I think the lesson of the day is that some days just aren't happy days. It's tough to find moments of joy in a day that began at 3 am, when I woke up to find Lulu throwing up in her bathroom, looking so sad and pathetic. I tucked her in to my bed, but neither of us went back to sleep. We watched "Little House on the Prairie" instead. I've read "Little House in the Big Woods" to Lulu and Boo, so she knew the characters enough to follow along and it distracted her for awhile. But soon enough, she got sick again, so no sleep. I packed Boo off to school (in tears because he had to ride with Nana instead of me, but Lulu was too sick to go in the car) in hopes that Lulu and I could finally sleep, but no luck. She eventually crashed, but I had calls for work and didn't get to rest.
My only true moment of happiness today? Lulu kept down the chicken soup I fed her for dinner, and maybe, just maybe, she will be able to go to school tomorrow. At the very least, I hope she sleeps through the night. For my sake and hers.
P.S. Just thought of one! "Gossip Girl" is on tonight! There, that's something.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Day 6
Not even a week in and I've already missed a few days! It's been a busy weekend ... I had a date on Friday night and two tired little ones (resulting in a very tired mama) Saturday night. But let's get back on track with the happiness posts.
1. Good first dates. Jeff was very nice, sincere, and a good conversationalist. I liked him a lot, though I'm not sure there's any romantic attraction. But we have a lot in common and it was a fun first date, not at all awkward.
2. Fall festivals. A friend's son had his 5th birthday at a big festival today and despite some whining from Lulu, we had a great time. The highlight was the hayride -- a last-minute decision as we were heading out.
3. Freedom to skip out when we need to makes me happy (or at least less stressed!). We had plans to attend a Halloween party at Lulu's school last night, but it was rainy and miserable and both kids were tired, so we made the call to stay home. I felt bad because we had rsvp'd yes and I was looking forward to the kids getting to wear their costumes, but I don't think it would have gone well if I'd tried to force it.
4. Bengal Spice tea. I have been fighting off a cold the past week and a big mug of hot spiced tea with a generous squeeze of honey has been heavenly.
5. Naps. Lulu is a great napper -- she's almost 6 and still crashes for 2+ hours on the weekends. Boo, not so much. He usually fights naps to the point where he doesn't sleep at all, and believe me, he needs the rest! They slept beautifully both days this weekend -- and so did I!
6. Ambien. I don't take it often, and when I do, I cut the tiny little 10 mg pills in half, but every so often I need it and I am so glad to have it.
1. Good first dates. Jeff was very nice, sincere, and a good conversationalist. I liked him a lot, though I'm not sure there's any romantic attraction. But we have a lot in common and it was a fun first date, not at all awkward.
2. Fall festivals. A friend's son had his 5th birthday at a big festival today and despite some whining from Lulu, we had a great time. The highlight was the hayride -- a last-minute decision as we were heading out.
3. Freedom to skip out when we need to makes me happy (or at least less stressed!). We had plans to attend a Halloween party at Lulu's school last night, but it was rainy and miserable and both kids were tired, so we made the call to stay home. I felt bad because we had rsvp'd yes and I was looking forward to the kids getting to wear their costumes, but I don't think it would have gone well if I'd tried to force it.
4. Bengal Spice tea. I have been fighting off a cold the past week and a big mug of hot spiced tea with a generous squeeze of honey has been heavenly.
5. Naps. Lulu is a great napper -- she's almost 6 and still crashes for 2+ hours on the weekends. Boo, not so much. He usually fights naps to the point where he doesn't sleep at all, and believe me, he needs the rest! They slept beautifully both days this weekend -- and so did I!
6. Ambien. I don't take it often, and when I do, I cut the tiny little 10 mg pills in half, but every so often I need it and I am so glad to have it.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Day 3: Happiness in Unexpected Places
People like to say that you learn something new every day, but let's be honest. Most days, you talk to the same people, drive along the same routes, and follow the same routine. Not a lot of opportunity for discovery there. So that's why new revelations delight me so much. Here are a few NEW things I've learned lately:
1. There is a little tab on the sides of the box of of Saran Wrap, aluminum foil, waxed paper, etc. If you push the tabs in, they hold the roll in place. Genius! How many years have I not known this?
2. Probably the same number of years that I have not known about the Rinse cycle on the dishwasher. I have had a dishwasher for, oh, the past 20 years, I bet, and I never noticed this. You can push it and (on mine at least) it rinses your dishes for 10 minutes. We only run the dishwasher a couple of times a week, so this keeps it from getting all smelly and crusty between uses. Also genuis!
3. No-water Chai. I love Starbucks Chai, but every so often it comes out all watery instead of yummy and spicy. Turns out you can order it without water ... voila! No water = no watery Chai!
Who knew happiness could come in such small, unexpected ways?
1. There is a little tab on the sides of the box of of Saran Wrap, aluminum foil, waxed paper, etc. If you push the tabs in, they hold the roll in place. Genius! How many years have I not known this?
2. Probably the same number of years that I have not known about the Rinse cycle on the dishwasher. I have had a dishwasher for, oh, the past 20 years, I bet, and I never noticed this. You can push it and (on mine at least) it rinses your dishes for 10 minutes. We only run the dishwasher a couple of times a week, so this keeps it from getting all smelly and crusty between uses. Also genuis!
3. No-water Chai. I love Starbucks Chai, but every so often it comes out all watery instead of yummy and spicy. Turns out you can order it without water ... voila! No water = no watery Chai!
Who knew happiness could come in such small, unexpected ways?
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Day 2
The thing about blogging about what made me happy every day (yeah, ok, it's only been two days, but go along with me here) is that I have already started to look for moments of happiness throughout the day so that I will have something to blog about. Now, I don't know that I'm any happier (again, it's only been two days!), but at least I'm thinking about it more.
Today was a bit challenging -- I'm fighting off a cold, I'm in a weird place at work where I'm both busy and bored. But here goes anyway.
1. Glee! What a weird, quirky show, but it's hilarious! And the name can't help but make you happy.
2. After another half-dozen chapters, Lulu is completely entranced with The Little Prince. "I loooooooove it, mommy!" I forgot how advanced the concepts are, but she's just taking it all in. We just finished the chapter about the king who has no one to command.
3. Boo's biannual assessment came home today in advance of his parent-teacher conference. He won't be 3 until Dec., but they used the 3-5 skills assessment and little one rocked it! I am so proud of how smart and social and adaptable he is ... believe me, he gets all the credit for those skills!
4. I have a date! I have no expectations -- it's just a first date, after all -- but it's nice to be officially dating again. Dates are fun! Nerve-wracking and potentially awkward, sure, but going out, meeting someone new ... that's fun.
5. I lost my wallet at Starbucks. Again. Yes, the same Starbucks. And, thankfully, it was turned in with all the cash and credit cards. Honest people make me happy. As do Starbucks baristas who now know me as the wallet girl and offered me my own cubby for the next time I leave something behind. :)
Today was a bit challenging -- I'm fighting off a cold, I'm in a weird place at work where I'm both busy and bored. But here goes anyway.
1. Glee! What a weird, quirky show, but it's hilarious! And the name can't help but make you happy.
2. After another half-dozen chapters, Lulu is completely entranced with The Little Prince. "I loooooooove it, mommy!" I forgot how advanced the concepts are, but she's just taking it all in. We just finished the chapter about the king who has no one to command.
3. Boo's biannual assessment came home today in advance of his parent-teacher conference. He won't be 3 until Dec., but they used the 3-5 skills assessment and little one rocked it! I am so proud of how smart and social and adaptable he is ... believe me, he gets all the credit for those skills!
4. I have a date! I have no expectations -- it's just a first date, after all -- but it's nice to be officially dating again. Dates are fun! Nerve-wracking and potentially awkward, sure, but going out, meeting someone new ... that's fun.
5. I lost my wallet at Starbucks. Again. Yes, the same Starbucks. And, thankfully, it was turned in with all the cash and credit cards. Honest people make me happy. As do Starbucks baristas who now know me as the wallet girl and offered me my own cubby for the next time I leave something behind. :)
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
My Year of Happiness: Day 1
5 Things That Made Me Happy Today
1. Boo dressed himself! Since the morning routine with him has been a battle the past few weeks, I am grateful any time I don't have to shove flailing limbs into jeans and long-sleeve Ts.
2. I was able to give some actual advice to a colleague I mentor at work. My company assigns mentors somewhat haphazardly, so I was lucky to get two smart, capable, interesting women assigned to me. They are pretty talented, so anytime I feel like I've actually helped them is an accomplishment!
3. Lulu liked a book I chose! I took a chance and pulled out one of my all-time favorite books, The Little Prince, to read at bedtime tonight. Usually, she rejects my choices simply because they were not her choices. But tonight? She cuddled close and hung on every word. We read three chapters and she pleaded for more! I am so thrilled, especially since the new pop-up version of the book is on my "possible" list for Christmas or her birthday.
4. The American Girl holiday catalog arrived in the mail today! Lulu and Boo are both American Girl fans, but I think I love the dolls more than they do.
5. Cuddling with Boo at bedtime. I am incredibly grateful that at 5 and 2, Lulu and Boo's favorite thing in the world is being with me.
and a bonus ...
Today, at least, Lulu and Boo are both healthy. I'm always grateful for that, of course, but with H1N1 swirling about, I am sincerely thankful for every day that they are OK.
1. Boo dressed himself! Since the morning routine with him has been a battle the past few weeks, I am grateful any time I don't have to shove flailing limbs into jeans and long-sleeve Ts.
2. I was able to give some actual advice to a colleague I mentor at work. My company assigns mentors somewhat haphazardly, so I was lucky to get two smart, capable, interesting women assigned to me. They are pretty talented, so anytime I feel like I've actually helped them is an accomplishment!
3. Lulu liked a book I chose! I took a chance and pulled out one of my all-time favorite books, The Little Prince, to read at bedtime tonight. Usually, she rejects my choices simply because they were not her choices. But tonight? She cuddled close and hung on every word. We read three chapters and she pleaded for more! I am so thrilled, especially since the new pop-up version of the book is on my "possible" list for Christmas or her birthday.
4. The American Girl holiday catalog arrived in the mail today! Lulu and Boo are both American Girl fans, but I think I love the dolls more than they do.
5. Cuddling with Boo at bedtime. I am incredibly grateful that at 5 and 2, Lulu and Boo's favorite thing in the world is being with me.
and a bonus ...
Today, at least, Lulu and Boo are both healthy. I'm always grateful for that, of course, but with H1N1 swirling about, I am sincerely thankful for every day that they are OK.
I'm Back! ... Again!
For real this time! But with a new plan for keeping this blog updated and forcing myself to write regularly. Ready?
My Year of Happiness
Here's the plan ... the Happiness Experts/Gurus insist that a big part of being happy is focusing on happy things. Sounds good, right? And if it's really just a bunch of bs, well, it certainly can't hurt, can it? So every day, I'm going to blog about things that made me happy that day. Starting ... now.
My Year of Happiness
Here's the plan ... the Happiness Experts/Gurus insist that a big part of being happy is focusing on happy things. Sounds good, right? And if it's really just a bunch of bs, well, it certainly can't hurt, can it? So every day, I'm going to blog about things that made me happy that day. Starting ... now.
Monday, June 29, 2009
I'm Back!
I had this flash of genius this weekend -- I should start a blog! You know, to capture all the cute things Lulu and Boo say and do and my random thoughts and musings so one day I could embarrass them with a glossy coffee table book of their lives. So I logged on to Blogger and, um, well, it turns out I have a blog! Clearly, my memory is going.
Anyway ...
Lulu and Boo enjoy renaming themselves (and me) from time to time. A few months ago, out of nowhere, they informed me they would be known as Carlos and Daisy from now on. I still haven't figured out where they came up with those names, but they have stuck. Then just last week, Boo woke up early, crawled up into bed with me, and declared sleepily that he was a silver monster and I was a white monster (Lulu is a pink monster, of course). "Why am I a white monster?" I asked. "Because I wub you!" he cried. That is good enough for me.
Anyway ...
Lulu and Boo enjoy renaming themselves (and me) from time to time. A few months ago, out of nowhere, they informed me they would be known as Carlos and Daisy from now on. I still haven't figured out where they came up with those names, but they have stuck. Then just last week, Boo woke up early, crawled up into bed with me, and declared sleepily that he was a silver monster and I was a white monster (Lulu is a pink monster, of course). "Why am I a white monster?" I asked. "Because I wub you!" he cried. That is good enough for me.
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