The Little Things

Sometimes when we look for things for which to be grateful we search inside ourselves for the big kahunas. The day changers. Other times we realize it can simply be the little things which make us the happiest. Today was a 'little things' kind of day, which began at the bus stop.

1. I am thankful my son still takes and holds his sister's hand as they cross the street to get on the bus each morning. This small, but critical for safety in my mind's eye, gesture tells me I'm doing a pretty decent job. At least for now. Or until dinner time when my daughter will inevitably whine that I'm making a meal she doesn't like and she wants chicken nuggets instead! Breathe, Amy. Just breathe.

2. I'm thankful for the Z-Pak. You know when you go to the doctor's because you've been feeling lousy for three weeks but have been too busy making sure everyone else is okay you ignore yourself? It's a mom thing. We all do it. So by the time you're finally at your appointment, listening to the doctor, you're actually hoping she tells you something's wrong? That was me today. So, yippee, I got my wish. Sinus infection = Z-Pak. Hopefully this will drive away all the headaches and overall crappy feeling once and for all!

3. I'm thankful when my husband makes it home on time for me to leave the house without feeling rushed to get to my monthly girl's get together affectionately called drunko. Whoops, typo, I mean Bunco. Ha ha. In truth, there is alcohol but I have yet to see someone labeled drunk. Clumsy perhaps, as I personally tipped over a glass of wine a couple months back, but that's as far as it goes. Overall, it's just a wonderful reason to get together with the ladies, and gab and snack while rolling a few dice.

4. I'm thankful it's no longer a full moon because there was actually a moment today in the Rite Aid parking lot when I was looking around to make sure a) I wasn't getting Punk'd and b) I wasn't about to get carjacked by a hidden partner of a lady who drove up, introduced herself just before I was about to get in my car, and began telling me her complete life story. No joke. My hairdresser told me she had a lot of crazies in yesterday. It was a full moon then. Maybe this lady was a leftover full-moon crazy? Either way, I wished her well, got in my car and locked my doors as quick as I could. I mean, really, lady. If I wasn't unknowingly part of some school psychological project, surely there are better places to get suggestions for safe places to take your son away from a soon-to-be-divorced spouse than the pharmacy parking lot!

5. Lastly I am thankful for my stamping friends who share their creativity each month. Not only do we get together to swap some amazing ideas and cards, but one of these wonderful ladies made me this fabulous iPad cover! Thank you, Suzan! You amaze me all the time with your endless talent! I'm not too savvy with a sewing machine, but I'd be happy to help you add some gadgets to your blog any time as a thank you!

Can you say, Cha-Ching?

As a result of my family's recent trip to Florida, I have another travel tip to share. This one falls under the do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do category. My tip is this: listen to your air hostesses/flight attendants when they tell you to check your seat-back pockets for any personal items. Oh, how I wish I heard this useful bit of wisdom before disembarking the airplane so we could have altogether avoided the loss of my daughters' pretty in pink Nintendo DSI game device, carrying case, SD card pre-loaded with her favorite tunes, along with all eight games received since Christmas 2010. Cha-ching!

I am still holding out hope, and have even enlisted the help of St. Anthony, though as each day winds down with no word from Delta Airlines I realize a reunion for my girl and her games are becoming less and less likely. But these things take time, and good things come to those who wait--at least that's what I keep telling my daughter! For now, my fingers remain crossed.