's flying to Seattle to meet up with his family for a few days. And then afterwards we went to World Market as the Williams gave me a gift certificate there for my birthday. (So so sweet and generous...) Anyway, it was just so much fun meandering around that store as I haven't been there before. And then the icing on the cake is that they have this special curry paste that I LOVE but haven't been able to find since Missouri days! So yeah--that pretty much gave me lots of joy. So I bought a couple of jars which should last me quite some time. And then when I run out? I know where to find it. But the absolute best part was...everything I bought was paid for by a gift certificate. And that reminded of how generous and kind those Williams people are. I really do like them.

2) Tonight I went downstairs to finish cleaning the kitchen and such and realized that the trashcan was full to overflowing. So I gathered all of the trash together and had Jace carry it outside to the trashcan. Naturally he came back to report that it was full to overflowing so we had to take it to the dumpster at the dorm. Roy came down to help me and I assumed he would put it all in the trunk of the car as it's bitter outside. But no. He decided that we should take the trash to the dumpster in the golf cart. Why? So we could feel alive. And did I ever. Then when we got home it was a race to see who could get in the house first.

I won. (Thankfully he never reads these posts.)

3) I talked to Tami--my sister--for quite some time today. We haven't caught up in awhile. I always love our conversations. And while I'm on sisters? Lori got hired! Yay!!!!! That is spectacular news.

4) I got my google calendar set up for my students. So now I can always post assignments and due dates and such. Oh my goodness!!! I can't even say how exciting this is!

5) This afternoon when Jace came home from school, we were discussing how we all have negative issues that we have to deal with. He said, "What's my negative issue?" I said, "You're just so darned cute. Being so handsome can be a curse." He sighed and said, "Yeah. I know. But I guess I'll just have to learn to live with it." And then, of course, he gave me that sly grin.