S, a friend of mine, asked me what he missed when he was gone this week. So I told him the interesting things, the things that stood out. Mom’s truck won’t start–glow plug issue–and she can’t get the hood open. I missed a week of work due to that blizzard, and I’ve taken to drinking hot water for warmth.
And S goes, “Sounds pretty bad. Except maybe for the snow angel, that’s kinda cool.”
But, it wasn’t a bad week. I’m on the edge of getting sick, trying to fight that off, but aside from my energy levels it’s been a pretty fun week.
And even being sick is just a job hazard. I’m a nanny for 3 kids, aged 16, 10 and 6. I’m relieved they aren’t sick any more–they’re faaaaar more pleasant when well–but I’ll plow through, sick or no.
Thing is, the car and the snow angel were the things of note. Week of work was on my mind due to finances, and the hot water thing is kind of funny. It’s been freezing ’round here. All the good things were little, joyful bits, like the snow angel, but less noteworthy. Re-reading some of Louisa May Alcott’s best, and devouring every other book I can get my hands on. (Hunger Games was good, to my surprise.) Discovered I like puzzles, if I’m not the only one doing it.
The one big good thing is that I was a counselor at a winter youth retreat last weekend. That was interesting, and delightful. My girls were fantastic young’ns, cheerful and bright and people worth talking to. It was such a joy, being their counselor. My co-counselor was one of my best friends, D. After camp, I got snowed in at her place for a couple of days.
And when I say “snowed in”, I mean it snowed over a foot in one night and I made a snow angel standing up. It was awesome. When it was time to leave, we sledded down her mile-long driveway to get out. Because it was either that or tumble arse-over-teakettle all the way down.
I had a great time with her and her parents. Every time I visit them I learn a little more about what true hospitality means.
Still, I’ll try to mention the little, boring things more. Because they make me happy. Really happy, and happy a lot of the time. But because they’re such little things, I don’t mention them. And then I seem like a complainer. Maybe I am a complainer. But I don’t want to be! I love my life. It’s just that I’m at my most relaxed, and cozy, and happy, and just plain contented when I’m on my own, sequestered with a book and something nice to nom. But perhaps I should take to mentioning those moments more. Perhaps, if I’m lucky, it’ll get people to tell me about theirs.
Last but not least, the triumph of the week: I finally figured out I deserve food. Because of that missed week of work my finances are a bit twisted, and I bought groceries anyway. I was frugal, but I still got good food. Baby bok choy and milk. Eggs, cauliflower, bread. Because quite frankly if the bank doesn’t get their payment they can. I still get to eat.
