Reflections

Last week we had some terrible weather here in the (normally) lovely and rainy PNW. At home we were graced with about 10” of snow, and then followed by a large ice storm which caused many trees on the property to break, snap limbs or fall entirely. We were lucky in that nothing large landed on anything important, and I was thankful for that. The horses were not excited by all the breaking trees, and I admit it’s an unsettling sound, even during daylight. Last night we had a wind storm which (I heard) generated winds in excess of 80 mph, again littering barely cleared roadways with limbs and assorted detritus.

 We, along with many friends and neighbors experienced a multi-day power outage.  This allowed me plenty of time to think, do some cooking on the propane BBQ, and play cards by candlelight.

I was reminded why I appreciate my significant other.  After all, he’s one of my very favorite people to hang out with, and we had plenty of time to do so.

 I was reminded of the many things I have to be thankful for, instead of lamenting what I didn’t have in my life. Electrical outage aside (this means heat too!), we all have a list of what we don’t have…more power, a better job, more time…whatever it is, you have this list too.

But do you have a list of what you DO have? Mine list is not written down, but maybe it should be, much like goals should be (my goals aren’t really written down but I do communicate them to those in the circle of trust).  Actually, I think I’ll write a partial list for you (and me) now…

Things I have in my life that I am thankful for, in no particular order: My family (blood and chosen); my significant other to include his quirks, his music, and opinions (although not always in line with mine); my dear friends (you know who you are and you know why we are friends); my job (after all, someone has to pay for this stuff); my home (where better to keep my shinies?); my dance (it brings me joy); I’m thankful for the support of those who care about me. OK, there’s the big stuff.

Yes, I know this perhaps would be a more common Thanksgiving post, or maybe even a Valentine’s post, but shouldn’t we be thankful for what we have and those we love all year long? This is my boyfriend’s point of view also. Treat the things you love well all the time; be thankful for what you have.  

To quote a movie that I adore (and he does not!), “The greatest gift is to love, and be loved in return.” Reflect upon your gifts to and from the world and your loved ones. Say thank you, say I love you and mean them both.

Happy Place

When we’re stressed out, tired, or unhappy, inevitably someone will say “think about your happy place”.

What is a happy place to you? Where is your happy place? For me, it kind of depends on my mood, my location and the time of year. I think a variety of happy places are a good thing.

When I was a teenager growing up, I often went to the city. There, in my random wanderings, I found a spot. It was right by a bridge and there wasn’t a gate back then. I’d sit on the stone/cement steps at all odd hours, just thinking. I’d even sit there in the rain. It was a peaceful spot, and I could peer out the round hole, examining the nearly rusted-away wrought iron in it (wondering if there was ever any glass in it), listening to the sounds of nature and city at once. I was never bothered there, nor did I ever bother anyone else. On a recent trip “home”, I stopped there. The scene is now as you see it: a big locked gate and the ivy has overgrown the round hole. It’s still there, but inaccessible and therefore, alien to me in a way. I can’t get there from here anymore. I doubt the owners of the big mansion would appreciate me walking up to their door and requesting them to open the gate so I can sit there again. This one is only a happy place in my mind now, but a happy one nonetheless.

On the right you can still see part of that round "window".

I have some critters at home, although I’m not really sure who owns who. Meet Booger, nicknamed this mostly because he has a very funny attitude and personality. He is a registered Arabian stallion, and quite beautiful, but his personality even outshines his good looks. He’ll steal your pizza and run away with it; he’ll steal the dog bed drying on the deck, run away with it, rip it up and then lay down on it; he’ll drink your Irish Death stout and knock you over to get it; he plays with buckets and anything he can reach with his nimble nose. Hanging out with him, in any weather, is a treat and brings a special peace I can find few other places. You can be mad at the world, and he’s there for you to lean on, hug and hide under his huge mane. Of course, be mad at him, and he runs away, bouncing and farting.

Behold! Booger, Destroyer of Road Cones. Sorry about terrible photo quality!

Of course, in the arms of my chosen is always a happy place…but I’m not going to kiss and tell. I WILL say that he is a great supporter, and is there for me when I need it.

My current favorite new/old place and special treat is the sauna. Why haven’t I been using it? It’s at the gym (where I should ALSO be more often), right by work. Last night, we re-acquainted ourselves. It was a real joy and the dry heat felt really good after a long, strenuous workout. I felt rewarded!

So, think about where your happy spot is…if it’s a memory, a real or imagined place, or near a specific someone or something. Have a great day! I’m headed off to several of my favorite happy spots!

I Am Disappoint; The Way Ahead

I Am Disappoint; in myself, mainly. For me, that is the worst, because I am my own toughest critic.

We all do it, or at least most of us do. Our friends will remind us we are too hard on ourselves and how awesome we are. I’m sure glad I have friends/loved ones like that. Those are the people we need to surround ourselves with. Sometimes, even I need encouragement and a swift kick in the butt.

Friends should listen to your problems, encourage you to correct/fix/improve; real friends will kick you when you need it and tell you to fix your cranial rectitus. These voices of love, support and reason should be honored. After all, you are pretty special, right? Or else you wouldn’t have such great friends.

I am blessed with a multitude of friends from many walks of life. Yesterday, I was pretty sore with myself, probably unfairly, and one such friend arrived unexpectedly. She arrived with a big smile and even bigger hugs. And gifts. Woohoo!

I received emails from another friend who sympathized and encouraged. Our trio has decided to make efforts towards a common goal when we see one another, or at least make a better effort. Dancing is good for the soul, and although club dancing is a blast, I’m talking about structured dance. I’ll speak on that more at a later date.

Being further blessed with encouragement from my sister, I can only work on my personal goals, keeping their thoughts in mind. And to top it off, my fantastic partner made me a delicious steak salad for dinner. Things are looking up!!

This is how hard some goals feel, yet these men accomplished theirs.

Goal-setting is something I don’t particularly enjoy, at least not quantifiable goals. I’ve made a couple in the most recent arena, one is lofty, and one is totally attainable. I’m aiming high and if I only achieve the lesser goal, I’ll still be mightily pleased. While I’m trying not to be too disappointed, I’m quite frustrated with myself and a bit angry. At least I get things accomplished while angry, so I’m not too worried about the situation.

Interestingly, all the aforementioned friends and loved ones are gingers….you know, redheads. What is it about them or me that draws them into my life? I think it’s their fiery dispositions; after all, I was born one too. With that, I’ll pick up my own torch and continue this path to improvement.