Grace in Small Things: Take One

Schmutzie kicked off the Grace in Small Things campaign as a "daily reminder to take notice of the positive things we tend to overlook." I've always loved the sentiment, but the idea seemed too big for me. This is hilarious, I know, considering the name of the project. But I tend to be a Capricorn in one very specific way: if I can't do something perfectly, I don't do it at all. I couldn't figure out a way to do this every single day without disrupting the rest of my blog, so I didn't participate, even though I wanted to.

God, I'm ridiculous.

Anyway, this is my year, no matter how much the Universe would like to convince me otherwise. Hey Universe, you're not going to win this one, so quit your nonsense!

A reader suggested I make a list of five things I'm grateful for, to gain perspective in light of this crappy week, and her tip reminded me of Schmutzie's project.

Here we go:

1. Yesterday, I took the day off. I shouldn't have, but I did. After spending most of the morning wallowing, Mike said, "Screw it, let's take Kyle to the zoo."

 

It was grand.

2. Emailing Elizabeth. I can tell her anything and she doesn't think I'm a bad mom/wife/person. Just today I told her my kid was being an asshole. If that offends you, I promise not to email you the next time I need to vent. Because, really, that's just the tip of the iceberg, people.

3. Modern Family. Are you watching this show? Oh, it's the best! If you're not, you should set those DVRs immediately.

4. These lyrics: "I let the day go by / I always say goodbye / I watch the stars from my window sill / The whole world is moving and I'm standing still." I love this song because it reminds me, always, that life never waits for you to figure your shit out. You've got to keep up and hang on.

5. I ran 2.5 miles yesterday, and it felt incredible (albeit not easy). That's the farthest I've ever run. In my life. (Pause for applause.) I'll run my first 5K in a little over two weeks. Who wants to meet me at the finish line with diamonds? Or cinnamon rolls?

You can always tell me what you're grateful for. Sometimes reading your comments is the best part of my day, second only to these guys:

 

Although, not the lizard. I mean, I'm sure he's nice and all (although when I say nice, I think I mean not nice even a little bit), but I imagine he doesn't snuggle nearly as well as the two on the left.

Comments

[Vos]

I love the bright side. Y just helped me find mine today with this post. You crazy incredibly strong, funny, awesome mom, great wife, person you :)

[nicolien]

I love your blog! Honestly, always a happy moment when I see there's a new post.

[Kader]

5 wonderful things! Hooray! My lists were more like this: Brussels sprouts, email from Stacie, Project Runway, sunrise, 2 days 'til Friday. This may be why you have a blog and I don't...
Hooray for 2.5 miles! You rock.

[Raven]

I couldn't run 2.5 miles unless a Zombie was chasing me and let's be honest here, I might give in and let him bite me rather than run that far; well done you!

I totally get the child being an asshole thing. Woo boy, do I get it. /parent of a teenager

I doubt the former Mr. Sharon Stone thinks that lizard is very nice, what with it trying to eat his foot off and all :) but it being behind very thick glass and in a cute picture, is a nice thing.

[Kandi]

Great job with the 2.5 miles! I can't wait to hear about your 5k. I'm sure you'll rock it. If I was in (year area of) Texas I'd come support you in your 5k... but being in MD that's not an option.

[Shelly]

Those are some very good things indeed!

[natalie]

I will have those cinnamon rolls ready. YEAH!

[Kristie]

Where is your run at?

So glad you took the day off...we all need those kinds of breaks now and again.

[Carrie]

Looks like a wonderful day off!

I'm grateful for faith that the tough times are just temporary. It keeps me going!

[Kristabella]

Congrats on the 2.5 miles! I am not a runner, but I did take it up briefly in 2007 and ran an 8k and the most I had ever run was to the kitchen, to get more ice cream during the commercial break. Basically I'm saying that is HUGE! GO YOU!

I'm having a horrible week, so maybe I should go to the zoo!

[Sahara]

Oh my god, my child is the biggest pain in the ass EVER. So if you ever need to vent to a virtual stranger, lemme have it!

Also, I think it was you who tweeted (or blogged, I can't remember anything anymore--see also: paragraph one, above) something about the only way to really hold someone is to hold them like you never will again. I've thought of this many times since I read it since I have a 10-month-old who sometimes gets the leftovers of my time and energy (AGAIN with paragraph one). But whenever I am putting this (blessedly awesome sleeper) baby down for a nap, or whenever I need some peace, I hold that baby like I never will again. Which is a completely terrible thought, but a good way to remind myself that moments with my baby are so fleeting.

Oh mah gawd can I have, like, a million more bebehs, PLEASE??

[steph]

So, so, so proud of you! The other day I actually ran farther (and faster) at the gym BECAUSE OF YOU! Keep blogging about your accomplishments, because they're motivating others... :)

And days off make you a better asset to your company. FOR REAL!

[Heather]

A.J. was being an asshole this weekend, if it makes you feel any better. He told me he hated all of his toys. Man, what that kid says when he's tired.

You picked a beautiful day to go to the zoo. What an awesome adventure.

I am really, really proud of you and your running. I might not be able to meet you at the finish line with a cinnamon roll, but I sure would like to take you out for a cupcake. How does that sound?

[Life of a Doctor's Wife]

1.Sometimes you just have to take a day off work. For your mental health.

2. 2.5 miles rocks!! Congrats!

3. I'm grateful for blogging - even reading a post like this is enough to make me feel understood.

[Rachel]

AH! That's my zoo! We were just there this weekend. How about that new reptile house? I feel all crazy stalkerish. I imagine this is how it feels when you realize a celebrity has the same shoes you do. You go to my zoo!

[rebecca]

this is great. this is what I am trying to do with my life. and spending the day looking for something fabulous makes the whole day kind of fabulous.

[Katy]

You can e-mail me that at any time. I do believe I posted "my kid is being a jerk" on Twitter the other day.

I've been working on the celebrating the little things this year--I must now investigate this link that you've left.

[Lemon Gloria]

Sometimes the people you love are assholes. You can always vent to me.

Also, I kind of love lizards, particularly Komodo dragons. I just think they're very cool. Not snuggly, but cool.