Gratitude Friday

1. The breeze coming in through the window over the kitchen sink while I was baking cookies, and how my whole house smelled like vanilla and chocolate.

2. Plant a Kiss Missions. I am convinced that I got more out of the giving than any of the recipients got from the getting. I am seriously trying to figure out how I can become a professional love bomber.

3. Hanging out with a friend and her new baby. Walking around old town, running errands, watching him smile at her, sitting for coffee, making plans for world domination and personal freedom.

4. Sleeping in. Specifically waking up slowly, having that last hour or so where you are sort of awake, but keep saying “just a few more minutes, not yet” and maybe even fall back asleep. And as an added bonus, Eric walked the dogs for me, in the snow and on my day, so I could sleep in.

5. Peaches in smoothies. They make it creamy, tart, and bright–satisfying.

Bonus Joy: Another week with Dexter, but even better–today is his birthday! He came to us at ten weeks old, and now he’s ten years old. My first double digit dog. The only things that have changed since those first days with him are that we are both older, his face is much grayer, and I love him so much more.

1. Fort Collins Veterinary Emergency and Rehabilitation Hospital. They took such good care of Dexter this weekend, and for the past few months with his physical therapy. I feel so lucky that they are there.

2. Surprise flowers at work. I might not always love my job, but I work with some of the kindest people, one of whom bought me flowers because I was having a rough week.

3. Green grass and blue sky, after a week of snow.

4. Sherry Richert Belul and her shenanigans. This time it’s Plant a Kiss Day, which I’ll be participating in. She is an instigator of joy, and I adore her.

5. Flexible paid work. With Dexter being sick, and then needing regular doses of medication and lots of company, it was so nice to have work that understood and allowed for my need to be flexible.

Bonus Joy: Even though it was a rough one, we had another week with Dexter. I’m so grateful he’s feeling better, not suffering. That’s all I want–not more time, not a miracle cure for his cancer, just that he is happy and well while he’s with us, and when it’s time to go, that he have an easy death.