The Glad Game

Last weekend while I was sick, I watched Pollyanna. I remember really liking this movie as a child but I hadn't actually watched it in years. One thing that I like about the character is that she plays the glad game. Basically, look at the bad around you and find something in it to be glad about.

Yesterday, I was very tired and, as the majority of you know, me + very tired = increased sensitivity and tears. I got hit pretty hard two times last night. The first time, I couldn't stop bawling. The second time, I was so tired that I was pretty much complacent. Still, today I am playing the glad game. So here are the things I am glad about today:

• A freshly cleaned car! I couldn't stop smiling as I drove her home. She's so pretty and smells so good!
• NOT waking up to an alarm clock!
• A new book - especially if it has anything to do with Jane Austen or Pride and Prejudice!
• Being able to open the windows on a beautiful day!
• Having time to finally clean the house!
• Having the desire to bake/cook!
• Knowing that the school is open on a Saturday and NOT going in!
• A good night's sleep in clean sheets!

What are you glad about today?

On Being Sick

So I haven't blogged lately because I have been sick. Fever peaked at 102 and the throat caught the brunt of it. Being "under the weather" for five days can sure give you time to contemplate a few things. Here are some interesting tidbits of my mind over the past few days. I'll get the negatives out first and then end on a happy note.

• A student in my district is sent home with a 99.1 degree fever. Teachers, however, are legal to work up to 100.4. I know because when I saw our school nurse on Friday, her exact words were, "100.1! You are .3 below the legal limit. You're fine. Here's a peppermint." Am I the only one who sees something wrong with this!?
• I don't know of any other profession where you are responsible for all of your duties when you are out sick. As at teacher, I still have to plan EVERYTHING with ever more detail and supply all materials needed no matter how high my fever is or how my body feels. Then, I have to catch up on everything that we skipped that couldn't be done with a substitute. Maybe I am wrong and need to be put in my place. Feel free to do so...
• A love seat just isn't as comfortable to lay on as a couch.
• Double doses of acetaminophen are NOT fun!
• Old movies make a sick person feel better more than any other movie. Bing Crosby, Audrey Hepburn, Judy Garland, and Halley Mills sure did this sick spirit good! Add hot tea and it was just right.
• I went to the pharmacy to get some medicine and when the pharmacist asked why I was standing so far away, I told him that I didn't want to breathe my germs on him. I've never seen a more grateful look on an older man's face.
• The best part of getting better is slipping into clean sheets and brushing your teeth with a new, germ free toothbrush. Life is good!

I'm Not Who I Was by Brandon Heath

This is my current favorite song. It is about forgiveness and growth. This isn't the actual video but I think it is better. Give it a listen. I hope it blesses you as it has me!

At Home in My Skin

Over the weekend, I was blessed to see some friends and, best of all, the folks. The biggest question I was asked was if I like Houston and if I would stay here. When I first moved here, I mentioned that something felt very temporary about the situation. I still don't know what that is or if it even is something. However, I must admit that I am starting to feel very at home. Not so much with Houston but with myself. For the first time since I can remember, I am feeling comfortable in my skin. No doubts and fears about how I come across or concern about what others may think. I'm remembering what it is that I love and enjoy so much. I'm rediscovering the love of a GREAT praise song, the AH-HA moments that the Bible is full of, the beauty of Jane Austen, the little bit of a health nut I teetered on becoming. I have noticed that I have actually started to laugh out loud and sing non-stop (well, at least humming). I don't resent the long hours I put in at work (at least today) and I don't feel guilty when it is time to stop. I'm re-learning to live in the moment and not be anxious about what might come in the next. If it is true that the eyes are the window to the soul, then mine is finally starting to clear. Who knows, there may even be a twinkle left hiding in there. I've come to the conclusion that I can be happy no matter where I am as long as I am at peace.

There's no place like home.