every day identify things that I am grateful for, OR: List the ways that I am doing pretty OK

a smooth(er) running household, now that some better habits and attitudes about upkeep have set in.

the nice-smelling, non-toxic, mostly-natural housecleaning and laundry supplies I picked up yesterday, and will put to use tonight.

“Fresh Air” on NPR.

new books I got for free.

peace and quiet.

—Dad always being so awesome, rescuing my sister during car trouble and helping me carry groceries home, all in subzero weather.

—having an hour to myself reading this morning.

—a nice little fluke: wanting to get the digital photo frame that my parents received, and then getting a little miniature keychain version as a gift this morning.

—short workweek!

—the basil-scented housecleaning supplies that are on the way.

—my new teacup and saucer.

—time spent with family over the weekend, and a fantastic youth hockey game.

clean clothes.

that i made a creative effort with my nephews’ gifts and got them a Kiva loan (as well as a harmonica and game, so I don’t lose my “cool” status with them. I think I’m developing a reputation as being the “hippie” aunt.)

A movie waiting for me at home.

as always, my reading/dreaming nook.

for finding the exact tunic I’ve been looking for. It’s on the way!

—rediscovering the rejuvenating qualities of teatime.

—my increasingly organized apartment.

—getting more fruits and vegetables, thanks to the new produce aisle at a really conveniently located store.

—the habit of an organized weekly schedule has become second nature.

—an enlightening afternoon yesterday, when all that used to matter didn’t matter so much, and I worked with a clear head.

I have:

my favorite tea.

all my housework done and no obligations tonight (other than to myself.) Lots of thinking time scheduled tonight over cups of tea, a calm environment, planning tools and aromatherapy.

good music on my pc while I get through office work.

some great ideas brewing.

an old shirt that I was going to toss, upcycled into a fantastic cardigan with a few snips of the scissors.

relief from much obsessing in the past month.

—Simon’s deluge of cheers! Thanks!!
—cashmere sweaters.
—more time off this week, and the weather should be nice.
—a beautiful memory over the weekend that I’ve resolved to always remember to get me through whatever dismal stuff may come my way.
—a little sadness, to remind me how great happiness is.

—Yesterday’s Anoka Halloween parade, followed by a “Fright Night” stayover at my parents’ with my sister watching scary movies and scarfing Halloween cookies and cake.

—A five year-old boy at the table next to me in a restaurant, turning to me suddenly and exclaiming “Hey! you know what? If I finish all the food on my plate I get to see a movie!!!”

—The beautiful, vast sunny blue sky yesterday as backdrop to perfect oranges, reds and golds on all the trees, and the grass still a bright green.

—A fully relaxing and fun weekend, and it’s still only 2:00 pm on a Sunday.

—lots of writing ideas and inspiration coming to me at lightning speed.

—a bumper crop of perfect apples from my dad’s tree.

A very brief (10 minutes) but wholly inspiring writing session last night.

A little ambience this morning, courtesy of the late great Hector Zazou:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=55595140

White tea with rose. I just want to sit and smell it.

lots of great stuff on sale at the food co-op yesterday.

A beautiful walk looking up at the sky that made me feel so alive.

—Talk Talk’s last two albums, “Spirit of Eden” and “Laughingstock.”

—flax seed.

—exercise.

—some recent inspiration.

—some recent epiphanies.

—after many months of trying to get out of bed at 6:30 am, I spontaneously awoke at 6:00 this morning.

—finally, a bailout plan approved in the House. I don’t know if it will improve things, and I still don’t like the principle of it, but at least we’re not in limbo anymore.

—white tea with jasmine.

—the sweltering heat of summer is over.

—my serenity fountain. It’s gotten a workout lately.