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5 Things That Are Making Me Happy

Because heaven knows we could all use this exercise on a Monday morning, right?

I’ll list mine, and then you can do yours in the comments!

1. This dogwood tree. In the sunshine.

In the fall, these leaves turn color before the rest of the trees around here do. And at the same time, the sun moves over just enough so that it sets behind the tree.

And I love the combo of the changing leaves and the warm autumn sun.

(I was doing laundry, glanced out my laundry room window, and saw the sun coming through the leaves. So, obviously, I needed to drop the laundry and go take photos. Priorities.)

2. Lisey’s sweet heart.

One of her classmates is feeling quite overwhelmed, and Lisey has taken it upon herself to help by tutoring her. I love to see that compassion in my girl.

3. We did not spend more than we earned this month.

This was a bit of a rough summer with a bunch of unexpected bills, including all our plumbing/septic issues.

It was ultimately ok, but we had to dip into our savings accounts to cover the expenses.

(Which is what they’re for, I know, but I always hate having to use them!)

Happily, when I did this month’s money email, we were pretty much past all the extra bills, and that is making me very happy.

PHEW.

Plus next month looks to be even better.

4. Sonia and Zoe are happy in their dance class this year.

Last year, they both moved up to the middle school class, and it was a little rough. They were the new kids in a rather established, large class, and as you know, middle school girls are not always the friendliest bunch to new people.

There were some tears after the first few classes, but they hung in there, and by the end of the year, they’d formed friendships.

This year, they were a little nervous about going back, but it’s going SO SO much better this time around. Some of the girls they knew from last year are there, and one of their very good younger friends has moved up to their class.

So, my heart is happy for them.

5. It was temporarily cool enough for a fire in the fire pit.

We’ve been having kind of ridiculous September/October weather (like, in the 80s. And humid.), but we did get a small spell of weather that was fire-pit-friendly.

We have 7 oak trees in our yard, which means that we’ve got a steady stream of dropped branches, and they’ve been piling up over the summer.

So, I was happy to make a little dent in the pile!

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Your turn! Make a list of five things that are making you happy right now (which will likely in turn help you to feel happier.)

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LIZ (Eight Acres)

Thursday 12th of October 2017

Rain, my clever husband doing house renos , my lovely house nearly finished and my dogs :)

Isabelle

Tuesday 10th of October 2017

Making me happy: * Funny questions from my 5 yo : "Mommy, when you were little was your name Isabelle?". "Mommy, how much did my room cost?" (like, just the room, not the stuff in it... I don't have an answer to this!) * My house. Still in love with it 2.5 years after buying it. * My health and the health of my loves ones * Starting a new position at work for a full year (maternity leave replacement). Monday to friday, 9h-3h30, lot less physical tasks, the dream! * My relationship with food slowly (but surely) healing since the summer

Krysten

Tuesday 10th of October 2017

1. Healthy kids. 2. A piano teacher willing to move lessons around so DS can attend lego robotics after school. He is so excited. 3. That fall is in the air. Time to break out the jeans and sweaters and boots! 4. Tea. It's existence and it's presence in my pantry. Also Amazon carrying my favorite pricey teas in bulk with free shipping. 5. Ebooks. I should probably get over my wonder, but it blows my mind every time. We live in an age when we can get almost any book almost instantly. 6. (Bonus) That I'm not that into the latest styles so I'm happily wearing the clothes I already have.

WilliamB

Monday 9th of October 2017

Sticking with a plan.

I ~so~ hear you about unexpected expenses. In the past couple of months I've had to deal with major AC repair, replacing washing machine[1], replacing furnace[2], and major surgery for my new-to-me dog.

What does this have to do with sticking with a plan?, you may ask. These costs haven't killed me because I've been saving for Life Happens and House Ownership, even though I haven't had a major cost for either in almost 15 years - so I have 15 years of savings to draw on. The dog is harder (emotionally as well as financially) but I did have some Dog savings before I rescued the dog so all is not lost there, either.

[1] This is the least expensive of the items but the one that pisses me off the most. The washing machine is only 8.5 years old and I did my research on longevity as well as features and efficiency. But even CR can't predict future performance of new models and Frigidare, which they recommended 8.5 years ago, is now on the "don't buy" list because of high repair costs in the past 10 years. Dammit.

[2] In contrast, the furnace was 31 years old.

WilliamB

Tuesday 10th of October 2017

There is an availability heuristic going on: we only see the old appliances that last, not the ones that don't. So I have no idea how frequently the previous owners replaced their fridge, or dishwasher, or... I only know what they didn't replace because I still have them.

Kristen

Tuesday 10th of October 2017

Ugh, I'm sorry you've had a rough summer bill-wise too.

I'm not super surprised about the washing machine...it seems like the newer ones are just not built to last. Which is why I still have my rather dinosaur-ish machine. I hope your new one lasts longer!

EcoCatLady

Tuesday 10th of October 2017

I replaced a washing machine about 10 years ago. I did a pile of research and went with one highly recommended by Consumer Reports - an LG HE top loader. But somewhere along the line I read that the average life expectancy of a modern washing machine is only 10 years! Mine's still working fine and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. The one that died was a Kenmore. I still don't know how old it was, but there was a sticker from a used appliance store on the back with a delivery date... in 1968! If it was used then, who knows how old it really was. Guess they don't make 'em like they used to!

Bethany from CuteCapsuleLife

Monday 9th of October 2017

1. My husband - it’s our anniversary today! 2. The new co-op my son’s recently new joined - we are learning a lot about nature and enjoying time with other families 3. My fall capsule wardrobe 4. The beautiful weather 5. Good news on recent medical tests!!

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