Behind on the 365 Days of Grace thing

As usual, life gets in the way. Sheesh. Okay, let's catch up since January 7th.



8. My husband's full-out laugh while watching a silly movie.

9. My mom's unsolicited 'I love you, baby.'

10. My brother's not-too-often hugs.

11. When my sister actually agrees with something I say, or is excited about an idea I suggest.

12. My daughter's snoring through the baby monitor.

13. My husband reaching out for me in his sleep, when I am wide awake.

14. Daisy's unabashed excitement when I walk towards her with a bone in my hand.

15. Watching amazing men ride bulls.

16. A mini fruit tart from La Madeline on a shitty day.

17. Seeing new-found friends the first day of a new semester.

18. Getting the giggles in class with a friend.

19. The blessing of a healthy child.

20. Walking outside early in the morning & listening to the birds.

21. The memory of seeing my cardiologist almost exactly 2 years after my surgery, as I'm leaving the same hospital with my newborn.

22. Coming home to an empty dishwasher.

23. When I get the chance to start a new book.

24. Seeing a pink sunset.

25. Looking in someone's eyes and seeing my own emotion reflected back.

26. Catching up with several long-time friends all in one weekend.

27. A pair of pants fitting just a teeny tiny bit better.

28. Fresh tacos from my favorite taco place.

29. Receiving a gift for no reason.

30. The sense of pride at hearing my girl be polite and outgoing and silly, all at once.

31. When a horse sniffs my face and nudges me.

February 1: Doing something painful and terribly hard, but knowing it was the right thing to do.

2: The ability to go to grad school.

3: A new friend.

4: Hearing a new song by a favorite artist.

5: Hearing a Duke Ellington song and then feeling the presence of my great-grandfather.

6: The smell of Listerine, Vicks, and Nozema, and the memories they provoke.

7: When a song lyric or poem comes together in my dreams, and I can actually write it all down when I wake up.

8: Remembering that today (February 8th) is my old man dog's birthday, and not crying.

9: Eating healthy alllll day and feeling wonderful while doing it.

365 Days of grace: 6 & 7

6. A faraway friend who makes me feel sane, just by being herself.

7. My daughter telling me that I am her favorite, even when I'm 'crabby'.

First post of the new year

Rather than laminate about my stupid resolutions (lose 20lbs., stop cussing around my girl, spend more time with those I love, blah blah BLAH), I decided that I would start this-

I am taking it from Chibijeebs at One Fine Neurotic Mess, who took it from Schmutzie at Milkmoney or Not, Here I Come:

Schmutzie's idea was to post 5 things, each day, that have graced her life. Chibijeebs just posts a thing that graces her life, randomly, 365 total. I'm a bit more random, like Chibijeebs, so that's how I'm going to do it. It's thoughtful and kind and it will do me good to remember the grace and blessings in my life.

One for each day of the year, so far:

1. A husband who cleans the kitchen after I spend an hour cooking a new recipe.

2. The soft gloves I got for Christmas, that have come in very handy today (no pun intended!).

3. The ability to shop for health insurance and know that I can afford it.

4. Waking up to a soft kiss on the cheek from my little girl every morning.

5. Dogs who seem to forgive my absence, and are so very excited to see me every day.

In unrelated news, I have done the 30 Day Shred twice, and only Level One because, quite frankly, I am an out-of-shape wuss! I was panting, sweating, gasping, and I do believe there may have been some farting involved, but I'm blaming that all on my sister and the dogs. My sister joined me the first time, and someone had the bright idea to bring the dogs to the temporary house for the night, where they proceed to hover over and around us while we quickly died on the floor. Jillian is one rough bitch! But, wow, if I could have her arms.....

I will not quit you Jillian, even though I am limping like someone stuffed something in the rear end of my pants, and I whimper with each step I take.