Five Things That Are Making Me Happy
I was sitting here at my keyboard having a Monday-is attitude and Sonia suggested I do a Five Things That Are Making Me Happy post.
And I was like, "Hmm, that IS a good idea."
Your Monday morning might need a dose of happy too, so join me in the comments with your own list.
1. Lisey is feeling a little better.
We all got a summer cold recently, but Lisey's was hanging on longer than ours. So, I took her to an urgent care place on the weekend and it turns out she has a double ear infection!
So she got some meds and now I think she's turned a corner.
2. Frosties are only $0.50 again!
They were temporarily $0.50 earlier this summer and now they're back again.
Lisey happened to want one while we were waiting on her prescription, and while of course I would have bought her one at full price, I was not complaining about a 50 cent price tag.
Well, $0.53 with tax. 😉
3. We'll have some sunny, hot days this week.
Hot isn't exactly my favorite thing normally, but I'm glad for a few days of good swimming weather for this last week in August.
4. Zoe is a fun post-dinner walk companion.
Well, she scooters and I walk. So, one of us is working a lot harder while also going a lot slower. 😉
5. I have a Dinnerly box coming today.
I did a review post for them last year and I'm doing another one now. So, there are three dinners this week that I do not have to think about. Yay!
If your Monday is feeling like mine, share your own 5 happy things in the comments. It really does help a little.
(or if your Monday is exceptionally bad this week, you can share fewer things. Even one happy thing is better than zero!)
You are lovely! Your family is lovely. Been reading a long time but this is my first post and just wanted to cheer you up.
Aww, thank you so much. I really appreciate the encouragement.
Friend of 66 years--from 1st grade--is visiting from out-of-state for a few days.
It is cooler (less hot?) evenings already.
My husband has helped so much lessen my share of the load since my cold has exhausted me.
We are going out to lunch.
My husband and I are starting an investing game/race together where we pick stocks with our blow money and race each other (and the benchmark.) We have to do our own research and it's making me happyyyy in that nerdy way =D
These are wonderful things to have/remember! We just had our baby last Friday, so that's the big news that makes us and our extended family super happy! 🙂
Congratulations!
How wonderful! Congratulations!
That is great news!! Congrats! I hope you introduce her soon on your blog!
Congratulations!!
Congratulations to you and your family!
What are your other four things? (g, d, r)
Congratulations! Hope you get some sleep soon.
Aww, congratulations!!!
How wonderful. Congratulations.
Yay!!! Congrats! Hope you and babe are doing well. 🙂
Many congratulations to the FAF family! Yay!!! I hope you guys are adjusting well to being a family of four.
I needed this on Saturday for sure, but today is good, too.
1) I started (slooooowly) running again and doing some strength training. This will not totally make up for the stress-eating that has had its way this summer, but it feels good to be moving again.
2) I get to do that moving without children in tow, which is the best motivator for me. (My husband once famously remarked that I would lie on a bed of nails if I could do it by myself, and I didn't disagree.)
3) I absolutely love the four-day school week at my sons' new school.
4) Also appreciate being able to walk them to school, so I don't have to wake them up punishingly early for a bus.
5) We're in the process of buying a house and property that is . . . a little rough. Cough. I'm trying to re-frame my thinking that this is an opportunity for us to do whatever we want with the property, as it can't get any worse. And I am truly glad that I will soon not be living in a village anymore. Village life is not the life for me. No more streetlights shining in my window! Hooray!
Just curious. Where do you live?
Rural New Mexico.
1) My oldest girls are playing nicely so far today instead of bickering constantly. . Three year olds and six year olds don’t always mix well.
2) We have a nice list of fun, not-too-spendy things planned for my husband’s last week of vacation.
3) I lent my first-time-pregnant sister my maternity items so she can use them and not have to shell out for a bunch of things.
4) My baby will be starting solids soon and hopefully taking a little less formula. She is going through it like gangbusters right now. (Formula is decidedly unfrugal but that is how my story has gone, unfortunately and unavoidably.)
5) Summer is nice but Fall is just around the corner and I can not wait!!!!!!☕ï¸
I hear you on the formula. My first kid was straight breastfed. My second was a combo of breast and formula - he just didn't have the wherewithal to latch on well - even with support. No guilt, but the pocketbook took a beating.
Definitely no guilt. For me it was either formula feed or find a wet nurse. Formula it is!
1. I have a direction to pursue to get help for my 3 year old who experiences such severe frustration he is willing to hurt himself to alleviate the pain. A week ago I had no idea what to do, who to ask for help, etc.
2. My husband is home on paternity leave. I'm not alone on sleepless nights right now. And he's helping with the kids and responsibilites so I can do things like go to the dentist, sleep, paint my toe nails. It's a good life.
3. Said wonderful husband bought me a delightful book on sourdough bread, and it's already improving the quality of my bread.
4. There is a beautiful breeze right now, which is keeping our 95+ days seem more like 85. And 85 is livable. 95+ is hot.
5. I'm not alone. I have friends and family who have continued to pursue getting together and supporting me even during a particularly crazy season in our life. And it seems that just when I feel like I'm all alone, people remind me that they have my back. Reality is I'm never alone, but sometimes I forget, and God is good to send people to remind me that we're in it together.
1. Have gotten a couple of things crossed off my to-do list for today, including exercising. I keep a daily to-do list,a short-term one, and a long-term one. I can’t explain why my lists make me so happy, but they do.
2. I’ve been having some worsening physical pain for a week or two, and finally decided to see if there’s a specialist for my problem close to where I live. There is, and I’m planning to make an appointment. Just having made that decision has made me feel a little better already.
3. Got into a carpool for my son and one for my daughter for activities they’re in. Different activities, different families, and different days. I love carpools – having my kid walk through the door without me having done anything is such a nice feeling!
4. As of this month, I’m more than halfway through the orthodontist payments for my second (last) child! Thankfully the orthodontist’s office doesn’t charge interest.
5. This morning I called our cell phone company with a question. I was kind of dreading making the call, but got an extremely pleasant customer service representative, and she gave me the answer I was hoping to get.
Bought Craig Claibourne cookbook for 1.00 yesterday. Best part is the pages are turned down on corner for really easy good recipes. Am going to Silver Sneakers class in a few minutes. It is Yoga. Seated Yoga. Bought 8 ice cream cones with chocolate and nuts for 3.00 at store yesterday. Am making cuke salad with onions, garlic and sour cream. .59 cent cukes. Bought a huge bag of oranges for snacks. 3 blouses, belt, purse arrive today from Talbots Flash Sale online..100.00 do this only once a year
Ok, I give it a go...
1. I am so glad I made a casserole this morning before I left for work so when I get home I won't have as many things to do.
2. I am forcing myself to get up and exercise a little at least once per hour even though I left my fitness tracker at home today. I won't get the satisfaction of knowing how many steps I have taken but at least I am getting exercise in.
3. I found some sausages on sale for $1.80 this morning. I don't need them now but they will make for a quick meal later on this week as we struggle with homework.
4. I am thankful for the few more hot days as well. We plan to go camping this weekend near a nice splashpad so heat is kinda necessary.
5. I am thankful for my health. I have had some issues but overall things seem to be holding up pretty well at this time.
* I even thought of a couple of bonuses. *
My mom brought by a pack of hair elastics that she found at a yardsale. My girls and I go through a lot of them as they seem to break often.
She also brought by a very neat toy for my grandson from the same yardsale. My older daughter and her family are living with me temporarily. While I often complain about the extra work and expenditure that come along with this, I am glad to get to spend extra time with them.
As a Canadian it's strange to see pennies in circulation! We began phasing them out about 6 years ago, and all cash purchases are rounded up or down to the nearest nickel.
My five things that are making me happy:
1. I started a part time a job last week (in addition to my full time job). Looking forward to the extra cash. I can really use it at this time in my life.
2. I have been invited out to family dinners two evening this week. In both cases I asked if there was anything I could bring, and I was told each time to "just bring yourself".
3. Enjoying the last week of summer hours. We get off a half hour early in the summer, a wonderful perk that ends after Labour Day.
4. I weighed myself yesterday and I have lost 16 pounds (this is a good thing).
5. Watched some youtube videos of colour blind people trying on their EnChroma glasses for the first time. It was lovely to watch them seeing for the first time the vibrant colours of the world. When I am in a funk I like to watch uplifting, happy things like this. It always helps.
Congratulations on the weight loss! That is huge! I've recently lost 21 pounds (would like to lose another 9 more) and I am enjoying feeling better and wearing clothes that haven't fit for a while! Way to go!
My Monday is making me grumpy too, so here goes.
1. MOPS starts tomorrow!
2. My tiny mother-of-thousands succulent propagated a baby and I repotted it for my sister.
3. My mom is planning a trip to come see me in September and we got to chat about it this morning.
4. I’m reading a great book called The Art of Gathering.
5. We’re going camping this weekend! Stop! Hammock time.
I had to laugh out loud at Hammock Time. Now I can't get M.C. Hammer out of my head!
Hmmm, I don't know what I have, so I guess I'll just start and see what happens...
1. I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea last week and fast tracked for a c-pap machine, which I am now trying to get used to. Thanks to my husband's great insurance, the total OOP has only been $10.00. (He has one, too, so we're quite a fright at night.)
2. My MIL was accepted into an Alzheimer's Respite Care Program. Four days a week she is picked up at 8:30 and returned to our home at 3:30. So grateful she has the resources to pay for this OOP and even more grateful to have some time to myself. Happy, happy, happy!
3. We're flipping a house and really enjoy working together and problem solving. We love taking something ugly and making it lovely and safe for a new family to enjoy. So far, we're reasonably on budget, even though the scope of work has increased considerably.
4. Starting next Friday, DH has eighteen days in a row off work. It is only "costing" him six days of vacation time. We've never had this long a break together in the five+ years we've been married, hooray! (I didn't realize that until I started typing this list - Thanks, Kristen!)
I can't think of a fifth one right now, but I'm pretty pleased with the four I came up with.
Respite Care is such a big deal! It's great that you have the option and are taking advantage of it!
After five years of my MIL living with us, I am so, so grateful for the respite. We went through the entire screening and application process and they said they had no openings at the moment. I nearly wept on the woman's desk. She gave me one day/week, which has gradually increased to four, which seems like a good balance. I am so grateful to everyone at the center and the (dedicated) bus drivers too.
My friend and her husband both wear CPAP masks. They are foster parents to four kids and never thought to tell the kids about the machines. One morning a child burst into the room and saw them both lying there, side by side, with masks on. The child ran out of the room screaming in fear, yelling that cyborgs were real and there! By the time the parents realized there was a crisis and took off masks and put on robes, the children were all racing around in a panic. (The story is better when my friend tells it.)
That's a great story! I'm surprised the kids didn't notice the machines and ask about them. I expect if my MIL ever had reason to wander into our room at night, she might have a similar reaction.
Haha, that's hilarious!
I am so, so happy to hear that you are getting some respite care. Phew!!
I woke up with some Monday grump too. This is a great idea to turn our thoughts around:)
1. Bought Starbucks for the 2nd time this summer--enjoyed a yummy java chip frap!
2. We get to see extended family and celebrate a retirement tonight. I won't have to cook:)
3. There are painful reminders of a time when we're let go from a ministry/needing to live with extended family. Yet there are also reminders of God's Grace and provision and sustaining power.
4. A friend who has been praying/waiting for a baby for years is now pregnant!! Two other friends have rainbow babies.
5. I'm at a point in my life where I have many friends. These are the people I have prayed for many years ago & God has delivered.
1. My baby is almost 2 months old and gave me a ton of smiles earlier!
2. I finished a batch of salsa last night and decided that I'm done with salsa once I go through the peppers I have. Then I'll move on to pizza sauce, which is easier. Having the end in sight makes me happy.
3. My aunt and uncle live 16 hours away, but will be coming through Wednesday morning. I'm so excited to see them!
4. I'm staying on top of the dishes right now. Sundays have been a problem with getting way behind, so I used paper plates yesterday. A small thing, but a big stress reliever and I got the rest of the dishes done.
5. I was going to say that all 3 of my kids were napping at the same time (my baby doesn't like to nap well in the afternoon or evening) but my 4yo just came up to tell me that she doesn't want to nap (too bad, you need one) and in the process, bumped the baby's bassinet a bunch and woke her up. If she falls back asleep, that will make me happy. 🙂
1. Hubby figured out how to activate the voice mail on our VOIP phone and got rid of a voicemail that had been there all month.
2. I'm redesigning my garden so I have just the vegetable that I like and that grow well and room for the herbs I want more of.
3. We've been getting enough rain I haven't watered the garden for over a week.
4. We've cut back on our timeshare points and therefore the maintenance fees we pay -- now over $400 a month available for other travel choices or home stuff.
5. We had a fine "stay-cation" day on Saturday, visiting a few nearby breweries, a automobile museum, some shopping and a great burger supper.
1. ICE
We are temp. without a/c & my health is suffering. Ice is my new best friend!
2. COOL BREEZES
You don't catch them that often ,but when you do....it's glorious!
3. MY DAUGHTER IS LOVING SCHOOL!
It always makes the begining of the school year easier when they look forward to going!
4. MY DAD SOUNDS GREAT!
My dad has Parkinson's and it's been brutal on his whole throat area. He does p.t. daily & it's paying off! I cried as I talked to him because I could hear & understand him! He was also having a moment of clairity & knew who I was! This makes my heart sing!
5. MY SON TOOK U.S. TO THE MOVIES!
He called my daughter & I, last minute, to see if we'd like to go & we did! We went to see The Incredibles 2! Fun movie! I loved that they had spots for wheelchairs & I was able to sit between my son (25) & daughter (12)! The last movie I saw in a theatre was The Help.....6 years ago! Things have changed!!!
All my best to you all this upcoming week! Take pleasure in the little things!!!
1. We took our youngest son to college last week, and I am still feeling some sadness as we are facing an empty nest for the first time in 26 years! Yesterday, I made myself go into his mostly empty bedroom (always the saddest part for me) and clean and rearrange a bit so we have a space for our exercise bike. It was good!
2. Today, I got up and rode that exercise bike while chatting with a friend on the phone.
3. Youngest son is having a GREAT time at school and doing well. That makes this mama's heart MORE than happy!
4. Even with the sadness, I am enjoying time with my husband, cooking for just the two of us, and looking forward to more adventures. It's an adjustment!
5. We moved last summer and have been searching for a church home. We have recently found a church we love and, last night, we had our first small group meeting with other "empty nesters". They were so welcoming, and we had a great time! We are looking forward to new friendships.
I just returned from a family vacation so I expect most of mine will be related to that:
1. Unexciting flights. On the way home I watched Black Panther (just as good as the first time), the Tomb Raider reboot (liked this take on Lara Croft better than the first version), and A Wrinkle in Time (a grave disappointment as a movie, an even graver disappointment as a book adaptation).
2. Spent money only on souvenirs that were meaningful to me. No random crud!
3. Only got into one fight with one parent (we're close but we butt heads a lot).
4. My first Monday back is going to plan - took advantage of jetlag by running and doing some unpacking before work; getting a full day in at work despite being sleepy.
5. The household dog was ridiculously happy to see me. He's more of my roommate's dog than mine, so I was pleasantly surprised.
I've heard that about the Wrinkle in Time movie as well, so I haven't bothered watching it.
The story of Lisey suddenly wanting a Frostie made me smile. I'm glad it's not just my brain, that when sick and/on meds craves foods you don't normally want.
2 Christmases ago, it was Christmas eve-eve, I had to get antibiotics for a sinus infection. I took the first dose, then had a long nap. When I woke up, my brain immediately went "Dominos" and I had to order a pizza. Something I hadn't done for about 4 years and certainly don't make a habit of. I figured my body knew what it needed at that moment (I'm guessing something relating to carbs and calories), so I just embraced it and ordered a Large. And ate it all by myself!
I have two things to be happy about. This Friday Aug 31 I close on my new (used) mobile home. I put a down payment on a washer/dryer set for the new house.
Yay!! Happy home ownership to you.
1.) Going to be in a wedding this week and while I'm super stressed about bringing the kid along and the money is not insignificant it will be nice to get away I guess. Plus the bride is one of my few remaining friends (though we don't get to be in contact as much as we have our our lives and live far away now.) So yeah, it should be a nice break.
2.) Realized that I've been at my current employer for over 11 years now. So that's nice.
3.) My boss stood up for me when I was in the right and someone else was crying over something that wasn't my job.
Umm, that's all I've got at the moment.
A boss that sticks up for you is a wonderful blessing.
1. Thankful for a terrific husband, even though I am an insomniac and he falls sleep within seconds of lying down and last night that really annoyed me. (I know, ridiculous)
2. Happy that I had enough ripe tomatoes to can 12 jars of hot tomato jam, to join the others in my cupboard. I would eat that stuff on cardboard.
3. Relieved that my MRI will be with anesthesia. I can barely stand to be on an elevator, let alone in a coffin sized, loud machine, so this is a relief. They have one day a week devoted to MRIs with anesthesia, so apparently I am not the only crazy person in town.
4. Ripped some papers in half and threw them into the garbage. Realized before taking the garbage to the curb for this morning's pick up that the papers also had a $50 bill in the middle of the bunch and I had ripped that in half, too, and thrown it into the trash. If husband had not asked for the money, I would not have figured it out until it was too late.
5. It is raining, and has been raining for days. Snow is predicted for Saturday. I am happy for the advance notice so I can pick the remaining food out of the garden. Snow won't last this time but it will be enough to kill things.
Oh my goodness, it is so weird to think of snow in August. Well, September by then. But barely!
1. It's almost Labor Day weekend, which is a three day weekend!
2. I went grocery shopping this weekend and stocked our fridge with a ton of vegetables and good food to help us eat healthier.
3. I think I've got a plan to deal with the health issues I've been having!
4. All of our bills are paid.
5. My husband just switched his cell phone service, hopefully saving us money each month!
1. My youngest closed in her first house today. That makes me so proud.
2. Wednesday my hubby and I fly to California to visit my son.
3. My two daughters will join us in California on Friday and we will all be together.
4. I’m happy for you Kristen. You have sooooo many followers.
5. I guess I’m hsppy to be alive.
Aww, that's so kind of you. Thank you!
Have a fabulous time in California!
Holy cats, do I need one today! I feel like Alexander and the no good very bad day!
1. I have the money and time to replace my smartphone that just broke. (I spent all day getting it fixed)
2. My kids are in an amazing school with the most amazing councilors
3. I have the kindest husband who listened to my drama all day today
4. It is a gorgeous pool day and the pool is open!
5. Bad days end and tomorrow is a new
I hope your day today is much improved!
Aww I know how you feel. I've been down in the dumps today too. I wish it WEREN'T hot here, hahaha. I'd kill to have crisp, fall weather down here, but that's Texas for you. The important thing is to keep going, even if you're having a cruddy day. Before you know it, you stop worrying about unimportant stuff and enjoying simple things.
Five things that are making me happy:
1. I got a new water bottle. It's silly and materialistic, but I'm lovin' it! I have to drink with glasses that have a cover and straw because my cat wants to share cups with me (ew). I love this new glass bottle; it's adorbs!
2. I started a countdown clock of how many days I have until I'm self-employed. 46 days y'all! (less if you don't count my anticipated two-week's notice).
3. Zap the cat destroyed his brand new food bowl. It was infuriating for sure, but it was HILARIOUS as well. I have such a hard time pulling the bowl apart, and he did it without thumbs. I have a perplexing engineering feat ahead of me to rig this bowl to be kitty-proof. But I got a good laugh out of it.
4. It's going to be a three-day weekend!
5. I picked up a few plants at the nursery with a coupon. I just love having plants int he house. It really livens things up, you know?
53cents ? No tax on food. Wait, I guess Frosties are not food!
It always amazes me at the grocery store to find out what is or is not food for tax purposes.
Where I am, restaurant food, perhaps better called restaurant purchases, are taxed.
1. I started with a new physical therapist for my back problems. I. Love. Her. She's amazing at what she does and she has a great personality. She's a lot more intense in her soft tissue work than my last one, but that's a good thing, I need it!
2. My mom comes up to watch my daughter when I'm at PT, so I'm extremely grateful for that. It's always nice to see my mom.
3. The majority of my house projects I wanted to complete this summer are done, so that makes me very happy.
4. I'm still keeping up my healthy lunch-packing energy, trying to get more fruits and vegetables in my son. I actually cooked last night at 7 pm so that he'd have lunch all this week. Go me!
5. The weather is supposed to go back to a regular 77 degrees on Wednesday and not this 'YOU LIVE IN THE HEART OF A FLAME THROWER' nonsense that's going on now, so I'm very excited about that.
Yay for happy things!
1. We have blue skies and fresh air!!! After a full day of rain yesterday, the smoke has cleared for now and the air is wonderful and fresh again.
2. My washing machine is cleaning my clothes for me right now. I love robots.
3. I had a piece of 90% dark chocolate. mmmm...
4. Barefoot.
5. My kids have these tiny voices right now and it's really sweet today.
1. I did not have to be at work until noon today, so I got to have a relaxing morning at home. By myself !
2. My husband is almost finished with his porch project. Now maybe we can do something fun on the weekend.
3. Made today's dinner yesterday, so no cooking for me tonight.
4. My granddaughter is learning to take a few steps by herself. Big girl 🙂
5. It has been terribly hot and humid here, and I am so thankful for air conditioning....at work and at home.
1. I knitted a beautiful pillow for my bed.
2. I went to the gym for 50 minutes.
3. I played with my 2 yr old grand baby.
4. I cooked dinner and had leftovers.
5. I had a frozen margarita that was so delicious.
God's Grace and His Mercy that renewed for me this morning!
Amen. My 21 year old son had his 3rd back surgery (in 2 years) yesterday (removal of 7 level fusion instrumentation) and God is so good. I've aged 10 years in the past 24 hours but He is so good and I'm so grateful for a great surgeon who had a great staff, and a host of angels who calmed my weary but expectant soul.
Number six - David’s Eggs.
1, We are on holiday with my in laws in a beautiful location.
2, Im always so happy that I love my in laws and enjoy our family time together
3, After two days of rain, as I sit typing the sun is coming up over the mountains
4, Hubby and I are going for a date night tonight. Hooray for in laws!
5, My son (the reluctant reader) read a book to me this morning
xxx
It's been a pretty happy week at our house. Here are the top five happy things:
My husband had brain surgery (prior ruptured aneurysm) and it went well, so we are all very happy that he came through it! Even if I didn't have anything more to list, this would suffice for 5 things. But wait, there's more.....
I got a promotion at work. I initially said I didn't want it, but was told by many that I would be a good fit and the new manager said we work well together. He really didn't want another person taking the position.. So, I can officially get yelled at. Yup, it's official.
The youngest is doing well in college. I hope our kid can stick with it..... So far, so good.
My husband's car needs major repairs. I'm thinking the cost to repair = $3000. His car is a teenager and I don't know that the value is greater than the repairs. The good news is that a co-worker may know someone who wants to get rid of his vehicles. We'll see if it works out.
Lastly, I'm taking some vacation time and we're going to the amusement park. Fun for everyone. Yeah, we need some fun!
1. I baby sit my grand daughter when her mother works. Today she was an absolute joy. I loved every minute from the sleepy cuddles to the oh so necessary bath.
2. Have severe RSI in both hands and need to find a surgeon. I am thankful that I have health insurance so hopefully this can be repaired quickly.
3. Australia is very dry at present. On the weekend we had a little rain. It is so needed.
4. I am grateful that many Australians have responded well to the Fiver for a Farmer campaign. The idea is to donate $5 to the drought relief programs.
5. My son is terrible at managing his money. He has an abundance at present so he has paid bills in advance and had his car fully taken care of. Driving in the outback means your car has to be reliable.
Funny, for me, Monday was a flurry of fun and today is the day I need to focus on the happy. (First full day of homeschooling + a youngest who can't find his math book ALREADY after last week being our "soft opening" + messy house + heat = grumpy Mom)
1. We started our first day of our co-school yesterday and it went super well!
2. Heat should be letting up tomorrow! YEA!! (I don't like muggy heat. I left the south for a reason! 😉 )
3. I'm working with High Schoolers this year and I really enjoy that age again. I taught HS Biology in public school, then left to have kids. I've been helping with Jr. High as we grow our program and we now have 9th and 10th graders. And I really love this age and getting to teach my favorite subject again, especially motivated kids and I only have to do it 2x a week, not 5.
4. My younger two got dishes done in less than an hour tonight. (Yes, we've had issues training them in this task).
5. The reason it takes so long, they are great friends and too silly together, thankful they are so close!!!