Cheerfulness

Despite finding out a few days ago that my part time job is being eliminated, I do still have things to be cheerful about.

Our BodyPump teacher, who had asked us in December to choose a word for 2012, made each of us a tiny (mine is less than 3 inches across) plaque with our word stamped into it, and gave it to us for Valentine's Day. Her word for 2012 is create, so she is on track with her focus. I'm still struggling but have propped the little plaque on my kitchen windowsill where I will see it and be reminded to be in the present moment.

I went to Whole Foods to learn what else I can buy in bulk, and before I got to the bulk section saw a sign for organic whole chicken on sale "Today only" for $1.99/lb. And I had just put chicken on my shopping list. Excellent! I bought the last two chickens they had.

My mission on the bulk buying wasn't as fortuitous; I was hoping to find bulk olive oil and bulk body lotion, but they only sell dry foodstuffs and grind-your-own peanut and almond butters. There is still a lot to choose from, just not the couple of things I was there to inquire about. I also learned that they don't allow (a Food and Drug Administration rule, apparently) previously used containers; you must use the store's new plastic bags or plastic containers. I have recently discovered the Zero Waste Home website and blog, and one of the many things she does to reduce waste is bring her own fabric bags and glass containers to the store to put bulk items in. I will keep looking for other bulk buying locations. In the mean time, my plan is to transfer the dry goods from the store's bag to one of my containers, save the bag, and take it with me to use the next time I go shopping for bulk items. That way at checkout, the product will be in one of their bags.

Our weather is still warmer than average, and we've had some sunny, beautiful days. The days are so much longer now that we're 7 or 8 weeks past the winter solstice - I love that the sky is brightening so early in the morning and the sun is still well above the horizon at 5pm. The lily of the valley pips that I brought in the house in January are still blooming, lovely and fragrant. Out in the garden the snowdrops are opening (earliest EVER!), and Oscar and I went on a long walk this afternoon.


In other news: now and then I play Bananagrams by myself. G isn't interested in just fooling around with the tiles, though I know he would be able to spell some words. I think the chance of failure is too great for him to be willing to attempt it.

My sister-in-law introduced the game to our family and provided a set for the cottage, so during summer weekends there is often a game going on. She, my niece, and my niece-in-law are especially good at Bananagrams. If I practiced, maybe I could keep up - a little. It's actually very relaxing to play alone, without time pressure, and the last time I played (last fall?), I had a quiet hour available and managed to use all the tiles. Yesterday I got out our set to play for a bit, and when I turned the first 21 tiles over saw 2 Xs, a Y, and a Z. Ach.

But, look!

My anxiety, just because of a long hiatus from Bananagrams, was unnecessary. I think I'll strum a few tunes on my zither, and then grab my ox and hit the road.

Penny is hosting more cheerfulness - and she says this is the penultimate week. It's not too late to join in - leave a comment, or create your own post. It's good for the soul.