5 Things That Are Making Me Happy
I needed to make a list today, so I thought I'd post it.
And if you need a little happiness boost, you can join me in the comments.
1. DST starts a week from Saturday.
YESSSSSSSS.
I don't enjoy the hour switch in and of itself, but I really, really love having an hour more of daylight on the later end of the day.
In a little over a week, the sun will not set until around 7:00 pm and that makes me feel like spring and summer are well on their way, even though it's still cold.
2. I opened a new pack of coffee filters.
You know how they get sort of stretched out after a while? And how hard those stretched-out filters are to fit into the coffee maker?
I had completely forgotten how tidily they fit when they are new out of the package!
Definitely happiness-inducing.
(in case you missed it: yep, I started drinking coffee.)
3. Sonia's knees are gonna be ok.
She's had intermittent knee pain for a while, so I took her to see an orthopedist.
Happily, we found out there is nothing structurally wrong with her knees; she's just a little too flexible (which can cause alignment issues) and she needs stronger quad muscles (which help with alignment issues.).
So, PT it is for her.
(I had knee pain at her age and ended up having to be on crutches for three months, followed by surgery. So I am very happy that PT is all she needs! Phew.)
4. Sonia's birthday is this weekend.
This lil' peanut is going to be 15! So some birthday fun is coming up.
5. It's sunny here today.
If there's light pouring into my windows, the world seems much more full of hope and happiness.
I can mange to be grateful when it's cloudy, yes, but it's just a whole lot easier to feel perky when the sun shines.
Oof, I do not like the switch back to DST. For some weird reason, I like the shorter days.
My happy things:
1. I *think* I finally figured out what triggers migraines in me. I'm glad to see there might be a lifestyle way of preventing these awful migraines that basically make me nonfunctional for a while. I had forgotten what it was like to NOT have a headache, so that I walked around the other day wondering when my headache was going to start! I've been migraine-free for a week, hopefully it continues!
2. I found a really delicious carob powder (Bob's Red Mill) and it took me back to my hippie days when I was vegan and going for alll the alternative foods. (Chocolate is one of my migraine triggers, sadly.) It makes delicious carob brownies that almost taste like chocolate--the key to not being disappointed in carob is to not expect it to taste like chocolate.
3. One of my sons has had delayed speech and he's really now coming out of his shell and his diction and syntax are so age-appropriate now! It makes me so happy to hear him articulating his thoughts and ideas.
4. I started using this book https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307951502/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 to teach my kids (2nd grade, 5th grade and 8th grade) Shakespeare and they are loving it! I found out my 8th grader has been researching and reading about Shakespeare on his own! And they asked me for their own copies of plays to study! Former English grad student geeking out over here!
5. It is really fun to find clips of Star Trek episodes where they speak Shakespeare, especially in The Next Generation where Patrick Stewart does it so well. Those made us happy all day.
Your 5 make me smile!
Me, too! Isn't it nice when do Shakespeare with your kids. When we were learning about Shakespeare, we memorized a sonnet, and if I was having one of THOSE homeschooling days, I made sure to get the memory work in because if my kids could recite Shakespeare at the end of the day (and understand it somewhat), I felt like a rockstar teacher.
If it's not a migraine trigger for you try adding a bit a espresso powder to the brownies, it enhances chocolate flavor goodies. Glad you figured out your migraine triggers, mine are red wine, blue cheese, and lack of sleep. It took a long time to figure out but what a difference now that I finally feel like I have some control over it.
Oh wow...so you'll be happy when DST ends in the fall!
I actually prefer the light in the morning! As for coffee filters, I buy the triangle kind and they don't stretch at all. I am happy tomorrow is the first of March; I always like the beginning of a new month. It's spring here (Florida) and gorgeous- in the 70s.
This is the time of year when Florida really shines!
1. My baby#3 just started walking and it’s so cute â¤ï¸
2. Instacart. Not having to take my 3 young children to the grocery store. Enough said. The fee is worth it!
3. Wow DST already?! That is good news!
4. A husband who loves me enough to understand how intensely introverted I am and provides solitude for me when I need it.
5. Zoloft. I’ve wrestled mightily with depression and anxiety since age 18 and Zoloft has made such a huge difference for me since I began taking it 4 years ago. I’m thankful for my therapist to helped me see that there’s no shame in trying medication when you’ve done everything else you can.
If the meds help you then take them. Many people do not seek help. Be proud that you did. You are doing it for you and your family. No one else matters. I took Zoloft for 10 years. I have been off of them for over 6. I learned a lot about my self in those 10 years. I had to stop caring what everyone else thought. Therapy helps too. Good luck.
For coffee filters, I buy a reusable one! Less than $3 at Walmart!
Xrays of the lateral knee show Osgood Schlatter's of the tibia - caused by tension of the bone surface when there is a growth spurt and the muscle attachment to the tibia bone pulls - it's
a common occurrence at her age and will resolve with time - sports or other activities like
running, jumping, dancing, kneeling can cause pain and swelling to area - my daughter and 3 of my grandkids had problem but all resolved over time
So interesting...I will go google that!
My dad and brother had that. I've always watched for it with my own sons. I wonder if it is common?
I had to laugh at your coffee filter issue! I thought I was the only one who hated using the "sprung" outer filters. I have learned to use a bit of water to paste the filters to the side of the filter cup, but "sprung" filters sometimes get the best of me and I angrily wad them up and throw them away. LOL
Could you store them in a empty coffee can so they don't lose their shape?
15? How did that happen so soon??
What is making me happy right now....
1. I had a long, thoughtful chat this morning with a friend. She intuitively always seems to call when I need her the most (even if I don't realize it). True friends are rare.
2. I had cookies for breakfast.
3. My work day ends at 2 PM today.
4. Looking forward to making plans for upcoming March birthdays (husband, son, brother, niece).
5. I am having a good hair day (quick work with my flat iron this morning).
I know you're not asking for advice, and I'm not being weird about it, just friendly ... If Sonia is at all interested in yoga, that could help with her issues (in conjunction with PT!). I'm a yoga teacher and believe she could really benefit. There are so many free yoga videos on youtube as well. 🙂
To piggyback on the unsolicited advice. . . has she been checked for Lyme? It is so, so prevalent here, and I've known soooo many people who've been certain their symptoms weren't Lyme and who have found out later (after things were much worse) that, yes, it was Lyme.
The first time my eldest had Lyme, his only symptom was limping (no pain) off and on.
Hmm, she hasn't. That's just a blood test, right? Easy to do?
Yes, it is a blood test. BUT blood tests do frequently have a false negative. However, some doctors are good about diagnosing if there are more symptoms without a positive test. But only some. A good friend was recently diagnosed after being sick for almost a year after blood test came back negative. She is finally starting to feel better after antibiotics. Do read up on the symptoms if you think she might have been having other health issues that seems strange. My eldest has had Lyme twice and the next-to-eldest once; symptoms were so different each time.
Yes! She loves yoga and she regularly practices it. I find yoga to be boring, but it's right up Sonia's alley, apparently.
Yoga can actually be really dangerous for people who already have hyper mobility issues. I have EDS and have been told by orthopedists and PTs to steer clear of yoga because it just makes my issues worse.
I wish we would do away with DST, it's such a hassle! But I want to stay positive for this post, so...
1. My hubby made me a delicious lunch to take to work. He is such a keeper!
2. I was asked to switch cubicles at work and my new spot is by a window with a good view and sunshine for my plants too..
3. Entenmann's Hot Cross Buns are available again! My kitchen is way too small to make my own and they only come out once a year so I'm splurging and freezing some for later too.
4. The snow we got overnight was so powdery and pretty on the trees this morning, but not enough to impact my commute.
5. I saw some spring plants starting to come up through the soil in front of the library today. I love seeing the crocuses and daffodils, and especially hyacinth peeking out in late winter/early spring.
I needed this reminder to give thanks today. It's been rough and it's barely noon.
1. My husband is returning from deployment.
2. My son slept throught the night without waking or disturbing anyone (a miracle since he never developed a proper circadian rythym!)
3. I have biscotti to enjoy with my coffee today.
4. My kids have shown so much grace to me when I haven't handled solo-parenting well (Single parents, I don't know how you do it. You are strong, strong people!)
5. I got to wear my favorite heavy-duty boots 2 days in a row to combat the ice coated roads/sidewalks.
My friend did this with coffee filters, told me about it, I've done it for about two years now and they don't flatten out.
At a dollar store, buy a square container that the filters just fit into. I found one for $1 and it has a snap lid.
She was told that the natural moisture that's in a home, and in a kitchen from cooking, relaxes those coffee filters.
I figured for a dollar it was worth a try and it was a success!
Our daughter has those stretchy ligaments. She didn't need surgery but did wind up on crutches while recovering from a misalignment. Her doctor told her she's a loose woman. 🙂
That's funny and not funny at the same time!
1. I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel on my kitchen remodel. Having the house torn apart is pretty stressful, but the end result of more space and being organized is totally going to be worth it.
2. Because all of my kitchen stuff is packed away, I have learned what I do and don't need/use. I don't even know what I have, and I don't miss most of what's packed away, which means garage sale in the spring.
3. I have learned my headache trigger (stress). Hard to eliminate but I'm working on it.
4. This blog inspired me to track my finances this year. As I see what I spend, I am inspired to spend less. I went to three stores today, and didn't buy anything!!
5. The sun is shining!!
Not sure if the ortho suggested this, but is it possible she has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome? The most common type causes hyper mobility which can lead to joint paint and dislocations. I wasn’t diagnosed until I was an adult and after years of gymnastics and dance, which are now causing some major issues with my joints in my early 30’s. Something to definitely look into!
I'd be a little surprised if that's it, because she doesn't have problems in other joints, or any of the other symptoms. And Lisey and I have both had the same knee issue, which has been fixed with PT. But of course I'll keep an eye out for any other symptoms that might pop up. 🙂
Stuff that's making me happy? Hmm, let's see.
1. Was able to repair my turntable myself without having to send it out or replace it. The speed selector switch needed to have its contacts cleaned out. Easy fix!
2. Similarly, I was able to rewire a speaker that I broke. Having electronics knowledge is nice some times.
3. Gone with the Wind is coming back to theaters. We haven't been able to plan a date just yet (stupid snow all the time) but we hope to be able to go to the encore in a couple weeks. So hopefully if all goes well I can cross another item off the old bucket list.
4. Bought a bunch of records I've had my eye on. I budget for fun and honestly haven't spent much on myself in the last year so why the heck not, right?
5. After borrowing my wife's stainless steel tumbler (the Walmart version of the Yeti) a couple of times I decided to pony up the $8 and buy one. I never realized how much I was missing vs having this awful plastic one.
It is Friday here and I have woken to a cranky mother. So I will try to find some good things in 3 seconds flat.
1. We have had some rain. Not enough but when the drought is around any is better than none.
2. After a long hot summer it is starting to cool a little. Yippeeeeeee.
3. My cats are super snuggling at present.
4. My children are doing well.
5. My grand daughter is my treasure and my delight.
Ah! These types of posts help me be grateful! Here are mine:
1- after 3 days, my horrible migraine is gone!
2- an air bnb guest who checked out left half a gallon of milk, organic eggs, an almost full jar of PB, organic butter, half a loaf of our fave bread, cheesesticks and some zucchini. She said it was perfectly good food and didn't want to throw out.
3- time spent w my kiddos running errands.
4- a new floor product that makes em super shiny.
5- a calendar w enough work hours. My hubby lost his job almost a month ago and this brings relief.
1. Washed dishes and a mopped floor.
2. The kids actually ate seconds and thirds of lentil soup! I didn't think they'd be fans of it, but they were!
3. Living in a small town, I love the slower feel and less traffic.
4. Coffee
5. My comfy couch and afghans made by my Great-Grandma that keep me warm. 🙂
I am SO ready for longer days! (With all the snow still around here, I had forgotten that DST was just around the corner!)
My 5 happy things:
1. I had a wonderful friend time and chat while our kids played almost entirely without drama.
2. I recently finished "A man called Ove" which was a great read.
3. We ate spaghetti tonight.
4. Piano practice this week with my daughter has been more delightful than drudgery.
5. Tea. And more tea.
I like summer time (and summertime) but am wondering if I ought to move to Arizona or something so that I don't have to do the time change (oh, and there's more summer).
Yes, the week of the actual time change is uncomfortable, and some studies show even dangerous as people adjust! More accidents and such. It also must be expensive for some companies to plan to adjust people and schedules for it, even if electronic clocks change by themselves.
I would choose to vote it out, though I suppose it does make us more conscious of light and dark and seasons. Maybe make the first days of spring and fall into federal holidays instead....
1)Free Kindle books
2)A friend who visited gave us a gift certificate for a cheese shop and I used it today for a bunch of fancy cheeses, which I would normally never buy. Yumm.
3)My adult kids make staying in touch with us and each other a priority--we live literally all over the world, so this is a real blessing.
4)I took an unpaid day off work today to be with friends---so worth the lack of money!
5)It's March!!!! Yeah!!
I have exactly the opposite feeling about DST. It's no longer useful (if it ever was, the issue is still open) and traffic accidents increase right after, in a statistically significant fashion. On a personal level, my work starts early so I want the early morning light.
1. In a fit of pique at cold ankles and excruciatingly slow progress on knitting a complicated sweater, I started knitting socks using yarn leftovers I already have. One pair finished, another one on the needles. Who knows how many I'll end up knitting?
2. A tech is measuring my oven location to make sure the new one will fit. I'd put off replacing my dying oven out of fear I'd pick one that didn't quite fit. Turns out that a local and highly-reputable chain includes the measuring as part of their service and their prices, while not the best, are competitive. New oven, here I come!
3. Took a 90 minute, 2.5 mile walk with my dog yesterday in pleasant weather.
4. I work with good people. We've been working a lot of extra hours recently and still the office environment is sarcastically funny; people keep their gripes impersonal and entertaining; and bosses keep bringing in donuts and treats. (I don't like donuts but I deeply appreciate the gestures of support.)
5. I've been sleeping reasonably well.
So glad to hear Sonia's going to be okay! Knee pain is way too common among teenagers; my 16 year old son suffers from it, as did my father as a teenager, thanks to rapid growth spurts. Of course, my son never listens to me when I tell him to ice his knee like the doctor said...
Things that are making me happy:
1. Books! I have so many amazing books in my queue that I had to make a list of the order I was planning on reading them. It's a terrible problem to have, let me tell you...
2. My mother was finally able to visit yesterday, after not being able to for over a month due to weather and illness, so that was absolutely lovely.
3. It's March, which means that while warmer weather isn't here yet (at ALL), we're closer to it than we were in February! Bring on the long walks as soon as it's not like 15-20 degrees outside...
4. BookRiot's All the Books podcast. I'm so enjoying this.
5. We registered my daughter for kindergarten yesterday. It's a sweet little school within walking distance of our house (in warmer weather) and I'm sure they'll be amazing, as I've heard nothing but good things about the school. I'm thrilled she'll be taught at such a wonderful place.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Oh, how I hate when the time changes! DH and I were building a fence the weekend after we "fell back". We were nearly finished as the early dusk loomed. We were hustling to get the project done when I caught my foot on the edge of the thick, new concrete patio and fell over like a tree. I had a freshly cut fence board in my hands, so I could do nothing to break my fall. It took four weeks to get the correct diagnosis: two fractures of the pelvis, ugh!
I am finally starting to feel better, just in time for the return of longer days. I cannot wait to move on from this chapter of my life. Bring on the sunshine and more daylight hours.
Here are my FFT, broken pelvis edition:
1. Before the correct diagnosis, a friend saw my pain and insisted I borrow her cane. In fact she threatened to beat me with it if she saw me without it. Love her! And the free use of a cane.
2. We have excellent insurance, so when an MRI was finally ordered (X-rays didn't show anything amiss because they were taken from the wrong angle), it cost virtually nothing. And thank heavens surgery was not required.
3. I am RE, so this accident did not result in loss of wages.
4. Because our co-pays are low, I am out of pocket less than $100 for the whole experience.
5. Though I did much less than usual, I was somehow able to keep up with my volunteer obligations, cook meals for my family, and get through the holidays, including takedown. This experience has made me so, so grateful for having sailed through a relatively pain-free life thus far. I have a new awareness for anyone using a cane or walker and make sure to politely give them plenty of room to maneuver. One jostle can send such a person sprawling. I also make a point of looking them in the eye, smiling and greeting them. It's easy to feel invisible when your body is impaired, especially if you're in pain.
Did I mention I've always hated DST? Yes, yes indeed. Now more than ever. I admire the states that don't observe it. My state has recently voted to abolish it, but it will take a few years to be eliminated. Can't happen soon enough.
Despite the fact that I am really feeling this pregnancy, I can't help but be happy about these things:
1) A healthy pregnancy and the promise of a fourth healthy little baby next month. It's crazy how your experience changes with each one. With our first we had no idea but found the lack of sleep and constant caring for a tiny person exhausting beyond anything we'd ever done. Our second was easier because we were "broken in." Our third came when I was commuting to grad school (and in the middle of the semester), so her infanthood is a bit of a blur. This time will be our last, and circumstances are a bit easier, so we are ready to just sit back and relax this little blessing about to come our way.
2) It is cold and dreary outside, but I can't help but feel spring in the air. (It could be the pregnancy happy hormones.)
3) I've been offered a fellowship at, as my friend said, a fancy pants school to continue my research. It is commuting distance from our house, which never happens in academia. I am sure they just mixed up applications, but I am going to take advantage all the same.
4) Our daughter decided to start potty training (by refusing to wear pants constantly) at exactly the time she started waking up at 5 am and declaring "suns up!" But we're making good progress on the potty training and got this clock that tells toddlers when it is time to stay in bed and when to get up. Gimmicky gadgets never work for me, but so far we've had some easier mornings, and I am all about it.
5) We're finally having our porch rebuilt in one month! The house has needed a new porch for years as it has been slowly falling apart, but other savings goals (and babies and grad school) have gotten in the way. Finally we have the cash and I'm working with our contractor to get started.
How much longer until your due date? I hear you on being more zen about the fourth...I was in way better shape after having Zoe than I was after having Joshua, despite the fact that I had three small people plus Zoe!
Good post Kristen, thank you
1. Saw short Pixar film Kitbull about a stray cat and a dog; so cute especially loved the animation of the cat
2. Found Depression Cooking with Clara on utube, she was adorable and now I want to make poorman's dinner...
3. Thai takeaway & movie with my sis
4. Tea
5. Beautiful caring friends at work
Ps I love DST too - I love it still being light when I leave work, but funny although I always berate myself for not going to bed earlier the night before it starts I also love the extra hour in bed when it ends - always feels like a treat
Spent hours on the phone with my son who is having anxiety issues and lives 1000 miles away. He was very thankful.
So happy that Aldi is opening a location about 2 miles from my house. The other locations are a ways from my house.
We are also getting an Freakin Unbelievable Burger joint. So Yay!
A friend at work needed some cables to move her router and I had some for her. She was happy and traded some lemon balm with me.
Thankful that several co workers have been great listeners with some major issues at work. I am praying that what I think is going to happen won't. I am so stressed out I have twitching eyes.
I HATE daylight savings time. It totally messes with me and my sleep. I wish they would do away with it. I say swing a half hour and call it good. 😛
I can't wait for Daylight Saving time. I'm in Socal and the temp never reached 70F any day in February. ( I know, I know), first world problems. Its been rainy and cold and somewhat depressing. We spend a lot of money to live here for the supposedly good weather.