So much for daily posts! Or monthly ones! Time is flying. Elizabeth is now 4. FOUR. I looked at her passport picture today from when she was only 9 months old and it made me double take. Could this really be the same person? She told me flat out, but also very genuinely the other day by looking me straight in the eye, "mommy, I am not always going to be your little girl". I didn't have much to say to her in response other than just look at her with softened eyes and say "yes, but you will always be my girl....and I will always be here for you."
So, I need to get back to writing things down. So many moments during each day that are turned over with another nights slumber. Before she turns into the teenager she keeps threatening to become soon!
I continue to populate the I like book, which as space for two entries per day about something you liked about that person. Soon there will be two years worth of "I likes" and those are the true daily happy memories. Yet I am finding that the little spaces afforded in the book per day are not enough for the stories behind the likes. Yet another reason to start writing again here too!
Highlights from the spring and summer:
Mary's wedding
Crater lake NP trip
Sequoia kings canyon trip (and first jr ranger badge!)
Going to napa with john
Going to cuttlefish and rec swimming class and having fun!
Looking for shapes in the clouds with mom and Elizabeth in my old backyard
Teaching wonderbug adventures with Elizabeth as my helper
Having really good yoga teaching sessions with the bright horizons kids
Seattle trip for grace's first communion
Whale watching trip to Monterey
Starting school again at hacns
Late afternoons riding bikes on the Grattan tennis court
I will keep adding!!!
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Checking in
It has been awhile! Ooops. Not for lack of happy material! Just time to write about it. Been keeping busy with my sister's wedding stuff (shower, bachelorette, dresses), fundrasing for HACNS, cleaning, planning meals and exercising, applying for jobs, doing lots of little jobs for HACNS (playground committee, purchasing, flute playing, etc.), thinking about camping trips, donating and sorting some of the last of our things from the move, making new friends. Most importantly, spending time with my Little E and John. Never a dull moment and now we are fully into....March. Whew. Elizabeth and I have been here now in SF for 4 full months. It seems like a blink of an eye, but I was thinking today how much more settled I do feel. I'm a little more confident driving, running, and planning to do things around the city. I love the co-op and even got elected to an officer's position. Starting to get into a routine that I like a bit more rather than just feeling frazzled with too much to do. We'll walk around Cole Valley and never be able to not see someone we know. It is a good feeling.
I also finished a book last night called "Quiet" but Susan Cain. This book intrigued me because it describes a lot of my own internal battles from being an introvert. I learned a lot about how extroverts might see me and not to put so much pressure on myself to be extroverted (at least all of the time). It made some good suggestions about how to maximize introversion as a strength and also how to raise an introverted child (the jury is still out on Elizabeth but I am wondering if she is more introverted than I think). I took a Myers Briggs test again and got the result of INFJ - introverted, intuitive, feeling, judging - and it matched up pretty well with some of the same insights I got about myself from the book:
INFJs are deeply concerned about their relations with individuals as well as the state of humanity at large. They are, in fact, sometimes mistaken for extroverts because they appear so outgoing and are so genuinely interested in people -- a product of the Feeling function they most readily show to the world. On the contrary, INFJs are true introverts, who can only be emotionally intimate and fulfilled with a chosen few from among their long-term friends, family, or obvious "soul mates." While instinctively courting the personal and organizational demands continually made upon them by others, at intervals INFJs will suddenly withdraw into themselves, sometimes shutting out even their intimates. This apparent paradox is a necessary escape valve for them, providing both time to rebuild their depleted resources and a filter to prevent the emotional overload to which they are so susceptible as inherent "givers." As a pattern of behavior, it is perhaps the most confusing aspect of the enigmatic INFJ character to outsiders, and hence the most often misunderstood -- particularly by those who have little experience with this rare type.
Due in part to the unique perspective produced by this alternation between detachment and involvement in the lives of the people around them, INFJs may well have the clearest insights of all the types into the motivations of others, for good and for evil. The most important contributing factor to this uncanny gift, however, are the empathic abilities often found in Fs, which seem to be especially heightened in the INFJ type (possibly by the dominance of the introverted N function).
This empathy can serve as a classic example of the two-edged nature of certain INFJ talents, as it can be strong enough to cause discomfort or pain in negative or stressful situations. More explicit inner conflicts are also not uncommon in INFJs; it is possible to speculate that the causes for some of these may lie in the specific combinations of preferences which define this complex type. For instance, there can sometimes be a "tug-of-war" between NF vision and idealism and the J practicality that urges compromise for the sake of achieving the highest priority goals. And the I and J combination, while perhaps enhancing self-awareness, may make it difficult for INFJs to articulate their deepest and most convoluted feelings.
Usually self-expression comes more easily to INFJs on paper, as they tend to have strong writing skills. Since in addition they often possess a strong personal charisma, INFJs are generally well-suited to the "inspirational" professions such as teaching (especially in higher education) and religious leadership. Psychology and counseling are other obvious choices, but overall, INFJs can be exceptionally difficult to pigeonhole by their career paths. Perhaps the best example of this occurs in the technical fields. Many INFJs perceive themselves at a disadvantage when dealing with the mystique and formality of "hard logic", and in academic terms this may cause a tendency to gravitate towards the liberal arts rather than the sciences. However, the significant minority of INFJs who do pursue studies and careers in the latter areas tend to be as successful as their T counterparts, as it is *iNtuition* -- the dominant function for the INFJ type -- which governs the ability to understand abstract theory and implement it creatively.
In their own way, INFJs are just as much "systems builders" as are INTJs; the difference lies in that most INFJ "systems" are founded on human beings and human values, rather than information and technology. Their systems may for these reasons be conceptually "blurrier" than analogous NT ones, harder to measure in strict numerical terms, and easier to take for granted -- yet it is these same underlying reasons which make the resulting contributions to society so vital and profound.
Beneath the quiet exterior, INFJs hold deep convictions about the weightier matters of life.Those who are activists - INFJs gravitate toward such a role - are there for the cause, not for personal glory or political power.
INFJs are champions of the oppressed and downtrodden.They often are found in the wake of an emergency, rescuing those who are in acute distress.INFJs may fantasize about getting revenge on those who victimize the defenseless.The concept of 'poetic justice' is appealing to the INFJ.
"There's something rotten in Denmark." Accurately suspicious about others' motives, INFJs are not easily led.These are the people that you can rarely fool any of the time.Though affable and sympathetic to most, INFJs are selective about their friends. Such a friendship is a symbiotic bond that transcends mere words.
INFJs have a knack for fluency in language and facility in communication. In addition, nonverbal sensitivity enables the INFJ to know and be known by others intimately.
Writing, counseling, public service and even politics are areas where INFJs frequently find their niche.
I also finished a book last night called "Quiet" but Susan Cain. This book intrigued me because it describes a lot of my own internal battles from being an introvert. I learned a lot about how extroverts might see me and not to put so much pressure on myself to be extroverted (at least all of the time). It made some good suggestions about how to maximize introversion as a strength and also how to raise an introverted child (the jury is still out on Elizabeth but I am wondering if she is more introverted than I think). I took a Myers Briggs test again and got the result of INFJ - introverted, intuitive, feeling, judging - and it matched up pretty well with some of the same insights I got about myself from the book:
INFJ Description
INFJs are distinguished by both their complexity of character and the unusual range and depth of their talents. Strongly humanitarian in outlook, INFJs tend to be idealists, and because of their J preference for closure and completion, they are generally "doers" as well as dreamers. This rare combination of vision and practicality often results in INFJs taking a disproportionate amount of responsibility in the various causes to which so many of them seem to be drawn.INFJs are deeply concerned about their relations with individuals as well as the state of humanity at large. They are, in fact, sometimes mistaken for extroverts because they appear so outgoing and are so genuinely interested in people -- a product of the Feeling function they most readily show to the world. On the contrary, INFJs are true introverts, who can only be emotionally intimate and fulfilled with a chosen few from among their long-term friends, family, or obvious "soul mates." While instinctively courting the personal and organizational demands continually made upon them by others, at intervals INFJs will suddenly withdraw into themselves, sometimes shutting out even their intimates. This apparent paradox is a necessary escape valve for them, providing both time to rebuild their depleted resources and a filter to prevent the emotional overload to which they are so susceptible as inherent "givers." As a pattern of behavior, it is perhaps the most confusing aspect of the enigmatic INFJ character to outsiders, and hence the most often misunderstood -- particularly by those who have little experience with this rare type.
Due in part to the unique perspective produced by this alternation between detachment and involvement in the lives of the people around them, INFJs may well have the clearest insights of all the types into the motivations of others, for good and for evil. The most important contributing factor to this uncanny gift, however, are the empathic abilities often found in Fs, which seem to be especially heightened in the INFJ type (possibly by the dominance of the introverted N function).
This empathy can serve as a classic example of the two-edged nature of certain INFJ talents, as it can be strong enough to cause discomfort or pain in negative or stressful situations. More explicit inner conflicts are also not uncommon in INFJs; it is possible to speculate that the causes for some of these may lie in the specific combinations of preferences which define this complex type. For instance, there can sometimes be a "tug-of-war" between NF vision and idealism and the J practicality that urges compromise for the sake of achieving the highest priority goals. And the I and J combination, while perhaps enhancing self-awareness, may make it difficult for INFJs to articulate their deepest and most convoluted feelings.
Usually self-expression comes more easily to INFJs on paper, as they tend to have strong writing skills. Since in addition they often possess a strong personal charisma, INFJs are generally well-suited to the "inspirational" professions such as teaching (especially in higher education) and religious leadership. Psychology and counseling are other obvious choices, but overall, INFJs can be exceptionally difficult to pigeonhole by their career paths. Perhaps the best example of this occurs in the technical fields. Many INFJs perceive themselves at a disadvantage when dealing with the mystique and formality of "hard logic", and in academic terms this may cause a tendency to gravitate towards the liberal arts rather than the sciences. However, the significant minority of INFJs who do pursue studies and careers in the latter areas tend to be as successful as their T counterparts, as it is *iNtuition* -- the dominant function for the INFJ type -- which governs the ability to understand abstract theory and implement it creatively.
In their own way, INFJs are just as much "systems builders" as are INTJs; the difference lies in that most INFJ "systems" are founded on human beings and human values, rather than information and technology. Their systems may for these reasons be conceptually "blurrier" than analogous NT ones, harder to measure in strict numerical terms, and easier to take for granted -- yet it is these same underlying reasons which make the resulting contributions to society so vital and profound.
Beneath the quiet exterior, INFJs hold deep convictions about the weightier matters of life.Those who are activists - INFJs gravitate toward such a role - are there for the cause, not for personal glory or political power.
INFJs are champions of the oppressed and downtrodden.They often are found in the wake of an emergency, rescuing those who are in acute distress.INFJs may fantasize about getting revenge on those who victimize the defenseless.The concept of 'poetic justice' is appealing to the INFJ.
"There's something rotten in Denmark." Accurately suspicious about others' motives, INFJs are not easily led.These are the people that you can rarely fool any of the time.Though affable and sympathetic to most, INFJs are selective about their friends. Such a friendship is a symbiotic bond that transcends mere words.
INFJs have a knack for fluency in language and facility in communication. In addition, nonverbal sensitivity enables the INFJ to know and be known by others intimately.
Writing, counseling, public service and even politics are areas where INFJs frequently find their niche.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
streetlight saxophone
This post is for Tuesday night (2/18)...
While walking back to the Embarcadero Muni station with John along Market Street....
After eating a scrumptiously delicious dinner at Boulevard (greyhound w/ fresh grapefruit, dungeness crab and scallop panzanella, quail with beet gnocci and a lemon cake dessert), partially subsidized by a gift certificate from Mary and Andrew.....
An alto sax playing Dr. Zhivago.
It hauntingly echoed down the street and against the tall buildings in the darkness of the stars and streetlights. I couldn't actually find the musician, but I breathed it in with sadness and happiness at the same time.
While walking back to the Embarcadero Muni station with John along Market Street....
After eating a scrumptiously delicious dinner at Boulevard (greyhound w/ fresh grapefruit, dungeness crab and scallop panzanella, quail with beet gnocci and a lemon cake dessert), partially subsidized by a gift certificate from Mary and Andrew.....
An alto sax playing Dr. Zhivago.
It hauntingly echoed down the street and against the tall buildings in the darkness of the stars and streetlights. I couldn't actually find the musician, but I breathed it in with sadness and happiness at the same time.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Out on the town
It is the President's Day holiday, so with no school today but Daddy having to work, Elizabeth and I took advantage of using the Living Social coupon that Mary and Andrew got as a gift for Elizabeth to take a drop-in art class at the SF Children's Art Center. We drove to Fort Mason and I was surprised to find out that when we got there, it was also meant to be a drop off class, too. Which means that I was supposed to leave. Elizabeth and I both were surprised so it took a little coaxing to get her to be ok, but actually not too much before I could leave her with playdough, painting and more. Turns out they also did story time and snack in the 1.5 hr session, too. I sat outside the small studio just in case things turned sour, but she did just fine and was very excited to show me her works of art - complete with a big smile and a splotch of red paint next to her right eye.
We then drove home and hopped on the train downtown to see a claymation movie of the book we just checked out of the library (and she can't STOP reading! :)) - Frog and Toad are Friends. It is showing at the Contemporary Jewish Museum on only special days until March alongside an exhibit featuring the author's artwork, so it was a must-do! The movie was a lot of fun - they set up bean bags in a conference room with a big screen and we snuggled up to watch Frog and Toad Together and Frog and Toad are Friends. The room was packed with kids and parents, all laughing and talking about the movie as it went. A fun atmosphere and Elizabeth was really into it, giggling especially at the stories she recognized. At the beginning she said in her normal voice (which of course is totally loud), "Who is that? Frog or Toad?" and about 10 kids snapped their heads towards her to answer "It is Toad" before I could even try to respond. It was so cute all I could do was kiss her sweet head that was firecracker crazy covered with a messy ponytail and a polka dot headband barely keeping her curly blonde hair from exploding all over the darkened room.
We played in the family zone with some blocks on a light table (very cool) and made story books out of transluecent colored paper before it became obvious that it was time to start getting some lunch. We went to the Madeleine Cafe and chowed down on yummy salami and eggplant sandwiches (respectively), yogurt, milk and probably the yummiest lemon bar I've ever had. We sat outside and watched the busy street and people passing by and just laughed and talked. Elizabeth almost lost her sandwich and I caught it and she shouted out, "Nice catch Mom!" I also told her that I really liked being in San Francisco with her and she said she really liked being in San Francisco with me, too.
With a short swing through the biggest Old Navy I have ever seen on the way back to the train to try on sunglasses, shoes, and scarves, I would have to say that it was a really happy day. Now it's time for a nap!
We then drove home and hopped on the train downtown to see a claymation movie of the book we just checked out of the library (and she can't STOP reading! :)) - Frog and Toad are Friends. It is showing at the Contemporary Jewish Museum on only special days until March alongside an exhibit featuring the author's artwork, so it was a must-do! The movie was a lot of fun - they set up bean bags in a conference room with a big screen and we snuggled up to watch Frog and Toad Together and Frog and Toad are Friends. The room was packed with kids and parents, all laughing and talking about the movie as it went. A fun atmosphere and Elizabeth was really into it, giggling especially at the stories she recognized. At the beginning she said in her normal voice (which of course is totally loud), "Who is that? Frog or Toad?" and about 10 kids snapped their heads towards her to answer "It is Toad" before I could even try to respond. It was so cute all I could do was kiss her sweet head that was firecracker crazy covered with a messy ponytail and a polka dot headband barely keeping her curly blonde hair from exploding all over the darkened room.
We played in the family zone with some blocks on a light table (very cool) and made story books out of transluecent colored paper before it became obvious that it was time to start getting some lunch. We went to the Madeleine Cafe and chowed down on yummy salami and eggplant sandwiches (respectively), yogurt, milk and probably the yummiest lemon bar I've ever had. We sat outside and watched the busy street and people passing by and just laughed and talked. Elizabeth almost lost her sandwich and I caught it and she shouted out, "Nice catch Mom!" I also told her that I really liked being in San Francisco with her and she said she really liked being in San Francisco with me, too.
With a short swing through the biggest Old Navy I have ever seen on the way back to the train to try on sunglasses, shoes, and scarves, I would have to say that it was a really happy day. Now it's time for a nap!
Will you be my Valentine? Or ER Doctor?
What a crazy Valentine's Day!
We had a wonderful morning at school. It was my work day - and snack day - amidst the Disco Party and Valentine's bags and lots of love being spread all around. About half of the kids ate about half of my snack that I'd stayed up until 1am prepping the night before, but hopefully a greater ratio enjoyed Elizabeth's valentines. :) I was determined to get something healthy in those kids' bodies before the candy onslaught began. The result was a bowl of peas, heart-shaped carrots, wheat bread (cut out in heart shapes) topped with light cream cheese and heart shaped cherry tomatoes. I was pretty proud of this creation and heard of at least one of the boys eating lots of extra helpings. Even Elizabeth told me, "Yeah, Mom. It was good." For the parents, I made tomato soup, crackers (haha the ones left over from John's career expo!), goat cheese, tomatoes and olives and corn bread. Cocoa named me queen of the snack! I think that I have way too much time on my hands to take the crown, but hey, it was fun coming up with it all.
Elizabeth was a complete cutie dancing to the lights and smoke machine w/her "I Love to Dance" tshirt, putting her valentines in her friends bags, and strewing her bag's contents everywhere to eat all of the candy. A great morning for her for sure.
But, then, as I am helping to clean up, I walk outside to a very upset Elizabeth in Papa Robert's arms - she had taken a bad tumble and couldn't even catch her breath to tell me what happened. Turns out that after asking 4 yr old William for some info since no one else saw her fall (!!), she had dropped down on her tailbone from the 6ft high (+) monkey bars on to the sand. I sat with her for awhile but she didn't want to walk so I carried her home. Once at home, I tried to get her to stand on one or the other leg, still resulting in a very painful grimace and refusal to do it again. Finally, after a call to the pediatrician's office, I followed the nurses' advice to have her take a nap and ice her back some more. When she woke, though, she was crying for me because she didn't want to even sit up from the pain. When John got home she wouldn't stand up for him, either. So, we went to the ER.
The first doctor couldn't get her to stand for awhile, but finally, when we got her on her feet, she didn't act like it was hurting. And took a few steps. Then the other doctor came in, had her eat a popcicle, and got her to walk over to get a sticker with him. Totally recovered!!! Good grief.
But, I couldn't have been happier to pay for the most expensive dose of tylenol yet. :)
We had a wonderful morning at school. It was my work day - and snack day - amidst the Disco Party and Valentine's bags and lots of love being spread all around. About half of the kids ate about half of my snack that I'd stayed up until 1am prepping the night before, but hopefully a greater ratio enjoyed Elizabeth's valentines. :) I was determined to get something healthy in those kids' bodies before the candy onslaught began. The result was a bowl of peas, heart-shaped carrots, wheat bread (cut out in heart shapes) topped with light cream cheese and heart shaped cherry tomatoes. I was pretty proud of this creation and heard of at least one of the boys eating lots of extra helpings. Even Elizabeth told me, "Yeah, Mom. It was good." For the parents, I made tomato soup, crackers (haha the ones left over from John's career expo!), goat cheese, tomatoes and olives and corn bread. Cocoa named me queen of the snack! I think that I have way too much time on my hands to take the crown, but hey, it was fun coming up with it all.
Elizabeth was a complete cutie dancing to the lights and smoke machine w/her "I Love to Dance" tshirt, putting her valentines in her friends bags, and strewing her bag's contents everywhere to eat all of the candy. A great morning for her for sure.
But, then, as I am helping to clean up, I walk outside to a very upset Elizabeth in Papa Robert's arms - she had taken a bad tumble and couldn't even catch her breath to tell me what happened. Turns out that after asking 4 yr old William for some info since no one else saw her fall (!!), she had dropped down on her tailbone from the 6ft high (+) monkey bars on to the sand. I sat with her for awhile but she didn't want to walk so I carried her home. Once at home, I tried to get her to stand on one or the other leg, still resulting in a very painful grimace and refusal to do it again. Finally, after a call to the pediatrician's office, I followed the nurses' advice to have her take a nap and ice her back some more. When she woke, though, she was crying for me because she didn't want to even sit up from the pain. When John got home she wouldn't stand up for him, either. So, we went to the ER.
The first doctor couldn't get her to stand for awhile, but finally, when we got her on her feet, she didn't act like it was hurting. And took a few steps. Then the other doctor came in, had her eat a popcicle, and got her to walk over to get a sticker with him. Totally recovered!!! Good grief.
But, I couldn't have been happier to pay for the most expensive dose of tylenol yet. :)
Crunch, stomp...and stoned?
"Everybody must get stoned!!!!" - Elizabeth (in the Walgreens today)
I love Bob Dylan and now I love Elizabeth singing Bob Dylan even more.
Elizabeth has a really loud voice. She gets it from John, no doubt. But, Elizabeth's loud voice has now teamed up with Bob Dylan and her favorite song is yeah....you know the one...."Oh, but I should not feel so all alone, EVERYBODY must get stoned!" She officially likes to sing it everywhere.
At least she didn't sing it in church today (oh, I hope I just didn't jinx that!). I thought I was totally on it today having a good selection of snacks for mass - raspberries, carrots, peas, and lentil chips. All pretty non-filling as to not spoil dinner, not too messy, things she'll like to eat....little did I calculate how LOUD the lentil chips crunching would be during the homily, though. So, this Sunday, like every other, continued to be a battle between my constant "shhhhh!!!!" and stopping her from stomping (today it was surely to see her shiny silvery shoes glitter in the light), climbing, talking, jumping, running into the aisle, slamming something against the pew, etc. - and my constant inability to not smile after she did something flipping adorable. Like "sshhhh!!!" me back, or walk about 10 pews back to say peace to everyone in the back of the church.
Mass is exhausting, but I hope that Elizabeth never changes. Loud and proud. Go ahead and throw your stones other church-goers. Keep the Bob Dylan coming.
------------------------
Other runner up from today - John telling me that the valentine's day cookies Elizabeth and I made for him were the best I've ever made - hooray! Heart-shaped red velvet cake cookie sandwiches with cream cheese frosting inside. Yummy!
I love Bob Dylan and now I love Elizabeth singing Bob Dylan even more.
Elizabeth has a really loud voice. She gets it from John, no doubt. But, Elizabeth's loud voice has now teamed up with Bob Dylan and her favorite song is yeah....you know the one...."Oh, but I should not feel so all alone, EVERYBODY must get stoned!" She officially likes to sing it everywhere.
At least she didn't sing it in church today (oh, I hope I just didn't jinx that!). I thought I was totally on it today having a good selection of snacks for mass - raspberries, carrots, peas, and lentil chips. All pretty non-filling as to not spoil dinner, not too messy, things she'll like to eat....little did I calculate how LOUD the lentil chips crunching would be during the homily, though. So, this Sunday, like every other, continued to be a battle between my constant "shhhhh!!!!" and stopping her from stomping (today it was surely to see her shiny silvery shoes glitter in the light), climbing, talking, jumping, running into the aisle, slamming something against the pew, etc. - and my constant inability to not smile after she did something flipping adorable. Like "sshhhh!!!" me back, or walk about 10 pews back to say peace to everyone in the back of the church.
Mass is exhausting, but I hope that Elizabeth never changes. Loud and proud. Go ahead and throw your stones other church-goers. Keep the Bob Dylan coming.
------------------------
Other runner up from today - John telling me that the valentine's day cookies Elizabeth and I made for him were the best I've ever made - hooray! Heart-shaped red velvet cake cookie sandwiches with cream cheese frosting inside. Yummy!
Thursday, February 13, 2014
My first track workout in....well, years!
I can't remember the last time I did a track workout. I used to go every once in awhile to the Camarillo High School track just to get a workout in or two, which I always enjoyed. I don't think I did it after Elizabeth was born, although I did meet up with my friend Jenny Lincoln a few times to do some drills (which was awesome being led through them by a former USA track star). Just brings back some good memories of running track in high school and college. And makes for a challenging workout! I'm still waiting to be able to install a high jump pit in our backyard someday....but until then, just going and doing some 200's at a track is full of nostalgia.
Kezar Stadium, in Golden Gate Park (and former home of the SF 49ers), is less than a mile from our place. I've taken Elizabeth there to run in the lanes and goof around, teaching her drills and having races, but I actually haven't gone by myself. So, today after drop off, I was going to go for a normal run through the park, but decided to stop at Kezar instead. I did 6 200's at about 40 second pace each (nothing impressive there, but at least it felt good to stride it out on the straightaway again!). My form is totally awful!!! (I need you, Jenny!!) But, it was a lot of fun. I even ran into a new friend, Tricia, a mom at HACNS, and walked a few laps with her, too. Happiness is a track workout in the sunshine for sure. Even a slow one for this out of shape high jumper!
Kezar Stadium, in Golden Gate Park (and former home of the SF 49ers), is less than a mile from our place. I've taken Elizabeth there to run in the lanes and goof around, teaching her drills and having races, but I actually haven't gone by myself. So, today after drop off, I was going to go for a normal run through the park, but decided to stop at Kezar instead. I did 6 200's at about 40 second pace each (nothing impressive there, but at least it felt good to stride it out on the straightaway again!). My form is totally awful!!! (I need you, Jenny!!) But, it was a lot of fun. I even ran into a new friend, Tricia, a mom at HACNS, and walked a few laps with her, too. Happiness is a track workout in the sunshine for sure. Even a slow one for this out of shape high jumper!
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Learning Spanish
We went shopping at Trader Joe's this afternoon, post-nap. Only the 2nd time since we've been here (vs. every week or so back home), so it was quite the stocking up trip. So many yummy things, so little time to eat it all. :) Elizabeth was her normal self during the trip - talking up a storm at her 20K decibel level voice, counting how many planes there were flying above the meat section (5 times), announcing that there were two penguins in the freezer isle, and playing telephone with the sample dixie paper cups (despite my insisting that they only work if you whisper).
Only today, she got her face painted at school, very impressively, by Mama Amanda, with a bright red/orange mask around her eyes and a red heart on each cheek. It was pretty funny to see some of the other shoppers reactions to her. One man even stopped and asked her about it and she pronounced (almost as loudly as across the playground when I came to pick her up), "I am a SUPER HERO!!!" It was all we could both do to not crack up. She also told us both that she is a "Valentine's Day Super hero" because of the hearts. Earlier she had told me that her super power was sending Valentine cards in the mail, because I had addressed hers and we put them in the mail box on the walk home from school that day.
The mask actually made her look a little like Zoro. So, when we were going to the car and she slurred her words saying she was a "good helppeerrrr" and I asked her what it was she was saying because I couldn't understand, she replied, "It is Spanish, Mom. It is 'helper' in English" with her super hero masked face looking right at me, I just had to give her an extra super hero Valentine's size hug before putting her in the car seat to drive home.
Only today, she got her face painted at school, very impressively, by Mama Amanda, with a bright red/orange mask around her eyes and a red heart on each cheek. It was pretty funny to see some of the other shoppers reactions to her. One man even stopped and asked her about it and she pronounced (almost as loudly as across the playground when I came to pick her up), "I am a SUPER HERO!!!" It was all we could both do to not crack up. She also told us both that she is a "Valentine's Day Super hero" because of the hearts. Earlier she had told me that her super power was sending Valentine cards in the mail, because I had addressed hers and we put them in the mail box on the walk home from school that day.
The mask actually made her look a little like Zoro. So, when we were going to the car and she slurred her words saying she was a "good helppeerrrr" and I asked her what it was she was saying because I couldn't understand, she replied, "It is Spanish, Mom. It is 'helper' in English" with her super hero masked face looking right at me, I just had to give her an extra super hero Valentine's size hug before putting her in the car seat to drive home.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Nap Time, Anyone?
"Anyone who thinks the art of conversation is dead ought to tell a child to go to bed."
I am determined to keep nap time as a part of the daily routine. It is good for her, it is good for me. But, it is not only hard to do this because she fights it with her powers of negotiation, stalling and protesting, but it is especially hard that not may of her schoolmates take naps anymore. So, when we are going home from a field trip at the SF Botanic Garden and get invited to go to the carousel with some friends (and it is on the way home), even though we should be bee lining it back to bed, it is too hard to say no. All of the sudden, getting home for a semi-late nap around 2pm becomes 3:30pm. And a really tired Elizabeth. And a really tired Mommy. We had a great time - she rode the green frog on the carousel that she's been wanting to do for awhile and did it by herself, she went down the cement slide by herself, she enjoyed being with her new friends. However, the whole way home Elizabeth whined about not wanting to go home, not wanting to walk, not wanting to take a nap. I try to empathize, I try to take breaks, I negotiate by picking her up on the hills and making it fun if she walks the flat parts, we stop and eat a few samples of fruit at the market. But by the time we get home, literally 20 feet from the front door, she decided to delay going in the door by stomping on some dog poop on the sidewalk. She got in trouble for that, partly for that behavior, but mostly because I had lost my patience and was tired, too. She went to bed and looked at me from under her covers, quiet but sad. After I had a chance to calm down and collect myself, I went in and snuggled up with her and we apologized to each other for being frustrated. Then, the questions began - about things that had happened that morning with the other kids, things we had seen on the way home, etc. After answering a few, I did have to tell her that I really liked all of her questions but we would need to save the rest for after her nap. And, finally, she drifted off to sleep as I rubbed her back a bit. But, honestly, I really normally enjoy that time when we are talking with each other about things that happened that morning and I hate to cut it short. So when I read this quote on a parenting website that afternoon, it just made me smile. Yeah, I pushed it today so it was my fault. But it reminds me that every day it is a happy thing that naptime is such a crazy dance that we tango together. I will be sad when that bit of our daily soundtrack fades away.
I am determined to keep nap time as a part of the daily routine. It is good for her, it is good for me. But, it is not only hard to do this because she fights it with her powers of negotiation, stalling and protesting, but it is especially hard that not may of her schoolmates take naps anymore. So, when we are going home from a field trip at the SF Botanic Garden and get invited to go to the carousel with some friends (and it is on the way home), even though we should be bee lining it back to bed, it is too hard to say no. All of the sudden, getting home for a semi-late nap around 2pm becomes 3:30pm. And a really tired Elizabeth. And a really tired Mommy. We had a great time - she rode the green frog on the carousel that she's been wanting to do for awhile and did it by herself, she went down the cement slide by herself, she enjoyed being with her new friends. However, the whole way home Elizabeth whined about not wanting to go home, not wanting to walk, not wanting to take a nap. I try to empathize, I try to take breaks, I negotiate by picking her up on the hills and making it fun if she walks the flat parts, we stop and eat a few samples of fruit at the market. But by the time we get home, literally 20 feet from the front door, she decided to delay going in the door by stomping on some dog poop on the sidewalk. She got in trouble for that, partly for that behavior, but mostly because I had lost my patience and was tired, too. She went to bed and looked at me from under her covers, quiet but sad. After I had a chance to calm down and collect myself, I went in and snuggled up with her and we apologized to each other for being frustrated. Then, the questions began - about things that had happened that morning with the other kids, things we had seen on the way home, etc. After answering a few, I did have to tell her that I really liked all of her questions but we would need to save the rest for after her nap. And, finally, she drifted off to sleep as I rubbed her back a bit. But, honestly, I really normally enjoy that time when we are talking with each other about things that happened that morning and I hate to cut it short. So when I read this quote on a parenting website that afternoon, it just made me smile. Yeah, I pushed it today so it was my fault. But it reminds me that every day it is a happy thing that naptime is such a crazy dance that we tango together. I will be sad when that bit of our daily soundtrack fades away.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Finger paint extension
I'll never forget the first time I fingerpainted with Elizabeth. John surprised me on my first mother's day with a bunch of fingerpaint and large sized paper, we stripped Elizabeth down to her diaper and we had so much fun. Elizabeth would just crawl through the paint and get it all over and then made a move for my face with those cute little hands.... Such a spunky kiddo, even at 8 months!
Today we were drawing and she asked me what I wanted to draw (after she had made a picture of some monsters). I said "a caterpillar". I then thought about using something else other than a pen to make them - - and fingerpaint flashed into my head. "Hey, what if instead of a pen....we used.... fingerpaint??" "YEAH!!!!" was the joyous response and she darted straight for the art drawer, demanding the use of the orange paint this time.
I used a thumbprint four times in a line and then drew legs, antenna and a smiley face with a colored pencil to make my caterpillar - and then let Elizabeth go to town. (I saved a whole box of the flattest moving paper and I love how many of these super large sheets have contributed to numerous art projects so far.) I purposely took a seat on the couch and let her do her thing. She started off doing thumbprints, too, but then when she tried to draw with the colored pencil, all of the sudden that became a paint brush....and then she decided to paint her *finger* - nails, then her hands, and her arms.....all while talking about caterpillars. But wait, then she started to talk about painting her face, so I had to intervene. :) She managed to get some paint on her nose with a giggle as I walked over and saw several hand prints and a bunch of orange streaks from the colored pencils (aka paint brushes). I asked about her caterpillars and then she said, "I was a caterpillar and I went in my chrysalis and now I am a butterfly! An orange butterfly!!"
After that, we didn't clean up - we flew like wild butterflies around the house - with only my gentle reminders that butterflies can't touch anything because their scales will rub off, of course!!
Today we were drawing and she asked me what I wanted to draw (after she had made a picture of some monsters). I said "a caterpillar". I then thought about using something else other than a pen to make them - - and fingerpaint flashed into my head. "Hey, what if instead of a pen....we used.... fingerpaint??" "YEAH!!!!" was the joyous response and she darted straight for the art drawer, demanding the use of the orange paint this time.
I used a thumbprint four times in a line and then drew legs, antenna and a smiley face with a colored pencil to make my caterpillar - and then let Elizabeth go to town. (I saved a whole box of the flattest moving paper and I love how many of these super large sheets have contributed to numerous art projects so far.) I purposely took a seat on the couch and let her do her thing. She started off doing thumbprints, too, but then when she tried to draw with the colored pencil, all of the sudden that became a paint brush....and then she decided to paint her *finger* - nails, then her hands, and her arms.....all while talking about caterpillars. But wait, then she started to talk about painting her face, so I had to intervene. :) She managed to get some paint on her nose with a giggle as I walked over and saw several hand prints and a bunch of orange streaks from the colored pencils (aka paint brushes). I asked about her caterpillars and then she said, "I was a caterpillar and I went in my chrysalis and now I am a butterfly! An orange butterfly!!"
After that, we didn't clean up - we flew like wild butterflies around the house - with only my gentle reminders that butterflies can't touch anything because their scales will rub off, of course!!
Producer John
Monday Giggles
We just laughed a bunch today! Giggles are the best!!
The biggest two times were when we were sitting in her room...
Then, at bed time we were reading a Cat in the Hat book about going into space (one of the ones that Dr. Seuss didn't write, but they still use that character). When we got to the page with Sally, Dick, the Cat and Thing 1 and Thing 2 all waiting around to get the sun's autograph (because it is such a star, haha), we started to sing "the sun is a mass of incandescent gas, a gigantic nuclear furnace" - the Ranger Band song I never could sing quite in tune - and just started cracking up. Then Elizabeth asked what other Ranger Band songs we could sing and of course I launched into Rocket Man. She loves when I turn my head away and then open my eyes and turn back to her in peek-a-boo fashion just as I sing "Rocket Man!! Burning out his fuse up here alone". A giggle fest every time. I'm so happy we'll always have Ranger Band songs to sing together. :)
The biggest two times were when we were sitting in her room...
Then, at bed time we were reading a Cat in the Hat book about going into space (one of the ones that Dr. Seuss didn't write, but they still use that character). When we got to the page with Sally, Dick, the Cat and Thing 1 and Thing 2 all waiting around to get the sun's autograph (because it is such a star, haha), we started to sing "the sun is a mass of incandescent gas, a gigantic nuclear furnace" - the Ranger Band song I never could sing quite in tune - and just started cracking up. Then Elizabeth asked what other Ranger Band songs we could sing and of course I launched into Rocket Man. She loves when I turn my head away and then open my eyes and turn back to her in peek-a-boo fashion just as I sing "Rocket Man!! Burning out his fuse up here alone". A giggle fest every time. I'm so happy we'll always have Ranger Band songs to sing together. :)
Saturday, February 1, 2014
shower the people you love with love
Happy to finish ordering the invitations for Mary's bridal shower and bachelorette today! There are so many cute ones out there....it was hard to decide. But, it not only felt good to pick them and order them, but also look forward to seeing lots of fun people that weekend!
Friday, January 31, 2014
Organic lollypop
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Happiness is... "a happy cry"
During my goodbye party from SAMO, after my co-workers had all said a bunch of nice things to me, I wanted to say my thanks to everyone, too. So there I was, on the spot, but feeling perfectly at home in that little education room at Rancho Sierra Vista, surrounded by such wonderful people and knowing it would be impossible to tell them how much I respected them, learned so much from them and felt so lucky to have been a Ranger with them. Of course, all of the nice things they had said had made me tear up - - and once I got to talking, the tears really started to flow. Not that anyone there that knows me well was very surprised - it doesn't take much to turn the water works on. :) But, as I was ignoring the tears and trying to say something that made any sense, I was holding Elizabeth up on my hip. She was looking at everyone else around the room to begin. But, then she heard my voice crack a bit, turned to me.... and did a double take. Her eyes got wide. "Mommy???", she said, totally confused and concerned, and put a hand to my cheek. She was not used to seeing her Mommy cry - I always saved it for when she couldn't see. At this, I had to pause from what I was saying to everyone else. I said to her all that I could think of in the moment. I was honest. "Don't worry, sweetie. I am ok. It is a happy cry." And then she smiled, as if she totally understood, and then I smiled back through glistening, yet reassuring eyes - a very private moment of shared understanding (even though it was witnessed by at least 35 others!).
So, now when I do have a little cry well up from time to time because of something that has touched my heart, I don't try to hide it. I tell Elizabeth it is a "happy cry" and we look at each other and giggle and hug.
Today I had a happy cry. It was while we were reading a book before school. Elizabeth had an accident that morning, so rather than sitting on her stripped bed, we put some blankets on the floor and read in a big fluffy heap together for about 45 minutes. She picked lots of books, but one that we read was a book that I sought out due to a recommendation from Cocoa, the HACNS preschool director. She told me about Mem Fox in one of our first conversations at the playground, so I found a book she had written called "Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge" on Amazon. It had gotten stashed with a few other books while we were unpacking and we hadn't had a chance to read it yet. Elizabeth found it and I'm glad she did. Definitely a happy cry kind of a book - right up there with "Someday", "On The Night You We Born" and most definitely "Love You Forever". If you know any of those books, you know what I mean! Happy cry every time!!
So, now when I do have a little cry well up from time to time because of something that has touched my heart, I don't try to hide it. I tell Elizabeth it is a "happy cry" and we look at each other and giggle and hug.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Rainy day lunch time
This picture is of Elizabeth on one of her first days at her new preschool, the Haight-Ashbury Community Nursery School (HACNS):
which happened to be a rainy one in December. It was finally raining again today - something that the entire state of CA needs. Not that it was raining much (or raining men for that matter....at least on our street!) but the foggy cloud that made it over Mt. Castro today managed to provide some mist and drizzle most of the morning. Something to be happy about in and of itself! It actually feels a little wintery and I miss the rain. John and I used to run out into the rain when it happened in SoCal and dance in it a bit, it happened so rarely and we both missed it so much!
When it rains here, Elizabeth's preschool asks the parents to pick up their kids 1/2 hour early. Since it was a bit of a question mark to me as to whether or not it qualified as a rain day, I decided to head over early just in case. As I stepped out the door and into a cloud, I heard a familiar sing-song chant darting through the damp air by the kids and parents, which normally occurs at precisely that time of day. "Wash your hands for lunch time!!" bellowed up from the Grattan playground where HACNS lives, which told me that it wasn't a rain day afterall - things were right on schedule. But, I walked over anyway.
When I walked in the door, I got to watch Elizabeth for a few minutes without my presence being realized, which is a rare treat. She was sitting nicely next to her teacher, the Director extraordinaire of her preschool, Cocoa, with about 6 other kids at her table all enjoying a meal together. The parents working that day were performing their lunchtime duties with ease (which I still need to learn how to do myself on my work days!). I watched her smiling and talking with her blonde braid bopping in unison with her hands, which she uses so often to emphasize her words. If only she knew how clearly she spoke (and always has) and how powerful her musical voice is by itself.
In what seemed like an instant, the spell was broken and I was spotted. But, that is always a wonderful thing, too, to be snapped back to reality by a little person yelling so happily across a room, "MOMMY!!! Yay! Come eat with me!!". So, I then got to spend a few minutes sitting on the floor next to Elizabeth, sharing a ham sandwich, and hearing about her morning. Only to be interrupted by Anna Maria and Anna Etsu on my left cajoling me that they can't tell me their secrets about Anna Maria's avocado and egg sandwich. And my trying to convince Haley that my face was blue - and then green. And then laughing while Sadie followed Elizabeth's lead and they both were turning their noses purple with Elizabeth's blackberries. And then making car honking noises when they all wanted to squeeze my nose (??). I could sense Elizabeth's relaxation with me being there and I soaked in the moment of shared silliness that I know only developing relationships with her classmates by working at the co-op provides.
I worried on my walk over that going early might make tomorrow tougher. I like to think telling Elizabeth when I leave in the morning that I will pick her up after lunch, and sticking to a routine, just like I do everyday, helps her with any sadness she shares with me when I drop her off and she asks me to stay. Granted, this new school is only for three hours, versus ten hours per day at her past schools, so it really is a drastic change from saying goodbye in the morning (and the guilt that ensued for me when I couldn't stay "just a little longer?") just a few months ago. I used to drive around to the front of her old building and we would yell goodbye to each other through the preschool window, holding up traffic on many occasions, to exchange one last "I love you!" or catch a kiss. We will find out tomorrow if my lunch visit is now expected as a part of the routine (?)...but it does put things in a little more perspective. Even just being able to ask that question is a nice reminder that I get to be a part of her lunch at least once a week and how fortunate I feel for our family being welcomed into this co-op preschool.
which happened to be a rainy one in December. It was finally raining again today - something that the entire state of CA needs. Not that it was raining much (or raining men for that matter....at least on our street!) but the foggy cloud that made it over Mt. Castro today managed to provide some mist and drizzle most of the morning. Something to be happy about in and of itself! It actually feels a little wintery and I miss the rain. John and I used to run out into the rain when it happened in SoCal and dance in it a bit, it happened so rarely and we both missed it so much!
When it rains here, Elizabeth's preschool asks the parents to pick up their kids 1/2 hour early. Since it was a bit of a question mark to me as to whether or not it qualified as a rain day, I decided to head over early just in case. As I stepped out the door and into a cloud, I heard a familiar sing-song chant darting through the damp air by the kids and parents, which normally occurs at precisely that time of day. "Wash your hands for lunch time!!" bellowed up from the Grattan playground where HACNS lives, which told me that it wasn't a rain day afterall - things were right on schedule. But, I walked over anyway.
When I walked in the door, I got to watch Elizabeth for a few minutes without my presence being realized, which is a rare treat. She was sitting nicely next to her teacher, the Director extraordinaire of her preschool, Cocoa, with about 6 other kids at her table all enjoying a meal together. The parents working that day were performing their lunchtime duties with ease (which I still need to learn how to do myself on my work days!). I watched her smiling and talking with her blonde braid bopping in unison with her hands, which she uses so often to emphasize her words. If only she knew how clearly she spoke (and always has) and how powerful her musical voice is by itself.
In what seemed like an instant, the spell was broken and I was spotted. But, that is always a wonderful thing, too, to be snapped back to reality by a little person yelling so happily across a room, "MOMMY!!! Yay! Come eat with me!!". So, I then got to spend a few minutes sitting on the floor next to Elizabeth, sharing a ham sandwich, and hearing about her morning. Only to be interrupted by Anna Maria and Anna Etsu on my left cajoling me that they can't tell me their secrets about Anna Maria's avocado and egg sandwich. And my trying to convince Haley that my face was blue - and then green. And then laughing while Sadie followed Elizabeth's lead and they both were turning their noses purple with Elizabeth's blackberries. And then making car honking noises when they all wanted to squeeze my nose (??). I could sense Elizabeth's relaxation with me being there and I soaked in the moment of shared silliness that I know only developing relationships with her classmates by working at the co-op provides.
I worried on my walk over that going early might make tomorrow tougher. I like to think telling Elizabeth when I leave in the morning that I will pick her up after lunch, and sticking to a routine, just like I do everyday, helps her with any sadness she shares with me when I drop her off and she asks me to stay. Granted, this new school is only for three hours, versus ten hours per day at her past schools, so it really is a drastic change from saying goodbye in the morning (and the guilt that ensued for me when I couldn't stay "just a little longer?") just a few months ago. I used to drive around to the front of her old building and we would yell goodbye to each other through the preschool window, holding up traffic on many occasions, to exchange one last "I love you!" or catch a kiss. We will find out tomorrow if my lunch visit is now expected as a part of the routine (?)...but it does put things in a little more perspective. Even just being able to ask that question is a nice reminder that I get to be a part of her lunch at least once a week and how fortunate I feel for our family being welcomed into this co-op preschool.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Post-nap snuggle bug
I like to call Elizabeth my "Bug", which is short for lots of nicknames I have for her. It isn't a secret that I like bugs, so it probably isn't a surprise that I would attach my entomological whimsy to my little girl somehow through a term of endearment. Lady Lizzie Bug, Betsy Bug, Eliza bug-a-boo are all common variations...but today a moment that I really enjoyed is one that I only used to be able to enjoy on the weekends...with my "snuggle bug". Now that I am home it is something I get to participate in almost every day and it is one of my favorite parts of the day. When Elizabeth wakes up from her nap, it is like an ingrained mission that she must find me - - immediately. She pops out of bed and comes running with searching look but also a giant grin on her face when we make eye contact. We have an enormous embrace, the kind that is full body and only a three year old can give (although I am hoping it extends to at least four?), I say "Hellllllooooo Elizabeth! I am so happy to see you!! How was your nap?!" in a quiet voice, and without a word, she will snuggle up against me and just breathe. Sometimes eyes open. Sometimes eyes shut. But just relaxed and happy. And it makes me so happy, too, to just simply hold her right back. It usually only lasts a few minutes until she realizes that she doesn't have to nap or be still and something pops into her mind that jolts her into "Busy Lizzie Bee" mode, but those few minutes are awesome time spent together to transition to the rest of our day. Thanks for a good long snuggle bug moment today in the afternoon sunshine, Elizabeth!
Happy Day: About this Blog
I'm
calling my blog "Happy Day" after the first two words my daughter
Elizabeth put together in a phrase not long after she turned one year old. It is something that became a bit of a motto in her day care and has stuck with me as a family and personal motto - - that amidst all of the crazy, sad, ugly or frustrating things that happen in life, there is always something that happens every day that inevitably makes you happy. Big or small. So why not enjoy, focus on and remember those moments? I am a big believer in the power of positivity. It has helped me through everything so far.
I just became a stay-at-home mom after a decade of public servitude, loving my jobs as a Park Ranger, Wildlife Biologist, Natural Hazards Planner and Marine GIS Analyst. My favorite job, by far, of course, for the past three years has been as a mom. Due to our move to San Francisco for my husband's job, I am now blessed to get to do it full time, even if just for a little while. There have been days so far when I have been really hard on myself about what I have "accomplished" that day compared to my normal work day ("I can't even get laundry done??? I used to do blah-blah-blah in this amount of time!"). In exchange for this line of thinking, it is easy to forget some of the wonderful things that did happen that day, which is maybe what it is really all about. This next step in life is bound to be the happiest, most challenging yet - and I'm determined to document it. Hopefully, it serves as a reminder how lucky I am to be right exactly where I am. And that the little accomplishments as a mom on a daily basis might not be linked to checking off your to-do list, but instead linked to the giggles, sniffles, cuddles, and living in the happy moments that just happen with a family (plus if I don't write things down these days they definitely didn't happen! My memory can be as as soupy as the San Francisco fog!).
So, here's to the start of my blog and the many happy things I'll write about. The goal is to write about one happy thing a day, even though I know there are always more. Feel free to chime in on a happy thing that happened to you today!
Happy day!
I just became a stay-at-home mom after a decade of public servitude, loving my jobs as a Park Ranger, Wildlife Biologist, Natural Hazards Planner and Marine GIS Analyst. My favorite job, by far, of course, for the past three years has been as a mom. Due to our move to San Francisco for my husband's job, I am now blessed to get to do it full time, even if just for a little while. There have been days so far when I have been really hard on myself about what I have "accomplished" that day compared to my normal work day ("I can't even get laundry done??? I used to do blah-blah-blah in this amount of time!"). In exchange for this line of thinking, it is easy to forget some of the wonderful things that did happen that day, which is maybe what it is really all about. This next step in life is bound to be the happiest, most challenging yet - and I'm determined to document it. Hopefully, it serves as a reminder how lucky I am to be right exactly where I am. And that the little accomplishments as a mom on a daily basis might not be linked to checking off your to-do list, but instead linked to the giggles, sniffles, cuddles, and living in the happy moments that just happen with a family (plus if I don't write things down these days they definitely didn't happen! My memory can be as as soupy as the San Francisco fog!).
So, here's to the start of my blog and the many happy things I'll write about. The goal is to write about one happy thing a day, even though I know there are always more. Feel free to chime in on a happy thing that happened to you today!
Happy day!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)