Grateful, blessed and thankful

 

I saw my friend Debbie this weekend, whom I value so much. Throughout our few hours today, she kept saying she is "grateful, blessed and thankful." I thought, "I'm gonna use that." It's a good gratitude statement to have on hand, to say out loud, to feel out loud.

 

Today is not perfect. It's Monday, hello. I was out too late last night. My leftovers didn't heat up well. I have worries and fears and to dos but not a lot of to do energy inside me. I napped during lunch and watched a video of a fluffy cat sitting in a box even though I have that kind of programming live at home. I ate some peanut butter to ward off my fatigue-induced queasiness, made an afternoon playlist on my phone, and poured myself a glass of fizzy water.

 

And now, I give thanks.

 

Grateful, blessed, and thankful. Thanks for the phrase, Deb. And the pizza and the company and for laughing so gleefully when I raced to sip down the foam on my soda. Xox

 

Grateful, blessed, and thankful today! for...

 

Glen Hansard's healing tunes

 

Friends who find me to be a help and a light in their lives. What a gift they see me that way and I them.

 

A comfortable bed and a cat who sleeps in it

 

My recent self-propelled choice to exercise at all, and furthermore, outside

 

My purple hiking pack that more frequently gets used as an airplane carry on

 

Bruce Springsteen covers

 

Plane reservations for July and August -- tickets to see my tribe

 

That while I may be out of shape and self conscious about my look, I can walk, I can take the stairs at the office. My blood pressure is always even and I have several doctors who I trust and like.

 

Daydreaming about nuptials of a dear friend next year -- planning and honoring and celebrating this girl who's been so careful with my tears, my goals; so quick to remind me that doubts are normal but not my friend.

 

The 8,000 bottles of shampoo in my shower. I am ready to battle dander, itch, fade, and build up, yes yes I am.

 

Cucumbers and tomatoes with salt and pepper and Paul Newman balsamic vinaigrette, this is my new favorite snack!!!! Hallelujah I am eating veggies as a snack! Something from the ground as a snack! May the cholesterol rejoice!

 

A niece who carries blocks in her mouth as she crawls. She is efficient and knows already to keep close to her the things that bring her joy and I am proud.

 

The Valley has not been insanely hot most days this summer so far

 

Cracking an ice cold fizzy water open after a big long walk and letting those cran-razz bubbles hit ya

 

A community that has scattered and diffused somewhat of its traditional makeup is still a part of my life, as I have had so much recent contact with several of the lovely souls inside it

 

Two hysterical comics at an open mic last week, one of whom had me laughing so hard I ceased to make sound

 

I have too many friends to keep up with; I never run out of people to contact and set up happy hour dates with

 

A surprise package for Mommy and Daddy that just needs some postage

 

My city. I just love it and once upon a time I never would have let myself imagine that I could belong to such a place.

 

My new peony Clinique perfume

 

No meetings at the office this week

 

Calorie counting apps, and the presence of mind to aim for five pounds lost, then five more, not a defeating 30 all at once

 

The bright blonde in my hair right now

 

All the rainbows covering storefronts in West Hollywood

 

Knowing through a tired haze that things will work out, be OK, return to center

 

Summer is here

 

Summer is here and we are grateful, blessed and thankful. Yeehaw. More of that on tap, please.

 

Be well and safe wherever you are, in grief, in stress, in confusion or joy. If you're feeling stuck may I suggest writing down some of the good.

 

Xox,

Daily Bailey and Max o' the Office