Sunday, August 30, 2026

August Happiness Challenge – Day 30

My 2026 Happiness Icon


Today's Happiness: Responsible people. Friday after work I stopped at an Italian restaurant and got a chicken parm sandwich to go. I tried to tap with my card but it didn't work so the owner took my card and inserted it into the reader. Then we got talking and I forgot my card on the counter. 
 
Hours later, when I was switching purses for the Saturday ballgame, I noticed my card was gone. I started to freak out and then I remembered I knew where it (probably) was. I called just as they were closing. The bus boy answered the phone and asked me lots of questions (where exactly did I leave it, what color is it, is it Visa or Mastercard, etc.) before he would even confirm they had my card. When he was satisfied that I was really the cardholder, he told me to come in Saturday morning at 11:00 when they open.
 
I told him I couldn't – I'm going to the game! – and asked if they could hold it for me until today (Sunday).
 
When I showed up today, it was the owner who was at the register. Even though he recognized me, he asked me to spell the last name on the card before he would pop open the register and hand it over.*
 
I am happy I don't have to worry about fraudulent charges on my card. The staff at this little Italian restaurant treated it as though it was the Hope Diamond. 
 
 

Happy August Happiness Challenge!
 
Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

 *I go here often, usually once/week. The owner said that, since I usually pay cash, he didn't know this was my name.

August Happiness Challenge – Day 29

 

My 2026 Happiness Icon


Today's HappinessA special day at the ballpark. I was at Wrigley Field for the Cubs' 150th birthday party and it was divine. We fans voted on the best players in franchise history and it was wonderful to see some of the lions of my girlhood back within The Friendly Confines again. Sweet Swinging Billy Williams is 88 years old, but the best left-handed hitter in Cubs history is still with us. I also got to see Greg Maddux again! For a long time, because I adopted Anthony Rizzo, Greg Maddux was my favorite most Cub. He's really retired – no endorsement or broadcast deals for him – so it was delightful to see him looking fit and mischievous. (But it was kind of startling to see him so gray.)
 
It's not a birthday party without presents. The Cubs organization gave these pins to select fans before the game. It goes with everything I own.
 

Happy August Happiness Challenge!
 
Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

 

 

Sunday Stealing

SURVEY TIME!

1. What will you remember from August 2026? Yesterday! The Chicago Cubs threw themselves a birthday party and I was there. They celebrated their 150th anniversary before the game and then PCA set off fireworks during the game (three home runs!). It was a delightful day at the ballpark.


 

2. When will you start your holiday shopping? I shop all year around. If I see something that is perfect for someone on my gift list, I snap it up. Like those Leroy Jethro Gibbs socks I got for my super NCIS fan Cousin Rose. How would I ever find those again?

3. Where did you meet the person you fell the hardest for? At work.

4. Where did you meet your best friend? I met my oldest friend in Kindergarten class. She lived across the alley.

5. Share a fact about the last person who texted you. Will is the moderator of my movie group. He is "retired," but not really. He has a part-time job as a convention facilitator at Chicago's McCormick Place and is a docent, giving tours of a restored 19th century mansion. He makes me feel very lazy by comparison!