Happy Things Friday: 4 April

I’m writing this post from my bed which sounds lovely – except I’m here because my muscles and joints are aching, my temperature is well above normal, one nostril (just one!?) is plugged, and my throat is sore.

The kids stayed home sick from school several days this week, so it has been a family affair. We canceled a slew of optional activities, which means there are some perks to being sick. Like unexpectedly wide-open spaces in the day to write a blog post – though even typing hurts right now. (How can my eyeballs be sore?)

Even though I’m under the weather, I’m finding things to be thankful for.

Right now, I’m really grateful that it’s not too difficult to have the kids home on sick days. I’m thankful for fever reducers, and – here’s a big one – thankful there’s been no vomit involved. Seriously, anything seems bearable as long as there’s no vomit. I’m also thankful for crockpots, frozen butternut squash, and the resulting pureed soup. I’m thankful for the sunshine streaming through my window, my trusty laptop, and the satisfying tinkle of carbonation inside the can of Peach Bubly on my bedside table. I’m thankful for warm socks, a washing machine, and all the little things that make life easier.

Aside from being sick, there were all sorts of good things happening this week.

FREE GROCERIES

Food prices have skyrocketed lately, but we had a string of “wins” on our Saturday-morning trip to the grocery store.

• I maximized a deal at the pharmacy, scoring $70 in points to redeem.
• At the grocery store, Indy was chosen to spin a prize wheel and won a $50 gift card!!!
• They were also handing out free coupons, so we scored: a free bag of Babybel cheese, two cans of soda, and two (minimally processed) pizzas.
• At the checkout, we used the $50 gift card plus the $70 in points (the Optimum program in Canada allows points to be used interchangeably at participating pharmacies and grocery stores). It was extra exciting since we didn’t walk into the store expecting any prizes!
• Oh, and they were handing out free cupcakes too – Indy couldn’t pass up that offer.

BELLE’S PARTY

Belle’s party was a hit and it was a reminder of how much things change as the kids get older. Other than providing them with food now and then, they created all their own entertainment. At one point they came into the living room – where I was reading a book – to play a game. When they saw me they promptly turned around to go back to Belle’s room. I offered to read in my room and they jumped at the suggestion. I was “persona non grata” – and I was totally okay with that!

There were fun presents and delicious cake pops (we used doughnut holes – shhh!) and way too much candy that was consumed far too quickly.

COFFEE

Thursday morning I woke up early after a restless night with a plugged nose and a sore throat. I knew sleep wasn’t happening, so I padded out to an empty kitchen (no one else was awake – #bliss), and made a hot mug of coffee. There’s something magical about boiling water, pouring it through a dripper, smelling the coffee percolating, and adding a splash of half-and-half. I sipped it slowly on my favourite chair with a fuzzy blanket on my lap.

BONUS HAPPY THINGS

• My parents got home safely. It always feels bittersweet to say goodbye but when the end of March rolls around they’re itching to get home. Plus, it means summer is on the way.
• Small group at church.
• John didn’t travel in March! In addition to not having to deal with jetlag (apart from our family trip, which is a whole different ballgame), it meant my bookkeeping work for the month was streamlined.
• I finished paying ALL the taxes. What a complete and utter faff it has been this year – both personally and corporately – but it’s done.
• Homemade chicken noodle soup. How can something so simple be so delicious?
• Indy scootering with a gaggle of friends in the neighbourhood.
• Belle and John going for a walk together in the sunshine.
• The smell of freshly washed hair.

• Colourful salads in colourful bowls.
• One of the kids’ friends spontaneously staying for supper.
• Being able to help a friend in need.

• Ballet Slippers by Essie. Apparently this was the only colour/brand Queen Elizabeth II would wear and she owned a large stockpile. I did a home manicure while Belle and I watched an episode of her beloved Sue Thomas F.B.Eye.
• Basketball season is over. It was an incredible year with two amazing coaches who were engaged with the kids and perfect for Indy in every way. But still…it was so nice to have nothing on Tuesday evening and nothing on Friday evening and nothing on Saturday afternoon. Until soccer starts, of course…

And that’s a wrap on my Happy Things from the week.

For the rest of the month, Wednesday will be Cool Blogger’s Walking Club recap days. If you would like pictures or anecdotes from your walks shared on my blog, you can send them to optimisticmusings {at} gmail {dot} com.

It’s your turn – what were your Happy Things this week?