Let’s face it // Mondays stink. Or at least we typically expect them to stink. That is why, every Monday, I post seven positives from the previous seven days of the week as a reminder of what I have so that the week starts out on an upswing. There is much truth in the belief that happy people attract good things, so it is important to start the week out right. Sometimes it’s the more grand, but other times, it’s the simple things.
1. Tea Break. My parents were in town last week, and not only was it just nice to see them, it was also nice to have constant company around the house again. I miss noise. I miss having someone to talk to at anytime. This was a nice change of pace. My mother wanted to shop for an area rug, which by the way, is oddly akin to committing to a new home. A piece of cloth can make or break you. After making a decision, and not making a decision, going back to making a decision, and ultimately deciding that it was much easier not making a decision at all {sounds like a metaphor for life}, we took a tea break. We filled our bodies up with decision making protein and I discovered the most delicious tasting tea — hibiscus mint, ladies and gentleman. You’re welcome. We still did not decide on a rug.
2. Project Paint. While my parents were in town, I decided to put them to work. I’m kidding. Sorta. I’ve had the same white furniture set in my bedroom for a long time, and it’s been around for even longer. It’s this beautiful antique furniture that’s built to last. Sturdy and NOT hollow like most pieces these days. It’s white, and attracts dirt, and I was tired of wiping it down and repainting it white only to attract dirt again. So I decided to do what any rationale decorator would do… paint it black. Turns out, turning something white to black isn’t as easy as a naïve decorator would think. However, with the help of my lovely parents, I have what looks like an entirely new GROWN-UP set of bedroom furniture.
3. Downtown Brunch + Shopping. My mother gets her haircut by the same person who cuts my sister and I’s hair downtown. I hadn’t been downtown in what seems like forever. I tagged along, and then we shopped at Anthroplogie and grabbed a bite to eat with my sis. My vegetarian brunch was delish, and the company even better.
4. The Fault in Our Stars. This summer, I’ve accomplished a lot of catching-up-reading, as during the school-year, I don’t have time to read as much as I’d like. What I am really bad about is keeping up with current young adult fiction, so I can recommend books to to my students. Unfortunately, they recommend books to me. I say “unfortunately,” but I actually love that for the most part, I don’t have to push my students to find a good book. My students have been telling me about The Fault in Our Stars for some time now, and I’ve been avoiding it because I don’t like to go into something knowing I’ll bawl my eyes out, but also because too many people like it. Ha! I’m terrible. However, I started reading it Saturday night and COULD NOT put it down. Not only did I want to follow Hazel’s story until the end, but John Green’s prose is effortless, honest, hilarious, and needless to say, devestating. I often read like a writer, and I’ve highlighted bits of text that I can’t wait to share with my students as examples of this and that. Great book. It comes highly recommended.
5. Time W/ My Pups. Sadly, no, my time was not with Buddy. Every time I speak his name, I’m near tears. However, my parents brought my family dog, Bella, and it was so nice to have her around. She’s getting old and weary, but I exercised her by making her follow me around inside and outside the house. She gets huffy just walking slowly, but I remember the days when she ran circles for no reason but to get out some of that built up energy.
6. Production Begins. I feel like I should be embarrassed about this, but oddly, I’m not. I miss work. I miss everything about it: the kids, my coworkers, my classroom, following up on new ideas, teaching… the routine. So I did what I could by creating new assignments and sending them to my partner-in-crime. Thank goodness she is also like me and didn’t mind my presumptuous e-mails, as she was also sending me things in return. #nerdalert
7. Epiphany. I like myself again. My epiphany comes with a stipulation, though. I like myself better when I’m single. Does this mean I should relish in this moment? Yes. Does this mean I should remain single forever? Gulp. It needs revision, but I’m getting there.
I hope to inspire you to reflect on all you have to be grateful & that your week brings you even more positivity + balance + bliss! Feel free to share your seven with me as well / or even just a couple!
Have a wonderful week!
xo,
Darlin’
