sick day

First off- Happy St. Paddy's Day! Have a green beer (or cookie, if you prefer).

Speaking of green...Charlie had a fever and sore throat yesterday-strep has been going around school, so he stayed home.

Do you remember sick days as a child? Once it was decided that I was too sick to attend school, I would burrow down under the still warm covers. I could hear the sounds of others getting on with their day around me, and listen to the roar of the school bus as it slowed for my stop, then sped on by when it realized I wasn't there.

If I had a bad cold, my mom would make me cream of wheat. I really disliked it any other day of the year, but for some reason I loved it when I had a cold. If I had stomach troubles, it was toast, cut into triangles. And I always got a bendy straw in my juice, or water, or milk, so it was easier for me to drink. My favorite sick day lunch, if I had a cold, was cream of tomato soup and grilled cheese (on white bread of course-did they even make whole wheat sandwich bread then?)

My mom would bring in my food on a metal tray, that had legs that folded down so it could sit on my lap on the bed. She would fluff the pillows up, and make sure I wasn't going to spill all over the blankets.

My favorite benefit of a sick day (it wasn't missing school, as I LOVED going to school) was uninterrupted reading time. As kids, we had lots of chores at home, and reading wasn't allowed until the work was done. So to have a whole day, and be able to read as long as I wanted to, was bliss. It made feeling crummy nearly worth it!

In second grade, I had the chicken pox over Christmas vacation. I had received two books for Christmas that year (my favorite gift) and I devoured them over the several days I spent in bed, trying hard not to scratch all of those spots. "Little Women" and "The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew" are still some of my favorites. When I had the mumps (both sides at the same time, I truly looked like a chipmunk) I read "The Saturdays". Such wonderful sick day reading!

Charlie laid on the couch and watched old episodes of "The Office". Things change.

finally

In Minnesota, there are many things you long for.

The sight of real green grass, peeking through the mud and sludge of winter snow.

A gentle breeze caressing your face as you open the door in the morning to pick up the newspaper.

Brilliant blue skies, as you drink that first cup of coffee.

In March, this is what you want to see. Dripping icicles.You almost want the roof to leak, as you know it is a sure sign that the winter snows are melting, and soon the lock winter has had on us will be over.

I know it isn't officially spring until this Friday, but after the lovely temps of the weekend I cannot help but be hopeful.

I know, it was below zero just a few days ago, but I am a glass-is-half-full kind of girl.

I know, we often get snow in April.

But for today, let me just smile and enjoy the sunshine.

finding joy

I have a framed piece of needlework that I look at every morning, "Don't Postpone Joy".

Easier said than done, many days.

The April issue of "real simple" magazine arrived today, and the corner peaking out under the stack of junk mail said "42 Ways to Add Joy to your Day". I quickly thumbed through to find the article, as I am always seeking more joy in my life.

After all, I'm not supposed to postpone it.

Actually, it was just a semi-clever way for them to introduce you to some new products you could buy. Which I did not find joyful, in the least.

But it is still my favorite magazine, and it appears to be chock full of info I will use-giving me the best bang for my magazine buying buck.

But now, I am going to have to think of my own ways to add joy to my life. So I guess I am compelled to share them with you, dear readers.

1. Get a new green plant. It doesn't matter what kind, as long as it is green, and can sit on your desk, or near the kitchen sink. A gentle reminder that someday all of the snow will melt.

2. Get a new toothbrush, in a fun color. And if you are really crazy, get one that vibrates!

3. Paint your toenails a fun color. Today I had mine painted a very vibrant shade of purple. Something I would never dare do in the height of summer.

Hey, wait a minute! So far all of the ways I have been telling you to find joy involve a retail purchase! I guess I can't complain about the article anymore.

Perhaps you can find your own joy in stimulating the economy, or making a killer buy on some undervalued stock.

Okay, here's some that don't involve an investment:

1. Make a fabulous home-cooked meal for your family, complete with a yummy dessert. Smile at the joy on their faces.

2. Write a letter (a real one, with a stamp) to a friend you haven't seen in ages, or a relative you love dearly. Or to your child, when is the last time you wrote them a letter? Joy multiplied.

3. Sit in a sunny spot by the window, and listen to some of your favorite music. Feel the contentment as it washes over you. sigh.

Go ahead, find your own joy this weekend!

warm vacations

Since we aren't taking one this year, I am going to reminisce about one we did take, to Key West, back in 2005.Palm trees, sand, tropical drinks, and Corona at lunchtime.

The smell of the ocean, the sound of the wavesthe sand between our toes
Exploring at the Dry Tortugas National ParkAnd capturing the momentsLots of beach timeand late afternoon walksChecking out the tourist trapsBut mostly, just spending unhurried time together.And enjoying each other's companyAnd bringing home lots of memories, to enjoy on a cold winter day.

spring cleaning

While today does not look anything like spring (4 below zero this morning with blowing snow, and a wind chill that I don't even want to discuss) it is time to think about cleaning.

You will note, I said think about it.

While some people use the beginning of a new year to go through closets and drawers, I have that whole "I have to get my taxes ready" excuse to use until at least the end of February.

But once the tax package leaves my house, I can no longer avoid the inevitable.

I usually start in my office. This year my office was so cramped and crowded I couldn't even work in it. I would haul my laptop and files to the dining room, where I at least had room to push my chair back. And ignore the disaster that awaited me down the hallway.

Here is the desk, a good place to start. ugh.This is when I dream of a house that has more than 1400 square feet. That can just be our house, and not also the home office of ACES. An office with room to dance in, if I felt like it. And big windows. And perhaps a built-in coffeemaker.

But since that ain't happenin' any time soon, I need to adapt to what I have. Or at least do some cleaning, purging, and organizing.

The school directory from 3 years ago? In the recycle bin. The travel ideas I have clipped from magazines? Outta here. (That's what the internet is for!) Are you ever amazed by the things we keep? Thank god at (at least once a year) I have a sensible head on my shoulders and dump the junk. And since it isn't exactly playing outside weather, best to get it done now.

The recycling guys and our trash hauler will groan when they pull up to the house.