Change of perspective

As I was feeling guilty about the obvious blog neglect and thinking of what to post--Becca's all-night fever, accompanying vomit, The Banker's simultaneous illness, the silverfish that have appeared out of nowhere wrecking clothing, my stress level over freelance that isn't coming together, family drama the likes I've never seen before--I brought myself up short. I mean, COME ON. QUIT WHINING, WOMAN. Not to mention grossing people out with bodily fluids.

So I thought about things for which I'm happy. The list may seem a wee bit weak. But heh, you gotta embrace the good stuff where you can find it. So here goes:

The ferns have gone crazy in the black metal urns that flank the front door. The hydrangeas I planted are beginning to flower. Okay, not with the blue flowers I'd worked so hard to produce with copious amounts of Aluminum Sulfate, but pink will do nicely all the same. Green thumb success! I don't take this lightly. I did not inherit my mother's talent with plants.

Dinner on the back patio, grilling out, while Boo plays on the swing set. There's this small sliver of time before it gets too hot, before the mosquitoes drive us inside. If I were to bottle it, I'd love to live in this perfect weather sphere for the better part of the year.

My sister (#2) introduced me to a wonderful new concoction: Jameson and Ginger Ale. When the day is through, having drained and then tossed me about, it offers a sweet little reward. It almost whispers, "Congrats on still standing."

I made a mean garage-sale purchase for Becca: a pink, retro-style kitchen set that now sits in our sun room. It keeps her delightfully busy while I'm in the kitchen (and prevents the worry of her trying to make her way to the playroom upstairs).

I have book club coming up this month with a delightful group of ladies. I doubt they know just how key they are in helping keep me sane. With all the upcoming events littering the calendar (weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, showers, and various other parties), this one tiny event is one of the few welcome ones. Hooray for awesome friends!

So there. Bright spots, positive thoughts. And now added to the list: Something new on the blog. Take that, Sister #2!!