Reminder to Self: You Get What You Focus Upon

Despite my own knowing better, I seem to keep focusing on what I don't want as opposed to what I do want. Then I complain about what I don't want still being present thereby self-perpetuating the whole situation. Way to go, Erin.

I took a picture of a Sego Lily on our recent trip to Utah. It was at stop above Yuba reservoir just south of Nephi. For anyone familiar with the area, you'll agree that this part of the state isn't exactly scenic. The spot we let the dogs out to run around in was even less so. It was obvious a place of many drunken nights with the hillside covered in tire tracks and beer cans, but it suited the dogs needs just fine. While we were there, I spotted a solitary sego lily. I had planned on posting the picture I took of it before I correlated it to this post just because it was so pretty. Now it is serving as a good reminder. No matter how ugly, beat-up, unappealing a situation is - you can always find something beautiful or a nugget of goodness if you choose to look for it.

So as a bit of a change, I am going to list things that make me happy as opposed to things I am thankful for. These things are not mutually exclusive, of course, just the perspective I want to take today.

- It makes me happy when Piper claps for herself when she does something she's proud of.
- It makes me happy watching how sweet Mike is with Piper.
- Stupid cartoons and silly humor make me happy. I ALWAYS love a good laugh.
- Piper waking up happy makes me happy.
- Watching my flowers and vegetables grow, especially after such a long Montana Winterish Spring, makes me happy.
- Watching Piper do something for the first time makes me happy.
- Finding a bargain makes me happy.
- Talking to a friend on the phone for 2 hours when you haven't talked for weeks makes me happy.
- Piper still taking 3 naps a day makes me happy.
- Accomplishing everything I set out to do in a day makes me happy (want to feel this one more often!)

Remembering Tim Russert

I was shocked to find out that Tim Russert had a heart attack this afternoon and passed away. It's a little weird to me to actually find myself a little sad, especially since the majority of the news I watch is either local or the Today show.

My affection for Tim grew during the primaries. He would get SOOO excited over everything. It was an exciting time in history, but he always looked like he was about to pee his pants or something. Mike and I even joked that he was going to have a stroke or something because he was just too excited. Tim was just so personable, always smiling. He made politics more interesting for me. He was also extremely proud of his son and his wife and I remember just last week him mentioning that his son was graduating from college.

My heart goes out to his family. I can't imagine losing someone so suddenly and unexpectedly and seemingly in their prime, especially right before the day that his family would be celebrating him. I hope his family is able to feel his presence and love this coming Father's Day.

Trying to stay focused on the positive...

because focusing on the negative gets you no where even though I seem to relish in the wallowing sometimes.

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet.

— James Oppenheim

So very true.

The weather is really getting to me. It got down to 34 last night. Fortunately, it dropped no lower because my freshly planted flowers (also known as last week's personal therapy) would not have survived. We had sunshine this morning, but it was fleeting. There is talk of summer's arrival by the weekend, but I know better than to trust the weathermen in Montana.

Despite my grumbling, I intended to post to express things I am currently thankful for. Here goes...

- I am really appreciating Sirius satellite radio. We just got the radio in the Jeep activated and I can also listen online. It is so nice to have so much music at my fingertips. I have always lived in a radio-station deprived area. I don't have unusual tastes in music, but it's definitely not Top 40. I also love the comedy channels. The long drive to central Utah next week won't be so intolerable now.

- I am in continuing appreciation of our financial stability despite everyone's poo-pooing over. We're not rich, but we're not lacking.

- I am appreciating that Belgrade finally got recycling bins, especially since MSU moved the ones that were next to Mike's office. It feels good to be recycling again after a 3 year hiatus.

- I am appreciating that I may just get back to making some jewelry sometime soon. Mike's not traveling as much anymore and I now have an affordable babysitter that is just next door if I want to utilize her some afternoons. I really want to sell at the Gallatin Farmer's Market. It would be nice to be selling again.

- I am appreciating how easy Piper goes down for a nap or to bed. Sometimes there is a protest, but there's only been a couple of times many months ago that I had to let her cry it out. This little independent girl likes her sleep - kinda like her mom.

- I am now appreciating that Piper is down for her third, yes third, nap of the day. I am going to get off of the computer to fully appreciate this time now.