Happy Things Friday: 21 March

We’re back home and, as usual, the first week after a vacation feels like a blur of catching up, re-adjusting to “normal” life, and making plans for upcoming events (which somehow got forgotten during our break). In the last 72 hours:

• One of us has been sick.
• Another had a playground accident at school (all good now, but it meant some time off school).
• And one of us had a mid-morning orthodontist appointment, also requiring a little break from school.

This weekend, we’re with Indy in Halifax for basketball provincials. Next week Belle celebrates her birthday (party and sleepover!), I’m facilitating the ladies’ Bible study at church (which requires some prep), and my parents are getting ready to leave for New Brunswick.

On the taxes front – personal and corporate – I thought everything was settled, but surprise! A reassessment came through, and now we’re juggling a confusing mix of credits and charges. It’s a little messy, but I’m getting there.

Then there are all the smaller, time-sensitive decisions:

• Do we buy season passes for the ski hill? We didn’t use them enough this year to make it worthwhile, but the price for next year’s passes is much lower if we buy now. (Spoiler: I bought them.)
• Belle wanted to sign up for a youth conference in May and early registration was due this month. That’s done and paid for, though I’ll admit, filling out forms for activities is not my favourite thing.
• Indy is now signed up for a performance stream in soccer. If you’ve been reading for a while, you may remember last year when he broke his thumb the day before tryouts and his entire soccer season went out the window. I’ll be honest, I enjoyed the summer without sports. The only hiccup now is that all his games will be an hour away and scheduled on Sundays – which isn’t ideal for our family. We’ll see how this plays out.

All in all, it’s just regular life chaos that seems to hit a little harder after a trip abroad. None of these are big problems, just things that can distract me from FIGs if I don’t put a bit more effort into noting the positive stuff happening in life.

I usually jot down “Happy Things” throughout the week, but today they’re coming straight from memory:

• Paris. Obviously!
• The kindness of two people who gave up their seats for me on the Paris metro. Both times were totally unnecessary, but both times it felt delightfully kind.
• The fact that I can still carry a sleeping Indy back to his bed when he dozes off elsewhere. I hadn’t done this in months and let me tell you…I will not be able to do this much longer.

• I won a giveaway at the ladies Bible Study last night – a beautiful bouquet of tulips.
• WhatsApp.
• Delicious salads. Homemade vinaigrette.
• My mom left two casseroles in the fridge for us when we got back from our trip. What a treat!
• My parents spontaneously staying for supper after a visit. We sat around the table, talking for an hour after we finished eating. They leave for “home” next week, and I’m so grateful for the time we’ve had together this winter.
• No snow on the ground! I ran errands this week and didn’t have to wear mittens or a hat.
• Blogging again. I missed you all <3
• Listening to Belle and one of her friend cackle like hyenas over something that must have been outrageously funny.
• Hot showers.
• Clean laundry.
• Crunchy grapes.

• Before our trip, I got to sit in on two university classes with my dad. It was a hoot to be sitting next to my mid-70s father, surrounded by young students who didn’t bat an eye at his contributions to class discussion. Apparently this week, he even got an ovation for something he said (I’ve never had that happen to me) and two of his four professors reached out to tell him how much they appreciate his insights.
• Public libraries.
• The new sneakers I bought on sale the day before our trip that ended up being comfortable and fashionable.
• The cashier who gave me the senior’s discount just “because” even though she knew I wasn’t a senior. I didn’t ask for it and maybe technically should have declined it, but I was so surprised by the gesture and saving 20% was nice!
• How local grocery stores are now clearly marking items made in Canada, making it much easier to identify nationally-produced products.

That’s a wrap from me this week. I’ll be back on Monday with another trip recap, or at least that’s the plan!

Your turn.

• What’s been making you smile this week? Share your Happy Things or FIGs…but don’t be shy about sharing any “flies in the jam” too.