Started Bossypants by Tina Fey

     I'm already intrigued and smiling and I'm only through the intro.  I need some comedy and the lack of television and internet made it quite easy this morning to pick up a book.  Sometimes we just need the push...

Wait for the School Bus

     Today Emily had after school band practice to prepare for her first Winter Concert next week.  There was a special bus running them home after school so I told her to hop on.  She had a great practice and I was there to greet her at the end of the driveway...umbrella in hand.  It had to start pouring...sideways...as soon as I got out there.
     Many of you are wondering how this could be a new thing.  Well it is.  My children have been driven to and from school all of this time.  Schools have either been too close to bother or didn't offer a bus.  I stood there on this rainy, grey day and was grateful that it was raining and not snowing.  It was warm.  But I also thought about how in six minutes we can be to the school and it's simply not worth it for them to ride around on the bus for way longer.  I enjoy the drive home listening to the tennis rally of excitement as they tell me about their day.  I enjoy seeing their little faces light up as they run to the car.  It will go all too quickly and I have to admit picking them up is one of the highlights of my entire day. 
     I also had a bit of a light bulb moment which is kind of ironic this many days into my challenge.  My new might be your everyday.  My old might be your new.  We take many things for granted.  We assume.  We imagine what is simple to us should be simple to all...and it isn't.  It's new.  New can sometimes be uncomfortable or tricky.  It can also be exciting.  It's the judgement that isn't ours to make when it comes to others.  We all have fears and they may vary quite a bit from one to the next.  We should be kind when it comes to those we love and their fears.  We should encourage the new.  Be tender about it.  Did you find a new thing today?  What are you waiting for???

Listen to Owls Have a Conversation

     I can tell when a Northern Flicker is tapping on my house.  I have done the Cornell Bird Count.  I get excited when I see a bird I have never seen before.  I was amazed when I spotted an eagle and still tilt my head at the huge group of turkey vultures if they circle over my yard.  Do I make trips just to bird watch?  No...but I have a feeling when I'm older I might enjoy such a thing while on vacation.  In the meantime, I point out the difference between a  bluebird and a blue jay and hope my kids learn a little somethin'. 
     When I first moved to this house I began to notice animals and birds that you just don't see in town.  I also listened and started to hear calls I hadn't before.  The night I heard the "hoot, hoo, hoo.....hoo...hoot" I was thrilled.  I imagined waiting for a bright full moon night to venture out and spot the creature gazing down upon me from a limb. 
     The lingering effects of this cold/flu that I am battling don't allow for pleasant sleep and tossing and turning seems to come with the package.  But this time I didn't mind.  I heard the owl again...way in the distance as I've heard before.  BUT, then I heard the close one.  So close that my dog also perked up to listen.  It seemed to be in the tree right outside the bedroom.  They were having a discussion I suppose.  What about I can only imagine.  Maybe how unseasonably warm it has been which means the mice are still scurrying about ever so nicely.  I listened for as long as I could until the one must have moved along to another tall tree.  Just a few hours into my new day I had captured a new thing...just as the owl probably captured a snack. 

Gnomeo & Juliet

     Another day of rest means a new movie was in store!  This was an odd little film.  I liked it but am not sure why.  I was also confused about how Elton John was involved in a project like this.  Let's just say though it was a good distraction from fevers and stuffy noses I don't need to own a copy. 

Wii Pictionary with Gramary

     We were dropping like flies with this sickness funk but Mary is a dedicated Granny so she made her way out for a visit anyway.  We kept things low key and relaxed.  She had a little battery charging and we just had a nice rest.  What is fun but still keeps us snuggled on couches?  Wii Pictionary.  We passed our little tablet around and drew our little hearts out.  I somehow always find something that makes Mary even funnier.  This was no exception. 

Hot and Sour Soup

     I cashed in on a sick day and this means take out.  The thought was that the hot and sour soup might open me up a little.  It just burned my raw throat.  Boooooo.  But it made for an easy new thing on a day of rest.

Oysters with Marilyn at a White Thanksgiving

     I have heard about the feast at my nephew and niece's house for years.  But with work, babies, parents, etc...we were never able to accept the invite with a resounding "yes!".  This year was different.  I was so absolutely excited to be a part of it.  The first Thanksgiving without the matriarch of the family is a tricky one and I needed a space for all of us to feel the love that she used to pour onto us for the holiday.  
     Theresa tends to have something in common with me.  We try to do tooooo much at all times.  We end up tired.  This year she broke out of her comfort zone and it was quite the success.  With a room full of misfit toys we put together a bountiful feast.  We came with desserts, breads, side dishes...our specialties and all shared a table for 14.   Of course being Theresa and Chuck this doesn't mean you slack in any way.  The table was suitable for a surprise visit from Martha herself and the amuse bouche, delicious soup and tasty appetizers were Top Chef quality.  As we sat around delicate cheeses and dips...out came a platter of freshly shucked oysters complete with a minuet.  The old me...NO WAY!  Oddly enough, I was JUST chatting with Marilyn about my new thing of the day.  We were discussing how it changes your thinking pattern and breaks you out of your mold.  How it makes each day an exciting adventure.  So when oysters come out...instead of turning up my nose...I grinned.  Only one thing to do!  Marilyn was new to them as well.  So we toasted our shells and down they went.
     The day was wonderful.  Great discussions about everything from Peeps to parent teacher conferences.  Hilarious stories.  Delicious food.  Teamwork in so many ways.  Kindness.  Hugs.  It was a day to be thankful for in a room full of people truly grateful for what we have...despite the challenges, despite the losses, despite the changes.  Smiles on little girls, a food thieving Potato pug, snuggles on laps, a giggling Pop Pop, a quick catch up in a quiet kitchen...that is what we all needed. 
     I am thankful for the day, grateful for the company and blessed to have been with such wonderful people.  Happy Thanksgiving!