octolilly [through the years]

I just recently purchased The Field Guide to Happiness by Barbara Ann Kipfer. It’s a very fun read on reminding yourself to be happy, grateful, and content through lists, maps, and journaling.

I’m not sure if I’m going to complete all of the projects (there are over 200) but here is the first one: write a list of things you were happy about yesterday. Here’s mine:

• Our visit to Barnes & Noble. Even though Drew was overwhelmed that he couldn’t take the trains from the children’s section home with him and then proceeded to throw a fit, it still was marvelous to walk in the big doors and see the mass of books just waiting to be read. I practically swoon whenever I enter a bookstore.
• Stopping at Arby’s, late at night, for a tiny juice for Drew and a gloriously chocolaty milkshake for me.
• Watching Drew drive his small school-bus on the edge of the dining room table. He now his VERY OWN bus to play with and doesn’t have to simply stand on the couch and hope and pray that one will drive by.
• I started re-reading The Twilight Saga so I’ll be ready for the DVD coming out this coming Saturday. We never go to the movies now because it’s just really hard with a toddler. Therefore, I never saw it in the theatre. I’ve heard really good things and really bad things about the movie so don’t spoil it for me. I’m 1/2 way through Twilight and have to finish all the books before Saturday morning.
• After 12 days of not playing WoW, I finally had a chance yesterday afternoon during Drew’s nap. I leveled up to 22.
• I got a wiggly email from a friend who I’ve been concerned was inching away from me after my recent posts on faith. All is well.
• Wearing my favorite apron while making dinner. I love aprons so much.
• Listening to my little boy count to 10 as he climbed the stairs.
• And hearing him ask for Grammy & Poppy’s picture that sits by the iPod in his room. I gave it to him right before he settled down for a nap and he gave them both kisses and said “night night.”

Those were my happy moments yesterday. What were yours?

For the first time in over 6 months, I went somewhere all by myself tonight. I got to drive the car (which I’ve only done 3 times in the past 6 months), walk in the rain, and not have to be ever conscious about what Drew is doing.

I met some girlfriends (some I knew and some were new faces) from Engage at Panera Bread tonight. It was really nice to know that Daniel was taking care of Drew (they made french toast and had a little too much syrup in my humble opinion – Drew greeted me with HI MOMMY LA LA LA LA HI MOMMY WHEEEEEEEE) and they were building towers with blocks.

It’s still really hard for me to get close to anyone and believe me, there has been quite a lot of opportunities for me to get to know folks around here. I’ve just turned into such an introvert and I’m so wary of opening my heart to anyone.

And that has not helped my stir-crazy-ness. At all.

After eating a late dinner, I left Panera and headed to Wal-Mart. I parked far away and walked in the rain and cried because it felt so good to be out of the house, and by myself.

I love this time of night.

Drew’s had his bath and he’s in hyper but snuggly mood. He keeps running around on his tip toes while squealing and then slows down and says, “walk sloooowly.”

And then, of course, he dives onto the couch where Daniel is stretched out trying to rest and I hear, “OW. Your elbows are sharp!” And I want to say, “THAT IS WHAT I’VE BEEN SAYING ALL ALONG. HE WHITTLES THEM EVERY DAY!”

It’s almost time to tuck Drew in bed and then it’s time to watch Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice.

Or “Private Anatomy.”