Day 13 - I Think I'm Running Out of Gas

Sunday.  Day of rest and relaxation.  I had yet another lazy day because of this STUPID headache, but I managed to cook dinner.

1. I'm grateful that no one required anything of me today.
2. I'm grateful that I was able to sleep late this morning.
3. I'm grateful that what little work I did do for band database management today went smoothly and quickly.
4. I'm grateful that I spent the day hanging out with my family, especially with my daughter whose been so busy with activities at the university.
5. I'm grateful that my Pulmonary Hypertension seems to be at bay again today, despite not feeling my best.

Later daze...

Attitude Adjustment - Day 12

I took a lazy day today.  Higher humidity levels took a toll on my head and lungs, so I laid in bed most of the afternoon, watching mindless television.

I"m grateful for the following:

1. having my daughter home today;
2. having the freedom to take a lazy day;
3. that my son is feeling better today;
4. family movie night; and
5. graham crackers.

Later daze...

Attitude Adjustment - Day 11

There is a wall hanging that says friends come into your life for a reason and a season.  I believe that.  Eighteen years ago, I met a group of women who became the most important women in my life at the time.  They helped me to come to grips with becoming a full-time, stay-at-home mother, and they helped me see the sacredness in motherhood even in the thankless tasks like changing dirty diapers.

After a few years, our kids grew older, our lives didn't intersect any more, and we lost touch.  A few years ago, one of them entered my orbit again, and then recently another one did as well.  Tonight, four of us came together over dinner at a restaurant to share memories, experiences, and laughs.  It was a pleasant and easy-going evening, as if we had never lost touch.

Tonight I am grateful for the following:

1. Anne (even though she couldn't join us tonight);
2. Lisa;
3. Bernadette;
4. Renee; and
5. the chance to share food, fun, and Christ's love.

Later daze...

Attitude Adjustment - Day 10

Driving home from the high school tonight, I was able to open my windows and enjoy the breezes.  I keep bringing up the weather because it's highly unusual to have 75 degree nights in August in the desert.  Yippee!

I am grateful for these other blessings in my life today:

1. a short class day for my daughter, so I was able to spend some time with her this afternoon;
2. the chance to meet my son's teachers tonight at school;
3. being greeted warmly by old acquaintances;
4. easy-to-make dinners; and
5. laughter, because what's the point of it all if you can't laugh?

Later daze...

Attitude Adjustment - Day 9

There are so many things for which to be thankful, but my thoughts seem to be filled with nothing but the amazing rainfalls we've been getting.  We've received so much, in fact, that we've had some pretty severe flooding.  The desert is not accustomed to receiving five inches of rain in a single storm, so the ground, dry and parched, cannot absorb it quickly.  Rescues by brave first responders around the Valley dominate the newscasts.  Still, there are other good things in my life, so I list the following blessings:

1. a cessation from the campaign calls, at least for the day;
2. fairly easy music to learn for my first concert (only a few weeks away!);
3. social media, allowing me to be an introvert but still maintain important relationships;
4. another night of not cooking (thank you, Leo's Island BBQ!); and
5. an early night to bed.

Attitude Adjustment - Day 8

Whew!  Today started out strangely.  I overslept, and then awoke to the sound of howling winds and rain pounding on the roof.  I delivered my son to school on time, but my daughter very nearly missed the shuttle to the university.  Had she done so, guess who would have had to drive across town to deliver her?  Um, yeah, that would be ME.

Today's I'm thankful for the following:

1. that I managed to make it to the branch university campus in time to get my daughter boarded on the shuttle bus to the main campus;
2. much cooler temperatures;
3. refreshing, cleansing rain;
4. my first chorus rehearsal in four years; and
5. meeting new people, forcing me to break out of my protective shell.

Later daze...

Attitude Adjustment - Day 7

My daughter is in the thick of welcome week activities at our local state university.  There have been many late nights, but she comes home every night, so I still get to see her.

I am thankful for the following:

1. my daughter living at home instead of in the dorm;
2. Netflix on my tablet, allowing me to curl up in bed and watch television shows or movies at my convenience;
3. not doing my volunteer job a the grade school any more (I really don't miss it!);
4. having more time for myself and my family because I'm cutting loose some of my volunteer jobs; and
5. friends who understand my mixed emotions about my older child starting university.

Later daze...

Attitude Adjustment - Day 6

I'm a cranky broad.  I'm finding it more difficult to come up with these lists, especially when I feel as if no one is reading them.  I know it's more about internal results, so I shall persevere.

I am grateful for the following:

1. finding a Steak and Shake, even if it's across town (at least it's closer than Indiana!);
2. much-needed rain;
3. cooler temperatures that accompany the rain storms;
4. a son that has finally learned to fend for himself by actually cooking; and
5. meaningful discussions with my husband about our children, our finances, and about life in general.

Later daze...

Attitude Adjustment - Day 5

Today's blessings include the following:

1. bags of frozen jasmine rice, cutting down dinner prep time;
2. precooked chicken, cutting down dinner prep time;
3. pre-packaged spice packs, cutting down dinner prep time (are we sensing a pattern here?);
4. a husband willing to try new recipes;
5. a son whose finicky eating habits are slowing giving way to trying new things.

Later daze...

Attitude Adjustment - Day 4

Next week, my first-born begins the next chapter in her life.  She has filled the calendar with hours and hours of "Welcome Week" activities at the university, and even though she will be a commuter student, I have recommended she attend as many events as possible, even if it means driving cross town late at night to retrieve her at the conclusion of the night's activities (because the busses are no longer running).

Today, I am grateful for the following:

1. a mother/daughter lunch with my soon-to-be college girl, sharing food and swapping laughs and stories;
2. a drop in the day's humidity levels;
3. leftovers for dinner (so I didn't have to cook);
4. an unexpected surprise from a friend, lessening my workload just a tad on an upcoming project for the band; and
5. a schedule free from volunteer expectations today.

Later daze.......

Attitude Adjustment - Day 3

I'm really trying to keep this up so that I truly generate a change in my attitude.  I've grown grumpy of late.

Today's blessings include the following:

1. Hugs from my 5'11", 15-year-old son (who, it seems, is NOT too old for mommy snuggles);
2. A night off from cooking (dinner at Pei Wei!);
3. The excitement in my daughter's eyes as she describes all of the welcome week activities at the university, scheduled for next week;
4. Good manners; and
5. The imminent return of regular season, NFL football!

Later daze...

Attitude Adjustment - Day 2

Taking stock of my life, I'm grateful for the following:

1. The beautiful, much needed rain that fell all night Tuesday and part of this morning;
2. The laughter I hear coming from my children as they continue to grow closer as they grow older;
3. A compassionate family practice doctor;
4. Naps; and
5. Sprouts Farmers Market being halfway between school and home so it's convenient for me to run in and buy milk when I run out (every other day!).

Later daze...

Attitude Adjustment - Day 1

I am blessed.  It's past time for me to acknowledge my blessings.  I am grateful for the following things:

1. Really great medicines that treat my disease;
2. Having the past 18 years to raise my children, showering them with love, lessons, and laughter;
3. My "new" reliable vehicle;
4. Air conditioning;
5. Trusted friends.

Later daze...