A Return to the "Norm"

     I remember a few years back thinking that things were too normal and therefore slightly stale.  All of this time later and I am suddenly begging the universe for some "normal"...whatever that might be.  It means making it through the day with nothing crazy happening.
     One year ago on this very day I was told by a doctor that my mother had three days to live.  Today...365 days later...I found the most normal day that I could.  More normal than I've had in a while.  I got up and snuggled with my peeps and pooch.  I got ready for work with a nice sweater and some earrings that haven't been out of my jewelry box since...I don't know when.  I put on my black Dansko shoes and headed out to an eight hour day in retail (first time in five years).  Those shoes go back that far and need to go.   I sold stuff like in the olden days of target charts and holiday music.  I kept busy with many tasks in between customers.  After closing up the store I drove home listening to music way too loud and even stopped to get gas.   I had a nice dinner followed up with some brownies and milk.  I hung out with the kids, tucked them in, had some popcorn and relaxed on a Saturday night.  Now...I will watch Jimmy on SNL because I heart him so and it's what you do on a Saturday night after a week of work...especially when the cool holiday one is on.   Tomorrow I will go to church, take pics of the kids for the annual Christmas photo and maybe even bake some cookies.  I will sort laundry, do some dishes and prep for the big week ahead.  I will make charts and lists and relax a bit somewhere in between.  The norm.  Months ago I remembered praying that regular would return and though some days are harder than others...I finally think we are gettin' pretty close.  So to some, an average day is not such a big deal but today the regular, the simple, the normal is new and very, very welcomed. 

P.S.  Since some of you are going to be irritated by this stretch of a new thing...just think of it this way...since I've just recently signed on for another year of this madness I have plenty of time for the crazy challenges that you are sending me...OH...and I listened to a ton of new music on my Ipod so we're all good! ;)