It's been raining a lot over here lately. This makes me very, very happy- it's cooler, my grass grows, my eggplants fatten and water restrictions are (hopefully) removed.
Unfortunately, it seems like something else is raining down on the lives of so many people around us, and it hasn't been pleasant. Where do I begin? A friend just underwent surgery for a serious, possibly life threatening condition (the Big C is involved). A neighbor who lives alone is fighting cancer. A dear friend got into a car accident and is suffering serious hardship. Another friend is overwhelmed by an emotionally exhausting relationship. We witnessed an animal suffering neglect, but are unable to help. A medical 'cure' for a non-serious ailment I have that I was really hoping for isn't working out. We lost a sizable chunk of income that can't really be replaced. My breathing (dyspnea) and hearing has sucked for over a week. I was accused of overpricing something we 'sell' by someone who just doesn't have a clue (still hurtful and annoying).
So I just haven't felt...well, great. But I think I've honored the feelings that result from stress/sadness long enough, done what I can do improve them, and need to focus on what I can celebrate and acknowledge and move on. Feeling sorry for others or myself doesn't help anyone.
You know what's been great lately?
- My eggplant has totally rebounded and fruiting like crazy. I think I've been able to share it with about 8-9 friends, family and neighbors. It's the first sizable thing I've grown with some degree of success!
- My husband's best friend's produced an incredible comedy show last weekend. She rocked it! And because of it, my husband got to perform quite a bit. I'm grateful to her for her hard work!
- She also gave me my first experience as a Stage Manager (I even got to wear the headset!), which was nerve wracking even though they couldn't have made it any easier for me.
- After three years of karate, my son's sparring skills continue to improve. I love seeing his increased confidence.
- I've added a tiny bit of speed work to my runs 1-2 days/week, and hitting the gym 1-2 days a week as well and I think I feel a teensy bit stronger/faster (not a bad feeling in your 40s).
- I'm taking better care of myself- trying to get more sleep, taking better care of my skin, and running a little more/trying to get back to where I was a few months ago. I've even done two 10-12 milers over the last two weeks!
- I cooked two very rare, successful things last week! Lemon orzo chicken soup (delicious, pretty healthy!) and strawberry/pecan banana bread. Like gardening, it is rare that I achieve success in the kitchen thanks to my laziness/love of shortcuts.
- A great new play is opening this weekend (Helen Keller) and a friend is one of the leads! Rich is going tonight with a friend to the dress rehearsal, and my mom and Ryan are going this weekend. I'm happy the theater-goers in my life have these opportunities to see great stories like this.
- I've had two great meals lately- one with three friends to Holuakoa (lots of laughter, great food) and one with my husband from Island Naturals (roasted beets, Thai tofu...hands down, my fave treats).
- We are going to revamp an income source for us in an attempt to stop the bleeding, which means we are doing to get to do some retail therapy to get it done. How can I complain?
- We recently surprised my son with a gift he is too young for, and definitely doesn't need. Although it was an indulgence, it brought us great joy to give it to him and see the happiness on his face.
- I'm reading one of the best books I've read in months...Pachinko (Min Jin Lee). It's PHENOMENAL.
- Rich's mom came for a visit this past week, and in another week or so, his stepmom will be here. Lots of grandma time for Ry.
- I ate my favorite, amazing galette (the Countryside) at Frenchman's Cafe last week with a good friend, and nothing is better than good food and friendship!
- Another friend treated my mom and MIL to an amazing meal at her cafe and made them feel like VIPs. It was quite special and filled me with such gratitude.
I knew once I started to sit here and type out my blessings, I'd have a reason to feel lighter on my toes...and I do. ;-)
This weekend should bring even more blessings upon us. Tomorrow is Boys Day (oh, and Cinco de Mayo for the rest of the country), and we have a fun dinner planned for the young boys in our life. Rich also has a 12-hour shift coming that will help finances, and I have a bonus work shift a day later as well...always helpful. The rainbow after the storm, I suppose. :-)
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